Vertigo

[FGA Office]

EARLIER TODAY

Backstage, we find a unique backstage interview setup. A black table supports the FGA World championship. In a chair to the right of the belt sits the Mindkiller, Izzy Anders. The camera zooms out slightly to fully take in the scene. To the left, is the FGA World champion, Fujiko Mine. She sits in a red bodysuit, the bottom part covered with jeans. In a chair behind the title sits Spencer Burke, looking directly into the camera.

Spencer Burke: Good evening FGA faithful, and thank you for tuning in. Tonight, I’ll be bringing you an exclusive sit-down interview with the FGA World Champion and her challenger.

Spencer nods his head before he turns at looks at both women.

Spencer Burke: Thank you for joining me.

Fujiko Mine: A pleasure, Spencer.

Izzy shoots a small wave at Spencer.

Izzy Anders:How it’s hanging, Spence?

Spencer smiles at the familiar gesture before checking over his notes. Izzy, meanwhile, shoots a small look at the World Championship before rising said gaze all the way up Fujiko before returning back to the friendly interviewer.

Spencer Burke: We’re a week away from Above & Beyond, one of our biggest annual supershows. As we have determined, it will be you two adding on another chapter of this rivalry that I said last week was one of FGA’s most defining. Now we have you both here, and I’ve noticed that you two have been relatively quiet about this...so what’s the deal there, if you don’t mind me prying?

Izzy cackles loudly, falling back in her chair in the process. It unsettles Spencer a bit, but he knows how Izzy operates at this point.

Izzy Anders: You don’t have to dance around it. I don’t think we’ve been hiding from one another. It’s just that...what is there to talk about? I mean, there probably is but we all know what the prevailing, miserable thoughts are. So why don’t you present one? Let’s see if you’re right. You normally are, my friend.

Spencer nods, having regained his composure after Izzy’s outburst.

Spencer Burke: That’s fair. Well, I guess I’ll just go ahead and ask about the rumors about your true intentions, Izzy. Cordy Stevenson presented the idea that many fans have been wondering. Years ago, this same kind of situation presented itself, with Cordy, and on that night was when Heroes Never Die was born. Now, you’ve always been known to be a bit of a Cheshire Cat. You tell everyone about your honest ways but there’s clear evidence of you deceiving people. The fans, your fellow wrestlers, and even the FGA Board of Administration. I’d like to think that those days are behind you, but it lingers in the air nonetheless.

Izzy’s demeanor grows uncomfortable upon hearing Spencer express himself. There was no time more prevalent than when she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes in an indiscernible matter.

Izzy Anders: No one knows what Izzy Anders is thinking. I’ve heard that before. It’s nothing new. I carry my sins like any other person. I did some damage to FGA. I have the trophy to prove it. There are people who will never like me. Dom Harter. Johnny Karma. Chandler Scott. At one point, Fujiko Mine was in that category. There are many reasons why I’ve invited the ire and disdain of my peers.

Izzy uncoils her arms.

Izzy Anders: I have led a rebellion against FGA, where I tortured the poster child of the company for months. I organized a band of like-minded people to protect my ideology. I nearly ended a man’s career for attacking me. I even gave my boss a concussion before I got fired. I apparently helped put a pause to the career of one of FGA’s most beloved stars. But do I regret any of it?

The Mindkiller pauses.

Izzy Anders: No, I don’t think I do. If you go back through each thing that I’ve done, I’ve done it not for my personal gain but for something that I believed in. Now was I misguided? Perhaps. Just maybe I took things a bit far, but FGA has always been that way. The red color that symbolizes FGA didn’t come from anything but the blood that runs through each of our bodies. Many horrible things have happened in FGA, and I can say that my rampage was one of them. But in all of that time, I can say that I never lied. And furthermore, I have never lied to Fujiko.

Izzy cracks a small, but ever visible smile.

Izzy Anders: Each time we fought until the time that we came together as a team, I’ve been honest with her. My hate, my adoration, and my friendship--all of it was there for her to see and I never once tried to put it behind some veil. It’s the end of the line now. Match four. This time for the biggest prize in FGA--no, in wrestling today. If I was going to stab Fujiko, I wouldn’t stab her in the back. Spencer, you know that I’m a reckless girl that wouldn’t hesitate to stab someone in the heart, to their face.

There’s a pregnant pause as Spencer processes the words.

Izzy Anders: And that’s not the plan. Not ever. On my end, this is not another game of manipulation. This is me trying to take home that belt and it just so happens that my biggest rival is in front of me this time. It is my time to prove that my whole walk to this moment wasn’t something of a master plan. It’s just me trying to do my best.

Fujiko’s expression has stayed stoic throughout Izzy’s words. The only motion from her side comes as a light tapping of her right foot, striking nothing in front of her.

Fujiko Mine: It will be refreshing to defend the FGA championship against someone who does not take me or my journey for granted.

She stares directly at Izzy as she speaks.

Fujiko Mine: Beating Evan Envi was sweet in many ways. Doing so in my hometown would be the reason that everyone jumps towards. That night was electric. But it wasn’t just that. Evan, I feel, never really acknowledged the danger I present, Spencer. He invoked me as a danger, he invoked me as a ‘demon’ for what I felt I did to him, but he didn’t really properly respect the level I have achieved. He never really acknowledged how dangerous I was. He just seemed to be…

She finally shows a flicker of emotion as she searches for the phrase she wants.

Fujiko Mine:… annoyed that he had to defend against me. So to put him down, to end his reign felt good.

She slowly uncrosses her legs, then recrosses them with the opposite leg on top this time.

Fujiko Mine: You want to bring up history, Spencer. That’s been the history of Fujiko Mine. Even when presented as the ‘favorite’, my ability, my resolve, my drive, and my journey has rarely been truly respected. Take my opponent later on tonight, Sara Mason.

A bitter chuckle slips past her plush lips.

Fujiko Mine: She doesn’t want to acknowledge that Izzy and I beat her and Erin for those US tag team championships. She doesn’t want to acknowledge that I set the pace for the Pride division. She doesn’t want to acknowledge that I took beatings from The New Murder and refused to back down. She doesn’t want to acknowledge that tonight? She’s out of her depth with me. Instead, she wants to insinuate that I slept my way to this.

Her left hand gives a quick swipe of her championship.

Fujiko Mine: It maybe helps her feel like she has a handle on the situation to lie like she has been. To showcase her envy that she is not granted the attention I have been given. But she isn’t the only one.

Fujiko finally tears her gaze away from Izzy, and to Spencer. After a moment, she looks back at her title and continues.

Fujiko Mine: Marlon Cure told the world the reason he lost to me the first time was because I ‘caught him slippin’. He spun it how he could, but at All Star Showdown? I showed him there was no fluke. He couldn’t keep me down. Chris Madison told the world that I wasn’t that good when he beat me for the Pride title. But he suddenly became quiet when I bested him for it months later. In fact, he left the company for a bit after. Molly Reid told the world she would never lose to me. Not only did she, but this is the first time anyone’s even bothered to mention her in nearly a year. You’re welcome, by the way.

An eyeroll precedes her following statement.

Fujiko Mine: Even Dom Harter has the absolute gall to tell anyone who will listen that he’ll regain this, meanwhile; he can’t even bring himself to name WHO it is that holds it now. He’s begging and pleading internally for anyone not named Fujiko to be FGA World champion. Because he knows that as long as I have it? He can’t even dream of winning.

The Apex Goddess takes a second, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face, training it behind her ear.

Fujiko Mine: It’s a miracle of whatever higher power you believe in that I haven’t burned this place to the ground, Spencer. Don’t you think? The monumental amounts of disrespect I’ve had to endure. People getting stuck on my first year here, when people would look at me and say ‘She’ll never get to the top.’ When I was considered just eye candy. So to go from that...to this match?

