Vertigo E82

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Melrose Ballroom
Queens, NY

The camera fades into the locker room in the backstage area. Zack Gall is seen mbling through his bag while Difranco looms over him with a stern look on his face, recent results haven’t been going their way and he knows his client has much more to give. Suddenly we hear the footsteps of another man entering the locker room, the camera moves over to reveal Ace Voltage walking in with his Mid-Atlantic Legacy title around his waist. Zack stops what he’s doing, but it’s Difranco who turns around and stands face to face with Ace, the massive frame of the Italian butcher clashes perfectly with Ace’s and the two of them don’t seem to be quite apart.

Ace Voltage: Zacky boy, how are we doing, mate?

Ace maneuvers around Difranco, no doubt trying to get the usually stoic Gall to do something, but every time, Difranco steps in the way as he continues.

Ace Voltage: I was watching backstage last week. Real bummer you got eliminated, so sorry to see. I was really looking forward to the chance to add a title defense against “The Dragon!”

Ace laughs to himself.

Ace Voltage: I guess you just couldn’t hang with the best FGA has to offer. A sad sight to see really. I was rooting for you buddy!

Zack’s stoic expression suddenly changed and he charged towards Ace; but Difranco extended his right arm right on time to stop his client from doing something stupid. The Italian let out his patented ominous smile, one we haven’t seen in a while, not since Gall started his downward spiral after Revo closed its doors again. He extended his left arm and with it touched Ace’s Mid-Atlantic Legacy belt.

Dante Difranco: You know a champion doesn’t need to wait for a challenger to pop up. I say you’re scared of the fighter’s chance my client has and as such you come here acting high and mighty, but forget exactly the same thing many forget…

Difranco turns towards his client and back towards Ace.

Dante Difranco: That it only takes a small window of time for my client to land his DBK and get the three count. Results might not be going our way, Ace… but the wheel’s always turning.

Ace shoots Dante a look, not believing anything he says.

Ace Voltage: First of all, don’t ever touch my beauty. You do not deserve the precious touch of this championship and you never will. Second, you really think I’m scared of the mighty dragon? Are you all there Mr. DiFranco? Zack Gall has done nothing lately to make me scared of his chances. He couldn’t even stay alive in the first match of this elimination chase and you think I’m really scared of him? I don’t know if you’ve been watching me lately, but I am untouchable. I am the MAIN EVENT of FGA. The best Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion in history! Have you seen the increase in ratings and merch sales since I became champion? I’m not scared of anything or anybody.

Ace unhooks his title and holds it in Dante’s face.

Ace Voltage: And this is why. Nobody has been able to beat me for this title for months and if you think your little client will eventually be the one to do it? Well, then you may not be as smart as you think you are, mate. I am still looking for that worthy challenger and we both know, Zack Gall is not it.

Ace turns around and goes to exit the room. Right before he leaves, he hears Dante’s voice again.

Dante Difranco: Vedremo, ragazzo… vedremo.

Ace rolls his eyes at Dante as he has no idea what Dante said. Ace shows his title to Dante and Zack once again as he walks out of the room and the camera fades out.

[FGA Office]

Intrepid reporter Amanda Johnson is backstage and she smiles to the camera.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time… Salem!

The raven-haired vixen steps into frame wearing a leather jacket, jeans, and sunglasses. She has on a John Lennon inspired white New York City tee. Twirling a piece of well-chewed bubble gum in her fingers she smiles and flicks it toward the cameraman and lowers her sunglasses with a forefinger and winks.

Salem: Uh… yeah, what do ya want?

Amanda Johnson: Last week you beat Evan Envi in a…

Salem quickly silenced her with a finger to her lips.

Salem: Shhh… last week was last week, I wanna talk about this week. According to my watch here... *looking at a non-existent wristwatch* I’m right on time. Another week, another former World Champion set before me. The path doesn’t get any easier does it? Well… this is what I wanted, so this is how I get it. Make me dizzy, Miss Izzy… Izzy Anders. Now I could go full Obi Wan and say that’s a name I haven’t heard in quite some time. But that would be a lie… Someone I’ve avoided because it’s like oil and water? Ding Ding Ding! Truth!

Amanda nodded and interjects.

Amanda Johnson: It’s clear the two of you have history. A few years back it seemed like both of you were on the come up at the same time here in FGA. Neck and neck, some might say. But…

Salem sighed and nodded and shrugged.

Salem: Yeah we were both young and hungry and eager to get fed. Izzy was the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion about the time I was gunning for it. We had one of the best matches I’ve ever had the honor of appearing in, and I came up short. No complaints, no excuses…. She was better than me. Then. It wasn’t long before she moved on to bigger and better things, right up to the big table and got fed a right bellyful I’m sure. The World Title. Now I eventually got the Mid-Atlantic belt too. She got the fine dining and I got the table scraps, some might say.

Amanda seems a bit perplexed at that last statement.

Amanda Johnson: But you were a solid Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champ, Salem… I wouldn’t call it table scraps.

Salem took off her sunglasses and hung them on her shirt, and ran her fingers through her hair.

Salem: I’ll be honest with you, it was more than I deserved at the time and nothing that I wanted. There’s little prestige in staying afloat, Mandy. I was flailing about in the kiddie pool wanting to swim with sharks like a freakin’ loon. Seems like Izzy’s always been a step ahead of me. Probably several steps. One reason is I simply stopped walking in that direction. I wasn’t ready to take the steps that I needed to professionally and personally rise above the muck. She was the FGA royalty, and I fled the kingdom. Multiple times. I lost count. But I’m not here to reclaim a throne I never sat on in the first place. Izzy peaked before me, waaaay the hell up there! But you know what, a peak can turn into a plateau and the only way to go is down. I’m not sure where she’s at now. Either way, the order of business is my ascent. The only way to the top is onward and upward. I left base camp and I left Evan Envi in my wake last week. Izzy Anders, who knows… she may well be K2. Waaaay up there. But I want the highest peak. That Mount Everest status. Obviously I’m not Edmund Hillary… I can’t be first. But I can damn sure be the most memorable in my own kooky Salem way. So here’s to making memories tonight. No avoiding, no side-stepping, I’m going through you, Izzy. I may never gain your respect, but tonight I’m going to gain DAT DUB!!! Hope you don’t mind, killa….

Salem pats Amanda on the cheek, throws up a peace sign and walks away...

[FGA Office]

A camera fade brings us to Spencer Burke, who is standing by backstage at one of the designated interview areas. The black and green Vertigo banner hangs behind him. A second or two pass before Spencer addresses the camera.

Spence Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, TJ Techniques.

The crowd in attendance cheer at the arrival of TJ Techniques into the frame. TJ greets Spencer with a headnod.

TJ Techniques: What it is, man.

Spence Burke: First things first, TJ. You're not going to start this interview off by telling me how beautiful I look like you did with Amanda Johnson, are you?

Both TJ and the crowd let out a chuckle.

TJ Techniques: Ha Haaaaa. Nah, I won’t be doing that. But I must say, I peep your style, man. Look at you, with your Walt "Clyde" Frazier fit on. You out here looking sharp, boy.

Spencer holds his arms out and scans himself over before proudly brushing off his shoulders and adjusting his tie.

Spence Burke: I mean, I do look pretty dapper. It’s about time someone recognized what I’m trying to do here.

TJ Techniques: That's right. Talk to 'em, Spence! Let em know!

TJ and Spencer let out a chuckle before dapping each other up.

Spence Burke: In all seriousness, though, it's good to meet you.

TJ Techniques: Same, my dude. Same.

Spence Burke: However, someone that hasn't been thrilled to meet you is Cassius Reed, your opponent again for tonight.

The mention of Cassius’ brings about boos from the crowd. TJ can’t help but roll his eyes.

Spence Burke: It was back at September's "Only the Strong Survive" event where you eliminated him from the Gold Rush Rumble. Cassius went on to have some not so nice things to say about you, even going as far as to call you a TJ Jones imitation.

TJ Techniques: A what? A TJ Jones imitation? Let me break something down for you. Comparing me in any way, shape or form to an OG like TJ Jones is a compliment in my book. If I can accomplish even a fraction of what that brother did, then I did something right in my career. So by all means, keep mentioning me in the same breath as a TJ Jones or brothers like Flex Johnson... Anthony Bailey... Jair Hopkins. That's a good look. But moving along, it seems like Cassius Reed is under the impression that me and the other 28 guys in the Rumble where just supposed to lay down for him. But that ain't how it works, breh. Isn't the tagline for that event "every man for himself"?

Spence Burke: Yes.

TJ Techniques: When it comes to the Rumble, don't y'all always be talking about Friend vs Friend, Foe vs Foe

Spence Burke: Yes

TJ Techniques: So what's the problem, Cassius? Did I come out here last time and say that he was gonna get his ass whipped?

Spence Burke: No.

TJ Techniques: Did I come out here last show and say that he was gonna get his boots smoked.

Spencer goes to respond, but he quickly stops himself. He gives TJ a quizzical look.

Spence Burke: I... I actually have no idea what that means, but I'm going to guess no.

TJ dismisses Spencer’s confusion with a wave of the hand.

TJ Techniques: Don't worry. I'll put you up on the lingo later. But you're right again.

Spence Burke: Yes

Spencer pumps his fist.

TJ Techniques: So again I ask, what's the problem, Cassius? What exactly are you mad about? You big mad because I eliminated you from the Rumble? So what. I got eliminated from the Rumble, too, and you don't see me crying over it. You walking around here tight because you got dropped on the last show? Sadie San Francisco dropped me in my first match in an FGA ring. You don't see me crying over it. Here's the thing, man. I've shown you nothing but respect. I've got no beef with you. But if you want to take it there, then we can take it there. I've got no problems meeting you however you need to be met. But let's not take it there and instead, let's keep things peaceful. You wanted another go at me in the ring? Hey, I'm all for it. Steel sharpens steel and the more reps I get against guys like you, it only makes me better in the end. Win, lose or draw, I'll still extend my hand to you because that's the level of respect I still have for you. But this[/u] time, Cash? I just hope you're man enough to accept it.

[FGA Office]

Cassius Reed vs. TJ Techniques

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in at 188 pounds… TJ TECHNIQUES!

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

Kris Cruise: TJ Techniques and Cassius Reed are back at it again. I would say this is a rivalry we’ve got brewing here. But it’s a one sided one.

Stephy Auger: Don’t you dare try and talk down to Cassius Reed. TJ Techniques was lucky to eliminate Cassius from the Gold Rush Rumble, just like he was lucky to get the win on the last show. Well guess what, Cruise? His string of luck comes to an end tonight!

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!

As the intro to “You Suck” by Pour Habit blasts throughout the arena, out from the back bursts Cassius Reed! Slowly rotating in his gold lined black ring robe Cassius soaks in the atmosphere for just a moment. Spinning to face the ring, he shadow boxes at the top of the ramp a short time more, before posing, spreading his arms wide, and sprinting down to the ring at full pace!

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, fighting out of Funkytown, USA, and tipping the scales tonight at 205 pounds… CASSIUS! REED!

Sliding in under the bottom rope, he quickly rolls onto his back before kipping up! Giving a quick smirk and raised eyebrow to the referee, he turns and leaps to the top of the nearest turnbuckle, before whipping off his ring robe with a flourish. He poses just a moment at the top of the turnbuckle, smug grin on his face, robe hanging from his hand, before dropping back to the mat, consigning his entrance gear to the outside whilst he finishes warming up for the match with more shadow boxing.


Stephy Auger: You see that right there, Spencer? That’s the REAL Funky Technician, not that cheap knockoff across the ring.

Kris Cruise: TJ Techniques isn’t an imitation of anyone.

Stephy Auger: Ha! Could’ve fooled me!

Kris Cruise: I think what both you and Cassius need to do is just accept the fact that thus far, TJ’s had his number. But if Cassius is as good as he says he is, he can even the score in the One-on-One department right here.

Stephy Auger: Excuse me? Cassius Reed is as GREAT as he says he is and you know it. TJ Techniques got his little fluke win last time. But there will be no flukes this time. The Funky Dragon is going to make a statement in the ring. Cassius will make it perfectly clear the difference between him and Hip Hop Harry tonight.

The bell sounds as Reed and Techniques start things off with a snug collar-and-elbow. Both grapplers tussle back and forth as they jockey for position. It’s ultimately Techniques that gains the advantage as he moves Reed against the ropes. As the ref heads over to start a five count, Reed pivots as me switches positions with TJ and muscles him up against the ropes.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

As soon as both grapplers make a clean break, Reed takes advantage and whacks Techniques across the face with a Pimp Slap!

“BOOOOOOOOOO!”

Stephy Auger: He just slapped the taste right out of TJ’s mouth!

Kris Cruise: It was a cheap shot, that’s what it is.

Stephy Auger: Quit your crying. TJ should have had his hands up.

Techniques responds by grabbing Reed, tossing him against the ropes and catching him with a Shotei! He sets up for an irish whip, but quickly gets reversed. When Techniques returns, Reed runs across the ring and throws out a clothesline. Techniques ducks as he hits the ropes. TJ bounces back and ducks a back elbow to the face before continuing to run the ropes. When Techniques returns, the crowd cheers when he brings Reed down with a double rotation tilt-a-whirl headscissors. Techniques runs over to follow up with an attack, but he gets thrown down with a hip toss. Reed then hits the ropes. When he comes back, he goes to flatten Techniques with a running shoulder block. But the move only sends Techniques stumbling back. So the Funky Dragon turns and heads back into the ropes. When he returns, he sees Techniques running past him. So he slows down to a stop. When Reed turns around, the crowd cheers when Techniques brings him back to the mat with a wheelbarrow arm drag, sending him rolling out to the apron. Reed starts to pick himself up as Techniques heads into the corner. TJ goes to follow up with a Triangle Shoulder Block when Reed ducks, sending Techniques flying over the top rope before crashing to the floor! Reed looks down as TJ and smirks before slipping back inside.

