Vertigo E79

[FGA Office]

Frontier Grappling Arts interviewer, Amanda Johnson, appears on the screen and the picture comes to life. A couple of seconds pass before the cameraman gives her the cue to go ahead.

Amanda Johnson: Good evening everyone. I hope you are well. I’m currently joined by the former United States Champion, Nine Stokes.

The camera pans over to the right to reveal Nina standing there. There’s a nonchalant aura surrounding her as she places her hands inside the pouch of her Nike hoodie. She tilts her head in Amanda’s direction, barely even acknowledging the woman’s complimentary introduction.

Nina Stokes: I. Hate. Liars.

Her tone is so gruff that it causes Amanda to widen her eyes.

Nina Stokes: Wouldn’t you agree, Amanda?

She doesn’t wait for Amanda to respond. Instead, she continues speaking.

Nina Stokes: Deceivers? Liars? Throughout the course of our existence as humans, those types of people have been referred to as the “scum of the earth.” They are not to be cheered and praised―

There’s a small pause.

Nina Stokes: They are to be punished beyond imagination.

A couple of more seconds pass before Nina continues on.

Nina Stokes: However, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Today’s current state of affairs? It’s all par for the course. FGA has been a safe haven for deceivers and liars since its inception. This place has always been complicit in allowing them to tell tall tales without any recourse. Therefore, Sadie’s lack of accountability and integrity? It was encouraged by the culture of the promotion. And honestly? That’s really f*cking sad.

Once more, the weight of Nina’s words seem to linger in the air like a foul smell. Amanda looks as if she wants to recoil away. However, she elects to keep holding the microphone steady.

Nina Stokes: And since this company is perfectly fine with people being willfully ignorant, allow me to enlighten everyone with the truth.

A tiny pause results.

Nina Stokes: Sadie wrestled a fine match at Grapple Kingdom III. She showed all that heart and fire that everyone claims that they love. She had some nice highlight footage. But what she couldn’t do, is put me down for the count. Well guess what? Most people in FGA have failed to put me down for the count. Sadie was just another person on that huge list―

Nina Stokes: And that probably made her angry. However, it also made her desperate. During the course of that match, she gained a revelation. She gained a revelation that people all across the world have been privy to since 2015. That being? That Nina Stokes is a better wrestler than them.

There’s a brief pause.

Nina Stokes: That desperation coupled with that revelation allowed Sadie to forsake all of her morals. She threw all of them away in order to cheat me out of the United States Championship…

At this point, a tired smirk crosses Nina’s face.

Nina Stokes: And honestly? Had Sadie just owned up to what she did, I wouldn’t have much of an issue. If you are a nasty motherf*cker, then be a nasty motherf*cker. Just don’t lie about it.

Nina snaps her fingers.

Nina Stokes: But that’s Sadie’s problem. She just can’t stop lying.

Silence persists for a moment or two.

Nina Stokes: Sadie? You snuck a foreign object into our match. You used that object for the express purposes of blinding and incapacitation. And the use of that foreign object directly led to you winning the championship. That act would be classified as cheating in wrestling, basketball, soccer, judo. You name the sport; it would be illegal. Your actions at Grapple Kingdom III constituted an open and shut case of blatant cheating. And if you can’t understand that Sadie? Then you are touched up above and need to be committed to a facility.

A second passes.

Nina Stokes: Also, let me address one last matter. I’ve never been unprepared for a match. I’m a professional of the highest caliber, and I have been for a great while. However, for hypothetical purposes, let's assume that I was―

Nina Stokes: If I had been adequately prepared, well, you wouldn’t have needed that mist, right? That heart and fire would have quashed my meager flame. Those highlight sequences would have sealed the deal―

Nina Stokes: But that didn’t happen.

Her smirk returns for a small moment.

Nina Stokes: That’s the fun thing about liars. They can’t help but let the truth they are trying to hide slip out.

Another second passes.

Nina Stokes: Sadie? I want you to thoroughly enjoy your time as the United States Champion. Enjoy your little challenges. Enjoy ducking me. Enjoy that blissful little ignorance you are living in. But realize this. One day, there won’t be any more challenges. One day, you won’t have the wherewithal to duck or deny me. One day, I’m going to get my hands on you…

Nina Stokes: And I’m going to hurt you. Because that’s what con artists like you deserve.

Afterwards, Nina turns in Amanda’s direction.

Nina Stokes: I apologize for not fielding your questions. But hopefully that was enough for you.

Amanda nods.

Amanda Johnson: It’s not a problem. Thank you for your time.

With that, the camera begins to fade out.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The cameras switch to a corridor where the FGA World Tag Team Champions of Neal Durden and the Pride Champion, Lowri Moss, are seen sitting beside one another on a crate, with their titles next to them. Ahead of their match later, they are both already dressed in their respective ring attire, with each of them also wearing an Irish Whip Clothing branded Pendragon t-shirt. The pair are both gazing towards the camera, and with a smile on her face, Lowri is the first of the two to speak.

Lowri Moss: What's occurring, FGA?

That greeting of Lowri’s does not elicit a pop of the magnitude that it usually would, due of course to the limited number of people that are currently able to be in attendance inside the BB&T Pavilion; she continues, undeterred.

Lowri Moss: Later tonight, in the main event, we’ll be defending the world tag team titles against Cordy Stevenson and Fujiko Mine, in a repeat of the main event from the last show… and we’re going to talk about that shortly, but firstly, there’s something else from the last show that I need to address.

While Lowri speaks, Neal simply looks at the belt in his hands, not even giving a look towards the camera. It is almost as if he is thinking about what happened last time out, and how things might play out tonight.

Lowri Moss: Four weeks ago, Tyler Storm returned to FGA and made it known that he has his sights set on the Pride Championship, and that he wants it back. Now, I already have a match scheduled for Only the Strong Survive, as Neal and I are going to be up against the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad and Silk & Cyanide, so if I was to accept Tyler’s challenge, that could potentially-- depending on what happens later-- mean me having to defend two titles in the same night, which is a possibility that I actually discussed prior to the match with Tyler back in February when I won the Pride Championship and became a double champion again; at the time, I said that if necessary, I would be prepared to defend both the world tag titles and the Pride title in the same night-- and my feelings haven’t changed since then.

Lowri pauses to take a breath.

Lowri Moss: I’m also not one to shy away from a challenge, so, Tyler, if you want a return match for the Pride Championship… I’ll see you at Only the Strong Survive.

She exchanges a glance with Neal, who gestures for her to continue.

Lowri Moss: Back to tonight then, and as I alluded to just a moment ago, we're going to be defending our titles against Cordy and Fujiko, after their non-title victory against us last time out. As part of our preparations for this contest, we watched back the first match between ourselves and Cordy and Fujiko, and I want to pick up on something that Kris Cruise said following the match, which is that Fujiko and Cordy’s win was “an upset.” I was actually a bit surprised to hear him say that, although admittedly I can kinda understand why he said it, considering that Fujiko and Cordy aren't an established tag team, whereas Neal and I have been a team for four years, and have won multiple titles in that time. However, we're talking about the current FGA World Champion and International Heavyweight Champion, not to mention everything else that they've both accomplished in their respective careers, so I really don't think that it should be considered an upset-- just like my victory against Cordy at the Artemis Kaiser Power Hall wasn't an upset, either.

She gives a wink to the camera.

Lowri Moss: Upset or not though, we aren’t going to sit here and make excuses for what happened four weeks ago. We didn’t get overconfident, they didn't catch us by surprise with how well they worked together as a team, and we certainly didn't underestimate them. On that night, they earned their win, and while they might not have expected it, they deserve the shot at our titles that they’re now about to receive.

Finally Neal seems to get out of the trance-like status he has been in so far, as he gets his head up and smirks at the camera before speaking.

Neal Durden: Last time out wasn’t a fluke, but it wasn’t the norm for us either. We wanted to end the first FGA show back from hiatus with a bang and I think we did it… and this week we get to do it all over again. Yet, for all the accolades they have, for all the praise they do get, you have to understand lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place. The four of us know we have to basically put on a perfect performance in order to walk out with the victory. The four of us know that we need to work as a well-oiled machine in order to get that final moment in the spotlight standing. Last time, I was the one with my back on the canvas looking up… this time, I refuse to leave like that.

Lowri places a hand on Neal’s shoulder, as she picks up where he left off.

Lowri Moss: We both refuse to leave like that. The loss we suffered against Cordy and Fujiko was our first loss anywhere in a tag match since the Final Frontier of two years ago, and only our second loss in the better part of three years. In that time, we have made a habit of winning - winning matches, winning tournaments, and winning titles… and we plan on getting straight back into that habit, at the first attempt. We can’t let Fujiko and Cordy get the better of us again, nor do we intend to allow them to. We need to win this match, not only to make up for what happened last time, not only to ensure that the titles remain in our possession ahead of the big three-way tag team match at Only the Strong Survive, but also to tie the record for the most successful defences of the World Tag Team Championship that was set by our predecessors, The Chaotics, so that we can further etch ourselves into the annals of history here in FGA.

Neal nods in agreement with what Lowri has just said, clutching the belt he holds in his hands and speaks.

Neal Durden: We have a mission to bring FGA’s tag team division further than it has ever been. Tonight we have the opportunity to seal our place in the three-way tag team match at Only the Strong Survive as the World Tag Team Champions… we won’t waste it.

And on that note, the camera cuts back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Tyler Storm vs. Laura Perelli

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: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, 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.

Kris Cruise: Laura Perelli was able to sneak away with a victory last Vertigo over Zack Gall.

Stephy Auger: You call it “sneaking away.” But I think it would be more accurate to say that Perelli outsmarted Gall and his manager. Though it’s Gall and Difranco we’re talking about here. They’re not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. What happened earlier tonight pretty much confirmed that.

Kris Cruise: I will never question Zack Gall’s fighting spirit. He fought very valiantly out there earlier tonight. But back to Perelli. We’ve seen her give the likes of Izzy Anders a run for her money in her short in-ring career. She isn’t one to be overlooked.

Stephy Auger: Definitely not. Tyler Storm has years upon years of experience on her. But we’ve seen here and elsewhere how quickly Perelli improves. Show after show, she just gets better and better. If she gets you in an armbar? It’s over. You better tap out quick or else you’ll be leaving the arena with your arm in a sling!

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds… 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 arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm got his answers moments ago from Lowri Moss. On the last episode of Vertigo, Tyler made his case for getting one more shot at Lowri Moss. Well, Lowri accepted his challenge and will be defending her Pride Championship against him at Only the Strong Survive!

Stephy Auger: Tyler’s even forgoing entering the Gold Rush Rumble to commit all of his focus towards the Pride Championship! He’s going all in!

Kris Cruise: Indeed he is. Some have questioned Storm’s line of thinking on that one. But I think it’s commendable what Storm’s doing, just like I think it’s commendable that Moss is willing to defend both the Pride and World Tag Team Championships on pay per view!

The match starts off with a lock up. They jockey for position until Perelli gains the upper hand. She keeps Storm locked in place before performing a standing switch and transitioning into a hammerlock. Perelli stays in control until Storm spins out and reverses into a hammerlock of his own. The former Pride Champion keeps the hold locked on until Perelli uses her free arm to nail him with a back elbow to the face. The boos continue as Perelli brings him to the mat with a spinning drop toe hold. Perelli is quick to pounce on Storm’s back and tries to lock him in the New Jersey Necktie (Rings of Saturn)! But Storm is able to scramble across the mat and make it to the ropes. Perelli stays on Storm’s back with a satisfied smirk as the ref gives her to the count of five to get off him.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Perelli heads back towards the center of the ring. Storm then pulls himself back up using the ropes before heading back over to his opponent.

Stephy Auger: Storm is lucky he got to the ropes. This match would have been over quick if Perelli was able to trap both of his arms.

Kris Cruise: You mentioned it before, Stephy. Perelli loves her submissions. She’s at home on the ground. Storm has to try and stay on his feet.

They size each other up before motioning for another lockup. This time, Perelli ducks under, goes behind and applies a rear waist lock. Perelli stays in control until Storm reaches down, slowly pries her hands from around his waist and reverses into an arm wrench. After a second arm wrench is delivered, Perelli rolls forward, spins over onto her knees and then brings Storm down to the mat with a fireman’s carry. She then tries to slip on a side headlock, only for Storm to slip out and reverse into a grounded hammerlock. Perelli slaps the mat out of frustration. The referee kneels down and asks her if she wants to give up. After refusing, Perelli battles back to her feet. She then slowly reaches back with her free arm, grabs a hold of Storm and brings him down with a jumping snapmare. She quickly takes off into the ropes, comes back and throws out a Sliding D. The crowd gasps when she whiffs on the strike after Storm rolls out of the way. Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Storm pushes forward and throws out a bicycle kick. Perelli catches his foot before knocking him down with a leg sweep. She then lifts up Storm’s other leg before flipping over into a jackknife pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Storm bridges up, turns, turns again and hooks Perelli’s arms before slowly bringing her down with a backslide pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd gasps when Perelli slips out before slipping on a fujiwara armbar!

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

Stephy Auger: She’s got him caught!

Storm is heard groaning as Perelli pulls back on his arm. The ref asks Storm if he wants to give up. He refuses. Storm then reaches out to the side with his free arm and tries to pull himself across the mat. But he slows down when Perelli starts bending his fingers. Perelli continues to manipulate the joints while Storm struggles to drag himself across the ring. Storm reaches out… and grabs the bottom rope, forcing a rope break.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Perelli takes Storm’s arm and keylocks it before delivering a stomp to it!

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: That’s the type of ruthlessness you need to succeed, especially in a Gold Rush Rumble. Unlike Tyler Storm, I have it on good authority that Laura Perelli will be competing. Can you imagine, Laura Perelli changing for one of the top championships at All-Star Showdown Nine?

Kris Cruise: She could very well do just that. But there will be 29 other competitors standing in her way.

Stephy Auger: Perelli could pull off the upset. If she has her way, 29 other competitors will be leaving that match with broken arms, broken legs and broken hearts.

Perelli moves Storm into the corner and lights up his chest with several knife edge chops. She then sets up for an irish whip when Storm reverses, sending her into the far corner. Storm rushes across the ring, only to get caught with a back elbow that knocks him back. After shaking off the blow, Storm rushes back in. This time, he gets knocked back with a boot to the face. Perelli rushes out of the corner to attack when Storm lifts her up, turns and throws her down with a spinebuster! The cheers continue as he then rolls across Perelli and hooks the near leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Perelli reverses into a grounded crucifix.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Perelli kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Nice reversal there by Perelli, but it only gets two.

After both grapplers get back to their feet, Perelli pushes forward. She goes for a jumping leg lariat, only for Storm to catch her in mid air, rush into the corner and counter with a Buckle Bomb! Storm takes hold of Perelli and sets up for a Backdrop Driver, but Perelli counters with multiple elbows to the back of the head. While Storm is doubled over, Perelli takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she sees Storm run past her towards the same set of ropes. When Perelli turns around, Storm knocks her down with a spinning heel kick! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Storm sets up for an irish whip when Perelli reverses and brings him down with an irish whip feint into a double knee armbreaker! Storm is pulled back to his feet before Perelli brings him down with an arm drag into an armbar! Storm quickly locks his hands together to keep Perelli from fully locking on the armbar. But Perelli counters this by repeatedly bringing her leg down across Storm’s face until Storm’s grip is broken. Perelli then falls back and fully locks on the armbar!

Stephy Auger: It’s in now!

The crowd boos as Storm is heard howling in pain. Perelli elevates her hips to further apply pressure. The official asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. He reaches out with his free arm. But he can’t reach the ropes. He then tries to kick his far leg over toward the bottom rope. Storm continue to kick his leg out until he’s able to get the tip of his boot underneath the bottom rope, forcing a rope break.

Stephy Auger: Storm was lucky to get his boot under the bottom rope. He was this close to losing this match.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Perelli breaks the hold before bringing her leg down hard across Storm’s face. She then drags Storm away from the ropes before sitting him up and clamping down with a Shoulder Claw.

Kris Cruise: Yet another submission for Perelli. She’s got Storm right where she wants him. We’ve seen the damage that Storm has endured. This submissions have taken their toll. But does Storm have enough left in him to fight back?

The official asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses before turning over to his knee. After battling back to a vertical base, Storm nails Perelli with repeated elbows to the midsection before bringing her down with a swinging neckbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Storm is down! Perelli is down! Who will get back to their feet first?

Both grapplers start to pick themselves up off the mat. Once they’re back up to their feet, Storm strikes first with multiple knife edge chops before a spinning forearm knocks Perelli into the corner! He then pushes forward, takes Perelli and whips her into the far corner before running across the ring and connecting with a hesitation dropkick! As Perelli staggers out of the corner next to the ropes, Storm heads over and pulls Perelli towards the center of the ring before delivering a Backdrop Driver!

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

Storm doubles Perelli over with a boot to the midsection before backing up against the ropes. The former Pride Champion comes back and throws out a Scissors Kick. He whiffs when Perelli slips out of the way. Perelli takes control of his back and tries to bring him down with the Code of Silence (Saka Otoshi into Sleeper Hold)! But Storm is able to grab onto her arm before throwing her down over his shoulder. Perelli scrambles back to her feet, only to get caught with a bicycle kick that knocks her back to the canvas! Perelli turns over and tries to push herself off the mat, only for Storm to hit the ropes, return and knock her down with a Scissors Kick! Storm then scoops Perelli up before throwing her down with a Blue Thunder Bomb!

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Storm! He’s getting to delivering that knockout blow.

