Flashpoint

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

The roar of the crowd can still be heard from the opening of the show, while backstage, the cameras pick up with Zack Gall taping his wrists and hands and his manager, Dante Difranco, trotting around counting down time. The two men look prepared, though, as they are mere moments away from being called into action. They promised a new beginning, tonight, they must put action into words. Difranco knows this, and as soon as he notices the camera near them he stops walking and faces the camera. A smirk appears on his face, while Gall keeps on taping his wrists and hands behind him.

Dante Difranco: Last week we got handed our cards; this week is time to play up. I’ll keep things short and simple… Nando, I know you like to be cheeky and steal victories away from time to time. I know the Flashpoint faithful are looking at this match, looking at our track record, and might be thinking there’s an upset brewing; but reality will hit you as hard as an unexpected loss in poker.

Difranco takes another look at his watch, as he continues speaking.

Dante Difranco: Reality, for you, is that you’re facing a much more motivated Dragon. That defeat at the hands of Mr. Bisley, was what my client needed to understand what he was lacking… being overlooked by Vertigo… was the final slap in the face. Tonight, Nando… you better pray aliens come to your rescue, because otherwise; you’re gonna be seeing the stars by way of Death by Kick…

Difranco checks his watch once more and gives a signal to his client to move out of the locker room. As Gall leaves, Difranco takes the opportunity to say a couple of final words…

Dante Difranco: Let this serve as a warning, Flashpoint… beware.

As Difranco moves away from the locker room the scene pans to the arena.

[FGA Office]

"Perfect Insanity" by Disturbed plays as a video package is shown of various FGA grapplers making their way through various entranceways. The video then switches to various FGA grapplers getting kicked, punched, slammed, suplexed and dropped onto the mat....

Come inside and be afraid
Of this impressive mess I've made
If you take a look now you will find

I have thrown away my vice
Done away with paradise
See what's going on inside my mind
Please let me out
Please let me out
Please let me...

After dramatic slow motion shots of various grapplers flipping off the top turnbuckle, the video switches to the Flashpoint logo as the chorus kicks in.

The video fades to an outside shot of The Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri. We then transition inside to a wide shot of the arena. The camera then pans around, capturing the excited crowd. An FGA chant breaks out throughout several sections of the crowd…

Geoff Penzer: Wrestling fans, welcome to another installment of Flashpoint! I am your host, Geoff Penzer! Tonight, we continue to march forward on the road to Autumn Annihilation with two Quarterfinals matches in the Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament! In our first tournament match of the night, the Super Mario Wrestling Brothers take on the Big Coffin Hunters! Last episode, the SMWB went through two teams in one night to advance to the Quarterfinals. Do they have what it takes to get past the ruthless Big Coffin Hunters? Or will the team of Dexter Jacobs and Becca Raze be too much for the fan favorites to handle? In our second tournament match of the night, The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad will go up against last year’s runner ups, Best for Business! The team of Trenton Snow and Ian McKinnon have been on a mission to, in their words, “right the wrongs” of last year’s tournament. But will their march to the finals be stopped dead in its tracks by the talented duo of Anastasia Hayden and Lisa Seldon? Then, later on this evening, Sadie San Francisco will once again be going one on one with Kendall Kingham! During the latest Afterburn, Sadie San Francisco formally relinquished the FGA 15 Championship in favor of a guaranteed United States Championship match. Tonight, The Pope will be putting that shot up on the line against Kingham. These two have fought to two separate draws before. Both of these proud athletes will be looking to finally settle the score and put the issue between them to rest once and for all! Speaking of the United States Championship, in our main event, Salem will defend her championship against friend-turned-foe Nina Stokes in a No Disqualification match! Back at All-Star Showdown VIII, Salem lost control of her motions and refused to heed the referees instructions, which led to her getting unintentionally disqualified. Tonight, the rulebook has been thrown out the window! Anything goes! But that may also play into the hands of Nina Stokes, who will finally be able to unleash all of her pent up frustration upon The Phenomena! That’s not all! Earlier today, we learned from GM Kayden Jade Jones that after the controversial finish to last episode’s Battle Royal, she has taken it upon herself to give both Cordy Stevenson and Johnny Karma shots at the current International Heavyweight Champion, Savannah Taylor! But when will this match, or matches, take place? Who will get their shot first? These are all questions that we hope to have answered here tonight! We’ve got a great night of action coming up. Right now, let’s send it to the ring where one of the newest members of the Flashpoint roster, Zack Gall, is ready for action!

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Zack Gall vs. Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter
Gall starts things off by muscling Fresno into the corner with a collar-and-elbow tie up. Once the clean break has been made, Gall doubles him over with a rolling solebutt to the midsection. Fresno is then brought out of the corner before getting whipped into the far ropes. When Fresno returns, Gall throws him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Gall looks for the Death By Knee (V-Trigger), but Fresno is able to roll to the outside in time. The Alien Hunter circles the ring and regroups before heading back inside. The two lock up again. This time, Fresno gains the advantage with a side headlock. The move doesn’t stay on for long as Fresno gets shoved off into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Gall down with a running hurricanrana. A tilt-a-whirl headscissors returns Gall to the mat. After moving Gall up against the ropes, Fresno lets off a combination of Holyfield-esque jabs and hooks to the body. Gall is then whipped into the corner. Fresno goes for a Stinger Splash when Gall catches him in mid air, heads towards the center of the ring and follows up with an Exploder Suplex for a two count.

Gall remains in control with a running lariat after an irish whip into the ropes. He follows up with a running knee drop across the back of the neck for another two count. Fresno is then brought down with a snapmare before Gall takes control of the wrist and manipulates the joints of Fresno’s fingers. Gall then transitions into a Dragon Clutch. But Fresno won’t quit. So Gall pulls him back up to his feet from behind before throwing him down with a Dragon Suplex for a two count. Fresno is nearly thrown on the back of his neck again with a Half Nelson Suplex for another two count. After Fresno gets planted with a Snap DDT, Gall heads into the corner and places himself up on the middle ropes. He goes for a diving knee strike, but Fresno slips out of the way in time. Once Gall is back to his feet, he gets caught with a dropsault, knocking him down. Gall is quick to reverse an irish whip, sending Fresno into the ropes. When Fresno returns, he knocks Gall off his feet with a spinning heel kick. Fresno then heads to the top. He flies off for a flying hurricanrana. But Gall blocks the move, leaving Fresno hanging upside down. Gall then follows up with a Cradle Piledriver! After rocking Fresno with the Death By Knee, Gall nearly takes his head off with the DBK (discus roundhouse kick)! He pulls Fresno over onto his back and makes the cover, getting the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Zack Gall (4:53)

[FGA Office]

Our scene fades into color as a shadow moves back and forth, imposed against the off-white paint of the dressing room wall. It’s evident from their movements that the person in question is pacing; stretching. The camera pans over just slightly to reveal Sadie San Francisco as she comes to a stop, rolling and craning her neck a bit as the St. Charles crowd pops at the sight of the former FGA 15 Champion. Panning out more, reveals Amanda Johnson just as she walks into frame, giving Sadie a small smile.

Amanda Johnson: Hey, Sadie. Got a moment?

Sadie offers a smile back to the interviewer, but it’s clearly distant; distracted.

Amanda Johnson: Tonight you’re in singles competition against Kendall Kingham, and it’s definitely a road we’ve gone down before. This time though, there is no fifteen minute time limit-- there is no FGA 15 Title in the picture at all. This time, you put your guaranteed U.S. Championship match on the line. I just wanted to get an idea of exactly what brought us here. Was it everything that Kendall said at the last Flashpoint, coupled, perhaps, with what transpired in the Battle Royal?

Sadie has a contemplative look on her face for a moment, and unbeknownst to her, the smile fades as she takes two, three seconds to respond.

Sadie San Francisco: It’s not too hard to pin down. Kendall and I started something way back in March at A New Odyssey… and we need to finish it. That’s it.

Amanda nods, understanding, but pushes forward after a slight pause.

Amanda Johnson: And ever since your victory over Kingham back in March, you’ve struggled in the ring against her. Did having that pointed out a few weeks ago make you feel pressured into tonight’s stipulation?

Sadie folds her arms, eyes narrowed for a moment. She bites her lip and shifts her gaze downward before she responds.

Sadie San Francisco: You know…

Exhale.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah. How could it not? How am I supposed to feel, exactly?

The former champion poses the question as legitimate-- not rhetorical. Either way, she doesn’t want for a response.

Sadie San Francisco: Kendall put me on the spot last week. No, I wasn’t expecting it-- and I wasn’t ready for it, but she did. And then she called her shot, and on top of it… on top of it, she took away any chance I had at competing for the International Heavyweight Title. Over time, it adds up. I feel— I feel like I need to do something about that.

Amanda nods slowly.

Amanda Johnson: And you feel like that’s the best mentality to enter tonight’s match in?

Sadie moves a hand through her hair. She turns, looking at something out of frame, so for a moment her expression is indistinguishable.

Sadie San Francisco: Definitely. Thanks, Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: I—

Johnson stops as Sadie moves to the doorway, placing her hand on the frame.

Sadie San Francisco: Later.

Amanda raises a brow but nods respectfully.

Amanda Johnson: Thank you.

She makes her way past Sadie, and Sadie lingers for a moment before shooting a look toward the camera operator— who after a moment of hesitation follows Johnson out. We then, catching a fleeting glimpse at the former FGA 15 Champion before the door swings shut and our scene cuts.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Once again we return to the Family Arena, looking at the sold out arena as Geoff Penzer welcomes us back to Flashpoint

Geoff Penzer: Welcome back, folks, and coming up later on we have the remaining two quarter finals of the Dynamic Duos Tournament, but before that we have a match between…

Try as he might to finish his announcement, Penzer finds himself being cut off by the all-too familiar sound of John Bonham’s quite remarkably epic drum intro for When the Levee Breaks that announces Johnny Karma is entering the building, and sure enough as the noise of the crowd rises in a crescendo Johnny Karma walks out onto the entrance ramp with a mic held in his hand and surveys all before him while Cherry Baum stands beside him, and make no mistake the look on Karma’s face indicates he has something he wants to say

Geoff Penzer: It looks like one of the two people who can claim victory in the battle royal that ended the last episode of Flashpoint has something to say!