Her lips pull up into an eerie smile.

Fujiko Mine: It’s like a first breath after almost drowning.

Spencer Burke: Not to be the one to remind you of this, but you've yet to defeat your rival-turned tag team partner. Your thoughts on that?

Fujiko lets out a knowing sigh.

Fujiko Mine: It’s true. History would be the first to tell you, but I’d be the second. I approach this match with no fear in my heart. Maybe that’s the difference.

Fujiko reclines slightly in her seat. Her gaze retrains on the Mindkiller.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve won gold at every level in this company, Spencer. I’ve earned the Wrestler of the Year accolade. I completed the Grand Slam. I dare even say I’m a first ballot hall of famer in FGA. I won the title the naysayers were sure I’d never touch, and I did it in my own backyard. But there’s one thing I still have to do.

Her head tilts slightly to the left.

Fujiko Mine: I have to beat Izzy Anders.

She lets the statement linger in the air for a few moments.

Fujiko Mine: I don’t blame her for this, but curious minds have to wonder. Is that the key? Is it because my desire to be a two time Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion was halted by Izzypop_NS? Was it because my run towards establishing myself as the best Pride champion of all time came to an end at the hands of the Mindkiller? When it has mattered most, the universe has placed this person in my path to stop me. And it’s worked. Every time, it has worked.

She grabs the FGA world championship off the table, pulling it defensively into her lap.

Fujiko Mine: So maybe, if I beat her...people will finally realize I’m not just a photogenic woman on social media. Maybe they’ll realize I’m not just a hashtag. Maybe they’ll realize I am the most resilient creature FGA has ever seen. Maybe they’ll respect me enough to know that I don’t need protecting. Maybe, not just the fans will know that I am the absolute best.

She draws the championship a little closer to herself.

Fujiko Mine: Whether or not it’s the truth, I need to win. I can’t afford to be wrong.

Izzy pipes up.

Izzy Anders: That’s what this is about. This is the climax of our story. A fight for respect. A fight for ourselves and what we most want. So it’s not just a battle of who is better but about who is the one who can push themselves the most to get that victory. I may have had the upper hand but Fujiko’s fighting at a place that she hasn’t before.

She turns her attention to Fujiko.

Izzy Anders: But the question you should be asking, Spencer, is what happens after the match? If I win, what does it mean for her. If she wins, what does it mean for me? Or finally, what does it mean for the two of us?

Fujiko places the championship so that it faces outwards, and gives up a small smile.

Fujiko Mine: We can’t answer that now. But we will soon. And I will tell you this for sure.

Fujiko leans forward in her seat.

Fujiko Mine: It will be the greatest match in FGA history.

Spencer Burke: Well, uh...thank you ladies for your time. Izzy Anders vs. Fujiko Mine. A rematch literally years in the making. We wish you the best in your match. Thank you for tuning in, I’m Spencer Burke.

Fujiko and Izzy staring into each other’s eyes is the last thing the viewer sees before the FGA logo crossfades in, then we fade to black.

[FGA Office]

Marlon Cure vs. Chris Madison

Cure gains the early advantage on Madison with a pair of japanese arm drags after an irish whip. Madison is then sent back into the ropes with another irish whip, only to get thrown back down with a hip toss. Cure follows up with a standing moonsault for an early two count. King Cure moves the action against the ropes, where Madison is on the receiving end of multiple knife edge chops. This time, Madison reverses an irish whip, sending the 2019 Gold Rush Rumble winner into the far ropes. When Cure comes back, Madison grabs him by the back of the neck, runs and tosses him over the top rope. Luckily for Cure, he lands safely on the apron, Madison then rushes forward to attack when Cure slides back in between his legs. When Madison turns around, Cure returns to his feet with a kip up before following up with a Pelé Kick, which knocks Madison through the ropes and to the apron. After Cure slingshots out to the apron, he rushes over and executes a Sling Blade on Madison across the apron! Madison bounces off the apron before hitting the floor. Cure rolls himself back inside before waiting impatiently for Madison to get into position. Once he does, Cure takes off into the far ropes. When Cure returns, Madison cuts him off with a Lou Thesz Press, followed by 12-to-6 elbows!

Madison moves the action into the corner by placing Cure in a Muay Thai clinch. From there, Madison follows up with alternating knees to the body, followed by a jumping knee to the face that causes Cure to slump down in the corner. Madison quickly steps back towards the center of the ring. He then charges forward and throws out a bicycle knee to Cure’s face. But Cure’s able to slip out of the way, causing Madison’s knee to come in contact with the middle turnbuckle pad. After Madison stumbles back, he drops down to a knee. This allows for Cure to bring him down with a Throwback for a two count. Cure then brings Madison back to his feet before hitting the ropes. When Cure returns, Madison hoists him up before bringing him down with a Pop-up Codebreaker for a two count! Madison picks up Cure before whipping him back into the ropes. When Cure returns, Madison throws out a yakuza kick when Cure stops and catches his foot. After swinging Madison’s leg away from him, the crowd gasps when Cure tries to go for the Moment of Clarity (reverse somersault DDT) when Madison blocks and keeps him held across his shoulder. The former two-time Pride Champion runs forward and motions for a lawn dart when Cure slips down from behind and shoves him into the ropes. When Madison returns, Cure throws him down with a running Spanish Fly! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Cure steps out to the apron before waiting impatiently for Madison to get back once. Once Madison is back to his feet, he looks around for Cure. Before Madison can turn around to face him, Cure connects with a springboard diving side kick to the back of the head, sending Madison stumbling across the ring before slipping through the ropes and falling to the floor. Cure returns to the apron. This side, on the side of the ring near the announce table. Madison starts to stir before picking himself up on the outside. But he doesn’t stay standing for long as Cure knocks him down with an Asai Moonsault! Cure brings Madison back inside and goes to follow up with a topé atomico. But Madison blocks by getting his knees up. Madison then pulls Cure up before bringing him down with a Colt 45 Backbreaker! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Cure gets his shoulder up.

Madison brings Cure back to his feet and hits him with low leg kicks to the knee before connecting with a flying knee strike. The strike causes Cure’s head to snap back before he stumbles back into the ropes. While Cure is dazed, Madison turn and takes off into the far ropes. When Madison returns, he connects with a running yakuza kick that sends Cure flipping over the top rope and to the floor! Frankie Morrison can be seen applauding his client on the outside while Madison circles the ring. Madison turns and sees Cure picking himself up on the outside. So Madison takes off towards the far side of the ring. He bounces off the ropes, charges forward and hurls himself over the top rope before taking Cure out with a High Jump Moonsault!!! The crowd erupts with cheers and applause at the athletic display from Madison. Cure is then pulled back to his feet before being rolled back inside. Madison then rolls himself back in before making the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! The crowd boos after Cure gets his shoulder up.

Madison pulls Cure back to his feet before throwing him down with a pumphandle slam. While Cure is sprawled out on the mat, Madison steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Once he gets to the top, he leaps off for a diving double foot stomp. At the last second, Cure rolls out of the way to avoid getting stomped. Madison lands on his feet before rolling forward. After Madison rolls back to his feet and turns around, he sees a charging Cure approaching. Madison goes to counter with another pop-up Codebreaker. But Cure counters with a pop-up dropkick to the face, knocking Madison down. Cure then picks Madison back up before whipping him into the ropes. When Madison returns, Cure jumps up, flips back and spikes him with a Frankensteiner! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Madison gets the shoulder up.

