Vertigo E80

[FGA Office]

We our shifts to a dimly lit room backstage. We see the image of someone, presumable male, cleaning back in a chair. The individual's face is shrouded by the darkness of the room.

Unknown: Let me take you on a trip down memory lane. The year was 2016. Lion's Den Fighting Championships had a year under its belt. The company was the developmental organization for Frontier Grappling Arts. It was probably one of the best wrestling schools going at that time. During that period, they had scooped up and developed a wide range of talent with endless potential. I don't need to list the names. Those that know, know. In May of 2016, they were gonna have their next big tryout camp to see who would make up their next class of talent coming in. I can remember all of the names that were talked about during that time. People like Rab McKinley, who eventually got signed. People like Maritza Diaz, who eventually got signed and made her way up through the system. I remember another name made her way up through the system and eventually went on to hold the the Tag Titles in FGA. The people who went to those tryouts? They, too, had all the potential in the world. The sky was the limit for them. If FGA didn't scoop em up, other places did. All but except one name. There was this one kid there by the name of Tyson James. He never got the call. He never got the opportunity to sit under the learning tree of people like Chris Bond and Riley Owens. He was never singed to LDFC or any of the other prominent schools of the time. As a matter if fact, after having the door slammed in his face, it was as if he just disappeared, never to be heard from again. Hmm. What ever did happen to Tyson James. Well, family, I'm hear to tell you that that kid...

The man leans forward, revealing his face to the light. There are faint cheers heard in the distance as the man becomes recognizable to the local talent.

Unknown: ... is me. I don't expect most of y'all to recognize this face. But I know some of you do. Real wrestling fans know. Real wrestlers know. In fact, I've shared the ring with a couple of your current champions elsewhere. What's my name? Who am I? I... am TJ Techniques, your next United States Champion.

I can remember having a conversation with a trainer that won't be named after that LDFC tryout. He told me that I didn't make the cut because I didn't have the look. I was told that I wasn't crisp enough. Too sloppy. I was told that at the level that I was at, I wouldn't be able to hang with the talent that they had. Well sh*t, this is supposed to be a developmental company right? You had three sets of classes - Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced- right? If I wasn't good enough right out of the gate? Cool. Then develop me. Show me the way. Show me the ropes. Teach me. That's all I wanted. No freebies. No guaranteed path to the main roster. Just an opportunity. But for whatever reason, they felt like I wasn't someone worth investing in. Hmm.

So then I turned my attention of the school of Hard Knox. Of course I'm talking about RISE, the developmental company of HKW. They, too, had loads of talent. They, too, had big names trainers. Legendary names in this business. If I couldn't learn from the best of the best at LDFC, then surely RISE would give a brother a shot right? Right? Nah. See, they didn't have any interest in me, either. My last name wasn't Sands, Banks, Kanensson or Vailpando, so they didn't see any value in me. I didn't have any famous connections or co-signs, so they didn't see anything in me.

Lion's Den didn't want me? Aight. RISE didn't want me? Bet. I figured if all else failed, I could always rely on a man that calls himself "The Franchise". Ricky Valero, you were gonna be my fallback. I looked at it like this. I'm a young bull trying to come up out of Staten Island and make something of himself in this business. Ricky is a legend out here. If all else failed, I figured Ricky would hold me down and represent for the hometeam by giving me a shotValero Fight Club. But that didn't happen, either. No callbacks. No nothing. But why should I be surprised? I wasn't some 20-something, mildly attractive, impressionable female that Ricky could easily talk into his bedroom. So why would he ever give me the time of day?

The big name schools? They didn't want me. They didn't see anything in me. So I went back to NY and found a place called 5 Boroughs Battle Academy. I don't expect anyone to know that name. To put it bluntly, the school is a hole in the wall. If you drove past it, you'd probably wouldn't even notice it was there. They weren't a feeder system. A big name company wasn't footing the bill. But what they lacked in name value and what they lacked in aesthetics, they more than made up for in technique. The fundamentals. It was there where they held established the base, the foundation that I built upon. It was the skillset that I learned there that I took to Colorado in December of 2017, where I went to the Sentinel Wrestling Alliance and became their first Television Champion. It was those skills that I then took to Alianza Campeonato Mexicano in 2018 and became a Duos Champions with one of my best friends in this business, Johnny Amazing. It was those skills that I took to the Southside Evolution Pact, where we became Tag Team Champions. It was those skills that I took across the pond to Evolution Wrestling in 2019. It was there when I became Loch Ness Champion. It was there were I faced and defeated some of the best names in wrestling today. I'm talking about people like Michael Kelly. I'm talking about people like Dante Cutler. I'm talking about people like your current Pride Champion, Lowri Moss.

(Clips of his time in various CWC and SEP promotion are shown)

TJ Techniques: Wrestling has been good to me. I've made friends that have been down with me since day one. I've made a decent amount of money doing this. The only traveling I did before was on a train, over a bridge or taking a ferry. Wrestling has allowed me to fly to places like London and Glasgow, Dublin and Sydney. Places that I only saw on TV. I was a champion for a company based in the UK. Earlier this year, I earned my way onto the roster of a company based in Australia before all the shutdowns. These are scenarios that would have seemed impossible years ago after the start I had. Yet here I am now. The sport of wrestling has even recently opened up an opportunity for me outside the ring. But despite all my my travels, the experiences and the titles, there are three letters that I still hear in the back of my head to this day.

(A clip of a ajm-packed crowd chanting "F-G-A!" is shown)

TJ Techniques: I feel like my career is far from over. I'm just getting started. I'm not even in my bag yet. But I would never be truly satisfied until I wrestled on an FGA event. I would never be complete until I wrestled inside an FGA ring. That's where you come in, Sadie San Francisco. When I heard you throw out an Open Challenge for the United States Championship, I knew I had to be the man that answered the call. Sadie, I've got no beef with you. I'm not threatening to bust your head open to the white meat. I'm not running around calling you a liar. That's someone else's deal. I will say this. I know that the way you won that title has got you looking funny in the light. I know that deep down, you're dealing with the burden of having to prove yourself as a true champion. But don't you worry, babygirl. Because I'm here to relieve you of that burden... and of that title... tonight.

Four years ago I was told that I wasn't good enough to compete in LDFC. I was told that I couldn't hang with the people they had down there. Four years later, all of those blue chip prospects? All of those great champions they had down there? Not a goddamn one of them is still wrestling today. Yet here I am, still standing, still strong and better than I've ever been. I always knew that I would be good enough to compete inside an FGA ring. I knew this four years ago. But the Lord had a different plan for me. He wanted me to go down a different path. But that path still led me to an FGA ring. It led me to right here, to tonight, to this very moment, for the opportunity of a lifetime. You're damn right I'm coming in here with a with a chip on my shoulder. You're damn right I'm coming in here with a point to prove. Tonight, I show up and show out. Tonight, I show the FGA audience what they've been missing out on. Tonight, I show you up, Sadie. What is my name? Who am I? I'm TJ Techniques.

The Funky Technician...

...The Meaning of Dope...

...and you're new United States Champion.

Now peep that.

[FGA Office]

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Sadie San Francisco vs. TJ Techniques

♫ Step into a world (Klaka klaka, klaka klaka!)
Where there's no one left (Buku, buku! Alla de massive!)
But the very best (Klaka, bo bo, BDP crew, bo bo bo bo!)
No MC can test [*cut and scratch of KRS saying "but one"*] ♫

The beat kicks in as "Step Into a World (Rapture’s Delight)" starts to knock through the speakers. Out through the curtain steps TJ Techniques, clad in his ring attire and hooded vest. TJ peeks out underneath the hood as he looks out to the right. He does the same to his left before flinging the hood back, smacking his chest twice and pointing down in front of him with his forefingers. TJ nods his head as he makes his way down the ramp with a purpose.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it if for the FGA United States Championship! Introducing the challenger! Hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 188 pounds! He is TJ TECHNIQUES!

TJ leaps to the apron before stepping into the squared circle. He makes a beeline towards the far corner and hops up to the middle ropes. TJ scans the crowd before slapping his chest twice and pointing down in front of him with his fingers. He hops down from the corner, walks across the ring and hops to the middle ropes and scans the corner. TJ slaps his chest twice before pointing down in front of him with his forefingers. He then hops down and takes off the hooded vest before tossing it to the outside. TJ tugs away at the top rope as he readies himself for his opponent/the start of the match.

Kris Cruise: This New York native is the next man up to answer the Open Challenge for Sadie’s United States Championship. Judging by that video, he’s coming into this match with a huge chip on his shoulder!

Stephy Auger: His attitude is undeserved if you ask me. Did you listen to his snark towards Ricky Valero, the trainers of LDFC and that school as a whole? Who the hell is he? What has he done to earn such an ego? I bet you it’s that ego and that attitude which cost him opportunity after opportunity at all of those places. He’s got no one to blame but himself for the setbacks at the start of his little career.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think he’s got a negative attitude at all. He’s always felt that he could earn a shot at competing in an FGA ring. He’s done that for the past couple of years and boy, what an opportunity he’s got for himself here tonight.

The lights in the arena fade to a rose-gold color as the familiar sound of smooth jazz echoes throughout the building. “Young Nation” hits the PA system and a roar surges throughout audience. Sadie San Francisco steps out to the top of the ramp, offering a quick wink to the camera nearest before continuing past. Sadie pauses at the bottom of the ramp, performing a full turn as she gazes at the masses surrounding her.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from The West Side! She is the reigning… defending… FGA United States Champion! “The Pope” SADIE SAN FRANCISCO!

Nodding a bit to herself, Sadie strides around to the side of the ring facing the hard camera. She climbs onto the apron, narrowing her eyes at the camera is it pans closer to her, capturing only a cold gaze from Sadie as she spends a few seconds staring into the lens-- before slinking through the ropes, sliding seamlessly back into the ring. Sadie makes her way toward the turnbuckles, slowly ascending to the second rope, shooting a broad smile out toward the raucous audience before raising a single “V” above her head with her left hand. Sadie casually drops down from the turnbuckles and turns, leaning against the turnbuckles as she awaits competition.

Kris Cruise: I have to admit, Stephy, I was shocked by what I heard from Sadie San Francisco earlier tonight. She pretty much tried to get Evan Envi to take Nina Stokes out!

Stephy Auger: Why are you so surprised? This is SELFISH SAN FRANCISCO we’re talking about here. The so-called Pope STOLE the United States Championship from Nina at Grapple Kingdom! Me and Nina have been pointing it out for months. Finally, idiots like you are starting to pay attention. But guess what? It’s too late now. It’s too late for, “sorry, Nina and Stephy, you guys were right all along!” One of these days, Nina is going to catch Sadie and when she gets her hands on her? It is going to be glorious. Glorious violence!

Kris Cruise: Whether you believe Sadie was in the right or not for her actions at Grapple Kingdom, I think even the staunchest Sadie supporter has to recognize that the champion is in no rush to get back into the ring with Nina Stokes.

Stephy Auger: Why would she? If Nina was threatening to busy my head open to the white man, I wouldn’t be in a rush to get in the ring with her, either. But Sadie deserves to get her head hurt and her title taken by Nina Stokes! She can only avoid Nina but for so long. Only the Strong Survive is right around the corner. You saw what Nina did in last year’s Rumble. You think that Nina won’t be hunting her down?

Kris Cruise: I wouldn’t put it past her. The Kodiak is still in the back of Sadie’s mind. But she’s got a title to defend here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Against this kid? Please, this match won’t last five minutes. What the hell king of name is “TJ Techniques” anyway? He must have lost a bet to get stuck with that name.

The referee calls for the bell. Sadie doesn’t take her eyes off of TJ as he circles the ring. The bell sounds as champion and challenge engage in a collar-and-elbow tie up. Techniques quickly gains the advantage with a side headlock. The challenger keeps the hold applied before bringing San Francisco to the mat with a side headlock takeover. Techniques remains in control until San Francisco reverses into a grounded headscissors. The Pope keeps her challenger down until he’s able to escape with a kip up. She scrambles back to a vertical base, only to get caught with a front facelock. As Techniques cinches down on the hold, San Francisco moves him towards the side of the ring. She then grabs the middle rope, forcing a rope break.

Ref: ONE! TWO!

As soon as Techniques lets go of the hold, San Francisco blasts him with a knife edge chop! Another stinging chop connects before she takes control of his wrist. The US Champions sets up for an irish whip, only for Techniques to reverse. When Sadie returns, Techniques rushes over towards the center of the ring and leap frogs over her. Sadie continues to run the ropes. When she comes back, Techniques leap frogs over her again. The Pope continues to run the ropes. Once Sadie returns, Techniques runs over and knocks her down with a dropsault. Techniques pulls San Francisco back to her feet and wrenches the arm. After another arm wrench is delivered, Sadie quickly reaches over and reverses into an arm wrench of her own. Techniques looks to be in some discomfort before rolling forward, leaning back, kipping up, cartwheeling over, spinning in place, transitioning behind Sadie, spinning her around and bringing her down to the mat with a snapmare before a hard kick to the back echoes throughout the venue. San Francisco continues to arch her back before Techniques delivers a knife edge chop across the back of the neck. He then flattens her with a kick to the face before he hits the ropes, comes back and delivers a snap leg drop. He turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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San Francisco kicks out.

Kris Cruise: TJ with a nearfall there.

Stephy Auger: Oh wow, a nearfall! He’s going to win the match now, huh?

Kris Cruise: I’m not saying he’s going to run away with this match. Far from it. But the challenger hasn’t backed down from the champion.

Techniques picks up San Francisco and sends her for the ride. When she returns, Techniques goes for a hip toss. But Sadie steps through it and tries for a hip toss of her own. It gets blocked. Sadie tries to muscle him up with another hip toss attempt. Again, it gets blocked. Techniques then doubles San Francisco over with a slap across the chest. He then drapes his leg across the back of her neck, performs a back flip and follows up with an arm drag. Another arm drag returns San Francisco to the mat. Sadie scrambles back to her feet and gets thrown back down with a japanese arm drag. Techniques takes San Francisco and sets up for an irish whip, but he gets reversed. When Techniques returns, the crowd cheers when he brings Sadie down with a double tilt-a-whirl headscissors! San Francisco picks herself up off the mat as Techniques rushes in. When she turns around, she gets caught with a jumping savate kick that knocks her through the ropes and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: That kick caught Sadie right in the face!

Techniques looks out to the crowd and slaps his chest twice before taking off into the far ropes. TJ picks up speed as he runs back across the ring. He then leaps through the ropes before knocking San Francisco into the guardrail with a suicide dive! Techniques rolls himself back inside. He then takes off into the far ropes as the champion slowly makes her way off the guardrail. Techniques picks up speed again before hurling over the top rope and knocking Sadie down with a diving topé con hilo! TJ gets to his feet and cups his hand to his ears before waving his arms up and down. The challenger slides back inside before heading into the corner. Once San Francisco is back to her feet on the outside, the crowd cheers when Techniques leaps to the top rope, flips off and knocks her down with a springboard tornillo!

Kris Cruise: The big high risk connects for TJ Techniques! He’s been flipping and flying all over the place!

Stephy Auger: Sadie can’t keep up!

Kris Cruise: That’s the nature of these open challenges! You never know who is about to walk through that curtain. Jaelynn Ramsey has history with Sadie. They’ve been rivals for years! Sadie knows her like the back of her hand! But she doesn’t know TJ Techniques from a hole in the wall and it’s showing thus far! She’s getting hit from every direction!

Techniques takes San Francisco and rolls her back inside. After rolling back in, he drags Sadie away from the ropes before making the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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Sadie gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: TJ only gets two. But that was good ring awareness there by the challenger to drag Sadie away from the ropes. He didn’t rush in for the pin. He noticed his surroundings, eliminated Sadie using a rope brek and forced the champion to exert more effort in escaping that pin.

TJ takes Sadie and knocks her back with a shotei. A second shotei knocks the champion back before he moves her into the corner. After a knife edge chop is delivered, Techniques sets up for an irish whip. San Francisco, however, is quick to reverse and follows him across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, the crowd gasps when Techniques executes a Tiger Wall Flip off the turnbuckles and lands behind Sadie. The champion turns around and charges out of the corner, only to get caught with a rolling koppu kick! San Francisco remains down on the mat as Techniques hits the ropes, comes back and drops a Flashing Elbow! The cheers continue as he goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another impressive display of athleticism there by Techniques!

Stephy Auger: He can flip, flop and fly all over the place. But I haven’t seen a three count.

Techniques sits up San Francisco before applying a rear chinlock. The official gets down and asks Sadie if she wants to give up. As soon as she refuses, TJ yanks back on the hold. San Francisco winces every time he pulls back on the rear chinlock. She turns down another opportunity to give up as she slowly turns over onto her knees. Sadie then battles back to her feet before catching Techniques with an elbow to the midsection. A second elbow finds its mark. After a third elbow breaks the hold, San Francisco takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she sees Techniques running past her towards the same set of ropes. So Sadie slams on the brakes, turns around and gets caught with a running hurricanrana. The cheers continue as the momentum from the move sends San Francisco rolling out onto the apron. The US Champ pulls herself up using the ropes as Techniques rushes towards the corner, leaps over the rop rope and knocks her to the floor with a triangle shoulder block!

Kris Cruise: Champion and challenger fall to the floor after the maneuver.

Stephy Auger: Okay. He’s continuing to take it to the air. We know what his strength is. But all it takes is one reversal or one missed landing for his momentum to come to a screeching halt. He had the right idea. Keep her on the mat. Wear her down. But no, he wants to show off for these people. The fans have never won anyone a championship. But playing up to these idiots has cost many a champion their title.

