Only the Strong Survive

[FGA Office]

As the festivities are well under way, the cameras quickly fade to the smiling face of Amanda Johnson backstage, who is chipper and glowing as usual. She is standing in front of a doorway marked ‘Official Use Only - Gold Rush Rumble’.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome once again to the spectacle that is Only The Strong Survive emanating from the Melrose Ballroom here in Queens, New York. I’m with you backstage and I’ve got to tell you, there has been a furious hubbub of activity as wrestlers have been entering and exiting the room behind me all day, drawing their official entry numbers for tonight’s Gold Rush Rumble. The winner of which will of course earn a number one contender status for either the FGA World Championship or the International Heavyweight Championship. I have seen both elation and some frustration as wrestlers have exited the room so far and… excuse me…

Amanda is distracted mid-thought and peers down the hallway with a concerned squint-eyed look on her face. Just then the cameraman whirls and catches a little orange ball rolling into view at Amanda’s feet. A quick zoom in reveals that the ball is painted up like a pumpkin; or rather a jack-o-lantern.

Amanda Johnson: It’s…

She’s cut off.

???: Monty Python's Flying Circus? Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Nobody. Or other such phenomena for that matter...

The figure steps into view and rips off a black toboggan and black sunglasses, otherwise clad in a leather jacket, faded ripped jeans, a plaid shirt tied around the midriff, and a Montreal Canadiens hockey jersey on underneath. There is a shock of white-blond hair at the temple of the otherwise raven mane of hair.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Salem! You haven’t been seen for months, nearly a year. This is certainly an unexpected but welcome surprise. How have you been?

Salem just chuckled like it was nothing at all, and shrugged.

Salem: Anybody seeeeen my baaaaaby? She has gotten lost in the crowd! Oh yeah, that’s what I’m sayin’... we came to rock for Brooklyn and Queens and Long Island and all over the world! We came to rock for everybody like this.

She stuck out her lips and did a Mick Jagger dance for emphasis.

Salem: No but seriously, I’m good, we’re good, situation normal and all that jazz. Got that clean bill and I’m healthy, wealthy, and wise. I didn’t need my name in lights and twenty feet tall like some Elvis ‘68 Comeback Special announcing my return, and lord knows the FGA brass would never shell out the coin for that.

Amanda was clearly excited at the immediate electricity that Salem had brought into the room.

Amanda Johnson: Well Salem, I recall our days together on the Flashpoint brand and just let me be the first to say, welcome back! Personally, I think you have been missed around here.

Salem shook her head and waved that off.

Salem: Now now, Mandy… you’ve got to be a fair and impartial broadcast journalist and not be playing any favorites back here. I mean I get it, there’s people who love me and that’s duly noted and I say thank ya, sai. But there’s people that hate me or are even indifferent, and for them well I’m probably not going to do anything to sway that mode of thinking. I’m done with abiding by the parameters set forth for me that I didn’t sign off on. Every stumbling block in my life has been dealt with, as far as I’m concerned. My mind is clear and highly functioning, my rage that clouded so much judgment during my last rodeo ‘round these parts? Gone, baby, gone. And what we have now is such an expansion of consciousness that anything and everything is possible. Truth bombs. Shining examples. The real nitty gritty like a sandpaper scratching post, and these claws? In drastic need of sharpening on whoever I choose. This place surely doesn’t need a hero, but maybe a mirror for each and everyone of the wrestlers on the roster. And to clarify for maaaaybe a couple of you and I may be waaay off base, not a mirror to snort a portion of your FGA salary up your nose. So sit down, strap in, but I will say this: you will not see it coming. Now if you’ll excuse me…

Salem started to turn and walk away down the hall, but Amanda grabbed her arm.

Amanda Johnson: Oh excuse me Salem, but aren’t you forgetting something? Won’t you be getting your entry number for the Gold Rush Rumble? You are a surprise entrant, right?

Salem turned around and looked at the door, then down at Amanda’s hand on her. She looked back at her and calmly removed her hand with a smile, putting on her sunglasses.

Salem: Oh, that? That’s a damn fine opportunity for someone to make a splash and cause a scene. A real landscape changer, potentially. But as for me? Nah… let’s be honest, I don’t like my odds. So no, I didn’t bring my pickaxe or my tin pan to sift through that lot. My prospects as a miner are nil tonight. But hey, to everyone involved… good luck with that outlaw mud show. See ya on the flip side, AJ.

With that Salem walked away and was gone as quickly as she appeared, leaving a somewhat perplexed and confused Amanda Johnson in her wake.

Amanda Johnson: Uh, I guess… back to ringside?

[FGA Office]

TRIPLE THREAT TAG TEAM UNIFICATION MATCH
WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
UNITED STATES TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Pendragon vs. (c) Hellcat Spangled Death Squad vs. Silk & Cyanide

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a Triple Threat Tag Team Unification Match! It is scheduled for one fall and it is for the FGA United States AND the FGA World Tag Team Championship!

Kris Cruise: Here we go, Stephy. One of the biggest tag team matches in company history is about to get underway. Everything is on the line! The US Tag Titles! The World Tag Titles! This one is for all the marbles!

Stephy Auger: Three teams are going to walk into that ring momentarily. But only one team will walk out of here with two sets of tag titles!

The arena lights dim as the sound of a woman's laugh heavy with contempt echoes through the arena, which soon segues into the bassline of "She's Gone Away" signals the arrival of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason as the duo slink onto the entrance ramp and pause for a moment, with Mariani looking towards the ring in disgust while Mason looks as if she's waiting for any excuse to start a fight

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

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

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing team number one! Making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 248 pounds! They are the team of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason… SILK & CYANIDE!

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

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

Away...
Away...

As the duo await the opening bell Mason gestures towards the opponents, daring them to come a little closer to see what will happen, while Mariani wears a bemused smirk upon Her face knowing full well what the duo have in mind for the poor souls standing across the ring from them

Stephy Auger: For Silk & Cyanide, this has been brewing for a long time now. The personal issues between them and Pendragon date all the way back to Final Frontier in 2018, when they became the US Tag Team Champions. They felt slightested when the Hellcats chose to challenge Pendragon instead of them. They felt slighted by the company by being put on the backburner while the Hellcats and Pendragon were placed on a pedestal. You can say whatever you want about Mason and Mariani. But in my eyes, they were justified in doing what they did at Grapple Kingdom Three and attacking both teams. Tonight, they solidify themselves as the top team in FGA by defeating Pendragon and the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad!

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

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 258 pounds! They are the reigning… defending… FGA United States Tag Team Champions! Ladies and gentlemen, Anastasia Hayden… Lisa Seldon… THE HELLCAT SPANGLED DEATH SQUAD!

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

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

Kris Cruise: When you’re talking about runs, you have to talk about the run that the Hellcats have been on in the world of wrestling. I know it’s a meme to talk about how all Lisa Seldon and Anastasia Hayden do is win. But it’s true! They win everywhere they go. Singles champions. Tag Team championships! You name it, they do it. They won Dynamic Duos! They won the US Tag Titles! Tonight, they’re looking to finish what they tried to do way back at Grapple Kingdom Three and become the World Tag Team Champions!

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

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

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

Stephy Auger: We can go through the various Dynamic Duos finals. We can talk about the creation of what was then the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championships in 2013. But this here tonight, Cruise? This, in my opinion, ranks up there as one of the most important tag team matches in FGA’s nine year history. Even though I don’t like them, Pendragon have established themselves as the tag team to beat over the past year and a half.

Kris Cruise: The run they’ve been on has made them one of the best, if not the best, team in FGA’s history.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and that run comes to an end here tonight. Just look at her, Cruise. Lowri Moss can barely stand! She did hey boytoy Neal Durden a disservice by defending the Pride Title tonight. Now he’s gotta carry the weight for his team because Lowri wanted to be a fighting Pride champion. You think the Hellcats are gonna take it easy on Moss? You know Silk & Cyanide won’t!

The bell sounds as Silk & Cyanide immediately roll to the outside.

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have removed themselves from the ring.

Stephy Auger: That’s smart. Let the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad and Pendragon beat the hell out of each other. What’s the ref gonna do, count them out? HA!

The boos continue as Mason & Mariani motion for the Hellcats and Pendragon to go at each other. The referee heads to the outside and motions for them to get in the ring, but they inform the ref that there are no countouts. Silk & Cyanide continue to go back and forth with the official until Seldon runs along the apron, leaps off and brings Mason down with a diving hurricanrana!

Kris Cruise: Lisa Seldon said she’s had enough of this posturing from Silk & Cyanide!

Stephy Auger: That was a cheap shot from Seldon. Sara Mason wasn’t even ready!

Kris Cruise: This is a Unification Match for both sets of Tag Team Titles. If Mason isn’t ready by now, when will she be?

Stephy Auger: ...

Mariani immediately pounces on Seldon with clubbing strikes before she can get off the floor. Mariani continues to lay in the blows until Hayden marches over, spins her around and whacks her with an open palm strike. Another open palm strike sends Mariani’s head snapping back. Mariani is then taken by the wrist before being whipped down ringside. After Mariani crashes into a corner of the guardrail, Hayden charges down ringside and blasts her with a cornered yakuza kick! Mariani is then whipped down into another portion of the guardrail before Hayden nails her with another cornered yakuza kick! Hayden takes Mariani, delivers an irish whip, follows her down ringside before nearly taking her head off with another cornered yakuza kick! Once Mariani is whipped down into another section of the guardrail, Hayden charges down the ring. She motions for yet another cornered yakuza kick when Mason reaches over and yanks Mariani out of the way. The crowd boos when Hayden crashes into the guardrail!

Kris Cruise: Mason just yanked her partner out of harm’s way

Silk & Cyanide step back and observe the Hellcats. Just when they think their safe, Durden runs across the ring, hurls himself over the top rope and knocks them down with a somersault plancha!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Neal Durden!

Durden takes Mariani and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle before rolling her back inside. Moss then takes Mariani, moves her into the corner and unleashes the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! She sets up for an irish who, only to be reversed. After Moss crashes into the corner, Mariani runs across the ring to attack. But she gets knocked back with a boot to the face. After shaking off the blow, Mariani rushes back in. This time, Moss knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. Seldon then climbs up to the apron, tags herself in and knocks Mariani down with a springboard dropkick! She makes the cover.

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

Moss and Seldon are now face to face. The two argue over Moss breaking up the pin until Seldon straight up bites her forehead!

Kris Cruise: Lisa Seldon is just straight up biting Lowri Moss!

Seldon continues to gnaw away at Moss’ face until she turns and hits the ropes. She speeds up off the rebound until she’s thrown down with a japanese arm drag. Seldon gets back to her feet, only to get thrown back down with another japanese arm drag. Moss gets back to her feet before running as best as she can into the ropes. The former Pride Champion comes back and executes a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, sending Seldon down and rolling towards the side of the ring. As Seldon picks herself up, Moss rushes over to attack until Seldon ducks and dumps her over the top rope. Moss then lands safely on the apron before catching Seldon with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Seldon is then pulled out to the apron before hitting her with a European Uppercut. Another European Uppercut catches Seldon. Moss takes a few steps back before rushing forward and throwing Seldon down hard with an STO on the apron. Mariani is quick to drag Seldon from the apron back towards the center of the ring to make the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Seldon kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Mariani nearly stole the win there.

Stephy Auger: yeah, and? That’s smart! Let someone else do the dirty work and then swoop in for the pin.

Mariani heads over and tags Mason back in. Mariani heads back over and drags Seldon into position before Silk & Cyanide deliver the F.W.Y. (Mariani slingshots the opponent into the ropes as Mason hits a slingshot crossbody to drive them onto Mariani's knees)! The boos continue as Mason makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
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Seldon kicks out.

Mariani gets tagged back in before Silk & Cyanide deliver a double arm wrench, followed by stereo palm thrusts to the chest! Seldon is pulled back to her feet before being brought down with Heaven Bound (inverted atomic drop by Mason into double knee backbreaker by Mariani)! The boos continue as Mariani makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Seldon gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide were on the wrong side of things early on. But they’ve won control of this match.

Stephy Auger: Yes they have. You see the quick tags. You see them isolating their opponent. This is sound strategy once again from Mason and Mariani. It’s about time you give the most underrated tag team in FGA the respect that they deserve!

Mason is tagged in before pulling Seldon back to her feet. She delivers an irish whip before following Seldon across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Seldon executes a Tiger Wall Flip off the turnbuckles before catching Mason when she turns around with a roundhouse kick. Mason is then lifted up being before thrown down wit a sitout gourdbuster. After Mason gets up on her knees, the crowd cheers when Seldon drives her face-first onto the mat with a spike hurricanrana! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mariani drags Seldon off of Mason.

Mariani quickly retreats to the apron as Seldon gets back to her feet. Seldon has words for Mariani as Durden reaches through the ropes and tags himself in on Mason. He then rushes in from behind to attack when Seldon turns around, ducks and dumps him over the top and to the floor. Durden starts to pick himself as while Seldon steps out to the apron. Seldon goes for a top rope no hand Asai Moonsault! Durden quickly dives back into the ring to avoid the attack. Instead of crashing to the floor, Seldon lands safely on her feet. She goes to roll back inside when she gets knocked back to the floor with a baseball slide. Durden gets back to his feet before taking off into the far ropes. Durden comes back and goes for a topé con hilo when Mariani runs across the apron, catches Durden across his back and throws him back into the ring with an inverted fireman’s carry toss. Durden lands on his feet before taking a swipe at Mariani. Mariani ducks the punch, but she gets caught when Seldon yanks her off the apron. The crowd cheers when Mariani smacks face-first onto the apron before being brought down with an X-Factor on the floor. Seldon gets back up and does a double take as Durden runs back, flips over the top rope and knocks her down with a topé con hilo! Durden picks himself off the floor before being wiped out by a suicide dive from Hayden!

Kris Cruise: Bodies are flying all over the place!

Stephy Auger: I haven’t seen a pile up like this since rush hour traffic on the GW Bridge!

We switch to a close up shot on the outside, which shows Hayden trying to get up off the floor. In the distance, we see Moss climbing the turnbuckles behind Hayden. Moss is about to leap down onto Hayden when Mason runs over, leaps up onto the middle ropes, grabs Moss and shoves her off the top rope! The crowd gasps, theme erupts with boos when Moss lands hard back-first on the floor.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Good God, did you see that fall!?

Stephy Auger: Yes, and I’d love to see it again. Can the guys in the production truck pull that up again for me, please?

Mason climbs up onto the top rope and crouches down as she measures the distance between herself and Moss. Mason remains in the crouched position as Hayden leaps onto the apron, jumps up and catches her with a clubbing strike across the back. Hayden then climbs up to the middle turnbuckle and hits Mason with a European Uppercut across the back of the neck. The Grand Duchess climbs up onto Mason’s shoulders, flips back and delivers the Black Star (reverse Frankensteiner) off the top turnbuckle to the outside!

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

Seldon takes Mariani and rolls her back inside before rolling herself back in. She reaches over and tags Hayden into the match. The Hellcats then take Mariani and whip her into the far corner. Hayden lines her up before charging across the ring and blasting her with a corner yakuza kick! Seldon quickly rushes in to follow up with a Koppu Kick, sending Mariani slumping down in the corner. Seldon rolls out of the way as Hayden comes charging back in with the The Magnolia Knee (Bicycle Knee) right to the face! Hayden then slips out of the way so that Seldon can rush back over and squash Mariani with a double knee strike! Hayden then backs up towards the adjacent corner while Seldon sets up shop on the apron. On cue, the Hellcats run towards the corner before bashing Mariani with the Exterminator III: Rise of the Machines (With an opponent sat in the corner, Lisa comes along the apron with a sliding Dropkick as Ana comes parallel across the ring with a Face Wash)! The cheers continue as Hayden drags Mariani away from the corner before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mariani gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How in the world did Erin Mariani survive all of that?

Stephy Auger: Your guess is as good as mine. But I’m glad she did!

Hayden sits up Mariani before she hits the ropes, comes back and flattens her with Human Target Practice (Sliding Forearm)! Mariani is pulled up into a seated position before being flattened with a second Human Target Practice! Hayden pulls Mariani up by the hair to a seated position before nailing her with multiple kicks to the back. The Grand Duchess then takes off into the far ropes, comes back and picks up speed before nearly knocking Mariani’s head off with a third Human Target Practice! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mason runs over and breaks up the pin with a stomp to the back.

Kris Cruise: Mason makes the save.

Stephy Auger: I’m glad she recovered from that frankensteiner off the top.

Kris Cruise: A reverse frankensteiner, in fact!

Stephy Auger: Even more impressive!

While Mason heads out towards the apron, Hayden runs up from behind, grabs Mason and chucks her through the ropes and to the floor. She then heads over and tags Seldon back in. The Hellcats take control of Mariani before knocking her down with Kicky Kicky Kick Kick (Ana goes off on their opponent with a series of Kawada Kicks, the last one standing them up right. Lisa then finishes the sequence with a Spinning Heel Kick that knocks them flat)! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mariani gets the shoulder up.

Seldon throws Mariani down with a scoop slam before heading over and tagging Hayden back in. After Seldon heads back over towards Mariani, the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad hit the Gravest Consequences (With an opponent down, Ana runs toward Lisa, who push her straight into the air, allowing her to land with the Double Stomp)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mariani gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Mariani is getting hit with anything and everything from the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad. But once again, she avoids the dreaded three count.

Stephy Auger: She’s a fighter, Cruise. You can say she cheats. You can say she takes cheap shots. But like I said, she’s a fighter. Not a wrestler, but a fighter. That’s what fighters do. They scratch, scrap and claw. They do what they have to do to win. It takes a hell of a lot of keep them down.

Kris Cruise: The Hellcats are more than up for the tasks, seeing as how they put them down to win the US Tag Titles.

Hayden gets back to her feet and delivers a standing double foot stomp before marching across the ring. She then steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Hayden reaches the top, she leaps off and nails Mariani with Romanov Grace (Diving Double Foot Stomp)! But Durden hits her leg to tag himself in just before she jumps off. Durden rolls in, leaps over and Mariani and hits a dropsault on Hayden! The kicks knocks Hayden down as he flips and lands right on top of Mariani! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Mariani gets the shoulder up.

Durden sets up for an irish whip when Mariani reverses. Mariani tries to catch Durden off the rebound with a kitchen sink. But Durden is able to flip over her knee and counter with a schoolboy transitioned into a powerbomb! Durden then turns away from Mariani before landing on top of her with a standing corkscrew moonsault! The cheers continue as he hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Mason with another timely save! Mariani needs to consider tagging out.

Stephy Auger: If it were that easy, she would have done it already!

Mason heads back out to the apron while Durden moves Mariani into the Pendragon corner, where Moss is finally tagged in. They then move Mariani out of the corner before whipping her into the ropes. Pendragon catches Mariani off the rebound with a double hip toss before Durden helps Moss complete an assisted moonsault! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Mariani gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Moss gets a two count after finally getting tagged in.

Stephy Auger: She should have just stayed out on the apron. Her being in this match is a liability. She’s walking around with a giant target on her and I’m not talking about that fivehead of hers.

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy.

Moss takes Mariani and whips her into the corner. She rushes in to attack when Mariani counters with a back elbow to the face. She then turns to face the corner, jumps up and brings Moss down with the Morning Spider Despair (headscissors driver into the turnbuckles)! Mariani then takes Moss by the ankle Tyler Storm worked over and drags her across the ring towards the Silk & Cyanide corner. The crowd boos when Mariani delivers a jumping stomp to the ankle before tagging Mason back in. Mason takes Moss and whips her hard into the corner. After crashing sternum-first into the top turnbuckle, Moss stumbles back before Mason brings her down with the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat)! Mason grabs Moss by the hair and pulls her up to her knees before delivering the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Moss gets her shoulder up.

Mason heads over and tags Mariani back in. Silk & Cyanide then hoist Moss up before bringing her down with the Descent (double suplex dropped into sitout gourdbuster from Mariani)! She then drags Moss over towards the ropes, drapes Moss throat-first across the top rope before choking her by stepping on her back. The crowd boos Mariani while the ref gives her to the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Mariani breaks the hold by stepping out to the apron. She takes several steps back before rushing forward and delivering The Morrigan (with the opponent's throat draped on the bottom rope, Mariani runs along the ring apron and hits a running stomp to the back of their head)! Mariani steps back inside, drags Moss away from the ropes and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Moss gets the shoulder up.

Mariani heads over and tags Mason back in. Mason starts to scale the turnbuckles as Mariani holds Moss in position. On cue, Silk & Cyanide deliver The Pleasure Principle (Mariani holds the opponent in a front facelock as Mason comes off the top rope to rake the opponent's back) before Mason brings Moss down with the Lorelei (with the opponent in a headlock, Mason dives out of the ring to snap their neck on the ropes)!

Kris Cruise: Moss is really getting worked over here, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Gee, it’s as if I told you her being in this match is a liability. She’s exhausted from going three falls with Tyler Storm. She’s coming into this match hurt. Now she’s isolated from her corner while Silk & Cyanide are beating her up. If you’re a Pendragon fan, this doesn’t look good. If you’re like me, this is great!

Mason rolls back inside, picks up Moss, runs back across the ring and tosses her through the ropes before tagging Mariani back in. The Silk & Cyanide members switch positions before Mariani reaches through the ropes and drags Moss across the middle rope. Once Mason makes it to the top rope, the crowd boos when they bring Moss down with The Infernal Council (combination rope-hung DDT from Mariani and diving splash to the opponent's back from Mason)! Mariani pushes Moss over and makes the cover while Mason stays on lookout.

ONE!
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Durden slingshots himself into the ring
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TWO!
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Durden rushes over to make the save, but Mason brings him down with an inverted atomic drop!
.
THRE-NO!

Seldon reaches in and yanks Moss out from under Mariani at the last second.

Kris Cruise: Lisa Seldon just made the save!

Stephy Auger: Trust me, she didn’t make the save because she likes Lowri. No one likes Lowri, besides Neal, and that’s a stretch after her selfishness has put their Tag Title reign in jeopardy.

Seldon takes her place back on the apron as Mason heads back into the S & C corner. Back inside, Mariani sits up Moss and places her in a rear chinlock. The ref gets down and asks Moss if she wants to give up. When Moss refuses, Mariani applies a fish hook! Moss screams in pain as Mariani tries to rip her mouth apart! The official then gets in and gives Mariani to the count of five to break the illegal hold.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Mariani lets go and slips the rear chinlock back on. The ref asks Moss once more if she wants to give up. Moss refuses. Moss starts to feed off the energy of the crowd as she shakes her fists. She slowly turns over to a knee before finally getting back to her feet. She buries an elbow deep in Mariani’s midsection. A second elbow finds its mark. Moss then hits her with three more elbows to finally break the hold. While Mariani is doubled over, Moss hits the ropes and gets slapped on the back by Seldon. Mariani goes to knock Moss down with a running elbow tackle. Moss ducks before Seldon knocks Mariani down with a yakuza kick! She then takes Mariani and whips her into the corner. Seldon rushes in, hops on top of Mariani and throws her out of the corner with a monkey flip. She then makes her way out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. When Mariani gets back to her feet, Seldon leaps off and knocks her down with a diving crossbody!

… but Mariani rolls through it and makes the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Seldon kicks out.

Stephy Auger: She almost had it!

Seldon reverses an irish whip, sending Mariani into the ropes. When Mariani returns, Seldon sets her up for a Death Valley Driver! At the last second, Mariani rakes her across the eyes before slipping down and driving her down with a half nelson facebuster! The boos continue as Mason gets tagged back in. Silk & Cyanide then set up for the Vow (one-handed bulldog by Mason over Mariani’s knee) when Seldon shoves Mason into Mariani, knocking her down!

Stephy Auger: Oh no!

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide’s plan just blew up in their face!

Mason backs away from Mariani before Seldon brings her down with an Angle Slam lift into a Fisherman Driver!

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

Mason gets her shoulder up.

The crowd cheers as Seldon lifts Mason up across her shoulders before bringing her down with a Death Valley Driver! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Seldon pulls Mason back to her feet, pulls her into a Muay Thai Clinch and bashes her with multiple elbows before lifting her up and planting her with a brainbuster! Seldon goes for the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How was that not a three count?

Seldon calls Hayden back into the ring. The Hellcats take Mason and whip her into the ropes. When Mason returns, she gets dropped with One Year More (With both in front of their opponent, Lisa goes low with a Legsweep, sending them falling forward as Ana runs through them with her Running Single Leg Dropkick)! Seldon makes the cover.

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

Durden dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Huge save by Durden!

Hayden rushes back over, grabs Durden and chucks him through the ropes and to the floor. She then takes off into the far ropes, comes back and goes for a suicide dive when Moss runs across the apron and catches her with a running knee lift mid-dive! Moss turns and looks down at Durden from the apron until Seldon runs across, knocks her off and sends her crashing against the guardrail!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord! Lowri might be broken in half!

The Hellcats head over, bring Mason back to her feet and lift her up for a double suplex until Mariani heads over and pulls Mason back down. The crowd boos as Silk & Cyanide start to knock the Hellcats back with a flurry of right hands. They then turn and hit the far ropes. When Silk & Cyanide return, they ready themselves for a pair of clothesline when the Hellcats send them flying over the top rope with a pair of back body drops!

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have just crashed to the floor!

Seldon rolls to the outside, hops over the guardrail and makes her way past the crowd and to the back.

Stephy Auger: Where in the hell is she going?

Back at ringside, Hayden climbs to the top rope, leaps off and lands down hard across Mason with Romanov Grace!

Kris Cruise: Hayden just squashed Mason on the floor!

Hayden goes to pick up Mason with Mariani nails her with a clubbing strike from behind. The two start to exchange blows until Pendragon attack them both. Four grapplers are going at it as the crowd starts to murmur. The ref looks up and does a double take as he looks up. He then points up to the balcony. The crowd gasps as Seldon has made her way up to the second level before climbing up onto the balcony.

Stephy Auger: What in the world…?

Kris Cruise: Lisa! LISA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? NO! NOOOOO!

Seldon stands up from the crouched position, leaps off and knocks everyone down with a Spaceman Plancha to ringside!

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

“HOLY SHIT!”

Seldon pulls Mason up off the floor and rolls her back inside. She then helps Hayden up to the apron before rolling herself back in. Hayden is tagged back in before the Hellcats set up on both sides of Mason. Once Mason finally gets back to her feet, Seldon charges forward before the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad throw her down with Ginger Snaps (Lisa strikes her opponent with a Shotgun Double Knee Strike (Horror Pop) and knocks them back to Ana who hits them with a Snap German Suplex)!

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

Moss leaps through the ropes and breaks up the pin! She’s then met with cheers and applause from the crowd for the save.

Seldon storms across the ring before putting the boots to the back of Moss’ neck. She then yanks Moss up to her feet before scooping her up across her shoulders.

Stephy Auger: It’s about to be lights out for Moss, finally!

The Hellcats have Moss set up for Call The Doctor (Lisa picks up an opponent in a Fireman’s Carry. She then pushes the opponent off backwards toward Ana, who catches and drops them with a High-Angle German Suplex)! Before Seldon can push Moss over towards Hayden, Durden rolls in, grabs Hayden from behind and throws her down with an Olympic Slam! Moss then hits Seldon with repeated elbows to the side of the head before slipping down from behind and delivering the Nos Da (Rolling Cutter)!

Kris Cruise: The Hellcats are down! Pendragon have the Hellcats down!

Moss tosses Seldon through the ropes as Durden drags Hayden across the ring, steps out to the apron and tags himself back in. Pendragon then begin waving up Mason off the mat. Once Mason finally gets back to her feet and turns around, Pendragon rushes over to attack until Mariani reaches in, yanks Mason down to the mat and rolls her to the outside.

“BOOOOOOOOO!”

Silk & Cyanide reconvene on the outside as Moss heads into the corner. Mason and Mariani do a double take as Moss climbs to the top turnbuckle and flips off. Mariani gets knocked down with the moonsault after she pushes Mason out of the way!

Stephy Auger: Mariani just sacrificed herself!

Mason climbs back up to the apron and gets caught with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Durden goes to bring Mason back into the ring when Mason slips down from behind before bringing Durden down with the Aenigma! The boos continue as Mason moves Durden into the corner and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. Mason makes her way up to the top ropes, hops onto Durden’s shoulders, flips back and brings him down with the Suspiria (top rope snap reverse frankensteiner)! She makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: That’s it! THAT’S IT! We’ve got new champions!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Kris Cruise: NO!

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Durden gets his shoulder up at the very last second.

Stephy Auger: What!?

Mason sets up for an irish whip when Durden reverses, sending her into the ropes. Hayden makes the blind tag! Mason comes off the ropes and sees Durden setting up for a back body drop. So she stops and knocks him upright with a kick to the face. Mason then turns and heads back into the ropes when Hayden leaps up and yanks down the top rope! The crowd cheers as Mason tumbles to the floor before Seldon lifts her up and plants her with a brainbuster on the outside!

