Vertigo E84

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center
New York, NY

We fade open to the backstage area. Walking the halls backstage is none other than TJ Techniques. The appearance of TJ garners cheers from the (limited) capacity crowd. TJ continues on his trek until he hears a pair of footsteps behind him. Walking with a purpose is roving reporter Amanda Johnson.

Amanda Johnson: TJ. TJ! Can I get a minute of your time?

TJ's stride comes to a stop. He turns and greets Amanda with a big smile.

TJ Techniques: I always got time for you, ma. What's good?

Amanda Johnson: First off, I just want to say congratulations on your recent award win for "Who to Watch in 2021"!

TJ Techniques: Thank you, thank you. I appreciate that. I honestly thought my guy Sparrow was gonna take it home. But all the people out there, they peeped the technique. They saw the potential in me and I won't let those guys down. If you thought 2020 was something, then you ain't seen nothing yet. In one of the other promotions I wrestle in, I won one of their top championships two months ago. Now I'm not saying that by December 2021, I'm gonna be walking around here with the World Title or that International joint. But ya man's got some tricks up his sleeve for 2021. You can believe that.

Amanda Johnson: It's funny that you mention having tricks up your sleeve because tonight, you and a mystery partner will be taking on Nando Fresno and Jillian Clay, The Saturnian Connection. So I have to know, who will you be teaming with tonight? Are we about to see the debut of Amazing Techniques in FGA?

TJ Techniques: Amazing Techniques in FGA? That would be crazy, right? The only thing is that my guy Johnny Amazing stays booked and busy, so he can't find the time to fit FGA in his schedule. Then again, could you imagine him and Marlon Cure being in the same company at the same time? Everyone would be getting the two of them mixed up. So no, it's not him.

Amanda Johnson: Well if it's not Johnny Amazing, then maybe it's another friend of yours in Mighty Sparrow?

TJ Techniques: Me and my boy Sparrow teaming up in FGA would be live, right? We've teamed up a couple times elsewhere. We do still need to make a decision on that name. Technical Might? Dope Kicks? Both names sound dope to me. I can tell you that one day, we will decide on that name and when we do? We gonna be applying pressure to everyone in the tag division, be it here or anywhere else. But today won't be that day. Besides, Sparrow just won him a championship. The last thing I want to do is be a burden to what bro is trying to do.

Amanda Johnson: So if it's not Johnny Amazing and if it's not Mighty Sparrow, then who is your partner?

Both TJ and Amanda come to a stop as they approach a door. TJ gives the door a few knocks before turning to Amanda with a smile. A few seconds pass before footsteps can be heard getting closer and closer to the door. After a turn of the nob, the door swings open. Out through the doorframe exits Cassius Reed. The sight of The Funky Dragon earns some gasps from the crowd viewing this on the Tron. Amanda looks on in disbelief before turning to TJ. She puts her free hand to her mouth as she tries to stifle her laughter. Amanda's reaction causes TJ to do a double take.

TJ Techniques: Woah, woah, woah. Hold on now. What's so funny?

Amanda Johnson: TJ, you do know that this is Cassius Reed right?

TJ Techniques: Of course I know this is Cassius Reed. I can spot that afro a mile away.

Amanda gives TJ a look that says "...really?" before slapping him on the card.

Amanda Johnson: That's not what I mean. I'm saying that after everything you two went through, and after everything he said about you, you got him to team up with you tonight?

Before TJ can respond, Cassius steps forward, a million megawatts emitting from his grin alone.

Cassius Reed; Don't worry TJ2, Cassius has got this. You see, Amanda, you have once again missed the point. He ain't "got to" tag with Cassius… he "gets to". He gets to benefit from the experience, skill, sexual charisma and all round amazingosity of The Cassius Reed Experience. He gets to stand in the corner cheering on the Funkiest Mammajamma in the FGA, PGA, VGA, and the world. He gets to shout those three little words that thrill the soul when he's stuck in a devastating submission… "SAVE ME CASSIUS"... Ooohhh… Cassius just gave himself shivers. He can't wait. The anticipation is too much. Come young Padawan. Lets go kick some righteous ass!

And with that Cassius is off, leaving TJ and Amanda on his wake. Amanda turns to TJ and gestures off to the departing Cassius.

Amanda Johnson: … and this is the guy you want to team with, TJ?

TJ Techniques: Aye man, he’s just…

Amanda Johnson: You get the “benefit” of the “experience” of working with him? You get to shout “save me Cassius” when the going gets tough?

TJ Techniques: Amanda, it warms my heart to know that you care about The Boy. But relax. I got this.

Amanda cocks an eyebrow.

TJ Techniques: No really! I got this.

Amanda puts her free hand on her hip as she tilts her head.

TJ Techniques: Cassius, he’s just… he’s just excited, that’s all! You know how he be. All that extra stuff? That was just Cassius being Cassius. Look, don’t sweat it. We’re gonna go out there, get the W, and get one step closer to getting those Tag Titles that are around Pendragon’s waists. Or are they just around Lowri’s waist now? I dunno what Neal’s deal is. But I know that whether she got a partner or not, Lowri’s got another team that’s got their sights set on the gold.

Amanda lets out a sigh.

TJ Techniques: Amanda, for the last time, I got this.

Amanda Johnson: Are you trying to convince me? Or are you trying to convince yourself?

With that, Amanda walks off, leaving TJ to second guess this new tag team venture.

[FGA Office]

Jaelynn Ramsey vs. Ashley Sands

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the latest edition of Vertigo! I’m Kris Cruise and joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger! We’ve got a big night of action. But we’re not wasting any time as we’re ready to get right into tonight’s opening contest!

The bell sounds as Sands charges into the corner and nails Ramsey with the Wind Kick (running big boot to cornered opponent)!