Techniques slaps hands with a few of the fans/wrestlers in the crowd before turning his attention back to the champion. He pulls Sadie up and rolls her back inside before climbing up onto the apron. He goes to bring himself back inside with a topé atomico when Sadie gets her knees up!

Kris Cruise: Sadie blocked the tope into the ring.

Stephy Auger: Like I was saying!

San Francisco crawls over and pulls him into a front facelock before nailing him with sharp elbows to the back of the neck! She then cinches down on the hold. The ref asks Techniques if he wants to give up. The challenger waves him off. He tries to fight his way off the mat. Once he’s back to a vertical base, San Francisco transitions into an arm wrench before falling back and hitting an inverted foot stomp. TJ’s head snaps back as he stumbles back before collapsing against the ropes. The challenger tries to shake out the cobwebs as Sadie gets back to her feet and takes off into the far ropes. San Francisco runs back across the ring before swinging through the ropes and locking him in a Tiger Feint Crucifix Armbar

Kris Cruise: Alcatraz! She’s got him locked in Alcatraz!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! F-

San Francisco lets go. She then takes Techniques, hammerlocks his arm and rushes forward before throwing him shoulder-first into the corner!

Kris Cruise: I don’t think that was necessary.

The Pope turns TJ around and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. She then starts to unload on him with multiple forearm strikes before blasting him with a spinning back elbow! Sadie spins in place and catches him with another forearm strike before blasting him with another spinning back elbow! After a knee to the gut doubles him over, Sadie pulls TJ out of the corner before bringing him down with a Hammerlock DDT! She turns him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Techniques gets his shoulder up.

San Francisco takes the arm that TJ just raised off the mat, presses it down on the apron and delivers a jumping stomp to the back of the hand! Techniques quickly gets up to his knees as he pulls his hand towards him. San Francisco then wrestles his hand away from him and muscles his hand down to the apron before delivering another jumping stomp across it. Techniques groans as he rolls away towards the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Sadie is definitely the aggressor now.

As TJ reaches up with his good hand and grabs the top rope, San Francisco comes up from behind and delivers a superkick to that hand! While TJ pulls both of his hands towards him, The Pope hits the far ropes. She picks up speed as she charges back across the ring before clobbering Techniques with a bicycle kick across the back of the head! She drops down and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another sign of good ring awareness by the challenger.

San Francisco picks up Techniques and whips him into the corner. She charges in, connects with a running high knee and follows up with a running bulldog out of the corner. The champion then quickly spins over onto his back and pulls him into a Camel Clutch! The referee asks Techniques if he wants to give up. When he refuses, Sadie nails him with a clubbing forearm strike across the face before reapplying the Camel Clutch. TJ groans as Sadie pulls back on the hold. The referee ask him again if he wants to give up. TJ waves him off, so Sadie nails him with another clubbing forearm across the face before reapplying the Camel Clutch. Sadie looks around at the crowd and notices half of them are in support of her while the other half are in support of the challenger. She narrows her eyes before yanking back on the hold. Techniques is asked once more if he wants to give up. He reaches out towards the ref… and wags his finger at him. So Sadie responds with a jumping seated senton across the back, knocking him down.

Kris Cruise: Sadie has gotten more aggressive as this match as gone on.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, it’s like she’s getting frustrated. The more frustrated she gets the more desperate she becomes. Look out, TJ, you could be seconds away from having mist spat in your face.

Sadie pulls TJ back up before whipping him as hard as she can into the turnbuckles. As Techniques staggers out, San Francisco rushes over before executing a headscissors takedown into an armbar. TJ howls out in pain as Sadie pulls back on the arm. The ref gets down and asks if he wants to give up. When Techniques refuses, Sadie repeatedly pulls back on the arm.TJ then starts to kick his legs when Sadie pulls back even further on the arm.

Kris Cruise: TJ is in a world of hurt here.

Stephy Auger: Don’t get yourself hurt, kid. Just throw in the towel. Maybe in another four years, you’ll get another crack at wrestling in an FGA ring!

The referee asks Techniques if he wants to give up. Despite the pain that he’s in, he refuses. He then reaches out with his free arm before slowly pulling himself towards the side of the ring. He groans as he struggles to pull himself across the ring again. The crowd rallies behind the challenger as he struggles to drag both him and San Francisco across the ring. Sadie looks around before repeatedly yanking back on the arm. This stops TJ in his tracks. But only momentarily. Techniques reaches out and slowly drags himself across the canvas. He then reaches out with his free hand… and grabs onto the bottom rope, forcing the rope break!

Kris Cruise: TJ made it to the ropes! He didn’t give up!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

San Francisco breaks the hold, turns over, leaps up and delivers another jumping stomp to the hand. She then pulls TJ back up before whipping him into the corner. After crashing sternum-first into the corner, Techniques stumbles back before getting knocked down to all fours with a Northern Lariat. The Pope follows up with yet another stomp to the hand before stepping out to the apron. Sadie looks down at her challenger before turning her attention to the ring post. The crowd murmurs as San Francisco starts to scale to the turnbuckles. As soon as she gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Techniques rolls forward, leaps up onto the middle ropes and catches her with a forearm to the face. After another forearm connects, Techniques steps onto the top ropes, hooks San Francisco and delivers an avalanche Spanish Fly! Techniques is met with cheers and applause over the move. He slowly rolls back over and drapes his arm across her chest for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Sadie gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How was that not three!? I thought we were going to have a new champion!

Techniques gets up on all fours before crawling out to the apron. After pulling himself up, he starts to wave up the champion. The capacity crowd waits with anticipation as Sadie stirs on the mat. She slowly turns over on all fours. Once he’s back to a vertical base, Techniques goes for a springboard forearm strike… and gets countered in mid-air with a bicycle knee strike! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Techniques gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: What!? That wasn’t three!? I thought he was out cold!

Kris Cruise: I did look like it. But TJ has some fight left in him.

San Francisco slowly picks up Techniques before hooking his arms from behind. She starts to turn around to drop him with Vanity (Unprettier) when TJ slips out and pushes her into the ropes. He catches her off the returning with a jumping calf kick. A second jumping calf kick knocks Sadie back down. Sadie is then whipped into the corner before TJ rushes over and catches her with another rolling koppu kick. As Sadie slumps down in the corner, Techniques takes off into the adjacent set of ropes, comes back and nails her with a running facewash!

Kris Cruise: He calls that the Buck 50!

The cheers continue as Techniques pulls up San Francisco in the corner before doubling her over with a knee to the midsection. After pulling her into a front facelock, Techniques glides back towards the center of the ring before planting her with a Moonwalk DDT! He turns over for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd sighs when Sadie gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think I’ve seen that version of a DDT before. It looked effective...

Stephy Auger: … but not enough for the three count.

As TJ slowly pulls Sadie up off the mat, she swats his hands off of her. She then throws out a punch, but TJ ducks and counters with Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em (Phenomenal Blitz)! As TJ goes for the lariat to complete the combo, San Francisco ducks and catches him across the back of the neck with a spinning back fist! TJ drops down to a knee before Sadie steps back, rushes forward and blasts him across the back of the head with a bicycle knee strike! She pulls Techniques back to his feet from behind, hooks the arm, turns and drives him down with Vanity! Sadie pushes him over before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Then crowd mostly cheers as “Young Nation” blasts over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… aaaaaaand STILLLLL FGA United States Champion, SADIE SAN FRANCISCO!

The cheers continue as San Francisco gets handed back her championship.

Kris Cruise: Sadie San Francisco has turned away another challenger in her United States Open Challenge. TJ Techniques answered the call and gave The Pope a run for her money.

Stephy Auger: He gave her a run for her money, he looked good, yeah yeah yeah. But in the end, did he win? Did he get the job done? Did he slam the door shut? Of course not. I guess what those LDFC trainers told him years ago was true: he’s not good enough to compete in an FGA ring because if he was, he’d be the new champion right now!

Kris Cruise: I think that’s a little harsh. TJ definitely impressed me and these fans here tonight.

Stephy Auger: That’s not saying much!

Kris Cruise: … in any event, TJ has nothing to hang his head over. He didn’t get the job done. But he showed a lot of people something here tonight. We wish him the best of luck in his journey going forward elsewhere. For Sadie San Fran, that’s two challengers down. She turned away an old rival in Jaelynn Ramsey. She was pushed to the limit tonight by TJ Techniques. Who will be next to step up to the plate and answer Sadie’s United States Open Challenge?

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up with a metal tray clanging to the floor. One of the two members of the catering staff presses his back against the wall, eyes wide and arms spread as Ashlyn De Luca points a metal spatula at his neck.

Ashlyn De Luca: I swear to God--

Cook: I don’t know where the box came from! I don’t know! One of the referees gave it to me. I opened the little envelope on top and it told me to deliver it to Ernie, the security guy!

Ashlyn De Luca: Ugh, Ernie said the note told him to give it to the production assistant.

Cook: Yeah-- yeah. See? See, I’m just a part of a chain of people. It was probably some gag gift idea. Who even buys clocks anymore? I don’t buy clocks! I have a phone! Can you-- can you get the spatula away from my neck?

Ashlyn doesn’t budge, but she looks away, pondering the events.

Ashlyn De Luca: So if you’re just part of chain of people…

She lowers the spatula, glaring at the cook.

Ashlyn De Luca: ...then there’s gotta be a beginning.

She holds the woodgrain clock up to the cook. He observes it uncomfortably. The hands on the clock continue to spin backwards, as if rapidly twisting back in time. The cook shakes his head, looking from the clock to Ashlyn.

Cook: I dunno who’s doing it! I just work here!

Ashlyn lowers the clock, closing her eyes, taking a long, deep breath.

Ashlyn De Luca: Which referee was it?

Our scene cuts to black.

[FGA Office]

CHAMPION vs. CHAMPION
(c) Lowri Moss vs. (c) Ace Voltage

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

I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A RAILROAD TRACK

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from London, England! Weighing in at 15.8 stone! He is the reigning Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion… ACE VOLTAGE!

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

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage is gearing up to defend his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Cassius Reed But tonight, he’s in a big champion versus champion match!

Stephy Auger: That’s right. He’s about to go one on one with that fivehead Lowri Moss. Ace Voltage is carrying a belt that she used to hold once upon a time. Ace is earlier in his reign and he’s already a better Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion than she ever was…

Kris Cruise: Well, I don’t know all about that. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Ace Voltage is very skilled, I’ll give him that. But his mouth gets him into so much trouble. That’s where this whole rivalry between him and Cassius Reed stemmed from.

“Loner Boogie” by Boy Azooga plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, Lowri Moss walks through the curtains, out onto the stage, with a broad smile on her face and her title around her waist. Lowri takes a moment to scan the cheering crowd, before making her way towards the ring, and as she does so, she slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to her.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Lanelli, Wales! She is the reigning Pride Champion and one half of the reigning World Tag Team Champions… LOWRI MOSS!

After arriving at ringside, Lowri climbs the steps up onto the ring apron and steps through the ropes, before heading for one of the corners and climbing to the second rope. Lowri gestures to the fans by making the ILY sign with her right hand, in acknowledgement of their response to her arrival. She then takes the title from around her waist and holds it aloft, eliciting further cheers and applause. She continues to hold the title in the air for several more seconds, as she again surveys the crowd, soaking in the reaction.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss is looking forward to kicking Ace Voltage and dropping him on his head tonight. But at Only the Strong Survive, the double champion has a huge test in front of her.

Stephy Auger: We already knew about the big triple threat tag team match for both the World Tag Team and United States Tag Team Titles. But Lowri, like a dummy, went ahead and agreed to defend her Pride Championship against Tyler Storm on the same show! Not only that, but she’ll be competing in the Gold Rush Rumble as well! Why would Lowri do this to herself? She could walk out of the pay per view with NOTHING!

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss has never displayed a moment of cowardice in her life and she won’t stop now. This is a grappler that is always up for the test and wants to compete against the best. The triple threat tag team match is a way for her, and Neal, to get some closure against the Hellcats as well as settle an old score with Silk & Cyanide. With Tyler Storm, she wants to prove herself as a Pride Champion. With the Gold Rush Rumble, Lowri has only competed in one of these matches once. It was back in 2017 and she was the second person eliminated in the match. She doesn’t just want to drastically improve on her last Rumble performance, she wants to win the whole thing. Do you think Ace Voltage would put himself in a position like that in one night?

Stephy Auger: No, because he’s smart. Double duty is more than enough for Ace. Lowri might have nothing left after her Pride Championship match. By the time the Rumble comes around, she could be running on empty.

The referee goes and collects the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship belt from Ace Voltage before heading over to collect the Pride Championship and one half of the World Tag Team Championship belts from Lowri Moss. The official hands all three belts off to an attendant on the outside before calling for the bell. The bell sounds as both champions circle the ring. The circling continues until Voltage stops, heads to the center of the ring and spreads his arms out while proclaiming himself as THE Main Event!

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Once again, ladies and gentlemen, this is champion versus champion. Lowri, the Pride Champion and co-holder of the World Tag titles against Ace Voltage, the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. This is not a Title versus Title match. Regardless of the result, Lowri will still walk away with her Pride Championship and Ace will leave with his Mid-Atlantic Legacy championship.

Moss just shakes her head as she leans up against the ropes. She then makes her way off the ropes, over towards Voltage and engages in a collar-and-elbow. After jockeying for position, Moss gains the advantage as she latches onto Voltage’s wrist. She executes two arm wrenches before Voltage drags himself a few steps towards the side of the ring. He immediately grabs hold of the top rope, which forces a rope break.

Ref: ONE! TWO!

Moss lets go of the hold before backing up towards the center of the ring. Voltage continues to circle Moss while shaking out his arm. He then slowly inches his way over towards the double champion before engaging in another collar-and-elbow. This time, it’s Voltage that gains the advantage with a side headlock. Voltage wrenches down on the hold until Moss is able to spin out and reverse into a hammerlock of her own. Moss keeps the hammerlock applied until Voltage cheap shots her with a back elbow to the face. Voltage then turns around, takes Moss by the wrist and returns the favor with an arm wrench of his own. After he delivers another arm wrench, Moss rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench. Voltage tries to reach out towards the ropes. But Moss is able to drag him back towards the center of the ring before delivering another arm wrench. Voltage continues to whine to the referee, but the official has zero sympathy for him. After composing himself, Voltage rolls forward, leans back, kips up and counters with a poke to the eyes!

Stephy Auger: WHAT A REVERSAL!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

The boos continue as Voltage moves Moss into the corner. Three knife edge chops follow before Moss is whipped into the far corner. Voltage rushes across the ring to attack, only to get knocked back with a back elbow to the face. Voltage shakes off the blow before rushing back in. This time, he gets countered with a European Uppercut. Moss then takes Voltage, switches positions in the corner and returns the favor with knife edge chops of her own. She then takes Voltage and delivers an irish whip before following him across the ring. As soon as Voltage hits the corner, Moss blasts him with a running big boot. Voltage then slumps down into the corner as Moss hits the far ropes. She rebounds off the ropes, comes back and completes the combo with a running facewash!

Kris Cruise: Just For Kicks!

Moss drags Voltage out of the corner before making the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: You could tell Moss enjoyed running her boot right into Ace’s face.

Stephy Auger: I don’t know why? It’s like everyone here hates Ace Voltage. Fujiko. Lowri. Even Savannah can’t stand him.

Kris Cruise: Gee, I wonder why.

Moss goes for an irish whip when Voltage reverses, sending her into the ropes. As she returns, she sees Voltage setting up for a back body drop. So she counters with a kick to the face. After the kick knocks Voltage upright, Moss lunges forward and cracks him with a headbutt! A roundhouse kick connects to the side of the head, turning Voltage away and dropping him down to a knee. He tries to shake out the cobwebs. But Moss gives him little time to recover as she sends him crumbling to the mat with a Switchblade Kick! Moss goes for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Moss caught with him that Switchblade Kick right across the top of the head. But she only gets a two count. You know Cassius Reed is somewhere at home enjoying every second of this.

Stephy Auger: I know The Funky Dragon would love to be competing here tonight. But from where I’m sitting, Cassius is sitting pretty. He’s got a week off while Ace has to fight a fellow champion!

Kris Cruise: I’m sure there’s a part of Cassius that would love to see Ace get roughed up tonight. It would make his match at only the Strong Survive that much easier. But Cassius is a competitor. He loves to get in there, mix it up and most importantly, show off.

Stephy Auger: There’s very few that can show off like Cassius and I just know he’s ready to put in a hell of a performance at Only the Strong Survive.

Moss picks up Voltage before a European Uppercut sends him stumbling backwards into the ropes. As he tries to shake out the cobwebs, Moss heads over, takes him by the wrist and whips him into the far ropes. Moss anticipates him on the return. But instead of coming back, Voltage hooks his arm around the top rope, drops to the mat and rolls to the outside.

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: What is this?

Stephy Auger: Clearly what Ace wanted to do isn’t working. So instead of doing the same thing over and over, he’s calling a timeout, taking a breather and formulating Plan B. This is a veteran move, Cruise. You should be applauding him, not putting him down.

Voltage caresses his jaw while taking a breather at ringside. But Moss isn’t about to just let him sit out there and recover. So she rushes towards the side of the ring before baseball sliding to the outside. Voltage turns and does a double take when he sees Moss rounding the corner. So he takes off! The crowd cheers as Moss takes off right behind him. The two lap the ring before Voltage rolls back inside. Moss slides in after him. But she gets caught with repeated stomps to the back!

Stephy Auger: There we go, Ace! That’s what I’m talking about! He suckered Moss right in, didn’t he?

Voltage continues to put the boots to Moss before pulling her over onto her back. From there, Voltage drops a knee across her chest. A second knee drop finds its mark before he makes the cover.