Kris Cruise: Mason has to be out of it after that brainbuster on the floor!

While Durden is still dazed, Hayden rolls back in and throws out a running lariat. Durden ducks the lariat as he heads towards the ropes. He bounces off the ropes for a handspring back elbow when Hayden catches him in mid air before throwing him down with a snap German Suplex! Durden rolls over onto his knees before nearly getting his head knocked off with The Magnolia Knee! Hayden pulls up a dazed Durden before heading towards the ropes. She’s about to come back off the ropes with She Was Only Seventeen (Running Single Leg Dropkick) when Moss reaches in and wraps her arms around Hayden’s leg.

Kris Cruise: Moss is hanging on for dear life!

Hayden turns and repeatedly kicks Moss through the ropes until the last kick to the face knocks Moss down. The Grand Duchess bounces against the ropes and charges over towards Durden before Durden throws her down with a Sling Blade! Durden takes Hayden, delivers an irish whip, follows her into the corner and connects with a running arched big boot! He delivers another irish whip, follows Hayden across the ring into the opposite corner and catches her with another running arched big boot! Durden then pulls Hayden from out of the corner, takes control of her back and drops her down to a knee after a ripcord knee strike! The cheers continue as Durden pulls Hayden back up, hooks his arms around hers and lifts her up before planting her with the Strike Back (Vertebreaker)! Durden slowly turns over to make the cover.

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

Seldon leaps off the top rope and breaks up the pin with a cannonball senton! She’s met with cheers and applause for the save.

Kris Cruise: Lisa Seldon wit the save of all saves!

Seldon brings Durden back to his feet. She hoists him up for a brainbuster when Durden knees her in the head on the way up. He then hoists Seldon up onto his shoulders as Moss rolls back into the ring. Moss rushes back cover as Pendragon brings her down with a gutbuster/corkscrew neckbreaker combination! The crowd buzz with anticipation as Moss and Durden then set up in opposite corners. Hayden then starts to stir on the mat. Once Hayden gets up to a knee, Pendragon rush her from both directions before clobbering her with Dewin Ddraig gleiniog (Double Shining Wizard)! Durden makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd breaks out into cheers and applause at the conclusion of the match.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners bout and STILL your World Tag Team Champions… aaaaaand NEEEEEWWWWWWW United States Tag Team Champions, PENDRAGON!

“Take A Chance” blasts over the PA. Durden gets handed one half of the World and US Tag Titles while Moss gets handed the other half. Durden drops to his knees and kisses both sets of titles belts before hugging them. Moss is seen slowly sitting up and hugging her pair of tag titles belts. Durden makes his way over and helps Moss up off the mat. Pendragon embrace with a hug before raising each others arms in victory.

Kris Cruise: What a match we’ve just seen, ladies and gentlemen! That was one of the wildest tag team matches I’ve ever seen under an FGA banner! There were many times that I thought that all three of these teams had this match one. It’s cliché to say that they pulled out all the stops. But that’s literally what they did. But in the end, it’s Pendragon that are the winners. Pendragon are still the World Tag Team Champions! They are once again United States Tag Team Champions! Lowri Moss is once again a double champion for the third time while Durden is a double champion for the first time. Only one set of tag titles will remain after tonight. Those titles belong to Neal Durden and Lowri Moss. This has to be a tough loss for the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad. They’ve tasted defeat only one time in an FGA ring and that was right here tonight. I think it’s fair to say that they got the fight that they were looking for from Pendragon. For Silk & Cyanide, this has to be a bitter pill to swallow. Losing tonight would not have sat well with them. But the fact that it’s their hated rivals that leave this match with both titles, that has to sting. But a credit to them and the Hellcats for one hell of a performance. Right now, we’re going to take a pause in the action. So let’s send it to some comments from some of tonight’s Gold Rush Rumble participants. Take a look...

[FGA Office]

The camera moves on over to Ace Voltage, standing in front of an Only The Strong Survive backdrop. He has his gear on with sunglasses.

Ace Voltage: Respect. The one thing I want, the one thing I DESERVE. Well, tonight, I get that respect. Tonight, I outlast every other chump in the Gold Rush Rumble. I will be the last to survive.

Ace takes his sunglasses off.

Ace Voltage: Tonight, I prove all of the haters wrong. Tonight, I make history.

****

Erin Mariani: So many hopes, so many dreams, so many poor fools flooding the ring hoping of a better life - and so many poor, unfortunate fools to crush under my heel for my own entertainment.

****

In a brief departure from the footage used prior, we cut to a grainy, shaky shot of the Only the Strong Survive backdrop, as filmed by Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter on his handheld camera. He turns the camera on himself and Jillian Clay as they stand before the poster, blocking all but the words “STRONG” that’s plastered between them.

Nando Fresno: We’ve been thinking and talking and blueprinting and plotting-- constantly conceiving ways to get gold in our hands. It’s a long, arduous journey to the top, sure, but it doesn’t have to be. We could accomplish it in one night.

Jillian Clay: One of us can…

Nando Fresno: One of us can but that’s nature. That’s tradition. We have the benefit of working as one seamless, impregnable unit. And we’re not the only people working together out there, but we’re the only ones that know each other as well as we do. It’s like having one mind but two sets of eyes. Two bodies to--

Jillian Clay: Three bodies! Satconcisco!

Jill applauds while Nando side-eyes her warily before glancing back to the camera.

Nando Fresno: ...right. Satconcisco.

Jill’s applause continues and Nando looks blankly into the lens before we switch away.

****

Ashley Marie Chase is standing in front of the OTSS backdrop with a smirk on her face.

AMC: The Gold Rush Rumble is here once again. Last year I was in the top four but I came up short. This year, I go in there and win the whole f’ing thing and you know why? Because this year I will do whatever it takes to win that match and that title shot. If that means I have to toss Ashley Sands over the ropes then so be it. If I need to lie, cheat and steal then so be it! The rest of 2020 and all of 2021 will be the year of AMC and it all starts tonight in the Gold Rush Rumble.

****

Sara Mason: That queen of yours has been getting a little too comfortable on that throne of hers. I guess it's time that somebody took matters into their own hands and dabbled in a little bit of regicide...

****

Mark Bisley: From the very first day I set foot in this place, I said I was going to tick off one belt, then another, and another, until there was no more gold left for me to raise. You and I already know I've made a sizable dent in that plan, just as you and I know the Gold Rush Rumble offers an opportunity to tick off The Big One, so I'll ask you a question: why are you backing anyone else?

****

Sloan Talbot: I ain't got a damn thing to say except this. If you find yourself in the ring with me? Do yourself a favor, hop on over that top rope 'fore I throw you out myself and break your damn neck. This Rumble is mine, and nobody is gonna get in my way this year.

****

Our next shot opens on the faceplate of the FGA United States Championship. It pans out slowly, giving us a clear waist-up shot of the woman that’s holding it: Sadie San Francisco. Her breathing is slightly heavier than normal and her normally-styled hair is still frayed and tossed from the United States Championship Open Challenge defense earlier in the night. Her eyes rest on the belt rather than the lens. A few seconds pass until finally, her lips part into a small smile.

Sadie San Francisco: I don’t know if I can describe it, like-- this feeling… this feeling, like… it transcends “confidence.” Like…

Sadie uses her right arm to hug the belt to her chest; uses her left hand to drum her fingers along the gold.

Sadie San Francisco: I know I’m gonna win the Gold Rush Rumble.

The champion exhales after saying this. Her gaze returns to the United States Title on her shoulder, but just for a moment.

Sadie San Francisco: I’ve never been more sure of anything since I started doing this. I’ve been in FGA for four years, getting stronger, getting better, always. Four years. And tonight, it’s all gonna pay off. I know that once I get in that ring, there’s not a Grappler on this roster-- there’s not a wrestler in this building that’s gonna be able to stop me.

Sadie turns to the camera once more, the smile beginning to fade.

****

John Carmichael: If you're looking for a potential winner, you need to look at somebody who's already won it. If you're looking for somebody to take the title, you need to look at somebody who's already won it. The problem is you don't want to, because you want to look at your new shiny toy. Well lucky for you I have a suggestion: look at who's tossing them out of the ring, and at some point you're going to have to accept that you're looking at me and only me.

****

Our shot opens on the face of Evan Envi. His hands are clasped, elbows resting on his knees, eyes closed in contemplation as he sits-- presumably alone-- in the dark, hazy room. The Chief takes a deep breath before he speaks.

Evan Envi: There’s something so harrowing about the Gold Rush Rumble. There’s this obvious excitement. There’s this hype, not only with the fans but in the locker room. Everyone’s buzzing because of this feeling that anything can happen… and then you get your number… that bell rings… and every time the clock counts down, it gets more— it’s intimidating. It becomes real.

He exhales softly again and rubs at the base of his neck.

Evan Envi: I know I’m capable of doing this.

Another deep breath. Contemplation. Evan readjusts himself in the chair, looking off into the distance, shaking his head slightly.

Evan Envi: In 2017 I took on the Gold Rush Rumble. I lasted-- I survived— longer than every other Grappler in that match. Everyone on the roster and even the ones I couldn’t prepare for. And...I couldn’t piece it all together. I could never quite make that final connection and make it work. And, I mean-- I’ve been wracking my brain, trying to figure out why… why couldn’t I make it work? I had friends. I had endurance. And… it didn’t matter. At the end of the night--

The Chief pauses, looking up into the camera for the first time.

Evan Envi: At the end of the night, only one person can get their hand raised. And that night it was Johnny Karma. Or-- you know, John.

With a faint smile, Evan shakes his head slightly.

Evan Envi: Not tonight, though. A lot of people are gonna look at Marlon Cure and John and think they’re the favorites to win this match because they’ve pulled it off once before-- but I’m telling you it’s not in the stars. Tonight, I do have an ally in this match in Kazu Hirano and you can bet that I’m gonna be watching his back this whole distance. I’m confident enough in myself, and Kazman’s cool enough to know that if it does come down to us at the end of this, one-on-one, we’re gonna have to tear each other apart. That’s what the prize demands, man. And we’re gonna come out on the other side fine.

Evan’s gaze falls downward for several silent seconds. Perhaps thoughtfully. One last deep breath before Envi leans forward.

Evan Envi: ...but I'm not looking to have my name highlighted as an Iron Man this year. I fully intend to come out of this with a guaranteed shot at my third World Championship.

Evan looks directly at us for a moment before he pushes himself to his feet, walking out of frame, leaving us to cut to black.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, Only the Strong Survive continues as we're about to get our next championship contest underway. Stephy, when you look at th--

Just as Cruise is giving his thoughts on the next scheduled contest, all of the lights on the left hand side of the venue shut off. A collective gasp is heard from members of the crowd.

Kris Cruise: What was that?

Stephy Auger: Your guess is as good as mine.

Kris Cruise: Our apologies for the the technical difficulties. As I was saying, Stephy, when you loo--

Cruise is once again cut off as all of the lights on the right hand side of the venue shut off. The crowd starts to speculate amongst itself when all the lights in the two remaining portions of the venue shut off, leaving the Melrose Ballroom in total darkness. A few moments pass as flashlights from various iPhones and Androids are speckled throughout the seating area.

Stephy Auger: Hey, I thought you told me that the light bill was paid off!

Kris Cruise: Stephy, enough. Ladies and gentlemen, we once again apologies for the technical difficulties we're experience right n--

Cruise stops mid-sentence as the Tron at the top of the stage comes to life. The viewers can hear the crowd whispering in the backgrounds as the videotron shows first-person footage drone footage across the desert sands. We then switch to first-person drone footage over lava flows, through the ocean, through the clouds, across glaciers and finally, through the stars. The videotron abruptly shuts off, leaving the crowd just as confused as they were before. But their confusion doesn't last for much longer. Over the speakers, we hear a coin sound multiple times, followed by a 1-Up sound effect. The crowd's speculation is soon proven correct as the house lights begin flashing red, blue, green and yellow colors! "Rockit" begins to pump through the speakers. A few moments pass as Landon Knight struts out onto the stage. He is dressed in all black, with the exception of the green bandana over the lower half of his face. The sight of the former tag team champion draws cheers from the small sized crowd. Knight surveys the crowd and the venue from the top of the ramp before pointing towards his left. A few more seconds pass as Max Powers slowly walks out onto the same. Like his partner, he too, is dressed in all black, with the exception of the red bandana on the lower half of his face.

Kris Cruise: It's the Super Mario Wrestling Brothers! The SMWB are here! They were the ones behind those teaser videos!

Stephy Auger: Now it all makes sense.

Kris Cruise: We haven't seen the SMWB since their loss in the semifinals of last year's Dynamic Duos, where Max Powers was injured at the hands of Dexter Jacobs.

Powers unties the bandana, revealing his neck brace.

Stephy Auger: Well, he still looks pretty injured to me!

Max scans the cheering audience before ripping off the neck brace and throwing it down defiantly, receiving even louder cheers from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: You spoke too soon! It looks like Max Powers finally has a clean bill of health!

Powers and Knight bash each other's forearms before hitting a jumping high-five. They each heads to opposite ends of the stage to hype up the crowd by waving their arms up and down.

Kris Cruise: Listen to this crowd! They are hyped up for this appearance from the SMWB!

Stephy Auger: But what do they want? Want are they doing back here? Last I checked, they aren't signed.

Kris Cruise: Your guess is as good as mine. Hopefully we can get Spencer Burke, Amanda Johnson or Jessie Pederson on he case to find out.

[FGA Office]

We then go to something a little bit different visually as we head to the parking lot. There is the occasional person lurking with a mask on considering the pandemic we are in but it’s a dark and quiet place. And Seth Iser seems to have a habit of inhabiting darker and quieter places and this really isn’t any different as we glance at the evening sky that is shining down upon him. He glances at the camera that had found him with a brief moment of minor annoyance as he’s leaning back on a wall with his arms crossed. The veteran has switched into a variant of his ring gear but the choice in color is different than the norm. It is a white base with teal and he even has a white ring jacket.

Seth Iser: You always go to what you’re comfortable with at the end of the day.

He says that in a low voice but there isn’t any hint of tension but rather as if he knows. There’s self reflection there as rather than the arrogant smirk you often see associated with him, he’s at peace.

Seth Iser: But not long before one of the biggest matches I’ll have left in my career...here I am in a place where you can say it can be...quite dangerous for someone to be at in a way if there’s no security or anything like that but I feel like I wanted---no, I needed to be here. Because in the darker quarters where people either shun or run away from you...that’s always been a part of me in some form or fashion for as long as I can remember. Goes back before I even started wrestling...that’s how long it’s been in all honesty. It also means letting someone in a space you feel safer in means the words you carry hold even more weight than the norm. Because being in a dark place not knowing what your next move is looking for home...was once my address.

And then there’s that pointed like as he glares directly at the camera with full intensity. The type of expression we see more often from the six five mauler from Morgantown West by-God Virginia.

Seth Iser: And Fujiko...maybe for once you can act like a champion and a human being. You made an ass of yourself in that press conference by laughing and talking out of both sides of your ass. It’s horribly unbecoming you know and not how anybody should represent the World Championship, the most prestigious prize in our company. And for as much as the people don’t like me...even they noticed how unprofessional you were acting, so actually check your ego at the door and keep your eyes and ears open and know when something important is being said to you rather than monologue like one of those damned villains from a comic book my students seem obsessed with these days. You do that more and people would respect you like they do me. Might not like you...but they’d hold you with the respect you crave so damn much.

There’s a little bit of pointedness in his tone when mentioning the champion’s name but other than that, it’s more along the lines of a school teacher scolding a troublesome but talented student rather than coming from a place of pure animosity.

Seth Iser: Long story short, my old man wasn’t so much into me pursuing a career outside of the area. He wanted me to follow him down his path of being a preacher...being drunk on religion. Alternatively if that didn’t work, he would’ve been okay with me staying in the coal mines...as that was what was expected in many ways for a lot of people in the state of West Virginia. And me being the know it all, rebellious asshole that I was...let’s say we clashed. A lot. Wanderlust was one thing but in my own state of mind...I didn’t want to be tied down to a damn thing or have someone else write my book before I even had the chance to lift the pen to it. Even to his grave before I can fully cement what I’d want to be...he still wanted me to do things his way and I was intent on doing them my own because I thought I knew everything then. And once the housing situation went down the tubes...well…

And then his eyes completely darken as he thinks things through a little bit further as he digs a little bit deeper into what is going on.

Seth Iser: Let’s just say my roommates, instead of parents that I disliked and borderline hated, were drunks, crack addicts, and homeless people. And for a kid who already was developing a love for the bottle with his own set of problems that didn’t exactly make things better. Got into fights with my ‘neighbors’ over multiple things. Dabbled in a few things I really shouldn’t have. Been to a rave or two...trying to cope with the reality and not wanting to feel what I had been feeling for most of my young life. Hell, even got arrested a time or two because I really was a troublesome kid looking for a sign of hope. But even through all of that...there was this...almost inhuman drive I thought it was at the time to make my own mark. Or at least I thought it was inhuman at the time. To be my own person...my own man. And that’s where I found wrestling.

And after he thinks of something else, for a brief moment, his arms relax ever so slightly as again that smile creeps onto his face. Again, not the arrogant smirk we’re accustomed to seeing but what might be his more natural smile.

Seth Iser: It kind of makes my choice in career an odd one in hindsight when you think of it like that but that’s what we are as humans: a never-ending list of conflicting desires, wants, and just overall contradictions.

The smile that appeared then just briefly subsides once again and it’s back to that neutral if intimidating scowl, but his voice isn’t so much of a man who is trying to be intimidating...but rather someone just talking from where he’s coming from.

Seth Iser: But I made my choice long after any chance of going to college on a football scholarship was gone when I blew my knee out. I went into wrestling school as an exceptionally arrogant, conceited muckspout and when I realized this sport was harder than just walking in and expecting it for things to be handed to you...it was like a drunk waking up in the water wondering what was the reality that put you here to begin with. And in the School of Tradition...as much as we taught for respect for the sport...we also had to emphasize you had to go out there for your own self. That was instilled into me as a student and what I try to get into the brains of the others now that I’m the teacher. Nothing SHOULD be handed to you in this sport…

And then there is that knowing smile as he considers things a little bit further.

Seth Iser: And even in my young mind I knew what that meant. You end up taking an opportunity from someone else the old fashioned way...in that ring. The same way I took the bottle of booze from that alcoholic ‘neighbor’ of mine I guess you can say. And for all the drugs I’ve ever taken in my life...there’s still nothing better than the thrill of combat in that ring...and the high you feel when you get your hand raised knowing you took your own opportunity. Conversely there’s never a worse crash...or a worse low than knowing you had that same damn thing taken away from you.

And finally he takes a step away from leaning on that wall as he was thinking all of this through and the steps on his boot echo a little bit on the concrete floor before he stops. His face is contemplative though as he’s considering what’s next but he taps the copper bracelet over his left wrist for a moment before eyeballing the camera.

Seth Iser: Fast forward a number of years...I’ve finally gotten clean but for all the vaunted genius that everyone knows me to be...well...one thing still hasn’t changed whether I’m clean and sober to back when I was one of the worst drug addicts in a sport where drugs and alcohol were...one of the worst sins. I just continue to have this innate ability, right or wrong, to find myself in a lot of trouble. Fujiko you know this all too well if you’ve cross examined me like you think but I’ll give the specifics for the uninformed anyway. They deserve to hear it...maybe even learn from it. Hell if you have your ears open, you’ll actually learn from this as well.

And then there’s a knowing smile, a hint of mischievousness in it but it’s a little more...devious in nature as his face is a little darker around said smile. It vanishes after a couple of seconds of a pause as he continues his point.

Seth Iser: You want the proof...we’ll talk about how I’m a two time champion and how I lost it. The first time I got a little over my head and my means and accepted a cage match with two people who hated my guts. And that was several months of rehab for a torn meniscus in my left knee. The second one though...I’ll be the first to say it more...I got drunk off the power of the title.

He taps his chin in thought as he considers his point in this dark parking lot.

Seth Iser: I lost sight of what I was in that second title reign...and well...what I didn’t see coming was an enemy in a seven foot monster named Hazard ripping the title from my carcass all because I lost sight of what was truly going on around me. I was the Deity of Destruction goddamnit and there wasn’t anything anyone could tell me otherwise about how anything in the sport was. I have an ego, and an ego in wrestling isn’t a bad thing...but my ego took control...and I didn’t see a desperate angry man who would do anything and pay any price to rip away the title from me knowing damn well he’d set off other ticking time bombs to get there. Flash forward to the present day and this seven foot monster named Hazard is no longer in the sport...a victim of the bombs.

He then narrows his eyes as he mulls his point over further with a hardened intensity even if his voice is lower.

Seth Iser: A victim of the cycle of professional wrestling…

He says that cold...but after a sigh he’s looking completely at peace with everything.

Seth Iser: Why is this relevant now? History always repeats itself. From fighting and taking from Hazard to Owen to Slater to Izzy and Neal, I learned that this is a fact. We can’t run from it. Just this time, I find myself on the other side of this equation now. I’m looking at a talented wrestler whose ego has taken over. It’s more apparent with how you treat veteran wrestlers with particular malice because you think you have all the answers. Just like I did all those years ago...and nothing you can say can get through to them because they think they know better. And you can lash out all you want but ‘Apex Goddess’ you know I’m right on this one. Anyone who has a nickname with divinity involved whether anointed or self given loses their touch with the humanity around them over time. You’re repeating my mistakes. And you’re fully not aware of what the ticking time bombs around me are going to motivate me to do in what is damn well my only shot left.

And again there’s that air of tranquility for a moment as his demeanor is...completely calm. He is focused but he’s not obsessive or lashing out.

Seth Iser: You’re chasing what you perceive as immortality for this company. Hell, you’re even playing God when you gave Izzy the title shot just ‘because she asked’ you know. That’s against the code of man, the code of sport, and the code of professional wrestling. Our careers aren’t just given to us nor are championship opportunities. We have to earn it...and sometimes by earning it...we end up setting off those bombs. Those bombs that can end our career if we cross off the wrong wire. Win, lose or draw, and I do intend to win...I know history is repeating itself…and after our match I know that I have a whole deal of trouble I have to deal with as the price for my deal with the devil. Sooner or later he will cut you down. He cuts all of our careers down, and mine won’t be any different because whether by Neal, Izzy, some outside force none of us have considered yet or even Owen’s hands over in Australia...there is a good probability the bullet that slains my career is going to be shot real soon.

And then there’s that pause as Seth considers his next words a little more carefully. If anything, there’s the slightest bit of hesitation initially before he continues on.

Seth Iser: And...I’m okay with that. You can chase your immortality as you want...but you’re dealing with a man staring his mortality in the face with enemies everywhere looking to take that shot because not only do they want revenge on me...but they want to have the legacy, the prestige, the glory of being the wrestler who took me out of the industry. And the price becomes ever greater when I beat you...and everybody knows that…

And soon there is more of what we normally expect as the confidence is seeping through and the determined glare even if his left hand was trembling for a brief moment thinking of the weight of all of this.

Seth Iser: But you should know I haven’t been in this spot in several years with this gun hanging over me. You SHOULD be terrified of what I’m willing to do. It scares Rebecca...it scares my daughter Allison a bit. Hell, it even makes me shiver with fear what price I’m willing to pay when you rationalize what it truly entails. It’s part of the very...fuel that helped provoke the stunt that I pulled when I crossed off the final checkmark in a tournament victory. And right now, I wouldn’t have it any other way...as it is part of the old school code to do it this way. But at the end of the day Fujiko...you’ve lost touch with your humanity in that ring. The title has taken over you rather than you defining the very thing you’re supposed to wear. And unlike James, Izzy, or Evan...you know I’m desperate enough, and savvy enough to shoot that kind of shot and make it...consequences be damned. That drive I thought was inhuman that’s still with me to this day? Oh it’s one of the most human things about me...and part of what defines both the good and the bad. And why I’m both disliked by many and respected by almost all.

And his eyes are closed with a determined sneer etched on his face.

Seth Iser: And for the first time since late 2013...I will be your World Champion with a whole host of trouble to follow me while our Goddess tries to figure out what it’s like to truly be a human again.

With those closing words Seth steps out of the dark parking lot and you can see more of the light there and in his teal ring jacket, another new thing for him on this one. But on the back there isn’t some gaudy nickname on it but rather the letters ‘O.M.R.’ which very well could just mean ‘One More Ride’ in the end.

[FGA Office]

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Cordy Stevenson vs. Savannah Taylor

Kris Cruise: Alright, Stephy, we’ve got her International Heavyweight Championship coming up next. I’ve got to say that we… wait just a second.

Kris Cruise’s attention turn to the crowd, who are clearly buzzing over something. Making her way through the small crowd is Angela Jameson. The crowd murmurs amongst itself as Jameson makes her way towards the front row. Jameson scans her surroundings before taking a seat in the front row.

Kris Cruise: That’s… that’s Angela Jameson!

Stephy Auger: I’m aware of who she is.

Kris Cruise: For those of you that don’t know, Jameson is both the trainer and the mentor of Savannah Taylor. We saw Jameson appear at FFW’s Unstoppable 11, where she costed Cordy Stevenson her match against Savannah Taylor! What in the world are these two up to tonight? It’s no coincidence that Jameson decided to appear right before Savannah Taylor’s match.

Stephy Auger: Whaaaat? Are you insinuating that Angela Jameson and Savannah Taylor are up to no good. My word! How could you say such a thing.

Kris Cruise: This is Savannah Taylor we’re talking about here. We both know that she’s a schemer and a scammer.

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

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

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

Inside me a light was turned on…

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

Then I was alive!

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the FGA International Heavyweight Championship! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada! She is “The Las Vegas Siren”... SAVANNAH TAYLOR!

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

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: Savannah Taylor is looking to reclaim the International Championship here tonight. With Angela Jameson in attendance, it looks like Taylor’s got an insurance policy as well to make sure that happens.

Stephy Auger: What do you mean? Why wouldn’t Angela Jameson want to see her mentee win back the big one? What’s the big deal?

Kris Cruise: The big deal is that Cordy Stevenson had that match won until Angela Jameson decided to interfere.

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: Her opponent, hailing from Freeport, Long Island! She is the reigning… defending… FGA International Champion, CORDY STEVENSON!

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

Kris Cruise: Cordy is looking to put Savannah in her rear view once and for all tonight. But that’s going to be much easier said than done.

Stephy Auger: You’re damn right it is! Savannah Taylor has done nothing but elevate herself year after year. She’s never been intimidating by the person standing across the ring from her and she’s showing no fear against Cordy Stevenson tonight.

Stevenson and Taylor make their way towards the center of the ring. The bell sounds as the two rivals stare each other down. Champion and challenger are now face to face. Neither minces words as they each let the other know just what they think of them. The jaw jacking continues until Taylor piefaces Stevenson.

“OOOOOO!”

Stevenson turns back to Taylor, only to get the taste knocked out of her mouth with a slap.

“OOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: That won’t go over well.

Taylor doesn’t run from Stevenson. Instead, she eggs the champion on by motioning for her to bring it. Stevenson continues to look off to the side while Taylor continues to antagonize her. She slowly turns back to the Las Vegas Siren with narrowed eyes before socking her with a hard right!

Kris Cruise: There you go!

The cheers continue when Taylor gets nailed with another punch right to the mouth! Stevenson sends Taylor’s head snapping to the side with another punch before moving her into the corner. The crowd is solidly behind Cordy as she unleashes a flurry of right hands. She then goes for an irish whip when Taylor reverses, sending the champion into the corner. Taylor charges in until Cordy ducks and dumps her over the top rope. Taylor then lands safely on the apron and throws out a punch. Stevenson is able to duck the punch and counters with one of her own. After Stevenson connects with another punch, she doubles Taylor over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. She goes to bring Taylor back inside with a vertical suplex when Taylor slips down from behind. She pushes Cordy against the ropes and goes to follow up with an O’Connor when Cordy hangs onto the ropes, causing Taylor to roll her back. After Taylor rolls back to her feet, Stevenson runs over and gets thrown down with a japanese arm drag. Stevenson gets back to her feet, only to get thrown back down with another japanese arm drag. When Stevenson gets back up, Taylor tries to take her head off with a spinning backfist. Cordy ducks the backfist before doubling Taylor over with a spinning back kick to the midsection. While Taylor guards her midsection, Stevenson points towards the ropes. The crowd cheers as she runs to the side of the ring and leaps onto the middle ropes to set up for The Real is Back (Oscutter). But before she can leap back and bring Taylor down, the Las Vegas Siren immediately drops and rolls to the outside.

“BOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Savannah Taylor has tucked her tail and ran to the floor fore safety!

Stephy Auger: What do you want her to do, just stand there and let Cordy hit her with one of her signature moves? Give me a break, Cruise! This is strategy!

Stevenson hops down to the mat and makes her way over to the ropes. She stands with her hands on her hips and shakes her head as Taylor continues to rest of the outside.

Stephy Auger: Don’t let her intimidate you, Savannah! You’ve got until ten to get back in the ring. You’re in no hurry.

