Vertigo

[FGA Office]

James Edwards vs. Zack Gall

As the first sounds of Hey man, nice shot! by Filter begin blasting through the P.A System; the arena goes dark and a single spotlight appears in the middle of the stage. After a couple of seconds, the imposing and mysterious figure of Dante Difranco appears on the spotlight followed by his client, Zack “The Dragon” Gall.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Newport, Weight! Weighing in at 190 pounds… ZACK “THE DRAGON” GALL!

Gall shakes a bit, moving his arms and hands while shaking his head from side to side as the light slowly comes back on. Gall and Difranco look around and the Italian signals his client to move towards the ring. As the two march down, Gall takes some seconds to inspect the surroundings. Once they get near the apron, Gall slides under the bottom rope and once he’s in the middle of the ring he gets to his knees, extending his arms and hitting the mat a couple of times before getting on his feet and rushing towards the ropes making a throat cut sign.

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. The hood goes down with the opening lyrics.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Lexington, Kentucky! Weighing in at 204 pounds! He is “The Burning Heart” JAMES EDWARDS!

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: It’s going to be a battle of strikers here, Stephy, as The Dragon goes one on one with The Burning Heart! Gall and Difranco are looking to bounce back from Gall’s first round loss in the Wildcard Lottery. Edwards, meanwhile, looks to keep his momentum rolling as he gears up for his World Title challenge against champion Fujiko Mine at Grapple Kingdom III.

The match starts as Edwards and Gall slowly make their way towards the center of the ring. Edwards is quick to avoid a high roundhouse from Gall before inching back cover towards his opponent. The Burning Heart tries to close in on Gall until Gall throws out a running bicycle knee, forcing Edwards to slip off to the side. Once Edwards closes the distance again, Gall hits him with a shoot kick to the leg. Edwards answers with a roundhouse kick to the calf. Gall delivers another shoot kick to the leg before Edwards answers back with another roundhouse kick to the calf. The Burning Heart then delivers a roundhouse kick to the inner thigh before delivering another roundhouse kick to the calf. The Burning Heart throws out another low roundhouse kick when Gall checks the kick. He then follows up with a forearm strike to the face. A second forearm connects. Edwards is then sent off into the ropes with an irish whip. When he returns, he throws Gall down with an STO! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gall kicks out.

Edwards picks up Gall, places him in a clinch and moves him into the corner before delivering alternating knees to the head. The Burning Heart doubles Gall over with a spinning back kick to the midsection, knocks him upright with a knee lift to the face and follows up with a savate kick that rocks Gall. After Gall is whipped hard into the far corner, Gall staggers out of the corner before Edwards runs over and brings him down with a leg lariat! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gall kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for The Burning Heart! I’ve been told that on the next edition of Vertigo, there is going to be a sitdown interview between Fujiko Mine and Edwards. I don’t know who will be conducting that interview just yet, but I’m sure it’s going to be explosive.

Stephy Auger: Fujiko and Edwards, face to face? I can’t wait.

Edwards pulls Gall up, doubles him over with multiple knees to the gut. He then hoists him up for a gutwrench powerbomb when Gall starts to deliver multiple punches to the top of the head. Once Gall slips down in front of Edwards, Gall throws out a roundhouse kick. Edwards is able to swat the kick out of the way and counters with a forearm smash. After a second forearm smash connects, he turns and heads toward the ropes. As soon as Edwards hits the ropes, Gall nails him with a forearm smash. Gall then heads into the far ropes. But unbeknownst to him, Edwards is right behind him. As soon as Gall’s back hits the ropes, Edwards is right there to cut him off with a forearm smash! The Burning Heart then places Gall in another clinch before unleashing a flurry of forearm strikes. He then turns and hits the far ropes. When Edwards returns, Gall ducks and dumps him over the top rope and to the floor. Gall then runs into the far ropes while Edwards picks himself up off the floor. Gall bounces off the ropes, runs across the ring and flips over the top rope before flattening Edwards with a topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: Gall took it to the air and took out James Edwards on the outside! We see him hit that diving knee from time to time. But I can’t recall the last time we saw him take it to the air to an opponent on the outside!

Stephy Auger: Gall and Difranco, they know what’s at stake here. A win over Edwards tonight wouldn’t give him Edwards’ spot against Fujiko in the World Championship match at Grapple Kingdom. But it would without a doubt shoot him up the charts here and put him in the conversation of championship contenders after the pay per view in March. We both know Gall has the ability. He just hasn’t put it all together in an FGA ring just yet. What better time than now, right? Of course, you just know that Difranco would love to stick it to Laura Perelli by leading his client to a huge win here tonight.

Edwards is rolled back inside before Gall makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Edwards kicks out.

Gall sits up Edwards and delivers a hard shoot kick to the back before hitting the ropes, returning and flattening him with a running dropkick! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Edwards kicks out.

Gall pulls up Edwards, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and connects with a running double knee strike! He then takes The Burning Heart, delivers another irish whip, follows Edwards into the opposite corner and hits another running double knee strike. Gall then hooks Edwards, switches positions in the corner and throws him into the turnbuckles with an Exploder Suplex! Gall rolls Edwards away from the corner before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Gall. That topé to the outside was the turning point for him in this match. He’s been turning it on and taking it to Edwards ever since.

Stephy Auger: The Burning Heart needs to find a way to turn this around fast. He can’t afford any missteps heading into that World Championship match against Fujiko.

Gall pulls up Edwards and doubles him over with four knees to the midsection before applying an Octopus Hold. The referee kneels down next to Edwards and asks him if he wants to give up. Edwards turns down the offer. He refuses to give in. Gall continues to try and fight for the submission. He pulls back on the hold, which causes Edwards to wince. But he still won’t quit. Dante Difranco can be seen on the outside reminding Gall not to get discouraged. In the ring, Edwards lets out a groan as he slowly drops down to a knee. The crowd buzzes with anticipation while Gall nods his head. He can feel the upset coming. It’s only a matter of time until Edwards either taps out or passes out. Difranco is seen on the outside slapping both hands on the apron and continuing to give his client words of encouragement. The official once again checks in with Edwards and asks him if he wants to give up. The Burning Heart refuses to by shaking his head ‘no.’ Edwards lets out a low groan as he slowly gets up off his knee and back to a vertical base. Difranco looks on with concern while Edwards tries to slowly side step his way towards the ropes. Edwards continues to try for the ropes until Gall lets go, quickly grabs him from behind and applies a half nelson choke. Edwards reaches out with his free arm. But Gall is quick to pull him away from the ropes and back towards the center of the ring. Gall tries to trip Edwards and bring him down to the mat so he can wrap him up in a bodyscissors. But Edwards is able to remain on his feet. When he turns down another chance to quit, Gall throws him down with a half nelson suplex! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Edwards gets his shoulder up.

Gall pulls up Edwards before taking control of his back. After hooking one arm, Gall tries to hook Edwards’ other arm for a Dragon Suplex. The Burning Heart is able to wrestle his arm free before hitting Gall with multiple back elbows to the face. Edwards then performs a standing switch and throws Gall over his head with a German Suplex… only for Gall to rotate and land on his feet! He then rushes over and throws out the Death By Knee (V-Trigger), only for Edwards to slip out of the way. The Burning Heart takes control of Gall’s back until Gal hits Edwards with multiple back elbows to the face. He then performs a standing switch and goes for the Jaw Buster (ripcord rolling elbow), only for Edwards to duck and counter with a reverse snap powerslam! The Burning Heart follows up with alternating grounded knee strikes before pushing him onto his back to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gall gets his shoulder up.

Edwards puts Gall back to his feet before Gall swats his hands off of him. He then lunges forward, cracking Edwards with a headbutt. He then pulls Edwards into a front facelock for a DDT until Edwards counters with a release northern lights suplex! Both grapplers turn over on all fours before getting back to their feet. Edwards rushes over and connects with a forearm smash, which sends Gall stumbling backwards into the ropes. Gall bounces off the ropes, comes back and knocks Edwards back with a forearm smash of his own. Edwards then rushes over and clocks Gall with another forearm smash. Gall bounces off the ropes, comes back and answers back with another forearm smash of his own. Gall and Edwards then rush forward and hit each other with a yakuza kick, knocking each other back. Both grapplers rush forward and connect with another yakuza kick. Gall runs over and throws out a third kick when Edwards catches his foot, swings the leg away from him, takes control of Gall’s back and then throws him down with the Half Cut (half nelson suplex)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gall gets his shoulder up.

Edwards picks up Gall and lifts him up across his shoulder. Gall starts to kick his legs before slipping down from behind. He then shoves Edwards into the ropes. When Edwards returns, he ducks a running lariat attempt from Gall. Gall’s momentum then brings him into the ropes. When he comes back, Edwards drives him down with a leaping double foot stomp to the chest! Edwards pulls Gall up off the mat, lifts him back up across his shoulders and then brings him down with a fireman’s carry gourdbuster. Gall starts to push himself up on all fours as Edwards heads out to the apron. The Burning Heart climbs to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and flattens him with a diving double foot stomp! He pulls Gall back to his feet, lifts him up across his shoulders and then brings him down with the Long Way Round (pumphandle lift into a snap Death Valley Driver)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

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

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up in what looks to be a conference or office room, hidden somewhere deep in the halls of the Horncastle Arena. Spencer Burke sits by himself momentarily, looking over a sheet of paper, using his free hand to adjust his collar a bit until we hear the creak of an opening door. Spencer glances over his shoulder where we pan to Sadie, giving a nod to a production manager who’d finished attaching the microphone to her. Sadie walks over to Spencer, pausing to accept his handshake before taking a seat in the folding chair next to him.

Sadie San Francisco: Part two, hm?

Spencer Burke: Sadie. Welcome. Thanks for joining me again. I wanted the opportunity to get some one-on-one words with you and the United States Champion, Nina Stokes. Understandably, the last time we tried this, altogether, we-- well-- Sadie, why don’t you explain how we left off last time?

Sadie shrugs slightly.

Sadie San Francisco: Nina took offense to the fact that she’s a champion and I want her championship. Now I dunno if it’s an ego thing or an insecurity thing but eventually, she grabbed me. She put her hands on my neck. And then…

The number one contender sighs slightly.

Sadie San Francisco: Security pulled her off, because the arena was empty. They had nothing better to do.

She smiles faintly, shaking her head a bit toward the interviewer.

Sadie San Francisco: What can I say? Guess I got lucky that time. Nina’s gonna have to be a little bit quicker than that in our title match if she wants to ‘bust my head to the white meat.’ Because hesitating-- that kills.

The interviewer is silent for a moment before he leans forward in his chair a bit, almost as if poised for a casual conversation rather than the professional interaction he prepared for.

Spencer Burke: I can’t help but notice that when interacting with Nina Stokes or talking about her you have this-- and please forgive my labeling here-- but this certain smugness that I can’t help but notice. I can’t decipher whether it’s just to get into the head of the champion, or if you truly don’t take Nina seriously.

Sadie San Francisco: Spencer, I take Nina Stokes very seriously. I’ve heard it and I’ve seen it… I’ve felt it… she’s one of the most feared strikers in the game. It’s not a gimmick.

Spencer Burke: Then why antagonize someone like that?

Sadie chuckles, giving Spencer a look that indicates that the answer should be obvious.

Sadie San Francisco: Because apparently it’s easy. Nobody in the locker room is disputing how good of a wrestler Nina Stokes is but the idea-- the hint that somebody might be just drives her insane. I was looking at her belt and she took it as a sign of disrespect. She took it as a slight against her. Whatever-- her brain doesn’t function properly is all that tells me. So I’m gonna expose that in the ring and I’m gonna take the United States Title. Yeah, I might get busted up in the process but I am taking the United States Title.

Sadie pushes a strand of hair behind her ear and lowers her voice, leaning in as if telling Burke a secret.

Sadie San Francisco: She feels disrespected now? She’s gonna feel horrible in Vancouver when I stand over her holding the championship she walked into the arena with.

Burke nods a bit, settling back into his chair, settling back into a more professional posture.

Spencer Burke: Do you feel responsible for costing Nina and yourself an opportunity at the World Championship via the Wildcard Lottery? After what transpired at the end of the main event, I mean.

Sadie doesn’t look directly at Spencer, but bites her lip, nodding for a moment. She rolls her eyes toward the interviewer and speaks quietly.

Sadie San Francisco: I mean, yeah. I messed up. I’m not going to make an excuse. In the back of my head, I thought about blaming Nina for being out of position on the apron, but…

Sadie shakes her head at him.

Sadie San Francisco: Everything that happened at the end of that match-- it was on me. I think Nina and I both wanted the same thing, regardless of how we saw it playing out. So yeah, I have to find another path to a World Championship. And yeah, I’m the reason that Nina Stokes isn’t moving forward to compete for a World Championship right now. You have no idea how bad I felt.

Another shrug.

Sadie San Francisco: But I’m also gonna be the reason Nina Stokes is no longer a United States Champion, and I don’t feel bad about that. So there’s some stuff you have to train yourself to get over really fast.

Burke takes this in before he responds.

Spencer Burke: Do you think Nina’s gonna be looking for revenge for that?

Sadie crosses one leg over the other, leaning back in her chair, eyes drifting over the surroundings as she gives the question four, five seconds of thought.

Sadie San Francisco: It honestly doesn’t matter why she tells herself we’re fighting when it comes time to put that title on the line. If it’s because I disrespected her, okay. If it’s because… I knocked her off the apron and I lost her an opportunity to compete for the World Title-- okay. Whatever she tells herself, that’s okay. Because I know why we’re fighting. And it’s so I can take the U.S. Title. Don’t lose focus.

Spencer nods slightly.

Spencer Burke: Sounds like your sights are set.

Sadie San Francisco: My eyes have been on that title for a long time-- since before it was the official property of Nina Stokes.

Spencer Burke: And after seeing Nina Stokes put Salem on the shelf, you’re not at all deterred--?

Sadie San Francisco: Stop. You know what the scariest thing about Salem’s injury is? Or-- the scariest thing about that whole match in general, even?

Spencer Burke: What’s that?

Sadie San Francisco: It’s not Salem’s knee. It’s not the fact that Nina went to the lengths she did against a former friend. It’s-- it’s the fact that through everything, Salem was willing to go as far as she did. Nina Stokes was able to bring that out of a competitor that had to know she was injured. And I don’t want someone to get in my head like that. I’ve been there.

A small scoff.

Sadie San Francisco: But if I can live rent-free in Nina’s? More power to me. But I’m not gonna be the one driven to make stupid mistakes when that title’s on the line. I’ve waited too long for this.

The camera pans in on the cold, serious expression of our number one contender, fixed on the interviewer that has no further questions as our scene fades to black.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The scene opens up inside a minimalistic looking conference room. It contains nothing more than a couple of simple black chairs, a glass table in the center, and a tiny LCD screen on the wall. The Frontier Grappling Arts United States Championship rests in the middle of that table. Its holder, Nina Stokes, sits comfortably in one of the chairs.

Nina Stokes: Hmm?

Ms. Stokes crosses her legs before she tilts her head in the direction of the championship belt.

Nina Stokes: Aye, I see. You’re concerned about Ms. Francisco, aren’t you?

A small chuckle escapes her mouth as Nina places her hand underneath her chin.

Nina Stokes: There’s no reason to be ashamed. Your concern? It’s logical, given everything that’s happened. It’s normal for a challenger to gaze upon a belt. But the way Sadie peers at you? The way her pupils dilate when she looks at your faceplate. The way her mouth waters when she’s in your very presence. Oh, lustful doesn’t even describe it. It’s sinful, really.

An audible pop can be heard as a result of Nina snapping her fingers.

Nina Stokes: But guess what?

She pauses as if the belt is actually going to lift up its voice and speak to her.

Nina Stokes: You can rest easy, my friend. You don’t have to fear falling into her possession.

That chuckle of hers returns momentarily.

Nina Stokes: You know, I assumed this encounter with Sadie would be professional. I assumed that a knowledgeable person such as herself would give me the respect that I am owed. The respect that is due to me.

She shakes her head.

Nina Stokes: However, she chose not to. That act? Well, that makes things a bit more personal, wouldn’t you say? And you know all too well what happens when things get personal in the ring with me.

There’s a brief pause as Nina runs her fingers through her hair.

Nina Stokes: Are you a fan of philosophy, my dear friend?

There’s another pause.

Nina Stokes: I studied it a lot in undergrad. I was fascinated by it, honestly. Immanuel Kant was my personal favorite. Many of his teachings are applicable to life; but they are also applicable to this sport of ours.

A nod of the head results.

