Afterburn for Eight Year Anniversary Show

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on Afterburn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on Frontier+.

[David]

Shortly after the Eight Year Anniversary Show has gone off the air, Amanda Johnson is seen standing in a corridor backstage at the Spectrum Center with one half of Pendragon, Lowri Moss. Dressed in a pair of navy blue jeans and a black hoodie, Lowri has a trolley case with her, giving the appearance that she is in a hurry to get somewhere else. However, before she departs the venue of tonight’s show, to get to wherever it is that she needs to be, she still has time to accommodate a request from Amanda for an interview.

Amanda Johnson: Lowri, well done on your victory tonight.

Lowri responds to the reporter with a courteous smile.

Lowri Moss: Thank you.

Amanda Johnson: Prior to your match, you and Neal brought up how last year ended for the two of you, losing the United States tag team titles to Silk & Cyanide at Final Frontier, and you mentioned how disappointed you both felt following that match, so for you to finish this year with a win here tonight and with the world tag team titles securely in your possession, obviously you must be experiencing some very different emotions now compared to the ones that you went through at the end of last year.

The smile on Lowri’s face broadens a bit.

Lowri Moss: Yeah, absolutely, Amanda. Before our match last month at Autumn Annihilation, Neal and I talked about how that loss to Sara Mason and Erin Mariani was the only real blot on our record as a team since… pretty much the beginning of last year. And everything that we’ve now done since last December - ending the record-breaking reign of The Chaotics, making three successful defences of our titles, and beating Silk & Cyanide last month in this very building - has more than made up for what happened twelve months ago at Final Frontier.

She pauses momentarily to take a breath, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: And you know, for me personally, it’s nice to finally be able to end a year in FGA with a win, not only after what happened at last year’s Final Frontier, but also after what happened two years ago, when I lost a singles match against Dom Harter… which, come to think of it, probably makes our opposition tonight all the more appropriate.

Her smile now resembles more of a smirk, one not too dissimilar to the familiar smirk that is so often present on the face of Dom Harter himself.

Lowri Moss: It’s always satisfying to get one over on Dom and his crows, whatever the type of match we’re in and whichever iteration of The New Murder is across the ring, so for me, Neal, and Kazu to get the win tonight… yeah, that was a good way to conclude an already successful year on another high note.

Amanda Johnson: It certainly has been a successful year here in FGA for yourself and Neal, and looking ahead to next year, it appears that we found out earlier who the next challengers for your titles will be, as the winners of the Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament, the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad, revealed that they have decided to go after the world tag team titles - and based on your previous comments, which Anastasia Hayden made reference to, I assume you must be pleased with their decision.

There is a nod of the head from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: Well, firstly, on behalf of both Neal and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate Ana and Lisa on winning this year’s Dynamic Duos Tournament.

Following the briefest of pauses, Lowri continues.

Lowri Moss: Now, like you said, Amanda, Ana alluded to the comments that I made ahead of the Dynamic Duos final, when I said that in my opinion there was only one choice that the winners of the final should make, but as well as that, I also sent a tweet to Ana and Lisa following their victory in the final, in which I simply told them to “make the right decision,” and so yes, I’m very pleased, as is Neal, that they did indeed make the right decision. I don’t want to say much more about the prospect of Pendragon versus the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad right now though, as I would prefer to wait until I’ve got Neal with me before discussing that matchup at in detail, so that he can give his take on it at the same time.

Amanda Johnson: Okay, I understand.

The interviewer then moves on to a different topic.

Amanda Johnson: Tonight’s show was of course the first since it was revealed earlier this month that the brand split was being dissolved; what was your reaction to that announcement?

Lowri Moss: I’ll admit it caught me a bit by surprise, especially as it was only a few months ago that we had another draft. However, if the Executive Committee think it’s what’s best for the future of FGA, then I fully support their decision.

A slight frown appears on Lowri’s face, as she ponders the immediate effect of the dissolution of the brand split.