Stephy Auger: C’mon, Perelli!

The crowd cheers as Storm scoops Perelli across his shoulder. He then lifts her up higher for the Bite Wound (Crucifix Cutter)! At the last second, Perelli starts to kick her legs before slipping down from behind. After catching Storm with a European Uppercut across the back of the neck, she turns Storm around and lifts him up across her shoulders! The crowd gasps as she’s got Storm in place for an Ushi Goroshi. Before Perelli can hit the neckbreaker, Storm fights his way out with elbows to the side of the head. He then slips down from behind before blasting Perelli with the Hybrid Crackdown (Inverted Headlock into Rolling Elbow)! Perelli is then scooped up across Storm’s back before being brought down with the Rolling Tide (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker)! Storm scans the cheering crowd. He then shouts out “Time to..” before the crowd responds with, “be witness!” Storm then takes Perelli and lifts her up onto his shoulders before driving her down with the Eye of the Storm (Electric Chair Driver)!

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers as “Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)” blasts over the PA.

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

The cheers continue as the referee raises Storm’s good arm after the win.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm picks up the W. He left last week’s match in rough shape. Perelli did a number on his arm here tonight. Will Storm be ready for Lowri Moss? Will he head into Only the Strong Survive at 100%? We’ll find out on Pay Per View!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We return to the hallway now, the hallway near the curtain set up. And since it is almost time for him to go on coming into view is the well traveled veteran Seth Iser. He’s already switched into his ring gear with the sheen of his steel knee brace on that left knee doned in the style of a Japanese flag, the countries of every place he’s ever wrestled in is in this particular variation of his usual black and the well traveled warrior has the black briefcase in his right hand and the preverbal white cast on his left. As he’s walking in, the interviewer Spencer Burke walks in front of the camera and gestures toward Iser as he’s putting the briefcase down to take one last drink of bottled water and dumping some over his head in one last little prematch thing.

Spencer Burke: Seth, a moment of your time if you will.

The veteran hears Spencer’s call for an interview. Seth for a brief second opens his mouth for a verbal response before tilting his head to the side and then gesturing with his casted hand for Spencer to do his job. Spencer peers up a little at the taller, intimidating man who is scowling down at him.

Spencer Burke: In two different matches both you the challenger and the champion prepare for what is one of the more anticipated title matches in quite some time with two different matches. Fujiko is scheduled in an attempt to win the tag team championships in our main event tonight...meanwhile in just a few minutes you are are going to have a wrestling match with Patrick Jones. Are you surprised that she’s gunning for another title?

Seth has half of a smirk etched on his face as he’s asked that question as he chews over the question.

Seth Iser: No.

A one word response with a slight shake of the head as Spencer pauses for a moment waiting for Iser to continue onto a speel. After a pause, Seth does continue speaking.

Seth Iser: We’re professional wrestlers, Spencer. Anytime you look for some sort of acknowledgement that you’re one of the best in the world at what you do you take it. She has an ego as big as mine whether she’d admit to that or not and we’re both greedy people when it comes to our own success. That means whether you like the person opposite you or not...whether you care for your partner or not, and she and Cordy are cordial I’d say if not best of friends...you go out there and look for any way to expand your own brand.

The half smirk has vanished from his face as the all knowing stern and steely expression is back on his face.

Seth Iser: Whether she succeeds in winning the championships or not is another question entirely. And I’m not going to make a prediction on that. Quite frankly her own ambitions I don’t give a damn about. She has the thing I want the most in the end and I’ll be a watchful hawk keeping an eye on the little subtleties she’s developed over the past year or so. And I’ll have the best seat in the house on commentary tonight.

Spencer glances at Seth with a slight look of worry wondering what he could be planning.

Spencer Burke: You’re going to be on commentary for the main event?

Seth Iser: I am, yes. I will not intervene in said main event physically but I asked to and was granted my request of doing commentary for that match. So I’ll be at the table...studying Fujiko while also doing the job a commentator should in that spot. I’ll call everything how I see it.

Spencer Burke: I can think of one instance where you crashed a main event.

Seth’s eyes narrow on Spencer slightly. With a slight turn of the head, his eyes are shown to be agitated.

Seth Iser: Izzy and I were and are playing under different rules, Spencer. You know I don’t like doing that type of thing unless it’s a last resort...because it is unprofessional behavior. But as much as we know the score in that situation...I’m a challenger to the World Championship. The last time I had an opportunity at a World Title in a one on one setting was at the beginning of 2016. And I was screwed out of that opportunity as far as I’m concerned. And for how hard I scraped and I crawled and grit, grinded and even schemed to get to this spot...I’m not going to put that in any sort of jeopardy by doing something that would be unprofessional to the championship in my spot.

And after he delivers that he scowls at Spencer for a moment.

Seth Iser: So A: You have my word I won’t intervene physically. And B: I figure I will also be wrestling next week so if Fujiko wants to do the same thing to me...fair is fair. She’s welcome to take a seat on the announce desk if she desires. She might find things enlightening doing that job. But there is something we need to focus on the here and now…

Spencer looks at Seth for a moment before nodding his head as Iser crosses his arms with a frown etched on his face.

Spencer Burke: You are wrestling Patrick Jones for the first time in almost five years.

Seth Iser: It’d be five years almost exactly in a month…Spencer, you are a journalist, how many times have Patrick and I wrestled each other in singles matches?

Spencer takes a moment to ponder Iser’s question as he seems legitimately curious on how read up Spencer is.

Spencer Burke: I recall two of them.

Seth Iser: Two is the correct answer based on my own memory. But despite the two matches in VoW in that time period our paths crossed back in a little English promotion called TEW. I’m still hated to this day in the United Kingdom as a whole considering my mindframe during that time but something always stuck with me. This young kid who I thought was going to be a punk came in there...and he took some of the damnedest ass kickings I’ve ever seen. And then...he did something in that company I didn’t do. He won championship gold. He was a tag champion.

The veteran rubs his temple a little as if he’s thinking of his own missed opportunities in some disgust as he shakes his head.

Seth Iser: And the thing that carries with him from NEW and his other major championship accomplishment to VoW to here in FGA...one thing really stands out when you think of Patrick Jones when he steps in that ring. No matter his inconsistency in the win-loss record...he just doesn’t stay down. In that regard...he might be the most stubborn son of a bitch I’ve ever stepped in the ring with. And if you stuck a microphone in his face and asked him his thoughts on me...it’d be one of the most conflicted but elaborate answers because he’s probably seen the WORST parts of me as I was fighting for my career...my fatherhood...Hell in some aspects I was fighting for my life. Just because you quit taking drugs and you straighten up doesn’t mean the stigma just goes away.

And then there is a semblance of a smile, far from the usual ones that are full of menace with him. There’s the slightest bit of warmth there.

Seth Iser: But I’m a far better person than I was back then. A better man...a better father than I was then. I’m in better ring shape than I was in that time period too...might be in the best shape of my life. Not career: life. And well...I’ve said it for a while now...but I don’t think I’ve ever been a better wrestler than I am now. And for as much as I think the world of Patrick Jones' ability to take a beating...he knows that he has to wrestle the perfect match to beat me.

And then the arrogance is starting to bream in with that smirk.

Seth Iser: And Patrick, brother, I don’t think you can. Not right now. As good as he is at enduring...you can ask Neal, Lowri, Izzy, especially Owen...I’m one of the best at finding a way to break someone down in that ring that has that super human quality. And as much as I think he’d love to finally get one on me...he, and the paying audience are going to be disappointed. The result from nearly five years ago will not change. I’ll find another way to win as I’m the Greatest Mind in the sport and it’ll be a perfect showcase of both how far I’ve come and just how narrow the margin is between good, great, and truly one of the game’s elite. His rare quality pushes him toward great when motivated. He’ll be motivated tonight because it’s against me. But I’m one of the game’s elite. I’ve been that way for a long damned time and everyone knows it isn’t me spouting hot air…

And then the arrogant smirk is gone as he’s back to being determined as he grabs the briefcase in his hand before starting to march toward the curtain to wait for his match.

Seth Iser: And this elite wrestler will get his just dues when Only the Strong truly survive as the ultimate prize hunter finally becomes the World Champion. And he is one step closer to that when I go out there and kick PJ’s ass tonight. It has been your pleasure Spencer.

Before Spencer can let out another retort he knows Seth is concluded as he begins walking over about ready to make said entrance with that walk of determination. There’s no limp to his step and even with the cast, he seems about as healthy as he can be.

[FGA Office]

Vertigo’s next shot opens on Ashlyn De Luca, now in her locker room, partially changed into her wrestling gear-- black-and-green long tights, stretched down to her ankles, though still sporting the vintage PW shirt. She bends down, shuffling through her Fila sports bag that lies alone on the wooden bench in the dressing room. As she does, pulls her hair out of a ponytail, allowing golden-brown locks to fall around her head. Finding the top to her wrestling gear, Ashlyn stands upright, turning to make her way toward the shower room and out of the camera’s field of vision.

The camera pans up, focusing only on the white tile wall of the shower room, giving us a view of Ashlyn’s shadow.

Click!

Out of frame, a lock quietly shifts out of place. There is a very faint, quick, but barely-audible kriiik! as hinges groan. We hear shuffling. Shuffling. Shuffling. And then quiet.

Inside the shower room, De Luca turns on the sink faucet, and even her shadow disappears for a few seconds before the water stops. De Luca’s shadow returns to the wall, shaking her hands dry before she walks out of the shower room, back into frame, now completely dressed in her gear, sans boots. De Luca walks back toward her sports bag--

--and freezes.

Ashlyn De Luca: Wha…

Our camera pans down a bit… revealing a cracked, gray Samsung Galaxy tablet lying face-up on top of Ashlyn’s bag.

Ashlyn De Luca: Erm. Hellooo?

She looks in each direction. Quickly, De Luca makes her way to the ajar locker room door and leans out of the doorway, peering in each direction of the corridor for a few seconds before slowly pulling herself back in and pushing it closed.

With a look of distrust, Ashlyn turns her attention to the tablet again. She reaches into the side pocket of her bag, retrieving a single nitrile glove that she slides over her hand before she begins tapping at the screen of the tablet.

Ashlyn De Luca: The hell is thi--?

Without much more prompting than a tap, a white screen fires to life and a voice, deep and firm with a hint of a foreign accent booms from the tablet’s speakers, cutting Ashlyn off.

VOICE: Good evening Miss De Luca or, if you prefer, Mrs. Evans. Hopefully this message finds you well. I know that your night didn’t start out as such. Certainly not as good as you might have hoped after coming in that door. Might make you question whether an early arrival was worth it.

De Luca freezes, eyes locked on the white screen, as if waiting for something to accompany the voice.

VOICE: I’m sure you have several things you’d like to ask. First among them is likely ‘Who the BLEEP is this talking to you?’

It continues.

VOICE: I am merely a messenger of a mutual acquaintance of ours who wanted to get in touch with you, but was unable to do so directly. Apparently the two of you have some business affairs that need to be set in order. I am here to help facilitate that.

Ashlyn bites her lip. Her eyes drift from one direction to the other-- to the door-- anywhere. Her hands clench into fists.

VOICE: I’m sure that you have no interest now in settling issues that are not readily apparent to you, seeing as you are in the process of carving out your legacy in FGA, having disposed of the things holding you back some time ago. That work is surely proceeding with all haste at the moment, despite the fact that your prize still resides in the hands of another, rather than yours. At least your confidence isn’t shaken.

De Luca scoffs, shaking her head, trying-- and quickly failing-- to mask her annoyance as she folds her arms and turns her gaze to the tablet again. She opens her mouth to say something, but the voice continues, somehow just a tiny bit louder than before. As if intentionally.

VOICE: Surely you will soon set aside the faults of others that have cost you what you feel you deserve. But before you get to advance your grand plans, being the main event and all, I will be in touch about setting your affairs in order soon.

A brief pause.

VOICE: Be well until then… because it might not last much beyond that point.

The cracked tablet screen falls dark again. De Luca stands there, as if waiting for something else to happen, before she shakes her head in frustration.

Ashlyn De Luca: You mother[muted] have too much [muted] time on your hands. WHO--

Ashlyn bites her tongue. She marches to the door, yanking it open, shouting out into the corridors while pointing a finger back at the tablet as if whoever was listening could piece the two together.

Ashlyn De Luca: WHOSE [muted] IS THIS?! I DON’T THINK IT’S FUNNY!

No voice calls back in response. Ashlyn hangs her head, standing there in the doorway before she chuckles dryly to herself, running a hand through her hair.

Ashlyn De Luca: Losing my mind… losing m…

She closes the door and looks at the tablet again, shaking her head with a bitter smirk.

Ashlyn De Luca: Not enough to just beat me. But now she has to send goons to mock me too. Jesus Christ…

De Luca knocks the tablet off of her bag and to the ground as she walks back toward the shower room, muttering under her breath. Our camera pans down to the tablet, fading our scene to black.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Seth Iser 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. PJ takes a moment to enjoy the cheers around him and collect his thoughts before hopping to his feet.

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!

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.

Kris Cruise: Patrick Jones has a huge opportunity here to right a wrong that happened nearly five years ago when he last faced Seth Iser in the ring.

Stephy Auger: Seth Iser beating Patrick Jones isn’t a wrong that needed to be righted, Cruise. The better man won then and the better man will win tonight. I know that Patrick fought valiantly for Owen Gonsalves’ name earlier this year at Grapple Kingdom Three. But there’s a huge difference between a guy like Nick King and Wrestling’s Greatest Mind.

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

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia! Weighing in at 240 pounds! He is the Deity of Destruction, SETH ISER!

A methodical, slow walk as he cracks his knuckles on the way down before pulling himself up onto the apron and enters the ring calmly before performing a crucifix pose at the center of the ring to revive the lights. He then goes to his corner and slinks to a seat just waiting for the bell to ring.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser looks focused here tonight. He knows he’s got a huge match coming up against Fujiko Mine at Only the Strong Survive for the World Championship. But he’s not looking past his opponent. He knows that Patrick Jones is too good to overlook.

Stephy Auger: Say what you will about Seth, but he isn’t taking his opponent for granted here tonight.

The bell sounds as Iser and Jones lock up. After jockeying for position, Iser gains the advantage and moves Jones across the ring against the ropes. The ref is quick to head over and give both men until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers make a clean break. After Iser backs up to the middle of the ring, Jones makes his way off the ropes. He proceeds to circle the ring before inching over and locking back up with Iser. After jockeying for position, Iser once against gains the upper hand as he moves Jones across the ring and into the corner. Once there, both grapplers are given until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

After the clean break is made, Iser motions for a punch. After Jones falls for the fake out and ducks the punch, the crowd gasps when Iser quickly pulls him into a front facelock.

Kris Cruise: Patrick!

Stephy Auger: Seth’s caught him!

Iser falls back for a Deprivation DDT! But Jones grabs a hold of the middle rope, causing Iser to slip off him and smacks the back of his head on the canvas!

Kris Cruise: Seth nearly dropped Patrick with the DDT, but Patrick was quick enough to counter it.

Iser rolls away from the corner while Jones turns and starts to climb the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: And now he’s heading to the top! Both men aren’t holding anything back in the early portions of the match!

Iser makes his way back to his feet. When he turns around, he looks up in shock as Jones leaps off and knocks him down with a missile dropkick! The cheers continue as Jones makes the cover.

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

Jones goes for an irish whip, only to end up getting reversed. When he returns, Iser goes for a back body drop. But Jones slips down from behind before bringing him down with a Reverse DDT. He makes the cover.

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

Jones takes Iser and whips him into the corner. After rushing in and catching Iser with a step-up enzuigiri, Jones positions himself on the middle ropes. He goes for a Tornado DDT when Iser pushes him off mid-turn. Once Jones lands on his feet, Iser rushes over and throws out a lariat, only for Jones to duck, head into the corner and knock him down with a springboard rebound crossbody off the middle ropes!

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Jones!

Stephy Auger: Maybe it’s time for Seth to head to the outside and slow this down.

Iser reverses another irish whip, sending Jones into the ropes. When he returns, he slides through Iser’s legs. When Iser turns around, he ducks a second step-up enzuigiri attempt. He then pulls Jones up from behind by the back of his tights. Iser motions for a German Suplex when Jones blocks and counters with a back elbow to the face. After a second elbow connects, Jones performs a standing switch. He tries for a German of his own, but Iser blocks. Iser then rushes forward, wraps his arms around the top rope and yanks back, sending Jones down to the mat. After Jones rolls back to his feet, he charges forward, only for Iser to duck and dump him over the top rope. Jones lands safely on his feet before yanking Iser down to the mat. He then drags Iser to the outside before throwing him down with a scoop slam!

Kris Cruise: Patrick Jones with a hard slam on the outside! That’ll take something out of Seth!

Stephy Auger: This match wasn’t supposed to go like this! Seth was supposed to be dominating him!

Jones rolls back inside before heading into the corner. He scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off for a diving crossbody… and gets caught in mid air.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

The crowd boos when Iser turns, runs forward and rams Jones-back-first against the ring post.

Kris Cruise: Did you hear that!?

Stephy Auger: It looks like we’re about to hear it again!

Iser steps back, rushes forward and rams Jones back-first against the ring post again. He then throws Jones down hard on the floor. Iser pulls Jones back to his feet and rolls him back inside before rolling himself back in.

Kris Cruise: Jones went to the well one too many times and it proved costly. Now Iser’s back in control.

