Above & Beyond VII

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

The camera crew cuts to the parking lot, just in time to see a Black on Black 2019 Bentley Continental GT creeping slowly onto the scene. It pulls up towards the door and a beautiful young woman climbs out of the driver's seat and saunters to the other side before pulling the back door open. The fans began to boo as King Cure steps out, dressed in all black with his crown perched atop his head as always. Hopping out of the car right behind him is his ever faithful assistant, Keiko. She flicks a gold lighter and holds it up, lighting Cure’s cigar for him as the two make their entrance into the American Airlines Arena.

The sound of heels clicking against the ground behind him alerted Cure to Jessie Pederson’s presence. Cure, rather than give her the run around as he would’ve done Spencer Burke, actually stops and allows her to catch up.

Jessie Pederson: Marlon, can I have a few moments of your -

Jessie doesn’t get far as Cure holds up a hand, taking a long puff of the cigar. She eyes him warily, remembering his habit of blowing smoke right into her face during these interviews. Surprisingly, he doesn't follow through as he gives her that insufferable, arrogant smirk of his.

Marlon Cure: ...Proceed.

Jessie blinks, before shaking her head at the change of pace.

Jessie Pederson: Marlon, tonight you face off against Chris Madison and James Edwards in a triple threat match, where the winner will have the chance to face either Fujiko Mine or Izzy Anders for the FGA World Championship. What’s going through your mind right now, knowing that two very tough, very capable opponents are what stands between you and a chance to once again challenge for the FGA World Title?

King Cure is silent for a moment, puffing away at the cigar clamped firmly between his teeth.

Marlon Cure: What’s on my mind, Jess? That ain’t hard to figure out. All I’ve been plotting on for the last few weeks, all I’ve been thinking on is The Get Back.

The idea of running back the match from All-Star Showdown was burned into my mind the second I got to the back that night. People seem to be on that mindset that that L shook me? Nah. It meant getting back to the grind. I threw myself into the grind and embraced it. I watched it push me through defeat and make me a little more dangerous for the run back. I poured hours upon hours, to get back here. But unfortunately our esteemed GM -

Cure’s tone is dripping with sarcasm here as he rolls his eyes behind his sunglasses.

Marlon Cure: - decided that instead of running it back as anybody with the need for eyeballs and dollar signs would, that I gotta run the race. She has me up against James Edwards - who has been sorry since he stepped on the scene, so why she’s fronting like he’s not leapfrogging more deserving is anybody’s guess. And Chris Madison. Who been grindin’, workin’, steadily climbin’ up the ranks. He’s been putting in work, but is it enough to warrant him going up against yours truly for a Number One Contendership I shouldn’t REALLY need to compete for….?

Cure very clearly looks less than pleased by this, but presses on.

Marlon Cure: That’s aight though. I don’t bend, I don’t fold, I break for nobody. Me and that World Title? We’re inevitable. Nothing and nobody can stop the reign. Shit, they can barely delay it. All they can hope is that I fall off or they catch me slipping because I’m not stopping til the words “And New…” usher in the regime. It doesn’t matter if it’s two opponents, three, four, whatever. It makes no difference to me.

Cure’s eyes flicker towards Jessie.

Marlon Cure: I’ve been in the cut for 11 long ass years, Jess. I refuse to have everybody saying I got next for 11 more.

With that, Cure storms off to get ready. Keiko gives Jessie a little wave, before quickly following after him as the camera fades out.

[FGA Office]

Vertigo presents…

The scene shifts to an aerial view of American Airlines Arena. We then slowly fade inside American Airlines Arena, where teal and white pyro shoots off from the stage in various patterns. Cheers and applause come from the capacity crowd as we switch to a panning shot of the fans in the arena. Various signs supporting their favorites or trash talking the villains are shown. We finally head to the ringside area, where Stephy Auger and the returning Kris Cruise are standing by at the announce table.

Kris Cruise: Welcome, everyone, to lovely Miami, Florida! Welcome, everyone, to ABOVE & BEYOND SEVEN! I am Kris Cruise and joining me always is my colleague, Stephy Auger! Stephy, I’m finally back from assignment! Have you missed me?

Stephy Auger: ...

Kris Cruise: I appreciate the love, as always! Tonight, the Vertigo brand brings you its latest pay per view from the American Airlines Arena! Tonight, all but one of Vertigo’s championships will be on the line!

Stephy Auger: Right, because our reigning United States Tag Team Champions, Silk & Cyanide, will be making their way over to Autumn Annihilation to annihilate the World Tag Team Champions, Lowri Moss and Neal Durden!

Kris Cruise: Well, that’s to be determined.

Stephy Auger: What, Pendragon getting annihilated by Silk & Cyanide? That's pretty much guaranteed.

Kris Cruise: *sigh* ANYWAY, let’s get to the big matches on tonight’s card, shall we? In our first of three championship matches, Piper Lennon will be defending her Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Ace Voltage!

Stephy Auger: I dig Piper a lot and I like what she does. But I think she might be sleeping on Voltage. This man has been on both brands and he has yet to be defeated. That says something.

Kris Cruise: It certainly does. Piper has quite the knack for manipulating situations and getting into the heads of her opponents. We’ve seen what she’s done to the likes of Marlon Cure. We’ll find out if Lennon will successfully retain her championship once again here tonight. Speaking of “King” Cure, he’s going to be apart of the big Triple Threat Match taking place later on tonight. It’s going to be Cure, Chris Madison and James Edwards all going at it! The winner of that match will face the winner of tonight’s main event at Final Frontier! Three top contenders all vying for a shot at that World Championship! It should be a good one.

Stephy Auger: I have no doubt that it should be a good match. But let’s be honest with ourselves here. We all know that the real top contender for that championship is Dom Harter! But thanks to Jenevieve Geroux and are stupid G.E.R.O.U.X. System, The Tenacious Little Bastard has been excluded from that match, as well as tonight’s pay per view! What kind of crap is that?

Kris Cruise: FGA programming… free… of Dom Harter? I don’t know about you. But if we polled these fans here in Miami, I’m sure that they would all count that as a win!

Stephy Auger: Ooooo, I cannot wait until Dom finds out what you said!

Kris Cruise: Who’s going to tell him, you?

Stephy Auger: Of course!

Kris Cruise: Figures. Well before you go run off and tell Dom what I’ve been saying, how about you tell us all about this Triple Threat Match!

Stephy Auger: Alright! I know that Madison and Edwards haven’t exactly been big fans of the G.E.R.O.U.X. System, either. But they can’t look a gift horse in the mouth, you know. Chris Madison, to his credit, was a great Pride Champion once upon a time. I would assume that both he and Frankie Morrison would agree that the next logical step for him is to get to that next level here in FGA and challenge for THE top championship. Then there’s James Edwards, who has been crying for the past year about not getting this opportunity. Well guess what, James. This is your chance. It’s time to put your big boy pants on and prove yourself and if you don’t get the job done, I don’t want to hear any belly aching coming from you! Of course, if you’d ask me for my preferred option, I’m going with Marlon Cure all day, every day! King Cure is ready for that re-up, Cruise! He told me so himself!

Kris Cruise: Oh did he now?

Stephy Auger: Mm Hmm! He wants to run it back against Fujiko Mine. He knows what he did wrong at All-Star Showdown Eight. He knows what he needs to tighten up on. If given the chance against Fujiko again, I say he gets the job done! But he’s got to get there first.

Kris Cruise: Indeed he does. Then after that is a rematch we’ve all been waiting for. I’m talking about Seth Iser defending his Pride Championship against Tyler Storm. These two had a barnburner at All-Star Showdown this past August. But that match ended with a scary scene when Tyler Storm superplexed Seth Iser off the top rope and down to the unforgiving concrete on the outside. Storm’s back issues have been well documented. But he was willing to risk it all for a championship that has evaded him for well over a year. What do you think happens here tonight?

Stephy Auger: I think that if Tyler Storm pulls another silly stunt like that, he may not be fortunate enough to walk out of this arena. Both he and Iser wanted this match. They have unfinished business from All-Star Showdown, like you said. Storm has always found a way to best Iser. He’s always been able to get the better of him and that’s something that has eaten away at Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. Tonight, one of the greatest Pride Champions in history will put Storm down for the One-Two-Three, once and for all.

Kris Cruise: Then in our main event, its the latest chapter in the saga between these two. Fujiko Mine, the reigning FGA World Champion, will defend her title against Izzy Anders! She walk in there tonight against a woman that returned to FGA to be her tag team partner in last year’s Dynamic Duos tournament. The unlikely duo went on to win the tournament before winning the US Tag Team Titles earlier this year. A lot of people thought that when the moment presented itself, Izzy would turn on Fujiko. A lot of people were waiting for Izzy to put the knife in Fujiko’s back. But to Izzy’s credit, she never did.

Stephy Auger: You mean to her detriment! Teaming with Fujiko should have been a means to an end. The old Izzy would have used Fujiko to simply win Dynamic Duos. The old Izzy would have used Fujiko to help her win tag gold to become a Triple Crown and Grand Slam winner. Talk about sticking the knife in her back? Forget that. The old Izzy would have cut her throat with it!

Kris Cruise: Woah!

Stephy Auger: But Izzy’s grown soft in recent years. The woman that injured Dom Harter and put him out for half a year? The woman that ran roughshod over this company with Heroes Never Die? The woman that defeated Bordy Stevenson for the Undisputed Champion? The woman that made Johnny Karma her personal punching bag? That woman is all but a faint memory. I hope and pray that the old Izzy comes out tonight, smashes Fujiko and rips that World Championship from her. But I doubt we’ll ever see that side of Izzy ever again and to be honest? It’s a crying shame.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think it’s a crying shame at all! I think what we’ve seen has been levels of growth over the past year from Izzy Anders. This woman has gone from essentially Public Enemy #1 to a fan favorite. It’s been several years since the fans have unanimously embraced Izzy like they have in recent times. There isn’t any bad blood between her and Fujiko anymore. That hatchet has long been buried. But tonight, you better believe that The Mindkiller will do what she can to win that championship. But you must also realize how important this match is to Fujiko and her legacy. She’s going up against a competitor she’s grown even closer to as tag team partners and champions. More important, she’s going up against a wrestler that she’s never been able to defeat. Izzy Anders successfully defended her Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against her a couple of years back. Nearly one year ago, Anders beat Fujiko to win the FGA Pride Championship! Every time the Apex Goddess has stepped into the ring against Izzy with a title on the line, she’s left that match empty handed! Fujiko has been in wars over the course of the last year. But I believe she’s never been more determined to win a match than this one here tonight! Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got all of that plus more coming your way tonight. But right now, let’s send it to some pre-recorded comments from one of tonight’s participants.

[FGA Office]

Normally you’d expect to see a shot of a full arena filled with fans screaming and yelling here. Instead we see the jarring shot of an empty arena with nothing but the ring just set up. The mats aren’t even on the outside fully yet but the working crew has been chased off. But the ring isn’t vacant as the FGA Pride Champion, Seth Iser, is glancing around the festivities just looking around. He’s not dressed as he will be later, donning a red and white variation of his suit in Miami, Florida. And he also has the championship over his right shoulder with a steel folding chair in his left hand.

Seth Iser: You never forget your origins.

The tone is calm as the champion soon unfolds the steel chair at the center of the ring and glances at the cold, empty arena. It is a far cry from having so many people booing, jeering, and calling for his head which is usually the norm for the veteran.

Seth Iser: Almost all of us at some point help set up these rings with the dreams of performing at shows like tonight. It’s part of paying dues. Those of us who are young and wanting to get hungry who then perform on the cards want to be in the matches like the one I am in tonight. And it’s big on so many different levels. Some that the viewers at home know about, some that only a few historians can confirm about, and the most important one you really don’t know unless you’re a true professional wrestler.

Seth’s face remains the picture of relaxed at least for the moment.

Seth Iser: The viewers know about how big of a match this is for Tyler Storm. Especially over the last couple of weeks as he put his family in front of the camera and poured his heart to everyone about what that means to him. What tasting victory in the biggest match he’s had in the United States in several years would mean for him considering the gold I carry with me is the stakes we fight for. And while this isn’t Alabama, the fans here in Miami want to see him achieve his dream and maintain his superiority over me.

There’s a scowl on his face when he mentions the fans. They would probably boo him if this were right in front of them but instead, it’s the eerie sound of silence.

Seth Iser: Second...is the history. I have three successful defenses even if one of them was a draw. I have a chance for number four tonight. That puts me in the same company as the current World Champion, someone I really despise, and a wrestler by the name of Tony Carmine. Sunshine and Scandalous Tony Carmine…

The current champion offers a shake of the head when he repeats the name.

Seth Iser: I’d equal them in that manner. And while I wouldn’t have the reigns of said current World Champ or a Karma...or a Chris Madison...winning tonight ensures I’m forever linked with them in terms of defining what it means to be the champion. A strong link of the chain. A significant grade above most of the people in the industry and those being the ‘peers’ I’d share the same company with…

And then there’s a more determined scowl etched on his face.

Seth Iser: But I don’t want that. No…

He shakes his head more violently this time.

Seth Iser: I want something...greater and the opportunity is right there. And all I have to do to get it is to beat the man who has, in his own way, been chasing me since he returned to the sport. He’s gotten his victories but he wants that last moment of validation to make coming back from that back injury seem worth it. But I want an opportunity to try to write the Magnum Opus to my legacy and the championship over my shoulder at the age of thirty-eight. And that’s to forever define a championship and be the very first name they mention when they do the roll call for it. You want to know what that means?

He then leans back on the chair and gives you that look of steely determination, but the eyes have purely murderous intention.

Seth Iser: Very few of you do. It might be rare to be a world champion, but the opportunity to define a championship? It means more than even holding a world championship. It’s truly sacred air. But so few in the history of professional wrestling have the opportunity that I now possess. It’s a type of honor that’s so few that they can be remembered far greater than many people who have won a world championship. And I’ll be damned if I let someone who has been chasing ME for these last two god damned years deny me the ink in order to properly define this championship beyond anyone who has EVER held it. THAT is the goal for this reign and the championship I have over my shoulder. And I’ve done so for almost a year now...doing this company, this championship, and my family damn proud despite what people at home might think.

Seth then lets out a deep breath, no humor, no chuckle...nothing. Just a stern, serious, and cold expression.

Seth Iser: And all I gotta do to put myself in the ultimate position...is to defeat the man who has locked me in a comparison prison for two years. We’ve been linked since we got to the company. I’ve said it before, Tyler, I’ll say it right now. And the absolute fact that I have more ties against you in singles competition than the amount of times I’ve had MY hand raised makes me physically ill as a professional. And if that is what is fact...the comparisons continue. When I win...I will have something different to be compared to. And they might view that as rare air, but it’s air I’ve been in before when I know there’s something even greater than that.

And the stern glare from the champion as he pats the championship over his shoulder.

Seth Iser: But the chance to be the man by himself? A man without peer in regards to comparison involving a championship. The real Magnum Opus that could define me for generations after we’re long dead. You stand in the way of all of that by keeping me in this prison. And whether your fans and family like it or not...whether some of the boys in the back like it or not...and quite frankly I don’t give a damn if they do...they know they’re in the presence of honest to God history being written. You want to be included in the list of the greats. Noble goal. Hell, you’ll get there...I know this considering you’re challenging me the way you have for the last two years.

And then he stands, the proud champion showing his confidence.

Seth Iser: But you’ll find out that I’m truly without peer when it comes to this championship tonight because at the end of the day...all of those peers, all of those people I listed who have held the championship. You’ll all fight be in a great conversation for second place...because I will forever claim number one to myself starting tonight.

And with that last statement you can see the shine of the championship over his shoulder gleam before we fade from this pretaped view.

[FGA Office]

Sloan Talbot vs. Mark Storm

Short Change Hero by The Heavy begins to play through the speakers and the lights in the arena simultaneously dim down. Smoke begins to rise from the top of the stage and appearing on the screen above are the following words;

A massive pop ensues as emerging from the back is Your Hero and Mine, Mark Storm; who keeps himself composed as he stands at the top of the entrance ramp. He can't help but allow his sadistic signature smirk to appear upon his lips as he closes his eyes and spreads his arms out wide, soaking in the energy that the audience are giving him as they applaud and cheer.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, from New York, Brooklyn! Weighing in at 225 pounds! Your Hero and Mine, MARRKKKK STORMMMMMM!

He begins his walk down the entrance ramp, swaggering his way down.

This ain't no place for no hero.
This ain't no place for no better man.
This ain't no place for no hero
To call "home."

At this point, Storm is by the edge of the ring; allowing a smile to embed on his face before he jumps onto the apron and holds onto the ropes, using them to help himself up onto the turnbuckle. He's grinning from ear to ear, soaking in the rest of the cheers coming from the audience, shaking his head sideways as he lowers it, before jumping into the ring. He heads over to his designated corner and hoisting himself up onto the second ropes, a smirk upon his lips as he holds his arms up; his theme song slowly diminishing.

The first few bars of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” begin to play as the lights pulsate in time with the music. Slowly the curtains part, and Sloan Talbot steps through - his pace slow and methodical.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, from Norfolk, Virginia! Weighing in at 247 pounds… SLOAN TALBOT!

“You can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Run on for a long time
Sooner or later God'll cut you down
Sooner or later God'll cut you down...”

Sloan runs a hand through his hair as he makes his way down the aisle, a stoic expression on his face. Completely ignoring the fans either side of him Talbot reaches ringside, placing a knee on the apron before pulling himself up using the middle rope. He takes a quick glance around the arena before stepping into the ring and making his way to the corner.