Lowri Moss: I’m not sure how much of an impact it’s going to have on either me or Neal in the short term. I mean, we were each originally drafted to Vertigo, we’ve spent the past year in the Flashpoint Zone, and I guess now we’ll just be appearing on Vertigo again. Clearly though, as the current World Tag Team Champions, something that will affect us in the longer term is whatever decision is made as far as the futures of each of the championships in FGA is concerned. The press release said there aren't any immediate plans to unify any of the championships, but it did also say that by the end of next year, they want to have just one set of tag titles-- the most obvious way to achieve that would be to unify the world tag titles and the United States tag titles, and assuming that is what’s going to happen at some point, Neal and I need to make sure that we keep hold of our titles by beating the Hellcats, plus anyone else that we might face, so that when the time comes, we have the opportunity to become the unified FGA World Tag Team Champions.

The frown is replaced by another smile.

Lowri Moss:The press release also mentioned that the Executive Committee members believe the merging of the rosters will lead to some dream matches, which is something we heard Cordy and Fujiko consider earlier, and I would like to think that I could potentially feature in some of these dream matches - I certainly have some dream matches of my own that I would like to happen. I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see though.

Amanda Johnson: There’s one final thing that I would like to ask you. You’ve already touched upon how good a year you’ve had, but I was wondering, do you think there have been any negatives for you at all?

Now smiling wryly, Lowri is quick to give a somewhat sarcastic reply.

Lowri Moss: Yeah, not getting to wrestle on my birthday.

However, she then lets out a sigh, as her tone changes.

Lowri Moss: If you want a serious answer though, Amanda, I suppose the one negative for me this year in FGA would be that, while Neal and I have gone from strength to strength in the tag division, as a singles competitor… I’ve stagnated.

A second, smaller sigh follows, before Lowri expands upon her answer.

Lowri Moss: Around this time two years ago, Sadie San Francisco described me as being the fastest improving wrestler that FGA had ever seen-- and within six months, I had become only the second ever double champion in FGA history, which is something that I’m quite proud of. But in the past twelve or so months, I feel that my rise has stalled. During the course of this year, I’ve only been in three singles matches in FGA; most recently there was that battle royal, which I was eliminated from by two people who weren’t even in the match, and in the months prior to that, I had two one-on-one matches, both of which I won, in a grand total of - I think - only a little over ten minutes.

Ten minutes and twelve seconds, to be exact.

Lowri Moss: Do you remember at one point this year I was just a mere five seconds away from a shot at the International Heavyweight Championship? That seems like a long time ago now.

Lowri runs her right hand through her hair.

Lowri Moss: I need to be careful what I say, because I don’t want anyone, especially not Neal, to think that I would prefer to not be teaming with him. I can assure all of you, I’m not looking to break up Pendragon; I’m proud to hold the world tag titles with Neal, and I wouldn’t want to sacrifice that for a shot at one of the singles titles. Having said that though, both of us, Neal included, do have things that we want to accomplish in FGA by ourselves. In Neal’s case, I know he has a desire to prove that he’s more than simply the other half of Pendragon. He also wants to be known as the best high flyer in FGA and to make the High Flyer of the Year award his, and he’s well aware that he would have a better chance of achieving those things if he were to compete in more singles matches, as that would give him a greater opportunity to showcase what he can do.

She then places her hand on her hip.

Lowri Moss: And speaking of the year end awards, I think they actually reflect my stagnation as a singles competitor; twelve months ago I was nominated for several awards, whereas this time around, I’ve only received one solo nomination. From last year to this year, that’s quite a stark contrast, and in no way am I trying to suggest that I should’ve gotten more nominations this year, only that it’s definitely something I want to have improved upon twelve months from now.

Amanda Johnson: And how do you think you can make that improvement - how do you think you can avoid continuing to, as you put it, stagnate?

Lowri Moss: By having the Lowri that people get to see on Saturdays be more like the one that they can see on a Friday.

Saturday(s) and Fridays are references to the usual days of the week when FGA shows and Underground shows air, respectively.

Lowri Moss: Alright, Amanda; I probably ought to go and find Neal, as he and I have got a flight to Portland to catch.

Lowri takes her hand off her hip and grabs ahold of the handle of her trolley case.

Amanda Johnson: Okay, Lowri. Thanks for your time.

Lowri Moss: You’re welcome. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve, whatever it is that you have planned for tomorrow night.

Amanda Johnson: Thanks. And you.

Lowri then smiles at Amanda once more before wandering off, pulling her case behind her, and the scene cuts away.