Jones is whipped hard into the corner. After crashing into the corner, Jones staggers forward before being hoisted up into a bear hug. Jones wails in agony while Iser tries to squeeze the life out of him. The referee heads over and asks Jones if he wants to give up. When Jones refuses, Isser squeezes even harder.

Kris Cruise: Jones is trapped in the bear hug. You don’t see this too much nowadays, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: No you don’t. Everyone wants to do a dozen superkicks and do 15 flips off the top rope. But the basics still get the job done. No one knows that better than Wrestling’s Greatest Mind.

Kris Cruise: It is effective. But Seth has that cast on his left hand. You’d have to imagine he can’t get as tight of a grip as he’d like. You’d also have to think that if that hand isn’t healed by Only the Strong Survive, it’d end up being a huge target for Fujiko Mine.

Jones reaches out to the crowd and tries to get any support he can from then. The crowd reaches out towards Jones as they try to rally behind him. Jones howls in pain while Iser continues to squeeze. Iser then starts to swing Jones from right to left before holding him in place. The official checks in on Jones. He asks Jones if he wants to give up. But Jones doesn't answer. He questions Jones again. Still, no answer. Moments before, Jones was reaching out to the crowd. Now, Jones’ arms lay limp at his sides.

Stephy Auger: Look, Cruise! Jones is out! The referee mind as well call the match right now!

The referee raises Jones’ arm before letting go. The arm falls. The ref raises Jones’ arm again before letting out. Iser nods his head as he watches Jones arm fall. The crowd murmurs when Jones’ arm is raised a third time. The ref lets go. The arm starts to fall, then stops.

Stephy Auger: What?

Kris Cruise: Not so fast!

Iser shakes his head in disbelief when Jones’ arm starts to shake. Jones then pulls his arms back before swinging forward and blasting Iser with a bell clap. A second bell clap finally breaks the hold. While Iser is doubled over, Jones pulls him into a front facelock before planting him with a DDT!

Kris Cruise: Iser gets a taste of his own medicine with the DDT!

Iser favors his head while Jones lays motionless on the mat. Jones remains sprawled out until he leans back before returning to his feet with a kip up. Jones slowly circles the ring while favoring his back. Once Iser is back to his feet, Jones rushes over and connects with a dropkick, sending Iser stumbling back into the corner. Jones then rushes into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes and rains down punches while the crowd count along.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

“SE-

The crowd boos when Iser grabs Jones, heads out of the corner and counters with an inverted atomic drop. He then pulls Jones into a font facelock to set up for the Deprivation DDT, only for Jones to counter with a bridging northern lights suplex!

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

Iser reverses an irish whip, sending Jones into the ropes. When Jones returns, he leaps across the ring before knocking Iser down with a flying forearm. Jones then hits the far ropes, comes back and connects with a flying forearm to the back of the head, sending Iser staggering forward before falling out to the apron. Jones heads over, pulls Iser up off the apron before bringing him back into the ring with a vertical suplex! Jones holds his lower back before turning over and making the cover.

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

Jones starts to pull Iser back up until Iser swats his hand from off of him. Before Jones can respond, he gets blasted with a hard right handed punch! Jones plops down to a seated position before fully falling to the mat. Iser heads into the ropes, comes back and tries for a jumping knee drop. The crowd cheers when Iser misses after Jones rolls out of the way. Jones quickly pins Iser with an Oklahoma Roll!

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

Kris Cruise: Iser nearly got caught again.

Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Iser swats away a roundhouse kick before turning Jones inside out with a spinning clothesline! After pulling Jones back up, Iser delivers four knees to the midsection before throwing Jones down across his knee with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse)! Iser pulls Jones back up before sending him crashing hard into the corner after an irish whip. Jones starts to stagger out of the corner before Iser slams him down with authority using the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! With Jones sprawled out on the mat, Iser turns to the crowd and starts to twirl his finger in the air, signaling for the Deprivation DDT. The boos continue as Iser heads over and slowly pulls Jones up into a front facelock. Before Iser can fall back, Jones grabs a hold of the arm, spins out of the font facelock and follows up with a flurry of right hands to the face. He then steps back before throwing out the Zoned Out superkick. Jones is shocked when Iser catches his foot. After swinging Jones’ leg away from him, Iser doubles him over with a hard knee (using the knee with the brace) before finally planting him with the Deprivation DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “Psychosocial” blares throughout the arena.

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

The boos continue as Iser gets his right arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser is victorious over Patrick Jones!

Stephy Auger: The closing moments of this match mirrored the closing moments of their match in VoW at Armed and Dangerous 2015. Iser once again walks out with a win over Jones as he keeps his momentum!

Kris Cruise: Iser is on a collision with the Apex Goddess, Fujiko Mine, for the World Championship at Only the Strong Survive. Iser hasn’t received a World Title shot anywhere since 2016. Will we see Iser finally reach the apex and become World Champion here in FGA? We’ll find out live on Pay Per View!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

21stKris Cruise: Quick programming note. We will be off the air for the next few weeks before returning for the go home show on September 11. The next episode of Vertigo will be on a special Friday edition as we’ll be coming to you next from the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. So mark your calendars and set your DVRs accordingly. Then, on September 19th, we’ll be presenting you Only the Strong Survive! In fact, why don’t we kick it over to Geoff Penzer who is standing by in the Control Center. Geoff!

Geoff Penzer: Hello wrestling fans, I’m Geoff Penzer! On Saturday, September 19, FGA returns to Pay Per View with Only the Strong Survive! On that night, 30 FGA grapplers will be vying for their shot at either the World Championship or the International Championship in the Gold Rush Rumble. Two participants will start off the match. Every two minutes after that, another participant will enter the ring. This process will continue until all 30 entrants have entered the ring. Elimination occurs when you’ve been sent over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. As stated earlier, the winner will have their shot at either the World Champion or the International Champion at All-Star Showdown Nine! Now, the participants.

You heard earlier tonight that the likes of Laura Perelli, Evan Envi, Kazu Hirano, Sloan Talbot and Zack Gall are just five of the names that have been announced thus far for the Rumble. Who else will be participating in the match? How about Nina Stokes, the former United States Champion! Stokes has been irate since losing the US Title back at Grapple Kingdom Three. Some would say Stokes was beaten for the title. Some would say the title was stolen from her. Whatever side of the argument you land on, we all can agree that Stokes will be a tough out in the Rumble. We saw her eliminate seven competitors in 2019, which was the most eliminations in last year’s Rumble! Is there anyone that can stop Stokes in this year’s Rumble? How about the current United States Champion, Sadie San Francisco! The Pope has come under fire for the way in which she won the championship, as well as her recent demeanor since winning the title. Sadie feels her actions were justified, so you know she’ll do whatever she has to do to win the Rumble. Could you imagine if the match comes down to Stokes and San Francisco? Talk about fireworks!

Who else is in the Rumble? You saw him just before the break, but Patrick Jones will be competing in the Gold Rush Rumble! How will the veteran fare out there? We’ll have to find out on Pay Per View. How about Cassius Reed!? This is a man that has won some from of a tournament since 2016, be it in FGA or elsewhere. The Gold Rush Rumble isn’t a tournament. But good luck trying to tell that to Cassius Reed. The Funky Dragon will be looking to go two for two as he also battles Ace Voltage for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship earlier that night. Speaking of Ace Voltage, he’ll also be in the Rumble! Voltage will actually be living up to his nickname as he will be in the main event of Only the Strong Survive. This could be a big night for Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Ace won’t be the only champion competing in the Gold Rush Rumble. The brand new 15 Champion, Mark Bisley, will be trying his hand at the Rumble! Whether he draws number one or number 30, you can bet that the self-proclaimed “Smartest Guy in the Room” will have a plan of action. Two people that he’s recently been involved in the ring with, Ashley Marie Chase and Ashley Sands, will be entering the Rumble! At this point, you would figure that cooler heads would have prevailed. But judging by AMC’s words from earlier tonight, a reconciliation between the two Ashleys doesn’t appear to be on the horizon. Like Cassius Reed, AMC will also be pulling double duty as she’ll be challenging for the 15 Championship earlier in the night.

Continuing on, Ashlyn De Luca is scheduled to be taking part in the Gold Rush Rumble. If “De Lucz” had her way, she’d be heading into the Pay Per View as International Champion. But those hopes were dashed when she was defeated by Cordy Stevenson back at Grapple Kingdom Three. De Luca would love for nothing more than to win this match and headline All-Star Showdown Nine. She’s had her issues with both Stevenson and the number one contender to the International Title, Savannah Taylor, dating back to last year. She’d love to get her hands on either of them. But she’ll have to go through 29 other participants to get that opportunity. Who knows, she could win and challenge the winner of Fujiko Mine and Seth Iser. The winner of this match has their choice of which championship to go after. Decisions, decisions.

Another name entering the Gold Rush Rumble? Ricky Valero! We’ve haven’t seen Valero in an FGA ring since his loss to his former best fiend Evan Envi at Grapple Kingdom III. Valero will be looking to make a statement during this match. Could you imagine this match coming down to the former Good Guys and Valero eliminating Envi to win? What a sight that would be.

During the promotional material for this event, Jimmy Page’s image was used. However, the self-proclaimed “King of the F’n World” hasn’t been seen or heard from since literally being dragged out of the arena by referees and officials at Grapple Kingdom III. Page was THIS close to putting the career of Savannah Taylor in jeopardy after their hellacious Chivalry is Dead match. Will Page reemerge during the Gold Rush Rumble? That is anyone's guess. One man that will be making his way back to an FGA ring, however, is Marlon Cure! “King” Cure returns to FGA competition in the match that he won last year! His Gold Rush Rumble win elevated his place here in FGA. Can he do it again? If anyone can, it’s Marlon Cure. Cure would become the second two-time Rumble winner if he pulled off that feat. He hasn’t competing in FGA since losing in the first round of the Wildcard Lottery way back in January of this year in Adelaide. January seems like a lifetime ago, given everything that’s transpired this year. Coming back and winning the Gold Rush Rumble would make for a hell of a return. If anyone can pull off that feat, it’s someone as talented as Marlon Cure.

I mentioned earlier that Ace Voltage wasn’t the only champion competing in this match. I then mentioned Mark Bisley would also be competing. Well, we can also name both Silk & Cyanide and Pendragon to the list! Yes, both sets of tag team champions will be pulling double duty! For Lowri Moss, it will be the third match of the night for her. But that is the life that she signed up for by being a double champion. We know both Silk & Cyanide and Pendragon will be apart of that huge Triple Threat tag team match that will also include the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad. Will Erin Mariani and Sara Mason have anything left in the tank? Lowri Moss won’t just be competing in that match. She’ll be defending her Pride Championship against Tyler Storm. That’s a match that could potentially go for all three falls! Lowri’s endurance will surely be tested. Of course, we’ve seen Neal Durden compete three times in one night back at Grapple Kingdom Three. Can he make it all the way and end the night with his arm raised? Neal’s got the fire in his belly. He’s got the passion and the determination to do it. But will his body be able to hold up?

Lastly, the Mindkiller herself, Izzy Anders will enter the Gold Rush Rumble! Izzy has seemingly done it all since entering FGA five years ago. She’s been Pride Champion. Undisputed Champion. One-half of the US Tag Team Champions. A record-setting Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. A Dynamic Duos winner. Triple Crown winner. A Grand Slam champion. She’s got a body of work that speaks to Hall of Fame stature, much like her former tag team partner, Fujiko Mine. She’s seemingly done it all, except for winning a Gold Rush Rumble. This will be her first time entering the Rumble since 2018! Can Izz- hold on! I’m being told that Izzy Anders is marching through the backstage area! And she’s heading for the ring right now!? Ladies and gentlemen, you can catch the Gold Rush Rumble and more live on Pay Per View! Guys, we’ve got to send it back to the arena!

[FGA Office]

“Bad Lights” by Phantogram starts up, which introduces the audience to a growing familiar sight. Izzy Anders storms down to the ring, wasting no time at all with the pageantry. When she makes it to the ring, she slides in with a microphone in her hand. She sits down on the mat as she did last Vertigo and she eyes the entranceway.

Izzy Anders: Karma, you got me last week, I can admit. You had me fooled that you weren’t a coward, and well, I ripped the wool off. So, this time, we’re going to do it like this here. If you don’t come out here, I’m going to hunt you down, even when you’re not here. I’ll find you, even if I have to tear apart this whole damn arena, so by all means--

The arena lights flash in a myriad of different colours in time with John Bonham's quite remarkably epic drum intro that is filling the arena, and just as it reaches a crescendo...nothing happens, once again, and Izzy clearly isn’t in the mood to play around

Izzy Anders: Not this mess again. You can’t show your face because you’re so caught up your own--

At first it’s not clear why Izzy trailed off mid-sentence, but after a moment the cameras pick out exactly what she’s looking towards: standing alone in an empty section of the arena stands the former Johnny Karma, made that much more obvious when he pulls down the yellow gaiter for a second and mouths “What are you going to do?” to the camera

Knowing exactly what she’s going to do, Izzy drops the mic and bails out of the ring, clearing the crowd barrier before security can even react as she makes a beeline for where the former Karma is standing, and as she closes in…

CRACK

...she’s stopped in her tracks by having a chair hurled into her face, causing her to hit the floor like a sack of rocks

Stephy Auger: Wow, did you see how hard that chair SMACKED her in the face? I think we need to see a replay!

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: People get cracked in the head with steel chairs every day! She’ll be alright. She’s tough, right?

For a brief moment the former Karma stands over her, looking down as the EMTs begin to rush out, but rather than gloat, the former Karma simply picks up the chair he hucked at Izzy and tucks it under his arm as he makes his way to ringside, climbing over the barrier and sliding into the ring where he picks up the microphone that Izzy dropped before setting up the chair so he’s looking directly at the scene unfolding before him, before he begins to speak

The former Johnny Karma: Such entitlement…

With a derisive shake of the head, Karma lets out a deep breath - not because he’s worn out from the physical exertions of the last few moments, but because he is so done with this, and with his head hung low he begins to speak

The former Johnny Karma: I hope one of those trained medical professionals is taking notes for you, Izzy, because I do not have the time or the tolerance to have to repeat myself, but for some reason you insist on proving that you just don’t listen. Case in point, you keep calling me “Johnny Karma” even though I made myself very, very clear that Johnny Karma is dead. Did you even think of that? Did you check around to see if I was using another name? Oh no, that would mean you have to engage with somebody other than yourself, and that’s not the Izzy Anders way of doing things. Never has been, never will.

For a moment the former Karma leans back in the chair, either so he can take a deep breath or maybe he’s craning his neck to see if Izzy is stirring yet

The former Johnny Karma: You want a name? Fine, let’s think of one together, shall we? Maybe you can call me John Carmichael, since way back when people used to call me that back when I was working rec centers hoping that I didn’t make an ass of myself. Or maybe you can call me John Public, because I’m just the guy on the street - you know, the place this company was happy to see me go because the fans found themselves a new god, and isn’t it strange that their new god is the same person you glommed onto Izzy? Or maybe you can call me John Doe, because as I said Johnny Karma is dead so all you need to do is change the surname and you’re good to go.

Rather than continue, instead he simply pauses and raises a finger

The former Johnny Karma: Alternatively, you can stop being such a hypocrite. You are no victim, Izzy, so stop acting as if you are. What you are is nothing more than a field of seeds as far as the eye can see that were sown a long time ago, and I’m the reaper looking to make a bountiful harvest.

Once again he pauses, but rather than a look of malice or malevolence in his eyes there’s simply a look of indifference

The former Johnny Karma: I would say that the fact that all it takes for you to nail yourself to your own personal cross is for somebody to introduce a chair to your head would say everything that needs to be said about you, but that’s not true: what really says everything there is to know about you is that you got your brains scrambled and you respond by spewing out a long list of threats that you think are going to frighten me, but at no point did you ever bother to ask why you spent a few days having to obey this company’s concussion protocol. That’s why you’re currently having a torch shone into your eyes, Izzy, because you’d rather mouth off to a camera crew than consider the situation that you’re currently in.

Seeing Izzy being helped to her feet by the EMTs, with a phalanx of security between the two, Karma raises his head slightly

The former Johnny Karma: Oh good, you’re back to your feet - which means I can talk, and you had better keep your mouth shut because for the first time in your career, you’re going to listen.

Rising to his feet, the former Karma walks towards the ropes and leans against them, making sure he’s maintaining eye contact with Izzy even as the EMTs are trying to help her to the back

The former Johnny Karma: Look at yourself right now. You’re having to be helped back onto your feet after suffering a heinous attack. But it’s not the first time that’s happened to you recently, is it? In fact, it’s becoming something of a pattern, that no matter where you are or what you do the same thing keeps on happening. You show up to the arena, you do what you do, but at the end of the night all that anyone talks about is the beating you took from somebody else. Does that sound…familiar?

Raising an accusing finger, he continues

The former Johnny Karma: Did you honestly think that I would forgive and forget what you and your coven of like-minded sociopaths subjected me to for months just so you could feel superior to everyone else? Did you think those scars would magically heal and life would go on as if nothing ever happened? I don’t know what’s worse: the fact you think that I’d just shrug my shoulders and pretend that you didn’t make my life a living hell for months because you couldn’t handle the thought that someday you would be knocked off your perch, or those selfish, mewling brats this company calls a “fanbase” don’t seem to care at all and decide they like you now. But I’ve shown them what you are, Izzy: for all your threats, all your promises, all your talk, as soon as you receive the tiniest taste of what you subjected so many people to for so long, your entire world crumbles around you and you’re left with increasingly empty threats, increasingly empty promises, and a completely unearned victim complex that might have fooled a few people before. But now I’ve spelled it out, you have no chance in convincing anyone but that increasingly bitter and twisted visage that stares at you every time you look in the mirror.

