Vertigo E82

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up on a trailing shot of Amanda Johnson, who walks with a purpose through the halls of the Melrose Ballroom’s backstage corridors. She glances at the closed dressing room doors, some of which are marked with names of Grapplers or staff-- but stops once she reaches one simply marked “SC.” Amanda stops in front of the door, shooting a knowing look back to the camera before raising her fist and knocking. The interviewer turns toward the camera, looking down the lens to address the viewer.

Amanda Johnson: Guys, I’m going to attempt to interview the now-former FGA United States Champion, Sadie San Francisco here tonight. She was… clearly not in the mood to be interviewed after our previous episode but I have received word that she’s here tonight.

Johnson opens her mouth to say something else, but stops as the door behind her is slowly pulled open. Amanda turns around and steps out of the way of the doorframe, allowing us to see a very groggy-looking, exhausted-looking Sadie San Francisco. From neck to toe, she is dressed in black. Her hair is pulled into a loose bun behind her head that struggles to hold on. Her face is devoid of any makeup. Her eyes are bloodshot and unfocused, gazing straight ahead.

Amanda Johnson: Oh. Oh. Man.

Sadie doesn’t turn to look at the interviewer. She sighs, resting one hand against the doorframe, her own body blocking our view inside the locker room, gaze still unsteadily aimed straight ahead, down the hall.

Amanda Johnson: Sadie, I… um... I wanted to ask what your role in FGA after the United States Championship would be. Obviously you put on incredible showcases in the U.S. Open Challenge, but with your loss to Nina Stokes, what path does that put you on right now?

Hesitantly, Amanda holds the microphone toward Sadie San Francisco.

Nothing. Silence. Sadie doesn’t move an inch. Her eyes do slightly narrow as she observes something in the distance, but she remains frozen in place. Amanda slowly brings the microphone back to herself.

Amanda Johnson: Did you… did you get a chance to watch Nina Stokes’ defense against Kazu Hirano a few moments ago?

Silence.

Amanda Johnson: Okay. I understand that you’re… upset. We’ll revisit this. I do want to ask you, however, about the Saturnian Connection and, potentially, your influence on J--

Sadie’s expression slowly morphs into one of… anger. She storms past Amanda, who remains planted in place for a moment before timidly following after the former U.S. Champion. The camera is now trailing Sadie as she walks, purposefully, down the corridor, reaching behind her head to pull her hair out of its tie, allowing messy curls to bounce frantically behind her as she passes rows upon rows of dressing rooms, eyes locked on something or someone, until finally Ashley Sands is seen talking on a phone.

Ashley Sands: ...It’s Queens, what do you expect?... I’m just waiting for Ant to finish with this interview then will meet up with Chase before her match. I hope your sister doesn’t ask if this one has an alien implant in their head. The looks get pretty awkward sometimes.

Before Sands can get the full word out-- before she can even adjust her body to fully face Sadie, Sadie strides forward, putting all of her weight behind an elbow strike to the temple! The impact sends Sands to the floor, with Sadie landing on top of her-- before adjusting herself to mount Sands, raining down frantic, uncalculated fists!

Kris Cruise: Wha-- what the hell is-- somebody get back there! Sadie just--

Stephy Auger: SELFISH SAN FRANCISCO JUST SUCKER-PUNCHED SANDS!

Sands uses her legs to push Sadie up and off of her. She uses those couple seconds of space to get up to her feet and swing at Sadie with fists of her own.

Ashley Sands: Am I back in freaking high school or something?! Fine, bitch!

Sands and Sadie, close together and trying to force the other into position, swing wildly at each other as the brawl sends them falling through the curtain leading to the ring. The live audience in attendance goes from shocked murmuring to a roar of excitement as the fight spills out into the equipment area next to the ramp! Sands delivers a series of hard fists to Sadie’s ribs, sending the former champion staggering back toward the entranceway! Sands rushes forward, looking to kick the staggered Sadie in the temple-- but Sadie side-steps, blasting Sands with a forearm to the back of the skull that sends both women stumbling onto the ramp!

Kris Cruise: This fight just reached the ringside area! What the hell has gotten into Sadie?!

Stephy Auger: This is what she’s been like for years. It hurts to be right sometimes!

Ashley Sands tries to cover up, but Sadie delivers right hand, after right hand, with a third strike sending Sands to the ground, rolling toward the ring. Sadie grins wickedly as Sands starts to rise to her feet. She rushes forward for a roundhouse pump knee strike-- but Sands dodges out of harm’s way! Sadie staggers forward, stopping before she collides with the ring apron. But as she turns around, Ashley nails a modified Wind Kick running boot to Sadie’s left shoulder! Sadie shrieks in pain, slumping against the apron!

Kris Cruise: Ashley Sands with a direct shot, almost a Wind Kick of sorts to that shoulder of Sadie that Nina Stokes has injured time and time again!

Stephy Auger: That’s what Sadie gets!

Kris Cruise: I’m-- I’m inclined to agree with you.

Ashley Sands: Had enough, bitch?!

Sadie barrels forward, unloading on Ashley Sands with a barrage of right hands! Sands fights back viciously and both women fight to the floor, exchanging stiff and uncalculated strikes once again to the delight of a now-raucous crowd!

Kris Cruise: I guess Ashley got her answer!

Ashley Sands gains control after another punch to Sadie’s left shoulder! She mounts the former U.S. Champion, raising a fist high-- but Sadie rakes Ashley’s eyes! Sands cries out, falling onto her back, hands over her face while Sadie San Francisco frantically crawls to the ring apron. The top half of Sadie’s body disappears beneath the ring for a few moments… before she slowly extracts herself, turning toward Ashley Sands with a glare-- and now wielding a steel chair.

Kris Cruise: Come on now… what is the meaning for all this anyway? A chair now? Really?

Stephy Auger: Color me shocked, Cruise!

Sands stands upright, groggily turning to face Sadie-- but she cries out in pain as Sadie drives a steel chair into her ribcage! Sands glares at Sadie, striding toward her… but Sadie drives the chair into her ribs a second time! A third time! A fourth! Sands falls to the fetal position, crying out as Sadie closes in on her.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Sadie San Francisco stands over Ashley Sands, gripping the chair firmly in her right hand… but the loud boos of Queens, New York slowly shift into cheers! Before Sadie can use the chair on Sands, another joins the fight with Antoinette Sands jumping onto Sadie’s back.

Kris Cruise: It’s Antoinette Sands!

Sadie staggers, but uses the chair to plant her feet and stay upright! Antoinette has an arm wrapped around Sadie’s neck for a headlock and starts swinging punches at the back of her head.

Stephy Auger: Family. They’re always sticking together.

Kris Cruise: What group of in-laws have ever liked each other?

Ashley gets up to her feet while Antoinette keeps Sadie busy as she still clings to her back. Sadie tries to swing the chair back to hit Antoinette blindly with only glancing blows. Running towards the pair, Ashley lifts a knee to the chair and slams it against Sadie’s face, earning a roar from the audience in attendance! Wailing, Sadie falls to the floor and Ashley takes up the chair now, standing over her and raising it above her head. While Antoinette gets in a couple kicks of her on, Ashley hits Sadie in the back with the chair! CLANG! Sadie howls in pain, sinking to all fours-- and Sands slams the chair into her spine a second time! CLANG! A third strike!

Stephy Auger: You’re in trouble now, aren’t you?!

Left in a vulnerable position, Sadie is seemingly on her own and outnumbered. Sadie holds up a hand, begging off the attack. As Sands raises the chair for the next strike, the weapon of choice gets snatched by…

...Jaelynn Ramsey!

Stephy Auger: Wha--!

With the Sands’ taken aback by the unexpected interruption by none other than Sadie’s enemy, Jae holds the chair firmly, making striking motions towards Ashley and Antoinette.

Kris Cruise: Of all people? Jaelynn has an opportunity to DOGPILE her longtime rival! What’s going on here?

Ramsey gazes down at the beaten Sadie San Francisco, who coughs, hacking to catch a breath, unable to even meet Jae’s gaze. Ramsey readjusts her grip on the chair, still staring down at Sadie silently until an enraged Antoinette Sands strides forward--

CLANG!

Like a baseball bat, Ramsey swings the chair at Antoinette! Sands turns to deflect the blow, but still takes the shot clean across her ribcage, crying out in pain! With the air taken out of her, Antoinette collapses to the floor and Ashley immediately drops down to check on her while Jaelynn Ramsey casts an arm around Sadie, hurriedly guiding her away from the ringside area and to the barricade!

Kris Cruise: You’ve got to be kidding me. Jaelynn Ramsey has had a vendetta against Sadie San Francisco for years, and now all of a sudden she’s helping her fight her battles-- helping her escape?

Ashley Sands glares a hole through the departing duo. Sadie hops the barricade first. Ramsey’s eyes grow wide as she sees Sands breaking into a sprint-- but Sadie helps pull Ramsey over the barricade before Sands can grab at the pair. Jaelynn points the chair at Ashley with a knowing smirk, silently daring her to follow, but the empty-handed Sands keeps a frustrated, white-knuckle grip on the barrier, weighing her options for a moment… before slapping the barricade in frustration, and turning her attention back to Antoinette Sands, who uses the ring steps to help aid herself to her feet.

Kris Cruise: Ashley Sands, probably wisely, choosing to stay behind and tend to her family instead of chasing after Sadie and Jaelynn. I just-- are you gonna say anything about this?

Stephy Auger: I’m stunned!

Kris Cruise: Was this a planned attack? Or did Sadie just get carried away and her new friend had to come save her ass? I’m just trying to understand.

Stephy Auger: Language, Cruise! I’m sure Jaelynn has a perfectly logical explanation!

Kris Cruise: Well-- wait-- wait! They’re coming back! Ashley--!

With Ashley Sands still checking on Antoinette, she’s suddenly blasted with a running knee strike from behind by a returning Sadie San Francisco!

Kris Cruise: Damnit!

The audience comes to their feet to boo Sadie, and they only grow louder as Jaelynn Ramsey approaches from behind, raising the chair above her head and bringing it down once more across the back of Antoinette Sands for good measure! Antoinette pounds a fist on the floor in pain, and Jaelynn raises the chair up, prepared to strike Ashley Sands, who tries to push herself up to hands-and-knees on the floor in front of her…

Kris Cruise: It’s Ashley Chase!

Sadie taps Jaelynn’s shoulder. Ramsey’s eyes dart toward the ramp, where the FGA Fifteen Champion makes a sprint toward her fallen friends! Sadie and Ramsey exit ringside exactly as they had a moment prior, both leaping the barricade before AMC can come within arms’ reach. AMC clutches the Fifteen Championship, ready to use it as a weapon, but Ramsey and Sadie waste no time abandoning the scene.

Kris Cruise: Thank God the champion showed up when she did. Jaelynn and Sadie-- they weren’t gonna stop! What the hell is going on, Stephy?

Stephy Auger: You keep implicating me in this. I’m just as surprised as you!

The live audience boos as Sadie San Francisco and Jaelynn Ramsey stand in the double-doorway of the venue’s rear exit. Sadie winces in pain with each breath, but the smirk on her face is evident even from the distance. She turns, throwing her arms around Jaelynn Ramsey in a tight embrace. Ramsey returns the hug with one arm, maintaining a grip on the chair with the other.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Jaelynn laughs when the booing sounds catch her ears. With Sadie beside her, they make their exit, leaving the chair behind once they have created enough distance for a smooth escape. Our camera cuts quickly to AMC, who is now joined by two referees in checking on Antoinette and Ashley Sands. We fade away on a shot of the abandoned chair in front of the venue exit.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We cut back to the Melrose Ballroom where the ring stands alone in an arena that normally would be packed, but instead there are merely patches of a crowd scattered around the arena

Yet the islands of fans in various parts of the arena aren’t the focus here, instead it’s the person walking down the ramp with a microphone in their hand and they are heading for the ring, making their entrance with no fanfare whatsoever which catches the cameraman off guard as they nearly missed what was happening, with the only deviation from their path being when they momentarily stop when they reach the ringside area so they can reach over and grab a folding chair from the other side of the crowd barrier, which they tuck under their arm as they climb the ring steps.

It’s John Carmichael

Once he steps through the ropes, with the chair still tucked under his arm, he takes a moment to look from one side to the other as if he’s waiting to see if the crowd responds, before he takes his time setting up the chair in the centre of the ring and sitting down, and only when he’s good and ready does he use a finger to beckon the camera to come a little closer.