Cure exits out to the apron before posing for the crowd. As he tries to climb the turnbuckles, Madison scrambles back to his feet before rushing into the corner. The crowd gasps when Madison runs up to the middle ropes, grabs Cure and goes to lift him up for a brainbuster!!! But Cure counters with a knee to the head on the way up. After Madison lowers him back down, Cure shoves Madison off the ropes and sends him down to the canvas. King Cure then stands up on the top turnbuckle, walks halfway across the top rope and then flips off for the Reign Storm (ropewalk Corkscrew 630° senton)! HE MISSES!! The crowd erupts with cheers when Madison rolls out of the way, causing Cure to crash across the mat! After both grapplers return to their feet, Madison lifts Cure up onto his shoulders before swinging him down hard with an Alabama Slam! He drops down into a lateral press for the cove. ONE! TWO! T-NO! The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Madison lifts Cure up for another Colt 45 Backbreaker. This time, Cure kicks his legs until he’s able to slip down from behind. Madison turns around and gets caught with a back kick to the midsection. With Madison doubled over, Cure hits the far ropes. He leaps over the ring for a flying forearm bash. But Madison catches him in mid air and counters with a spinebuster! He rolls across Cure and hooks the near leg for the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! The crowd sighs again when Cure gets the shoulder up. Madison picks up Cure, takes control of his back and runs him chest-first into the ropes before executing a backwards roll into a German Suplex. NO! Cure rotates in the air and lands on his feet! Once Madison gets back to a vertical base, Cure rushes over and throws out a yakuza kick. But Madison caches his foot. He then swings Cure’s leg away from him and takes control of his back again. Before Madison can go for another backwards roll into a German Suplex, Cure counters with multiple back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, the crowd gasps when Cure goes for another Moment of Clarity. But once again, Madison catches him across his shoulder. He then rushes forward before dropping Cure throat-first across the top rope with the snake eyes. While Cure stumbles back, Madison locks him in a Sleeper Hold before throwing him down with a Sleeper Suplex! Madison makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Madison pulls Cure back to his feet before hooking his arms from behind. He then throws Cure down with a bridging Dragon Suplex!

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

The crowd groans after Cure kicks out.

Madison takes control of Cure’s back when Cure counters with more back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Cure shoves him into the ropes. When Madison returns, he ducks a clothesline and counters with a floatover into a standing guillotine! Madison looks around at the crowd before spinning in place. He then lifts Cure up off the mat to deliver the Helicopter Guillotine! The crowd cheers and counts with each rotation.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

“NINE!”

“TEN!”

After the tenth rotation, Madison lets go, sending Cure flying across the ring. A dazed Madison then staggers over into the nearby ropes. After Madison regains his balance, he heads back over to Cure. He pulls Cure up off the mat before taking control of his back. He throws out Comatosed (ripcord rolling elbow). But Cure ducks and counters with the Moment of Clarity! The boos continue as Cure sets Madison up for the Coming of Age (double wristlock knee strike to a kneeling opponent)! Just before Cure can strike, Madison rolls back on the mat, gets back to his feet and blasts Cure with a bicycle knee strike! While Cure is dazed, Madison takes control of his back before dropping him down with Comatosed! The capacity crowd is at a fever pitch! After Cure is pulled back to his feet by the tights, Madison lifts him up onto his shoulders to set up the End Game (electric chair lift dropped into a bridging German Suplex)! Just as he’s about to drop Cure, Cure counters with right hands to the top of the head. Cure then slips down from behind before throwing Madison down with a ripcord slingblade! The boos continue as Cure reaches down, grabs both of Madison’s wrists and pulls him into place before knocking his head back with the Coming of Age! The boos grow louder after Madison is pulled off the mat and lifted across Cure’s shoulders. Cure looks out before dropping Madison with The Blackout (fireman’s carry dropped into an overhead kick)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Winner: Marlon Cure (12:37)

BREAK

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke:Welcome back, folks, and joining me right now is the challenger in tonight's main event, Sara...

Rather than give Burke the opportunity to dispense with the formalities, Erin Mariani marches into shot and plucks the microphone out of his hand and fixes him with an icy glare telling him that his presence is no longer required - or, for that matter, wasn't requested in the first place, but tropes are tropes and the minimum amount of lip service needs to be paid to them, a message made abundantly clear when Sara Mason barges in and shoves Burke into the chest so he gets the hell out of her shot, and as Mason gives an almost feral glare in Burke's direction to make sure he isn't going to be stepping into shot anytime soon Mariani slinks out of shot to allow her partner the floor

Slowly turning to the camera, feral look still etched upon her face, Mason breathes heavily for a few seconds as she clearly seems to be psyching herself up to unleash a string of invective...and then adopts an almost pleasant-sounding tone as she begins

Sara Mason: Hi, Fujiko, do you remember me? I'm sure you do, because I'm sure you're not so riddled with self interest that you fail to recognise anyone else within this locker room unless you think they can do something that will benefit you and only you.

Dropping the act entirely, Mason's eyes appear to fill with some kind of eldritch darkness as she glares at the camera with the sort of look that says she does not, will not, and has not ever given the mildest hint of a fuck about what the likes of Fujiko Mine say or think

Sara Mason: No doubt you're currently somewhere else in this building, dismissing everything that I have ever done because that's the way in which you operate. Oh no, it doesn't matter that you tried to steal...

Pausing to let out an irritated growl, Mason hoiks up the tag team belt she's been dragging along the ground as if it's worthless so she can show it to camera

Sara Mason: ...this, and you thought you and your pretend best friend got away with it, going so far as to run to teacher and hide behind her because you didn't want to give it back. Well you didn't give it back, we took them back, and you've been trying to convince anyone who will listen that wasn't the case ever since. And that, Fujiko, is why I'm coming for you tonight: because we know we can take something from you, because we've done it - and that just kills you inside because it doesn't fit the safe, plastic exterior of yours to know that when things got gritty, you couldn't so much as bear to chip a nail and it cost you.

Letting out a coquettish giggle, which sounds anything buy sweet or innocent, Mason momentarily smiles - and then it's like a switch has been flicked, and the smile vanishes from her face in an instant

Sara Mason: But of course, everyone's supposed to love you Fujiko, everyone's supposed to cheer at everything you say and do because that's what they are supposed to do, as all you need to do is give a wink, a giggle, a quick shake of your behind and everyone whose brain swings between their legs falls in line so why bother trying to be different? What works for you works for so many people like you, and it sickens me. There is no substance behind your eyes, Fujiko, just an infinite well of despair because you fear that one day time will get it's cold, skeletal fingers around your throat and you'll look pathetic, and that thought terrifies you because when that happens no wink, no giggle and no shake of your behind will make people give you the love you crave, it'll just cause people to laugh at you. Not to your face, but behind you back, and that will sink the knife into your heart that little bit deeper won't it?

Appearing to enjoy the imagery, Mason runs her tongue across her bottom lip as a grin forms upon her face

Sara Mason: Or do you think I'm making that up? Do you think I don't have experience of so many people like you in my life, people who are so desperate to remain popular all they do is punch down their entire lives onto anyone they see as an easy target? People such as, for one example, the girl who was "weird" because she preferred horror movies and death metal to whatever conformist shit the popular kids liked? The girl who wanted to be left alone because she didn't have a gaggle of apes encouraging her to be the biggest bitch she could be, but instead she was pushed and pushed until one day she realised she didn't have to put up with that bullsh*t and pushed back - right between the eyes of the popular little princess, breaking her nose in two places and leaving her unable to do nothing but scream as the blood never seemed to stop flowing as her group of friends backed the hell off in case they were next.

Pausing for a second, Mason actually winks to camera while twisting a strand of her hair around her finger

Sara Mason: And that's the part you should worry about, Fujiko: how can a wink, a giggle or a shake of your behind appeal to people when the only thing they'll see is your nose splattered across your face? All they'll see is the blood and the damage, and they'll only think of who did it. I did it.