Taking a couple of steps back from the ropes, it looks like the former Karma has finished - but then he decides to twist the knife

The former Johnny Karma: Oh, and Izzy? Make sure you’re watching your back in future, because I’m sure there’s plenty of other people in the back who agree with everything I just said, and I might have given them some ideas.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

UNITED STATES TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Silk & Cyanide vs. Hellcat Spangled Death Squad

The lights dim until the arena falls black. There’s an ominous hammerfall as "Destroy 2000 Years of Culture" by Atari Teenage Riot hits the ground running.

♫
IT'S A DEAD WORLD AND IT'S ABOUT THAT TIME TO CLEAR THINGS HERE!
ONE GENERATION FOLLOWS ANOTHER
BUT SOMETHING IN MY HEAD SAYS KEEP GOING
DON'T GIVE UP
♫

Lisa and Ana, a pair of Hellcats burst from the curtain amidst a swirling mass of red and purple spotlights. Ana steps forward, throwing up her weird, surfer dude hand gimmick. Lisa hangs back and leaves her to it. Ana chucks her mouthguard in and marches her way to the ring. Lisa saunters after.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the FGA United States Tag Team Championship! Introducing first, the challengers! Making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 258 pounds! They are the team of Anastasia Hayden and Lisa Seldon, the HELLCAT SPANGLED DEATH SQUAD!

♫
DESTROY 2000 YEARS OF CULTURE
DESTROY 2000 YEARS OF CULTURE
♫

Ana hops up onto the apron and throws another hand up to the crowd. She then steps through the ropes and gives up the floor. Lisa jumps to the apron in a single stride, leans back to shoot a wink down the camera barrel and then goes up and over the ropes into the ring. Ana has already taken her perch on the top buckle, arms folded, chewing her mouthguard idly. Lisa steps in front of her and leans back into the corner.

Kris Cruise: We are back, ladies and gentlemen. We’ll still trying to get a word on the condition of Izzy Anders. We hope to have an update for you for the next Vertigo. But right now, we’re getting ready for our first of two tag team championship matches!

Stephy Auger: Yes we are. The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad are challenging Silk & Cyanide for the US Tag Team Titles!

Kris Cruise: The team of Lisa Seldon and Anastasia Hayden ran through the field of competition to win the 2019 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament. Earlier this year, they finally got their title shot when they chose to challenge Pendragon for the World Tag Team gold. But the tag team dream match for both sides ended in ruin thanks to interference from Silk & Cyanide.

The arena lights dim as the sound of a woman's laugh heavy with contempt echoes through the arena, which soon segues into the bassline of "She's Gone Away" signals the arrival of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason as the duo slink onto the entrance ramp and pause for a moment, as Mariani slowly runs her fingertip down the face of her title belt as Mason drops to a crouch to raise the title she's been dragging along the entranceway so it's next to her face, as the two look towards the ring with a combination of amusement and malice

You dig in places till your fingers bleed
Spread the infection, where you spill your seed

The pair turn their heads towards one another and share a conspiratorial look before they slowly turn their attention back towards the ring and without a moment's hesitation the pair begin to walk towards the ring, keeping in step with one another and maintaining focus on what they have planned for the sorry individuals that think they stand a chance at taking their titles away from them

I can't remember what she came here for
I can't remember much of anything anymore

Once the duo reach ringside Mariani climbs the ring steps and climbs the ropes so she's perched with one foot upon the top turnbuckle as she literally holds her title belt over Her opponents' heads while, at the same time, Mason dives under the bottom rope and slides into the ring and quickly rises to a knee and looks directly towards their entertainment for this evening with her belt clenched in her hands

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents! Making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 248 pounds! They are the reigning… defending… United States Tag Team Champions! Erin Mariani and Sara Mason, SILK & CYANIDE!

She's gone, she's gone, she's gone away
She's gone, she's gone, she's gone away

Having staked their place in the ring, Mariani vaults over the ropes and twists in mid-air so she lands on Her feet in the corner while looking directly towards the opponent while Mason slowly crawls back towards the same corner while maintaining a stare in the opponent's direction the entire time before she reaches to her sides to pull herself into a crouching position

Away...
Away...

As the duo await the opening bell Mason glares towards towards the opponents with her title belt slung over her shoulder, daring them to come a little closer to see what will happen, while Mariani places her belt on her partner's free shoulder and wears a bemused smirk upon Her face knowing full well what the duo have in mind for the poor souls standing across the ring from them.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide couldn’t stand being passed over. Their egos couldn't handle a great team like the Hellcat Spangled Death Death opting to challenge Pendragon for the World Tag Team Titles instead. This break that FGA’s been on hasn’t caused the Hellcats and Pendragon’s hatred for them subside. If anything, it’s grown. Erin Mariani and Sara Mason put themselves in this position tonight! They have no one to blame but themselves! I’m sure the winners of the World Tag Team Title match at Grapple Kingdom Three would have had no problem stepping into the ring with them. But no. They wanted to be front and center! They wanted to be the center of attention! Well, the Hellcats are going to give them their undivided attention here tonight!

The moment the bell sounds, the crowd explodes with cheers as Lisa Seldon charges across the ring and catches Sara Mason with a running double knee strike, sending Mason flying back before falling through the ropes and hitting the floor! Erin Mariani turns and does a double take as she looks at her partner motionless on the outside.

Stephy Auger: AH!

Kris Cruise: The Hellcats aren't wasting any time going right after the US Tag Team champions!

As Mariani turns around, Anastasia Hayden charges across the ring to attack. The Grand Duchess throws out a running yakuza kick, but Mariani gets her hands up in time. After catching Hayden’s foot, Mariani swings her leg away from her. But Hayden is able to use the moment to catch Mariani with a back elbow to the face! She then swings around and catches Mariani with an open palm strike! Hayden catches Mariani with a second open palm strike before sending her for the ride into the far ropes. When Mariani comes back, Hayden charges forward and turns her inside out with a running lariat! Hayden then takes off into another set of ropes while Mariani tries to push herself up off the mat. When Hayden comes back, she leaps into the air before flattening Mariani with a double foot stomp across the back! Hayden reaches down, grabs Mariani the hair and pulls her up to her knees before cracking her across the top of the head with a Switchblade Kick before spiking her with the Wolf Down (hurricanrana driver)! She makes the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Mariani kicks out.

Hayden makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mariani kicks out.

Hayden with another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Mariani kicks out again.

Instead of going for another cover, Hayden sits Mariani up before unloading on her with trapping elbow strikes!

Kris Cruise: Ana Hayden with a barrage of elbow strikes to Mariani! She’s trapped with nowhere to go!

Stephy Auger: The ref needs to get in there and get her off of Mariani!

Kris Cruise: Sure! He’ll do just that as soon as Mariani taps out!

Mason gets back to her feet on the outside and sees Mariani trapped. As she tries to slide back into the ring to make the save, she gets blindsided with a sliding dropkick from Seldon, which knocks her back to the floor! Seldon slips to the floor before pulling Mason back to her feet. After Mason is whipped into the guardrail, Seldon charges down the ringside area before crashing into her with running double knees! Seldon the delivers another irish whip into another corner of the ringside area before crashing into Mason with another double knee strike! Once Mason is whipped hard down the ringside area and crashes into a third corner of the guardrail, Seldon lines her up before charging towards her. Seldon picks up speed before delivering a running yakuza kick, sending Mason flipping over the guardrail. The crowd cheers while Mason is sprawled out on the floor.

Kris Cruise: The Hellcats have brought the fight to Silk & Cyanide here on Vertigo! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team take it to Mason & Mariani like this!

Stephy Auger: It’s still early, Cruise! It’s still early!

Kris Cruise: Yeah? If they don’t turn this thing around, this match might not last for much longer!

Back inside, Hayden grabs a dazed Mariani’s by the back of the tights and slowly pulls her back to her feet. She then takes control of Mariani’s back to set up a German Suplex. Hayden starts to lift her up until a back elbow to the face stops her. Once Mariani is lowered back down, she catches Hayden with a second back elbow. After a third back elbow breaks the rear waistlock, Mariani starts to head towards the ropes. But she doesn’t get far as Seldon darts over and connects with a shotgun double knee strike. The crowd explodes with cheers as the knee strike knocks Mariani back towards Hayden, who quickly follows up with a snap German Suplex to complete the combination!

Kris Cruise: Ginger Snaps!

Hayden makes the cover.

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

Mariani gets her shoulder up.

Hayden yanks up Mariani, marches into the HSDS corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle before making the tag. Seldon gets in and motions for a punch, only to hold back. The crowd cheers as she opts to bite Mariani’s forehead instead.

Stephy Auger: For the love of God, ref, stop this!

Kris Cruise: You want him to call the match and award the titles to Lisa and Ana?

Stephy Auger: You know what I mean! Don’t play with me tonight!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Seldon backs away from Mariani… only to head back in and bite her forehead again!

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Seldon reluctantly stops biting Mariani.

Stephy Auger: FINALLY! That freak should be disqualified for trying to gnaw Erin’s face off!

Seldon locks onto Mariani with a double collar tie before striking her with Muay Thai knees and elbows! Seldon continues her barrage of strikes until the last elbow drops Mariani down in the corner. Mariani is then pulled up off the mat before Seldon takes control of her wrist. Seldon sets up for an irish whip when Mariani shockingly reverses and immediately follows her towards the far corner. Instead of crashing into the corner, Seldon executes a Tiger Wall Flip in the corner before catching Mariani when she turns around with a Koppu Kick! Seldon then slips out of the way as Hayden charges across the ring before snapping Mariani’s head back with a running yakuza kick! After Mariani plops down in the corner, Seldon exits out to the apron while Hayden makes her way back over onwards the HSDS corner. On cue, the Hellcats charge across the ring and hit Mariani with Exterminator III: Rise of the Machines (with an opponent sat in the corner, Lisa comes along the apron with a sliding Dropkick as Ana comes parallel across the ring with a Face Wash)! Seldon slips back into the ring before pulling Mariani out of the corner to make the cover.

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

Mason pulls Seldon out of the ring before chucking her head-first into the steel steps!

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: What the hell, ref!?

Stephy Auger: What!? Ana Hayden can get in there and attack the legal man. Why not Sara, huh?

The boos continue as Mason yanks Seldon up before slamming her face-first onto the steel steps. She then grabs a hold of Seldon before driving her face-down on the floor with a half nelson facebuster!

Stephy Auger: Sara just drove her big head right into the floor!

Kris Cruise: Lisa could be out of it after that move.

Hayden hops down from the apron before running down ringside. Mason looks up and sees Hayden approaching, so she decides to take off. Hayden continues to chase Mason around the ring until Mason rolls back inside. As soon as Hayden slides in, Mason rushes forward. Hayden’s able to duck a running clothesline. But she isn’t able to avoid the kitchen sink from Mariani! The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide lift Hayden up before bringing her down with Descent (double suplex dropped into sitout gourdbuster from Mariani)! Mariani pulls Hayden back up while Mason heads out to the apron. Silk & Cyanide hold her in place as they look to deliver The Pleasure Principle (Mariani holds the opponent in a front facelock as Mason comes off the top rope to rake the opponent's back). Once Mason steps up to the top turnbuckle, Seldon hops up onto the apron and shoves her off! Mariani watches Mason falls to the floor before Hayden counters with a release Northern Lights Suplex! She then drags Mariani into place while Seldon scales the turnbuckles.The crowd cheers as Seldon scales to the top before flipping off and crashing across Mariani with a cannonball leg drop!

Kris Cruise: Oh what a leg drop from Seldon! She’s got the cover!

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

Mariani gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide really have to try something here because everything they’ve done thus far, for the most part, hasn’t worked!

Stephy Auger: Well of course not. They got jumped before they were even ready!

Kris Cruise: Aren’t champions supposed to stay ready?

Stephy Auger: No one asked for your opinion, Cruise!

Seldon heads over and tags Hayden back in. Hayden heads over, pulls Mariani back to her feet and knocks her away from her with a roundhouse kick before dropping her with a jumping neckbreaker. She then pulls Mariani up to a seated position before hitting the ropes and flattening her with Human Target Practice (Sliding Forearm)! The cheers continue as the cover gets made.

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

The crowd boos when Mariani gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Mariani nearly got her jaw knocked off with that forearm. But she still got the shoulder up at two. She really needs to make that tag out to Sara Mason. But the Hellcats have done a great job isolating her and keeping her on there side of the ring.

Hayden pulls Mariani back up to a seated position before hitting the ropes. Instead of bouncing back to complete her running attack, Mason trips her up from the outside! Hayden quickly turns and tries to stomp at Mason through the ropes. But Mason is wise enough to move back. As the Grand Duchess turns around, she sees Mariani charge in for an attack. Hayden’s able to duck the attempted running clothesline. When Mariani turns around, Hayden goes for another running lariat. But Mariani rolls underneath it. As soon as Hayden hits the ropes, Mason swings over and traps her in a rope-hung crucifix! The crowd boos as Mariani makes her way over and adds insult to injury by repeatedly slapping Hayden in the face.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on! Is this even necessary! This is nothing but disrespect!

Stephy Auger: You know what else is disrespect? Attacking the champions before they’re ready!

Kris Cruise: You know what else is disrespect? Ruining a dream tag team championship match because you got upset you weren’t chosen to fight the Hellcats!

Stephy Auger: Enough!

The slaps continue until Hayden fights back with kicks to the midsection! She continues to fend off Mariani with kicks until Mason breaks the rope-hung crucifix and quickly drops down with a reverse hangman, forcing the back of Hayden’s neck down across the top rope!

Kris Cruise: Mason could have broken Hayden’s neck there!

Stephy Auger: It’s a shame she didn’t!

Hayden staggers over towards Mariani, who knocks her down with a running elbow tackle! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hayden kicks out.

Mariani performs an arm wrench before finally tagging Mason in. While still having hold of the wrist, Mariani climbs up to the middle ropes before bringing Hayden down with Bellona (Mariani grabs an opponent's wrist and walks the middle rope before hitting flying knee facebreaker)! Mason heads over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hayden gets the shoulder up.

Hayden is quickly pulled up to a seated position before Mason takes off into the ropes. The crowd boos when she comes back and flattens Hayden with a sliding clothesline! Hayden is pulled back up to a seated position before Mason flattens her with a second sliding clothesline! After Mason hits a third sliding clothesline, she stands away from Hayden and motions for a standing mooonsault… only to hit a back kick to her head instead.

“BOOOOOOO!”

Stephy Auger: HA! I love it!

Kris Cruise: Of course you would...

As Hayden slowly turns over and tries to push herself up off the mat, Mason sweetly smiles as she watches her… until her smile drops. She then takes off into the far ropes, returns and flattens Hayden with a running seated senton across the back! Mason follows up with a leg drop across the back of the head before pulling Hayden over for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hayden gets the shoulder up.

Mason heads over and tags Mariani back in. After Mason heads to the top, Silk & Cyanide execute The Pleasure Principle before Mariani follows up with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mariani floats over, pulls Hayden back to her feet and follows up with a bridging Backdrop Suplex!

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

Hayden is met with applause when she gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Over the past couple of minutes, Silk & Cyanide have turned this match around.

Stephy Auger: Yes they have and there is no turning back! They’re going to run away with this, I can feel it.

Mariani is quick to stay on top of Hayden as she applies a front chancery. Multiple knees to the head follow before Mariani hits the ropes. Mariani rebounds back with a handspring moonsault across the back! Hayden is then pulled back to her feet by the hair before Mariani brings her back down with a double knee backbreaker. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hayden gets the shoulder up.

Mariani heads over and tags Mason back in. Silk & Cyanide take control of Hayden and execute a double arm wrench, followed by stereo palm thrusts to the chest! The US Tag Champions pull Hayden back up before knocking her back down with another double arm wrench/stereo palm thrusts combination! Mason & Mariani pull Hayden back to a vertical base before chucking her over the top rope and to the floor with a double hip toss!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord! Did you hear that thud!?

Stephy Auger: I sure did! If I was Lisa Seldon, I’d just throw in the towel right now for Ana. It’s only going to get worse from here!

Mason heads to the apron while Mariani exits the floor. She picks up Hayden before positioning her on the mat. After Hayden is placed in a front facelock, Mason runs along the apron. The crowd gasps, then boos when Silk & Cyanide hit an apron modified version of The Infernal Council (combination rope-hung DDT from Mariani and diving splash to the opponent's back from Mason)!

Kris Cruise: Dammit ref, get them back in the ring!

Mariani grabs Hayden and rolls her back inside. Mason is quick to slide back into the ring, drags Hayden away from the ropes and make the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Seldon dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: What a save from Lisa!

Stephy Auger: She’s only delaying the inevitable.

Mason pulls Hayden off the mat and whacks her with the Salem Slap (palm strike to the face)! Hayden answers back with an open palm strike of her own. Mason delivers another Salem Slap! Hayden answers back with another open palm strike of her own. Mason motions for another Salem Slap when Hayden cuts her off with an open palm strike. Another open palm strike finds its mark. Hayden goes for one more open palm strike when Mason counters with a series of palm strikes to the chest, followed by an elbow to the face. While Hayden is dazed, Mason turns and motions towards the ropes. Before Mason can make it to the ropes, Hayden reaches forward, grabs Mason by the tights and yanks her back over towards her before dropping her with a Snap German Suplex! Mariani charges in and throws out a lariat, only for Hayden to duck and counter with another Snap German Suplex!