Rather than sharing pleasantries and playing to the crowd as he makes his way to the ring, Karma is brisk and focused as he walks down the ramp, only pausing when he reaches ringside as he gives a nod to the crowd to let them know he’s aware of their support, but as soon as he does that he climbs the ring steps and stands on the apron to hold the ropes open for Cherry to make her way into the ring, quickly following her through the ropes as he stands in the ring for a moment waiting for his music to die down so he can speak.

Johnny Karma: As we all know, at the last show I had the opportunity to get myself back onto the path I’ve been walking since the start of the year, the path towards the title, and not only was I walking that path like I should’ve been when I had the likes of Dom Harter and Ricky Valero trying to cost me time and opportunity but I could see my destination right in front of me.

Pausing for a moment, Karma attempts a wry smile but his eyes betray that he’s seriously pist avek about the next part of his story

Johnny Karma: ...and as I’m sure you’re also fully aware, because I’ve made a career out of doing things the hardest way it can possibly be done, my destination slid out of view because gravity is a real benzona when it wants to be. So instead of being able to stand here and say that I am right where I needed to be, knowing that I have a title match in a few weeks and it’s up to me to put up or take the other option, instead I am standing here saying that the only thing I know is in front of me is uncertainty.

With a smack of the lips, Karma further betrays his attempts at playing it cool, but he continues nonetheless

Johnny Karma: Of course it’s a little bit rich for me to stand here kvetching when there’s plenty of people who can’t claim they came close to winning the match, but right now there’s one thing I need and it isn’t the title shot: what I need right now is clarity, clarity about how this situation is going to be resolved, clarity about when it will be resolved, and most importantly of all how I plan to resolve it. Because that’s the thing, they can give me a time, a date, a location and a stipulation but the one thing that matters above all else is what the guy standing in the ring plans to do to turn the situation to their advantage, because you can give somebody all the money in the world but if they have a hole in their pocket they’ll be broke by the time they reach the end of the street.

Cherry Baum: ...and as both Dom Harter and Ricky Valero demonstrated, there’s plenty of people more than happy to hang back and get rich off you.

Giving a nod in Cherry’s direction, Karma gets to the point in hand

Johnny Karma: I’m not here to deliver an ultimatum, but what I’m saying is this: there’s currently three pieces in play, namely Savannah Taylor, Cordy Stevenson and myself, but they aren’t on the same board...heck, they’re probably not in the same box, let alone on the same board, but between now and Autumn Annihilation the pieces need to know where they stand.

Never sell out
Sometimes you gotta talk that talk to em, Nipsey
Sometimes they can't handle it though...
But we don't care...

Yeah
This a moment, This special...

The crowd in The Family Arena erupts as the opening to Nipsey Hussle’s “Been Down” begins blaring throughout the arena. As the beat drops, FGA Hall of Famer Cordelia Stevenson emerges from the back and stops atop the ramp.

Geoff Penzer: Listen to this crowd, ladies and gentlemen! Business has just picked up. Saint Sexy is in the building!

She flips back the hood of her facemask, and scans over the crowd, taking a moment to appreciate the reception. Finally she makes her way towards the ring, no dancing or bopping to the music; her demeanor a bit more serious. She makes her way up the steps and climbs into the ring, slowly pacing around and eyeing Karma and Cherry as she makes her way past to ask for a microphone. The music dies down as someone ringside passes her one, but the noise level rises even higher as the crowd grows more raucous at the sight of Karma and Cordy sharing a ring once again. Dueling chants break out as she casually walks up and stands before both Johnny Karma and Cherry Baum. Cordy says nothing, she simply allows the crowd to have their moment before she finally raises the microphone to speak.

Cordelia Stevenson: I don’t need any clarity Johnny, because I know exactly where I stand.

She takes a step closer to him, her eyes never leaving his.

Cordelia Stevenson: And I stand here before you, as the next, International…. Heavyweight… Champion.

The statement is drawn out, an emphasis placed on every single word for his understanding. A sly smirk appears as her words are met with a barrage of emotions from the fans. There are those who absolutely love the sound of it, while there are also many who aren’t too thrilled as to what it would mean for their hero, Johnny Karma’s plight. Cordy casts a glance sideways at the crowd, as dueling chants again begin to break out; fans voicing their support for both of the superstars in the ring.

Cordelia Stevenson: You see, I respect your journey, Johnny. This path that you’ve set upon from the very beginning of the year, and the pressures that you’ve put on yourself to get the deed done by the year’s end; it’s admirable. And if the circumstances were any different, then best believe I’d be rooting you on 100%; just like I was two years ago when I got sidelined and I wasn’t able to compete in the triple threat match that you, I, and Izzy were supposed to have for the then Undisputed Championship. But you see, the thing is, I’m not on the sideline anymore, Johnny. I’m back, and I’m ready to reclaim my rightful place at the top of this company, and if it means going through you, like I’ve had to do so many times in the past, then so be it. I know how much this means to you. As I stand here, I can see that fire and passion burning in your eyes. Well look into mine, and I’m sure you can see the fire burning just as brightly. You see, it’s not my fault that you lost sight of the prize at the end of road, because you decided to chase your tail and get distracted. At least you had the opportunity to walk that road. How many chances, how many opportunities did you have to get back what you felt was rightfully yours? How many times did you fight for the Undisputed Championship? The International Heavyweight Championship?

She scoffs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah. That’s what I thought. Imagine me, busting my ass in this company for years. Coming up short, time and time again, to finally reach the pinnacle. You can relate to that, can’t you? I know you can, Johnny. And now imagine having that very thing stolen from you, because despite what Isabella Anders and our current International Heavyweight champion, Savannah, may say, that is exactly what they did at Only The Strong Survive two years ago. They STOLE my years of hard work. They STOLE my dream. And to add insult to injury, I wasn’t able to walk the road that you’ve walked. No. I wasn’t able to try and get back what was mine. No. Cordelia Stevenson got sidelined. Mocked. My dreams were shattered, and this fire…

She points to her eyes.

Cordelia Stevenson: ... that you see burning in my eyes now? It was diminished. Gone. Wiped out. So tell me again just how much this means to you, because to me, this is everything. And sorry, but I’m not sorry, for getting in your way. Consider it… Karma… for you getting in mine, two years ago.

For a moment Karma is silent, his eyes meeting Cordy’s as he mulls the words in his head - but then quick as a flash he raises the microphone to his lips and leans in that little bit closer to Cordy as he retorts

Johnny Karma: Alright, if that’s the way you want to look at things…

Pausing for a second as he maintains eye contact with Cordy, Karma passes the microphone from one hand to the other

Johnny Karma: ...do you want me to stand here and run off a list of times you have stood in my way over the years? Where should I start: back-to-back Frontier Lions Cups in 2014 and 2015, and let’s not forget the Wildcard Lottery Tournament?

A beat, as Karma unblinkingly keeps eye contact with Cordy

Johnny Karma: And let’s not forget the kicker here: Heroes Never Die put you on the shelf, but no matter how hard they tried and how many new members they recruited they could never put me down - and believe me, they put a lot of effort into trying to put me down - and I would not give up until finally I put down Izzy Anders and won that title, so if you want to talk about fire you’re wrong to think I lack it, because while I was meeting Heroes Never Die head-on and won you can’t say that you managed that, you can’t say you put down those who put you on the shelf, because you know who did? I did, so overlook me at your peril because one of these…

Karma raises his arm and points at his elbow

Johnny Karma: ...one of these will put you down just as easily at it’ll put down Savannah, history between the two of you be damned.

Karma looks like he’s finished...but then he remembers something else

Johnny Karma: But you know what, you reminded me of something else: back when Heroes Never Die thought I was little more than a chew toy, I put down Izzy...but until this moment in time Savannah has managed to avoid any retribution coming her way, and you know what I think? I think what better way to let her know she hasn’t avoided that retribution by doing to her what I did to Izzy and defeating her for the title she holds, which has a certain amount of poetry to it doesn’t it?

Cordelia nods, seeing the point he’s making.

Cordelia Stevenson: Poetic indeed. But nowhere near poetic as the woman that she cost the Undisputed Championship and mocked at every whim, returning from the depths of hell to snatch her soul and the thing she’s worked so hard to achieve. That is retribution at its finest. However, if things were to go the other way and it were you instead of me that put her down, well I can’t say that wouldn’t make me smile either. Savannah deserves every single damn thing that’s coming her way from both you and I. There’s no doubt about that. But I don’t want you for one second thinking that I’m overlooking you, Johnny, because to be quite honest with you, I’m not. Everyone here knows that the Karmic Lion has the heart of a champion, there’s no denying that. Truthfully, you wouldn’t be standing here in this ring right now if you didn’t. You’ve always been that gnat, that thorn in my side that’s refused to go away. I’d be foolish to see you as anything less than a prominent piece on the board.

She stops for a beat and then shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: That’s exactly why I intend on wiping the board clean. You’re absolutely right, Johnny. I have stood in your way countless times over the years, and it’s probably no coincidence that you finally got over the hump and rose to true prominence the moment that someone else wiped me from your equation.

She shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: You won’t be so lucky this time. So I hope you’re prepared to give me the fight of your life, because I’m expecting nothing less from you, or Savannah. The stakes are extraordinarily high, and I’m all in.