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

Voltage takes Moss, moves her back into the corner and delivers another series of knife edge chops. He then takes a step back and sizes her up. Voltage connects with a jab, followed by a right hook. Another right hook catches Moss flush across the jaw. A forearm strike to the face produces a loud pop. Voltage then switches targets as he doubles Moss over with multiple shoulder thrusts. While Moss is doubled over, Voltage nails her with a clubbing strike across the back of the neck. He then executes an irish whip, follows her across the ring and connects with a corner clothesline before bringing her down with a running bulldog. Instead of making the cover, Voltage gets back to his feet and heads into the corner. He crouches down as he readies himself for an attack.

Kris Cruise: What is Ace setting up for here? He’s got something in mind. You can see the wheels turning...

In the middle of the ring, Moss starts to slowly push herself up on all fours. The moment she gets one foot firmly on the mat, the crowd boos when Voltage runs out of the corner before flattening her with the Ace of Spades (Shining Wizard)! He goes for the cover.

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

Voltage gives the referee a confused look before covering Moss again.

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

Voltage shakes his head ‘no’ before making another cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another two count!

Frustrated, Voltage grabs Moss by the hair and pulls her up to a seated position before hitting the ropes. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion comes back and flattens Moss with a basement Shining Wizard! He goes for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Moss refuses to stay down and you can see Ace growing more and more frustrated.

Stephy Auger: Stay calm, Ace. Stay calm. You got this.

Voltage slaps the canvas three times with both hands before holding up three fingers at the official. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion continues to protest and claim that he got three. But the official holds his ground, letting Voltage know that it was only a two count. Voltage takes Moss and delivers a vertical suplex. He rolls over, pulls Moss back up and hooks both arms before throwing her down with a Butterfly Suplex. Moss is pulled back to her feet before Voltage lifts her up and delivers a back suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Moss is slowly pulled off the mat before being doubled over with a punch to the midsection. Voltage then hits the ropes, comes back and brings Moss down with a running neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Voltage looks over at the ref with his hands on his hips. He shakes his head at the referee. Once again, the official holds his ground and holds up two fingers back at Voltage.

Stephy Auger: Who hired this ref!? How does he still have a job?

Kris Cruise: Despite what you and Ace think, that was only a two count!

Voltage takes Moss and whips her into the ropes. When Moss comes back, Voltage lifts her up across his shoulders. He’s got Moss set up for a Samoan Drop when Moss counters with a back elbow to the face. A second back elbow connects. Moss hits hmi with two more elbows before slipping down from behind and bringing him down with a russian legsweep.

Kris Cruise: Moss takes him down! She’s got her opening to get back in this contest.

Both grapplers slowly return to their feet. Moss is the first to strike with a European Uppercut. Voltage answers back with a forearm strike. Moss nails him with another European Uppercut! Voltage answers back with another forearm strike! Moss hits him with two European Uppercuts. Voltage motions for another forearm strike when he gets cut off with two more European Uppercuts! Voltage tries to go for another forearm strike, only for Moss to counter him with a Scorpion Kick! Moss goes to knock him down with a roundhouse kick when Voltage swats away the kick and counters with an eye rake!

Kris Cruise: Another cheap shot from Ace Voltage!

Stephy Auger: What? Where? I must have missed it.

Kris Cruise: I bet you did...

Moss remains doubled over until Voltage pulls her up by the hair. He pulls his arm back and throws out a punch. But Moss is able to counter into a double knee armbreaker!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

As Voltage starts to get up off the mat, Moss takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, the crowd boos when Voltage swings around her and clamps on a Sleeper Hold!

Stephy Auger: There we go, Ace!

Voltage keeps the Sleeper applied until Moss reaches back, grabs him by the back of the head and counters into a sitout jawbreaker!

Kris Cruise: Moss got out of it!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Voltage remains dazed as Moss gets back to her feet, heads towards the ropes, rebounds back and connects with a Slice of Heaven (springboard enzuigiri)! The kick turns Voltage away from her before dropping down to a knee. From there, Moss hits another set of ropes, comes back and clobbers him with a Shining Wizard of her own!

Kris Cruise: Now THAT’S a Shining Wizard!

The cheers continue as she goes for the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Voltage gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: Get up, Ace! Get up! Don’t let her beat you!

Moss pulls Voltage back up before unloading on him with multiple shoot kicks to the chest. The last kick causes Voltage to double over. She then pulls Voltage into a front facelock before bringing him down with a swinging neckbreaker. Moss goes for the cover.

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

Voltage gets his shoulder up.

Moss slowly pulls Voltage back to his feet before quickly slipping behind him. She hooks one arm! Moss is about to hook the other when Voltage rushes towards the side of the ring and hooks his free arm around the top rope.

Ref: ONE! TWO!

As soon as Moss lets go, Voltage throws out a wild swinging back elbow! But Moss is able to duck and counters with another headbutt! Voltage is then sent for the ride. When he comes back, Moss rushes over and brings him down with an STO! The cheers continue as Moss sets up shop in the corner. Near the middle of the ring, Voltage is seen stirring on the mat. Moss waves him up from the corner. Voltage slowly turns over onto a knee before ultimately picking himself back up. When he turns around, Moss rushes out of the corner. The crowd explodes with cheers as she throws out Breuddwydion Melus (Superkick)...

… only for Moss whiffs on the kick when Voltage rolls underneath it before rolling to the outside.

Stephy Auger: Smart man!

Moss looks on with confusion as Voltage staggers over and snatches up his Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship from the timekeeper’s table. He then shouts something at Moss before heading down the ringside area.

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Hey! Just where does he think he’s going!?

Stephy Auger: This is Champion versus Champion, not Title versus Title! Win, lose or draw, Ace gets to keep his belt! I’m sure he’d love nothing more than to knock that fivehead Lowerence Moss all around the Melrose Ballroom! But he’s got a championship match to think about! He can’t risk pulling a muscle throwing her around.

Kris Cruise: Oh give me a break!

Moss holds her arms out as Voltage continues to walk backwards up the ramp.

SIX!









SEVEN!









EIGHT!






NINE!






TEN!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout as a result of a Count Out, LOWRI MOSS!

The crowd boos as “Loner Boogie” blasts over the PA. Moss isn’t thrilled about winning this match via Count Out. The crowd are equally disappointed as they wanted to see Ace Voltage get his big mouth shut. As soon as Voltage turns around, Cassius Reed blasts him with the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow)!

Kris Cruise: Cassius Reed!

Stephy Auger: I thought he was at home!?

Voltage drops in a heap on the stage. Reed reaches out, lifts up the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship belt and studies it before dropping it down across Voltage’s chest.

Kris Cruise: Cassius Reed has just laid out the champion right before their title match on pay per view!

Stephy Auger: Oh, Ace isn’t going to like this! Not one bit!

Moss watches this unload until she’s suddenly brought down from behind with a double knee backbreaker!

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Erin Mariani!

The boos continue as Mariani puts the boots to Moss. She then yanks Moss up off the mat, hooks one of her arms from behind and drives her down face-first with a half nelson facebuster!

Kris Cruise: What the hell is this!? Someone get her off of Lowri!

Stephy Auger: Lowri is a double champ, remember? She’s a big girl. She can handle herself!

Kris Cruise: In a fair fight? Sure. But this is far from fair! Erin Mariani purposely waited to attack Lowri after her match!

Stephy Auger: ...so?

Mariani grabs Moss by the hair and drags her into the corner. She then places Moss into a headlock before dropping her with the Morning Spider Despair (headscissors driver into the turnbuckles)!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord what a move! Mariani is just laying waste to Moss!

Stephy Auger: A preview of Only the Strong Survive, I hope?

Moss remains curled up near the corner as Mariani rolls to the outside. She marches down ringside before snatching up Moss’ Pride and World Tag Team Title belts.

Kris Cruise: Mariani better put those down! Those don’t belong to her!

Stephy Auger: The Pride Title? Sure. But that Tag Title will be hers soon enough!

Mariani chucks both belts into the ring before rolling herself back in. After dragging Moss back towards the center of the ring, Mariani takes the Tag Title belt and repeatedly whacks Moss with it over and over!

Kris Cruise: Dammit, Erin!

The bell repeatedly sounds while Mariani goes to town on Moss. The production truck switches to a split screen, which shows Neal Durden and Sara Mason trading fists before official backstage rush the seen and pull them apart.

Kris Cruise: Neal Durden can’t even make the save! He’s tied up with Sara Mason!

Stephy Auger: Of course he is! Silk & Cyanide planned this whole thing!

Back in the ring, Mariani pulls Moss into a front facelock. She intends to plant Moss onto the tag title belt with the Subjugation (Implant DDT)! Suddenly, the crowd switches from boos to cheers. Mariani then turns and does a double take as Tyler Storm slides into the ring.

Kris Cruise: It’s Tyler Storm! Tyler’s in the ring!

Stephy Auger: What are you doing!?

Mariani pushes Moss to the mat. She goes to attack Storm, but Storm strikes first with a bicycle kick that knocks her off her feet!

Kris Cruise: OH YEAH!

Stephy Auger: You idiot! What are you doing!? She was making this easier for the both of you for the pay per view!

Storm circles the ring as he takes in the cheering crowd. He then crouches down as he waits for Mariani to get into position. Mariani is seen struggling to pull herself back up using the ropes. When she turns around, Storm charges across the ring. He motions for a spear, only to slam on the brakes when Mariani turns and hops through the ropes to escape to the floor. Mariani has words for Storm as he continues to eye her down. After Mariani has exiting through the curtain, Storm turns and scans the ring. His gaze eventually falls on the Pride Championship.

Stephy Auger: Go ahead, Tyler...

Storm heads over, reaches down and slowly picks up the title that was his until eight months ago.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, now you’re finally using your noggin. Take it. Take it! Take that belt and knock Lowri’s lights out!

Storm looks over the championship. He nods before heading over to Moss. Moss is seen pulling herself up using the ropes after the attack by Mariani. Moss turns and leans against the ropes to support herself. It’s then that she finally sees Storm. Moss looks Storm in the eyes until she looks down and sees him holding the Pride Championship. Storm looks down at the Pride Championship… before extending it to Moss. Moss slowly receives the championship before Storm walks off and exits the ring.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Quickly flashing backstage following that big save, Tyler Storm returns to the hallways he was sticking around in before, now with a clear face mask protecting his nose along with the bandaging. He is walking to possibly leave the arena, but Spencer Burke again is chasing Storm down and manages to get to him.

Spencer Burke: Tyler, can I please have a moment with you after that?

Tyler stops in his tracks and turns his attention to Spencer, giving a respectful nod.

Tyler Storm: Go ahead, bud.

Spencer Burke: Well, Tyler, we all just witnessed what happened out there after Lowri's match with Ace Voltage, and the attempted assault by Silk & Cyanide on Pendragon. Luckily enough, you did manage to make the save for Lowri and fend off Mariani while security and some of the other wrestlers handled Neal and Sara back here.

Tyler Storm: Well hey, it's sneaky BS like that...that stuff doesn't fly with me, I don't care who it is or what company. This business means too much to me to let some of these folks go such cheap routes for the most miniscule of advantages where it matters, and that's on the mental end.

He does have to chuckle a slight bit, shrugging his shoulders as the smile grows on his lips.

Tyler Storm: Could I have been a conceited ass and saw this as fate telling me, "Hey, look at that, your job at Only The Strong Survive just got a lot easier. Lowri is being weakened without you even having to lay a finger on her." And I get that for a lot of people that's just "good strategy." But for me, that's the cowards way of getting the things you want the most. If I wanted handouts, I'd ask for handouts, but I don't want handouts...never have and never will. And especially when it comes to something that means so much to me as the Pride Championship. I mean come on, Spencer...it's in the name...Pride...what kind of pride would I have in any sort of way if I was to let that crap by Silk & Cyanide slide? What kind of pride would I have in going into a match with what-ifs in my mind of wondering what would have happened if Lowri came in at her physical best? The kind of pride I would have, to answer that simply, is absolutely none. Not the kind of pride you should have to be Pride Champion. I could go on and on, Spence, but…

Someone calls out to Tyler, interrupting him in mid-sentence.

??: Hey, Tyler!

The Welsh accented voice is instantly recognisable as belonging to Lowri Moss, and the current Pride Champion soon comes into view. She is sans title(s), still dressed in her ring attire, and is clearly feeling the effects of not only her match with Ace Voltage, but also the post-match attack by Erin Mariani. In spite of all that though, she still manages to muster up a smile.

Lowri Moss: Spencer.

The reporter gives a nod of his head, acknowledging the greeting from Lowri. She then turns her attention to Tyler.

Lowri Moss: Hey, so, I wanted to come and find you before you headed off for the night so that, rather than having to settle for doing it over Twitter, I could thank you in person for coming to my aid out there. So… thanks.

Tyler Storm: No thanks needed, but appreciated all the same. Like I was telling Spencer, stuff like that wherever I am just doesn’t fly with me. The fact is, you deserve to be healthy going into Only The Strong Survive. Not only for your tag match, not only if you are participating in the Rumble...but I told Spencer earlier, that night, the only match I have is taking on you for the Pride Championship. If saving you from a couple of cheap jackasses means I get you at as close to 100% as possible, then I know whatever the result, it came against one of the best there is in this company fighting at that same best.

Lowri puts her hands on her hips.

Lowri Moss: I understand that, Tyler, and knowing the kind of person that you are, it doesn’t really surprise me that you did what you did. But even so, you still didn’t have to do it, so I just wanted to make sure that you knew I was grateful for your help.

Evidently fatigued following her earlier exertion, Lowri pauses for a moment to take a breath, before she then continues.

Lowri Moss: As for our match, obviously I don’t know yet whether I’m going to be facing you first, or whether it’ll take place after the tag match with the Hellcats and Silk & Cyanide, but either way, I can promise you that once we’re in the ring together, you’ll get everything that I have in me; I know that’s what you want, and I’m sure you wouldn’t expect any less from me, either.

Tyler Storm: Hey, I’ve survived this past month or 2 without being 100%, and now I am a big physically fatigued on the facial end...but come Only The Strong Survive, I will bring my A game. I know for a fact you will do the same, no matter the match sequence you get stuck in. End of the day...that Pride Championship is just as important to you as it is to me, and the only way that title should be won is by both of us putting our all into it in the end.

Tyler extends out his hand and gives a soft grin.

Tyler Storm: The better person will win, whether it’s me or you, and that title will be held by someone who cares about it a lot. So at this point, best of luck...I’m not used to a lot of matches at this point where I have such high respect for someone and they have the same for me, so it’s going to be a privilege to face you again. Thank you for that.

Lowri shakes Tyler's hand.

Lowri Moss: You're welcome.

She then scratches the back of her neck, a sigh escaping her lips.

Lowri Moss: So, uh... I guess I'll see you at Only the Strong Survive, then.

Tyler Storm: That’s the plan. You probably could use the rest after all that craziness, especially for what’s coming up at the big show.

Lowri responds with a chuckle.

Lowri Moss: You're probably right.

She lets out another small sigh.

Lowri Moss: Alright, I'll see you in eight days, Tyler.

She looks over to where Spencer is still standing.

Lowri Moss: Bye, Spencer.

Lowri quickly glances towards Tyler again, before then turning and heading back in the direction from which she came. Tyler smirks to himself a bit before turning back towards Spencer.

Tyler Storm: Anything else you need to know, Spence?

Spencer Burke: I think the both of you wrapped up any other questions I might have. Again, best of luck to you, Tyler.

He gives the interviewer a nod, and proceeds off in the opposite direction that Lowri went off in, as we cut back away.

[FGA Office]

Seth Iser vs. Ashley Sands

The opening guitar riff of "Warrior" by Skarlett Riot begins to play over the sound system seconds before the Hybrid Champion Ashley Sands walks out onto the stage. Pointing out to the fans all over the arena, Sands walks down to the ring. Once she gets down to ringside, and gets on the apron before climbing the turnbuckle from the outside. She nimbly climbs the turnbuckle from the outside to perch atop the top rope as she sits on her knees.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Bradley Beach, NJ... ASHLEY SANDS!!!!

With her name being announced, Ashley holds both of her arms up as she lays back on the turnbuckle post behind her. Flashing from cameras going off all around her, Sands rolls forwards to flip down into the ring and land on her feet.

Kris Cruise: Antoinette Sands pleaded with her teammates Ashley Marie Chase and Ashley Sands earlier tonight. She desperately wanted a resolution. But she sure didn’t get it.

Stephy Auger: I think the ship has sailed when it’s come to AAA. Mark Bisley saw the weaknesses and insecurities between AMC and Ashley Sands and he exploited them brilliantly.

Kris Cruise: He may be laughing now. But he’ll be defending the 15 Championship against Ashley Marie Chase at Only the Strong Survive.

Stephy Auger: He escaped Grapple Kingdom with the 15 Championship when he faced both Ashleys in a triple threat match. Having to face only one Ashley this time around should be no sweat. AMC will finally get the one on one shot she’s been begging for for months. But she should be careful what she wishes for

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

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia! Weighing in at 240 pounds… SETH ISER!

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

Kris Cruise: AMC’s got the title match while both her and Ashley Sands will be in the Gold Rush Rumble. Tonight, Ashley Sands has the chance to play spoiler her as she takes on this man - the current number one contender for the World Title - Seth Iser.

Stephy Auger: Seth Iser has been on an absolutely tear since last year. It all started with his march through the Wildcard Lottery tournament. Iser can’t trip up over Ashley Sands when he’s right near the finish line.

Kris Cruise: He’s got his huge rematch with Fujiko Mine coming up on pay per view. This time, for the World Championship. We’ll be seeing the official contract signing between him and Fujiko after the main event. But first, he has to get through Ashley Sands. We both know that Ashley Sands is no slouch.