Kris Cruise: Hayden’s fighting with everything’s she’s got left in her!

Hayden starts to drag herself across the mat while Seldon is calling for the tag. The Grand Duchess continues to pull herself across the mat before rolling forward, diving over and tagging Seldon back in!

Kris Cruise: She made the tag! She made the tag!

Stephy Auger: Get her!

Seldon quickly gets back in the ring by knocking Mariani down with a springboard dropkick! Mason is then set up for a Death Valley Driver until she counters with elbows to the side of the head. She then slips down from behind before shoving Seldon off into the ropes. Upon her return, she ducks a clothesline before spiking Mason with a snap Crucifix Driver!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason kicks out.

Seldon lifts Mason up for another Death Valley Driver. This time, Mason counters by raking Seldon across the eyes. After firing off multiple headbutts, Mason goes for a one handed bulldog when Seldon pushes her off into the ropes. She then catches Mason off the rebound with a fireman’s carry before finally planting her with the Death Valley Driver! The cheers continue as she goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Seldon!

Seldon takes Mason and lifts her up for a brainbuster when Mason slips down from behind and reverses into the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat)! She then pulls Seldon up to a seated position before taking off into the ropes. As she comes back, she throws out a sliding clothesline. But Seldon is able to roll out of the way. After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Seldon is the first to strike with a step-up enzuigiri, sending Mason flipping down to the canvas. She then pulls Mason up off the mat by the hair before lifting her up and planting her with a brainbuster! She goes for the cover.

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

Mariani dives over and breaks up the pin.

Mariani takes Seldon and sets up for an irish whip until she gets reversed! Instead of coming back off the ropes, Hayden yanks down the top rope, sending Mariani flipping over the ropes and crashing hard on the floor!

Stephy Auger: Hey!

Hayden backs up towards the ring post before running across the apron, jumping off and landing hard across Mariani’s chest with Romanov Grace (Diving Double Foot Stomp)! Back in the ring, Seldon sets up for an Angle Slam lift into a Fisherman Driver when Mason counters with desperation elbows. With Seldon doubles over, Mason continues to fight back with wild clubbing strikes across the back. The boos continue as she turns and takes off into the far ropes. When Mason returns, the crowd cheers when the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad knock her down with One Year More (Lisa goes low with a Legsweep, sending Mason falling forward as Ana runs through them with her Running Single Leg Dropkick)!

Kris Cruise: The Hellcats nearly took Mason’s head off! Mason’s down! Mariani’s down! The Hellcats are in full control here! Are we moments away from seeing new champions!?

Mason lays sprawled out of the mat while Hayden takes off into another set of ropes. When she returns, the crowd boos when the Hellcats crush Mason with Gravest Consequences (With an opponent down, Ana runs toward Lisa, who pushes her straight into the air, allowing her to land with the Double Stomp)! Seldon pulls Mason off the mat and scoops her up across her shoulders before the Hellcats drive Mason down with Call The Doctor (Lisa picks up an opponent in a Fireman’s Carry. She then pushes the opponent off backwards toward Ana, who catches and drops them with a High-Angle German Suplex)! Seldon heads over and makes the cover while Hayden stays on lookout.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Destroy 2000 Years of Culture” blasts over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… aaaaand NEEEEEEWWWWWW United States Tag Team Champions, the HELLCAT SPANGLED DEATH SQUAD!

The cheers continue as Seldon and Hayden raises the United States Tag Team Titles.

Kris Cruise: The Hellcats have done it! The Hellcats have done it! The Hellcat Spangled Death Squad are the new United States Tag Team Champions!

Stephy Auger: …

Kris Cruise: Lisa Seldon And Anastasia Hayden have defeated Silk & Cyanide tonight, ending their reign of terror as US Tag Team Champions! It’s got to feel good taking away Silk & Cyanide’s prized possessions after Mason & Mariani ruined their dream tag team match back at Grapple Kingdom Three! There’s only one thing left for the Hellcats now, Stephy! That is to leave Only the Strong Survive with all the tag team gold! Will the Hellcats leave with the FGA World Tag Team Champion as well? We will find out live on pay Per View!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Our cameras open up on the outside of an already slightly-ajar locker room door. From within we hear shuffling until the door is pulled open-- and Ashlyn De Luca steps out into the corridor, clad in her black-and-green wrestling gear. With a small sigh, she pushes her hair back behind her head, beginning to tie it into a ponytail… until something in the distance catches her eye. She snaps to attention.

Ashlyn De Luca: Oh-- oh! Hey! Nina!

Ashlyn walks, wincing in annoyance a bit as several strands of her own hair get caught between her hair tie, but she forms her ponytail as she walks, finally lowering her hands to her side, as if demonstrating innocence as she slows to a stop where four halls meet, forming an industrial-looking, empty and open space in the annals of the BB&T Pavillion.

It appears as if Nina is simply passing through that specific area in order to get to the locker room, as evidenced by the massive bag in her hands. A pang of annoyance flashes across Nina’s face as she slows her momentum to a halt. She lets out a small grunt as her eyes shift towards Ashlyn.

Nina Stokes: Move. Now.

Ashlyn De Luca: Look, I knowww-- weird time to try to strike up a chat, but I just wanted to catch you before our match and just… level with you.

An audible sigh escapes the former United States Champion’s mouth. That look of annoyance begins to linger as Nina turns her wrist over and looks at her Bulova watch.

Nina Stokes: You have three minutes. Make them count. And for your safety, I pray you don’t waste my time.

...wasting no time, De Luca launches into a breathless tirade.

Ashlyn De Luca: Like-- don’t you just think it’s a little tooooo convenient that the two people that see through all this-- this family-friendly image FGA is trying to present to the free world are-- are being turned against one another right now? I mean, YOU were the victim of injustice at Grapple Kingdom, and once they think they can get away with it once, they try you over, and over. I’ve seen it. I have been the victim of injustice for years here. I’ve run corrupt politicians all the way out of FGA, and you know what the referees have conspired to do? You KNOW what they’ve all decided to get together and do after I created a better working environment for them?! For all of this?!

Before Stokes can quite react, De Luca continues, somehow even louder and more sure-of-herself than before.

Ashlyn De Luca: To screw me. This-- this problem is so deeply woven into the system, that even when we get rid of these figureheads, good, hard-working, honest, DIY, no-excuses wrestlers like us still--

Nian glances at her watch.

Nina Stokes: One minute has passed. If there’s an actual point you’re trying to make, I suggest you do it quickly.

Ashlyn De Luca: Wha--

A hard, honestly shocked scoff.

Ashlyn De Luca: Wow. Ummm. I… I th-- I thought we were fighting the same fight here. Like, I’m on your side. People like us should be the stars of this place. I should be the International Heavyweight Champion. And you should be the holder of whatever title comes… like… right, like, after that. Obviously!

Nina lifts up an eyebrow before she holds up two fingers.

Nina Stokes: Izzy Anders. Fujiko Mine. Those are the only two people I have allegiances with in FGA. You and me? We have no allegiance. There is no side to be on.

Once more, she looks at her wrist.

Nina Stokes: Two minutes have passed.

Ashlyn inhales sharply. She looks away for a moment, brows furrowing in frustration before she fixes her gaze on the former U.S. Champion again.

Ashlyn De Luca: You know what? Part of me is like, “let this gooo, Ashlyn, this is your opponent tonight, of course she’d approach you sooo disrespectfully.”

Another sharp inhale. Ashlyn spends just a few moments steadying her breathing, looking calmly, but accusingly at Stokes.

Ashlyn De Luca: ...but the experienced part of me is like, “why so effing hostile?” And you know what type of person would be unfairly hostile to a warm, smiling face, Nina? Someone who feels guilty. Someone that INVADES THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS AND THREATENS THEM TO GAIN AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE BEFORE A WRESTLING MATCH?! WAS IT YOU?!

A look of confusion washes of Nina’s face.

Nina Stokes: Are you on narcotics?

Ashlyn De Luca: Oh, please. Anybody that has a match against me, that knows what they’re getting themselves into, is CLEARY going to try to take an advantage. I mean, come on. It’s a tale as old as time and you don’t have to pretend you’re above it.

Nina Stokes: I don’t need to resort to shenageins like that. Especially not to beat you.

Hard. Scoff. From a clearly offended Ashlyn De Luca.

Ashlyn De Luca: Ohhhmygoh-- you know what? It’s obvious that you’re feeling totally vulnerable and totally threatened because you lost your U.S. Title. But NOWWW what you’re trying to do is shake my confidence. Mmhm. You think if you get me all worked up you’re gonna get back to that title, like, at my expense or something. MMHM. You think if you get me, like, flustered, you’re gonna just take my spot “in line” for a championship, don’t you?

Ashlyn laughs aloud, face growing redder as she speaks, peeling back the delicate facade she’d approached Nina with just moments prior. In the midst of all that, Nina takes a gander at her watch once more.

Ashlyn De Luca: Bad news though! This match isn’t about you earning another shot at the same belt you couldn’t keep a tight enough grip on, you actual dunce. Our match tonight is about ME and establishing EXACTLY why I should be, not only a player, but a freaking fixture in every single main event this compan--

SMACK!

Before Ashlyn can finish her statement, Nina gives her a stern palm strike to the face.

Ashlyn De Luca: --aaOOOOHHHWHAATTTHEFUUUUHHHHahoowwww…

De Luca slinks against the wall, hand over her face, mouth agape as Stokes looks down at her.

Nina Stokes: Your three minutes are up.

She begins walking to the locker room. Ashlyn makes a muffled sound, half in pain, half in absolute world-ending despair.

Nina Stokes: I’ll see you in the ring. And you’re going to regret wasting my time.

Nina walks off and Ashlyn simply shakes her head, finally pulling her hand away from her throbbing cheek.

Ashlyn De Luca: She-- you can’t just do that! Uuuugh!

Ashlyn slaps her palm against the floor in frustration, pushing herself up to her feet. She stands there for a moment, allowing her breathing to return to normal before she shoots a glare at the camera person. The camera moves from right to left as the operator swings it unsurely, but Ashlyn storms out of frame before any decision has to be made. After one final grunt that echoes through the halls, we cut away.

[FGA Office]

SINGLES MATCH
Ashlyn De Luca vs. Nina Stokes

The scene returns to the ringside area where we catch Kris Cruise hastily walking back to the announce desk. He slides back into position next to Stephy Auger, who gives him an expectant look as Cruise puts his headset back on.

Stephy Auger: And where the heck were you, sir?

Kris Cruise: I ran to the back to invite the United States Champion out here for commentary. I had mentioned to her earlier in the week that we’d like her input.

Stephy Auger: And what was Selfish San Francisco’s response? I see you’re here empty-handed.

Kris Cruise: Well. Sadie said that she feels no need to provide commentary on this match because, in her words, “Nina is at the back of the line where she belongs. I’m moving on.”

Stephy Auger: Ahah! You know, I can’t stand her but I appreciate the sass. The honesty. I dare you to relay the message to Nina Stokes! Hahaa!

The lights in the BB&T Pavilion dim to a fairly darkened level. A couple of seconds pass before MUCC’s “Sei to Shi to Kimi” begins to play. The base of the entrance becomes fills up with heavy smoke. Nina Stokes makes her way out from the back a few seconds later. She emerges from the smoke after a moment or two. She gives a sly sneer to camera before she makes her way towards to the ring.

Stephy Auger: While you were back there stirring the pot in the U.S. Title division, Nina Stokes-- in my opinion-- crossed a line backstage!

Kris Cruise: Oh? Elaborate.

Stephy Auger: Ashlyn approached Nina really calmly and professionally and inquired about that-- that cryptic message that was left in her locker room earlier tonight! And Nina just snapped! She got this crazed look in her eye and struck Ash right in her face!

Kris Cruise: I’m sure you’re retelling the events exactly as they happened. But luckily, these women will have the chance to put that bad blood behind them in a few minutes.

Her pace down to the ring deliberate and leisurely. She tosses a couple of glances towards the limited audience, but for the most part, she keeps her eyes fixated on the square circle. Nina flexes her arms a bit as she reaches the end entryway. She cracks her neck and completely circles the ring one time. Afterwards, Nina cracks her knuckles and slides into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Miami, Florida, weighing in at one hundred and forty pounds, “The Kodiak” NIIIINA STOKES!

Nina paces around for a moment. Then she removes her jacket and tosses it into the corner. Nina pulls on the ropes and stretches before she lounges in the corner and waits for the start of the match. The lights in the venue blink to darkness, prompting boos from the audience, 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.

J.A. Aldridge: And her opponent, on her way to the ring, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at one hundred and thirty-three pounds… ASHLYN DE LUUUCA!

Kavinsky’s “Suburbia” plays on the PA and the lights in the venue slowly return with a red hue. Ashlyn De Luca steps out of the darkness and onto the top of the ramp, abandoning the typical fanfare-- instead glaring down the ramp at Stokes, already shouting threats and obscenities that are drowned out by the music. She marches down to the ring and stomps up the steps, throwing her own ring jacket right at Nina’s face! Stokes deflects it, but shakes her head with a bitter grin, striding toward De Luca, who demands that the referee hold Stoke back!

Stephy Auger: Calm her down, ref! Poor Ash can barely get in the ring!

Kris Cruise: I know Ash has been having a rough night, but I really, really don’t think antagonizing Nina Stokes is a remedy for that.

Ashlyn walks the apron for a few seconds, visibly mumbling to herself until the official finally backs Stokes off into the far corner. Ashlyn steps through the ropes, still rubbing the side of her face, jaw stinging from where she’d been hit just moments prior.

Stephy Auger: Both of these Grapplers have seen some really unfair setbacks this year. I think Ashlyn had the right idea when she tried to get Nina to join her in this fight for justice in pro wrestling. It’s a shame to see them divided and forced to fight each other like this!

Kris Cruise: So you're not gonna watch this match?

Stephy Auger: I’m a professional. I’ll watch behind my fingers.

De Luca’s music fades as the referee returns to the center of the ring. Ash continues to berate Nina for her conduct just a few minutes ago, while Stokes, at this point, fixes a cold and focused glare on her opponent.

DING! DING!

With the sound of the bell, De Luca races across the ring toward Stokes, but Stokes is quick to cut her off with a front kick, catching Ashlyn deep in the gut! Ashlyn cries out, wailing in pain, and Stokes smashes into her with a Lariat!

Stephy Auger: Ahh no!

Kris Cruise: I bet Ashlyn thought revenge would taste a little different.

De Luca scrambles upright, only to be taken down with a second Lariat! Ashlyn tries to crawl upright under her own power again, but Nina wrenches her upright by her arm and Irish Whips her against the ropes. As Ashlyn rebounds, Nina drives her to the canvas with a Running Leg Lariat! De Luca bounces from the back of her neck, over to her stomach from the impact!

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes is getting out a little aggression of her own!

De Luca stumbles to her feet, disoriented, cringing from one, two, three, four forearms from Stokes, knocking her against the ropes. Stokes Irish Whips De Luca and looks to hit her off the rebound with a Bicycle Kick, but De Luca slides under Nina’s foot across the mat and leaps up to her feet behind her! De Luca blasts Stokes in the base of the skull with a Roundhouse Kick! The shot echoes throughout the venue and Stokes sinks to a knee. De Luca sneers and squats low to grab Stokes before standing upright to hit a Back Suplex-- but Stokes flips through in mid-air, positioning herself to land beneath Ashlyn, attempting to lock in the Crossface Chickenwing to a pop from the limited audience!

Kris Cruise: And now, just like that, Nina’s looking for the Quietus Redux! If she locks it in on the ground, Ashlyn is finished!

Stephy Auger: She-- why do you have to be so cynical?!

De Luca shrieks. She screeches, squirming violently in any and every direction to escape the hold!

Stephy Auger: Nina can’t quite lock this in…!

Ashlyn throws miscalculated-- but effective-- elbows back, catching Nina in her arm and her collarbone until finally Nina releases her grip. Ash rolls backwards, over Nina and up to her feet. As Nina climb to her knees, De Luca hits the ropes and rebounds, looking for a Shining Wizard! Nina ducks her head at the last moment, avoiding contact, and leaping to her feet. At that second, De Luca, realizing she missed her target, stops in her tracks and pivots… right into a Rolling Elbow Smash! The shot sends saliva sailing out of Ashlyn’s mouth, earning a pop from the small crowd as she crashes to the mat!

Stephy Auger: NINA, NO!

Kris Cruise: Divine Night by Nina Stokes! Ashlyn might be out cold! Nina’s going for the cover!

ONE
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TWO
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Kickout!

Ashlyn emphatically kicks out of the move in a panic, as if just snapping to her senses. She crawls to the ropes in a hurry. Stokes leaps upright and grabs at Ashlyn’s foot, but De Luca pulls herself out of the ring and down to the floor anyway, earning groans and boos from those in attendance.

Kris Cruise: Ashlyn looks completely overwhelmed. I think that elbow from Stokes might have knocked her out for a second or two.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, well, I’m starting to believe Nina’s out here to really hurt poor Ash! Ashlyn is clearly traumatized from what happened at Grapple Kingdom and now Nina’s just taking advantage. It makes me sad.

Kris Cruise: You’re as loyal as you ever were…

Stokes paces the inside of the ring, glare fixed on Ashlyn as the referee holds the former U.S. Champion back. After a moment, the official turns, beginning to count Ashlyn out as De Luca makes her way toward the announce desk.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, come over here, Ash! I have some water here for you! And a fan!

Kris Cruise: Ugh.