With those words said, Cordelia drops the microphone and backs away, her eyes never leaving Karma’s.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Laura Perelli vs. Jillian Clay

The match starts off with a collar-and-elbow tie up. After jockeying for position, Clay catches Perelli by surprise with a wristlock takedown. Perelli returns to her feet, only to get returned to the mat with an arm drag. A second arm drag returns Perelli to the mat. Clay then sends Perelli into the ropes. She goes for a hip toss when Perelli steps through it and goes for a hip toss of her own. Clay blocks the attempt and counters with another arm drag. She then rushes towards Perelli and executes an overflow arm drag, sending Perelli through the ropes and to the floor. She then slips to the apron before knocking Perelli down with an Asai Moonsault! With all the momentum behind her, Clay rushes Perelli back inside to make the cover. But Perelli kicks out at two.

As the match continues, Clay takes hold of the arm and delivers an arm wrench. Perelli returns the favor with an arm wringer, sending Clay shoulder-first to the mat. Perelli then holds down the arm before delivering repeated knee drops across it. She then transitions into a grounded hammerlock. Once Clay refuses to quit, Perelli delivers a stomp to the keylocked arm. Perelli continues to work over the arm, pulling Clay back to her feet and delivering an armbreaker across her shoulder. Clay staggers into the ropes and continues to favor the arm. Perelli doesn’t give Clay much time to rest as she pulls Clay off the ropes before bringing her down with a hammerlock belly to back suplex. After Clay turns over into the prone position, Perelli wrestles the arm away from her before slipping on a Fujiwara Armbar. Perelli works on the arm before manipulating the joints in her fingers. Clay continues to hang on as she declines multiple chances to quit. She then uses her free arm to slowly pull herself towards the ropes. Clay reaches the rope, forcing a rope break. Perelli pulls Clay back to her feet and hits her with a forearm smash. She delivers another forearm smash, followed by a European Uppercut. Clay answers back with a forearm strike using her good arm. Another forearm strike knocks Perelli further back. Once a third forearm strike appears to daze Perelli, Clay turns and hits the ropes. When she comes back, Perelli throws her down with an STO! She then pulls Clay into a seated position before hitting the ropes. Upon her return, she goes to flatten Clay with a Sliding D when Clay rolls out of the way. Once Perelli scrambles back to a vertical base, Clay executes a headscissors takedown for a two count.

Perelli reverses an irish whip, sending Clay back into the ropes. When Clay returns, she goes to slide through Perelli’s legs. But Perelli catches her in time before transitioning into a Shoulder Claw. Once again, Clay refuses to quit. She continues to hang on before battling back to a vertical base. She then hits Perelli with a few more forearm strikes before running into the ropes. When Clay returns, Perelli lifts her up before bringing her down with a Ushi Goroshi! Clay is then brought back down with a bridging leg-hook belly to back suplex! Clay just barely kicks out before the three count. Perelli pulls Clay back up to her feet before bringing her back down to the mat with the Code of Silence (Saka Otoshi into a Sleeper Hold)! Perelli keeps the hold applied before transitioning into the Neck jersey Necktie (Rings of Saturn)!Clay tries to hold on. But she’s finally reaches her limit and verbally submits.

Winner: Laura Perelli (7:14)

[FGA Office]

The scene shifts to a different part of the backstage area, where the sound of high heels tapping on the cement floor are heard. Panning up, the fans out in the arena immediately boo as they see the reigning FGA International Heavyweight champion Savannah Taylor making her way down the hall. She slows down and comes to a stop in front of the door leading to the office of the new Flashpoint General Manager Kayden Jade Jones. Drawing in a breath, Savannah knocks and waits a second before pushing the door open, stepping inside.

Savannah Taylor” Hey, new boss lady. Got a minute?

As the camera turns to see the inside of Kayden's office, it appears to be mostly barren. Only a larger sized oak desk with a laptop sits in the middle of the room. Behind the desk is a pair of wall framed photos. The first is of MLB MVP Christian Yelich. The second is of FGA legend Riley Owens. On the desk sits KJ, despite the chairs in front of her. She looks down at her phone until she sees the International Heavyweight champion, in which a coy smile comes across her face.

Kayden Jade Jones: Hello, champion of mine. What it is?

Savannah steps closer into the room, yet remains standing despite the pair of chairs across from the desk.

Savannah Taylor” First of all, it’s nice to finally have a General Manager for the absolute A show who is actually PRESENT at the job. I was listening to the announcement earlier and..well...something rubbed me the wrong way.

Cocking an eyebrow, she pushes herself off the desk. Her jaw works quickly, then a small pink bubble emerges from between her lips. It inflates slowly, then bursts. She draws the gum back into her mouth, then nods.

Kayden Jade Jones: Rubbed you the wrong way, you say?

She chews on the gum a little more.

Kayden Jade Jones: You’re Savannah Taylor. My number one draft pick. International Heavyweight champion. The one who scoffed at the challenge of the murderous Jimmy Page.

She slowly, deliberately blows another bubble.

Kayden Jade Jones: What ever could have rubbed you the wrong way?

Savannah draws in a sharp breath and lets it out slowly, trying her hardest to keep from just snapping.

Savannah Taylor” Okay, you’re new at the job so I’m going to cut you just a modicum of slack. You obviously made the right choice in basing your ENTIRE show around me, but…

She bites her tongue slightly as she grips her championship.

Savannah Taylor” Giving both Karma AND Cordelia a shot at my title? Really? I mean, think about it for a second. A Triple Threat match? Against those two? Come on!

KJ’s gaze moves from Savannah, over to the championship she’s carrying for a moment. She then bares her teeth in a wide smile.

Kayden Jade Jones: I did think about it for a second. Several hunnit thousand seconds, if we’re being real.

She turns her back to the champion, turning the laptop around so that the screen faces Savannah. On the screen is footage of both Cordelia and Johnny, landing in sync on the floor.

Kayden Jade Jones: Watched it for damn near an hour after the show. Watched it on the flight here. And watched it up until I sent that memo to Geoff Penzer. Bunch of angles n’ everything. Even talked to both refs. They saw what they saw. And they both ‘won’. Now, I get the feeling you think that neither of them deserve the shot in that case? Right.

She turns back to Savannah for a second, but doesn’t allow her to answer, instead shutting the laptop as she continues.

Kayden Jade Jones: But unfortunately precedent stands, champion o’ mine! You can thank Johnny Cannon and Sunshine Tony for setting that one up.

KJ once again turns around to face Savannah.

Kayden Jade Jones: Besides all that, I thought someone as tough as you might wanna show that you got an iron grip on that title, BUTTTTT-AH.

She punctuates the end of her sentence with a single finger in the air.

Kayden Jade Jones: Since you’re new to dealing with me, I’m gonna cut you a modicum of slack. My memo said you were facing them both. I’ll give em to you in a three way dance.

She grins widely again.

Kayden Jade Jones: So that way, there is no controversy. There is no one to say ‘so & so ain’t the real champion’. Because it’s elimination based. You will have to be pinned or submitted to lose that championship. How does that suit ya?

Savannah rubs her chin for a second as she thinks over Kayden’s proposal. This could be a benefit to her without people even knowing it.

Savannah Taylor” You know something? That doesn’t sound half bad. I get to beat both Karma and….Cordelia..

She says that last name with a hint of venom to it.

Savannah Taylor” At the same time AND prove why I am the top star around here and why this show is the legit A show. Just one thing.

Her expression changes from borderline playful to dead serious.

Savannah Taylor” WHEN I beat Johnny and Cordelia, I really hope you have a Plan B in your back pocket because you’ll be needing it when Final Frontier rolls around.

KJ’s almost too eager grin finally fades.

Kayden Jade Jones: Plan B?

She tilts her head to the side.

Kayden Jade Jones: Why would I need a plan b?

Her eyes flash for a second.

Kayden Jade Jones: You implyin’ I’m trying to get the title off you?

A few moments pass in which Kayden stays silent. Then, her eerie grin returns.

Kayden Jade Jones: Why would I play favorites like that?! Do I seem like the type?

She shrugs once again.

Kayden Jade Jones: Tell you what, you formulate your game plan for Cordelia and Johnny Karma. I’ll formulate a plan...we can call it plan B, if you want...as to who your next contender will be.

She turns to her desk, scooping up her phone.

Kayden Jade Jones: I’ll put it in my calendar. We’ll meet in my office after your title defense, and share notes. What’s your...e-...

She looks up for a moment, as if she is about to chastise herself.

Kayden Jade Jones: Nevermind. I got it. I’ll send it to you. Go on and enjoy the show.

She pushes her laptop back to its original position, then hops back on the desk. She looks down at her phone for a second, but then looks back up with a cocked eyebrow.

Kayden Jade Jones: Unless there was anything else?

Savannah Taylor” No no, nothing at all.

Kayden Jade Jones: Wonderful! Catch you!

Her eyes snap down to her phone, her foot tapping in a rhythm as she re-enters her own world. Savannah watches her for a second before she gives a mock salute, turning to leave the room as she slips her phone out of her pocket and shuts the door behind her.

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Geoff Penzer: Welcome back, wrestling fans! Earlier this afternoon, we learned from GM Kayden Jade Jones what she would be doing with regards to the International Heavyweight Championship situation! Well, we also got some clarification to what she would do after Sadie San Francisco vacated the FGA 15 Championship! GM Jones has decided to hold a four person tournament, starting on the next episode of Flashpoint! That tournament would conclude at Autumn Annihilation, where the winner would be crowned the new FGA 15 Champion. Those four tournament participants will be Zack Gall, Laura Perelli, Cassius Reed and the newly wedded Ashley Sands! Let’s hear some pre-recorded comments from Mrs. Sands...

A video begins to play with a panning view of deeply green hills rolling across the emerald vista before ending before a cliff drops it down into a sea of dark blue and white. Turning the view, Ashley Sands is seen leaning over a stone balcony as she looks out into the view below.