Kris Cruise: We’re kicking things off tonight with Mark Storm taking on the towering Sloan Talbot. Stephy, this all came about a couple of weeks back when Your Hero and Mine stopped a fellow competitor from being further attacked by Talbot and fending him off. Talbot has been waiting patiently for this opportunity to get some payback.

Stephy Auger: First off, he’s far from my hero. He may be yours, but h’s definitely not mine. Let’s get that straight. Secondly, you’re right, Talbot has been waiting patiently for this opportunity. Mark Storm ruined Talbot’s debut here on Vertigo after coming over from Flashpoint. Tonight, Talbot is going to return the favor and ruin him in front of all his adoring fans.

The bell sounds as Storm immediately rushes over and starts hammering away on Talbot with a flurry of elbow strikes!

Kris Cruise: Storm’s wasting no time!

Stephy Auger: But look at Talbot! He’s isn’t phased at all!

Storm continues to go to work on Talbot. But the strikes have no effect on Talbot as he’s able to palm Storm’s face before shoving him down to the mat. Storm rolls back to his feet, rushes back over to Talbot and unleashes another flurry of forearm strikes. Again, Talbot palms Storm’s face before shoving him back down to the mat. Once Storm is back to his feet, he rushes back over towards Talbot. Talbot goes to cut him off with a lariat when Storm ducks and hits the far ropes. The crowd cheers when Storm comes back and connects with a running calf kick. Storm follows up with a second jumping calf kick. He goes for a third when Talbot shoves him out of the air. As Storm tries to pick himself back up, the crowd boos when Talbot rushes over and catches him with a running big boot to the side of the jaw, knocking him down.

Kris Cruise: OH! Storm just got caught right in the face with that large boot from Talbot!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, it’s pretty much over now, Cruise. A veteran like Storm should have known better than to try and trade strikes with Talbot. Hell, a man as smart as Storm should have known better than to stick his nose in Talbot’s business!

Talbot reaches down, grabs Storm by a handful of hair and drags him across the ring. After yanking Storm back to his feet and pushing him into the corner, Talbot unleashes a series of back elbow strikes, followed by a series of knee strikes, followed by a series of shoulder thrusts! A hard irish whip sends Storm barreling across the ring before he crashes hard in the far corner. As Storm stumbles out of the corner, Talbot heads over and brings him down with a hip toss neckbreaker! Instead of going over the cover, Talbot yanks Storm back up and scoops him up into his clutches before hitting a backbreaker into a fallaway slam, hurling Storm across the ring! The crowd boos as Storm bounces off the canvas before the momentum sends him rolling over towards the ropes.

Stephy Auger: With ease, Cruise. With ease!

Kris Cruise: Talbot is making this look easy, I must admit. Storm must still be feeling the effects of that big boot. It caught him right in the jaw.

Stephy Auger: Or maybe Storm just doesn’t have it anymore and Talbot is going to do him a solid by putting him out to pasture.

As Storm struggles to pull himself up using the ropes, Talbot slowly stalks him from behind before swooping in. He quickly takes control of Storm’s back before hurling him across the ring with a German Supl-NO! Storm counters with a back elbow to the face! Another back elbow connects. Then another… and another… and another. Storm then turns around and knocks Talbot back a few steps with a discus forearm strike! With Talbot momentarily dazed, Storm goes to take advantage by hitting the far ropes for a running maneuver. When Storm returns, Talbot reaches out and latches onto his throat! Storm tries to pull Talbot’s hand from off of him. But it’s to no avail as Talbot lifts him up before throwing him down hard with a chokeslam! Talbot then reaches down, latches onto Storm’s throat, yanks him back to his feet, lifts him up and throws him down with a second chokeslam! As the boos continue, Talbot pulls Storm up before lifting him high above his head. Talbot continues to keep Storm held up high before slamming him down with authority with Diggin’ Graves (Gorilla Press Spinebuster)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… SLOAN TALBOT!

The official goes to raise Talbot’s arm in victory when Talbot rips his arm away from him. The referee wisely takes a few steps back for his own safety before gesturing towards Talbot.

Kris Cruise: Sloan Talbot makes short work of Mark Storm in the opening contest here at Above & Beyond Seven. I can’t remember ever seeing Mark Storm handled like that.

Stephy Auger: Why are you so surprised? Years of working that ridiculous schedule has finally caught up to Storm. He’s worn down. He’s exhausted. He doesn’t have it anymore and Talbot proved that rather quickly here tonight.

[FGA Office]

The camera pans onto Spencer Burke in the backstage area with a special Above and Beyond graphic behind him.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to welcome my guest at this time, Ace Voltage.

Ace smugly walks into the camera shot and taps Burke on the shoulder with his hand. Ace is wearing his wrestling gear as his match with Piper Lennon is in a few minutes. He is also wearing a pair of rayban sunglasses.

Ace Voltage: Why thank you Spencer. Very excited to be here tonight.

Spencer Burke: Well Ace, tonight is your first opportunity at some gold in FGA when in a few minutes you go one on one with the Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion, Piper Lennon. How are you feeling? Nervous at all?

Ace Voltage: Nervous? Spencer I expect better from you. I can call you Spencer right?

Ace laughs as Spencer Burke nods slightly.

Ace Voltage: I don’t get nervous, I thrive under the pressure. So, Piper Lennon. Allow me to welcome you to the first day of the rest of your life. The first day where you will no longer be champion here. The fist day where you find out that Ace Voltage is simply better than you. So “Spence” no I am not nervous. I am absolutely confident that the Main Event will walk out of this disgusting town with some gold tonight.

Spencer Burke: It seems as if Piper has not given you any credibility as a threat in the last few weeks. Do you think she will overlook you at all tonight?

Ace Voltage: I hope she does. I’ve done all I could to get her attention but if she overlooks me tonight then that’s her problem. I’ve shown Piper and everyone else here that I deserve this title opportunity. I will not let this go to waste and I can promise you after this match, Piper will never forget the name Ace Voltage.

We can hear a woman's voice shout in the background.

Woman Voice: Ace, five minutes!

Ace nods and takes his glasses off.

Ace Voltage: Within 45 minutes, you Spencer Burke, and everyone else watching will see this face holding the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. Get your cameras ready, log into your social media accounts and save your ticket stubs. Because Above and Beyond is about to become Ace and Beyond.

Ace flashes a big, arrogant smile to the camera as he walks down the hall and towards the curtains. He flips the sunglasses over his shoulder as it hits Spencer on the shoulder.

Spencer Burke: In just a few minutes, Ace Voltage will challenge Piper Lennon for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. This is a match you will NOT want to miss.

The camera slowly fades to black.

[FGA Office]

Annie Zellor: Is he done? Has he stopped talking yet?

It appears as if Annie is talking to someone behind the camera; she’s a step or two forward compared to Jaelynn Ramsey, her tag team partner, and Mary-Jane McCracken, the best valet in the biz! The latter of whom is giggling behind a raised hand, perhaps indicating that this isn’t just a production error.

Annie Zellor: Just lemme know when Ace Voltage gets tired of the sound of his own voice and we’ll get started.

Mary-Jane McCracken: I don’t think that’ll ever happen, to be honest…

Annie gives the thumbs up to the person behind the camera as she wanders back into position; the trio line up with Annie in the middle, flanked on either side by Jae and MJ, all three of whom are dressed ready to compete, with the added leather jackets and bandanas.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Finally. And now it is our time. But first, let me take you back a few weeks...to Kingston, Rhode Island. The night that Annie and I announced that we would soon be competing for the FGA United States Tag Team Championships.

Mary-Jane McCracken: I remember.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Because tonight we finally get the chance to show the world what we can do together.

Annie and MJ nod along, agreeing with what Jae is saying as she throws it back to that night.

Jaelynn Ramsey: And the poor unfortunate so--

Annie Zellor: Nahhh!

Jae’s show of sympathy towards their opponents is interrupted by Annie, who waves her hand in front of her partners.

Annie Zellor: No way are Ashley Chase and Antoinette Sands ‘poor unfortunate souls’, ‘cause we all know they deserve what’s coming to them tonight! You two have put up a fight over the last few weeks, you’ve got some good shots in, even got a win over me. But no more!

Mary-Jane McCracken: Not tonight!

Annie Zellor: That’s right. Above & Beyond VII, we’re putting the tag division on notice. We’re staking our claim. So when Silk & Cyanide come back around from whatever ass whooping Pendragon are gonna put on ‘em...they know they’re gonna have some challengers on their hands real soon. And Ashley, Ant? It ain’t gonna be you two.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Your vivacity, your teamwork, your spirit-- they won’t be enough to carry you through this match. Just like they weren’t enough to carry you through the first round of the Dynamic Duos tournament. So step aside, because Annie and I are here to bring those United States tag titles to where they should’ve been a looong time ago...in the the possession of The New Murder.

With that, the show cuts back to ringside ahead of the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title match.

[FGA Office]

MID-ATLANTIC LEGACY CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Piper Lennon vs. Ace Voltage

The arena goes dark and “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC starts blaring over the sound system. As the words "THUNDER" are shouted into the arena each time, the lights flash yellow.

I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAILROAD TRACK

A white spotlight shines on the ramp and Ace Voltage appears from backstage, once the lyrics start going. He is wearing a black jacket with his name on the back and his light blue tights. He shines a smirk to the crowd, zips open the jacket to show off his torso and the rest of the lights come on, with yellow and blue lighting flashing around. He walks down the ramp, nodding his head to the music, laughing to himself when he hears the boos and insults from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and it is for the FGA MID-ATLANTIC LEGACY CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from London, England! Weighing in at 15.8 stone! He is ACE VOLTAGE!!!

As he's going down the entrance ramp, he walks close to the guardrail ready to slap the hands of the one or two fans. Before he can slap their hands, he quickly rips his hands away, smirks to the booing fans and walks down to the ring. He jumps up onto the apron and steps into the ring. He walks to the corner, jumping on the second rope, looking out into the crowd. He raises an arm in the air, smirking and smiling to the fans. After a few seconds, he jumps down, takes his jacket off and waits for the match to start.

Kris Cruise: Alright, we are back for our first of three championship matches this evening! Ace Voltage is getting ready to challenge Piper Lennon for her Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship!

Stephy Auger: Ace Voltage could be more than Piper can handle tonight. She’s been taking him lightly, Cruise. But knowing Piper, this could all be a ploy. She could be luring him right into a trap. Piper been around for over two years and it’s still hard to read her sometimes.

Kris Cruise: Indeed it is. The champion always keeps you guessing. But one thing that cannot be denied has been her results. She made her FGA debut by viciously attacking AMIRA, the former LDFC standout Skylar Cloud, and put her out of action. We haven’t seen her compete since. Since that time, she’s gotten into the heads of many of her opponents. Most notably, Marlon Cure, whom she defeated back at Only the Strong Survive to win the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. Can Voltage shock the system and become Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion here tonight?

The arena lights dim as the instrumental version of Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" begins to play. A few moments pass before Piper Lennon ambles out from behind the curtain, pausing at the top of the ramp to survey her surroundings. Much like in the vein of wrestling legend James Betterman, her championship belt hangs from her pants like a penis. She zigs and zags, taking her time as she makes her way down the ramp, taking everything in but not paying the fans any particular mind.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from La Jolla, California! She is the reigning… defending… FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… PIPER LENNON!!!

After circling halfway around the ring, she removes her jacket and camera, leaving them at the timekeeper's area. Piper takes the championship belt, holding it in her mouth by the leather for a moment before tossing it over with the rest of her stuff. She stops in front of the announce desk, leaning back against it and staring up at the ceiling. Only then does she pick the pace up, lurching forward and sliding under the bottom rope into the ring, then popping up to her feet. She takes her corner, slouching back and drumming her fingers as she waits for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon has more or less brushed Ace Voltage aside since it was announced that he would be the next in line to challenge her for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship. We’ve both said this earlier tonight, but that line of thinking could prove costly for the champion.

Stephy Auger: It could backfire on Piper big time. Ace is not a humble man by any means. The man calls himself the Main Event. But he doesn’t expect to just walk right over Piper and win that title with ease. This disrespect from Piper is going to be extra motivation and that could be what gives Voltage that extra edge in this matchup.

The bell sounds as both grapplers start things off with a lock up. Voltage quickly overpowers Lennon and muscles her across the ring into the corner. While champion and challenger are still tangled up in the corner, the official heads over and gives them both until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers begin to break. While Lennon’s got her hands up, Voltage cheap shots her with a right hand to the face. He then follows up with multiple knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. Lennon then quickly takes Voltage, switches positions in the corner and returns the favor with a flurry of chops of her own. After the last chop, Voltage cheap shots her again. This time, with a rake to the eyes. Lennon quickly doubles over as she covers her eyes. After Voltage reaches down and lifts her head back up, Lennon nails Voltage with a cheap shot of her own using a throat cross chop. Lennon switches positions with Voltage again before delivering alternating jabs and knife edge chops in the corner. After the last strike, she takes Voltage and whips him into the far corner. Lennon runs across the ring before nailing Voltage with a running double ax handle, sending him slumping down in the corner. The champion reaches down, pulls Voltage back up and then whacks him across the face with an open hand chop. Voltage is then pulled out of the corner before being sent into the far ropes. When Voltage returns, Lennon brings him down with a leg lariat! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Voltage kicks out.

Lennon makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Voltage kicks out.

Lennon with another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Voltage kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Lennon with several quick nearfalls there. Ace tried to mix it up with Piper in the corner. But Piper ended up getting the better of him in that scrap.

Stephy Auger: Brawling isn’t Ace’s strong suit. I don’t know what he was thinking there.

Kris Cruise: Again, maybe all this disrespect from Piper was a ploy to get Ace riled up and have him come out swinging. A wild, brawling match would be right up Piper’s alley.

Lennon quickly returns to her feet before delivering a spinning boot scrape across the face! She then hits the ropes. Lennon comes back and nearly knocks the wind out of Voltage with a jumping double stomp to the gut. She drops back down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Voltage kicks out.

Lennon sits up Voltage and applies a rear chinlock. The official is quick to kneel down and ask Voltage if he wants to give up. The challenger responds by waving him off. He then turns over onto a knee before battling back up to his feet. After delivering multiple elbows to the midsection, Voltage follows up with a back suplex! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Lennon kicks out.

Voltage takes Lennon and sets up for an irish whip. But she reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Voltage returns, Lennon goes for another running double axe handle. But Voltage counters by swatting through the strike before continuing to run the ropes. As both grapplers head back towards the center of the ring, Voltage knocks Lennon off her feet with a running lariat! Voltage can be seen waving Lennon up as she tries to return to her feet. Once Lennon’s back to a vertical base, Voltage knocks her down with another running lariat! The boos increase as Voltage shouts out to the crowd that he’s the real Main Event! He then turns his attention back to the champion, who is slowly getting back to her feet. Voltage goes for a third running lariat when Lennon ducks. Voltage turns around, but he gets caught with a gamengiri, which knocks him back a few steps. Lennon then rushes forward and follows up with a push kick to the chest, knocking Voltage through the ropes and to the floor. Lennon then positions herself up on the apron and measures the distance. She then runs forward before leaping off and connecting with a Cactus Elbow to the outside! Lennon slowly pulls Voltage back up to his feet… only to bring him back down with a jumping neckbreaker slam! While Voltage is curled up on the outside, Lennon rolls back into the ring. The official continues his count while Voltage clutches the back of his head with both hands.

Kris Cruise: Voltage looks hurt here!

Stephy Auger: He isn’t back to his feet. By the looks of things, Piper is perfectly fine with winning this match by countout.


...THREE!






FOUR!






FIVE!







SIX!





SEVEN!

After stirring on the outside, Voltage slowly gets back to his feet. But he doesn’t stay standing for long as Lennon rolls back to the outside, runs over and connects with a front dropkick, sending Voltage crashing against the steel steps! Lennon then pulls Voltage back up before pushing him back into the ring. The champion then rolls back inside before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Voltage gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Good ring awareness there from the challenger.

Stephy Auger: I’m surprised he didn’t get the wind knocked out of him after he got knocked into those steps.

Lennon picks up Voltage and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. She slams him face-first into the turnbuckle again before turning him around. Voltage gets whacked with another open hand chop before Lennon pulls him out of the corner. Lennon brings Voltage down with a sitout jawbreaker before pulling him up to a seated position. The champion then hits the far ropes, returns and flattens him with a running knee to the face! Lennon then drops down to make the cover.

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

Lennon returns to her feet before stepping out to the apron. After scaling the turnbuckles, she crouches down and waits for Voltage to get into position. Once Voltage is back to his feet, Lennon stands up and leaps off for a diving elbow drop… only to get knocked out of the air with a dropkick from Voltage!

Kris Cruise: Voltage with the anti-air counter!

Stephy Auger: Piper’s got to shake this off. She can’t let Ace back in this match. This is the opening he’s been waiting for.

Voltage takes Lennon and whips her into the corner. He runs across the ring, connects with a clothesline and follows up with a running bulldog out of the corner! He makes the cover.

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

Voltage takes Lennon and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, Voltage brings her down with a Samoan Drop! He makes the cover.