De Luca stumbles over to the commentary desk, allowing Auger to use an electric fan to cool her for a moment. She accepts the bottle of water, cracking it open, taking one swig, then another.

Kris Cruise: Ash, the ref is up to five. You don’t seem to be in much of a hurry here.

Stephy Auger: ASH, LOOK OUT!

Ashlyn’s eyes widen as she turns around, watching Nina Stokes slide out of the ring and make a beeline for her! Ashlyn ducks past Nina and slides into the ring beneath the bottom rope! She races to the other side with Stokes right on her heels! Ashlyn slides out of the ring beneath the bottom rope, but Stokes grabs two fistfuls of hair before Ash can run off…

...and De Luca tilts her head back, spitting water up into the eyes of Stokes!

Kris Cruise: Oh—!

Stephy Auger: MIND GAMES, CRUISE! I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON THE WHOLE TIME!

Boos resonate from the crowd as Stokes staggers back, more stunned than actually blinded-- but the hesitation is enough for De Luca, who leaps up onto the top rope and blasts Stokes with a Springboard SIngle Leg Dropkick! Stokes is shaken from the move but tries to fight upright-- only to be stopped with series of right hands from Ashlyn, who forces Nina upright into a side headlock… snapping her down into a Backbreaker! Nina hisses in pain, sinking to a knee. De Luca rolls to her feet and hits the ropes, rebounding with a Shining Wizard that smashes Stokes to the canvas!

Stephy Auger: Caught her the second time!

Ashlyn hooks the far leg of the still-squirming Stokes.

ONE
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.
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.
Kickout!

To an applause from the limited audience, Stokes kicks out at one, sitting up. Ashlyn glares, slamming a palm against the mat in frustration. She rises to her feet and steps out to the apron before ascending to the top turnbuckle. Still disoriented, Stokes begins to reach a vertical base…

Kris Cruise: I don’t think Nina’s fully aware of where Ashlyn is right now!

De Luca performs a ropewalk along the top right as Nina turns to face her-- and leaps off for a Blockbuster! Nina clutches the back of her head as she’s driven to the mat and De Luca grins, giving the camera a wink before lying back into a cover, hooking the near leg!

ONE
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TWO
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Kickout!

Kris Cruise: And now that Ashlyn’s in the driver’s seat, she’s got this swagger-- this arrogance. It might’ve cost her the cover there, Steph.

Stephy Auger: Look, Nina is one of the best competitors we’ve got in FGA, but Ashlyn’s entitled to a little bit of ego! She’s our uncrowned International Heavyweight Champion… damnit!

De Luca stalks Nina as the former U.S. Champion begins to rise. She makes sure to keep out of Nina’s field of vision, waiting until she’s back to her feet before shooting the ropes and nailing a Crescent Kick to the base of Nina’s neck! Stokes stumbles forward, landing throat-first across the middle rope. Ashlyn runs to the ropes and leaps over, landing on the apron. Swiftly, she blasts Stokes with a thrust kick to the temple, sending a CRACK! echoing through the venue! Nina goes still and De Luca drops to the floor in front of Stokes, beginning to choke her, pulling her head down, crushing her throat against the center rope! Nina flails and the ref begins to count as the audience boos De Luca.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Ashlyn breaks the grip, but immediately runs to the apron, scaling the turnbuckles again as Stokes crawls to the center of the ring, hacking and wheezing for air. De Luca steadies herself on the top before performing another ropewalk!

Kris Cruise: Ashlyn, taking to the skies yet again. What’s she got in mind this time?

De Luca leaps off for a Frog Splash!

Stephy Auger: Look at the heigh--!

Stokes rolls onto her back and brings her feet up! De Luca collides jaw-first with the soles of Nina’s boots! Ashlyn’s legs go limp and she falls to the mat next to Stokes to a gasp-- and then a loud mixed reaction from the excited limited audience.

Kris Cruise: And there’s that phenomenal natural ring awareness by Nina Stokes!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, it’s undeniable. Poor Ashlyn!

Stokes shakes out the cobwebs and crawls into a cover, rolling over De Luca, hooking the near leg fiercely.

ONE
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TWO
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THR-!

With a gasp of life, De Luca kicks out, before contorting her face in pain with Nina’s counter registering. Ashlyn staggers to her feet, but Nina is a second quicker, catching De Luca with a forearm that knocks her off-balance. De Luca tries to shove Nina back, but a second, third, and fourth forearm take her to a knee. Nina grabs De Luca by the base of her neck and swings her into the ropes. De Luca rebounds and tries to cover up-- but Nina blasts her with a kick to the gut! De Luca “OOOF!”s in a howl of pain and hunches over… right into a knee lift to the face by Stokes! De Luca is forced upright and Stokes ends the series with a high standing Bicycle Kick, snapping De Luca to her spine on the canvas! Ashlyn’s eyes are wide in a thousand-yard stare as Stokes stares down at her, calm, but focused.

Kris Cruise: And now Nina’s throwing everything right back at Ashlyn!

Stephy Auger: Aww man. I bet they’re not even gonna shake hands after this…

As De Luca stumbles upright, Nina is quick to take her to the mat with a high roundhouse! Nina approaches De Luca, stomping down across her ribs for good measure before grabbing both of De Luca’s wrists. The live audience grows louder as Nina lifts her foot for a stomp across Ashlyn’s face— but De Luca kicks Nina’s leg out from under her! Nina falls forward and Ashlyn throws her overhead with a modified Monkey Flip!

Stephy Auger: Phew. Ash just barely avoided disaster there!

Kris Cruise: Not yet!

Ashlyn points to her head as she looks into the camera to emphasize her own intelligence as she groggily gets to her feet… but as that same camera pans out, we see that Nina has already risen to her feet behind her. Ashlyn has barely turned all the way around before Nina blasts her with a hook kick, catching her right across the neck! Ashlyn crumbles to the mat, curling up as Nina delivers a swift kick to her ribs! Ashlyn wails out, grabbing at Nina’s leg, resulting in Nina grabbing a hold of Ashlyn’s wrist and yanking her upright into another knee strike that sends a CRACK! throughout the venue! Nina maintains a hold of De Luca and forces her upright. She hooks her… and launches her across the ring with a Wrist Clutch Exploder Suplex! The momentum sends Ashlyn into a seated position and then slumped onto her side, gasping for breath as Nina rises to a knee behind her, glare still focused on ADL.

Kris Cruise: Maybe Ashlyn shouldn’t have tried that spitting trick with her water, hm?

Stephy Auger: Uuugh, Nina’s seeing red now! Ash, you gotta get outta there!

De Luca uses the ropes to pull herself to her feet. Nina delivers a violent kick to De Luca’s wrist, knocking it away. De Luca stumbles and Nina rushes forward, looking to nail a Bicycle Kick! Ashlyn swivels out of harm’s way and Nina kicks the top rope instead. In that instant, De Luca grabs a hold of Ninas head in a three-quarters facelock and runs up the ropes, turning Nina in mid-air-- before connecting with an Acid Drop in the center of the ring, earning another surprised mixed reaction from the limited crowd!

Kris Cruise: There's one Ashlyn’s been keeping in her back pocket! She might put Nina away with that Cutter!

Ashlyn hooks the far leg, leaning deep into the cover!

ONE
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TWO
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THR--!

Stephy Auger: Ah! A kickout by the Kodiak!

Ashlyn shrieks in fury at the referee, who recoils, but holds up two fingers for reaffirmation. Ashlyn tilts her head back, groaning in despair… before suddenly stopping with a lightbulb going off in her head. Ashlyn smirks, stepping out to the apron, clearly saying “make sure you get this” to the camera before walking to the corner and climbing to the top once more.

Kris Cruise: And now Ashlyn again, climbing up to the top rope.

Stephy Auger: But this one’s the killshot. I can see it in her eyes!

Ashlyn ignores the increasingly louder boos of the audience as she perches on the top turnbuckle. She steadies herself before leaping into the adjacent set of ropes, looking to perform a Triangle Asai Moonsault, but Nina rolls out of the way! Ashlyn lands on her feet and rolls through the move, rising to her feet at the same time as Stokes! The two women race across the ring toward one another-- and Stokes blasts Ashlyn with a Bicycle Kick, sending De Luca corkscrewing violently to the mat!

Kris Cruise: God, what a kick from the Kodiak!

Stephy Auger: ASHLYN JUST WANTED TO HELP YOU, NINA, WHY?!

Ashlyn shakily and groggily reaches her feet, but a SMACK! sounds throughout the BB&T Pavilion as Nina nails a palm strike, sending saliva sailing through the air! Ashlyn swings wildly, but Nina ducks and unloads with a Palm Strike Flurry! The final shot knocks Ashlyn to her back-- and this time it’s Nina that storms to the ropes, stepping out to the apron. She narrows her eyes at De Luca before climbing to the top turnbuckle, earning a loud and curious mixed reaction from the crowd. Ashlyn pushes herself up to her elbows and knees as Nina rises to her feet on the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: And now it’s Nina on the top rope and--

Stephy Auger: And Ashlyn has no idea!

Nina leaps from the top turnbuckle and delivers a Diving Double Foot Stomp between De Luca’s shoulder blades! Ashlyn wails out in pain and Stokes crosses her legs, sitting in front of the writhing De Luca, smirking slightly into the hard camera.

We briefly cut to the backstage area, revealing the United States Champion, Sadie San Francisco watching in the back. She looks thoroughly unimpressed by the action, though we see the Saturnian Connection in the background, clearly finding much more enjoyment out of watching Nina’s onslaught in the match.

Stephy Auger: There’s Selfish San Francisco. I thought you said she didn’t care about this match! But there she is, watching with her Saturnian Cronies in the back!

Kris Cruise: Well, she said she wasn't interested. But in any event, Nina Stokes is in control and Ashlyn De Luca might be a few seconds away from an unfortunate end!

Stokes stoops down in the corner, gaze fixed on Ashlyn who uses the turnbuckles on the opposite side of the ring to pull herself up to her knees.

Stephy Auger: Don’t even turn around, Ash!

De Luca reaches her feet and backs away from the corner before she turns. Stokes rushes forward to nail the Boma Ye Knee Strike!

CRACK!

The shot echoes throughout the venue-- as Ashlyn blasts the oncoming Stokes with a Super Kick out of nowhere! Nina goes completely still, frozen in place, before collapsing to the mat! Ashlyn dives on top of her, hooking the far leg, grapevining the near one!

Kris Cruise: WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!

Stephy Auger: Super Kick! Cover!

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Nina throws her shoulder off of the canvas and De Luca is thrown onto her stomach-- where she promptly begins to pound her fists into the mat, shrieking at the top of her lungs.

Kris Cruise: De Luca’s completely beside herself!

Ashlyn mounts Stokes and begins to unload with right hands into her head! Stokes expertly covers up, forcing De Luca to transition to body shots, swinging frantically and angrily at Stokes’ exposed ribs, earning a scolding from the referee for closed fists-- but before any action has to be taken, Stokes wraps her legs around De Luca’s arm, transitioning to a grounded Armbar! De Luca cries out, scrambling for the ropes-- but Stokes repositions herself, transitioning to a Fujiwara Armbar!

Kris Cruise: De Luca’s tied up now! She’s been trying to block every attempt, but Nina has been making it a point to keep returning to that left arm! Now she’s finally got a hold of it and if she gets rid of that arm, then Ashlyn can’t hit Crashlanta! Ashlyn can’t lock in that Storybook Ending, and she won’t be able to fight off Nina’s Quietus Redux!

After moments of squirming, Ash brings herself close enough to the ropes to swing her legs across the bottom! The ref begins to count Nina out, instructing her to break the hold!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOU-!

Stokes stands upright and goes to yank Ash up as well-- but Ashlyn pulls her arm free! Stokes closes in again, but Ashlyn pops upright and goes to hoist Stokes up for the Brainbuster! Halfway into the air, however, Stokes squirms free as Ashlyn relents, suddenly grabbing at her arm in pain. Stokes takes advantage, nailing a Bicycle Kick to the left shoulder of De Luca! De Luca is knocked into the ropes-- and rebounds with a Bicycle Knee Strike! Nina collapses to a knee and Ashlyn hoists down, hooking Nina’s head with her right arm and hoisting her up-- before drilling Stokes with a Brainbuster!

Kris Cruise: She got it! But can Ashlyn capitalize on this moment?!

The audience pounds on the barricade and stomps their feet, divided in their loyalty but all with similar energy. Ashlyn pulls herself up, pointing two fingers at Nina as she pulls herself up to a knee. Ashlyn shrieks before charging forward and nailing a step-up high knee before seamlessly transitioning into a Hurricanrana, pinning Stokes beneath her to the mat!

Stephy Auger: Phenomena!

The audience, sensing the end, count along with the ref!

ONE
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.
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.
TWO
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.
.
THHRRE-!

Nina shoves Ashlyn off of her!

Kris Cruise: But it’s not enough to put Stokes away here!

Ashlyn pulls herself up with the ropes and shoots a glare over her shoulder at Nina, who pushes herself up onto her side, shaking her head at De Luca. Ashlyn runs her hands down her face, mumbling to herself before she strides forward. As Ashlyn draws near, Nina kicks her away, keeping her at bay as she backs herself toward the corner. Ashlyn moves forward again-- but a kick that catches her in the side of her neck sends her staggering back!

Stephy Auger: Nina is in a bad way right now. Maybe Selfish San Fran was right for not coming out here! Maybe De Lucz is gonna be the next one to challenge for the United States Title!

Kris Cruise: Or maybe a Kodiak is most dangerous when it’s hurt-- when it’s cornered!

Stokes pushes herself up to her knees… and ducks under the oncoming Ashlyn, who tries to nail her with a shoot kick! Stokes hooks Ashlyn as if looking for a Schoolboy, but Ashlyn grabs a hold of the ropes and plants her feet-- stomping down on Stokes’ ribs, and then her hip, forcing her to break the hold… but Ashlyn loses her footing in the process, staggering over Stokes and stumbling to a knee in the center of the ring. She reaches her feet and turns around to catch the rising Stokes with a right hand…

...but Nina unleashes a vicious Throat Punch! Ashlyn audibly gags, throwing her hands over her throat, collapsing to her knees!

Kris Cruise: A Slice of Grace for “De Lucz”!

Stephy Auger: ASHLYN, I STILL HAVE WATER OVER HERE!

Our camera focuses on Stokes, who pushes her hair out of her face, abandoning her neutral demeanor in favor of fixing a cold, steady glare on De Luca. Ashlyn tries to wave Stokes off as she catches her breath, but Stokes unloads with a barrage of forearms! De Luca is backed all the way to the ropes where Stokes ends the series with a palm strike to the face, reeling Ashlyn again! Stokes goes for an Irish Whip and Ashlyn reverses-- and Stokes plants her feet, bringing Ashlyn right back to her before driving her to the mat with an STO! Stokes maintains a grip around Ashlyn’s neck and lifts her up, driving the back of her head into the mat once-- twice more for good measure!

Stephy Auger: Aww, jeez.

Nina rises to her feet and beckons De Luca up. Ash keeps her gaze on Stokes, still coughing as she slowly gets to her feet. Nina runs forward, feigning a knee strike which De Luca prepares to block-- before Stokes rocks her with a back elbow! CRACK! The small crowd pops for the display and Ashlyn reels… but suddenly drives her skull into Nina’s with a Desperation Headbutt! CRACK!

Kris Cruise: God, that sound…

Simultaneously, the two women sink to their knees… but it’s Ashlyn’s head that slumps into the collarbone of the glassy-eyed Nina Stokes. Stokes whispers something to De Luca before pulling herself and Ashlyn upright, trapping both of Ashlyn’s arms… and then delivering a headbutt of her own! Nina fires off with a second, third, and fourth, before throwing Ashlyn overhead with a Double Underhook Suplex! Nina wastes no time pulling herself to her feet with the aid of the ropes and turning toward the stirring De Luca. For the second time, Stokes rushes forward, looking for the Boma Ye Knee Strike!

Kris Cruise: Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows--!

CRACK!

And again, Ashlyn counters, this time with a Pele Kick! Nina is staggered and De Luca rolls to her feet. She grabs Nina’s hair and leaps up, looking for the Flyleaf…!

--Nina shoves her off in mid-air! De Luca turns, hitting the ropes violently! She falls backwards into a Crossface Chickenwing! Nina immediately brings De Luca to the ground to a pop from the audience in attendance!

Stephy Auger: Ashlyn, you were right there! YOU HAD IT!

Kris Cruise: Quietus Redux!

De Luca squirms! She flails!

And with a cry, she taps out with her free hand! The small crowd responds with a pop in appreciation of the performance as the bell rings. Nina shoves De Luca aside, rising to her feet while “Sei to Shi to Kimi” hits the PA, allowing the official to raise her arm just briefly before she yanks it away.

J.A. Aldridge: Your winner as a result of a submission… NIIIIINA STOKES!

Kris Cruise: I’m sure you’re disappointed. You were very clearly rooting against Nina here tonight-

Stephy Auger: Heyyyy, I was not! I-- I was just in favor of a competitive match and I’m… I’m just disappointed that we’re not gonna get a handshake. And I just wish Ashlyn hadn’t been so distracted by that stalker’s message in her locker room! Poor Ashlyn!

Kris Cruise: Well, one person that’s definitely gonna be disappointed in tonight’s result is the United States Champion. Sadie made it pretty clear that she had no interest in Nina Stokes, but we did spot her watching this. I wonder what she’ll have to say watching the former champ pick up this important win.

Stokes backs up the ramp, looking down toward the ring at De Luca before she turns, making her way to the back. Ashlyn sits in the center of the ring, hair covering her face but gaze visibly downcast as Nina’s music begins to fade.