Kris Cruise: TJ crashed and burned hard on the outside!

Stephy Auger: Reed

The Funky Dragon add insult to injury by getting back inside and taunting TJ with the Ali Shuffle. When he looks out and sees Techniques starting to pick himself back up, he takes off into the far ropes. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Reed comes back across the ring. Reed then leaps over over the top rope before bringing Techniques down with a slingshot huracanrana!

Kris Cruise: Techniques gets taken out on the outside!

Reed takes Techniques and slams him face-first onto the apron before pushing him back inside. The Funky Dragon climbs back to the apron before bringing himself back inside with a slingshot left elbow drop! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Techniques kicks out.

Reed moves Techniques into the corner before delivering a combination of rights and lefts to the body. After rocking Techniques with an uppercut, Reed whips him into the far corner. The Funky Dragon rushes in for an attack when Techniques goes to counter with a boot to the face. Reed is able to slam on the brakes in time and catch his foot. He then drags Techniques out of the corner and taunts him before swinging his leg away from him, taking control of his back and bringing him down with a belly to back suplex. Reed makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another two count for The Funky Dragon.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but he didn’t even have the energy to kick out. He could only get the shoulder up. Reed’s wearing him down.

Techniques is sent for the ride. When he returns, he sees Reed setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a kick to the face that knocks Reed upright. Where Reed is still dazed, Techniques turns and runs back into the ropes. When he returns, the crowd boos when Reed brings him down with a belly to belly suplex. The Funky Dagon then steps over him before throwing out Funky Knee, Funky Do (standing moonsault knee drop)! He misses! The crowd cheers when Techniques rolls out of the way!

Kris Cruise: TJ slips out of the way just in time! This is his chance to get back into the match.

Reed remains on his knees as Techniques gets back to his feet. TJ grabs Reed and pulls him into a front facelock. The crowd cheers when he moonwalks while keeping Reed in the front facelock. Before he can fall back and hit the DDT, Reed counters by running forward, ramming him back-first into the turnbuckles. The boos continue as Reed follows up with multiple shoulder thrusts. He then pulls Techniques out of the corner before bringing him down with a Northern Lights Suplex!

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

Reed picks up Techniques and moves him back into the corner before sitting down on the top turnbuckle.. He sets up for a Tornado DDT when Techniques wrestles himself free. He counters with a Shotei. The cheers continue when Reed gets caught with another Shotei. Techniques takes a couple of steps away from the corner before rushing back in. He executes a Tiger Wall Flip off of Reed in the corner before running back over, leaping off the canvas and onto Reed’s shoulders before bringing him down with an avalanche hurricanrana!

Kris Cruise: What a display of athleticism from TJ Techniques! He jumped up from the canvas all the way up to Cassius’ shoulders to hit that hurricanrana!

Reed slowly gets back to his feet. The moment he turns around, Techniques rushes over and knocks him down with a Koppu Kick. Reed is then pulled back to his feet before a kick to the midsection doubles him over. Techniques backs away up against the ropes, rebounds back and knocks Reed down with a Scissors Kick! The cheers continue as Techniques turns over onto his knee before executing a Spinaroonie.

Stephy Auger: For all this respect I hear about TJ Techniques supposedly having for Cassius Reed, this is blatant disrespect right here! He’s dancing while Cassius is down!

Kris Cruise: The only displays of disrespect I’ve seen have come from Cassius Reed!

Techniques takes Reed and delivers an irish whip before following him across the ring and catching him with a step-up high knee in the corner. Reed is then whipped into the far corner before Techniques runs across the ring and catches him with another step-up high knee! After doubling Reed over with a knee to the midsection, the crowd cheers as he takes Reed and glides back towards the center of the ring before planting him with a Moonwalk DDT! He makes the cover.

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

Techniques sets up for another irish whip when Reed reverses, sending him into the corner. Reed charges into the corner to attack when The Funky Technician knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Techniques goes to take advantage by heading to the top and hitting a springboard Tornillo! He misses! The crowd boos when Reed rolls out of the way, causing Techniques to crash onto the canvas!

Stephy Auger: Good! That’s what he gets for showboating! Stop going for triple spins and just hit a simple moonsault!

As Techniques slowly turns over onto his back, Reed steps out to the apron, heads over towards the ring post and starts scaling the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the crowd, the crowd gasps as Reed leaps off and connects with a diving leg drop.

Kris Cruise: That could be all she wrote! Cassius makes the cover…

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

Reed sets up for an irish whip when Techniques reverses. When Reed returns, he sees Techniques setting up for a back body drop. So he returns the favor with a kick to the face, knocking him upright. Techniques is then double over when Reed follows up with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch to the midsection)! The Funky Dragon then rolls backwards and returns to the his feet before bringing The Funky Technician down with SWEET CHRISTMAS (sunset flip powerbomb)!

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

The crowd cheers when Techniques gets his shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How was that not a three count? Where does FGA find these refs?

While Techniques is down, Reed steps out to the apron before waving Techniques up. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Techniques struggles to push himself off the mat.

Kris Cruise: This doesn’t look good for TJ Techniques.

Stephy Auger: No it doesn’t. But it looks great for The Funky Dragon! He’s about to put this one away!

Once Techniques is back to a vertical base, Reed goes for the Funkensteiner (springboard huracanrana)! NO! The crowd gasps when Techniques blocks the move, leaving Reed hanging upside down. He then steps over Reed’s arms before countering to a belly to back inverted mat slam! Techniques then drags Reed over into the corner before heading out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: TJ with the counter! Now he’s heading up to the high rent district!

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Techniques scales the turnbuckles. Once he’s up top, he flips off for Know The Ledge (Shooting Star Press)... and gets countered when Reed turns over and gets his knees up!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: Aaaaaaaw, poor thing! HA HA!

After Techniques bounces off of Reed’s knees, Reed drags him back over towards the corner. The boos continues as Reed climbs to the top before crashing down across him with Plan C (Starship Pain)! He makes the cover.

Stephy Auger: YES!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “You Suck” hits the speakers.

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

The boos continue as Reed forces the ref to raise his arm in victory.

Kris Cruise: Cassius Reed ends his losing streak as gets the win here tonight over TJ Techniques!

Stephy Auger: YES! YES YES YES! I told you, Cruise! I told you Hip Hop Harry’s string of luck ends here tonight! This is what should have happened on the last show! But Cassius righted those wrongs and got the W tonight. Finally, the better man can say that he won!

Post-match, TJ starts to pick himself off the mat. As he looks over, he sees Reed continuing to celebrate. Once Reed is done doing the Ali Shuffle, he turns and sees TJ back to his feet. The Funky Dragon smirks as he makes his way over to The Funky Technician. “You Suck” dies down as TJ is seen mouthing something to TJ.

Kris Cruise: I wonder what’s going on here?

Stephy Auger: TJ Techniques better be apologizing.

Kris Cruise: Stephy, please.

TJ continues to say something to Reed before nodding his head. He then extends his hand out for a handshake. Reed looks him up and down before turning to the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Come on, Cassius. You got the win. You got what you wanted. TJ said win or lose, he would extend his hand for a handshake. Do the ring thing.

Stephy Auger: The right thing would be dropping TJ with a Pimp Slap.

Reed takes in the cheers from the crowd. He turns his attention back to Techniques. With a huge smile on his face, Cassius goes in for a handshake.

Kris Cruise: Alrigh-

… only to pull back at the last second. The crowd boos Reed as he runs his hands through his afro while moonwalking away from Techniques. TJ is left hanging as Reed laughs at him before exiting to the ring. Techniques finally lowers his hand before shaking his head in disappointment over the slight.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED

Returning from the commercial break, a pre-recorded segment airs, shot in a private room somewhere backstage at the Melrose Ballroom. Amanda Johnson offers a warm smile to the camera before beginning.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, please welcome… one half of the FGA World Tag Team Champions, and the number one contender to the FGA International Heavyweight Championship at All-Star Showdown IX-- Lowri Moss.

The camera pans to a different angle, revealing a casually dressed Lowri sat to one side of Amanda, with her half of the World tag titles resting comfortably and delicately on her lap. In between the two of them is a small table, which is decorated with a vase of daffodils, the national flower of Lowri’s home country of Wales.

Amanda Johnson: Lowri, welcome, and thank you for your time this evening.

Lowri gives a smile and a nod to Amanda.

Lowri Moss: No problem, Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: The last time I spoke to you was of course back at Only the Strong Survive, at the start of a night that saw you compete in three different matches, culminating with your victory in the Gold Rush Rumble. Now, as I just alluded to in my introduction, two weeks ago you announced your decision to challenge Cordelia Stevenson for the International Heavyweight Championship at All-Star Showdown IX, and so the first question I wanted to ask you is, why did you choose to challenge Cordy and not Seth Iser?

There is a momentary silence, with Lowri taking a few seconds to consider how best to respond to Amanda’s question, and when she does then begin to give a response, it is preceded by a sigh.

Lowri Moss: I’m not going to lie, Amanda. If someone had put a gun to my head immediately after I won the Rumble, and forced me to make a decision then and there, I probably would’ve chosen to challenge Seth for the World title. I mean, earlier this year, at Grapple Kingdom, I remember telling everyone about how for as long as I’ve been in FGA, my ultimate goal has always been to win the top prize-- and when I first set foot in FGA, nearly four years ago now, the World title was the top prize. It’s the oldest title in the promotion, it’s the one that before I even started training to be a wrestler, when I was still just a fan, I used to watch everyone in FGA-- including Cordy-- fight to earn a shot at, and it’s only in the past two years that it has had to share top billing with the International Heavyweight title. So yeah, my first instinct was actually to challenge Seth for the World title.

Amanda is clearly somewhat surprised by what Lowri has just divulged.

Amanda Johnson: Okay, but you… you changed your mind about that, obviously; what made you decide otherwise?

Lowri Moss: It’s not a “what,” Amanda, it’s a who: Cordy changed my mind.

Rather than following that up with another question, Amanda waits to allow Lowri to expand upon her answer.

Lowri Moss: Some time after Only the Strong Survive-- I don’t mean straight after the show, but in the days following it-- I went back and watched the whole show, primarily to analyse my performances in the Pride Championship match and the tag team title unification match, to assess what I did right, and what I can to improve upon, which is something I do after every match I’m in, regardless of whether I win or lose. Anyway, once I had finished watching Only the Strong Survive, I then watched Afterburn, to see who had said what following the show, and… I think Seth was actually the first person who the cameras caught up with, and he brought up our meeting in the Wildcard Lottery, talking about how close I came to beating him in that match, saying something about that giving me an incentive to choose to challenge him.

Lowri shrugs nonchalantly.

Lowri Moss: But then, after listening to what several others had to say about their respective matches, and after skipping my interview with Jessie, because I didn’t want to have to listen to myself talking, finally I came to Cordy and what she had to say about the night’s events. Unsurprisingly, she started by reflecting on her win against Savannah, she then took a moment to congratulate Seth on his win, before lastly she spent a couple of minutes talking about me, about what I had accomplished that night, about the choice I was going to have to make, and… listening to her talk about me, about herself, about the International Heavyweight title-- it just resonated with me. In a way, it actually sounded as if she was challenging me - as if she wanted me to choose to face her at All-Star Showdown, not Seth, and while my mind wasn’t made up one hundred percent at that point, because I knew I still had more time to think about my decision, I was certainly leaning towards Cordy from then on, rather than Seth.

Amanda Johnson: Well, I think it’s fair to say that once you announced your decision two weeks ago, the anticipation immediately began to build for your match with Cordy, and I’m sure it’s only going to continue to grow between now and All-Star Showdown. However, this won’t be the first one-on-one match between the two of you: as has been mentioned a few times on Vertigo in recent months, you had a match in Japan earlier this year, at the Artemis Kaiser Power Hall show-- a match which you won; can you talk about how that match came about?

Lowri Moss: So… I remember back in February, or it may even have been in January, hearing that Artemis Kaiser was putting together a one-off event that was going to be held in Tokyo, at Korakuen Hall, and while I remember thinking that it sounded like it would be one to watch, I hadn’t at that point considered that I might actually end up being involved in it. But then, subsequently, Artemis contacted me, asking me to appear on the show, which I can’t deny I was flattered by, and… errr… I didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation; she told me that I would be in one of the few singles matches on the show, although what I didn’t know until a couple of days later was that I was actually going to be in the only singles match on the show, or that Cordy would be my opponent, and that our match would be the main event.

Lowri pauses to take a breath, before she continues.

Lowri Moss: Korakuen Hall is such a historic venue that getting to main event a show there against anyone would’ve been pretty memorable, but to have Cordy as my opponent just made it even more special. I had been wanting to wrestle her since before she returned to FGA, although it wasn’t until last August, when I tweeted a list of ten people who I would like to wrestle, that Cordy herself became aware of that; I remember she replied to my tweet, and I told her I liked the idea of a match pitting FGA's first double champion versus the second one, although I wasn’t trying to get her back inside a ring, but she then teased that she might be appearing in one sooner than I think… and lo and behold, a couple of weeks later she made her return to FGA, and so all of a sudden a match between me and her became a more realistic possibility.

Amanda Johnson: I’m assuming though that you wouldn’t have expected that match, when it did eventually happen, would take place at a one-off show in Japan, rather than inside an FGA ring.

Lowri shakes her head gently.

Lowri Moss: No, not at all-- if it even did happen. Because the thing about dream matches is that they’re matches you would like to happen, but that you don’t necessarily expect will happen. Like for example, one of the other people on my list was Chandler Scott, someone who I used to watch in Pro-Wrestling FRONTIER, as well as FGA, before I then joined FGA myself, but he has been retired for the better part of two years now, so that’s not a match I’m expecting to happen any time soon. Thankfully though, the match with Cordy did happen, it was great to be part of, not simply because I won, and now I’m looking forward to doing it again at All-Star Showdown, but this time for the International Heavyweight Championship.