Nina Stokes: You’ve heard the phrase a means to an end, right? That came from Kant. And truthfully, it’s an ethical issue.

Nina pauses for a brief second.

Nina Stokes: You see, when one person treats another as a means to an end, well, it’s highly flippant. Why, you might ask? Because what the actor is truly saying is, “I don’t give a f*ck about you.” The actor is saying that they don’t care about the adversity and triumphs that shaped the person in question. The actor is saying that they have willfully and ignorantly chosen to ignore what makes you a human being. The only thing that the actor cares about is the end result. Isn’t that wild?

Another rhetorical pause follows.

Nina Stokes: Sadie’s recent line of thinking lines up with what Kant warned humanity against. She doesn’t see the f*cking beast that’s ready to crush her wind pipe and rip her heart out. No, no, no. She only cares about you. That’s narrow sighted. And as I’ve just explained to you, it’s unethical as well.

Nina clasps her hands together and places them in her lap.

Nina Stokes: Kant? He actually challenges us to do the ethical thing. And that is to view each person as an end in and of themselves. You do that by treating each person as an individual. You do that by realizing their humanity. You do that by acknowledging a woman as the dominant champion that she is.

Nina Stokes: Sadie hasn’t done that. Instead, she’s chosen to disrespect you. She’s chosen to disrespect me.

Nina shakes her head.

Nina Stokes: But me? I’m going to do the ethical thing.

She nods.

Nina Stokes: I acknowledge that Sadie is a talented wrestler. I acknowledge that she is highly skilled and is a threat in the ring. And I also acknowledge that I’m going to bust her head to white meat.

She cracks her neck. Afterwards, her eyes turn back towards the championship belt.

Nina Stokes: My matches with Salem? They weren’t solely focused on you. You know that. Those matches took place because Salem had done something wrong. Something vile. And she needed to be punished. You are a wonderful means in and of yourself, my friend. But so was beating Salem.

Nina Stokes: And the same goes for Sadie. She’s wronged you. She’s wronged me. You will be on the line when we fight each other. That match? It will be so much greater than a championship match. Why? Because Sadie now needs to learn what happens when you ignore someone’s humanity. And I’m more than willing to teach her.

Silence grips the room for a moment or two. Afterwards, Nina makes one final point.

Nina Stokes: By the way. There’s another reason why you shouldn’t fear her. I made a promise to you. I promised that your next holder wouldn’t be appalling; I promised that they wouldn’t be a vile creature. Sadie fits that bill. Therefore, I won’t fall to her.

Nina nods her head.

Nina Stokes: I’m brutal. I’m violent. But, I am fair. Certainly you’ve realized that by now.

The camera lingers on the shot of Nina and the United State Championship for another moment or two before the picture completely fades out.

[FGA Office]

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

Yeah
This a moment, This special...

As the beat drops, the crowd gives a thunderous ovation to the reigning International Heavyweight Champion as she emerges from the back.


Stephy Auger: What the hell is she doing coming out here? She’s not supposed to be out here!

Cordelia stops atop the ramp and holds her belt up before casually strolling down the aisle and giving acknowledging nods and hand slaps to the fans along the way. A wide smile finds itself onto her face as she heads over towards the announce table.

Kris Cruise: It looks as if we’re going to be joined by the International Heavyweight Champion, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: But why?! She’s up to no good I tell you. She’s only out here to try and distract De Lucz!

Cordelia stands by, waiting patiently for an extra headset and chair. Finally getting what she needs, she motions for Stephy to slide over, who is very reluctant. Finally Cordy takes it upon herself and nudges the chair over with her hips, creating her own space.

Stephy Auger: How rude!

Kris Cruise: I must say, this is quite the pleasant surprise. To what do we owe this pleasure?

Stephy Auger:
I already told you why she’s out here, Kris. She’s up to no good. She’s just looking to cause trouble.

Cordelia snickers.

Cordelia Stevenson: Me? Cause trouble? When have you ever known me to do such a thing, Stephy? You know, I just figured I’d come out here and give Kris a quality partner to work with for once.

Stephy Auger: He works with the best, thank you very much. Isn’t that right Kris?!

The question causes Kris to chuckle.

Cordelia Stevenson: We already know what it is. Whether it's a handheld or a headset, I’m always A1 on the mic chica, you know that. I understand if you’re a little intimidated having me out here. I mean, this could very well be my unofficial audition for your job down the line.

Kris Cruise: That would be amazing.

Stephy Auger: Just whose side are you on?

Ashlyn De Luca vs. Patrick Jones

"I Won't Back Down" by Burn Halo fills the arena. At the first drum beats, a spotlight flickers on the entrance way with Jones coming out as the bass starts in a surge of energy. He spins a full circle with his arms stretched out to revel in the crowd's energy. The spin completes at the top of the ramp where Jones drops to a knee with a big, over-handed fist pump.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Louisville, Kentucky! Weighing in at 235 pounds… PATRICK JONES!

PJ takes a moment to enjoy the cheers around him and collect his thoughts before hopping to his feet. He jogs down the ramp, talking to and high-fiving fans, trying to get them as pumped up and ready to go as he is. Jones goes straight from the ramp and jumps onto the ring apron before ducking through the second and third rope, giving another, slower spin just to drink in the environment.

The lights in the arena blink to darkness, prompting a loud but indecisive reaction from the audience, many of which have grown used to being plunged into darkness-- but the mixed reaction becomes dominated by boos as the words “I come to life…” echo throughout the arena over the soundsystem, followed by the familiar deep drums, with the text CHAOS appearing in blood red on the Tron. Kavinsky’s “Suburbia” plays on the PA and the lights in the arena slowly return with a red hue. Ashlyn De Luca steps out of the darkness and onto the top of the ramp, smirking at the reaction of the audience. She turns her back briefly, flashing the back of her black-and-pink “Chaotics” jacket before making her way down toward the bottom of the ramp. Ashlyn pauses, looking out at the crowd around her before sprinting to the ring, sliding in beneath the bottom rope and rising to a knee in the center.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia! She is ASHLYN DE LUCA!

Ashlyn walks toward the ropes, calmly climbing to the second, scanning the audience before blowing a sarcastic kiss toward the mainly-jeering crowd. She peels her jacket off, tossing it onto the face of the nearest cameraman before pushing herself off of the ropes, mouthing along to the lyrics of her theme as she makes her way toward the corner, ready for action.

Stephy Auger: You do realize you’re looking at the next International Heavyweight Champion, right Bordy? The woman that is going to walk into Grapple Kingdom and take that title away from you.

Cordelia Stevenson: Oh word? She’s going to do all that? Sounds like a baaaadddd woman right there boy.

Stephy Auger: Oh she is. Pay attention and learn a thing or two.

Cordelia Stevenson: I’m always eager to learn, let’s see what she can teach me.

The bell sounds with De Luca and Jones starting things off with a lock up. Jones quickly gains the advantage when an arm drag brings De Luca down to the mat. De Luca quickly gets back to her feet, engages in another collar-and-elbow and quickly finds herself back on the mat after another arm drag. De Lucz slaps the canvas before returning to a vertical base. She begins circling the ring before rushing back over and locking up once more. Jones gains the advantage. This time, with a side headlock. After De Luca turns down the chance to give up, Jones brings her to the mat with a side headlock takeover. De Luca is able to reverse into a grounded headscissors before Jones escapes with a kip up. De Luca quickly scrambles back to her feet, only to be returned to the mat with another side headlock takeover. De Luca pushes the canvas out of frustration before slowly reaching up. After grabbing Jones by the hair, she pulls Jones’ head back before quickly slipping on another grounded headscissors. She then blocks two kip up attempts by ones before quickly releasing the hold, lifting her leg up and driving it down hard across Jones’ throat.

Kris Cruise: Ashlyn driving that leg right across the throat of Patrick Jones.

Stephy Auger: Look at her taking control. Just like she’s going to do at Grapple Kingdom.

De Luca takes Jones and shoots him into the ropes. When Jones returns, he stuffs a hip toss attempt from De Luca before stepping over and throwing her down with a hip toss of his own. A second hip toss returns De Luca to the mat before he takes hold of her arm. Jones hits one arm wrench, then a second, followed by a third. De Luca then rolls forward, leans back, kips up, grabs Jones by the hair before throwing him down hard with a mat slam. She then transitions into a top wristlock while scraping her boot across Jones’ face.She then quickly reaches over, takes control of Jones’ other wrist before delivering five stomps to the face. While Jones curls up and covers his face, De Luca makes her way over towards the ropes and mouths something at Cordy Stevenson.

Cordelia Stevenson: Aww, I love you too chica. Did you get the chocolates I sent ya?

Stephy Auger: I would highly suggest you stop antagonizing that woman, Bordy! You’re going to end up getting the same treatment that poor Patrick is getting right now.

De Luca heads back over to Jones and puts the boots to him before pulling him up by the hair. Once she whips him into the corner, De Luca rushes in and connects with a back elbow strike. De Luca follows up with another back elbow before catching Jones with a forearm strike across the jaw. Jones is then sent into the far corner with another irish whip. De Luca rushes across the ring to attack until Jones returns the favor with a back elbow to the face. De Lucz shakes off the blow before rushing back in to attack. The crowd cheers when Jones knocks her back with a boot to the face. While De Luca is dazed, Jones hoists himself up to the middle ropes off and plants her with a diving DDT! The cheers continue as he pushes her over to make the cover.

Kris Cruise: Big diving DDT by Patrick Jones! Could this be it!

ONE!
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TWO!
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De Luca kicks out.

Cordelia Stevenson: Really close call on that one! I thought he had her there for a second. That was a really nice looking move by Patrick Jones there.

De Luca is whipped into the far ropes. When she returns, she sees Jones setting up for a back body drop. So she hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When De Luca comes back, Jones knocks her off her feet with a dropkick. A second dropkick returns De Luca to the mat. Jones goes for a third dropkick when De Luca side steps before catching him with a savate kick on the way back to his feet! While Jones sprawled out on the mat, De Luca steps out to the apron. Instead of following up with an attack, De Luca turns towards Cordy. The crowd erupts with boos as De Luca makes a jerking motion in front of her before tossing the invisible substance in Cordy’s direction.

Kris Cruise: The blatant disrespect shown by Ashlyn De Luca.

Cordelia laughs, seeming somewhat amused by the gesture.

Cordelia Stevenson: Damn, that could have been our Valentine’s night or something like it, but she’s playing.

The boos continues to rain down on De Luca as she turns her attention back to Jones. She sees that Jones hasn’t moved an inch. So she springboards to the top turnbuckle… ropewalks halfway across the top rope… dives off for a Frog Splash… and misses when Jones rolls out of the way! The crowd explodes with cheers when De Lucz catches nothing but canvas!

Cordelia Stevenson: That’s what happens when you take your eye off of your opponent. If Ashlyn does that in the ring against me, her window of opportunity will slam shut just as quickly as it opened. She can ask Savannah Taylor about that.

Jones slowly turns over on all fours while De Luca remains curled up on the mat. Once Jones is back to his feet, he heads over and wraps up De Luca in a magistral cradle!

Kris Cruise: Jones seizing the opportunity!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.

Cordelia Stevenson: He’s got her!
.
.
De Luca kicks out.

Jones whips De Luca into the ropes, catches her off the rebound and throws her down with a scoop slam. He then doubles her over with a spinning back kick, knocks her upright with a running knee lift and then sends her flipping down to the mat with a step-up enzuigiri! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
De Luca kicks out.

Jones takes De Luca, whips her hard into the corner and then catches her as she staggers out with a release northern lights suplex! The cheers continue as Jones heads to the apron, climbs to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and connects with a diving elbow drop! He makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: BIG DIVING ELBOW DROP BY JONES!

Cordelia Stevenson: He’s certainly got a little flair to him, don’t he?

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
De Luca gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: No flair and no pop! It’s going to take way more than that to keep Ashlyn down.

Jones looks to the crowd and starts patting his leg before pulling De Luca off the mat.

Cordelia Stevenson: Well I think he’s about ready to put her down for the count.

De Luca is whipped into the far ropes. Jones tries to catch her off the rebound with Zoned Out (superkick), but she’s able to roll underneath it. As Jones turns around, the crowd erupts with boos when De Luca rolls back to her feet and greets him with a middle finger.

Jones smiles before grabbing De Luca and throwing her down with a belly to belly suplex!

Kris Cruise: De Luca flipped him off and got a belly to belly suplex in response.

Cordelia Stevenson: He has to stay on her though. He can’t give her a moment to regain her composure.

Jones heads back to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. He crouches down as he waits for De Luca to get in position. Once De Luca is finally back to her feet, Jones stands up, leaps off for a diving crossbody… and misses when De Luca rolls out of the way! The crowd erupts with boos when Jones crashes and rolls across the mat.

Cordelia Stevenson: Ashy managed to get out of the way of that one. Will she be able to take advantage though?

Jones tries to pick himself up, only to get flattened with a scissors kick to the back of the head. De Luca pulls Jones up by the hair before bringing him down with a straightjacket backbreaker. De Luca executes a headlock backbreaker before bringing Jones down with a rolling double russian leg sweep. She then pulls Jones up to a seated position before cracking him across the top of the head with a rolling axe kick. The boos continues as a groggy Jones is whipped into the far ropes. Jones bounces off the ropes and returns before getting knocked off his feet with the Syxx Kick (running double spinning wheel kick)! De Luca then heads into the corner before hoisting herself up onto the middle ropes. She begins to berate Jones while she waits impatiently for him to get into position. After turning over on all fours, Jones slowly gets to his feet and turns to the corner before being driven face-first into the mat with The Flyleaf (leaping sitout facebuster)! She turns Jones over onto his back, covers him with a lateral press and looks out at Cordy while hooking the leg.

Kris Cruise: Ashlyn connects with The Flyleaf! This one could be over!

Stephy Auger: Ha, “could be”. Jones can call it a night.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… ASHLYN DE LUCA!

Stephy Auger: You hear that Cordy? That’s that same thing you’re going to be hearing at Grapple Kingdom.

Cordelia Stevenson: That was mildly impressive.

Cordelia stands up and gives Ashlyn a light round of applause.

Cordelia Stevenson: Certainly won’t be enough to win this though!

She says, pointing at the International Heavyweight Championship that is on display on the announcer’s table.

Cordelia Stevenson: You’re gonna have to come a lot harder than that if you’re trying to take me out chica.

Cordelia slides off her headset and continues jawing off at Ashlyn. She climbs up onto the table and hoists her title into the air. The crowd absolutely loves the energy between the two. Cordelia finally hops down off of the table and gives Ashlyn a final nod before making her way towards the back.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns from the commercial break to the sight of Jessie Pederson standing somewhere backstage at the Horncastle Arena, microphone in hand.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time is one half of the FGA World Tag Team Champions… Lowri Moss!

The camera pans out, and the audience responds with a loud cheer, as the popular young woman from South Wales comes into view. Ahead of her involvement in the night’s main event, Lowri is already dressed in her ring attire, and she has her half of the world tag team titles draped over her right shoulder. She is also wearing one of the t-shirts that commemorates her victory in the 2018 WCS World Cup, the choice of which is not coincidental; the reason behind her choosing to wear that particular item of clothing will become apparent shortly.

Jessie Pederson: Lowri, later on tonight, in the main event, you’re going to be facing Tyler Storm, in the last of the quarterfinals in the Wildcard Lottery tournament-- and not only will a place in the final four of the tournament be at stake, but Tyler’s Pride Championship will also be on the line. Earlier this week, Tyler said on Twitter that it’s an honor to be in a main event with you two shows in a row - would I be right to assume that you feel the same way?

Lowri Moss: You would indeed, Jessie. It’s always an honour to be in the main event of any show, in the match that has the biggest spotlight on it, and I think everyone saw at the end of last month, the respect that exists between me and Tyler, so yeah, I’m happy to be sharing the spotlight with him for a second consecutive show. Having said that though, I’m guessing the reason why our match was chosen to be the main event tonight, rather than one of the other three quarterfinals, is because of the fact that it’s also for the Pride Championship, and…

Lowri stops in mid-sentence. She then lets out a small sigh, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: I expect that what I’m about to say, Jessie, is probably going to surprise a lot of people, but believe it or not, I would actually prefer it if the Pride Championship wasn’t on the line in this match.

Judging by the look on Jessie’s face, she, for one, is clearly surprised by that declaration from Lowri.

Jessie Pederson: Why’s that? Do you not want to be the Pride Champion?