[Seth Iser]

The show has been off the air for a little bit. This particular locker room is fairly empty and considering who is residing in said locker room there is an understandable reason why it’s mostly vacated: it’s currently populated by the sometimes ill tempered Seth Iser. The former Pride Champion and well traveled veteran has changed into his street attire and representing the brand fully. The three piece black and white suit even if his hair and beard are still a little frizzed out all things considered. There’s a contained wildness in his eyes as he’s sitting there, the side of his face still swollen as the camera goes up toward him.


Seth Iser: I pissed off two people today...that didn’t like certain truths being told.


The comment from the veteran brings a chuckle that has some sinister connotations. There’s a slight pause.


Seth Iser: The FGA Champion is huffing and puffing because I didn’t even have to say her name directly and people already knew and a number of people here in the back agree with my assessment. People all over in the industry agree with it, really. Only the people who buy the tickets are fully blinded by her two-faced, insincere garbage. Her transgressions with the Pride title before that with whom she disrespected .


And then you see his face darkens briefly thinking on a particular incident.


Seth Iser: She still owes the current Pride Champion an apology for how she grand-standed and slapped everyone in the face that night. Never got one because she never does anything wrong according to her…but if she’s intent on wanting my voice silenced...there’s only one way that can happen in terms of stakes for a rubber match.


Then the darkening of his face continues for a moment.


Seth Iser: Not to mention she owes my daughter an apology for being a horrendous role model for young girls especially with how she acts on a regular basis...


And after that darkening of his face, it becomes a little more neutral in tone. Something we're accustomed to from the veteran wrestler.


Seth Iser: But I know her type well. Her ego is bruised and she's not doing a good job hiding it. She’s smarting that in my one reign with that wonderful championship, it surpassed what she did in two in terms of adding an element it never had before. She’s not silenced any criticism sent her way with her lack of professionalism either. But as someone who actually respects the traditions of what it means to be a champion, that’s not my call. Not yet. Because while James Edwards didn’t beat me...I didn’t beat him either. It makes things just a little bit...disputed.


He offers a shake of the head but again, he chuckles for a second time as he leans forward toward the camera as now there’s almost a smile on his face.


Seth Iser: I haven’t been hit that hard in a little while...he, Izzy, and Dom are three different kind of brawlers or strikers respectively. Unlike the latter two where there was just a sinking feeling of pain...there’s a small bit of satisfaction with how hard James hit me tonight. Because some of what I said...landed for young Edwards. He heard what I said in the ring. He heard what I said earlier tonight. And he damn sure reacted...


The chuckle kind of turns into a full blown laugh that just has a menacing quality to it. It’s a rare sight that he actually laughs purely out of some sort of amusement.


Seth Iser: He knows people like me hold that pen for him, fair or not. He also knows that tonight, he let an opportunity to leave no doubt he’s the true number one contender slip by. The word disputed was used intentionally by yours truly. They don’t know who is superior between the two of us right now. Just when he vanquished Marlon and Madison from the World title picture...he just let me come knocking on the door. I’m not arrogant enough to proclaim myself the number one contender...but tonight at least should have re-opened the discussion a little bit with my name included in the proceedings.


The smirk on his face has a hint of that arrogance as he just chuckles one more time. But the excessive chuckling on top of the match made him wince as the adrenaline is finally just fully fading away from him.


Seth Iser: It’s so close right now...that elusive world title. And 2020 might finally be the year it comes back to me. The chance to write that Magnum Opus for my career, my legacy. Through all the struggles...all the nagging injuries that come with the territory. All of the time to get myself in better physical shape. All the rehab before I came back into the sport from one more devastating knee injury when. All that work to add new dimensions to my game at my age to keep adapting to what the sport is now. All that sacrifice when I've missed so many important events in my daughter's life. And all the B.S. that is hurled in my direction from disrespectful punk wrestlers and the damned fans...it'll be worth all that. And when it that comes, I will represent it with the same class and prestige I did when I was the Pride Champion.


His voice lowers as that smirk is still present on his face.


Seth Iser: And if this is the path that opened up to get me there, I’m going to take quite a bit of pleasure in kicking both of your entitled asses on my path to prove that I am still one of the absolute best professional wrestlers and feared men walking this planet. Now if you don’t mind, I have my family to go see for the new year…and tell them that their Dad’s New Year Resolution of getting that elusive World championship he so desires...can and will be a reality.


And with that conclusion Seth lets out another chuckle but he does wince slightly holding the side of his head as he starts to gingerly walk out of the locker room.