Amanda Johnson: Just out of interest, who else was on that list of yours, besides Chandler and Cordy?

Lowri scratches her forehead, trying to recall each of the names without forgetting anyone.

Lowri Moss: Seth-- he was on there; along with Cordy and Annie Zellor, he’s one of the three names that I’ve gotten to cross off the list so far. Then, besides Chandler… let’s see if I can remember them all off the top of my head; Savannah, Fujiko, Carmichael-- as he is now-- Izzy… errr… Jimmy Page, and Laurel Anne Hardy.

Amanda interjects with an observation.

Amanda Johnson: All people who have been in FGA at one time or another, then.

Lowri nods, confirming the accuracy of the reporter’s statement.

Lowri Moss: Yeah, which wasn’t actually my intention when I started compiling the list, but then as I’ve said on more than occasion, I consider FGA to be my home in this sport, so maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that I ended up with a list of people who are all either current or former members of the FGA roster.

Amanda Johnson: The fact that you’ve won the only previous one-on-one match between yourself and Cordy, do you think that gives you any sort of advantage heading into your match at All-Star Showdown?

Lowri shakes her head again, a bit more forcefully this time.

Lowri Moss: No. I think the thing me winning that match did, is it proved to everyone that I’m capable of defeating an opponent of the calibre of Cordy Stevenson-- although having said that, even if the match hadn’t happened, or even if I had lost, I would still be confident that I’m good enough, and talented enough to be able to beat Cordy in a few weeks from now. Just because I’ve won our only previous one-on-one match though, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ll be victorious again the second time round, as much as I would like that to be the case. If anything, that win I have over Cordy from our match earlier in the year will just serve to give her extra motivation for our match at All-Star Showdown-- she said it herself, how much she’s looking forward to this rematch, and I know from my own experience what it’s like, as a champion, to feel like you’ve got a point to prove, facing opposition that you’ve previously lost to in a non-title match.

Amanda Johnson: I’m guessing you’re referring to the non-title tag team match a few months ago on Vertigo that you and Neal Durden lost to Cordy and Fujiko Mine, which you then rebounded from to win a rematch on the following show, that time with your titles on the line.

Lowri responds with another nod of the head.

Lowri Moss: Right. I don’t think you could’ve gotten a more star-studded main event for the first show back following the pandemic-enforced hiatus, than to have the World Tag Team Champions face the International Heavyweight Champion and the then-World Champion, and I made no secret at the time of how excited I was about that matchup. Like you said though, Amanda, that match didn’t go mine and Neal’s way, but we didn’t make any excuses afterwards for our loss, just like Cordy didn’t make any excuses when she lost to me in Tokyo; we knew we had been beaten by two elite wrestlers, who managed to get the better of us on that night, but then when we faced them at the next show, we were determined not to have that happen again, we felt we had a point to prove, and we were able to do that, by successfully defending our titles in the rematch. And I know that now, at All-Star Showdown, Cordy is going to be similarly determined to make sure that I don’t get a second win against her, one-on-one, while I’ll of course be aiming for a repeat performance.

She then lets out a slight sigh, as she continues to articulate her thoughts.

Lowri Moss: That’s going to be much easier said than done though. The loss Neal and I suffered against Cordy and Fujiko is the only tag match we’ve lost since the start of last year-- in any promotion, not just in FGA-- and when you consider all of the opponents that we’ve beaten during that time, plus the fact that Cordy and Fujiko aren't even an established tag team, I think that on its own illustrates just how good both Cordy and Fujiko are.

Amanda Johnson: In contrast to the two previous challengers that Cordy has defended her title against on pay-per-view so far this year, it seems fans can expect things to be a lot more cordial between you and her, as we head towards All-Star Showdown IX; there appears to be no shortage of respect, on either side.

Lowri Moss: Well, how could I not respect someone like Cordy, with all of the accolades that she has to her name? She’s an FGA Hall of Famer, an FGA World Champion, FGA International Heavyweight Champion, one of only three people to have held both those titles, a Frontier Lions Cup winner…

Lowri stops herself in mid-sentence, pausing momentarily, before she then resumes.

Lowri Moss: I could go on and on listing things Cordy has accomplished, both here in FGA and elsewhere. I respect the hell out of her, Amanda, although not just because of what she has achieved in her career, but also because of the kind of competitor that she is, and because of the kind of person that she is. And, you know, I was flattered when she told me that I remind her of herself. While I do appreciate the comparison though, I’m not trying to emulate Cordy, or anybody else for that matter - I’m striving to create my own legacy; I don’t want to merely follow in the footsteps of someone else-- not even Izzy.

Amanda Johnson: I’m sure I don’t need to tell you though who it was that Izzy beat to become FGA World Champion.

Lowri Moss: You’re right, Amanda; you don’t need to tell me who it was.

It was, of course, Cordelia Stevenson.

Amanda Johnson: As well as your match with Cordy for the International Heavyweight Championship, you’re also going to be defending the World Tag Team Championship at All-Star Showdown, together with Neal Durden, against challengers yet to be determined. After what you did at Only the Strong Survive though, I suppose I don’t need to bother asking you whether you’re confident that you’ll be able to cope with the demands of having those two championship matches in the same night.

That remark elicits a chuckle from Lowri.

Lowri Moss: No, after what I went through at Only the Strong Survive, I think there shouldn’t be anyone out there who has any doubts about my endurance, or my stamina. Maybe in an ideal situation, I would only have the International Heavyweight title match to focus on at All-Star Showdown, and Neal and I would be defending the tag team titles some other time, but like I’ve said before, I wouldn’t want to sacrifice what Neal and I have achieved as a team for the sake of my singles career, so I’m happy to continue pulling double duty, or even triple duty, if I need to.

Lowri glances down at the Tag Team Championship belt resting on her lap, before quickly returning her attention to Amanda.

Lowri Moss: And I don’t want to look too far ahead, Amanda, but come Grapple Kingdom IV, or whatever the first pay-per-view event of next year is, I want to be pulling double duty again that night, first defending the World tag titles with Neal, before then, later on in the show, defending the International Heavyweight Championship.

Amanda Johnson: Okay, well, Lowri, once again, thank you for your time, and good luck at All-Star Showdown.

Her face bearing a warm smile, Lowri expresses her gratitude to the reporter.

Lowri Moss: Thank you, Amanda.

With the interview at an end, the cameras cut away.

[FGA Office]

Mighty Sparrow: Y’know the most terrifying thing about Laura Perelli...Is she feels she is just. Just due. Just held back. Just cause, just cuz. So many justs, and ya can’t tell me there’s anything half as terrifyin’ as a just person. You watch back Vertigo 81...And a theme begins to play out.

Standing backstage, Mighty Sparrow is walking around...Pacing really with his eyes focused in front of him. The camera has him in a side profile so he talks to the viewer and the cameraman as he paces, but continues to focus to the side...Walking right out of screen to the left, only to come back and well...Walk right off-screen to the right. Back and forth he does this, talking as though he is dictating something not just to the FGA fans watching but to himself as well.

Mighty Sparrow: You saw it, ain’t? Patrick Jones gets she one minute, next minute she crankin’ a Fujiwara. Only by timely intervention of Gall, call it just the thing to do or not wantin’ her to pick up a win...He breaks it up. Even moments when it was me and Jones, or say me and Gall one time or another...She was always waitin’, always pickin’ a moment to strike. She had to be engaged, focused on one-hundred percent to be kept out, as a well-timed Zoned Out from Jones told. ‘Course Gall makes a wrong step and say what...Quick as you please, just like that?

A simple snap of the fingers before more of that West Indian lilt leaving his tongue.

Mighty Sparrow: Here is your winner, LAURA PERELLI! Hungry. Hungry to finally have what she feels she should have. Hungry and feelin’ JUST by she hunger. That’s what makes her so dangerous as I say. Now the way Jones tells it, he ain’t have any doubts that me and Laura will make it hard for him but he wants to win this week...Not just survive, but win. I ain’t hate him at all for that. I can’t hate the mentality. Look at that man. He’s just so...Unhateable.

Sparrow shrugs and takes a moment to silently mouth to the camera, ‘It’s true’. He physically reaches off camera to pull out an 8x10 black and white of Patrick Jones. Don’t ask how he got it, or why he has it. Just...Just don’t ask questions.

Mighty Sparrow: Look at this face. Look at it. This is some top quality man-candy here. This is some kinda take-him-home-to-mummy-and-then-make-him-call-you-mummy type stuff here. Amanda, you would sleep with him right? Let him call you ‘mommy’?

The camera slowly pans to Amanda Johnson out of the shot, who had been to this point, just making coffee and minding her own business. She stares at Sparrow like, ‘Really guy?’ Notably, she doesn’t argue his point.

Amanda Johnson: ...

Mighty Sparrow decides to quickly change the subject.

Mighty Sparrow: Anyway. Laura well...She already said that this...This is a formality. So what’s this for me, yeah? That’s the million-dollar question. Me? I’m playin’ spoiler.

The Master of the KICK turns his full attention to the camera as it zooms out, his leg raised as though he’s about to shoot a toe kick directly at the lens.

Mighty Sparrow: Make no mistake, I ain’t have that quintessential ‘X’ factor that seems to make people just love up Patrick Jones like some big stuffed teddy bear who can break a jaw. I ain’t have no dangerous instinct or just causes like Laura. Nah boy. See what I have is the most lit kicking abilities that Frontier Grapple Arts will have ever seen. What I have is so much foot action ya might as well be sneakerheads after a match with me. What I have...Is a single opportunity to in quicker succession, win a championship faster than probably many can say so in as short a space of time...So that...Is what I’mma do. Laura comin’ to win it all? Spoilin’ that. Patrick Jones catchin’ the pinfall this week? Spoilin’ that.

Pause for thought and a small grin at the side of the Caribbean wrestler’s lip arches wider.

Mighty Sparrow: Ace Voltage continuin’ his Mid-Atlantic Legacy championship reign past All-Star Showdown IX? Well, that might be the biggest spoilin’ of them all. Compliments of me.

With that, Sparrow begins walking out of the shot, pulling up his ‘Master of the KICK’ hoodie and over his head before dropping it on the ground as he heads for the ring.

[FGA Office]

ELIMINATION CHASE: TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Laura Perelli vs. Patrick Jones vs. Mighty Sparrow

“Tell dem ah feelin’ good, like a new machine!
Like morning dew, fresh on the scene!
And we gon’ party to the full extreme, and light it up like gasoline!”

From the entrance to the ring, Mighty Sparrow appears through the curtain. He gets in some last minute leg stretches before the West Indian wrestler begins high-fiving fans on his way down the ramp. He gets to the outside of the ring as “Full Extreme” continues playing before he jumps and lands on the apron. With a second jump he clears the ring ropes before taking off for the farthest turnbuckle. He springs onto the second rope turnbuckle, executing a backflip and lands on his feet. He does sliding motion on his heel before turning and striking a pose to the cheers of the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is Triple Threat Match! Introducing participant number one, hailing from South Oropouche, Trinidad! Weighing in at 205 pounds… MIGHTY SPARROW!

Sparrow leans up against his corner, talking a few seconds with the referee before looking out to the crowd. He grabs the ropes in his corner, again with a few last second leg stretches before he is ready to go.

"I Won't Back Down" by Burn Halo fills the arena. At the first drum beats, a spotlight flickers on the entrance way with Jones coming out as the bass starts in a surge of energy. He spins a full circle with his arms stretched out to revel in the crowd's energy. The spin completes at the top of the ramp where Jones drops to a knee with a big, over-handed fist pump.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Louisville, Kentucky! Weighing in at 235 pounds… PATRICK JONES!

PJ takes a moment to enjoy the cheers around him and collect his thoughts before hopping to his feet. He jogs down the ramp, talking to and high-fiving fans, trying to get them as pumped up and ready to go as he is. Jones goes straight from the ramp and jumps onto the ring apron before ducking through the second and third rope, giving another, slower spin just to drink in the environment.

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponent, hailing from Trenton, New Jersey, weighing in at 127 pounds, this is LAURAAAAA PERRELLIIIIIIIII!

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

Kris Cruise: Alright, Stephy. We are in the next phase of this Elimination Chase! Zack Gall was the first to be eliminated. Now, Mighty Sparrow, Patrick Jones and Laura Perelli remain as the Triple Threat Match is about to get underway. This one is also first fall to a finish. The two survivors will advance to the number one contender’s match where the winner will face Ace Voltage at All-Star Showdown IX! Who do you like in this one.

Stephy Auger: Isn’t it obvious?

Kris Cruise: Correction. We know who you “like.” What woman doesn’t like Patrick Jones? He IS a very handsome man.

Stephy Auger: INDEED!

Kris Cruise: But who do you like to advance.

Stephy Auger: OH! Well, that should be obvious, Cruise. It’s Laura Perelli! Mighty Sparrow even said it himself. During the Fatal 4-Way, she was always there. She was in the right place at the right time. Even when one of them hit a big move on her, she came right back, countered and retook control. I see the events of the last show playing out the same here tonight. It’s only a matter of will Sparrow join Perelli in the number one contender’s match, or will it be Jones?

As soon as the bell sounds, Jones rushes across the ring and tries to catch Perelli off guard with a flying forearm smash. But Perelli is right there to snatch him out of mid air and wrestle him down into a Fujiwara Armbar!

Kris Cruise: Perelli with a huge counter!

Stephy Auger: See? She’s always a step ahead.

Perelli pulls back on the arm and tries to get a quick submission until Sparrow rushes over and breaks it up with a running senton.