Cocking her head to one side, Mason looks displeased about what she said

Sara Mason: But that's the problem, Fujiko: a broken nose and a spot of blood is passe. I don't want to hurt you, that's easy, I want to destroy you. I want to hear the fear in your voice as you realise that I'm not here to play, and I'm certainly not here to pin you to the mat for three seconds, but because I'm here to make sure you have to forfeit that title because you cannot bear the thought of stepping out in public and having your visage disgust everyone who sees it. I want to see you try and wink when half your face is swollen shut, I want to see you try and giggle when your vocal chords have been crushed, and I want to see you try and shake your behind when you've had your spine snapped in half not because I thought it was the only way to end the match, but because I thought it was the quickest way to end you. And that's what you need to understand, I'm going to cost you the title tonight not because I pinned you, but either because the referee took pity on you or because the medics say there's no way in hell you'll be walking within thirty days, let alone wrestling. And when I have finished ruining your life, I'll be making my customary visit to Flashpoint to see if Neal Durden is still feeling so chatty, or if he and his partner are thinking it's in their best interests to give us what we want so we will go away. But no matter what, the only way you'll be paying attention to that is with a solitary tear running down your cheek as you watch my success while all you can do is feel every last psychological scar I inflicted upon you as you realise that no matter what they dose you up with, the pain will not go away.

Having finished her diatribe, Mason lets out a girlish giggle as if she was talking about a subject so much lighter than crippling and disfiguring an opponent just because, and without a moment's thought she lobs the microphone in the direction of Spencer Burke as she and Mariani wordlessly leave the frame to plan for tonight's main event.

[FGA Office]

DYNAMIC DUOS TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT (SEMIFINALS)
The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers vs. Carina Eventide & Laurel Anne Hardy

“What a Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke hits the arena speakers while Ethan Giles takes time shaking hands with every fan at ringside. After shaking hands with the ring announcer, he makes his way over to the announce table and shakes hands with both “Tough” Guy Rambo and Stephy Auger. When Giles enters the ring, he gives a big wave to all the fans in attendance.

The lights go down in the arena, save for the spotlight over the entrance ramp. With each crescendo of bass-y reverb before the music begins, the stage lights flash, separated by the sped-up vocal sample of "House Train". It's when the beat picks up and Stormzy starts rapping that the stage erupts in a flurry of smoke and pyrotechnics, revealing a triumphant Blaise Fader. She leaps forward into the spotlight, shooting a pair of Victory V's in the air as sparks from the pyro rain down on her. Keeping with the upbeat, frenetic tempo of her music, Blaise makes her way down the ramp, slapping hands and taking part in selfies with fans, making it a point to lap the ringside area for high fives all around. Not exactly fit enough to dive through the ropes or leap onto the ring apron, Blaise takes the steel steps and vaults herself over the ropes, working the crowd on each side of the ring. She raises Victory V's from each turnbuckle. From there, she shadowboxes her corner, ready for her opponents.

We begin with the relative darkness and silence we've grown accustomed to...

Voice: Ladies and gentlemen, Carina Eventide and Laurel Anne Hardy proudly present to you... Anima Mundi.

...white light flares in the centre of it, before coalescing into a shining circle, made up from scores and scores, maybe hundreds, of LEDs. The white fades into blue and green, becoming oceans and continents gently spinning in space, once again accompanied by the swell of "Synergy" by Tash Sultana. Two pinpricks in particular glimmer brighter on the turning globe: one just around the centre of Chile, the other in north Wales. A few others flicker briefly here and there - Hokkaido, Galicia, northwest India - but with neither the intensity nor constancy of those initial two. Gradually, the blue, green and white bleed together to form a pale turquoise circle...

...which splits open, riven by jagged black cracks from the top down - from which two creatures burst forth! One, a scarlet dragon. The other, a golden bird. They begin to whirl about each other in an acrobatic display, their respective long tail and plumage drawing out behind them like ribbons, before they dance toward the ring playfully - twisting past and through one another, weaving together and splitting apart, taking curious little nips at each other.

Once they reach the ring, they mount opposite turnbuckles and both suddenly spread their wings out wide, seeming to glow even brighter. The lights snap on to reveal Carina Eventide and Laurel Anne Hardy, who get right to hyping up the crowd. They're clad in elaborate headdresses and cloaks; Eventide is the golden alicanto of Chile, while Hardy is the Welsh red dragon. After jumping down to the ring they both shed their robes to reveal matching ring gear - crop tops, ribboned armbands and long tights, stitched together from scraps of the flags of, if not quite every country in the world, probably most of them. Laurel's accents (soles, laces, ribbons, hems) are in bright red; Carina's are in gold.

Before the match begins, the crowd cheers both teams as all four grapplers exchange handshakes. The bell then sounds with Hardy and Giles starting things off for their respective teams. The Gentlest Man gains the early advantage with a side headlock. He then quickly performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock. After Hardy spins out and reverses into a hammerlock of her own, Giles reaches forward, grabs one of Hardy’s legs and pulls it out from under her, bringing the former FGA World Tag Team Champion to the mat. Still with a hold of the leg, Giles turns around before flipping over into a jackknife pin for a two count. Hardy bridges up, turns, hooks both of Giles’ arms and then brings him down with the Winter Garden Photograph (sitout butterfly throatbreaker)! The GentleGrappler immediately drops to the mat and clutches his throat before Hardy makes the cover. But Giles is able to kick out at two.

Giles proceeds to to flop all over the ring after getting caught with multiple headbutts from Hardy. The last of which sends Giles stumbling into the corner. Giles tries to shake out the cobwebs when Hardy comes in and doubles him over with a Hadouken to the midsection. She then delivers an irish whip before following him across the ring into the opposite corner. Instead of crashing into the corner, Giles counters with a corner slingshot headscissors takedown. Hardy gets back up and rushes back over at Giles. But Giles is ready and brings her down with a hip toss. An arm drag returns Hardy to the mat. Hardy gets sent down with a second arm drag. Then, Giles rushes forward before executing an overflow arm drag, sending Hardy underneath the bottom rope and to the floor. With Hardy on the outside, Giles claps his hands. The capacity crowd takes their cue from the kindest man in all of wrestling and follows suit. Giles then hits the ropes. When he comes back, Hardy rolls back in and goes to cut him off with a Hadouken. Giles ducks the blow by sliding underneath it. He then pops back up and runs at Hardy. Hardy avoids contact with a leap frog before Giles runs the ropes. When he returns, he stops dead in his tracks when Hardy plops down into a Lady of the Lady. There are some laughs from the crowd as Giles tilts his head to the side and looks on with confusion. He looks over to Blaise Fader for advice. Fader motions for Giles to try and spin Hardy. Giles obliges and spins Hardy like a top. But he can’t get Hardy free. He then tries to roll her across the ring in a circle. But once again, he’s unable to get Hardy’s shoulders to the mat for a pin. Giles puts his hands on his hips before scratching his head in confusion. Giles then begins to slowly circle Hardy while he rubs his chin. Giles looks out to the adoring crowd. A member of the crowd points out that Hardy’s got her hand out for him. Giles then gives the fan an enthusiastic thumbs up before heading over to grab the hand. But it’s all a ploy by Hardy who brings him down to the mat. Giles turns over onto a knee and snaps his fingers, as if to say “gosh darnit, she got me!” Giles gives Hardy a tip of the cap gesture before the two circle the ring once more.

A lock up ensues. Giles gain the advantage with another side headlock before Hardy shoves him off into the ropes. Upon his return, she goes for a leapfrog. But Giles is able to catch her across his shoulders. This causes the crowd to erupt with cheers as he’s got Hardy set up for the Piggy Back Ride (Airplane Spin)! Giles starts to execute the move until Hardy slips down from behind and bringing Giles down with Dragon’s Breath (full nelson into split leg bulldog) for a two count.