John Carmichael: So did you have a single reason to cheer at the last show?

Leaning forward so he’s that little bit closer to the camera, Carmichael wears the facial expression of somebody who knows he has the conversation by the beytsim

John Carmichael: You keep waiting for somebody to prove me wrong, you are desperate for somebody to do that, and yet every single time I prove that the heroes you put on increasingly rickety pedestals are nothing but selfish individuals who can only get what they want by screwing other people over. For example, at the last show it was Ashley Sands you were hoping would defeat me, because as we all know the name Sands carries so much around this place that you can always rely on the people carrying that name…

The roll of his eyes indicates just how serious he’s being, or how sick he is of hearing this for the past eight years.

John Carmichael: And yet what did Ashley Sands do? Nothing. Not a damn thing.

Leaning back in his chair, Carmichael allows that to hang in the air for as long as he feels like letting it hang there, no matter how much those in attendance disagree.

John Carmichael: And that’s what hurts all of you, isn’t it? I said that she had served her purpose to cheat the title onto the waist of Ashley Marie Chase and her supposed best friend would have no interest in returning the favour as she’d served her purpose, and what did we see? You saw Ashley Sands left to fend for herself, with nobody coming to try and skew the odds in her favour when it was clear things were not going her way, because Ashley Marie Chase got the title that she wanted even when her supposed best friend held it and she can’t even be bothered to maintain the sliver of deniability for a single show. You got used, Ashley, and you went along with being used.

With a slight tilt of the head, Carmichael looks at a section of the crowd.

John Carmichael: What, you aren’t going to cheer for that? I thought you people loved it when people get their long-overdue comeuppance? Or does that only apply to people you haven’t convinced yourself are everything that is good and right with the world?

He pauses to invite an answer, but he certainly isn’t getting one.

John Carmichael: This, this, is why I keep saying that you don’t have a clue what you want, you’re only interested in what you’re told you want. When you see Ashley Sands and Ashley Marie Chase conspire to cheat a title off somebody you cheer because you’ve been told that’s what you want, but what would your reaction be if it was The Murder doing the exact same thing? You’d be screaming bloody murder because one of your favourites was cheated. And don’t you see the hypocrisy that you’re conditioned to accept? You’re puppets, all of you, and yet you can’t even see the strings which are pulled to make you react the way you are supposed to react.

With a rueful laugh, Carmichael shakes his head - but very quickly he leans forward and that laugh is nowhere to be seen.

John Carmichael: The thing is, those strings don’t get cut when I make an example out of somebody you are expecting me to beat, or somebody you are thinking will put up a good fight but cannot prevent the inevitable. No, the strings only get cut when I make an example out of somebody you have convinced yourself is unbeatable, undeniable, somebody like that false idol you call Izzy Anders. The Izzy Anders who showed each and every one of you that she does not care about the championship of this company as she puts her petty vendettas first. No, actually, scrub that: the Izzy Anders who showed each and every one of you that she does not care about the championship of this company as her petty vendettas are the only thing which matters to her. And you cheered for that. Because you enable that. And why do you enable that? Because you’ve been told to, and you went along with it without thinking for a second that there’s many reasons why you shouldn’t. So once again, let me make this clear to you: that false idol of yours is going to be taken away from you, and I am going to do it not because I want to, but because I have to, because that is the only way you will realise how easily you have been manipulated into being as selfish as the false idols you have been trained to worship at the expense of those who have given everything to this company only to be cast aside because you found some new toy to play with.

As if it was on command, “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram hits. The camera takes a full scope of the arena, who have become unglued at the sound of Izzy’s theme. However, the mission of the operator was to locate Izzy, in case of a sneak attack. They have to look no further than the ramp. Izzy makes her way down to the ring, her face covered by the hood of a neutral black jacket. Heading towards the ropes, she looks at Carmichael, and takes a chair from underneath the ring. The crowd, once again, cheers, eager to see her deal some justice upon the man in question. Izzy uses the ring ropes wisely to enter the ring and when she does, she almost immediately plants the chair to mirror Carmichael.

She takes a seat, reaches her jacket, and withdraws a microphone. Staring at it, she seems to check if it could be used properly as a weapon. But with a chuckle, she reveals that it was only a teasing gesture towards Carmichael--who doesn’t look perturbed or amused by Anders’ antics.

Izzy Anders: We don’t often get this close without coming to blows these days.

Izzy pauses, keeping her attention trained on the former Undisputed Champion.

Izzy Anders: At no point in time have I ever said that I was a good person. I have done horrible things to people, namely you. I would understand if you came after me solely for that reason, but I’m starting to believe otherwise. In order to find that out, I had to come after you, and you have told me everything I needed to know.

Izzy Anders: It’s so interesting to watch a grown man throw a temper tantrum. The funny part about this diatribe is that you’re not realizing the pattern. You attack me, we have a match, and one of us walks away. It can be the end of that, but it won’t be. What’s so fascinating to me is that you’re coming after me when things in our world were square. Heroes Never Die disbanded. Johnny Karma toppled Izzy Anders for the FGA Undisputed Championship. It was a storybook ending for a hero, but no one ever thinks about what happens when the story closes and the people in there move on.

Izzy rubs the inside of her eye.

Izzy Anders: I realized somewhere along the way that I have a lot to make up for, but also that I don’t deserve forgiveness. And that’s okay. The people decided to cheer me because I finally figured out where I was supposed to be. And a part is right here.

The Mindkiller points towards the space between her and Carmichael.

Izzy Anders: Being the target of your personal crusade and being the person willing to put a stop to you. That said, I want you to deafen the audience. Actually, if you guys can stay as quiet as possible for me, that’d be great.

On her request, the audience does die down, almost to a point of being mute. Izzy smiles at them and reaches up to take down the hood. A few cheers sparks, despite her orders, because of the fact that she was wearing a certain eyepatch. A historian could figure out that she wore it years ago during her manic quest against HELL and Yasei-gun, but it mattered not to the man on the other side of the ring.

Izzy Anders: I don’t need the audience to cheer me. I don’t need you to label me as anything. You’re speaking the truth, but it’s not impressive. Because what you’re saying is what everyone already knows.

Izzy smiles wickedly at Carmichael.

Izzy Anders: When have I ever not been personal? My personal vendettas and the wars born out of them is what got me this far. It’s what got me the Undisputed Championship. It’s what made Heroes Never Die. It’s what made me turn your life into a living hell. Do I feel bad now? No.

The crowd recoils at the statement.

Izzy Anders: Because Johnny, you were faking the good boy act the whole time. We should have given you a Golden Globe for it. You played that role because you wanted them to cheer you. But if we want to make issues off past things, then you need to remember how many people you cheated out of good things because of the kind of person you are. Do you even remember who you were when I first joined FGA?

Izzy’s grin falters in lieu of some internal malice.

Izzy Anders: You were a scumbag then, Johnny, and you’re even worse now. You can afford to play whatever role you like--because you are good at what you do. The accolades, the Hall of Fame resume you have? All of it is valid because you are good at professional wrestling, and I can’t take that away. But you traded in your sense of self for those skills. And you’ve been masquerading ever since. I can put on this eyepatch. I can change my theme music. All of it is just small dramatic pieces to the person that everyone knows that I am.

Narrowing her eyes, Izzy leans in closer towards Carmichael.

Izzy Anders: But I’m hoping that you still remember who you are.

There’s a good pause between her words as she deadeyes Carmichael.

Izzy Anders: It doesn’t matter if you do or not. I’m not interested in your personal tragedy, Carmichael. When you decided to open back up the storybook that you ended, you let me develop. I’ll be the person worthy of your hate. I’ll be a person worthy of theirs too. However, we know how this goes. You opened Pandora’s Box after many people did a good job closing it. Not many people are left that will do what it takes to put you out. But I’m here. And you tested me. From here on out, we’re going to hurt one another, regardless of what anyone thinks. You won’t be able to sneak attack me again. Because you jogged a part of my head that reminded me of one of the worst times of my life.

Izzy sneers.

Izzy Anders: You’re a smarter Dom Harter, but you’re going to end up just like him.

Rather than immediately responding, Carmichael simply looks at Izzy for a few seconds with a look on his face of complete indifference, and the longer he looks at her the look on his face slowly turns to one of what can best be described as pity as he decides it is time to say his piece.

John Carmichael: And here is the problem: you don't listen.

Carmichael lowers the microphone for a brief moment to aim a withering look in Izzy’s direction.

John Carmichael: If you listened, you would have understood that I have said that the enablers in the stands or posting their interpretation of events online are the ones who have convinced themselves that you are a good person. But that’s the problem, you don’t even listen to yourself, because if you did you would realise what a hypocrite you are when you claim you don’t want the crowd cheering for you when as soon as you came out here you started playing to the gallery with one cheap jab after another.

Once again Carmichael lowers the microphone and looks at Izzy, but rather than a withering look it's a look of somebody who really isn't in the mood to trade insults at recess.

John Carmichael: Most of all, if you listened to yourself, you would realise that you made a fatal mistake in your interpretation of events - and that’s what it was, an interpretation, because you were nowhere to be seen when I first set foot in this company so don't you try and pass yourself off as an expert, because that is one thing you most certainly are not, all you are is somebody who skimmed a Wikipedia article and is hoping nobody notices. Well I noticed, Izzy, because I am not going to sit here while you try and Izzysplain my own life and my own career to me.

For the briefest of moments, Carmichael flashes a look at Izzy that indicates that she touched a nerve - and not the one she was looking for.

John Carmichael: And you know something else? Don’t you dare try and reach out at the last possible second for some sympathy by acting as if you have some monopoly on misery, because you don’t. After all, have you ever paused to ask a single person on this roster for forgiveness for what you and Heroes Never Die inflicted on people? Did you even think it was worth the effort? Because from my own personal experience, I know that you shrugged your shoulders and assumed bygones will be bygones so you never had to try. But that’s the problem, you never tried, so you didn’t realise just how much people in this locker room hated working here because they were so sick and tired of you siccing the dogs on anyone you decided was a threat to your position, to the point they were thinking of jacking it all in because it simply isn’t worth the months of abuse you were happy to dish out, and yet the second somebody dares give you a fraction of that abuse back you play the victim and claim that you’re trying to be a better person and how terrible it is that somebody actually wants to hold you responsible for your actions. Well guess what, Izzy? Just because the people you’re playing up to don't have long memories, that doesn't mean that you’re in the clear. And that’s why I’m dragging you out of that box, to remind people what they want to forget, and you know what will happen to that beast when I drag it out of its box?

Looking directly in Izzy’s eyes, Karma’s voice drops to a much lower tone

John Carmichael: The same thing that’ll happen to the fiction of Izzy Anders that these enablers have been clinging onto for far too long.

Izzy, similarly, doesn’t immediately respond. Instead, she straightens up in her chair, tapping her chin with a neatly painted fingertip.

Izzy Anders: A monopoly on misery? Put that on a holiday card.

She tilts her head.

Izzy Anders: It’s so interesting to hear how your words have scattered targets. I’m not even sure if you’re trying to aim at me anymore. But this is me giving you express permission to bring out the beast that you’re referring to. I just don’t want you to do it out of something dishonest. Do it because you want the crowd to go back to feeling bad for you. I think that’s what you miss the most, and what you think you need. I digress. That’s for you to think about because your on-going relationship with the audience doesn’t change what you did and how I’m going to react.

She snaps her fingers and beams at Carmichael, as if they weren’t the bitter enemies that they were.

Izzy Anders: Because you decided to drag the word “responsibility” into the mix, and that’s a very loaded word. Johnnyboy, don’t kid yourself. What this is cause and effect—the very thing that we’ve been slaves to since we got here, or since those fateful days that bind us together. To simplify it for you, it’s like this here.

Izzy narrows her eyes, still retaining the smile, equivalent to her usual Cheshire Cat grin, if not more sinister in nature.

Izzy Anders: You cheated to beat me once. I tortured you with a faction. You keep hitting me with chairs. So, I’m going to try to break this cycle by breaking you. And we both just keep trying to come up with reasons to justify it, when really, it’s because we hate each other.

The Mindkiller pauses, looking at the ground.

Izzy Anders: I never once forgot that you were going to come for me one day. I wasn’t sure when, and I had a bunch of reasons why. But I never forgot. So, this is just the nature of it. I’m okay with that. Are you?