Stephy Auger: Sparrow should’ve just let Jones get tapped out there. But I understand. He knows Perelli is the bigger threat. So he wants to save Jones so they can team up to take out Perelli. I see right through him.

Kris Cruise: I think it had more to do with getting a free shot in on Perelli.

Stephy Auger: Suuuure it was. Suuuuure.

Sparrow takes Perelli and scoops her up before bringing her down with a single knee backbreaker. He then hits the ropes, comes back and goes for another running senton. This time, Perelli rolls out of the way. Sparrow hits the mat before turning over onto a knee. He tries to get back to a vertical base, but he’s quickly knocked down with a Sliding D from Perelli! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
Sparrow kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow got caught right in the mouth with that forearm.

Stephy Auger: Look on the brightside. His teeth couldn’t get anymore jacked up than they already are.

Kris Cruise: Stephy, come on...

Perelli pulls Sparrow back to his feet and tries to take control of his back. Sparrow is eventually able to fight her off before taking control of her arm and throwing her down over his shoulder. Once Perelli gets back to her feet, she gets doubled over with a toe kick before Sparrow turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, Perelli stops him in his tracks with a European Uppercut. She then turns to hit the far ropes when Jones stops her in her tracks with a roundhouse kick. Jones then hits the far ropes, comes back and goes for a flying forearm smash. The crowd boos when Perelli drops to the mat, causing Sparrow to get knocked down.

Stephy Auger: Talk about ungrateful! Sparrow saved Jones and Jones returned the favor by hitting him with a flying forearm. Mmm Mmm Mmm. For shame!

Kris Cruise: That’s NOT what happened and you know it.

Perelli rushes over to attack. Jones quickly slips out of the way and pushing her into the ropes. When Perelli returns, Jones brings her down with to the mat with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Sparrow spins over on the mat and kicks one of Jones’ legs out from under him, breaking the bridge and the pin.

Sparrow takes Jones and whips him into the ropes. As soon as Jones comes off the ropes, Sparrow connects with a font dropkick, knocking Jones through the ropes and to the floor. Jones starts to pick himself up on the outside as Sparrow takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, he knocks Jones back with a baseball slide. But Sparrow isn’t done! The cheers continue as he takes off back ito the ropes. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as he rushes back across the ring. Sparrow motions for a dive to the outside, only to fake Jones out with a Tiger Feint. He then goes to follow up with a suicide dive to the outside when Perelli grabs him from behind as he’s halfway through the ropes, turns, runs across the ring and chucks Sparrow down to the mat. The crowd boos when Sparrow slides underneath the bottom rope and slides off the apron before plopping to the floor!

Stephy Auger: OOOOOOO, did you hear that?

Kris Cruise: I most certainly did. I didn’t sound good and I bet it didn’t feel good, either.

The boos continue as Perelli runs back across the ring before leaping through the ropes and tackling Perelli down with a suicide dive!

Stephy Auger: THAT’S how you do a suicide dive, Cruise! None of this swinging through the ropes nonsense. Just dive to the outside and get it over with.

Perelli takes Jones, hammerlocks his arm and throws him against the guard rail! Jones howls out in pain before collapsing to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Perelli has targeted his arm once again.

Stephy Auger: I love it. Perelli caught him seconds into the match with the Fujiwara. Now she’s going after the arm again. But I would like her to go after his legs at some point. He can’t throw out that superkick on a bum wheel.

Kris Cruise: That “Zoned Out” kick can come out of nowhere. Perelli, and even Sparrow, should target his legs. So you’re right there.

Stephy Auger: Of course I’m right.

Perelli takes Jones and rolls him back inside. She then reaches back in, grabs his right arm and throws it down hard against the edge of the apron! Jones quickly rolls back towards the center of the ring before clutching the arm. Perelli slips back inside. When Jones turns towards her, he gets flattened with a Sliding D! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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Jones gets his left shoulder up.

Perelli turns Jones over into the prone position before hammerlocking his arm. She keeps his arm pressed against his back before delivering repeated knee drops across the arm. The boos continue as she pulls Jones back over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Jones gets his left shoulder up.

Perelli wrestles control of Jones’ right arm away from him before delivering a stomp to the keylocked arm.

Kris Cruise: Oh, you just hate to see a maneuver like that. I don’t care how many times I see it. I still get an uneasy feeling whenever she does it.

Stephy Auger: You feel uneasy? Imagine how Jones feels right now!

Perelli heads over towards the ropes and turns her attention to a couple of the more vocal fans. She goads them as they continue to voice their displeasure towards her. Perelli backs away from the ropes, turns around and gets knocked off her feet by a ropewalk dropkick from Sparrow! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
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Perelli kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Perelli took her eyes off the prize and it nearly cost her!

Stephy Auger: A rare mistake. She won’t make another one. Trust me.

Sparrow sets up for an irish whip and gets reversed. When he returns, he sees Perelli setting up for a back body drop. So he counters by knocking her down to a knee with a Switchblade Kick. Sparrow then runs back into the ropes, leaps into the air and flattens Perelli with a Meteora! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Sparrow moves Perelli into the corner and continues to target the body with corner chest kicks. Perelli is then whipped hard into the far corner. She begins to stagger out of the corner before Sparrow rushes across the ring and connects with a font dropkick. The crowd cheers when Perelli goes flying into the corner before bounces off the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: That’ll knock the wind right out of her.

Sparrow heads into the corner and goes for springboard moonsault! He misses! The crowd boos when Perelli rolls out of the way!

Stephy Auger: Perelli was down, but she wasn’t out.

Sparrow slowly turns over onto his back before Perelli nails him with a standing double foot stomp. The boos continue when Perelli gives him another standing double foot stomp for good measure. Sparrow is then pulled back to his feet before being thrown down with Gone Bust (floatover butterfly suplex)! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Jones dives over and breaks up the pin with an elbow drop.

Kris Cruise: Jones with the save!

Stephy Auger: Once again, a smart man would’ve just let Sparrow be pinned. But Jones, just like Sparrow, knows that Perelli is THE biggest threat in this match. He knows he’d have an easier time winning against Sparrow than he would against Perelli.

Perelli reverses an irish whip, sending Jones into the ropes. As soon as he comes off the ropes, he knocks Perelli down with a flying forearm smash!

Kris Cruise: Jones caught her this time around!

The cheers continue when Perelli gets returned to the mat with another flying forearm smash! He then pulls Perelli back to her feet before throwing her down with a scoop slam. Jones heads over, pulls Sparrow up by his hair and pulls him over before throwing him down across Perelli with a scoop slam. The crowd is solidly behind Jones as he steps out to the apron and climbs the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: What does Jones have in mind here?

Jones reaches the top before leaping off and landing across Sparrow (and Perelli) with a diving elbow drop! Sparrow is then pulled off Perelli before Jones returns to the apron.

Stephy Auger: What is he doing now?

Jones climbs the turnbuckles. He raises his arms in the air before leaping off and crashing down across Perelli with a diving elbow drop!

Kris Cruise: Jones connects with another flying elbow! This time, right across the heart of Laura Perelli!

Jones makes his way back into the corner and starts to wave Perelli up. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Perelli starts to stir on the mat. Jones’ waves get faster and faster the closer Perelli gets to getting back to her feet. Once she’s back to a vertical base, Jones rushes out of the corner. When Perelli turns around, Jones throws out Zoned Out (Superkick)! Perelli ducks the kick just before Sparrow knocks Jones down with a Falling Crescent Kick!

Kris Cruise: That sequence could not have gone worse for Jones! He went from thinking he was seconds away from a win to winded up on his back!

Sparrow returns to his feet and nearly gets caught with a standing dropkick from Perelli! But he ducks out of the way in time. Perelli scrambles back to a vertical base and gets caught with a Leaf Whirlwind (Counter Scorpion Kick followed by a Pele Kick)! After the kick turns her around, Sparrow quickly takes advantage with the Obama Roll (Surprise victory roll pin. Often completed by yelling “Thanks Obama!”)!

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Perelli kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow nearly got the win!

Stephy Auger: He nearly stole the match, that’s what happened...

Sparrow pulls Perelli back to her feet she when smacks his hands off her and follows up with a European Uppercut. She then runs into the ropes. Perelli returns and gets caught with a back elbow to the face. Perelli starts to stumble back until Sparrow hits a running hurricanrana, sending her through the ropes and to the floor. Sparrow hits the far ropes, returns and motions for a dive when he rebounds off the ropes and lands smoothly off the backflip into a Rock Lee pose. Perelli climbs to the apron to attack, but she’s quickly caught with a front dropkick that sends her back to the floor. Sparrow once again takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers as he flips over the top rope and knocks Perelli down with a Fosbury Flop!

Kris Cruise: Air Sparrow!

Sparrow gets back to his feet. He turns to face the ring when he gets knocked down with a vaulting body press from Jones! Jones mounts himself on top of Sparrow and fires off a flurry of right hands!

Kris Cruise: Look at Jones go!

Jones takes Sparrow and rolls him back inside. Sparrow is then whipped into the ropes before getting caught off the rebound with a belly to belly suplex. Jones makes his way back out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. The crowd cheers when Jones leaps off from the top and connects with another diving elbow drop! He then sets up shop in the corner.

Kris Cruise: Jones is set up in the corner. He could be seconds away from a win...

Jones starts waving Sparrow up as the newcomer struggles to pick himself up off the mat. Jones turns to the outside to make sure that Perelli is still down. He the turns his attention back to Sparrow. Once Sparrow is back to his feet, Jones heads out of the corner. He goes for Zoned Out! NO! Sparrow catches his foot! The crowd gasps when Sparrow swings Jones’ leg away from him. Jones then spins in place before getting countered with the Leaf Whirlwind! While Jones is dazed, Sparrow hits the ropes. Sparrow comes back off the ropes before driving Jones down with the The Notorious K.I.C.K. (Standing Double Foot Stomp)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers as “Full Extreme” hits the PA.

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

The cheers continue as Sparrow gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: The Mighty Sparrow survived the Fatal 4-Way. This time, he picks up the pinfall to win the Triple Threat Match! With that, Patrick Jones has been eliminated from the Elimination Chase. On the next Vertigo, it will be Mighty Sparrow taking on Laura Perelli. The winner will challenge Ace Voltage for the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship at All-Star Showdown IX!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Returning backstage, we see Tyler Storm sitting down in one of the foldout chairs, lacing up his boots as he prepares for his match tonight. His Pride Championship is sitting beside him in another chair, a quick glance from the champion earning a smile as he continues with his boot. As he does this, Spencer Burke sneaks into frame and over to Tyler.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me, Tyler, mind if we get in a quick word with you before tonight's match?

Storm glances upwards and gives a quick nod.

Tyler Storm: So long as you don't mind lowering down here so I can keep lacing up my boots, I'm happy to talk my man.

Spencer blinks a couple times, then shrugging his shoulders as he leans down to his knees and holds his mic up.

Spencer Burke: Can't say I've done many interviews like this, but a first time for everything. Tyler, I had the chance to talk with you last week and get your thoughts on once again being Pride Champion, and of course also asking where the next direction for you would be coming off of Only The Strong Survive. But it took very little time to potentially find that answer as we were interrupted last week by Marlon Cure and Jenny Cien.

Tyler Storm: And I still can smell that cigar of his...he must have a guy importing those for him.

Spencer remains silent to that as Tyler looks up from his lacing.

Tyler Storm: I don't know anything about cigars, I'm just assuming. It's funny, Spence, ha-ha, things like that.

Spencer Burke: You know you aren't good at that, right?

Tyler Storm: I know, but hey, you can't miss if you don't at least attempt the shot, and what's the fun in that?

Spencer Burke: In any case, Tyler, back to my point. You and Marlon had your comments with one another last week, and it ended with you accepting a challenge from "King" to a match here tonight. If he wins, you two will go one-on-one again, but this time for the Pride Championship at All-Star Showdown IX. A couple of critics have questioned the quick move into something like this, especially considering how things went last time you were the Pride Champion, however you have not let that stop you from still going through with this tonight. What would you like to say to those critics, maybe to ease the minds a bit?

Tyler Storm: Critics will be critics, so I've got nothing to prove to them, honestly man. I mean I do get it at least, trust me I do. I mean, I know it took little to no time for me to lose the Pride Championship last time around to Lowri, and for a lot of people in my position there would probably be that heavy hesitancy in getting back on the saddle of being a fighting champion. But y'all can call it crazy or whatever, that just ain't the way I've been brought up in this business. Yeah, it sucked how things ended last time for me, but I can't just stop being confident in myself, that's only gonna make this reign just as short. If I want to leave my legacy with this championship, I've got to do it my way, and not be some lesser form.

Tyler wraps up with lacing up his right boot, then reaches over and pulls the Pride title onto his lap.

Tyler Storm: I'm gonna defend this against the best of the best in this business, and FGA has some of those bests. Marlon, to his credit, I think he deserves the right to earn that moniker. A man that calls himself a king has got to back it up, and he's shown plenty of times in his career that he can. He's a vet of the same moniker as myself, he backs up his words more often than not, he's got himself in some good company with his new association with Ms. Cien, and I've got to credit a man who ain't afraid to put himself at the front of the line. I've made that mistake way too many times of just waiting, and in 2020 I changed that and made this year my best year of my career. I see some good potential in people not afraid to just be themselves and put their resume as #1. I want that message to be clear to everyone on this roster, don't be afraid to just throw yourself to the front of the line, cuz it'll benefit ya 9 times out of 10.

Tyler pats the title and grins brightly.