Carina Eventide gets tagged in before she whips Giles into the ropes. When he returns, Eventide knocks him off his feet with a dropsault for a two count. Eventide goes for another irish whip. This time, Giles reverses. When Eventide returns, Giles brings her down with a drop toe hold before traping her in a leg lock wedgie! While Eventide desperate tries to free her leg, Giles makes the tag out to Fader. Fader rushes over before squashing Eventide with a running senton. Eventide gets caught with a leg drop across the back of the neck shortly thereafter. Faders then hoists Eventide from up off the mat before throwing her down with a deadlift powerbomb for a two count! Eventide is then whipped into the ropes before Fader flatters her with a hip attack off the rebound. Fader points to each section of the crowd before hitting the ropes. When she returns, she goes to drop the leg across Eventide again. This time, Eventide rolls out of the way. With Fader still in a seated position, Eventide knocks her flush against the mat with the Bubble Burst II (soccer kick to a sitting opponent)! Eventide makes the cover. But Fader is able to shove Eventide off her chest once the count reaches two. Eventide does a double take over the display of strength from Fader.

After Fader gets back to a vertical base, Eventide rushes over before executing a running hurricanrana. Fader is then brought back down to the mat with a double rotation tilt-a-whirl headscissors from Eventide. Eventide then brings Faders back down. This time, with a rolling hurricanrana. She reaches back and hooks a leg for the cover. But Fader kicks out at two. Hardy gets tagged back in. After Eventide and Hardy move Fader against the ropes, they whip her into the far ropes. Fader bounces off the ropes, returns and runs over then both with a simultaneous running shoulder block! Hardy and Eventide return to their feet, only to get returned to the mat with a simultaneous flapjack from Fader! Fader then tries for a simultaneous deadlift vertical suplex to Hardy and Eventide. But on the way up, Hardy and Eventide each counter with a knee to the head. Once Fader lowers then back down, Hardy catches the doubled over Fader with a Punctum (knee strike to the side of the head). After Fader drops down to a knee, Eventide hits the ropes, returns and knocks her down to all fours with a somersault axe kick. Hardy then hits the far ropes. When she returns, she flattens Fader with the Anus Horriblis (step-off seated senton to the back of the head of an opponent on all fours)! Hardy makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Fader gets the shoulder up at two.

As the match continues, a pair of Hadoukens double Fader over. Hardy then sets up for another Winter Garden Photograph when Fader, while still trapped in the double underhook, muscles Hardy up and bridges back for a pin. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Hardy lets go of the double underhook and pushes Fader off of her. Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Fader meets Hardy with a knife edge chop. Before Hardy can answer back, Fader catches her with another knife edge chop. Hardy’s the recipient of another stinging chop before Fader delivers a European Uppercut. Hardy responds with a Battlegrounds Uppercut (European Uppercut while pushing the opponent’s head down with the other hand)! Fader delivers another European Uppercut! Hardy responds with another Battlegrounds Uppercut! Fader fires off another European Uppercut! Hardy connects with another Battlegrounds Uppercut! Fader then delivers two European Uppercuts! Hardy delivers three Battlegrounds Uppercuts! Fader then delivers four European Uppercuts! She then cuts Hardy off with four more European Uppercuts!! Fader then goes to knock Hardy off her feet with a forearm smash when Hardy ducks and counters with a headbutt! Fader shakes off the blow before connecting with a headbutt of her down! Hardy drops to a knee. She shakes off the blow as she gets back to her feet. She then lunges forward and catches Fader with another headbutt! Fader grabs Hardy by the head with both hands, leans back and then swings forward, cracking Hardy with a headbutt that sends the artist stumbling back!! As Fader approaches Hardy shakes off the blow before rushing forward and ramming the top of her her into Fader’s face!! She then quickly grabs Fader by the head with both hands and returns the favor with another headbutt! With Fader dazed, Hardy turns and hits the ropes. When she returns, she goes for the Gáe Buide when Fader counters with a knee lift that knocks Hardy upright. Fader then follows up by lifting Hardy up into a bear hug!

Eventide, along with the capacity crowd, are seen trying to rally behind Hardy. Fader, meanwhile, keeps the hold applied strongly as she squeezes as hard as she can. She does her best to drain the energy out of Hardy. But Hardy won’t go down without a fight. After refusing multiple chances to quit, Hardy reaches up with both hands and pushes Fader’s head back. She then lunges forward and connects with a headbutt. A second headbutt connects. Then a third. Once the hold is broken, Hardy slips down, hooks both of Fader’s arm and unleashes a flurry of trapping headbutts! With Fader dazed, Hardy turns and hits the ropes. When she returns, Fader tries to cut her off with a Thesz Press. But Hardy counters with a Gáe Buide in mid air, resulting in an eruption of cheers and applause from the crowd!!!

Both Eventide and Giles can be seen in their respective corners calling for a tag. Meanwhile, the capacity crowd remains red hot for both teams. Dueling chants of “LET’S GO, HARDY!”/“LET’S GO, FADER!” fill up the arena. Both Hardy and Fader begin to crawl towards their corners. Giles holds his arm out for the tag while Eventide is seen bouncing up and down on the apron. Back in the center of the ring, Hardy rolls forward before leaping into the corner to tag Eventide back in! Once Eventide gets in, rushes over, leaps across the ring and grabs a hold of Fader’s leg. Eventide gets back to her feet and tries to drag Fader back towards the center of the ring by the ankle. But Fader is able to lunge forward and tag Giles back in! Once Giles gets in, he blocks a punch to the face by grabbing Eventide’s wrist. He then sends her flipping down to the mat with a hard arm wrench. Eventide returns to her feet, only to get returned to the mat with a side headlock takedown. He then reaches over and hooks the near leg for the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Eventide turns him over into a grounded crucifix for the pin! ONE! TWO! Giles kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Eventide throws out a kick to the midsection. Giles catches her foot and then wags his finger at her before swinging the leg away from him. Eventide then uses the momentum to counter with a Pelé Kick! While Giles is dazed, Eventide hits the ropes. When she returns, she throws out a discus lariat. Giles then ducks, floats over and lands in a front facelock. He then takes Eventide by the arm, wrenches it, locks hands, rushes towards the corner, runs up to the top turnbuckle and then brings Eventide down with a split-legged arm drag. As Eventide gets back to her feet in the center of the ring, Giles rushes over to attack. Eventide goes to counter with the Red Cube (pop-up powerbomb). But Giles counters with a headscissors takedown. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Eventide kicks out. Eventide then reverses an irish whip, sending Giles into the ropes. She goes to catch Giles off the rebound with a back body drop when Giles slips down from behind and rolls her up with Rough Housing (O’Connor Roll)! ONE! TWO! T-NO! Hardy breaks up the pin by nailing Giles in the side of the head with the Punctum! Hardy goes to head back towards her corner when Fader comes up from behind, grabs Hardy and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. While Hardy picks herself up on the outside, Fader hits the far ropes, comes back and flattens her with the Pip Pip Cheer-Hilo (slingshot somersault senton)! Fader returns to her feet, only to get knocked against the guard rail with a high impact suicide dive from Eventide! Once Eventide is back up on the apron, Giles grabs a hold of her and goes to bring her back inside with a vertical suplex. But Eventide slips down from behind and returns the favor with an O’Connor Roll of her own! ONE! TWO! Giles pushes Eventide off of him, sending her into the ropes. When she returns, Giles sits up before throwing Eventide down with a grounded monkey flip. Eventide gets back up, but Giles brings her back down with a standing double leg takedown. After hooking both arms around her legs, Giles executes the WEEEEEEEEEE (Giant Swing)! The crowd cheers and counts along with each rotation.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE”!

