Vertigo E80

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

¡Uno!
¡Dos!
¡Tres!
¡Catorce!


Hello hello
(Hola)
I'm at a place called Vertigo
(Donde esta?)
It's everything I wish I didn't know
Except you give me something
I can feel, feel


Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea, yea



Melrose Ballroom
Queens, NY

Our camera pans around the Melrose Ballroom. Despite the closed set, there are a small number of “fans” at ringside and some up in the balcony. Making up the “fans” are members of the ring crew, along with some wrestlers in the crowd. Some of the wrestlers are local talent. Some you’ve seen before. Others are unfamiliar to the FGA audience.

"Take A Chance" by CFO$ plays over the PA system, instantly creating a buzz amongst those present inside Melrose Ballroom, and the cheers increase in volume when Neal Durden walks out through the curtains, followed closely by Lowri Moss. Dressed casually, with the World tag titles over their respective right shoulders, and with the Pride Championship around Lowri's waist, the Welsh tandem stand side by side on the stage for a moment, smiling as they survey the crowd, savouring the reception.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the FGA World Tag Team Champions, Neal Durden and the FGA Pride Champion, Lowri Moss… PEENNNNDRAAAAGON!

They make their way along the ramp, towards the ring, with Neal leading the way, although amidst the current circumstances, there is no slapping of hands with any of the fans on either side of the aisle, as would normally have been the case.

Kris Cruise: In the main event of our last show, Neal Durden and Lowri Moss successfully defended the World tag team titles against the team of Fujiko Mine and Cordy Stevenson. Fujiko and Cordy had of course previously managed to pull out a win against Pendragon in a non-title match, but second time round, with the titles on the line, Neal and Lowri showed exactly why they have been the champions for as long as they have, reaffirming their position in the tag team division here in FGA.

Stephy Auger: The only positive about that result is that it meant we didn’t get the return of Fuji 2 Belts!

After climbing the steps and entering the ring, Lowri heads for one of the corners, climbs to the second rope and gestures to the fans watching, both in the venue and at home, by making the ILY sign with her right hand, while Neal simply stands in the middle of the ring with his index finger up and a smirk on his face.

Kris Cruise: With their victory over Fujiko and Cordy, Pendragon tied the record for the most successful tag title defenses, which was set previously by The Chaotics, and as we head towards Only the Strong Survive, you have to think that they must now have their sights set on going one better, and claiming the record outright.

Stephy Auger: That’s not going to happen, Cruise! Sure, Pendragon have had a good run as champions, I’ll give them that, but in eight days’ time, that run is going to come to an end.

Lowri goes to collect a pair of microphones, one of which she hands to Neal, and as their music fades out, they glance around at the fans that are in attendance, basking in their cheers.

Lowri Moss: What’s occurring, Queens?

The customary cheap pop follows that greeting from Lowri, although due to there of course only being a limited number of people inside the building, it is not as loud a pop as it typically would be.

Lowri Moss: Alright, so, the last time that Neal and I stood inside this ring was of course at the end of the last show, as we proudly held aloft our World tag titles, after having successfully defended them in the main event against Cordy Stevenson and Fujiko Mine. Now, going into that match, we knew exactly how difficult it was going to be for us. We were up against two of the very best to have ever set foot inside an FGA ring, with Cordy already being in the Hall of Fame, while Fujiko is no doubt sure to join her there as well one day. And not only are they two great singles competitors, but they had shown just how well they could work together-- just how formidable a team they could make-- when they managed to defeat us in a non-title match.

Lowri pauses briefly to take a breath, before continuing.

Lowri Moss: Besides myself, Cordy and Fujiko are the only grapplers to have ever been a double champion in FGA, and I know they were both keen to replicate what I accomplished earlier this year, by becoming a double champion for a second time. However, for Neal and I… while I still maintain that the loss we suffered in our first match with Cordy and Fujiko shouldn’t be considered an upset, we were both determined to show that it was just a blip, a one-off, and that as far as the tag team division here in FGA is concerned, we are still the team to beat-- and that’s exactly what we did. We didn’t have it all our own way, nor did we expect to, and I’m sure there were at least a couple of occasions during the match where everyone watching thought they were about to see new World Tag Team Champions crowned, but ultimately, we showed why we have held these titles for as long as we have, as we reaffirmed our position as the number one team in this company.

Neal nods at everything Lowri has just said and swings the microphone a bit, as he walks towards the ropes and begins to talk.

Neal Durden: Two shows ago I was the one counting the lights above my head; I said to myself, I wouldn’t let that happen twice and on the last outing, I was a man with few words to say. I wanted to defend these titles more than anything. There were three primary reasons for that; number one… what would it say about the FGA tag team division if -- arguably -- its best team was beaten twice in a row and stripped of their titles by two -- albeit great -- singles wrestlers?

Neal gives a look towards Lowri as he continues.

Neal Durden: Number two… was a more selfish reason and it was the fact that I was the one looking at the lights after our last match. It was that I was proven to be the weak link and I’ve been trying to get rid of that stigma for the past two years. I needed to win, I needed to be the one that made it so… or I wouldn’t be able to continue forward.

Neal lets out a sigh as he changes the microphone to his left hand and raises his right with three fingers up, as he continues.

Neal Durden: Number three...

Neal raised up his head and smirked.

Neal Durden: It wouldn’t be fair for the title match at Only the Strong Survive if suddenly one of the pieces was changed.

Neal shrugged and let out a light chuckle as Lowri picked it up.

Lowri Moss: So… that was what happened last time out, but now, looking ahead to what's to come here later tonight… well, I'm going to be in a non-title, champion versus champion match, against Ace Voltage.

The fans jeer the mention of the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Lowri Moss: I'm looking forward to knocking him down a peg or two, I can assure you. And then, in the main event, a certain someone--

If it is not already obvious who she is referring to, Lowri points towards Neal with her free hand.

Lowri Moss: Has a chance to join me as a double champion, when he faces Cordy again, but this time in a singles match, with the International Heavyweight Championship on the line.

Almost as if he transformed Neal rapidly ran his left hand over his head, scrambling his head and looking a bit more… detached.

Neal Durden: The King of Failure, ladies and gentlemen. Cordy, I’ve got nothing against you. To be honest, it took me by surprise to even have this match tonight against you. I wasn’t expecting an opportunity such as this and to be honest I don’t even think I deserve it. Hell, look at my track record… always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

Neal put the tag belt on the mat, freeing both of his arms.

Neal Durden: Many have said I’ve been on a tear as of late… many have argued that I’ve had the best run of my career this past year. Ironic that as soon as things start winding down, I start finding the success I wanted from day one.

Smirking, Neal simply shrugs and continues talking.

Neal Durden: I respect you, Cordy. I know that you’re more than capable of winning this match nine times out of ten. There’s a reason you’re in the FGA Hall of Fame already and I’m just a pretender. I know there are forces out in the shadows lurking, that could undoubtedly play a factor in this match-up. Yet, tonight you’ll be facing The King of Failure, as I said. You’ll be facing the Neal Durden that has nothing to lose and nothing else to prove. So be ready, because I’ll be looking to be that One out of Ten tonight.

Picking up the belt from the mat, Neal leaves the word for Lowri to continue.

Lowri Moss: Yeah, by the end of tonight, a major change may very well have to be made to the card for Only the Strong Survive. However, one match we already both know for certain that we're going to be involved in at Only the Strong Survive, is the three-way tag team match between ourselves, Silk & Cyanide--

There are loud boos from the crowd.

Lowri Moss: And the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad.

The boos are then replaced by cheers.

Lowri Moss: It’s a match in which, for the first time, both the FGA World tag titles and the United States tag titles will be at stake. But while Neal and I are heading into that match as still the World Tag Team Champions, on the back of a record-equalling defence, there are now of course new holders of the US tag titles.

There are further cheers and applause from the fans, well aware who Lowri is referring to.

Lowri Moss: And on that note, we would now like to invite the new United States Tag Team Champions, the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad, to join us out here in the ring.

There’s a bit of a pause and a murmur from the fans before the music starts to pick up. Rather than the usual theme, the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad are heralded to the ring by the national anthem, blooming into full roar as the two of them burst through the curtain.

Kris Cruise: And there are our new United States Tag Team Champions.

Stephy Auger: Looks like they’re really getting into it.

The two of them come festooned in full American Flag regalia, a clear violation of US Flag code. And just in case it wasn’t obnoxious enough, Ana has old glory hanging over her shoulder while Lisa Seldon comes wielding a very patriotic looking megaphone. The two of them march to the ring, clearly out for a good time.

Lowri Moss: Ana, Lisa, I guess the first thing for us to say to you both is simply… congratulations on winning the United States Tag Team Championship.

Neal applauds from behind Lowri, not saying anything, just standing there doing his thing.

Americanastatia Hayden: Thanks, but we’re trying not to overplay it.

The sound coming through the megaphone is miserable but they’re slaves to the bit.

Lowri Moss: Even after beating Silk & Cyanide, and taking the United States tag titles from them, I'm sure the two of you are still looking forward to getting another piece of them in our match in eight days' time. And you know, after what happened back in March, at Grapple Kingdom, Neal and I are looking forward to finally having the opportunity to take our own pound of flesh. However, there’s another long-awaited opportunity that we’re also looking forward to finally receiving.

She exchanges a glance with Neal.

Lowri Moss: You see, while you two are the new United States Tag Team Champions, Neal and I, we were the inaugural champions. After our reign was abruptly ended though, when Silk & Cyanide stole the titles from us, getting on for two years ago, we never had the chance to regain what had been taken from us-- until now that is, and come Only the Strong Survive, we fully intend to be the team that are left standing tall, in possession of both sets of titles.

Finally, Neal breaks from whatever he was in and gets back into the swing of things, as he continues where Lowri left it.

Neal Durden: History will be made at Only the Strong Survive… again, selfish ol’ Neal doesn’t want to be on the wrong end of history. We believe we’re the BEST tag team in the world, not only for the amount of time we’ve been a team in an industry in which teams rarely last more than a few months… but also for the amount of success we’ve found together everywhere we’ve been. We’re keen on putting the debate to rest and leave OTSS as the BEST tag team in FGA’s history and the BEST tag team in the world right now.

Ana hands the speaker box off to Lisa.