[bbbaseball96]

Backstage area of the Spectrum Center
Filmed a little after the Anniversary show ended

The camera fades into the backstage area of the Spectrum Center, near the parking lot. We see the back of Ace Voltage, he is wearing jeans and a black long sleeve shirt. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy title is around his waist and he is rolling his suitcase. It seems he is heading to the parking lot to his rental car. Before the camera can lose him around the corner, a cameraman shouts:

Cameraman: Hey Ace! Have any comments about the Anniversary show tonight?

Ace stops in his tracks and turns around slowly.

Ace: Any comments, huh? Guess FGA always needs some words from its most prestigious champ I guess.

He smirks at the camera as he pats his title.


Ace: Well, I have a flight to catch so I’ll make this short for you, mates. What happened tonight was stupid. Mr. Chaz Holiday decides to return to FGA out of the blue and comes straight after me? He really thinks he can get a title shot that easily? I had to fight for my chance to get this title and we all know it was not easy.

Ace gets a little closer to the camera and takes his title off. He holds it up to the camera and speaks.

Ace: This title is more important to me than anything in the world. Title shots are not just handed out to anyone, Chaz. If you’re watching this. I don’t care if you want to earn it. Earn it by beating a few other wrestlers and working your way up to the champ. I’m not here for charity. I’m not here to pander to the crowd. I’m not here to give title shots to “FGA legends.” If Chaz wants a title shot, he better earn it. AS of now, I don’t care what he says or does, he’s not in MY league. He’s not getting a title shot. So, he should just go back to the retirement home at this point.

Ace laughs to himself as he takes his title and places it in his suitcase.

Ace: You know, some people actually lose their title belts. Never place them in your checked luggage, always take them carry-on.

Ace zips up the suitcase and makes sure his title is safely secure.

Ace: Another note for you and all the journalists and analysts. I have yet to be pinned in this ring and that will not change any time soon. Do you know why I had to walk out of that match with Storm tonight?

The camera goes side to side to indicate “no.”

Ace: I was hurt, mate. The ref refused to stop the match for me so I left. I don’t care if the fans feel shortchanged from it. I need to make sure I’m always 100% because I am a fighting champion. Because I am the BEST champion this company has to offer.

Chaz thought he was cute and came out to meet me at the entrance ramp after the match. Again, Chaz. You don’t have my attention and you are not worth my time. Chaz is just coming after me to make himself relevant again. I am flattered, but he should just slide back into obscurity again. This place is better without him.

Ace picks up his suitcase and takes his cell phone out.

Ace: Now, I have a flight to catch. And one more thing.

Ace looks straight at the camera.

Ace: Annie honey, keep my name out of your dirty mouth. False accusations are for cowards. Keep running your mouth and I’ll eventually have to do something about it.

Ace turns back around, grabs his suitcase and walks through the hall and into the parking lot as the scene fades.

[Cordy]

The International Heavyweight Champion looks to be in great spirits after the events of the evening as she dances through the backstage area, loudly rapping “Bop” by Charlotte native rapper, DaBaby. With the show done and over with, she’s out of her ring gear and back in her street attire, and looks to be on her way out of the arena.

Cordelia Stevenson: Tryna figure which deal I'ma take
I woke up, couple mil' on my plate
I'm investing in real and estate
I just went gave my mama a hundred
Probably won't hear me open my mouth 'less you hearin' me talkin' 'bout finding some money!

She adjusts the title on her shoulder as she continues dancing to the music, nodding and waving at the occasional passerby, when suddenly a familiar voice calls out to her.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy!

With the music in her airpods apparently on full blast, Cordy doesn’t acknowledge the backstage reporter, instead she continues dancing and rapping. Amanda trudges along behind her, scurrying to catch up to the reigning International Heavyweight Champion.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy!

She calls out again, this time reaching out and tapping the champion in the shoulder, causing Cordy to jump. Amanda smiles sheepishly after seeing Cordy’s startled reaction.

Amanda Johnson: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you, I was just wondering if —-

Before Amanda can even finish her sentence, Cordy breaks out in song and dance again, turning around and dancing up against Amanda.

Cordelia Stevenson: If you like it, I love it, no biggie
That boy say he get money, oh, really?
How much they just cut you a check for? A milli'
I'm going back to Cali like Biggie!

She raps along loudly, before bursting into laughter seeing the shocked and caught off guard expression on Amanda’s face.