“SIX!”

“SEV-”

Hardy cuts Giles off with a Legitimate Haafu Businesswoman Kick (Yakuza Kick)! Hardy rushes over to the returning Fader and throws out another Legitimate Haafu Businesswoman Kick. This time, her foot gets caught. Fader swings Hardy’s leg away from her before lifting her up across her shoulders and applying the Torture Rack! Fader keeps the submission applied until she transitions into the Coventry Blitz (argentine powerbomb)! Fader then grabs Hardy by the legs before hoisting her up for the Pull-up Piledriver! While Hardy is held upside down, Eventide counters with a gamengiri, causing Fader to drop Hardy and stumble back. Eventide then hits the far ropes. When she returns, she lunges herself at Fader with a crossbody block, sending them both over the top rope! While Fader hits the floor, Eventide hangs on by the top rope. She then pulls herself back into the ring by “skinning the cat.” The moment Eventide turns around, Giles leans forward before lifting her up across his shoulders for the Piggy Back Ride! Before Giles can execute the move, Eventide swings around and plants him with a DDT! Eventide returns to her feet with a kip up before pulling Giles back to his feet. The crowd erupts with cheers when Eventide brings him down with the Silver Star (standing sitout shiranui)! She reaches forward and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Winners: Carina Eventide & Laurel Anne Hardy (19:16)

BREAK

[FGA Office]

In a dark hallway in the Legacy Arena, the FGA World champion sits crosslegged on top of a road crate. Next to her stands XENA, who holds the world championship as Fujiko sits there, eyes closed.

Fujiko Mine: Sara Mason has really been feeling herself lately. She has been ‘talking out the side of her neck’, as they say. Sara has nothing of substance to add, knowing that people like Seth Iser, Tyler Storm, Chris Madison, and Marlon Cure have all tried and failed to halt my momentum. So suddenly, she brings up the age old playbook against Fujiko. That I’ve coasted by on my looks. That I am the champion because I’ve been on my back. That I’m the darling not because of my ability, but because of my choice in attire and the way my genetics shook out. It’s supposed to upset me. It’s supposed to annoy me. It’s supposed to anger me.

She grimaces.

Fujiko Mine: She’s right. It does anger me. It does annoy me. It does upset me. But not the way she wanted. Not the way she was hoping.

She shakes her head, eyes still closed.

Fujiko Mine: It’s interesting that Sara Mason, who should know first hand how dangerous I am when I, along with Izzy Anders, shut them up and took the US tag team championships from them.

She smirks.

Fujiko Mine: Maybe her ego went into salvage mode, after she took herself to Flashpoint in an attempt to drum up attention for herself.

Fujiko’s eyes slowly open, her creamy brown eyes staring straight forward.

Fujiko Mine: She thinks she’s going to ‘ruin my pretty face’ tonight, and dethrone the Apex Goddess. She aims her sword at my throat, not knowing that she is inches away from her utter defeat.

She slowly swivels her head towards the camera. A weary look comes across her face.

Fujiko Mine: Sara Mason...have you not been paying attention?

She cocks an eyebrow at the camera.

Fujiko Mine: Apparently Sara was feeling nostalgic, as she wanted to bring back the tired insults of 2014-2015 with these insinuations that I *slept* my way to the FGA championship. If you really think that, and you think that you are becoming FGA world champion tonight, then it is going to be an absolute pleasure knocking you smooth out en route to defending this FGA championship against the woman whom I’ve never been able to beat.

She narrows her eyes.

Fujiko Mine: You are not taking that destiny away from me.

She straightens up her posture a little.

Fujiko Mine: You and Erin Mariani aren’t claiming this for yourselves. You aren’t beating me.

She uncrosses her legs, letting them dangle off the side of the road case.

Fujiko Mine: But what you are getting...is an abject lesson in who I am. You’re getting the Apex Goddess, who is quite frankly tired of your crap, and will humble you tonight. Tonight, you will understand that calling myself The Apex Goddess isn’t a cute moniker. It’s a warning. A warning that wasn’t heeded by Tyler Storm, Chris Madison, and Marlon Cure. It’s a warning that you will carry on. You are leaving the ranks of Silk & Cyanide, and joining the ranks of those who have been forced to bend the knee at my feet.

Fujiko hoists herself off the road crate, staring down her nose at the camera.

Fujiko Mine: I am going to take your resolve I am going to take your arrogance. I am going to take your ego, and I am going to turn them into your nightmares tonight, Sara. You will be changed after tonight. The bliss will find you, and it will put you to sleep. That is the will of the goddess…

XENA offers up the FGA world championship to its owner. She takes it without looking and holds it over her head. A large contingent of the crowd finishes her catchprase, and she smirks as the camera transitions...

[FGA Office]

Our cameras open up on the scene of the crudely and quickly-designed t-shirt bearing the image of Kazu Hirano’s agonized face while captured in the Rally Killer from earlier in the night. The image earns a chorus of boos-- which only grow louder as we pan out farther to reveal the man unsurprisingly wearing it, Ricky Valero, beaming as he walks down the corridor, though he slows to a stop, pausing as if to allow someone to admire his new wardrobe.

Panning out, we see resident Vertigo interviewer Spencer Burke with his back to a wall, trading texts with somebody on a phone before his eyes drift up toward Valero.

Ricky Valero: Well?

Spencer Burke: ...well-?

Ricky Valero: Did you get eyes on that match, Spence?! Did you see how I went out there and handled business exactly the way I said I would? Didn’t I say that Kazu Hirano didn’t deserve to share the same ring with me? And what did we see out there? How great was I? Ask me anything, Spencer. I have time for your trash today; lucky you.

Spencer sighs slightly, dimming the screen on his phone and sliding it into the pocket of his pants before gently shaking his head at Valero.

Spencer Burke: I don’t have anything to ask you, Ricky.

Ricky chuckles under his breath and takes a step forward, calmly moving a hand onto Burke’s shoulder. Burke fidgets under the pressure Valero intentionally presses down on him and Valero’s tone grows lower.

Ricky Valero: You and I both know that’s BS. You always have something to say.

Valero gestures toward his t-shirt.

Ricky Valero: You don’t even want to mention my brand new merch, available at every local venue hosting FGA events and a local 7-Eleven near you?

Again, the camera zooms in to the pained, agonized face of Hirano crudely stamped across the front of Valero’s white tee.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Spencer Burke: Fine.

The interviewer takes a breath; regains his composure, shaking his head just slightly at “the Franchise.”

Spencer Burke: Fine… Ricky, tonight you did what you said you wanted to do. You defeated Kazu Hirano, and perhaps some other time we can take some kind of… detailed look as to why you harbor such hatred for the man, but as for right here, right now, I’m curious to know what exactly you’re planning on doing to get to the FGA World Title that you’re constantly telling--

??: On our way! Ambulance is already en route!

A deep voice cuts through the scene, prompting Burke to take a step back. A referee races between Ricky and Spencer, darting down the corridor-- and then a second follows him, bumping into Ricky as he passes.

Ricky Valero: Does literally no one see me standing right h-- hey!

Valero looks on in a mix of shock and disbelief as Spencer Burke walks away from him to follow as two members of the medical team race hurriedly in the direction of the officials. Our cameras jog to catch up with Burke, who continues all the way down the corridor until he reaches the double doors leading out to the parking lot.

Ref 2: Give ‘em some room!

Spencer Burke and the camera operator rush to the scene as quickly as they can and when the camera studies, we see a small crowd of people surrounding a fallen figure sprawled across the asphalt. A taxi can with its hazard lights flashing— and a busted back window— is parked just a few feet away. Small shards of broken glass lie across the ground.