Liberty Seldon: You know that’s great and we totally respect the intention. This is your house and you’ve done a lot of good work here. You should feel proud of that. You probably are the best team in FGA. But that’s it. You’re the best team here.

Beneath a big American top hat and some star spangled sunglasses, Lisa looks absurd, and though she sounds a little too comfortable, her words still land with conviction.

Liberty Seldon: And hey, that’s not nothing. I’ve seen what you’ve done elsewhere. You’re out there eating up miles and looking good doing it, but there’s a reason your pal Blaise stopped returning your calls.

The oohs and aahs ring around the building.

Liberty Seldon: You’re comparing yourself to the industry. You’re talking about half-baked teams thrown together because they were going nowhere on their own and you’re puffing your chest out because you’re the top team in a company which looked to have about two to speak of until we opened up the field. You want to talk about who the best team in the world is? Well we got done talking. We already are.

Unbeknownst to the two teams preoccupied with staring each other down, Silk & Cyanide have taken their time to silently slink into the ring and are looking decidedly unimpressed with the showing that has played out before them.

Sara Mason: Congratulations, you kept your self-aggrandising down to a mere fifteen minutes this time. So is anyone else allowed to speak now, or…?

Rather than bother finishing the sentence, Mason simply looks at Durden and Lowri with an expression that asks “...well?” - although when she inadvertently glances over towards the members of the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad the snark in her body language immediately vanishes and she looks more like a wolf that has not eaten in days when it has seen some competition for a piece of meat.

Returning her focus to the members of Pendragon, Mason regains a modicum of composure to her body language, while Mariani holds back, coldly looking at the four soon-to-be opponents sharing her immediate space

Sara Mason: But congratulations on being able to say that you have stepped into the ring against Fujiko Mine and coming out on the other side with a win, which is an achievement which so few people around her can claim they have gained in the past year, and it's certainly something that rightly needs to be celebrated.

There is a microscopic pause, and in that microscopic pause Mason’s faux congratulatory tone evaporates into dust and ashes

Sara Mason: Unless we do it. Then it's forgotten about because it doesn't fit the narrative because it’s inconvenient for anyone to admit that we set foot in the ring with this company’s precious little princess and left her in the ring with nothing.

The increasing raspiness and volume of Mason’s voice as she finishes making her point leads to Mariani taking over.

Erin Mariani: As I am sure you are capable of seeing, while you are creating the most intricate glass house for yourselves, you have spent so long constructing it that you cannot see that there are so many people ready and willing to cause the entire structure to come crashing down on top of you as it collapses under its own weight, something that can be done with the correct amount of pressure and precision until…

Mariani moves her index finger a barely perceptible amount, but enough that her point is made

Erin Mariani: There will be nothing in the wreckage that can be identified as what once stood there.

Cocking her head ever so slightly to one side, an ominous smile crosses Mariani’s lips

Erin Mariani: And don't for a moment think that I am referring to the structure which you had built.

Lisa and Ana share a look before Lisa lifts the speaker box to Ana’s mouth.

Americanastatia Hayden: That’s a lot of talking but you didn’t actually say anything. Just a lot of hot air.

Liberty Seldon: I don’t even know why these two losers are still in this match. The DDT3 winners, the US champs, the world champs. What are you putting up for grabs? The password to your Suicidegirls account?

For a moment Silk & Cyanide are silent, as if what was said has hurt them - that is until Mariani lets out a chilling laugh right in their faces

Erin Mariani: Of course, that’s what you want to believe, but have you ever considered that you are not in the position of strength you believe yourselves to be in, but in fact are in the worst position imaginable? Allow me to explain something to the two of you: you might think that you can celebrate now, but you would be doing so under the mistaken belief that your moment of good fortune will lead to a prosperous future. Well let me eliminate such thoughts from your minds, because the reality is that your future is going to involve the two of you begging to return those titles to us.

Initially Mariani holds eye contact with the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad to let them know that she means every last syllable of what she just said...until she slowly turns her head towards the members of Pendragon.

Erin Mariani: However…

Mariani looks at their titles and a truly malicious look spreads across her face as she begins to picture an alternative scenario

Erin Mariani: ...you may not be alone in that position.

Chuckling darkly to herself, Mariani narrows her eyes and grins in Pendragon’s faces.

Erin Mariani: After all, why focus on one prey when there is a larger, more delicious meal just waiting to be devoured that is walking right towards us? A larger, more delicious meal that has fattened itself up nicely such as…

Mariani does not finish her sentence, but she has no need to, because she has made it abundantly clear what she has on her mind regarding Pendragon’s titles and, indeed, their title reign.

Kris Cruise: This is a volatile situation we’ve got here between these three teams, Stephy. The Hellcats are looking to to finish what they started at Grapple Kingdom and beat Pendragon! Pendragon are looking to become US Tag Champions against while gaining closure to this battle with the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad! Silk & Cyanide feel they’ve been wronged by both parties and are out for revenge!

Stephy Auger: It all comes to a head at Only the Strong Survive. Three teams will enter. Two titles will be on the line. But there will only be one team that’s the winner! I can’t wait!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The cameras cut to the parking lot area where a Purple 2019 Audi R8 Coupe is seen pulling up into a parking spot. After a few moments, the car finally shuts off and the FGA International Heavyweight Champion, Cordelia Stevenson is seen getting out of the driver’s seat. She dips back in, reaching in and pulling a gym bag from the vehicle, as well as her International Heavyweight Championship. Nudging the door shut with her hips, the champ slings the title over her shoulder as she strides towards the arena with a purpose. All eyes seem to be on her as she walks, but her gaze is locked straight ahead of her as she seems to be in her own world. The usual smile often seen on her face is absent, instead there is a smoldering determination flickering in her eyes.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy?

So in the zone, Cordelia failed to recognize the Vertigo interviewer as she walked by, however hearing the familiar voice stops her in her tracks. She comes to a halt, slowly turning her head to glance behind her.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yes?

The response isn’t necessarily cold, but certainly it isn’t the bubbly one that Amanda was probably expecting.

Amanda Johnson: May I have a word?

Cordelia slowly pivots now to face Amanda.

Cordelia Stevenson: What’s up chica?

Pleased that Cordelia is taking the time to speak, Amanda flashes a bright smile and takes a deep breath.

Amanda Johnson: At the last Vertigo, you and the FGA World Champion Fujiko Mine took on the FGA World Tag Team Champions, Pendragon, in an amazing match that saw you two fall just short of becoming double champions. And tonight it seems, as a result of him getting the deciding fall over you, Neal Durden is getting a shot at your International Heavyweight Championship. What are your thoughts about that?

Cordelia furrows her brows and a look of confusion sweeps over her face.

Cordelia Stevenson: Wait, what? He’s getting a shot?

The confusion bug quickly catches hold of Amanda as she tilts her head and glances at Cordy curiously.

Amanda Johnson: Well, yes. Tonight, you’re scheduled to defend your International Heavyweight Championship against Neal Durden.

Cordelia cups her chin as if pondering.

Cordelia Stevenson: Tuh. Are you for real? You mean there’s actually going to be a match? Because I was under the impression that I was here for Neal’s victory party, I mean, the way that some people have been talking, you would think that this is already a foregone conclusion. Neal Durden will be your new International Heavyweight Champion!

Cordelia quickly drops the facade of aloofness and shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: Neal is an amazing competitor Amanda. He’s pound for pound one of the best wrestlers in the world who sadly enough often gets overlooked because his tag partner just also happens to be one of the best wrestlers in the world. Is he any less talented? Not at all. I honestly can’t tell you why the world seems to gravitate more towards Lowri Moss, but I know it definitely isn’t because Neal is deficient in talent. He shows that every single time that he steps in the ring. The passion in which he competes is hard to match and it shows. His love for the business shows. His love for what he does is evident in every single movement and I respect him more than you or anyone else could ever know. But to say that him winning tonight is a foregone conclusion?

She scoffs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah, that’s downright disrespectful. To me, my legacy, and the blood, sweat, and tears that I’ve shed, especially for this company. I’ve put in too much damn work to be slighted like that. Nah, it doesn’t sit right with me at all. To know the things I’ve done; to think of the heights I’ve climbed and to hear people talk as if I have absolutely no chance at winning? It’s a damn slap in the face, and quite honestly it pisses me off. So forgive me if I’m not exactly in the best of moods right now. Excuse me if you’re not seeing the smiles that you’re used to, or if my demeanor isn’t as friendly as it normally is. I’m just sick of the disrespect to be honest, and from people like James Edwards? Who is currently enjoying being a fan because he just wasn’t good enough to cut it as anything else here. Well we’re enjoying you being a fan too James, because that means we don’t have to suffer through seeing you on our damn screen every week with your ‘I don’t deserve a shot at this’ woe is me sob story.

Cordelia rolls her eyes now.

Cordelia Stevenson: THAT is who wants to downplay me and talk as if Neal has a simple walk in the park tonight? It’s clear some have forgotten just what Cordelia Stevenson is capable of or they never knew to begin with. Well I invite them all to take a close hard look tonight, and…

She slowly turns towards the camera, her face twisted into a snarl.

Cordelia Stevenson: … Get familiar.

Her words are venomous and Amanda Johnson is clearly taken back by Cordelia’s tone.

Amanda Johnson: Well someone who has also had a lot to say about you lately, is… Savann…

Before the name can even roll off of Amanda’s tongue, Cordelia holds up a finger and smirks.

Cordelia Stevenson: Oh, we’ll definitely get to her, but not right now, because I’ve got half of a Pendragon to slay. Neal deserves my undivided attention. If I have any intention of walking out of here as the FGA International Heavyweight Champion, then he NEEDS my undivided attention. Savannah will get it in due time. But that doesn’t happen if I don’t get the job done tonight, and I have every intention of seeing Savannah soon. So if you’ll excuse me, chica…

And with that said, Cordelia gives one final nod as she turns on her heels and continues on down the hall towards the locker room area.

[FGA Office]

The Saturnian Connection vs. Sarah Santa Monica & BiBi Bakersfield

A thick fog begins to consume the entranceway. The lights in the venue dim and multiple green-and-blue lasers illuminate the interior of the building with what appear to be starlight, giving its ceiling the look of a planetarium.

"Attention, all personnel, this is CBTS; phase vehicle pre-count operation will start on my mark in

FIVE.

FOUR.

THREE.

TWO.

ONE.”