Lowri Moss: I don’t mean it like that, Jessie. I don’t think that I’m above the Pride title, like how last year, James Edwards thought that he was above the United States title. I haven’t gotten too big for my boots. I would be delighted to be the Pride Champion, of course I would. And not just because Izzy Anders once held the Pride title, as Stephy Auger pointed out during the last show. But you know what else was once in Izzy’s possession, that I’m also yet to hold? The FGA World title.

Immediately realising that something about what she just said is not quite right, Lowri stops to correct herself. Kind of.

Lowri Moss: Actually, when Izzy held the title, it was called the FGA Undisputed Championship. But still, same belt, different name.

Having hopefully satisfied the pedants, she resumes her train of thought.

Lowri Moss: Anyway, if I manage to win the main event tonight, I’ll then be just two more wins away from winning the tournament, and from getting a shot at either the World title or the International Heavyweight title. However, by the Pride Championship being on the line, I believe that this match favours Tyler, and that my chances of progressing to the final four have been reduced before the opening bell has even been rung.

As if anticipating what Jessie’s next question will be, Lowri proceeds to explain her reasoning.

Lowri Moss: So far during his time in FGA, Tyler has been in… three pride rules matches, that I can think of off the top of my head, possibly more. I, on the other hand, have never been in a pride rules match up to now. Now sure, I’ve watched plenty of pride rules matches, and not just in the almost-three years that I’ve been a member of the FGA roster, but also going back to the time when I was simply a fan. Watching something and actually being part of it are two very different things though, so I do believe that Tyler has an advantage in our match.

A wry smile crosses her face.

Lowri Moss: I know it probably sounds like I’m getting my excuses in early, and Kris Cruise did reveal at the start of the last show that any champions who advanced would be made to defend their titles in the quarterfinals so I was aware that this was a possibility before Tyler and I had even set foot inside the ring with Sadie and Nina, but I genuinely do believe that my chances of winning tonight would be better if it was a standard, non-title match.

Jessie Pederson: I think I can understand the point that you’re making, Lowri. However, does this match being for the Pride Championship not give you an added incentive to win it?

There is a shake of the head from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: Knowing the prize that awaits whoever wins the tournament, a potential shot at one of the top two titles here in FGA, that’s all the incentive I need. And the same applies to the hundred grand that’ll go to the winner of the tournament. A sum of money that large definitely isn’t to be sniffed at, but for me, it would just be an added bonus. Again, knowing if I win tonight and subsequently go on to win the finals next month at Grapple Kingdom, that I’ll then be challenging for either the World Championship or the International Heavyweight Championship at Only the Strong Survive, that’s more than enough motivation for me.

Jessie Pederson: Speaking of Grapple Kingdom, you and Neal Durden are already scheduled to be defending the World Tag Team Championship that night against the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad, so if you were to defeat Tyler Storm later, you would then have to wrestle at least twice, and possibly three times, in the same night; do you believe that, realistically, you would be able to win the Wildcard Lottery tournament and retain the world tag team titles?

Lowri does not hesitate to provide a response.

Lowri Moss: I have to believe I could do that, Jessie.

A short pause follows, before she expands upon her answer.

Lowri Moss: I remember at Only the Strong Survive last year, Izzy and Fujiko both wrestling twice in the same night, competing for different titles each time-- actually, if I remember correctly, there were three times last year where Fujiko competed for both the world title and the US tag titles in the same night, and I know that I’ve got the stamina, the endurance, to do something similar if required. I’ve wrestled multiple times in the same night on more than one occasion previously, and if that’s what I would have to do at Grapple Kingdom, then bring it on. In fact, if I beat Tyler tonight to win the Pride title, then if necessary, I’ll defend that at Grapple Kingdom as well-- once, twice-- in addition to defending the world tag titles.

A chuckle then escapes Lowri’s lips.

Lowri Moss: I think we’re getting a little bit ahead of ourselves though, Jessie; if I’m going to win my match tonight against Tyler, that’s what I need to be focusing on right now, not thinking about what could potentially lie ahead in a couple of weeks’ time.

Jessie gives a nod of her head, displaying her understanding.

Jessie Pederson: You’ve said that you believe this match favors Tyler because it’s going to be contested under pride rules, but as the defending champion, in what is his first defense of the Pride Championship, there’s arguably going to be be more pressure to win on Tyler than there will be on you-- do you think that could possibly be something that you could take advantage of?

Lowri Moss: Maybe. It would certainly be nice to think so. And I know from my own experience what it’s like to have the extra pressure on you that comes with being a champion. But while this is the first time that Tyler has been a champion in FGA, I know he has held a number of titles in the past in other promotions, so he’ll know what it’s like to have to deal with the pressure of being a champion.

Lowri takes a quick glance at the World Tag Team Championship belt that is resting on her right shoulder.

Lowri Moss: Given how much experience Tyler has, I highly doubt there’ll be any butterflies in his stomach, and I expect he’ll be able to cope with whatever additional pressure there is on him. It has been said though that “first defences are the worst,” and the last thing any new champion wants to have happen is to suffer the ignominy of losing their title in the first defence, so… if at any point during the match, Tyler makes a mistake that you wouldn’t normally see from him, you can be certain that I’ll do my best to capitalise on it, and try to make his reign as Pride Champion a short-lived one.

Jessie Pederson: And if you do manage to achieve that, then obviously that will make you a double champion here in FGA.

Now Jessie gestures towards the belt that is on Lowri’s shoulder.

Jessie Pederson: In the eight-year history of FGA, there have been three double champions: Cordy Stevenson, Fujiko Mine, and, of course, you. Tonight though, you could become the first two-time double champion in FGA history; what would that mean to you?

Lowri Moss: Wow, that… that’s actually not something I’ve even thought about, Jessie. But, if I could accomplish that, then… that would be pretty cool to say the least. When I became a double champion in FGA twenty months ago, achieving something that at the time, only one other grappler had done, that was a very proud moment in my career… so if I could do it again, and knowing that only one more person has done it since, then yeah, that would be another great source of pride for me.

The smile on Lowri's face broadens.

Lowri Moss: You know, on Monday it will be two years to the day since I won the Mid-Atlantic Legacy title, the first ever championship of my career, and the first of the titles that helped me make history in FGA; what better way for me to mark that anniversary than by making some more history here tonight?

That is clearly a rhetorical question. Lowri continues.

Lowri Moss: We’ve all had to travel halfway across the world for tonight’s show, but I feel right at home here in New Zealand, especially with how much the people here love rugby, and with how many sheep there are.

Just two of the things that New Zealand has in common with Lowri’s home country.

Lowri Moss: This is only the second time that I’ve been to New Zealand. The first time was in June two years ago, when I came here for the World Cup of Wrestling. On that night, in this very same arena, I beat Kenzie Rowe in the quarterfinals, before I then went on to win the World Cup for Wales. And now I’m back here, for the quarterfinals of the Wildcard Lottery; hopefully history is about to repeat itself, in more ways than one.

The reason for her choice of t-shirt should now be obvious.

Lowri Moss: I know Tyler sees this whole tournament as a chance to show how much being a champion means to him. And prior to our match against Sadie and Nina, I heard him tell Spencer Burke that the Pride Championship isn’t going anywhere; now it’s up to me to try to prove him wrong about that, regardless of whatever misgivings I may have. Tyler went through a lot to become the Pride Champion, with Seth Iser, with Brian Stryker, and even before that. I know that he’s going to give me his best tonight, as he tries to retain his title, and I can promise that I’ll give him my best as well. I’ll go out there and try to perform to the best of my ability, just like I always do; I’ll give everything I have, I’ll fight with all of my heart, and I’ll leave everything that I have out there in the ring.

Lowri stops to take a breath, before adding one final remark.

Lowri Moss: And maybe, just maybe, that’ll be enough for me to win the Pride Championship, and secure a place in the final four of the Wildcard Lottery.

She then takes her leave, to finish getting ready for the main event, and the camera cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

NON-TITLE MATCH
(c) Ace Voltage vs. Chaz Holliday

"Blackout" by Breathe Carolina begins to play and Chaz Holiday emerges from behind the black curtains. He stops at the top of the entrance, smiling and looking around at the crowd. As he makes his way to the ring, he high fives fans along the way. As he gets to the ring, he jumps up on the apron and steps between the ropes, getting into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, hailing from Hollywood, California… CHAZ HOLLIDAY!

Kris Cruise: Chaz Holliday returns to the ring for the first time in nearly five years. Chaz was a fine competitor back in his day. He’s one of the few that have held the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship twice. But that was a long time ago.

Stephy Auger: It’s ancient history at this point, Cruise! I don’t care how much training he’s done. That won’t erase the nearly five years of ring rust he’s got.

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. 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.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from London, England! Weighing in at 15.8 stone. He is the reigning FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… ACE VOLTAGE!

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: Ace Voltage has made it clear that he has no desire to defend his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Chaz Holliday!

Stephy Auger: And why should he? What has Chaz done to deserve a shot? He held the title a couple of years ago? Big deal. It’s about the here and now, Cruise, and Chaz Holliday simply doesn’t deserve a title shot. Ace Voltage is exactly right.

Kris Cruise: Which is why Chaz doesn’t want to be handed a title shot. He wants to prove he deserves it by beating Ace here tonight.

Voltage and Holliday start things off with a lock up. After jockeying for position, Voltage is able to muscle Holliday across the ring. Once the official sees Holliday pressed up against the ropes, he rushes over and gives them until a count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Voltage lets go before pushing Holliday, which results is boos from the crowd. Holliday comes off the ropes and locks up with Voltage once more. After jockeying for position, Voltage gains the advantage with a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch, transitioning into a hammerlock from behind. After multiple failed attempts at escaping the hold, Holliday moves forward and wraps his free arm around the top rope to force a rope break.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Voltage lets go before pushing Holliday from behind.

Kris Cruise: Come on. Was that really called for?

Stephy Auger: Yes! Chaz hasn’t done anything to earn Ace’s respect.

Voltage continues to circle the ring while Holliday tries to close the distance. Holliday motions for another collar-and-elbow when Voltage steps back. Instead of engaging in another lockup, he raises his right arm to call for a test of strength. Holliday looks up at Voltage’s hand. He slowly raises his left hand. Just as he’s about to lock hands with Voltage, Voltage pulls down his right hand and puts his left hand in the air.

Holliday slowly raises his right hand in the air. He’s about to lock hands with Voltage when he gets caught with a slap across the face!

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage, once again showing his lack of class. Chaz Holliday didn’t come back for this treatment.

Stephy Auger: What should he get, the red carpet treatment?

The boos turn to cheers when Holliday answers back with multiple right hands. He then shoots Voltage into the ropes with an irish whip. When Voltage returns, Holliday throws him down with a back body drop. A dropkick returns Voltage to the mat. Voltage gets sent back to the mat with another dropkick. Voltage is about to be sent back into the ropes with another irish whip when he reverses. He goes to catch Holliday off the rebound with a hip toss when Holliday steps through it before throwing him down with a hip toss of his own. Voltage is thrown back down with a japanese arm drag. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Campion returns to his feet, only to get returned to the mat with another japanese arm drag. Holliday then runs over and connects with another dropkick, knocking Voltage through the ropes and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Holliday has sent Voltage to the outside! The champion underestimate Chaz and look at him now!

Stephy Auger: Cruise, please. The match just started. Calm it down.

Holliday circles the ring while waving his arms up and down. He then starts to bounce in place when he sees Voltage starting to pick himself up on the floor. So he turns and heads into the far ropes. Holliday picks up speed as he runs back across the ring. He motions for a plancha to the outside when Voltage scurries out of the way, forcing Holliday to slam on the brakes.

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage is running away!

Stephy Auger: What would you prefer he do, just stand there and let Chaz dive on top of him?

The crowd continues to boo Voltage while he takes his time making his way around the ring. Holliday has had enough of Voltage’s stalling and decides to go after him. Voltage does a double take when he sees Holliday rolling to the outside. So he decides to take off! But Holliday is hot on his trail! The two grapplers lap the ring area until Voltage rolls back inside. He quickly scrambles back to his feet and tries to catch Holliday re-entering the ring with an elbow drop. But Holliday is able to quickly roll back to the floor, causing Voltage to hit nothing but canvas.

Kris Cruise: Chaz may have been gone for roughly five years, but he still knows better than to fall for those old tricks!

As Voltage picks himself back up, Holliday climbs up to the apron, doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes and then brings him down with a sunset flip.

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

Holliday takes Voltage, moves him into the corner and then delivers multiple knife edge chops. He then goes for an irish whip when Voltage reverses, sending him into the corner. The boos continue as Voltage rushes in to attack until Holliday turns him around with a boot to the face. Holliday grabs Voltage by the hair, runs out of the corner and brings him down with a two-handed bulldog! He pulls Voltage over before making the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Chaz with another nearfall! He’s been looking good thus far, Stephy. Even you have to admit that!

Stephy Auger: Actually, I don’t.

Holliday picks up Voltage before sending him back into the ropes. When Voltage returns, he gets knocked off his feet with a running high knee to the face! After dragging Voltage into position, Holliday steps out to the apron. Holliday looks out to the crowd before waving his arm up and down to get them hyped up. Voltage starts to stir while Holliday climbs the turnbuckles. Holliday stayed crouched upon the top turnbuckle while he waits for Voltage to get into position. Voltage starts to pick himself back to his feet before quickly dropping back down to a knee. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion can be seen clutching his midsection. The official heads over with a look of concern on his face.

Kris Cruise: What just happened?

Stephy Auger: I think Ace might be hurt.

Holliday continues to look on as the ref gets closer to Voltage. In the blink on an eye, Voltage pops back to his feet before using the referee to shield himself!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Using the referee as a shield? How low can you go, Ace!?

The referee scolds Voltage while Holliday is waving for the ref to get out of the way. Voltage finally lets of the referee… before quickly turning, diving towards the side of the ring and yanking down the top rope. The crowd erupts with boos when Holliday slips and ends up crotched on the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: Aw hell!

Stephy Auger: HA HA HA!

Holliday continues to howl out in pain. He then slowly leans forward before flipping down into the corner. The referee admonishes Voltage for his actions. But the champion pays him no mind as he heads into the corner and puts the boots to Holliday. Voltage pulls Holliday back to his feet before slamming him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He turns Holliday around before lighting up his chest with multiple knife edge chops. Voltage then starts to pop Holliday with jabs before doubling him over with a punch to the midsection. A second punch to the gut finds its mark before he throws Holliday out of the corner with a vertical suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Holliday kicks out.

Voltage pulls up Holliday, lifts him up from the side and follows up with a back suplex. He returns to his feet and circles Holliday before delivering multiple stomps to each limb. The boos increase as Voltage zeroes in on a body part and targets Holliday’s right leg with multiple stomps. Voltage lifts up the right leg and delivers an elbow drop across it. The champion delivers two more elbows across the leg before setting Holliday up for a sharpshooter. Before he can turn Holliday over, Holliday uses the strength left in his legs to shove Voltage off and send him into the corner. Holliday slowly makes his way back to his feet and limps towards the corner. Holliday gears up for an attack when Voltage cuts him off with a running dive to the knee out of the corner!

Kris Cruise: Ace just tried to take Chaz’s knee out! What’s the matter with him?

Stephy Auger: Oh, don’t you go crying now, Cruise. Chaz knew the risks. If he didn’t want to be hurt, he should have stayed at home on the couch where it was safe!

Voltage picks up Holliday and chucks him over the top rope and to the floor. He then takes off into the far ropes. Voltage comes back and motions for a dive onto Holliday when he slams on the brakes at the last second. The crowd erupts with boos when Voltage turns towards them and wags his finger at them.

Stephy Auger: Good! These fans don’t deserve to see anything high risk from Ace.

Voltage goes over to the ref and motions for him to quit checking on Holliday and start counting him out! The referee reluctantly stops tending to Holliday and rolls back inside to start counting him out.

ONE!







TWO!







THREE!







FOUR!






FIVE!







SIX!






SEVEN!







EIGHT!






NINE!






TE-

Voltage does a double take when he sees Holliday rolling back into the ring! Holliday is met with cheers and applause from the crowd for his efforts.

Stephy Auger: What is Chaz doing? He should’ve stayed down!

Kris Cruise: He didn’t train for this comeback just to take the easy way out. Chaz is going to push through whatever pain he’s in and keep fighting.

Voltage narrows his eyes before marching over and putting the boots to Holliday! The referee heads over and tries to pull Voltage off of Holliday. But Voltage pulls his arm away from the referee before going back to stomping a mudhole in Holliday! Voltage yanks up Holliday, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. He then turns Holliday around and delivers multiple forearm strikes to the face. He goes to irish whip Holliday across the ring when Holliday collapses to the mat. The crowd lets out a collective gasp as Holliday curls up and favors his leg.