Spencer Burke: Oh m... what’s going on?

A gentleman in his early 20s with shaggy brown hair— presumably the cab driver— looks to the interviewer with wide eyes and a shrug.

Driver: Dude, I was here waiting for my customer and— and I just heard this noise! I thought it was a gunshot or something! I get out of the car and— and this dude was laying on the ground. Someone tried to throw him right the hell through my window or something!

Spencer Burke: Who is th…

The interviewer audibly gasps as he looks over the small crowd of officials and medical crew… and the live audience follows suit, the sound of shock flooding the arena as we see the individual being tended to-- a lacerated Evan Envi, features almost indistinguishable with blood, lying supine on the crimson-stained asphalt. Beneath the spilled blood, his face has turned almost a ghost-white and shards of glass remain stuck in parts of his cheek, neck, and arm, though medical personnel with plastic gloves work quickly to cast the shards aside.

Ricky Valero: What in the hell is so important that you literally have to walk away in the middle of me discussi--

Valero begins speaking before he approaches the scene, but stop abruptly, words seemingly caught in his throat as he sees the fallen Chief.

EMT: Everybody, out of the way! We’ve gotta get him braced and stretchered! Move!

In the near distance, the distinct ambulance sirens can already be heard. Valero’s eyes are wide, mouth slightly agape as if he’s seen a ghost. As the crowd around Envi scatter, Valero remains stood where he is, eyes locked on his partner as his face, too, grows pale. The camera remains focused on Valero, seemingly locked in on the look on his face as Spencer Burke continues asking questions, out of frame but still audible.

Spencer Burke: Did anyone here see who did this?

Driver: It was too fast. I didn’t know what was going on.

Spencer Burke: Anybody?

Our cameras cut to the medical team stabilizing Envi’s neck and maneuvering him onto the stretcher.

EMT: Load him. We’re gonna move.

The sirens grow nearer until the ambulance finally pulls into frame. Evan Envi is loaded onto the stretcher and into the back of the vehicle as the double doors open. Ricky Valero paces behind the ambulance for a moment, clenching and unclenching his fists, debating whether to enter the ambulance with the Chief or not.

Spencer Burke: Ricky?

Valero rubs at his eyes with his palms for a moment, sucking in a deep breath before he looks toward the ambulance. He grows still as the doors are shut and the sirens sound again. With a growl from the engine, the ambulance pulls off into the night.

Spencer Burke: Ricky? Do-- do you have any idea what just happened here?

Valero finally lets the breath out. A scowl crosses his face as he shoots a look back toward the arena, and then finally at Burke.

Ricky Valero: Yeah. I have a feeling I do. Move.

Valero shoves past Spencer and makes his way back toward the building. Spencer looks flustered, lingering there in the shot for a moment before he turns to the camera.

Spencer Burke: Guys, as you can see, Evan Envi was just the victim of-- from what I can only assume is a brutal attack. I don’t know-- we don’t know what, or who exactly happened to Envi or what his current condition is, but as soon as I receive any type of update, you guys will hear from me. Forgive our lack of preparation here. Stand by for information.

Abruptly, the scene cuts.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Fujiko Mine vs. Sara Mason

The match starts with Mason charging straight ahead at the World Champion. By the Apex Goddess meets her head on, tackling her down to the mat with a double leg takedown. The crowd erupts with cheers as Fujiko mounts herself on top of Mason before unleashing a flurry of right hands! The cheers turn to boos when Mason rolls over and starts hitting her with multiple Salem Slaps (palm strikes to the face). But Fujiko is able to reverse back on top and continue the flurry of right hands! She then takes Mason, marches into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

“NINE!”

“TEN!”

After turning Mason around, Fujiko climbs up onto the middle ropes before raining down more punches to the US Tag Champ. Once again, the capacity crowd counts along.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SI-”

The crowd boos when Mason grabs Fujiko, takes a few steps away from the corner and then falls back, dropping Fujiko face-first across the top turnbuckle! Mason rolls Fujiko away from the corner before making the cover. After Fujiko kicks out at one, Mason moves Fujiko back into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle multiple times. She then turns Fujiko around before rocking her head with a Salem Slap. Another Salem Slap sends the World Champion’s head to the side. Fujiko answers back with a punch to the face, stunning Mason. Another punch from Fujiko knocks Mason back a few steps. As Fujiko heads out of the corner to follow up, the cheers turn back to boos when Mason doubles her over with a cross chop to the throat. She then grabs Fujiko before chucking her through the ropes and to the floor. The crowd then erupts with boos when Mason heads to the center of the ring and drops down to a knee to mock one of Fujiko’s trademark poses. Mason then heads over towards the imposing XENA and once again mocks Fujiko’s pose. While Mason is busy taunting XENA, Fujiko rolls back inside, runs over and flattens Mason with a spinning back kick to the back of the head. Mason tries to get up on all fours, but Fujiko is right there to flatten her with a hard kick to the ribs. Fujiko then reaches down and pulls Mason back up to all fours before stepping onto her back. She goes for a standing moonsault across the back when Mason rolls over onto her back and tries to catch Fujiko across her raised knees. But Fujiko purposely overshoots her mark and lands safely on her feet. She then grabs Mason by the legs and throws them back, sending Mason rolling over onto her knees. Before Mason can get up, Fujiko plants her with a headscissors facebuster for a two count.

The FGA World Champion moves Mason back into the corner before unloading on her with multiple shoot kicks to the chest. She then goes for an irish whip, only for Mason to return and follow her into the corner. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko runs up to the top turnbuckle, backflips over the charging Mason and lands on her feet before hitting the far ropes. When Fujiko returns, Mason tries to cut her off. So Fujiko slides between her legs. Mason turns around, only to get caught with a handstand calf kick from the Apex Goddess! Fujiko then hits the ropes, returns and executes a running hurricanrana, sending Mason rolling to the outside. With Mason on the floor, Fujiko claps her hands while she circles the ring. She then waves her arms up and down, challenging the crowd to get even louder. With the capacity crowd at a fever pitch, Fujiko turns and hits the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she picks up speed as she heads across the ring before flipping over the top rope and taking Mason out with a one leg springboard somersault plancha off the middle rope! Fujiko rolls Mason back inside and makes the cover. The crowd sighs when Mason gets her shoulder up at two.

Fujiko continues to pour it on with multiple forearm strikes while Mason leans against the ropes. With Mason rocked, Fujiko turns and takes off into the far ropes. When the Apex Goddess returns, she hurls herself at Mason with a crossbody block only for Mason to dive out of the way! The crowd gasps when Fujiko bounces off the ropes and hits the mat. The FGA World Champion tries to return to her feet. But Mason returns her to the mat with a one-handed bulldog. Instead of making the cover, Mason keeps Fujiko in the prone position. She then grabs two handfuls of Fujiko’s hair and repeatedly rams her face-first against the canvas. The crowd erupts with boos as Mason looks out to XENA while she grinds Fujiko’s face against the mat. After pulling Fujiko back to her feet, Mason places the champion in a headlock. Mason then rushes forward before executing the Lorelei (with an opponent in a headlock, Mason dives out of the ring to snap their neck across the ropes)! Mason gives XENA a sinister grin before returning to the ring. Once again, Mason doesn’t go for the cover. Instead, she inflicts more damage on the Apex Goddess with a headbutt, knocking her back down. After Fujiko is whipped hard sternum-first into the corner, she stumbles back over to Mason, who brings her down with the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat)! Instead of going for the cover, Mason locks on the Implied Consent (camel clutch with a double fish hook)! The crowd erupts with boos at the sight. The Apex Goddess howls l in pain while Mason tries to rip her mouth apart! The official is quick to step in and give Mason until a count of five to break the illegal hold. Mason flirts with the DQ by deliberately breaking the hold just before the ref can finish saying “five.”