Stephy Auger: I’ll give her her due. She’s a former 15 Champion here. She won the World Tag Team titles some years ago. So she knows how to win. A win over the number one contender could vault her up the ladder. So Seth can’t be taking this one lightly.

The bell sounds as both grapplers make their way out of their respective corners. Sands sizes Iser up before slowly inching over towards him. A collar-and-elbow tie up soon follows. It doesn’t take long for Iser to use his size to his advantage as he shove Sands away from him, sending the former 15 Champion stumbling back into the ropes. Sands looks around before slowly making her way off the ropes. She carefully inches her way back over towards Iser. She engages in yet another lock up. This time, Iser shoves Sands down to the mat. He goes to follow up with a stomp right to the face. But Sands is quick enough to roll away before turning over to a knee. Both Sands and Iser stare each other down before Sands rises back to her feet.

Kris Cruise: Getting into a test of strength with Seth Iser probably isn’t the best idea.

Sands continues to circle the ring while Iser holds his ground in the center. With Iser anticipating her next move, Sands carefully inches back over towards him. Both grapplers motion for another lock up, only for Sands to duck under, go behind and place Iser in a rear waist lock. Before Iser can free himself, Sands turns Iser towards her and catches him in a side headlock. The headlock doesn’t stay on for long as Sands gets shoved off into the ropes. When she returns, she gets knocked down with a standing shoulder block. Iser then turns and heads into the far ropes. When he returns, he sees Sands turning over into the prone position. Instead of continuing to run the ropes, Iser follows up with a knee drop right across the back! The crowd boos Iser as he keeps his knee pressed down against Sands’ back.

Stephy Auger: There we go! We see wrestlers always hop over the prone opponent. They do it out of routine. But not Seth. He saw the opening and he took advantage.

Iser pulls Sands back to her feet. He quickly scoops her up from the side before bringing her down with a pendulum backbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sands kicks out.

Iser snatches Sands up off the mat before throwing her down with a scoop slam. He goes to follow up with an elbow. But he misses when Sands rolls out of the way. Iser turns over to a knee as he tries to get back up. But Sands is right there to latch onto the arm with an armbar.

Kris Cruise: Sands is quick to grab a hold of Iser. She has to keep the big man down.

Stephy Auger: Fighting Seth on his feet won’t get Sands the win that she wants.

The referee asks Iser if he wants to give up. After refusing, he picks himself back up to a vertical back, moves Sands into the near ropes with his free arm and then pushes her off into the far ropes. On the return, Sands avoids an Iser grapple by sliding through his legs. The crowd cheers when Iser turns around and gets caught with a dropkick. A second dropkick knocks Iser back closer towards the ropes. Sands then takes off into the far ropes. When she returns, Iser goes to catch her with a big boot to the face. But Sands gets her hands up in time to catch the kick, knocks Iser off his feet with a leg sweep and follows up with a jumping leg drop. She turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
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Iser pushes Sands off of him.

As Iser turns over to get back up, Sands latches onto him again. This time, with a front facelock. Sands tries to keep Iser down on his knee. But the veteran fights back to a vertical base before moving Sands into the corner. The official is quick to give them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

Both grapplers make a clean break. While Sands’ arms are in the air, Iser goes to cheap shot her with a hard right handed punch. But Sands is able to slip out of the way just in time. The crowd cheers when Iser turns around and gets caught with a series of knife edge chops in the corner. Sands goes to follow up with an irish whip when Iser blocks by wrapping his free arm around the top rope. Sands goes for another irish whip attempt, but she gets stuffed again. Iser then unhooks his arm, takes Sands and tosses her back into the corner. He throws out another hard right handed punch. But he whiffs again after Sands slips out of the way. The crowd cheers when Iser turns around and gets caught with a spinning kick in the corner. Sands then takes Iser and whips him into the far corner. She charges across the ring before blasting him with the Wind Kick (running boot kick in the corner)! Iser’s head snaps back on impact before crumbling to the mat. With Iser splayed out on the canvas, Sands looks around. She then slaps the top turnbuckle before heading out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Sands isn’t wasting any time! She wants to put this one away now!

Stephy Auger: Seth! SETH!


Sands climbs the turnbuckles with purpose. Once she ascends to the top, she flips off for Sunset (Swanton Bomb), only to crash down hard across Iser’s knees.

Kris Cruise: OHHHH, Seth got the knees up!

Stephy Auger: Those weren’t just knees Sands landed across. One of those knees has that metal brace, so she’s really hurting now!

Sands bounces off the knees before rolling across the ring. She continues to howl in pain while she holds her lower back. Sands is seen struggling to pick herself up off the mat. Once she’s back to a vertical base, Iser takes control of her back before throwing her down with a release German Suplex! The boos continue as Iser pulls Sands up off the mat before sending her crashing hard into the turnbuckles. Sands starts to stagger out of the corner until Iser throws her down with a release belly to belly suplex! He goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sands gets her shoulder up.

Iser picks Sands back up. He goes for the Icebreaker (Irish Curse) when Sands elbows him in the side of the head on the way up. While Iser is stunned by the blow, Sands turns and heads into the far ropes. When she comes back, the crowd boos when Iser scoops her up before slamming her down with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sands gets the shoulder up.

Iser grabs Sands and moves her into the corner. From there, Iser delivers multiple knee strikes to the midsection, followed by multiple back elbows to the face, followed by multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. Iser then grabs a doubled over Sands and sits her up on the top turnbuckle. He climbs up to the middle ropes and tries for a superplex. But Sands is able to block it. Iser tries to muscle her up in another superplex attempt. Once again, Sands blocks it. As soon as Iser lets go, Sands starts to fight back with wild right hands to the face. She continues to unload on Iser before shoving him down to the mat. Once Iser gets back to his feet, the crowd cheers when Sands flips off and brings him down with a Blockbuster! She goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Iser kicks out.

Iser reverses an irish whip, sending Sands into the ropes. He tries to take her head off on the rebound with a lariat. But Sands ducks, floats across his back and brings him down with a crucifix pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Iser kicks out.

Sands beats Iser back to his feet and quickly takes advantage by kicking him in the gut before planting him with a DDT. With Iser down, Sands takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, she hits him with the Wind Whisper (Rolling Senton). Sands favors her lower back before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Iser kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Sands! The number one contender is in trouble!

Stephy Auger: Don’t you try to speak that into existence! He’s fine!

Kris Cruise: Are you trying to convince me or you?

Sands brings Iser back to his feet before executing a side russian leg sweep. She then sets up shop in the corner while she waits for Iser to get in position. As Iser turns over to a knee, Sands rushes out of the corner. She goes for a Shining Wizard when Iser stands up and wraps his arms around her leg. Sands continues to hop in place before Iser brings her down with a dragonscrew leg whip! He tries to follow up with a figure four, but Sands is able to shove him off her with her free foot mid-turn. Sands tries to fight her way back to her feet as Iser rushes out of the corner. He tries to catch her on the way up with a running big boot. But once again, Sands catches his foot in time. She then swings Iser’s leg away from her before knocking him down with a spinning heel kick to the back of the head! Iser is pulled back up before being whipped into the far ropes. As Iser comes back, Sands rushes over and knocks him down with a spinning heel kick to the face! Iser turns over to a knee before Sands rushes over and flattens him with a Shining Wizard! She goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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NO!

The crowd boos when Iser gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Sands is throwing everything she’s got at Seth!

Sands starts to pull Iser up off the mat until he swats her hands off of him. The crowd boos when he quickly follows up with a hard right hand punch that drops Sands down to a seated position.

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

Stephy Auger: She got absolutely rocked with that punch!

Iser delivers a stomp to the face that knocks Sands flush against the canvas. He then reaches down, pulls Sands back to her feet and hoists her up for a vertical suplex. Sands counters with a knee to the head on the way up! After being lowered back down, Sands takes Iser from the side before bringing him down with a reverse side russian leg sweep. She pulls Iser over before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Iser gets the shoulder up.

Sands gets back to her feet before heading into the corner.

Kris Cruise: What’s she setting up for here?

Sands hoists herself up onto the middle ropes before waving Iser back up. Once Iser is back to a vertical base, Sands leaps off for a flying Into Dust (Codebreaker)... and gets caught in mid air. Iser continues to walk backwards before dropping her throat-first across the top rope with a modified Stun-gun! Sands immediately holds her throat after she hits the mat. She continues to favor her throat while Iser turns over and gets back to a knee. He eyes his opponent as he gets back to a vertical base. As soon as Sands tries to pick herself up off the mat, Iser rushes over before sending her head snapping back with a Wrestling II Knee Lift! The boos continue as he pulls Sands off the mat before bringing her down with a hangman’s neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sands kicks out.

Iser pulls Sands back to her feet before bringing her down with a vertical suplex. He turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Sands gets the shoulder up.

Iser takes Sands and whips her hard into the corner. He goes to catch Sands off the rebound with another release belly to belly when Sands counters with a bell clap to the ears. Iser continues to cover his ears as Sands slips behind him. She then leaps up onto his back and slaps on a Sleeper Hold!

Kris Cruise: Sands has the sleeper locked on!

Stephy Auger: Get her off of you, Seth!

Sands squeezes as tight as she can! Iser reaches out to the ropes. But he’s dead in the center of the ring! Sands feverishly nods her head as she tries to put Iser to sleep! The referee asks Iser if he wants to give up. Iser refuses! He tries to pull Sands’ arm from around his neck. But it’s to no avail! He tries to pull her off of him again. But he’s still denied! As he last resort, Iser hooks his arms around Sands’ leg before jumping up, leaning back and crashing down on top of Sands, breaking the hold!

Stephy Auger: Thank you!

Iser snatches Sands off the mat before shooting her for the ride. He scoops up Sands off the return, turns ans throws her down with authority with a spinebuster! Iser rolls across Sands before hooking the near leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

The crowd cheers when Sands gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Sands isn’t finished yet!

Stephy Auger: Don’t you worry, she will be soon!

After pulling Sands off the mat, Iser catches her with three jabs. He goes to complete the combo with a discus clothesline. But he whiffs when Sands ducks the blow. When Iser turns around, the crowd gasps when Sands hops up for a hurricanrana. Before she can flip back, Iser counters with a powerbomb! The boos continues as Iser scans the venue before twirling his hand around.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh...

Stephy Auger: OH YEAH...

Iser slowly pulls Sands up off the mat. He then quickly pulls her into a front facelock before planting her with the Deprivation DDT! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: Ashley Sands put up one hell of a fight here tonight. But Seth Iser would not be denied. He continues his winning ways as he marches towards his date with the FGA World Champion. Speaking of the champ, the Apex Goddess will be in action right after this break!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Fujiko Mine vs. Laura Perelli

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

Ooo, standing up, being a captive to my disease

And I’ll start when I wanna start

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

This is my castle and I’m keeping

All

Locked

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Trenton, New Jersey! Weighing in at 127 pounds, this is LAURAAAAA PERRELLIIIIIIIII!

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

Kris Cruise: Laura Perelli may not have as many checkmarks in the win column as she’d like as of late, but she continues to put forth some solid outings.

Stephy Auger: That’s true. She’s definitely my one to watch for as we head into 2021. But I get the feeling that Perelli is tired of putting fourth “solid outings.” It’s great that she can push people like Izzy Anders. But she wants to start seeing wins, Cruise. Big wins! There’s no bigger win in FGA right now than a win over the World Champion. I’m sure saying that a win over Fujiko is bigger than a win over Cordy will tick the International Champion off. Please let her know that I couldn’t care less.

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Weighing in at 152 pounds! She is the reigning and record-setting FGA World Champion! She is the “Apex Goddess” FUJIKO MINE!

After maneuvering through a cleared aisle in the crowd, Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful handspring onto and over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess. She hooks herself up on top, and as the title of the song comes around, she throws her hands up, fingers outstretched each time.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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

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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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

Kris Cruise: It has been 402 days and counting since Fujiko Mine won the FGA World Championship at last year’s Only the Strong Survive pay per view. She has far surpassed the likes of Chandler Scott, The Chaotics and even her opponent for the pay per view, Seth Iser, on the list of longest reigns ever. It’s been 402 days that have included her becoming a Triple Crown winner, a Grand Slam winner and defeating the best that have been thrown her way. The Apex Goddess doesn’t seen to be slowing down anytime soon, Stephy. Despite everything she’s accomplished, she’s far from satisfied.

Stephy Auger: You may think she isn’t showing signs of slowing down. That may even be true. But you can rest assure that Seth Iser is going to do everything he can to bring her historic reign to an abrupt end at Only the Strong Survive.

Kris Cruise: Well that remains to be seen. The Apex Goddess had strong words for Seth on the last episode.

Stephy Auger: Strong words? More like nasty words. Don’t let the charity work fool you. She’s just as arrogant and conceited as the people you all love to hate. She just hides it better than most.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think Fujiko hides anything and any ego she may have is warranted, given everything she’s achieved thus far. But before we even get to the pay per view or the contract signing, Fujiko’s got a hell of an opponent on the other side of the ring.

Stephy Auger: Laura Perelli knows how to break an opponent down. If she gets a hold of you in a submission, you might not get out. Fujiko can’t get too cute in there.

The bell sounds as Fujiko and Perelli make their way out of their respective corners. The two grapplers size each other up before locking up. After jockeying for position, Fujiko gains the advantage with a side headlock. Perelli goes to shove her off to the ropes, but Fujiko hangs on with the headlock. Perelli then hits Fujiko with a forearm shiver to the side before trying to shove her off. Once again, Fujiko remains locked on. Perelli then move Fujiko back into the near ropes. She then runs forward before attempting to shove Fujiko off. But the Apex Goddess stuffs that by dropping down to a knee while keeping the side headlock applied. The ref gets down and asks Perelli if she wants to give up. Perelli refuses before battling back to a vertical base. She then reaches over and latches onto Fujiko’s arm. She slowly starts to push Fujiko’s arm from around her neck before quickly spinning out and reversing into a hammerlock. Perelli keeps the hammerlock applied until Fujiko spins out and reverses into a hammerlock of her own. The official again asks Perelli if she wants to give up. After Perelli refuses, Fujiko spins her towards her before bringing her to the mat with a side headlock takeover. The Apex Goddess remains in control as Perelli slowly reaches her hand up. The crowd boos as she grabs Fujiko by the hair and pulls her head back before reversing into a grounded headscissors. Perelli remains in the dominant position until Fujiko escapes with a kip up. After Perelli scrambles back to her feet, Fujiko returns her to the mat with another side headlock takeover. Fujiko stays in control until Perelli executes a bridge and roll counter.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Fujiko rolls back over as she maintains the grounded side headlock.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s getting the better of the grappler thus far.

The referee once again checks in on Perelli. Perelli turns down the chance to give up before reversing into another grounded headscissors. She stays in control of the champion until Fujiko escapes with another kip up. After Perelli scrambles back to her feet, Fujiko goes for another side headlock takeover. This time, Perelli blocks the move before lifting Fujiko up for a belly to back suplex. The Apex Goddess counters by rolling over her shoulder and landing on her feet. When Perelli turns around, she catches Fujiko rushing in with a side headlock takeover of her own. Perelli tries to cinch down on the hold before Fujiko reverses into a grounded headscissors of her own. Perelli tries to escape with a kip up, but it gets blocked. The Apex Goddess blocks another escape attempt. So Perelli rolls over onto her knees. After pressing down on Fujiko’s legs, Perelli slips out. She quickly jumps up and goes to flatten Fujiko with a double foot stomp to the chest. But the World Champion is able to roll out of the way in time.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko was just too quick for her! She’s been too quick for a lot of people, given her record in recent times. There’s a reason she’s a back-to-back Wrestler of the Year.

Fujiko gathers herself as she makes her way back to her feet. Both grapplers once again size each other up before heading over and locking up. After jockeying for position, Perelli moves Fujiko towards the side of the ring. After Fujiko is pressed up against the ropes, the referee gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR…

As soon as both grapplers make a clean break, Perelli quickly takes Fujiko by the arm and goes for an irish whip. She reverses, sending Perelli into the far ropes. When Perelli comes back, Fujiko leap frogs over her. After Perelli runs the ropes, Fujiko leap frogs over her again without turning around. Perelli continues to run the ropes. When Perelli comes back, Fujiko knocks her down with a dropkick. A second dropkick returns Perelli to the canvas. Once Perelli gets back to her feet, Fujiko sends her flipping down to the mat with a step-up enzuigiri. The crowd cheers as Fujiko reaches down, grabs Perelli by the wrist with both hands and pulls her over onto her knees.

Kris Cruise: Look at this!

Fujiko’s about to blast Perelli with Yount’s 300th Hit (double wristlock knee to the face) when Perelli rolls backwards to her feet, kicks one of Fujiko’s hands off of her and executes an arm wrench before following up with a double knee armbreaker! Fujiko quickly rolls to the side of the ring and leans up against the ropes. The Apex Goddess looks over and sees Perelli giving her the ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ shrug.

Stephy Auger: Laura Perelli had Fujiko well scouted!

Fujiko pulls herself back to her feet. She shakes her right arm while circling the ring. She then inches over towards her opponent. The Apex Goddess goes to initiate another collar-and elbow when Perelli ducks under, goes behind and applies a rear waist lock. The crowd gasps as she hoists Fujiko up for a German Suplex. But Fujiko is able to catch her on the way up with an elbow to the face. After being lowered back down, Fujiko hits Perelli with another back elbow to the face, breaking the hold. Fujiko starts to run towards the ropes when Perelli reaches out, grabs her by the back of the tights and pulls her into another rear waist lock. She then heaves Fujiko over her head with a German Suplex, only for Fujiko to rotate in the air and land on her feet! As Perelli scrambles back to her feet, the Apex Goddess rushes over before bringing her down with a pop-up hurricanrana. The World Champion finally takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she brings Perelli down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Perelli gets back to her feet, only for Fujiko to run over and delivering a front dropkick, knocking her through the ropes and to the floor!