Kris Cruise: I believe Chaz’s knee just gave out!

Stephy Auger: All the more reason why the ref should call the match.

Voltage smirks as he makes his way over towards Holliday. He reaches down and slowly pulls Holliday back to his feet, only for Holiday to immediately drop back down to the mat and clutch his knee. The crowd erupts with boos as Voltage looks around and chuckles. Voltage slowly pulls Holliday up off the mat when Holliday quickly rolls him up in a small package!

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

Voltage kicks out!

Kris Cruise: Chaz nearly got him!

Stephy Auger: That was way too close, Cruise!

Voltage scrambles back to his feet, darts over and flattens Holliday with the Ace of Spades (Shining Wizard)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Voltage picks up Holliday, lifts him up and plants him with a Cradle DDT! He then drags Holliday into position before stepping out to the apron.

Stephy Auger: Ace is through playing games, Cruise! He’s putting an end to this little Chaz Holliday comeback right here, right now!

Voltage proclaims “it’s over” to the crowd before climbing the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he flips off for High Voltage (450 Splash)... and misses when Holliday rolls out of the way!

Kris Cruise: NOBODY WAS HOME!

Voltage slowly makes his way back to his feet. Holliday then quickly spins Voltage towards him before bringing him down with a Downward Spiral! He makes the cover.

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

Holliday sends Voltage into the far ropes with an irish whip. When Voltage returns, Holliday brings him down with a bridging northern lights suplex!

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

Holliday takes Voltage and whips him hard across the ring, sending him crashing chest-first into the corner. Voltage stumbles away from the corner before being brought down with an inverted DDT! Holliday then takes control of Voltage’s legs before turning him over into a Texas Cloverleaf!

Kris Cruise: Chaz has The Glamour Lock applied!

Stephy Auger: Hang on, Ace! Hang on!

The cheers grow louder and louder while Holliday continues to fight for the submission. Holliday keeps the hold applied until he gets clocked from behind with a discus punch… from Cassius Reed!

Kris Cruise: What the heck!

Stephy Auger: Thank you, Black Jesus!

Reed towers over Holliday while Holliday tries to get back to his feet.

Kris Cruise: What is the meaning of this? Cassius Reed… he doesn’t have any connection to Ace Voltage or Chaz Holliday! I don’t understand. Why has he inserted himself into this matter?

Reed slowly reaches down and pulls Chaz up off the canvas before spiking him with a snap DDT! Boos continue to ring throughout the venue when Reed targets Chaz’s knee with a leg grapevine! Reed cinches in the hold as he elevates his hips. Chaz continues to cry out in pain. He repeatedly slaps the mat. But Reed refuses to let go. Across the ring, Voltage pulls himself up using the ropes. His lip forms into a smirk as he hears the sounds of Holliday crying out in pain. He then turns around and nods his head at the sight before him.

Kris Cruise: The referee has to get Cassius Reed off of Chaz Holliday! If he can’t, then we need to get some security out here that can pry Cassius off of him! Chaz Holliday came back to FGA to prove himself! He came back to prove that he still had what it took to challenge a champion here in FGA. He didn’t come back for this! And look at Voltage! He’s mocking Chaz! He’s slapping him across the face! The nerve of him!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Reed eventually breaks the hold. More officials have made their way into the ring and attend to Chaz, who is hugging his knee. Across the ring is Reed, who finally locks eyes with Voltage. Voltage gives Reed a knowing nod. Reed looks back at Chaz before exiting the ring to a chorus of boos.

Kris Cruise: Did you catch that, Stephy? What was that look about? What the heck was that nod about?

Stephy Auger: Your guess is as good as mine..

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to try and get some of our backstage reporters to get to the bottom of this. But right now, we need to make sure that Chaz Holliday is okay. We’ve got medical personnel coming down to the ring right now. We’re going to provide you with any updates as soon as we get them. We’ll be back after this.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

A glimmer of light brings us back to Vertigo, a flicker of beams off what seems to be some sort of metal. Moving backwards, slowly into view comes the front plate of the FGA Pride Championship, and soon the whole belt and with it the holder. Tyler Storm looks right at his trophy with a bright smile, signature for him at this point. There is a sense of pride, no pun intended, in his eyes as he traces his fingers over the embossed metal as it sits on his shoulder. He looks up after a moment, a nod to the presence of the viewing audience, and he holds his focus forward now as his hand drops to his side.

Tyler Storm: You know, it really doesn't feel like but just yesterday when I finally got the chance to hold this belt for the first time, knowing my name would be associated with it going forward. Not even just recognized as the current Pride Champion, but just being able to be part of that list of names that have had the chance to hold this prize in FGA over the years. From the beginnings with Kevin Hardaway, having guys and gals like Chandler Scott, Chris Bond, Johnny Karma, Jimmy Page, Chris Madison, Savannah Taylor, Izzy Anders...and even current World Champion Fujiko Mine.

Each name gave Tyler some slight pause knowing their place in the industry and in FGA, but that last name caught him a bit more that he was able to name.

Tyler Storm: I got a really cool chance to face off for this title against our current World Champ for this back in July of 2018, and unfortunately that night it wasn't meant to be. It tore me up a bit because that was the first time I really got a taste to capture a championship since I returned to wrestling after rehabbing this back of mine. And I failed back then. With the failure came some other personal things to do with the lead up to that match and some other things in my private life, but that is neither here nor there at this point. It was a necessary step, because it made me need to take myself back for a second and breathe...it helped remind me why as a wrestler we all do this. These titles, these championships, are marks of greatness and immortalize you in history books for each company that exists. I've been blessed that for every company I've ever been in, I've always made my name into the books through these shiny outlets.

Tyler chuckles a bit, bringing his hand back up to scratch his chin as he does so, and his smile still staying bright.

Tyler Storm: All of those memories had highs, and their eventual lows. Whether it was my 1 day reign as a TV Champion back in Arizona when I was starting my career, or putting my body through hurt in Florida to capture a hardcore title, or wrestling against two people in one night and becoming a duel champion out in California, oh and lets not forget climbing up for a briefcase for a company out of Minnesota and it just so happens a new title was my prize inside that and with it came some very difficult and debilitating matches to hang on to it. I've had some memories made in all those instances, and for FGA, at that point back in July 2018, that was a memory, even if it wasn't the best one because I did lose. But it gave me the taste and the fire to get back to this, reach again for this in due time, and sure enough that time came through fighting back up an entire card and finding myself face to face with the man who days after my last match in this business before my back injury sat by my bed and reminded me I had a fight in me to still do this.

The smile fades slightly as he goes on.

Tyler Storm: Love or hate Iser, man is honest and brutally so. He made sure back in the hospital I knew that I wouldn't be on an easy path, and if I took it as nothing he would guarantee my ass would never wrestle again. Those words burned in me but he knew what my fire was like then, and he knew what it was when I was standing in his face going into this past August with the clear message that I wanted to make a better memory and take the Pride Championship away from him. He defied me on my first try with him, but by defying me he pushed me to risks I was afraid to take because of not wanting to aggravate my back again. But he lit a fire under my ass, and I went for it, and I got back up. That's what drove me to come right back at him after that Draw at All-Star Showdown, and that's what made me force myself into the match at Above & Beyond in November, and that is what got me past one of the best damn wrestlers in this industry today! Iser knew I respected his ability, and he knew I would drive myself at full force at him because of that, and when all was said and done...the Pride Championship sits on my shoulders and it feels damn good!

He gazes back to the championship and the smile pops right back onto his face.

Tyler Storm: I got here because I knew my body was ready to seize this chance, it was ready to take every shot, and it was ready to risk it all. I got here because of my support system, having an amazing fan base behind me here on Vertigo and around the world through my other locations I've joined up with, tournaments I've participated in...I made sure I gave my all for you guys and you repaid me with your gratitude and belief in me. I also have some amazing family back at home, from my kids to my girlfriend to my mom, other friends as well, partners in this business, allies and rivals alike...I got love because I always gave love. That's why I'm here today and that's why I have a trophy like this to raise for you all. Because without the fire in me, and without those behind me, I'm nothing, and I genuinely mean that. So for that I'll always say thank you.

Tyler closes his eyes, sighing for a moment, and returns his gaze forward and gives an understanding nod.

Tyler Storm: And now it comes to tonight, main event of Vertigo for the second show in a row, and the next round of this Wildcard Lottery. I knew when my name was announced for this thing, it meant that if I got to this round, I was on course going forward of having this prized possession on the line going forward. It is a risk, with a reward at the end of the road if I fight off all of this pressure. A world title match against either the FGA World or International Heavyweight Champion. As it stands right now, those people waiting for us remaining competitors are either Fujiko Mine or Cordy Stevenson, and the top of the mountain is deadly for whoever gets up there, and I understand that. But this road to even get to them is deadly for my standing in FGA right now. And yet, I stand firm and ready to show my best and bring that fire that got me to this point to be the Pride Champion, and pride is exactly what I have. I'm proud of being a damn good wrestler, I'm proud to be a guy that fights for the fans more than a paycheck or a moment of spotlight, and I'm proud that I have such a hard task in front of me tonight just to get past the first singles step.

He points forward, wagging his finger up and down, and his smile grows.

Tyler Storm: Lowri, we had a damn good energy last show, and we got by some tough as sh*t competition. I'll admit I had my worries with Nina and Sadie, because they are so top tier in their own crafts, but yet that tag match showed a sense of camaraderie and respect between you and I and that pushed us past every obstacle in that match to get the victory. You are a phenomenal tag wrestler and I was lucky as everything to have you as my partner, and I'm blessed we got the W. And for that I'll forever be grateful and for that I'm more than proud to share the main event spot next to you once again. But now it's one-on-one. No more partners, not for now. This is an amazing female athlete with a top tier champion resumé, one of the most hard working people in FGA with plenty of confidence...vs this alright wrestler out of Alabama with a chip on his shoulder and a smile on his face. I've clawed on this path, and it has me in a wonderful place. But I know tonight is going to be horribly challenging to get through because of how good you are, Lowri. But I'm ready because I saw what you could do, you saw what I could do, and we both know we didn't even use that full ability in that tag match. We knew we had to keep secrets from each other, and now secrets will be revealed, a champion will fall...and to the victor...

He again turns to the Pride Championship and takes a very deep breath.

Tyler Storm: To the victor go the spoils. A step to the next round and whoever gets through themselves in the other matchups...and this wonderful mark of achievement on my shoulders. Lowri, I can promise you that...I'm not letting this beauty go easy, because I worked too damn hard to get here and lose on one defense. We may break each other's bodies down enough that whoever gets the next round against one of us will have a field day...but if that's what it takes for Pride, then I will let myself break and bend and hurt...but I will fight. Let's have a field day with this Lowri, show them all this match holds the franchise, let's show this tourney that if a winner of the whole bloody thing doesn't come out of this pairing...then it better be someone ready to put us down permanently.

Tyler taps his knuckles on the title face a couple times, and with that last little shimmer it gives off, he walks off to the left and the scene fades.

[FGA Office]

Fujiko Mine & Cordy Stevenson vs. Bristow & Barnes

“Run This Town” by Jay-Z feat. Kanye West & Rihanna starts to play. Strobes begin surveying the building as darkness has taken over the arena. Bright lights shine on the entranceway nearly drowning the entire scene in white as Tully Barnes and Nate Bristow emerge from the backstage area. The two tag partners stand at the top of the entranceway with smug smirks on their faces and their eyes focused on the ring in front of them. The lights quickly dim again and the arena is filled with green and yellow laser lights as Bristow & Barnes start toward the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 495 pounds… BRISTOW & BARNES!

As Bristow & Barnes reach the ring, they turn toward one another and hit their forearms together. They head for opposite sides of the ring, leaping up to the apron and propping themselves up on one knee. They stare out into the crowd as they pop up to both feet with their backs against the ropes and their arms outstretched. Now inside the ring, they cross paths and perch up on the ropes on the opposite of the ring, one foot on the bottom rope and one foot on the middle, taunting the fans as they await their opponents.

“I COME TO LIFE…”

Boos resonate through the arena as “Suburbia” hits once again, bringing Ashlyn De Luca out to the stage, hair tied into a ponytail and a shirt over her gear bearing the printed image of De Luca smashing Cordelia Stevenson’s skull with the microphone a few weeks prior.

Kris Cruise: What the--?

Stephy Auger: No, don’t be like that! Fair is fair! If I had to sit through Cordelia while Ashlyn was putting on a masterclass in wrestling, then you’ll put up with this!

De Luca skips past ringside, waving toward Bristow & Barnes in the ring. The camera pans to the team, who whisper something to one another. Outside the ring, De Luca feigns giving a young fan a fist bump-- but pulls her hand back at the last minute, snickering to herself as she makes her way to the commentary desk. Ashlyn cheerfully embraces Stephy Auger in a hug to a droning chorus of boos from the fans directly behind her, before pulling on her headset and sitting down.

Kris Cruise: Didn’t know you guys were so close.

Ashlyn De Luca: Um, duh, Kristoff. Maybe if you would take the time to get to know De Lucz, you’d be out here huggin’ on me too. But no. You’re a d… can I say di--?

Kris Cruise: No you cannot.

Stephy Auger: I’m still working on it with the production team. We’ll get it cleared for you.

Ashlyn De Luca: Babe.

The lights dim down and take on a purplish hue as a light smoky mist fills the entranceway. The soulful opening to Nipsey Hussle’s “Been Down” begins playing as Swizz Beats offering the tracks opening monologue.

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

Yeah
This a moment, This special...

As the beat drops, the crowd gives a loud pop as Cordelia Stevenson emerges from the mist with a bounce in her step and dancing to the music. She comes to a stop atop the walkway, glancing around and taking in the reception. She rolls her neck around before bowing her head and letting her hair fall in front of her face. A few seconds go by before she snaps her head up, whipping her hair back from in front of her face.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents! First, hailing from Freeport, Long Island! She is the reigning International Heavyweight Champion… CORDY STEVENSON!

Ashlyn De Luca: She’s gonna give herself whiplash with little stunts like that. I already know she doesn’t guard her neck very well.

Stephy Auger: I love your attention to detail.

She continues on down the ramp, working from side to side, slapping the hands of the fans along the way. Before she reaches the ring, she stops and pulls off her face mask, giving it to a lucky fan before hopping onto the apron and entering the ring. She immediately heads towards the turnbuckles, climbing up and raising a fist. After drawing cheers from the crowd, she hops down and heads to the other side of the ring, to repeat the process… and there, she pauses, glaring a hole through Ashlyn De Luca who sits at commentary.

Kris Cruise: That’s a look of a woman who’s still looking to hand out a receipt.

Stephy Auger: Shut up, Cruise! No one asked you.

De Luca leans back in her chair, arms crossed, silently glaring back up at Stevenson as the music fades.

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

The beat of "Can you feel it?" kicks in, and the crowd bursts into cheers, knowing who is about to arrive. The funky beat quickly spreads through the arena, and the crowd begins stomping and clapping along as the song begins. The lights in the arena dim, with pink and gold spotlights swirling around the arena.


"If you look around
The whole world is coming together now...baby..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

The crowd is getting heavily into the song, and as the Jacksons sing the title of the song, the lights in the arena bump brighter and brighter.


Feel it in the air, the wind is taking it everywhere...

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

On the third one, A spotlight and the camera focuses in on the emerging figure of Fujiko Mine, who stands at one of the crowd entrances. Over her ring attire is a shirt that has her "Apex Goddess" logo on it. Behind her, the imposing XENA has her arms folded. Fujiko keeps her movements a bit reserved, but it is clear she is enjoying the music as the crowd is. She begins to make her way down the steps, dancing and bobbing down the steps until she reaches the arena floor.

J.A. Aldridge: Her partner, hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! She is the reigning FGA World Champion! “The Apex Goddess” FUJIKO MINE!

After maneuvering through a cleared aisle in the crowd, Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful handspring onto and over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess. She hooks herself up on top, and as the title of the song comes around, she throws her hands up, fingers outstretched each time. Inside the ring, Cordy has finally broken her staredown with De Luca, hopping down from the turnbuckles to stand in her team’s corner.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Each time, blue and yellow streamers are thrown over her posing form. She takes any lingering streamers off her person, and then she comes down off the turnbuckle.

Fujiko motions for the crowd to join in, and they oblige, the entire arena filled as the crowd joins in…

Ashlyn De Luca: Holy crap, this is annoying.

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Fujiko grins widely, then pulls the shirt off over her head before Nate Bristow knocks her down from behind with a northern lariat! With Stevenson and Barnes already on the apron in their respective corners, the ref calls for the opening bell!

