Afterburn for Only the Strong Survive

[FGA Office]

Catch up with your favorite FGA grapplers on Afterburn! Get their thoughts on the latest, their opponents, and other backstage happenings right here, only on Frontier+.

[Seth Iser]

It is a different atmosphere in the locker room, some semblance of uncertainty considering the amount of change that seems to be happening involving the championships. It’s empty right now considering some of the work that others have had to do but we finally hear a door swing open and with a slight limp to his step enters a man who just won the big one for the first time in seven years. The white and teal tights still have that sheen but he’s drenched in perspiration, a mild limp is obvious from the discomfort he feels considering the depths he went to in order to get the championship. He has a patch that reeks of icyhot on his neck for all the DDTs, his left hand, a problem area for most of the year, is wrapped up slightly since it seems like his first visit was to go to the trainer’s room for treatment on his knackered body but it seems like the championship is having a numbing effect on his physical pain.

Seth Iser: I...told you so.

There is a mixture of satisfaction and bitterness as he lets that out before he grunts in obvious pain but he turns to the camera with the FGA World Title now over his left shoulder for the moment. He takes a couple of breaths to get needed oxygen into his lungs. He leans down for a second before standing upright.

Seth Iser: I can talk about a lot of things... and I will in due time, but what I can tell everyone with full truth is this: With a tear in my eye, this is...the greatest moment of my professional career. I’ve walked around this world the last couple of years stating that I am the greatest mind of all of professional wrestling. The only way I can fully prove that is to do what I’ve stated I was going to do the moment I lost the Pride title to the now two time champion Tyler Storm...and that’s win the World Championship. And this, the FGA World Title!

He raises it toward the camera and taps the centerplate twice as he can’t help himself but he places it back on his burly shoulder to continue on with his speech.

Seth Iser: This is the most important belt in our company, no disrespect to the performance Savannah and Cordy put on, and I needed it. I needed to beat Fujiko Mine, the woman who held the title for over a year. And the only way I can ever one hundred percent back up the fact that I am who I’ve always said that I am is to win THIS championship! And I said by the end of 2020, I’d be the man! I don’t speak just to hear myself talk. Never have, never will. But for the first time in seven years...I have it. And Allison is going to be happy that her papa finally did it! Rebecca is going to be thrilled that I’ve finally made it to the top of the mountain!

He pauses as he nods to himself, a peaceful smile etched on his face knowing he got there. He does wipe away from his eye as a tear genuinely was there.

Seth Iser: I ain’t lost all the sands in the hourglass yet. I know that for a fact. And this was my opening act...to dethrone someone who held the title for over four hundred days to get here. Someone who hasn’t been pinned in the middle of the ring in over a year. The people might not have liked some of the things I did in that ring...but it got the job done! They can boo and hate the personality but they have to respect the cunning it took to set it all up. It was all part of a plan to leave her open to the one shot NOBODY can get up from. I knew the DDTs wouldn’t be enough as much as I would’ve loved them to be. Fujiko’s too tough for that. Too good. The margin of error for even someone like me is slim. Just like with Lowri quite frankly...just like the planning to get what I wanted with Neal...I needed more. I needed that one little extra thing. Hell, in this case it was two. The wound over Fujiko's eye. It was a cumulative effect that constantly stung and slowed her down enough. And the DDTs were all for one thing...the Black Magic. My literal best shot. And the move that brought me the World Title twice before...finally brings it back home for me after seven long years.

And then after he breathes that sigh of relief the smile slowly starts to vanish...the business like stare is starting to come back toward him after he let himself have this.

Seth Iser: And this is what everyone has to go through in order to make their wildest dreams come true...the GREATEST mind of all of professional wrestling. And one of the greatest in the game today. The Mauler from Morgantown West Virginia...Seth Iser. That’s who is waiting for anyone who wants to come to the top of the mountain.

He then glances around the locker room for a moment as he taps the FGA World Title over his shoulder one more time.

Seth Iser: And I know damn well everyone else watched what I did as well. It means the target that was already on my back...it’s larger than ever. It might make what Lowri decides to do a little more interesting since she and everyone here knows how close she was to beating me in the Wildcard Tournament. And that’s not a wrestler telling a tale, that’s me speaking the truth. So she has incentive to come after me if that comes. She also has incentive to go after Cordy because...well...who the hell wouldn’t want to see that wrestling match from a purist perspective?

He asks that question before he takes a breath and leaves that hang for a second but he powers forward with what he is saying.

Seth Iser: But from Fujiko Mine...to Izzy Anders, to Savannah Taylor to John Carmichael, to Lowri Moss and Neal Durden...to Ashlyn De Luca...to Tyler Storm...to Mark Bisley...to Ace Voltage...and everyone in between...NOW it’s Seth Iser! And not only do you have to pay homage to the man...but everyone in the back knows what I did to gain the privilege of being the WORLD champion. And It's going to have to take a great wrestler...wrestling the perfect match to defeat me to win the honor of being the best. Good luck to you all...each and every one of you will need it.

And with that conclusion the grizzled veteran and now new world champion hobbles off to go finally have his shower and head out of town with the new weight of being the World Champion pressed on his monstrous shoulders.

[AshCandor]

From a park bench outside the arena immediately after Only The Strong Survive, the smiling devilish visage of Salem is seen illuminated in a phone video.