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

Voltage hooks both arms before throwing Lennon down with a butterfly suplex. He then steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Once Lennon gets back to her feet, Voltage leaps off for a missile dropkick… and misses when Lennon dives out of the way! Voltage tries to get back up. But Lennon runs over and flattens him on the mat with a jumping double stomp across the back! She then pulls Voltage back to his feet before whipping him into the corner. Lennon runs across the ring and goes for a leaping corner bionic elbow… and crashes into the corner when Voltage slips out of the way! As Lennon stumbles back, Voltage takes control of her back before bringing her down with three rolling German Suplexes! After the third German, Lennon slowly turns over into the prone position. Just after she pushes herself up onto a knee, Voltage runs over and flattens her with the Ace of Spades (Shining Wizard)! Voltage gets back to his feet and plays to the booing crowd. He quickly notices them paying attention to something behind him. He turns around and sees Lennon struggling to push herself back up onto a knee. So he runs over and flattens her again with another Ace of Spades! Voltage then picks up Lennon, delivers an irish whip, follows her across the ring and blasts her with Thunderstruck (Helluva Kick)! Lennon plops down in the corner before Voltage drags her towards the center of the ring. He goes for the cover…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Thunderstruck” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… and now, the NEEEEEEWWWWWWWW FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, ACE VOLTAGE!

The boos continue as Voltage gets handed the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship before raising it above his head.

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage has done it! He’s defeated Piper Lennon to become the new Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion!

Stephy Auger: Ace Voltage keeps his record perfect here in FGA and now, he is a champion. If you were all bothered by his arrogance before, you haven’t seen anything yet. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Kris Cruise: What’s this…?

Voltage looks over and sees Lennon still out on the mat. So he heads over into the corner, reaches down and picks up her Polaroid camera. Voltage makes his way over over to Lennon and snaps a picture of her out cold. The new Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion then takes the photo and tosses it down on Lennon before exiting the ring...

[FGA Office]

Returning backstage, the rumblings of the busy backstage can be heard in the background from behind the locker room door, which the camera is locked on. The room is lit, so it is very easy to see once the camera begins panning down, and sitting in the floor right against the door frame is Tyler Storm. He's still in his everyday clothing, the typical plaid shirt and dark jeans look he likes to wear, and he's glancing at his phone.

A small smile forms on Tyler's lips while he looks through some pictures he has on his phone, catching his eye eventually is the camera in front of him and he gives a small nod.

Tyler Storm: Alright, no more wasting time...sorry, just kind of in that motivation building mode right now.

He turns his phone around and holds it up, showing a visual from that video from a few Vertigo episodes ago of Tyler with his kids playing at his home, and after showing that for a few seconds, he puts the phone back down and raises up to his feet. He's followed towards his particular locker in this room inside American Airlines Arena, where his gear bag is sitting, and Tyler takes a seat in the folding chair in front of it and starts unzipping his bag.

Tyler Storm: I have to be completely honest, tonight feels weirdly different to a lot of times I've gotten ready to wrestle. I don't know if it's that nice Miami air, being in the home of my favorite NBA team...I don't know if it's the feelings running through me after the recent run I've been on competitively...and I don't know if revisiting that little video of me and the kids just has me in a different way...but tonight just feels different.

Tyler reaches into his bag and pulls out his tights for tonight, a really nice custom made pair with his typical claw mark running down the sides of the legs, but the colors matching that of the white Miami Heat Vice Jersey, with the claw mark a bright blue with a black and fuschia shadow, his first name on the front and last name on the back in similar script with a fuschia name on black and blue shadow, and the waist band in 3 straight horizontal lines of blue, black, and fuschia.

Tyler Storm: Hey, maybe it's also this amazing bit of gear I get to wear tonight. It was only fitting, I've been wanting some gear like this ever since I first saw the Vice jerseys debut a couple seasons back. I think anyone wearing something like this would be feeling really nice. But even then, I am not sure that is even the reason. The only thing I can say for sure is I know tonight has something in front of me I've made sure I am more than ready for.

He places the tights back into the bag, but stays looking down, taking a few deep breaths.

Tyler Storm: Through all the hard work, the nerves in me still make me question a bit, but it's more just questioning if I've done enough yet. Through all my failures, and even my successes, I've asked that question to myself every second because that's the way I've come up in this business. I have never been truly sure if I'm doing enough to be the best version of me I can be. And tonight I get a big indicator of if I'm doing enough right here, right now, and it all comes with the questions of can I do something I've done before one more time? Can I beat Seth Iser, can I beat him on a highlight stage, and can I once again be a champion in this business?

His head eases back up and his shoulders shrug a bit, but his smiles returns gently as he talks on.

Tyler Storm: I want to answer all of those questions with absolutely, but I'd be an overlooking idiot to say those things and believe them. I certainly believe I can do all of those things, don't get me wrong, but I also was saying that at All-Star Showdown...and guess what didn't happen? Yeah, he didn't win that either, but he won one of those questions, because he still is heading into tonight the guy I have to beat to win the Pride Championship. That is the ultimate things he holds over me, no matter my history or record against him here in FGA, that is his saving grace is that he's done that much more than me in this company. Hell, in 2019, even for as high of moments as I've had throughout the industry this year, Seth has had me beat on that as well and I have to give him that. Seth Iser, you have been a truly impressive example of what someone with your experience and ability can do, physical limitations be damned, you've almost been something of an inspiration!

That got a bit of a laugh from Tyler, his teethy grin fully shining now, but he keeps on.

Tyler Storm: I laugh but I do genuinely believe that man, and you've always known I do have that bit that looks up to you. Even putting aside the hospital story, you being there for me when you didn't have to, knowing I've been fortunate enough to see the man outside the ring and arena for the more genuine man than people realize. In my mind, I will admit I humanize you, and maybe that alone has been a pushing factor in why you've been working so hard against me, and maybe also why I haven't until recently worked hard enough against you. Seth Iser, one of the most cruel, manipulative, cunning, and in some points truly evil people in this business...in my head, I just see the dude with a rough past, a pretty great family with some truly full hearted individuals, and someone just trying to do right by them. Both you and I know a lot of people that will villainize you, and I've even admitted to you and I'm sure that you can agree, there is some stuff that you have done in your career and life where you probably do deserve that! But I've always held my respect for you, and if I don't ever get the same back, then I'll accept that.

Tyler gives another nod to the camera. He raises to his feet from the chair and walks forward, the grin fading but the small turn of his lip staying put.

Tyler Storm: That returns me to that work point though. I know tonight and every time you've went out to face me, you've shown me the black cloud, you've shown me a man that can be a pretty horrible son of a bitch, and everything in between. I've had you cheat against me, target my weaknesses to a debilitating point, I've heard you say some very rough things about me and the way I have went about my life and the way I hold myself, and through all of that in and out of the ring...I still can't help but respect you. But the difference this whole recent back and forth we've had compared to previous encounters, and that includes what happened at All-Star Showdown because I'm specifically talking about the period from after that show where I did such a "selfish" act to keep you from winning to now. The difference is, Seth...

And that wipes the smile away, a quick instance of his lips falling to a neutral state, and his eyes locking themselves to what's in front of him.

Tyler Storm: The difference now is I have a motivation to earn your damn respect. I know what I do in that ring, you know what I do in that ring, we both know what we as competitors we must do sometimes to put someone on notice. I like to think you and I are two very understanding people in that regard. But Iser, what you fail to let yourself believe is that you don't think you are at any point of failing now. I don't necessarily think you don't have anything in your head saying you can't lose, because we all fall on our back, even mighty Seth Iser. But sometimes that slips on you and especially as Pride Champion, you've ironically at times lost the pride and replaced it with greed. At times it's been replaced with a power mindset, at times that typical Iser smugness that says to people you think you are smarter and wiser than any of us, things like that.

Tyler backs back up a bit, and raises his hands up, clapping them together a few times.

Tyler Storm: Maybe, or at least I hope, but maybe you realize that. Maybe tonight you recognize that, are 8 steps ahead of me again, and I just gotta stick with my words. I've always admitted when I'm wrong, and I'd admit it here too, but it's all came down to the Seth I've known not just in the ring, but out of the ring. And for me, this is my visual, my truth, my saying, so take that as you will. But no matter how much you do believe those things I've said, no matter how much you've just put me down into that same bracket of rotational guys you check off a list to move on past quickly, I'm here to tell you tonight is a rude awakening. Like I told you earlier, you've inspired me more than you realize, Seth, and you've been a motivation for me...tonight, the motivation goes far beyond beating you, it goes far beyond being the Pride Champion but make no mistake that just makes the animal inside of my soul a lot more vicious because I have a big bite about me because of that Championship alone. It goes far beyond those things though because goal #1 tonight is about the respect I know I am going to earn out of you once and for all.

He again laughs softly to himself, a small grin shining again, but the confidence in his voice showing much brighter than it has recently.

Tyler Storm: You can call it greedy on my end, continue that "selfish" card you've played Seth, you can just put me as another kid that doesn't get it, but you know better. I'm not a joke, a punchline, or a cheap laugh. I'm certainly not someone out there just for himself because I've put my damn heart into this because of people aside from myself, from my dad, to my kids, to the very fans that cheer for me when even I can admit there are so many other people on this roster that deserve praise above me. I wanna do right by those that got me here and if that is what selfishness is now days, then I'll accept that, but that ain't how a person is raised to call THAT selfish. I know I'm not any of those things: joke, punchline, cheap laugh, selfish, excuse, idiot, flash in the pan. What I am...is I'm Tyler Storm. I'm a lucky, loving, heart following, down to earth, honest, goofy, life enjoying 27 year old kid from Alabama who cares for this business, does for his family and kiddos what he can, and just goes out there to have fun and enjoy the ride while it lasts. The injury history be damned, the doubters, the probability because of my chances I've had to win these big ones...screw all of that tonight because I'm going out there in front of the Miami fans and earning my respect, my place, my moment. You can Witness it or not, but if you are on this ride with me thank you, if not I hope you join this movement one day but I wish you well, and if you are Seth...tonight, you learn. Tonight you understand the truth, we put this aside once and for all, and I will earn what I deserve from you. I'm ready to be the guy, the champion, the moment stealer...yet I'm also ready to be the humble and fallen if I've done enough to earn my damn keep. Stay cool Iser...and genuinely, good luck tonight, because this inside me makes me know that you will need every bit of it.

That last bit is met with Tyler turning around, reaching back toward the floor to his bag, and walking to the right out of view as the scene cuts away.

[FGA Office]

We switch to the back

Spencer Burke: Ashley Chase in just a few short minutes you and your partner Antoinette Sands will face off against Annie Zellor and Jaelynn Ramsey. How are you feeling about the match?

AMC smiles

Ashley Marie Chase: I feel great about this match. You see right now Annie is shaking in her boots and pissing her pants at the thought of me going out there.

Spencer Burke: Why would Annie be afraid?

AMC slowly brings up her Angie V bat

Ashley Marie Chase: My bestie Angie Vaughn has been on the wrong end of a bat at the hands of Annie in the past. Well Angie has told me to treat Annie like a piñata and hit her over and over with it. She even told me “when you see Annie’s head do me a favor and swing for the fences!”

AMC twirls her bat around

Ashley Marie Chase: So right now Annie is scared to death because she doesn’t know if I will bring this bat with me or not. If I do she has no idea if I will actually swing for the fences or not because if I choose to then Annie might just have her last match tonight and considering what her and her dopey partner have done to us lately there is not a person alive that would blame us for doing it so Annie you better have eyes in the back of your head!

Spencer looks at AMC in shock and horror at what she just said

Spencer Burke: You would not really do that would you? I mean Annie is a pain but surely she doesn’t deserve that.

Ashley Marie Chase: You have no idea what I am capable of doing. Oh and don’t call me Shirley!

AMC walks off twirling her bat and whistling.

[FGA Office]

The snort is loud enough to startle anyone, including the person that saw him coming. James Edwards is angry, nothing new there, but this time his infamous snorts are accompanied by pursed lips, the kind a man gets after sucking a lemon. It's the kind of anger that doesn't cause a man to lash out but lightly tap the wall with his fist in misguided disappointment.

James Edwards: So y'all finally caught me? You wanna know if I'm fightin' tonight?

Of course, the paid voyeurs were pursuing him. They need to know if he's been cleared to compete tonight. The heavy tap around his bare sternum doesn't give any answers.

James Edwards: Listen, I need some time to think. Will y'all at least give me that?

The camera crew doesn't move a muscle. Neither does James. The impasse continues for a moment or two before Edwards shakes his head and leans back against the wall.

James Edwards: I've been keepin' up with the news. It hasn't been as bad between the front office and me as you might think. Just a few salty phone calls, but that happens when you talk business. I ain't happy they tried to talk me out of my bookings, but I get why they ain't happy with me either.

Cameraman: So why did you take them?

Edwards shrugs

James Edwards: The same reason anybody would: money, the chance to get better at what I do, and see the world. But focus on the second one I mentioned, getting better. It'd be bullshit to say nobody thinks I can win this thing, but I'm definitely the third choice. Madison ain't payin' any mind even though I beat him a month ago. Cure is gonna' laugh the second he sees me in the ring. That shit eats at me, man. I can take all the boos I've gotten or the noise from Twitter, but the disrespect.

He grits his teeth and starts to fiddle with the medical tape.

James Edwards: That I can't let that go. The last year or so hasn't been the best of my career. Title shots and championships came and went. I lost more big fights than I won. I did a lot of shit I ain't proud of. Through all that, the only thing I had was the smidge of respect you get for being tougher than hell. I could live with myself if I had that, even if it was only from one or two people.

He keeps fiddling with the tape.

James Edwards: Went that number hit zero, well I ain't taking it. I keep going around the world, even hurt, because that's I did when people respected me. I showed up and gritted it out, win, or lose. The same thing I'm gonna' do tonight. Win or lose, I'm fightin' until I collapse. Cure and Madison are sure as hell going to remember tonight. I might walk out the number one contender, and I might not. But I'm gonna' prove to everyone, including myself, that I deserve to be in this fight.

He finishes unwrapping the tape.

James Edwards: And more than anything, I'll prove I'm still the toughest grappler in the FGA, and that's something y'all gotta' respect.

[FGA Office]

TAG TEAM MATCH
Annie Zellor & Jaelynn Ramsey vs. Ashley Marie Chase & Antoinette Sands

“Killin It” by Krewella hits the P.A system and the fans immediately turn to cheers as it isn’t long at all before Antoinette Sands comes skipping out from backstage. She looks like a walking disco ball with how lit up she is, causing the fans to chant her name as her electric personality shines through. As her body jumps up and down three times, she looks down as her feet stomp against the ramp listening to the music as she skips down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans.

"I Bring the Darkness (End of Days)" by Jim Johnston featuring Tommy Vext
begins to play as the aisle way fills up with smoke. AMC rises up from the smoke in full face paint and is trying not to cough from all the smoke.

”Who do you think you are?
You’ve now gone much to far!”

AMC steps through the smoke and looks around at the crowd she then slowly walks toward the ring basically stutting with a smirk as she fist bumps some of the fans

”I bring the darkness!
I am the thunder!
I come from HELL
And I’ll pull you under!”

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, representing AAA! Weighing in this evening at a total combined weight of 240 pounds… ASHLEY MARIE CHASE and ANTOINETTE SANDS!

AMC walk up the steps, taking a moment to wipe her feet on the apron before getting into the ring. As Antoinette approaches some desperately reaching their hands out, she playfully digs into her shorts pocket before blowing on her hand in the face of the fans, watching as pink and purple glitter mist smacks them in the face making them cheer out of excitement. Antoinette quickly makes her way to the ring, sliding under the ropes before jumping up standing tall in the middle of the ring, nodding her head as she watches for her opponents. AMC then drops to her knees in the middle of the ring and stretches out her arms and looks out toward the crowd.

The opening chords of “Devil’s Bleeding Crown” begin to play throughout the arena, and the boos start almost immediately. A small cloud of smoke appears on the stage and, after ten seconds or so, Annie Zellor, Jae Ramsey, and Mary-Jane McCracken step out from behind the curtain. The trio stand together at the top of the aisle; Jae doing her best to ignore the crowd as Annie and MJ soak in the boos and jeers, smirking at the fans as they do so.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents! Making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 260 pounds ... 'The Tenacious Li’l Bitch' ANNIE ZELLOR! JAELYNN RAMSEY! And together they are THE NEW MURDER!

They begin to stroll down the aisle, soaking in the reaction that are coming from the fans. Mary-Jane leads the way, taunting the fans and playing to the camera as she goes. Annie and Jae stroll confidently behind her, with Annie taunting the fans along the way. McCracken climbs the ring steps first, posing on the apron as The New Murder members climb the steps. Annie holds the ropes open for MJ, before she and Jae leap over the top rope together and head towards the corners. The two wrestlers climb up to the middle rope and pose with their arms out. The music starts to die down as Annie and Jae jump down from the ropes, removing their jackets and bandanas as they await their opponents.

Kris Cruise: Our third match of the evening is about to get underway as Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands will take on New Murder representatives, Annie Zellor and Jaelynn Ramsey. Zellor and Ramsey plan on using this match to springboard them to a US Tag Team Championship match against Silk & Cyanide. For Ashley Marie Chase, this is more personal. Tell us about it.

Stephy Auger: It sure is. AMC has had a score to settle with Zellor ever since her friend Angie Vaughn came crying to her about how Annie bopped her on her head elsewhere.

Kris Cruise: Saying that Annie “bopped her on her head” would be an understatement, Stephy. She hit the poor woman with a foreign object!

Stephy Auger: So? She’s a wrestler. Suck it up! Or better yet, come here and fight your own battles. AMC better keep her head in the game. If she wants to go an eye for an eye with Zellor, then she should do it on her own time. She’s got a partner in this match, too. She should be focused on helping the two of them get back in the tag hunt instead of trying to settle a personal grudge with Zellor.