Rather than immediately respond, Carmichael lets out a rueful laugh while shaking his head - less because he finds it funny, more because he realises that this is a waste of his time as he looks at Izzy not with malice in his eyes, more an expression that he’s done with this.

John Carmichael: Break the cycle, huh?

A beat

Carmichael raises the microphone to his lips, looking like he’s about to respond to that...but instead he lowers it, and looks at Izzy for a moment until it appears that he’s had some sort of revelation, and when he does he actually laughs at her

John Carmichael: Has it never occurred to you that I’m the one breaking the cycle? Think back over what you just said: you’re the one who sicced your little Mean Girls recreation club on me. You’re the one who kept taking things that were within my grasp from me - up to and including this year’s Gold Rush Rumble, let me remind you. Are you really so arrogant, or so deluded, that you can’t see that the only reason why the cycle hasn’t been broken is because you’re the one clinging onto it as it’s all that you have left?

Carmichael moves the microphone away from his face and takes a long, hard look at Izzy - and as he does, it becomes more apparent that he’s looking at her not as a threat, but he’s looking at her as he’s trying to work out if she actually believes the kholerye that’s coming out of her mouth

John Carmichael: Look at you: the very first second you feel threatened, you don’t say what you’re going to do to make it stop, you fall back into the same old pattern of saying what you have done in the hope that it scares people into backing off. Well I’m not going to back off, Izzy, you know that I’m not going to so you can sit there talking about things you’ve done, but let me make one thing abundantly clear to you. If you want to dig down deep and find whatever it was that took you that extra step a few years back, I welcome you putting in the effort. But there’s one more thing you need to remember.

For a moment Carmichael pauses, weighing up where this is going and whether he wants it to go there, and after a few seconds he decides he is so he stands up while maintaining eye contact with Izzy the entire time

John Carmichael: I’ll be prepared.

To underline the point, Carmichael picks his folding chair up from the canvas and snaps it shut, but rather than make a move in Izzy’s direction he instead neatly tucks it under his arm and takes a couple of steps back towards the ropes with his eye contact remaining on Izzy, and having made it clear that he’s going to leave he places his microphone on the canvas and steps through the ropes

The camera lingers on Izzy for a moment, who watches Carmichael for a little longer before the camera shifts elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

The camera opens up in a closed-off section of the arena, showing what looks to be quite the elaborate set up as the camera gets a close-up. A black and gold throne, looking as though it had been ripped straight from a GoT set, seated in front of what looks to be a concrete wall, worn down by time and the elements.

Seated on the throne, dressed in the familiar “Royal” gold and black ring attire, is Marlon Cure. Cigar clamped firmly between his teeth and the black-gold crown seated in a tilted manner atop his head. Seated in his lap is his new Business Partner and confidant, Jenny Cien.

Jenny Cien smirked as she sat on his lap looking toward the camera as she spoke out loud.

Jenny Cien: You know, they say to be the best you’ve got to beat the best!

Jenny said with a grin on her face as she looked up at her business partner. She then looked back at the camera.

Jenny Cien: And there’s no one better than King Cure himself. That’s not up for debate. It’s a hard fact, and the sooner those men and women in the locker room get that through their thick ass skulls, the easier their lives will be..

She said with a devious chuckle as she licked over her red lips.

Jenny Cien: Because no matter who you are and how hard you try to train and work on honing your in-ring skills, this handsome man right here, will still be able to outrun you, out-strike you, and out-wrestle you! It’s not a fair fight is it Marlo..?

Cure’s lips quirk into that familiar arrogant smirk as he exhales a plume of smoke, before very gently taking his cigar out and handing it to Jenny.

Marlon Cure: 8 Months. It’s been 8 long ass months since I fell back, worked on personal matters close to the heart, and watched as The FGA Faithful tried to pick up where I left off. I watched. I listened. I kept my ear to the ground and my fingers on the pulse of this business and I’m disappointed.

Marlon Cure: "Did any of y’all manage to accomplish anything while I was away?

Marlon Cure: All the alleged greats, the ones y’all lied to me about? They continued to be who they are - not quite as great as me I suppose, but that can be forgiven. Not everyone can be The King, but being right beneath the crown is the next best thing. All those on the bubble, that’ve been on the cusp for so long, that everybody relentlessly popped up as being the superstars of tomorrow? They’re still coasting off wasted potential, while we’re stuck waiting to see if they’re next in line or destined to be just another face in the crowd.

King Cure sneered.

Marlon Cure: The rest don’t even get half a bar. They were sorry when I came in, and will be sorry til they hang up the boots and call it a career.

Cure shifts, drumming his fingers along the armrest of the throne in an agitated manner while Jenny re-sets the crown atop his head.

Marlon Cure: 8 Months I gave y’all, and I come back to a locker room that went and got comfortable. Either moving without agency or just finding comfort in mediocrity. Just coasting like sh*t is sweet out here. Begging for the chance to be great instead of taking that sh*t. Y’all forgot what it looks like to be starving for this, to do put in the work and get yours.

Cure’s voice carried throughout the set as he brought his free hand up, gesturing towards himself.

Marlon Cure: But nah, not me. I came in, kicked the door open, and said from jump that I’m tryna raise the bar high. Maybe it’s ego and greed that pushed me this far, but I want it all. Don't matter if I'm openin’ up the show or taking my spot in The Headline, you already know there ain’t NOBODY out-hustling me out there. I’ll bring that to whoever, whenever. I’ll bless the ring and get mines by any means.

There’s a tense silence following Cure’s proclamation before he continues.

Marlon Cure: Which brings me to you, Tyler Storm.

Cure’s lips quirk into a derisive smirk.

Marlon Cure: The Would-Be-Hero. After months of grinding and working… and let’s face it, a little bit of groveling after you came up short? You’re here. Pride Champion. But please believe me when I say it’s gonna be a short stay. Simple and plain, you have something I want and I ain’t content with waiting on my name to be called up for a shot. I give you props for not backing down, but you… you must’ve forgot who’s challenge it is you accepted. You see, I’m not a “Great” in the game. I Am. I’m wrestling’s past, present, and future, Proper. I’m the man that took over the skies, put a hand to the ground, and had the entire world turning to see my every move.

Cure leans forward, the smirk widening a bit.

Marlon Cure: But that’s aight that you forgot, Ty. And at the end of the night? You’ll learn to remember. You and everybody watching will remember, Bend The Knee and Pay Homage as you witness the return of The King.

[FGA Office]

Tyler Storm vs. Marlon Cure

*Static Cut Intro*


"Turn My Music HIGH

HIGH

HIGH

HIGH-ER"

The arena darkens, the high energy kicks in as Jay Z’s “U Don't Know” plays, A single spotlight suddenly illuminates the entrance way to show the silhouette of a man on the stage.

The lighting cuts back in and turns a golden hue as Marlon Cure stands with both arms outstretched on either side of him, eyes closed and his head tilted back, soaking in the atmosphere and energy from the crowd. The camera pans around Cure as the fan reaction grows louder and louder.

J.A. Aldridge: Making his way to the ring! From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing 201 Pounds! MARLON! CUREEEEEE!

The High Flyer walks down to the ring with purpose, oozing confidence as he hops up the steel steps and climbs up to the top rope, reaching a hand for the sky in a taunting manner before he finally drops down into the ring. Cure shrugs the sleeveless long coat off of his shoulders and places the black gold crown around a nearby ringpost as he leans back in the corner, waiting for the match to begin.

Kris Cruise: Marlon Cure has stepped back onto the FGA scene to reclaim “his” throne. In the eight months he was absent, he took a look at the landscape and in his words, he was far from impressed.

Stephy Auger: Why wouldn’t he be? It’s very hard to live up to the expectations of royalty and there’s very few that can say that they’re on the level of Marlon Cure. One man that isn’t on the level is Tyler Storm. But Marlon will prove that in short order.

Kris Cruise: Well that remains to be seen. Marlon Cure talks a big game. He’s one of the best talkers in the game. But he won’t be able to talk his way into a victory over Tyler Storm. He’ll have to earn it.

Stephy Auger: You think he won’t? You think he can’t? Marlon Cure is King Cure for a reason. He’s the GOD Junior Heavyweight for a reason. The man won the 2019 Gold Rush Rumble for a reason. Cure is as good as advertised. If I were Tyler, I’d grab a pen and a pad. Class is about to be in session.

The lights begin to slow fade out to the opening tunes of "Eye of the Tiger" before flashing quickly back on once the rifts of the guitar begin playing, along with being met with flashes of blue and gold light on the stage. Once the song picks up into its normal tune about 25 seconds in, Tyler Storm rushes out from behind the curtain to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song and mouthing out to the fans.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds! He is the reigning FGA Pride Champion, TYLER STORM!

Once the lyrics start, Tyler begins making his way down the ramp, walking along the left for the first half of his trek to the ring and high-fiving fans or talking with them, and doing the same in the second half of his walk on the right side. Before long he reaches ringside and after interacting with a few more people at ringside, he works his way up the stairs onto the ring apron. He rubs his feet off for a few moments, then gripping onto the top rope he jumps up and slides his legs in between the top and middle ropes and into the ring.

Kris Cruise: On the last episode of Vertigo, Marlon Cure interrupted Tyler Storm and issued a challenge. If he loses, he’ll go about his business. But if he wins, he wants a shot at Tyler Storm’s Pride Championship. I’ve never known Tyler to ever back down from a challenge, so it came to no surprise to me that he accepted.

Stephy Auger: Well he shouldn’t have. The man just won back the Pride Championship. Now he’s putting himself in a situation where he could possible lose his championship just as quickly as he won it back. That’s not a smart move in my book.

Kris Cruise: What would have been the smart move? Being a coward and declining? Tyler Storm is willing to put his title on the line against any worthy competitor. We’ll find out if Cure is worthy of a title shot.

Stephy Auger: This is King Cure we’re talking about here. This man is actual royalty. Of course he’s worthy. What type of King would he be if he wasn’t worthy?

The song goes on for a few more moments with Storm motioning out to the crowd for a reaction before rushing to one side of the ring just as the drawn out "Eye of the Tiger" lyric hits, landing his right foot on the bottom rope and his left on the middle rope with his arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Cure starts things off by circling the ring before slowing inching over towards Storm. The Pride Champion holds his ground while he waits for his opponent to strike. King Cure then lunges in for a lock up. After jockeying for position, Storm shoves Cure down to the mat. Cure rolls back to his feet rushing back over and engaging in another lock up. Once again, Storm is able to shove Cure down to the mat. Cure then returns to his feet with a kip up before knocking Storm off his feet with a savate kick!

Kris Cruise: Storm was able to overpower Cure initially, but Cure was able to win that exchange with a beautiful savate kick.

Stephy Auger: He almost not Tyler’s head right off his shoulders.

Cure pulls Storm back up and goes for an irish whip. He gets reversed. Cure comes back and sees Storm setting up for a back body drop. So he hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Cure returns, Storm sets up for a hip toss. Cure then steps through it before going for a hip toss of his own. Storm blocks it. Cure tries to muscle him up for another hip toss. Again, Storm blocks it. Storm then goes to counter with a clothesline. He whiffs when Cure ducks the strike. The Pride Champion turns around and gets caught with a Pele Kick that knocks him back. Cure then scrambles back to his feet before taking off into the ropes. When Cure returns, Storm tries to cut him off with a bicycle kick. But Cure gets his hands up in time to catch the kick. Storm continue to hop on one foot until Cure swings his legs away from him. The crowd boos when Cure follows up with a Rolling Elbow across the back of the head! While Storm is doubled over, Cure hits the ropes and comes back before bringing him down with a Throwback! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
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.
Storm kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Storm got a taste of his own medicine there with that Rolling Elbow across the back of the neck. You think Cure was trying to send a message there?

Stephy Auger: Of course. Anything Storm can do, Cure can do better. Like being Pride Champion!

Cure moves Storm into the corner and catches him with four elbow smashes to the face. He sets up for an irish whip when Storm reverses, sending him into the corner. Storm rushes over to attack when Cure knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Cure then slingshots himself out to the apron and goes for a springboard diving side kick! He misses when Storm rolls out of the way. Cure then lands on his feet and turns around before he turns around and gets caught with the Hardcastle Treatment (springboard roundhouse kick)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Cure kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Storm went for the Hardcastle Treatment earlier in the match and connected!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, Storm is realizing very quickly that Cure is unlike anyone he’s ever faced before. Which is why he’s panicking and throwing out his signature moves earlier than usual.