Salem: Mmmm, FGA was it as good for you as it was for me? I mean, I’m pretty elated at this very moment. And now I know I’ll get sooo many questions, questions, questions. ‘Why didn’t you do this? Why did you do that?’ It’s simple really, I do what I want. And this deserves a toast, a happy welcome back to me!

She tips back an ice filled glass of what appears to be a White Russian.

Salem: You see, as I was watching from my comfy vantage point I couldn’t help but notice Angela Jameson about to interject herself into Cordy and Savvy Tay-Tay’s match. I said to myself, well we certainly have a nice mix of Kahlua and cream in the ring shaking it up as it is. We don’t need any Irish whiskey to foul up that recipe. Cheers!

She takes another swig, adjusting her leather jacket and sunglasses.

Salem: Like a death row inmate pardoned at the eleventh hour for a stay of execution, Savvy didn’t get the chair! Sorry Angie, hope you enjoyed the elbow macaroni. Oh to sleep, perchance to dream. The great thing is this wasn’t even a nefarious plot on my end, regardless of my checkered history with Savannah. In the heat of the moment, I just couldn’t take no more.

She shrugged then in an ‘aw shucks’ manner.

Salem: You could call it evening the playing field if you want. Maybe it wasn’t even from the start? Why else would it potentially need to be a two-on-one? Guess we’ll never know. The thing is, the landscape changed. I can shift the sands in the hourglass, and I can move mountains. If you were distracted by me, all I can say is I’m more than just a distraction. Like the song says, I’m something like a phenomena. I’m gone for a year and here I come back, I heat up like Vinnie Johnson for the Pistons circa 1989. The Microwave. I’m off the bench and I’m about to blow up.

She pulls her hands apart and puffs out her cheeks simulating an explosion.

Salem: Maybe Cordy didn’t need any help. She certainly didn’t ask for any. I told her ‘you’re welcome’ with absolute sincerity and I don’t expect anything in return. As for me, I’ve never needed any favors to get where I’ve gotten. But I’ve also never been that patient, for better or worse. Success happens when preparation meets opportunity. As of this moment I’m more prepared than MacGyver by way of a Marine. Opportunity will either be given or taken, but for sure it will never be missed by me again. And yet I will still pick my spots.

She chuckled lightly.

Salem: Just please don’t step to me unless you’ve got those true Thor Odinson or Steve Rogers feels in your chest. I swing all this swagger like a big ol’ hammer, and I’ll decide if you’re worthy of my time. I’ve already dealt with my own personal Surtur, don’t make me crush your expectations like Hela. Ragnarok? Right now it’s time to rock. It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.

She snarled and then winked.

Salem: Tag, you’re not it. Genuine. Authentic. Forever. ‘Tis the Season.

[Ashley Marie Chase]

After the 2020 Gold Rush Rumble had completed we find Ashley Marie Chase walking around backstage with her new FGA 15 Championship draped over her shoulder when she is approached by the FGA Camera Dude

Camera Dude: So Ashley you did not win the Rumble but you did win the FGA 15 Championship. How would you rate your night?

AMC chuckles but is all smiles tonight

AMC: How would i rate my night? It is a 5 star night and nothing can change that i assure you. It may be true that I did not win the Rumble as I had planned and I may have been in the final 6 which is worse than last year but it's all good. Lowri Moss deserved that win tonight and I am happy for her so congratulations Lowri and good luck in your future title match.

AMC starts patting the FGA 15 title that is on her shoulder

AMC: The fact is as much as i wanted to win the Rumble my main focus tonight was taking this title from that jackass Mark Bisley and that is exactly what i did. He thinks he is so smart and that he controls the narrative well guess what Markie you don't control shit because you can’t break up that which is unbreakable and that is what AAA is.

As if on cue a smiling Ashley Sands walks into frame. AMC puts her arm around Sands and pulls her into a hug and kisses her on the side of the head.

AMC: If this girl wasn’t married I would totally give her all the kisses right now for what she pulled off tonight.

Ashley Sands starts laughing and shaking her head at the flirty comments of her friend as she fixes the baseball cap backwards on her head.

AMC: Did you really think you could corrupt my bestie? Ashley Sands is the most loyal person I know and there is no way she was siding with the asshole Bisley. Kind of makes you wonder who was playing who huh Markie.

Ashley Sands: You know, as long as I’ve been doing this, there’s something that keeps on repeating. People like you just don’t get it. Most people work with others out of totally selfish reasons. Leverage to get a bigger contract from a company, cheating to some advantage or just because they think they’d look cool with other people.

Sands pauses as she looks at Chase, motioning from herself to the other.

Ashley Sands: But this… this ain’t like any of that. And until you get that message, you’ll always be a step behind. Often imitated, never duplicated… AAA.

At the end of her statement, Sands holds four fingers pointing down, the four outstretched digits making a framework of three A’s connected.

Ashley Sands: Speaking of… where’s my sister from another mister? It’s not a party without the third A.

AMC looks around for her

AMC: Not sure. Thought she was with you since you both were eliminated so fast.

Sands punches AMC in the arm

Ashley Sands: Look at you trying to be funny again.

AMC laughs and hugs Sands again

AMC: Kidding, kidding. Actually i don't know where Ant is but I bet she has food since she always has food. Ooh maybe she is getting my celebration ready Sully.

Ashley Sands: You don’t exactly know the words “social distancing” do you, girl? Celebrate tonight, tomorrow starts the next stage of your fight. Winning that thing is one thing, holding onto it is something else entirely. Believe me I know.