Tyler Storm: Now, if people wanna come with that same energy as Marlon did with the cockiness and the arrogance, that's on them. I don't roll that way, but that's because I know there are plenty of people in this company to knock me off a pedestal like that reaaaaaal quick. And Marlon better know, I ain't afraid to knock him off that little platform he's got himself on. I'm not planning on making it easy for him to get this title shot if he wins tonight. I intend to walk out with another big win on my resume, and I know I'm ready to prove this championship isn't a fluke when it's in my possession. I'm looking forward to the challenge I get tonight from Marlon, and I'm looking forward to rolling in with my Swiss Army Knife ways and knocking ol' King down a few pegs.

Spencer Burke: Well then, thanks for the time Tyler, and good luck tonight.

Another small nod from the champ allows Spencer to raise back up to his feet and walk off, and allowing Tyler to return to lacing up his left boot as we cut away.

[FGA Office]

We fade in on the image of Amanda Johnson, who sits comfortably in a faux-leather chair in the backstage area. With a microphone clipped to the collar of her top, it’s evident that Amanda is prepped for a sit-down interview.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, over the past few months, we’ve seen Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter and Jillian Clay of the Saturnian Connection in tag team action right here on Vertigo. One thing that I’ve been unable to do, however, is get a few moments alone with this intriguing tag team. So that’s what I want to take this opportunity to finally do tonight, comfortably removed from the typical chaos of the program.

Amanda turns to look at her guests and as the scene pans out, we can finally clearly see Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter and Jillian Clay. Both grapplers are already dressed to compete, suggesting that the interview is live. They’re sat roughly six feet away from Amanda and while Jillian Clay smiles broadly at the interviewer, Nando’s expression lingers somewhere between inattentive and uninterested, gaze aimed toward the floor.

Amanda Johnson: Jill. Nando. Thank you for giving me a little bit of your time tonight. Obviously you have a huge match to prepare for-- going up against the World Tag Team Champions, Pendragon in non-title action. I have to ask what you have in store for the champions tonight.

Nando doesn’t immediately speak up or make a move. Jillian Clay glances toward the alien hunter before looking back toward Amanda with a faint smile.

Jillian Clay: We’re not going to go another day on this roster letting people, especially the champions, think we’re not… serious. We are. There’s nothing I’ve been thinking about more than the Tag Team Titles. Not since the Rumble.

Johnson raises her brows, nodding a bit.

Amanda Johnson: Wow. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard you-- um… articulate a thought so clearly, Jill. Nando, I assume you feel the same way your partner does?

Here, finally, Nando looks upward.

Nando Fresno: I think Jill and I are trying to find our ways to the same goal, yeah.

Amanda Johnson: Alright. Well, Jill, you mentioned the Rumble, and looking back to that, we got a small glimpse at what a match between Pendragon and the Saturnian Connection would look like. Is there anything you took from that exchange that you think could earn you a victory here tonight?

Jillian Clay: I learned that Lowri Moss was giving us her all. Even after two matches… she outfought us.

Nando’s gaze has returned earthward. His voice is low; contemplative.

Nando Fresno: She did. She was prepared to do something that neither of us were prepared to do.

He looks at his tag team partner after he says this.

Nando Fresno: But the goal of the Rumble was entirely different. What Lowri did was incredible and I would never make light of it. I’ve never been close with Lowri Moss but I’ve worked in several promotions with her over the years and watched her growth. I know that she is an elite athlete; an elite wrestler. So I’m impressed, but not shocked that she had the stamina to compete twice and then go onto set multiple records throughout the night en route to winning the Gold Rush.

Nando pauses, his gaze now turning to the interviewer.

Nando Fresno: But I don’t think we can assume that the Pendragon we fought in the Rumble are the same Pendragon we’re fighting tonight. In the back of our minds we knew we were all fighting for ourselves at Only the Strong Survive, but tonight there is a clear and distinct goal and it’s very tangible. They’ve reached that goal. They wear it on themselves in the form of two… four championship belts. And yeah, this is their first defense as undisputed, unified Tag Team Champions and I’m sure that motivates them, but I cannot imagine that Neal Durden and Lowri Moss are as hungry for success right now as Jillian and I.

Amanda allows the words to hang there for a moment before posing a question.

Amanda Johnson: Do you think the Tag Team Champions are complacent then?

Nando Fresno: No. I think one team is allowed to be very motivated and very driven, but still not as hungry as their opponents.

Amanda Johnson: That’s completely fair. I do have another question that I’m entirely sure I’ve worded appropriately but… over the past few months, most of us have observed your relationship with Sadie San Francisco. We’ve seen her… change in demeanor, we’ll call it, during her reign as the United States Champion, and the last time we spoke, she had mentioned wanting you to find your way to a Tag Team Title match. We’ve seen her call upon you not only as allies but potentially as teammates and I want to know if we can expect her to influence your guys’ approach tonight.

Nando looks down, shaking his head slightly.

Nando Fresno: Absolutely n--

Jillian Clay: Absolutely.

Nando closes his eyes, face falling expressionless as Clay goes on.

Jillian Clay: Sadie is constantly putting her faith in me and I’ve let her down before. We didn’t do what was best for our friend at Only the Strong Survive, but she’s still giving us all of her positive energy heading into this match. Sadie was the best United States Champion I ever saw. She believed in that championship and she believed in herself. It was inspiring-- I was inspired every time I watched her.

Nando looks directly into the camera, sighing slightly to himself, before his gaze falls toward the ground again.

Jillian Clay: So. Yes. This new Sadie, that’s only been unstoppable on one night this year, has a lot of influence on how we approach Pendragon tonight.

Amanda looks toward Nando, raising a brow, prompting a response.

Nando Fresno: Yeah, I-- alright.

He rubs his palms together, looking elsewhere. Anywhere else. Mildly uncomfortably.

Nando Fresno: Bottom line is… if we win this match, that should put us at the front of the line for a title shot.

Amanda Johnson: And are you willing to do that by any means necessary?

Jillian Clay: Of cour--

Nando Fresno: No.

Amanda Johnson fixes her stare on the alien hunter now, visibly curious. Nando shakes his head slightly.

Nando Fresno: I don’t like statements like that. We don’t need to commit to something like that… “by any means necessary.” It implies that we can’t rely on ourselves and our skills. And that’s not true. We have a code and we have a strategy. That should be enough. And I think we’re gonna show Lowri and Neal how true that is tonight. I’m sure my partner agrees.

Jillian’s gaze has traveled during Nando’s interjection. Her gaze lands on her partner as he finishes and Jillian’s lips stretch into a warm smile. Amanda looks between them for a moment before speaking up again.

Amanda Johnson: So is the Saturnian Connection on the same page tonight? You’ve already implied that you’re approaching this match from two different perspectives.

For several seconds, there is just silence in the room, but Jillian speaks up first, the bright smile still evident on her face.

Jillian Clay: Well, we are.

Quietly, Nando sighs again, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, but Jillian continues.

Jillian Clay: And something that Nando has taught me in all the years that I’ve known him… is that a good tag team can disagree. Even about the important things-- about why they want to win.

Jill looks from her partner, back to Amanda.

Jillian Clay: But a really good tag team doesn’t have to agree on why. They just have to understand each other. And want the best for each other. And that’s what Nando and I have. That’s why we’re a good tag team.

Nando doesn’t look at his partner, but it’s evident from his eyes, from the nod of his head, that he’s absorbed everything Jillian Clay said. Slowly, he turns to look at the interviewer.

Nando Fresno: We are firmly on the same page.

Amanda Johnson: Well. I wish you the best of luck tonight then. And I look forward to talking to you again soon-- diving a little deeper into the story of the Saturnian Connection.

Jillian gives Amanda a warm smile, but it’s Nando Fresno that our camera focuses on, panning in as Nando thoughtfully and silently stares ahead. We fade to black.

[FGA Office]

NON-TITLE TAG TEAM MATCH
(c) Pendragon vs. The Saturnian Connection

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

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

FIVE.

FOUR.

THREE.

TWO.

ONE.”

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

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

Jillian Clay climbs up onto the apron and pauses, glancing out at the audience in the attendance. With a smile, Clay nods a bit to herself and climbs the turnbuckles, holding two fingers skyward, looking up until she closes her eyes for just a moment, muttering something to herself before stretching her arm back. Nando leaps up onto the apron, taking Jill’s hand as an assist before a second leap takes him over the ropes and into the ring. Still maintaining the grip, Jill leaps down from the corner, hair falling around her face and there, finally their grip breaks. Nando walks to the far corner of the ring, leaning out, motioning directly to the camera that “I’m watching you” while Clay sways out-of-focus behind him, gaze steadily skyward.

Kris Cruise: This is a big opportunity for The Saturnian Connection. Pendragon have gone through every team that’s been put in their way during this incredible run. With Nando Fresno and Jillian Clay finally becoming official members of the roster a couple of months back, this has been a dream match for them. They’re hungry, but they appear to be on two different pages.

Stephy Auger: I didn’t hear a team that sounded like they were in sync. It sounded to me like Jillian Clay is willing to do things one way while Nando wants to do things a different way. We’ll see how that works out for them in this tone.

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. The Welsh duo stand side by side on the stage for a moment, surveying the crowd, before they then make their way towards the ring, with Neal leading the way. After climbing the steps and entering the ring, Lowri heads for one of the corners and climbs to the second rope to look 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.

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

Kris Cruise: Despite Lowri’s singles success here in Neal’s success elsewhere, these two are as dedicated to their tag team as ever. They’ve essentially been unstoppable since defeated The Chaotics and ending their legendary reign a year ago. The fact that Pendragon were able to top that reign is a testament to their teamwork.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, yeah, their the best tag team in FGA… outside of Silk & Cyanide.

Kris Cruise: What!?

Stephy Auger: But they can’t do this forever. Even Fujiko eventual fell and lost her World Championship. Pendragon is coming to an end soon. I can just feel it.

Kris Cruise: Sounds like wishful thinking on your part. But I will say, the team of SatCon offers a new challenge. We’ll see how well Pendragon handle it right now.

The bell sounds as with Moss and Clay starting things off with a collar-and-elbow. After jockeying for position, Moss starts to move Clay across the ring. At the last second, Clay pivots and presses Moss up against the turnbuckles. The ref is quick to get in and give them until the count of five to break.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Both grapplers go for a clean break until Clay catches Moss off guard with a forearm strike right to the face!

Kris Cruise: Was that… a cheap shot from Jillian Clay?

Stephy Auger: I think it was. I think I like it!

Clay fires off three more forearms before sending Moss into the far corner. Clay then races across the ring before snapping Moss’ head back with a step-up knee strike! Moss is then whipped back into the previous corner before Clay runs across the ring and sends her slumping down with a Koppu Kick! Clay takes off into the far corner, ricochets off the turnbuckles and runs back across the ring before squashing Moss with a cannonball senton! Moss is dragged out of the corner before Clay makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Clay gets a two count. Man, Clay come out firing on all cylinders, hasn’t she?

Stephy Auger: She has. I like it! This shows me how bad she wants this win. Hopefully Nando over there gets with the program and follows Clay’s lead.

Clay sends up for an irish whip when Moss reverses, sending Clay into the ropes. Moss sets up for a back body drop off the rebound until Clay comes back, grabs her by the hair and throws her down with a hair pull mat slam. Clay quickly drops down and makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another questionable tactic there by Jillian Clay.

Stephy Auger: Hey, you can’t blame her. Lowri left herself wide open.

Fresno calls out for the tag. Clay looks over and sees it. So she heads over into the SatCon corner and tags the Alien Hunter in. Once inside, Fresno motions for Clay to head into the far corner. After bringing Moss into the opposite corner and slamming her face-first into the top turnbuckle, Fresno drops down on all fours in front of Moss. Clay then runs across the ring and goes for a flying cannonball off Fresno’s back, but Moss slips out of the way, causing Clay to crash into the corner!

Kris Cruise: Clay missed!

Fresno stands up on his knees, only to get quickly caught with a Switchblade Kick from Moss. The 2020 Gold Rush Rumble winner pull him up and brings him over into the Pendragon corner before tagging in Neal Durden. Pendragon then take Fresno and whip him into the far ropes. Fresno gets caught off the rebound with a double hip toss before Pendragon follows up with an assisted moonsault! Durden hooks the leg.

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

Kris Cruise: Durden with the nearfall. It seemed like SatCon was firmly in control until Fresno got tagged in.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, this is all his fault. Clay came out with the aggression. She came into this match with the right gameplan. As soon as Fresno gets in, he coughs up the advantage and gives control of the match right back to the champions.

Durden takes Fresno and moves back into the Pendragon corner before tagging Moss back in. After Pendragon whip Fresno into the far corner, Durden rushes across the ring before blasting him with a running arched big boot. Durden backs away from the corner and turns to help Moss deliver an assisted dropkick! The cheers continue as Fresno crumbles from out of the corner. Moss heads over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay puts Fresno’s foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Hey!

Stephy Auger: What, I don’t see her doing anything wrong! Partners run halfway across the ring and break up the pin all the time. This is no worse than that.

Clay reaches in and drags Fresno to the outside.

Kris Cruise: It looks like Jillian Clay wants to talk things over.

Stephy Auger: Why wouldn’t she. Fresno’s been in trouble the moment he called to get tagged in. It’s about time Clay retakes control of things.

The Saturnian Connection appear to be having a difference of opinion on something. While Clay is pleading her case, Durden takes off into the far ropes. Fresno does a double take when he turns and sees Durden fast approaching. He then pushes her out of the way as Durden flips over the top rope. The crowd cheers when Fresno gets flattened with a topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: Fresno just sacrificed himself for his partner!

Stephy Auger: Well, I’ve got to give him kudos for that.

Before Durden can get back to his feet, Clay attacks him with clubbing strikes across the back. She then takes control of Durden’s back and goes for a German Suplex. But Durden is able to rotate and land on his feet. When Clay turns around, the crowd cheers when Moss flips off the top rope and knocks her down with a moonsault!