Ashley Sands: The big events in life, they can really put things in perspective. Here I am on my honeymoon thinking a lot about the future. Even with that though, there’s still that bit of the past nagging at me. Why did I come back to FGA? Unfinished business and putting some of that long standing doubt finally to bed. I came back to show that I’m more than just a tag team specialist, that I can be so much better than a lot of people give me credit for.

Ashley Sands: And for awhile, it started to work. I got together with an old partner and my sister-in-law and worked at pushing back at people that would try to deny us. And now their over on Vertigo. So here I am back at square one in FGA, looking at the horizon and everything the future holds and wonder if it’s still worth it.

Ashley turns to the camera with a stern and determined look on her face.

Ashley Sands: And the answer it abso-freaking-lutely. The past can hold people back but, without it, they’re not the person who they are today. So if I do anything with that anchor keeping me tied down, I want to take just one thing from it and bring it with me going forward.

Ashley Sands: At All-Star Showdown, I again came so close to doing that just to come up short once again. Maybe it’s the Irish in me but I can be stubborn as hell. It drives Ange nuts when I dig in and refuse to give up on something and pick a hill to die on. The 15 Championship is going to be my hill. One more shot…. That’s all I want. Just put me in the running to work at getting another chance at it. And I can take just one thing from the past with me into the future.

Turning back away from the camera, Ashley returns her gaze back over to the scene ahead and below her as the video fades out.

[FGA Office]

As Flashpoint returns from the commercial break, "Take A Chance" by CFO$ plays over the PA system of the Family Arena, instantly creating a buzz amongst the crowd, and the cheers only increase in volume as Neal Durden walks out through the curtains, followed closely by Lowri Moss. Dressed casually, with their titles over their shoulders and smiles on their faces, the Welsh tandem stand side by side on the stage for a moment, surveying the crowd and savouring the reception.

Melanie Sierra: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the FGA World Tag Team Champions, Neal Durden and Lowri Moss… PEENNNNDRAAAAGON!

They slowly make their way towards the ring, with Neal leading the way on one side of the aisle, while Lowri is on the other side, both doing their best to slap hands with each of the fans that reach out to them.

Geoff Penzer: At All-Star Showdown VIII, we got to see Lowri Moss and Neal Durden defend the FGA world tag titles against the Super Mario Wrestling Bros, in what was a highly anticipated match for all four of the grapplers involved, not to mention the fans. During the match, there were at least a couple of occasions where it looked as though we might be about to see new champions crowned, but in the end, Pendragon were able to emerge victorious, and keep hold of their titles.

After climbing the steps and entering the ring, Lowri heads for one of the corners, climbs to the second rope, and holds her belt aloft as she looks out at the cheering fans, while Neal simply stands in the middle of the ring with his index finger up and a smirk on his face.

Geoff Penzer: Last time out, both Neal and Lowri were participants in the battle royal that was intended to determine the next challenger for the International Heavyweight Championship. Moss was eliminated from the battle royal by Erin Mariani, when she and her Silk & Cyanide partner, Sara Mason, surprised everyone with their appearance. Durden eliminated himself from the match, so as to stop Mason and Mariani from double teaming Moss, and the four of them then brawled with each other until they were separated by officials and members of security. I get the feeling though that things may be far from over as far as those two teams are concerned.

Lowri goes to collect two microphones, one of which she hands to Neal, and as their music fades out, they glance around at the fans present inside the venue, basking in their cheers.

Lowri Moss: What’s occurring, St, Charles?

The mention of the host city for this evening’s show draws the customary pop from the crowd.

Lowri Moss: Now, obviously neither Neal or myself are scheduled to compete here tonight…

There are some light boos in response to that statement, and never one to willingly take a night off, Lowri nods her head, empathising with that reaction.

Lowri Moss: However, while the two of us may not be in action tonight, four other teams are, as we get towards the business end of this year’s Dynamic Duos Tournament. And as your World Tag Team Champions, Neal and I thought that it would be prudent for us both to be here, so that we could check out each of the potential future challengers for our titles.

Neal nods in agreement as he takes the word from Lowri.

Neal Durden: That’s right! All four teams still remaining on the Flashpoint side of the bracket are very much capable of going all the way and it’s not only part of our job as a team to watch them and learn from them; but it’s also a treat to us as fans of wrestling.

Durden drives his hand towards his chin, and seems to be thinking about something. Taking his sweet time, as if he wants to build some sort of suspense - an attempt that seemingly fails, by the way.

Neal Durden: Yet, out of the four teams, in this side of the bracket, there’s one that stands out to me.

A chant for the Super Mario Wrestling Brothers starts amongst the fans, which brings a smile to Neal’s face, yet, he waves his finger saying no.

Neal Durden: As much as I love the SMWB, there’s a team that would really show the world something I’ve been saying for a while now… one team outside the FGA borders that, if we defeat, would drive home the fact… WE...

Neal points at Lowri and himself as he continues.

Neal Durden: Are one of, if not THE BEST tag team in the world today… that team is Anastasia Hayden and Lisa Seldon… The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad. No disrespect meant to any of the other teams, I’m sure all of you - especially you Dexter Jacobs - have everything to make a potential match against us something out of a dream to any of these fans… but…

Neal pauses for a second, with his hand still in the air as he then continues.

Neal Durden: We’re talking another team known around the globe at this point and having the opportunity to defend these titles against them, and showing the world that Lowri and I are, indeed, the real deal in the tag scene… is something that can only make my mouth water.

Lowri Moss: And Neal isn't the only one hoping that the Hellcats at least go on to make the final.

The pair exchange a glance.

Lowri Moss: Ultimately though, the team that I would like to see win this year's Dynamic Duos, is one of the two teams that are already through to the semi-finals; I am of course referring to… The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers.

That declaration is met with a cheer from a large number of the crowd.

Lowri Moss: There are two people in this sport who I consider to be my best friends.

Lowri holds up two fingers on her free hand.

Lowri Moss: Two people who have been there for me since day one. One of those two is currently stood in this ring with me…

She points towards Neal.

Lowri Moss: While the other one - for anyone who doesn't know - is Blaise Faders.

There is another pop from the crowd for the highly popular Coventrian.

Lowri Moss: I can’t tell you how pleased I’ve been to see her inside a ring here in FGA, the place that I’ve called home for two and a half years now, and while I’m only expecting her stay here to be a temporary one, I would very much like to get a chance to share the ring with her while she’s here.

Lowri pauses to take a breath, before she continues.

Lowri Moss: And as for Ethan, well, everyone knows how sweet and kind he is - he even puts me to shame!

She smiles wryly.

Lowri Moss: He has always been very complimentary about me, and he's always super supportive, which is something that I really do appreciate. I've faced him once before, also in a tag team match, in which I actually had Blaise as my partner, and now I want to face him again, this time with Blaise on his side and with Neal as my partner.

She then turns to look at Neal again.

Lowri Moss: But you know, having said all that, getting to wrestle Carina, and especially Laurel, would be pretty cool for us as well, for obvious reasons. Either way though, you can be sure that we'll be watching that match tomorrow on Vertigo with great interest.

Neal brings the microphone back towards his mouth, somewhat interrupting Lowri. The look on his face went from somewhat cheery, to completely serious and determined.

Neal Durden: But, for as much interest as we have on Dynamic Duos. For as good as the tournament has been and entertaining as it is to speculate about what team we would love to face… there seems to be a problem we need to take care of first.

Lowri lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: Yeah. Speaking of Vertigo, the last time that we were here in the Flashpoint zone, we had a couple of uninvited guests turn up from the other brand.

Neal paces himself inside the ring, adjusting the belt over his shoulders as he speaks.

Neal Durden: Silk and Cyanide!

The mere mention of the name of the US Tag Team Champions draws some boos from the fans in attendance, although there is a minority around that gave the team a cheer.

Neal Durden: We’re no strangers to each other, in fact, we went to battle a couple of times already. Yet, it seems, the war is still waging. You two came into OUR brand to try and disrupt things. You two took away a golden opportunity from US... and I know you two would love nothing more than to show superiority.

Neal takes a deep breath and looks down to the mat as he continues.

Neal Durden: As a matter of fact, you two defeated us for those belts you carry. So, I believe the reason behind you two wanting another fight is because we hold these belts… and the draft. But, if it is a fight you want...

However, as Neal speaks, he and Lowri cannot help but notice a commotion rising from within the crowd, which causes the two members of Pendragon to turn their attention to where the commotion is emanating from and, soon enough, Sara Mason makes her presence known by making her way to the front of the crowd and standing at the barrier where she aims a devilish smirk in the direction of both Lowri Moss and Neal Durden… although for the time being that is all she does. Neal smiles in sort of an ironic way, as he continues speaking.

Neal Durden: A fight you’ll get… and without further ado, Sara Mason from Silk & Cyanide, folks!

In response to this, Mason retains the devilish smirk on her face before pulling a ticket out of the waist of her jeans and waves it in their direction… and then the smirk disappears, as Mason leaps over the crowd barrier.

Geoff Penzer: Well, I said earlier that I thought that things between Pendragon and Silk & Cyanide were far from over, and judging by what we just heard from Durden and Moss, coupled now with the arrival of Sara Mason, it appears that I was indeed correct. Conspicuous by her absence though is Erin Mariani - is Mason here on her own, without her partner?

Standing at ringside, Mason fixes her eyes upon the two members of Pendragon and looks downright predatory, briefly cocking her head to one side as she ponders her next move.

Lowri Moss: Hey, if you want to pick up where we left off last time, then what are you waiting for? Don't stand on ceremony.

Lowri gestures to Mason, beckoning for her to get in the ring. The devilish smirk returns to Mason’s face, and taking her cue she makes her move… making a sudden break for the timekeeper’s table, or more accurately the seat next to the timekeeper’s table where Melanie Sierra is sitting, where she grabs the mic from off the table and begins stalking around ringside for a moment, at which point she returns to where she emerged from the crowd and casually tosses the mic into the crowd, at which point an all-too familiar voice becomes audible.