Kris Cruise: I wouldn’t say he’s panicking.

Stephy Auger: I would!

Storm moves Cure into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops. He sets up for an irish whip when Cure reverses, sending him into the far corner. Storm rushes over to attack when Cure knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. King Cure knocks him further back with another forearm strike before running back into the corner and knocking him down with Air Cure (Running Moonsault Press out of the corner to a standing opponent)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.

Cure grabs a hold of Storm before bringing him back down with a bridging Fisherman Suplex.

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

Cure takes a hold of Storm, brings him back to his feet and delivers four forearm strikes before a savate kick to the leg drops him down to one knee. Storm is then knocked down with a savate kick to the face before Cure follows up with a cartwheel into a standing corkscrew 450° splash! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Storm avoids the three count again. This match is slipping away from th Pride Champion.

Stephy Auger: You sound surprised. Did you think Marlon Cure was bluffing earlier. The real is back, Cruise. King Cure is showing Strm that there’s levels to this!

Cure picks up Storm before chucking him through the ropes and to the floor. The boos continue as Jenny Cien marches down ringside and stands over Storm before laying into him verbally.

Kris Cruise: Jenny Cien adding insult to injury here.

Stephy Auger: yeah, that’s right, Jenny! Give him an earful!

Cien continues to yell at Storm until the ref moves her away from him. Cien brushes the ref aside and goes back to verbally attacking the Pride Champion. Storm can be seen stirring on the floor as he tries to get back up.

Kris Cruise: Cien isn’t helping matters. The ref needs to get back over there and tell her to give Storm some space.

Stephy Auger: What is she doing wrong? This crowd has been booing Cure since he stepped through the curtains. I didn’t hear you calling for the ref to tell them to stop. Besides, Storm’s a veteran. If he can’t handle some heckling at this stage of the game, then he’s got bigger problems.

Once Storm is back to his feet, he gets distracted by Cien’s yelling. Unbeknownst to him, Cure has set himself up on the apron. When Storm turns to face the ring, Cure goes for an Asai Moonsault. But Storm catches him in mid air. The crowd cheers as Storm takes Cure and lifts him above his head before bringing him down with the crucifix cutter on the floor!

Kris Cruise: Cure’s plan backfired! He just got dropped with the Bite Wound on the outside!

Stephy Auger: Marlon, get up! Please, get up!

The cheers continue as Cure gets rolled back inside. Storm rolls himself back in and makes the cover.

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

Storm takes Cure, moves him into the corner and lights up his chest with multiple knife edge chops. He follows up with a jumping knee strike before delivering a spinning forearm. Cure gets whipped into the far corner before Storm runs across the ring and connects with a hesitation dropkick. Cure crumbles out of the corner before Storm makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Cure gets his shoulder up.

Storm pulls Cure back to his feet before taking control of his back. He sets up for a Backdrop Driver when Cure counters with elbows to the back of the head. While Storm is doubled over, Cure hits the ropes. Storm goes to catch him off the rebound with a back body drop when Cure rotates, lands on his feet and continues to run the ropes. Cure comes back off the ropes and gets caught with a sleeper hold. Storm tries to cinch down on the hold, but Cure is able to counter with a sitout jawbreaker. Storm stumbles back into the ropes while Cure returns to a vertical base. He runs over to attack when Storm ducks and dumps him over the top rope! Instead of crashing to the floor, Cure lands safely on his feet. He quickly reaches back inside and yanks Storm down to the mat before dragging him out to the floor. Cure pulls Storm to his feet and takes control of his back before bringing him down with a ripcord slingblade!

Kris Cruise: Storm might be out after that one.

Stephy Auger: Cure just came back and gave him a move on the outside to return the favor

Cure takes Storm and rolls him back inside before getting on the apron and following up with a topé atomico! He makes the cover.

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

Cure pulls Storm back to his feet before doubling him over with a spinning back kick to the midsection. He then takes control of Storm from the side and hoists him up for We Got ‘Em For Cheap (pumphandle Death Valley Driver). As soon as Storm is lifted onto Cure’s shoulders, Storm counters with multiple elbows to the side of the head. He then slips down from behind before pushing Cure into the ropes. As soon as Cure comes off, the leaps across the ring and knocks Storm down with a flying forearm bash. Cure remains on his back before returning to his feet with a kip up. The hard camera zooms out as he spreads his arms out.

Stephy Auger: I love that shot.

Cure steps out onto the apron and waits patiently for Storm to get in position. Storm slowly picks himself back up before Cure sends him tumbling to the mat with a springboard diving side kick to the back of the head. The boos continue as Cure lifts him up before bringing him down with My Name Is My Name (Cross-Legged Fisherman Buster)! He makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Storm got his shoulder up just in the nick of time!

Cure picks up Storm and hits him with three forearm strikes before sending him into the ropes. When Storm returns, Cure brings him down with a running Spanish Fly! The boos continue as Cure takes off into the ropes. When he comes back, he goes for a Running 540° Corkscrew Senton Bomb! NO! Storm gets his knees up!

Kris Cruise: Cure was countered! Storm blocked the move!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Storm takes Cure, lifts him across his shoulders and brings him down with the Rolling Tide (Air Crash Raid Neckbreaker)! He makes the cover.

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

Storm takes Cure, lifts him up onto his shoulders, heads into the corner and delivers a Buckle Bomb! Cure staggers out of the corner until Storm scoops him up, turns and throws him down with a Blue Thunder Driver!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
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T-NO!

The crowd boos when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Storm takes Cure and brings him down with a Backdrop Driver! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
.
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TH-NO!

The crowd sighs when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Storm takes Cure and whips him into the ropes. Cure gets caught on the rebound as Storm lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! He rolls across Cure and hooks the near leg.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
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.
THR-NO!

The crowd gasps, then boos when Cure gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I thought that was going to put Cure away right there. Both of these competitors are giving it everything they’ve got.

Storm proceeds to set up shop in the corner. He crouches down as he waits patiently to spear Cure. King Cure is seen trying to pick himself up off the mat. But he drops back down before holding his back. While the ref goes to check on him, the crowd boos when Cien wraps her arms around Storm’s leg.

Kris Cruise: What the hell is this!?

Stephy Auger: What do you mean?

Kris Cruise: Cien’s holding Storm’s leg. He was getting ready to spear Cure in half until she interfered!

Stephy Auger: No, no, no. You don’t see that? There’s a piece of debris in the ring and Jenny simply doesn’t want Tyler to trip over it. She’s so thoughtful, isn’t she?

Kris Cruise: ...

Storm pulls his leg free from Cien. He goes to kick Cien, but she wisely backs out of the way. Cien continues to distract Storm until Cure comes out of nowhere and blasts him across the back of the head with a bicycle knee strike! The boos continue as Cure pulls Storm out of the corner by the hair before lifting him up across his shoulders. Cure stares right into the camera before bringing Storm down with The Blackout (Fireman's Carry dropped into an Overhead Kick)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “U Don’t Know” blares throughout the arena.

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

The boos continue as Cien gets in and shoos the ref out of the way. Her and Cure then raise each others arms in victory.

Kris Cruise: This was highway robbery, Stephy! Tyler Storm was well on his way to defeating Cure. But that you-know-what Jenny Cien stepped in and ran interference for him! Now Cure’s got himself a Pride Championship match at All-Star Showdown IX! Congratulations, Marlon, I bet you feel real proud of yourself.

Stephy Auger: Of course he does! Why wouldn’t he!? If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying! A veteran like Storm should be prepared for everything. But he wasn’t. He got caught. Cure took advantage and seconds later, it was one...two...three.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up to a shot of Spencer Burke, looking straight ahead toward the camera from a location difficult to distinguish in our initial shot due to the close-up.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, I’d like to welcome my guest… “The Chief” Evan Envi.

On cue, the camera pans out, revealing that we’re standing in the corridor outside of-- presumably-- Evan Envi’s locker room. Earning a pop from the live audience, we see the former World Champion is dressed in dark slacks and a gray tee concealed beneath a black jacket. He gives Spencer a small nod.

Evan Envi: How’s it goin’, Spence?

Spencer Burke: Going well. Figured it would be an appropriate time to ask if you felt the same, considering the last time we spoke… you were gearing up to face Salem in what was supposed to be a return-to-form for you. Instead, Salem is the one who turned heads in her return to the ring-- defeating you in what some people might refer to as an upset.

Evan rubs, seemingly absently, at the back of his neck, but he doesn’t respond to Spencer. His gaze lingers somewhere off-camera, prompting Spencer to clear his throat and speak up again.

Spencer Burke: I’m sure no one is criticizing the performance, but I wanted to know what--

Evan Envi: Salem absolutely handled me. It was supposed to be this-- this big moment where I showed everybody that I was still very much alive in the World Title conversation, y’know? But… Salem went out there on a mission. Not one New Hampshire Handshake but two-- and I mean…

Evan shakes his head, massaging his jaw with his ring, middle, and index fingers for emphasis, giving the interviewer a small shake of his head.

Evan Envi: She’s perfected it. I think Salem has a bag full of ways she could beat an opponent out there, but she stuck with her ace. And it’s making me realize I need to go back to the drawing board. In-- in a lot of ways.

Spencer Burke: That’s fair. What do you have to say about Stephy’s assessment at the conclusion of your match?

Envi glances at the camera-- potentially at Stephy Auger-- before turning back to Burke.

Evan Envi: Hrm. Refresh my memory.

Spencer Burke: Well… Auger claimed that you don’t have the killer instinct that you used to. To quote, “he’s not nearly as cutthroat or aggressive as he used to be.” I wouldn’t bring it up, but it does seem to fall in line with a lot of the concerns you had for yourself, doesn’t it?

Evan folds his arms, nodding for a moment in thought.

Evan Envi: It does. And-- I dunno. Maybe there’s a little bit of truth to that.

A small sigh from the Chief.

Evan Envi: I know there’s this… I dunno… this anger that used to be there when I wrestled. It wasn’t reserved for any particular person. It wasn’t bred from any one particular situation-- it was just there. It just was. And I know it’s just not… there anymore. I know I have to find that balance. I’m aware of it.

The words earn supportive applause from many in the audience. The interviewer nods, looking up toward the Chief with a challenging expression.

Spencer Burke: Well. From me to you, let me ask… did you dedicate as much time to your date with Fujiko Mine as you did to your supposed return-to-form in the ring two weeks ago?

Burke’s implication earns a loud, albeit indistinct reaction from the audience in attendance. The mask of professionalism slips just enough to reveal the smallest, knowing smirk. Evan scoffs under his breath, stifling a smirk of his own and shakes his head a bit, opening his mouth to respond.

Evan Envi: Look--

Zola Star: Excuse me. Evan. We need to talk.

Envi’s eyes grow wide, only for a second-- but long enough for Spencer Burke to notice. Evan chuckles nervously, turning his attention fully to Zola Star.

Evan Envi: Wh--

Zola Star: Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you, but honestly you can do better than what you have been lately.

Evan’s cheeks grow visibly red. He looks toward Spencer, as if looking for support, before looking back toward Zola, defensively.

Evan Envi: What?!

Zola Star: The Evan Envi I studied didn’t waste his time on distractions. He focused on his ring work and winning his matches.

Evan looks toward Spencer again. Burke simply raises his brows before turning toward Zola, curiously.

Evan Envi: I--

Zola Star: I don’t know if you’re out here chasing women or what, but you need to get back to training.

Spencer looks at Evan, eyebrows perking in intrigue, or amusement. Envi’s own cheeks burn a deep red. He looks toward Zola, defensively, but she continues without giving him the chance.

Zola Star: You need to remember the Star you truly are Evan…

Evan Envi: I…

Caught on whatever sentence he had been trying to get out earlier, Evan’s shoulders slump. A sigh escapes his lips and he looks away, thoughtfully for a moment before he turns his attention back to Zola, smiling faintly.

Evan Envi: You’re right. I’m… y’know, my attention is, divided. And if I’m gonna get myself back toward a World Championship-- or try to bring anyone else up to that level-- I… I need to focus. I need to do better than what I’ve been doing over these past few months.

Evan looks almost exasperated. Zola crosses her arms and shakes her head in disappointment.

Evan Envi: I know. I’m— my bad, alright? We’re gonna get back to it.