Polaris’ “Hey Sandy” explodes across the PA system as the house lights explode to life, casting shades of blue and green across the venue. Rising from the fog, turning in a full circle, arms outstretched is Jillian Clay. She has a distant smile on her face, walking to the ring with an unfocused expression as thoughts swim behind her eyes, arms swaying at her sides. The camera rushes past her toward a second figure that emerges from the fog-- Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter, who looks right into the lens, saying clearly “I see you” before pushing the camera gently aside, walking alongside his partner to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, weighing in at a total combined weight of 289 pounds! They are the team of Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter and Jillian Clay, THE SATURNIAN CONNECTION!

Jillian Clay climbs up onto the apron and pauses, glancing out at the audience in the attendance. With a smile, Clay nods a bit to herself and climbs the turnbuckles, holding two fingers skyward, looking up until she closes her eyes for just a moment, muttering something to herself before stretching her arm back. Nando leaps up onto the apron, taking Jill’s hand as an assist before a second leap takes him over the ropes and into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents, already in the ring. They are the team of Sarah Santa Monica and Bibi Bakersfield, The Cali Krew!

Still maintaining the grip, Jill leaps down from the corner, hair falling around her face and there, finally their grip breaks. Nando walks to the far corner of the ring, leaning out, motioning directly to the camera that “I’m watching you” while Clay sways out-of-focus behind him, gaze steadily skyward.

Kris Cruise: The Saturnian Connection are trying to bounce back from their singles losses on the last episode of Vertigo. It was a month or so back when they defeated Ace Voltage and Cassius Reed in tag team action.

Stephy Auger: What happened after that? You said it yourself. Cassius reed pimp slapped Jillian Clay and Ace Voltage retained his title against Nando Fresno.

Kris Cruise: I wouldn’t say Cassius Reed “pimp slapped” anyone. But yes, he did get the win.

The match starts with Fresno and Bakersfield starting things off. Bakersfield goes to grab Fresno when the Alien Hunter rolls underneath. When Bakersfield turns around, she gets caught with a jab. Fresno connects with another snapping jab to the face before catching her with a European Uppercut. Fresno sets up for an irish whip when Bakersfield reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Fresno returns, he slides through Bakersfield’s legs. When Bakersfield turns around, she sees Fresno running past her into the ropes. When Fresno returns, he brings Bakersfield down with a running hurricanrana. The cheers continue as Fresno knocks her down with a dropkick. Bakersfield returns to her feet, only to get returned to the mat with another dropkick. Once Bakersfield is back to her feet, Fresno motions for another dropkick. Bakersfield holds his hands up to block to a dropkick to the head, only for Fresno to drop her down to a knee with a basement dropkick.

Fresno heads over and tags in Jillian Clay before taking off into the far ropes. The Alien Hunter comes back and flattens Bakersfield with a sliding knee before Clay follows up with a Lionsault! She hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Nice teamwork there by SatCon. I know the FGA audience is happy to see these two finally sign and join the ranks. Nando and Jillian have been competing as guests for a while now. But they just recently put pen to paper and signed their deals. This is another quality team that FGA will have within its tag ranks and I hear they’re looking for more.

Clay moves Bakersfield in the corner and hits a hook kick to the body before tagging Fresno back in. Fresno gets in and hits a hook kick to the body before tagging Clay back in. Clay steps back in through the ropes and hits another hook kick to the body. After tagging Fresno back in, The Saturnian Connection brings Bakersfield from out of the corner. The tag team executes a double arm wrench. After delivering two more arm wrenches, they hoist Bakersfield up for a double suplex lift into a double shoulder breaker! The cheers continue as Fresno makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: I’ve also been told that both Nando Fresno and Jillian Clay will be taking part in this year’s Gold Rush Rumble tournament. Talk about an opportunity for these two. Depending on the numbers they pick, I can see them working effectively to take out the competition.

Stephy Auger: Work together? It’s the Gold Rush Rumble! It’s every man for himself!

Kris Cruise: True, but who’s to say that SatCon won’t work together to make sure that they’re the last two left? The same could be said for Evan Envi and Kazu Hirano, Silk & Cyanide and Pendragon.

Clay gets tagged in before moving Bakersfield into the corner. After an irish whip sends her into the corner, Clay runs across the ring, connects with a step-up knee strike before bringing her out of the corner with a running somersault arm wringer! Bakersfield gets up on her knees as Clay heads off into the ropes. When she returns, she flattens her with a running cannonball! Clay heads back over before tagging Fresno back in. Clay pulls Bakersfield back to her feet, executes an arm wrench and feigns a short arm lariat. As soon as Clay ducks, Fresno knocks Bakersfield down with a discus elbow! Santa Monica marches over, spins Clay towards her and gets caught with a Koppu Kick for her troubles! Fresno then takes Santa Monica and tosses her through the ropes while Clay places Bakersfield in a standing Crossface Chickenwing. Fresno hits the ropes, comes back and hits the Polaris (Tornado Kick) before Clay immediately transitions into a Crossface Chickenwing Suplex! Fresno makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers as “Hey Sandy” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners, THE SATURNIAN CONNECTION!

[FGA Office]

We switch to the locker room of AAA where there is a huge argument going on between Ashley Marie Chase and Ashley Sands. Also here is Antoinette Sands who looks to be distraught at her friends yelling at each other

Ashley Sands: Go ahead Chase say it again! I dare you to call me Lesser Ashley again!

Ashley Marie Chase is nose to nose with Sands.

Ashley Marie Chase: Or what? What are you going to do about huh?

Antoinette Sands: Please stop this guys!

They pay her no attention as they continue arguing looking as if they are about to come to blows

Antoinette Sands: ENOUGH!! I SAID TO STOP!!!!

AMC and Sands stop arguing and look at Ant with utter shock on both there faces at the fact that Ant just yelled at the two of them.

Antoinette Sands: You two are supposed to be friends so start acting like it! I can’t believe you two have let Mark Bisley bring you to this.

Ashley Sands: But….

Ant does not let her finish

Antoinette Sands: But nothing! You two are friends and more than that you two have a history even before AAA don’t you?

Sands pauses for a moment, taking a step back.

Ashley Sands: Japan was pretty fun. I don’t think they were ready for a couple crazy gaijin girls to win those titles.

She stops again and looks at Ant with a raised finger.

Ashley Sands: Wait a minute. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you yell. I’m telling Ang’.

AMC snickers

Ashley Marie Chase: Ant is so getting in trouble now.

AMC and Sands both laugh as Ant looks like the cat that ate the canary. The moment only lasts for a short time as AMC goes back to her serious tone

Ashley Marie Chase: *sigh* Japan was fun. The Rise of the Ashley’s was starting. Too bad those days had to end .

Ashley Sands: See! You both still have things in common and good memories to boot! So you guys are best friends again right?

Ant smiles but it is obvious she doesn’t actually believe what she just said

Ashley Marie Chase: Doesn’t work that way Ant. I miss those Japan days since we were the best and could do no wrong over there. However like all things do things changed plus like they say "The Past Is The Past" .

Antoinette Sands: You mean A2A became AAA?

Ant smiles.

Ashley Sands: More of that was all years ago…. Years? Man that makes me feel old.

Sands shakes her head and sighs.

Ashley Sands: Point is things aren’t like they were before. A lot has gone on since then. Friends that I’ve known for as long as I’ve been wrestling stabbing each other in the back, the whole thing with what’s-his-face, it’s no wonder I have trust issues. Not everyone though. You guys were at my wedding, though Ant kind of didn’t have a choice. Just when things start to look like they’re changing and that book’s closed, WHAM!

Ant walks over and hugs Sands. MC appears as if she was going to say something but she chooses not to and instead leaves the room causing Sands to shake her head and Ant to look really sad as it is obvious there are still issues to be sorted out between them.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

THEY’RE COMING...

[FGA Office]

Our scene blinks from darkness into a world of color, revealing grainy video that captures the reigning United States Champion. Sadie San Francisco seems unaware of the camera as she paces back and forth in her dressing room, texting somebody with her eyes laser-focused on the screen. She’s already dressed to compete, save for her boots, which sit almost ceremoniously on the top shelf of the open locker, partially hidden behind the neatly-tucked FGA United States Championship.

Nando Fresno: So I hear you’re not doing interviews.

Nando’s voice comes from behind the camera. It doesn’t prompt any immediate reaction from the champion, but he continues.

Nando Fresno: Can Jill and I interview you?

Sadie stops, lowering the phone in a manner that suggests annoyance. Frustration. She opens her mouth to say something, but her eyes land on the lens of the handheld camera.

Sadie San Francisco: I mean. Why?

Nando Fresno: You’re already doing this backwards. I’m supposed to be the one asking questions.

Nando turns the camera on himself, revealing a self-amused grin, before turning the camera back on the exponentially less-impressed Sadie San Francisco. She looks at him-- looks toward the off-camera, Jill-- then back to Nando with a shrug before she resumes texting.

Sadie San Francisco: Go for it.

Wasting no time, Nando launch into his first question.

Nando Fresno: Last week you initiated your United States Title Open Challenge, but I bet you were a little surprised when Jaelynn Ramsey answered it. Did you get nervous out there during that match? Did you start to think… maybe after all this hype, she was gonna kill this whole thing off in your first attempt to defend it?

Sadie looks up from her phone and narrows her eyes at the alien hunter.

Sadie San Francisco: “All this hype”? Nando, you say it like I’ve been touting something that’s untrue. All I’ve done since FGA’s been back is tell everyone how long it’s taken to earn this championship. I’ve told everyone what I planned to do for it-- how I planned to put that title on a pedestal. Maybe people just wanna watch me wrestle. Maybe the idea of an open challenge-- a fighting champion-- is exciting to people.

Sadie’s eyes drift elsewhere, thoughtfully for a few seconds before she shrugs a bit.

Sadie San Francisco: Or maybe it’s the constant droning from Nina Stokes, badmouthing me… maybe people are confusing that with “hype.”

Nando Fresno: Glad you brought her up. I was trying to find a sensitive way to ask if you were thinking about spitting that mist in Jaelynn’s face last week. It looked scary for you out there.

Nando turns the camera briefly to Jillian Clay, who gives him a slightly amused look, before he turns the camera back to Sadie-- who unsurprisingly is less amused.

Sadie San Francisco: No. Didn’t cross my mind.

Nando sighs, prodding for a better response as Sadie returns to her text conversation.