Ashlyn De Luca: PERFECT! Haha, good job boys!

Kris Cruise: Stevenson doesn’t look too pleased about the ref’s decision to start that, but Bristow and Fujiko were the only two in the ring… that’s the call the ref made.

Ashlyn De Luca: Wow, are you already making excuses for Fuji and Cordy?

Kris Cruise: Just calling the match.

Ashlyn De Luca: Well. Call it right.

The boos continue as Bristow puts the boots to Fujiko. Stevenson rushes over to make the save when she gets cut off with a knee to the midsection from Tully Barnes. Barnes then takes Stevenson, grabs her by the throat with both hands and moves her into the far corner before choking her. Across the ring, Bristow takes Fujiko and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle before applying a foot choke.

Kris Cruise: Bristow & Barnes are establishing dominance in quick order over two World Champions right now!

Stephy Auger: You sound surprised, Cruise. Bristow & Barnes are an honest-to-God tag team. They’re not just “buddies” or “mates” or whatever they say in New Zealand. This is their match type. This is what they do!

Bristow & Barnes look over their shoulders. After exchanging a knowing nod, they each go for an Irish whip-- but Fujiko and Cordy quickly reverse, sending Bristow & Barnes crashing into each other to an explosion of cheers!

Ashlyn De Luca: WHA-- come on, guys. Plant your freaking feet. Ugh.

Stephy Auger: They should’ve consulted with you before this match.

Bristow stumbles back until Fujiko hops onto his shoulders, flips back and spikes him with a poison rana! Across the ring, Cordy hops on Barnes’ shoulders, spins around and brings him down with a rough Frankensteiner, followed by a Shining Wizard!

Kris Cruise: The Love Connection by Stevenson! This match turned around just that quickly.

With the audience reaching a deafening roar, Cordy then delivers a standing moonsault double knee drop to Barnes before Fujiko rushes over and connects with a standing Shooting Star Press!

Ashlyn De Luca: REF! WHO’S LEGAL?!

Kris Cruise: Incredible athleticism by the World and International Heavyweight Champions! And-- yes-- the referee does need to restore some order here. But he did let the match start off a bit chaotically. Thought you were a fan of his officiating, Ashlyn.

Ashlyn De Luca: ...are you being a smartass, Kristoff?

Fujiko and Cordy pull Bristow & Barnes back to their feet before heading towards the ropes. The crowd cheers when Cordy comes back and knocks Barnes down with a handspring back elbow while Fujiko knocks Bristow down with a handspring rebound enzuigiri!

Kris Cruise: Bristow and Barnes have absolutely no idea which way is up right now.

Stephy Auger: How is this fair?!

Ashlyn De Luca: It isn’t! This is exactly why I have to treat Cordy Stevenson the way I do! Look at how she’s acting in there! Like-- total disregard for the rules yet I have to answer for MY actions. Disgusting! REF!

Fujiko and Cordy pull Bristow back to his feet before heading towards opposite sets of ropes, Cordy rebounds off the middle rope and blasts Bristow with the Disaster Kick!

Kris Cruise: Beautiful Nightmare!

The kick from Cordy turns Bristow around towards Fujiko, who comes off the ropes before knocking him off his feet with the Running Single-Leg Dropkick!

Kris Cruise: 4-Play! Bristow’s lights are out!

Cordy pulls up Barnes before hitting the ropes. When she returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when she plants Barnes with the Running Blockbuster DDT! Cordy throws her hair out of her face, shooting a look over her shoulder toward Ashlyn, who rises to her feet, shaking her head, clutching one hand to her headset.

Kris Cruise: You wanna name that one?

Ashlyn De Luca: Ugghh, whatever. She can hit Head Over Heels on Barnes-- that’s fine. She’s not gonna get De Lucz with it.

Stevenson makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The bell rings, piercing through the roaring crowd and “Been Down” hits the PA system for a second time. Fujiko and Cordy rise to their feet, allowing the referee to hand them their championships and raise their hands in victory.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… CORDY STEVENSON and FUJIKO MINE!

Kris Cruise: Bristow and Barnes started off on the right foot, thanks in part to some lenient officiating, but our reigning World and International Heavyweight Champions disposed of them pretty handily there, wouldn’t you say?

Stephy Auger: Stop taunting our guest!

Kris Cruise: I was asking either of you.

Ashlyn De Luca: Screw this.

Ashlyn pushes the headset off of herself and tosses it to the top of the announce desk. Inside the ring, Fujiko exits, joining Xena to pose with fans for selfies in the front row. Cordy has climbed the turnbuckles to hold the International Heavyweight Title high above her head, playing to the crowd-- many of which try to warn her by booing as Ashlyn De Luca slides into the ring behind her!

Kris Cruise: No!

Ashlyn rushes Cordy from behind and yanks her from the turnbuckles! Cordy hits the ground roughly and the International Heavyweight Title slips out of her grasp! She scrambles upright, but De Luca delivers a Bicycle Knee under her jaw, reeling the champ! De Luca follows with a stomp to Cordelia’s gut and grabs two handfuls of hair, leaping up for the Flyleaf-- but Cordy shoves Ashlyn off in mid-air! Ashlyn stumbles, falling onto her butt, looking up at Stevenson in shock!

Stephy Auger: Ash, get out of there!

De Luca turns to the side and her eyes widen as she spots the fallen International Heavyweight Championship. She snatches it into her grasp and jets to her feet, holding the belt as if ready to strike Stevenson as the champion draws closer. Stevenson slows-- but she glares a hole through De Luca, slowly moving forward anyway! De Luca rears back, ready to strike with the belt… until Xena and Fujiko slide into the ring behind Cordy, rising to their feet behind the International Heavyweight Champion!

Kris Cruise: Make your move…

A variety of chants, ranging from “LET’S GO CORDY!” to “FU-JI-KO!” to “ASHLYN SUCKS!” to a far less-flattering four letter word directed to De Luca echo throughout New Zealand, creating indecipherable noise after a few moments. Ashlyn looks at the three oncoming women…

...and heaves the belt at Cordy as she drops down, exiting the ring. The champion recoils as the belt smashes into her chest, but she catches it nonetheless and drops to a knee, setting the title gently on the canvas. Outside the ring, Ashlyn taps the side of her head, her “brain” with a finger before turning to give the three occupants of the ring a dismissive wave-- that is until she realizes that Cordy is already in the process of sliding beneath the bottom rope to sprint after her! The audience erupts and Ashlyn shrieks, running toward the barricade, hopping over it as Cordy gives chase, right on her heels! Stevenson grabs a handful of hair and De Luca bats her hands away-- but Cordy rips out several strands as De Luca falls to the floor, scrambling back to her feet, darting past fans as Cordy hops the barricade and makes chase!

Stephy Auger: Somebody stop her!

Kris Cruise: For what?! Ashlyn just tried to finish the job from a few weeks ago and Stevenson put the brakes on it!

Chants of “YES!” clearly echo throughout the arena as Ashlyn runs up the stairs-- only to be grabbed from behind by Cordy Stevenson, who spins the number one contender around and unloads with a series of right and lefts! Ashlyn covers up, but throws her own series of shots back-- until a right hand by Cordy catches her flush across the jaw! Ashlyn loses her balance, falling back into the lap of a fan. The man cheers wildly as De Luca grabs her replica Tag Team Championship back and swings it as hard as she can, catching Cordy across the left side of her face with the strap! Cordy stumbles back, throwing a hand over her eye as Ashlyn carelessly drops the belt to the floor next to the fan and continues to climb the stairs-- before turning and glaring at the stunned Stevenson.

Kris Cruise: What the hell is she thinking?!

Ashlyn charges Cordy and nails a leaping knee strike! The shot sends Cordy staggering down a few steps-- but she grabs onto the guardrail before she can tumble down the rows of cement. An audible gasp comes from the crowd… followed by boos as De Luca shrieks and smashes the rising Stevenson with a forearm. Cordy slumps, head resting across the stairs’ handrail as her knees buckle. Without hesitating, De Luca lifts her leg, going for an Axe Kick!

Kris Cruise: No, she’ll crush her throa--!

Cordy pushes herself out of the way at the last possible moment and De Luca strikes the railing with the Axe Kick, howling in pain as a result, once again, falling back into the lap of a female fan in an aisle seat.

Stephy Auger: Nooo!

Before Ash can react, Cordy hops the railing and takes a single step before smashing into De Luca with a Flying Hip Attack (Friendzone), knocking De Luca off of the fan and into the seat next to her-- occupied by a stuffed Johnny Karma plushie-- before De Luca finally falls onto the concrete floor. After checking on the fan’s wellbeing, Cordy ushes her briefly out of her seat and out of harm’s way as she stalks the groggy De Luca to her feet.

Stephy Auger: Don’t turn around, Ash! Just run!

Kris Cruise: Cordy’s had enough, and who knows what’s going through her head?!

“CORDY!”

“CORDY!”
“CORDY!”

“CORDY!”

Stevenson half-walks, half-drags De Luca back over to the railing, slipping around to the other side while maintaining a grip on Ashlyn’s hair, positioning her for a Neckbreaker!

Kris Cruise: Oh m-- the champion is looking to hit Deadly Seduction right across that railing!

The audience roars as they realize what’s happening, but De Luca manages to mule kick the back of Cordy’s leg under the railing! Cordy grunts and falls to a knee as De Luca makes her way up the stairs. She grabs a soda out of the hand of a fan and launches it at Cordy as she regains her footing! Cordy dodges it-- but Ashlyn launches a cup of beer and it connects, splashing into Cordy’s eyes! Cordy grunts, stumbling up the stairs after De Luca blindly as the number one contender finally reaches the exits at the top of the staircase!

Kris Cruise: Ashlyn De Luca is hightailing it out of here…!

We lose sight of De Luca on camera as she bursts through the doors and out into the lobby and concessions area of the Horncastle Arena!

Stephy Auger: Get a camera out there and make sure Ash is okay!

The crowd continues to will the champion on with chants of “CORDY!” as she wipes her eyes clean, storming up the stairs in the direction that Ashlyn left! She pushes the door open and follows after De Luca! For several seconds, we pan around to the interior of the arena, swinging the camera over raucous fans before we finally capture the action on another camera!

Stephy Auger: Finally.

Fans scream for Cordy as she strides by the merchandise tables, though her eyes are glued to the woman at the far end of the hall, who continues toward the parking garage. Cordy breaks into a jog-- and then into a sprint, chasing after De Luca to a roar from the fans in the lobby and those watching in the arena.

Stephy Auger: Ashlyn, move it!

Another camera opens up in the parking lot-- and the crowd watching in the arena roars in approval as we see De Luca thrown across the hood of a parked car before spilling over the side to the asphalt. Ashlyn scrambles to her feet, but Cordy tackle her to the ground from behind!

Ashlyn De Luca: Get off me!

Cordy opens her mouth to retort as she goes to force Ashlyn’s face into the asphalt-- but De Luca throws her right arm back, catching Cordy across the jaw with an elbow! Stunned, Cordy staggers to her feet before collapsing against the side of the same car she’d thrown Ashlyn into. The champion shakes her head, trying to shake out the cobwebs… but Ashlyn has already pushed herself back up to her feet. With one final gasp, Ashlyn rushes forward, hoofing Cordy in the abdomen with a toe kick, knocking her back against the car! Cordy clutches at her stomach, gasping for air as Ashlyn pivots, racing toward a van that pulls out of a parking space.

Ashlyn De Luca: Take me with you!

She tugs the passenger door open and the driver hits the brakes, clearly protesting with De Luca off-mic, but De Luca closes the door and gestures for him to go as Cordy rushes to the side of the van, pulling at Ashlyn’s now-locked door! The driver slams on the gas, speeding out of the parking lot and into the night with a SCREEEEECH! as Cordy hunches over, hands resting on her thighs, catching her breath, shooting a glare in the direction Ashlyn escaped in.

Kris Cruise: Well, to the chagrin of the International Heavyweight Champion, her number one contender just escaped into the--

Cordelia Stevenson: Hey-- hey. Excuse me.

Stevenson flags down a taxi cab in the process of pulling out of the lot-- with the Gold Band taxis logo earning an inexplicable pop from the live audience. Cordy speaks through the open passenger window.

Cordelia Stevenson: You available?

Cab Driver: Yes--?

Cordelia Stevenson: Drive fast. And follow her.

Cordy’s words are short. Cold. Focused, as she climbs into the back of the cab. With a small shrug, the driver peels off into the night in the same direction as the van to a roar from our audience as the scene fades.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

WILDCARD LOTTERY (QUARTERFINALS)
Laura Perelli vs. Izzy Anders

The hypnotic opening of “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram picks up throughout the arena and the lights fade into a cascade of fuschia and crimson.

♫ Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete
Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete ♫

As the colors play, the beats becomes harsher and invites Izzy Anders onto the stage. She dances around to the beat of the music until she makes to the center point of the stage. Scanning the arena with that Cheshire grin of hers, Izzy takes her time walking down the ramp. When she does, she does it with an egotistical saunter, knowing that she has the audience wrapped around her finger.

♫ To changing me
(And I believe this happened once before)
To changing me
(And I predict the world will be all gone)
To changing me
(And I can see the same things that you see)
To changing me
(‘Cause I predict the world) ♫

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a Quarterfinals match in the Wildcard Lottery! It is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, fighting out of Holland, Michigan by way of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada! She is “The Mindkiller” IZZY ANDERS!

Izzy climbs the ring apron, turning her back to the ring to stare at the audience. She shifts down the ropes until she reaches the turnbuckle, ascending it with a delicate air. From there, she reaches methodically for her eyepatch, removing it with flair. She lowers it into her mouth, giving it a playful bite and giving the hard cam a wink. Izzy then scales down the turnbuckle into the ring, taking her coat off. A stagehand receives it in the only way Izzy does, a dramatic fling meant to blanket them in the immense coat. The Mindkiller then takes a seat a little off center of the ring, at the very tip of her corner. She sits there with her legs crossed, staring out to the audience as her song dies out.

Kris Cruise: Our third quarterfinal match in this Wildcard Lottery is about to get underway. You heard Izzy earlier on tonight. She’s got a new goal. She’s got something new to fight for. We’ve seen time and time again that when Izzy’s got her mind set on something, she’ll do what she has to to get the job done.

Stephy Auger: That’s all well and good. But need I remind you that the only reason she is even in the quarterfinals is because her partner on the last show, Laura Perelli, carried her?

Kris Cruise: “Carried”? Look, I think Laura Perelli is a talented wrestler with a huge upside. I’m as high on her as you are. But to say she “carried” Izzy would be a huge overstatement.

Stephy Auger: All I know is this. Perelli was the one who got the deciding fall. Perelli was the one who came through in the clutch, not the so-called Mindkiller. For Izzy to reduce Perelli to some plunky little upstart who will one day be great but for now has to wait her turn? It just shows how arrogant she is, Cruise. But let me tell you something. Laura Perelli isn’t waiting for anyone’s cue or permission. Her time is now!

The arena goes dark for just a moment, as the opening riffs to Voodoo Johnson's "United Divided" play through the PA, before the white lights are replaced by swirling blue and yellow replacements. A few seconds pass, though, and it’s only when the drum beat kicks in that the curtain is pushed aside, and Laura Perelli comes spinning through, immediately spreading her arms out wide, a sly little smile on her face as she glances out into the arena. She holds her spot in the center of the stage, rolling her neck out to either side, only making her way down the ramp when she’s good and ready.

Ooo, standing up, being a captive to my disease

And I’ll start when I wanna start

It’s not a trip but a diviiiiiiine right to be

This is my castle and I’m keeping

All

Locked

Laura’s not exactly in a particular hurry, as she more saunters down the ring, occasionally glancing to either side of her to take in the fans at the aisleway. It’s never for more than a moment or two, though, as the most regard Laura’s willing to give is a little tilt of the head to one fan in particular trying to get her attention--whatever he may have been saying, it didn’t do much to faze her, and she just continues to move on. At her own pace, she eventually reaches the ring steps, pausing with one boot on the bottom step, closing her eyes for just a second before quickly jogging up onto the apron, casually wiping the soles of her boots off before spinning around to face the crowd--if only to smirk a little bit.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Trenton, New Jersey! Weighing in at 127 pounds, this is LAURAAAAA PERRELLIIIIIIIII!

Laura swings herself through the ropes, spinning in a half circle to face the opposite side fans and stretching both arms out, holding the pose for more than a couple seconds before eventually backing herself into her corner, shrugging her jacket off and dumping it out of the ring. Grabbing the top rope with one hand, she leans down, stretching her opposite leg out in preparation for the match.