Erin Mariani: Sorry, did we interrupt something tediously insignificant?

Once Mariani’s words fill the arena she slithers out from among the crowd, holding another ticket at arm’s length to ward off any arena security who might be thinking of doing something foolish.

Erin Mariani: We have heard an awful lot of words from the pair of you, but you know what they say about sticks and stones don’t you?

Aiming a condescending look in Pendragon’s direction, Mariani shakes her head before passing the microphone to Mason, seemingly because she is growing bored of seeing the two of them doing little more than talk.

Sara Mason: ...and just so we’re clear, that wasn’t a proposition for later.

Mason bats her eyelashes in Lowri’s direction and smiles sweetly, then looks at Durden and there is a subtle drop in her sense of enthusiasm as she does so, while Mariani slinks her way over the crowd barrier to stand beside her partner in crime at ringside.

Sara Mason: But please, amuse us, go back to saying what you were saying so we can have a wholesome chuckle at your expense.

Neal twists and turns the microphone in his hand a couple of times before driving it near his mouth.

Neal Durden: Give me ONE good reason for me not to dive onto the two of you right, about… NOW.

Rather than back down from Durden’s threat, Mariani and Mason simply look at each other and snicker before returning their attention to him

Sara Mason: Because you just gave up the element of surprise, but if you’re willing to throw yourself out of the ring, go ahead and see what happens the second you hit the floor. But good for you, you’re learning: if you’re going to throw yourself out of the ring, don’t do it in a situation where hurling yourself over the top rope costs you a chance at a title match.

Mason sarcastically applauds Durden for his so-called revelation, while Mariani picks up the sentence.

Erin Mariani: We suggest that you be a good boy and think about your next course of action, because you know full well what we want - and you also know full well that, if you don’t behave, we’ll make it our business to make sure you won’t be in any state to assist your partner.

At first Mariani shoots Durden a cold stare… but that rapidly turns to a malicious smirk.

Erin Mariani: Go ahead. Try us.

Neal scoffs and makes a feint at sending himself over the top rope, but stops right at the end as he drives the microphone towards his mouth.

Neal Durden: It sure seems you haven’t done your homework on us at all…

He backs off the ropes a bit as he continues speaking.

Neal Durden: Because if you had… you would’ve known that, I am not the one that has had the most success as a singles wrestler… meaning, I’m the one who cares less about individual opportunities… on the other hand.

Lowri looks ready for a fight, as Neal simply shrugs.

Neal Durden: You managed to make her angry… and that’s not advisable…

The two members of Silk & Cyanide Kubrick Stare in unison at the members of Pendragon, almost mocking them, before Mariani raises the mic to her lips once more

Erin Mariani: And what will happen if we do? More words?

Mariani fires a condescending look in their direction

Erin Mariani: Don’t think we haven’t noticed that you have gone from threatening to attack us to meekly backing down and hoping your partner makes the first move, either. But enough with the idle threats, they do not interest us. What does interest us is whether or not you’re interested in doing anything other than talk. So, if it is not too difficult for you…

Mariani momentarily looks from one member of Pendragon to the other

Erin Mariani: ...an answer would be desirable.

Durden and Moss turn to their adoring crowd, who are encouraging them to bring the fight to Silk & Cyanide! The two Pendragon members turn to each other. Moss and Durden give each other a knowing nod... before immediately dropping the belts, charging forward, leaping through the ropes and tackling Mason & Mariani down with suicide dives! The crowd erupts with cheers while Pendragon takes the fight to Silk & Cyanide at ringside! The capacity crowd is going wild while Pendragon goes to work on Silk & Cyanide. The cheers, unfortunately, turn to boos when security and officials flank the ringside area. The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide are once again separated! Despite Silk & Cyanide being paying customers for tonight's show, they are escorted through the crowd while Pendragon are kept at bay at the end of the ramp.

Geoff Penzer: Pendragon still want a piece of Silk & Cyanide, and vice versa! But these two teams won't be settling their differences here tonight! With the United States Tag Team Champions residing on Vertigo and Pendragon being here in the Flashpoint Zone, who knows when these two teams will be placed in a sanctioned match! But if it does happen, I expect all hell to break loose! We'll be right back!

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (QUARTERFINALS)

Super Mario Wrestling Bros vs. Big Coffin Hunters

The match starts with the Becca Raze doubling Max Powers over with a boot to the midsection. She the pummels him down to the mat with double ax handles across the back before putting the boots to him. She then pulls Powers back to his feet, moves him into the corner and applies a choke. She reluctantly breaks the choke once the refs count reaches four. From there, Raze doubles Powers over with a flurry of punches to the midsection. She then cracks Powers with a headbutt that sends him staggering out of the corner along the ropes. Raze stays on him and whips him into the far ropes. When he returns, Raze military presses Powers over her head before throwing him down with a slam. She then hits the ropes before returning with a measured jumping knee. Raze misses after Powers rolls out of the way. Once both grapplers return to their feet, Powers starts to attack the leg with shoot kicks. Raze is able to reach down in time and catch Powers’ foot, only for Powers to counter with an enzuigiri that knocks her down for a two count.

Powers goes for an irish whip, only for Raze to reverse and whip him into the ropes. When Powers comes back, he goes for a Lou Thesz Press. But Raze catches him in the air before countering with an inverted atomic drop. While Powers is doubled over, Raze hits the ropes, returns and sends him flipping down to the canvas with a running knee lift. She drops down and makes the cover for a two count. Powers is pulled back up by Raze before she delivers an arm wrench. Raze then delivers multiple knife edge chops before Powers is brought down with a headscissors. Raze begins to circles Powers before delivering a Garvin Stomp to each extremity. She then goes for one last jumping stomp to the face when Powers reaches up and catches her foot with both hands. Powers battles back to his feet. He then swings Raze’s leg away from him before following up with a spinning heel kick to the back of the head for a two count. Another irish whip gets reversed, sending Powers into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Raze to the mat with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Powers follows up with a dropkick. A second dropkick connects, returning Raze to the mat. After Raze is whipped into the far corner, Powers runs across the ring and goes for a Stinger Splash. Raze slips out of the way, but Powers safely lands on the middle ropes. When Raze turns around, Powers knocks her down with a rounding moonsault for another two count.

The tag is then made out to Landon Knight. The SMWB take Raze and whip her into the far ropes. When Raze returns, they throw her down with a double back body drop. A double dropkick follows, knocking Raze through the ropes and to the floor. Dexter Jacobs rushes in to attack when he gets thrown down with a double back body drop. A double dropkick follows, knocking him through the ropes and to the floor. The SMWB then turn and rush into the far ropes. When they return, they go to take the Big Coffin Hunters out with dual suicide dives… only for Jacobs and Raze to catch Knight and Powers by the throats in mid air! Raze rams Powers back-first against the side of the ring and continues to choke him while Jacobs hurls Knight onto the ramp with a two handed choke overhead suplex! Jacobs then goes over and pulls Powers away from the ring. He and Raze then hoist Powers up before throwing him down with authority using a double chokeslam!

Jacobs marches over, yanks up Knight and sends him flying back in through the ropes with a gorilla press toss. Raze rolls back inside while Jacobs marches back over into the Big Coffin Hunters corner. Once the tag has been made, Jacobs gets in and puts the boots to Knight. After flinging Knight into the corner, Jacobs delivers a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. He follows up with a hard uppercut that sends spittle flying out of Knight’s mouth before he quickly drops to a seated position in the corner. Dexter reaches down, yanks Knight back up to his feet in the corner and unleashes a series of shoulder thrusts, followed by a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of back elbow strikes. He then drops Knight back down to a seated position in the corner after lunging forward and cracking him with a headbutt. Jacobs then drags Knight from out of the corner before kicking him over into the prone position. Jacobs reaches down, yanks up Knight and hurls him across the ring with a deadlift gutwrench suplex! The Redneck Hulk marches over, yanks up Knight and hurls him across the ring with a deadlift vertical suplex! After Jacobs grabs a hold of Knight, he goes for a deadlift release German Suplex when Knight is able to rotate and land on his feet. Knight quickly loses his balance and stumbles backwards into the near corner. After Jacobs returns to his feet, he rushes in to attack… only to get knocked back with a boot to the face. Jacobs shakes off the blow and rushes back in to attack. Knight goes to counter with another boot to the face when Jacobs catches his foot. After dragging Knight from out of the corner, Jacobs nearly takes his head off after yanking Knight by the leg into a stiff lariat! He drops down for the cover. ONE! TWO! Powers delivers a stomp to the back to break up the pin. While Powers heads back towards the SMWB corner, Jacobs rushes up from behind, grabs Powers and flings him over the top rope and to the floor!

When Jacobs turns back to Knight, Knight executes a forward roll into a handspring headscissors takedown. Knight then goes over to tag out into the SMWB corner. But Powers is down in the floor. As soon as Knight turns around in the corner, he gets caught with a stiff lariat that nearly knocks the air out of him! Jacobs then pulls his arm back before delivering another stiff lariat that echoes throughout the arena. From there, Jacobs delivers alternative stiff clubbing forearms to the side of the head, sending Knight slumping down in the corner. He then applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope. The ref’s count reaches five, but Jacobs won’t let go! So the ref tries to pull Jacobs off of Knight. As soon as the ref puts his hands on Jacobs, Jacobs stalks the official around the ring until the referee wisely rolls to the outside to safety. As soon as the ref gets to the outside, Raze grabs him from behind and rolls him back into the ring! The official is then grabbed by the collar by Jacobs before getting lifted up off the mat. Jacobs carries the ref around by one hand while he balls up his free hand into a fist. Jacobs is about to send the ref’s head flying into the crowd when Powers grabs his arm from behind. When Jacobs turns around, he drops the ref. He takes a hard swipe at Powers’ head with a punch. Powers ducks and counters with a Koopa Kick (rolling koppu kick), knocking Jacobs back a few steps. Powers scrambles back to his feet before rushing over to delivering a running front dropkick. The move knocks Jacobs back a few more steps. Powers then turns and hits the far ropes. When Powers returns, Jacobs lifts him up, takes a few steps back and, with the help of Raze, delivers an assisted snake eyes across the top rope. The crowd erutps with boos while Powers clutches his throat.