Zola stares back at the Chief, with a look that screams that she’s unamused, or unimpressed

Evan Envi: We are. I—

Zola cuts him off putting her hand up to stop his rambling.

Zola Star: Look, just don’t be late for practice tomorrow okay?

She said before walking off the screen her heels clicking against the floor in the distance. Envi exhales heavily as she leaves. Spencer watches Star depart before turning a curious, expectant eye back to Envi.

Spencer Burke: Well. Are you gonna explain, or—?

Envi doesn’t acknowledge the interviewer, instead turning around, disappearing back into his dressing room. Spencer throws up a hand.

Spencer Burke: Not gonna tell me about this date either?

The door closes in Burke’s face.

Spencer Burke: Hello?

Spencer shakes his head, glancing back at the camera in disappointment before walking out of frame as the scene fades to black on Envi’s firmly closed door.

[FGA Office]

Our scene opens up as a camera operator struggles to catch an ongoing conversation. We sprint down the hallway, taking a familiar route to the same room we found Sadie San Francisco in earlier. We hear talking from inside, and the cameraman is less-than-subtle in inching open the already slightly-ajar dressing room door to glance inside at the four occupants.

Nando Fresno: Seriously?

Nando Fresno, still in his gear, watches as Sadie quickly piles her belongings into a bag. Jillian Clay sits in a folding chair, eyes darting between Nando and Sadie, but otherwise silent. Jaelynn sits opposite of Nando and Jillian, not making much effort to engage with the duo. She shoots a dirty look at the cameraman, finding his presence a real nuisance at this time.

Nando Fresno: This is how you’re gonna make your way back to Nina? To the U.S. Title? Like…

Nando gestures toward Jaelynn, a look of disappointment crossing his face.

Nando Fresno: Like this?

Jaelynn Ramsey: As if you’re so much better? What brilliant ideas do you have, tough guy?

Jaelynn perks up from her seat, narrowing her eyes at Nando.

Nando raises a hand, shaking his head slightly, animating that he doesn’t want to fight. Jae stays seated, reconsidering her next move. The alien hunter looks down for a moment, taking a deep breath, before looking toward Sadie.

Nando Fresno: Sadie. You lost. Nina did what she told you she was going to do and the best thing you can do is-- you know-- learn from that. Build from it. Get back to the U.S. Championship the right way. Correct? That’s what Nina did. That’s how she won the belt back. Okay, you don’t see us ambushing Pendragon in catering. We don’t need to go down this road. It’s--

Sadie San Francisco: You don’t have to do anything.

Sadie throws her bag over her shoulder and rises to her feet, giving Nando a cold, frustrated look.

Sadie San Francisco: You don’t have to be a part of this at all.

Nando claps his hands once, a rare, genuine grin crossing his face.

Nando Fresno: Great!

Sadie turns her attention to Jillian Clay instead.

Sadie San Francisco: Jill, you’re with us, right?

Jillian Clay: Yesss!

Nando Fresno: Goddamnit. No! Jill. We really need to discuss this sh--

Jaelynn Ramsey: Nice words of encouragement, nerd.

Jaelynn scoffs before shifting her attention to the ladies. Jill smiles at Jaelynn, reaching out to take her apparent new friend’s hand in hers. Nando groans, walking out of frame, rubbing at his eyes with the heels of his palms.

Sadie San Francisco: Let’s go. We’ll see you soon, Jill.

Sadie gives Clay a soft wink before her expression flattens a bit once she looks over toward Nando.

Sadie San Francisco: Nando, we’ll see you too. Don’t get cute.

Sadie exits the room first, rolling her eyes as she spots the cameraman. The camera operator steps out of the way, allowing Sadie to pass. Jae stays behind for a few seconds to address Jillian and Nando. Nando stares coldly at Ramsey. Jae shakes her head at him slightly, speaking to the team, but looking solely at the alien hunter.

Jaelynn Ramsey: Seriously guys, trust the plan…

Jae nods reassuringly at the team before leaving the room, catching up to Sadie. Jillian turns to Nando, shaking his arm with a smile— though her own face falls a bit as she observes Nando’s look of disapproval. Slowly, we fade away.

[FGA Office]

We then see a particular room that looks like you’d hold solo interviews for that type of thing. There are two chairs in the room and one of them is occupied while the other, for the moment, is vacant. The chair that is occupied is being used by the current FGA World Champion Seth Iser. The veteran is dressed every bit the champion you expect him to be with the three piece suit in a black and blue variety with a WVU pin representing his rooting base and to somewhat match the colors of the suit he’s going for. The golden championship is adorned over his burly right shoulder rather than his waist just so the camera can have a better look at the championship gleaming.

Seth Iser: You know...with our rematch approaching, something you’ve said Fujiko has been buzzing around in my brain. No, it isn’t any of the juvenile insults to ingratiate yourself to a fanbase who seems intent on disrespecting me. Hell, it wasn’t even the conviction that you honestly believe that an honest man is a coward in your world though that statement is alarming in it’s own right.

You’d expect a calmness to Iser’s voice but there’s much more of a bite to his tone. His face is contorted with a frown as he is tapping his foot with his nice looking shoes. The eyes are filled with hostility.

Seth Iser: You decided to beat your chest and proclaim yourself the hardest working wrestler in the company…

There’s a shake of the head as if he can’t believe those words were uttered in his direction for that moment.

Seth Iser: I could go on and on about how that’s insulting to the locker room because I don’t think your work ethic is any different than Marlon’s, Tyler’s, or mine even because in the world of professional wrestling, you have to be driven to some level to really survive in game of ours. Raw talent is dime a dozen...and there’s never been more of it but the ones who reach the top have that extra special quality within their work ethic. But I won’t.

There’s then a look that almost looks evil creeping onto this man’s face.

Seth Iser: Instead...I’m going to take you up on that little boast of yours and see if you’re telling the truth or not. Not to mention...I did say I was going to make life hell for you as the challenger and really make it feel like you had to fight just go get back to me...two birds, one stone.

He then reaches back behind his chair and pulls out the black briefcase he had been carrying around before he won the championship, the symbol of the Wildcard Tournament he ended up winning, and he places that on the second chair right beside him.

Seth Iser: Never say I am not a giving individual for the holiday season though...because what I’m proposing can help anyone and everyone involved and give Fujiko the stress and test a challenger should have. And anyone else who will challenge me will wonder what the hell I might have in store for them...

He finally opens the briefcase and it isn’t a contract that’s belted inside but rather...cold hard cash filling the briefcase.

Seth Iser: That’s one hundred thousand dollars...tax free.

The smirk is creeping onto his face as he declares what that is as he stands up from his chair and even takes out one of the stacks of hundreds that make up that hundred thousand dollars in this briefcase and flaunts it to the camera.

Seth Iser: The same one hundred thousand dollars I earned from the Wildcard Tournament. From this moment until it’s collected...Fujiko Mine, there is a one hundred thousand dollar bounty on your head. To the person who can incapacitate Fujiko Mine from the sport of professional wrestling for several months...I will award you one hundred thousand dollars! With the economy the way it is this money can go a long way to securing yourself considering the harsh realities of this pandemic after all…and it certainly makes holiday shopping a lot more feasible for you. Get that ring for your loved one for a proposal? Invest further in yourself...hell bank it in case this pandemic goes on a little longer. It can go quite a ways. And if you Fujiko can come out of all this and take the title from me after this hell? Then well played. You’ve earned the right to be a two time champion.

And then that smirk recedes as that far more familiar glare is back on his face as he places the money back in the briefcase.

Seth Iser: So who wants to take that shot? Nando? You want to give it a whirl? You want a hundred thousand dollars to waste on your alien projects? Here’s a surefire way to get some funding for what you want. Ace Voltage? You want to be the main event? You want more prestige than what you already have as a champion? Here’s a shot you can take while you await for YOUR next contender! Ashlyn De Luca...you’re one of the more vicious wrestlers in the industry today! You’re plenty capable of performing this task considering what you did to Logan a while ago.

He then sneers in the direction of the camera as his anger is coursing through him as he’s considering the disdain he holds for his challenger.

Seth Iser: Cassius! You want to have some justice? A hundred thousand dollars will earn you quite a lot of justice in this world! Evan Envi, if you actually showed half of the mean streak you once had...you can collect it and actually buy all the vegan meals you’d ever want! Marlon Cure...one of my favorite people to watch wrestle on the entire roster. I know you have quite a bit on your plate challenging for the Pride Title...but this money is right here for you if you want it. You’re one of the best money players around, you could perform that task! Savannah Taylor! You want the money? You took out Jimmy Page! I know YOU could do it! It’s here for ya, come and get it please! TAKE THE DAMN MONEY! I want rid of Fujiko Mine!

He sneers that out as the gleam of the championship stays over his shoulder and he takes a breath to regain some level of control.

Seth Iser: AMC...Ashley Marie Chase. I wish I would’ve gotten a thank you because I suggested you should get the opportunity you got and look at you! You knocked it out of the park now didn’t you? Hell, you can take a crack at this bounty as well after our match. Apply some of the things you will learn from our encounter. I’m not going to discriminate after all on who could take it. You can even use that as your way of repaying me for my recommendation if you’d like. But you also have a duty of a champion considering we have the same trait of wanting to get our respective title reigns off on the foot we’d want. I’m sure you’ve replayed that DDT that ended your dreams of being World Champion over and over in your head...hell based on what you told me...I know that you have.

He blinks for a moment tapping the world title over his shoulder while he nods in understanding.

Seth Iser: But as good as you are...as driven as you’ve shown yourself with your own work ethic...I promise you that it won’t be enough tonight. I have more than one way to beat an opponent...it has been proven time and time again. It’s impossible for you to block every avenue of victory because...the roads some people won’t travel are the ones I’m more than willing to traverse if it means getting my hand raised. I am Seth Iser. I’m one of the greatest hunters this game has ever seen...and it isn’t just enough to be the World Champion at thirty-nine. I might be hunted by challengers but...when it comes to the scalp I want collected?

He then closes the briefcase and palms it in his hand before glaring at the camera.

Seth Iser: Let the hunt commence.

With that last statement the FGA World Champion keeps that glare on as he walks out of the view with every bit the brutal intentions known.

[FGA Office]

Izzy Anders vs. Salem

"I'll get you my pretty... and your little dog too!"

The thumping drum and bass and guitar riff of 'Let Me Entertain You' by Queen fills the arena and the quirky yet energetic Salem appears at the entrance wearing a hooded dark purple cloak with silver trim, the hood pulled over her eyes. She carries a silver cane, the top a silver claw gripping a dark purple crystal that has a plasma globe effect. She's tapping her foot and bopping her head to the beat...

She raises both hands and motions for the fans to get hyped, swinging the cane, then bops her way toward the ring in time with the song, popping her shoulders up and down, swaying her arms around with a coy smile and wink to the audience.

She steps up the ring steps, throws her hood back, clutches the top rope and puts her feet on the bottom rope, gazing around and rocking up and down on the ropes...

She slides through the ropes, twirls off her cloak with a flourish and drops to a knee in the center of the ring, extending her arms out holding up the cane and playing to the crowd as the music fades. She takes the cloak and cane to the corner, ready for the match.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Laval, Quebec, Canada... "Something Like a Phenomena"... Salem!!!

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders made it clear in the leadup to this match that she still has ill feelings towards Salem. She hasn’t forgiven or forgotten what Salem did to a close friend of hers outside the ring.

Stephy Auger: To say that Izzy harbors a grudge would be an understatement. She’s coming into this match with intentions of beating the brakes off her. But Salem? She is as cool as a cucumber. Maybe she’s just playing cool. But she isn’t letting Izzy’s words get under her skin. She has one goal in mind and that is to continue to rise to the top of FGA. She went through Evan Envi last time. Now, she has to go through a Grand Slam champion.

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders isn’t the only former champion that Salem has on her plate. I’ve just gotten word from the back that Savannah Taylor has sent a message to FGA Officials: she wants Salem at All-Star Showdown IX!

Stephy Auger: Depending on what happens here tonight, she may not even make it to All-Star Showdown IX!


The hypnotic opening of “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram picks up throughout the arena and the lights fade into a cascade of fuschia and crimson.