Nando Fresno: You know what’s strange?

Sadie San Francisco: Hm.

Nando Fresno: You haven’t even acknowledged the fact that you spat that-- that chemical right in Nina’s face to win the U.S. Title. I’m not even disappointed in you for it. I would’ve done the same thing if I didn’t have some serious health questions about the whole process.

Sadie rolls her eyes.

Sadie San Francisco: What do you want; me to give you a move-by-move breakdown of the match? Does it matter? I’ve won matches the same way since I came to FGA. I’ve just gotten steadily better at it. I guess Nina didn’t get the memo. I prepared for all her moves. Her strikes. Her threats. I know that she wants to push this idea that I had to “cheat”, and that I wasn’t prepared for her, but… I haven’t heard her place any of the blame on herself.

She shrugs slightly.

Sadie San Francisco: When I lose a match, I have a bad habit of getting in my feelings a bit, yeah, but you know what else? I ask myself what I have to do to get better. I evolve. I come back stronger every single time. I don’t place the blame on my opponent because it’s not my opponent’s fault that they’re better than me-- it’s mine.

Sadie smiles faintly.

Sadie San Francisco: Even when I win, I’m asking myself how I can get better. That’s what the open challenge is for. I don’t even know who’s gonna walk through those curtains to fight me. I don’t get the luxury of preparation. I’m confident that no matter who it is, I have at least one move that can put them down and keep them down.

Jillian raises her hand in the back of the room. Nando swings the camera to her, then back to Sadie, who looks at Jill in confusion, holding her arms out to her sides.

Sadie San Francisco: It’s-- it’s not a classroom, Jill. You don’t have to raise your hand.

Jillian Clay: Okay, well, I just wanted to ask, what would you do if Nando or I answered the open challenge?

Sadie’s face immediately turns sour.

Sadie San Francisco: Why do you stay stuff like this? Why do you guys find it so hard to be supportive?

Nando raises a hand, immediately attempting to cool the situation.

Nando Fresno: We are supportive. Jill didn’t mean it. She didn’t mean that. She just wanted to make sure you were really prepared for anyone. You have no idea who’s gonna walk down that ramp tonight. But if it was a friend, you wouldn’t hesitate to knee their head off, right?

Sadie San Francisco: Not for a second.

The words come out so quickly and sharply. There’s a brief hush that falls over the room.

Nando Fresno: Right. Good.

Sadie San Francisco: Anyway. You guys should spend your energy on getting yourselves back into the Tag Team Title scene, not interviewing me. Silk & Cyanide might not be at the top anymore but with the roster merged together now, you’re gonna have to stay more focused than ever.

She starts to make her way past Nando and Jill, but stops, smiling slightly as an image flashes into her head.

Sadie San Francisco: All three of us should have gold. That’d be nice.

The champion walks to the door of the locker room, pushing it open slightly before turning to look at the Saturnian Connection once more.

Sadie San Francisco: Just let me know. I’ll even help however I can if you ask. I’ll be right back though-- guard that with your life.

She gestures to the United States Title for emphasis. Jillian nods slightly and Sadie makes her way out of the locker room and into the corridor, letting the door close behind her. Jillian turns to look at Nando.

Jillian Clay: Does she seem different?

Nando laughs a little bit from behind the camera.

Nando Fresno: Not to me.

The scene shifts as Nando places the camera down on a table, allowing both himself and Jill to be visible on screen. We see that they’re still in their gear. Nando pushes himself up to his feet, making his way over to the open locker where Sadie’s United States Title rests comfortably at the very top.

Nando Fresno: She’s right though. It can never be stated enough how important wins and gold are to our credibility, Jill. We need to get back to hunting champions.

Jill nods, though still clearly bothered by the exchange with Sadie. She shoots another gaze toward the door, but Nando’s remains fixated on the United States Championship as we cut to black.

[FGA Office]

In one of the locker rooms backstage at the Melrose Ballroom we find the Queens native Johnny John Carmichael, sitting alone on a folding chair in the centre of the locker room which looks oddly cavernous as he sits there alone with nobody else to guide, comfort or support him – but the look on his face says that he isn’t bothered by this, as the look on his face makes it clear that he doesn’t care about anything other than getting to the goddamn point

John Carmichael: I’m going to take a wild guess and assume that Kazu Hirano is looking forward to tonight’s match. In fact, I can probably sit here and tell you everything that’s going through his mind about tonight: he gets to prove himself against somebody who’s been there, done that and lost the shirt off their back because of it. They’re hoping that people talk about the match afterwards, and not because it’s the first time I’ve set foot into one of this company’s rings…no, wait, let me correct myself: it’s the first time I’ve officially set foot in one of these company’s rings in quite some time, but you and me and Izzy Anders’ neurologist all know it’s not the first, but you have to shill something for the sake of making it seem that little bit more important.

It feels like Carmichael should smirk at that quip, but he doesn’t – instead he just moves past it

John Carmichael: And I know something else, Kazu: I know that at the back of your mind you know you’re walking into my hometown and you’re looking at embarrassing me in my own backyard. It’s predictable, really it is, and that’s the issue: any idea that pops into your head is hardly original, hardly unique, and hardly going to surprise me. But I understand it, really I do, because you’re looking at the positive – because the negative…

Carmichael shakes his head to camera

John Carmichael: …the negative is as much your friend as those people out there you’re looking to gain the approval of.

This time Carmichael lets the point stand for a moment, making sure it hangs in the air for a few seconds and maintaining a world-weary look directly down the camera lens

John Carmichael: Put yourselves in my shoes for a moment, Kazu, and you’ll soon be asking yourself if you’re really looking forward to this match tonight. More than anything else that happens this evening, I need to make a point, especially after so long where I’ve been on the shelf waiting for the right back to be turned to me so I can tap them on the shoulder and ask “Miss me?” That is the reality you’re facing tonight, the reality that you’re being thrown out there to see what will happen. So why don’t you ask yourself what you expect to happen? Do you expect to be hurt? Humiliated? Made an example of? Ask yourself these questions, but most of all ask yourself who put you in a position where these could happen to you.

A momentary pause

John Carmichael: Just so we’re clear, I’m not threatening to hurt you, or humiliate you, or make an example out of you. I could do that, it will be so easy for me to do that, but the fact is I haven’t considered doing any of these because that would imply that I’ve actually given a moment’s thought to you. If I did, that would mean I believed that you were anything other than a minor obstacle for me to overcome, and as much as you try to deny it you know there’s that nagging feeling at the back of your mind telling you that’s exactly what you’ve been set up to be. Don’t worry about it, though, it’s nothing personal as it’s not like I picked out of a long list of opponents to face on my return, it was the luck of the draw that saw you thrown into the ring this evening. I know this, because I’ve been in the exact same spot that you’re in now, tossed into the ring to see if I fly or die, not because of what I can or cannot do but just to squeeze a couple more matches onto the show so the fans don’t feel short-changed. Again, don’t think that I’m being some kind of tsiniker, because you know it’s true.

Leaning that little bit further forward, Carmichael continues

John Carmichael: The best piece of advice I can give you tonight is to go out there and enjoy yourself, at least when you can, because the worst thing that can happen is when all of this starts to feel like a job, a place you have to slap on a smile and go through the same old same old because you feel that you owe someone. You don’t, really you don’t, but you’ll convince yourself you do until you find yourself being unable to sleep at night because you just cannot stand being put into this teeny tiny box and expected to stay there until that box gets picked up off the shelf and the toys within are played with once more just like you will be wishing physical harm on the people who see you getting assaulted and don’t do a single thing about it other than cheer or boo, depending on what role you’ve been cast in. You should be like me, Kazu, somebody who realise that all of it, every last thing you’re putting yourself through for a few scant cheers, it does not matter. It doesn’t, it’s liberating to realise that it doesn’t, but then you have to ask yourself what does matter. And as for that…I don’t have an answer for you, Kazu, because as I said that would imply that I have given you a moment’s thought when all I am interested in is what you represent, and what you represent is the game I have realised that nobody’s actually going to stop me if I decide that I am through playing by the rules they’re making up to try and make people dependant on the game continuing. But you’re lucky, maybe one day you’ll learn that I’m the one person who is talking sense around here while everyone else is determined on keeping the game going without knowing why they need it to continue. Think about this, Kazu, it could save you a lot of pain later on.

[FGA Office]

Erin Mariani vs. Antoinette Sands

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Durham, North Carolina! Weighing in at 120 pounds… ANTOINETTE SANDS!

As she approaches some desperately reaching their hands out, Antoinette playfully digs into her shorts pocket before blowing on her hand in the face of the fans, watching as pink and purple glitter mist smacks them in the face making them cheer out of excitement. Antoinette quickly makes her way to the ring, sliding under the ropes before jumping up standing tall in the middle of the ring, nodding her head until he gets dropped from behind with a running elbow tackle from Erin Mariani!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on! Erin Mariani is better than that! That was uncalled for?

Stephy Auger: What, you mean to tell me you never wanted to elbow that annoying little runt?

Kris Cruise: Stephy, please.

The bell sounds as Mariani snatches Sands up by the hair, runs and chucks her over the top rope and to the floor. Mariani rolls to the outside, pulls up Sands and whips her hard into the ring post. A loud *SMACK* is heard upon impact when Sands crashes against the post before tumbling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: I’m shocked Sands wasn’t busted open with how hard her head hit the post.

Stephy Auger: Don’t you worry. Give Erin time.

Mariani takes hold of Sands before driving her down face-first to the floor with a half nelson facebuster!

Kris Cruise: Jesus! Enough’s enough here. Just get the match back into the ring and pin her already.

Stephy Auger: Well where’s the fun in that?

Sands is finally rolled back inside. The boos continue as Mariani slides back in. She then pulls Sands off the canvas before whipping her hard into the corner. Sands crashes sternum-first into the turnbuckles. She starts to stumble back before popping down to a seated position. With Sands down, Mariani takes off into the far ropes, comes back and flattens her with the Libertine (running double stomp to a seated opponent)! The boos continue as Mariani pulls Sands back to her feet, lifts her up and plants her with the Subjugation (Implant DDT)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “BBB” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner… ERIN MARIANI!

Mariani pulls her arm away from the ref after he tries to raise it.