The Apex Goddess circles the ring as she tries to get the crowd in attendance hyped up. She starts to bounce on the balls of her feet while Perelli starts to pick herself up off the floor. The Apex Goddess then takes off into the far ropes. She picks up speed off the rebound as she runs across the ring, Fujiko motions for a dive to the outside, only to kick off the middle rope. As Fujiko twirls through the air, Perelli rolls back in. As soon as Fujiko lands in her signature superhero pose, Perelli darts over and flattens her with a Sliding D. The crowd erupts with boos as Perelli looks over at Fujiko before giving her another
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ shrug.

Stephy Auger: Once again, Perelli had her well scouted. She might be young. She might not have the experience that Fujiko does. But she does her homework.

Kris Cruise: You can have your opponent well scouted and avoid some of their moves. But you don’t need to rub it in their face by taunting.

Stephy Auger: Oh boo hoo, quit crying.

Perelli pulls Fujiko back to her feet before taking control of the arm. Fujiko is shown to be in a bit of discomfort after being on the receiving end of two arm wrenches. The ref asks her if she wants to give up. After the World Champion refuses, Perelli delivers another arm wrench before following up with a short-arm shoulder block to the arm. Fujiko drops to a knee after getting hit with another short-arm shoulder block. The Apex Goddess gets back to a vertical base, only to get dropped back down to a knee after another short-arm shoulder block. Perelli continues to remain latched onto the arm of the champion. The ref kneels down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. But the champ shakes her head ‘no.’ After Fujiko battles back to a vertical base, Perelli goes for another arm wrench. After she completes the arm wrench, Fujiko rolls forward, leans back, kips up, cartwheels over, swats Perelli hands off of her and follows up with a dropsault.

Once Perelli is back to her feet, Fujiko latches onto her arm. The Apex Goddess gives Perelli a taste of her own medicine with five consecutive arm wrenches. Perelli then groans after winding up on the receiving end of yet another arm wrench. After turning down the chance to quit, Perelli rolls forward, spins over onto her knees, flips over with a headstand, spins in place and transitions behind Fujiko with a hammerlock. Perelli keeps the hammerlock applied before spinning Fujiko towards her and bringing her down with an arm drag into an armbar. Fujiko is aware enough to quickly clasp her hands together to prevent Perelli from fully applying the armbar. Perelli continues to tug away as she tries to rip apart the grip of Fujiko. But the Apex Goddess as her hands together together for dear life. So Perelli decides to repeatedly bring her leg down across Fujiko’s face. The crowd boos when Fujiko is repeated gets slammed across the face with the leg! Perelli then yanks back, breaking Fujiko’s grip and fully locking in the armbar!

Kris Cruise: Oh, it’s in now!

Stephy Auger: She’s got Fujiko right where she wants her!

The ref immediately gets down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. Instead of answering, the champion howls out in pain. So the official asks her again if she wants to give up. Fujiko refuses. After grabbing a hold of Fujiko’s leg, Fujiko turns over to her left and counters the armbar into a pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli kicks out and breaks the hold.

After both grapplers get back to their feet, Perelli quickly latches onto Fujiko’s wrist and sends her down shoulder-first to the mat with an arm wringer. Fujiko turns over onto her back and favors her shoulder. Before she can even get off the mat, Perelli takes control of her arm before delivering a stomp to the keylocked arm! Fujiko howls out in pain as the crowd boos.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko could be hurt here!

Stephy Auger: For her sake, she better not be! The last thing she needs heading into a match with Iser is an injury.

Perelli pulls Fujiko up off the mat by the hair. She scoops Fujiko up across her shoulder. She has Fujiko set up for a shoulder breaker when Fujiko starts to kick her legs. The champion continues to kick her legs before slipping from from behind. As soon as Perelli turns around, Fujiko nails her with a forearm striking using her good arm. Another forearm strike connects. After the third forearm finds its mark, Fujiko knocks her back with a gamengiri. The Apex Goddess turns and hits the far ropes. When she comes back, the crowd gasps when Perelli lifts her up across her shoulders for an Ushi Goroshi. Before Perelli can hit the neckbreaker, Fujiko uses her good arm to hit her with multiple elbows to the side of the head. As soon as she slips down from behind, she hops back up onto Perelli’s shoulders. Fujiko then executes a victory roll before leaping up and hitting Perelli with a double foot stomp! Perelli remains down as Fujiko hits the ropes, comes back and lands across her with a running Shooting Star Press! The cheers continue as she hooks the leg.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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Perelli gets the shoulder up.

Perelli reverses an irish whip, sending Fujiko into the corner. Perelli charges in for a high knee in the corner… and misses when Fujiko slips out of the way, causing her to crash into the corner. Fujiko returns the favor with a ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ shrug of her own before hopping onto Perelli’s shoulders once again.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko’s giving that attitude right back to her!

The crowd cheers when Fujiko flips back and plants Perelli with a poison rana. The momentum causes Perelli to roll over onto her knees before Fujiko spikes her with a basement hurricanrana! She makes the cover.

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

Fujiko takes hold of the arm Perelli raises off the mat and returns to her feet. The Apex Goddess throws out Sealed with a Kick (ground arm pulled roundhouse kick), only for Perelli to duck and reverse into a schoolboy…

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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Fujiko kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Perelli quickly scoops Fujiko across her shoulder before bringing her down with a shoulderbreaker. Perelli pulls Fujiko back to her feet, lifts her across her shoulders and brings her down with the Ushi Goroshi. The boos continue when Perelli pulls Fujiko back to her feet, lifts her up and plants her with a brainbuster! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Fujiko is met with cheers and applause when she gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Perelli with a flurry of offense there! But the World Champion would not stay down! It’s been hard to keep Fujiko down over these past few years. It’s been few and far between.

Perelli yanks Fujiko up off the mat before hitting her with a flurry of forearm strikes. After the forearm strikes, Perelli switches up and attacks Fujiko with multiple European Uppercuts. After the last blow connects, Perelli spins her dazed opponent away from her before wrapping her arm around her neck. She goes to throw Fujiko down with the Code of Silence (Saka Otoshi into Sleeper Hold). Instead of Fujiko falling into the prone position, she rolls across Perelli’s back, lands on her feet, grabs the arm, delivers an arm wrench and hits Perelli with a kick right underneath the chin before planting her with a Rolling DDT!

Kris Cruise: What a counter!

Stephy Auger: C’mon! C’mon! Don’t let her back into this, Laura!

Both grapplers remain down on the mat until Fujiko rolls back before returning to her feet with a kip up.

Kris Cruise: Oh yeah! This crowd ate up that one!

Fujiko closes her hand into a fist before opening her hands up fully over and over before shaking out the arm. The Apex Goddess starts to bounce on the balls of her feet as Perelli stirs on the mat. As Perelli starts to turn over and pick herself back up, Fujiko heads towards the ropes, comes back and knocks Perelli down with a one-arm handspring rebound enzuigiri. Fujiko returns to her feet before continuing to shake out the arm. She then takes Perelli, moves her into the corner and catches her with a rope-assisted gamengiri before following up with a forearm strike with the targeted arm. She goes to follow up with an irish whip when Perelli reverses and follows her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko runs up the turnbuckles and backflips over her oncoming opponent before heading towards the ropes. When the Apex Goddess returns, the crowd cheers when she turns Perelli inside out with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick)! Perelli is peeled off the mat before Fujiko brings her back down with the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check)! The Apex Goddess pulls Perelli off the mat by the back of the tights before taking control of her back. From there, Fujiko unloads on Perelli with the N Loop (ripcord short-arm alternating forearms and backfists) before snapping Perelli’s head back with The Bliss (backflip flash kick)! The cheers continue as Fujiko makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Can You Feel Hit?” blasts over the PA>

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

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

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine picks up the win here tonight over Laura Perelli! Fujiko was able to match Seth with a win here on the last Vertigo before the pay per view. They’ll both be appearing later on tonight to make their huge World Championship match official for Only the Strong Survive!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The lights in the arena blink to darkness, prompting a loud but indecisive reaction from the limited audience, many of which have grown used to being plunged into darkness-- but the mixed reaction becomes dominated by boos as the words “I come to life…” echo throughout the arena over the soundsystem, followed by the familiar deep drums, with the text CHAOS appearing in blood red on the Tron. Kavinsky’s “Suburbia” plays on the PA and the lights in the arena slowly return with a red hue.

Stephy Auger: Somebody has been terrorizing poor Ashlyn for weeks now, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: Somebody has definitely been playing mind games with De Luca but I don’t know if she’s been going about it the right way. Last week, she tried her luck at taking her aggression out on Nina Stokes and that worked out wonderfully…

Stephy Auger: Watch your mouth! Whoever left that message for Ashlyn before and after her match with Nina is using everyone under the sun to terrorize her tonight! This chain of people has been brought together to deliver that-- that broken, reversed clock to Ashlyn and for what?! What the hell is that supposed to even mean, Cruise?! Is Ashlyn supposed to be Marty McFly? What?!

Kris Cruise: If I were a betting man, I’d say “De Lucz” is on borrowed time. Hers is running out.

Stephy Auger: That’s stupid. I’ll ask someone smart.

Ashlyn De Luca steps out of the darkness and onto the top of the ramp-- but she’s not alone She half-guides, half-drags a frail, pale, younger man behind her, pulling him along by the “HONDA” lanyard around his neck.

Kris Cruise: Oh, no, no, no, no--

Stephy Auger: What?

Kris Cruise: I think-- I think that was my Uber driver.

Stephy Auger: Well, what’s Ashlyn doing with your Uber driver?

Kris Cruise: I dunno. Hopefully nothing nefarious. I can’t afford another one star customer rating. I’ll get blocked from the service. Damnit, why didn’t this guy just hurry out of here?!

Stephy Auger: ...what were you doing to your previous Uber drivers to land you in this position?

Ashlyn approaches the ring, demanding the Uber driver get inside. He obliges, awkwardly sliding into the ring while Ashlyn walks up the steps, demanding a microphone from J.A. Aldridge before she steps through the ropes, gesturing toward the driver as he rises to his feet inside the ring.

Ashlyn De Luca: Tell them. Tell everyone who you are.

Ash begins speaking before her music has even faded, but production takes this as a cue to cut it.

Ashlyn De Luca: Do it.

She shoves the mic into the kid’s face. The driver raises a hand, defensively, but quickly responds.

Uber Driver: I-- I’m Mar--

Ashlyn yanks the microphone away, though she can be heard clearly instructing the gentleman “I don’t care what your name is. Tell them what I told you to tell them.” She slowly puts the mic back in his face, glaring into his eyes, nearly shaking in anger.

Uber Driver: ...I’m Kris Cruise’s Uber driver.

The camera swings over to Cruise, who buries his face in his hands.

Uber Driver: And I was asked to-- to deliver, um-- um--

Ashlyn pulls the mic back, turning to the hard camera, fixing her gaze onto it. She lifts the woodgrain, reversed clock up for the world to see. We can hear the tick, tick, tick, tick in the silent seconds before she speaks.

Ashlyn De Luca: A production assistant gave me this today in a shoebox. I thought it was some sort of fan that got into the hallways and wanted to give me some weird homemade gift, but… no. It was this. It was this message. And obviously this didn’t come from the mind of some random production assistant. This came from the same person that decided last week that they were going to violate my privacy to leave a message in my locker room and then try to humiliate me over the PA system after my match with Nina Stokes.

De Luca takes a frustrated deep breath.

Ashlyn De Luca: So I asked her who gave her the gift. And she told me it was John in the production truck. So I hunted down John in the production truck and he told me it was Juan, the shuttle guy that works for the Melrose Ballroom. So I found Juan, thank you Rosetta Stone, and he eventually told me that it was actually from Ernie, the head of security. So then I was like, “now we’re getting somewhere.” If anyone is gonna track this goon down it’s the head of arena security.

De Luca shoots a frown at the nearest camera before turning back to the hard camera.

Ashlyn De Luca: But like anything else out of New Jersey, Ernie let me down. He could only point to the catering crew. So the catering crew directed me to Caleb, the new referee, who directed me to Frankie, the sound guy, and by that time-- by that time you think I’d get tired. You think I’d get sick of following this chain, but-- I swear to God, don’t you move a muscle.

The Uber Driver’s eyes widen. The camera pans to him, capturing him attempting to exit the ring through the ropes, but a sharp glare from Ashlyn causes him to stand upright, turning to face her again. De Luca glares at him, silent for a few seconds while the curious crowd murmurs among themselves.

Ashlyn De Luca: Sound guy directs me to another sound guy… other sound guy directs me to Joe, who always stands outside of the arena, but I don’t know if he actually works here, so that was an uncomfortable exchange… and finally… finally, Joe directs me to Kris Cruise’s Uber guy.

Ashlyn chuckles, but she’s evidently the only person that’s amused. The other members of the limited audience look, at best, curious, while others seem genuinely confused. De Luca turns, pointing to the driver.

Ashlyn De Luca: And you. YOU… you saw who it was.

Uber Driver: I-- I didn’t really see who it wa--

Ashlyn De Luca: THAT’S NOT WHAT YOU SAID!

Uber Driver: I WAS NERVOUS!

Ashlyn De Luca: You were at the beginning of all this. You know it was someone on the inside. And you’re gonna tell me who it was. I have no problem holding this whole show up until I find out. The longer it takes me to find out though, the more antsy I’m gonna get.

Ashlyn calmly reaches out, grabbing the driver by his lanyard again. The driver is shakily brought forward, lips trembling as he tries to say something-- anything.

Ashlyn De Luca: I said “antsy.” I meant, “horrifically and unreasonably violent.”

Ashlyn moves her hand to the driver’s throat--

Kris Cruise: WAIT! ASHLYN!

De Luca mutters under her breath, shaking her head as Kris Cruise exits the announce table with a microphone. Cruise raises his free hand, pleading.

Kris Cruise: I… can’t afford another one star review. Not even a two star. Let’s just talk about thi--

Ashlyn De Luca: I’m done.

Ashlyn lets go of the driver and slides out of the ring, immediately grabbing Kris Cruise by the throat to a gasp from the audience. Stephy Auger goes quiet at the announce table as Ashlyn slams Cruise back-first across the top of it, her own eyes growing wide in rage as she begins to choke the commentator. Cruise looks back up at Ashlyn in shock, horror as the surrounding audience reaches a fever pitch.

??: Ashlyn. It’s in your best interest to let him go.

De Luca’s hands immediately drift off of Cruise’s neck and onto his chest. Ashlyn stares down at Cruise for a second, as if registering where the voice came from, before she takes a step back.

??: You followed the trail of crumbs fairly well, but you ended up at the wrong target.

Ashlyn De Luca: Who is that?

Earning just a shrug from Auger-- and a shake of the head from the terrified Cruise-- Ashlyn backs away, reaching for her microphone as if it offers some sort of security as she looks around, presumably for the owner of the voice.

Ashlyn De Luca: Why don’t you just come on out? I am so tired of whatever stupid game this is.

??: To you, it’s a stupid game. To others, this is very serious.

From the entryway, a lone figure strolls out casually, microphone held in one hand. A gentleman of African descent comes to a halt near the top of the ramp, dressed in a sharp grey suit with a matching tie and white dress shirt. He’s not immediately recognizable, having been away from the FGA cameras since before the lockdown.

Stephy Auger: Wait… I remember him. Something Harris wasn’t it?

There are a couple of coughs from her broadcast partner befor he is able to offer a response.

Kris Cruise: Theodore Harris, I believe.

Stephy Auger: He was here representing someone that he never disclosed… So that would mean that one of them is responsible for this treatment of Ashlyn.

Ashlyn stares at Harris for a few seconds, trying to pin down a name to the face before her shoulders seem to slump in recognition. She shakes her head, still unimpressed— or angered— with the revelation.

Ashlyn De Luca: “Others”, what others? Stop with the riddles and the games and the— the clocks.

Ashlyn lets out an exasperated sigh, clenching her hand into a fist.

Ashlyn De Luca: Who is all this for? The hell is the point of antagonizing me?

Harris regards Ashlyn dispassionately from the top of the ramp. He raises his mic back up slowly.

Theodore Harris: This has been done at the behest of our mutual acquaintance. The one you had been informed about at the last show. After all the waiting around and biding of time, it was decided that now was when the situation would be brought to a head. You have business to be settled and debts to be paid Ashlyn. But first my client had wanted to let you have the chance you had desired so badly without any sort of distractions to rob you of your focus. We wanted to see if you were really going to back up your words from a year ago.

The air seems to leave Ashlyn’s body. She raises the microphone to her lips… and for seconds, she stares at Harris, her face growing red…

Ashlyn De Luca: …

But no words come out. The audience grows increasingly louder. Ashlyn’s gaze falls downward and her jaw tightens.

Theodore Harris: You wanted your chance to be the headliner in FGA. Well, we allowed that to play out for you. You were owed at least that much considering everything you did to get it.

A pause.

Theodore Harris: But you didn’t have it in you to get over that last hurdle, did you? All bluster and bravado… but no concrete results. And because of that, I told my client that you weren’t worth the time and effort to wrap things up with.

The words prompt a loud, deep, but eager “OOOOOHHH…”[/i] from those in attendance.

Theodore Harris: There are bigger things to aim for here in FGA than to face off with Ashlyn De Luca.

Another pause.