The bell sounds while Annie Zellor, Jaelynn Ramsey and Mary-Jane McCracken go over strategy in their corner. After going over some last minute notes, Ramsey steps out to the apron while McCracken exits to the floor. Across the ring, Ashley Marie Chase & Antoinette Sands give each other a double high five before Sands steps out to the apron. The official for this contest then motions for both Zellor and Chase to engage. The two exit their respective corners before circing the ring. Zellor then begins to slow down once Chase points to a vocal part of the crowd. Chase then wave her arms up and down to get the rest of the crowd to join in with the Zellor sucks chants.

"ZELLOR SUCKS!"

"ZELLOR SUCKS!"

"ZELLOR SUCKS!"

"ZELLOR SUCKS!"

Kris Cruise: AH HA HA!

Stephy Auger: This isn’t funny, Cruise!

Bad Bad Annie Z stamps her foot as she listens to the disproving crowd. McCracken quickly climbs up onto the apron, reaches over the top rope and covers Zellor’s ears. The boos continue while Ramsey can be seen shaming the capacity crowd.

Stephy Auger: Ingrates!

McCracken climbs back down to the floor after the ref tells her to get down from the apron. Zellor then marches over towards Chase and looks up. After jockeying for position, Chase places her in a side headlock. Zellor tries to push her off. But it’s to no avail. Chase stays on Zellor with the side headlock. Zellor then hits her with a forearm to the side before trying to push her off. But again, Zellor’s attempt at separation is denied. So she grabs Chase and moves her into the near ropes. Zellor tries to get a running start before pushing Chase off into the far ropes. For a third time, Zellor is denied as Chase drops to a knee while keeping the side headlock applied. The cheers continue as Chase begins to really wrench on the hold. The official drops down next to Zellor and asks her if she wants to give up. Zellor refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Zellor grabs Chase and tries for a belly to back suplex. Chase ends up flipping over her shoulder, landing on her feet and slapping back on the side headlock. Zellor stamps her foot in frustration. She’s then quickly brought down to the mat with a side headlock takeover. The cheers quickly turn to boos when Zellor reverses into a grounded headscissors. Both Ramsey and McCracken can be seen applauding the reversal. But Zellor doesn’t stand in control for long as Chase escapes with a kip up. After Zellor scrambles back to a vertical base, she gets trapped in yet another side headlock. Zellor can be heard groaning with frustration while Chase wrenches on the hold again. Zellor the takes Chase and moves her across the ring against the ropes. Zellor then wisely grabs onto the middle rope to force a rope break.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

The momentum Chase lets go, the crowd boos when Zellor takes advantage with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection! Zellor then lifts Chase back up by her chin before nailing her with a right hand. Zellor pulls back her fist, kisses it and pops Chase right in the kisser again! Zellor goes for a third punch when Chase blocks and counters with a punch of her own. Chase blocks and counters another punch again! Chase then cuts Zellor off and knocks her back with a third punch. A fourth punch knocks Zellor back towards the center of the ring. Chase then reaches forward and goes for an irish whip. Zellor quickly reverses, sending Chase towards the ropes. The crowd boos when Ramsey reaches over and kicks Chase in the lower back! Chase feels the effects of the kick before turning around and knocking Ramsey off the apron with a forearm strike! When Chase turns back around, Zellor runs over and connects with a dropkick that knocks her through the ropes and to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Chase let her temper get the better of her and it just cost her there!

On the outside, Ramsey takes Chase and slams her face-first onto the apron. She then holds Chase in place while Zellor turns and hits the far ropes. Zellor comes back and picks up speed before diving over the top rope! The crowd gasps… then cheers when Chase pulls Ramsey into the way, causing Zellor to knock down her New Murder teammate with a suicide plancha!

Kris Cruise: Zellor caught Ramsey with the plancha by accident!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Chase takes Zellor and rolls her back inside. Once Chase climbs up onto the apron, Zellor dives forward and catches her with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Zellor goes to bring Chase back inside with a vertical suplex when Chase slips down from behind. She then hoists Zellor up for a German Suplex when Zellor counters with a back elbow to the face on the way up. Once she’s lowered back down, she hits Chase with another back elbow. Zellor then performs a standing switch before bringing Chase down with a leapfrog into a one-handed bulldog! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase kicks out.

Zellor takes Chase and moves her into the corner. From there, Zellor delivers shoot kicks to the right and left leg before a bicycle knee to the chin sends Chase slumping down in the corner. While Chase tries to shake out the cobwebs, Zellor steps back towards the center of the ring. She then charges forward before throwing herself at Chase with the Sparklebutt (running butt bump to seated opponent in the corner). She misses! The crowd cheers when Chase slips out of the way, causing Zellor to crash into the corner. While Zellor staggers away from the corner, Chase slips out to the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and drives her down with a top rope bulldog! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zellor kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Chase just droves Zellor down hard with that bulldog off the top! But she only gets a two count.

Chase wrenches Zellor’s arms, drags her over towards her team’s corner and tags Sands in. The crowd cheers when Sands springboards to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and knocks Zellor down with a flying clothesline! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Zellor kicks out.

Sands takes Zellor and whips her into the ropes. When Zellor returns, Sands knocks her down with a spin kick! Zellor returns to her feet, only to get returned to the mat with another spin kick! Sands then throws out a third spin kick when Zellor ducks. Sands turns around and gets doubled over with a boot to the midsection before Zellor brings her down with a Facebreaker DDT! The boos continue as she heads over and tags in Ramsey. Ramsey hops in through the ropes, rushes over and puts the boots to Sands. She then pulls Sands up before whipping her into the far ropes. When Sands returns, she ducks a crooked arm lariat from Ramsey before knocking her down with a spin kick! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Ramsey kicks out.

Sands takes Ramsey, moves her into the corner and delivers a knife edge chop. After Ramsey is whipped into the far corner, Sands runs across the ring, hops onto Ramsey and goes for a monkey flip. The crowd boos when Ramsey blocks by wrapping her arms around the top ropes, causing to Sands to slip off, fall and smack the back of her head against the canvas. Ramsey reaches down, pulls Sands back up and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. The boos continue as she turns Sands around before nailing her with elbow strikes. She then steps back and applies a foot choke while pulling down on the top rope. The official is quick to step in and give Ramsey until the count of five to break the choke.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR...F-

Ramsey breaks the choke before stepping away from the corner. While the ref admonishes Ramsey, Zellor runs along the apron, turns Sands around and chokes her across the top rope with pulling down across the back of her neck!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on, ref! Turn around!

Stephy Auger: Hee hee heeeee…

Kris Cruise: Only you would find joy in this!

Stephy Auger: I disagree. I’m sure Annie, Jaelynn, Mary-Jane, Dom and even Fenrys are enjoying the sight of this!

Kris Cruise: ...

By the time the official turns around, Zellor is already back in her corner holding the tag rope. Ramsey makes her way back into the corner, turns Sands around and doubles her over with a throat thrust.. Ramsey lifts her head up by her chin before hitting another throat thrust. She then takes Sands by the wrist, leads her out of the corner and then knocks her down with a short-arm clothesline. Ramsey drops down into a lateral press.

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

Ramsey heads over and tags Zellor back in. Zellor steps back in, runs over and delivering a jumping knee drop before making the cover.

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

Zellor then takes Sands and whips her into the far corner before delivering I Gots Skillz (discus corner clothesline, followed by a bulldog)! She pushes Sands over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Sands has really got to find a way to her corner and make the tag to Chase. She’s been worked over for a while now.

Stephy Auger: She came in hot. But The New Murder quickly cooled her off and have isolated her from her partner.

While Zellor pulls Sands up off the mat, Sands starts to fight back with rights and lefts to the midsection. While Zellor is doubled over, Sands turns and hits the ropes. When she comes back, Zellor catches her with a back elbow to the face. With Sands momentarily stunned, Zellor hits the far ropes, comes back and brings Sands down with a wheelbarrow bulldog! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for The New Murder. To their credit, they aren’t getting discouraged.

Stephy Auger: You’re right. They haven’t thrown a fit. You don’t see them complaining about a slow count. They’re sicking to the task at hand.

After Ramsey gets tagged back in, she doubles Sands over with repeated knees to the midsection before hitting the ropes. Ramsey comes back and throws out a Scissors Kick. But she whiffs when Sands slips out of the way. Ramsey turns to face Sands and nearly gets caught with a superkick. But she’s able to duck. When Sands turns around, Ramsey throws out a superkick. But Sands reaches up in time to catch the foot. She then swings Ramsey’s leg away from her. When Ramsey turns back around, Sands throws out yet another spin kick. Ramsey is able to duck the kick again before countering with a legsweep that knocks Sands down. Ramsey’s met with boos as she poses on her knee while both Zellor and McCracken applaud. She then makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: She might have gotten the three count there if she wasn’t busy wasting time posing.

Stephy Auger: Cruise, please. The New Murder have had total control of this match for how many minutes now? Sands isn’t getting to that corner. You’re not going to see Chase tagged into this match again. It’s all but over for them.

Ramsey sits up Sands before applying a rear chinlock. The official kneels down and asks Sands if she wants to give up. But she refuses. In the corner, Chase can be seen slapping the top turnbuckle while he tries to rally behind her partner. Back in the center of the ring, Sands continues to turn down chances to quit before turning over to a knee. She then battles back to a vertical base before delivering multiple elbows to the midsection. Once the hold has been broken, she motions to turn and run towards the ropes. But Ramsey reaches out and latches onto her wrist. She goes for another short-arm clothesline when Sands ducks, floats over and counters with a swinging neckbreaker! Zellor throws her arms up in the air before calling for Ramsey to make the tag. But Ramsey is a ways away from the corner. Meanwhile, Sands can be seen slowly turning over on all fours. She then picks herself back up, staggers over into the corner and tags Chase back in! As soon as Chase gets in, Zellor runs across the ring to attack. But Chase ducks and dumps Zellor over the top rope, sending Bad Bad Annie Z down to the floor. Chase then runs over and knocks Ramsey down with a dropkick. A second dropkick returns Ramsey to the mat. She’s then whipped into the far ropes. When Ramsey comes back, Chase throws her down with a back body drop! While Ramsey tries to pick herself up, Chase steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. After making her way to the top turnbuckle, the crowd cheers when she leaps off and brings Ramsey down with It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, it’s a Chase (high crossbody)! The official slides into place for the count.

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

Stephy Auger: Come on, Jaelynn! Don’t let them back into this match! Don’t let them take this opportunity away from you and Annie!

Ramsey reverses an irish whip, sending Chase into the ropes. When Chase returns, she leaps across the ring before knocking Ramsey down with a diving forearm smash! Chase then hits the ropes, comes back and knocks Ramsey back down with a second diving forearm! Chase bounces off the ropes and goes for a third when Ramsey side steps, grabs Chase by the hair and throws her down face-first into the mat! The boos continue as Ramsey pulls Chase up before bringing her back down with a facebuster! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Chase went to the well one too many times and it almost cost her.

Stephy Auger: ‘Tis a shame that it didn’t.

Ramsey takes Chase and doubles her over with a knee strikes before hitting the ropes. When she returns, she throws out another scissors kick. Ramsey whiffs again when Chase slips out of the way before bringing her down with a Scorpion Death Drop! The cheers continue as Chase sets up Ramsey in a standing headscissors. She then lifts Ramsey up onto her shoulders for a powerbomb when Ramsey hits her with multiple punches to the top of the head. Ramsey then slips down in front of Chase and rocks her with a superkick. While Chase remains dazed, Ramsey hits the ropes. When she returns, she throws out a crooked-arm lariat when Chase counters with a Samoan Drop! She reaches back and hooks the near leg for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd gasps when Ramsey reverses into a grounded crucifix!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Chase kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, the crowd boos when Ramsey knocks Chase down with a superkick. She drops down across Chase and hooks the leg.

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

Ramsey whips Chase into the ropes. When Chase comes back, Ramsey jumps up before executing With A Twist (hurricanrana)! She reaches back and hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd cheers when Sands dives over and pushes Ramsey off of Chase. The cheers turn to boos when Zellor rolls back into the ring, grabs Sands and chucks her through the ropes and to the floor. While Sands is getting up on the outside, Zellor hits the far ropes. Zellor picks up speed as she runs across the ring. She then hurls herself through the ropes before taking Sands out with a suicide elbo-NO! Sands dives out of the way, causing Zellor to land hard on the outside!

Kris Cruise: Zellor missed on the dive!

Stephy Auger: NOOO!

The crowd rejoices when Zellor crashes to the floor! Back inside, Ramsey is perched on the top turnbuckle while Chase slowly picks herself back up. Once Chase is in position, Ramsey stands up as she’s about to go for The Savagery (diving bulldog). At the last second, Sands rushes over and wraps her arms around Ramsey’s leg. But she doesn’t stay attached to the leg for long as Ramsey is able to kick her off, knocking her down to the apron. Ramsey turns her attention back to Chase. But it’s too late as Chase runs up to the middle ropes, grabs her and throws her down with an avalanche release northern lights suplex! She makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: That’s gotta be it right there!

Stephy Auger: Get up, get up, GET UP!

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

The crowd sighs, then boos when Ramsey gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Chase was SO close there, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Chase heads over and tags Sands back in. They then take Ramsey and whip her into the far corner. Chase runs across the ring and connects with a diving forearm smash in the corner before Sands runs over and executes a monkey flip! Sands then steps out to the apron, climbs to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Ramsey down with a missile dropkick! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Ramsey gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another close call for Ramsey! The momentum is all on Sands’ side! This capacity crowd senses that they’re moments away from a win!

Sands takes Ramsey and goes for an irish whip. But she gets reversed. As Sands comes back, she sees Ramsey setting up for a back body drop. So she counters with a sunset flip powerbomb! The crowd responds with a chorus of cheers at the sight of the reversal! The ref slides into place for the count.

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

The crowd erupts with boos when Zellor dives over and breaks up the count!

Kris Cruise: Annie with the timely save!

Stephy Auger: Thank God!

Zellor returns to her feet and gives the booing crowd the Grrface. The boos are then quickly replaced with cheers once they see Sands approaching Zellor from behind. Zellor turns around and sees Sands coming at her. Zellor calls for a timeout. But Sands isn’t about to hear it! Zellor continues to backpedal before taking a powder to the floor. But Sands is right on her tail! The crowd cheers Sands as she chase Zellor around the ring until Zellor hides behind McCracken! The crowd erupts with boos at the display of cowardice from Zellor. But the boos turn right back to cheers when they see Chase hop off the apron and approach from the opposite direction!

Stephy Auger: Guys! GUYS! LOOK OUT!

When Zellor turns around, she’s shocked when she sees Chase blocking her path. Both Zellor and McCracken beg for mercy. But their pleas fall on def ears!

Kris Cruise: The crowd is loving this! The New Murder are trapped! They’ve got nowhere to g-OHHH!

Sands and Chase are about to attack when Ramsey blindsides Sands with the Jaegerbomb (suicide dive), causing the crowd to erupt with boos!

Stephy Auger: You were saying!?

While Chase momentarily looks away from Zellor to see Sands down, Zellor takes advantage with a rake to the eyes. She then grabs Chase before whipping her hard into the steel steps! Back down ringside, Ramsey takes Sands and rolls her back inside. Ramsey then hops onto the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. The crowd starts to murmur as Sands slowly turns over on all fours. Just as she about to get back to a vertical base, Ramsey leaps off and drives her down had with The Savagery! The boos continue as Ramsey pulls her over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos when “Devil’s Bleeding Crown” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… ANNIE ZELLOR and JAELYNN RAMSEY!

The boos continue as Zellor and Ramsey get their arms raised in victory. Zellor then heads across the ring, sticks her head through the ropes and gives Chase the Grrface.

Kris Cruise: Annie Zellor and Jaelynn Ramsey snuck away with the win here tonight. Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands had them right where they wanted them. But they were able to slither away like the snakes that they are!

Stephy Auger: Oh boo hoo. Go cry on your own time, Cruise. The better team won. If Chase and Sands won this match, you wouldn’t be talking about them “slithering away with a win.” Give Zellor and Ramsey the credit that they deserve.

[FGA Office]

After the tag team match, the show cuts to a pre-recorded segment backstage, where a hooded figure can be seen – albeit from behind - walking through the halls of the American Airlines Arena. The person climbs some steel steps and heads towards an open area, where several members of the backstage staff can be seen scrambling to get out of the way. All but one, that is.

Spencer Burke: I wasn’t expecti–

But the figure just removes one of their hands from the front pocket of their hoodie to pie face Spencer out of the way, and they carry on walking, still followed by the cameraman. Until they reach the gorilla position. With the entrance to the ringside area before them– the path that each of the wrestlers competing on tonight’s pay-per-view will have to take. With that ahead of them, the figure pulls down their hood and turns around…

Dom Harter: This…

The Tenacious Little Bastard is standing there, dressed in his New Murder hoodie, pointing over his shoulder towards the entranceway. There’s no familiar crooked grin on his face this time, however, instead he looks…placid. Almost calm.

Dom Harter: …this is where I should be passing through later tonight. On my way to the ring to compete for the FGA World Championship…

Harter looks over his shoulder, eyeing the structure up and down before he sighs heavily. The slightest glimpse of a smile threatening to crack on his face, but he remains stoic on this occasion.

Dom Harter: …because that’s what anybody else– anybody who managed to pin Johnny Karma and Evan Envi…clean…in the middle of that ring–

He gestures towards the ring with one hand, before bringing it back and running that same hand through his hair. That attempt at stoicism breaks, however, as a wan little smile finds its way onto his face.

Dom Harter: That’s what they’d be getting. Just imagine if either of them had beaten me– if either of them had what it takes to put me down! But they didn’t. They don’t. And now, in a few days time we all get to see Johnny Karma compete for a shot at the International Heavyweight Championship at Autumn Annihilation!