Kris Cruise: Erin Mariani makes short work of Antoinette Sands! Mariani had a lot of nerve attacking her from behind. But why am I shocked? Attacks from behind are a Silk & Cyanide staple. But they won’t be able to sneak attack anyone at Only the Strong Survive! They’ll have the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad to the left of them and Pendragon to the right of them. I hope they’re enjoying their digs and their cheap shots now because the pay per view spells trouble for them!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

In the corridor of the Melrose Ballroom’s backstage area, our scene opens up, revealing Sadie San Francisco for the second time of the evening. Arms folded, she peers down one adjacent hallway before continuing forward, flagging down a production assistant before she passes by. The production hand is a petite young lady with black hair tied into a ponytail, holding a poorly wrapped box-- some sort of present-- under her left arm.

Sadie San Francisco: Hey, do you have any idea where Evan Envi’s dressing room is?

Production Assistant: Oh, uh-- maybe try Kazu’s room at the end of the hall here.

Sadie San Francisco: Thanks.

Sadie gives the woman a sweet smile, which seems to quickly dissipate as she walks past, trekking down toward the very end of the corridor as instructed. Finding the dressing room marked “KAZU HIRANO AND SUPERNOVA”, Sadie raises a fist and knocks before taking a single step back to wait.

Five or six seconds pass before the door is pulled open. There is only a haze in the doorway, leading into a thick, swirling fog. Before we’re tasked with the challenge of trying to see inside, a single figure emerges from the room, hurriedly pulling the door shut behind him: Evan Envi. The limited audience watching live responds with a pop upon seeing the pair on screen. Evan looks a bit taken aback by Sadie’s presence, but a broad smile slowly crosses his face.

Evan Envi: Sadie! What’s up, man?

Sadie San Francisco: What’s up with your locker roo--?

Evan Envi: Humidifier. We-- we got the humidifier goin’.

Sadie smiles faintly, giving the Chief a nod, demanding no further explanation.

Evan Envi: So what are you doing here? Got your Open Challenge coming up in a little bit, right?

Sadie San Francisco: Yeahhhh. I do. Um. I just wanted to come by and wish you luck tonight. I know you haven’t had a singles match in a while, teaming with Kazu. I know how wild that transition can be.

Evan Envi: For sure. Yeah, I thought about that a lot.

The Chief grins, folding his arms, leaning back on his heels a bit.

Evan Envi: You’ve got Nina out here ready to kill people to get that title back. Got my work cut out for me pretty much.

Sadie San Francisco: Mm. Well. You’re a two-time World Champion so… obviously you have the ability to handle that, right? Again, I mean, I know you’ve been doing the tag team thing but--

Sadie side-eyes Evan, but still maintains the smallest smile.

Sadie San Francisco: --but you’re still Evan Envi. And you’re not gonna let Nina use you to make some sort of statement. You’re better than that.

Evan looks at Sadie, studying her, analyzing her in silence for a few seconds before timidly returning the smile, laughing a bit.

Evan Envi: Aha. Ahh, man, thanks, Sadie. You know, I wasn’t expecting you to drop by and hype me up before the match, but I really needed it. I feel like I’ve been, like, letting a lot of people down ever since the match with Ricky. I feel like Kazu and I have been doing great things as a tag team, but I haven’t been able to give us that little extra “umph” to score us a Tag Team Title shot, you know? And it’s like-- I can’t be a great tag team partner until I feel like I can still be great on my own. So I’m hoping tonight I can… I dunno… gain some of my confidence back. For me and for KazMan.

Sadie San Francisco: Aw. Come here.

Sadie holds out her arms and the Chief steps forward, meeting the champion for a tight embrace.

Sadie San Francisco: You’re gonna do great.

A breath.

Sadie San Francisco: And you can’t hesitate. You need to do to her what you did to Ricky Valero at Grapple Kingdom and leave her wr--

Evan Envi: Whoa. Whoa.

Evan pulls away from the hug, giving Sadie a look of-- mild-- surprise.

Evan Envi: I’m not going out there to hurt people. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed this but I don’t exactly have… the… best… pro wrestling karma. I wanna win. I want to beat Nina Stokes clean in the middle of the ring and uh-- who knows? Maybe that’ll put me in line for a shot at the United States Title and I’ll walk out to one of your Open Challenges.

Evan says it with a smile, but our camera quickly pans into Sadie… whose own smile slowly fades.

Sadie clears her throat. Shakes it off.

Sadie San Francisco: I just think you need to go out there expecting her to do the worst. She’s a dangerous person, Evan. And she wants to hurt you. She wants to hurt you to send a message to me and I don’t wanna see that happen. I care too much about you to watch that happen. I think you need to be prepared to take her out before she does it to you.

Evan Envi: Wha-- “take her out”, how?

Sadie opens her mouth for a second-- but closes it, trading it for another sweet smile.

Sadie San Francisco: Just be careful. And if you want my help, just ask.

Evan Envi: Ah, I appreciate that. I’m gonna run this one alone though. Kazu has his hands full too with Johnny Karma. And I feel bad that I’m not gonna be out there with him for that, but we both need to give ourselves the space to focus. We have dangerous opponents, like you said.

Sadie nods, watching as Evan backs up to the door of the dressing room.

Evan Envi: You be careful too. I dunno if I’d be able to do the Open Challenge thing. Nerves, y’know?

Sadie San Francisco: Mm. I will.

Evan Envi: Good seeing you though. We’ll catch up.

Evan opens the door and steps back into the swirling fog known as his locker room. Again, Sadie’s smile fades once Evan is out of sight. She sighs, running a hand through her hair before she turns, slowly walking out of frame, leaving us on the closed door of Kazu Hirano’s dressing room.

Kris Cruise: Is it just me or did that conversation just-- not go at all how Sadie wanted it to?

Stephy Auger: We all saw it! Sadie just tried to hire Evan Envi as a hitman! I’ve seen Evan’s Sharpshooter, and Sadie’s barking up the wrong tree.

“AAAAHHHHHHHH!”

Kris Cruise: What the--

The cameraman races away from the dressing room door, sprinting toward the sound of the scream. Within seconds, we see the owner of the shrill voice-- one Ashlyn De Luca. She stands outside of her own dressing room, holding an open shoebox in her hand. Judging by the dollar-store wrapping paper on the floor in front of her, the box was presented to her as a gift. The same production assistant that had given Sadie directions earlier looks at Ashlyn with wide eyes.

Ashlyn De Luca: WHO gave this to you?!

Production Assistant: Uh-- I ju--

Ashlyn De Luca: Who was it?!

Production Assistant: I-- I--

Ashlyn reaches into the box, retrieving the item… which is an old-fashioned, woodgrain clock. The ticking is audible, though the hands on the clock are noticeably and rapidly spinning backwards. Our scene cuts to black.

[FGA Office]

John Carmichael vs. Kazu Hirano

A rock band with a full god damn orchestra is set up in the entryway – a collective known as SUPERNOVA. How the fuck does a pro wrestling newcomer put an entrance like this together? He went out into the world, became a regular in a few places, and made a lot of friends. These are the Watarimono's musician pals from all over – an interchanging group that is never the same for more than one gig, yet synced as if their individual destinies were meant for this performance of “I Am The Walrus.”

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Koenji, Tokyo, Japan! Weighing in at 176 pounds! He is the “Watarimono”, KAZU HIRANO!

They strike a perfect balance between the psychedelic LSD-inspired original by The Beatles and the powerful cocaine-fueled Oasis cover – a life-changing experience for everyone fortunate enough to have them make fuck to their ears. Kazu Hirano is not a technically good singer by any means, but there's a lot of energy and he never fails to nail the chorus.

HIRANO: “I AM THE EGG MAN!”

CROWD: Throwing their arms in the air when Hirano points the mic at them. “WOO!”

HIRANO: “THEY ARE THE EGG MEN!”

CROWD: Throwing their arms in the air when Hirano points the mic at them. “WOO!”

HIRANO: “I AM THE WALRUS! GOO GOO G'JOOB!”

It takes minutes for Hirano to get in the ring. He teases his entrance on the apron before turning back around to entertain the fans more. Hirano does this even past all the singing parts and well into the extended soul-awakening instrumental. This frustrates referees and opponents, but one can spend hours listening to the music and watching this wonderful man not get in the ring. Fans cheer when he finally does enter, where he'll continue playing to them unless he gets attacked or jumped.

Kris Cruise: Kazu Hirano and Evan Envi have been impressive as of late in tag team competition. But tonight, both men are in singles action against two very dangerous opponents.

Stephy Auger: You heard the concern in the Chief’s face when he spoke about tonight’s opponents with Sadie San Francisco. These are two physically imposing opponents. They’re opponents that have an axe to grind. There’s no telling if Kazu and Evan will even walk out of here tonight in one piece.

The arena is plunged into darkness as the opening bars of "Land of Sunshine" play over the PA system until golden light floods the entranceway to reveal John Carmichael stood at the top of the ramp, his back to the crowd and an arm held high with his index finger raised, making damn sure that everyone in the arena knows that he's there and they're now on his time.

You have a winning way, so keep it, your future, your future, your future
You are an angel heading for a land of sunshine
And fortune is smiling upon you

Having kept the crowd waiting for as long as he damn well feels like, with his entrance theme literally laughing in the crowd's faces, finally Carmichael whips around on the spot to face the ring and without a second's hesitation begins to walk to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Queens, New York! Weighing in at 233 pounds… JOHN CARMICHAEL!

Prepare for a series of comfortable miracles
From fasting to feasting, to feasting
Life to you is a dashing, bold adventure
So sing and rejoice, and sing and rejoice

As he makes his way down the ramp in his own damn time, Carmichael occasionally glances from side to side at the fans nearest to him wearing an expression that combines bemusement and contempt of each and every last one of them until he reaches the ringside area and simply shrugs his leather jacket off his shoulders and makes his way onto the ring apron.

Kris Cruise: There he is, ladies and gentlemen, The Former Johnny Karma himself.

Stephy Auger: We haven’t seen Karma compete in a wrestling ring in months. But he’s definitely left his mark in other ways.

Kris Cruise: That he is. He cost Izzy Anders her semifinals match against Neal Durden way back at Grapple Kingdom. He then attacked Izzy once again recently on Vertigo. The Mindkiller

Stephy Auger: It’s strange to see The Mindkiller on the wrong end of mind games. We saw her get into the head of a man like Seth Iser, who is Wrestling’s Greatest Mind. But now it’s Izzy Anders that’s at the mercy on John Carmichael.