Mason once again mocks Fujiko. This time, by stepping onto Fujiko’s back. She motions for a standing moonsault, only to step off and deliver a back kick to the head. The Apex Goddess slowly pushes herself up on all fours. But Mason is right there to flatten her with a leg drop across the back of the head. Mason delivers a second leg drop to the back of the head, then a third for good measure. While Fujiko is still in the prone position, Mason grabs her by the hair and drags her towards the side of the ring, where she drapes Fujiko throat-first across the bottom rope. The crowd erupts with boos once more when Mason stands up on Fujiko’s back and chokes her while pulling up on the middle rope! Once again, Mason flirts with getting DQ’d by breaking the illegal hold as late as possible. The referee lets Mason know that she’s pushing it. Mason responds by giving the official a wide-eyed glare, which causes the ref to take a few steps back for his own safety. Mason then goes back on the attack, slamming Fujiko face-first into the top turnbuckle before sending her slumping down in the corner with a series of palm strikes to the chest, followed by an elbow to the face. Mason steps all the way back towards the opposite corner. She then charges forward before blasting Fujiko with the Blood & Black Lace (running back elbow strike to an opponent sat in the corner)! She then drag Fujiko back towards the center of the ring before pulling her into a seated position. Mason then hits the ropes, returns and flattens Fujiko with a sliding clothesline! She pulls Fujiko up by the hair into a seated position before hitting the ropes. Mason comes back and flattens Fujiko with another sliding clothesline!! She then nearly takes Fujiko’s head off with a third sliding clothesline!!! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Fujiko gets the shoulder up.

Mason pulls Fujiko before rocking her with a Salem Slap. Fujiko responds with a shoot kick to the leg. Mason then whacks Fujiko with another Salem Slap. Fujiko responds with another shoot kick to the leg. Mason goes to throw out another Salem Slap when Fujiko blocks and counters with another handstand calf kick. NO! Mason catches her leg and transitions into a single leg crab! The crowd erupts with boos as Mason leans back on the hold. The official asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Mason leans back even more. Mason can be heard yelling at Fujiko to tap. But the Apex Goddess refuses to give Mason the satisfaction! The capacity crowd begins to rally behind the FGA World Champion. Fujiko feels the energy of the crowd and feeds off of it. She starts to pull herself across the mat towards the ropes. But Mason is quick to put a stop to that as she stands up, drags Fujiko back towards the center of the ring and adds insult to injury with multiple stomps to the back of the head! She keeps the hold applied, leaving Fujiko trapped in the center of the ring. The official continues to check in with the FGA World Champion. He gives Fujiko multiple chances to quit. But Fujiko turns each and every one of them down! She refuses to throw in the towel against Mason. The Apex Goddess once again starts to battle back. She lets out labored groans as she scratches and claws her way towards the ropes. Mason starts to shake her head in disbelief. She hangs on for dear life. She squats down further and tries to stop Fujiko. But she can only slow her down momentarily . Fujiko to claw her way towards the side of the ring. She eventually reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope, causing the crowd to erupt with cheers! Just as before, Mason flirts with the DQ by breaking the submission as late as she possibly can.

Mason then begins slapping Fujiko across the back of the head while the World Champion slowly rises back to her feet. Fujiko then turns and gets in Mason’s face. The two are nose to nose...until Fujiko knocks her back with a forearm strike. Another forearm to the face knocks Mason further back. Fujiko then doubles her over with a spinning back kick before heading towards the ropes. Mason stands back up, only to get pulled down with a handspring rebound Ace Crusher! Fujiko then grabs Mason by the back of the hair and slowly pulls her back to her feet. After taking control of Mason’s back, Fujiko unloads on her with the Feedback Loop (ripcord into alternating forearms and backfists, followed by a judo throw into a rear naked choke)! Mason tries to pull Fujiko’s arm from around her neck. But it’s to no avail. The capacity crowd is at a fever pitch as Fujiko tries to choke Mason out. Fujiko continues to keep the choke applied… until she surprisingly lets go. The crowd gasps as the Apex Goddess quickly gets to her feet before rushing into the corner. Once Fujiko scales to the top turnbuckle, she flips back for a moonsault! Mason rolls out of the way! But Fujiko lands safely on her feet before quickly flipping back and connecting with a standing moonsault! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd boos when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Fujiko leaps back to her feet, reaches down, grabs Mason by the wrist and pulls her into a seated position before blasting her with Sealed With a Kick (grounded arm pull roundhouse kick)! Fujiko reaches down, grabs Mason and rocks with another another S.W.A.K.! Then a third! Then a fourth! Then a fifth!!! The Apex Goddess isn’t done yet! This time, she grabs a hold of both wrists! She then brings Mason into position before clobbering her with Yount’s 3000th Hit (double wristlock knee to the face)! Fujiko pulls Mason back to her feet. Once Mason’s been placed in a front facelock, the Apex Goddess heads over before planting her with a springboard tornado DDT! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Fujiko then whips Mason into the ropes to set up the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick). But instead of coming back, Mason hangs onto the ropes. So the Apex Goddess runs over to attack, only to get dumped over the top rope. But she lands safely on the apron! When Mason turns around, she gets knocked back by a rope-assisted gamengiri! Fujiko then runs along the apron, runs up to the top turnbuckle, leaps off, knocks her down with a shotgun dropkick and returns to her feet with a kip up! Mason is then whipped into the ropes. When she returns, Fujiko send spittle flying out of her mouth with the 4-Play! But Fujiko’s not done. She pulls up Mason and whips her back into the ropes. When Mason returns, Fujiko knocks her off her feet with another 4-Play!! Again, Fujiko’s not done! The Apex Goddess whips Mason into the far ropes before quickly running into the near ropes. When both grapplers return, Fujiko turns Mason inside out with a third 4-Play!!! The cheers continue as Fujiko pulls Mason up from the prone position position and positions her for the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check). But Mason is quick to counter with elbows to the back of the head. After a knee lift knocks Fujiko upright, the crowd gasps when Mason swings for the fences with Aphrodite’s Sweet Dream (heel kick to the back of an opponent’s head)! But Fujiko ducks! As soon as Fujiko stands back up, the crowd erupts with cheers when she rocks Mason with The Bliss (backflist flash kick)!!! Mason drops to a seated position before collapsing on the mat. Fujiko then drops down for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Winner and STILL FGA World Champion: Fujiko Mine (18:30)

Post-match, Fujiko gets her hand raised in victory. The sight is met with cheers and applause from the capacity crowd. After the FGA World Championship is returned to her, Fujiko heads into the nearest corner. She climbs up to the middle ropes and raises the championship to more cheers and applause. But there are gasps from pockets of the crowd which cuts through the cheers. This draws a raised eyebrow from Fujiko. The World Champion turns her attention to the entrance way, where Izzy Anders stands at the top of the ramp. The Mindkiller looks past Fujiko to the downed body of Mason. Anders can’t help but crack a smirk at Mason, along with Erin Mariani, getting shut up by both her and Fujiko tonight. Anders’ eyes return to Fujiko, then down to the FGA World Championship. Fujiko looks down at the championship in her hands. The Apex Goddess’ grip on the championship instinctively tightens. She slowly looks up and locks eyes with the woman whose name is intertwined with hers in FGA history. Fujiko nods, acknowledging once more the challenge that Anders will present at Above & Beyond VII. She then heads towards the side of the ring and raises the title once more over heard. It’s a scene that she’ll hope to recreate at the Pay Per View. But against The Mindkiller, it’s a scene that’s never become reality. Will Fujiko be able to finally defeat Anders? Or will The Mindkiller walk out of yet another championship match against the Apex Goddess with a title over her shoulder?