AMC gives Sully some space

AMC: My bad. Anyway like you said Celebrate tonight so lets go get our third “A” and celebrate like 2020 is finally over and then we can get started on the next phase of the AAA takeover of FGA!

Both Sands and AMC hold four fingers pointing down, the four outstretched digits making a framework of three A’s connected before taking their leave.

[bbbaseball96]

This was filmed after the Only the Strong Survive Pay-Per-View concluded 

We see the camera fades into a hallway with a blurry figure standing at the end. The cameraman jogs a little faster to catch up to that figure and when the camera comes into focus we see that it is Ace Voltage, still in his gear after being eliminated from the rumble. As the camera gets closer we see him standing, texting, with his belt on a container next to him.

Cameraman: Hey Ace! Any words on tonight before you head out?

Ace lets out a big sigh and puts his phone down next to his belt.

Ace Voltage: Thoughts on tonight, mate? Well right now I’m a little pissed off. That rumble win should’ve been mine! But, I will give a congrats to Lowri Moss as she deserved that win, if I did not. It was my first Gold Rush Rumble and I was lucky enough to get a good draw at 24, but could not capitalize.

Ace turns around and grabs his Mid-Atlantic Legacy belt and throws it around his shoulder.

Ace Voltage: But, let’s not talk about that. Let’s talk about the only thing that really matters around here! Once again I proved to everyone that I am the BEST champion in this company. Once again I overcame adversary and took out that stupid Funky Dragon just like I said I would. What I did do tonight, like I said I would, is bring the deserved respect to my name. I and ALL the champions in FGA need respect, we deserve it! Although, not everyone can be champion material… sucks to suck Fujiko.

Ace laughs to himself.

Ace Voltage: So now the real question is, what undeserving idiot is FGA management going to feed me next? Who will step up and try to dethrone the champ? But really, in all actuality, it does not matter. I have overcome every challenge that has come my way. Whoever wants this title will have to take it from my cold dead hands.

Ace places the title on the container again.

Ace Voltage: Zoom in a bit, mate. I want everyone to see this.

Ace moves closer to the camera and has a more serious look on his face.

Ace Voltage: Rumble winner or not, I am the BEST performer in this company and I earned my respect. When I stepped foot into this company, I said I would be the future of FGA. And now look at us. I am the present of FGA. I am the top guy in FGA. I don’t care what Seth Iser or Cordy Stevenson have to say. I am THE Main Event of FGA. I am the BEST this company has to offer. Soon enough, everyone will see that.

Ace turns around and puts his title around his waist. He grabs his phone and pushes the camera out of his way as the screen goes to black.

[The Mason]

We fade into the open area of the Melrose Ballroom’s enclosed parking lot. The shot lingers on the Saturnian Connection, both seated along the opened cargo door of a 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon. Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter is shirtless, hair strewn in every which direction, with the La-Croix-colored “Camp Sadie” shirt balled up in his hands, having evidently been used as a rag to mop up sweat. Jillian Clay sits next to Nando, one leg hugged to her chest, chin resting on her knee. While Nando looks dejected, Jill’s clay is focused on an approaching figure.

To the side of the camera we hear footsteps. First rapid, and then gradually slower until finally, Sadie San Francisco bursts into frame. She allows the United States Title that had been just barely hanging from her shoulder to slide down into her hand. For a moment, it looks like she’s going to launch the belt toward the Saturnian Connection. Jillian visibly flinches, but Sadie remains still, pointing a finger toward Jill, then Nando.

Sadie San Francisco: Do I even have to say it?

The champion’s voice is audibly shaky. Jillian’s voice conveys one of guilt. Angst. Dread. Her lips curl into a pout and she looks down, eyes immediately beginning to glisten.

Jillian Clay: But you said--

Sadie San Francisco: I said have my back! Fully and unconditionally.

Nando Fresno: ...once you got into the ring.

Sadie San Francisco: Onc-- what?

Sadie’s look reflects both exhaustion and annoyance. Nando shrugs, however, continuing in a calm tone.

Nando Fresno: You told us that we had to be with you, and “fully with you” once Nina Stokes got into the ring with us. But she didn’t. Not at first. You didn’t. You never got into the ring with us at the same time.

Sadie is silent. She stares at Nando in what Jillian Clay can only assume is anger. Clay looks between her two friends, growing steadily more anxious.

Nando Fresno: I dunno. Maybe we would’ve been a little more vigilant if you weren’t so tuned into yourself.

Sadie San Francisco: Tuned into m--, what the hell does that mean?! We were supposed to be a team out there. We would’ve all been better off up until the very end of the Rumble if we had stuck to that-- if you guys had helped me instead of just…

She lowers her voice, stepping closer to the pair to avoid having to project.

Sadie San Francisco: ...instead of just standing there while Nina attacked me. If it was one of you guys in my place, I would’ve taken some initiative.

Nando blinks. He responds dryly.

Nando Fresno: That’s a very believable remark.

Sadie scoffs, shaking her head at Nando. She looks toward Jill for support.

Sadie San Francisco: Jill. We cannot do this. We needed each other out there. We still do. We are so much stronger together. We just-- OW!

Sadie yelps as she instinctively reaches up to adjust the United States Title, but moving it just the slightest bit sends a pain shooting through her arm. The belt falls to the ground and Sadie hunches over, biting her lip from the pain.

Jillian Clay: Sadie!

Jill jumps to her feet, rushing to the champion’s side. Nando stands up, but he’s not as quick as his partner, though he eyes Sadie with concern.

Nando Fresno: ...trainer should still be inside. Want me to go grab him again?

The alien hunter keeps his distance, watching as Jillian helps Sadie to her feet… before bending down to pick up the United States Title. Sadie doesn’t make an immediate grab for it, but seems rather content in letting Jillian hold it-- silently noted by Nando, whose eyes narrow ever so slightly.

Sadie San Francisco: I’ll be alright. I’m gonna follow up with him between now and the next show. I just gotta remember to keep some ice on this tonight.

Nando Fresno: Hm.

Sadie and Jill’s heads turn toward the left as somebody audibly approaches. The camera follows slightly to reveal Amanda Johnson, who doesn’t come bearing a microphone, but still wears a curious expression.

Amanda Johnson: I thought you guys might have left already.

The interviewer’s eyes dart toward Sadie’s arm, visibly held against her torso with her free hand.

Amanda Johnson: Sadie, I want to get into tonight’s events, but I have to ask how your arm is feeling right now. We all saw that--

Sadie San Francisco: --successful United States Title defense against Sydney Christnenen, right? We all saw that. With no chance to prepare, I took on a true champion-- one of HELL’s most impressive wrestlers. She surprised me over and over in the match, but I was still better at every step. And now, the name Sydney Christensen is gonna be on everyone’s lips, just like TJ Techniques is. And you’re welcome. They’re welcome.

Amanda nods.

Amanda Johnson: I do want to take the time and acknowledge that successful defense. Congratulations, because Sydney was a hell of a test, and you did put on a phenomenal performance. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t try to get a word from you… about the brutal altercation between you and Nina Sto--

Sadie San Francisco: Altercation? That wasn’t an “altercation.” That was cheap. Those were a coward’s moves. That was somebody that can’t handle their role-- their position on this roster--- lashing out at someone that does. Ow.

Amanda Johnson: And perhaps to your credit, you ran back out there and confronted her… only to be eliminated from this year’s Gold Rush Rumble. I have to imagine you want some sort of reven--

Sadie San Francisco: I do. I do want revenge. I want her to be held accountable.

Nando Fresno: By you, right?

Sadie doesn’t fully turn her head toward Nando, but she can see him still standing in front of the open door of the van. Amanda arches her brows, indicating that the alien hunter poses a good question.

Sadie San Francisco: Yeah… yes.

Amanda Johnson: So you want to face Nina Stokes in the ring?

Sadie San Francisco: I--

Sadie inhales deeply.

Sadie San Francisco: I’m not saying she deserves anything. But, like, I mean-- if I had the chance to make her pay for what she cost me tonight, I’d jump on it.

Nando Fresno: In a match, right? In a title match to shut her up. Right?

Sadie clenches her jaw, starting to turn toward Nando-- but stopping herself. She turns to Amanda instead.

Sadie San Francisco: I don’t wanna cut this short, but I need to get back to the hotel. I need to get some ice and...it’s getting hard to think straight.

The champion turns toward Clay.

Sadie San Francisco: Think you can drive? My arm is just…

Jillian Clay: Of course!

Sadie gives her friend a thankful smile and Clay quickly transfers Sadie’s belongings into the backseat while the champion gives Amanda a tired look.

Sadie San Francisco: We’ll finish this next time.

Amanda Johnson: Oh. Alright then.

The interviewer isn’t left with much choice but to watch as Clay enters the driver’s seat and Sadie entirely circumnavigates Amanda to enter the passenger seat of her rental. Nando shrugs his shoulders.

Nando Fresno: Uh. Alright, that’s cool. I’ll drive back by myself.

Jillian smiles brightly and waves her fingers at the alien hunter in response before she turns the ignition and pulls the car out of its space at Sadie’s behest-- causing Amanda to take a single, avoidant step back. Nando and Amanda watch in silence for a few seconds as Jillian and Sadie depart, until the sound of the car’s engine fades. Amanda turns toward Nando with the smallest hint of a smirk.

Amanda Johnson: Think we can expect some better cohesion between the embers of ‘Satconcisco’ in the future?

Nando side-eyes Amanda, though he does have to suppress an amused half-smile at the interviewer’s sarcasm. Amanda shrugs in spite of herself. Nando sighs and walks out of frame, back toward the SatCon research van as the scene fades.

[David]

Shortly after Only the Strong Survive has gone off the air, the winner of the 2020 Gold Rush Rumble, Lowri Moss, is seen backstage at the Melrose Ballroom, having just passed through the Gorilla position. Still walking with a limp, the toll that the night's events have taken on her is evident, her hair moist with sweat and her cheeks reddened, a result of the exertion of competing in three lengthy matches in one night. In spite of how she feels physically though, that is very much offset by how elated she is at what she has just accomplished in the Rumble, with her face bearing a broad smile that is likely to be present for some time to come, while she has mascara smudges under her eyes from the tears of joy that she shed following her victory. Lowri continues to gingerly make her way back towards the locker rooms, when she is accosted by Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Hey, Lowri! Congratulations!

Lowri slows to a stop, to talk to the reporter.

Lowri Moss: Thanks, Jessie. I’m-

There is a momentary silence, as Lowri struggles to put her thoughts and her emotions into words.

Lowri Moss: I’m lost for words, I don’t know what to say. I’m just, I… I’m just so, so happy right now.

Jessie Pederson: Well, seeing you now, and how happy you are, it’s certainly a far cry from how you were when I spoke to you after your only previous appearance in the Gold Rush Rumble, three years ago.

Lowri Moss: Oh, I know, it’s like night and day. I still remember how disappointed I was at the time, annoyed even. It was only my fourth match in FGA, my first on pay-per-view, and while I hadn’t expected to win, I had hoped to put in a performance that would mark me out as someone worth keeping an eye on, but of course what happened instead was that I got eliminated almost straight away; thankfully though, I’ve been able to come up with one or two good performances since then.

Typical British understatement from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: After what happened three years ago, I felt like if I was never in another Gold Rush Rumble, it would be too soon, so two years ago at Only the Strong Survive, as well again last year, I was actually glad that because I was already in a championship match on those shows, it meant I wasn’t also included in the Rumble. And I had assumed that would be the case again this year, especially with me being in two title matches this time, which would’ve been perfectly okay with me, but clearly the Championship Committee, or whoever, had other ideas, so then I thought, at least I'll struggle to do any worse than I did three years ago, and well, I wasn’t wrong!

Absolutely not.

Lowri Moss: From entering at number six and being eliminated in under a minute, to entering at number three and lasting for… I don’t know exactly how long it was, but I’m assuming it must’ve been around an hour.

Jessie Pederson: It was sixty-five minutes, that’s how long you were in the match for.

Hearing that statistic causes Lowri to raise her eyebrows.

Lowri Moss: Sixty-five minutes? Is that a new record?

Jessie nods her head.

Jessie Pederson: Yes, you bettered the previous record, which was set last year by Kendall Kingham, by five minutes.

Lowri Moss: From being pretty much irrelevant three years ago, to being the Ironman and the winner this time round - that’s quite a contrast, isn’t it?

Lowri puts a hand out to lean against the wall, taking some of the weight off her injured ankle.

Jessie Pederson: Heading into the Rumble, your aim obviously would’ve been to win it, but when you found out that you had drawn number three, how confident were you about your chances?

Lowri Moss: Once I found out that I was going to be entering the Rumble at number three, I knew if I was going to win it then that would mean me being in the match for nearly all of it, for sixty or… well, sixty-five minutes as it turned out, so knowing how big of an ask that would be, the challenge for me, at least to begin with, kinda became just to see how long I could survive for, rather than whether I could go all the way. But then, as the match went on, the longer I remained in it for, my chances of winning increased, and so did my confidence.

Jessie Pederson: At what point in the match then did you go from just thinking about trying to survive, to thinking you could win it?

Lowri runs her free hand through her hair.

Lowri Moss: I guess it probably would’ve been around the time the match got to the twentieth entrant. I mean, by then I knew that if I was going to make it all the way to the end of the match, that I was over halfway there. I knew I still had a lot of work ahead of me, that was for sure, particularly with people like Izzy, Marlon, Karrr… errr… Carmichael, and Evan yet to enter, but like I said, by then I knew I was closer to the end of the match than I was to the start of it, so yeah, I think that was probably the point when my belief that I could win the Rumble really started to grow.

She then places her hand on her hip, while Jessie proceeds to ask another question.

Jessie Pederson: How much of a help was it to you to have Neal enter the Rumble immediately after you did?

Lowri Moss: Having Neal in there was definitely of benefit to me, I can’t deny that. Battle royals are always unpredictable, Jessie, being in the ring with so many opponents at any one time, not knowing who might be about to attack you and try to throw you over the top rope, so having an ally in there, someone who you can rely upon to watch your back, that can be invaluable. I think he was only in there for something like fifteen or twenty minutes though, around a quarter of the time that I spent in the Rumble, so for the majority of the match, I was doing things on my own.

Following the briefest of pauses, Lowri continues.

Lowri Moss: Perhaps at times I had some good fortune, I’m sure there were occasions when people were left wondering how I had managed to escaped elimination, like when Sloan Talbot threw me over the top rope and I just barely avoided having both of my feet touch the floor. Regardless of whether or not I was lucky at times though, I displayed more resilience and more endurance than anyone else in that match, and qualities like those, as well as others, were what really helped me to reach the end of the Rumble and ultimately win it.

Jessie Pederson: Your prize for winning the Gold Rush Rumble is of course a guaranteed match at All-Star Showdown IX for either the World Championship or the International Heavyweight Championship. Now, I know it was only a matter of minutes ago that you were having your hand raised in victory by the referee, but I have to ask, have you made a decision already as to which title you’re going to challenge for?

Lowri shakes her head.

Lowri Moss: Sorry, Jessie. I’m sure you were hoping you might possibly get a scoop from me, but no, I haven’t made a decision yet. I don’t want to rush into making a decision, it’s something I’ll be thinking over in the days to come, between now and the next episode of Vertigo, but either way I’m going to be challenging for a world title at probably the biggest show of the year, so I think there’s no wrong choice-- although given who my two prospective opponents are, some people might argue that there’s no right choice, either!

She lets out a chuckle.

Lowri Moss: And speaking of my two prospective opponents for All-Star Showdown, I want to say congratulations to Seth on his big win tonight, and congratulations to Cordy on retaining her title. Big kudos to Fujiko as well, who I expect will be gutted right now that her reign has come to an end, but she can look back on her time as World Champion with immense pride, and she’s going to be a tough act for Seth and whoever else - me, potentially - to follow.

Jessie Pederson: It’s clear for everyone to see how much winning the Rumble means to you, but where does this rank amongst the best moments of your career so far?

Lowri Moss: Before now, whenever anyone has asked me what the best moment of my career was, my answer has been either winning the World Cup of Wrestling for Wales, or winning the HKW North American Championship in Cardiff in front of my family, my friends, and several thousands of my compatriots. Now though, tonight as a whole-- winning the Rumble, winning the tag team title unification match-- this is now the best so far.

Taking her hand off her hips, Lowri touches her cheeks, feeling for where her mascara has run.

Lowri Moss: The only other time I’ve cried tears of joy following a match was when I won the North American title, and if I do go on to win at All-Star Showdown I’m sure there’ll be more tears-- and I might possibly then have to change my answer to this question-- but for now at least, I think this is the best night of my career so far.

Jessie Pederson: As you’ve just alluded to, the Gold Rush Rumble wasn’t your only match tonight, so let’s talk briefly about the other two matches that you were in, starting with the tag team title match; with yourself and Neal having been the World Tag Team Champions since May of last year, not to mention having been the inaugural United States Tag Team Champions, and having been the first team to hold both sets of tag titles, how did it feel for the two of you to win that unification match?

Lowri Moss: It felt great, Jessie. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that match was the most difficult challenge that Neal and I have faced as a team, a triple threat against one of the best teams in the world not named Pendragon, and the team that have become probably our greatest rivals, so for the two of us to come out on top, with all of the belts in our possession, yeah, that felt pretty great.

Her half of each of the world tag titles and the United States tag titles are of course currently absent from her person, having chosen not to take them with her when she headed out to the ring for the Rumble.

Lowri Moss: When the announcement came towards the end of last year that the brand split was being dissolved, I assumed it was inevitable that at some point the world tag titles and the United States tag titles would be unified, and I remember saying during an interview around that time that Neal and I needed to make sure we kept hold of the world tag team titles, so that when the time came, we would have the opportunity to become the unified champions. I'm very proud of what I've achieved in FGA as a singles competitor, but I'm also very proud of what Neal and I have accomplished together during the past two and a half years as a team, and… I was tempted to say our victory tonight caps it all off for us, but that might sound like this is the end of the road for us as a team, which it certainly isn't-- there's definitely still more to come from us yet.

Jessie Pederson: The one low point for you tonight came in the first of your three matches, as your first defense of the Pride Championship ended in a loss to Tyler Storm. How much did that match affect the rest of your night - did the loss affect your confidence at all, was it playing on your mind heading into your other matches?

Lowri scratches the back of her neck.

Lowri Moss: It’s easy for me to talk about now, given what happened later in the night, but that loss was… it was the start of me running the gamut of emotions here tonight. I’m sure it won’t surprise anyone to hear me say that at the time, I was disappointed to lose the Pride Championship, especially in my first defence, but I knew that I couldn’t afford to dwell on the loss, I knew I couldn’t afford to go into the tag title match and then the Rumble feeling down, so I had to forget about it, I had to put it to the back of my mind and go into my two remaining matches with a positive mindset, and that’s what I did and it ended up being my only loss of the night.

She lets out a sigh - one of contentment, or one of relief?

Lowri Moss: I didn’t admit it earlier when I spoke to Amanda, but heading into tonight I was realistic enough to know that I probably wasn’t going to win all three matches - like I said during that interview with Amanda, it would’ve been difficult enough to win all three matches if they took place on three different nights, never mind all on the same night. At the same time though, I was confident that I would win at least one of the matches, possibly two, and as it turned out, that confidence wasn’t misguided.

She then pauses to take a breath.

Lowri Moss: I know some people thought it was stupid of me to agree to defend the Pride Championship tonight in addition to being in two other matches, and sure, if I hadn’t done so then right now I would still have that particular title in my possession, as well as my half of both the world tag titles and the US tag titles and a guaranteed shot at either the world title or the international heavyweight title, but I don’t have any regrets, nor do I begrudge Tyler his win. I talked earlier about knowing how much the Pride Championship means to him, and he talked as well about how badly he wanted it, so if I had to lose the Pride title to anyone, there are worse people that I could’ve lost it to. It does mean that my wait for a singles title reign in FGA that I can truly be proud of goes on, but… maybe I won’t have to wait too long - maybe I’ll have it with either the World Championship or International Heavyweight Championship.

She casts a glance towards her ankle.

Lowri Moss: The only significant effect the match with Tyler really had on me was the injury I sustained to my ankle, which of course affected my mobility for the rest of the night, but thankfully not to such an extent that it stopped me from winning either of my other matches. And I know Tyler didn’t intentionally try to injure me, he was just doing what he needed to do to win the match, so there are no hard feelings.

Jessie Pederson: How’s your ankle now, after everything that you’ve gone through tonight?

Lowri gives a shrug, as if it is no big deal.

Lowri Moss: It’s still hurting, and no doubt it’ll be hurting for the next few days, but for tonight, the adrenaline and knowing what was at stake, that was enough to get me through the pain.

She glances down at her ankle again.

Lowri Moss: I had it checked after the match with Tyler and the trainer cleared me to compete in the tag title match, then I had it checked again after that match and I was cleared to compete in the Rumble, and I’m going to go and get it checked again shortly, before I shower, change and head back to the hotel with Neal, where I think there are a couple of bottles of beer in the minibar with my name on them.

Jessie Pederson: No champagne?

That suggestion from Jessie makes Lowri laugh.

Lowri Moss: No, I’ll save the champagne for after All-Star Showdown.

She winks at Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, well, I won’t keep you any longer. Congratulations again, Lowri.

Lowri Moss: Thank you.

Lowri then resumes her limp back towards the locker rooms, and the scene cuts away.

[TJ Techniques]

A pair of footsteps can be heard in the distance. Our scene soon fades open to TJ Techniques, who made his debut as an official member of the roster tonight at the Only The Strong Survive pay per view. He is several paces ahead of the camera that is following him. TJ continues to make his way towards the rear exit of the Melrose Ballroom until the cameraman calls him from behind.

Cameraman: TJ! TJ!

TJ comes to a stop. He turns and gives the cameraman a head nod.

TJ Techniques: What's good, bruh?

Cameraman: Congratulations on making your official FGA debut!

TJ can't help but to give a warm smile. This is a night that's been years in the making.

TJ Techniques: That's what's up, man. I appreciate that.

Cameraman: It must feel good to be able to finally step into that ring as an official member of the FGA roster, right?

TJ Techniques: Maaaaan, listen.

He rubs the back of his neck before smiling again. He can't help but hide the excitement.

TJ Techniques: It was like I was telling y'all a couple of weeks ago. I always knew I had it in me to compete here. I always knew that I had what it takes to step into that ring and hang with whoever I was put across the ring from me. Being in that ring tonight, doing my thing... being in there and throwing hands with the people I crossed paths with, it felt right, man. It just felt right. I won't even hold you, but I was destined to be here. I felt that way back in 2016 after the tryout and I feel that way now. This moment right here, bruh? It's long overdue. Long overdue. But it's all good though. God had different plans for me back then. He wanted me to go down a different path. But in the end, it all led to this moment. To right here, tonight. A little later than what I wanted. But I made it.

Cameraman: Yes you did. Tonight, you came in at #2 in the Gold Rush Rumble and lasted 34 minutes. You have to feel good about your performance tonight.

TJ pursed his lips after hearing that last sentence. He looks off to his left before turning his attention back to the camera.

TJ Techniques: Honestly? Nah, not really.

TJ follows the rather blunt response with a shrug.

Cameraman: No? What do you mean?

TJ puts a hand up, signaling for the cameraman to hear him out.

TJ Techniques: Don't get me wrong, I'm hyped as a mug to finally be here. I'm grateful for the opportunity that was presented to me tonight. Everyone doesn't get to have their debut on pay per view. Everyone doesn't get to have their debut in the Gold Rush Rumble. So don't get it twisted, I'm grateful. But do I feel good about the performance? Nah.

Cameraman: Well why not?

TJ responds with another shrug.

TJ Techniques: Why should I be?

Cameraman: You lasted over a half hour in the Rumble!

TJ acknowledges the statement with a nod.

TJ Techniques: True, but so what? What does that mean? Yeah, I lasted half the match. But did I have the most eliminations out there? No. Was I one of the Final 4 left in the match? No. Was I the runner up? No. Even if I did all of those things, none of it matters because it wasn't my theme playing at the end of the match. J.A. Aldridge wasn't saying my name at the end of the night. When you think back at that Rumble, you don't remember me lasting 34 minutes. You remember Sadie San Francisco getting her boots smoked by Nina Stokes. You remember Sloan Talbot dominating. You remember Marlon Cure's return. More important than all that, you remember Lowri Moss lasting over an hour and winning the Gold Rush Rumble. My performance tonight? Yeah, it was 34 minutes. Yeah, it was one of the longer times. But if you didn't win the match, then what did you really do? You know? Moral victories, they last for a couple hours. Maybe they last for the night, at best. But it's the win that matters. Lowri Moss? She showed up, showed out and showed off. So salute to her. I been in the ring with her before. Ol girl can go in the ring and she's even better now. Whichever champ she chooses to challenge, she's gonna give em hell.

Cameraman: With your FGA in the books, where do you go from here.

TJ Techniques: I keep it pushing, man. Keep putting in that work. The debut was cool. But did I win the Rumble? Nah. Job's not done. So I gotta keep at it until it gets done. Me and 28 other guys went in there with the hopes of getting what Lowri's got now. We all want what Seth and Cordelia have. That's the ultimate goal, if you're a singles wrestler. That's no disrespect to the other champions here because they all hold championships that mean something. But them World and International titles? That's the ultimate goal for a singles wrestler and that's what I'm ultimately working towards. I know I'm not getting a title shot tomorrow. I know one isn't coming next week or next month. But the work that I consistently put in now will pay off down the line. So I'm gonna go back to the hotel. I'm gonna soak in the moment. Then it's back to the grind first thing in the morning. But I'm excited for the future, man. Tonight was just a sample of what's to come. 

Cameraman: TJ Techniques, thank you for your time.

TJ Techniques: Thank you.

[Cordy]

Cordelia Stevenson: Savvy baby tried to ride my wave…

There it goes — that million dollar smile oozing confidence — of course it’s on full display, and why wouldn’t it be? Why wouldn’t she be smiling after another successful defense of her International Heavyweight Championship? Why wouldn’t she be ecstatic after having finally removed that proverbial thorn from her side?

Cordelia Stevenson: … and drowned. In typical... Savannah... fashion, might I add. How unfortunate.