Theodore Harris: But my client was very insistent about it. You’ve always been an important person to my client.

De Luca’s face is now completely red. She doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t look back up at Harris. Doesn’t dare say anything while she stands there, trembling in rage while the audience grows louder around her in realization.

Theodore Harris: It’s not easy to try and carry on someone else’s legacy, is it?

De Luca nods, forcing the most artificial, bitter smile as an effort to keep her composure long enough to get the words out.

Ashlyn De Luca: You’re gonna regret this. Tell him.

She visibly grows flustered.

Ashlyn De Luca: Tell him--

De Luca throws the mic aside, storming out of the ringside area without another word. She chooses to walk alongside the ramp, avoiding Harris who stands on the entryway. Ashlyn shoots one final glare at Theodore Harris before she disappears into the back, ignoring the jeers and shouts of the audience as she does. We pan to Stephy Auger and the shellshocked Kris Cruise.

Stephy Auger: Cruise, do you know what this means?!

Cruise has his headset off, massaging his own neck, but he nods. Stephy shakes her head in amusement, turning to the camera.

Stephy Auger: It’s a terrible time to be Ashlyn De Luca.

Auger turns her attention back to Cruise as we slowly fade away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

THEY’RE COMING...

[FGA Office]

Evan Envi vs. Nina Stokes

The lights in the arena dim to a fairly darkened level. A couple of seconds pass before MUCC’s “Sei to Shi to Kimi” begins to play. The base of the entrance becomes fills up with heavy smoke. Nina Stokes makes her way out from the back a few seconds later. She emerges from the smoke after a moment or two. She gives a sly sneer to camera before she makes her way towards to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Miami, Florida! She is “The Kodiak” NINA STOKES!

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

Nina paces around for a moment. Then she removes her jacket and tosses it into the corner. Nina pulls on the ropes and stretches before she lounges in the corner and waits for the start of the match.

Kris Cruise: Stephy, you mentioned before the break that it was a terrible time to be Ashlyn De Luca? Well, I would also say it’s a terrible time for anyone to be standing on the other side of the ring from Nina Stokes! Ashlyn De Luca found that out herself on the last episode of Vertigo!

Stephy Auger: Nina Stokes is done playing games. She’s done hearing the lies of Selfish San Francisco. We all know what Nina Stokes wants and she is going to run through this roster until she gets what she wants.

The familiar, frantic instrumental slams into the PA system, drawing a pop from the crowd in attendance. Multi-colored strobes dance throughout the venue as the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” blares throughout. Upon the first hint of vocals, Evan Envi steps through the tunnel and onto the ramp, his signature jacket thrown on, hood pulled up over his head, slightly obscuring the view of his face. He takes a few steps forward, eyes pointed downward… until a smirk crosses his face and he looks up, peeling the hood off of his head.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Ocean City, Maryland! Weighing in at 204 pounds! He is the “Chief” EVAN ENVI!

Raising his signature Double V’s high into the air, Envi makes his way down the ramp. Evan climbs the stairs and finally lowers his arms once he’s climbed the ropes near the turnbuckles as if walking a staircase, standing at the top as he unzips his jacket, shooting a small smile toward the audience members nearest to him. Envi tosses his jacket aside and leaps from the top rope down into the ring, running the ropes just once before coming to a stop at the ropes nearest to the hard camera, staring coolly into the lens-- at someone-- before the smallest smile returns to his face and he backs to the center of the ring, music fading.

Kris Cruise: The last time we saw Evan Envi in singles action was way back at Grapple Kingdom during the Unsanctioned Match with Ricky Valero. Since then, he’s been tagging frequently with his friend, Kazu Hirano.

Stephy Auger: There’s no Kazu in his corner tonight. Standing across the ring from him is a pissed off woman who is tired of being poked and prodded by Selfish San Francisco.

Kris Cruise: Earlier tonight, Sadie tried to talk Envi into taking Nina out!

Stephy Auger: I may not like a lot of Envi’s moves as of late. But the Chief is smart enough not to make an enemy out of Nina Stokes. But guess what? He’s still in her path, which spells bad news for him.

Envi goes to start things off with a lock up when he gets caught with a rolling solebutt to the midsection! The Chief remains doubled over until he gets knocked upright with a rising knee to the chin. The boos continue as Stokes rushes in with a palm strike flurry that knocks him into the corner! From there, Stokes sends Envi slumping down in the corner with a boxing forearm strikes. Stokes reaches down, pulls Envi back up and sends him slumping back down with more boxing forearm strikes. The Kodiak steps back towards the center of the ring before charging forward and crushing Envi with double running knees! She then drags Envi out of the corner before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Envi kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Stokes has been all over Envi since the word ‘go’.

Stokes gets back to her feet, latches onto Envi’s wrist and pulls him up onto his knees before nailing him in the side of the head with repeated wristlock facekicks. While Envi is down on all fours, Stokes hits the far ropes, comes back and flattens him with a jumping senton! The boos continue as she pulls Envi over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Envi kicks out.

Stokes pulls Envi back to his feet, wrenches his arm and follows up with a hook kick that knocks him back. Stokes then presses forward and knocks him back with a lariat. After a front push kick knocks Envi against the ropes, Stokes unleashes a flurry of shoot kicks across the chest! While Envi can barely stands against the ropes, Stokes turns and takes off into the far ropes. The Kodiak picks up speed as she charges across the ring. She’s about to strike when Envi ducks and sends her over the top rope with a back body drop! The crowd cheers when Stokes lands hard on the floor!

Kris Cruise: Envi just hit what might have been his first offensive move of this match.

Envi stumbles away from the ropes. He then doubles over before guarding his chest. The official checks in with Envi to see if he’s okay. The Chief shakes his head ‘yes’ before dropping down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think he’s okay, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Neither do I. he’s still shaken up. He couldn’t take advantage of throwing Stokes to the outside.

On the outside, Stokes begins to slowly stir on the floor. She then slowly turns over into the prone position before placing the back of her hand on her back. Back inside, Envi slowly stands back up. The Chief turns around and sees Stokes starting to pick herself up off the floor. So Envi runs into the far ropes. Envi picks up speed as he runs across the ring. The crowd gasps when Envi leaps through the ropes and knocks Stokes down with a suicide European Uppercut!

Kris Cruise: Down goes Stokes! The high risk paid off!

Envi picks up Stokes and slams her face-first onto the apron before rolling her back inside. Stokes turns over on all fours before Envi climbs up to the apron and flattens her with a slingshot elbow drop across the back. He then pushes her over before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

Envi pulls Stokes back to her feet and delivers an arm wrench. After a second arm wrench is delivered, Stokes swats Envi’s hands off of her, doubles him over with another rolling solebutt before hitting him with another set of wristlock face kicks. The boos continue as Stokes turns and hits the ropes. When she comes back, Envi knocks her down with a pop-up elbow strike! Envi then reaches down, pulls Stokes back to her feet and moves her into the corner before firing off a knife edge chop. Envi fires off another knife edge chop before immediately following up with a European Uppercut!

“WOO!”

Envi looks out at the crowd before hitting another knife edge chop and European Uppercut.

“WOO!”

A smile forms on the Chief’s face before firing off a series of rapid, alternating knife edge chop/European Uppercut combination.

“WOO!”

“WOO!”

“WOO!”

“WOO!”

The crowd continues to Woo after each strike. Once Envi stops, he smiles when he’s met with cheers from the crowd. But his smile is quickly removed when Stokes grabs him, tosses him into the corner and cracks him across the jaw with an elbow smash!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

Stephy Auger: That’s what he gets for playing up to these idiots!

A second elbow smash knocks Envi’s head to the side. Stokes then blasts him with a third elbow smash before whipping him into the far corner. The Kodiak charges across the ring and hurls himself at him with another running double knee strike. She misses! The crowd cheers when Envi slips out of the way, causing Stokes to crash into the corner. Stokes starts to stumble away from the corner until Envi takes control of her back. He starts to lift her up for a German Suplex when Stokes elbows him on the way up. Stokes gets lowered back down before hitting Envi with two more back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Stokes takes control of Envi’s back before pushing him forward towards the corner. Stokes goes for the Chaos Theory (Front Turnbuckle Smash into Back Roll German Suplex)! But Envi hooks his arms underneath the top rope and yanks back, sending Stokes off his back and to the mat. As soon as Stokes rolls back up to her feet, she rushes into the corner. The crowd cheers when Envi knocks her down with the Kapowski Kick! (Quick, standing spinning heel kick to an oncoming opponent)! He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: That Kapowski Kick has been a lifesaver for Envi.

Stephy Auger: We’ve seen him stop an opponent’s momentum time after time with that over the years.

Envi brings Stokes back to her feet, lifts her up and throws her down with a reverse suplex. Stokes gets up to her knees as Envi hit the ropes. The Chief comes back and brings her down with a running cutter before following up with a running Shooting Star Press across the back. The cheers continue as he rolls her over for the cover.

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

Envi picks up Stokes and sets her up for a Uranage when Stokes fights her way out of it with elbows to the side of the head. Once she’s free, Stokes goes to knock Envi’s head off with the Divine Night (Rolling Elbow). But Envi ducks, catches Stokes and throws her down with a Sambo Suplex! He makes the cover.

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

Envi pulls Stokes back up before throwing her down with a snap suplex. He turns over into a lateral press.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for the Chief. You’d have to think that Sadie is somewhere enjoying this.

Stephy Auger: I think she’d be enjoying it more if Envi wrapped a chair around Nina’s head.

Envi takes Stokes and whips her hard into the corner. After crashing into the turnbuckles, Stokes staggers from out of the corner when a kick to the midsection doubles her over. Envi then positions himself to the side of Stokes and grabs a hold of her before throwing her down with a pumphandle suplex. While Stokes remains down in the prone position, Envi steps over her before heading into the corner. He stops to scan the crowd at ringside before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Envi is up on the top turnbuckle, the crowd gasps when Stokes darts into the corner, grabs Envi by the ankle and yanks him off. Boos follow when Envi smacks face-first against the top turnbuckle of the way down! Stokes then takes control of Envi’s back and tries for another Chaos Theory. After rolling back up, Envi blocks the German Suplex by hooking one of his legs around hers. He then follows up with three back elbows to the face before performing a standing switch. Envi quickly takes control of her back and goes for a release German Suplex. Unfortunately for Envi, Stokes rotates and lands on her feet! As Envi turns over to a knee as he tries to get back up, the crowd gasps when Stokes rushes over and throws out a Boma Ye knee strike) to the face!

Stephy Auger: Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III!

At the last second, Envi leans back and reverses into a grounded leg mare into a single leg crab! The Chief is met with applause over the reversal.

Kris Cruise: What a reversal from the Chief!

Envi keeps the single leg crab applied, keeping Stokes trapped underneath him. The official asks Stokes if she wants to give up. She vehemently refuses before dragging herself towards the side of the ring. Envi tries to hang on. But he’s unable to keep Stokes held in place. Boos soon follow after she reaches out and grabs a hold of the bottom rope, forcing the rope break.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Envi breaks the hold. He then picks up Stokes, heads into the corner and slams her face-first on the top turnbuckle. After ripping off another hard knife edge chop, he takes Stokes and sits her up to the top turnbuckle. Envi then starts to climb the turnbuckles until Stokes stops him on the middle ropes with a forearm strike. Another forearm connects. The Kodiak then delivers a third forearm before hooking both of Envi’s arms. From there, Stokes lays into Envi with arm trapped headbutts! The boos continue as Stokes lets go of his arms before piefacing him down to the canvas.

Kris Cruise: Envi’s down on the mat after that barrage of headbutts. He’s right where she wants him.

Envi remains sprawled out on the mat while Stokes slowly steps up onto the top turnbuckle. Stokes then rises up out of the crouched position. She then leaps off before nailing Envi with a diving double foot stomp right to the gut! Stokes goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Envi gets his shoulder up.

Envi is pulled back to his feet before being sent for the ride. On the return, he gets doubled over with a hard knee to the midsection. Stokes drives another hard knee into his midsection before hoisting him up across her shoulders. The crowd gasps as Stokes keeps him held in place before bringing him down with a fireman’s carry gutbuster! Envi remains curled up on the mat until Stokes kicks him over onto his back to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Envi gets his shoulder up.

Stokes picks up Envi and nails him with another shoot kick to the chest before whipping him into the corner. The Kodiak charges in, hurls herself at Envi and crushes him with another double knee strike in the corner! Envi is then pulled out of the corner before being whipped into the far ropes. When he comes back, Stokes sends him flipping down to the mat with a knee to the midsection! Stokes then hits the ropes, comes back and delivers a jumping senton! The boos continue as Stokes gets back to her feet and hits another jumping senton! She then delivers a third jumping senton before exiting out to the apron. Stokes marches across the apron, climbs to the top rope, leaps off and lands down hard on top of Envi with a top rope splash! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

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

Kris Cruise: Envi got the shoulder up just in time!

Stephy Auger: How, especially after all of those targeted attacks to the midsection. You can’t tell me that Envi does have a broken rib or three right about now.

Stokes stands over Envi before reaching down and grabbing both of his wrists. The Kodiak then holds Envi’s arms up before raining down stomp after stomp after stomp after stomp after stomp to the face! The crowd erupts with boos as the stomps become more rapid. Stokes ultimately lets go. Envi is left splayed out on the mat as a closeup reveals blood coming out of his nose.

Kris Cruise: His ribs might not be the only thing broken.

Stephy Auger: Remember, Evan, this is your old pal Selfish San Francisco’s fault! See, NEON was right about Sadie all along. But you people just wouldn’t listen. Noooooo.

Stokes reaches down and slowly pulls Envi back to his feet. She then slips behind the Chief and places him in an inverted front facelock before bringing him down with Requiem Aeternam (Inverted Implant DDT)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Envi is met with cheers and applause as he gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall! Nina was a half a second from a win, but the Chief got his shoulder up yet again.

Stephy Auger: If Envi were smart, he’d just stay down and save whatever’s left for the Rumble. But its been a long time since you could use “Evan Envi” and “smart” in the same sentence, so, you know…

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy.

Envi starts to be pulled off the mat when he hits Stokes with a right hand to the midsection. Another right hand connects. The cheers continue when Envi stands up and nails Stokes with a forearm strike. Another forearm strike finds its mark. The Chief then starts to unleash a flurry of forearm strokes that leave Stokes rocked! While Stokes is dazed, Envi bounces in place before turning to hit the far ropes. When the Chief comes back, Stokes stops him in his place him with a bicycle knee before cracking him with the Divine Night!!! She drops down for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!

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

Kris Cruise: I was convinced that was going to be three! Bue Evan Envi, somehow, dug deep and got that shoulder up! He’s fighting! The Chief is fighting.

Stephy Auger: The more he kicks out, the more pissed off Nina gets. Is this what he really wants to do, make her even more mad?

Stokes pulls Envi back to his feet before nailing him with a hard shoot kick to the chest! The thud from the impact echoes throughout the venue. Stokes blasts Envi with another shoot kick to the chest! A third shoot kick knocks a mist of sweat of Envi’s chest! The Kodiak follows up with three quick shoot kicks before turning to hit the far ropes. Stokes picks up speed as she comes back. She tries to take his head off with a running roundhouse, only for Envi to roll underneath it. Envi rolls back to his feet, turns around and nearly gets his head taken off again with a high roundhouse. But he’s able to knock the kick away. Envi throws out a European Uppercut, only for Stokes to turn out of the way, hook his arms from behind and try to counter with a backslide pin. Envi fights to remain standing while Stokes tries to muscle him down to the mat. Stokes continues to try for the pin before quickly letting go, turning around and leaping up onto Envi’s back. The Kodiak clamps on a rear naked choke. But the hold doesn’t stay on for long as Envi runs backwards and squashes her in the corner. Envi staggers out of the corner before dropping down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: Oh no! Envi’s collapsed to his knee again!

Stephy Auger: He’s done! He’s got nothing left!

Envi slowly picks himself back up. When he turns around, he sees Stokes charging out of the corner. Stokes goes for a running leg lariat, only for Envi to catch her in mid air and counter with a Running Liger Bomb!

Kris Cruise: Envi hits a Runner Liger Bomb! Shades of his pal Kazu Hirano!

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Envi takes Stokes and sets up for an irish whip when he gets reversed. Stokes goes to catch Envi off the rebound with a running roundhouse. But Envi catches her foot. The Chief then swings the leg away from him, takes control of Stokes’ back and applies a straightjacket choke before pulling her down into four kneeling backbreakers! Stokes is pulled back to her feet before Envi hooks her, lifts her up and throws her down with authority with a Uranage. Stokes remains splayed out on the mat while Envi heads across the ring. Envi makes his way into the corner before climbing the turnbuckles with purpose. When Envi gets to the top, he looks out and throws up his signature double V pose before flipping off and landing across Stokes with The Classics (Diving Moonsault)! The cheers and applause continue as he hooks the leg…

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd sighs when Stokes gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes got the shoulder up! What unbelievable action we’re seeing in this one!

Envi grabs Stokes and turns her over onto her knees. From there, Envi hits a superkick with his right foot. He then switches his stance before hitting Stokes with a left superkick. The Chief goes to follow up with a Buzzsaw Kick when Stokes ducks, leaps to her feet and latches onto Envi’s back. The crowd gasps as Stokes hooks her arm around Envi’s neck! She then hooks her free arm around Envi’s right arm! The crowd is on pins and needles as Stokes nearly as her hands clasped to fully lock on the Quietus Redux (Crossface Chickenwing)! Before she can, Envi latches onto Stokes’ left wrist. He starts to slowly pull Stokes’ arm from around him before quickly spinning out and taking control of Stokes with a Cobra Clutch!