Jacobs stomps Powers out to the floor before turning his attention back to Knight. Once Raze has been tagged back in, the Big Coffin Hunters deliver rapid tandem elbow drops. Raze then makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Knight gets his shoulder up. Jacobs gets tagged back in. Raze hits the ropes while he lifts Knight up across his shoulders. Jacobs then nearly throws Knight through the ring with a hard Alabama Slam before Raze follows up with a leg drop. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Knight gets his shoulder up. Knight is then whipped into the Big Coffin Hunters corner. After Raze is tagged back in, the Big Coffin Hunters grab Knight and deliver a double backdrop, sending him over the top rope, off the apron and to the floor! Jacobs rolls to the outside, snatches up Knight and rolls him back in so Raze can make the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Knight gets his shoulder up. Jacobs gets tagged back in. After the Big Coffin Hunters switch positions, Raze holds Knight in place from the apron while Jacobs hits the far ropes. When he returns, he throws out the Closed Casket (yakuza kick to an opponent held by the partner). At the last second, Knight breaks free, causing Raze to get nailed with the yakuza kick! The crowd erupts with cheers when Raze flies off the apron and hits the floor. Back in the ring, Jacobs slowly turns around and sees Knight trying to crawl over towards the SMWB. Jacobs then marches over and flattens Knight with repeated stomps to the back. Knight is then pulled back up before being whipped into the ropes. When Knight returns, Jacobs lifts him up for a Gorilla Pres Gutbuster. Before Jacobs can hit the move, Knight starts kicking his legs. After he slips down from behind, he turns Jacobs towards him and nails him with the Chain Chomp (arm wrench into a short-arm forearm smash). Jacobs responds by latching onto Knight’s wrist and throwing out a short arm lariat. But Knight counters with a floatover DDT! He then rolls forward, leaps over towards the SMWB corner and tags Powers back in!

Powers springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and drives Jacobs down with a flying Thwomp (diving double knee drop to a standing opponent)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Jacobs kicks out. Powers goes for an irish whip, only to get reversed. When Powers returns, he ducks a big boot to the face by dropping down to his back. When Jacobs turns around, Powers kips up and follows up with a pelé kick, knocking Jacobs back a few steps. Powers then rushes over and delivering a spinning back kick to the midsection. A second spinning back kicks connects. A third spinning back kick finally doubles Jacobs over. After slingshotting himself out onto the apron, Powers goes for a Goomba Stomp (Mushroom Stomp) when Raze reaches up and pulls him down to the floor. She throws out a right hand, only for Powers to block and counter with one of his own. Powers counters another right hand. After a boot to the midsection doubles Raze over, Powers plants her with It’s-A-Me-DT (Snap DDT)! As soon as Powers returns to his feet, Jacobs reaches over the top rope, grabs him by the hair and yanks him up onto the apron. The Redneck Hulk throws out a haymaker. But Powers ducks, doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes and brings him down with a Goomba Stomp! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Jacobs kicks out.

After Knight gets tagged back in, the SMWB whip Jacobs into the ropes. When he returns, Knight brings him down with a backbreaker. He quickly applies a backbreaker hold while Powers hits the ropes, returns and knocks him off of Knight’s knee with a somersault leg drop! Knight makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Jacobs kicks out.

Powers gets tagged back in. After Knight whips Jacobs into the ropes, he brings Jacobs down with a drop toe hold. Powers then holds Jacobs in place with a rolling Front Chancery as Knight hits the ropes, comes back and connects with a front dropkick to the face! Powers pushes Jacobs over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Jacobs gets his shoulder up. Knight gets tagged back in. After Knight gets Powers to help him lift Jacobs up across his shoulders, Powers hits the far ropes. When he returns, the SMWB bring Jacobs down with the Koopa Troopa Drop (Samoan Drop/corkscrew neckbreaker combo) to an eruption of cheers! Knight makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Raze dives over and breaks up the pin! Raze takes Knight and goes for an irish whip, only for Knight to reverse. When Raze returns, Knight knocks her down with the 1-Up Uppercut (Pop-up Uppercut)! Knight pulls Jacobs back up before whipping him into the corner. Knight then charges across the ring, hurls himself at Jacobs and connects with a Tail Attack (flying hip attack to a cornered opponent! He then delivers an irish whip, follows Jacobs into the opposite corner and connects with another Tail Attack! Knight holds Jacobs in the corner while Powers steps in and heads into the far corner. Powers then runs across the ring. After Knight slips out of the way, Powers connects with a flying discus punch. The SMWB then pull Jacobs from out of the corner. Knight takes him by the left arm and delivers a Chain Chomp! Powers then takes Jacobs by the right arm and delivers a Chain Chomp! Knight takes Jacobs by the left arm and delivers another Chain Chomp! Powers takes Jacobs by the right arm and delivers another Chain Chomp! Powers and Knight then head into opposite sets of ropes. When they return, they squash Jacobs with stereo Tail Attacks, causes Jacobs to crumble to the mat! Knight makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Jacobs gets his shoulder up.

Knight picks up Jacobs and pulls him into a standing headscissors. He hooks both arms and sets Jacobs up for a Butterfly Bob-omb (sitout double underhook powerbomb) when Jacobs breaks free and counters with a standing double leg takedown. He then hooks his arms around Knight’s legs and leans back to catapult himself into the corner. But Knight lands safely on the middle ropes. He goes to knock Jacobs down with a rounding moonsault when Jacobs catches him in mid air. He then shifts Knight up across his shoulder. Across the ring, Powers can be seen starting to climb the turnbuckles. So Jacobs takes Knight, rushes across the ring and lawn darts him into Powers! The crowd erupts with boos when Powers gets knocked off the ropes and hits the floor! Back inside, Jacobs tags Raze back in before whipping Knight into the far ropes. When Knight returns, the Big Coffin Hunters deliver Hang ‘Em High (high flapjack from Jacobs while Raze hits a discus knee to the back of the head on the way down)! Jacobs gets tagged back in. After the Big Coffin Hunter pull up Knight near the center of the ring, they head into opposite sets of ropes. When the Big Coffin Hunters return, they fold Knight up with the Sawed Off (discus lariat from Dexter/chop block from Raze)! The boos continue as Jacobs lifts up Knight in the air before the Big Coffin Hunters bring him down with the Death Rattle (Dexter lifts the opponent for Drag the Waters (Orange Crush), only to have Becca deliver a lungblower to the opponent on the way down)! Jacobs makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Winners: Big Coffin Hunters (23:18)

After the match, the Big Coffin Hunters continue to put the boots to Knight until Powers rushes in and pushes them away from Knight. Powers drops down to his knees and tends to his partner… until Jacobs snatches him by the head with both hands! Powers tries to pry Jacobs’ hands from off of him. But it’s to no avail. Jacobs attempts to snap the neck of Powers! The crowd watches in stunned silence as Powers crumbles on top of Knight. The Big Coffin Hunters then exit the ring as the crowd once again become vocal and erupt with boos.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

The show cuts backstage where we see the team of Nate Bristow and Tully Barnes strolling backstage, harassing FGA staff members with matching grins on both their faces. Their antics stop, however, when they discover reporter Amanda Johnson talking to herself and pacing the hallway between scheduled interviews.

Nate Bristow: Amanda Johnson!

Tully Barnes: Just the gal we’re looking for!

Startled, Amanda is less than thrilled to be interrupted by Bristow & Barnes.

Amanda Johnson: Boys…

Tully Barnes: We have a few things we need to get off our chest.

Nate Bristow: Yea, frankly, we feel a little bit disrespected.

Amanda sighs before finally obliging and bringing her microphone up from her waist.

Amanda Johnson: Oh?

Nate and Tully both scoff.

Nate Bristow: For months, we’ve been telling you we’re the best tag team in the world. For months, we’ve been proving that’s the case inside the ring.

Tully Barnes: And yet it seems Pendragon has chosen to occupy their time and focus with Silk & Cyanide.

Amanda Johnson: I mean...don’t you think that’s kinda justified?

Nate’s brow furrows while Tully’s eyes narrow.

Nate Bristow: In my opinion? I think Pendragon ought to be a bit more concerned about your boys Bristow & Barnes because last I checked, there ain’t a team hotter in all of FGA than us.

Tully Barnes: I honestly don’t know how you’re standing this close to us right now, Amanda, we’re so hot!

Nate Bristow: Look at the sweat beading up on her forehead, Tully. She feels it. She knows!

Amanda Johnson: Boys…

Nate smirks.

Nate Bristow: Bristow & Barnes are the best tag team in the world. And as such, Pendragon would be wise to be sweating us the way you are right now, Amanda. Because we’re coming for them. We want those FGA World Tag Team titles, and we will do everything we have to do to get our hands on them.

Tully Barnes: Fortunately that new GM of ours, Kayden Jones is a smart woman.

Nate nods in agreement.

Nate Bristow: She has an eye for talent. She recognizes value when it’s standing in front of her, and she knows Bristow & Barnes are the bee’s knees here on Flashpoint.

The FGA interviewer’s interest is piqued.

Amanda Johnson: And what makes you say that?

Bristow & Barnes break into sinister laughter.

Nate Bristow: Our esteemed general manager has wisely granted your boys, Bristow & Barnes, a title shot next week on Flashpoint!

Tully Barnes: We told you, Pendragon, we’re coming for you!

Nate Bristow: And this time next week, you’ll be looking at the NEW FGA World Tag Team Champions!