Kris Cruise: This rivalry between Anders and Carmichael goes back to some three years ago when Carmichael was screwed out of an Undisputed Title win at All-Star Showdown Six by Izzy and her Heroes Never Die sistren. Carmichael being on the wrong end of the numbers game has been a common theme in the years before and after that incident, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Carmichael never had the numbers advantage. For years, he was mentally and physically beaten down by group after group. You take that and you couple it with him unsuccessfully reclaiming the World Title by the end of 2019, Carmichael reached his boiling point. He tossed Cherry Baum to the curb. He told these fans to stick it. Now he’s here with a new attitude. A better attitude. Carmichael is seeing clearly for the first time in a long, long time.

Kris Cruise: If Izzy Anders has her way, the only thing Karma will be seeing is stars when after gets her hands on him.

Stephy Auger: Well, first she’ll actually have to lay her hands on him. But does Izzy really want that? He’s already cracked her over the head with a steel chair how many times now? The next time could put Izzy on the shelf permanently.

And look for the dream that keeps coming back your future, your future, your future
Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a handshake
'Cause everything is not yet lost

Quickly stepping through the ropes into the ring, Karma climbs the nearest turnbuckles and simply stands there without raising an arm, a finger, or even a muscle to acknowledge the crowd, instead he's just making sure they can see that he's there.

Does life seem worthwhile to you?

Climbing off the turnbuckles, Carmichael walks into the centre of the ring - but he keeps his back firmly to the camera and, as a result, the people watching the show on their televisions and their tablets, because they're just as much part of the problem

Does life seem worthwhile to you?

Dropping into a crouch, Carmichael looks at his opponent, but rather than sizing them up as a threat he's looking at them like a job that he'd rather take care of with as little fuss as possible, at which point he glances to the ref to tell him to ring the bell so he can get out of here as soon as possible.

Hirano stars the match off by circling the ring and clapping his hands to get the crowd hyped up. The crowd quickly takes their cue from Hirano and start clapping along with him. Carmichael remains in the center of the ring while he looks at Hirano. Hirano finally heads over and engages in a lockup. After jockeying for position, Carmichael muscles Hirano across the ring before pressing him hard against the ropes. It doesn’t take long for the official to step in and give them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

As soon as they break, the crowd boos with Carmichael cheap shots Hirano with repeated knee strikes to the midsection. He then takes Hirano by the wrist and drags him out of the corner before delivering an arm wrench. After another arm wrench is delivered, Hirano rolls forward, turns over into his knees, flips over with a headstand before Carmichael grabs him by the hair and throws him down with a mat slam. Hirano returns to his feet with a kip up before Carmichael grabs him by the hair and throws him back down with another mat slam. Hirano kips up again, runs towards the corner and runs up the turnbuckles before bringing Carmichael down with a springboard arm drag! The cheers continue as Hirano hits the ropes, returns and knocks Carmichael back with a running lariat. He then hits the ropes, comes back and knocks Carmichael forward with a running lariat across the back. Hirano turns and hits another set of ropes. When he crowd back, the crowd gasps when Carmichael hoists him up in the air for a pop-up powerbomb. As soon as Hirano lands on Carmichael’s shoulders, he flips back into a hurricanrana! He reaches back and hooks a leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Kazu nearly got him!

Hirano sets up for an irish whip when he gets reversed. When he comes back, Carmichael goes for a back body drop when Hirano slips down from behind, turns him around and knocks him back with Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (Polish Hammer)! Carmichael gets knocked back again with Maxwell’s Silver before Hirano turns and hits the far ropes. He charges back across the ring before knocking Carmichael through the ropes and to the floor with a running shotgun dropkick! Hirano proceeds to strut around the ring before once again hitting the far ropes. He comes back across the ring before leaping through the ropes and knocking Carmichael down with a suicide dive! Hirano gets up and plays the air guitar for the crowd before rolling his opponent back inside.

Kris Cruise: Kazu is firmly in control of this contest! This isn’t the way Carmichael envisioned how his return to the ring would go.

Stephy Auger: All this taunting from Kazu isn’t helping matters.

Hirano climbs back up onto the apron. As he’s halfway between the ropes, Carmichael rushes over and socks him with a haymaker.

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

Stephy Auger: What a punch!

Carmichael yanks Hirano up by the hair, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. The boos continue as Carmichael turns Hirano around and nails him with two punches to the gut before snapping his head back with a hard European Uppercut. Hirano is then taken by the wrist before being whipped into the far corner. Carmichael charges across the ring and nails Hirano with a running European Uppercut before hitting the far ropes, coming back and bashing his downed opponent with a running knee strike! The crowd boos as Carmichael grabs Hirano by the hair and pulls him up out of the corner before snapping his head back with a Wrestling II Knee Lift! He makes the cover.

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

Carmichael takes Hirano and whips him into the ropes. When Hirano returns, the crowd gasps when Carmichael nails him with a standing dropkick that turns him inside out!

Kris Cruise: Carmichael caught him right in the face with that dropkick.

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

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

Carmichael with another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hirano gets he shoulder up again.

Carmichael snatches a hold of the arm that Hirano raised and yanks him up off the mat. After delivering three clubbing strikes across the arm, Carmichael delivers an arm wrench before following up with a short-arm shoulder block to the shoulder. Carmichael delivers another short-arm shoulder block before scooping Hirano up and brings him down with a shoulder breaker. He presses down hard across Hirano’s jaw as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hirano kicks out.

Carmichael gets back to his feet and delivers a hard stomp to the midsection before pulling Hirano back up. He then control of the arm once more before bringing him down with Divorced From Reality (single arm DDT)! Carmichael takes control of the arm once more and delivering Yankees Still Suck (snap arm wringer to a face down opponent)! Hirano howls in pain as he turns over onto his back. Carmichael shows no mercy as he comes down across him with a jumping knee drop. A second jumping knee drop connects before he pulls Hirano up. Hirano remains in a seated position as Carmichael hits the ropes, comes back and flattens him with a dropkick right to the shoulder.

Stephy Auger: Guess who won’t be playing air guitar now?

Kris Cruise: This isn’t funny, Stephy!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hirano gets his good shoulder up.

Carmichael slowly pulls Hirano up before quickly running into the corner and chucking him shoulder-first into the ring post.

*THUD!*

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

The crowd boos as Hirano slowly steps out of the corner. Hirano continues to clutch his shoulder before plopping down to a seated positon. The Wanderer continues to favor his shoulder as Carmichael heads into the corner. He climbs up to the middle ropes and tosses his elbow pad aside before flattening him with Armaros (diving back elbow from the second rope to a seated opponent)! The boos continue as he turns over to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Hirano gets his good shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael as been relentless since gaining control of this contest.

Stephy Auger: This isn’t Johnny Karma you’re seeing in there. That’s John Carmichael and you’re seeing the difference right here.

Carmichael snatches Hirano up off the mat before throwing him down with a scoop slam. After grabbing both of Hirano’s wrists, Carmichael holds his arms up before delivering repeated stomps to the shoulder. The crowd erupts with boos as Carmichael continues to rain down stomp after stomp after stomp to the arm! Hirano cries out in pain, but Carmichael shows him no mercy. Eventually, the ref moves in and physically moves Carmichael off of him. The official admonishes Carmichael for his aggression. But the former Johnny Karma pays the referee no mind. He then nudges the official out of the way before going back on the attack. He reaches down to grab Hirano when Hirano quickly rolls him up in a small package.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to their feet, Carmichael throws out a wild haymaker. He misses when Hirano ducks before getting caught with Maxwell's Silver Hammer right in the face! Carmichael is stunned from the blow while Hirano shakes out his arm. He then turns to his into the far ropes when Carmichael reaches forward, grabs him by the back of the tights and yanks him into a knee to the lower back! Hirano arches his back before Carmichael hoists him up and brings him down with the Tahara (full nelson slam over the knee)! He makes the cover.

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

Hirano gets his good shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Kazu’s not out of this yet.

Stephy Auger: If he was smart, he would have stayed down. He’s just prolonging the inevitable.

Carmichael snatches Hirano from off the mat before throwing him back down with a double underhook suplex. Carmichael marches over and puts the boots to Hirano before slowly pulling him back up. Once Hirano is back to his feet, he swats Carmichael’s hands off of him and throws out a lariat. But the move has no effect on Carmichael. Hirano pulls his arm back and throws out another lariat. Carmichael just shakes his head ‘no’ at him. Hirano motions for a third lariat when Carmichael cuts him off and plants him with the One Way Trip (knee to the gut followed by a snap DDT)!

Stephy Auger: Carmichael with one hell of a DDT! I’m surprised Kazu’s head isn’t stuck in the mat after how hard Carmichael drove him down!

Hirano lays sprawled out on the mat as Carmichael gets back to his feet. He then hits the far ropes, comes back and goes for a jumping knee drop to the face. He misses! The crowd cheers when Hirano rolls out of the way. The crowd cheers while Carmichael remains down on one knee.

Kris Cruise: Kazu had enough wherewithal to move out of the way! Carmichael is still down on one knee! He’s got his opening!

Hirano gets back to his feet, rushes over and knocks Carmichael down with a cannonball! He then pulls Carmichael back to his feet and sets up for an irish whip. But he gets reversed. Carmichael goes to catch him off the return with a lariat when Hirano ducks and counters with a crucifix driver!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Carmichael reverses another irish whip, sending Hirano right back into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Carmichael down with a Sling Blade! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Oh, so close!

Hirano takes Carmichael and whips him into the ropes. When he comes back, Hirano brings him down with a spinebuster!

Kris Cruise: Carmichael’s down! Carmichael down! Hirano brought him down with the spinebuster! You know what comes next, Stephy?

Stephy Auger: Gah!

The crowd cheers as Hirano pops back to his feet and sets up near the top of his head. Hirano scans the crowd before running the ropes twice. When he comes back, he intends to hit the Meccha Sugoi Hiji (People’s Elbow) when Carmichael scrambles back to his feet, hoists him up and throws him down with the Salt of the Earth (tilt-a-whirl over the shoulder powerslam)! The boos continue as Carmichael snatches up Hirano, turns and tosses him through the ropes and to the apron. He then drags Hirano across the ropes before bringing him down with the Khartbreyk (rope hung swinging neckbreaker)! Carmichael then pulls Hirano up by the hair before taking control of his back before bringing him down with No Regrets (wristlock transitioned into a Stunner)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “Land of Sunshine” blares throughout the arena.