Kris Cruise: Envi with the reversal!

Stephy Auger: Get out of this, Nina!

Envi cinches in the hold. Stokes tries to pull Envi off of her, but she can’t! She tries to throw him off of her, but it’s to no avail! The Chief has got the hold locked in night and tight! The crowd is chanting for Stokes to tap! The referee asks Stokes if she wants to give up. When she refuses, Envi hoists her up before throwing her down with a Lifting Cobra Clutch Bomb! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How much closer can you get!? Good Lord!

Stephy Auger: You’re still in this, Nina! You got this!

Envi takes Stokes and knocks her back with a forearm strike! The Chief pushes forward and knocks Stokes back with another forearm strike! After another forearm knocks Stokes further back, Envi takes Stokes, moves her against the ropes and nails her with four forearm strikes! After rocking Stokes with a European Uppercut, Envi runs across the ring, comes back and nails Stokes with a running European Uppercut! Envi continues to run the ropes with the flurry of running uppercuts as Stokes slumps down with each strike! The cheers continue as Envi hits the far ropes. Envi picks up speed as he comes back across the ring before nailing Stokes with a running soccer kick! He follows up with repeated kicks before quickly puling Stokes back up, dragging her towards the center of the ring and planting her with The Blues (Snap Double-Arm DDT)! A barely conscious Stokes slowly turns over onto her back while Envi marches across the ring. Envi then exits out to the apron. The people in attendance stand up once they see him grabbing the top ropes and crouching down. The crowd starts to murmur as Envi stands back up. He readies himself as he gauges the distance between himself and Stokes. The crowd cheers when Envi springboards to the top rope. They watch on as he leaps off, flips through the air, and catches nothing but canvas with Helter Skelter (long-range springboard 450)!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: Stokes rolled out of the way!

A camera shot from the canvas level shows Envi writing in pain. Envi remains in the prone position before struggling to push himself up on all fours. A hurt Chief then slowly stands up on his knees. As he continues to recover, the low camera level shot on Envi reveals Stokes rising up behind him in the distance! The crowd murmurs as The Kodiak zeroes in on Envi. The production team then switches back to the hard cam as Stokes charges across the ring and clobbers him with the Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III!!! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “sei to Shi to Kimi” blares throughout the arena.

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

The boos continue as Stokes gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes has been on a tear since losing the United States Championship. Evan Envi looked to keep his streak going, but he ran into a buzzsaw in there tonight with Nina Stokes.

Stephy Auger: Yes he did. He got rocked early and often! The Kodiak was all over him. She targeted the ribs multiple times throughout the match with kicks and stomps and splashes. We even saw Envi drop to his knees. That’s how much pain was inflicted on him. The Kodiak is no joke. But Selfish San Francisco keeps treating her like a joke. You keep playing with fire, Sadie, and I can promise that you will get burned!

Kris Cruise: Both of these competitors wanted to go into Only the Strong Survive and the Gold Rush Rumble strong. Nina Stokes most certainly heads into that match with momentum. For Envi, it is a loss. But more importantly, how will those ribs hold up? Is this something that I weekend of rest will take care of? Or will he be heading into the Gold Rush Rumble at less than 100 percent? Time will tell. Coming up after the break, it’s our main event as Cordy Stevenson defends her International Championship against Neal Durden! We’ll be right back after this!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Cordy Stevenson vs. Neal Durden

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! It is your main event of the evening and it is for the FGA INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP!

The initial riffs of “Wake Up” by Rage Against the Machine start playing over the sound system; as lights start to flicker in the arena. At the first “Come On!”; Neal Durden steps out of the curtain, standing in the middle of the stage, giving his back to the public his jacket tight against his torso; as the music continues. With the second “Come On”, Neal turns around with a smile on his face as the song continues and he begins walking down the ramp. As the line “Fist in the air in the land of hypocrisy” goes off, Neal gets his right fist up as he stops and looks around, before continuing his trot towards the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing the challenger! Hailing from Cardiff, Wales! Weighing in at 180 pounds! He is one half of the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions… NEAL DURDEN!

The song continues as Neal rolls under the rope and enters the ring, as the line “the feds” hits the sound system, he kneels in the middle of the ring looking down, running his fingers on the surface of the mat. Suddenly Neal stops and looks up extending his left arm as if he was holding some kind of rifle and as the word "shot" is shouted in the song, he makes the motion of shooting and springs to his feet waiting for the bell.

Kris Cruise: Neal Durden has the chance to join elite company here tonight and become not just the new International Champion, but a double champion as well. He just has to go through one of the best to do it in FGA.

Stephy Auger: Neal Durden was the one that pinned Cordy Stevenson during Pendragon’s World Tag Team Title defense on the last show. He didn’t pin Cordy after she took a double team move from Pendragon. He was the one that put her down. He was the one that put her away for the three count. The record shows that as a win for Pendragon, but anyone with a working set of eyes saw Cordy Stevenon get pinned by Neal Durden in the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Some would say that Neal has a lot to prove in this match here tonight. But if you ask Neal, he feels that he’s got nothing to left prove. Neal Durden simply isn’t “the other half of Pendragon.” This man is a world class wrestler and he’s been proving it inside an FGA ring, as well as aboard, over the last couple of years. He’s got nothing to lose heading into this match. That makes him an extremely dangerous opponent.

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

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

Yeah
This a moment, This special...

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

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Freeport, Long Island! She weighs in at 147 pounds! She is the reigning… defending… FGA International Heavyweight Champion! This… is CORDY STEVENSON!

She continues on down the ramp, working from side to side, slapping the hands of the fans along the way. Before she reaches the ring, she stops and pulls off her face mask, giving it to a lucky fan before hopping onto the apron and entering the ring. She immediately heads towards the turnbuckles, climbing up and raising a fist. After drawing cheers from the crowd, she hops down and heads to the other side of the ring, to repeat the process. Finally she hops down and saunters over to the corner as the music fades out.

Kris Cruise: Cordy Stevenson is looking to finally get her hands on Savannah Taylor, one on one, on pay per view. But she might not even get the chance if she comes up short against Neal once again here tonight!

Stephy Auger: Savannah Taylor would love nothing more than to be challenging Neal Durden for the International Championship. She already got the better of Cordy Stevenson one on one elsewhere recently. Cordy losing the International Championship right before their scheduled title match would just be icing on the cake. Savannah would never let Cordy live that one down. But whether it’s Cordy or Neal, Savannah will be ready to take back her International Championship. There won’t be a third competitor in the ring like at Autumn Annihilation. It’s just going to be the Las Vegas Siren and the champion, whoever that may be. You talk about Neal Durden having nothing left to prove? The same could be said for Savannah Taylor. She’s stared down Jimmy Page. She’s looked into the eyes of the devil and has spat right in his face! She beat him for the International Heavyweight Championship! She beat him bloody in a First Blood Match. She walked away victorious in Chivalry is Dead! To say Savannah is battle tested would be an understatement. She’ll be ready to take whatever Cordy, or Neal, throw her way before giving it back to them tenfold.

The bell sound as the match starts off with a lockup. Stevenson gains control before Durden shoves her off into the ropes. Cordy comes back off the return before being knocked down with a standing shoulder block. Durden then hits the far ropes. He then comes back and hops over Stevenson before continuing to run the ropes. Durden continues to run the ropes before Stevenson leap frogs over him. Once Durden comes back, he blocks a hip toss from Stevenson before stepping through and throwing her down with a hip toss of his own. Stevenson gets back to her feet and gets quickly brought back down with an arm drag. Durden wastes no time transitioning into an armbar. The referee gets down and asks Stevenson if she wants to give up. The champion refuses to quit before battling back to her feet. From there, Durden delivers an arm wrench. After a second arm wrench if delivered, Stevenson rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of her own. Durden then runs over towards the corner before bringing Stevenson down with a springboard arm drag. Durden takes off towards the far ropes, comes back and brings Stevenson down with a running hurricanrana. He gets back to his feet before heading back into the far ropes. Durden charges across the ring before hitting Stevenson with a running font dropkick. Stevenson stumbles back before slipping through the ropes and falling to the apron. The International Champion pulls herself up using the ropes before Durden runs into the corner and knocks her off with a triangle dropkick!

Kris Cruise: Cordy’s been knocked to the outside!

Durden bounces on the balls of his feet as he waits for Stevenson to get in position on the outside. Once the champ starts to pick herself up off the floor, Durden takes off into the far ropes. He picks off speed off the rebound as he runs across the ring, leaps through the ropes and knocks Stevenson down with a suicide dive before she can even turn around!

Kris Cruise: Cordy never even saw it coming!

Durden grabs Stevenson and rolls her back inside before rolling back in. He then drags Stevenson away from the ropes before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Stevenson kicks out.

Stevenson reverses an irish whip, sending Durden into the ropes. When he returns, he sees Stevenson setting up for a back body drop. So he turns and rolls across Stevenson’s back as she stands back up. Before Stevenson can turn around, Durden quickly takes control of her back and goes for an Olympic Slam. Durden lifts Cordy up, only for Cordy to slip down from behind and counter with a russian legsweep. The Champion returns to her feet and heads into the ropes. When Cordy returns, she throws out a snap leg drop. But she misses when Neal rolls out of the way. Cordy remains seated as Durden gets back to his feet. He runs over and throws out a soccer kick, only for Cordy to lean back and pull him down into a school boy.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Durden kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to their feet, Durden rushes over to attack. Cordy tries to catch him with a knee to the midsection when Durden flips over the knee and goes for a schoolboy transitioned into a powerbomb! Durden’s got Cordy up when she blocks the powerbomb with elbows to the top of the head. After slipping down off his shoulder, Cordy throws out a Rolling Elbow. She whiffs when Durden ducks, quickly pulls her down from behind and hits the schoolboy transitioned into a powerbomb on the second attempt! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
Stevenson kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Durden got the advantage and the cover after that series of reversals there.

Stephy Auger: Cordy is as quick as they come. But Neal Durden might just be too quick for even Cordy.

Kris Cruise: You’re seeing Neal Durden not just keep up with the Hall of Famer, but he’s controlling the action. This is the main event, Stephy. This is for the International Champion. Yet this man isn’t shying away from the moment at all!

[Durden pulls Cordy into a standing headscissors. He hooks both of her arms and sets up for a double underhook powerbomb. At the last second, Cordy breaks free of the underhooks, pulls Durden to the mat with a standing double leg takedown and flips over into a jackknife pin.

ONE!
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TWO!
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.
Durden bridges up, turns over, hooks both of Stevenson’s arms and lifts her up for a double underhook powerbomb. Before Stevenson can be brought down, she hits Durden with multiple punches to the top of the head, flips back and spikes him with a Frankensteienr before knocking him back down with a Shining Wizard!

Kris Cruise: The Love Connection!

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

Durden reverses an irish whip, sending Cordy into the ropes. When she returns, she sees Durden setting up for a back body drop of his own. She she counters with a kick to the chest, which knocks him upright. Cordy then heads back into the ropes and returns before bringing him down with a step-up Tijeras. Cordy waves her arm up and down to get the crowd to cheer louder. As Durden starts to make his way back to his feet, Cordy takes off towards the ropes. She rebounds back with a handspring back elbow, only to get caught in mid air before Durden turns and brings her down with an Olympic Slam! The cheers continue as Durden yanks her up off the mat, hoists her up and finally throws her down with a sitout double underhook powerbomb!

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

Durden scoots back before hooking his arms around both of Stevenson’s legs. He makes his way back to his feet before leaning back. The crowd gasps as Cordy is catapulted in the air before tumbling over the top rope and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Stephy Auger: Cordy might be hurt here.

Cordy looks to be shaken up after taking the fall to the floor. The referee looks on with concern when Cordy doesn’t immediately return to her feet. A few seconds later, she starts to stir on the floor. She eventually turns over onto her knee. The moment Cordy gets back to her feet, the crowd cheers as Durden runs towards the ropes, flips over and flattens her with a topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Neal! He’s got the champion down once again!

Stephy Auger: He’s got to get her back in the ring. He can’t win the title on the outside!

Durden grabs Cordy and rolls her back inside. He then slides back in to make the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Good ring awareness by the champion. Stephy, I have to tell you that I didn’t expect Durden to control this match like he is. Yes, he is very talented. Yes, he is a world class wrestler. But this is Cordy Stevenson. I thought she would have taken control of this match by now and yet it’s Neal Durden that’s in the driver seat.

Stephy Auger: It’s like you said before, he isn’t shying away from the moment. He’s got nothing to lose.

Durden pulls up Stevenson from behind before hooking both of her arms. The crowd cheers as he delivers a bridging Tiger Suplex before turning Stevenson over into the prone position before transitioning into a Bow & Arrow Hold! Stevenson groans after being placed in the hold. The official asks her if she wants to give up. When Cordy refuses, Durden pulls down with one arms while pushing up on his knees to further bend her back. Stevenson continues to howl out in pain while trapped in the submission.

Kris Cruise: This will definitely slow down the champion here. Cordy’s got to find a away out of this hold or else that championship is as good as gone.

Stephy Auger: She can’t drag herself across the mat. She can’t reach the ropes. So what does she do now?

Stevenson reaches out, but she’s nowhere near the ropes. Durden pulls down with both arms as hard as he can. The referee checks in on Cordy after observing her writhing in pain. He asks her if she wants to give up. The crowd gasps when she reaches her hand out towards him. The official kneels down. He prepares himself to be given a signal from Cordy. Instead of submission, she wags her finger at him. She then reaches over and slowly pulls Durden’s hand from off her neck before rolling over off his knees into a pin!

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
Durden kicks out.

Durden is quick to reverse an irish whip, sending Stevenson into the corner. He rushes in to attack until Stevenson ducks and dumps him over the top rope. After landing safely on the apron, he nails Cordy in the back of the head with a rope-assisted gamengiri. Stevenson starts to stagger away from the corner while Durden climbs the turnbuckles. He then leaps off rom the top before sending Stevenson crumbling to the mat with a diving knee strike to the back of the head! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Durden picks up Stevenson and sets up for a Standing Shiranui. Before he can jump up, Stevenson counters by shoving him off into the ropes. Durden then uses the momentum to rebound off the ropes and knock her down with a handspring back elbow. He gets back to his feet while Cordy stirs on the mat. As Stevenson picks herself back up, Durden hits the far ropes, comes back and nails her with a running arched big boot to the chest, sending her stumbling back before slipping through the ropes and falling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Cordy has once gain been knocked to the outside!

Durden crouches down and looks to the outside. When he sees Cordy starting to pick herself back up, he turns and takes off into the far ropes. Durden picks up speed as he runs back across the ring. The crowd gasps when he hurls himself over the top rope… and crashes down hard on the floor after Cordy dives out of the way!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Stephy Auger: That’ll stop him in his tracks!

Durden remains splayed out on the floor while Stevenson slowly pulls herself up using the edge of the apron. She then slowly rolls herself back inside.

Kris Cruise: The high risk finally came back to bite Neal Durden! He hasn’t moved an inch sitting crashing hard to the floor!

Stephy Auger: There’s padding at ringside, but it can only do so much.

Stevenson slowly pulls herself up using the ropes. She then makes her way into the corner while Durden stirs on the outside. He tries to pick himself up off the floor while Stevenson climbs to the top turnbuckle. When Durden finally gets back to his feet, the crowd cheers when Stevenson stands up from the crouched positions, flips off and knocks him down with a suicide skytwister plancha!

Kris Cruise: Cordy with a huge dive to the outside!

Stephy Auger: That could have gone horribly wrong for the champion. Luckily for her, she made contact with Neal and not the floor!

Stevenson takes Durden and rolls him back inside before rolling herself back in for the cover.

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

Durden gets the shoulder up.

Durden reverses an irish whip, sending Stevenson into the ropes. He goes to catch her off the rebound with a lariat when Cordy ducks and counters with a Floatover DDT! The cheers continue as Stevenson hits the ropes, comes back and delivers a rolling senton before crushing Durden with a standing moonsault kneedrop! Stevenson then pulls Durden over onto his knees before planting him with a Kneeling DDT! She makes the cover.

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

Durden gets the shoulder up.

Stevenson pulls Durden back up and starts knocking him back with repeated forearm strikes. Cordy continues to throw out the forearms before knocking Durden through the ropes and to the apron with The Foot Fetish (jumping back kick)! As Durden starts to pull himself up, Stevenson runs towards the corner. She springboards onto the middle ropes before jumping over the top rope. Stevenson goes for a Triangle DDT on the apron when Durden hooks his arm around the ropes, causing her to slip off and hit the floor!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Stephy Auger: The high risk came back to bite Durden before. Now, its Cordy that crashes and burns on the floor! We’ve seen it happen with these aerial wrestlers time and time again. They always want to go to the top one more time. They always try and push their luck. Nine times out of ten, it ends up costing them.

After Stevenson picks herself up on the outside, Durden hits her with a back kick to the face before knocking her down with a standing corkscrew moonsault!

Kris Cruise: Durden with a huge moonsault off the apron!

Durden takes Stevenson and rolls her back inside. He then slides himself back in, pulls up Cordy and throws her back down with a sitout scoop slam piledriver. Stevenson remains down on the mat while Durden heads out to the apron. The crowd begins to murmur as he scales the turnbuckles. After climbing to the top, Durden flips off for Starlight (Shooting Star Press)... and crashes down hard across Stevenson’s knees!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: He’ll be feeling that one tomorrow!

Durden rolls over towards the side of the ring before curling up on the mat. Across the ring, Stevenson is seen stirring on the mat. She eventually turns over on all fours before getting back to a vertical base. She looks over and sees Durden struggling to pull himself up using the ropes. Cordy then rushes in from behind and goes for a leaping reverse bulldog! No! Durden hangs onto the ropes, causing her to slip off him and smack the back of her head against the mat!