The tag team partners cackle in Amanda’s face before turning and heading off. Amanda, looking mildly surprised, stands there speechless as the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (QUARTERFINALS)

Best For Business vs. The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad

The bell sounds as Snow and Seldon start things off for their respective teams. They continue to circle the ring until Snow points behind Seldon, signaling that he wants Hayden in the ring. Seldon turns to the crowd and thumbs over towards Hayden. The Grand Duchess can be seen willingly putting her arm out for the tag. Seldon is more than willing to oblige. She turns to head into the Hellcats corner when Snow rushes up from behind. He goes to take out with a Northern Lariat. But the veteran knew Snow would try to cheapshot her, so she ducks. When Snow turns around, Seldon rocks him with a roundhouse kick, sending him stumbling against the ropes. While Snow tries to shake out the cobwebs, Seldon heads over, grabs him and whips him into the far ropes. When Snow returns, Seldon sends him face-first to the mat with a spinning leg sweep to the shins. After Snow pushes himself up on all fours, Seldon runs over before pinning him with an Oklahoma Roll for a two count!

After both grapplers return to their feet, Snow takes two wild swipe at Seldon with right and left haymakers. But Seldon’s able to duck each punch. She counters with a boot to the midsection, followed by a sitout jawbreaker which causes Snow to stumble back. Seldon gets back to her feet before hitting the ropes. When she returns, she drops Snow down to a knee after a step-up enzuigiri connects. From there, Seldon grabs a hold of Snow before delivering repeated knee strikes to the head. With Snow dazed, Seldon turns and hits the ropes. When she returns, she finally knocks Snow down with a yakuza kick for another two count!

Seldon picks up Snow, wrenches his arm and pulls him over into the Hellcats corner before tagging Hayden in. Hayden gets in and doubles Snow over with a boot to the midsection. She then wrenches the arm, doubles Snow over with a kick to the midsection and follows up with repeated short kicks to the face. After the last kick knocks Snow upright, Hayden knocks him back with a palm strike. Another palm strike rocks Snow. Hayden throws out a third strike when Snow blocks. He goes to counter with a haymaker when Hayden ducks before hitting him with another open palm strike. Hayden regains control of the wrist, wrenches the arm and follows up with a hook kick that knocks Snow into the ropes. After reaching over and getting tagged back in, Seldon steps back in through the ropes. The Hellcats then take Snow and whip him into the far ropes. When Snow returns, the Hellcats bring him down with a double back body drop. Hayden then turns and hits the ropes. When she comes back, the Hellcats deliver Gravest Consequences (Seldon pushes Hayden into the air, allowing her to land with a double foot stomp) for a two count!

Seldon takes Snow and moves him into the corner. She nails him with four straight punches before biting his nose! Seldon quits biting Snow once the ref’s count reaches four. She then sends him into the far corner with an irish whip. Seldon runs across the ring and follows up with a step-up enzuigiri that connects! She then sends Snow back into the previous corner with another irish whip. Seldon runs across the ring and executes a Tiger Wall Flip! When she rushes back into the corner to follow up with an attack, the crowd boos when Snow cuts her off with a snake eyes across the top turnbuckle. Seldon stumbles back towards the center of the ring as Snow makes his way out of the corner and tags in Ian McKinnon. McKinnon follows up with a springboard leg lariat that brings Seldon down for a two count! Seldon is then whipped into the ropes. When she returns, she sees McKinnon setting up for a back body drop. So she counters with a sunset flip. McKinnon then rolls through the move and counters with a front dropkick to the face for a two count. After Seldon is whipped into the far corner, McKinnon runs across the ring, leaps up and connects with a corner dropkick. Seldon is then whipped into the far corner. McKinnon runs over and connects with a second corner dropkick! Seldon is then lifted up onto the top turnbuckle before McKinnon climbs the ropes. He goes for a super frankensteiner. But Seldon blocks by grabbing onto the top ropes, causing McKinnon to slip off her and crash to the canvas! McKinnon slowly rolls away towards the center of the ring while Seldon slowly stands up on the top turnbuckle. Once McKinnon gets back to his feet and turns around, Seldon leaps off and brings him down with a flying crossbody! But McKinnon rolls through it and hooks the leg! ONE! TWO! Seldon gets the shoulder up.

Seldon reverses an irish whip, sending McKinnon into the ropes. When he returns, Seldon knocks him off his feet with a spinning heel kick! A spinning leg sweep returns him to the mat! Seldon pulls him up by the hair before pulling him back down with an X-Factor! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! McKinnon gets his shoulder up. Seldon goes for an irish whip when McKinnon reverses, sending her into the corner. McKinnon rushes in to attack when Seldon turns him around with a boot to the face. While McKinnon staggers towards the center of the ring, Seldon rushes up from behind, hops onto his shoulders, spins and goes for a hurricanrana. McKinnon blocks the move, leaving Seldon hanging upside down. He then takes control of her legs by wrapping his arms around them. He then leans back to catapult Seldon into the corner. But Seldon’s able to land safely on the middle ropes. She then hops up, turns and lands facing the ring on the top turnbuckle. As soon as McKinnon gets up, Seldon leaps off and knocks him down with a missile dropkick for another two count! McKinnon is then whipped into the corner before Seldon rushes over and sends him slumping down with a Koppu Kick. Seldon then heads over and tags Hayden back in. The Hellcats then rush towards the corner and nail McKinnon with Exterminator III: Rise of the Machines (with an opponent sat in the corner, Lisa comes along the apron with a sliding dropkick as Ana comes parallel across the ring with a face wash)! Hayden drags McKinnon from out of the corner and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Snow breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

Hayden brings McKinnon down with a snapmare before following up with repeated kicks to the back. She then hits the ropes, returns and flattens him with a seated dropkick. Instead of making the cover, Hayden drags him into position before hitting the apron. Hayden scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and goes for Romanov Grace (diving double foot stomp), only for McKinnon to roll out of the way. On the way down, Hayden lands on her feet before rolling forward. She rolls back to her feet, turns, rushes back over to McKinnon and goes for a pop-up hurricanrana. But McKinnon catches her, runs across the ring and counters with a Buckle Bomb! Hayden crumbles out of the corner while McKinnon tags Snow back in. Snow gets in and puts the boots to Hayden. He reaches down, pulls up Hayden and chokes her across the top rope while pressing down across the back of her neck. When then ref’s counter reaches four, Snow lets go. McKinnon then nails Hayden with a rope-assisted gamengiri, sending Hayden stumbling back towards Snow, who brings her down with a belly to back suplex. He follows up with pendulum backbreaker for a two count. He scoops Hayden up from the side before hitting a sidewalk slam for another two count. Hayden is then whipped into the ropes. McKinnon purposely nails her with a knee to the back. Hayden staggers back over to Snow before he brings her down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Hayden gets her shoulder up.

McKinnon gets tagged back in. He pulls up Hayden and delivers a belly to back suplex lift dropped into a double knee backbreaker. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Hayden gets her shoulder up. McKinnon then whips Hayden hard into the corner. The turnbuckles rattle when Hayden crashes into them. Hayden slowly drops down to a knee before falling on all fours. McKinnon heads over and begins nudging Hayden’s head with his boot. He follows up with a jumping stomp to the back of the head, flattening Hayden on the canvas. McKinnon pulls up Hayden by the hair before whipping her hard into the opposite corner. Hayden crashes hard into the turnbuckles before crumbling out of the corner. Hayden is seen arching her back near the far corner. McKinnon then rushes across the ring, leaps over Hayden onto the middle ropes and flattens her with a corner slingshot double knee drop. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Hayden gets her shoulder up. Hayden then gets lifted up before being sat down on the top turnbuckle facing the crowd. McKinnon climbs up onto the middle ropes, grabs Hayden and goes for an avalanche belly to back superplex… only for Hayden to reverse, shift her weight and come crashing down on top of McKinnon with a lateral press! ONE! TWO! T-NO! Snow goes to break up the pin with a jumping knee drop, only for Hayden to roll out of the way, causing McKinnon to get hit with the knee drop! Snow tends to McKinnon before quickly turning around and sees Hayden trying to pull herself across the ring for the tag. Snow marches over, drags Hayden back towards the center of the ring by the ankle and pulls her back up by the back of the hair. Hayden turns and goes to catch him with an open palm strike. But Snow blocks by grabbing her wrist. He then lunges forward, cracking Hayden with a headbutt. Hayden drops to a seated position before falling back on the mat.

With Snow finally back in the Best for Business corner, McKinnon gets back to his feet and puts the boots to Hayden. He hits the ropes, returns and executes a somersault leg drop! He turns over into the lateral press. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Hayden gets her shoulder up. McKinnon picks up Hayden and goes for a belly to back suplex, only for Hayden to roll over his shoulder and land on her feet. Before she can turn around and make a beeline towards the Hellcats corner, McKinnon reaches back and doubles her over with a back kick to the midsection. McKinnon then hits the ropes, returns and throws Hayden down with a leg trap sunset flip sitout powerbomb! ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Seldon rushes in and breaks up the pin with a front dropkick to the face! McKinnon shakes off the blow before going back to work. Hayden gets brought down with a vertical suplex before McKinnon heads towards the corner. After scaling to the top turnbuckle, he flips off for a moonsault! Hayden’s able to roll out of the way! But McKinnon’s able to land on his feet before quickly flipping back and connecting with a standing moonsault! Instead of staying in place for the cover, McKinnon gets up, turns and heads into the opposite corner. He scales to the top turnbuckle, flips back and crashes down across Hayden with a moonsault! He hooks the leg. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Hayden gets her shoulder up. McKinnon pulls Hayden over into a Bow & Arrow Hold. The ref gets down and asks Hayden if she wants to give up. But she refuses. McKinnon continues to keep her back bend across his lower legs. McKinnon keeps the hold applied. But Hayden continues to decline multiple opportunities to quit. So he pulls her back over into the prone position on the mat. McKinnon goes to follow up with a moonsault into a double knee drop, only for Hayden to roll out of the way! While McKinnon remains on his knees in pain, Hayden gets to her feet before flattening him with Human Target Practice (Sliding Forearm)!