Taylor shoos Cordy away while she continues to walk around the ring.

FIVE!






SIX!







SEVEN!







EIGHT!





Taylor rolls back into the ring, then right back out to restart the count.

“BOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Enough of this. The ref has to get Taylor back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: Why? What rules is she breaking?

Kris Cruise: She needs to man up and get back in there and mix it up with the champion if she wants to walk out of here with the title!

Stephy Auger: You don’t think Savannah doesn’t know what she’s doing? Besides, Savannah doesn’t need to “man up.” Don’t let her slim physique fool you. She’s as tough as they come. She beat Jimmy Page for the International Championship. She beat him again in a First Blood Match. She beat him again in a Chivalry is Dead match. Has Cordy even beaten Jimmy Page one time? No, I didn’t think so! Like I said, Savannah is mentally and physically tough. Unlike Cordy Stevenson, who is as fragile as they come. I’m surprised she hasn’t taken time off due to injury yet. But I’m sure that’s right around the corner.

The Las Vegas Siren turns her attention to the booing crowd. She crosses her arms and gives them an exaggerated eye roll. Suddenly, the boos turn to cheers once they see Cordy rolls to the outside. Stevenson turns around and does a double take as she sees Cordy running towards her! So Taylor takes off! But Stevenson is hot on her trail! Once they lap the ring, Taylor rolls back inside. As soon as Stevenson rolls back in, Taylor goes to deliver an elbow drop. But Stevenson quickly rolls back to the outside. Once Taylor gets back to her feet, Cordy quickly yanks her back down to the mat before dragging her to the outside. She slams Taylor face-first onto the apron before throwing her down with a snap suplex. Stevenson pulls Taylor back up before bringing her back down with another snap suplex on the floor. Cordy turns to the cheering crowd and holds up a finger. Once she hears the cheers, she yanks up Taylor by the hair before throwing her back down with another snap suplex.

While Taylor writhes in pain on the floor, Cordy gets back to her feet and turns her attention to Angela Jameson.

Kris Cruise: Here we go, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: What? Angela Jameson is simply minding her business.

Stevenson mouths something towards Jameson before turning her attention back towards Taylor. The champion picks Taylor up off the floor and slams her face-first onto the apron before rolling her back into the ring. She turns and gives Jameson a nasty glare before sliding back inside. Jameson rises up from her seat, but quickly reconsiders and sits back down. A smirk forms as she continues to watch on.

Kris Cruise: Someone needs to remind her that she’s a fan tonight, not a wrestler. She needs to sit back down in her seat.

Stephy Auger: Someone needs to remind Cordy to focus on her actual opponent.

Stevenson takes Taylor, moves her into the corner and delivers a knife edge chop that echoes throughout the arena. Taylor howls in pain after Stevenson whacks her across the chest with another knife edge chop. The Las Vegas Siren is then doubled over after getting hit with a third chop. Stevenson reaches down, puts her fingers underneath Taylor’s chin and tilts her head back up before returning the favor with a slap of her own.

“OOOOOOOOOO!”

The hard slap seems to wake up Taylor. The Las Vegas Siren continues to look away from Stevenson as she starts to tremble with anger. When she turns back to Stevenson, the champion slaps the taste right out of her mouth.

Kris Cruise: It’s not so great when the shoe is on the other foot!

Stephy Auger: Don’t get cocky.

Stevenson turns Taylor back towards her and goes for an irish whip. The Las Vegas Siren reverses, sending Cordy into the far corner. Taylor then charges across the ring, hurls herself at Stevenson with a corner back elbow, and crashes into the turnbuckles when Stevenson slips out of the way. Taylor starts to stagger out of the corner before being thrown down with another snap suplex. The International Champion hits the far ropes, comes back and delivers a snap leg drop before turning over for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Taylor kicks out.

Stevenson picks up Taylor and whips her into the ropes. She tries to catch Taylor off the rebound with a rolling elbow when Taylor ducks and catches her. She lifts Stevenson up for a Uranage when the champ catches her with a back elbow to the face. Stevenson then takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she sees Taylor running past her towards the same set of ropes. So she comes to a halt. As Cordy turns around, the crowd gasps when Taylor tries to knock her head off with a running yakuza kick. But the champ avoids it by dropping onto her back. When Taylor turns around, Stevenson returns to her feet with a kip up before catching her with a pelé kick. While Taylor is dazed, Cordy gets back to her feet. She then heads towards the ropes, rebounds back and knocks Taylor down with a handspring back elbow. Cordy runs back over before bringing Taylor down with a step-up Tijeras! Saint Sexy hits the ropes once again. Stevenson comes back off the rebound and knocks Taylor down to a one knee after a low angle front dropkick to the leg. Cordy then hits another set of ropes before coming back and knocking Taylor down from behind with with The Friendzone (Flying hip attack to the head of a kneeling opponent)! Cordy opts out of going for the cover to pull Taylor back up from behind. She grabs the challenger from the side and delivers a russian legsweep. Cordy rolls through the move and pulls her and Savannah back up to her knees. Cordy then returns to a vertical base before grabbing Taylor by the hair and throwing her down hard face-first to the mat. Taylor is then pulled back up to her knees before Cordy plants her with a Kneeling DDT! Stevenson makes the cover.

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

Stevenson picks up Taylor, delivers an irish whip, follows her across the ring and catches her with a running forearm strike against the ropes. The champ takes Taylor, delivers another irish whip and follows her across the ring before catching her with another running forearm strike. The cheers continue as Stevenson nails her with multiple shoot kicks to the chest before knocking her down with The Foot Fetish (jumping back kick)! Taylor hits the canvas before slowly rolling out to the apron. Cordy then turns her attention to the crowd. The International Champion waves her arms up and down to get the audience hyped up. Once she’s done playing to the crowd, she sees Taylor slowly picking herself up on the apron. So Stevenson runs towards the corner, leaps over the top rope and plants her with Triangle DDT on the apron!

Kris Cruise: Taylor was just driven down hard onto the apron with a DDT! That’s the ha-

Stephy Auger: I swear, if you talk about the apron being the hardest part of the ring one more time...

Taylor clutches her head as she lays on the floor. Stevenson turns over towards Jameson and invites her to scrape her up off the floor. The crowd starts to buzz when Jameson rises from her seat.

Stephy Auger: Look at this! She’s taunting Jameson!

Kris Cruise: I can’t say that she doesn’t deserve it.

Stephy Auger: I bet your pardon?

Stevenson doesn’t back down from Jameson and gets right in her face. Jameson turns away and smirks. The crowd gasps when she quickly turns and tries to sucker punch Cordy. But Cordy’s a step ahead as she ducks the blow before socking Jameson with a right hand, dropping the multi-time World Champion right in her seat!

Stephy Auger: What the hell!? She just attacked a fan!

Kris Cruise: Cordy was provoked!

Cordy motions for security to “get her ass out of here” before turning her attention back to the challenger. She pulls Taylor up and slams her face-first onto the apron before pushing her back inside. Cordy rolls back in after her before bringing the action towards the center of the ring. Stevenson pulls Taylor back to her feet before bringing her down with a russian leg sweep. The champ then hits the ropes, comes back and delivers a rolling senton. Cordy quickly goes to follow up with a moonsault knee drop, but Taylor rolls out of the way just in time! She remains on her knees as Taylor gets back to her feet and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the chest. Taylor snatches Stevenson up by the hair before tossing her across the ring. The boos continue as Taylor marches over, yanks Stevenson back up by the hair, runs and tosses her back across the ring. The Las Vegas Siren saunters over towards the International Champion before slowly pulling her up by the hair. She runs back across the ring before flinging Cordy through the ropes and to the floor with a hair toss! The crowd lets Taylor have it after Stevenson lands hard on the outside.

Kris Cruise: Cordy looks to be a bit shaken up after that hard fall to the floor.

The ref steps halfway through the ropes and leans forward to check on Stevenson from the apron. As the champ starts to pick herself back up, Taylor takes off into the ropes. The crowd gasps, then boos when Taylor runs across the ring, flips over the official and knocks Stevenson down with a topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: What a maneuver by Savannah Taylor!

Stephy Auger: She just flipped right over the ref!

The Las Vegas Siren parades around the ring with her arms out to her see while Stevenson remains sprawled out on the floor.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Taylor finishes lapping the ring before delivering a jumping stomp to the midsection. She pulls Stevenson back up by her feet before rolling her back inside. After the Las Vegas Siren rolls herself back in, she snatches up, Stevenson, moves into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Cordy around, Taylor returns the favor with multiple open hand chops. She then takes Stevenson by the wrist before sending her into the far corner with an irish whip. Taylor charges in to attack when Cordy knocks her back with a back elbow to the face. Taylor shakes off the blow before rushing back in. This time, Stevenson turns her around with a boot to the face. Taylor starts to staggers away from the corner before quickly turning around and rushing back in. Stevenson tries to cut her off with a rolling elbow, but Taylor ducks as she heads into the ropes. When Stevenson turns around, the crowd boos when Taylor brings her down with a Sling Blade! She makes the cover.

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

Taylor pulls up Stevenson before returning the favor with a snap suplex of her own. She turns over and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: The challenger gets another two count.

Taylor picks up Stevenson and whips her into the ropes. When the champ returns, Taylor doubles her over with a punch to the midsection. Taylor steals a page out of the champion’s book by gyrating her hips before pulling her down with the Deadly Seduction (Rude Awakening)! She goes for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Savannah tried to beat Cordy with her own move, but she only gets a two count.

Taylor picks up Stevenson and whips her into the corner. She then charges in, hurls herself at Stevenson and connects with a corner back elbow! The Las Vegas Siren performs an irish whip, follows Stevenson across the ring and catches her with another corner back elbow. Stevenson is then scooped up from the side before Taylor rushes out of the corner to bring her down with a running backbreaker. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Taylor brings Stevenson down with another snap suplex. The Las Vegas Siren then heads over and crosses Cordy’s legs before flipping her over into a Kondo Clutch! Stevenson howls out in pain as Taylor leans forward to apply more pressure.

Kris Cruise: This doesn’t look good for the champion.

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

The referee gets down and asks Stevenson if she wants to give up. When the champ refuses, Taylor leans forward even more. A camera cut reveals the awkward angle Stevenson is in while being trapped in the submission. The Las Vegas Siren barks insults at the champ before yelling at her to give up. But Cordy won’t give her the satisfaction of tapping out. So Taylor drops down to a knee before leaning forward even more. Stevenson cries out in pain as Taylor nearly has her bent in half! Taylor continues to lean forward as she applies pressure to the spine, legs and abdomen. The official checks in with Stevenson and asks her again if she wants to give up. Stevenson refuses. So Taylor breaks the hold and transitions into an STF!

Kris Cruise: Savannah couldn’t get Cordy to submit to one finisher, so she’s switched to another.

Stephy Auger: That’s right. Wear her down.

Cordy cries out in pain as Savannah pulls back on the hold. The Las Vegas Siren yells at Cordy to quit. Taylor’s eyes widen when she starts to see Cordy’s hand raise up off the mat. The referee gets into place as he anticipates a tap out. Members of the crowd look on with bated breath. There’s a gasp from members of the crowd as Cordy raises her hand higher before bringing it down towards the mat. At the last second, Cordy stops her hand from hitting the mat. She then wags her finger at the referee, refusing to quit.

Kris Cruise: Cordy won’t quit! She’s got some fight left in her!

Taylor sneers as she pulls back as far as she can. The Las Vegas Siren continues to fight for the submission as she applies pressure to the back, neck and knee. The referee gives Cordy another opportunity to give up. Cordy defiantly refuses! She then reaches forward and pulls herself across the mat. The crowd starts to rally behind the champion as she reaches forward and drags both herself and Taylor across the mat. The Las Vegas Siren shakes her head in disbelief as she sees Cordy getting closer and closer to the side of the ring. She hangs on for dear life. But Cordy won’t be deterred. The International Heavyweight Champion reaches forward and drags herself across the canvas once more. Members of the crowd buzz with anticipation as Stevenson reaches out towards the ropes. But she’s not quite there! It’s just out of her reach. Taylor once again pulls back, causing Stevenson to let out a guttural wail. The ref checks in the champion. He gives her the chance to give up. Stevenson continues to reach out for the ropes. But they remain out of her reach. Stevenson then scratches and claws on the canvas, inching herself even closer to the ropes. She then reaches out… and finally grabs onto the bottom rope! Cordy is met with applause for her efforts. But the applause is replaced with boos when Taylor refuses to release the hold!

Kris Cruise: Alright, ref! Get her to break the hold!

Stephy Auger: She has until five.

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

Taylor breaks the hold, returns to her feet and stomps away on Stevenson’s back. The Las Vegas Siren pulls up the champion and doubles her over with a knee to the midsection before tossing her out to the apron through the ropes. The boos continues as Taylor steps through the ropes and repeatedly stomps away on Stevenson’s stomach, chest and face. She then finally steps back into the ring, raises her arms defensively and walks away after being reprimanded by the official. The ref heads over and checks in with the champion as Taylor marches across the ring. After the official motions for her to stay back, Taylor smirks as she slowly backs up towards the far ropes. The ref turns his attention back to Cordy, who is desperately trying to pull herself back up using the ropes. Once a hurt Cordy gets back to her feet on the apron, Taylor charges across the ring, launches herself forward and spears her through the ropes, sending them both crashing hard to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a spear!

Stevenson remains splayed out on the mat while Taylor clutches her head.

Stephy Auger: It looks like they’re both hurt!

The referee checks on both competitors before returning to the ring to start his count.

ONE!







TWO!







THREE!








FOUR!







Stevenson remains motionless on the floor while Taylor slowly turns over on all fours.






FIVE!










SIX!










SEVEN!






Taylor pulls herself up using the edge of the apron.







EIGHT!







Taylor picks up Stevenson and rolls her back inside before sliding back in. She then drags Stevenson into position before heading into the corner. The crowd stands up as the Las Vegas Siren scales the turnbuckles. Taylor makes her way to the top before flipping off and crashing down hard across Stevenson’s back with a moonsault! She pulls Stevenson over and makes the cover.

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

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

Kris Cruise: Taylor hit her with the moonsault, but she only gets a t-

There’s another commotion coming through the crowd. A camera cut shows Angela Jameson making her way back towards the guardrail.

Kris Cruise: Now wait just a minute! I think we’ve seen enough of Angela Jameson here tonight!

Taylor looks out and sees Jameson motioning for Taylor to drop her right on her head. The Las Vegas Siren nods. Taylor pulls Stevenson back to her feet before lifting her up across her shoulders. She makes her way back towards the center of the ring before planting Stevenson with A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (One Handed Electric Chair Driver)! The boos continue as the ref drops down to make the count.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Kris Cruise: We’ve got a new champion! NO!

The crowd explodes with cheers when Cordy gets her shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: I swear that was three!

Taylor looks at the ref in shock. She shakes her head ‘no’ before holding up three fingers at him. The referee disagrees and holds his ground by holding up two fingers back at her. The Las Vegas Siren places her hands on her head.

Kris Cruise: Savannah can’t believe it!

Stephy Auger: I can’t believe it, either! I can’t believe FGA Officials would have a referee that can’t count officiate this match!

Kris Cruise: ...

Taylor looks around in disbelief… before a wicked smirk forms.

Kris Cruise: That’s not good.

Stephy Auger: For Cordy? I agree!

The Las Vegas Siren grabs Stevenson by the hair and drags her back towards the center of the ring. She then pulls Cordy up to her feet before pulling her into a front facelock. Taylor nods at the gasping crowd before hooking Cordy’s arm. The crowd boos as she hoists Stevenson up before planting her with the DNA Driver (Bloody Sunday)!

Kris Cruise: Savannah just took a page out of the book of one of Cordy’s biggest rivals!

Stephy Auger: He won’t be the only one to beat Cordy with that move! Make the count, ref!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Kris Cruise: NO!

The crowd gasps when Cordy gets her shoulder up at the very last second.

Stephy Auger: This ref is getting on my nerves, Cruise!

Taylor shakes her head in disbelief. She then quickly snaps out of it before dragging Cordy towards the corner. The Las Vegas Siren steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Once Taylor reaches the top, she flips off and crushes Cordy with a Shooting Star Double Foot Stomp right to the midsection!

Kris Cruise: Standing Ovation!

Stephy Auger: Savannah just took a page out of the book of Cordy’s former tag team partner! That’s gotta be it right here!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!








Kris Cruise: NO!

The crowd erupts with cheers when Stevenson gets her shoulder up as late as possible. The referee holds his position as he keeps his hand about an inch off the mat.

Stephy Auger: You gotta be kidding me!

Taylor mouths “it’s over” before getting back to her feet. She turns and climbs the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: The challenger is looking to put this one away, once and for all!

The Las Vegas Siren scans the booing crowd and smirks before flipping off for the Ultimecia (Phoenix Splash)!











She misses! The crowd explodes with cheers when Stevenson rolls out of the way, causing Taylor to crash onto the canvas!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The referee checks on both grapplers before starting his count.

ONE!






TWO!







THREE!








FOUR!





The Las Vegas Siren slowly claws her way towards the center of the ring. She slowly pushes herself up on all fours. Once she’s back to her feet, she slowly turns around before getting knocked off her feet with a spinning heel kick! The cheers continue as Stevenson takes her and whips her ito the ropes. Taylor gets caught off the rebound with a calf kick that knocks her off her feet. Taylor is once again sent for the ride into the ropes. When she returns, Stevenson brings her down with The Love Connection (A Frankensteiner, followed up with a shining wizard)! Cordy makes the cover.

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

Taylor gets her shoulder up.

Cordy pulls Savannah back to her feet before nailing her with three forearms strikes. She then nails Savannah with another trio of forearm strikes before throwing out a rolling elbow. Taylor ducks the elbow and throws out a spinning backfist. Stevenson ducks the spinning backfist and throws out a bicycle kick. Taylor catches Stevenson’s foot and swings her leg away from her. Stevenson then uses the momentum to swing back around and knock Taylor down with a dragon whip kick!

Stevenson crawls over to the corner before pulling herself up using the ropes. She then turns around before hoisting herself up to the middle ropes. Once Taylor gets back to her feet and turns around, Stevenson leaps off before planting her with a Diving DDT! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Taylor gets her shoulder up.

Stevenson picks up Taylor and goes for an irish whip when Taylor reverses, sending her into the ropes. Stevenson comes off the ropes and nearly gets caught with a running bicycle kick when Stevenson catches her foot. Cordy swings the leg away from her before clobbering Taylor with a rolling elbow across the back of the head! Stevenson points out towards the ropes. Upon hearing the cheers from the crowd. The champ nods as she slowly pulls Taylor back to her feet. Stevenson heads towards the side of the ring, springboards to the middle rope and leaps back. The crowd explodes with cheers when Taylor gets brought down with The Real Is Back (Oscutter)! Cordy turns her over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps when Taylor gets her shoulder up. Cordy can’t believe it.

Stephy Auger: Savannah got her shoulder up? Savannah got her shoulder up! She got her shoulder up!

Stevenson grabs Taylor and slowly brings her back to her feet. She then heads towards the ropes before flipping back with a springboard corkscrew roundhouse kick! The crowd gasps when Taylor dives out of the way, causing the ref to get caught with the kick!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Cordy immediately leans over and tries to revive the official. But he’s having trouble coming to. The champion then stands back up. When she turns around, Taylor nearly knocks her head off with a superkick!

Stephy Auger: Savannah just laid her out!

Taylor collapses to the mat before waving for someone. The camera cuts to the outside where Angela Jameson has crawled over the guardrail.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on! There’s no need for this! Savannah Taylor and Cordy Stevenson were having a hell of a match! We don’t ned to see this type of nonsense in a championship match!

Jameson marches down ringside and motions for J.A. Aldridge to get up from his seat. Not wanting any trouble, the ring announcer wisely gives up his seat. Jameson then snatches up the chair before slamming it shut.

Kris Cruise: No, not like this!

Stephy Auger: Yes, EXACTLY like this!

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Jameson heads back towards the ring with the chair. She raises the chair over her head. Jameson is about to throw it to Taylor in the ring when it gets snatches out of her hands from behind.

Stephy Auger: ...the hell?

Jameson turns around and confronts the individual. Taylor turns over and does a double take when she sees who it is. The crowd explodes with cheers when it’s revealed to be Salem that snatched the chair away.

Kris Cruise: It’s Salem! Salem made her way through the crowd and snatched the chair!

Stephy Auger: What!? She’s got no business being out here!

Kris Cruise: Neither does Angela Jameson, yet here we are!

Salem shakes her head ‘no’ before tossing the chair to the side. Jameson looks out into the ring before trying to knock Salem off her feet with a clothesline. But Salem is able to duck. The moment Jameson turns around…

Kris Cruise: NEW HAMPSHIRE HANDSHAKE!

The crowd goes wild as Jameson gets laid out with the high velocity leaping elbow strike.

Stephy Auger: NOOOOO! ANGELA!

Taylor is irate in the ring at the sight of Salem. Salem gives the Las Vegas Siren a mocking wave. Taylor then motions towards the ropes until Stevenson brings her down from behind with a leaping reverse bulldog!

Kris Cruise: Savannah took her eye off the ball and got dropped!

Taylor clutches the back of her head before rolling over on all fours. The challenger picks herself up as Stevenson runs towards the ropes. Taylor stands back up before being knocked back down with The Beautiful Nightmare (Disaster Kick)! The crowd is solidly behind the champion as she makes her way out to the apron. Stevenson scans the cheering crowd before climbing the turnbuckles. Once she gets to the top, she crouches down as she waits patiently for Taylor to get in position. After Taylor finally gets back to her feet, Cordy stands up, leaps off and delivers Get Familiar (The O-Face) to an explosion of cheers! Taylor lays sprawled out on the mat as Stevenson slowly turns over and drapes her shoulder across her chest for the cover. The referee finally turns over and sees Cordy pinning Savannah. He tries to shake out the cobwebs before making the count.

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 STIIIILLLLLLL FGA International Heavyweight Champion, CORDY STEVENSON!

The referee heads over and hands Stevenson the International Heavyweight Championship belt. Salem is seen mouthing “you’re welcome” before climbing over the guardrail and slipping out to the back. Back in the ring, Stevenson makes her way back to her feet before raising the championship above her head.

Kris Cruise: Cordy Stevenson retained the International Championship! Cordy retains by defeated Savannah Taylor here tonight!

Stephy Auger: With help from that no good Salem, of all people! She had no business being out here! This business didn’t concern her!

Kris Cruise: Angela Jameson tried to interject herself into this match multiple times. If Savannah and Angela were able to pull off their plan, the Las Vegas Siren would be walking out of here as the new International Champion. Thankfully, that didn’t happen! Cordy Stevenson was able to weather the storm. Cordy Stevenson was able to overcome the two-on-one disadvantage and retain her championship!

[FGA Office]

We cut backstage to a shot of the ever intimidating Sloan Talbot sat down, methodically taping his wrists ahead of the Gold Rush Rumble later tonight, a foul-mooded scowl upon his face. Standing beside him is his girlfriend Claire Fox, her lips curled into a knowing smirk before a knock comes at the door. A few respectful seconds pass before the door opens slightly to reveal FGA interviewer Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Sloan, time for some questions?

The big man tears the roll of tape from his wrist, discarding of it with a nonchalant throw into a vacant area of the room before beckoning the interviewer towards him.

Jessie Pederson: Well Sloan, you’ve not been hiding your dislike of James Edwards very much these past few months - a man who you say essentially put you on ice here in FGA. So far he’s been completely unwilling to acknowledge you, but now we’ve received word you’ve gone as far as to hire people to harass him at his home. Any comment on that?

Sloan Talbot: He’s been completely unwilling to acknowledge me? Sounds about right. Because that motherfucker don’t acknowledge shit unless it’s some crap about how ‘great’ he is. That dumb son of a bitch has no time for anyone telling him the truth, and that’s all I’ve ever done. He’d rather make a big song a dance about him quitting like a little bitch, then when it comes time to fight he’s nowhere to be seen. So yeah, I paid a couple people to go there and let him know he’s a fucking bitch, so what?

He stands now, towering over both Claire and Jessie, clearly riled up.

Sloan Talbot: Since I’ve come back I’ve been a dominant force, and I gotta say the only reason I’ve not been fighting any of these so called big name competitors here is because the higher ups wanna protect their investments - and honestly? I don’t blame ‘em. When people step in the ring with me, they leave different. Physically, mentally - however I choose to impose my will on someone. There ain’t gonna be no red mist this year. This year I’m imposing that will on all 29 of those stupid fucks to decide to step through those ropes and try to deal with me, then I’m calling my goddamn shot. If they were smart, they’d quit just like Edwards.

With that Sloan stares down at Jessie for a few moments, the intensity plain to see in his eyes before he walks out of the shot with malicious intent.

Claire Fox: Hey Jessie?

Claire’s voice is soft as it floats up, her walking towards the direction Sloan already disappeared in.

Claire Fox: It’s not a cliche, you know. That there are people that you shouldn’t mess with. I hope you understand that, considering what your job is. A better way to do things though, it’s always a choice.

There a momentary nod of acknowledgement coupled with a silent apology from Jessie, who exchanges a somewhat intimidated glance with the camera before we go elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

We open up in the backstage corridor. Our limited audience cheers upon the sight of the Chief, Evan Envi, visible for the first time of the night. He paces along the corridor, where his hands begin at his sides, clenched into loose fists, before they eventually find themselves sliding up and over his face, massaging his eyes with the heels of his palms.

??: You look stressed.

The camera swings wide, past the locker room marked “SUPERNOVA”, and over toward the reigning FGA United States Champion. With her hair pushed behind her shoulder, the effects of the match are clear as Sadie San Francisco gazes toward the Chief with her cheeks slightly reddened-- skin still flushed from the title defense.

Evan Envi: Yeah? Well-- probably a good reason for that.

He inhales deeply, letting out a light sigh before his eyes raise to meet Sadie’s. Evan gestures toward the United States Title.

Evan Envi: Still killin it, I see.

Sadie San Francisco: Always.

And then, again, silence. Sadie stares at Envi, smiling but only faintly. Evan sighs again, looking down.

Evan Envi: Look, I know you wanted my match with Nina to go a certain way, but… I mean, that make two of us, y’know? I’ve got enough of my own pr--

Sadie San Francisco: Whoa. Hey. No.

Sadie raises her hands, signaling for Evan to stop.

Sadie San Francisco: I’m not concerned about that. I should have never put that kind of pressure on you. Alright? That’s my fault. I was speaking from this, like-- this really dark place. And I apologize for expecting you to take that on. I don’t even know what I was thinking.

Relieved, a smile crosses the Chief’s face.

Evan Envi: Oh. Man, yeah, that’s good to hear. I’m not gonna lie… it bothered me a little bit, hearing you talk like that.

He looks up at Sadie again.

Evan Envi: We got up to some stuff we shouldn’t have back in Camp Envi. I take full responsibility for that. And for a long time, I was jealous that you were about to leave all that behind and-- and make your own path to the U.S. Title.

Sadie San Francisco: Weird thing for a former World Champion to say.

Evan Envi: It’s the journey I was jealous of. You did all this on your own.

Evan taps his index knuckle against the face of the belt for emphasis. Perhaps unintentionally, Sadie angles the belt away ever so slightly, but Envi continues, missing not a beat.

Evan Envi: You were right to walk away from me years ago. I had to grow up a lot to learn how to stop being spiteful and start being proud of you. So-- it felt like a gut punch when it looked like you were gonna take a step back. Thought Nina pushed you a little too close to the edge there.

He narrows his eyes slightly.

Evan Envi: And I don’t want you to do the same things I did to get ahead. You’ll regret it. Every second of it.

The Chief’s words hang in the air for a moment. Sadie adjusts the belt on her shoulder, nodding back toward Evan. Her expression is thoughtful, but serious-- at least for several seconds. Finally, she laughs a bit, giving Evan a nudge on the arm.

Sadie San Francisco: You’re getting really good at these Dad talks.

Evan returns the smile, but warily.

Evan Envi: Seriously, Sadie. You have a really good thing. Don’t screw it up being greedy.

Sadie nods again, but it’s evident that Evan’s words haven’t landed and resonated. Quickly, the champion moves onto the next subject.

Sadie San Francisco: Trying to distract yourself from your own nerves?

Evan scoffs under his breath. He side-eyes Sadie.

Evan Envi: Mm. I look rattled on the outside, but this is all just a clever distraction.

Sadie San Francisco: Three years ago, you were the iron man in this match. If you think people are gonna overlook the two-time World Champion in the match, I have some bad news.

Evan Envi: Yeahhh, well.

Sadie San Francisco: You’re in your own head. Get out of there.

Sadie begins walking down the corridor.

Sadie San Francisco: Anyway. I gotta go refresh before the--

Evan Envi: Hey. Sadie.

Sadie turns, raising a brow at Envi. Evan’s gaze remains on the floor for a moment before he looks back up at Sadie with a sigh.

Evan Envi: You’re gonna feel a lot better if you just-- play fair tonight.