Kris Cruise: Moss soared through the air before knocking Clay down! Pendragon are still in control. They might not lose control of this match.

Stephy Auger: I hate to admit it, but you might be right. If you’ve got the advantage on a team like Pendragon, you have to keep your feet on their necks. You can't let up.

Durden grabs a hold of Fresno and rolls him back inside. Moss then clubs up to the the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Fresno gets back to her feet, Moss leaps off and knocks him down with a diving crossbody!

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

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off again for Lowri. But it only results in a two count. Stephy, we’ve got to address the elephant in the room. Things got pretty heated between Pendragon and the Super Mario Wrestling Bros on the last show.

Stephy Auger: It seems to me like Max Powers and Neal Durden are the ones wit the issue. If I’m the SMWB, I’m hoping that SatCon fails tonight because if SatCon gets the win, you can bet that Nando and Clay will be the one’s challenging for the Tag Titles next.

Moss heads over and tags Durden back in. Pendragon then send Fresno for the ride before catching him off the rebound with a double japanese arm drag. Durden goes to follow up with a standing corkscrew moonsault when Fresno gets his knees up.

Kris Cruise: Good counter by Fresno.

Fresno pulls Durden back to his feet and sets up for an irish whip. Durden reverses, rushes back across the ring and catches Fresno with another running arched big boot. The crowd cheers and counts along as he climbs up onto the middle ropes and starts punching Fresno.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

“FOUR!”

“FI-”

Fresno grabs Durden and pulls him down, trapping him in the corner. The Alien Hunter then slips out and nails Durden with the Cheeky Nando’s kick before powerbombing him out of the corner! Fresno then darts over and knocks Moss off the apron before sliding back over to make the pin.

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

Kris Cruise: Fresno was wise to knock Moss off the apron to keep her from breaking up the pin. But the seconds it took him to d that could have cost him the three count.

Stephy Auger: That’s why it should have been Clay knocking Moss off the mat.

Fresno heads over and tags Clay back in. The Alien Hunter calls for a double irish whip into the corner. Clay obliges as she helps him send Durden into the far corner. After connecting with a Koppu Kick, she rolls over onto all fours. The Alien Hunter then rushes across the ring before launching himself off Clay’s back into a Stinger Splash on Durden! The cheers continue as Fresno turns to Clay and points up with his thumbs. Clay then lifts Durden up before delivering a release gourdbuster into a toe kick to the sternum from Fresno! While Durden’s down, Fresno climbs the turnbuckles before flipping off and catching him with a corkscrew moonsault! Clay quickly runs back across the ring and knocks Moss off the apron while Fresno makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Fresno only gets a two count. But the Saturnian Connection appear to be back on the same page.

Stephy Auger: They were looking pretty smooth there, I must say. Especially Jillian Clay. I’m absolutely loving this new edge I’m sensing from her.

Kris Cruise: Well, she has bene inspired by Sadie San Francisco lately.

Stephy Auger: ...on second though, I change my mind.

Kris Cruise: Why? You were just gushing over her seconds ago.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but now she’s channeling Selfish San Francisco and I can’t be cheerleading that.

Clay rushes back out to the apron in the SatCon corner so she can be tagged back in. Fresno sets up shop in a nearby corner as Clay lifts Durden up across her shoulders. The Saturnian Connection give each other a nod before they bring Durden down with the GoToSaturn (Fireman’s Carry from Jill thrown thrown into a Springboard Knee strike to the temple from Nando)! The cheers continue as Clay makes the cover.

ONE!
.
Moss tries to climb back into the ring to break up the pin, but Fresno rushes over and holds her in place.
.
TWO!
.
.
Durden gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I thought we were on the verge on an upset there.

Clay takes Durden and lifts him back up across her shoulders. Before she can bring Durden down, he counters with multiple elbows to the side of the head. He then slips down from behind and follows up with a ripcord knee strike!

Kris Cruise: Clay just got ROCKED by that ripcord knee!

While Clay is dazed, Durden turns and takes off into the ropes. When he comes back, he ends up rolling underneath a clothesline from Fresno. The Alien Hunter then turns around before being brought down with a Sling Blade! The cheers continue as Durden takes Clay and goes for an Olympic Slam. Clay slips down from behind! She then turns Durden around before bringing him down with a triple bridging Northern Lights Suplex!

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

Moss dives over and breaks up the pin!

Kris Cruise: What a save by Moss!

Clay takes Durden and whips him hard, sending him crashing sternum-first into the corner. Durden starts to stumble back until Clay leaps up and plants him with the Weltraumschrott (Stalling Reverse Rana)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
Moss rushes in to make the save, but Fresno cuts her off with a running hurricanrana, sending her rolling to the outside
.
.
T-NO!

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

Clay makes the cover again.

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

Frustrated, Clay mounts on top of Durden, grabs him by the hair with both hands and starts ramming the back of his head against the canvas. Clay continues this over and over until Fresno moves her off of him. He mouths “not like this.”

Kris Cruise: It’s clear that Jillian Clay has recently been inspired by Sadie San Francisco. But the same can’t be said for Nando Fresno.

Stephy Auger: Smart guy.

Fresno steps out to the apron before getting the tag. SatCon take Durden and go for a double back suplex, but he rolls over their shoulders and lands on his feet. Durden starts to run backwards as he sees Clay charging at him. He then side steps, grabs Clay by the back of the neck and tosses her through the ropes and to the floor. Fresno then charges in until Durden dumps him over the top rope. While Fresno lands safely on the apron, Durden rolls forward, leaps across the ring and tags Moss back in!

Kris Cruise: Lowri’s back in!

Moss quickly hops back in through the ropes before charging across the ring. Fresno goes to cut her off with a springboard crossbody, but Moss counters with a spinning heel kick in mid air! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Fresno gets his shoulder up.

Moss pulls Fresno back to his feet and hits him with three European Uppercuts. After cracking him with a headbutt, Moss snaps him head back with a bicycle knee strike right underneath the chin. Fresno drops down to his knees before getting cracked across the head with a Question Mark Kick! Moss pulls Fresno back up into a standing headscissors before planting him with a Cradle Piledriver! She makes the cover.

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

Clay breaks up the pin with a springboard foot stomp!

Kris Cruise: Clay makes the save!

Clay rushes over and knocks Durden off the apron with a running dropkick. She then heads back over to Moss and starts putting the boots to her. She pulls Moss up by the hair, runs into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle over and over.

Kris Cruise: Clay’s letting her frustrations get the better of her.

Stephy Auger: She’s desperate. Her and Nando want to win this match badly.

Clay takes Moss, places her in a headlock and rakes her face across the top rope before slamming her face-first into another turnbuckle. Moss is then sat on the top turnbuckle facing out towards the ring. The crowd starts to buzz with anticipation as Clay scales the ropes.

Kris Cruise: What does Clay have in mind for Moss?

Clay positions herself up top, takes control of Moss’ back and goes for a Spider Suplex!

NO!

Durden is there to catch Moss across his shoulder! After Durden lets Moss down, Pendragon see Clay still hanging upside down from the turnbuckle. So they rush into the corner before knocking Clay down with a double hesitation dropkick!

Kris Cruise: Clay was seconds away from dropping Moss with a German Suplex off the top, put her plan backfired big time!

Pendragon look over and see Fresno struggling to pick himself back up. Moss and Durden rush over and throw out a double clothesline, only for Fresno to roll underneath it. When they turn around, Fresno is able to knock them both down with a split-legged dropkick before returning to his feet with a kip up.

Kris Cruise: Nando with a dropkick that takes out both members of Pendragon! Can he pull off this upset for SatCon?

Fresno takes Moss and whips her into the ropes. Moss comes off the rebound and gets brought down with a Spanish Fly! Fresno makes the cover.

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

Fresno pulls Moss back to her feet, positions himself behind her and reaches over his shoulder to grab her. Moss is then brought down with the Barnard 33 (Reverse Snapmare → Bicycle Knee Smash)! The Alien Hunter takes off into the ropes. When he returns, he flattens Moss with a Sliding Knee Smash! He makes the cover.

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

Durden dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Neal with the timely save!

Durden sends Fresno off into the ropes. The Alien Hunter returns and sees Durden setting up for a back body drop. So he counters with a kick to the face that knocks him upright. Fresno quickly follows up with a palm strike flurry before blasting Durden with a Discus Elbow, knocking him through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Durden’s down and out!

Stephy Auger: He has no idea where he is right now.

Fresno heads over, picks up Moss and knocks her into the corner with a palm strike flurry. He goes to follow up with a Discus Elbow when Moss ducks. Fresno then turns around and gets caught with the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! The cheers continue as Moss hits the far ropes before coming back and blasting him with Just For Kicks (Running big boot to a cornered opponent followed by a running Facewash)!

Kris Cruise: Moss is firmly back in control! Are we seconds away from seeing Pendragon put down another team?

Moss pulls Fresno out of the corner and whips him into the far ropes. She goes to catch him off the rebound with the Breuddwydion Melus (Superkick), but Fresno gets his hands up in time to catch her foot. The Alien Hunter swings Moss’ leg away from him before quickly countering with a Snap German Suplex! Fresno takes Moss and moves her into the corner before sitting her down on the top turnbuckle. Fresno climbs up to the middle ropes. He takes a second to look back before stepping up to the top ropes!

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good, Stephy...

The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Fresno pulls Moss up to the top turnbuckle. He goes for a superplex, but Moss blocks it. He tries to muscle Moss up for another superplex but again, he gets blocked. Moss then hits Fresno with a couple of punches to the midsection, breaking the hold. She then grabs a hold of Fresno and pushes him off to the side. The crowd gasps as Fresno flies off the top turnbuckle! He lands on his feet. But his knee quickly buckles before he crumbles to the floor. The Alien Hunter is seen on the outside clutching his knee.

Kris Cruise: Nando’s down and he’s hurt.

Stephy Auger: It looked like he was about to land on his feet. But his knee gave out, I think.

The referee heads to the outside and tends to Fresno. The ref asks if he wants him to stop the match. Fresno vehemently refuses.

Kris Cruise: Nando doesn’t want this match to be called. He’s willing to fight on one leg. That’s how much this means to him.

Fresno grabs a hold of the official and uses him to pull himself back to his feet. But he doesn’t remain on his feet for long as Moss leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him down with a diving crossbody! Both grapplers are met with cheers and applause as they lay sprawled out on the floor.

ONE!






TWO!







THREE!







FOUR!




Kris Cruise: Both Lowri and Nando are still down. Neither has moved.

Stephy Auger: This could end in a double countout!




FIVE!








SIX!





Moss starts to stir on the floor.






SEVEN!






Moss turns over and starts crawling towards the ring.







EIGHT!






Fresno reaches over to grab Moss’ leg, but she’s just out of reach.







NINE!








Moss rolls back inside





TEN!



Kris Cruise: Moss just beat the count. Pendragon have picked up the win.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match as result of a countout, PENDRAGON!

On the outside, Clay heads over and helps Fresno back to his feet. The disappointment is visible on the faces of both members of The Saturnian Connection. Fresno holds his leg before slowly bending and extending it. Once he’s ready, SatCon slowly make their way to the back.

“Take A Chance” hits the speakers, but it is clear from the expressions on the faces of Neal and Lowri, as well as from their body language, that they are not content with how the match ended, and after the referee hands them their titles and raises their arms, Lowri heads towards the corner and asks J.A. Aldridge for a pair of microphones. She passes one of the mics to Neal, before gesturing for their music to be cut; once the music fades out, she begins to speak.

Lowri Moss: So, if it isn’t already obvious, I think by now you should all know me and Neal well enough to know that a countout victory isn’t something we’re ever going to be satisfied with, especially when it occurs due to one of our opponents suffering an injury. That’s something that we never like to see happen, and Nando… I hope you’re not too badly hurt, and that you’ll be able to be back inside a ring again before too long.

There is a round of applause from the crowd, as Nando is seen being helped backstage by Jill and the official.

Lowri Moss: The way that match ended is doubly frustrating for us because aside from the Gold Rush Rumble, that’s the first time we’ve ever been in the ring with Nando and Jill. There was a time, nearly three years ago now, when we were due to face them in New Kingdom PRO, but then NKP closed its doors, meaning that match never happened, and so when we found out we would be facing them here tonight, it’s something we were instantly looking forward to, because it felt like a match that was long overdue.

Lowri exchanges a glance with Neal, as she lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: Jill and Nando fought us all the way, just as we expected they would, and it’s just gutting that the match ended how it did. Like I said though, hopefully Nando will be okay, hopefully we won’t have to wait quite so long for another match between Pendragon and The Saturnian Connection, and hopefully next time we meet we'll be able to give you all a proper, more definitive outcome.

Neal takes the word from Lowri.

Neal Durden: I’m fully behind every word Lowri had just said. I wish Nando nothing but a speedy recovery, and well, him and Jill know they can count on us for whatever they might need in the recovery process…

Neal gets cut off as "Rockit" pumps through the speakers. Moments later, the Super Mario Wrestling Bros step through the curtain. Max Powers cups his hand to his ear when he notices some light boos mixed in with the usual cheers. The fans in Queens have not forgotten how testy things got between these two teams on the last show.

Max Powers: What's occurring, Queens?

Max follows up his mocking of Lowri with a snicker. He turns to Landon Knight and gestures towards the ring. But Landon just shakes his head as he's not exactly reveling in the tension that's in the air.

Max Powers: My, would you look at this? If it isn't my pal Neal Durden and your 2020 Gold Rush Rumble winner, Lowri Moss. Give it up for ‘em, guys!

The crowd in attendance give both members of Pendragon a round of applause. Max's clapping, however, appears to be over-exaggerated.

Max Powers: Nice job out there, guys. No, really. This was a well fought match. You guys shouldn't be hanging your heads and speaking in low tones at all. In my eyes, there is no shame in winning this match the way that you did. But if you are going to feel shame, it should be over treating your friend Max Powers like garbage.