♫ Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete
Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete ♫

As the colors play, the beats becomes harsher and invites Izzy Anders onto the stage. She dances around to the beat of the music until she makes to the center point of the stage. Scanning the arena with that Cheshire grin of hers, Izzy takes her time walking down the ramp. When she does, she does it with an egotistical saunter, knowing that she has the audience wrapped around her finger.

♫ To changing me
(And I believe this happened once before)
To changing me
(And I predict the world will be all gone)
To changing me
(And I can see the same things that you see)
To changing me
(‘Cause I predict the world) ♫

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, fighting of Holland, Michigan by way of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada! She is “The Mindkiller” IZZY ANDERS!

Izzy climbs the ring apron, turning her back to the ring to stare at the audience. She shifts down the ropes until she reaches the turnbuckle, ascending it with a delicate air. From there, she reaches methodically for her eyepatch, removing it with flair. She lowers it into her mouth, giving it a playful bite and giving the hard cam a wink. Izzy then scales down the turnbuckle into the ring, taking her coat off. A stagehand receives it in the only way Izzy does, a dramatic fling meant to blanket them in the immense coat. The Mindkiller then takes a seat a little off center of the ring, at the very tip of her corner. She sits there with her legs crossed, staring out to the audience as her song dies out.

Kris Cruise: As I mentioned moments ago, Izzy still has her issues with Salem. But the larger, looming issue is the one with John Carmichael. You could cut the tension with a knife when they were both out here earlier in the show.

Stephy Auger: I’m surprised that meeting of the minds didn’t end with Izzy getting cracked in the head with a steel chair again.

Kris Cruise: You got that right. I was just as shocked as you were that not a single punch, or chair, was thrown. This is just the latest chapter in this rivalry between Izzy and the former Johnny Karma. The situation didn’t escalate to violence here tonight. But I can guarantee you that we won’t see a peaceful resolution to the deep personal issues between Anders and Carmichael. I’ve been told by Spencer Burke that FGA Officials are working on a way for these two to finish this, once and for all. I have no idea what they have in mind. But I can tell you that this won’t end well for one of these two parties.

Stephy Auger: Depending on what the officials have in store, neither may leave this pending match the same.

Anders and Salem charge out of their respective corners as soon as the bell sounds. The crowd gasps when Salem tries to catch Anders off guard by throwing out a leaping high velocity elbow strike!

Kris Cruise: NEW HAMPSHIRE HANDSHAKE!

Salem whiffs on the strike when Anders slips underneath it. The Phenomena quickly lands on her feet. The moment she turns around, the crowd gasps when Anders rushes over and throws out a 540 Kick square at her head!

Stephy Auger: CAPETOWN SUNSET!

The Mindkiller whiffs on the kick when Salem rolls underneath it. Anders is quick to scramble back to her feet. She nearly gets caught with a roundhouse kick. But she’s able to swat it away. Anders goes to return the favor with a roundhouse of her own. But Salem is able to swat her kick away. Salem connects with a forearm strike. Anders nails her a forearm of her own. Salem connects with a second forearm strike! Anders responds in kind! Salem connects with a third forearm strike! Anders goes to match Salem when she gets cut off with a forearm to the face! Salem hits Anders with another forearm! She quickly follows up with a pair of forearms! The Mindkiller gets caught with another pair of forearms! While Anders is dazed, Salem turns and takes off into the ropes. When she returns, she slows down to a stop as she sees Anders running past her into the same set of ropes. Izzy comes back and slows down when Salem runs past her into the same set of ropes. When The Mindkiller turns around, the crowd gasps when she nearly gets caught with another New Hampshire Handshake! But Anders is able to duck out of the way. The moment Salem lands on her feet, Anders is right there to take control of her back. She sets up for a German Suplex until Salem counters with a back elbow to the face. Salem performs a standing switch and sets up for a German of her own. Anders blocks it by hooking one of her legs around Salem’s. After delivering a back elbow to the face, Anders performs a standing switch of her own before trying for another German Suplex. But again, Salem blocks the move. Anders tries to muscle her up for another German Suplex attempt. Once again, it’s to no avail. After Salem catches her with two back elbows to the face, Salem performs another standing switch. Instead of trying for another German Suplex, Salem takes control of Anders’ back, turns and chucks her through the ropes and to the floor.

Kris Cruise: These two game out the gates with guns blazing!

Stephy Auger: Both Anders and Salem tried to end this early. They then tried to dump each other on their necks with German Suplexes before Salem opted to toss her to the outside.

Anders picks herself up on the outside as Salem takes off into the ropes. The Phenomena rebounds off the ropes and makes her way across the ring. Instead of attempting a dive to the floor, she mocks Anders by posing after a Tranquillo Roll near the ropes.

Kris Cruise: Oh boy...

Stephy Auger: I think Salem’s asking for trouble by thumbing her nose as The Mindkiller.

Salem keeps her pose held until Anders quickly reaches in and snatches a hold of her ankle! The Mindkiller tries to drag Salem to the outside. But Salem is able to block her by grabbing onto the ropes. She then takes her free leg and repeatedly kicks away at Anders. The Mindkiller keeps hold of Salem’s leg until the last kick to the face knocks her back. She tries to shake off the blow as Salem gets back to her feet and takes off into the ropes. Salem picks up speed as she runs back across the ring. She then flies to the outside with a slingshot plancha… only to crash and burn after Anders casually walks out of the way!

Kris Cruise: Salem caught nothing but the hard, unforgiving floor on that dive! That’ll knock the wind right out of you!

Anders rushes back over and puts the boots to Salem. She snatches Salem up by the hair and slams her face-first onto the apron. Anders takes Salem, turns and slams her face-first across the guardrail! The Mindkiller keeps hold of Salem and marches down ringside before slamming her face-first onto the steel steps! The cheers continue as Salem gets slammed face-first onto the timekeeper’s table! The Mindkiller isn’t done. She then takes Salem and slams her face-first onto the top of the announce desk before slamming her face-first across the top of Stephy Auger’s monitor!

Stephy Auger: Oh don’t worry about that, Izzy. I didn’t need it, anyway.

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s slamming Salem into everything in sight!

Salem is finally rolled back inside. Anders rolls back in to continue her attack. But she’s unable to as she watches Salem continue to roll across the ring before slipping out to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Salem wisely kept rolling across the ring to stop Anders from pinning her.

The Mindkiller narrows her eyes at Salem. Anders gets back to her feet before taking off towards the side of the ring. She motions for a dive to the outside, only to slam on the brakes when she sees Salem start to walk away.

Salem continues to circle the ring as she tries to shake out the cobwebs. But she doesn’t get too much time to recover as Anders slips down the outside, runs up behind Salem and swats her down with a Northern Lariat! The Mindkiller reaches down, grabs Salem by the hair and peels her off the floor before taking control of her back. She throws out the Black Song (Hammerlock Lariat), but she misses when Salem ducks the block. The Phenomena quickly takes control of Anders’ back and counters with an inverted Exploder Suplex!

Kris Cruise: Salem with a huge counter on the floor! That’ll turn the tide.

Salem pulls up Anders and returns the favor by repeatedly slamming her face-first onto the apron. She then rolls Anders back inside before dragging her upper body back out onto the apron. Salem climbs back up to the apron before stepping back towards the ring post. She lines Anders up before running forward. The crowd gasps when Salem goes for a knee drop! She misses! Anders slips back inside, causing Salem to hit the apron before tumbling to the floor!

Stephy Auger: Oooooooooh, so close!

Kris Cruise: Salem retook control of this match, only to give it right back with that error.

Stephy Auger: She didn’t need to go for that move. She had Anders down. But she was desperate to put her way. She’s desperate to prove that she belongs at the top of FGA and she took an unnecessary risk. It was the same type of risk that saw her crashing through our announce table at Autumn Annihilation last year.

Anders rolls back to the outside. She pulls up Salem and rams her back-first against the edge of the ring before rolling her back inside. The Mindkiller quickly reaches in and takes control of Salem’s left leg before delivers a dragon screw leg whip across the edge of the apron!

Kris Cruise: Izzy Anders is showing no mercy towards Salem.

Stephy Auger: Why should she?

Salem howls in pain as she rolls back towards the center of the ring. She continues to favor her knees as Anders slithers back into the ring.

Kris Cruise: You can see the wheels turning. Izzy’s plotting her next line of attack. Ike I said before the opening bell, this isn’t about winning the match. This is about beating the you-know-what out of The Phenomena.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, well, actions have consequence, Cruise. A cute saying or a clever play on words won’t help Salem get out of this one.

The Mindkiller returns to a vertical base and slowly circles her prey as the crowd buzzes with anticipation. She finally pounces on Salem with multiple stomps to the left leg. Anders lifts up the left leg before delivering three elbow drops across it. She lifts up the left leg again before following up with a grounded dragon screw leg whip!

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s going to town on that leg.

Stephy Auger: Which is smart! How will Salem hit that New Hampshire Handshake when she can’t jump, let alone stand?

Ander pulls Salem back to her feet, only to bring her back down with a Rolling Kneebar! Anders cranks away on the hold as Salem frantically pulls herself across the canvas. She then reaches out and gabs the bottom rope, forcing a rope break.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!

The ref tells Anders to break it up. But she ignores the ref by keeping the hold locked on! The official then kneels down and yells at Anders to break it up. The Mindkiller still won’t let go. So the official reaches over and has to physically pry Anders off of Salem.

Kris Cruise: The official gave Izzy a lot of leeway there.

Stephy Auger: That should have been a DQ. Again, I ask, where do they get these referees?

Anders returns to her feet and gets an earful from the referee. He continues to scold her for blatantly ignoring his warnings. Said warnings fall on def ears as Anders moves past him before continuing to stomp away on Salem. The Phenomena gets pulled back to her feet by her hair before being dragged over towards the corner. After her face meets the top turnbuckle, Salem is turned around before getting caught with a European Uppercut. Another hard European Uppercut rocks the former two-time US Champ. Anders then takes Salem and whips her into the far corner. The Mindkiller charges across the ring to attack when she gets knocked back with a back elbow to the face. Anders shakes off the blow before rushing back in. Salem is once again able to knock her back with a back elbow to the face. Anders shakes off the blow before charging back in. This time, Salem goes to knock her back with a boot to the face. But Anders is able to catch her right foot.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh.

The Mindkiller proceeds to drag Salem out of the corner. Anders is able to deliver a dragon screw when Salem counters with an enzuigiri. A loud smack can be heard upon impact. Anders staggers forward before dropping down to a knee. She tries to shake out the cobwebs while Salem struggles to pick herself up off the mat. The Phenomena lends forward and massages her left leg before trying to bend and extend it. She looks over and sees Anders still in position. Salem then runs as best she can into the ropes. When she comes back, she’s able to bring Anders down with a somersault cutter! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Anders kicks out.

Salem takes Anders, moves her into the corner and nails her with a hard chest with with the right leg.

*POP*

Salem connects with another hard chest kick!

*POP*

… and another…

*POP*

… and another…

*POP*

… and another…

*POP*

Salem adds insult to injury by using the Stockton Slap against Anders.

Kris Cruise: Salem just gave Izzy a taste of her own medicine!

Anders slowly turns towards Salem, only to get caught with another Stockton Slap that whips her head to the side.

Stephy Auger: Salem’s really asking for it now!

The Mindkiller quickly grabs a hold of Salem and tosses her into the corner. Anders starts to throw out MUDA MUDA MUDA (machine gun punches), but Salem is able to duck out of the way of each strike! After ducking the last strike, Salem executes a double leg pick up, turns and rams Anders into the corner before hitting her with another Stockton Slap. She then sets up for an irish whip. Anders reverses, follows her across the ring and snaps her head back with a running European Uppercut! The Mindkiller takes Salem, delivers an irish whip, follows her across the ring and sends spittle flying out of her mouth with another running European Uppercut! The cheers continue as Anders takes Salem, follows her across the ring after another irish whip and sends her slumping down in the corner with a third running European Uppercut! Anders reaches down and slowly pulls Salem back to her been before unloading on her with MUDA MUDA MUDA! Mists of sweat fly off Salem’s face with each punch that connects! Salem ends up slumping down in the corner. But Anders doesn't let up. She continues to to rain down punch after punch.!The crowd stands up and applaud Anders as she keeps up an unreal rate of punches. Anders finally steps back towards the center of the ring. A close up of Salem reveals marks on both sides of her face from the punches.

Kris Cruise: Salem looks like she’s just gone through 12 Rounds.