Stephy Auger: I like Perelli’s chances in this one, Cruise, I really do. She has made a habit out of getting people out of her way by any means necessary. You heard it straight from the source and if you need any evidence, the proof is right there in front of your eyes. We’ve seen her do it elsewhere. Tonight is her chance to take out who many feel is the favorite to win this whole thing.

Kris Cruise: This is Laura Perelli’s chance, as you said. It doesn’t get much better than being in there against a Grand Slam Winner. This would be quite the feather in her cap if she ends up pulling this off. But beating Izzy Anders is much easier said than done. Let’s see what she’s got...

Perelli and Anders head towards the center of the ring while the ref calls for the opening bell. Boos can be heard from pockets of the crowd towards Perelli before the entire crowd comes together for “IZZY!” chants. Perelli continues to mouth off at Anders. The Mindkiller simply smirks and gives her a condescending pat on the cheek.

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders, already trying to get into the head of Perelli.

Perelli swats Anders’ hand away before connecting with a forearm smash! Anders gets caught with another forearm smash to the face before being whipped into the far ropes. Upon her return, she counters a back body drop attempt by slipping down from behind. She then quickly applies a rear waist lock. Before she can hoist Perelli off the mat for a German Suplex, Perelli rushes forward, wraps her arms around the top rope and yanks back, sending Anders down to the mat. After Anders rolls back to her feet, Perelli runs over to attack until she gets countered with a drop toe hold. The Mindkiller then takes control of the prone Perelli’s back before hitting her with paint brushing slaps across the back of the head!

Kris Cruise: Some more disrespect on the part of The Mindkiller.

Stephy Auger: ...and you’re enjoying this! You’re enjoying seeing Anders do this. Yet if it were, say, Ashlyn De Luca doing this, you would be over there crying.

Kris Cruise: ...

Perelli tries to push herself up on all fours. But Anders is right there to palm the back of her head and push her down face-first into the mat! The Mindkiller adds insult to injury by taking Perelli by the hair and raking her face against the mat before turning her over for a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
Perelli kicks out.

Anders quickly makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
Perelli kicks out.

The Mindkiller goes for another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
Perelli kicks out.

Anders pulls Perelli off the mat and places her in a side headlock. Perelli can be heard groaning when Anders starts to wrench down on the hold. The official heads over and asks Perelli if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Anders catches her with a punch to the face before cinching down on the hold. Perelli tries to push her off, but Anders is able to keep the hold of tight. She then catches Anders with a forearm to the ribs before trying to shove her off into the ropes. Again, The Mindkiller keeps the side headlock on. Perelli then takes Anders and moves her into the near ropes before trying to shove her off into the far ropes. But Anders is able to block the escape attempt by dropping down to a knee and clamping down on the hold. The official gets down and asks Perelli if she wants to give up. Perelli responds by shooing him away. Perelli then battles back to a vertical base. After several forearms shots to the side, Perelli goes to counter with a belly to back suplex. The Mindkiller then rolls over her shoulder, lands on her feet, spins Perelli back towards her and slaps on another side headlock. Perelli stamps her foot in frustration before being muscled back down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders has been in complete control since the start of this contest. Perelli got in a few forearms here and there. But nothing that has done a whole lot of damage to The Mindkiller. Meanwhile, Anders has continued to antagonize and frustrate Perelli. First with the slaps and now, by holding onto this headlock for dear life.

Stephy Auger: She’s trying to get Perelli off her game. But she’s gotta stay cool. She’s gotta stay focused.

The referee continues to check in on Perelli. He asks if she wants to quit. La Principessa refuses. After battling back to her feet, she reaches up, grabs a hold of Anders’ chin and presses The Mindkiller’s head back while she moves her across the ring. After pressing Anders against the ropes, the official rushes over and gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

The Mindkiller slowly releases the side headlock. She keeps her arms held out while Perelli slowly stands back up. The moment she turns back to Anders, she tries to catch her with a forearm smash. But Anders is able to slip out of the way. When Perelli turns to face her, the crowd cheers when Anders catches her with a European Uppercut! She then hits Perelli with a second European Uppercut before whipping her into the far ropes. When Anders returns, she counters a back body drop attempt by slipping down from behind. She takes control of Perelli’s back and goes for the Black Song (hammerlock lariat)! The Mindkiller whiffs on the strike when Perelli ducks in the nick of time. When Anders turns around, the crowd boos when she’s met with an exaggerated shrug from Perelli. Anders goes to catch her off guard with a step-up enzuigiri. But Perelli ducks the kick. Before Anders can gets up off the mat, Perelli quickly pounces on her.

Stephy Auger: Uh oh! Look at this, Cruise! Look at this!

Kris Cruise: Perelli is trying to grab a hold of an arm and apply some sort of submission. But The Mindkiller continues to fight her off!

The crowd buzzes as Perelli tries to gain control of Anders’ left arm. Anders tries to wrestle the farm away from Perelli. But Perelli is able to overpower her, gains control of the arm and slips on a Fujiwara Armbar!

Kris Cruise: There it is! That Fujiwara Armbar! Perelli’s got it locked on! Can she get Anders to tap out or verbally submit this early into the matchup?

Perelli pulls back on the arm while Anders lets out a groan. She continues to pull back on the arm, which causes Anders to grit her teeth. The official gets down and asks Anders if she wants to give up. Anders responds by shaking her head ‘no.’ The Mindkiller then starts to use her free arm to pull herself towards the side of the ring. The crowd continues to get behind Anders while she tries to get herself towards the ropes. The Mindkiller’s progress is slowed down when Perelli starts some small joint manipulation. Each bend of the fingers causes Anders to wince. The official continues to check in with Anders and asks her if she wants to give up. Again, Anders refuses. The Mindkiller groans while she tries her hardest to fight through the pain. She then starts to pull herself closer towards the side of the ring. Anders takes her right arm… reaches out… and is met with cheers and applause when she grabs on the bottom rope! The official calls for a rope break, but Perelli doesn’t let go of the hold! The crowd then starts to boo Perelli while the ref gives her till five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Perelli breaks the hold. She then grabs Anders by the hair, pulls her back to her feet and then catches her with a forearm smash to the face. Another forearm smash connects. After a stinging knife edge chop across the chest, Anders gets her head knocked back after a hard European Uppercut! Perelli then switches targets and doubles Anders over with a punch to the midsection. The boos continue as she pulls Anders by the hair away from the ropes before pulling her into a Front Chancery. The Mindkiller tries to escape, but Perelli is able to overpower her and muscle her down to a knee. Perelli nods her head as she successfully cinches in the hold.

Kris Cruise: Perelli continues to try and wear down Anders with another hold.

Stephy Auger: She doesn’t just want to beat Anders. She wants to make her submit!

The official heads over and asks Anders if she wants to give up. When Anders wags her finger at the ref, Perelli squeezes even tighter. Perelli scans the booing crowd while she stays in the dominant position. The Addington crowd begins to clap their hands in an attempt to rally behind The Mindkiller. Anders starts to fidget as she begins to feed off their energy. Cheers grow louder and louder as Anders starts to battle back to a vertical base. She then reaches up and grabs a hold of Perelli’s wrist. Perelli tries to maintain a strong grip. But Anders is able to slowly pry apart the locked hands. In a split second, Anders spins out and reverses into an arm wrench. Anders is met with cheers after executing a second arm wrench. Perelli reaches over to grab Anders, only to get cut off with another arm wrench. The Addington crowd cheers and laughs when Anders smacks Perelli across the back of the head. But those cheers quickly turn to boos when Perelli lunges over and nails Anders with a forearm smash to the face. She then turns to hit the ropes. But she’s stopped when Anders keeps her hands locked on her wrist. So Perelli hits Anders with another forearm smash before attempting to run the ropes. Once again, The Mindkiller holds her in place. Perelli motions for a third forearm smash when The Mindkiller counters with an arm wringer, sending Perelli down shoulder-first to the mat!

Anders pulls up Perelli, moves her towards the side of the ring and wraps her up with a hammerlock around the top rope. The crowd cheers Anders while the ref gives her to the count of five to break the hold.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Anders breaks the hold before delivering a front kick to the shoulder blade. She then takes Perelli by the back of the tights, pulls her away from the ropes and then knocks her down with her second attempt at the Black Song! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: Izzy didn’t miss that time! She goes for the cover...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli gets her left shoulder up.

Anders then hops over and pins Perelli while pressing her right wrist down on the mat.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli groans as she muscles her right shoulder off the mat.

The Mindkiller takes Perelli by the wrist, pulls her back to her feet and executes another arm wrench. The crowd cheers while Anders hits multiple short-arm shoulder blocks to the right arm before bringing her down with a single arm DDT! She pulls Perelli over to her back and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli gets her left shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Izzy has wisely targeted the arm of Perelli. If Perelli has a weak or injured arm, she would be able to fully apply those patented submissions of hers.

The Mindkiller takes Perelli and whips her into the corner. Anders rushes in for a corner European Uppercut when she gets knocked back with a boot to the face. The Mindkiller turns and staggers away from the corner… only to turn back around and rush back in. This time, Perelli knocks her back with a back left elbow to the face. Perelli then rushes out of the corner and throws out a forearm smash. But Anders ducks. When Perelli turns around, Anders returns the favor with an exaggerated shrug. Perelli motions for a punch before Anders doubles her over with a kick and counters with a double knee armbreaker! Perelli bounces off the knees and rolls towards the side of the ring as Anders crawls over to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli gets her foot on the bottom rope.

The Mindkiller picks up Anders before scooping her up across her left shoulder. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Anders runs across the ring for a Lawn Dart!

Stephy Auger: You put her down!
Kris Cruise: Perelli’s about to go flying head-first into the corner...

Before Perelli gets launched into the corner, Perelli slips down from behind and shoves Anders into the turnbuckles. As Anders turns around in the corner, the crowd boos when she gets caught with a corner high knee. Perelli then pulls her out of the corner, whips her into the far ropes and then catches her off the rebound with a running STO! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Anders gets her left shoulder up.

Perelli makes another cover.

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

Perelli pulls Anders by the hair to a seated position before hitting the far ropes. Whens he comes back, the crowd gasps when she goes for a Sliding D. Perelli misses the forearm when Anders rolls out of the way in time. When Perelli turns over to a knee, she tries to get up off the mat. But she’s quickly cut off with the HEAD BOOT (Shining Yakuza Kick)! The cheers continue as Anders makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Perelli gets her left shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: The Head Boot nearly got the win there, but Perelli still had the wherewithal to get a shoulder up.

Anders picks up Perelli before lifting her up across her shoulders. She’s got Perelli set up for a fireman's carry neckbreaker when Perelli uses her left arm to hit her with multiple elbows to the side of the head. She then slips down from behind before throwing Anders down to the mat with a Saka Otoshi into Sleeper Hold!


Stephy Auger: Code of Silence!

Kris Cruise: Yeah, but effective can Perelli apply it after getting her arm worked over?

The boos continue as Perelli clamps down on the hold. The official gets down and asks Anders if she gives up. When she refuses, Perelli pulls back on the hold. The added pressure causes Anders to wince. The Mindkiller reaches out for the ropes. But she’s nowhere near them. So she starts to pull herself forward toward the ropes. Perelli shakes her head in disbelief as Anders continues to attempt to get to the ropes. La Principessa then decides to cut her comeback off by transitioning into another Fujiwara Armbar! The Addington crowd boos louder when Perelli starts to yank back on the left arm.

Kris Cruise: Perelli with another armbar!

Stephy Auger: She knows she’s got the advantage on the ground. Even this early into her career, she’s got the edge over Anders in that department. Why let her back up?

Anders groans while Perelli continues to fight for the submission. The ref gets down and asks Anders if she wants to give up. He doesn’t get a response. Anders lets out another groan before covering her head with her free arm. Perelli continues to pull back on the arm as the referee questions Anders. He asks her if she wants to give up. He still doesn’t get an answer.

Stephy Auger: She’s passed out! She’s passed out from the pain. Why isn’t the ref doing his job and calling the match?

Kris Cruise: He’s giving Izzy a chance to fight back, make an escape. He wants to see something from Anders.

Stephy Auger: Well all I’m seeing in Perelli in the dominant position right now!

The Addington crowd buzzes with concern for The Mindkiller. The referee asks her one more time if she wants to give up. Anders wags her finger at him, garnering cheers from the crowd. The Mindkiller then uses her free arm to try and pull herself towards the side of the ring.

Kris Cruise: There’s still fight left in The Mindkiller!

Anders grits her teeth as she scratches and claws her way towards the side of the ring. Perelli refers back to an earlier strategy and starts to deliver small joint manipulation. It slows Anders down, but only momentarily. The Mindkiller lets out a labored groan as she fights through the pain while continuing to pull herself towards the side of the ring!

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s scratching! She’s clawing! You can see the veins popping out from her neck from all the effort she’s exerting! She wants this, Stephy! She needs this! Izzy doesn’t want to go back home empty handed!

The Mindkiller starts to stretch her arm out. Anders reaches out… but gets nothing but air as she’s not quite near the ropes! So Anders struggles to pull herself closer… and closer… and closer towards the side of the ring. The capacity crowd is solidly behind Anders. The Addington faithful continue to will Anders to get to the ropes and force a rope break. Members of the crowd start to stand up when they see how close she is. The crowd buzz with anticipation as Anders reaches her own out…

… only to let out a collective sigh when Perelli counters by transitioning into the Rings of Saturn!

Kris Cruise: New Jersey Necktie!

Stephy Auger: YES!

Anders lets out a labored ground as Perelli pulls back on the hold. Members of the crowd can be seen throwing their arms up in the air, giving Perelli two thumbs down, booing Perelli and hanging their heads in defeat. Perelli has her legs wrapped around Anders’ left arm while her arms are wrapped around Anders’ right arm.

Stephy Auger: Can you hear it, Cruise? I can hear the Fat Lady warming up right now!

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s in a bad way here! She thought she was safe! She thought she was about to reach the ropes. But Perelli has transitioned into yet another submission to keep Izzy trapped on the mat! What determination we’re seeing from Perelli here tonight!

The look of anguish is all on Anders face while Perelli continues to fight like hell for the submission. The ref asks her if she wants to give up. She doesn’t respond. The official encourages her to give him an answer. The Mindkiller responds by dropping her head, which causes members of the crowd to gasp. The ref asks her again and again. Anders doesn’t respond. Then, she slowly lifts her head back up. The Mindkiller lets out a guttural wail as she uses all her strength to swing her left leg over towards the ropes. The crowd gasps, then explodes with cheers when Anders gets her foot on the bottom rope! The official quickly slaps Perelli on the arms as he instructs her to break the hold.

Kris Cruise: IZZY’S TO THE ROPES! SHE GOT TO THE ROPES!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FI-

Perelli reluctantly breaks the hold. She then rolls over to a knee before slapping the mat out of frustration.

Stephy Auger: I feel your pain, Laura! I, too, think the ref should have stopped that match multiple times.

The Addington crowd begins to clap their hands in unison as they continue to rally behind Anders. Perelli rises back to her feet before heading over to Anders. She reaches down, grabs Anders by the hair and pulls her back to her feet. It’s here that Perelli gets piefaced by Anders! The crowd cheers as the push causes Perelli to turn away from her and stagger a couple of steps forward. Perelli slowly runs her hand down her face before turning back to face The Mindkiller. Perelli heads back over to Anders and grabs her doubled over opponent by the hair. After she pulls Anders back up, The Mindkiller responds by spitting in her direction!

Kris Cruise: Oh my!

Stephy Auger: This is your hero! This is who you people all cheer for now! Aw, isn’t Izzy so charming when she’s slapping and smacking and taunting and spitting at people! Yet you complain about De Lucz whenever she has a “tantrum.”

Perelli throws out a right hook, which Anders ducks. Perelli comes back with a left hook, which also gets ducked. Anders ducks another right hook before slipping behind Perelli. When Perelli turns around, The Mindkiller lets out a labored groans she unloads on her against the ropes with MUDA MUDA MUDA (machine gun punches)! The crowd cheers and applauds Anders as she continues to knock Perelli’s head from side to side with the punches. Anders starts to slow down and eventually doubles over… before standing back tall and unleashing another series of punches! MUDA MUDA MUDA sends Perelli slumping down against the ropes. Anders doesn't stop there, though. The Mindkiller grabs hold of the top rope with both hands before stomping away on Perelli’s chest. She then reaches down, pulls Perelli back to her feet and whips her into the corner. Anders then charges in and connects with a corner European Uppercut! She then delivers another irish whip, follows Perelli across the ring and hits another corner European Uppercut! She then hip tosses Perelli out of the corner before climbing up to the middle ropes. Once Perelli gets back to her feet, The Mindkiller jumps off before planting her with a diving Tornado DDT! The cheers continue as Anders turns over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Perelli got planted right on her head, but it wasn’t enough for a three count!