Cordelia Stevenson: I’m sorry, but I did mean to startle you.

She quips with a smirk, apparently this being her form of payback for Amanda startling her just moments before. Amanda lowers her eyes and takes a deep breath.

Cordelia Stevenson: What’s up though chica?

Amanda Johnson: Well you are certainly in a good mood, Ms. Stevenson!

Cordelia Stevenson: How could I not be, Mandykinz?! Tonight was a celebration of many things, mainly FGA’s 8th Anniversary. You know, there’s a lot of history in those 8 years chica, and fortunately I was blessed enough to have played a big part in some of it. 8 years is an eternity in this business and it’s great to see the company hit this milestone, but even more than that, it’s great going out there and doing something that I love in front of those amazing fans. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again, 2019 was an amazing year and it felt good to close it out properly tonight alongside some of my fellow champions in the company. Much love to Fujiko, Nina and Ashley for getting the job done tonight and ending the year with a bang!

Amanda Johnson: The tail end of 2019 did prove to be an amazing one for you. We saw your triumphant return to the ring along with you capturing the International Heavyweight Championship. Your team picked up the win here tonight and you’re heading into the new year with full steam. What does Cordelia Stevenson look to accomplish in 2020?

Cordelia takes a deep breath and smiles.

Cordelia Stevenson: What do I look to accomplish in the new year?

She shifts her gaze to the International Heavyweight Championship resting on her shoulder.

Cordelia Stevenson: Truthfully? I just want to be the best me I can be, and I want to help make everyone else around me better as well.

Amanda seems very intrigued by Cordy’s answer. However before she can interject, Cordy continues.

Cordelia Stevenson: I know it’s a very weird answer, but it’s something I’ve given a lot of thought to actually. I know a lot of people will say they’ll be looking to become a champion, or to prove that they’re the best in the company, and those are definitely admirable things and good goals to strive for. I’m pretty sure you were even expecting me to say that I’m probably looking to establish myself as the greatest International Heavyweight Champion ever!

She laughs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Don’t get me wrong, It’s something that can be done, and may just very well be done in passing. But I personally feel that I’m at a point in my career where I’ve transcended that, you know what I mean? Having been a top name in this company and business for so long, I’m not looking to establish myself as the best in the company; although that determination may very well come on its own based on what I do moving forward. Singular and personal accomplishments don’t really motivate me much at this point. Taking the time that I did away from the business, stepping away, I don’t know, it allowed me to see a picture much larger than myself and it broadened the spectrum in which things are viewed.

Cordelia Stevenson: I had an interesting conversation with a good friend of mine after I won this title, and she asked me what my plans, hopes and intentions were now that I was a champion again, and I didn’t even have to think about it, Mandy. I told her that I just wanted to motivate people, and to bring out the best in them. I want to excel and perform at a level so high that it motivates every single person around me to feel as if they have to step it up three notches. I want to tap into the competitive nature of each and every single man and woman in that locker room, and I want to bring out things that they themselves didn’t even know that they were capable of. My legacy in this company can be many things, but what I most want it to be remembered for isn’t really my personal accomplishments, like the titles and awards and such, but rather the lasting impact and imprint that I left on this company and the people in it. Tonight, FGA celebrated its 8th anniversary, but I want to help lay the groundwork and foundation for the next eight and beyond.

Amanda hangs on to every word that comes out of Cordy’s mouth and gives an approving nod once she finishes talking.

Amanda Johnson: Wow. I see that this is something you’ve given a great amount of thought to.

Amanda motions towards the International Heavyweight Championship.

Amanda Johnson: Have you also given much thought as to who your first challenger will be for the International Heavyweight Championship? With Vertigo and Flashpoint merging once again, it seems the possibilities are endless indeed. You and the FGA World Champion, Fujiko Mine enticed the crowd quite a bit tonight with some intriguing possibilities, namely the idea of a potential showdown between the two champions...

Amanda’s voice trails off and Cordelia chuckles.

Cordelia Stevenson: Say what now? Fujiko and I did whaaatttt?

Cordy feigns ignorance, and Amanda gives her a side eye drawing even more laughter from Cordy.

Cordelia Stevenson: Nah, real talk, I haven’t given much thought to who the first challenger up is. In my mind, I was preparing for Savannah, but it seems she’s kind of preoccupied with her funeral preparations and all that.

Cordy shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: I think this belt is the absolute last thing on her mind right now. De Lucz was out there earlier, telling me all of the things I should have done in regards to letting her have my spot at Autumn Annihilation, and well, you saw the invitation that I extended to her. I’m ready for anything and anyone, whoever it may be. I’m not hard to find and I’m ducking no smoke. I want it all! Dom Harter has been begging for a shot. I think I heard Seth Iser mention my belt as well earlier in the night. It is what it is. If they think that this is what they want, then by all means they’re absolutely free to come by and find out that this isn’t what they wanted at all. FGA can line them up because I’m running fades all 2020. Straight like that. Now can I get back to my music?!

Cordelia throws her hands in the air dramatically, eliciting a giggle from Amanda Johnson.

Amanda Johnson: Yes, you can get back to your music, Cordelia. Thank you for your time.

Cordy gives her a friendly nudge with her elbow and a wink as she turns and walks away.

[The Mason]

Our cameras open up in the backstage area, immediately filming the approaching figure of Ashlyn De Luca. Clearly filmed after the show has ended, evident by the darkened corridor lights, Ashlyn squints slightly as she looks toward the camera, with the brightest available light coming from the bulb just beneath the lens. A familiar voice greets De Luca, who slides her backpack off of her shoulder and into the grip of her hand as she slows to a stop.

Amanda Johnson: Ashlyn--

Ashlyn De Luca: I’m not in the mood for it.

Amanda Johnson: I think--

Ashlyn De Luca: I don’t wanna hear it. I went out there and was forced to depend on a bunch of GOONS tonight. I never, ever should’ve been in that position! Like--

Ashlyn sighs, rubbing at her temples for a moment before clasping her hands together, locking eyes with the interviewer.

Ashlyn De Luca: By themselves, they’re fine, okay? They’re good wrestlers. But all those-- those egos, those attitudes huddled into one corner, looking to me for leadership? I know you can’t relate, but imagine the stress that puts on a person.

Johnson narrows her eyes, drawing a deep breath, choosing to ignore De Luca’s tirade.

Amanda Johnson: Ashlyn, I’ve just been informed that you have been named the number one contender to Cordy Stevenson’s International Heavyweight Championship.

The camera pans in on the face of a now-silent Ashlyn De Luca. She looks taken aback by the news, at the least. Her face transitions through a few emotions until settling on a smug half-smile.

Ashlyn De Luca: Yeah. Of course.

De Luca scoffs.

Ashlyn De Luca: Why didn’t you open with that?

The interviewer sighs.

Amanda Johnson: So now that you’ve been rewarded for your victory in the final Flashpoint main event, how are you planning on preparing for Cordy Stevenson? Because if tonight is any indication, either of the reigning World Champions were ready and willing to take you on. What about you?

Ashlyn runs a hand through her hair, rolling her eyes away from Johnson, contemplating for a second.

Ashlyn De Luca: I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I know exactly how I’m gonna go get my International Heavyweight Championship. Pay attention.

She winks at Amanda and hoists her bag back up onto her shoulder, continuing down the corridor to an annoyed look from the interviewer.

Amanda Johnson: Wh-- so I bring you news like that and that’s it? We’re done?

Ashlyn De Luca: For now.

Johnson shakes her head, folding her arms as De Luca rounds the corner at the end of the hallway, disappearing from our line of sight. The scene slowly fades to black.

[James Edwards]

An air of uncertainty surrounds him as he breaks the curtain. He sees the camera in front of him and gives it a resigned look. James isn't going to fight them, not tonight.

James Edwards: Listen, I think what you saw tonight was...

He doesn't want to broach the subject and awkwardly eyes the floor looking for answers on the tile. None come.

James Edwards: I don't know, man. I don't have any words for it.

He throws his head back, searching for more answers from the Almighty, a being he's not sure exists or commands the universe for that matter.

James Edwards: You sure as hell don't wanna to lose a fight like this. You don't wanna draw either or struggle to put someone away when you've got such a big match comin' up.

The answer is obvious and causes him to hang his head in shame.

James Edwards: I wasn't good enough tonight.

There's only one obvious remedy.

James Edwards: I gotta go train my ass, and then maybe I'll do better next time out.

He says this meekly like his new hope is one coated in fool's gold, and he can only hope that isn't the case.