Harter pauses, looking around in confusion with his arms out to the side.

Dom Harter: And if you think that eats at me…just a little bit…you might be right. But I don’t have my shot. My name isn’t in title contention, apparently. Because for some reason beating two former World champions isn’t enough, according to some people. So after beating Evan Envi…clean…in the middle of that ring at All Star Showdown…someone decided to have a gauntlet match on the next Vertigo to decide a new number one contender.

He laughs harshly, wagging his finger at the camera as he says the next line.

Dom Harter: And somebody decided to exclude me. And somebody thought they could explain it away with some bullsh*t matrix! And that same person decided it would be best that I be asked to stay away from the next Vertigo…because that was the night they wanted to crown another number one contender. Somebody to take that shot at Final Frontier– to compete on the biggest stage of the year! So later tonight we get to see if it’s Marlon Cure. Or Chris Madison. Or James Edwards. Which one of them will be claiming my title shot, Jenevieve?!

The incredulity rings through as the question is asked and, again, Harter runs a hand through his hair as he looks from side to side. A deep breath in through the nose, and Dom looks back at the camera, disdain etched on his face as he speaks once more.

Dom Harter: I’ve heard a lot of dumb sh*t lately, Jenevieve. People accusing me of attacking Evan Envi. People saying I’m a whiny bitch who’s upset he didn’t get what he wants. People saying I’m begging for a new champion– it’s nice they think I have that kind of sway though. But all of that, Jenevieve– all that bull people have been spewing…is because of you…

Harter jabs a finger towards the camera.

Dom Harter: …you caused all of that. And I want you to know that. Remember that, Jenevieve…remember that because of what’s coming next.

Finally, that crooked grin makes an appearance, spreading across Dom’s face as he walks off to one side, and the scene comes to an end.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Take it Dom Harter is still just a wee bit upset over not getting that title shot handed to him, huh?

Stephy Auger: You think this is funny? You think it’s hilarious that Dom Harter is being screwed over by our incompetent General Manager. You know, I used to hear stories about how badly Hadley Herrera used to mismanage things over on Flashpoint a while back. But Geroux takes the cake! There’s no reason why Dom shouldn’t be challenging for that title tonight! Look at the people he’s beaten, Cruise. I’m talking about Masataka Kawamata, Laurel Anne Hardy, Eddie Jacobs, Emery Layton, Aokigahara Zombie!

Kris Cruise: All of them are fine competitors. They also don’t work here.

Stephy Auger: Fine, let’s talk about him beating Josh Kennedy in an FGA ring!

Kris Cruise: … which was a match that took place one year ago.

Stephy Auger: Fine! Let’s talk about him beating Johnny Karma, clean, in the middle of the ring this year!

Kris Cruise: … Fair enough.

Stephy Auger: Let’s also talk about him beating the former FGA World Champion, Evan Envi, clean, in the middle of that very ring, at All-Star Showdown Eight! At the very least, how does that not jump him to the head of the line.

Kris Cruise: You assume that Evan Envi was the number two contender when that match took place. Maybe he was? I’ll have to relook at the G.E.R.O.U.X. System from around the time of that match.

Stephy Auger: Grrr! You know what? You’re just as bad as Geroux is! Luckily for you, you don’t have a bullseye on your back. But I can tell you who does! Dom Harter is going to settle this issue with Geroux, once and for all. If I know Dom like I know him, he won’t stop until he gets his pound of flesh!

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Chris Madison vs. Marlon Cure vs. James Edwards

The house lights go down, and the arena stays black during the garbled opening guitar riff, then, "Okay." Strobe lights move with the easy beat of the song. James appears at the top of the ramp with the hood on his ring jacket up. He takes a few moments survey everything before him.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following Triple Threat Match is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, from Lexington, Kentucky! Weighing in at 204 pounds! He is “The Burning Heart”... JAMES EDWARDS!

The hood goes down with the opening lyrics. Moving with the meandering pace of the music, his eyes never leave the ring. He laps the squared circle, slides under the bottom ropes, and bows martial arts style to all four corners before settling into his own.

Kris Cruise: James Edwards has been on quite the journey over the past year. He’s never been the easiest person to get along with. But he’s gone from fan favorite to universally hated with his actions earlier this year. However, he might have gotten some sympathy from the fans after the unwarranted attack from Dom Harter on the last episode of Vertigo. We’ll see if he’s still feeling the affects from that attack here tonight.

*Static Cut Intro*
This is a public service announcement
Sponsored by Just Blaze and the good folks at Roc-A-Fella Records.

"Fellow Americans, it is with the utmost pride and sincerity

That I present this recording, as a living testament and recollection

Of history in the making during our generation."

The arena darkens as Jay Z’s “Public Service Announcement” plays, and the fans boo as Just Blaze's words echo throughout the arena following Jay's introduction and a lone spotlight appears on the stage. The ominous sounding piano goes louder as all of the lights in the arena go out, leaving it completely black as the intro ends...

ALLOW ME TO RE-INTRODUCE MYSELF, MY NAME IS HOV.

A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show the silhouette of a man on the stage. The lighting cuts back in and turns a golden hue as Marlon Cure stands with both arms outstretched on either side of him, eyes closed and his head tilted back, soaking in the atmosphere and energy from the crowd. The camera pans around Cure as the fan reaction grows louder and louder.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponents! First, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Weighing in at 195 pounds… MARLON! CUREEEEEE!

The High Flyer walks down to the ring with purpose, oozing confidence as he hops up the steel steps and climbs up to the top rope, reaching a hand for the sky in a taunting manner before he finally drops down into the ring. Cure shrugs the sleeveless long coat off of his shoulders and places the black gold crown around a nearby ringpost as he leans back in the corner, waiting for the match to begin.

Stephy Auger: I told you earlier, Cruise. Marlon Cure is ready for The Get Back. King Cure is ready for The Big Payback! He knows in his heart that he can beat Fujiko. All he needs is one more chance against the Big Boobed Bimbo to get the job done!

Kris Cruise: I don’t doubt that Cure has the physical tools to win a match against Fujiko. But it’s about putting it all together and at All-Star Showdown Eight, he fell short. Fujiko didn’t “catch him slippin’,” as he likes to put it. Cure got beat. It was a war. Cure put up a hell of a fight. But Fujiko bested him, tactically and physically. Maybe he realizes what he did wrong. Maybe he’ll head into another match with Fujiko with a totally different gameplan. But he has to get there first, Stephy. Unfortunately for him, there won’t be any pushovers standing across the ring from him. Instead, it’ll be two top athletes that have proven to be tough outs both here in FGA and elsewhere.


The arena's lights dim to black as the opening guitar riffs to "War Machine" by KISS begin to screech over the P.A. system. The video screen lights up with visual static noise. Suddenly in the center of the screen a black handprint begins pulsating to the beat of the drum that has began to play. A spotlight shines on the entrance ramp and we see Chris Madison standing with his head bowed under a black towel, wearing an official FGA licensed t-shirt that says, "Always Ready For War," across the chest. He nods his head to the music and as the chorus breaks he rips the towel from his head and tosses it into the live audience, starting his way down the ramp toward, the ring.

Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine
Better watch out 'cause I'm a war machine

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponent! "Coming to the ring from Long Island, New York, weighing in at 235 pounds and standing six feet tall, "Mayhem" CHRIS MAAADDIISSOONN!!!"

Madison makes it to the base of the steps and places one foot down before scoping out the fans directly behind him by peering over his shoulder. He smirks as the live audience sings along to the entrance music and then marches up the steps and climbs through the ropes. He immediately leaps up onto the middle rope and faces out towards the crowd. He brings his fists up to his face and punches his jaw with each hand before shooting his arms out horizontally with his hands wide open, welcoming whatever challenge is coming his way. Madison hops backwards, bouncing off of his feet and turns towards the center of the ring, snarling and ready to go…

Kris Cruise: Out of the three competitors in this matchup, none of them have more history with the reigning Word Champion than this man. Chris Madison has been in some barnburners with the Apex Goddess. Those two had quite the feud over the FGA Pride Championship a while back. It was those matches that helped redefine the championship and put them up there with the likes of Tony Carmine as two of the best to ever hold that championship. Fujiko got the better of him last time. You can bet that Madison would love for nothing more to win than match and go on to challenge Fujiko.

Stephy Auger: Oh I bet he would. I’m sure it probably eats away at him knowing that not only did Fujiko win that last war over the Pride Championship, but she ultimately surpassed him and became FGA World Champion. He would have the biggest chip on his shoulder heading into a match with Fuji Water. But he’s got to get there first and to be honest, I don’t see him or James Edwards getting past King Cure!

The bell sounds as Madison, Cure and Edwards slowly make their way out of their respective corners. All three grapplers continue to make their way towards the center of the ring. Words are then exchanged between all three combatants while the crowd breaks out in support of “Mayhem” Madison.

"MA-DI-SON!"

"MA-DI-SON!"

"MA-DI-SON!"

"MA-DI-SON!"

Kris Cruise: Listen to these chants, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: I’d rather not!

All three grapplers continue to jaw at each other when Cure starts pointing at his two opponents. As soon as Edwards slaps his hand away, Cure pops him with a forearm strike! Madison spins Cure towards him and connects with a forearm strike of his own. Edwards then spins Cure back towards him before returning the favor with a forearm strike. Madison then goes to strike Cure when he gets blindsided with a forearm strike from Edwards! The Burning Heart then turns and hits Cure with another forearm strike before connecting with a forearm strike on Madison. Edward then pulls his arm back before blasting Madison with a Kesagiri Chop. King Cure quickly finds himself on the receiving end of a Kesagiri Chop as well. After stopping Madison with a savate chasse pass kick, Edwards begins shifting back and forth between Madison and Cure with jabs. While both grapplers appear dazed, The Burning Heart turns and hits the far ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers when Edwards gets ran over with a double running shoulder block from Cure and Madison!

Kris Cruise: James Edwards tries to go after both Marlon Cure and Chris Madison at the same time. He ended up paying for it.

Stephy Auger: Not the smartest move, James.

As Edwards tries to get back to his feet, Cure runs over and blasts him with a bicycle knee strike.

*CRACK!*

Cure motions for Madison to top that. Madison obliges. As soon as Edwards gets back up to a knee, the crowd cheers when Madison runs over and blasts him across the side of the head with a bicycle knee strike!

*CRACK!*

King Cure gestures with his hand as if to say that was only alright. He then shifts his attention to Edwards, who is slowly pushing himself up on all fours. While the Burning Heart tries to shake out the cobwebs, Cure turns and hits the ropes. As Edwards stands up on his knees, Cure knocks him back down with another bicycle knee strike to the face!

*CRACK!*

Kris Cruise: OH!

Madison heads over and pulls Edwards back up to his knees before running the ropes. When Madison comes back, the crowd cheers when he blasts Edwards across the back of the head with another bicycle knee strike!

*CRACK!*

Stephy Auger: OOF!

Cure heads back over towards Madison and starts jawing with him again. He then points his finger in Madison’s face. After Madison swats his hand away, Cure nails him with a forearm strike. Madison comes back with a forearm of his own. Cure connects with another forearm strike. Madison answers back with a forearm of his own. Cure then nails Madison with two forearm strikes before Madison answers back with another forearm! Cure shakes off the blow before delivering two more forearm strikes. The crowd cheers as Madison immediately answers back with another forearm strike. Cure shakes off the blow and motions for another strike, only for Madison to cut him off with a forearm strike! Madison cuts him off with another forearm strike! The cheers grow louder when Madison fires off a flurry of forearm strikes. He then turns and hits the ropes. Madison comes back and throws out another bicycle knee strike. But Cure’s able to slip out of the way. When Madison turns around, the crowd boos when Cure drops him with a rolling elbow! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Madison kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Cure gets a two kick. These two have been letting it fly early and often, haven't they?

Stephy Auger: They haven’t held anything back and why should they? There is an FGA World Championship on the line! These things don’t come along very often, which Dom Harter can definitely attest to!

Kris Cruise: Let me get out my violin...

Cure picks up Madison and whips him into the corner. He then rushes in to follow up with an attack when Madison knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Cure shakes off the blow before rushing back in to attack. This time, Madison knocks him back with a boot to the face. Madison then rushes out of the corner and goes to follow up with a running yakuza kick when Cure catches his foot. He then wags his finger at Madison before countering with a legsweep. King Cure immediately follows up with a standing moonsault! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Madison gets his shoulder up.

Cure takes Madison and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, he sees Cure setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a kick to the face that stands Cure upright. From there, Madison quickly applies a Muay Thai Clinch before moving Cure into the corner. The crowd cheers as Madison follows up with alternating knee strikes from the clinch. After a jumping knee stuns Cure, Madison delivers an irish whip into the far corner. He then charges across the ring before blasting Cure with a running yakuza kick! He then takes Cure, delivers another irish whip, follows him across the ring into the corner and connects with another running yakuza kick! Cure slumps down in the corner while Madison steps back past the center of the ring. The camera focuses in on Madison as he begins to rush over towards the corner to attack. Edwards then flies into the frame out of nowhere and brings Madison down with a running jumping cutter! There’s a mixtures of cheers and boos (mostly boos) as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Madison kicks out.

Edwards takes Madison and goes for an irish whip, only for Madison to reverse and send him into the ropes. When Edwards comes back, he whiffs on a lariat attempt when Madison ducks, quickly switches behind Edwards and slaps on a Sleeper Hold!

Kris Cruise: Madison’s looking to put Edwards away early!

Stephy Auger: I have to admit, this is smart of Madison. If a Triple Threat Match, you have to keep your head on a swivel. Your opponents can come at you from any and all directions. If he can wear down Edwards here, then all he’ll have to worry about is Cure. He can get Edwards to tap out here, even better!

The cheers continue as Madison tries to put Edwards out. The official heads over to Edwards and asks him if he wants to give up. The Burning Heart refuses. Edwards then reaches up and, after an initial struggle, pulls Madison’s arms from around his neck. He then quickly reaches up, grabs Madison by the hair and throws him down with a Snapmare Driver! Edwards then pulls Madison back to his feet before placing him in the headlock. The moment Edwards turns towards the corner, Cure pulls himself up and rushes over towards The Burning Heart. But Edwards is able to catch him and bring him down with an STO while he brings Madison down with a Headlock Driver at the same time!

Kris Cruise: What a maneuver by The Burning Heart! Edwards brings both opponents down! He’s gonna go for the cover!

Stephy Auger: But on who?
ONE!
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TWO!
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Cure gets his shoulder up.

Undeterred, Edwards turns, pushes Madison over onto his back and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Madison gets his shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Madison before lifting him up across his shoulders. When Cure gets back to his feet, Edwards purposely waits for him to turn around to swing Madison in his direction. Madison’s heel catches Cure right in the face, knocking him back down! The Burning Heart continues to keep Madison held across his shoulders before bringing him down with a fireman’s carry gourdbuster. While Madison slowly turns over onto his back, Edwards picks up Cure and whips her hard into the corner, sending him crashing sternum-first into the turnbuckle. Cure stumbles away from the corner before Edwards brings him down with a reverse snap powerslam across Madison! The Burning Heart then wraps his arms around Cure’s waist before deadlifting him off of Madison and throwing him down with a gutwrench powerbomb! He makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: The Burning Heart has come alive after getting knee after knee after knee from both Madison and Cure! He’s going for the cover!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Cure gets his shoulder up.

Edwards takes Cure, runs and tosses him through the ropes and onto the apron. After Edwards steps out to the apron, he puts the boots to Cure’s head. Once Cure has been pulled back up to his feet, the crowd gasps when Edwards lifts him up across his shoulders.

Kris Cruise: This doesn’t look food for Cure...

Stephy Auger: C’mon, King, fight your way out of this!

Edwards has Cure set up for a Death Valley Driver. Before Edwards can plant him on the apron, Cure fights back with multiple elbows to the side of the head. Cure continues to fire off elbows until he slips off of Edwards’ shoulders and lands on the apron. Cure then hits Edwards with an elbow smash. A second elbow smash connects. After taking a few steps back, King Cure runs forward before connecting w-NO! Edwards counters with a forearm smash! A second forearm smash connects. King Cure gets blasted with another Kesagiri Chop before Edwards delivers a front push kick to the chest to create distance. The Burning Heart then runs forward for an attack when Cure runs forward, grabs Edwards and brings him down with a running Spanish Fly off the apron and to the floor!!! The crowd erupts with applause over the display.

Kris Cruise: What a move by Marlon Cure! Edwards landed HARD on the outside, Stephy!

The referee quickly heads to the outside and checks on both Cure and Edwards. He then gives both men the space to return back to their feet. King Cure is the first to move as he slowly pushing himself up on all fours. The 2019 Gold Rush Rumble winner slowly gets up to a knee before ultimately returning to a vertical base. Shortly thereafter, Edwards begins to stir on the floor. He then reaches up and latches onto the edge of the apron before slowly pulling himself back up. Edwards turns around and gets greeted with another elbow smash from Cure. Cure follows up with another elbow smash when Edwards answers back with a forearm strike. Cure delivers another elbow smash. Edwards then answers back with yet another forearm strike. The two combatants continue to trade elbows and forearms while the crowd murmurs with anticipation. The brawling grapplers then quickly do a double take as Madison runs forward before hurling himself over the top rope and knocking them both down with a High Jump Moonsault!!! The crowd erupts with cheers and applause while all three men are down!

"MA-DI-SON!"

"MA-DI-SON!"

"MA-DI-SON!"

"MA-DI-SON!"