Perelli reverses an irish whip, sending Anders into the ropes. When Anders returns, she counters a back body drop attempt by kicking Perelli right in the right shoulder. Once Perelli is knocked upright, The Mindkiller follows up with Dirty Dancin (kick flurry)! The barrage of kicks causes Perelli to drop down to a knee. Anders then points to a random fan in the Addington crowd before hitting the ropes. She rebounds off the ropes and runs back Perelli before hitting the second set of the ropes. After Anders returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when Anders sends spittle flying out of Perelli’s mouth with A Gift For You (Penalty Kick)! She drops down and makes the cover.

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

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

Kris Cruise: OH, only two!

Stephy Auger: Come on, Laura. You’re still in this. You’ve got this!

Anders pulls up Perelli before lifting her for another fireman’s carry neckbreaker attempt. Before she can deliver the move, Perelli slips down from behind. The crowd boos when she spins Anders towards her before lifting her up across her shoulders for an Ushi Goroshi. Anders then uses her bad arm to deliver multiple elbows to the side of the head. The Mindkiller is able to slip down from behind before quickly throwing Perelli down with a snap Dragon Suplex! The move causes Perelli to roll over onto her knees before falling face-first to the mat. The Mindkiller heads back over, pulls Perelli off the mat and then lifts her up before finally bringing her down with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs and throws their arms up in the air when Perelli gets her good shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Again, only two!

Anders takes Perelli and pulls her into a standing headscissors. She tries to lift her up for a Running Liger Bomb, but Perelli counters by dropping down to a knee. The Mindkiller reaches down and tries to deadlift her up off the mat. But Perelli counters by wrapping her arms around Anders’ legs. So Anders lets go and counters with multiple Stockton Slaps! The last of which causes Perelli to let go. Anders then takes a couple of quick steps back and points to a random fan before knocking Perelli back down with another Gift For You! She then pulls Perelli up off the mat, lifts her up onto her shoulders, heads across the ring and throws her down with authority with a Running Liger Bomb! The ref slides over and makes the count.

Kris Cruise: That’s got to be it right there!

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

Stephy Auger: NO!

The crowd gasps, then boos when Perelli reaches over and grabs the bottom rope!

Kris Cruise: SO close!

Anders picks up Perelli before quickly pulling her into a front facelock. The crowd cheers, as they can sense the Three Enemigos coming. Anders goes for the combo when Perelli runs forward and rams Anders back-first into the corner! The crowd boos Perelli as she stumbles back towards the center of the ring. She rushes back in and goes for another corner high knee! She misses! The crowd cheers after Anders slips out of the way, causing Perelli to crash into the corner. Perelli stumbles out of the corner until Anders muscles her down from behind before transitioning into a Fujiwara Armbar!

Kris Cruise: The Amputator!

Stephy Auger: AH!

Anders returns the favor with a fujiwara of her own! Perelli cries out in pain while Anders repeatedly pulls back on the arm. The official gets down and ask Perelli if she wants to give up. Perelli refuses. She then pulls herself closer towards the ropes before reaching out and grabbing the bottom rope.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Anders reluctantly lets go. The Mindkiller grabs a hold of Perelli, pulls her up by the hair and then pulls her into a front facelock. Perelli tries to pull away. But Anders keeps the front facelock tight before planting her with the Three Enemigos (rolling consecutive DDTs)! The cheers continue as Anders rolls over and pulls Perelli back to her feet. It looks like Anders is about to go for a fourth DDT when instead, she lifts Perelli up before planting her with the Aniplex (cutthroat brainbuster)!! The Mindkiller pulls Perelli back to her feet before driving her down near the center of the ring with the Shotgun Party II (Ki Krusher)!!!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with cheers when “Bad Dreams” blasts over the PA.

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

The cheers continue as Anders gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders gets the hard fought win here tonight! She was pushed by Laura Perelli! Perelli gave Anders everything she had in that ring tonight. But The Mindkiller was able to weather the storm and get the win. Izzy advances to the semifinals where she will meet Neal Durden at Grapple Kingdom! Who will Seth Iser face in the semifinals? We’ll find out short. Our main event, coming up next right after this...

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
WILDCARD LOTTERY (QUARTERFINALS)
PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
(c) Tyler Storm vs. Lowri Moss

“Loner Boogie” by Boy Azooga plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, through the curtains - and out onto the stage - walks Lowri Moss, who is greeted by a cheer. Lowri takes a moment to scan the crowd, before making her way towards the ring, and as she does so, she slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to her.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following is your main event of the evening and it is for the FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Llanelli, Wales! She is one half of the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions, LOWRI MOSS!

After arriving at ringside, Lowri climbs the steps up onto the ring apron and steps through the ropes, before heading for one of the corners and climbing to the second rope. There are further cheers and applause for Lowri from the fans, and as she again surveys the crowd, she gestures to them by making the ILY sign with her right hand, in acknowledgement of their reaction to her arrival.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss was the second grappler to ever hold two titles at the same time in FGA. Can she become a double champion once again here tonight?

Stephy Auger: Between Tyler and Lowri, I don’t know who I want to win. So how about… they both just get counted out and Seth gets a free ride to the finals!

Kris Cruise: As advantageous as that outcome would be for Iser, I feel like the competitor in Iser would rather face Tyler or Lowri in the next round instead of getting a free ride to the finals.

Stephy Auger: You sure about that?

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 red 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 with his championship around his waist to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song before standing right at the middle of the stage and removing his title from his waist and holding it up in the air while mouthing out to the audience.

Once the lyrics start, Tyler throws the title over his shoulder and 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 slides his championship into the ring then 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 enters the ring, also retrieving his title.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in a 215 pounds! He is the reigning… defending… FGA PRIDE CHAMPION… TYLER STORM!

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 left arm held out with his right raising his title up high with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes, handing the championship over to a ringside personnel and then walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Kris Cruise: All of the singles champions that competed in the first round would be defending their titles this week if they advanced to the quarterfinals. Tyler Storm was the only champion that was able to advance out of the first round, thus the Pride Championship will be on the line here tonight. We heard Lowri Moss mention earlier tonight that Storm does have the advance with this match being contested under Pride Rules. Do you agree with that assessment?

Stephy Auger: Yes and no. He’s the reigning Pride Champion. He’s fought for the Pride Championship before. He’s used to the rules. He’s got the conditioning for this match to reach all three falls. But I feel like the pressure is more on him than Lowri. If Lowri loses tonight? Sure, it would suck for her. But she still gets to go home to her World Tag Team Title belt… until the Hellcats take it at Grapple Kingdom. But if Tyler Storm loses tonight? That’s it. It’s over. His long journey of bouncing back from a Pride Title loss, working his way back up, winning the best of five against Brian Stryker, wrestling to a draw with Seth and then finally beating him for the Pride Title…. It took him a long time to get to this point. For him to lose it now would be a huge blow and depending how Storm handles the loss, he might not be able to bounce back from it. Ashley Sands? Nina Stokes? They aren’t happy being knocked out of this tournament in the first round. They would kill to still be in this tournament. But they still have their 15 and United States Championships, respectively. With Tyler? Again, like I said, if he loses here tonight, he’s not just losing out on 100 grand and an eventual shot at the World or International Titles. He’d be losing the title that he’d been actively trying to win for over the year.

Storm and Moss meet up in the center of the ring. After the official is finished going over the Pride Rules, both Storm and Moss are met with cheers and applause as they exchange a handshake.

Kris Cruise: Good show of sportsmanship there by both champion and challenger.

Stephy Auger: Was it a good show of sportsmanship, or are they just adhering to the rules because if they know if they don’t, they’d be docked a rope break.

Kris Cruise: I’m sure that played a small part of it. But I know that Tyler and Lowri have the utmost respect for each other.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, if you say so.

Storm and Moss retreat to their respective corners. Once they give the ref the okay that they’re ready to start, the official calls for the bell.

Kris Cruise: Here we go, Stephy! Our main event is now underway. Seth Iser, Neal Durden and Izzy Anders all advanced earlier tonight. Which one of these two will be meeting Seth Iser in the semifinals?

Stephy Auger: Neither! Hopefully this match ends in a time limit draw and a double countout so Iser can get a free ride to the finals!

The opening bell sounds as both grapplers come out of their respective corners before circling the ring. They then size each other up before locking up. Storm and Moss jockey for position in the collar-and-elbow until Moss gains the advantage with a side headlock. She tries to hang on, but Storm is able to shove her off into the ropes. When she returns, the crowd OOOOOOs when she gets knocked down with a standing shoulder block. Storm then motions for an elbow drop, but then stays on his feet when he sees Moss rolling away to safety. Moss pulls herself up using the ropes before circling the ring. She then heads over, locks up with Storm once again and winds up getting a knee strike to the midsection before being thrown towards the center of the ring with a hip toss.

Kris Cruise: Storm is imposing his will on Lowri early in this match.

Stephy Auger: Why shouldn’t he? He’s not faster. He’s isn’t more agile. She can’t hit harder.

Kris Cruise: Lowri did win Best Striker last year.

Stephy Auger: Her strikes are “prettier”, I suppose. They’re more varied. But she doesn’t hit harder than Tyler Storm, that's just a fact.

Moss turns over to a knee before slowly getting back to a vertical base. She then slowly inches over and baits Storm into another collar-and-elbow before quickly ducking behind him. She gains control of his back with a rear waist lock. But the hold doesn’t stay on for long as Storm is able to reach down, pry Moss’ hands from around his waist. The Pride Champion is able to perform a standing switch before heaving Moss over his head with a German Suplex! Moss bounces off the mat and turns into the prone position. The co-tag champ slowly rolls out to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Moss just got thrown across the ring with a huge German Suplex! Good on Lowri to take a bit of a breather on the outside.

Stephy Auger: Oh, so NOW it’s okay for some to retreat to the floor! Just earlier, you were pretty much calling Ace Voltage a coward for wanting to take a rest on the outside. But when sweet, precious Lowri does it, it’s smart. I see how it is, Cruise.

Moss is seen on a knee while she holds her lower back. Moss pulls herself up using the edge of the apron while Storm approaches. When Moss climbs back up to the apron, she gets caught with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Storm then goes to bring her back inside with a vertical suplex when she slips down from behind and quickly rolls him up in an O’Connor Roll.

Kris Cruise: Lowri with the counter! She may have him here!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm uses his leg strength to push off, sending Moss flying off of him. Moss stumbles to the mat before rolling out to the apron. While Moss pulls herself up on the apron, Storm rushes back over to attack. This time, Moss is able to return the favor with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. The crowd gasps and cheers as Moss tries to deliver a vertical suplex over the top rope and to the floor. She’s almost got Storm up until Storm starts to kick his legs, forcing Moss to lower him back down. He then grabs a hold of Moss before bringing her back inside with a vertical suplex. Storm turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss kicks out.

Storm takes Moss, moves her into the corner and then lights up her chest with multiple knife edge chops. The Pride Champion runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when Moss knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Storm runs back into the corner. This time, he gets knocked back with a boot to the face. Moss then runs out of the corner to attack when Storm catches her with a jumping knee strike! While Moss is dazed, Storm grabs her and tries for a Backdrop Suplex. But she counters with an elbow to the back of the head. Moss then takes off into the ropes, returns and gets flattened with a yakuza kick! Storm starts to circle Moss before delivering stomps to each limb! The Pride Champ follows up with an elbow drop. Storm returns to his feet and hits a second elbow drop, then a third! He goes for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Tyler didn’t get the three there. But he was able to wear down Moss even more with those stomps to the body and those elbow drops right across the chest.

Storm sits up Moss and places her in a rear chinlock. The referee then gets down and asks Moss if she wants to give up. When she turns down the chance to quit, Storm pulls back on the hold.

Stephy Auger: You think Neal is secretly in the back hoping Lowri loses? The last thing he wants is to see Lowri advance here in this tournament and upstage him once again!



Kris Cruise: Oh stop it!

Moss continues to wince while Storm adds pressure to the hold. She turns down another chance to quit before slowly turning over onto her knees. After battling back to a vertical base, she hits Storm with an elbow to the midsection. Storm finds himself on the receiving end of another elbow shot. Moss hits him with two more elbows before hitting the ropes. Moss comes back, only to get cut off by Storm when he throws her down with a Slingblade! He makes the cover.

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

Storm takes Moss, moves her into the corner and nearly drives the air out of her with repeated shoulder thrusts. He follows up with multiple knees to the midsection that double the tag champ over. Moss is then pulled out of the corner before Storm hits the ropes. Storm comes back, throws out a Scissors Kick and misses when Moss slips out of the way. Moss quickly catches Storm before he can turn around with a Question Mark Kick across the back of the head, sending Storm staggering forward before he collapses against the ropes. Storm tries to shake out the cobwebs while Moss turns and hits the far ropes. As Storm turns around, Moss runs across the ring and catches him with a spinning heel kick, knocking Storm over the top rope and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: OH, what a kick from Lowri Moss! Storm looks like he’s seeing stars on the floor!

Moss paces back and forth and starts waving her arms up and down to hype up the crowd. On the outside, Storm starts to shake out the cobwebs before starting to pick himself up off the floor. Moss heads into the corner before climbing the turnbuckles! She remains in the crouched position while she waits for Storm to get into position. Down on the floor, Storm gets up to a knee before finally standing back up. The moment Storm turns around, the crowd erupts when Moss stands up, leaps off and knocks him down with a diving crossbody to the floor!!!

Kris Cruise: Moss connects with a huge dive to the floor! The high risk pays off!

Stephy Auger: It’s the Wildcard Lottery! The Pride is on the line! She’s gotta take risks!

Moss pulls up Storm and rolls him back into the ring. She then rolls herself back in before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm gets his boot on the bottom rope.

Stephy Auger: That’s one rope break gone.

Moss picks up Storm and delivers a shoot kick to the chest. A second shoot kick knocks him back. Moss pushes forward before knocking him back with another shoot kick. After a fourth shoot kick connects, Moss runs over and knocks Storm into the corner with a dropsault. Moss returns to her feet, heads into the corner and goes to work on Storm with the Scarlet Barrage (alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! Moss then takes Storm by the wrist before sending him into the far corner with an irish whip. She measures Storm up before running across the ring to deliver a European Uppercut. After sending him back into the previous corner with another irish whip, Moss runs back cover and connects with a spinning heel kick! The kick causes Storm to stagger out of the corner before dropping down to a knee. Storm then drops down to all fours as Moss approaches. Moss pulls up Storm before pulling him into a standing headscissors. She attempts to go for a Cradle Piledriver when Storm counters by standing upright! He’s got Moss set up for an Alabama Slam! But before he can slam her down, Moss reaches out and grabs the top rope with one hand. She then reaches over with her other hand and grabs onto it. Storm tries to pull Moss away from the ropes, but she hangs on for dear life. The official then gives Storm until the count of five to let Moss down.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Storm lets out a labored groan as he pushes forward and pulls Moss off the ropes. The Pride Champion heads towards the center of the ring before throwing her down with authority using the Alabama Slam! Storm drops down to a knee before rolling across Moss and hooks the near leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.

Kris Cruise: Moss gets her shoulder up.

Storm takes Moss and whips her into the ropes. When she returns, he catches her off the rebound in a Sleeper near the center of the ring. Moss reaches out for the ropes, but she's nowhere near them. She then grabs a hold of Storm’s arm and tries to throw him off her but, it’s to no avail. Storm then cinches down on the hold. The official heads over asks Moss if she wants to give up. Moss refuses. She then reaches back, grabs Storm by the head and pulls him down into a sitout jawbreaker, breaking the hold!

Storm stumbles back before dropping down to a knee. Moss turns over and sees this, so she scrambles back to her feet, rushes over and flattens him with a Shining Wizard! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Moss caught him right underneath the chin with that Shining Wizard! But it wasn’t enough for a three count.

Moss pulls up Storm before hitting him with a European Uppercut. Storm is then hit with a hard European Uppercut that echoes throughout the venue! Moss then nails Storm with a third European Uppercut before quickly following up with a Scorpion Kick! She then takes a couple of steps back, then rushes forward and cracks him with a bicycle knee strike underneath the chin!!! The knee snaps Storm’s head back before he stumbles back and collapses against the ropes. With Storm on dream street, Moss heads over, pulls him away from the ropes and places him in an inverted front facelock! Moss looks around at the cheering crowd before bringing him down with the Nos Da (Rolling Cutter)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Tyler Storm - 0
Lowri Moss - 1

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss gains the first fall! She now leads this match 1-0. All the pressure is on Tyler Storm now! He has to win two straight falls to walk out of here still the Pride Champion! This next fall is absolutely crucial for Storm!