Stephy Auger: This is why you don’t poke the bear, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Yeah? Someone should tell that to John Carmichael.

The referee checks in on Salem. He turns to his right and quickly dives to safety as Anders charges in and nearly caves Salem’s face in with a running knee strike! She reaches down, pulls Salem back to her feet and scoops her up across her shoulder. The Mindkiller runs across the ring and aims to lawn dart Salem into the opposite corner. Anders’ plan is unsuccessful as Salem is able to slip down from behind and counters with a shove into the corner. Instead of crashing into the corner, Anders springboards onto the middle ropes, flies back and knocks Salem down with a diving corkscrew European Uppercut! Instead of going for the cover, Anders opts for another attack.

Kris Cruise: Izzy had the opportunity to make a pin there.

Stephy Auger: You said it yourself. Izzy wants to hurt Salem.

Anders lifts Salem up across her shoulders before bringing her down with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! The cheers continue as Salem is yanked up off the mat before bring brought down with a second fireman’s career neckbreaker. The Phenomena quickly finds herself across Anders’ shoulders before being brought down with a third fireman’s carry neckbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Salem looks to be in a bad way here.

Stephy Auger: Izzy’s trying to break her neck.

Salem lays on her side. Her left arm doesn’t move while she slowly moves the fingers on her right hand before balling them up into a fist. Before Salem can even try to get up, Anders rains down multiple hard stomps across the side of the neck! The Mindkiller then takes off into the ropes, comes back and delivers a running knee drop across the side of the neck! Instead of returning to her feet, Anders keeps her knee pressed down firmly against the side of Salem’s neck. The ref is quick to give her another five count.

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

Anders rolls off of Salem. The ref goes to scold her again for pushing her luck with his five count. But once again, his warnings fall on deaf ears as The Mindkiller rolls to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s heading back out to the floor. For what, I have no idea.

Anders marches down the ringside area with clear intent. She motions for J.A. Aldridge to get up. The ring announcer wisely does so and gestures for Anders to have his seat.

Kris Cruise: What is Izzy… oh no...

The Mindkiller snatches up the chair and slams it shut.

Kris Cruise: Ooooooh no.

Stephy Auger: Salem better find the nearest exit...

Anders goes to head back into the ring with the chair until the ref heads to the outside and blocks it.

Stephy Auger: Finally, this ref is showing some backbone for the first time in this match.

Anders nudges the official out of the way and goes to slide back in with the chair. The crowd gasps when he snatches the chair from Anders.

Kris Cruise: The crowd may not like it, but that’s the right call.

The Mindkiller narrows her eyes at the official as he tosses the chair down to the floor. He lets Anders know that he’s not having any more of this and if she disregards his orders again, he will disqualify her. Anders just stares right through the official. When she turns to face the ring, Salem flies in out of nowhere and knocks her down with a slingshot plancha!

Kris Cruise: The high-risk paid off for The Phenomena!

Salem picks up Anders before delivering a shinbreaker into a leg-hook Saito Suplex on the outside!

Kris Cruise: Izzy gets caught with another suplex on the floor!

Salem picks up Anders and pulls her over into position before delivering an Exploder Suplex into the ring post!

Stephy Auger: Did you hear that thud?

Salem takes Anders and rolls her back inside. She then rolls back in to make the cover.

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

Anders gets her shoulder up.

Salem takes Anders and whips her into the ropes. When Anders returns, Salem catches her with a kitchen sink with her right knee, sending her flipping down to the mat. The Phenomena then hits the ropes before coming back and flattening Anders with a Penalty Kick right to the face! She makes the cover.

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

Anders gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Izzy got caught with another one of her own moves there. But she was able to beat the three count.

Salem pulls Anders back to her feet. After catching Anders with four forearm strikes, she rocks Anders with a high impact spinning backfist before sending her down to the mat with an Ipponzeoi. Salem goes to follow up with a standing moonsault senton when Anders gets her knees up! Salem favor her back as she slowly turns over into the prone position. Once Salem pushes herself up to a knee, Anders is right there to flatten her with a Shining Yakuza Kick!

Stephy Auger: HEAD BOOT!

Anders opts out of another pin opportunity to pull Salem back to her feet. Salem’s about to be hit with another fireman’s carry neckbreaker when she stops Anders with an elbow to the side of the head. Another elbow connects. Salem hits a third elbow before slipping down from behind, turning Anders towards her and returning the favor with an Ushigoroshi!

Salem slowly pulls Anders off the mat before whipping her into the corner. The Phenomena then runs over before connecting with a corner high kick! The cheers continue as she sits Anders up onto the top turnbuckle. Salem then takes Anders and places her in a front facelock before bringing her down with a rope hung dragon screw neck whip! She makes the cover.

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

Anders gets her shoulder up.

Salem steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. She remains in the crouched position while Anders continue to stir on the mat. When Anders gets back to her feet, Salem stands up, leaps off for a diving overhead chop and gets countered with a jumping double knee armbreaker on the way down!

Kris Cruise: Salem gets taken down again with a timely counter from The Mindkiller.

Both grapplers slowly fight their way back to their feet. Anders catches Salem with a European Uppercut before hitting the ropes. When The Mindkiller returns, Salem brings her down with a spinebuster/standing double foot stomp, flashing elbow combo!

Kris Cruise: Salem comes right back to regain control.

Stephy Auger: This one has been back and forth. Is this the point where Salem put it away?

Salem gets back to her feet before staggering over into the corner. The Phenomena looks across the ring and sees Anders struggling to get back to her feet. Salem then throws up the devil horns before running across the ring. She leaps into the air for the New Hampshire Handshake! Anders ducks! Salem the turns around around before caught with Dirty Dancin (Kick Flurry)! The Phenomena gets whacked with a Stockton Slap before a boot to the midsection doubles her over. The cheers continue as Anders plants her with the Three Enemigos (three rolling DDTs)! The Mindkiller pulls Salem back to her feet and motions for a fourth DDT when she opts to scoops her up across her shoulders. The crowd gasps when Anders runs across the ring and yeets Salem over the top rope with a Lawn Dart, sending Salem crashing face-first into the side of the announce desk!

Kris Cruise: LOOK OUT!

The ref quickly rolls to the outside to check on Salem.

Stephy Auger: She looks banged up, Cruise.

Salem slowly reaches up before gripping onto the edge of the table. As she slowly pulls herself up, the camera sees a deep cup above her eyebrow. The Mindkiller rolls to the outside and pulls her head back before raining down multiple elbows across the head.

Kris Cruise: Izzy’s going right after that cut.


The ref moves Anders off of Salem to further check on her. The official is ready to call the match, but Salem grabs him by the arm before shaking her head ‘no.’

Stephy Auger: I’m not sure how smart that was.

The Phenomena struggles to try and pick herself up off the floor. Once she’s finally back to her feet, she turns around and gets doubled over when Anders jabs her in the ribs with the steel chair! The ref calls for the bell.

Kris Cruise: That’s it. The ref’s seen enough!

Anders raises the chair high before her head before whacking Salem hard across the back with the chair.

Stephy Auger: … but Izzy hasn’t had enough!

Salem yelps as she drops down to her knees. The Phenomena continues to arch her back in pain while Anders looks at the chair. The Mindkiller has a white-knuckled grip on the chair legs. Anders turns back to Salem before violently swinging the chair as Salem’s head!!! The crowd gasps as Salem crumbles to the floor.

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: ...

The ref motions for Anders to get away as he drops down to check on Salem.

Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: ...

Anders looks at the seat of the chair, which has an imprint of Salem’s head in it. She looks down and sees Salem wearing the proverbial crimson mask.

Kris Cruise: We’re going to need some help out here for Salem...

Anders motions toward Salem, but the ref scrambles to his feet and motions for her to stay away. The Mindkiller looks down at the chair before tossing it to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Was that… was that a smirk I just saw from Izzy?

Stephy Auger: You thought she wasn’t going to enjoy braining Salem with that steel chair? She all but told us this was going to happen. Salem certainly didn’t help herself by being a smartass before the match and taunting Izzy during it.

More officials from the back make their way down to ringside after being waved down by the referee. Some of the officials tend to Salem while the rest motion for Anders to return to the backstage area.

Stephy Auger: You have to wonder if Izzy wasn’t the only one that enjoyed that. I bet you Savannah Taylor is somewhere smiling from ear to ear after seeing Salem get laid out...

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

As the music fades in the arena the cameras catch Salem making her way in the backstage area, down a particular hallway with her jacket draped around her shoulders. She is clutching her ribs and bleeding profusely from the forehead from the beating she received just moments ago after her match. Salem is leaving a dappled bloody trail behind her, and is quickly flanked by some trainers and EMTs that are rushing up on her to check her status. She shoves the burly men with helping hands away with a grunt. One of the EMTs comically catches on the edge of a table and tumbles onto his ass.

Stumbling a bit she steadies herself on the concrete wall, having just turned a corner, leaving a bloody hand print. Once more a hand reaches out for her, and she clutches it at the wrist and turns. A bothered sneer fades with a moment of recognition, and a bright smile dawns on her face which coupled with the crimson mask makes it seem a tad maniacal. She lets loose the wrist and manages a weak wave of her shaky fingers.

Salem: Oh hi there…

The camera pans back and reveals the International Heavyweight Champion, Cordelia Stevenson who wears a look of concern on her face.

Cordelia Stevenson: Aye chica… you ok?

She glances at Salem and then looks behind her for any signs of the EMT’s that should be still trying to help the woman covered in blood. Finally Cordy rests her gaze back on The Phenomena.

Cordelia Stevenson: That was a hell of a match out there but umm, maybe you should get looked at.

Salem just chuckled and wavered a bit.

Salem: Yeah Cordy, all in due time, hehe. I’ll just you know… rub some dirt on it and walk it off. I hate doctors, they never have anything good to say to me. Speaking of, Izzy big mad, Imagine that… Oh, and while I got you here. Face to face, or face to blood as it were… *Ahem* You’re Welcome, Champ. By the way, Bee-Tee-Dubz...

She leaned against the wall. Even in her battered state she had a certain air about her, swaying her head back and forth in punctuation. She licked her lips and made a face at the bitter copper taste on her tongue. Cordelia’s head tilts as she skeptically looks at the former Mid-Atlantic Champion.

Cordelia Stevenson: Thank you…

Her voice trails off as she scrunches up her face.

Cordelia Stevenson: Again?

She shrugs, more concerned about the well being of Salem than any other particular conversation.

Cordelia Stevenson: It’s good to see you back chica. But…

Cordelia glances at the blood still flowing and showing no signs of stopping. She shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other, grimacing as she points and takes a step back.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah, you’re dripping. A lot. Hey, let me walk you to the medical tent.

Salem rips a piece of her jacket lining off and wraps it around her head. She nods.

Salem: Ah, you know… that would be nice. Almost as nice as hearing those words from your lips in person. ‘Thank you!’ ...Mmmm.

She stood and steadied herself, leaning on Cordy just a bit and getting a bit closer to talk as if imparting a secret.

Salem: Bet it felt really good leaving Only The Strong Survive STILL the Champ. Wonder what might’ve happened had I not jumped the rail? Let’s face it, you coulda lost that belt to Savvy Tay-Tay. Some might say I’m the ONLY reason you… held onto that title. So, it’s not entirely necessary to be thankful for me having your back. I just wanted to hear you say it in person. But if we’re giving thanks, be thankful I like the way things are right now, you with all the toys and Savannah without. And I heard Savannah earlier… make no mistake, after I deal with her I’m going International. It’s nothing personal. I do hope you take care of Lowri Moss… Cordelia versus Salem could be.. uh…. Huuuuge….

Salem trailed off and sagged into Cordy’s arms, seemingly passing out from the amount of blood loss. Cordelia looked down at the former Mid-Atlantic champion and simply shook her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah… she damn sure got a concussion.

She glanced down the hallway, motioning for help.

Cordelia Stevenson: AYE, CAN I GET SOME HELP OVER HERE FOR HER PLEASE!

A few moments later a swarm of EMTs can be seen hurrying onto the scene as the International Heavyweight Champion helps set Salem down onto the floor.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
CHAMPION vs. CHAMPION
(c) Seth Iser vs. (c) Ashley Marie Chase

"I Bring the Darkness (End of Days)" by Jim Johnston featuring Tommy Vext begins to play as the aisle way fills up with smoke. AMC rises up from the smoke in full face paint and is trying not to cough from all the smoke.