Kris Cruise: Madison took it to the air and just took out his competition with a HUGE moonsault to the outside!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but how much did it take out of him? You don’t see him quickly popping back up to his feet

Madison slowly picks himself back up. He then grabs a hold of Cure before rolling him back inside. While Cure lays on the mat, Madison climbs up to the apron. The fans in attendance begin to stand up as Madison climbs the turnbuckles. Once he gets to the top, he jumps off for a diving double foot stomp! Madison misses Cure when Cure is pulled out of the way by Edwards! When Madison’s feet hit the mat, his momentum sends him rolling forward. He quickly turns and sees Edwards trying to step back in through the ropes. So Madison darts over and rocks him with a bicycle knee strike across the top of the head, sending The Burning Heart crumbling to the floor!

*CRACK!*

Kris Cruise: Good GOD, what a knee!

Stephy Auger: I’m shocked his head hasn’t been split open after all these knees!

Back inside, Madison picks up Cure and throws him down with a scoop slam before heading back out to the apron. Madison looks at Edwards and shakes his head before scaling the turnbuckles. Just as Madison ascends to the top turnbuckle, Cure scrambles back to a vertical base and jets up the turnbuckles. The crowd gasps when Cure grabs a hold of Madison while both are on the top turnbuckle/top ropes. Madison tries to elbow his way out. But Cure’s able to fight through the strikes. The crowd gasps when Cure backflips off the top turnbuckle, sending them both crashing to the canvas with an avalanche Spanish Fly! The crowd erupts with applause at the display.

"HOLY SHIT!"

"HOLY SHIT!"

"HOLY SHIT!"

"HOLY SHIT!"

Kris Cruise: Another insane display of athleticism by Marlon Cure!

Stephy Auger: This is why he’s the King, Cruise!

Madison remains sprawled out on the canvas while Cure is also on his back after bouncing hard off the mat. The official gets down and checks on both parties. Both men remain motionless until Cure starts to stir. Frankie Morrison can be seen on the outside pounding the apron and trying to get Madison to get up. But he remains motionless on his back. Meanwhile, Cure puts his arm in the air. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Cure slowly turns to his left… and drapes the arm across Madison’s chest for the cover! The ref quickly drops down to count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd gasps, then explodes with cheer when Madison gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Boy was he close!

Stephy Auger: SO close!

Cure brings Madison back to his feet before scooping him up and throwing him down with the Run N Gun (Michinoku Driver II)!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Cure!

Stephy Auger: Cure didn’t get the three count. But look at him. He’s staying right on top of Madison.

Cure takes Madison and whips him into the ropes. When Madison returns, he gets flattened with a yakuza kick. King Cure quickly goes to follow up with another standing moonsault. Cure misses when Madison rolls out of the way. But he’s able to land on his feet before quickly following up with a standing corkscrew Shooting Star Press! Members of the crowd applaud the athletic display while the ref slides into place for the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Madison gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Cure nearly got the three counter there. He’s going all out.

Stephy Auger: I told you he’s ready for another shot at the FGA World Championship. It took him 11 years to get to this point, Cruise. He’ll be damned if he’s gonna wait another 11 more! He wants Fujiko! He wants that shot! Marlon Cure is showing the world how badly he wants this opportunity!

Kris Cruise: Edwards is still down on the floor. Madison has just been barely beating the three count. Unless those two do something fast, the next big move from Cure could be the one that punches his ticket to Final Frontier.

Cure picks up Madison, brings him over towards the side of the ring and throws him down with a scoop slam. After returning to the apron with a slingshot, Cure knocks Edwards down with an Asai Moonsault! He then hops back onto the apron before quickly entering back in with a topé atomic across Madison. Cure hops back out to the apron before delivering another topé atomico to Madison! King Cure gets back to his feet before hitting the far ropes. He then bounces off the ropes, rushes back across the rope and lands on top of Madison with a cartwheel into a standing 450 Splash!!! The ref drops down for the cover while Cure hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up.


Stephy Auger: How was that not three!?

Kris Cruise: I don’t know! But I know Frankie Morrison is relieved!

Cure takes Madison and whips him into the ropes. When Madison returns, Cure throws out another yakuza kick. This time, Madison catches the foot. He returns the favor by wagging his finger at Cure. After swinging the leg away fro him, Madison counters with a backwards roll into a German Suplex! He keeps the bridge held while the ref makes the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Cure turns to get his shoulder up. But Madison maintains the waist lock. He pulls Cure back to his feet before delivering another bridging German Suplex!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Cure turns to get his shoulder up. Once again, Madison keeps the waist lock applied! He shakes his head ‘no’ before pulling Cure back to his feet. This time, Madison hooks both of Cure arms from behind, which gets a gasp from the crowd. He then nearly drops Cure on his head with a bridging Dragon Suplex!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd sighs, then boos when Cure somehow breaks the hold to get his shoulder up. Madison remains undeterred. After pulling Cure back to his feet by the back of his tights, he lifts Cure up into an electric chair. The crowd buzzes with anticipation for Madison’s finisher.

Kris Cruise: Madison’s got him set up for End Game!

Stephy Auger: NO, NO, NO...

Madison’s about to deliver End Game (electric chair lift dropped into a bridging German Suplex) when Cure counters with desperation punches to the head. With Madison montarily halted, Cure spins on Madison’s shoulders, flips back and spikes him with a Frankensteiner! He turns and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Madison gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Cure with a timely counter there! If he didn’t get out of that electric chair and hit the Frankensteiner, I believe we’d be hearing War Machine blaring throughout the arena right now!

Cure reaches down, grabs Madison by the wrists and drags him back towards the center of the ring. After pulling Madison up onto his knees, Cure looks around before clocking him in the face with the Coming of Age (double wristlock knee strike to a kneeling opponents)! Madison remains sprawled out on the mat while Cure heads into the corner. He then springboards to the top turnbuckle before rope walking halfway across the top rope. The fans in attendance stand up while Cure has Madison lined up. Cure motions to flip off the Reign Storm (ropewalk corkscrew 630) when Edwards climbs up onto the apron and yanks down the top rope. The crowd gasps when Cure slips and ends up crotched across the top rope! Cure howls out in pain as he slowly teeters over and drops to the apron. The Burning Heart then pulls Cure back up before lifting him across his shoulders. Edwards keeps Cure held in place before dropping him down hard across the apron with a Death Valley Driver!

*THUD!*

Kris Cruise: GOOD LORD! Edwards might have just broken his neck!

Cure bounces off the apron before crumbling to the floor. While Cure remains in the prone position, Edwards stands back up on the apron before slowly turning his attention back to Madison. The Burning Heart narrows his eyes as he slowly steps back into the ring. Edwards begins to circle the ring while Madison starts to stir. Morrison can be heard on the outside yelling for Madison to watch out for the Violent Gospel. But Madison may not hear him. Madison slowly turns over to a knee. He tries to shake out the cobwebs as Edwards hits the far ropes. Edwards builds up speed as he comes back and flattens Madison with the False Gospel (Feigned Violent Gospel into a reverse roundhouse kick)! Edwards drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up. The usually stone-faced Edwards looks over to the ref and gives him a look that says “oh come on, man!” but the official maintains his ground and holds two fingers up at The Burning Heart. Edwards refocuses shortly thereafter. He brings Madison back to his feet and nails him with alternating open hand strikes. He follows up with the Double Tap (pair of spinning back fists). He connects with the first strike. But Madison ducks the second and counter by hooking his arms from behind! He’s got Edwards set up for a Dragon Suplex when Edwards overpowers him. He swings his arms down, breaking the hold. He quickly catches Madison with a back elbow to the face, performs a standing switch, takes control of Madison’s back and throws him down with the RRE (Rear Reverse Exploder)! Madison slowly pushes himself up to all fours before Edwards pulls him back to a vertical base by the back of the tights. He then hooks one of Madison’s arms before throwing him down with the Half Cut (half nelson suplex)! He turns Madison over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How is Madison still in this match!?

Kris Cruise: He’s taken a beating from both Cure and Edwards over the last few minutes. But Madison is a warrior! He won’t go down without a fight!

Madison is whipped into the ropes. When he comes back, he gets thrown down with a snap powerslam. Edwards gets back to his feet before heading out to the apron. The Burning Heart scales to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and connects with a diving headbutt! Instead of making the cover, Edwards heads across the ring and begins to climb the turnbuckles. The fans begin to stand up. They notice that Madison is a bit out of Edwards’ range to hit the moonsault. The Burning Heart then pivots on the top turnbuckle, flips off… and knocks Cure down with a moonsault to the outside!

Kris Cruise: Cure just got taken out with a diving moonsault to the outside! Cure is down! Madison is down! Edwards has this match in the palm of his hand!

Stephy Auger: He better not let this chance slip away!

Edwards gets back to his feet and makes his way down ringside. He walks back up the turnbuckles and begins climbing the turnbuckles. He then turns, flips off and connects with a moonsault across Madison! He hooks the leg while the ref slides into place for the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Madison, somehow, beats the three count by getting his shoulder up. What does Edwards have to do to put him away?

Edwards pulls Madison back to his feet. He sets Madison up for another gutwrench maneuver when Madison quickly counters into a Calf Crusher! The crowd erupts with cheers as Madison pulls back on the leg!

Stephy Auger: He got caught!

Kris Cruise: Madison with a counter out of nowhere! He’s got Edwards trapped! The Burning Heart is nowhere near the ropes!

The ref gets down and asks Edwards if he wants to give up. He shakes his head ‘no.’ So Madison pulls back further, causing Edwards to groan. The Burning Heart howls in pain while trapped in the hold. He pulls at his hair before reaching the ropes. But he’s nowhere near them. He then tries to pull himself towards the ropes. But it’s to no avail. Madison keeps the hold applied while Morrison can be heard encouraging him to keep fighting for the submission. Edwards reaches out for the ropes once more. But he’s no closer to them than he was before.

"TAP!"

"TAP!"

"TAP!"

"TAP!"

Kris Cruise: This capacity crowd is making their voice heard! They’re drying for Madison to pull this one out!

Madison feverishly shakes his head. He can feel the submission coming. Morrison continues to shout words of encouragement. He shouts at Madison that Edwards can’t hold on for much longer. Edwards grits his teeth while he tries to fight through the pain of the submission. The official continue to grill Edwards about submitting. To his credit, he continues to turn down the chance to quit. Edwards then reaches over and wraps his arm around Madison’s head. The cheers quickly turn to boos when Edwards repeatedly rams the back of Madison’s head against the canvas, breaking the hold. Madison turns to his side and clutches the back of his head while Edwards can be seen hugging his leg. The Burning Heart then turns over on all fours and begins crawling over towards Madison. After pushing Madison over into the prone position, Edwards mounts across his back before raining down hammer fists across the back of the head! Madison tries to cover up. But some of the strikes pierce his defense. Edwards continues to swing down with strike after strike before pulling Madison back to his feet. Edwards places him in a front facelock. He then reaches over and hooks the leg before lifting Madison up. The crowd gasps when Madison gets planted with the Foxfire (fisherman brainbuster)! Edwards turns over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Madison gets his shoulder up.

Edwards slowly pulls Madison back to his feet before blasting him with the Double Tap! Madison gets hit with another Double Tap before the Fire From Heaven (discus roundhouse kick) drops him down to a knee! From there, Edwards hits the far ropes. Edwards bounces off the ropes, runs back across the ring and clobbers Madison across the back of the head with the Violent Salvation (running chop elbow across the back of the head of a kneeling opponent)!!! The crowd gasps Madison remains motionless on the mat. Edwards pushes him over onto his back before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!






Stephy Auger: NO!

The crowd gasps when Cure flies into the picture and crashes across Edwards with No Ceilings v2 (springboard corkscrew senton bomb), breaking the pin!

Kris Cruise: Cure just made one hell of a save!

Cure grabs Edwards by the wrists before pulling him over onto his knees. He’s got Edwards set up for the Coming of Age when Edwards rolls backwards to his feet, lunges forward and nails Cure with a knee to the midsection that doubles him over. After a kick to the face knocks Cure upright, Edwards follows up with the Double Take (jumping switch kick), dropping Cure to a seated position. Cure remains dazed as Edwards turns and hits the far ropes. The Burning Heart picks up speed as he runs across the ring. The crowd gasps when he throws out the Violent Gospel (running PK)! Edwards whiffs on the kick when Cure rolls out of the way at the last second. When Edwards turns around, Cure rushes over and throws out a rolling elbow. But he gets cut off with the Double Tap! Edwards then turns Cure around and hooks both arms before going for a Tiger Suplex. When Cure gets lifted off the mat, he reverses into a wheelbarrow victory roll!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Edwards kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to their feet, Cure swats away the Double Take and counters with an elbow smash. He then turns and hits the far ropes. King Cure leaps across the ring and knocks Edwards down with a flying forearm bash! Edwards is then brought back to his feet before Cure takes control of his back. From there, Cure brings him down with a ripcord slingblade! Cure brings Edwards back to a vertical base before delivering the Moment of Clarity (Somersault Reverse DDT)! The crowd begins to buzz with anticipation as King Cure slowly pulls Edwards back to his feet. Edwards is then lifted up across Cure’s shoulders before Cure brings him down with The Blackout (fireman’s carry dropped into an overhead kick)!!!

Stephy Auger: YES! YES YES YES!

Kris Cruise: There it is! THE BLACKOUT! Cure’s going for the cover...


ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!





Kris Cruise: NO!

Madison dives over and breaks up the pin!

Stephy Auger: Dammit!

The crowd applauds Madison over making the save. Madison picks up Cure and whips him into the ropes. When Cure returns, he gets hoisted into the air for a pop-up Codebreaker. But he counters on the way up by shifting his body and catching Madison with a forearm bash! As Madison starts to pick himself back up, Cure turns and hits the far ropes. He flies across the ring for another flying forearm bash when…

*CRACK*

Madiosn clobbers him in mid air with a bicycle knee strike! The cheers continue as Cure is pulled back to his feet. Madison then hoists him in the air before bringing him down with a pop-up Codebreaker! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Phew! I don’t know how much more of this I can take!

Kris Cruise: I don’t know how much more of this these three competitors can take!

Madison picks up Cure and pulls him into a guillotine. The fans in attendance stand up with anticipation for the Helicopter Guillotine. Suddenly, Edwards takes control of Madison and pulls him off of Cure with a half nelson! Edwards keeps the half nelson applied until Madison slowly powers out of it. He then catches Edwards with a back elbow to the face before performing a standing switch. The crowd gasps, then cheers when Madison lifts Edwards up onto his shoulders for the End Game! Edwards blocks the move with hammer fists to the top of the head! But Madison keeps him held on his shoulders. While Edwards continue to try and free himself, Cure rolls out to the apron before pulling himself back up using the ropes. He then scales the turnbuckles and waits for his momentum to strike. The moment Madison turns to face the corner, Cure stands up, flips off and brings Edwards down off of Madison’s shoulders with an elevated blockbuster!!!

Kris Cruise: CURE’S FLIES OFF THE TOP AND BRINGS DOWN EDWARDS WITH THE BLOCKBUSTER!

Cure picks himself back up when Madison takes control of his back. The crowd erupts with cheers when Madison knocks him down with Comatosed (ripcord rolling elbow)! Cure is then pulled back to his feet before Madison begins to deliver the Helicopter Guillotine! The crowd cheers and counts along with each rotation.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

“NINE!”

“TEN!”

Madison lets go, sending Cure rolling across the ring. After a few moments, Cure slowly pulls himself up onto a knee using the ropes… only to get clobbered with a running bicycle knee strike across the side of the head from Madison!!! The cheers continue as Cure gets dragged back towards the center of the ring. The crowd cheers after Madison pulls Cure back to his feet before lifting him up onto his shoulders. Morrison throws his arms in the air when Madison hits the End Game to an explosion of cheers!!! The ref hops over Madison and Cure, drops down and makes the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!






NO!

The crowd gasps when Edwards counters with a running leaping double foot stomp across Madison! The crowd murmurs as Edwards quickly pulls Madison back to his feet before doubling him over with a hard knee to the midsection, lifts him up slightly and then dumps him with the Long Way Round (pumphandle lift into a snap Death Valley Driver)! Edwards then pulls Madison up to a seated position before hitting the ropes. When The Burning Heart returns…

*THWACK!*

Madison gets flattened with the Violent Gospel! Edwards rushes over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd responds with a strong mixed reaction as “My Name is Human” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner, JAMES EDWARDS!

Edwards slowly gets his arm raised by the official before dropping down to a knee. An exhausted Burning Heart slowly rolls to the outside before staggering back up the aisle.

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, what an encounter we just witnessed! We saw bodies flying all over the place! We see all three of these competitors get battered with the hardest strikes we’ve seen all night! Guys were getting dumped on their heads! Guys were getting slammed down on the apron! This matchup was an absolutely battle! In the end, it is James Edwards that survives! He’s won this Triple Threat Match and has punched his ticket for Final Frontier!

[FGA Office]

FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Seth Iser vs. Tyler Storm

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest will be fought under Pride Rules and it is for the FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP!

The lights begin to slow fade out to the opening tunes of "Eye of the Tiger" before flashing quickly back on once the rifts of the guitar begin playing, along with being met with flashes of blue and gold light on the stage. Once the song picks up into its normal tune about 25 seconds in, Tyler Storm rushes out from behind the curtain to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song and mouthing out to the fans.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds! He is “The Swiss Army Knife”... TYLER STORM!!!