Sadie looks at Evan in mock-confusion for a moment before laughing gently, shrugging.

Sadie San Francisco: Play “fair”? I mean, it’s not like there are disqualif--

Evan Envi: You know what I mean.

Sadie stares back at her former stablemate, her former best friend in silence. Her smile fades. Her arms drop to her sides.

Sadie San Francisco: I will.

And without another word, the United States Champion turns on her heel, walking down the hall and out of frame. Evan Envi remains in the frame, exhaling again. He backs up, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes once again as we fade to black.

[FGA Office]

FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Fujiko Mine vs. Seth Iser

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

Cheers and applause are heard after the announcement of the upcoming match.

Kris Cruise: Stephy, we’ve been waiting for this one! This long-awaited rematch is about to get underway. Fujiko Mine! Seth Iser! It doesn’t get much better than this.

Stephy Auger: No it doesn’t. You have contrasting styles. You’ve got both competitors with a lot on the line. You’ve also got two competitors that really just don’t like each other, and that’s always a good thing!

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: Introducing first, the challenger! 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: Seth Iser last held a World Championship in 2013. The last time we had a shot at a World Title was in 2016. This has been a long road for the grizzled veteran.

Stephy Auger: He's said it himself. The sand in the hourglass is running out. He knows that he's at the tail-end of his career. He knows that he doesn't have much time left. So he's done what he's had to do to get to this point. The Wildcard Lottery tested him mentally and physically. He experienced the big tournament win. He got the nice, fat paycheck that came with it. But it won't mean a thing if he doesn't walk out of here with the World Title. Seth Iser is Wrestling's Greatest Mind. He's always plotting and scheming for a way to get ahead. Seth laid it out for Fujiko during the contract signing. He's willing to do whatever it takes tonight to put Fujiko down.

Kris Cruise: Putting Fujiko down is much easier said than done. The record of the Apex Goddess has been nearly spotless over the last year and a half. On the rare occasions that she's suffered a loss, it's been in tag team action where she wasn't the one that took the fall. I can't even recall the last time someone was able to pin Fujiko's shoulders to the mat for a three count or make her submit. But that is the giant task for Seth Iser here tonight. Can he do what some of the best of the best have failed to do?

Stephy Auger: I'm sure that he can. Some people would say that Izzy Anders gave Fujiko her toughest challenge as World Champion. Guess what? Seth Iser beat Izzy not once, not twice, but three times! It took Fujiko three years to finally beat Izzy! Seth had one of the great Pride Championship runs. He defeated Pendragon back-to-back to win the Wildcard Lottery. He has put in the work to get to this point. If there is anyone that can put together a gameplan to take that title off of Fujiko, it's Wrestling's Greatest Mind.

"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. Behind her, the imposing XENA has the [TITLE NAME] championship over her shoulder. Fujiko, wear 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: His opponent, hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! She is the reigning… defending… 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. Xena slides the [TITLE NAME] championship into the ring, and Fujiko carefully advances on it, before picking it up and hoisting it over her head. The crowd cheers, and as they do, she circles the ring. The song times out so that when she stops in the center, a spotlight converges on her in the center. The crowd sings out the lyrics along with The Jacksons this time...

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Kris Cruise: Fujiko Mine usually brings the theatrics for her pay per view entrances. But not tonight. She is focused, Stephy. For over 400 days, she has been locked in. The Apex Goddess has been on a run that's unmatched! A two-time Wrestler of the Year, back to back! 2018 Dynamic Duos winner! Triple Crown winner! Grand Slam champion! The last two accolades, she won in the same match! Record upon record. But there's one thing that Fujiko wants more than anything, and that's to be the only grappler to successfully defend that championship five times! Two have come close. But the 24 champions that have held that World Championship before her have all failed. No matter who is standing across the ring from her, Fujiko has rose to the occasion! The Apex Goddess has proven herself to be the most clutch grappler in FGA, bar none! But tonight, Stephy, is the biggest night of her career. This isn't her first meeting with Seth Iser. The issues between these two dates back to 2018. Iser failed to take the Pride Championship from her! Iser failed to eliminate her from the Gold Rush Rumble! Will Fujiko cause Iser to fail on the big stage yet again? Will the Apex Goddess complete her destiny here tonight at Only the Strong Survive?

Fujiko grins widely, taking in the adoration from the crowd. She then leans into the nearest corner before the match begins.

"FU-JI-KO!"

"FU-JI-KO!"

"FU-JI-KO!"

"FU-JI-KO!"

Kris Cruise: Listen to this crowd! They are solidly behind the champion!

The FGA World Champion is seen nodding her head in unison with the chants. She turns her head over to Iser, who hasn’t taken his eyes off her since she made her entrance. The lead official motions for both grapplers to come out of their respective corners. He gives both champion and challenger instructions to keep it clean. Iser is then asked if he’s ready. Iser responds with a nod. Fujiko is then asked if she’s ready. She responds with “always” with confidence. The ref calls for the bell.

Kris Cruise: Here we go!

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as the Apex Goddess and Wrestling’s Greatest Mind continue to stare each other down. Iser then takes a step closer to the champion. But Fujiko doesn’t back down an inch and steps right up to Iser, which causes the crowd to grow wild. Iser narrows his eyes before stepping back and circling the ring. Fujiko holds her ground in the middle as she readies herself for whatever comes next. Iser stops and and sizes up the champion before heading towards the center of the ring. Fujiko and Iser lock horns with a collar-and-elbow It doesn’t take long for Iser to use his strength advantage to shove Fujiko down to the mat. The Apex Goddess doesn’t stand down for long as she rolls over to a knee, gets back to her feet and walks right back up to Iser. There isn’t any fear or intimidation to be found from the Apex Goddess! Iser once again takes a few steps back before circling the ring. He sizes the champion up before heading back over towards her. Fujiko and Iser quickly engage in another collar-and-elbow. This time, they jockey for position until Iser doubles her over with a knee to the midsection before throwing her down to the mat with a hip toss. The crowd boos over Iser getting one over on Fujiko. However, those boos quickly turns to cheers seconds later when Fujiko returns to her feet with a kip up. The confident champion shakes her head ‘no’ at her challenger. Iser narrows his eyes before nodding his head. He proceeds to circle the ring once more. Once he’s ready, he slowly heads back over to the champion. Fujiko and Iser lock up once again. They jockey for position until Iser uses his strength advantage to move Fujiko across the ring. Once Iser presses Fujiko up against the ropes, the ref heads in and gives them until the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Just after the ref’s count reaches “Four,” champion and challenger make a clean break. Iser smirks before faking a punch to the face. But Fujiko doesn’t duck or flinch. The crowd goes wild when she once again steps right to Iser!

Kris Cruise: We've seen Iser fake that punch to catch a ducking opponent with the Deprivation DDT. But Fujiko didn't bite. Instead, she gets right in Iser's face. The champ is showing no fear.

Stephy Auger: She's getting a little too cocky for my tastes.

Iser narrows his eyes as he stares daggers right at the champion. But Fujiko remains unfazed by Iser's posturing. Iser then looks away from Fujiko and strokes his beards… before quickly throwing out a hard right hand punched. This time, Fujiko ducks the blow. As soon as Iser turns around, the crowd cheers when Fujiko lights him up with a flurry of right hands to the face! She then takes control of his right and goes for an irish whip. But Iser reaches back with his free hand and grab onto the top rope. Fujiko squats down as she tries to rip Iser off the ropes before delivering an irish up. But Iser is able to counter again. He then lets go of the ropes before quickly reversing and sending the champion for the ride. Fujiko bounces off the far ropes and avoids an Iser grapple by sliding through his legs. Iser then turns around and throws out another hard right hand punch. Fujiko avoids the blow by ducking before running the ropes. When she returns, she ducks a discus clothesline before continuing to run the ropes. The crowd cheers when Fujiko comes off the ropes and delivers a tilt-a-whirl headscissors. A dropkick knocks Iser back down to the canvas. Iser gets back to a vertical base before being knocked off his feet with another dropkick. The champion then takes Iser and whips him into the ropes. When he returns, Fujiko goes for a hip toss. But Iser blocks it. She tries to muscle him up for another hip toss. Again, Iser blocks it. Iser then goes to counter with a hard right handed punch when Fujiko ducks. When Iser turns around, Fujiko leaps into the air before bringing him down with a headscissors takeover. She turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
.
Iser shoves Fujiko off of him!

Kris Cruise: Quick nearfall from the champion. Fujiko has clearly gotten under Iser's skin.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and I don't like it. You're Wrestling's Greatest Mind, Seth! Don't let Fujiko play you. You're the master of the mind games, not her!

Fujiko lands on her feet before taking off into the ropes. Iser then turns over and gets back to his feet before being brought down with a running hurricanrana. The Apex Goddess once again takes off into the far ropes. When she returns, Iser scrambles back to his feet and tries to take her head off with a big boot. But Fujiko catches his foot just in time. She wags her finger at Iser before knocking him off his feet with a legsweep. Iser then turns over onto his knee before a front dropkick to the face knocks him down. Iser immediately rolls to the outside and starts shaking out the cobwebs. But unbeknownst to him, the Apex Goddess has hit the far ropes and is rushing back towards hm. When Iser turns around, Fujiko motions for a dive before kicking her foot off the middle rope, twirling through the air and landing in her trademark superhero pose.

Stephy Auger: Showoff!

Iser slides back in and tries to catch Fujiko as she gets back to her feet with a discus clothesline. But the clothesline misses again as Fujiko ducks, hits the ropes, bounces back and knocks him down with a handspring rebound enzuigiri. Iser once again rolls to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Iser once again exits to the floor! He's got to be beyond frustrated.

Iser holds his jaw as Fujiko hits the far ropes. The Apex Goddess charges back across the ring, leaps through the ropes and knocks him ribs-first into the guardrail with a suicide dive! The cheers continue as Fujiko rolls back inside before hitting the far ropes. As Iser turns around, Fujiko charges back across the ring, leaps through the ropes and knocks him back-first into the guardrail with another suicide dive! Iser slowly picks himself back up as the Apex Goddess rolls back inside. She bounces on the balls of her feet before taking off across the ring. Fujiko picks up speed as she rebounds off the far ropes. The World Champion continues to run back across the ring before twirling over the top rope and knocking Iser down with a corkscrew plancha! The champion pulls up Iser and pushes him back inside before rolling back in. She then wisely drags him away from the ropes before making the cover.

ONE!

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TWO!
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Iser kicks out.

Fujiko brings Iser back to his feet and delivers an arm wrench. After a second arm wrench is delivered, Iser reaches over, takes control of Fujiko’s wrist and reverses into an arm wrench of his own. Iser delivers a clubbing strike across the arm before trying to yank it out of its socket. The challenger keeps hold of the arm before Fujiko rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench followed by a hook kick. After Iser is knocked back, the champion takes off into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, Iser hoists her into the air for a pop-up maneuver, only for Fujiko to counter with a dropkick right to the face! After Iser stumbles into the ropes, the Apex Goddess takes off into the ropes. Fujiko picks up speed off the rebound as she charges back across the ring. The crowd gasps as she hurls herself at Iser with a crossbody, sending them both flipping over the top rope landing down on top of him on the floor!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko's going all out! She's putting her body on the line to get that fifth defense!

Fujiko turns over to a knee before getting back to her feet. She then climbs up onto the apron before waving Iser up. Once the challenger is finally back to a vertical base, Fujiko knocks him back down with an Asai Moonsault! The cheers continue as she takes Iser and pushes him back inside. Fujiko then rolls back in before dragging Iser away from the ropes before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Iser kicks out.

Fujiko takes Iser, moves him into the corner and delivers a trio of knife edge chops. The crowd gasps when Iser grabs Fujiko by the throat with both hands and tosses her into the corner. Iser throws out another hard right hand punch. But once again, Fujiko is too fast for the challenger and is able to duck out of the way. When Iser turns around, the crowd cheers when Fujiko catches him with a knife-edge chop, followed by a rope-assisted gamengiri. The Apex Goddess catches him with another knife edge chop, followed by a rope-assisted gamengiri. The champion catches Iser with another knife edge chop/rope-assisted gamengiri combination before sending him into the far corner with an irish whip. Fujiko then runs across the ring, leaps into the air and catches him with a dropkick! The cheers continue as Fujiko heads back across the ring, rebounds out of the corner, charges back over and catches him with a second dropkick! The Apex Goddess rushes back across the ring before rebounding out of the corner. As Fujiko sends up for another dropkick, Iser rushes out of the corner and tries to take her head off with a lariat. Iser whiffs on the lariat as Fujiko ducks and hits the far ropes. When she returns, Iser tries to catch her with another boot to the face. Once again, Fujiko is too fast for the challenger and catches his foot. She then returns him to the mat with another legsweep. Fujiko then turns away from him and throws out a standing moonsault. Iser rolls out of the way. But Fujiko is able to land on her feet before quickly flipping back and catching him on the second attempt at the moonsault! The ref makes the count.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Iser kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko is proving to be just too fast for the challenger!

Stephy Auger: He needs to take her legs out, injure her back, something!

Fujiko returns to a vertical base and starts to bounce on the balls of her feet as she gears up for her next attack. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Fujiko take off into the far ropes. The Apex Goddess comes off the ropes and gears up for an attack until Iser hoists her up, leans back and drops her throat-first across the top rope with a Stun Gun!

"BOOOOOOOOO!"

Stephy Auger: That'll stop her dead in her tracks!

Fujiko collapses to the mat before holding her throat. Iser rolls to the outside, drags Fujiko’s upper body out to the apron and nails her with an elbow shot right across the throat. Fujiko turns away from Iser, only for him to turn her back over before delivering another elbow across the throat! The official admonishes Iser and instructs him to bring the action back into the ring. Iser obliges as he rolls back inside. He then hooks his arms around Fujiko’s legs and drags her into position before delivering a catapult that sends Fujiko throat-first right into the bottom rope!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: What? You act like he used a chair! He's just using the ring. This is all legal.

Fujiko slips out to the apron while she continues to favor her throat. Iser then heads back over, reaches over the top rope and grabs her by the hair. He starts to slowly pulls Fujiko back to her feet until the champ swats his hands off of her and knocks him back with another rope-asissted gamengiri. Fujiko then doubles over as she favor her throat. After shaking off the blow, Iser marches back over to attack. Fujiko goes for another rope-assisted gamengiri. This time, Iser swats down her foot before grabbing onto the top rope with both hands. Iser pulls back before thrusting forward, sending Fujiko flying off the apron. The crowd gasps as the Apex Goddess turns in mid air before smacking face-first off the guardrail! 

Kris Cruise: Oh my! The World Champion hit that guardrail hard! She may not even know where she is right now!

The camera switches to a close up shot of Fujiko, which reveals a cut across the eyebrow. Iser then slips to the floor. As he pulls Fujiko back to her feet, he sees the cut. Iser’s eyes widen before slamming Fujiko face-first against the guardrail! The boos continue as Iser takes the champion and rolls her back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: That's right, Seth! Target that cut!

Iser rolls himself back in before taking Fujiko and slamming her face-first into the top turnbuckle. The challenger slams Fujiko face-first into the top turnbuckle again. Iser then takes Fujiko by the hair and pulls her head back before flinging her face-first into the top turnbuckle.!He then turns the Apex Goddess around before catching her with five back elbows to the face! Iser switches targets and hits Fujiko with five knee strikes to the midsection. He then shifts himself and uses his left knee (the one with the knee brace) to hit Fujiko with five more knee strikes to the midsection. The boos continue as Iser ducks before lunging forward. Fujiko groans as Iser hits her with five deep shoulder thrusts, leaving her doubled over. Iser grabs the champion by the hair and slowly pulls her head up before blasting her right in the face with a hard right hand punch! Seth turns the champion back towards him before targeting the cut with another hard right hand punch! The ref gets in and admonishes Iser for the closed fists. Iser puts his hands up and nods in agreement… before socking Fujiko with a hard right handed punch that drops her to a seated position in the corner!

Kris Cruise: Iser's letting Fujiko have it now! He's got her caught in the corner. This is not where Fujiko wants to be.

Stephy Auger: She's getting hammered with those fists, Cruise.

Iser marches back into the corner. He pulls Fujiko back to her feet before doubling her over with hard right handed punches to the midsection! The boos intensify as Iser continues his flurry of punches! Each punch knocks Fujiko about an inch off the canvas! Iser then turns Fujiko to the side before blasting her with a kidney punch! The Apex Goddess lets out a wail as she crumbles to the mat. The crowd looks on with concern as Fujiko curls up on the mat.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko's hurt, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Yes she is! Iser got his opening and he hasn't let up! He knows he can't take his foot off the gas in there with Fujiko. Not even for a second!

Iser moves the official out of his way before heading back across the ring. He sees Fujiko has turned over on all fours. So Iser pushes forward before nailing Fujiko with a hard punt kick right to the ribs, which knocks her through the ropes and out to the apron! Iser reaches back over the top rope before pulling Fujiko back to her feet. He points at the champion before running towards the corner and slamming her face-first into the ring post! The crowd boos as Fujiko flies off the post before hitting the floor.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: Fujiko wanted a fight? She wanted Iser to prove why he was different than all the rest? I think she's finding out right about now!

Iser rolls to the outside, grabs Fujiko from off the floor and rolls her back into the ring. He then rolls himself back in before picking up Fujiko and whipping her hard into the far corner. The turnbuckles rattle as Fujiko crashes into them! The Apex Goddess arches her back as she drops down to her knees. She drops down to all fours as Iser makes his way back over. He pulls Fujiko back to her feet before whipping her hard across the ring. The turnbuckles rattle when Fujiko crashes into them! The Apex Goddess quickly drops down to the prone position after bouncing out of the corner. 

Kris Cruise: Iser's just having his way with Fujiko now.

Stephy Auger: Fujiko's faced strikers like Izzy and Edwards. She's been in there with high flyers like Marlon Cure. But she's never dealt with someone that has the size and strength of Seth Iser. He's a foot taller than her and outweighs her by over a hundred pounds! Fujiko's never felt someone impose their will on her like Seth is tonight!

Iser heads over and pulls Fujiko back to her feet. He then delivers an irish whip before following her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Fujiko runs up to the top rope, backflips over her oncoming opponent and lands on her feet before hitting the far ropes. The crowd buzzers with anticipation for the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick) off the rebound. But as Fujiko returns, Iser scoops her up from the side before throwing her down with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! The boos continue as he presses his forearm down across Fujiko’s jaw as he makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: Iser has that one scouted and saw it coming a mile away! new champion right here!

ONE!

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.
TWO
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.
Fujiko gets the shoulder up. 

Kris Cruise: Not so fast.

Fujiko pushes Iser from the bottom before being snatched up off the mat. Iser throws her down with a scoop slam before sitting her up and applying a neck crank. The ref gets down and asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. Fujiko refuses. So Iser continues to twist as he applies more and more pressure to the hold. The ref asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. When Fujiko refuses, Iser responds by gouging her left eye!

"BOOOOOOOOO!"

The ref immediately gives Iser until the count of five to break the illegal hold.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Iser switches back to a neck crank. The referee admonishes him for pushing his luck. Iser feigns guilt before applying more pressure to the neck crank. The official asks Fujiko once more if she wants to give up. The Apex Goddess hangs on as she refuses to quit. So Iser grabs Fujiko by the hair, pulls her head back and nails her with a hammer fist right above the eye! He then throws Fujiko down before following up with a knee drop across the chest. Iser drops another knee across the chest before delivering a knee drop across the face. He keeps his left knee held in place before grinding the knee brace back and forth Fujiko’s face!

Kris Cruise: Seth's trying to open up that cut!

Stephy Auger: Good!

Iser pulls Fujiko back to her feet, heads towards the side of the ring and throws her down with a front suplex across the top rope. While Fujiko hangs helpless across the top rope, Iser takes a few steps back before pushing forward and nailing her with a Wrestling II Knee Lift, knocking her off the rope and to the apron. He then drags her lower body back inside the ring before stepping out to the apron. Iser takes a few steps back, then pushes forward. He goes for a leg drop on the apron… and misses when Fujiko slips back inside! The crowd cheers as Iser sits howling in pain on the apron. 

Kris Cruise: Seth missed! He took too much time going for the leg drop!

Stephy Auger: C'mon Seth! Shake it off!

Fujiko turns over to a knee before getting back to her feet. The Apex Goddess wipes the blood from out of her eye before rushing over and knocking Iser off the apron and to the floor with a baseball slide to the back. The World Champion then points to the far ropes before taking off across the ring. Fujiko bounces off the ropes, charges back across the ring and leaps through the ropes for a topé suici-NO! Iser lunges forward and cuts her off with a European Uppercut.

Kris Cruise: Oh, what a counter from the challenger!

Fujiko remains draped over the middle rope until Iser grabs her by the hair and pulls her to the outside. He lifts the champion up before bringing her down with a vertical suplex on the floor. Fujiko is then rolled back inside before Iser rolls back in to make the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Good ring awareness there from the champion.

Iser pulls Fujiko back to her feet, hoists her up with a double leg pickup, runs across the ring and rams her back-first into the corner. He then hoists Fujiko up with another double leg, turns, charges into the far corner and rams her back-first into the turnbuckles! Iser hoists Fujiko up before sitting her down on the top turnbuckle. After Seth climbs up to the middle ropes, he grabs Fujiko and lifts her up for a superplex. On the way up, Fujiko knees Iser in the head before falling down on top of him! The cheers continue as she hooks the leg.

Kris Cruise: The superplex attempt came back to bite Seth! Fujiko's got the cover!

ONE!

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.
TWO!
.
.
Iser gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko takes Iser and goes for an irish whip when she gets reversed. When the Apex Goddess comes off the rebound, Iser tries for yet another big boot. But once again, Fujiko catches his foot. She then swings Iser’s leg away from her, only for Iser to use the momentum to nearly knock her head off with a discus clothesline! Spittle flies out of the champions mouth as she gets dropped!

Stephy Auger: Iser nearly knocked her head off!

The boos continue as Iser drops to his knees before making the cover.

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

Iser pulls Fujiko off the mat before hoisting her up into a bear hug. Fujiko reaches out for the ropes, but she’s nowhere near them. The crowd hangs on with bated breath as Iser tries to squeeze tighter and force the air out of Fujiko’s lungs. The Apex Goddess groans as Iser applies continuous pressure. The referee asks her if she wants to give up. Fujiko refuses. So Iser squeezes harder, which forces Fujiko to let out a guttural wail. Iser keeps the hold applied as Fujiko continues to wince with pain. The referee asks the World Champion again if she wants to give up. Fujiko shakes her head ‘no.’ The crowd boos Iser as he starts to ragdoll Fujiko from right to left before squeezing as tight as he can. Wrestling’s Greatest Mind continues to fight like hell for the submission. But the champion fights just as hard as she tries to hang on. Fujiko slowly reaches out. But not towards the ropes. Instead, to the crowd. The crowd inside the Melrose Ballroom starts to rally behind the champion. They start to clap their hands and stomp their feet in support of the Apex Goddess. Fujiko slowly starts to feed off their energy. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Fujiko’s starts to shake her outstretched arm. Iser can be seen shaking his head in disbelief. He tries to keep the tight squeeze applied. But his arms are starting to burn. Fujiko then pushes Iser’s head back with her left hand before hitting him with a right forearm strike. She pushes Iser’s head back again before hitting him with another forearm strike. The Apex Goddess then pulls her arms back before throwing them forward, nailing Iser with a bell clap to the ears! Iser lets out a load grunt after being caught with a second bell clap. Once Fujiko’s been lowered to the mat, she catches Iser with a third bell clap, breaking the hold. As Iser’s doubled over, the crowd gasps, then cheers when Fujiko pulls him into a front facelock before planting him with a DDT!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko gave Iser a DDT on her own!

Stephy Auger: What is she trying to do, show him up?

Iser starts to stir on the mat as Fujiko turns over to a knee. She starts to shake her fist as she looks out to the crowd. The Apex Goddess nods before hitting the far ropes. When she comes back, Iser gets back to his feet and tries to cut her off with a back elbow to the face. Fujiko ducks the blow and continues to run the ropes. The World Champion comes off the rebound and ducks a hard right handed punch before continuing to run the ropes. When Fujiko returns, the crowd cheers when she plants Iser with a Satellite DDT! She makes the cover.

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

Fujiko slowly pulls Iser up off the mat until he swats her hands off of him. Seth throws out a hard right handed punch. Fujiko ducks just in time. He then throws out a wild knife edge chop. Again, Fujiko ducks. The Apex Goddess ducks another right handed punch, then a knife edge chop before catching Iser with a handstand calf kick. Iser remains dazed as the champion turns and takes off into the ropes. Fujiko comes back and slides through Iser’s legs, avoiding a grapple. When Iser turns around, he gets caught with a step-up enzuigiri that stuns him. The Apex Goddess take off into the far ropes, comes back and connects with a running dropkick, sending Iser stumbling back before flipping through the ropes and hitting the apron. Iser pulls himself up until Fujiko doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. The crowd cheers when Fujiko leaps over the top rope and plants Iser with a slingshot DDT! Iser bounces off the apron before falling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Iser just got dropped with yet another DDT from the Apex Goddess!

Fujiko pulls up Iser and pushes him back into the ring. She then rolls herself back inside and hooks the leg.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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.
TH-NO!

Iser grabs the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: He got lucky.

Fujiko pulls Iser back to his feet and sets up for an irish whip when he reverses, sending her into the corner. Iser then rushes in before being countered with a back elbow to the face. The Apex Goddess then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, grabs Iser and brings him down with a Tornado DDT! Iser clutches his head as Fujiko gets back to her feet. She then turns before pointing to the top turnbuckle. Upon hearing the approval from the crowd, Fujiko nods as she makes her way out to the apron. The World Champion then climbs the turnbuckles before getting down in the crouched position up top. Once Iser is back to his feet and turns around, Fujiko stands up, leaps off and drives him down with a Diving DDT! Fujiko continues to be met with cheers and applause as she pushes Iser over before making the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
.
.
TH-NO!

Iser gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Fujiko continues to drop Iser with DDT after DDT!

Fujiko heads into the corner before waving Iser up off the mat. The challenger starts to stir on the mat before slowly turning over to a knee. The crowd buzzes with anticipation for Fujiko’s next attack as Iser tries to shake out the cobwebs. As a groggy Iser gets back to his feet, Fujiko runs over towards him and throwing out a Rolling DDT, only for Iser to grab her in mid air, turn and throws her down hard with a spinebuster! Fujiko lays sprawled out on the mat as Iser gets back to his feet. Gasps and boos are heard from the crowd as Iser takes a look around before twirling his hand in the air.

Kris Cruise: Seth's calling for the Deprivation DDT!

Stephy Auger: Do it, Seth! Do it! Don't waste any more time!

Iser marches back over, pulls Fujiko up off the mat and pulls her into a front facelock before planting her with the Deprivation DDT! Seth turns over, makes the cover and nods with each count.

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: YESSSS! YESSS! Now THAT'S how you do a DDT! We've got a new champion, Cruise!

ONE!
.
KICKOUT!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

The crowd explodes with cheers when Fujiko kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Are you kidding me? The World Champion kicked out of the Deprivation DDT at the count of one!

Iser stands on his knees as he blankly looks out towards the crowd in complete shock.

Kris Cruise: Seth's just as shocked as we are! I don't think Seth's ever seen that in all his years!

Stephy Auger: Seth! SETH! Snap out of it!

Iser slowly comes back to his senses and turns to the official. The challenger starts to shake his head 'no.’ But the ref nods his head ‘yes.’ Iser shakes his head ‘no’ at the official again. The referee stands his ground and nods his head ‘yes.’ Iser then gets back to his feet and starts to stalk the official around the ring before the ref backs himself up into the corner. Iser insists that she didn’t kick out at one. But the ref once again confirms his worst fears. Iser throws his hands on his head in disbelief.

Kris Cruise: Iser's about to blow a gasket!

Stephy Auger: Seth, control yourself!

Iser leans forward as he buries his head in his hands. The challenger remains distraught before slowly standing back up tall. The crowd gasps as a close up shot on the Video Tron shows Iser slowly turning to look back at the challenger with narrowed eyes. 

Stephy Auger: Seth's locked back in! Finish her off, Seth! Don't let her back into this!

Across the ring, Fujiko continues to stir on the mat before turning over on her knee. After she struggles to pick herself back up, Iser charges forward to attack. The crowd gasps… and cheers when Fujiko hurls him into the turnbuckles with an overhead belly to belly suplex!

Kris Cruise: What a maneuver by the champion! The Apex Goddess dug deep to get that overhead suplex!

Stephy Auger: This isn't happening. This isn't happening!

Fujiko looks out at the crowd and starts to shake her fist. She then turns over to a knee and slaps the canvas before getting to her feet and letting out a yell!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko's feeling it now!

Stephy Auger: Seth. Seth! Please!