Stephy Auger: Is he going to crack under the pressure? I think he will!

Once the bell sounds to start the beginning of the second fall, Moss rushes over and knocks Storm off his feet with a dropsault!

Kris Cruise: Lowri wastes no time going after Tyler! She makes the cover...

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

After Storm gets whipped into the corner, Moss rushes in and delivers Just For Kicks (running big boot to a cornered opponent, followed by a running facewash)! The cheers continue as Moss pulls him out of the corner before making the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Moss pulls Storm back to his feet, grabs him from the side and then brings him down with a russian legsweep. While Storm is down, Moss steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. She once again crouches down as she waits for Storm to get in position. After Storm finally returns to a vertical base, Moss stands up, leaps off and connects with another diving crossbody!

… only for Storm to roll though it for the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Tyler nearly got her!

Moss takes Storm and whips him into the far ropes. When Storm returns, he gets brought down with an STO! She makes the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Moss pulls Storm back to his feet, only to bring him back down with a swinging neckbreaker. She makes the cover.

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

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Moss has been all over Storm!

Stephy Auger: 100 grand. A shot at the World or International Titles. The Pride Champion. All are on the line here! She’s going after it, Cruise!

Moss pulls Storm back to his feet and hits him with a headbutt before moving him into the near corner. From there, she follows up with multiple shoot kicks to the chest before climbing onto the middle ropes. Moss scans the cheering crowd before raining down punches on Storm. The crowd counts with each pung.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SEV-”

Stephy Auger: Uh oh...

Storm reaches up, grabs Moss, runs across the ring and throws her into the far corner with a Buckle Bomb!

Kris Cruise: OOOOHHHHH!

Moss bounces out of the corner, only to get caught by Storm who lifts her up, turns and throws her down hard with a spinebuster! He rolls across Moss and hooks the near leg for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Moss is met with applause when she gets her shoulder up.

Storm pulls Moss back to her feet before placing her in an abdominal stretch. The official gets down and asks Moss if she wants to give up. But she refuses. So Storm goes to apply more pressure by twisting to the side, flexing Moss’ back and stretching her abdominal. Moss continues to howl in pain as she remains trapped in the submission. She reaches out for the ropes with her free arm. But she’s nowhere near them. He hasn’t gotten the submission, but Storm remains undeterred. He continues to keep the abdominal stretch applied while he tries to wear Moss down. Some fans in the crowd plead for Moss to hang on. Moss starts to shake her fists as she feeds off some of the energy of the fans in attendance. The official checks in once again to see if she wants to give up. Storm refuses. She then starts to deliver elbows to Storm’s leg with her free arm before throwing him down to the mat with a falling hip toss!

Kris Cruise: What a hip toss from Moss! She had to dig down deep for that one!

Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Moss hits Storm with three European Uppercuts before heading towards the ropes. Moss jumps onto the middle rope, rebounds back and drops Storm down to a knee after a Slice of Heaven (springboard enzuigiri) to the back of the head! Moss sees Storm set up for another Shining Wizard, so he turns and heads into the far ropes. When Storm returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when Storm bursts off the mat and flattens her with a bicycle kick!!! He makes the cover. Moss lays sprawled out on the mat as Storm staggers back over to make the cover.

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

Moss is met with cheers when she gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How was that not three?

Stephy Auger: He nearly knocked Lowri’s head off!

Storm takes Moss and pulls her back to her feet. He then heads towards the ropes, rebounds back and goes for the Hardcastle Treatment (springboard roundhouse kick)... only to get countered with a spinning heel kick in mid air!

Kris Cruise: Moss catches him with another kick!

Stephy Auger: Tyler is looking out of it...

Storm remains down on the mat while Moss slowly gets back to her feet. She then looks over at the top turnbuckle, then back down at Storm before heading over into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Is Moss headed back to the top?

Stephy Auger: It worked for her before...

Fans in attendance began to stand up while Moss climbs the turnbuckles. When she gets to the top, she flips off for a moonsault… and misses! The crowd gasps when Storm rolls towards the corner, causing Moss to crash hard on the mat!

Stephy Auger: ...BUT NOT THAT TIME!

Storm slowly pulls himself up using the ropes. He then crouches down as he waits for Moss to get up off the mat. Across the ring, Moss is seen struggling to push herself up on all fours. When she finally returns to a vertical back, Storm bursts out of the corner, lunges herself at Moss and spears her down!!!

Kris Cruise:OH! He broke her in half with the spear! Tyler’s going for the cover right here...

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

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Moss gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How!?

Storm pulls up Moss, lifts her up across his back and then brings her down with the Rolling Tide (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker)! He then takes Moss, delivers an irish whip, follows her into the corner and hits a spinning forearm!!! Storm climbs up to the middle ropes, grabs Moss and then plants her with a Tornado DDT!!! After bringing Moss back to her feet, Storm yells out at the crowd, “Time To…!” The crowd responds with “... BE WITNESS!” before dropping her down to a knee with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into rolling elbow)!!! Storm pulls Moss back to her feet, lifts her up onto his shoulders and then drives her down with the Eye of the Storm (Electric Chair Driver)!!! The official slides into place for the count.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

TYLER STORM - 1
LOWRI MOSS - 1

Kris Cruise: There it is! There it is! Tyler Storm ties it up! It was CRUCIAL that Tyler Storm won that second fall! With all the pressure on him, Tyler Storm fought through it all to win this second fall! It’s anyone’s match now!

Stephy Auger: Lowri will be kicking herself for not winning that second fall!

The bell calls for the bell to start the third and final fall. Both Storm and Moss are met with cheers and applause from the appreciative crowd as they struggle to get back to their feet.

Kris Cruise: Listen to this ovation! Observe the respect being given to these two great competitors!

Stephy Auger: They never showed De Lucz love like this!

The adulation for both competitors continue as they make their way towards the center of the ring. Champion and challenger share words. They understand that they have to go all out of they want to take the Pride Championship home. The production cuts to a different shot. The broadcast cuts to a shot of the Pride Championship glistening on the timekeeper's table before switching back to the face off between champion and challenger. Storm and Moss nod before exchanging European Uppercuts! The crowd cheers for Storm when he hits another European Uppercut! Moss answers back with another European Uppercut of her own! Storm hits her with another European Uppercut! Moss answers back with another European Uppercut of her own! The crowd cheers Storm when he fires off two European Uppercuts! Moss is cheered when she answers back with two European Uppercuts of her own! Storm shakes off the blows before firing off three European Uppercuts! Moss goes to answer back when Storm cuts her off with three more European Uppercuts! Before Storm can continue, he doubles over and rests his hands on his needs to catch his breath. He then stands tall before rocking Moss with three more European Uppercuts! The last of which sends Moss stumbling back a few steps. The Pride Champion pushes forward, takes Moss, delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. As soon as Moss’ back hits the ropes, Storm catches her with a European Uppercut! Storm then turns and runs into the far ropes. But unbeknownst to him, Moss is right behind him! When Storm hits the ropes, the crowd cheers when Moss greets him with a European Uppercut!!! While Storm lays dazed against the ropes, Moss slowly turns and goes to head back into the far ropes. But as soon as she hits the ropes, Storm is right there to pop her with a spinning forearm!!! Moss appears to be on dream street. Storm looks out at the cheering crowd. He can feel the end is near. He then nods his head before heading into the far ropes. When Storm hits the ropes, Moss throws herself at him. The crowd gasps, then cheers when Moss hits a crossbody block, sending them both flipping over the top rope and crashing down to the floor!!!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!!!

Stephy Auger: They both might be hurt after that fall!


The official rolls to the outside and goes to check on both grapplers. He then returns to his feet before re-entering the ring to start his count.

ONE!






TWO!







THREE!







FOUR!







FIVE!




Both grapplers remain splayed out on the floor.




SIX!





SEVEN!






EIGHT!





NINE!





Storm begins to stir on the floor.




TEN!





ELEVEN!





TWELVE!




Storm slowly turns over on all fours. He then reaches up, grabs the edge of the apron and starts to pull himself back to his feet.






THIRTEEN!





FOURTEEN!





Storm slowly rolls himself back into the ring while Moss starts to stir on the mat.

Kris Cruise: Tyler’s back in!



FIFTEEN!














SIXTEEN!






Moss turns over on her side.













SEVENTEEN!







Moss is slowly to get up to a knee.











EIGHTEEN!




The crowd gasps when Moss tries to get back to a vertical base, only to collapse back down to a knee.















NINTEEN!







Stephy Auger: Moss isn’t going to make it back in!








TWEN-


Moss dives back into the ring under the bottom rope, just barely beating the 20 count. She’s met with cheers and applause from the crowd!!!

Kris Cruise: Moss makes it back in the ring in the nick of time! What determination we just saw there from the challenger!



Storm heads over, pulls up Moss and whips her into the far ropes. The Pride Champion catches Moss off the rebound, spins and throws her down with a Blue Thunder Bomb!!!

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

Moss is met with cheers and applause gets her shoulder up.

Storm pulls up Moss, takes control of her back and then dumps her on the back of her neck with a bridging Backdrop Driver!!!

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

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Moss gets her shoulder up.

Storm picks up Moss before doubles her over with a hard knee to the midsection. He then hits the ropes, comes back and throws out a scissors kick. Moss slips out of the way before quickly rolling him up in a schoolboy!

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

After both grapplers return to their feet, Storm stops Moss with a jumping knee strike to the face!!! He then scoops Moss up across his shoulder before she kicks her legs, slips down from behind, spins him towards her and cracks him across the head with a roundhouse kick!!! After a second roundhouse drops Storm to a knee, Moss turns, hits the ropes, comes back and flattens him with another Shining Wizard!!! She goes for the cover.

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

Storm is met with cheers and applause when he gets his shoulder up.

Moss pulls Storm back to his feet. She then hits the champion with alternating shoot kicks to the leg before catching him with a bicycle knee strike underneath the chin!!! The cheers continue as Moss pulls him into a standing headscissors, lifts him up and plants him with a cradle piledriver!!! She turns over and makes the cover.

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

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

Kris Cruise: How much closer can you get!?

Stephy Auger: Lowri has to be thinking to herself, “what do I have to do to put him away!?”

Moss heads into the corner before climbing the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Lowri’s headed back up top!

Stephy Auger: She must have forgotten what happened to her the last time she tried this!

Moss crouches down before looking over her shoulder. Down on the canvas, Storm is seen slowly pushing himself up on all fours. After the champion struggles to get back to his feet, Moss stands tall. The crowd gasps when she leaps off for a moonsault, only for Storm to catch her in mid air! He then raises her up higher over his head. Storm keeps her held up before bringing her down with the Bite Wound (crucifix cutter)!!! He makes the cover.

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

Moss gets applauded after getting her shoulder up.

Storm picks up Moss before lifting her up on his shoulders. The crowd roars with cheers as Storm has Moss positioned for another Eye of the Storm!!! Before he can drive Moss down, she counters with multiple punches across the top of the head! She then slips down from behind before pushing him into the ropes. When Storm turns, the crowd explodes with cheers when Moss knocks his head back with Breuddwydion Melus (Superkick)!

Kris Cruise: THERE IT IS!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

After Storm drops to his back, an exhausted Moss drops down back-first across Storm. She then reaches over and hooks the near leg for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Stephy Auger: NO!

The crowd explodes with gasps, cheers and sighs when Storm just barely beats the three count by getting a shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: She thought that was it! I thought that was it!

Moss looks over to the referee for confirmation. She could have sworn it was a three count. But the referee stand by his call that it was indeed only a two count. Moss takes Storm by the ankle and drags him into position before stepping back out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Moss is going for it again! She doesn’t care! That’s how much that Pride Title means to her! That’s how much advancing in this tournament means to her!

Stephy Auger: Fine! Go ahead! Get caught off the top rope again! Tyler already rolled through the second crossbody off the top! He then caught her with the Bite Wound! When will she learn!?

Fans in attendance stand back up as they see Moss scaling the turnbuckles. Once Moss is perched on the top turnbuckle, she takes a look around, stares down at Storm, flips off for a 450 Splash…







… and gets countered when Storm raises his knees!

“OOOHHHHHHHHH!”

Moss lets out a loud groan when she crashes hard across the knees! She then bounces off the knees before rolling across the ring. Moss can be seen guarding her midsection while she lays curled up on the mat. Across the ring, Storm turns over into the prone position before trying to crawl towards the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm has his opening! He’s got Lowri down! Can he capitalize and head back to the states still the Pride Champion?

Moss tries to get back to a vertical base, but she immediately drops back down to a knee to guard her midsection. The challenger takes a few seconds before reaching over and grabbing the ropes. Moss then slowly pulls herself back up using the ropes before taking several steps away from the side of the ring. As Moss turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Storm tackles her down with another spear!!! But he doesn't go for the cover! Instead, Storm pulls Moss back to her feet and whips her back into the ropes. When Moss returns, Storm lunges forward before being flattened with another spear!!!

Storm takes Moss and drags her into position before heading into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Now Storm’s heading to the top! He’s looking to put this one away right here! Is he about to dig deep and throw out the Paranoia Plummet! He uses this move to end the Best of 5 against Brian Stryker!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but we also saw Seth Iser counter it last year by getting his knees up!

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Storm scales the turnbuckles. The Pride Champion gets to the top and gauges the distance between himself and Moss. He then takes a deep breath…






...flips off…









and crashes down across Moss with the Paranoia Plummet (diving corkscrew moonsault)!!!

NO!

Moss rolls out of the way, causes Storm to land hard across the mat!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: HE MISSED! HE MISSED!

The crowd murmurs amongst itself while Storm lays motionless on the mat after the miss.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm landed on the mat with a thunderous crash! How much did that take out of him!?

Stephy Auger: He didn’t have much left in him to begin with! He’s been fighting tooth and nail with Lowri Moss! That was his last ditch effort!

While Storm remains in the prone position, Moss turns over to all fours before getting back to a vertical base. She slowly makes her way over, reaches down and peels Storm off the mat. The crowd once again buzzes with anticipation as she slowly places Storm in another inverted front facelock. Moss looks around at the crowd and nods before spiking him on the mat with the Nos Da (rolling cutter)! Cheers and applause continue as Moss turns him over. But instead of making the cover, Moss gets back to her feet before dragging him into position.

Stephy Auger: What the hell is Moss doing?

The crowd once again begins to buzz with excitement as Moss steps out to the apron and starts to climb to the turnbuckles.

Stephy Auger: She STILL hasn’t learned!

Kris Cruise: Moss has thrown everything at Tyler Storm, except for one thing! She wants to leave it all out there in the ring, Stephy! She doesn’t want to look back at this match and go, “what if?”

Moss ascends to the top turnbuckle. She looks down at Storm before looking up and scanning the crowd. The crowd in Addington stands on their feet as they look on with anticipation. She takes one look back down at Storm… flips off.. And crashes down hard across Storm with a 450 Splash!!! The crowd erupts with cheers when Moss connects! She hooks the leg...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Loner Boogie” blasts over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… and now, the NEEEEEWWWWWWWWW FGA Pride Champion, LOWRI MOSS!

Moss slowly rolls off of Storm. She’s got nothing left. She can even stand. An exhausted Moss lays on her back as the referee kneels down next to her and raises her arm.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss has done it! She has defeated Tyler Storm here in the quarterfinals to become the new Pride Champion! Lowri Moss is once again a double champion here in FGA! She will now be meeting Seth Iser in the quarterfinals of the Wildcard Lottery at Grapple Kingdom!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but what about the World Tag Team Title match against The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad! Now both her AND Neal Durden will be competing in tournament matches that night, on top of the match against the Hellcats! If the Tag Title match is first, what will they have left for the tournament!? If the tournament matches are first, what will they have left for the tag title match!?

Kris Cruise: The wins by both members of Pendragon have certainly opened up a floodgate of scenarios! I know we all will be waiting with anticipation to see how this all plays out! For Stephy Auger, this is Kris Cruise signing off! We’ll see you back in the states on the next edition of Vertigo! Goodnight, everyone!

The referee heads over and lays the championship down across Moss’ chest. Moss reaches her arm up and starts to pay the championship before hugging it closer to her. Both champion and challenger remain on their backs while the official and ringside attendants checks on them both...