Once the lyrics start, Tyler begins making his way down the ramp, walking along the left for the first half of his trek to the ring and high-fiving fans or talking with them, and doing the same in the second half of his walk on the right side. Before long he reaches ringside and after interacting with a few more people at ringside, he works his way up the stairs onto the ring apron. He rubs his feet off for a few moments, then gripping onto the top rope he jumps up and slides his legs in between the top and middle ropes and into the ring.

The song goes on for a few more moments with Storm motioning out to the crowd for a reaction before rushing to one side of the ring just as the drawn out "Eye of the Tiger" lyric hits, landing his right foot on the bottom rope and his left on the middle rope with his arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Kris Cruise: The Pride Championship has eluded Tyler Storm throughout his tenure here in FGA. He’s failed in is two previous Pride Championship matches. Will the third time be the charm for Tyler Storm?

Stephy Auger: Hell no! Tyler Storm failed to get the job done against Seth at All-Star Showdown Eight. He failed to get the job done last year against Fujiko at All-Star Showdown Seven and he won’t get the job done here tonight. Seth Iser will be one step closer to becoming the greatest Pride Champion of all-time and it will be at Tyler Storm’s expense! You can take that to the bank, Cruise!

The lights dim down as the music begins to play. Soon enough, Seth Iser slowly walks through the curtain with that familiar scowl on his face with the championship around his waist. He starts walking down to the ring...glare etched on his face and listening to the fans boo him.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia! Weighing in a 243 pounds! He is the reigning… defending… FGA Pride Champion… SETH ISER!!!

A methodical, slow walk as he cracks his knuckles on the way down before pulling himself up onto the apron and enters the ring calmly before performing a crucifix pose at the center of the ring to revive the lights. He then retreats to his corner while taking off the gold around his waist and taking a seat in the corner while putting the championship over his shoulder while waiting until it's time to hand the gold to the ref for the match.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser is determined to go down in the history books as the man synonymous with the Pride Championship. But he’s got to get past the man that has had his number here in FGA, Tyler Storm! You are correct when you say that Tyler didn’t get the job done back in August at All-Star Showdown Eight. But Stephy, Iser didn’t get the job done, either! That match ended in a draw. Seth’s got the championship. But he doesn’t have that satisfying victory over Tyler Storm and that is something that continues to bother Wrestling’s Greatest Mind!

Stephy Auger: Let me tell you something, Cruise. Seth Iser will get the monkey off his back here tonight. If anyone can do it, it’s Seth Iser. This is man that is on the fast track to becoming the greatest Pride Champion in company history. This is a man that has beaten Izzy Anders in the center of that ring twice with championship gold on the line, which is something that even the reigning World Champion can’t say she’s done! Seth Iser has been in there against the best and he’s beaten nearly all of them. Tyler Storm has had his number. Key word being “had,” Cruise! Iser’s misfortunes against Tyler Storm end here tonight! I truly, truly believe that.

The music dies down while Iser and Storm face off in the center of the ring. The official continues to go over each of the Pride Rules while Iser and Storm stare each other down. Once he’s finished, the ref motions for both parties to shake hands. Boos resonate throughout the arena when Iser puts his hand forward. He then motions down at his hand, instructing Storm to shake it. Iser knows good and well that if Storm refuses to shake the hand, he’ll get docked one of his three rope breaks. Storm looks out towards the cheering crowd before turning his attention back to the Pride Champion. He looks down at Iser’s hand… and shakes it. Iser gives Storm a smirk before turning to walk away. But Storm doesn’t let go of the hand!

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

Storm pulls Iser back over towards him, which garners a murmur from the crowd. Iser continues to try and pull his hand free. Not only does Storm keep a tight grip on the hand, but he starts to squeeze it as hard as he can! Iser ultimately pries his hand free from Storm’s grip before taking several steps back. The crowd begins to boo Iser as he complains to the official.

Stephy Auger: What the heck was that all about.

Kris Cruise: It looks like Tyler Storm is already in the head of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind!

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah? Well, we saw what happened to the last performed that tried to play mind games against Seth Iser in an FGA ring. Ask her how that ended up working out for her.

Once the bell sounds, Iser begins to circle the ring while shaking his right hand. He then sizes up Storm before locking up. After jockeying for position, the crowd boos when Iser overpowers Storm and shoves him down to the mat. Storm rolls across the canvas before turning over onto a knee. Storm looks over at the Pride Champion and watches as he motions for Storm to get back up. The challenger returns to his feet before heading back over to initiate another collar-and-elbow. After jockeying for position, Iser gains the advantage and delivers four knee strikes to the midsection before throwing Storm across the ring with a hip toss! Storm holds his lower back as he turns over onto a knee. He looks over and once again sees Iser once again motioning for him to get back up. Storm looks out to the crowd before returning to a vertical base.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser is imposing his will on Tyler Storm early.

Stephy Auger: That’s right, Seth! Let him know who’s boss in there!

Storm cautiously circles the ring while Iser does the same. Both grapplers then rush forward before locking horns. The two aggressively jockey for position in the collar-and-elbow. The crowd cheers as Storm starts to move Iser across the ring. Suddenly, Iser overpowers Storm and moves him across the ring. After Storm is pressed against the ropes, Storm switches positions and presses Iser against the ropes. The Pride Champion then turns and presses Storm against the ropes. Storm tries to move Iser back. But Iser overpowers him and presses him right back against the ropes. Storm then pivots and once again presses Iser against the ropes. Iser then turns and presses Storm up against the corner. The official finally steps in and gets both men until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Storm storms puts his arms up. Iser then leans forward before using his hands to push up underneath Storm’s chin. Iser then takes a quick step back to complete the clean break. Storm immediately heads out of the corner and gets right in Iser’s face. Members in the first few rows jump up as they see Iser and Storm once again exchanging words. Iser then catches Storm with a hard right hand to the midsection, doubling him over. He then lifts Storm’s chin up before blasting him with a knife edge chop. A second knife edge chops knocks Storm back into the corner. Iser delivers a third chop before Storm grabs him, tosses him into the corner and lights up his chest with a knife edge chop. The cheers continue while Storm continues to chop away at the chest. He follows up with a spinning forearm, dropping Iser to a seated position in the corner! Iser clutches his jaw while Storm motions for him to get up. Instead of getting to his feet and returning fire, Iser slips to the floor. The crowd erupts with boos while the Pride Champion takes a breather on the outside.

Kris Cruise: Where does Seth think he’s going?

Stephy Auger: Look here, Cruise. Seth’s the Champion here. He’s going to make Tyler wrestle at his pace. He calls the shots in there. Remember that!

Iser continues to circle the ring while he moves his jaw from side to side. Once he feels he’s ready to get back in, Iser walks up the steel steps. After stepping back in through the ropes, he and Storm circle the ring once more. They then move towards the center of the ring and motion for a lock up when Iser cuts him off with a boot to the midsection. The boos continue as he brings Storm down with a vertical suplex. Iser quickly turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Iser with another quick cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Iser makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
T-NO!

Storm kicks out.

Iser picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, he gets knocked down with a back elbow to the face. Iser quickly drops back down into another lateral press for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Iser with another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Iser goes for another quick cover.

ONE!
.
.
T-NO!

Storm kicks out.

Iser picks up Storm and whips him back into the ropes. When Storm returns, he ducks a back elbow from Iser before continuing to run the ropes. After Storm comes back, Iser throws out a lariat. Once again, Storm ducks before hitting the ropes. When he comes back, Iser scoops him up from the side before bringing him down with a pendulum backbreaker. Iser makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Iser with another cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Iser with another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Storm kicks out again. Seth Iser has repeatedly gone for multiple covers in succession after getting Storm down to the mat.

Stephy Auger: That’s smart. Did Seth think he was going to get the three count on any of those moves? No. But by going for all those quick pins in a row, he’s forcing Storm to expend more and more energy by kicking out. The more energy he uses, the less stamina he’ll have as this match gets deep into the second and, if need be, third falls. That’s the intelligence of Seth Iser. He’s always thinking ahead.

Iser picks up Storm and places him in a side headlock. The Pride Champion wrenches down on the hold before Storm shoves him off into the ropes. Storm quickly throws out a spinning heel kick. But he does so too early, allowing Iser to hang onto the ropes. After Storm lands on the mat, Iser rushes over and throws out a jumping knee drop. The crowd cheers when Iser misses after Storm rolls out of the way. As Iser tries to pick himself back, Storm beats him back to a vertical base. He then rushes over and throws out a scissors kick. But he whiffs on the kick when Iser slips out of the way. Iser then quickly takes control of Storm’s back and sets him up for a German Suplex. But Storm blocks the move with back elbow to the face. After a second back elbow breaks the waist lock, Storm performs a standing switch. He then tries for a German of his own hen Iser returns the favor with two back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Iser spins Storm towards him before quickly pulling him into a front facelock. The crowd gasps when they see Storms et up for the Deprivation DDT (Jake Roberts-styled DDT)! Just before Iser can plant him, Storm rushes forward and grabs onto the ropes. The official quickly heads over and gives Iser until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE…

Iser is more than happy to break the hold. When Storm stands back up, he sees Iser taunting him by pointing to his temple.

Stephy Auger: Iser got him! He forced Tyler to use up one of his rope breaks super early!

Storm nods his head in response… before quickly catching Iser off guard with a bicycle kick to the face! The crowd cheers when Iser gets knocked through the ropes and falls to the floor!

Kris Cruise: That’s what Iser gets!

Storm rolls to the outside, grabs Iser and rolls him back in. After rolling back inside, he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Iser goes to put his foot on the bottom rope, then quickly thinks better and gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Tyler nearly got him there.

Stephy Auger: But he didn’t! He didn’t get the pinfall and Seth didn’t take the bait!

Storm takes Iser, moves him into the corner and delivers another series of knife edge chops. After taking control of the wrist, Storm sets up for an irish whip. The Pride Champion quickly reverses, sending Storm across the ring before crashing into the corner. Iser continues to shake out the cobwebs from the bicycle kick before rushing across the ring. He gears up for an attack when Storm knocks him back with a boot to the face. After shaking off the blow, Iser rushes back in to attack. This time, he gets knocked back with a back elbow. Iser shakes off the blow before rushing back in. Once again, he gets knocked back with a boot to the face. Iser continues to stumble back before he drops down to a knee. The Pride Champion tries to rise back to his feet. But Storm is right there to knock him down with a Scissors Kick! The cheers continue as he pushes Iser onto his back before making the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Tyler caught him with the Scissors Kick that time! But he only gets a count of two.

Storm pulls Iser back up, delivers an irish whip, follows him across the ring and connects with a running European Uppercut! Iser is then whipped across the ring before Storm follows him into the opposite corner and connects with another running European Uppercut! Storm then hoists himself up onto the middle ropes, grabs Iser and plants him with a Tornado DDT! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Storm picks up Iser before whipping him into the far ropes. When Iser returns, Storm goes to return the favor with a back elbow to the face. But Iser ducks before continuing to run the ropes. When Iser comes back, Storm throws out a lariat. But he misses when Iser swats it down before continuing to run the ropes. When Iser returns, Storm quickly swings around him to slap on a Sleeper! Iser’s eyes widen with panic when Storm cinches in the hold. The official goes over and asks Iser if he wants to give up. Iser refuses by waving him off. But this doesn’t stop the crowd from trying to get Iser to give up the fist fall.

"TAP!"

"TAP!"

"TAP!"

"TAP!"

Stephy Auger: Don’t listen to these idiots, Seth! Hang in there!

Iser instinctively goes to reach out for the ropes. But he immediately pulls back for two reasons. One, he’s nowhere near them and two, even if he was, he would use up one of his three rope breaks. So Iser reaches up and tries to pry Storm’s arm from around his neck. But he’s unsuccessful as Storm has the hold locked on tight. Iser then grabs onto Storm’s arm before quickly leaning forward to try and throw Storm off his back. But this fails, too! Iser lets out a frustrated groan while Storm’s got him between a rock and a hard place.

Kris Cruise: Iser can’t get out of the sleeper!

Stephy Auger: Seth will find a way out! He has to!

The official continues to ask if he wants to give up. This time, Iser turns down the offer by barking ‘NO!’ at the official. Storm remains undeterred as he keeps the Sleeper applied. Either Iser will pass out or tap out. He doesn’t care. The crowd gasps when Storm drags Iser towards the side of the ring. He then turns and faces the ropes, purposely putting Iser within arms reach of the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Look at this! Storm is practically daring him to reach the ropes and use up one of his rope breaks.

Stephy Auger: Don’t take the bait, Seth! Just hang in there!

Iser again lets out a frustrated groan. He knows exactly what Storm’s doing. But he’s not going to fall into Storm’s trap. So Iser gets the sole of his boot on the middle rope and then tries to push back. But Storm keeps him held in place. As Storm continues to keep the hold applied, Iser starts to fade. There’s a strong chorus of cheers when Iser drops down to a knee!

Kris Cruise: Look at that, Stephy! Seth’s fading!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Storm leans over to apply even more pressure! Iser slowly reaches up to try and break the hold by raking Storm’s eyes. But the official is right on top of things and pulls Iser’s hand away! The Pride Champion lets out yet another frustrated groan after being denied. The official then continues to question him over giving him. Iser refuses. But he recognizes the position that he's in. Either he can pass out or tap out to give up the fall. Or he can reach out to the middle rope and use up one of his rope breaks. Iser then yells out in anger as he lunges forward and wraps his arm around the middle rope! The crowd erupts with cheers upon seeing Iser use up one of his rope breaks! Storm is then given until the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE…

Like Iser before him, Storm is more than willing to break the hold. He releases the sleeper, puts his hands up and steps back towards the center of the ring. An annoyed Iser slowly turns around on his knee and stares daggers at Storm. Iser’s eyes then widen when Storm gives him a taste of his own medicine by motioning for him to get up.

Kris Cruise: HA HA HA!

Stephy Auger: Does Tyler Storm have any idea who he’s dealing with.

Kris Cruise: Of course he does! Seth knows Tyler just as well as Tyler knows him! This match is just as much of a physical battle as it is a mental one!

Iser pulls himself back up to his feet using the ropes. He then makes his way over to Storm and gets right in his face. Storm responds with a knife edge chop. Iser responds with a knife edge chop of his own. Storm blasts Iser with another knife edge chop! Iser returns the favor with another chop! Storm then nails Iser with a blistering knife edge chop! Iser returns the favor by whacking Storm with a chop that echoes throughout the arena! Storm pulls his arm back before cracking him across the chest with a knife edge chop!

*POP*

Iser guards his chest. He motions for a chop when Storm cuts him off with another knife edge chop!

*POP*

The crowd cheers when Iser gets knocked back by a knife edge chop!

*POP*

Iser gets knocked back with another chop…

*POP*

...and another…

*POP*

...and another…

*POP*

...and another…

*POP*

...and another…

*POP*

The crowd cheers and applauds as Iser doubles over and guards his chest.

Kris Cruise: Iser’s chest is beat red and raw from all those chops!

While Iser is stunned, Storm turns and hits the far ropes. When Storm comes back, the cheers turn to boos when Iser quickly stands back up, takes Storm and drops him throat-first across the top rope with a Stun-Gun! Iser then slips out to the apron before reaching back in the ring. After pulling Storm halfway out across the apron, Iser climbs back up onto the apron. He then rushes forward before delivering a jumping knee drop! The crowd erupts with boos when Storm falls off the apron and lands folded up on the floor!

Kris Cruise: Storm has quickly found himself in a bad way after that fall, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: You can never count out Seth Iser! Just when you think you’ve got the advantage, he pulls out something like this to pull the match right back out from under you.

Iser pulls Storm back to his feet before ramming him back-first against the side of the ring! He then pulls Storm away from the ring before throwing him down with a release belly to belly suplex! Iser pulls Storm back up before bringing him back down with a vertical suplex on the floor! The capacity crowd continues to boo Iser while Storm arches his back in pain. Storm continues to writhe in pain on the floor as the Pride Champion rolls himself back into the ring. He then thumbs behind him, instructing the ref to continue his count while he heads over into the corner to recover.

Kris Cruise: Seth’s going to take a breather in the corner while he’s got Tyler hurt on the outside! He’s willing to take this first fall by countout!

Stephy Auger: What’s wrong with that? Pinfall, submission, DQ or countout. A fall is a fall, Cruise. As long as Seth gets the first fall and puts all the pressure on Tyler to comeback, that’s all that matters!

FIVE!





SIX!







SEVEN!







EIGHT!





NINE!





TEN!






ELEVEN!







TWELVE!






THIRTEEN!



Storm slowly turns over on all fours.

FOURTEEN!






FIFTEEN!




Storm tries to crawl back over towards the side of the ring.






SIXTEEN!







Storm reaches up and grabs a hold of the apron.






SEVENTEEN!





Storm reaches up with his other hand and grabs onto the apron.




EIGHTEEN!




Storm struggles to pull himself up using the edge of the apron. As soon as he gets back to a vertical base, he winces before immediately clutching his back! The crowd gasps when he drops back down to a knee!

Stephy Auger: YES!

Kris Cruise: Seth’s going to steal this first fall!


NINETEEN!










TWENT-NO!

The crowd responds with cheers and applause when Storm rolls back in at the very last second. Iser notices the cheering crowd. He slowly turns across the ring and looks over at Storm with disbelief.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm has beaten the twenty count here in this Pride Championship match!

Stephy Auger: I always knew he had more guts than brains.

Iser marches across the ring. He waves the referee off before reaching down and grabbing Storm. After slowly pulling Storm back to his feet, the crowd gasps when Iser quickly pulls him into a front facelock! Iser goes for the Deprivation DDT when Storm grabs the arm, spins out and counters with a spinning forearm! While Iser is rocked, Storm turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, he nearly gets cut off with a running big boot from Iser. But Storm catches the foot in time. He then swings Iser’s leg away from him, takes control of his back and brings him down with a Blue Thunder Bomb!!! The crowd cheers while the ref slides into place for the count.