Iser gets back to his feet before Fujiko charges forward and sends him flying back into the corner with a running front dropkick! As Iser plops down to a seated position, Fujiko heads across the ring, bounces out of the corner, runs back over and nails Iser with a leaping dropkick to the face! The Apex Goddess charges back across the ring, bounces out of the corner, comes back and catches him with a second leaping dropkick to the face! The World Champion takes off into the far corner, bounces off the turnbuckles, runs back over and nails Iser with a third leaping dropkick to the face! Fujiko grabs Iser by his beard before dragging him back towards the center of the ring. She pulls Iser up by his beard and returns the favor by targeting his midsection with four spinning back kicks to the ribs. While Iser’s doubled over, Fujiko hits the ropes, comes back and drops him down to a knee with a leaping double foot stomp across the back. She then pulls Iser into a front facelock before planting him with a basement DDT! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Oh, so close!

Stephy Auger: Seth! You've gotta do something! Please!

Fujiko takes Iser, pulls him back to his feet and hits him with four forearm strikes to the face before hitting the ropes. The World Champion comes back and ducks a clothesline. As soon as Iser turns around, a dropkick to the knee drops him down to his right knee. From there, the Apex Goddess hits the ropes, comes back and plants him with a basement hurricanrana! Iser gets pulled back to his feet before Fujiko hits the ropes. She then runs past him before continuing to run the ropes. The crowd then explodes with cheers when Fujiko comes back and knocks Iser off his feet wit the 4-Play! 

Kris Cruise: Fujiko laid Iser out!

Fujiko pulls Iser back to his feet and doubles him over with another spinning back kick. The crowd cheers when she throws out The Bliss (Backflip Flash Kick)! But Iser’s able to get his hands up and swat it down at the last second. Iser then goes to grab Fujiko’s legs when she counters with a kip up hurricanrana. Iser rolls over towards the side of the ring before pulling himself up using the ropes. When he turns around, he dumps Fujiko over the top rope. Fujiko lands safely on the apron before catching Iser when he turns around with a rope-assisted gamengiri. As Iser stumbles back, Fujiko heads over towards the corner before climbing the turnbuckles. Fujiko gets to the top, leaps off for a Shotgun Dropkick and gets swatted down as Iser steps back. The boos continue as the challenger pulls Fujiko back to her feet before bringing her down with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse)! Iser once again twirls his hands he gets back to his feet. The crowd boos Iser’s calling of the DDT as he slowly pulls Fujiko back to her feet. He then pulls her into a front facelock! Before Iser can fall back, Fujiko rushes forward and rams him back-first into the corner. Iser howls out in pain as the Apex Goddess turns and staggers back over towards the center of the ring. Fujiko then stands up as she turns, charges back into the corner and gets countered with another Stun Gun! The crowd boos as Fujiko’s head bounce off the top turnbuckle. The Apex Goddess stumbles back until Iser heads over, doubles her over with a kick to the midsection and plants her with the Deprivation DDT! Iser turns over and hooks the leg.

Kris Cruise: Iser got it!

Stephy Auger: YES! YES! YES! New champion!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!






Kris Cruise: NO!

The crowd explodes with cheers when Fujiko gets her shoulder up. Iser is seen slapping the apron repeatedly out of frustration.

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Iser circles the ring as he mutters to himself. He then kicks the bottom rope before marching back over towards Fujiko. He yanks Fujiko off the mat, pulls her into a front facelock and gets countered with an inverted atomic drop. Iser remains doubled over as he howls out in pain. Fujiko then runs into the ropes, comes back and knocks Iser off his feet with another 4-Play! Fujiko continues to be met with cheers and applause as she slowly pulls Iser back up. Iser then quickly swats Fujiko’s hands off of him before applying the Mandible Claw!

Kris Cruise: Injection of Poison!

Stephy Auger: YESSSSS!

The crowd gasps and boos as Fujiko is seen flailing her arms around. Iser continues to apply pressure as he’s trying to get Fujiko to the ground. But the Apex Goddess is able to remain on her feet. She then latches onto Iser’s arms and tries to pull him off of her. But it’s to no avail. Iser nods his head feverishly as he can sense Fujiko fading. Members of the crowd sigh one Fujiko drops down to a knee.

Stephy Auger: She's fading! She's fading!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko survived two deprivation DDTs! Can she survive the Injection of Poison!? Can she somehow find a way back into this match to save her World Championship!?

Iser keeps the Injection of Poison applied. He looks around at the crowd. He’s got a satisfied look on his face. Seth’s got Fujiko right where he wants her. The referee asks Fujiko if she wants to give up. Fujiko doesn’t respond. Members of the crowd gasp when Fujiko fails to respond after being asked a second time.

Stephy Auger: She's out, Cruise! We're seconds away from a NEEEEEEWWWWWW World Champion!

The referee raises Fujiko’s arm before letting go. The arm falls, then stops! Iser’s eyes widen as Fujiko starts to shake her arm. The crowd begins to rally behind the Apex Goddess as she slowly pushing herself back to a vertical base. She continues to keep a hold of Iser’s arms before flipping up and countering into a cross armbar!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko reversed it!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOO!

Fujiko’s met with cheers and applause after the successful reversal. Iser is quick to clasp his hands together to keep Fujiko from hyperextending his arm. Fujiko has answer for that and begins slamming her leg down repeatedly across his face! Iser gets hit in the face over and over until his grip loosens. The World Champion then yanks back, breaking the grip and fully applying the cross armbreaker! She then elevates her hips as she hyperextends his left arm! Iser howls in pain as she tries desperately to get to the ropes. But he’s not able to reach with his right hand. Iser then repeatedly kicks his right leg over towards the ropes. Fujiko continues to fight for the submission as Iser desperately fights to get to the ropes! Iser can’t hang on for much longer! The pain is getting more and more unbearable! If he doesn't submit, he’ll get his arm broken! At the last second, Iser is just able to get the tip of his boot on the bottom rope, forcing a rope break.

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Fujiko breaks the hold. She then takes Iser by the arm and drags him back towards the center of the ring. She drops down into another cross armbar. This time, Iser quickly clasps his hands together before turning over to a knee. After getting his other foot on the mat, Iser slowly rises up from the squat position before throwing Fujiko hard on the mat, breaking the hold! Iser stumbles back before collapsing against the ropes. He’s still in a considerable amount of pain as he clutches his left arm.

Kris Cruise: What a match we're seeing between these two!

Stephy Auger: My heart can't handle this!

Fujiko crawls over towards the corner before pulling herself up using the ropes. As she turns around, Iser comes off the ropes and rushes across the ring. He charges in for an attack when he gets turned away with a boot to the face. Iser starts to stagger out of the corner until Fujiko comes up from behind, hops onto his shoulders, brings him down with a victory roll, leaps up and hits him with a double foot stomp! The cheers continue as Fujiko hits the ropes, comes back and hits a standing Shooting Star Press! She hooks the leg.

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

The crowd sighs when Iser gets his right arm up.

Fujiko gets back to her feet, takes Iser by the right wrist and blasts him with Sealed With a Kick (Ground arm pulled roundhouse kick)! The crowd cheers when Iser gets blasted with a second S.W.A.K.! The Apex Goddess sizes Iser up before nearly taking his head off with a third S.W.A.K.! She then reaches down, takes control of both of his wrist and pulls him over to his knees. Fujiko scans the arena as the crowd buzzers with anticipation. She then zeroes back in on Iser before clobbering him with Yount's 3000th Hit (Double wristlock knee to face)! Fujiko goes for the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Fujiko slowly pulls a dazed Iser back to his feet by his beard before hitting the ropes. The Apex Goddess comes back, runs past Iser and hits the far ropes. The crowd explodes with cheers when Fujiko comes back and nails Iser with a 4-Play that turns him inside out! She then pulls Iser over onto his back and makes the cover.

ONE!

.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd sighs when Iser gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How is Seth Iser withstanding all of this!

Stephy Auger: I don't no, but I sure am grateful!

Iser slowly rolls over towards the side of the ring. He pulls himself us using the ropes before Fujiko takes control of his back. She goes to pull him off the ropes, but Iser grabs the top rope with his right hand and hangs on for dear life. The Apex Goddess tries to pull Iser off the ropes. But again, Iser hangs on. Fujiko then lets go of the rear waist lock, walks over and kicks Iser’s hand off the ropes. She then heads back over, grabs Iser and pulls him back over towards the center of the ring. She sets him up for the MIDA Multi-Tool (Lumbar Check) when Iser counters with elbows to the back of the head. He then performs a standing switch before hurling Fujiko across the ring with a release German Suplex! Iser heads back over, pulls Fujiko back to her feet and throws her down with another release German Suplex! The boos continue before Iser takes Fujiko and throws her down with yet another release German Suplex! Fujiko remains splayed out on the mat as Iser heads over into the corner. The challenger slowly climbs up onto the bottom ropes. He then climbs up to the middle ropes. Iser looks back and sees Fujiko still down. Iser then climbs up to the top ropes before Fujiko scrambles back to her feet, rushes over and hits a rope-assisted gamengiri to the back of the leg! The crowd explodes with cheers when Iser ends up crotched on the top turnbuckle!

Kris Cruise: Iser is yelling at the top of his lungs, Stephy! You know, I never figured Iser to be an Alto.

Stephy Auger: This isn't funny!

Fujiko grabs Iser and pulls him down into the Tree of Woe. She then steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Iser tries to sit up to untie himself. But before he can fully sit up, Fujiko jumps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him down out of the corner with a diving double foot stomp! Iser remained folded up in the corner until Fujiko drags him back towards the center of the ring. After pulling Iser up from behind, Fujiko takes control of Iser’s back before blasting him with the N Loop (ripcord short-arm alternating forearms and backfists)! Iser continues to get rocked with the barrage of strikes until Fujiko flips back and snaps his head back with The Bliss! The crowd explodes with cheers as Iser drops to the mat! Fujiko makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: THERE IT IS!

Stephy Auger: No.

Kris Cruise: THERE IT IS!

Stephy Auger: No!

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser got hit with The Bliss!

Stephy Auger: ...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!










Stephy Auger: NO!

The crowd boos when Iser gets his shoulder up at the very last second. 

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser survived The Bliss! He survived that backflip flash kick from the champion! Call it The Bliss. Call it the Lucky Shot. Call it what you want. When she hits it, that's usually game, set and match! But somehow, Seth dug deep and got his shoulder up off the mat. Unreal!

Fujiko pulls Iser back to his feet. She then pulls his head back before placing him in an inverted front facelock.

Stephy Auger: No! No, no, no, no, no! SETH!

The crowd cheers as Fujiko’s got Iser set up for Ecstasy (Reverse DDT into a Dragon sleeper with body scissors)! Just before Fujiko’s about to fall back, Iser breaks his right arm free from Fujiko and elbows her in the midsection. Iser then spins in place, grabs Fujiko, turns again and brings her down with a hangman’s neckbreaker!

Kris Cruise: Iser got himself free!

The crowd buzzers with a mix of anticipation and boos as Iser takes Fujiko and moves her into the corner. He then lifts Fujiko up the top turnbuckle. After climbing up to the middle ropes, Iser catches Fujiko with a European Uppercut before stepping up to the top ropes. The crowd gasps as he pulls Fujiko up onto the top turnbuckle…










… throws her back…










And brings her down with a thunderous superplex!

The crowd gasps when Iser rolls through the superplex, pulls Fujiko back into a front facelock and plants her with another Deprivation DDT! He turns over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps, the explodes with cheers and applause when the Apex Goddess gets her shoulder up!

Kris Cruise: Fujiko survived another Deprivation DDT! There is no quit in the Apex Goddess!

Iser’s had enough! He grabs Fujiko by the hair and pulls her back to her feet before scooping her up across his shoulder. He then heads back to the center of the ring, slips Fujiko down in place before planting her right on the top of the head with Black Magic (Tombstone Piledriver)! Iser drops down on top of Fujiko for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd sits in stunned silence as the ref calls for the bell.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout... aaaaaaaaaand NEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW FGA World Champion, SETH ISER!

The referee drops down to his knee and raises Iser's hand while the new champion lays exhausted on the mat. Various shots of the crowd show the fans in shock. Some have their mouths agape. Some have their hands on top of their heads. Others turn to each other in disbelief.

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: ...

Iser and Fujiko continue to lay on the mat. The referee heads over, kneels down next to Iser and lays the FGA World Championship across him. Iser pats his chest to see what's just been laid down across him. Once he realizes what it is, Iser goes to sit up. He winces before immediately falling back to the mat. Iser hugs the belt tightly before kissing the center plate. The new World Champion raises the champion up from his back before his arms collapse to the canvas.

Kris Cruise: ..

Stephy Auger: ... he did it. By God, Seth did it...

[FGA Office]

222: the numbers of entrants that will have participated in every Gold Rush Rumble after tonight!

60: the record amount of minutes Kendall Kingham spent in the 2019 Rumble!

43: the average number of minutes lasted for the Rumble's Ironman!

26: this number has produced three Gold Rush Rumble winners - Cordy Stevenson in 2015, 2016 co-winner Tony Carmine and 2019 winner Marlon Cure!

13: the number of total eliminations by John Carmichael, a Rumble record!

8: the record number of eliminations set for a single Rumble by Chandler Scott in 2017!

7: the number of Rumbles John Carmichael has participated in, a Rumble record!

5: the number of previous Rumble winners that didn't go on to win the championship from the title shot earned with their Rumble victory!

4: With the exception of one year, no one who has drawn earlier than this number has been in the final four since the Rumble expanded to a field of 30 participants!

2: the co-winners of the 2016 Rumble, Tony Carmine and Johnny Cannon!

1: the grappler that will leave the ring tonight with a guaranteed Championship Match at All-Star Showdown IX!

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
Gold Rush Rumble

*DING! DING!! DING!!!*

Ring Announcer J.A. Aldridge is standing by in the center of the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the GOLD RUSH RUMBLE!!!

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause in anticipation of the main event.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are the rules! Earlier today, 30 grapplers drew from numbers one through thirty. The two individuals who drew numbers one and two will start off the match. Every two minutes, a new participant will enter the match. This process will occur until all 30 participants have entered the ring. Eliminations can only occur when a participant has been thrown over the top rope and both feet have touched the floor. The last grappler standing will be your 2020 Gold Rush Rumble and will go on to challenge for the FGA World Championship!

The crowd responds with a large pop.

J.A. Aldridge: ...ooorrrrr the International Heavyweight Championship at ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN NINE!!!

The fans inside the Melrose Ballroom cheer and applaud the announcement.

J.A. Aldridge: Now let us find out who drew number one!

Kris Cruise: Who do you think it’s going to be?

Stephy Auger: I don’t know. But whoever it is, I don’t like they’re chances!

“Amazing” by Kanye West hits, lifting the fans to their feet in a fit of rage. White and pink strobe lights start to flash throughout the arena.

It's amazing
I'm the reason
Everybody fired up this evening

I'm exhausted
Barely breathing
Holding on to what I believe in

No matter what
You'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

J.A. Aldridge: Hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 227 pounds… RICKY VAAAAAAALERRRRROOOOO!

Ricky Valero emerges from the back amidst a cloud of fog. With that trademark smirk stretched across his face, he scans the arena with hubris.

Stephy Auger: … but if ANYONE can come in at #1 and make it all the way to the end, it’s Ricky Valero!

Kris Cruise: This is the second time now that Ricky Valero has entered a Rumble at #1. The last time he did so was back in 2018.

Stephy Auger: Remind me, how did he do that year?

Kris Cruise: Well, he didn’t win, I can tell you that much!

Stephy Auger: Hey!

Kris Cruise: But! But, he did last thirty eight minutes. If my memory serves correct, the only person that lasted longer than him was Tyler Storm, who was that year’s Ironman with a time of 49 minutes.

Stephy Auger: Well, I can say this much. Ricky Valero is rested. Some of these other entrants have been going through it recently. You have some that are pulling double duty. You have others that have never been in a Rumble before. This is Ricky's time to shine. What a year that would be for him, huh? In the first half of the year, we saw Ricky losing that Unsanctioned Fight to his former best friend, Evan Envi. Then, he turns it around in the second half to win a Gold Rush Rumble and earn himself his long overdue World Championship, or International Heavyweight Championship, match!

He puts his legs together, extends his arms outward, throws his head back and basks in the building’s negative energy.

It's amazin', so amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin'
So amazin', so amazin', so amazin', it's amazin' (Let's go)

He makes his way toward the ring intentionally ignoring the outstretched hands of front row fans along his route. He circles the ring, before reaching the far corner. Slowly he climbs up the steps and leans his back against the ropes, bouncing against them a few times with his arms wrapped over top of them before slipping into the ring.

I'm a monster
I'm a killer
I know I'm wrong, yeah

I'm a problem
That'll never
Ever be solved

And no matter what
You'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see

Ricky spins around in the center of the ring with his arms extended out, absorbing the crowd's disdain. He walks towards the ropes on the far side of the ring and simply smiles. The music slowly quiets down as Ricky turns and leans against the ropes closest to the entranceway, awaiting his opponent.

J.A. Aldridge: Now let us find out who drew number two!

Kris Cruise: Alright, who’s it going to be?

Stephy Auger: What if it’s Evan Envi right here?

♫ 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.

Stephy Auger: The hell is this!?

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: 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.

Stephy Auger: What is he even doing in our Gold Rush Rumble? He doesn’t even work here!

Kris Cruise: Well, Stephy. I’ve been told that FGA officials were so impressed by him after answering Sadie’s open challenge that they offered him a contract later that night.

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 the start of the match.

The crowd responds with boos as Valero charges across the ring and catching Techniques with corner forearm smash to the back of the head!

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: Good! You think Valero didn’t hear all that trash he was talking last show? Serves him right! Get him, Ricky! Beat some respect into him!
s
Valero takes Techniques and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Valero slams him face-first into the turnbuckle again before turning him around and lighting up his chest with knife edge chop. Techniques slumps down in the corner after being on the receiving end of mudhole stomps to the chest. Valero continues to pour on the offense as he applies a foot choke. There’s no ref to force a rope break. So Valero pulls down on the top rope as he tries to choke out his opponent. He then reaches down, pulls Techniques back to his feet and whips him hard into the far corner. After crashing into the turnbuckles, Techniques starts to stumble out of the corner before Valero charges across the ring and nails him with a running front dropkick to the chest. The crowd boos when Techniques flies back and crashes into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Valero’s having his way with him in there.

Stephy Auger: Of course he is! This is Ricky Valero we’re talking about here! The gap between him and this punk is better big.

Valero walks over towards the corner and slaps Techniques! Valero slaps him across the face again before pulling him up. He then brings Techniques out of the corner before whipping him into the far ropes. When TJ returns, the crowd boos when Valero lifts him up across his shoulders to set up Thy Will Be Done (Ushigoroshi)! Before Valero can hit the move, Techniques counters with elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, TJ shoves Valero off into the ropes. When Valero returns, he gets caught off the rebound with a japanese arm drag. Another japanese arm drag returns him to the mat. Techniques then hits the far ropes, comes back and brings him back down with a wheelbarrow arm drag. TJ goes over and sets up for an irish whip when Valero reverses, sending him into the ropes. Valero goes to catch him off the rebound with a dropkick to the knees when TJ flips over him and lands on his feet. Valero scrambles back to a vertical base, rushes over towards Techniques and gets dropped with a Shaolin Sidekick (Harlem Sidekick)! Valero gets knocked back to the mat with another Shaolin Sidekick! Valero picks himself back up before getting dropped with Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em (Phenomenal Blitz)! The cheers continue as TJ picks up Valero and whips him into the far ropes before turning to hit the near ropes. When both grapplers head back towards the center of the ring, the crowd cheers when TJ turns him inside out with Set ‘Em Straight (Busaiku Knee Strike)! Techniques then takes Valero, runs and tosses him over the top rope and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Valero’s night has just ended!

Stephy Auger: Rickyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

(Ricky Valero - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#3 - “Loner Boogie” by Boy Azooga plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, through the curtains - and out onto the stage - walks Lowri Moss, who is greeted by cheers from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: HA!

Techniques steps back and readies himself as Moss limps down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It’s Lowri Moss!

Stephy Auger: Oh man! Lowri is so screwed!

Kris Cruise: Why do you say that? Why are you laughing?

Stephy Auger: Because look at her, Cruise! Just look at her! She wrestled three falls with Tyler Storm. She then wrestled an insane tag title match. She’s not at 100%. She’s exhausted! She’s still walking around with a limp. If TJ Techniques is smart, as soon as Lowri gets inside, he should run over and kick her leg right out of her leg!

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy.

Moss gets to ringside and looks over at TJ before cautiously rolling into the ring. Once she’s back to her feet, the two nod respectfully towards each other before circling the ring.

Stephy Auger: What are you doing, TJ? Take her leg out!

They size each other up before locking up. After jockeying for position, Techniques moves Moss across the ring into the corner. From there, he doubles Moss over with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then immediately reaches down and grabs Moss’ leg. The crowd gasps as he hooks his arms around the leg and tries to dump Moss over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: Dump her out. Dump her out!

The crowd is behind the double champion as she’s fighting to stay in the Rumble. She then hooks her left arm around the top rope before using her right arm to hit TJ with an elbow. Techniques gets caught with another back elbow to the side of the face. Once he gets hit with a third elbow, he lets go of her leg. Moss then catches Techniques with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut knocks Techniques back. Moss then limps out of the corner before hitting him with another European Uppercut. The double champion follows up with another European Uppercut for good measure before whipping him into the ropes. When Techniques returns, he brings Moss down with a double rotation tilt-a-whirl headscissors! He then runs back over before bringing Moss back down with a wheelbarrow arm drag. Techniques then hits the ropes before heading back across the ring. As he returns, the crowd gasps when Moss side steps, grabs him by the back of the neck and tosses him over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: There he goes!

… but he’s able to land safely on the apron. Moss heads over to knock him off when Techniques cuts her off with a springboard forearm! Techniques then hits the far ropes, comes back and connects with a Flashing Elbow. TJ then picks up Moss and sets her up for a Spanish Fly when she starts to fight out of it with elbows to the side of the head. Once his hold is broken, Moss whips him into the ropes. The crowd cheers when Moss catches him off the rebound with a spinning heel kick, knocking him down.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#4 - The initial riffs of “Wake Up” by Rage Against the Machine start playing over the sound system. The crowd cheers when Neal Durden rushes down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Well, well, well. It’s glad to see that this draw is rigged!

Kris Cruise: There’s no one happier to see Neal right now than Lowri. If I’m TJ, I try and eliminate Lowri before Neal gets to the ring.

As soon as Durden rolls into the ring, he rushes over and tackles Techniques down to the mat. Durden gets on top of TJ and starts firing off a flurry of right hands.

Kris Cruise: Durden’s going right after him!

Techniques tries to cover up, but some of Durden’s punches still slip through. Techniques is able to roll over and start firing off some right hands of his own. But this doesn’t last for long as Moss limps over and hits him with multiple stomps to the back.

Kris Cruise: Here comes Moss!

Stephy Auger: This is completely unfair, Cruise. Arguably the best tag team in FGA history gets back to back numbers in the Rumble. They could run the table from here on out!

Moss pulls Techniques off of Durden and holds his arms back. TJ tries to fight out of it, but it’s to no avail. Once Durden is back to his feet, he goes over and lights up Techniques’ chest with knife edge chop. Durden then holds Techniques’ arms back while Moss hits him with even more European Uppercuts. Pendragon then take Techniques and whip him into the far ropes. The crowd cheers when they throw him down with a double japanese arm drag. Durden then takes off into the ropes. When he comes back, Moss executes a hip toss, throwing Durden down on top of Techniques with a front flip senton! Pendragon pick Techniques back to his feet before they each hook an arm. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as they head towards the side of the ring. They’re about to chuck him over the top rope with a double hip toss until Techniques sandbag them by dropping down to his knees. They then try and pull him off the mat. But they’re unable to as Techniques wisely wraps his arms around Moss’ leg. Pendragon respond with clubbing strikes across the back.

Kris Cruise: TJ’s trying everything he can to stay in this one. But he may not be able to last much longer in there against the champions.

Durden pulls Techniques back to his feet, delivers an irish whip and follows him across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Techniques executes a Tiger Wall Flip before catching Durden when he turns around with a Koppu Kick! Moss limps over to attack when she gets knocked down with a Shaolin Sidekick! Durden gets returned to the mat with a Shaolin Sidekick before Techniques hits the far ropes. When he comes back, Pendragon throw him down with a double back body drop!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

[align=center]It’s not my fault your girlfriend likes me,
I do her hard like fucking warp speed,
Your Dad’s mad, it’s not my fucking fault,
That your Mom wants to fucking fuck me![/align]

#5 - As the intro to “You Suck” by Pour Habit blasts throughout the arena, out from the back bursts Cassius Reed to boos from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: It’s Cassius Reed!

Stephy Auger: I don’t like how all of my favorites are drawing these early numbers.

Reed rushes down to the ring before rolling inside. He looks across the ring and sees Pendragon ready to strike. The Funky Dragon turns to his right and sees Techniques picking himself back up next to him. TJ looks over and sees Pendragon before turning back to Reed. The two move their index fingers between each other before pointing back across the ring at the double champs. Reed and Techniques then give each other a knowing nod.

Kris Cruise: Look at this! It looks like we’re about to see two on two here.

Reed and Techniques start to push forward until Reed drops Techniques from behind with a clothesline!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Stephy Auger: That’s what you think! HA HA! It’s every man for himself, Cruise! TJ just found that out the hard way! If Neal was smart, he’d grab Moss while she isn’t looking and chuck her to the outside!

The boos continue as Reed takes Techniques, runs into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Reed then turns Techniques around before peppering him with snapping jabs. The Funky Dragon goes low, hitting him with rights and lefts to the body before following up with an uppercut that snaps his head back. Techniques gets caught with a discus punch before Reed grabs a hold of his legs. The crowd gasps as Reed tries to dump him over the top rope. TJ quickly wraps his arms around the top rope and tries to hang on for dear life.

Kris Cruise: Reed’s nearly got him out!

Stephy Auger: Cassius Reed has already won Rey del Aire. Tonight, he adds the Gold Rush Rumble to his list of achievements!

Reed’s got Techniques parallel to the top rope! Reed is about to shove Techniques off when he gets caught with a punch to the face. Techniques hits him with another straight left to the face. The crowd cheers as TJ unloads on him with desperation punches until Reed drops him down. Techniques then switches positions in the corner before hitting Reed with multiple Shoteis. He then reaches down, hooks is arms around Reed’s leg and tries to dump him over the top rope. But Reed is able to cut him off with the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow)! Reed then leans forward, grabs Techniques around the waist and tries to throw him over the top rope with a gutwrench toss. But Techniques is able to block by grabbing onto the middle ropes.

Pendragon proceed to make their way across the ring. Reed continues to fight for the elimination until Pendragon grab a hold of him and TJ. The crowd cheers when they take Reed and Techniques and dump them over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: There they go!

Reed and Techniques hit the apron before quickly slipping themselves back inside. But they don’t catch a break as Pendragon put the boots to them. Durden pulls Reed back to his feet before whipping him into the far corner. The double tag champ then charges across the ring before nearly kicking Reed’s head off with a running arched big boot! Back across the ring, Moss moves Techniques into the corner and hits him with another trio of European Uppercuts. Moss and Durden turn back to each other and nod before whipping their opponents out of their respective corners. The crowd cheers when Reed and Techniques collide in the center of the ring! The two stumble back towards Moss and Durden. Each member of Pendragon takes control of their opponent’s back and lifts them up for a belly to back suplex, only for Reed and Techniques to roll over their shoulders and land on their feet. Reed brings Durden down with an inverted facelock backbreaker while Techniques brings Moss down with an Accordion Rack Backbreaker.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#6 - The crowd cheers when “I Am The Walrus” hits the speakers. Kazu Hirano bursts through the curtain as he jets down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Oh great. Here comes this nutjob!

Kris Cruise: There’s no band today! There’s no theatrics! Kazu is all business!

Hirano dives through the middle & bottom ropes before sliding into the center of the ring. He quickly gets to his feet, runs over and knocks Reed down with Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (Polish Hammer)! Techniques runs over to attack Hirano before ducking Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. TJ continues to head towards the ropes and come back with a handspring back elbow. But Hirano’s able to knock him down with Maxwell’s Silver Hammer to the back of the head! The crowd cheers as Hirano pulls Techniques up, runs and tosses him over the top rope! TJ grabs onto the top rope before falling to the apron. Back in the ring, Reed takes control of Hirano’s back. He’s got Hirano set up for a German Suplex until Hirano fights out of it with multiple back elbows to the face. He then performs a standing switch before pushing Reed off into the ropes. When Reed returns, the crowd boos when he brings Hirano down with What Da Funk (handstand handspring headscissors takeover)! He then pulls Hirano back to his feet before whipping him into the corner. The Funky Dragon rushes in to attack when Hirano turns him around with a boot to the face. While Reed is dazed, Hirano quickly hops through the ropes to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Kazu’s going up top!

Stephy Auger: Why would you do that in a Rumble!? He can be easily knocked off and sent to the floor!

Hirano climbs to the top rope. As soon as he salutes the crowd, they respond with ‘KONICHIWA”! Hirano then leaps off before driving Reed down with Hey Bulldog (Flying Bulldog)!

Kris Cruise: Down goes Cassius! Down goes Cassius!

Hirano gets back to his feet and quickly gets grabbed by Moss. Moss tries for a German Suplex of her own. Hirano blocks the move, catches her with a back elbow to the face and performs a standing switch before knocking her down with I Want To Hold Your Hand (Ripcord Lariat, but holding their hand instead of wrist)! As Hirano gets back to his feet, Durden rushes over to attack, only to get brought down with a spinebuster! With all four other participants down, Hirano scans the crowd before positioning himself next to Durden’s head.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh! You know what comes next!

Stephy Auger: Unfortunately...

Hirano hits the ropes. He comes back, skips over Durden and continues to run the ropes. After returning off the ropes, Hirano slows down and gets the crowd to chant “MECCHA SUGOI”! Hirano motions to hit Durden with the Meccha Sugoi Hiji (People’s Elbow) when Reed quickly grabs him from behind, runs and tosses him over the top rope and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Hey now!

Stephy Auger: AH HA HA!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

(Kazu Hirano - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

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

FIVE.

FOUR.

THREE.

TWO.

ONE.”

#7 - Polaris’ “Hey Sandy” explodes across the PA system as Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter jogs down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Great, we go from one nutjob to another.

Kris Cruise: Here comes Nando Fresno! Look, Stephy, he’s still sporting the shirt that Sadie San Francisco gave him and Jillian Clay earlier tonight.

As Fresno rolls into the ring, Reed rushes over and throws out an elbow drop. But Fresno is quick enough to roll back to the outside, causing Reed to hit nothing but canvas. After Reed gets back to his feet, Fresno doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes before knocking him down with springboard diving double knees across the back! The cheers continue as Fresno pulls Reed back to his feet, leans him against the ropes and grabs onto his leg before trying to dump him over the top rope.

Stephy Auger: Put him down!

The crowd continues to cheer on Fresno until Reed reaches back and rakes him across the eyes. Reed then grabs Fresno by the hair and tosses him over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: Nando’s out!

Fresno quickly grabs the top rope before landing in a seated position on the apron. He quickly reaches back and hooks his right arm around the middle rope before Reed nails him with a knee strike to the back. Reed tries to nudge Fresno off the apron with his foot before trying to push him off with his hands. Fresno continues to hang on for dear life as Reed starts to kick away at his back. He then turns and takes off into the far ropes. Reed gears up to knock Fresno off the apron until he gets blindsided with the springboard forearm from Techniques!

Stephy Auger: Where the hell did he come from!?

Techniques pulls Reed back to his feet and starts throwing out strikes for Let The Rhythm Hit Em. He throws out a discus lariat to complete the combo when Reed ducks and catches him with the Pimp Slap Symposium (Quick Right Handed slap to opponent’s face to get opponent to drop their guard, into a quick Right Jab - Right Jab - Left Hook Boxing Combo, dazing the opponent, and ending with a Michael Jackson style spin straight into a (Left Handed) Spinning Backhand Slap to opponent’s face WITH AUTHORITY)! The boos continues as Reed turns and hits the ropes. When Reed returns, Techniques rushes forward before knocking him down with a spinning heel kick! The crowd cheers when TJ takes Reed, runs and roses him over the top rope!

… only for the crowd to sigh when Reed hangs on to the top rope for dear life.

Stephy Auger: Cassius! Please!

The crowd is cheering for Reed to hit the floor as he kicks his legs. Reed is then able to compose himself before “skinning the cat.” Reed gives a satisfied smile after avoiding elimination, only to turn around and get caught with a Shaolin Sidekick that knocks him over the top rope and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: The Funky Technician just eliminated The Funky Dragon!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

(Cassius Reed - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

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

FIVE.

FOUR.

THREE.

TWO.

ONE.”

#8 - Polaris’ “Hey Sandy” explodes across the PA system as Jillian Clay rushes down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It’s Jillian Clay, the other half of the Saturnian Connection!

Stephy Auger: Oh come on! Lowri enters the Rumble, then Neal? Nando enters the Rumble, the Jillian comes in right after him? You can’t tell me that this Rumble isn’t rigged!

Once Fresno sees Clay on her way down, he slips back in underneath the bottom rope. Clay then slides into the ring right behind him. The Saturnian Connection survey the ring and see Pendragon to their left and Techniques to their right. Techniques looks back and forth between the two tag teams, quickly realizes he’s outnumbered and backs himself into the corner.

Kris Cruise: TJ’s wisely getting the heck out of dodge.

Stephy Auger: That might be the smartest thing he’s done all match. Which is weird, because I wouldn’t expect someone that willingly calls themselves “TJ Techniques” to be smart!

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy!

Techniques wisely keeps his distance as Pendragon and SatCon’s attention turns to each other.

Kris Cruise: It looks like we’re about to see a clash between the top tag team in FGA and FGA’s most recently signed tag team.

Stephy Auger: A sign of things to come, maybe?

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as the double tag champs and SatCon make their way to the center of the ring, Moss/Durden and Fresno/Clay stare each other down until blows are thrown. The crowd cheers as both sides start trading strikes.

Kris Cruise: There they go!

Stephy Auger: Good! Knock each others lights out!

Strikes continue to be exchanged back and forth until Pendragon gain the upper hand. Moss knocks Fresno back with European Uppercuts while Durden continues to knock Fresno back with forearm strikes. They then take SatCon and whip them into the ropes. When they return, they see Pendragon setting up for a pair of back body drops. So they stop and counter with kicks to the face, knocking Pendragon upright. SatCon then turn and head back into the ropes. When they return, Pendragon tries to bring them down with hip toss. SatCon then step through it and try to counter with hip tosses of their own. Pendragon block it. Fresno/Clay try to muscle up Moss/Durden with another hip toss attempt. It gets blocked again. SatCon then double them over with a punch to the midsection, drape their legs over the backs of their necks, perform a backflip, land on their feet, grab Pendragon, turn and slams their heads together with a double noggin knocker! SatCon then hit the far ropes. When they return, Pendragon bring them down with a pair of japanese arm drags. After the Saturnian Connection are knocked down with a pair of dropkicks, Pendragon grabs them, run and toss them over the top rope…


… only for them to land on the apron. Pendragon look over at TJ in the corner before looking up at the Video Tron. They see SatCon on the apron. So they turn back around and rush over to knock them off, only to get knocked back with shoulder thrusts through the ropes. Fresno and Clay then run in opposite directions on the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once they reach the top, the crowd cheers as Fresno flips off and knocks Durden down with a corkscrew moonsault before Clay flips off and knocks Moss down with a corkscrew moonsault!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#9 - “Young Nation” hits the speakers as United States Champion Sadie San Francisco steps through the curtain.

Kris Cruise: It’s the Pope!

Sadie slings the United States title over her shoulder as she motions towards the ring. The Pope continues to make her way down the aisle until a running lariat from Nina Stokes knocks her down from behind.

Kris Cruise: What the hell?

“BOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Stokes marches over and puts the boots to Sadie. She then yanks san Francisco up by the hair before hurling her against the guardrail on the opposite side of the aisle! She snatches Sadie back up before hurling her into the other section of the guardrail on the opposite side! One of the officials heads down and grabs Stokes by the arm to move her back. Stokes quickly rips her arm away from the official before pushing her off of him.

Stephy Auger: Get her, Nina! This is what Sadie gets for talking all that trash! Nina told her she was going to bust her head open to the white meat! She told Sadie she was going to pay for stealing the US Title from her! Sadie continued to duck Nina by telling her to get to the back of the line! She tried to hide behind Evan Envi and wanted him to take Nina out! She even tried to hide behind SatCon in the Rumble!

The Kodiak nudges the other officials out of the way so she can get to the United States Champion. Stokes looks down and sees Sadie motioning towards her throat with her index and middle fingers. So she quickly pounces on the champion with a punt kick to the ribs! She then pulls Sadie back to her feet before doubling her over with A Slice of Grace (Throat Punch)! While Sadie is doubled over, red liquid is seen coming out of her mouth. But we can’t tell if its blood or just the red mist powder mixing with her saliva. Stokes then takes the champion, lifts her up and throws her down across the top of the guardrail with a front suplex! Sadie lets out a grunt as she bounces off the guardrail and falls to a seated position in the crowd area.

Back in the ring, The Saturnian Connection look on as Sadie is getting mauled by Stokes.

Kris Cruise: Sadie wanted the Saturnian Connection to have her back. But they haven’t moved in an inch! I don’t know if they’re in a state of shock or what.

Stephy Auger: Not even SatCon could save Sadie from this beating!

Stokes reaches through the bars of the guardrail, grabs Sadie by the wrist and repeatedly pulls back, yanking Sadie face-first into the guardrail over and over! Stokes then puts her left foot flat against one of the bars of the guardrail before latching onto Sadie’s wrist. The Kodiak scans the nearby officials that are pleading with her to let up. The former US Champion narrows her eyes before yanking back as hard as she can, ripping Sadie’s arm out of her socket!

Sadie San Francisco: “aAaAaAaAaAaHhHhHhHhH!”

Kris Cruise: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH NINA STOKES!? GET HER OUT OF HERE!

The officials quickly leap over the guardrail and attend to San Francisco. The crowd continues to rain boos down upon Stokes. Stokes simply turns and takes in the boots. The Kodiak remains unfazed as she simply leaves the carnage she just caused and walks to the back.

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes might have just seriously injured the champion! This was uncalled for!

Stephy Auger: So was Sadie stealing the US Title!

Kris Cruise: Sadie deserved this!? Is this what you’re telling me?

Stephy Auger: YES!

The Saturnian Connection continue to look on until Pendragon quickly grab Clay, turn, run towards the side of the ring and throw her over the top rope and to the floor!

(Jillian Clay - ELIMINATED)

Fresno does a double take as he turns and sees Clay on the outside.

Stephy Auger: Too late now, buddy!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

[FGA Office]

#10 - The crowd boos when “BBB” hits the speakers. A stone-faced Erin Mariani slowly steps through the curtain and makes her way down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Oh man!

Stephy Auger: Pendragon costed her and Sara Mason both sets of tag titles. There’s no way she’s letting them get anywhere close to winning this Rumble!

Pendragon quickly turn their attention from Fresno and Techniques to Mariani. The former US Tag Champion stops at the ringside area. She then looks over to Moss, then Durden. Mariani reaches up, grabs the middle rope and pulls herself up to a knee on the apron. After getting to a vertical base, Mariani surveys the ring and sees Fresno and Techniques also inside. Mariani steps halfway into the ring before quickly stepping back out and dropping to the floor.

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Pendragon are motioning for her to bring it. Both referees on the outside are motioning for her to get into the ring. But Mariani isn’t budging. Pendragon continue to wait to pounce on Mariani until Moss gets brought down from behind with a Poison Rana by Fresno!

Kris Cruise: Nando’s going right after Lowri!

As soon as Durden turns to see Moss down on the mat, Mariani slides into the ring. He then turns back to Mariani before getting dropped with a running elbow tackle! She then pulls Durden back to his feet before whipping her into the ropes. When Durden returns, Mariani sends him flipping down to the mat with a kitchen sink to the midsection. She then takes hold of Durden, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Durden around, Mariani sends him slumping down on the corner with mudhole stomps before applying a foot choke!

Kris Cruise: All Mariani needed was a distraction to take advantage.

Mariani continues to choke Durden until Techniques comes up from behind, wraps his arms around her leg and tries to dump her over the top rope. The cheers grow louder as TJ has Mariani nearly parallel to the top rope! Mariani’s about to get tossed out when she reaches back and rakes TJ across the eyes! TJ staggers over towards the center of the ring to shake off the blow. As soon as he turns around, Mariani rushes out of the corner and knocks him down with a running elbow tackle. The boos continue as Mariani turns, heads back into the corner and nails him with a running knee strike!

Kris Cruise: We’re nearly a third of the way through this Rumble and both the #2, #3 and #4 entrants are still in there.

Stephy Auger: For now. They won’t last. Only one time has someone drawn #4 or earlier and been there at the end of the Rumble. And that was a fluke! They won’t last. We haven’t even seen the heavy hitters yet!

Kris Cruise: That last part is true. John Carmichael. Evan Envi. Marlon Cure. Izzy Anders. Hell, Nina Stokes, who we just saw lay out the US Champion! We’ve still got the debuting Jenny Cien. The imposing Sloan Talbot has yet to enter. There’s a slew of names still to come in this Gold Rush Rumble.

Across the ring, Fresno hooks Moss before bringing her down with a side headlock backbreaker. He then takes Moss, heads into the corner and climbs up to the middle ropes. He’s got Moss set up for a Tornado DDT when Moss breaks free and counters with a dropsault! The crowd gasps when Fresno flips off the top turnbuckle! Fresno ends up landing on the apron before quickly rolling back inside. The Alien Hunter is quickly met with boots to the chest before being pulled out of the corner. Moss pulls him up to his feet before pulling him into a standing headscissors. Just before she can lean forward and deliver a Cradle Piledriver, Mariani comes up from behind and brings her down with a double knee backbreaker!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#11 - "United Divided" play through the PA. The crowd boos as Laura Perelli takes her time getting to the ring.

Stephy Auger: Huh?

Kris Cruise: Looks like your Rumble theory is wrong after all.

Stephy Auger: Don’t get me wrong. I love some Laura Perelli. She’s my sleeper, Cruise. But if anything, this proves that the Rumble is rigged… against Silk & Cyanide!

Kris Cruise: What!?

Stephy Auger: Lowri and Neal enter back to back. Nando and Jillian enter back to back. But Erin Mariani and Sara Mason don’t?

Kris Cruise: Must have been bad luck. Tonight really hasn’t been their night, has it?

Stephy Auger: Don’t rub it in.

Perelli enters the ring before taking Techniques and whipping him into the corner. She then rushes into the corner, hits him with a high knee and then pulls him out of the corner before hitting the ropes. Perelli rebounds off the ropes before throwing Techniques down with a running STO! TJ is then pulled up to a seated position before Perelli turns and takes off into the ropes. She comes back, throws out a Sliding D and misses when Techniques rolls out of the way. Perelli scrambles back to a vertical base before being lifted up across TJ’s shoulders. Techniques heads towards the side of the ring with intentions of throwing her to the floor with a fireman’s carry. But he gets stopped in his tracks when Perelli counters with elbows to the side of the head. She then slips down from behind before throwing him to the mat with the Code of Silence (Saka Otoshi into Sleeper Hold)!

In the corner, Mariani doubles Moss over with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. She then lifts Moss up across her shoulders before trying to dump her to the outside. The crowd gasps as they see Moss hanging onto the top rope as she tries to block Mariani from throwing her to the floor with a fireman’s carry. Moss continues to hang on for dear life until Durden walks over from the adjacent corner and nails Mariani with a punch to the side. Pendragon then take Mariani and try to dump her over the top rope. Mariani wisely counters by dropping down to a knee before wrapping her arms around the middle rope. Pendragon proceed to deliver clubbing strikes across Mariani until Fresno heads over and attacks Moss. The Alien Hunter moves Moss into the corner before overwhelming her with a series of jabs. Durden then turns his attention from Mariani to Fresno as he pulls Fresno off of Moss. After he turns Fresno around, Durden gets caught with a rapid palm strike flurry. Fresno goes to follow up with a discus elbow when Durden ducks and takes control of his back. The crowd cheers when he catches Fresno with a ripcord knee strike! While Fresno is dazed, Durden turns and hits the far ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers when Fresno counters with a running Spanish Fly!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#12 - The crowd cheers when “Hey Man, Nice Shot” hits the speakers. Zack Gall and Dante Difranco step through the curtain. Difranco points down to the ring before Gall takes off. As soon as Gall slides into the ring, he starts trading forearm strikes with Perelli.

Kris Cruise: No surprise here! Gall has wasted no time going right after Perelli!

Stephy Auger: The issues between these two dates back to last year and it doesn’t look like it’s been settled.

Gall and Perelli continue to trade strikes until Gall gains the upper hand. He starts to knock Perelli back before doubling her over with a spinning back kick. Gall delivers an irish whip, follows Perelli into the corner and connects with a running lariat. Perelli is then whipped into the far corner before Gall rushes across the ring and connects with another running lariat. The cheers continue as Gall pulls Perelli out of the corner before whipping her into the far ropes. Gall catches Perelli off the rebound with an overhead belly to belly suplex, sending her across the ring!

As Perelli slowly picks herself up off the mat, Gall rushes over and goes to blast her with the Death By Knee (V-Trigger)! Perelli slips out of the way at the last second and takes control of his back for a German Suplex. But Gall counters with multiple back elbows to the face. He then performs a standing switch, takes control of Perelli’s back and throws out the Jaw Buster (ripcord rolling elbow), only for Perelli to duck and counter with Dead Money (Regal-plex)! Perelli pulls Gall back to his feet, pulls him over towards the side of the ring and lifts him up across her shoulders before dumping him to the floor with a fireman’s carry. The crowd boos as Perelli adds insult to injury with her ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ shrug.

(Zack Gall - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: Oh man! You know that’s not gonna sit well with Gall or Difranco! She even hit him with the shoulder shrug to add insult! I love it!

Across the ring, Durden is whipped into the corner. Fresno runs across the ring, leaps into the air for a Stinger Splash and misses when Durden slips out of the way! Fresno starts to stumble back until Durden grabs him from behind, runs and tosses him over the top rope. The crowd gasps when Fresno lands safely on the apron. Durden heads back over to attack when Fresno slides back in through his legs. As soon as Durden turns around, the crowd cheers when Fresno catches him with the Polaris (Tornado Kick), knocking Durden over the top rope and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

(Neal Durden - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: Neal’s outta here! Lowri’s all alone now! She’s got no allies left! Not a one!

Fresno continues to look down at Durden until Mariani rushes up from behind and dumps him over the top rope! The crowd boos when Fresno hits the floor.

(Nando Fresno - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: Now both members of the Saturnian Connection are gone!

Kris Cruise: The eliminations are coming fast now.

Moss limps across the ring and goes to attack Mariani when Mariani turns around and doubles her over with a kick to the midsection. Mariani knocks Moss upright with a knee lift to the face before sending her crumbling to the mat after a dropkick to the knee.

Stephy Auger: Finally! Someone with some smarts in this match is doing the obvious! No disrespect to Laura Perelli, of course.

Kris Cruise: Oh yeah. Of course!

Stephy Auger: Are you mocking me?

Mariani sits up Moss and nails her with a kick to the spine. She then reaches down and rakes Moss eyes before hitting the ropes. She then comes back and hits a knee drop. The boos continue as Mariani sets up for an irish whip. Suddenly Moss reverses, sending Mariani into the corner. Moss runs as best she can in the corner before getting caught with a back elbow to the face. Mariani then turns to face the ropes before going for the Morning Spider Despair (headscissors driver into the turnbuckles)! Before she can drive Moss into the turnbuckles, Moss grabs Mariani’s legs while they’re wrapped around her neck. She then pushes up, sending Mariani off of her shoulders and over the top rope before landing on the apron! Moss then ducks a right hook from Mariani. She quickly ducks a left before lunging forward and cracking Mariani with a headbutt! While Mariani is dazed, Moss heads into the corner and comes off with a Slice of Heaven (springboard enzuigiri), knocking Mariani off the apron and to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

(Erin Mariani - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Mariani was eliminated before Sara Mason could even enter the Rumble. What a shame.

Stephy Auger: ...

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#13 - The crowd boos when “Storms End” hits the PA. Mark Bisley steps through the curtain before making his way down the aisle.

Stephy Auger: It’s the Smartest Guy in the Room, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: Well, let’s see how smart he is.

Stephy Auger: If anyone can make 13 a lucky number, it’s Mark Bisley!

Bisley takes his sweet time getting to the ringside area. Once he’s there, he observes the action in the ring. Perelli has Techniques in the corner and is trying to dump him over the top rope. Bisley then turns and circles the ring. He looks over and sees Moss trying to rest in the far corner. He then runs over and takes a swipe at Moss as he tries to drag her to the outside. But Moss is present enough to move out of the way. Bisley continues to shoo the officials away as they nag him about getting in the ring.

Kris Cruise: Bisley isn’t exactly in a hurry to get into the ring.

Stephy Auger: Why should he?

The boos grow louder as Bisley continues to circle the ringside area. Once he’s completed his second lap of the ring, he motions for J.A. Aldridge to get out of his seat. After the ring announcer does so, Bisley saunters over, plops himself in the chair and kicks his feet up onto the apron.

Kris Cruise: Who does Mark Bisley think he is? Get in there and compete!

The officials at ringside are demanding that Bisley get in the ring. But Bisley declines. He then kicks back and tells them that there’s No DQ in the Rumble before pointing to his temple. Bisley continues to relax and save himself in the corner while the officials at ringside all huddle up. Referee Dave Landry heads over and informs Aldridge of something. Once Aldridge gets clarification, he gets back on the mic.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here to inform you that the referees at ringside have made the following ruling.

Stephy Auger: A ruling?

The crowd buzzes with anticipation.

J.A. Aldridge: If Mark Bisley does NOT enter the ring within the next ten seconds, the referees will count that as a forfeiture of his spot in the Gold Rush Rumble!

Stephy Auger: What!?

Kris Cruise: Oh yeah!

Stephy Auger: They can’t do that!

Kris Cruise: I believe they just did!

Bisley gets up to his seat. He is irate! Bisley shakes his head ‘no’ before informing the officials that they can’t do this. They respond that they can and point him towards the ring. Even Moss can be gesturing for Bisley to get into the ring.

Stephy Auger: Tell that fivehead to shut up!

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FIVE!”

“SIX!”

Bisley reluctantly walks up the steps.

“SEVEN!”

“EIGHT!”

Bisley wipes his feet off on the apron.

“NINE!”

“TE-”

Bisley enters through the ropes. As soon as Moss heads over to engage, Bisley drops to his back and rolls to the outside.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: Oh give me a break!

Stephy Auger: Hey, you can’t say he didn’t get in the ring. They mentioned nothing but STAYING in the ring! HA HA!

Bisley continues to argue with the officials as he backs away from the ring.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#14 - “I Won’t Back Down” plays as Patrick Jones runs down to the ring. The crowd cheers as he grabs Bisley from behind, runs and rolls him back inside.

Stephy Auger: That no good punk!

As soon as Bisley gets back to his feet and turns around, Moss drops him with a European Uppercut! Bisley gets back to his feet before getting dropped with a forearm strike from Jones! Bisley picks himself back up before Perelli returns him to the mat with another European Uppercut! Bisley is then pulled back to his feet by Techniques before getting knocked back with three Shoteis! Techniques then takes Bisley and whips him into the corner. The cheers continue as TJ rushes across the ring before catching him with a koppu kick! Jones then runs across the ring and follows up with a step-up enzuigiri! Perelli rushes in before nailing him with a corner high knee! Moss then limps over before unloading on him with the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! She then turns Bisley around in the corner before wrapping her arms around his waist. The crowd cheers as Moss tries to dump Bisley over the top rope. But Bisley blocks by grabbing onto the top rope with his right hand and the middle rope with his left hand.

Stephy Auger: Mark! Maaaaark!

Jones heads across the ring before grabbing one of Bisley’s legs before trying to dump him over the top rope.

Stephy Auger: Mark, please! Please hang on!

Kris Cruise: I think Mark Bisley’s time in the Rumble is all but over!

Back near the center of the ring, Techniques get caught off guard with a jumping leg lariat from Perelli! Perelli picks Techniques back up before delivering an irish whip. She follows him into the corner until TJ executes a Tiger Wall Flip off the turnbuckles. After landing on his feet, he runs back over to attack when he gets thrown down with a belly to belly suplex. Perelli looks down at TJ and gives him a ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ shrug before pulling him back to his feet. She lifts TJ up across her shoulders before bringing him down with the Head Shot (Ushi Goroshi)! The boos continue as Perelli pulls Techniques back to his feet, lifts him up into another fireman’s carry and makes her way towards the ropes. She tries to dump him over the top rope when he reaches out and grabs the top rope with both hands. Techniques continues to block until he reaches back and elbows her multiple times in the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Techniques spins Perelli towards him before delivering a clothesline! The crowd cheers as Perelli goes over the top rope...

… before sighing when she lands on the apron and slips back in under the bottom rope.

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Back in the corner, the crowd buzzes with anticipation as Moss and Jones have Bisley parallel to the top rope! They then give one final push, dumping Bisley over the top rope! Bisley hits the apron and immediately wraps his arms and legs around the bottom rope! Moss and Jones both get down and tries to push Bisley off the apron. But Bisley continues to hang on for dear life.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#15 - The crowd erupts with boos as “Sei to Shi to Kimi” begins to play. Nina Stokes makes her way out from the back a few seconds later. She gives a sly sneer to camera before she makes her way towards to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Well, well, well. Look who it is.

Stephy Auger: This is my pick right here, Cruise! She eliminated Sadie before she even got in the ring. She was a buzzsaw in last year’s Rumble. Tonight, Stokes is gonna channel all of that frustration and send opponent after opponent flying over the top rope!

Techniques heads over to attack, but he’s quickly doubled over with a rolling solebutt. Stokes knocks him upright with a rising knee to the chin before throwing him down with an STO! The boos continue as Stokes takes TJ, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and connects with a lariat! The Kodiak then delivers another irish whip, follows Techniques across the ring and crushes him with running double knees! Techniques crumbles out of the corner before curling up. Stokes reaches down, pulls Techniques back to his feet and whips him into the ropes. The Kodiak catches him off the rebound with a running roundhouse kick that knocks him dow!. Jones rushes over to attack. Stokes goes to catch him with a shoot kick when Jones catches her foot. He then swing the leg away from him, only for Stokes to use the momentum to swing back around and drop him with a lariat! Stokes takes Jones, delivers an irish whip, follows him across the ring and bashes him with the Divine Night (Rolling Elbow) as soon as his back hits the ropes! She then takes Jones, delivers another irish whip, follows him back across the ring and bashes him with another Divine Night! The Kodiak takes a couple of steps back before rushing forward and delivering a lariat, sending Jones over the top rope and to the floor!

(Patrick Jones - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: So long, Pat!

Perelli quickly takes control of Stokes’ back. She tries for a German Suplex, but Stokes blocks by grabbing onto the top rope. So Perelli yanks back, breaking Stokes’ grip. She tries for another attempt at the German Suplex. This time, Stokes blocks by hooking one of her legs behind Perelli’s. Stokes then catches Perelli with a back elbow to the face. She then performs a standing switch before throwing Perelli down with the Chaos Theory (Front Turnbuckle Smash into Back Roll German Suplex)!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#16 - “Run This Town” hits as Tully Barnes rushes down to the ring.

Barnes rolls into the ring, spins Stokes around and doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. After firing off three right hands to the face, he grabs a hold of Stokes’ wrist and throws out a short-arm clothesline. The Kodiak is able to duck the clothesline before doubling him over with a rolling solebutt when he turns around. After a rising knee to the chin knocks him upright, Stokes hooks her arms around his before unloading on him with a series of trapping headbutts! She then takes Barnes, delivers an irish whip and follows him across the ring before catching him with a lariat against the ropes! Stokes then steps back and rocks him with a high roundhouse, turning Barnes around as he falls over the top rope and hits the floor.

(Tully Barnes - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: What a kick from Nina Stokes!

Stephy Auger: I told you, Cruise! I told you!

Stokes turns, rushes back back across the ring and goes to attack Perelli when she gets knocked down with a jumping leg lariat! Perelli pulls Stokes back to her feet before turning to hit the ropes. She rebounds back and throws out a Sliding D, but she misses when Stokes rolls out of the way. After both grapplers scramble back to their feet, Stokes rushes over and throws out the Divine Night. She whiffs when Perelli ducks the blow. Perelli then doubles Stokes over with a boot to the midsection before setting up for Gone Bust (Floatover Butterfly Suplex). Perelli’s about to suplex her when Stokes breaks the double underhooks, brings Perelli down to the mat with a standing double leg takedown and follows up with a catapult, sending Perelli crashing into the corner. As Perelli turns around, Stokes charges in to attack. At the last second, Perelli counters with a boot to the face. She then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes before bridging Stokes down with a diving hurricanrana. Stokes picks herself back up before being thrown back down with a running STO! Perelli pulls Stokes off the mat and lifts her up for a brainbuster. On the way up, Stokes counters with a knee to the head. After being lowered back down, Stokes lifts Perelli up with a fireman’s carry. She starts to head towards the ropes when Perelli stops her with elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Perelli tries to bring Stokes down with the Code of Silence. But Stokes is able to roll over Perelli’s back, land on her feet and counters with a Wrist Clutch Exploder Suplex! Stokes pulls Perelli back to her feet before tossing her over the top rope and to the floor!

(Laura Perelli - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Perelli’s gone!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#17 - “Suburbia” hits the speakers. There’s a smattering of boos after hearing De Luca’s music. But there’s no sign of De Luca.

Kris Cruise: Ashlyn De Luca is suppose to enter here at number 17. But given what happened tonight with Logan Alexander, I don’t think De Luca is in any condition to compete.

Stephy Auger: What a shame, too! She was another one of my picks.

Stokes turns her attention back to her competitors in the ring. She looks around and sees Techniques still down near a far corner. Across the ring, Moss has dumped Bisley over the top rope before turning around. Once again, Bisley is able to land on the apron before slipping back in underneath the bottom rope to avoid elimination.

Moss limps over Stokes in the center of the ring. The two stare each other down until Stokes rocks Moss with a forearm strike. The Kodiak nails Moss with another forearm strike.

“BOO!”

Moss answers back with a European Uppercut.

“YES!”

Stokes nails Moss with another forearm strike.

“BOO!”

Moss answers back with another European Uppercut.

“YES!”

Stokes hits Moss with two forearm’s strikes.

“BOO!”

Moss answers back with another European Uppercut.

“YES!”

Stokes knocks Moss into the corner with a palm strike flurry before nailing her with multiple shoot kicks to the chest! Moss is then whipped across the ring before The Kodiak charges over and crushes her with running double knees! The boos continue as Stokes lifts Moss across her shoulders before bringing her down with a fireman’s carry gutbuster! Stokes follows up with a jumping senton, then another! She motions for a third until her attention turns to the crowd. Gasps can be heard coming from the crowd as Sadie San Francisco slowly makes her way down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: What the…?

Kris Cruise: It’s Sadie San Francisco! Sadie San Francisco is back and is looking to officially enter this match!

Stephy Auger: Look at her! She’s in no condition to compete!

Referees run past Sadie and get in her way. They motion for her to stay back. The Pope responds by nudging them out of her way. Sadie continues to cradle her left arm while she stares daggers at Stokes.

Kris Cruise: Sadie wants a piece of Nina Stokes!

Stephy Auger: Then she must want a Death Wish because that’s what she’s gonna get!

As soon as Sadie slips in, Stokes rushes in to attack. She tries to catch Sadie on the way back to her feet with the Divine Night, but The Pope is able to slip out of the way. When Stokes turns around, Sadie uses her right arm to throw out a spinning backfist. Stokes ducks the blow before quickly grabbing Saide around her waist and throwing her down with a snap Saito Suplex!

Stephy Auger: So much for that!

The boos continue as Stokes yanks Sadie up by the hair, hammerlocks her left arm, runs towards the corner and throws her shoulder-first into the ring post!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

Stokes pulls Sadie back before lifting her up across her shoulders before dumping her to the outside with a fireman’s carry toss!

(Sadie San Francisco - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: The trash has officially been taken out, cruise!

The Kodiak sneers at Sadie before turning her attention back towards Moss. Moss is seen slowly turning over to a knee. Stokes sees Moss in perfect position and quickly rushes over to pounce. Stokes charges over to take Moss’ head off. She throws out Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (Boma Ye Knee Strike)! The crowd gasps, then cheers when Moss rolls out of the way. Stokes turns around as Moss gets back to her feet and knocks her down with a dropsault. Moss land on her feet before stumbling back. The double champion winces as she reaches down and favors her ankle.

Kris Cruise: Lowri’s been in there for roughly 30 minutes. TJ’s been in there for roughly 32. Everyone else in this match is fairly fresh.

Stephy Auger: I told you before and I’ll tell you again. Outside of one year, no one that has drawn #4 or earlier has been there at the year. The one time it happened was a fluke. It won’t happen again. Those two are on borrowed time.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#18 - “Dear Enemy” blares throughout the arena. The crowd erupts with boos as Sara Mason steps through the curtain.

Kris Cruise: Here comes the other half of Silk & Cyanide.

Stephy Auger: Finally.

Moss’ attention immediately turns to Mason, who narrows her eyes at Moss from the stage. Unbeknownst to Moss, Stokes is back to her feet and rushes back in to attack. The crowd cheers when Moss quickly turns back and catches her with a Scorpion Kick! She then catches Stokes with another European Uppercut, followed by a shoot kick! Moss goes to take Stokes’ head off with a wild roundhouse kick, but Stokes is able to duck the blow before taking control of her back. The Kodiak forces Moss into the ropes before rebounding back with a release Chaos Theory. Moss is able to rotate in the air and land on her feet, but she quickly crumbles to the mat and grabs her ankle.

Kris Cruise: Oh no...

Stokes goes over, pulls Moss back to her feet and scoops her up across her shoulder. The Kodiak heads towards the side of the ring until Moss slips down from behind and shoves Stokes into the ropes. Stokes comes off the rebound and throws out a lariat. Moss ducks the lariat. She goes to catch Stokes when she turns around with a bicycle knee strike. But Stokes is able to catch her leg. She then swings the leg away from her, only for Moss to use the momentum to turn and catches Stokes with a discus European Uppercut! The crowd cheers when Moss lunges forward, cracking Stokes with a headbutt! The crowd then explodes with cheers when Moss steps back before moving forward, nailing Stokes with a Breuddwydion Melus (Superkick) that sends The Kodiak stumbling back towards the ropes.

Moss runs forward…






… throws out a clothesline…





… and sends Stokes over the top rope and to the floor!

(Nina Stokes - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: NOOOOOOO!

Kris Cruise: Nina’s gone! Nina’s gone! Nina’s just been eliminated by Lowri Moss!

The cheers don’t last for long as Moss is immediately double teamed by Bisley and Mason!

Stephy Auger: Get her! Get her!

They move Moss into the corner and slam her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Mason then places Moss in a full nelson while Bisley wraps his arms around her legs! The crowd boos as they lift Moss up!

Kris Cruise: Moss is about to be out of here!

Bisley and Mason are about to eliminate Moss when Techniques runs over and hits Bisley with a Shotei to the ribs, forcing him to drop Moss’ legs.

Stephy Auger: What are you doing!?

The cheers continues as TJ knocks Bisley back with knife edge chops before knocking him back with another Shotei. He then sets up for an irish whip when Bisley reverses, sending him into the ropes. When Techniques returns, Bisley goes to take his leg out with a high speed running dropkick to the knee. But TJ is able to avoid the attack with a rolling dive over Bisley. Once both grapplers get back to their feet, they run over towards the center of the ring until Techniques knocks Bisley down with a jumping calf kick. Another calf kick knocks Bisley back down.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#19 - The crowd boos when “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” hits the speakers. Slowly the curtains part, and Sloan Talbot steps through - his pace slow and methodical.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh.

Stephy Auger: The mood is about to change, Cruise.

Back in the ring, Techniques brings Bisley down with a double tilt-a-whirl headscissors. TJ returns to his feet before hitting the far ropes. When he returns, the crowd boos when Bisley throws him down with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Bisley pulls Techniques back to his feet and doubles him over with a rolling solebutt before delivering the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head)! The boos continue as he takes TJ, runs and throws him over the top rope!

The crowd gasps as TJ grabs onto the top rope before landing on the apron. Bisley turns around and sees Techniques pulling himself up to a vertical base. So he rushes over to knock him off with a forearm strike. TJ blocks. Bisley then throws out a left hook. Again, TJ ducks the blown. Bisley then tires to knock him off with a shoulder thrust through the ropes, but TJ avoids it with a split-legged jump. The cheers continue for TJ when he hits Bisley with a Shoeti. Bisley gets hit with another Shotei. After a third Shoeti connects, Techniques runs along the apron towards the ring post. As he does this, Bisley runs over towards the adjacent set of ropes. Just as TJ hops onto the middle turnbuckle, Bisley hops onto the middle rope before catching him with the Ace Kick (triangle enzuigiri)! The crowd boos as Techniques falls off the turnbuckle and hits the floor!

(TJ Techniques - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: After 34 minutes, TJ Techniques has been eliminated!

Back inside, Mason hits Moss with multiple side kicks to the midsection before doubling her over with a cross chop to the throat. She then takes Moss by the hair, runs out of the corner and drives her down with a one-handed bulldog. Mason’s attention turns to Talbot, who climbs up onto the apron. She steps back as he climbs over the top rope.

Stephy Auger: Smart, Sara.

Talbot looks over at Mason before turning his attention to Bisley. Bisley puts his hands up defensively before gesturing down to Moss. Moss is seen pushing herself up to all fours. Once she gets up to a knee, she looks around and sees Talbot, Mason and Bisley surrounding her.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good, Stephy. This is not good!

Stephy Auger: For Moss? Absolutely.

Bisley gains both Mason’s and Talbot’s attention. He then points at the three of them before pointing down to Moss.

Stephy Auger: That’s right, Bisley! Be the ring general! Get Moss out of there! Look at him, working together with the big threats. That’s why he’s the Smartest Guy in the Room!

Moss realizes that she’s outnumbered. But she doesn’t cower and run away. In fact, she gets back to her feet and readies herself for an attack.

Kris Cruise: Lowri! You might want to rethink this!

Moss keeps her head on a swivel as she shifts her focus between Bisley, Mason and Talbot.

Stephy Auger: Get her! Get her before someone can come out and save her!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

[FGA Office]

#20 - The opening guitar riff of "Warrior" by Skarlett Riot begins to play over the sound system seconds before Ashley Sands walks out onto the stage. The crowd cheers as she rushes down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: It’s Ashley Sands! She’s won the 2016 HKW Rumble to destiny. Can she repeat that performance here tonight in the Gold Rush Rumble?

As soon as Sands slides into the ring, she charges over and tackles Bisley to the mat with a double leg takedown!

Kris Cruise: She’s going right after Bisley!

Sands mounts herself on top of Bisley and fires away with a flurry of right hands. Bisley continues to get caught with punch after punch until he rolls over and returns the favor with punches of his own. The boos continue as Bisley pulls Sands back to her feet before doubling her over with a rolling solebutt to the midsection. He then heads into the corner and goes to slam Sands face-first into the top turnbuckle. But she blocks by getting her foot on the middle turnbuckle, elbows Bisley and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

“ONE!”
“TWO!”
“THREE!”
“FOUR!”
“FIVE!”
“SIX!”
“SEVEN!”
“EIGHT!”
“NINE!”
“TEN!”

Sands takes Bisley, delivers an irish whip, follows him across the ring and blasts him with the Wind Kick (running corner big boot)! The cheers continue as she whips Bisley back into the far corner before charging across the ring and nailing him with another Wind Kick! She then turns Bisley around in the corner before trying to dump him over the top rope! She’s got Bisley until until Talbot nails her with a clubbing strike from behind.

Stephy Auger: Thank you!

Talbot turns Sands around and knocks her down with an elbow smash. Talbot stalks Sands across the ring before knocking her back down with another elbow smash. The boos continue as he takes Sands and whips her into the far ropes. Talbot goes to catch Sands off the rebound with a big boot, but Sands rolls underneath it. When Talbot turns around, the crowd cheers when Sands knocks him back with a dropkick. Another dropkick knocks Talbot back even further. Sands gets back to her feet before hitting the far ropes. When she returns, the crowd gasps when Talbot snatches her by the throat. He lifts Sands up for a chokeslam, only to get caught with an elbow to the side of the head. Once Sands drops to her feet, the crowd cheers when Sands delivers Into Dust (Codebreaker), sending Talbot stumbling backwards into the corner. As soon as Sands gets back to her feet, the crowd boos when Mason grabs her from behind, runs forward and chucks her over the top rope!

Sands grabs onto the top rope just before her left foot hits the floor! Before her right foot can drop down, Sands pulls herself back up onto the apron. Mason rushes back over to knock Sands off when Sands knocks her down with a springboard dropkick! Bisley quickly attacks Sands on her way back to her feet before whipping her into the corner. Bisley rushes in to attack when he gets knocked back with a boot to the face. Sands then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes, flips off and brings him down with a Blockbuster! Talbot then grabs a hold of Sands, runs and tosses her over the top rope. But she’s able to avoid elimination by landing on the apron. Talbot heads back over to attack when Sands counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. She then goes for a springboard maneuver when Talbot stands back up and catches her by the throat. The crowd boos when Talbot delivers a chokeslam onto the apron! Sands then bounces off the apron before hitting the floor.

(Ashley Sands - ELIMINATED)

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#21 - “Killin It” hits as the speakers as Antoinette Sands races down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Here comes the second member of AAA!

Stephy Auger: Of course! Pendragon, SatCon and AAA all come out back to back. But not Silk & Cyanide!? The disrespect that Erin Mariani and Sara Mason receive from this company is something else!

After Sands gets in, she ducks a clothesline from Mason before knocking her down with a spin kick. She the takes Mason and whips her into the corner before running over and bringing her down with a monkey flip. Sands then runs over and knocks Bisley down with a dropkick. She then whips Bisley into the corner before rushing over and throwing him down with a monkey flip. Sands goes over and hits Talbot with three clotheslines. But they have no effect on the big man. She then tries for an irish whip. Talbot doesn’t budge. She goes for another irish whip. Again, Talbot doesn’t budge. Talbot then quickly takes Sands and whips her into the ropes. Sands avoids Talbot by sliding through his legs. When Talbot turns around, Sands hits a tilt-a-whirl headscissors that sends him staggering over towards the corner. Sands quickly follows up with a running front dropkick to the back that knocks Talbot into the corner. As Talbot turns around, Sands runs over, hops on top of Talbot and tries for another monkey flip. But Talbot is able to grab her, switch positions in the corner and sit her down on the top turnbuckle before snapping her head back with an uppercut! The boos continue as Talbot takes a few steps back before rushing forward and nailing her with a running big boot, sending her flipping over the top rope, bouncing off the stairs and hitting the floor!

(Antoinette Sands - ELIMINATED)

When Talbot turns around in the corner, the crowd cheers when Moss catches him with a running big boot! Moss continues her attack with the Scarlet Barrage! After being on the receiving end of the alternating chops and forearms, Talbot responds by knocking Moss down with a European Uppercut! Moss picks herself back up, only to get knocked back down with an elbow smash! Talbot then yanks her up off the mat by the hair before whipping her into the ropes. When Moss returns, Talbot nearly takes her head off with a running big boot!

Stephy Auger: Talbot nearly knocked her head into the crowd!

The crowd boos as Bisley makes his way over to Talbot looking for a double high five. Talbot smirks as he heads over to Bisley. Talbot goes to give Bisley a double high five before grabbing him by the throat!

Stephy Auger: Uh oh!

Bisley’s eyes widen with shock as Talbot hoists him up before throwing him down with a chokeslam! Talbot reaches down, grabs Bisley by the throat and pulls him back to his feet before throwing him down with a second chokeslam! Mason then comes up from behind, grabs Talbot and goes for a one-handed bulldog until he pushes her off into the ropes. When Mason returns, Talbot throws her down with a spinebuster!

Kris Cruise: Sloan Talbot is laying waste to everyone!

Stephy Auger: Just like he said he would!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

Stephy Auger: Gee, I wonder who’s next? Ashley Marie Chase!

#22 - “My Name is Human” blasts over the PA.

Kris Cruise: It’s the Burning Heart!

James Edwards appears at the top of the ramp with the hood on his ring jacket up. He takes a few moments survey everything before him. The hood goes down with the opening lyrics. Moving with the meandering pace of the music, his eyes never leave Talbot.

Kris Cruise: James Edwards has heard enough from Sloan Talbot! For months, Talbot has ran his name through the mud! Edwards finally takes his stand tonight in the Gold Rush Rumble!

Talbot motions for Edwards to bring it as he waits impatiently in the center of the ring. When Edwards rolls in, Talbot rushes over to pounce on him. He goes to knock Edwards’ head off with a lariat, but Edwards slips out of the way. The crowd cheers when Edwards unleashes a flurry of elbow strikes! The Burning Heart then steps back, rushes forward and tries for a lariat. But he doesn't knock Talbot over the top rope. Edwards takes a few steps back, rushes forward and throws out another lariat. This time, the crowd gasps as Talbot is knocked back! His body is almost parallel to the top rope before falling back down! Edwards then moves the action into the corner with a Muay Thai Clinch before nailing Talbot with knees to the head and body. From there, Edwards fires away with Kesagiri chops to the side of the neck! He then goes for an irish whip when Talbot grabs onto the top rope, blocking the move. Edwards tries for another irish whip. Again, Talbot blocks the move. He then grabs Edwards by the throat, tosses him into the corner and unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. After Edwards is doubled over by the last punch, Talbot knocks him upright with a knee lift to the face before hitting him with five consecutive lariats in the corner! He then grabs Edwards by the throat with both hands and lifts him up for a two-handed choke, only for Edwards to fight his way out of it with Mongolian Chops! Once Edwards drops down to the mat, he knocks Talbot back with a push kick to the chest. The Burning Heart hits the ropes. When he returns, he throws out the Double Tap (double spinning backfist), only for Talbot to smack the fist out of the way and catch Edwards by the throat! The crowd cheers when Edwards hits Talbot with multiple elbows to the side of the head. He then turns and hits the far ropes. When Edwards returns, the crowd boos when Talbot throws him down with a powerslam! Talbot snatches Edwards up off the mat, scoops him up into his arms and delivers a backbreaker before hurling him across the ring with a fallaway slam.

Kris Cruise: Talbot’s imposing his will on Edwards...

Talbot marches over yanks Edwards back to his feet and whips him hard into the far corner. Edwards staggers out of the corner before Talbot hoists him up with a gorilla press. Talbot walks around the ring with Edwards held high above his head! The crowd gasps when Talbot runs across the ring and chucks Edwards out of the ring, sending him crashing into the guardrail before hitting the floor!!!

Kris Cruise: Good God!

Stephy Auger: Edwards is outta here!

(Sloan Talbot - ELIMINATED)

Talbot spits down at the floor before turning his attention back to his competitors in the ring. He doubles Bisley over with a boot to the midsection before hurling him across the ring with a release fisherman suplex! Mason is then whipped into the far ropes. When she returns, Talbot scoops her up off the rebound before bringing her down with a sidewalk slam! Moss is then whipped into the ropes before being brought down with a hip toss into a neckbreaker! Talbot then yanks Moss up by the hair, runs and tosses her over the top rope! The crowd gasps when Moss grabs the top rope before her right foot hits the floor. Her left foot then hits the floor!! But not before lifting her right foot back up!!! Moss then pulls herself up to the apron before slipping back inside.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#23 - “I Bring the Darkness (End of Days)” hits the speakers before Ashley Marie Chase races down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Talbot’s eliminated two members of AAA. Can he go three for three?

Stephy Auger: Of course he can! He damn near chucked Edwards up into the balcony! He’s dominated this Rumble since entering. What do you think Ashley Marie Chase is gonna do?

AMC starts to slide in when Talbot rushes over to pounce on her. He goes for a jumping stomp to the back of the head, but AMC is quick enough to slip back to the outside. She then tries to reach in and grabs Talbot ankle. The crowd cheers when AMC is able to pull him down to the mat. Before she can drag him to the outside, Talbot uses his free leg to nail AMC with a kick to the face through the ropes, knocking her down.

Stephy Auger: So much for that!

After Talbot gets back to his feet, Bisley leaps onto his back and tries to put him out with a sleeper. Talbot stumbles back towards the center of the ring before reaching up, grabbing Bisley and throwing him down in front of him. He then does a double take as Chase leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him back with a diving forearm smash! Chase runs over and hits Talbot with a clothesline. Another clothesline connects, but it barely moves Talbot. So she turns and runs back into the far ropes. When Chase returns, she ducks a lariat from Talbot before countering into a Float Over DDT! Talbot turns over and gets back to his feet when he gets caught with a superkick from Chase! The cheers continue when Chase knocks him back with another superkick to the face! The crowd erupts with cheers when Moss heads over and hits Talbot with the Breuddwydion Melus, knocking him into the ropes. Moss, Chase, Mason and Bisley then head over and grab a hold of Talbot. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Talbot tries to fight them off. Talbot continues to fight to stay alive in the Rumble, but the numbers game is becoming too much even for him. The crowd cheers when the four of them dump Talbot over the top rope and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Sloan’s gone! He’s just been eliminated!

(Sloan Talbot - ELIMINATED)

An irate Talbot slaps the apron before trying to climb back into the ring. But the officials at ringside grab a hold of him and pull him back to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Get him out of here!

Moss, Chase, Mason and Talbot look on as Talbot continues to be restrained and forcibly removed from the ringside area. The four participants slowly turn and face each other before backing up into each corner.

Kris Cruise: We’re getting down to the final stretch of the Rumble, Stephy. Moss has been in there for 41 minutes. Bisley’s been in there for 21 minutes and Mason’s been in there for 11.

Bisley darts over and sends Chase crumbling to the mat with a high speed running dropkick to the knee! Meanwhile, Mason charges over and tackles Moss into the corner! The boos continue as Mason doubles Moss over with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. Back across the ring, Bisley grabs a hold of Chase’s leg before delivering a KneeDT (foot DDT)!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#24 - The crowd erupts with boos as "Thunderstruck by AC/DC starts blaring over the sound system. Ace Voltage steps through the curtain before making his way down to the ring.

Stephy Auger: It’s Ace Voltage, the main event of FGA! This is my pick to go all the way!

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage is your pick? Didn’t you have two picks before him?

Stephy Auger: Don’t judge me! Besides, I don’t see you picking anyone to win the Rumble!

Voltage makes his way up to the apron before stepping in through the ropes. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion points back and forth between him and Bisley before pointing to all of the other participants in the Rumble. Bisley looks around and nods in agreement.

Stephy Auger: Look at this! The two smartest men in FGA are joining forces!

Kris Cruise: Ace Voltage and Mark Bisley on the same side? I don’t think their egos could handle teaming up with anyone!

Voltage and Bisley make their way over towards Chase when Bisley quickly grabs Voltage, runs and tries to toss him over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: Just as I was saying!

Voltage blocks the elimination attempt by grabbing onto the ropes. He then swats Bisley off of him before pushing him back. Bisley then puts his hands up defensively. He then starts to point back and forth between him and Voltage before pointing to all of the other participants in the Rumble. Voltage nods his head in agreement. After Bisley reaches his hand out, Voltage slowly reaches over and shakes his hand. Voltage and Bisley move in for an attack when Voltage quickly grabs Bisley, runs and tries to toss him over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: These two couldn’t wait to try and stab one another in the back!

Bisley counters the elimination attempt by wrapping his arms around the top rope. He then catches Voltage with an elbow strike before bringing the action into the corner. He goes to slam Voltage’s face-first into the top turnbuckle when Voltage gets his hands out to block the move. Voltage then elbows Bisley in the midsection and tries to return the favor, but Bisley gets his foot on the middle turnbuckle to block the move. He then elbows Voltage before slamming him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Bisley turns Voltage around before delivering multiple knife edge chops. Voltage then grabs Bisley, switches positions in the corner and lights up his chest with knife edge chops. Bisley then grabs Voltage, tosses him into the corner and delivers another series of knife edge chops that echo throughout the arena. Voltage then takes Bisley, tosses him into the corner and unleashes a flurry of forearm strikes. Voltage gos to follow up with an irish whip when Bisley blocks by hooking his arm around the top rope. Voltage goes for another irish whip attempt, but Bisley blocks it again. Bisley then takes Voltage, tosses him into the corner and delivers the Minnesota Buzzsaw (repeated shoot kicks to a cornered opponent's chest)! He then follows up with the Iko Uwais before throwing Voltage towards the center of the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex!

Bisley heads over to follow up with an attack on Voltage when Chase blindsides him with a diving forearm smash! The crowd cheers as she mounts on top of Bisley and fires away with multiple right hands to the face. Over in the corner, Mason has Moss up in a fireman’s carry. The crowd gasps when she dumps Moss over the top rope!








… but Moss is able to land safely on the apron. Mason takes a swipe at her with a punch, but Moss ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. The crowd cheers as Moss goes to deliver a vertical suplex off the apron! But Mason kicks her legs on the way up, forcing Moss to lower her back down. Moss tries to muscle her up for another suplex. Mason blocks by hooking her leg around the bottom rope. She then breaks free of Moss’ grip before raking her across the eyes. The boos continue as she takes Moss, heads towards the corner and tries to slam her face-first into the ring post. Moss gets her foot on the post, blocking the move. She then knocks Mason back with a back elbow to the face. While Mason is dazed, Moss starts to climb the turnbuckles. The crowd gasps as Mason rushes back into the corner, climbs up to the middle turnbuckle and tries to shove Moss to the floor!

Stephy Auger: YES! YES! YESSS! Get her!

Moss grabs the top ropes and hangs on for dear life. Mason then begins delivering clubbing strikes across the back before trying to shove Moss off! Once again, Moss is able to hang on. She then lets go of the rope with her right hand before hitting Mason with another back elbow to the face. Moss follows up with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut connects. After a third European Uppercut knocks Mason down to the mat, Moss carefully climbs up to the top turnbuckle before waiting in the crouched position.

Kris Cruise: I have to question Moss’ strategy of climbing to the top turnbuckle in a match like this!

Stephy Auger: Would someone just run over and knock her off, please!

Moss scans the ring before zeroing back in on Mason. Once Mason is back to her feet, Moss stands up, leaps off and knocks her down with a diving crossbody!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#25 - “Run This Town” plays as Nate Bristow rushes down to the ring.

Bristow rolls in and immediately knocks Moss down with a running shoulder block. The boos continue as he whips Moss into the ropes before catching her off the rebound with a snap scoop powerslam. Bristow takes control of Moss’ wrist and pulls her back to her feet. He goes to knock Moss’ head off with a short-arm clothesline when Moss ducks, quickly grabs him from behind and brings him down with the Rolling Cutter!

Kris Cruise: Nos Da!

Moss picks up Barnes and is about to toss him over the top rope until Mason tackles her down from behind. The boos continue as she grabs Moss by the hair and repeatedly rams her face-first against the mat! Mason pulls Moss back up, moves her into the corner and applies a two-handed choke. After about seven seconds, Mason steps back before applying a foot choke. Another seven seconds pass before Mason takes Moss and sets up for an irish whip. Moss reverses, sending her into the corner. Moss then rushes across the ring to attack when Mason counters with a pendulum overhead kick! Mason slips back inside, runs over and tackles Moss down with a Lou Thesz Press before following up with multiple headbutts! The boos continue as she takes Moss and whips her into the ropes. When Moss returns, she sees Mason setting up for a back body drop. So she stops and counters with a Switchblade Kick, dropping Mason down to a knee. Moss then heads back into the ropes, rebounds back and knocks her down with a Shining Wizard! She pulls Mason back to her feet, grabs her by the neck and runs towards the ropes. At the last second, Mason quickly pivots, grabs Moss and tosses her over the top rope!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

The crowd gasps as Moss is hanging on for dear life! Once she composes herself, she pulls herself over the top rope and back into the ring by “skinning the cat.”

As soon as Moss turns around, the crowd boos when Mason darts back over and clotheslines her over the top rope!

Stephy Auger: YESSS!

Moss lands on the apron before quickly slipping back inside. She avoids elimination, but she doesn’t avoid the boots to the midsection from Mason.

Kris Cruise: Two extremely close calls there for Lowri! But she staves off elimination to continuing fighting on in the Rumble.

Across the ring, Chase presses Bisley up against the ropes. Hee hooks his arms around the top rope while Chase lifts up one of his legs. Voltage heads over, grabs the other leg and tries to help Chase dump Bisley over the top rope! Bisley’s hanging on for dear life as Chase and Voltage have him parallel to the top rope! Bisley’s about to be dumped out when Bristow heads over, grabs Chase and Voltage and slams their heads together with a double noggin knocker!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#26 - The familiar, frantic instrumental slams into the PA system, drawing a pop from the crowd in attendance. The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” stares to blare throughout.

Kris Cruise: It’s the Chief!

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.

Kris Cruise: No number has produced more Gold Rush Rumble winners than #26. Can Envi became the fourth person to win a Rumble from the #26 spot!

Stephy Auger: I’ll give him his due. He was an Ironman a couple of years ago when he lasted 41 minutes in the 2017 Rumble. But that was back when he had killer instinct and Camp Envi at his side. That’s when he was the man! He’s gone soft since then. He’s hanging around with Kazu Hirano. He’s got puppy dog eyes for Fujiko. This isn’t the same Chief!

Envi slips out of his jacket before racing down to the ring. As soon as he slides in, he throws the jacket at Bristow’s face. Once Bristow rips the jacket off his head, Envi catches him with a flurry of forearm strikes to the face! Bisley spins Envi towards him, only to end up on the receiving end of a flurry of forearm strikes! The Chief hits the far ropes. When he returns, Bisley tries to take his legs out with a high speed running dropkick to the knee. But Envi avoids it with a rolling dive. Envi gets back to his feet and rushes back across the ring. Bisley goes to counter with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker until Envi reverses into a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown.

As Envi gets back to his feet, he gets knocked down with a double ax handle from behind from Bristow. He then pulls Envi back to his feet before taking control of his back. He tries for a German Suplex when Envi counters with two back elbows to the face. After performing a standing switch, Envi throws him down with a German Suplex of his own! The Chief grabs a hold of Chase before throwing her down with a Sambo Suplex! Bisley runs into a boot to the midsection from Envi before being thrown down with a Saito Suplex! Mason then runs over to attack before being thrown down with a belly to belly suplex!