Durden pulls Cordy towards the center of the ring, places her in an inverted front facelock and brings her down with a Rolling Cutter! The cheers continue as Durden slowly pulls up Cordy from behind before blasting her with a ripcord knee strike! He then hoists Stevenson up across his shoulders. Durden goes for Nirvana’s Fall (Fireman Carry into an Overhead Kick), only for Stevenson to catch his foot on the way down! Stevenson takes Durden’s leg and throws it back. After the momentum sends Durden rolling over onto his knees, Stevenson hits him with a superkick! While Durden is dazed, Stevenson hits the ropes, comes back and knocks him down with The Friendzone (flying hip attack to a kneeling opponent)! The cheers continue as Durden is pulled up before being set up for the Deadly Seduction (Rude Awakening). Stevenson starts to gyrate her hips until Durden slips out and takes control of her back! He lifts her up for another Olympic Slam, only for Stevenson to slip down from behind and counter with a leaping reverse bulldog! Both grapplers remain on their back until Stevenson kips up and yells out, “LET’S GET IT!”

Kris Cruise: Cordy’s feeling it now!

Stephy Auger: She hasn’t won the match yet! Quit showboating and stay on him!

Durden is pulled back to his feet before winding up on the receiving end of multiple forearm strikes. Cordy continues to hit him with forearms before knocking him down with a rolling elbow! She pulls Durden back up and doubles him over before taking off into the ropes. The crowd cheers when Stevenson comes back and nearly knocks his head off with a running knee smash to the side of the head! Durden is pulled back up before being whipped into the corner. Cordy rushes in, only to get dumped over the top rope. When Durden turns around, Stevenson knocks him back with a forearm strike to the face! She then slingshots over the top rope, lands on the middle rope (facing away from Durden), before jumping back and knocking him down with a modified Beautiful Nightmare (Disaster Kick)! The cheers continue as she pulls Durden into a front facelock. Cordy holds her arm out before swinging around and bringing him down with The Allure (Twist of Fate)!

Kris Cruise: Vintage Cordy Stevenson right there!

Stephy Auger: Cordy’s on a roll now! Neal better think of something quick!

Cordy reaches down and slowly pulls Durden back to his face. Durden remains in a daze as Stevenson heads towards the ropes, leaps back and brings him down with The Real is Back (Oscutter)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Been Down” blasts over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… aaaaaaaand STIIILLLLLLL the International Heavyweight Champion, CORDY STEVENSON!

The cheers continue as Cordy raises her International Championship belt.

Kris Cruise: Cordy Stevenson retains her championship after being tested by Neal Durden here tonight! Neal gave her a heck of a challenge. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get the win on this night. For Neal, he’s got a huge opportunity to walk out of Only the Strong Survive with no just both sets of Tag Titles, but a Gold Rush Rumble win. For Cordy, she finally gets her chance to end this conflict with Savannah Taylor once and for all! Will they be victorious? You’ll have to find out live on pay per view! Coming up next, it’s the contract signing between the FGA World Champion Fujiko Mine and her challenger, Seth Iser!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

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


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

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

On the third one, A spotlight and the camera focuses on the emerging figure of Fujiko Mine, who stands at one of the crowd entrances. She stands with a Laura Perelli shirt on her form and the FGA title over her shoulder. Fujiko keeps her movements a bit reserved, but it is clear she is enjoying the music as the crowd is. She begins to make her way down the steps, dancing and bobbing down the steps until she reaches the arena floor.

J.A Aldridge: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the FGA World champion, Fujiko Mine!!

After maneuvering through a cleared aisle in the crowd, Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and hops the guardrail quickly.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

The Apex Goddess marches up the steps, turning to face the crowd at the top step. She raises the FGA championship into the air, and then turns to get up onto the apron and through the ropes. She carefully circles around the table with the contract before pulling out her preferred seat and lowering herself into it. Taking a moment to acknowledge and greet Spencer, she keeps the FGA championship on her shoulder and awaits her challenger.

After a couple of seconds of waiting we then hear the familiar chords of ‘Psychosocial’ by Slipknot. The warm greeting that the champion received from the audience is the opposite of what the challenger is going to get with the boos and after a moment of the boo birds he lumbers through the curtain carrying the wounds of war from his match earlier tonight but he still has that black briefcase in his right hand. He has taken the time to change from his ring attire to a professional looking three piece suit of the black and white variety. There’s an audience still booing in his direction as he walks down the ramp as fast as he can given his own wounds.

J.A Aldridge: And welcome the challenger...Seth Iser!

Again, a far less warm reception as Seth pulls himself onto the apron and we hear one fan mouth something profane in that thick New York accent and Iser eyeballs that fan with an intimidating look for that half of a second before entering the ring and taking the opposite seat from Fujiko while placing the briefcase he’s often carrying on the floor. There is an unfriendly scowl on his face as he contorts himself on the chair slightly, contemplating things further before eyeballing Spencer who has the contract in his hand. Under the weight of that stare he puts the contract on the table.

Spencer Burke: Now, we are here in Queens, New York...and we are ready to sign the contract between champion Fujiko Mine…

The fans started cheering when the name of their town was mentioned and got louder when Spencer spoke the champion’s name.

Spencer Burke: And challenger, Seth Iser.

And the cheers have suddenly turned to jeers when the challenger’s name is spoken and he’s just tilting on that chair slightly with a look that shows he’s not too thrilled where he’s at right now.

Spencer Burke: And Seth, since you are the challenger, you can sign the contract first.

And with that Seth just uses his long, casted hand to reach over and slide the contract in his direction. The jeering is getting a little louder in his direction the moment he even moves his eyes toward one of the two microphones still on the table but it’s for a fleeting second as he isn’t speaking, just glancing through each page to make sure there wasn’t some last minute additions to the contract. And after a couple of seconds spent on each page, he just calmly stops at the last page before making eye contact with the champion for just the slightest moment before he reaches into his suit jacket with his right hand to pull out the pen. And in one fell swoop he signs his name on the contract, again not saying a word before placing the pen on the desk and closing the contract. Fujiko smiles as she looks across at the man who calls himself “wrestling’s greatest mind.” She takes a moment to reach across the table...and her hand hovers for a moment before she takes the time to grab the microphone on the table.

Fujiko Mine:Interesting.

She eyes the closed portfolio on the table.

Fujiko Mine:No grand, sweeping monologue? I’m sure it’s coming. You rarely skip on the opportunity to tell the world why you’re so much smarter than all of us. We usually get your evil, mustache twirling plan by now. So by all means, please do.

She tilts the microphone’s receiver and rather than take the opportunity to speak, Seth again declines. Not with a shake of the head but rather by sliding the contract in Fujiko’s direction ever so slightly with his right hand. The only thing Fujiko is getting from the challenger’s face is the long standing poker face that he’s had since he took the mask off several years ago. And for as much as the crowd isn’t thrilled to hear Seth speak...they look a little stunned that he’s going silent for the time being. Fujiko lets a tight lipped smile fall upon her face, her jaw working for a moment before she nods.

Fujiko Mine:Then allow me to take this rare opportunity. There is a pattern that you’ve always shown, Seth. It’s happened here, it’s happened in In Your House. You’ve called ‘next’ like you were waiting to get in on four-square, you’ve laid out your plan, and...well...we’ve seen what happens next.

She lightly bites into her top lip for a moment.

Fujiko Mine:It’s something that you can’t help. Your ego freight-trains through your best laid intentions, conspiring with your mouth - only for it to backstab your ego for the opportunity for you to put your foot in your mouth again. I’ve seen it happen with Katie, and it happened here back in 2018. We even got a taste of it when you proclaimed you wanted to face me.

She leans back in the chair.

Fujiko Mine:You’ve preached about how much you ‘don’t care’ what it is that I want, thinking that this somehow sets you apart from everyone else that has challenged me for this championship. When it’s the major thing that makes you like almost everyone else who has approached the throne looking to knock me off.
She tilts her head towards the FGA championship, looking down at the contract.

Fujiko Mine:You, Seth Iser, are the late 90s Atlanta Braves. Specifically, from 1996 to 2005. You talk big, you have success, there’s no doubt about that. But when it comes time to show up in the postseason...you aren’t there. You aren’t clutch. You haven’t been able to close out and hoist the top prize over your head. And it’s fine. It’s admirable, to a point. But it’s clear that you are not ready or willing to make the adjustments necessary to get you over the top. I’ve said since I won this what my goal was. From Marlon Cure to Izzy Anders, I made the adjustments. I did what I needed to do to deny them. When Silk and Cyanide tried to do whatever they could to take this from me, they couldn’t. When ‘desperate’ James Edwards looked me dead in the eye and dared me to hit him when I tried to help him...I have stated my intentions clear as the sun in the sky.

She lowers her voice, speaking slowly.

Fujiko Mine:I am going to set the record. I am going to be synonymous with the FGA World championship. And FGA will have no choice put to put me in the hall of fame. It does not matter how smart you are, how desperate you are, how big, or how hungry. I said I was coming for everything they said I could not have, and I meant that. So honestly, it doesn’t matter that you’re choosing to stay silent. Perhaps it lends to the fact that you have learned something. But it’s too little, and it’s too late.

She clears her throat and adjusts in the seat. Finally, she lays her eyes on Seth.

Fujiko Mine:I’ll give you all the credit in the world, Seth. Because I don’t say those words without knowing the danger that you pose to my reign as champion. I know how close I am to the record. And you could...you could end the dream run before I reach my goal. You have the ability to do it. One day you might just become champion. It just won’t happen this time.

She sets down the microphone, pointing it at the one near Seth. She reaches up, and retrieves a small pen from behind her ear. She opens the contract and spins it, then signs on her line and returns the pen to its original spot. Her eyebrows raise as she tilts her chin downwards. And the moment she puts the pen down, finally Seth palms the microphone. His eyes have narrowed slightly as he eyeballed the contract.

Seth Iser: Fujiko.

He just calmly speaks her name but there’s authority to his tone. But he’s not leaning forward in any aggressive or threatening way.

Seth Iser: I have one question to ask before I may or may not respond to what you have just said. When you were wrestling for the tag team titles...and I had a seat…right there.

And he points directly to the broadcast table where Kris and Stephy are sitting.

Seth Iser: What were you expecting me to do since you’ve done this long psychoanalysis on me?

Fujiko picks up her microphone again, and gives Seth a look. It says ‘you really want to know’ before she shrugs.

Fujiko Mine:It’ll break your grinchy heart, Seth...but I didn’t afford you a thought.

She looks over at the announce desk, and then back at Seth.

Fujiko Mine:My thoughts were: How can Cordy and I leave here tonight with the tag team championships. How can we beat Pendragon again? I would’ve thought about you only if you got in the ring to stop me from doing that. You didn’t, possibly because of your ego. Possibly because you actually didn’t want ‘any excuses’ from me. Possibly because you knew that Pendragon would step their game up to not lose back to back matches for the first time in a very long time. I could speculate, but it doesn’t matter. I think about you only when it directly relates to this match, and not at any other time.You are a threat to be neutralized, and then I’m onto the next one.

The crowd cools on Fujiko’s response, something not quite expected from the Apex Goddess. She does not flinch. Seth on the other hand raises his eyebrow slightly for just a brief moment.

Fujiko Mine:For as ruthless and as smart as you think you are, Seth? You will touch me and realize I have ice in my veins, that I am as clutch as they come, and that I will fight until my body quits, and even then you’re gonna need to make sure I’m truly out...because that is the only way I am leaving with this title still in my possession.

And then there’s a smirk that creeps onto Seth’s face as if he knew something that was confirmed.

Seth Iser: You knew I was telling the truth then...regardless of how you think I got there.

This isn’t the normal shouting promo from Seth but while he’s far from screaming angry, there’s a little bit of peace in his body language despite knowing the war he’s about to go through for the world championship.

Seth Iser: Let me fill in a gap for you though...it isn’t actually the ego that’s the worst trait of mine even if I know I got one. Ever since before I got into this industry...I have this wonderful habit of getting myself into a lot of trouble.

There’s almost a slight chuckle that escapes from him when he states that fact.

Seth Iser: Whether it was pissing off the wrong person...or when I was a wild child in my youth...I seemed to have this innate ability to do that. I thought it was just the drugs when I was really wild...then when I got clean and sober...well...I spent more time lashing out than actually trying to win championships…

Though when he mentions his sobriety he instinctively taps the copper bracelet above the cast on his left wrist. Still that calmness in his voice there.

Seth Iser: To fill in another blank for you champ, the two times I won the World Title in other promotions I pissed off the wrong person. Blew my knee in my first defense the first go around...six months of hell followed. The second time I had a seven foot psychopath breathing down my neck and well...let’s just say that one didn’t end good for anybody.

There’s a cringe when he mentions the end of that as he’s reflecting further.

Seth Iser: Even now Fujiko, look to the woman you’re most associated with in this company in Izzy. When she’s done with a certain individual...who do you think she’s going after? If nothing else, from Owen to Izzy and many others before that...if you look deeper, THAT’S the defining thing for me. I have this innate ability...to piss off the wrong person. And for as much money as that’s made me...that also tells me one thing...the sands of time are coming down on me. For as much weight as I’ve lost thanks to this new mostly vegan diet…the weight of that sand is pressing down on my career.

And finally that relaxed mask of his is gone but he’s still not screaming or yelling. Fujiko can’t help but cover her mouth with her hand, hiding her expression.

Seth Iser: So you might say I might have more opportunities later if for some reason I don’t get there this time. I disagree. This might be my only clean shot until I have to pay the piper. This is the only opportunity I can count on because when there might be a chance where I’d theoretically get that second chance...my career could damn well be over. And I accept those consequences.

Fujiko withdraws her hand, revealing a knowing smile. She slowly moves her chair back, and then stands.

Fujiko Mine:For being ‘wrestling’s greatest mind’, you haven’t really used that brain much.

She looks at Seth, pity hanging on her expression for a moment.

Fujiko Mine:If you wanted a shot at me and this championship that badly? All you had to do was ask.

And with that there’s even a smirk coming from Seth.

Seth Iser: Fujiko. That’s bullsh*t and we both know it. Not because of your intentions...but because that’s not how I believe wrestling should be.

Fujiko Mine:Believe or don’t. It doesn’t matter. If you felt like you are at the ‘end of your road’ so to speak, you’ve proven yourself dangerous. That’s right, Seth. I don’t deny your ability. It’s never been about whether or not you were worthy. And that’s the one thing that people miss when they look at all my challengers. Izzy basically asked for a shot. She knew what I was trying to do. She acknowledged me beyond just the woman holding the top championship in this industry. She acknowledged me as a woman with goals, with ambition, and with purpose. Not an obstacle, but a person. And she was one who almost took this from me. So if she did that, and couldn’t take it from me...what does that tell you about me?

She tilts her head again.

Fujiko Mine:That for everything that you are, Seth...I am capable of withstanding it all, and remaining your Frontier. Grappling. Arts. World. Champion.

Seth is just leaning back on his chair with all but a knowing smile etched on his face as if something just clicked.

Seth Iser: That’s never how I’ve done things. She might have asked but I’m more from the old school camp. You need to beat someone to earn an opportunity at that World Championship. I felt the same way about the Pride title in a way. I didn’t want an opportunity until I defeated you the first time, hook or crook, to get that chance. Same with Izzy when the whole thing between her and I started you know. She threw one of the best shots she had at me in Two Falls of Honor. It probably took months off the tail end of my career but I found a way to win that one. But my pride..my ego if you will...just wouldn’t be satisfied if I just asked for one at the end of the day.

And the smile is gone as if he’s thinking about things further.

Seth Iser: And I needed to win the tournament to get to where I’m at. And when you go through the industry that way...with the knives out ready to carve up anyone in their path to get to where you want...your mind in the ring gets sharp fast. And while it might create more enemies doing it that way...I don’t think I would do it any other way but mine. Hell, a part of me even finds going through the path of most resistance to get somewhere more enjoyable in a way.

And then he stands from his seat, all six foot five of him. Fujiko looks up at him as he stands, her expression not changing.

Seth Iser: But when that bell rings champ...I’m the one emancipating that championship from you. You might not like what I could do when that bell rings...but I’m perhaps the most devious wrestler to ever play our little game in terms of how to manipulate something. You know some of that extent...but for someone who has done the things I’ve done in my career. The things...I’ve survived even to get to where I am today…

He lowers his voice further but it portrays more menace.

Seth Iser: What the hell am I willing to do to get your championship around my waist? And if that thought doesn’t scare you, you’re a damned fool because it terrifies me. But that’s for you to figure out and adjust to on the fly, champ.

And he’s not showing any sign of aggression but he glances at his casted left hand before eyeballing the champion one more time.

Seth Iser: But one more thing for you to think about before we leave...since most of our business is concluded.

And with that Seth puts down the microphone and starts to peel off the cast on his left hand before it’s off completely. His left hand is taped but it is mostly healed at long last after several months of dealing with that problem. He then places it on the contract table.

Seth Iser: It’s close enough to a hundred percent. No excuses for either of us. I’ll see you in the ring.

Fujiko takes in a breath, and then lets out a little laugh. It grows, and she sets the mic down on the table and steps through the ropes. She gives Seth another look, before letting out another laugh. She drops off the apron, leaving Seth standing at the table. She begins to make her way to the back, but before she does she turns to face her challenger. With a raise of the championship, she shakes her head in defiance of Seth’s claim. She continues backing up the ramp, keeping the title raised in Seth’s direction. There’s a cold sense of knowing but a calm expression on Seth’s face in a contrast. The camera view see-saws between champion and challenger, and the FGA championship before Vertigo fades to black.