”Who do you think you are?
You’ve now gone much to far!”

AMC steps through the smoke and looks around at the crowd she then slowly walks toward the ring basically strutting with a smirk as she fist bumps some of the fans

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is your main event of the evening! Introducing first, hailing from Beverly Hills, California! She is the reigning FGA 15 Champion… ASHLEY MARIE CHASE!

”I bring the darkness!
I am the thunder!
I come from HELL
And I’ll pull you under!”

AMC walk up the steps, taking a moment to wipe her feet on the apron before getting into the ring. AMC then drops to her knees in the middle of the ring and stretches out her arms and looks out toward the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Ashley Marie Chase is looking for a big win tonight against the new World Champion. These two teamed together in the first round of the Wildcard Lottery before AMC lost to Seth Iser in the following round. Neither was champion the last time they met up.

Stephy Auger: AMC might be looking for the big win tonight against Seth. But what she needs to do is start looking over her shoulder. She was just recently attacked by Sloan Talbot and Mark Bisley is still angling for a shot at the championship he was cheated out of. I would never say that AMC has bigger things to worry about than Seth. He IS the World Champion, afterall. But the threats from both Talbot and Bisley can’t be dismissed.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think AMC is looking past them at all. If Talbot wants a shot at her gold, she’s fine with it. She just wants this business with Bisley to be finished, once and for all.

The lights go off entirely. After a couple seconds of the chanting...a spotlight comes down on the entrance ramp. And it reveals Seth Iser as he spins calmly with his arms posed out before he stops. He starts walking down to the ring with the spotlight following him down...glare etched on his face and listening to the fans boo him.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia! Weighing in at 240 pounds! He is the reigning FGA World Champion… SETH ISER!

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

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser had the audacity to issue a bounty on Fujiko Mine’s head earlier tonight. I still can’t get over that. What’s come over him?

Stephy Auger: $100,000 large, Cruise! There’s a lot of people on this roster who don’t even make that in a year. You think they won’t be jumping at the chance to collect?

Kris Cruise: Iser used his winnings from the Wildcard Lottery earlier in the year to his advantage. He isn’t interested in facing Fujiko straight up. He isn’t interested in giving Fujiko a fair rematch at the championship. Now that he’s the champion, he’s looking for an easy way out of this match by having Fujiko taken out.

Stephy Auger: You act as if him using his winnings is a bad thing. Most irresponsible people would have blown that money by now. But Seth Iser is Wrestling’s Greatest Mind! He’s always several steps ahead. He knew that the money from that tournament would come in handy one day and here we are.

The World Champion starts to pull himself up until he gets attacked with a running dropkick!

Stephy Auger: AMC with the cheap shot! Seth wasn’t even ready!

Kris Cruise: What is it you always say? Perfect yourself at all times?

Stephy Auger: Don’t you even start with me.

The dropkick knocks Iser back down to a seated position. AMC reaches down, pulls Iser back to his feet and follows up with repeated chest kicks in the corner. Chase sets up for an irish whip when Iser reverses, sending her into the far corner. The World Champion comes barreling across the ring to attack when the 15 Champion turns him around with a boot to the face. She quickly hops out to the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and drives him down with a diving bulldog! The cheers continue as she pushes him over for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Iser pushes AMC off of him.

Chase lands on her feet after getting pushed out of the lateral press. She quickly turns and hits the far ropes. Once Iser is back to his feet, AMC leaps across the ring and connects with a diving forearm smash, sending the champion stumbling back. AMC gets back to her feet before running back into the far ropes. When she returns, Iser rushes forward and tries to knock her head off with a running big boot. But AMC is able to roll underneath it. As soon as Iser turns around, he gets caught with a dropkick to the leg. He then gets knocked to one knee before AMC nearly knocks his head off with the Kick of Doom (superkick)! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: AMC has come out firing. She wants this win badly, Stephy.

AMC takes Iser and whips him into the ropes. When Iser returns, he gets knocked back with another Kick of Doom! Iser stumbles back before slipping through the ropes and falling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Iser’s been knocked to the floor! This isn’t the start that he was expecting.

Stephy Auger: No it wasn’t. C’mon, Seth, shake it off!

Iser tries to shake out the cobwebs until he gets caught from behind with a baseball slide, sending him head-first into the guardrail!

Kris Cruise: Iser goes down again!

Stephy Auger: Seth, please!

Iser slowly reaches up and grabs onto the top of the guardrail. The World Champion starts to slowly pull himself up while shaking out the cobwebs. The moment he turns around to face the ring, AMC uses the edge of the apron to deliver a springboard roundhouse kick right to the face. The fans cheer when the kick sends Iser flipping over the guardrail and into the crowd section!

Kris Cruise: There goes Iser!

Stephy Auger: Can we get a timeout for Seth?

Kris Cruise: NO!

AMC slingshots herself over the guardrail and starts putting the boots to the World Champion. Chase takes Iser and slams him face-first across the top of the guardrail. She then wraps her arms around his leg before dumping him over the rail and back down to the ringside arena. AMC slingshots herself over the guardrail and back to ringside before picking Iser up. She pulls Iser into a standing headscissors before slowly hooking his legs.

Stephy Auger: No, no, no...

AMC looks around at the crowd and nods before delivering the Pedigree out on the floor!

Kris Cruise: AMC puts Iser down with the Name Dropper! That could be it right there for Seth! AMC’s gotta get him back into the ring! NOW!

The cheers continue as AMC struggles to pull iser back to his feet. After struggling to push Iser back into the ring, AMC rolls herself back inside. She makes the cover.

“ONE!”

ONE
.
.

“TWO!”

TWO
.
.

“THREE!”

THRE-NO!

The crowd gasps, then boots when Iser gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: I thought AMC had him beat! We all did!

Stephy Auger: Phew!

AMC takes Iser, brings him into the corner and slams him face-first onto the top turnbuckle. Iser gets turned around before finding himself on the receiving end of more repeated chest kicks. He’s then whipped into the far corner. AMC runs across the ring and connects with another dropkick! She takes Iser, delivers an irish whip, runs back across the ring before catching him with another dropkick. Iser gets pushed out of the corner before AMC hops back out to the apron. She scales the turnbuckles while Iser tries to shake out the cobwebs. The 15 Champion goes to drive him don with another diving bulldog. But Iser is able to turn around, catch AMC in mid air and counter in the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: What a counter from Iser!

Stephy Auger: Shades of their singles match from earlier this year! I see AMC hasn’t learned...


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

Iser takes AMC and sends her for the ride. The World Champion wraps his arms around AMC off the rebound before chucking her across the ring with a release belly to belly suplex! AMC slowly reaches up and grabs onto the ropes. After using the ropes to pull herself up, AMC turns around and gets caught with a running lariat! The crowd boos when AMC flips over the top rope and smacks her face against the apron before hitting the floor.

Stephy Auger: There we go, Seth!

Kris Cruise: The World Champion has turned this match around. It was just seconds ago that he was on the ropes. The Name Dropper probably would have put him away if he wasn’t so close to the ropes.

Iser rolls to the outside before pulling AMC back to her feet. After doubling her over with a knee strike using the brace-wrapped knee, he lifts AMC up before delivering a vertical suplex on the floor. The boos continue as AMC gets brought back to her feet before being pulled down with a hangman’s neckbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Iser returns the favor with more offense on the outside. Mark Bisley is somewhere in the back enjoying this.

Stephy Auger: As he should. AMC and Ashley Sands conspired to steal his 15 Championship from him.

Iser picks up AMC and hoists her up into his clutches before running forward. The crowd boos when AMC gets rammed back-first against the ring post. AMC continues to lean up against the ring post as the World Champion backs away. Iser sizes her up before rushing forward. He pulls his arm back before swinging it forward violently. The crowd cheers when AMC dives out of the way of the lariat, sending Iser’s arm smashing right into the ring post!

Kris Cruise: Nobody was home on that one!

Stephy Auger: SETH!

Iser slips back inside the ring and tries to roll away, but AMC reaches it and grabs a hold of the arm! She then puts her foot against the edge of the apron to help her drag Iser closer to the ring post.

Stephy Auger: Don’t you do it, AMC. Don’t you do it!

AMC looks around at the cheering crowd. The 15 Champion nods before swinging Iser’s arm against the ring post!

Kris Cruise: AMC has attacked the arm of Seth Iser! That’s the arm he normally uses the wrap his opponents up just before driving them down with the Deprivation DDT!

Iser howls out in pain as he rolls back towards the center of the ring.

As AMC slips back inside, Iser puts his good arm out. He calls for a timeout. But AMC shakes her head ‘no.’ As she heads over and tries to pull Iser back up, the crowd boos when he rakes her across the eyes. He then turns AMC away from him before rolling her up.

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

AMC kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Iser tried to steal the match there.

Stephy Auger: Who cares about an eye rake. AMC tried to break his arm!

Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Iser throws out a discus clothesline with his good arm. But AMC ducks and traps him from behind in an inverted front facelock. She’s about to bring him down with a Scorpion Death Drop when Iser breaks his right arm free and elbows her in the midsection. Iser then spins in place, grabs AMC, turns again and brings her down with a hangman’s neckbreaker!

Stephy Auger: Shades of Only the Strong Survive when he countered the Ecstasy from Fujiko!

Iser pulls AMC back to her feet. After catching her with three jabs, he goes to complete the combo with a discus clothesline. AMC reaches up and grabs his arm in time before bringing him down with a single arm DDT! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Iser gets his good arm up.

Kris Cruise: The World Champion avoided the three count. But AMC has zeroed in on that arm. He has to think of something fast or else we might be on the verge of an upset!

Stephy Auger: Don’t even try and speak that into existence, Cruise.

AMC sets up for an irish whip when Iser reverses. When she returns, Iser goes to catch her with a big boot to the face. Once again, AMC gets her hands up in time. She catches Iser’s foot before swinging his leg away from her. AMC then grabs a hold on him from behind before bringing him down with a Scorpion Death Drop!

Kris Cruise: AMC finally brings him down with that inverted DDT!

Iser lays sprawled out on the mat as AMC heads into the corner. She scales to the top turnbuckle, flips back for a moonsault, and gets countered on the way down.

Stephy Auger: Seth got his knees up!

Iser pulls himself in before zeroing in on AMC. He starts to telegraph a lariat as he pulls his arm back. Across the ring, AMC starts to fight her way back to a vertical base. When she finally returns to her feet and turns around, Iser throws out a lariat with his good arm. AMC ducks the strike before countering with another Kick of Doom that stuns the World Champion. The 15 Champion points to the far ropes before taking off across the ring. When AMC returns, she motions for the Walk fo Fame (spear), only to get countered with a Wrestling II Knee Lift from Iser!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a knee!

Iser heads into the corner and starts climbing the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he flips back for a moonsault… and misses when AMC rolls out of the way!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Iser continues to lay face down on the mat while AMC slowly pushes herself up to all fours. AMC gets back to her feet before staggering across the ring. The crowd is solidly behind the 15 Champion as she makes her way out to the apron. AMC walks along the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Back down in the ring, Iser starts to fight his way back to his feet. AMC, meanwhile, remained perched on the top turnbuckle as she waits patiently for him to get into position. As soon as AMC sees Iser finally make it back to her feet, she stands up, leaps off and knocks him down with It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Chase (high crossbody)!

...but Iser’s able to roll through it for the cover!

ONE!
.
Iser hooks the tights!
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

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

Iser quickly rolls to the outside. He reaches over and snatches the World Championship from the timekeeper before clutching it close to him.

Kris Cruise: Seth Iser just stole this match from Ashley Marie Chase!

Stephy Auger: No, he successfully countered one of her moves.

Kris Cruise: We both saw Iser hook the tights! AMC game out guns blazing. Iser wasn’t expecting the fight that he got from Chase and he was looking for any way out. He was desperate for a way out, just like he’s desperate of a way out of his match with Fujiko at All-Star Showdown IX! For Fujiko’s sake, I hope she’s able to survive this bounty and make her way to the pay per view unscathed. Seth Iser is a man that’s running scared and I don’t care if you like it or not! For Stephy Auger, this is Kris Cruise. We will see you next time, right here, on Vertigo. Goodnight everyone!

AMC remains in the ring. She motions to the ref that Iser hooked her tights. But the ref tells her that he never saw anything. Iser remains at the top of the ramp and basks in the boos as he raises the World Championship above his head...