Kris Cruise: Envi’s taking everyone to the Suplex Metroplex!

Envi gets back to his feet before being grabbed from behind by Voltage. The crowd boos when Voltage throws him down with two rolling German Suplexes! Voltage goes for a third when Envi counters with a back elbow to the face. After performing a standing switch, Envi brings him down with a straightjacket choke into repeated kneeling backbreakers!

Envi looks over and sees Moss pulling herself up using the ropes. The Chief makes his way over to Moss before being knocked back with a European Uppercut. Envi motions for a forearm strike before being knocked back with another European Uppercut. Moss snaps his head back with a third European Uppercut before hitting the ropes. When she returns, Envi knocks her down with a pop-up Elbow Strike!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#27 -

*Static Cut Intro*

"Turn My Music HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH-ER"

The arena darkens, the high energy kicks in as Jay Z’s “U Don't Know” plays, A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show the silhouette of a man on the stage.

Stephy Auger: It’s King Cure! Your Highness has returned!

The lighting cuts back in and turns a golden hue as Marlon Cure stands with both arms outstretched on either side of him, eyes closed and his head tilted back, soaking in the atmosphere and energy from the crowd. The camera pans around Cure as the fan reaction grows louder and louder.

Kris Cruise: Marlon Cure, last year’s Rumble winner, is returning to an FGA ring for the first time since January of this year! He knows what it takes to win!

Envi rushes over to knock Cure off the apron, only to get caught with a rope-assisted gamengiri that knocks him back. King Cure then springboards to the top rope and throws out a diving side kick, only for Envi to roll out of the way. Cure lands on his feet before his momentum sends him rolling forward. Both grapplers rush back to the center of the ring. The crowd cheers when they both knock each other back with a running forearm strike. Envi and Cure rush back in before knocking each other back with another running forearm strike. They shake off the blow before charging back in. This time, the crowd gasps when they knock each other down with a clothesline.

After a few moments, the crowd cheers when they return to their feet with a kip up. Envi turns around and gets caught with a pelé kick. He then turns Envi away from him, takes control of his back and brings him down with a ripcord sling blade!

Kris Cruise: Look at the athleticism on display from Marlon Cure! He hasn’t lost a step!

Stephy Auger: You sound surprised.

Cure picks up Envi and sets up for an irish whip. The Chief reverses, sending Cure into the corner. As Envi rushes in, Cure goes to catch him with a boot to the face. But Envi is able to grab his foot in time. Cure then lifts up his other leg, places his feet on Envi’s chest and shoves him down to the mat. After Envi rolls back to his feet, he rushes back into the corner to attack when Cure nearly takes his head off with a savate kick! The boos continue as Cure pulls Envi off the mat and lifts him up across his shoulders. He heads towards the side of the ring and is about to lawn dart Envi to the floor! Envi ends up blocking the elimination attempt by reaching out and grabbing onto the top rope with both hands. Cure continues to try and push Envi to the outside until Chase heads over and kicks him in the midsection, forcing him to drop Envi.

Chase sets up for an irish whip when Cure reverses, sending her into the far ropes. When Chase returns, Cure brings her down with a running Spanish Fly! King Cure gets back to his feet before squashing Chase with a standing corkscrew Shooting Star Press! Cure pulls AMC back to her feet, runs and tosses her over the top rope. AMC avoids elimination by wrapping her arms and legs around the top and middle ropes. She then drops to the apron before slipping back into the ring. Across the ring, Voltage is seen with his arms and legs wrapped around the bottom rope. Moss heads over and goes to pull him off the rope, but he hangs on for dear life. Moss then starts to stomp away on Voltage until he lets go of the rope. She then pulls Voltage back to his feet before lifting him across her shoulders with a fireman's carry. The crowd cheers as she tries to dump Voltage to the outside. But the cheers quickly turn to boos when Voltage reaches back and rakes her across the eyes. He then returns the favor by lifting her up across his shoulders with a fireman’s carry. Voltage attempts to dump Moss to the outside. But she blocks by wrapping he arms around the top rope. Mason then heads over, steps out to the apron through the ropes and hits Moss with the Salem Slap before following up with a headbutt. She then grabs Moss by the hair with both hands and pulls down as she tries to help Voltage eliminate her.

Kris Cruise: Mason and Voltage nearly have Moss eliminated! She’s hanging on for dear life!

The crowd gasps as Voltage pushes up, sending Moss over the top rope and down to the apron. Mason then leaps to the floor and tries to rip Moss off the apron. But Moss is quickly able to hook her right leg and arm around the bottom rope. The crowd boos when Mason rakes Moss across the face before delivering clubbing strikes across the body. She once again grabs Moss by the hair with both hands and tries to yank her off the rope. Voltage continues to try and eliminate Moss as he grabs onto the top rope with both hands and tries to nudge her off with his feet.

Kris Cruise: How much longer can Moss hang on for?

The crowd cheers when Envi comes up from behind and hits Voltage with a forearm strike across the back of the head. He grabs Voltage, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. The Chief then makes his way back towards the center of the ring before taking off into the far ropes. Envi picks up speed as he bounces off the ropes. He runs back across the ring before leaping through the ropes and knocking Mason down with a suicide European Uppercut!

Moss slips back inside before slowly pulling herself up using the ropes.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

#28 - The crowd boos when “Wake Me Up” hits the speakers. Jenny Cien makes her way out onto the stage and poses before sauntering down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Jenny Cien is making her FGA debut in the Gold Rush Rumble. Talk about the luck of the draw!

Stephy Auger: #28? You can’t be mad at that!

Cien climbs up onto the apron, gets in the ring and immediately gets in the face of Cure. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as the two start jawing back and forth.

Kris Cruise: We’ve seen these two going back and forth on social media before.

Cure and Cien continue their war of words until a smirk forms. They both then turn, run over and double team Moss against the ropes.

Stephy Auger: YES!

Kris Cruise: What is this?

Stephy Auger: They’re working together! Cure and Cien are working together! Plus they’re attacking Lowri Moss! This is even better!

Kris Cruise: Well, there’s clearly no love lost between Moss and Cien as they’ve crossed paths in HKW Underground.

Stephy Auger: Global. HKW: Global. Get it right.

Moss tries to fight back. But the numbers game is too much for her to overcome! The boos continue as Cure and Cien move Moss into the corner. They proceed to send Moss slumping down in the corner with double mudhole stomps. Cure continues to stomp away on Moss while Cien applies a foot choke. After seven or so seconds, Cien release the choke before reaching down and slapping Moss across the face. The two then each grab Moss by the ankles before yanking her out of the corner. Moss flies through the air before landing back-first in the center of the ring. Cien then hits the ropes, comes back and lands across Moss with a senton. Cien gets back to her feet before dropping another senton across Moss. The boos grow even louder when Cien gives her a third senton for good measure. She then grabs Moss by the hair and pulls her back to her feet. She holds Moss in place as Cure rushes out of the corner before knocking Moss down with a superkick!

Stephy Auger: Cure nearly knocked her head right off! THAT’S how you throw a superkick.

On the outside, Envi sets up for an irish whip when Mason reverses, sending Envi into the ring post! The crowd gasps when Envi smacks face-first into the post before crumbling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Oh no! Envi’s down!

Stephy Auger: He’s down and he looks to be out of it!

Mason rolls back inside and is immediately met with stomps from Bristow. He then brings Mason back to her feet, slams her face-first into the corner and follows up with a trio of knife edge chops. Bristow sets up for an irish whip when Mason reverses, sending Bristow into the far corner. As she runs across the ring to attack, Bristow catches her with a boot to the face. No! Mason stops and catches his foot. She then drags Bristow from out of the corner. After swinging Bristow’s leg away from her, Mason brings him down from behind with the Aenigma (Mason rolls up the opponent into a kneeling position with a schoolboy, where she grabs their head and slams it into the mat)! She then brings Bristow up to his knees before bringing him back down with the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent)!

Kris Cruise: We are getting down to the final two entrants, Stephy. As I look at the field currently in the ring, Mason’s been in there for roughly 22 minutes. Bisley is still in there at 32 minutes. Then there’s Moss, who is clocking in at 52 minutes.

Stephy Auger: But she won’t be in there for much longer!

Another camera cut shows Voltage once again wrapped up around the bottom rope. Voltage tries to remain under the radar. But his plan fails when Bisley makes his way over and starts putting the boots to him! He then reaches down, grabs Voltage’s leg and drags him away. Bisley tries to turn him over into the L'Étoile du Nord (Canadian Maple Leaf), but Voltage uses his free leg to shove Bisley down to the mat. Both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base. Voltage beats Bisley back to his feet and takes advantage by darting over and knocking him down with the Ace of Spades (Shining Wizard)! He then takes Bisley and whips him into the corner. The boos continue as Voltage heads into the corner and catches Bisley with a clothesline in the corner. He goes to follow up with a running bulldog when Bisley shoves Voltage off of him and over towards Chase, who tackles him down with the Walk of Fame (spear)!

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

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

Stephy Auger: There he is! There was a time when Johnny Kar-, excuse me, when John Carmichael referred to himself as a Battle Royal God. Well let me tell you something. He might have dropped Cherry Baum. He might have dropped the Karma moniker. But the nickname still rings true. This man won a Gold Rush Rumble! He was the very first Ironman! No one has been in more Gold Rush Rumbles than him! No one has eliminated more people in the history of the Gold Rush Rumble than him! Coming in at #29? This is Carmichael’s match to lose! This is my pick right here!

Carmichael surveys the participants still in the Rumble as he methodically walks down to the ring. He climbs up onto the apron before stepping in through the ropes. Carmichael reaches down and slowly pulls Bristow back to his feet before clotheslining him over the top rope and to the floor!

(Nate Bristow - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: There goes one!

Mason wastes little time going right after him. She charges in for an attack, only to get thrown down with the Salt of the Earth (tilt-a-whirl over the shoulder powerslam)! The boos continue as Carmichael then grabs Mason by the hair, runs and chucks her over the top rope and to the floor!

(Sara Mason - ELIMINATED)

Stephy Auger: That’s two!

Bisley quickly turns Carmichael around and doubles him over with a rolling solebutt. After knocking Carmichael upright with a knee lift, he pushes the 2017 Gold Rush Rumble winner against the ropes and delivers the Minnesota Buzzsaw. He then pulls Carmichael off the ropes and motions for an irish whip, only for Carmichael to reverse. When Bisley returns, Carmichael throws him down with authority with Life's A Bitch (pop up sitdown powerbomb)! Carmichael pulls Bisley back up, grabs him by the back of the neck, runs and chucks him over the top rope and to the floor!

(Mark Bisley - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Three quick eliminations for John Carmichael!

Stephy Auger: What did I tell you, Cruise? What did I tell you? He’s elimination guys right and left! He eliminated that pest Izzy Anders from Rumble competition after hitting her over the head with another steel chair shot. This is his match to lose!

Carmichael is quickly attacked from behind by both Cure and Cien. They then take Carmichael and whip him into the far ropes. They set up for a double back body drop. But Carmichael wisely hangs onto the ropes. Cien then stands up and rushes over to attack. Carmichael counters her attack with a drop toe hold that drops her down across the middle rope. Carmichael gets back to his feet and runs over to attack last year’s Rumble winner. King Cure tries to take his head off with a savate kick, but Carmichael ducks, quickly gains control of Cure’s back and brings him down with the Tahara (full nelson slam over the knee)! Carmichael then runs back across the ring before blasting Cien with the 718 (with an opponent lying on the ropes, Carmichael runs in and swings a knee through the ropes to knee them in the head)!

Stephy Auger: Carmichael’s dialing it up!

Carmichael goes to further attack Cien when Voltage comes out of the corner and knocks him down to a knee with a running lariat across the back of the neck. He then pulls Carmichael back to his feet and goes for a German Suplex when he gets countered with a low blow.

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Stephy Auger: It’s all legal, too!

Voltage remains doubled over until Carmichael throws him down with a double underhook suplex. Carmichael gets back to his feet, turns around and does a double take as Chase leaps off the top rope with It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s a Chase (high crossbody)! The crowd boos when Carmichael catches her in mid air before bringing her down with the Fresh Meadow (swinging rib breaker)!

Kris Cruise: Chase gets brought down!

Stephy Auger: Cruise, it’s over. It’s all over! John Carmichael is running through this match, JUST LIKE I PREDICTED HE WOULD THIS ENTIRE TIME!

The crowd cheers when Moss turns Carmichael around and hits him with three European Uppercuts. She then takes Carmichael and whips him into the corner. Moss rushes in to attack until Carmichael turns her around with a boot to the face. The crowd boos when Carmichael hurls Moss into the turnbuckles with a half nelson suplex!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord!

Stephy Auger: There you go!

Carmichael quickly rolls to the outside. He then charges down ringside before turning Envi inside out with a lariat!

“BOOOOOOOOO!!”

The boos continue as Carmichael takes Envi, runs and chucks him head-first into the ring steps! Carmichael then takes Envi and slams him face-first into the steel steps three times before slamming him face-first into the ring post! Envi is quickly hooked from behind before being thrown down with a half nelson suplex on the floor!

Kris Cruise: There’s clearly no love lost between John Carmichael and Evan Envi. Carmichael hasn’t forgotten the beat downs that The Good Guys gave him. He hasn’t forgotten about the hell that Evan Envi used to put him do.

Stephy Auger: It’s too late to beg for forgiveness now, Evan!

Carmichael rolls back into the ring. The crowd erupts with boos as he circles the ring while pointing at his chest with his index finger.

"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!"

*BUZZER SOUNDS*

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

Stephy Auger: What? No. No! NO!

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

As the colors play, the beats becomes harsher and invites Izzy Anders onto the stage.

Kris Cruise: IT’S IZZY ANDERS! IZZY’S HERE! THE MINDKILLER IS HERE!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Carmichael quickly rolls to the outside. He marches down the ringside area, grabs Aldridge and throws him out of his chair before snatching it up for himself.

Kris Cruise: Look at Carmichael. He’s gone and found himself another chair!

Stephy Auger: Izzy clearly hasn’t learned her lesson. Every time she gets near Carmichael recently, a steel chair magically finds it way across her head!

The Mindkiller doesn’t dance to the beat as she normally does. Instead, she stares daggers at Carmichael from the stage. She then charges down to the ring.

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s going right after him!

As soon as Anders slides into the ring and gets up, Carmichael launches the chair at her head! This time, Anders ducks the chair before tackling him down to the mat! The crowd explodes with cheers as Anders mounts herself on top of Carmichael before raining down right hands to the face! The cheers turn to boos when Carmichael rolls over on top of Anders before returning the favor with right hands of his own. Anders then rolls back over before gouging Carmichaels’ eyes!

Anders pulls Carmichael back to his feet. She quickly pulls him into a front facelock to set up the Three Enemigos (three rolling DDTs). Before she can drop Carmichael, he grabs a hold of her, runs forward and rams her back-first into the corner. The boos continues as he doubles Anders over with multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then takes several steps back before running forward and knocking Anders upright with a Mr Wrestling II Knee Lift. Carmichael pulls Anders out of the corner and doubles her over with two punches to the gut. He follows up with a European Uppercut that knocks Anders down. Carmichael grabs Anders by the hair and yanks her back to her feet. After a kick to the midsection doubles Anders over, he pulls her into a front facelock. Carmichael motions for a snap DDT when Anders grabs his wrist, spins out of the front facelock and counters with a double knee armbreaker!

The Mindkiller grabs Carmichael, hammerlocks his left arm, runs towards the corner and throws him shoulder-first into the corner! The cheers continue as she takes Carmichael, runs back across the ring and throws him shoulder-first into the ring post!

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s trying to take out that arm!

Anders pulls Carmichael away from the turnbuckle and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Carmichael around, Anders slaps the taste out of his mouth with a Stockton Slap! Carmichael tries to knock her head off with a wild haymaker. Anders is easily able to duck and responds by spitting right in his face!

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Stephy Auger: The disrespect!

The Mindkiller follows up by knocking Carmichael’s head from side to side with MUDA MUDA MUDA (machinegun punches)! Anders continues her violent flurry of punches as Carmichael slumps down in the corner. Carmichael’s down in the seated position in the corner. But Anders doesn’t let up. The Mindkiller continues to fire off punch after punch until her knuckles turn bloody. The blood is revealed to be coming from Carmichael’s nose and mouth!

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s like a woman possessed!

Anders hasn’t slowed down as she’s determined to put her fists through Carmichael’s face! The Mindkiller continues her barrage of punches until Voltage grabs her from behind. The boos continue as he hoists Anders up for a belly to back suplex. But Anders is able to roll over his shoulder and land on her feet. When Voltage turns around, Anders runs over and blatantly kicks him below the belt!

Voltage howls out in pain before crumbling to the mat. The Mindkiller then does a double take as Carmichael charges out of the corner and throws out a lariat. Anders ducks before nailing him with a forearm strike. Another forearm knocks Carmichael back. After a roundhouse kick rocks Carmichael, Anders turns and hits the ropes. But unbeknownst to her, Carmichael is right behind her! As soon as Anders hits the ropes, Carmichael catches her with a running European Uppercut. Carmichael then runs across the ring. As soon as he hits the ropes, Anders returns the favor with a running European Uppercut of her own! Anders hits the far ropes. The crowd cheers as she charges back across the ring and delivers a wild clothesline, sending both her and Carmichael over the top rope and to the floor!

(John Carmichael - ELIMINATED, Izzy Anders - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Izzy just took out Carmichael… and herself!

The Mindkiller picks up Carmichael, runs down the ringside area and tosses him over the guardrail and into the crowd! Anders tries to go after Carmichael, but the refs at ringside pull her off the guardrail! Anders continues to fight to get to Carmichael, but the officials continue to keep Anders at bay. While Anders is still being held back by the refs, Carmichael takes one of the chair, closes it shut and flings it at Anders, cracking her right in the face!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The boos continue as Anders falls to the ground while Carmichael escapes to the back.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael’s running for his life!

Stephy Auger: He is not! That devil tried to attack him after he had already been eliminated!

Back inside the ring, Voltage goes for a vertical suplex when Chase slips down from behind. When Voltage turns around, the crowd cheers when Chase knocks him into the ropes with a superkick! After a kick to the midsection doubles Voltage over, Chase pulls him into a standing headscissors. She positions Voltage for the Name Dropper (Pedigree) when Voltage breaks the double underhooks and counters with a back body drop, sending Chase over the top rope and to the floor!

(Ashley Marie Chase - ELIMINATED)

Across the ring, Cure and Cien once again double team Moss in the corner. They then each grab a leg before attempting to dump Moss over the top rope! Moss tries to hang on for dear life! But she’s getting closer and closer to being pushed over the top rope! Cure and Cien continue to fight for the elimination when Voltage comes up from behind, grabs Cien and pushes her up. The momentum sends both Cien and Moss over the top rope. Moss is able to hang onto the rope as she hits the apron while Cien hits the floor!

(Jenny Cien - ELIMINATED)

Cure turns around and knocks Voltage back with multiple knife edge chops. He sets up for an irish whip when Voltage reverses, sending Cure into the far ropes. When Cure returns, he sees Voltage setting up for a back body drop. So he hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Cure returns, he throws out a running yakuza kick. Voltage catches his foot, swings his leg away from him, grabs him from behind, runs and throws him over the top rope!

The crowd gasps as Cure hangs from the top rope with both hands. Cure is seen kicking his feet before regaining his composure. As Voltage heads over to knock him off, Cure pulls himself up and wrap his legs around Voltage’s neck.!The crowd cheers as Cure tries to pull him over the top rope and to the floor!

The chers grow louder as Cure is getting closer and closer to eliminating Voltage! Voltage then reaches through the ropes and hit Cure. Voltage gets his feet back down on the mat, unwraps Cure’s legs from around his neck and pushes him down. Cure once again dangles from the top rope. Voltage reaches over and starts hitting Cure with clubbing strikes to the face. He then starts delivering clubbing strikes to Cure’s right hand before leaning forward and biting his fingers!

Voltage continues to bite Cure’s fingers until he lets go. Cure is only hanging onto the top rope with his left hand! With Cure helpless, Voltage turns and takes off into the far ropes. Voltage picks up speed as he bounces off the ropes. The Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion runs across the ring and goes to knock Cure off the rope with a baseball slide to the back. At the last second, Cure grabs the top rope with his right hand and “skins the cat!” Voltage’s momentum sends him sliding to the outside. He climbs back up onto the apron and gets caught with a savate kick. Cure goes to bring Voltage back inside with a vertical suplex when Voltage slips down from behind before throwing him down with three rolling German Suplexes! The boos continues as Voltage ducks the Breuddwydion Melus from Moss before throwing her down with three rolling German Suplexes! Voltage looks over and sees Envi slowly pulling himself back up to the apron. The Mid-Atlantic Champion runs over and blasts him with a right hand before bringing him back inside with a vertical suplex. Voltage pulls Envi back to his feet, lifts him up and plants him with a Cradle DDT! After Envi gets whipped into the corner, Voltage rushes in and throws out Thunderstruck (Helluva Kick)! At the last second, Envi catches his foot. He then shoves Voltage down out of the corner. As Voltage rolls back to his feet, Envi runs out of the corner and throws out a bicycle kick. But it gets caught! The crowd boos as Voltage wags his finger at Envi. He then swings Envi’s leg away from him before bringing him down with two rolling German Suplexes! Voltage goes for a third suplex when Envi counters with a back elbow to the face. After performing a standing switch, the Chief grabs Voltage, runs and tosses him over the top rope to the floor!

(Ace Voltage - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Ace’s night is done!

Stephy Auger: NOOOOO!

Envi steps away from the ropes before being brought down with a poisoned frankensteiner from Cure!

Stephy Auger: There you go!

While a dazed Envi sits on his knees, Cure grabs him by the wrists before blasting him with the Coming of Age (Kamigoye)!

Kris Cruise: Envi got clobbered with that knee!

King Cure heads over, grabs a hold of Moss and goes for an irish whip. Moss reverses, sending Cure into the ropes. As soon as Cure hits the ropes, he leaps across the ring and knocks her down with a flying forearm bash. Cure remains on his back before returning to his feet with a kip up. He then leans forward before standing up and throwing his arms out wide. Cure keeps the pose held as the camera quickly zooms out.

Stephy Auger: Cure’s got all the momentum!

The boos continue as pulls Moss back to her feet before lifting her up across his shoulders. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Cure’s got Moss set up for The Blackout (fireman’s carry into an overhead kick)! Cure motions for his finisher when Moss catches him with an elbow to the side of the head. Another elbow connects. Moss starts firing off rapid elbows before slipping down from behind. She then goes for a German Suplex when Cure rotates in the air and lands on his feet. As Moss gets back to a vertical base, Cure runs over and throws out a Rolling Elbow. The crowd gasps when Moss ducks the elbow before countering with a release Tiger Suplex!

As Cure slowly picks himself up off the mat, Envi and Moss look over at each other. They then nod before running over and delivering a double clothesline, sending Cure over the top rope and to the floor!

(Marlon Cure - ELIMINATED)

Kris Cruise: Cure’s gone!

Stephy Auger: This wasn't supposed to happen!

[FGA Office]

Envi and Moss look at each other before taking several steps back.

Kris Cruise: It’s down to Evan Envi and Lowri Moss! Envi’s trying to get back to the top of FGA! Lowri Moss is trying to continue her ascent with a Rumble win after lasting for 63 minutes!

Stephy Auger:

Envi and Moss have a few words for one another. They nod before catching each other with a forearm strike! The cheers continue when they catch each other with another forearm strike. Envi hits Moss with a forearm strike. Moss answers back with a forearm of her own. Envi nails Moss with another forearm strike. Moss answers back with a forearm of her own. Envi fires off two forearm strikes. Moss answers back with a European Uppercut. Envi fires off two more forearm trikes. Moss answers back with a European Uppercut. Envi motions for another pair of forearms when Moss cuts him off with a European Uppercut.

Moss hits Envi with another European Uppercut!

… and another!

… and another!

… and another!

… and another!

The crowd cheers when Moss steps back and throws out Breuddwydion Melus! Envi ducks the superkick before catching Moss when she turns around. The Chief hoists Moss up before throwing her down with a Ura-nage! With Moss sprawled out on the mat, Envi quickly runs across the ring before slingshotting himself out onto the apron. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as they quickly recognize what Envi’s got her set up for.

Kris Cruise: This could be it right here!

Envi looks around before throwing up his trademark “Double Vs” presidential pose. He then grabs the top rope with both hands…









… flips off for the top rope for the Helter Skelter (Long-range Springboard 450)...










… and land down hard across Moss’ knees!



Stephy Auger: Lowri got her knees up!

Envi bounces off Moss’ knees before rolling across the mat. Moss gets back to her feet, picks up Envi, moves him into the corner and unleashes the Scarlet Barrage! From there, Moss hits the ropes before coming back and sending him slumping down in the corner with Just for Kicks (Running big boot to a cornered opponent followed by a running Facewash)! The cheers continue as she pulls Envi back to his feet before whipping him hard into far corner. As Envi staggers out of the corner, Moss runs across the ring to attack when he turns her inside out with the Kapowski Kick (Quick, standing spinning heel kick to an oncoming opponent)! Envi pulls Moss back up, moves her into the corner and nails her with a European Uppercut, followed by a knife edge chop.

“WOO!”

Envi delivers another European Uppercut, followed by a knife edge chop!

“WOO!”

The crowd cheers as Envi nails Moss with rapid, multiple European Uppercuts and knife edge chops interchangeably (with the crowd “WOO”ing after each strike)! Envi pulls Moss out of the corner before sending her for the ride. When she returns, Envi hoists her up for a pop-up forearm strike when Moss counters with a dropsault right to the face!

Envi turns over to his knee before Moss heads over and knocks him down with a Shining Wizard! Moss then pulls Envi into a standing headscissors. She motions for a cradle piledriver when Envi grabs her legs before standing up. The Chief carries her across the ring before heading towards the corner and throwing her into the turnbuckles with an Alabama Slam!

Envi steps out to the apron before coming back inside with a slingshot corner dropkick right to the face! The Chief executes a back roll before getting back to his feet, running back into the corner and nailing Moss with a hesitation dropkick right to to the face! The cheers continue as Envi pulls Moss back to her feet, delivers an irish whip, follows her across the ring and connects with a running European Uppercut. Envi follows up with a discus roundhouse kick to the head before pulling Moss out of the corner. Moss gets doubled over with a boot to the midsection before being planted with The Blues (Snap Double Arm DDT)!

Kris Cruise: Lowri’s down! Lowri’s down! Is Evan Envi moments away from winning the Gold Rush Rumble!?

Envi picks up Moss before pointing to the far ropes. After hearing the cheers from the crowd, Envi runs across the ring…






… and chucks Moss over the top rope! Cheers are heard as the Chief turns and poses with the presidential Double Vs as he heads back towards the center of the ring. A few seconds pass when Envi realizes his theme isn’t playing. He turns and sees Moss hanging for dear life from the top rope! As Moss pulls herself back up to the apron, Envi marches over to attack. He goes to knock Moss off the apron when he gets caught with a forearm strike to the face. While Envi stumbles back, Moss heads towards the ring post before climbing the turnbuckles. Once she gets to the top, the crowd cheers when she leaps off and knocks Envi down with a diving crossbody!








… the crowd gasps when Envi rolls through it, pulls back to his feet and scoops her up across his shoulder!

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

Envi turns and positions himself to lawn dart Moss to the outside! Envi then runs towards the far ropes! The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Envi charges towards the far ropes! He motions to launch Moss to the outside when Moss slips down from behind, grabs his leg and dumps him over the top rope, sending him to the floor!

(Evan Envi - ELIMINATED)

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

Kris Cruise: It’s over! It’s over! Lowri’s done it! Lowri Moss has done it!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 2020 Gold Rush Rumble… LOWRI MOSS!

Moss stumbles away from the ropes. She looks around in disbelief as the referee holds her arm up in victory. Once it all starts to sink it, an exhausted Moss drops to her knees before burying her head in her hands.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss eliminated Evan Envi to win the Gold Rush Rumble! She’s going on to All-Star Showdown Nine to challenge for either the World Championship or the International Championship! What a wild night this has been! What a journey this has been for Lowri Moss over the course of this evening! She starts by losing the Pride Championship! Then, Pendragon leave with both sets of Tag Titles! Finally, she finishes the night off with not just the longest time ever in a Rumble at 65 minutes, but with the Rumble win and a guaranteed shot at one of the two top titles at All-Star Showdown Nine! Just tremendous!

Moss slowly gets back to her feet. Tears of joy roll down her face as she limps around the ring with her arm raised in victory. The three-time double champion limps over into the corner. She slowly hoists herself up to the middle ropes before pointing to the Video Tron. The logo for All-Star Showdown IX appears before Moss makes the belt motion around her waist. Moss stands on the ropes as she continues to be met with cheers and applause from the crowd.