Hayden rolls back over into the prone position before pulling herself towards the Hellcats corner. Meanwhile, McKinnon favors his jaw before turning over and trying to crawl back over towards the B4B corner. McKinnon then gets to his feet, staggers over and tags Snow back in. Snow rushes in and grabs Hayden by the ankle. Hayden gets up on one foot and tries to make the tag. But Snow keeps her held just out of reach. Hayden then leaps forward, slipping out of Snow’s grip and diving over to tag Seldon back in. Seldon knocks Snow down with a springboard dropkick! She then heads out to the apron and connects with a springboard dropkick out of a second corner! She goes for a springboard dropkick out of a third corner when Snow swats her down. He then throws Seldon down with a deadlift release German Suplex! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Seldon gets her shoulder up. Seldon is then whipped into the ropes. Seldon ducks a lariat and back elbow strike to the face before a lariat takedown turns her inside out! Snow pulls her over and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-N! Seldon gets her shoulder up. Seldon is then whipped into the ropes. When she returns, Snow brings her down with a Mountain Bomb! He goes for the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Seldon gets her shoulder up.

Snow pulls up Seldon before hoisting her up for a powerbomb. As soon as she gets up on Snow’s shoulders, she fires off a flurry of right hands before leaning forward and biting his head! After Seldon slips down in front of Snow, Seldon stumbles back a few steps. She then charges forward and nails Snow with a shotgun double knee strike, knocking Snow back towards Hayden, who throws him down with a snap German Suplex! After Snow gets back to a vertical base, the Hellcats run towards Snow before taking him down with One Year More (legsweep from Seldon into a running single leg dropkick from Hayden)! Seldon makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! McKinnon dives over and breaks up the pin. Hayden rushes back into the ring and knocks McKinnon back with multiple open palm strikes. She runs towards the far ropes. As soon as Hayden hits the ropes, McKinnon is right there to catch her with a running back elbow. While Hayden is dazed against the ropes, McKinnon runs into the far ropes. When he comes back, Hayden rushes back towards the center of the ring and turns him inside out with She Was Only Seventeen (running single leg dropkick)! Across the ring, Seldon takes Snow, places him in a Muay Thai Clinch and nails him with multiple alternating knee strikes. Seldon continues the flurry of strikes until Snow drops down to all fours. From there, Seldon cracks him across the head with The Man Opener (roundhouse kick to the side of the head to an opponent on all fours)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Winners: The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad (24:42)

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

As the show comes back from the commercial break, they spot reigning International Heavyweight champion Savannah Taylor walking down the hall, her title belt slung over her right shoulder and her pink Samsung Galaxy s10 Plus in her hand, her fingers fluttering over the touch screen, typing out a message. She smiles a little bit as she hits send, continuing her journey down the hall. However, like in the case of distracted drivers, Savannah isn’t paying close enough attention and she runs into someone...accidentally. This of course irritates the champion as she voices her displeasure.

Savannah Taylor: Hey, watch where you are…

She looks up and gets a first look at the person with whom she NEARLY collided with, and her expression changes. Almost.

Savannah Taylor: ….going.

The camera pans back a bit revealing the person standing in front of the International Heavyweight Champion and it is none other than Cordelia Stevenson. The Hall of Famer folds her arms across her chest, a sly smirk spreading across her face as she looks the champ up and down.

Cordelia Stevenson: Savannah.

The moment is tense as both women stare each other down.

Cordelia Stevenson: It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. You alright over there?

Cordy asks with a nod, her gaze intense and unwavering. Savannah slips her phone into the pocket of the jacket she was wearing and adjusts her belt over her shoulder, shaking her head ever so slightly.

Savannah Taylor: I’m perfectly fine, Cordelia. Matter of fact, I’m better than fine. But your concern is appreciated.

She glances the Hall of Famer up and down.

Savannah Taylor: Look at you with your impressive comeback. Winning big things, getting into arguments with people over on the B Show...all in a day’s work, isn’t it?

Cordy gives a casual shrug.

Cordelia Stevenson: Pretty much. You know me, chica. All I know how to do is make waves and rock the boat.

She shifts her attention to the International Heavyweight title resting on Savannah’s shoulder.

Cordelia Stevenson: Even capsize a few. Especially if they’re drifting out in dangerous territory.

An emphasis is placed on the word dangerous as Cordelia lifts her eyes away from the belt and back up to Savannah.

Cordelia Stevenson: Know what I mean?

Her words, accompanied by a smile, are laced with a hint of venom. Savannah’s eyes seem to narrow ever so slightly as her lips turn up in a smirk.

Savannah Taylor: Sounds like you need to brush up on your swimming skills if you are that intent on heading out into the dangerous seas. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you...again, now would we?

There is no hiding the tone in her voice as she looks Cordy dead in her face, her blue eyes darken slightly. Cordy’s eyebrows raise, the gall of the woman before her somewhat impressing her.

Cordelia Stevenson: Oh, I’m not worried about anything happening to me again. You on the other hand…

Her voice trails off suggestively, and she lets out a low hiss. Her gaze drifts back to the International Heavyweight title on Savannah’s shoulder.

Cordelia Stevenson: Well, I’d definitely be careful if I were you. You know they say sometimes the past has a way of coming back to bite you in the ass.. and then there’s Karma.

A not so subtle reminder that Cordy isn’t the only one on the champ’s heels.

Cordelia Stevenson: You can outrun fate but for so long, chica.

Savannah shakes her head as she offers a slow clap, a sarcastic laugh escaping her lips. The Hall of Famer was definitely a step or seven up from her previous opponent, but that doesn’t mean she’s not prepared to fight.

Savannah Taylor: Bravissima, chica. Now that..that is the Cordy Stevenson that we have come to know and…..accept. I’ve always wondered what would happen if our paths crossed for real, and now I am about to get my wish, aren’t I? We are two very different women who want the same thing.

She said, motioning to the title over her shoulder.

Savannah Taylor: But do you want to know something pretty interesting? Do you want to know what happened to the last person who tried to intimidate me, tried to say I was due for some form of not-Johnny karma? He’s hopefully resting in a morgue somewhere because he sure as hell isn’t here, now is he? You saw what I was willing to do to defend my title.

She glances Cordy up and down, the grip on her title becoming firmer.

Savannah Taylor: Lightning may very well strike twice.

Cordy nods her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: It very well may.

Cordy takes a step forward, inching closer to the champion.

Cordelia Stevenson: But it won’t.

She motions towards the belt with her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: And gripping that belt tighter won’t make it stay any longer. Just know that it’ll be off your hands soon enough. Now I’m not trying to intimidate you, Savannah. I know that will be futile. What I am doing though? Is letting you know that the charade is over and the real is back.

Savannah listens as Codry finishes what she was saying, taking note in the determination etched on her face.

Savannah Taylor: The real may be back, but you’re looking at the bitch who runs this sh*t. THAT is what is real.

Her eyes never leave Cordy’s as she reaches out and pats her on the shoulder.

Savannah Taylor: But good to have you back, chica. Can’t wait to dance with you and Third Wheel Karma.

Cordelia inhales sharply, biting her tongue.

Cordelia Stevenson: Likewise. I… can’t… wait.

Cordy gets ready to move on, but then stops in her tracks.

Cordelia Stevenson: Oh, and Savannah? I understand that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and all of that, but…

She clasps her hands together.

Cordelia Stevenson: I’m gonna need you to never do my moves again. ESPECIALLY, Deadly Seduction.

She scrunches her face up.

Cordelia Stevenson: You just ain’t got the rhythm to make it pop, chica.

With that said, Cordelia gives the champ a smile as she sidesteps around her and goes about her business. Savannah rolls her eyes as she goes to head back in the direction that she came from, but turns around and glances towards the retreating Cordy.

Savannah Taylor: What can I say? I was inspired. Then again, it’s not the only thing I can do better than you.

She blows a kiss to Cordy as she smirks and begins to walk off. The faint echo of Cordy’s laugh can be heard down the corridor as she yells back.

Cordelia Stevenson: Clearly you’re the better comedian as well.

The two women continue going their separate ways as the scene cuts away.

[FGA Office]

Kendall Kingham is in her locker room, pacing back and forth filled with nervous energy. She's already in her ring gear, gaudy custom jacket included, in preparation for her massive match against Sadie San Francisco. Despite the high stakes the two had agreed to, and what a setback could mean for her here, she's still full of positivity.

Kendall Kingham: What's up St. Charles!

Flashing a peace sign, she shoots an earnest toothy smile.

Kendall Kingham: Gonna be honest, last show was kinda ... more of the same for me.

Keeping her hand held up, she waves it a bit to indicate some unsteadiness.

Kendall Kingham: A good showing, almost made it to the end; I think by eliminating Sadie I proved that I wasn't asking for charity or a handout, that I was making that challenge because it wasn't just unfinished business-- it was unfinished business with someone I can go toe to toe with. But end of the day, I came up a little short of being at that top spot, which not gonna lie kinda sucks. Kinda sucks being so close, and still scratching and clawing at that ceiling.

A beat skips.

Kendall Kingham: Which is why this is so important and stuff tonight. Like, not just pride, all that but also? Like this is my chance to take that next step up and I'm only going to get so many of those chances. I gotta prove my worth, that's what this show is all about.

The smile quickly returns to her face though.

Kendall Kingham: But I'm not gonna stress it, the whole draft thing recently and whatnot where I coulda changed brands reminded me how lucky I am. Don't get me wrong, I got here through my hard work, but that hard work taking me here doing what I love performing on the big stage against the best opponents in front of the best fans ... right here in the Flashpoint Zone--

Cheap pop!

Kendall Kingham: That's pretty awesome, and I'm going to remember that, and I'm going to use that to fuel me out there. Let's let the best woman win, Sadie.