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

The boos continue as Carmichael snatches his arm away from the ref. He purposely walks over Kazu before exiting to the outside.

Kris Cruise: John Carmichael was impressive in his official return to the ring. Kazu Hirano was able to get the better of Carmichael early and started to mount a comeback towards the end. But this match, by and large, was controlled by Carmichael.

Stephy Auger: It sure was. He didn’t play to the crowd. He didn’t need them for support. He didn’t need that floozy Cherry Baum in his corner. All Carmichael needed was his damn self. He ditched the Karma name and all the moves associate with that loser. What we saw tonight was John Carmichael: the man, the winner and for my money, the favorite to walk away with the Gold Rush Rumble!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

This is a pre-taped segment from earlier today.

We see a panoramic view of the New York City skyline very quickly. Then the camera shows the outside of the Melrose Ballroom. Then it dives into the parking lot. We see a limo pull up and out walks Ace Voltage, holding his Mid-Atlantic Legacy title over his shoulder, sunglasses on and a big smile.

Ace Voltage: Finally! We are in New York City baby! I get to show MY people who the best really is! Once I beat that chump Lowri Moss tonight, I can hop back on the M train and head home in thirty minutes. What a wonderful place this is!

Ace slams the limo door closed and heads towards the entrance of the Melrose Ballroom. On his way towards the entrance, he is stopped by a reporter from a local wrestling website.

Reporter: Hey Ace, big match tonight! How are you feeling before your champion vs. champion match?

Ace has an annoying look on his face as he does not want to answer any questions, but he is in a good mood it seems. 

Ace Voltage: Well mate, not going to lie. I feel great! I am as hot as can be, except for one minor hiccup. That was not even my fault by the way. Fresh off a great title defense, I will sweep the floor with Moss! Tonight is just another night for me to show the world why I am THE BEST champion in this company. Tweet whatever you want Lowri, but I finally got the respect that a champion deserves from the FGA office.

Ace pats his title on his shoulder.

Ace Voltage: There’s a reason I have my title and Lowri there’s a reason you have yours. I’m not discounting anything you have done here, you certainly have my respect. BUT, once that bell rings tonight, I will show you why I am the BEST here. I will show you why I am THE Main Event. I will show you why I am the best champion in this company and why I deserve all the respect in the world!

Reporter: Speaking about that respect, are you looking forward to defending your title against Cassius Reed at Only the Strong Survive?

Ace scoffs at the questions and takes off his sunglasses.

Ace Voltage: Those are the magic words my friend. Only the Strong WILL survive. That of course will be Ace Voltage. I am better than Cassius. I am more handsome than Cassius. I am a better wrestler than Cassius. He can’t touch me. By the end of our match, he will have a foot in his face and will be staring up at the ceiling. Maybe, MAYBE after I defeat Reed, FGA management will give me a challenger who DESERVES a title shot. Hell, maybe they’ll let me pick my opponent next. How about that?

The reporter has a confused look on his face.

Reporter: Uh, I don’t think it usually works like….

Ace interrupts him.

Ace Voltage: Well it doesn’t matter who faces me next! I am never losing this title. I am currently and will always be the best Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion in the history of this company. This ain’t no redemption tour, this is my glory tour. And after I defeat that runt Cassius Reed, I will go on to win the Gold Rush Rumble and cement my legacy even more. By the time I am done in FGA, I will be one of the GREATEST wrestlers this company has ever seen. And that is a guarantee.

Reporter: And just one more thing…

Ace interrupts him again.

Ace Voltage: Time is up bum. I got things to do. You’re welcome.

Ace walks off and towards the entrance as he gets ready for Vertigo tonight.

[FGA Office]

Heading backstage, Spencer Burke is walking down one of the hallways inside Melrose Ballroom, peeking around to each person he passes by. After a few moments of walking, his face lights up and attention is turned to Tyler Storm. No match for Storm tonight, so he is dressed casually, and he is also sporting a wrapping around his nose. Spencer manages to reach Storm after a quick couple of seconds.

Spencer Burke: Tyler! Was trying to look around for you after I heard you were actually gonna be around tonight.

Tyler turns his attention to Spencer and grins as brightly as usual, giving a nod to the interviewer.

Tyler Storm: Well hey, always glad to see you! Hopefully my lack of a typical TV face doesn't deter you from any conversation with me.

Spencer Burke: Shouldn't be any worries. But with the formalities out of the way...Tyler Storm, thanks for taking a quick opportunity to speak with me.

Tyler Storm: Always a pleasure. And before you ask anything, to the FGA faithful, let me say thank you for those of you who were showing your support during my recent bout in IYHWF. Even despite what all happened and well...this fun mess of bandages on my face that came with it...the love and good thoughts has gotten me through a rough weekend so thank you all for being behind me, even in other places.

Spencer Burke: The FGA faithful have been enjoying your presence here for a while, Tyler, and are surely happy to support wherever you land. But to turn our attention to FGA itself, you've had a solid last couple of shows. Not only with earning two hard fought wins that you have more than admitted have come with you not at 100%, but also...last week was big with you finally learning of an answer from Lowri Moss regarding a rematch for the Pride Championship.

Tyler Storm: That I did...and with that answer, I can set my eyes on Only The Strong Survive with much more certainty of what I'll be doing.

Spencer Burke: It surely comes together to likely produce a busy night for you, Tyler. Not only do you have the potential to recapture the Pride Championship, but in addition the possibility of another stellar performance in the Go-

Tyler raises up a finger to Spencer's mic and lowers it, and the smile fades a bit.

Tyler Storm: I don't mean to interrupt, Spence...but I just don't want you to say anything that isn't true.

Spencer raises an eyebrow in confusion as he brings the mic back up.

Spencer Burke: Isn't true? What about the Gold Rush Rumble wouldn't be true? I mean, after that stellar performance in 2017 that you had that solidified your name in the FGA history books for all-time performances in a single Rumble, surely this year you have a better strategy to one-up that and go on to wi-

Tyler Storm: I actually don't have any sort of strategy or plan regarding that...because this year, I won't be participating in the Gold Rush Rumble.

The silence is deafening at that moment as a few moments pass, Spencer with a big look of confusion, but the seriousness on Tyler's face tells the full story.

Spencer Burke: I'm sorry, maybe I'm having an off night...can you repeat what you just said?

Tyler Storm: Nothing off, man. This year, Tyler Storm will not be participating in the Gold Rush Rumble. I've informed the powers that be, despite their insistence, that I will not be a part of that match.

Spencer Burke: But...why? Why pass up one of the biggest matches in the company that has the brass ring waiting on the other side?

Tyler Storm: There isn't a lot of reason why, and my reason why isn't exactly the best of reasons, but if you don't mind Spencer I would be happy to explain.

Spencer Burke: The floor is yours, I suppose.

Tyler Storm: Well to put it simply on the table, I know how much the Gold Rush Rumble means to each and every competitor in this company. It means a lot to have that chance to earn a 1-way ticket to the top of the card, and of course I dream of that day of reaching that pinnacle myself. I love the Rumble, I respect it as one of the cornerstones of the structure of this company...but with all of that said, a gambling man is gonna bust a hand if he keeps trying too hard at something that isn't meant to be.

Tyler takes a quick second to recompose himself, taking a deep breath, then continues on.

Tyler Storm: I want to be the World Champion one day here, god knows I want to be a World Champion in this industry just in general, who wouldn't want to be? My hunger for it is even stronger after what occurred to me this past weekend, my nose in such rough shape as I had the whole world in my hands and then immediately stripped away from me. That eats at me immensely. But here in FGA, while my hunger is so strong to have that same sort of opportunity like Seth Iser will have at Only The Strong Survive...that appetite is not my main focus until I fulfil the appetite that has eaten at me since the beginning here, and that is the Pride Championship. Right now, as crazy as it is to say, the Pride Championship is my #1 most important goal in this company right now, not winning the World title or the Rumble. One day, that goal will change, but the want to get back the title I know I wasn't ready to lose, and to be able to properly defend it and raise it to another level...that is like hearing Halleluiah being sung to me. That is my pinnacle in this current path.

Spencer Burke: But what happens if you fail on this path at Only The Strong Survive? What happens if Lowri beats you, and one of the highest regarded backup plans that you yourself have even tried to take advantage of before is not there for you? Does putting all those eggs in one basket, knowing how good Lowri is, not terrify you?

Tyler Storm: Of course it does. But on that other hand, knowing that I can focus all my physical ability on one goal instead of multiple goals on one night...that feels wise to me, that feels like the right response for my mind. One day, I'll get back to being a competitor in the Rumble, doing my thing, eventually winning it and gunning for the top gold. But what is right to me in this moment is regaining the Pride Championship, satisfying the most debilitating hunger I have in FGA. I have to prove myself through the Pride title before I even deserve to be in that World Championship picture.

Spencer Burke: I can't say I agree, Tyler...but I think I do get the idea. In any case, the best we can tell you at this point is just good luck.

Tyler Storm: I'll probably need it. But hey, Mr. Swiss Army Knife has a few tricks up his sleeve to bring the skill to Lowri. She knows that though, she's one of the best in this company for a damn good reason.

Spencer Burke: We appreciate the chance to chat, Tyler. Have a good one.

The wrestler nods back to Spencer and turns away, walking back down the hallway in the opposite direction of where Spencer came from, and we cut away.

[FGA Office]

Savannah Taylor vs. Carnelia Stephenson

The lights dim down and take on a purplish hue as a light smoky mist fills the entranceway. The opening to A$AP Ferg's "New Level" cues up.

I’m on a new level

I’m on it, I’m on it

As the beat drops, the crowd gives a loud pop as a woman 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 before giving the crowd a warm smile.

Kris Cruise: What the heck? That’s Cordelia’s Stevenson’s old music!

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 to reveal… Carnelia Stephenson.

Stephy Auger: No, that’s Carnelia Stephenson’s music! Get with the program, Cruise!