The boos grow louder. Landon is seen trying to get Max to calm down. But Max just waves him off before continuing.

Max Powers: But I really love this, though. Wishing Nando Fresno, someone that you barely even know, a speedy recovery? You wish him well? The man tweaked something and you're acting like he tore his ACL. Yet I damn near had my neck broken, was put on the shelf for a year, and didn't hear a peep out of either of you!

Max starts to pace back and forth on the stage. He runs his hands over his head before continuing.

Max Powers: Neal, I issued the challenge last show. I wanted to know if you would be willing to put those pretty World Tag Team titles on the line against the Red n Green Machine at the grandaddy of em all. After you guys all but cleared out the tag team division, I wanted to know if you guys were game for Pendragon-SMWB, Part II. But instead of answering the challenge, Neal, you didn't. You didn't accept. You didn't grant the request. Instead, you said you didn't know. You didn't know "beCaUSE I don’t kNoW If YOUr heARt anD yOUr MinD ARe In tHE rIGHt PlAcE."

Max spits at the ground.

Max Powers: So how about we try this one again, huh, guys? But this time, we're gonna do things just a liiiiiitle bit different. So instead of asking you, we're going to ask the REAL star of the team around here.

Landon throws his arms up in the air. He can be seen mouthing "come on, man" at his tag partner. Max ignores him and continues to stare right down at Neal.

Max Powers: We're gonna ask the one that wears the pants in the relationship.

Landon drops his head as an "OOOOOOOOOOOH" is heard from the crowd.

Max Powers: We're asking the one that never backs down from a challenge. We're asking the one that is always up for a good fight. We are asking the one, ladies and gentlemen, who will give us a straight answer. We won't have to worry about her hemming and hawing, twiddling her thumbs and acting like she would rather be anywhere else than in a wrestling ring. We're gonna ask the person that is still willing to put respect into those Tag Team titles. So, Lowri Moss, far be it from me to try and take advantage of the situation at the pay per view. All-Star Showdown IX is a big night for you. Perhaps it's even the biggest night of your career. You've got a match against one of the best that FGA has ever seen. Dare I say that we think you have a good shot at beating Cordy Stevenson, again.

Max's words are cheered for the first time tonight.

Max Powers: But if there's one thing you've proven, Lowri, it's that you've got endurance for days. Time and time again, you've shown us and the good people that you can wrestle two and three times in one night. I don't want to distract from what you've got going on. You deserve to give Cordy Stevenson your full attention. But the people also deserve to see a World Tag Team title match at All-Star Showdown. I don't know about you, but I can't think of a bigger tag match for All-Star Showdown IX than Pendragon and the Super Mario Wrestling Bros. So what do you say, Lowri? Do we have a match, or are you fine with those titles collecting dust on the shelf?

Lowri moves the mic closer to her mouth, but before she can say anything, it is Neal who breaks the space of silence with a laugh.

Neal Durden: Is that the best shot you have at me… Max? One that I have heard countless times? One that I’ve acknowledged and thus made me call myself The King of Failure...

Neal extends his arm towards Lowri, as if to say “this is between me and him”...

Neal Durden: I told you that if you wanted to make this personal, I got no problem with it; Max. It is no secret that I’m planning on riding into the sunset sooner rather than later… so, why not burn every bridge as I do so?

Durden cracks his neck as a smirk appears on his face.

Neal Durden: You want to know why I didn’t call you or text you, don’t you? That’s what this is all about, after all.

Neal lets out a sigh as Lowri looks away, knowing full well what is coming.

Neal Durden: The reason is that for me, you two were only a dream match. Same reason it was Lowri, not me, who approached Blaise when she went down with an injury. There are few people I consider close in this business, there are even fewer people I’ll put my neck out for in this business. You two aren’t even close on that list.

Neal puts his half of the belts down between him and Max as he continues.

Neal Durden: I’ve always been one to take risks. I’ve always been the one who pays little attention to everything and the one who takes everything lightly. But you want it personal, Max. You’re not going to face bubbly Neal… if you want that...

Neal gestures to the belt between him and Max.

Neal Durden: You’re gonna face the one who isn’t afraid of failure, because he personifies failure. You better be ready, because I’ll put everything on the line.

Max responds by simply mouthing “You’re on” to Neal, and the two of them then stare one another down, but they are soon pulled away by Landon and Lowri respectively, before the show abruptly cuts to a commercial break.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Backstage we see AMC leaning against a wall with her title over her shoulder. She is flexing her neck as she watches the brutal attack perpetrated by Sloan Talbot on the television monitor.

Amanda Johnson: Ashley, last week you and Mark Bisley were assaulted by Sloan Talbot. Any idea why he attacked the two of you?

AMC looks over at Amanda and chuckles.

AMC: Well as far as I know everybody in FGA wants to beat up Markie Mark so Sloan does not need a reason. But I am a sweetheart, so why, Talbot, why?

AMC rolls her eyes and holds up her FGA 15 title.

AMC: Obviously Sloan wants what I have right here. Like I said last week Sully told me there would be days like this when challengers would come out of the woodwork like roaches and locusts hell bent on taking what is mine! I really should listen to Sully more often as she is old and wise.

This brings a chuckle to Amanda who quickly composes herself again.

AMC: The problem is I am not ready to give up my title. You see last week was supposed to be my coronation as champion as I successfully defended my title against Markie. Sloan could have waited till after I won to make his challenge but I guess patience is not his strong suit huh?

Ashley starts cracking her knuckles.

AMC: So if Sloan wants to beat up Markie then by all means go to it but leave me out of it. Sloan wants a match that is fine by me as I am never hard to find as I am the one with the title looking to beat the best of the best. However do you know what pissed me off the most Amanda?

Amanda Johnson: Well I assumed it was Sloan’s attack on you? Was there something else that pissed you off more?

AMC looks on in disgust.

AMC: The attack is one thing but, what Sloan did was give Markie an excuse to stay in my business! Because of you, he will go and cry to the boss and beg and plead for yet another match! I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE WITH HIS SORRY ASS!!!!!

AMC gets more worked up.

AMC: Markie can not beat me! So last week after I beat him, then that was it for him as his ass goes back to the bottom but then you attacked and now he gets to hang around and the boss will feel obligated to give him another undeserved shot. So Sloan, you leave me no choice but to whoop your ass for allowing Markie to stay relevant in MY division!

Amanda seems shocked and leery at this version of AMC.

Amanda Johnson: Obviously these issues with Sloan and Mark are not over but tonight you need to put that behind you as you face off with Seth Isler in a champion versus champion match. Last time you two faced off, he was able to get the win on his way to capturing the FGA title.

AMC calms herself down and stares at Amanda.

AMC: You’re right he did beat me last time. But like Seth said on twitter, things have changed. Seth is a champion, I am a champion! Seth has challengers that want his title, I have challengers that want my title! Seth is in the Main Event, I am in the Main Event! I also learn from my mistakes and I assure you I will not be making the same mistakes as last time. But there is one thing that Seth has not taken into consideration tonight Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: What would that be?

AMC smirks.

AMC: That would be how PISSED OFF I am right now and Seth, I assure you that you have no idea how dangerous a pissed off AMC can be but tonight, you are going to find out first hand! Who knows, maybe after tonight I will be in line for a shot at your title!

AMC looks back at the monitor one last time before walking away.

[FGA Office]

Nina Stokes: And so we meet again, good friend.

Her words usher forth the beginning of a pre-recorded video. The scene opens up within the inner confines of a dimly lit conference room. The few meager rays of light afforded to the room seem to rest on the room’s glass table. The Frontier Grappling Arts United States Championship’s faceplate is illuminated by that pale light.

Nina Stokes: Tell the truth, you thought I had forgotten about you, didn’t you?

It takes a moment for one’s eye to adjust to the darkness of the room. And after that adjustment is made, Nina’s reclining figure can be made out. She appears to be dressed in a black shirt, dark distressed jeans, and a pair of black J75 Cylinder boots. The thing about the stands out the most? A short red leather jacket.

Nina Stokes: You should have had a little faith in me. I did liberate you once, afterall. This siege just took a little extra time.

Ms. Stokes leans back so that she can rest her boots on the edge of the glass table top.

Nina Stokes: You know, it’s funny. I watched FGA for a long time before I decided to join the promotion. I watched a number of friends create history within the company. And because of that, I had a lot of high hopes.

There’s a short pause.

Nina Stokes: Though, FGA has had a history of changing people. And I’m beginning to understand why. The in ring action isn’t of concern. No, no, no. It’s the promotion itself and the company that it keeps. The deceit. The lies. The willful ignorance and inability to correct wrongdoings. That’s what changes people here. People are forced to adapt to survive and thrive. But that adpationation isn’t always pleasing.

The woman lets out a sigh as she continues to gaze at the championship before her.

Nina Stokes: So, what are you and I going to do to alter things? We are at the forefront of this company. The responsibility falls on us.

There is no response, of course.

Nina Stokes: I have an idea. A drastic one, I admit. But drastic ideas are the backbones of revolutions, aren’t they?

Once more, there’s no response.

Nina Stokes: Very well.

Nina removes her feet from the table so that she may stand up. As she does, her right hand wraps around some sort of handle. After a bit of effort, she hoists the object up and brings it into full view.

It’s a massive sledgehammer.

She gently holds the sledgehammer’s steel enforced head as she looms over the United States Championship.

Nina Stokes: I’m sorry, my dear friend.

The screen goes pitch black. However, the sound of crunching and glass shattering can be heard before the feed completely cuts out.

[FGA Office]

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
Nina Stokes vs. Kazu Hirano

A rock band with a full god damn orchestra is set up in the entryway – a collective known as SUPERNOVA. How the fuck does a pro wrestling newcomer put an entrance like this together? He went out into the world, became a regular in a few places, and made a lot of friends. These are the Watarimono's musician pals from all over – an interchanging group that is never the same for more than one gig, yet synced as if their individual destinies were meant for this performance of “I Am The Walrus.” They strike a perfect balance between the psychedelic LSD-inspired original by The Beatles and the powerful cocaine-fueled Oasis cover – a life-changing experience for everyone fortunate enough to have them make fuck to their ears. Kazu Hirano is not a technically good singer by any means, but there's a lot of energy and he never fails to nail the chorus.

HIRANO: “I AM THE EGG MAN!”

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

HIRANO: “THEY ARE THE EGG MEN!”

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Koenji, Tokyo, Japan! Weighing in at 176 pounds… KAZU HIRANO!

Kris Cruise: After Nina Stokes won back the US Championship on the last episode of Vertigo, she issued a challenge on the Afterburn. But it was to none other than Kazu Hirano! There’s a part of me that wonders why this match didn’t go to Sadie San Francisco instead.

Stephy Auger: Why would you think something as stupid as that? Sadie not only STOLE the US Championship from Nina, but she intentionally went out of her way to let Nina know that she would never get another crack at the championship. Stocks was forced to bide her time. But when the moment struck, she pounced. The Kodiak mauled Sadie at Only the strong Survive and took care of what was left of her last week. Nando couldn’t save Sadie. Jillian Clay couldn’t save Sadie. Not even Evan Envi could save Sadie from what happened last show. She can’t complain about it to anyone else because she brought this all on herself.

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

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Miami, Florida! She is the reigning… defending… FGA United States Champion! She is “The Kodiak” NINA STOKES!

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

Kris Cruise: As we take a look at the timekeeper’s table, we’re seeing the mangled remains of the United States Championship. Look, I understand Nina’s issues with Sadie San Francisco. She isn’t the first person to claim that FGA “changed” them and she probably won’t be the last. But destroying a championship, a championship that she herself worked so hard to winnot once, but twice? I don’t understand it.

Stephy Auger: Well it isn’t for you to understand, Cruise. Nina Stokes doesn’t owe you, or anyone else an explanation. Nina doesn’t owe you, or anyone else, an apology. If you don’t like her actions, whether it be beating the holy hell out of Sadie or taking a sledgehammer to the title, then you can gladly get in the ring and try to stop her. But I don’t think you’ll be doing that, now will you?

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: That’s what I thought. You remember what happened to Selfish San Francisco. Smart man.

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

Stokes and Hirano starts things off with a lock up. Hirano quickly gains the advantage with a side headlock. He’s unable to maintain it as he gets shoved off into the ropes. Hirano returns off the ropes and knocks Stokes to the mat with a running lariat. A second running lariat returns the champ to the mat. Hirano throws out a third running lariat. But he whiffs when Stokes ducks the strike. Hirano turns around and gets caught with a rolling solebutt to the midsection, doubling him over. After a rising knee to the chin knocks him upright, Hirano gets knocked against the ropes with a palm strike flurry. The Kodiak caps off the strikes with the Divine Night (rolling elbow)! The crowd boos as Hirano slumps down against the ropes. Stokes turns and hits the far ropes. The US Champion charges back across the ring before coming back with a font push kick, knocking Hirano through the ropes and to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Did you see how much power Stokes put behind that kick?

Stephy Auger: Did you hear how hard Hirano landed on the floor? Someone better get Evan Envi out here to scrape his buddy up off the mat.

Hirano slowly turns over onto a knee before picking himself back up. He remains doubled over until Stokes jumps off the apron and knocks him down with a diving double foot stomp across the back!

Kris Cruise: Stokes tried to break his back with that stomp!

Stokes rolls Hirano back inside before rolling herself back in. She takes her challenger and whips him into the far corner before squashing him with running double knees! Hirano is then pulled out of the corner by the hair before Stokes brings him down with a fireman’s carry gutbuster! Hirano guards his midsection as Stokes hits the ropes, returns and lands down across with with a jumping senton.

Kris Cruise: Outside of a pair of lariats, this match has been a mauling by The Kodiak!