The words are laden with sarcasm and anyone that knows her can tell. The camera pans back a bit as the International Heavyweight Champion adjusts the title on her shoulder.

Cordelia Stevenson: For someone so fragile… that is what you said I am, right Savvy? Your inability to break something so fragile is only a testament to just how weak you really are, and tonight? Well it only lends credence into the things that I’ve said all along — that when we’re on equal footing, we are far from equal.

She briefly pauses, allowing a second for her words and their meaning to marinate. She casually leans back against the corridor wall, propping her foot up against it, as she pulls the hood of her ‘Say Her Name’ Breonna Taylor hoodie up over head

Cordelia Stevenson: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Savvy. Levels. Maybe after tonight it’ll settle into that head of yours, luv. The months of mockery and taunting of the bear only left you mauled. Angela Jameson couldn't save you tonight, could she?

Cordelia smirks.

Cordelia Stevenson: Lord knows she tried. I’m half tempted to give you another ass whooping on her behalf just because she’s too much of a coward to stand in front of me face to face. But I’ll let her live, for now. Besides, I’m not too sure she’s in anything other than a vegetative state anyway after our friendly neighborhood witch magically appeared and gave her a taste of her own medicine.

She chuckles, and gives a salute.

Cordelia Stevenson: Salem, you’re a real one babe. Salute to you.

She gives an acknowledging nod before refocusing her attention.

Cordelia Stevenson: This is a much different result than what happened in Vegas, isn’t it Savvy? Allow me to ask you this, did I remove any doubt from your head? You swore up and down that the only reason I walked out of Autumn Annihilation was because of Jimmy Page; that the only reason I defeated you was because technically he saved me from you running away.

Cordelia huffs and rolls her eyes; the outlandishness of the notion just a bit too much.

Cordelia Stevenson: What’s your excuse now, Savvy? I didn’t need Jimmy tonight and I certainly didn’t need him in December of 2016. All of that side talking; all of that mockery… What was the reason? All of that just to get your title taken and your ego checked time and time again. Lawd.

She pushes off of the wall now, advancing forward with a finger pointed towards the camera.

Cordelia Stevenson: Was it worth it? Because just like that I’ve kicked the foundation from under you, and everything you’ve built off the strength of my name has come crashing down around you. Good. You’re the perfect example of what happens when you blatantly disrespect Cordelia Stevenson. It won’t be tolerated, on any level, from anyone. Far too frequently people take my kindness for a weakness, like I won’t check their ass when it’s time to.

She nods.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah, and for you Savvy, tonight? It was time to. And the more I sit back and listen, I realize that time is approaching for others as well. Just because my focus may be elsewhere, don’t think I’m oblivious to the shots being taken. Now I heard a few things throughout the course of the night that I could definitely take as a slight… not just to me, but to this title as well.

She scoffs and glances down at the title on her shoulder, giving it a pat.

Cordelia Stevenson: But that’s something I’ll address at another time. As for now… I’d just like to say congratulations to Seth Iser. You did what many have unsuccessfully tried to do; you ended the historic run of Fujiko Mine. The comeback story has truly reached a magical interlude. But how will it end? I’m interested to see how it all plays out Seth. But in the meantime… welcome back to the mountaintop.

She graciously opens her arms wide and nods forward in a welcoming gesture.

Cordelia Stevenson: There’s no rest for the weary, but of course this isn’t your first rodeo, Seth, so you already know that. As arduous and strenuous as tonight was, both you and I must look ahead, because one of us will have a target painted on us by tonight’s biggest winner.

Cordelia smiles.

Cordelia Stevenson: Lowri Moss.

She lets out a deep breath and leans back against the wall again, relaxing against it as she gives a round of applause.

Cordelia Stevenson: Congratulations, chica. To say what you did here tonight is impressive would be a disservice and an understatement. Not only did you and Neal unify the tag titles but then you went on to win the Gold Rush Rumble. Outlasting damn near every other superstar on the roster, it’s no easy task, believe me, I’ve been there.

She winks at the camera and chuckles.

Cordelia Stevenson: But to do it after having been through two…

She shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: I would say matches, but no, you went through two absolute wars. To survive those and then be able to end the night as the last one standing. It’s remarkable Lowri. Another incredible tale in the growing legend of Lowri Moss.

Cordelia’s eyes narrow a bit as she pushes off of the wall. She slips the International Heavyweight Championship from her shoulder and holds it in the palm of her hands.

Cordelia Stevenson: But now you have a very important choice to make. And I want you to ponder it carefully, Lowri. Who will it be? Will it be… Seth? Or, will it be… me?

Her eyes fall to the title in her hands and she studies it, a proud smile forming as she does.

Cordelia Stevenson: People have tried to disparage this title as if it is lesser than; as if it’s less significant than its counterpart. But truth be told, they just don’t know, Lowri. But I do. You see, I’ve held both belts, and I’m one of the very few who can say that. At the end of the day, I know that there is no wrong choice when it boils down to it. Either you’re a part of a legacy…

She lifts the title into the air now, letting it dangle in front of her.

Cordelia Stevenson: … or you help create one. Those are the choices in front of you.

She slowly lowers the belt, placing it back onto her shoulder where it belongs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Either way, the world will be awaiting your decision.

She shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: And I’ll be ready regardless.

She slowly walks forward and blows a kiss into the camera, before uttering those infamous words.

Cordelia Stevenson: Get familiar.

And with that, the champ walks away.