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

Iser gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: That was a close one, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Woo! That was TOO close.

Storm turns over and favors his back before slowly getting back to a vertical base. He then picks up Iser being whipping him into the ropes. When Iser returns, the crowd cheers when he gets knocked down with a jumping knee strike! Storm pulls him back up before sending him for the ride. Iser comes back across the ring and gets knocked off his feet with a spinning heel kick! The cheers continue as Iser is once again shot into the ropes. When Iser comes back, Storm throws him down with a Sling Blade! Storm looks to the crowd and pumps his fist! He’s feeling it! Storm returns to his feet before pulling Iser back up. He lights up Iser’s chest with another flurry of knife edge chops before hitting the ropes. Storm comes back and goes for a yakuza kick when Iser catches his foot. Iser then swings Storm’s leg away from him before bringing him down from behind with a hangman’s neckbreaker! The boos continues as Storm curls up and clutches the back of his neck. Iser can be seen slowly turning over on all fours before getting back to a vertical base. He then reaches down and slowly pulls Storm back to his feet. The FGA Pride Champion returns the favor with a flurry of knife edge chops. With Storm stunned by the jobs, Iser fires off three jabs (to the chest). He then motions for a discus clothesline to complete the clothesline. Knowing Iser as well as he does, Storm instinctively ducks to avoid the clothesline. In a split second, Iser’s eyes widen before quickly pulling Storm into a front facelock before planting him with the Deprivation DDT!!! The crowd erupts with boos after seeing Storm spiked head-first onto the mat. Storm remains motionless in the prone position before Iser pushes him over to make the cover.

Stephy Auger: YES! YES! YES!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

SETH ISER - 1
TYLER STORM - 0

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser takes the first fall! Tyler Storm ducked the discus clothesline. But Iser, to his credit, immediately recognized the positon that Tyler put himself in and made him pay with the Deprivation DDT! Tyler didn’t do anything foolish! He didn’t do anything risky! He instinctively ducked and that was all it took for Seth to get the advantage and, ultimately, the first fall!

Stephy Auger: Once again, Seth Iser proves that he is truly Wrestling’s Greatest Mind!

Tyler Storm remains down on the canvas while the official checks in on him. Meanwhile, the crowd continues to boo Iser while he circles the ring before making his way into the corner. The Pride Champion is seen patiently waiting for the mandatory 30 second rest period to end. The bell sounds to start the second fall. Iser begins to make his way out of the corner as he sees Storm starting to stir on the mat. Storm then slowly turns over on all fours. He tries to get back up to his feet from a hunched over position until Iser runs over and blasts him with a Wrestling II Knee Lift! Storm’s head snaps back before he crumbles to the canvas! The boos continue as Iser drops down to make the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser picks up Storm, moves him into the corner and delivers a series of knee strikes to the midsection. Iser then switches knees and uses the metal brace-wrapped knee to deliver another flurry of knees to the midsection! The crowd erupts with boos when Storm doubles over before dropping down to the mat. Iser reaches down, pulls Storm back to his feet and then throws him towards the center of the ring with a release belly to belly. While Storm remains sprawled out on the mat, Iser hits the ropes. He returns before using the brace-wrapped knee to deliver a jumping knee drop! The boos continue when Iser grinds his brace across Storm’s face before making the cover!

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser pushes Storm back down and holds his wrist down to the mat as he makes another cover.

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

Storm gets his other arm up.

Iser then grabs a hold of the other arm and delivers a a leg drop across it. Iser then delivers a second leg drop across the arm, followed by a third. He then quickly transitions into a short-arm scissors. The official goes over and asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. Storm lets out a groan while Iser continues to apply pressure to the arm. The official continues to question Storm. But the challenger turns down multiple chances to hand the second fall (and the match) over to Iser. So he slowly maneuvers his way towards the side of the ring across his back. With his right leg, he reaches over and gets his foot on the bottom rope, forcing a rope break.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Iser breaks the hold.

Stephy Auger: That’s two, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: You are correct. Tyler Storm is not only down a fall in this Pride Championship match, but he’s also down to just one rope break.

He quickly pulls Storm back to his feet, pulls him back towards the center of the ring and brings him down with a Divorce Court Armbreaker! While Storm’s in the prone position, Iser transitions into a grounded hammerlock. The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. When he refuses, Iser responds with a knee drop across the hammerlocked arm! Iser continues to keep the hold applied while he fights for the submission. But Storm will not give up. So Iser begins to let off a series of rapid knee drops to the hammerlocked arm! The crowd gasps when Iser goes to transitions into the Rings of Saturn!

Stephy Auger: LOOK, CRUISE!

Kris Cruise: Seth’s trying to lock on the Dream Eater!

The crowd boos as Iser has Storm’s left arm trapped behind his legs. Before he can hook his arm around Storm’s free arm, Storm turns over and counters into a pin!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Iser kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Iser flattens Storm with a running big boot! He drops down and makes the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser takes Storm and moves him back into the corner. The boos continue as he rocks Storm with multiple European Uppercuts before sitting him up on the top turnbuckle. The crowd murmurs as Iser begins to climb the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

Stephy Auger: We all saw what happened that last time these two were up this high!

Once Iser is on the middle ropes, he grabs Storm for a superplex. He goes to lift Storm up when Storm blocks the move. Iser tries to muscle him up for another superplex attempt. But once again, Storm blocks the move. So Iser lets go and nails Storm with an elbow to the head. Storm responds with a forearm strike. Storm gets nailed with another elbow to the face. He then answers back with another forearm shot. He then cuts Iser off with another forearm shot. The cheers continues as Iser is cut off with another forearm! Storm then unleashes a flurry of forearm before shoving Iser off the ropes! Iser crashes down to the mat to cheers and applause from the crowd! The FGA Pride Champion writhes in pain as he slowly rolls away from the corner. While Iser remains sprawled out on the mat, Storm starts to stand up on the top turnbuckle. The fans in attendance then stand up as Storm carefully turns to face away from the ring.

Stephy Auger: What in the world is Storm doing? He’s not about to jump on us, is he?

Kris Cruise: Don’t be silly, Stephy. I don’t know what Storm’s got in mind. But in a match of this magnitude, with the stakes this high on the line? He must be ready to pull out something we’ve never seen here before...

Iser remains motionless on the mat as Storm looks back to gauge the distance. Storm then looks back out to the crowd as he flips off the top turnbuckle! Storm goes for the Paranoia Plummet (diving corkscrew moonsault)!!! The crowd gasps…









… then BOOS when Iser blocks the move! Storm bounces off fo Iser’s knees before rolling across the mat.

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: OH YEAH!!!

The boos continue while Storm remains in the prone position. Iser then slowly turns over on all fours before crawling across the ring. He then pushes Storm over onto his back before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his foot on the bottom rope. But some fans are shown putting their hands on their head when they realize what Storm just did.

Stephy Auger: Tyler just used up his last rope break! The second fall hasn’t even been decided and Tyler Storm has just used up all of his rope breaks!

Kris Cruise: Tyler had to do what he had to do. But this doesn’t bode well for him for the rest of this contest. I’m not going to lie. He’s already down a fall. He MUST find a way to win these next to falls to win the match. Now, he has to do that with no rope breaks left! If Seth slaps on a submission, Tyler can crawl over and grab the ropes. But Seth will be able to keep the hold locked on all night if he wants to!

Iser pulls up Storm, takes control of his back and heaves him across the ring with a release German Suplex!. The boos continue when Storm gets thrown across the ring with another release German! Storm then finds himself on the receiving end of a third release German! Storm bounces off the mat before turning over into the prone position. Iser makes his way across the ring, pushes Storm over onto his back and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Tyler found a way to muster up enough strength to get his shoulder up. But how much does he have left in the tank?

Stephy Auger: How much more can that brittle back of his take?

Iser picks up Storm and whips him hard into the corner. After crashing into the turnbuckles, Storm staggers away from the corner. Storm then charges over and turns him inside out with a lariat! While Storm remains sprawled out on the mat, Iser continues to make his way into the corner. The fans in attendance begin to stand up and murmur as he scales the turnbuckles.

Stephy Auger: Seth’s ready to put this one away!

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen Seth Iser head to the top and hit that moonsault in big matches like this. If he hits this, that might be all she wrote for Tyler Storm.

Iser climbs up to the top turnbuckle. He scans the capacity crowd before flipping back for a moonsault. The crowd gasps…





… then CHEERS when Storm gets his knees up! The crowd erupts with cheers when iser crashes down across Storm’s raised knees!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOO! NO NO NO NO NO!

Kris Cruise: Tyler blocked! He got his knees up! This fall is up for grabs! Can Tyler Storm find the strength within himself to get back in this contest and secure the second fall!?

Iser bounces off the knees before turning over and curling up on the mat. Iser writhes in pain while he guards his midsection. Meanwhile, Storm slowly turns over on all fours. The official then heads over and checks on Storm before checking back in with Iser. He then starts his count.

ONE!




TWO!





THREE!





FOUR!





FIVE!





SIX!

Iser slowly turns over a knee. After he slowly picks himself back up, the crowd cheers when Storm comes from behind and lifts him up onto his shoulders with an electric chair! The capacity crowd buzzes with anticipation as Storm’s got Iser set up for the Eye of the Storm (Electric Chair Driver). Suddenly, Storm winces as he drops down to a knee. The crowd gasps as Storm appears hurt.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: You damn right it isn’t! It looms like Storm might have just blown out his back!

Iser motions to climb down off of Storm when Storm quickly stands back up!

Stephy Auger: Wait, wait, wait…

The crowd gasps as Storm heads to the center of the ring before driving Iser down with the Eye of the Storm! The ref slide sinto place for the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Kris Cruise: Tyler’s tied it up!

SETH ISER - 1
TYLER STORM - 1

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm has just pulled out the pinfall to win the second fall! It’s all tied up now! All of the pressure was on Tyler Storm there. He had zero rope breaks left. He was down a fall. He was hurt. But Storm found the strength within himself to battle back! He fed off the energy of this capacity crowd to fuel his comeback. Now, it’s anyone’s match!

Stephy Auger: ...

The bell sounds to start the third and final fall. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as both grapplers slowly return to a vertical base

“LET’S GO, TYLER!”
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

“LET’S GO, TYLER!”
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

“LET’S GO, TYLER!”
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

Storm heads over and blasts Iser with a spinning forearm! Iser gets knocked back a few steps, then pushes forward and nails Storm with a discus clothesline! Storm gets knocked back a few steps. He then shakes off the blow before pushing forward and nailing Iser with a bicycle kick to the chest! After getting knocked back a few steps, Iser rushes forward and throws out another discus clothesline. This time, Storm knocks the clothesline out of the way with a bicycle kick before following up with another spinning forearm! Iser gets rocked with another spinning forearm!! Storm then takes a few steps back, then rushes forward and goes for another spinning forear-NO! The crowd erupts with boos when Iser lunges forward and clamps on the Mandible Claw! Storm flails his arms while Iser drives his index and middle fingers down into his gullet.

Kris Cruise: Iser with the Injection of Poison!

Stephy Auger: Yes, Seth! Yes! Put him out!

Storm tries to pull Iser’s fingers from out of his mouth. But he’s unsuccessful! He then takes his arm and starts swatting away at Iser’s forearm. But Iser keeps the hold applied! The official then asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm declines. But shortly thereafter, the crowd gasps when Storm drops down to a knee! Iser begins to feverishly shake his head. He can feel the win coming! He’s moments away from retaining his championship!

Stephy Auger: He’s going down, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: Storm has to find a way out. Quick!

The official gets down and asks Storm if he wants to retain. A close up of Storm shows him fading fast! The referee raises Storm’s arm before letting go. The arm starts to fall, then immediately stops! With wide eyes, Iser slowly looks down and looks at Storm’s arm. He sees Storm shaking his fist, which garners cheers from the capacity crowd. Storm slowly battles back to a vertical base. He latches onto Iser’s wrist one more. This time, he’s able to slowly pull Iser’s fingers from out of his mouth. Iser tries to overpower him to reapply the Injection of Poison. Storm counters by quickly grabbing Iser and throwing him down with a Backdrop Driver to an explosion of cheers!

Kris Cruise: Right on his head!

Stephy Auger: Come on, Seth! Get up!

Storm picks himself up before pulling Iser back to his feet. He lifts Iser up on his shoulders for an Alabama Slam. He’s about to deliver the move when Iser reaches out with both hands and grabs onto the top rope. Storm tries to pull him down. But Iser hangs on for dear life! So Storm reluctantly lowers him down. He goes to follow up with a spinning forearm when Iser ducks and dumps him over the top rope and to the floor. After Storm pulls himself up using the ropes, Iser goes to double him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. But Storm is able to quickly side step before countering with a Scissors Kick! Storm steps back in through the ropes, lifts up Iser and then brings him down with the rolling Tide (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Storm takes Iser and shoots him into the ropes. When Iser comes back, Storm throws him down with a spinebuster! He rolls across Iser and hooks the near leg for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Storm points over into the corner as he places Iser in a standing headscissors. He’s about to lift him up for a Buckle Bomb when Iser counters with a back body drop. Iser then takes Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm comes back, Iser throws him down with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Iser takes Storm and moves him into the corner before sitting him down on the top turnbuckle. He then climbs up onto the middle ropes. Storm then shakes his head before climbing up onto the top ropes!

Kris Cruise: Wait just a minute! Seth’s going to the very top!

Stephy Auger: He’s going for broke!

The crowd murmurs as Iser pulls Storm up onto the top turnbuckle! Iser then lifts Storm up and jumps off back off the top turnbuckle…








… before crashing down hard with a superplex!!! The crowd gasps as Storm lays motionless on the canvas. Iser starts to stir before turning over and draping his arm across Storm’s for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then erupts with cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How in the hell was that not three!?

Kris Cruise: I have no idea! But Tyler Storm still has some fight left in him, ladies and gentlemen!

The capacity crowd are seen slapping their hands in support of Storm. Iser slowly pulls him back to his feet. Storm is then hoisted up before being brought down with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse Backbreaker)! The boos continue as Iser makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Storm gets the shoulder up. Iser just shakes his head. He slowly pulls Storm back to his feet. The Pride Champion takes control of Storm’s back to set up another release German. Before he can hit the move, Storm stops him back a back elbow to the face. Another back elbow connects. Storm then delivers four more back elbows to finally break the hold. He then runs forward, rebounds off the ropes and knocks Iser down with the Hardcastle Treatment (springboard roundhouse kick)! The cheers continue for Storm while Iser is seen slowly turning over onto a knee. Storm then heads over and pulls him back to his feet from behind. He then takes control of Iser’s back before clocking him a cross the back of the head with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into Rolling Elbow)! The crowd cheers as Iser collapses to the mat. He’s once again pulled up from behind before Storm turns around and scoops him up across his shoulders. The crowd cheers as Storm heads back towards the center of the ring. There’s a collective gasp when Storm holds Iser high over his head! He shouts out at the crowd “PREPARE TO…!” The capacity crowd responds with “BE WITNESS!” before Iser gets dropped with the Bite Wound (Crucifix Cutter)! Storm then quickly transitions into the Tiger’s Cage (double underhook crossface)! Iser howls in pain while the crowd cheers at the sight. The ref gets down and asks Iser if he wants to give up. Iser responds by shaking his head ‘no.’ So Storm responds by pulling back on the hold to increase pressure. Storm groans with pain as he lays trapped in the hold.

Kris Cruise: Seth’s trapped in the Tiger’s Cage! He’s trapped with nowhere to go! Tyler’s got it locked on tight!

Stephy Auger: Don’t you give up, Seth! Don’t you dare give up! Hang in there, dammit!

Iser grits his teeth while he tries to fight out of the submission. He can’t reach out for the ropes as his arms are trapped. He can’t pull himself towards the side of the ring. He can’t swing his legs out to get a foot on the bottom rope. Iser’s got nowhere to go with Storm across his back! The official continues to question Iser on if he wants to give up. Iser refuses and continues to fight through the pain. So Storm begins to repeatedly pull back on the hold, which causes Iser yell out in pain with each pull! Storm continues to fight for the submission by repeatedly yanking back on the hold. Storm then pulls back as far as he can, which causes Iser to let out a labored groan! The official is right next to Iser. He asks a red-faced Iser if he wants to give up. The referee waits with waited breath for an answer. He continues to wait… and wait… and wait… until Iser nods! The bell is immediately called for.

Kris Cruise: Tyler’s done it!

Stephy Auger: NO!

Kris Cruise: Tyler’s done it!

The crowd explodes with cheers when “Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)” blasts throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match… and now, the NEEEEEEEWWWWWWW FGA Pride Champion, TYLER STORM!

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm has finally done! He’s defeated Seth Iser to finally become FGA Pride Champion! This has been a journey over a year in the making! Tyler was shut down and denied! He was turned away by two great Pride Champions. But tonight, he was able to find break through and finally capture the championship that has eluded him for over a year. Tyler Storm can finally call himself Pride Champion! Congratulations!

Stephy Auger: …

An exhausted Storm makes his way back to his feet. The referee is handed the Pride Championship from the outside before walking over to Tyler with it. Once the belt has been placed in his hands, Storm drops down to a knees. He rests the championship down on the mat before staring at it in disbelief. Storm takes the championship and hugs it tightly. The new champion is showered with cheers and applause as he slowly gets back to his feet. The official circles the ring with Storm’s arm raised in the air in victory…