She continues on down the ramp, working from side to side with a big smile as she slaps the hands of fans along the way. She gets to the ring and hops up onto the apron, mouthing the words and bouncing to the music as she makes her way around the side, towards the middle. She turns and faces her crowd, stretching her arms out to the side and slightly tilting her head backwards as she soaks in their reaction. She gives them an appreciative nod and blows a kiss at them, before stepping into the ring and making her way over towards the opposite turnbuckle. She quickly hops up and holds her arms out, drawing a reaction from that side of the crowd as well. She unzips her hoodie and tosses it away before hopping down and making her way over to her corner as the music dies down.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, already in the ring. She is the…

Aldridge does a double take when he seems something on his cue card. He looks at Stephenson with confusion. But she motions for him to keep going. The ring announcer shakes his head and sighs before continuing.

J.A. Aldridge: She is the self-proclaimed “Patron Saint of Sex” Carnelia Stephenson!

Kris Cruise: The Patron Saint of WHAT!? You have to be kidding me! Where did Savannah Taylor find this woman? This woman is a bad imitation of of “Saint Sexy” Cordelia Stevenson!

Stephy Auger: What do you mean? This is Freeport, Long Island’s finest! She’s the best thing to come out of that dump since the Iced Tea!

Kris Cruise: Patron Saint of Sex. Get out of here with this! What a mockery! Cordy Stevenson will be going up against one of the best wrestlers going today and Savannah pulls this nonsense!

Stephy Auger: Why do you always have to assume Savannah Taylor is up to no good?

Kris Cruise: Because it’s Savannah Taylor and she’s NEVER up to any good!

Stephy Auger: Well I, for one, believe that Savannah had absolutely nothing to do with this. She simply shows up and wrestles the name next to her on the card. That’s all.

Kris Cruise: ...yeah, uh huh.

There was silence; the lights began to fade away slowly. A soft instrumental echoes out across the audience. It starts slowly, a beautiful sound that contrasts the heaviness of the world. Like feathers, it glides among the waiting audience. The lighting fixtures produce a gentle spotlight upon the stage, offset by the occasional flash here and there. As the song continues, a woman’s words begin to come through. Her voice is tender, not raising upon a whisper.

Deceived by my eyes and all I was told I should see
Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be
One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew
And in the darkness I saw, a voice say, I'm you.

On the stage, a feminine figure appears. Her head lowered to everything. People cannot make out who it is. As she stands there, the flashes briefly illuminate her figure. It only gives small clues on who stands at the gate. She stands in the spotlight, her shadow cast large and proudly among the stage.

Inside me a light was turned on…

The instrumental picks up again. An electric guitar now joins the progressively exciting instrumentals of before. The singer’s voice suddenly intensifies.

Then I was alive!

In the light, it is revealed that it was Savannah Taylor. She stands at the gate, a robe of obsidian and ivory hues. The hood of it shadows her eyes, but the intensity of the final EXODUS World Champion remains clear as day. She starts off down the ramp, with a serious aura radiating from her body.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada! Weighing in at 120 pounds! She is the Las Vegas Siren, SAVANNAH TAYLOR!

If you close your eyes your life,
A naked truth revealed
Dreams you never lived,
And scars never healed

Savannah makes her way up the ring steps. She looks out towards the audience for a moment before entering the ring. From there, she heads for a turnbuckle. She stands there, taking in everything. She then lifts her up on top of it. She peers out in nothing, then takes off the hood with a flashy flourish. Her blonde locks fly up in the air. They descend, shaping her face as they famously do.

In the darkness, light will take you to the other side
You'll find me waiting there you'll see, if you just close your eyes

While she stands in her corner, she closes her eyes and takes a heavy breath. When her bright eyes open, Taylor is completely composed. There is nothing more than the heat of battle awaiting her. She takes off her robe, giving it to a stagehand. She stretches her wrists before devoting her mind to the war upon the horizon..

The bell sounds as Taylor and Stephenson lock up. Stephenson is immediately muscled into the corner before getting caught with a knee to the gut. The crowd boos as Taylor hits her with three open hand chops before a forearm strike catches her across the jaw. An irish whip follows, sending Stephenson into the far corner. The Las Vegas Siren charges across the ring, hurls herself as Stephenson and bashes her with a corner back elbow! She then scoops up from the side before rushing out of the corner with a running backbreaker. She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Taylor yanks up Stephenson, runs and chucks her through the ropes and to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Savannah likely had the match won right then and there. Why prolong this?

Stephy Auger: Why not?

Stephenson pulls herself up using the ropes as Taylor runs into the corner, jumps off and knocks her down with a triangle dropkick to the back of the head! The boos continue as the Las Vegas Siren takes off into the far ropes, comes back across the ring, flips over the top rope and flattens Stephenson with a topé con hilo!

Stephy Auger: Go ahead, Cruise. Go ahead and say it. WHAT A MANEUVERRRRR!

Kris Cruise: …

Taylor yanks Stephenson off the floor before rolling her back inside the ring. Taylor slides back in, grabs Taylor and pulls her towards the center of the ring. She positions Stephenson for a hangman's neckbreaker when Taylor gyrates her hips before pulling her down with the move.

Kris Cruise: Savannah’s mocking Cordy once again with the Deadly Seduction.

Stephy Auger: Please. Savannah did it better than Cordy ever could. Cordy could never move like that. She’d probably break a hip if she tried. She’s fragile, you know.

Kris Cruise: Not as fragile as Savannah’s ego.

Stephy Auger: I beg your pardon!?

Taylor slowly pulls Stephen back to her feet before running towards the ropes, jumps back and bringing her down with an Oscutter.

Stephy Auger: The Real is Back? More like THE REAL NEVER LEFT!

Kris Cruise: …

The Las Vegas Siren locks onto Stephenson before finally driving her down with the Siren’s Song (Scissored DDT)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “Just Close Your Eyes” blares throughout the arena.

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

The boos continue as Taylor gets her arm raised in victory. Suddenly “Been Down” by Nipsey Hussle begins blaring and the small crowd in attendance makes as much noise as they possibly can as the FGA International Heavyweight Champion walks out onto the ramp with a microphone, exuberantly applauding what she just witnessed. Clearly she’s being sarcastic. The music dies down as Cordelia raises the microphone to speak. She points to the ring, jabbing her finger into the air.

Cordelia Stevenson: That… that was the best Savannah I’ve seen in quite a while. Don’t you guys agree?

Nah, the crowd ain’t with that at all as they voice their disapproval. Cordelia smirks.

Cordelia Stevenson: I just find it absolutely hilarious that even a fake me can make you step your game up. That’s just crazy isn’t it, Savvy? Just the mere thought of being in the ring with me gets your adrenaline flowing, so much that you have to come out here and reenact your fantasies for the world. But please note the key word in that sentence chica. Fantasies. That right there is nothing more than your desires that will never come to fruition. But that’s a common theme with you isn’t it? Fantasy. Just like the world you’re living where you’ve convinced yourself that you’ve somehow surpassed me.

Cordelia lets out a deep breath and then holds the International Heavyweight Championship into the air.

Cordelia Stevenson: But this right here says otherwise. History says otherwise and the simple fact that you even have to stoop to this… says otherwise. I mean, where did you even find this girl? The least you could have done was get that Floridelia girl that used to be in HKW. But that’s expecting too much from you. Instead we get this. Unoriginal. Uninspiring. That’s so you in a nutshell, Savannah. You pick on poor Carnelia because you couldn’t dare do that to me.

She shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Not on your own at least. But have your fun making your mockeries. Tonight, I’ll be in the ring with real competition. Tonight I’ll be going up against one of the best wrestlers in the world, and defending MY International Heavyweight Championship, and I invite you to watch and see what real wrestlers can do. And don't worry Savvy, when I’m in that ring, I won’t be pretending that it’s you I’m beating on. Believe me, after this display, I’d much rather wait for the real thing.

Cordelia blows Savannah a kiss and drops the mic as the two women stare each other down.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

A brief moment passes before the camera cuts backstage. Frontier Grappling Arts Correspondent, Amanda Johnson, stands poised with a microphone in her hand. She gives the camera operator a small head nod before she begins speaking.

Amanda Johnson: Good evening everyone. At this present time, I’m joined by the former FGA United States Champion, Nina Stokes.

The camera pans over ever so slightly to reveal Nina. The vexed warrior is sporting a black top, a black cardigan, black leggings, and a pair of acorn colored Michael Kors Blaze booties. There’s another notable addition to her attire―a black and rose gold Bulova watch on her right hand.

Nina Stokes: Hmm.

A second passes.

Nina Stokes: Forgive my rudeness, Amanda. However, my time is very limited. It’s very valuable. Even still, people within FGA seem to be hell bent on wasting it. That won’t be happening any longer.

She flips that right hand over and notes the time.

Nina Stokes: Therefore, I will give you three minutes. I do have an important match to prepare for, after all.

Those conditions don’t seem to phase Amanda too much. She nods her head in affirmation before she carries on.

Amanda Johnson: Earlier in the evening, I got the chance to speak to Sadie San Fransico. And during the course of that chat, she made it clear that―

Nina cuts through her words by holding up her hands.

Nina Stokes: Enough.

A moment passes.

Nina Stokes: I listened to your little chat. There’s no need to recap any of the filthy lies that she spewed out of her trifling mouth. Instead, allow me to speak some truth.

She folds her hands across her chest.

Nina Stokes: These last couple of months have been quite revealing, haven’t they? Because in the course of a few matches, we all have learned so much about Sadie. We’ve learned that she’s a cheater. We’ve learned that she’s a coward. We’ve learned that she’s a liar. We’ve learned that she is pretentious beyond measure.

Nina slides her tongue against her cheek, which makes a clicking sound.

Nina Stokes: I truly feel sorry for anyone who happens to call themselves a fan of Sadie. What a pitiful existence that must be.

There’s a moment’s pause.

Nina Stokes: Sadie? Your arrogance and foolishness isn’t simply going to get you burned. No, no, no. You’re going to be engulfed in a thousand flames by the time your journey has concluded. And unlike previously, there won’t be anyone at your side to put those flames out. Because in case you haven't noticed, you’ve haven’t just alienated me. No―you’ve alienated an entire industry. And they are going to let you burn until you are nothing more than a pathetic pile of ash.

Afterwards, Nina takes a second to glance at her watch.

Nina Stokes: Aye yes. Right on time.

She gently pats Amanda’s shoulder.

Nina Stokes: Thank you for the chat. And please, enjoy the rest of your evening.

Amanda Johnson: Err...

The camera focuses on Nina as she begins to walk away. The picture fades out shortly afterwards.