CLAP!

CLAP!

CLAP!

CLAP!

The sound pierces through the venue from seemingly every corner, penetrating the PA system. De Luca narrows her eyes, remaining frozen in place in the center of the ring for a few moments… but makes her way to the ropes regardless, until--

??: So so close Ashlyn.

Just like the clapping, the voice penetrates the BB&T Pavilion’s audio. This earns some curious murmuring from those within the audience. De Luca pauses before she reaches the ring ropes and turns, looking in any-- every other direction.

??: You almost had it this time.

Kris Cruise: What the…

Ashlyn runs a hand through her hair, gaze downcast, not wanting to look at anyone surrounding the ringside area-- evidently growing wary of every individual. Uneasily, Ashlyn drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring, trying to massage feeling back into her left shoulder as she walks up the ramp.

Kris Cruise: Clearly, there’s somebody trying to deliver a message to Ashlyn De Luca, but--

Stephy Auger: But nothing! Find this nuisance and arrest them! Poor Ashlyn was robbed of a victory here tonight because of this faceless monster invading her personal space and playing mind games with her! I want justice for Ashlyn, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: Gotcha.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
FGA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Pendragon vs. Fujiko Mine & Cordy Stevenson

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...

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest, scheduled for one fall, is your main event of the evening! And it is for the FGA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP!

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: Introducing the challengers! First, hailing from Freeport, Long Island! Weighing in at 147 pounds! She is the reigning FGA International Heavyweight Champion… CORDY STEVENSON!

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. Finally she hops down and saunters over to the corner as the music fades out.

Kris Cruise: Cordy Stevenson has achieved tag team success here before in FGA. Like her partner tonight, she is a former Dynamic Duos winner, having won the tournament and eventually the tag titles titles with Dan Herrera in 2016. She is also the first double champion in FGA’s history, holding both the World and Tag Titles like Fujiko would do over two years later. Fujiko and Cordy don’t have the experience as a team that Pendragon do. But thus far, they’ve remained undefeated and pulled off the upset of the year by beating Pendragon on the last Vertigo. Can Fujiko and Cordy do it again - this time, with the titles on the line?

Stephy Auger: Can they? Sure they can. As much as I’d hate to give these two any credit, they have the ability to win the titles tonight. There’s very few people in FGA right now that have the big match experience that they do. They aren’t the types to fold under pressure.

Seth Iser: There’s a lot of individual talent on one side but that’s not the defining thing in a tag team. Also, thank you guys very little for not giving me an introduction.

Kris Cruise: This was expected since you did announce it. Welcome to the table...Seth.

"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! Weighing in at 152 pounds! She is the reigning and record setting FGA World Champion…. 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.

"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.

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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Fujiko grins widely, then pulls the shirt off over her head and tosses it into the crowd. She then leans into the nearest corner before the match begins.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine won the 2018 Dynamic Duos with Izzy Anders. They would go on to win the US Tag Team Titles. Two months later, the Apex Goddess would go on to win the World Championship. Since that time, Fujiko hasn’t let up. She’s continued to compete at a level that’s been unrivaled here in FGA. Tonight, FGA’s looking to make history once again. Will we see the return of Fuji 2 Belts here tonight?

Seth Iser: The two best individual talents because that’s the respect their championships say against the best team in the world.

The lights flicker as "Take A Chance" by CFO$ begins to play over the PA system, and out through the curtains walks Neal Durden, followed closely by Lowri Moss, each of them with their titles wrapped around their waists. The Welsh duo stand side by side on the stage for a moment, surveying the crowd, before they make their way towards the ring, with Neal leading the way.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 320 pounds! They are the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions! They are the team of Lowri Moss and Neal Durden… PENDRAGON!

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

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine and Cordy Stevenson aren’t the only ones looking to make history here tonight, Stephy. If Pendragon successfully retain their titles, they will tie their former rivals, The Chaotics, for most successful tag title defenses!

Stephy Auger: Great, this is just another way for that fivehead Lowri Moss to try and stick it to Ashlyn De Luca.

Kris Cruise: With this run that Pendragon has been on as World Tag Champions, they’ve established themselves as not just arguably the best tag team in the industry, but they’re one of best in this company’s history. Another win here tonight, especially over a team like Fujiko and Cordy, will go a long way in cementing their legacy.

Seth Iser: It’d be more of an exclamation point to the end of their sentence to get the next group of people noticing rather than the sentence itself. They’ve put in the miles, they’ve put in the work, and they have that trust.

The bell sounds as Moss and Fujiko remain in the ring to start things off for their respective sides. After circling the ring, both champions meet up in the center and engage in a collar-and-elbow tie up. After jockeying for position, the FGA World Champion gains the advantage with a side headlock. Fujiko starts to clamp down on the hold until she gets shoved off into the ropes. After coming back off the ropes, Fujiko gets knocked down with a standing shoulder block. Moss then turns and heads off into the ropes. When she returns, Fujiko rushes back to her feet, only to get knocked back down with a running shoulder block. Moss then turns and heads into another set of ropes. After the double champion comes back, she returns Fujiko back to the canvas with yet another shoulder block. Moss then takes off into the last set of ropes. As Moss returns, Fujiko gets back to her feet with a kip up before leapfrogging over her. Moss then continues to run the ropes. When Moss comes back, Fujiko goes for a hip toss. It gets denied when Moss steps through and tries to muscle Fujiko up for a hip toss of her own. But that attempt gets blocked before Fujiko steps over and chucks Moss over the top rope and to the floor with a hip toss!

Kris Cruise: Moss just took a hard fall to the outside! She’ll be feeling that one in the morning.

Seth Iser: It’s about three feet above the floor when you’re standing in the ring. When you take a spill to the outside it’s one of those accumulative things in both a match and a career, especially if you land bad.

The referee quickly heads to the outside and checks on Moss. The reigning Pride Champion can be seen favoring her lower back. Back inside, Fujiko heads across the ring and peeks over the top rope to take a look at her. As Moss starts to stir on the floor, Fujiko begins bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko looks like she’s ready for a dive to the outside.

When she sees Moss starting to slowly pick herself back up off the floor, Fujiko turns and takes off into the far ropes. The Apex Goddess comes off the far ropes, runs back across the ring and motions for a dive… only to kick her foot off the middle ropes, twirls through the air and land in her trademark superhero pose.

Stephy Auger: Showoff!

Seth Iser: That’s a dangerous game. Can’t be doing taunts like that too much or people will want that much more to knock her off her perch.

Fujiko stays posed on her knees until she darts across the ring and executes a baseball slide into a headscissors takedown! Fujiko gets back to her feet before climbing up onto the middle ropes. She looks back and sees Moss starting to pull herself back up. Once Moss is back to her feet, the crowd cheers when Fujiko knocks her down with an Asai Moonsault!

Kris Cruise: The Asai Moonsault finds its mark and Lowri goes down!

Seth Iser: Aerial combination.

Fujiko rolls back inside, gets to her and feet and makes the tag out to Cordy Stevenson. Stevenson immediately starts to climb the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Cordy’s wasting no time. She wants those tag titles!

Seth Iser: And the pay and glory that come with it.

Stevenson couches down on the top turnbuckle as she waits for Moss to get in position. As soon as Moon gets back to her feet, Stevenson stands up, flips off and knocks her down with a skytwister plancha!

Kris Cruise: The high-risk pays off for the International Champion!

Seth Iser: I think Southwest Airlines is envious of the flyer milage racked up.

Stevenson takes Moss and rolls her back inside. She quickly rolls herself back in before making the cover.

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

Stevenson takes Moss, moves her into her team’s corner and delivers several knife edge chops before tagging Fujiko back in. Fujiko then slingshots herself into the ring before firing off multiple forearm strikes to the face. She then doubles Moss over with a shoulder thrust to the midsection before tagging Stevenson back in. Stevenson hops back in through the ropes, stands Moss up in the corner and delivers four shoot kicks to the chest before catching her with The Foot Fetish (jumping back kick)! The kicks causes Moss’ head to snap back before she plops down in the corner. Stevenson is shown backing up away just past the center point of the ring. She then lines Moss up before running across the ring, leaping into the air and catching her with a hesitation dropkick! Fujiko is then tagged back in. Stevenson takes Moss and hangs her in the Tree of Woe before Fujiko scales the turnbuckles. Stevenson then stands back, grabs Moss by the wrists and holds her up slightly. After Fujiko climbs to the top, she leaps off before knocking Moss down with a diving double foot stomp! Stevenson heads back out to the apron while Fujiko makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Cordy with a nearfall. I have to say, but her and Fujiko have been all over Moss since the opening bell.

Stephy Auger: They’re keeping Moss all the way on their side of the ring. They’re making frequent tags. There’s very little showboating going on. Neither of them is playing up to these idiots in the crowd. They are staying right on top of Moss.

Seth Iser: And it might make Neal a ticking timebomb.

Fujiko tags Stevenson back in. Once Cordy hops back into the ring, her and Fujiko take Moss and whip her into the far ropes. Neal Durden desperately reaches over to make the tag with his right hand while hanging onto the tag rope with his left. But Moss is just out of reach. When Moss returns, Fujiko & Cordy knock her down with a double dropkick! Fujiko and Cordy pull Moss back up before whipping her into another set of ropes. On the return, they set up for a double back body drop. Instead, Moss slams on the brakes and catches Cordy with a kick that knocks her upright. Fujiko then stands up and throws out a kick to the midsection. As soon as Moss catches her foot, Fujiko throws out an enzuigiri to counter. But Moss ducks, causing Cordy to get caught with the kick! Cordy goes down! Moss then quickly grabs Fujiko from behind before throwing her down with a German Suplex! With the challengers down, Moss forward forward, leaps towards the Pendragon corner and tags Durden in!

Kris Cruise: Neal’s finally in!

Durden springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Stevenson down with a diving knee strike! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.

Kris Cruise: No!

Seth Iser: That might not win a match but it’s going to make Cordy check her mouth to make sure she has all her teeth.

Stevenson kicks out.

Durden sets up for an irish whip when Stevenson reverses, sending him into the ropes. Stevenson goes to catch Durden off the rebound with The Foot Fetish, but Durden slides underneath the strike. When Stevenson turns around, Durden rushes back over and takes down the champion with a Sling Blade! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stevenson kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Two quick near falls there for Durden! He isn’t wasting any time since becoming the legal man.

Stephy Auger: He’s trying to turn this match around for his team.

Seth Iser: What do you mean trying? The ticking time bomb has exploded and flipped momentum.

Stevenson reverses another irish whip, sending Durden back into the ropes. When Durden returns, Stevenson tries to catch him with a knee to the midsection. But Durden’s able to flip over the knee and reverse into a schoolboy transitioned into a powerbomb!

Kris Cruise: What a move by Neal! This could be enough for three...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fujiko dives over and breaks up the pin!

Kris Cruise: Timely save by the World Champion!

Seth Iser: That kind of blow to the back of your head with that powerbomb can disorient you. She had to come in at that point to be sure.

Fujiko takes Durden and whips him into the ropes. When Durden comes back, Fujiko goes for a leapfrog until Durden stops and catches her across his shoulders on the way down!

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

Stephy Auger: Look at this!

Durden positions Fujiko for Nirvana’s Fall (Fireman Carry into an Overhead Kick) when Fujiko starts countering with elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Fujiko gains control of Durden’s back. She keeps control of the back until he returns the favor with back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Durden catches Fujiko with a ripcord knee strike! The strike sends Fujiko staggers backwards into Moss, who throws her down with another German Suplex!

Before Durden can turn around, Stevenson takes him down from behind with a leaping reverse bulldog! Cordy then takes off into the ropes, comes back and executes a rolling senton! Stevenson goes to follow up with a moonsault double knee drop. She misses! Durden rolls out of the way, causing Stevenson to land right on her knees!

Kris Cruise: Cordy missed that moonsault knee drop big time!

Stephy Auger: Durden rolled right out of the way and Stevenson landed on her knees hard. That’s going to slow her down for the time being.

Seth Iser: If I’m Pendragon, I’d be all over that knee after that after a fall like that even if that wasn’t in the original gameplan.

Durden pulls Stevenson back up, scoops her up from the side and throws her down with an Olympic Slam! As Stevenson slowly rolls to the outside, Durden heads over towards Moss and starts pointing out where their challengers are on the outside. Moss then nods as she makes her way back out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Durden was directing traffic in there. What does he have in mind?

Stephy Auger: Whatever it is, it better pay off for else Fujiko and Cordy are going to regain control of this match!

Durden looks out and sees both Stevenson and Fujiko starting to pick themselves up on the floor. After Moss has scaled to the top turnbuckle, Durden takes off into the corner. Gasps are heard when Moss flips off the top just before Durden flips over the top turnbuckle! The crowd responds with cheers and applause when Moss takes out Cordy with a moonsault while Durden knocks Fujiko down with a somersault plancha!!!

Seth Iser: Damn near in stereo! What the hell!?

Kris Cruise: Good Lord! Bodies are flipping and flying everywhere!

Moss rolls Stevenson back inside before Durden rolls himself back in. He then heads over into the Pendragon corner before tagging in Moss. Pendragon begin to take control of Stevenson before bringing her down with a double hip toss off an irish whip rebound. Moss then feeds her leg to Durden before he helps her deliver an assisted standing moonsault! She hooks the leg…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stevenson gets her shoulder.

Moss tags Durden back in. After Pendragon catch Stevenson off the rebound with a double dropkick, Durden runs into the far ropes. When he returns, Moss executes a hip toss, sending Durden down across Stevenson with a front flip senton! Durden reaches over and hooks the near leg for the cover.

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

Moss gets tagged back in. Durden heads over, lifts Stevenson up and executes a Helicopter Spin before dropping her down with a gutbuster. He keeps Stevenson held in place across his knee until Moss runs over and executes a corkscrew neckbreaker! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

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

Seth Iser: Not quite yet.

Kris Cruise: Another close call there for Cordy!

Stephy Auger: Too close!

Kris Cruise: Pendragon have really turned things around after being dominated by Fujiko and Cordy in the opening minutes of this match.

Moss picks up Stevenson and nails her with a knife edge chop. Stevenson answers back with a chop of her own. Moss then nails Stevenson with a European Uppercut! Stevenson answers back with a forearm strike! After winding up on the receiving end of another European Uppercut, Stevenson staggers back. She then shake sit off, heads back over to Moss and connects with two forearm strikes! Cordy then catches Moss with a second pair of forearms! She motions for a third pair until Moss grabs her and cracks her with a headbutt! Moss is quick to follow up with a second headbutt! The Pride Champion takes a couple of steps back, then rushes forward and catches Stevenson with a bicycle knee strike that drops her down to a knee! With Stevenson dazed, Moss takes off into the ropes, comes back and flattens her with a Shining Wizard! Instead of going for the cover, Moss pulls her up into a standing headscissors, lifts her up and then plants her with a cradle piledriver! The cheers continue as Moss makes the cover.

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

Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Cordy got the shoulder up just in time! You just know that Savannah Taylor was somewhere in the back cheering on those attacks to Cordy’s head.

Stephy Auger: Why wouldn’t she? The more damage Cordy takes here tonight, the easier it will be for Savannah to get her International Title back at Only the Strong Survive. Which she will, by the way!

Seth Iser: I wonder more if Savannah might go after the knee instead after seeing how Cordy crashed and burned earlier in an attempt to neutralize a decent portion of her offense.

Moss heads over and tags Durden back in. Pendragon then take Stevenson and move her into the near corner before a double irish whip sends her into the far corner. Moss heads across the ring and catches Cordy with a running European Uppercut before taking a few steps back. On cue, Durden runs across the ring, Moss goes to launch Durden into Stevenson with an assisted dropkick when Stevenson dives out of the way! The crowd gasps when Durden crashing into the corner!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Stephy Auger: OH YEAH!

Seth Iser: Oh there was no water in the pool...

Moss checks on Durden before zeroing in on Cordy. After Cordy struggles to pull herself back up using the ropes, she turns around sees Moss charging her way. Moss sets up for a clothesline when Stevenson ducks and dumps her over the top rope, sending her tumbling to the outside. Stevenson starts to slowly stagger across the ring towards her corner. The International Champion continues to make progress until Durden runs over and tackles her down from behind! Durden then pulls Stevenson up by the back of her tights. After taking control of her back, Durden dazes her with a ripcord knee strike! He then takes off towards the ropes, bounces back and goes for a handspring back elbow. He gets countered! Stevenson connects with The Foot Fetish to the back of the head, knocking him down! The International Champion then pulls Durden up to his knees before planting him with a Kneeling DDT! With Durden face down in the prone position, Stevenson slowly turns over onto her knees. As she crawls towards her team’s corner, Fujiko is seen climbing back up into their corner. The Apex Goddess reaches out for the tag. The capacity crowd is mostly behind Stevenson as she tries desperately to reach the corner. Saint Sexy reaches her arm out over towards her corner… and makes the tag!

Kris Cruise: The Apex Goddess is back in!

Stephy Auger: Gah! Neal had one job! One!

Seth Iser: I’m not complaining about this. More she does, the more tape there is to look at. Silver linings Stephy.

Stephy Auger: And the more there is for you to exploit when you beat her for the World Title!

Fujiko is quick to springboard onto the top turnbuckle. She remains crouched down as Durden picks himself up off the mat. The Apex Goddess then slowly rising to a standing position as she keeps her eyes locked on her opponent. The moment that Durden turns around, Fujiko flies off the ropes before knocking him down with a shotgun dropkick! Fujiko returns to her feet with a kip up before rushing over and landing on top of Durden with a running Shooting Star Press! Cheers continue as she hooks the leg...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Durden kicks out.