Stephy Auger: You sound surprised. I don’t know who got off easier tonight, Hirano or the US Title. But I know one thing. They both took a beating at the hands of Nina Stokes!

Stokes pulls Hirano back to his feet before taking control of his back. The champion runs forward, sending Hirano crashing sternum-first into the turnbuckles. She goes to roll back to deliver the Chaos Theory (Front Turnbuckle Smash into Back Roll German Suplex)! But Hirano hangs onto the ropes, sending Stokes rolling off his back. Once Stokes rolls back to her feet, she runs over towards the corner to attack until Hirano brings her down with a Sling Blade! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Kazu caught Stokes by surprise with that Sling Blade. But the champion was able to kick out at one.

Stokes reverses an irish whip, sending Hirano into the ropes. When he returns, Stokes knocks him off his feet with a running roundhouse kick! Hirano turns over onto a knee. Before he can pick himself up, Stokes snatches control of his wrist before hitting him with wristlock face kicks! After the last kick, The Kodiak turns and takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she goes to take Hirano’s head off with a running roundhouse to the face. But Hirano’s able to roll underneath it just in time. The champion turns around and gets stopped with a lariat. Hirano takes control of Stokes’ wrists and goes for a short-arm lariat. The champion ducks, floats over and follows up with a Snap Saito Suplex! The crowd boos as Hirano lays sprawled out on the mat.

Stephy Auger: That was picture perfect, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: It really was. Hirano has tried to get himself back into this match. But Nina Stokes has been right there to cut him off before he can really get a comeback going.

Stokes slowly pulls Hirano back to his feet. After taking control of his back, she tries for a German Suplex. This time, Hirano counters with a back elbow to the face. Another back elbow connects. Hirano then performs a standing switch before bringing Stokes down with I Want To Hold Your Hand (Ripcord Lariat, but holding their hand instead of wrist)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Hirano can’t even keep her down for a two count!

Stokes reverses another irish whip, sending Hirano back into the ropes. The crowd cheers when Hirano comes off the rebound with Maxwell's Silver Hammer (Polish Hammer), knocking her down! The champion gets returned to the mat after being caught in the face with a second Silver Hammer. Hirano goes for a third Silver Hammer, but he whiffs when Stokes ducks. The challenger quickly turns around and gets his head snapped back when he’s caught right underneath the chin with a bicycle knee! Hirano remains dazed until he collapses down on all fours. He remains is place as Stokes heads out to the apron and climbs the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: What does Stokes have in mind.

Stephy Auger: I don’t know, but it isn’t good for Kazu.

The crowd boos when The Kodiak leaps off the top and flattens Hirano with a diving double foot stomp right across the left shoulderblade!

Kris Cruise: Did you see where she landed!?

Stephy Auger: Yes, she intentionally went right after the shoulder.

Stokes grabs Hirano by the hair and peels him off the mat from behind. After taking control of his back, The Kodiak throws Hirano down with a Half Nelson Suplex, dropping him down on his head, neck and shoulder! The Boos continue as Stokes pulls Hirano up off the mat before slapping on the Crossface Chickenwing!

Stephy Auger: Quietus Redux!

Stokes locks her hands before pulling Hirano down into a bodyscissors. The Kodiak has the hold on nice and tight as the ref gets down and questions Hirano. When asked if he wants to quit, Hirano responds by frantically tapping out.

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

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

The boos continue as the ref raises Stokes’ arm in victory. He goes to hand her the United States Championship. Stokes responds by kicking it out of his hand, sending it flying over the top rope before dropping to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Come on, Nina! Enough of this.

Stephy Auger: Oh? You’ve had enough? Well that’s just too bad. This will be over when either one, Nina says it’s over or two, someone actually beats her for that championship. I would start to get comfortable, Cruise, because I don’t see either of those two scenarios happening anytime soon.

Stokes rolls to the outside. She starts to kick the championship in front of her every couple of steps before finally reaching down and snatching it up. Instead of wearing the belt proudly around her waist or across her shoulder, The Kodiak simply drags the championship belt being her. Stokes gets to the top of the ramp, turns and raises the championship. Stokes keeps the championship held up to the booing crowd before she opens her hand. She watches the championship fall to the stage. Stokes simply turns and exits through the curtain. The camera zooms in on the mangled championship left behind. The scene fades out from the damaged US Championship...

[FGA Office]

...to a closeup of the International Heavyweight Championship, which is all that we see. Slowly the camera pans back a bit to reveal that it is sitting on a table. As the camera continues backward, revealing more of the surroundings, we see that the International Heavyweight Champion Cordelia Stevenson is seated next to it. The cameras then switch to a shot of Amanda Johnson who is seated across from Cordelia.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy, first off, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. I know you’re an extremely busy woman.

Cordelia waves off the notion with her hand.

Cordelia Stevenson: Never too busy for you, love. You already know that.

Amanda smiles and gives a nod.

Amanda Johnson: Well Cordy, at the last episode of Vertigo, the entire world watched as this year’s winner of the Gold Rush Rumble, Lowri Moss, made her decision in regards to which champion she would face at All Star Showdown. As we all know, she chose you. Were you surprised when it was your name that she said?

Cordelia shakes her head and shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Honestly, I would have been much more surprised if she didn’t say my name, Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: And why is that?

Cordelia Stevenson: Because Lowri Moss thinks so much like me that it’s actually scary, and deep down she knows that this— it’s bigger than a title.

She nods over towards the International Heavyweight Championship resting on the table.

Cordelia Stevenson: Don’t get me wrong, chica and make no mistake about it, this right here? It’s at the center of it all, but it’s just a piece of the puzzle that makes this moment as big as it is. Lowri Moss is about the moments; the ones that forever embed themselves into the minds and the hearts of the fans; the ones that you won’t be able to stop talking about, and the ones that you’ll never be able to forget.

Cordy taps her heads.

Cordelia Stevenson: Lowri understands that. She getsit. And with her decision at the last Vertigo, she’s created a moment; one that the entire world is looking forward to. One that has the entire industry buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Lowri Moss versus Cordelia Stevenson. It’s not something that hasn’t happened before, but this time? The stakes are so much greater. It’s no disrespect to Seth Iser or the FGA World Championship; Lowri could have very well chosen to walk down that path, and I don’t doubt for a second that they would have had another amazing match. But let’s keep it a buck here. That match just doesn’t give you the same feeling now does it chica? It just doesn’t give you those goosebumps.

Cordy shivers as she runs her hand over her arm.

Cordelia Stevenson: This is monumental. This is a moment, and it’s going to be one that you won’t want to miss. I respect Lowri because no moment is too big for her. She doesn’t shy away from it. She seeks it. Win or lose, Lowri is going to be a part of one of the biggest spectacles in this company’s history, and she knew that when she made her decision.

Amanda Johnson: As you mentioned, this isn’t the first match to happen between you two…

Amanda’s voice trails off as she gauges Cordy’s reaction. Cordelia shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: No, it isn’t. The first match between us happened earlier this year. We headlined Artemis Kaiser’s Power Hall show in Japan.

Amanda nods now.

Amanda Johnson: And it was a match that saw the then Pride Champion, Lowri Moss, defeat you. Do you think that match played any part in Lowri’s decision? Knowing that she has already defeated you?

Cordelia shifts a bit in her seat as she frowns up her face.

Cordelia Stevenson: Why would it?

Amanda Johnson: Well, she was able to do something that not many throughout the course of your career have been able to do… so…

Cordelia interjects.

Cordelia Stevenson: So imagine how difficult it will be to do it a second time.

She smirks.

Cordelia Stevenson: You didn’t think about that, did you? I can assure you that Lowri did though. She’s not walking into this blind, she knows full well what to expect. When Fujiko and I defeated Pendragon in a tag match earlier this year at Vertigo 78, we knew that the next match was going to be even harder, why? Because champions adapt. They went back to the drawing board and devised a new plan of attack. One that worked might I add. They say one of the most difficult things to do in this business as a tag team is to beat Pendragon two times in a row. Well one of the most difficult things to do in this business…

She leans forward and smirks.

Cordelia Stevenson: ... is beat Cordelia Stevenson, period. In all the years I’ve been in this business, that’s something that only a handful of people have done. And it’s something that only two people can say they’ve done more than once. Why? Because I’m one of the best at adapting. I’m one of the best at learning from my mistakes, and eradicating them. Always be a student of the business and always find ways to get better. It’s what I’ve done my entire career. It’s as much mental as it is physical and not too many are going to out think me. Lowri is cut from the same exact cloth. So no, I don’t think our match at Power Hall factored into her decision much, because that would be a disservice to her to say that. That’s implying that Lowri Moss is trying to take the easy road and that’s not what she’s about. If anything, I would say things would be more in her favor if she challenged Seth. Beating Lowri once is definitely a task, but doing it two times in a row…

Cordelia takes a deep breath and chuckles.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah… good luck with that.

Amanda Johnson: So what did your match at Power Hall teach you about Lowri Moss?

Cordelia Stevenson: Nothing that I didn’t already know. Her skill isn’t a secret. Her heart isn’t in question. She was exactly who I thought she was and she gave me the challenge that I was looking for and more. I must have watched that match back a million times, and I’ve learned something new every single time. As I said, I’m a student of the business; always learning and always adapting. Lowri is going to have her hands full at All Star Showdown, that I can promise you.

Amanda Johnson: But will the outcome be different?

Cordelia’s eyes lock onto Amanda’s as she nods towards the International Heavyweight Championship.

Cordelia Stevenson: Well I certainly don’t plan on leaving without this, so something has to give.

Amanda chuckles.

Amanda Johnson: Understood.

She pauses for a second, figuring her next line of questioning before proceeding with a smile.

Amanda Johnson: Now, five years ago, you were in the same exact position that Lowri now finds herself in as the Gold Rush Rumble winner.

Cordy leans back into the chair and lets out a bellowing laugh.

Cordelia Stevenson: Damn, five years? Already? Somebody needs to slow time down a bit for real. It’s flying. Was it really five years ago?

Amanda Johnson: It was!

Cordy looks at Amanda skeptically.

Cordelia Stevenson: I dunno maaaannn, ya clocks might be running a little too fast or something. Ain’t no way that was five years ago. I remember it just like it was yesterday; that disbelief when the bell rings and you realize you’re the only one left… it’s an amazing feeling to be honest, because automatically you start thinking of the possibilities and you realize that you’re so close. All the work that you’ve put in, the long nights of training, the countless hours in the ring or the gym, it has you one step away from your ultimate dream; and you feel as if you’re on top of the world, as if nothing can bring you down.

She pauses, her tone becoming more somber.

Cordelia Stevenson: Until you run into someone that ruins your high. Momentum doesn’t mean anything when you run into something that can halt it altogether. I learned that lesson the hard way. I thought my momentum would carry me to where I needed to be. But all it did was send me crashing through the windshield when it came to an abrupt stop. I hope Lowri at least has her seat belt on. She’s flying high now, but at All Star Showdown, she just...might…crash, and see me walking away from the wreckage with my International Heavyweight Championship in tow.

Amanda Johnson: Let’s talk about that title.

Cordelia Stevenson: Lets.

Amanda Johnson: You’ve quietly put together a historic run as the International Heavyweight Champion.

Cordy shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: I wouldn’t necessarily say it's been quiet. I think you only say that because I’m not quick to throw numbers in your face every chance I get. I could talk my sh*t, and believe me, I do, but I’m just a tad bit more subtle with mine. I’m not watching the calendar and counting the days, I’m just living my life. Doing this one day at a time and letting my work speak for me.

Amanda glances down at a notepad and reads off a few stats.

Amanda Johnson: The longest reigning International Heavyweight Champion, the most successful defenses, one of which came against Lowri Moss’ tag team partner, Neal Durden. Yet somehow it feels as if you’ve flown under the radar Cordy. It feels weird to even say that. You won that belt on November 19th, 2019. That was over a year ago. That is crazy.

Amanda laughs, and Cordy does too.

Cordelia Stevenson: Like I said, I’ve been lowkey with mine and more happy to let my work speak for itself. The crazy thing is, I only feel as if I’m just getting started. This title is still relatively new, but it’s already rich with history. Just take a look at the past champions… Chandler Scott. Jimmy Page. Savannah Edelman. I—

Amanda furrows her brows.

Amanda Johnson: Savannah Edelman?

Cordy tosses her hands up.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah, that’s her name now. Savvy Edelman. A former champion that's mostly known for dropping the ball these days, it fits right?

Amanda inhales sharply, trying to resist the urge to laugh at the dig at the former International Heavyweight Champion. Finally she chuckles.

Amanda Johnson: Ouch.

Cordelia Stevenson: But as I was saying, it feels good to set a new standard for this title. It feels amazing to help mold its legacy and get it its proper due. The last time I checked, this belt and the FGA World Championship were equal counterparts; each being the biggest title for the respective brand that it represented when the brands were split, but listening to everyone talk you’d never think that.

She places her hand on top of the International Heavyweight belt.

Cordelia Stevenson: Well this isn’t a second rate title, and I damn sure ain’t a second rate champion and if that thought has crossed anyone’s mind then they’re a fool and I’m just keeping it a buck. And now, the biggest match of the year is being fought, for this very title, because the truth of the matter is, it doesn’t get no bigger than this. It doesn’t get any bigger than Cordelia Stevenson versus Lowri Moss for the International Heavyweight Championship. It just doesn’t. My name has become synonymous with this title, which is funny, because our journey has really just begun. Get familiar.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy, thank you for your time, as always, it has been a pleasure.

Cordelia Stevenson: I know. I made ya look good, I’m expecting a thank you card in the mail. We good?

Amanda nods.

Cordelia Stevenson: Ayyyeeee.

Cordy grabs her title from the table and pushes up from her seat as the scene then cuts away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •