Afterburn for All-Star Showdown IX

[FGA Office]

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

[Seth Iser]

We’re now treated where the locker room is. It’s relatively empty and there’s this energy that’s a bit on edge backstage considering how both World Title matches ended as well as the brutal assault that was perpetrated on Salem by Savannah Taylor. The victor of the last of these matches starts to limp in. He is still in his wrestling gear but since his left knee brace was peeled off it’s instead got an ice pack wrapped around his ailing left knee and the champion is limping badly, but we can still call him the champion. The breathing is heavily labored and he almost collapses when he puts too much weight on that left leg. He’s not even moving great on his right foot considering his wars earlier and the scars from battles in Australia and inside the Cell with Neal are also starting to take form...but he sees the camera and with his right hand he gingerly raises up the World Title he retained.

Seth Iser: Beware...the old man. It has come to pass...urgh…

A pained grunt escapes his lips as he nearly collapses on the floor from the hell that his lower extremities went through. Rather than force himself to stand, he stumbles back and sits on the bench, perspiration still pouring through his body as the grizzled veteran still has a tight grip over the championship.

Seth Iser: Every trick I’ve learned in my near two decades of wrestling...whether it’s making the ref think or baiting someone into doing something they shouldn’t...to the knowledge of just how much one move can really truly hurt...to the fact that I’m a forty year old man who is six foot five with a wicked right hand and the strength of a former football player. Sure I can’t run as fast as I used to in a straight line...but I’ve just made my claim as one of the best in the world tonight.

And the smirk creeps in through the pain, he can’t help himself.

Seth Iser: Some people can even say I’m the best in the world...for sure the best wrestler in my age bracket going today. And even the two time Grand Slam Champion couldn’t figure out a way to get by me with her mandatory rematch. She gave it everything she had...hell, she even dusted off something from her past to try to usurp my reign. I don’t blame her in the slightest for that...world title glory means you do anything and everything you’ve ever known to get yourself to that point.

A grunt as the veteran actually acknowledges the challenger and the hall of famer as he’s in pain.

Seth Iser: She wanted to have her names next to the likes of Envi, Page, and Scott to name a few as two time holders of this World Championship. It just wasn’t ment to be for her...it wasn’t ment to be for her fans that follow her everywhere. She tried to take my wheels out, a tried and true strategy of many people who have gone after me because even I’ll admit...I’m probably one severe knee injury away from forced retirement rather than the ending I’d want on my terms. But...it wasn’t her day and it wasn’t enough to get by me…

A knowing look as he lets out a pained grunt yet again though he taps the prestigious championship.

Seth Iser: I make everyone step their game up at this point. Ask AMC who wrestled her best singles match in the company against me. Fujiko would probably admit that to be true at this point. Ask the greatest tag team in the world today as well. Both Lowri and Neal would tell you that same thing. Hell, I make the ref even think about different ways a rule could be exploited and make THEM better at their job as well. And I think it’s established that you have to wrestle a perfect match to defeat me.

He doesn’t try standing up as he continues speaking knowing how wounded he is as the adrenaline was wearing off but the speaking is getting him there.

Seth Iser: I get to tell my daughter and my girlfriend living with me...the old man is still the champion. And now I can find myself...looking ahead to who might be the next challenger I have to try to defeat in my path…

He muses that question for a second as his face is doing his best to hide the pain.

Seth Iser: It could be Savannah Taylor. The entire industry took note of what she did to Salem tonight. In a company that employs Ashlyn De Luca and Izzy Anders...she could be the most dangerous wrestler in the company with how liberal she can be taking someone out. Speaking of Izzy...she just bloodied one of her old rivals inside a steel cage. And lord knows she wants to do something similar or worse to me. The hell of it is...it might happen one day down the line...and she could be my new number one contender and it’d put that clock in motion.

There’s that moment where he pauses...contemplating what that confrontation could end up being...and he nods almost knowing for a second before his glare is in full swing.

Seth Iser: Hell, it could be the two time champion Evan Envi. A veteran of the company who would love to become the second three time champion this title holder has. I heard his words...and I saw the look in his eye. So I’ll say if you’re the one who wants to try it...I’ll show you where you stand...hell, I’ll show where everyone stands right now. Second place...second to only one. Me…

He then leans back on that chair grunting yet again as he tried to stand but couldn’t as the pain in his wheels was too much for that moment before he grits his teeth and wills his way to his feet.

Seth Iser: So...who wants to write the next chapter of my Magnum Opus with me...by challenging me for the most prestigious prize in our company? I’ll be waiting...with my gold in hand.

He once again raises the title over his head for a second before putting the championship over his shoulder. It seems he’s done talking as he’s limping away with gritted teeth from this war presumably to have a more proper treatment from the trainer after the hell he put his body through.

[David]

Shortly after the conclusion of the International Heavyweight Championship match between Cordelia Stevenson and Lowri Moss, the defeated challenger is seen backstage at the Manhattan Center. Having just passed through the Gorilla position, Lowri is making her way back towards the locker rooms, when she is accosted by Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Hey, Lowri!

Lowri stops to talk to Jessie, forcing a smile onto her face as she responds to the reporter.

Lowri Moss: Hi, Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: I appreciate you might not be in the best of moods right now, considering what just happened, but would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions?

Lowri gives a shrug of her shoulders.

Lowri Moss: If it’s literally just a couple of questions, then sure, go ahead.

Jessie Pederson: I’ll keep it to two questions, I promise.

Lowri’s smile widens ever so slightly, as Jessie proceeds.

Jessie Pederson: Obviously I want to get your reaction to the ending of your match with Cordy, so I suppose my first question is simply, how are you feeling right now, just a matter of minutes after what happened?

Lowri Moss: I’m… I guess I’m frustrated more than anything right now, Jessie.

She lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: No one wants to lose, Jessie, but if you’ve got two people in a match, then except for the odd occasion where a match ends in a draw, one of them is going to win and one of them is going to lose. And while I don’t like losing, if someone beats me because on that particular night they were the better wrestler, then I can at least accept that. What I’m never going to be able to accept though is losing a match due to my opponent taking a shortcut, such as grabbing a handful of my tights.

Jessie Pederson: When it dawned on you exactly what had just happened out there, you looked shocked, as indeed did some of the fans.

Lowri Moss: You’re right, Jessie, I was shocked - I was shocked that she… I was shocked that Cordy resorted to doing what she did, and--

Lowri lets out another sigh.

Lowri Moss: There’s more that I could say about it, but really, I’m more interested in hearing what, if anything, Cordy has to say about it.

Jessie Pederson: Well, there’s more I would like to ask you about that match, but I did promise you that I would keep this down to two questions, so my second question is, what’s next for you? I mean, it wasn’t all bad for you tonight, as you and Neal successfully defended your World tag team titles earlier against the Super Mario Wrestling Bros, but I’m guessing that you’re probably not going to allow what just happened to put an end to your singles aspirations, so where do you go from here?

There is a momentary pause while Lowri collects her thoughts.

Lowri Moss: Everyone knows about Neal’s plan to retire, but as long as he and I remain the World Tag Team Champions, he’s going to remain under contract with FGA, and so like he said to you last week, we’re going to keep defending those titles until we lose them. But as far as my singles aspirations are concerned… despite what just happened, my singles aspirations are very much still alive.

She stops to take a breath, before then continuing.

Lowri Moss: I think by now everyone in FGA should be aware of how stubborn I am; I don’t know when to stop, and when I set my sights on something, I won’t stop until I get it. Remember how many months I spent chasing the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship? I suffered plenty of heartache along the way, but I never gave up, and eventually, I was able to get my hands on that title. It was a similar story with the North American title over in Underground as well, and now--

She smiles, still certain about what she is aiming for.

Lowri Moss: You want to know where I go from here, Jessie? I’m going nowhere-- and sooner or later, I will be a top champion in FGA.

Jessie Pederson: Okay, Lowri. Thanks for your time.

Lowri Moss: You’re welcome, Jessie. And enjoy your New Year’s Eve, but be sensible about it, yeah? Stay safe, and don’t go attending any super-spreader parties.

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

[Cordy]

Her entire being ached; something to be expected after the onslaught she’d endured and the war she’d survived. Her muscles burned with every step, yet that burning sensation felt quite calm compared to the one from the stares. She felt them, coming from all directions, boring in on her with curiosity and disbelief, a stand in for questions afraid to be asked, and sentiments unwilling to be expressed.

She felt the gazes following her, yet not a single word was uttered. There were no congratulatory shouts, no recognition of a job well done; no comments of her putting on yet another possible match of the year candidate. The silence was however welcomed. She staggered down the hall, grateful for the silence that greeted her, trying her best to empty the thoughts in her head. All she wanted was to hit the showers.

But then she heard the pattering of feet behind her and a voice call her name.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy…

She pretended as if she hadn’t heard a thing, keeping her head down as she continued towards her destination. Persistence however, was not something that the FGA staff lacked. She heard her name get called again, and a little bit louder this time.

Amanda Johnson: Cordelia…

Still her pace remained steady and her gaze lowered to the floor. She let out a soft sigh, as she adjusted the International Heavyweight Championship on her shoulder. The footsteps behind her slowed, her pursuer seemingly relenting in defeat. One final question ensued.

Amanda Johnson: Cordy, what was that?

The question caused her to stop dead in her tracks. It was one she herself had pondered a million times in just the few moments it had taken to get backstage. Her eyes never left the floor. Her shoulders remained slumped. All she could do was shrug as she rattled off the only answer her conscience allowed her to accept.

Cordelia Stevenson: Successful title defense number four.

There was no follow up question, which was preferred because she didn’t have a follow up answer. The callousness of her response seemed to have a chilling effect; leaving poor Amanda speechless. With nothing else to say, Cordelia simply kept it moving; the stares following her every single step of the way.

[LΞCAVALIΞR]

A couple of moments pass before the picture comes to life. Nina Stokes is shown backstage. The exhaustion on her face is quite evident, but she still appears to be poised in case something were to happen.

Nina Stokes: How many times must we hear the same old bulls**t? How many times do we have to hear the same old lies?

She shakes head in disgust.

Nina Stokes: Once again, Sadie gathers up a massive audience to try and gas her up. And once again, she fails. It’s been the same song and dance for nearly a year now. I don’t know about anyone else, but I for one am getting quite tired of it all.

A moment passes as Nina runs her fingers through her hair.

Nina Stokes: “You didn’t win, you survived!” Those were your words after the match, Sadie. Perhaps you thought they would help you save some face. But in reality, all you did was tell on yourself. All you did was project your innermost thoughts to the world. You didn’t defeat me, Sadie. And at this point, whether you have the wherewithal to is becoming clear. And it was you who was tapping out just as the bell rang.

She shakes her head.

Nina Stokes: Your delusions were amusing at first. But now? They are down right pitiful.

There’s a small pause.

Nina Stokes: Sadie? Your dreams of holding the Frontier Grappling Arts United States Championship just went up in smoke. I suggest you move on. Find something else to do. Find someone else to bother. Because if you step to me again? You’re going to lose a hell of a lot more than your dreams and some pride.

Nina allows the weight of her words to linger in the air for a moment or two before she carries on.

Nina Stokes: Now that all that has been said, you are probably dying to know how the next challenger for the United States Championship will be. I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Marlon Cure? Your time has come.

A brief second passes.

Nina Stokes: But Marlon? I want to make something very clear. All that self-righteous bulls**t that you love to spout out? Leave that s**t at the front door. You talked all that garbage to Tyler Storm, only to come up short. So I don’t want to hear anything about how deserving you are. You are getting this championship opportunity because I willed it and I allowed it. Period.

Her gaze doesn’t leave the camera.

Nina Stokes: For your sake, I hope you step up. However, when you finally take that fateful L? When I jot your name down on that ever-growing list? I hope you handle it with style and class.

With that Nina begins to walk away as the scene fades out. But just before everything goes black, the audience can pick up on the sound of metal dragging against the concrete floor.