Fujiko sets up for an irish whip when Durden reverses, sending the champion towards the ropes. Fujiko uses her momentum to bounce off the ropes and catch Durden with a handspring rebound enzuigiri! The Apex Goddess then takes Durden and whips him towards the far ropes. Durden returns the favor by knocking Fujiko down with a handspring back elbow. He then takes Fujiko, delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko runs up to the top turnbuckle, backflips over the oncoming opponent and takes off into the far ropes. Instead of hitting the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick) when she comes back, the crowd cheers when Durden counters with a Sling Blade! He then pulls Fujiko up off the mat before scooping her up across his shoulders. Fujiko tries to fight her way out of the hold with elbows to the side of the head. But this time, Durden is able to weather the storm and fight through the blows! He then pushes Fujiko off his shoulders as he falls back to hit Nirvana’s Fall!

He gets blocked!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

On the way down, Fujiko’s able to catch Durden’s foot. She then takes his leg and throws it back, sending Durden rolling over onto his knees. Before Durden can return to a vertical base, Fujiko quickly darts over and spikes him with a basement hurricanrana! She goes for the lateral press.

Seth Iser: Damn, she read his book on that one.

Kris Cruise: OH! Right on his head! Fujiko’s got the cover…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Durden gets the shoulder up.

Fujiko takes Durden and moves him into the far corner. After being on the receiving end of multiple forearm strikes, Durden is whipped into the far corner. The World Champion rushes in to attack… and gets countered with a back elbow to the face. After stumbling back, Fujiko rushes back in to strike. This time, Durden turns her around with a boot to the face. Fujiko staggers forward before dropping down to a knee. She then shakes out the cobwebs as she tries to pick herself up off the mat. As soon as she’s back to a vertical base, Durden is right there to take control of her back. He then hoists her up for an Olympic Slam, only for Fujiko to slip down from behind and counter with The MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check)! Durden bounces off Fujiko’s knees before rolling across the ring.

Kris Cruise: What a counter from the World Champion!

Fujiko slowly turns over on all fours while Durden has slowly rolled out to the apron. As he slowly pulls himself up using the ropes, Fujiko marches over to attack. She aims for a shoulder trust through the ropes when Durden counters with a knee lift. With Fujiko doubled over and dazed, Durden grips the top rope with both hands. He motions for a slingshot maneuver back into the ring when Fujiko counters with a handstand kick mid-jump, knocking Durden back down to the apron. The Apex Goddess then makes her way out onto the apron with him. A blistering knife edge chop echoes throughout the venue. A second knife edge chop finds its mark. A third stinging chop produces a loud crack. After a boot to the midsection doubles Durden over, Fujiko pulls him into a front facelock before planting him with a DDT on the apron.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko planted Neal with a DDT on the apron! That’s the har-

Stephy Auger: IT’S THE HARDEST PART OF THE RING! Yes, we know!

Seth Iser: If I had a nickel every time that line was spouted by someone at the desk I could pay for my daughter’s college INCLUDING tuition.

Fujiko pulls Durden back to his feet before rolling him back inside the ring. She then rolls back in to make the cover.

ON!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

Durden gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Durden looked like he was down for the count after that DDT. But the tag champ had the wherewithal to get his foot on the bottom rope to break the pin.

Seth Iser: She should’ve taken that half of a second to pull him away from the ropes. It’s a small thing but it can add up.

As Fujiko slowly picks up Durden off the mat, he starts to hit her with wild rights and lefts. The blows to the body slow down the champion and allow Durden to get back to his feet. Durden continues to fight back with right hands to the face! One connects! Then a second! Followed by a third! Then a fou-NO! Fujiko swats the punch away and counters with a gamengiri, sending Durden stumbling backwards into the ropes. The Apex Goddess heads over, takes Durden by the wrist and sets up for an irish whip. He reverses! When Fujiko returns, she runs back across the ring before knocking Durden off his feet with the 4-Play! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Durden gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko takes Durden and whips him into the ropes. Instead of coming back, Durden hooks his arms around the top rope. So Fujiko rushes over to attack, only to get dumped over the top rope. When Durden turns around, he gets caught with a rope-assisted gamengiri that knocks him back. Fujiko then runs over towards the corner, races up to the top turnbuckle and dives off for another shotgun drop… only for Durden to step back and swat her down! He then lifts up both of her legs before flipping over into a jackknife pin!

Kris Cruise: Neal’s got her right here!

Stephy Auger: Quick count! Quick count!

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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T-NO!

Fujiko bridges up, turns and hooks both of Durden’s arms before bringing him down with a backslide pin!

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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TH-NO!

Durden slips out.

Before Durden can get up off his knees, the crowd cheers when Fujiko quickly latches onto his wrists before blasting him with Yount's 3000th Hit (Double wristlock knee to face)! Durden’s head snaps back before he crumbles to the mat! Fujiko goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Moss dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: What a save from Lowri!

Seth Iser: Timely read by a member of a team that’s been together for years.

Fujiko takes Durden and whips him into the ropes. The Apex Goddess catches him off the rebound with a sleeper, only for Durden to counter by pulling her down into a sitout jawbreaker!

Kris Cruise: Durden’s free!

Stephy Auger: He needs to get off his backside and make the tag out to Moss!

Seth Iser: Hell, they both might need a tag with how frenetic the pace has been from the start.

Fujiko drops down to a knee as she holds her jaw. Meanwhile, Durden turns over into the prone position and starts to crawl towards the Pendragon corner. Moss is seen slapping the top turnbuckle over and over before sticking her arm out for the tag. Durden continues to pull himself across the ring until Fujiko dives over and latches onto his legs! Fujiko wraps her arms tightly around Durden’s leg, which stops him dead in his tracks! Durden tries to push himself forward with Fujiko attached to him, but it’s to no avail. Durden then reaches back before hammering Fujiko with hammer fists to the top of the head. Durden continues the wild strikes as he desperately tries to free himself. After the last strike, Fujiko’s grip is broken! Durden then pushes himself up onto all fours before crawling into the pendragon corner and tagging Moss back in!

Kris Cruise: Here comes Lowri!

The Pride Champion rushes over and knocks Fujiko down with a dropsault! She goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Fujiko gets the shoulder up.

Moss takes Fujiko and whips her into the far corner before rushing in and connecting with a European Uppercut! From there, Moss amps up her attack with the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! The double champion then takes off into the far ropes before coming back and catching Fujiko with Just for kicks (Running big boot to a cornered opponent followed by a running Facewash)! Moss grabs Fujiko by the hair and pulls her up out of the corner before once again taking control of her back. Moss then throws Fujiko down with a third German Suplex.

No!

Fujiko rotates and lands on her feet. As Moss gets back to her feet, Fujiko rushes over before knocking Moss off her feet with the 4-Play!

Kris Cruise: Moss got caught right in the face!

Stephy Auger: Good!

Seth Iser: Fujiko would be wise to make a tag here.

With Moss splayed out of the mat, Fujiko turns over and starts to crawl towards her corner. Stevenson is seen waving Fujiko over towards their corner before holding her arm out for the tag. Fujiko looks over and gauges the distance between her and Cordy. The Apex Goddess the leaps forward… and makes the tag!

Kris Cruise: The tag is good! Cordy’s back in!

Stevenson rushes into the ring and knocks Moss down with a pair of drop kicks. After an irish whip sends Moss off into the far ropes, Stevenson knocks her down with a spinning heel kick. Stevenson pulls Moss and sets her up for a DDT when Moss runs forward and rams her back-first into the corner. Moss then takes off into the far ropes. On the way back, Moss throws out a running big boot. But Stevenson catches her foot, swings the leg away from her an takes control of her back. She has Moss set up for a German Suplex until Moss counters with a back elbow to the face. She then performs a standing switch before throwing Stevenson into the corner with a German Suplex!

While Stevenson is curled up on the mat, Moss staggers over and tags Durden back in. Pendragon then bring Stevenson back over towards the center of the ring before bringing her down with a reverse STO/enzuigiri combination! Durden makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Durden heads over and tags Moss back in. After whipping Stevenson into the far corner, Durden rushes over and blasts her with a running arched big boot! Moss then charges over into the corner before Durden throws her into Stevenson with an assisted dropkick! Stevenson is then pulled from out of the corner before Moss doubled her over with a boot to the midsection. Moss pulled her into a standing headscissors before lifting her up and planting her with a second cradle piledriver! She goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Stevenson gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another close call there for the International Champion!

Stephy Auger: How much more can she take?

Seth Iser: Pendragon is intent on finding out to keep the proof of being the best tag team in the world.

Moss takes Stevenson and whips her into the ropes She goes to catch Stevenson off the rebound with the Breuddwydion Melus (Superkick) when Stevenson catches her foot. She then swings Moss’ leg away from her. After Moss spins around, Stevenson moves in for an attack when Moss stops her with a Scorpion Kick. She quickly follows up with a bicycle knee strike before executing a double leg pickup and ramming Stevenson back-first into the corner. From there, Moss unleashes the Scarlet Barrage before turning Stevenson around and catching her with a European Uppercut across the back of the neck. She then sits Stevenson up on the top turnbuckle before climbing up to the middle ropes. She sets up for a German Superplex when Stevenson stops her with a back elbow to the face. A second back elbow connects. Stevenson fires off two more elbows, which breaks the rear waistlock. She then connects with a fifth elbow to the face before Moss answers back with a clubbing strike across the back of the neck. After Moss delivers a headbutt to the back of the neck, she follows up with another European Uppercut. The crowd gasps when Moss steps up onto the top ropes.

Kris Cruise: I don’t know if this is wise.

Stephy Auger: Me, either.

Seth Iser: And you YELLED at me about doing something like this Kris.

Moss goes and reapplies the rear waistlock before pulling Stevenson up onto the top turnbuckle! Stevenson shakes her head ‘no,’ as do members of the crowd. But Moss nods her head ‘yes’ before chucking her over her head! Both grapplers crash to the mat with Stevenson on the receiving end of a German Suplex from off top!!!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

Stephy Auger: HOLY--

Seth Iser: Lowri needs to make the cover now! I don’t know if Fujiko recovered enough to try a save.

Moss is met with cheers and applause as she slowly turns over and drapes her arm across Cordy for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Stevenson gets the shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How did she survive that!?

Seth Iser: Speaking from experience when you get hit like that, stubbornness.

Moss gets back to her feet before rushing over and knocking Fujiko off the apron. She then picks up Cordy, brings her over into the Pendragon corner and tags Durden back in before throwing her down with a scoop slam. After Durden sits down on the top rope, Moss climbs he ropes.

Kris Cruise: Pendragon is looking to finish this one off right here...

Once Moss gets to the top, Pendragon goes for an Aided Hurricanrana Somersault Leg Drop on Stevenson. But as Durden is on the way down, Stevenson rolls out of the way, causing Durden to hit nothing but canvas! Durden remains in the seated position while he clutches his leg.

Kris Cruise: Cordy rolled out of the way!

Seth Iser: No reward for that high risk.

Moss checks on Durden before zeroing in on Stevenson. Once Stevenson has pulled herself back to her feet, Moss rushes in for an attack. She’s about to strike when Stevenson ducks and dumps her over the top rope and to the floor. Stevenson immediately drops down to all fours.

Stephy Auger: Cordy looks hurt here!

Seth Iser: Watch the world champ.

As Moss picks herself up on the outside, Fujiko slides back inside before rushing across the ring, launching herself off Stevenson’s back and knocking down Moss with a corkscrew plancha to the outside!

Kris Cruise: The Apex Goddess just used Cordy’s back as a launch pad to take out Lowri on the outside!

Seth Iser: And that might be part of a plan. I think it’s going to be one on one for a little bit after that.

While Fujiko and Moss remain sprawled out on the floor, Stevenson heads over and pulls Durden off the mat. The International Champion starts to fire off multiple forearm strikes before blasting him with a Rolling Elbow. A second Rolling Elbow connects, which drops Durden down to a knee! Stevenson then takes off into the far ropes before coming back and flattening him with The Friendzone (Flying hip attack to the head of a kneeling opponent)! She goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

The crowd cheers when Durden gets the shoulder up.

Durden is whipped into the far ropes. On the return, Stevenson spikes him on his head before flattening him to complete The Love Connection (A Frankensteiner, followed up with a shining wizard)! The cheers continue as she goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Durden is met with applause when he gets his shoulder up.

Stevenson takes Durden and whips him hard into the corner. Durden barrels across the ring before crashing sternum-first into the far corner. He collides with the turnbuckle so hard that there’s a loud CLANG upon impact. Durden clutches his chest with his hand as he slowly stumbles back.

Kris Cruise: Durden might be having trouble breathing here! This isn’t good!

Seth Iser: His asthma and this frenetic pace aren’t the best combination and there’s no chance for a tag anytime soon.

Durden continues to stumble back before being brought down with a reverse leaping bulldog! The cheers continue when Stevenson follows up with a moonsault double knee drop right across his chest! She goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Durden gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Durden is showing some heart right here after kicking out of that!

Durden continues to favor his chest as Stevenson returns to her feet. She points to the far ropes before waving her arms up and down.

Kris Cruise: This crowd is solidly behind Cordy! We could be on the verge of crowning new champions!

Stevenson reaches down and slowly pulls Durden back to his feet. With Durden still favoring his chest, Stevenson takes off towards the far ropes. She leaps up onto the middle ropes…






… leaps back to fit The Real is Back (Oscutter)...







… and gets countered with a modified Sling Blade from Durden! Just as she was about to grab onto him and pull him down with a cutter, Durden turned and brought her down with a lariat takedown!

Stephy Auger: What!?

Kris Cruise: What a counter from Neal Durden!

Seth Iser: That lariat felt like one from Puerto Rico. Absolutely brutal.

Durden slowly rolls over onto his back and hooks the near leg for the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Stevenson gets her shoulder up.

Durden slowly Stevenson up off the mat before quickly scooping her up across his shoulders! He’s got her set up for Nirvana’s Fall when Stevenson counters with an elbow to the side of the head. She then slips down from behind before knocking Durden down to a knee after a Rolling Elbow across the back of the head! Durden remains dazed while Stevenson exits out to the apron. The crowd begins to get to their feet as she climbs the turnbuckles. Just as Stevenson gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Durden rushes into the corner, races up to the middle ropes and catches her with a forearm to the face! After a second forearm, Durden turns and lifts Stevenson up across his shoulders! Stevenson tries to fight her way out of the hold with elbows to the head. Before Durden fights through the blows. The crowd gasps as he jumps off the middle ropes…








…pushes Stevenson off his shoulders…








… and catches her on the way down with Nirvana’s Fall! The crowd explodes with cheers over the move being hit!

Kris Cruise: Nirvana’s Fall off the second rope! That’s it! It’s over!

Stephy Auger: The champions are about to retain!

Seth Iser: Hook of the leg!

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
THREE!





NO!

Fujiko flies from out of nowhere into the picture and breaks up the pin! The save is met with cheers and applause from the crowd!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine with the save of all saves there!

Seth Iser: After not seeing FGA wrestling for several months I doubt this crowd wants this match to end.

Fujiko takes Durden and goes for an irish whip. But she’s reversed! Instead of bouncing off the ropes, Moss reaches in and yanks her down to the mat before dragging her to the outside. Back in the ring, Durden goes over, pulls Stevenson back to her feet and lifts her up onto his shoulders. He waists little time as he immediately brings Stevenson down with a second Nirvana’s Fall! He goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then applauds when Stevenson gets the shoulder up just in time.

Stephy Auger: What? What!?

Kris Cruise: That should have been in right there! That should have put Cordy Stevenson away! What does he have to do?

Seth Iser: Use it to hit one more big offensive move.

Durden doesn’t protest the count. Instead, he immediately leaps to his feet before hopping out to the apron. He climbs the turnbuckles with purpose as he’s set on making it to the top. One there, Durden slowly stands up out of a crouched position. He raises his arms in the air before flipping off… and crashing down across Stevenson with the Starlight (Shooting Star Press)!!! He hooks the leg…

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as "Take A Chance" blasts over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… aaaaaaaand STILLLLL the FGA World Tag Team Champions, PENDRAGON!

The referee kneels down and raises Durden's arm before hanging him his half of the tag titles. An exhausted Durden lays on the mat.

Kris Cruise: Pendragon has done it! Pendragon has done it! Neal Durden has pinned Cordy Stevenson to retain the World Tag Team Titles for Pendragon!

Seth Iser: He’s been a man possessed since the Wildcard Tournament, Kris. Dare I say he might have taken what I pulled personally and has used that to motivate him.

Moss crawls over and hugs Durden before helping him back to his feet. Pendragon are then met with applause as they raise their World Tag Title belts.

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, we've just witnessed a tremendous night of action that was capped off by an amazing tag team main event! Pendragon continue to prove themselves as one of the best tag teams in FGA history! But is their time as World Tag Team Champions running out!? Will it be the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad that leaves Only the Strong Survive with both sets of tag titles!?

Stephy Auger: Will Seth Iser leave the pay per view with the World Championship?

Kris Cruise: I know what our guest commentator over there would say. But we'll find out the answer to those questions, and many more, live on pay per view at Only the Strong Survive. For Stephy Auger and our guest commentator for tonight's main event, Seth Iser, I'm Kris Cruise. We'll see you back here in a couple of weeks for the next episode of Vertigo. Goodnight, everyone!