Kris Cruise: Speaking of not wasting any time, Ashley Sands has gone right after Jaelynn Ramsey!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, with a cheap shot!

The cheers continue as Ramsey is whipped into the opposite corner. Sands races across the ring before sending Ramsey crumbling out of the corner with another Wind Kick!

Kris Cruise: Ramsey got caught again!

Stephy Auger: Jae still hasn’t recovered from that cheap shot from earlier!

Kris Cruise: There was nothing cheap about what Ashley Sands did. But I can find plenty of cheap tactics from Jaelynn and her new BFF Sadie San Francisco over the last several shows!

Stephy Auger: Jaelynn is a saint. Selfish San Francisco on the other hand...

Ramsey remains splayed out on the mat as Sands steps out onto the apron. The cheers continue as Sands scales the turnbuckles. When Sands reaches the top, she motions for the Sunset (Swanton Bomb)! At the last second, she stops herself from flipping off when she sees Ramsey rolling to the outside. The crowd boos Ramsey for retreating to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Ramsey is running to safety on the outside!

Stephy Auger: She isn’t running away from anything! You know, I’m about sick and tired of the way you talk about Jaelynn. You can talk about Selfish San Francisco all you want. Run her name all through the mud, I don’t care. I’ll even help you!

Ramsey continues to take a breather on the outside. The moment she turns back to face the ring, the crowd cheers when Sands flips off and knocks her down with a moonsault to the floor!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Ashley Sands! She just took out Ramsey on the floor with that big time moonsault!

Stephy Auger: Jae! Get up!

Sands mounts herself on top of Ramsey and rains down multiple right hands to the face! She then pulls Ramsey up by the hair, slams her face-first onto the apron, slams her face-first onto the steel steps then finally slams her face-first against the ring post before pushing her back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: I’m surprised she didn’t slam Jaelynn into the announce table while she was at it. She threw her into everything else out here!

Kris Cruise: You sure you want to give Ashley any ideas?

Stephy Auger: You’re right.

Sands rolls back in, props herself up on the middle ropes and starts to wave Ramsey up. Once Ramsey finally gets back to her feet and turns around, the crowd cheers when Sands flips off and brings her down with a Blockbuster! She makes the cover.

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

Ramsey gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Ramsey avoids the three count. But the fact remains that this match has been all Sands thus far.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, a cheap shot will do that for you.

Kris Cruise: I don’t see how you can’t understand Sands’ frustration. Jaelynn and Sadie took out her sister-in-law Antoinette Sands with that mist attack.

Stephy Auger: Listen, Jae was just an innocent bystander. Sadie is the one that should be getting pummeled.

Kris Cruise: It was a double mist attack! They both spat that blinding black mist right into Antoinette’s eyes! Jaelynn’s just as responsible for Antoinette being on the shelf indefinitely as Sadie!

Sands takes Ramsey and whips her into the ropes. When Ramsey returns, Sands throws her down with a back body drop. Sands then hits the ropes, comes back and lands a Wind Whisper (Rolling Senton) across Ramsey! She makes the cover.

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

Ramsey gets her shoulder up.

Sands takes Ramsey and shoots her for the ride. She goes to set up for another back body drop. But she does so too early. This allows Ramsey to spot it, grab her by the hair with both hands and throws her down to the mat. The crowd boos when the back of Sands’ head smacks against the canvas.

Kris Cruise: Sands made a mistake telegraphing that one.

Ramsey heads back over and puts the boots to her before pulling her up by the hair. Ramsey marches over into the corner before slamming Sands face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then turns Sands around before catching her with multiple throat thrusts. The last shot leaves Sands doubled over. Ramsey proceeds to send Sands slumping down in the corner with mudhole stomps. The boos continue as she follows up with a foot choke. The official wastes no time giving her a five count.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Ramsey reluctantly breaks the choke. She reaches down, pulls Sands up by the hair and runs out of the corner before throwing Sands across the ring. The boos continue when Ramsey heads over, pulls Sands up by the hair and chucks her across the ring. Sands bounces off the mat before rolling over towards the ropes. While Sands slowly pulls herself up using the ropes, Ramsey rushes in from behind. Sands turns around, ducks and dumps Ramsey over the top rope. Instead of crashing to the floor, Ramsey lands safely on the apron and doubles Sands over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. She then grabs a hold of Sands and lifts her up for a vertical suplex. The crowd boos louder when Sands lands hard on the outside.. Sands continues to writhe in pain on the floor as Ramsey rolls herself back inside. She can be see motioning for the official to count faster.

THREE!





FOUR!





FIVE!






SIX!

Sands starts to pick herself up on the outside. As soon as Ramsey sees this, she turns and takes off into the far ropes. Back on the outside, Sands tries to gather her bearings. When she turns around, the crowd boos when Ramsey takes her out with the a suicide dive!

Stephy Auger: Jaegerbomb!

Ramsey takes Sands and rolls her back inside. She then slips back in, crawls over and makes the cover.

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

Ramsey takes Sands, moves her into the ropes and applies a two-handed choke. The ref is again right on top of things with the five count.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Ramsey lets go and immediately follows up with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut rocks Sands. Ramsey then delivers a third European Uppercut for good measure before delivering an irish whip. Ramsey quickly bounces off the near ropes before taking off towards the middle of the ring. Sands rebound off the ropes and comes back before a lariat knocks her off her feet! Ramsey is greeted with boos after pointing to the top rope. The boos grow louder after she cups her hand to her ear.

Kris Cruise: Ramsey’s wasting time here.

Stephy Auger: Jae! Jae! Just put her away, already!

Ramsey heads into the corner and scales to the top turnbuckle.

Stephy Auger: It’s about to be over, Cruise!

Instead of going for Down by the Jae (Moonsault), Ramsey carefully repositions herself on the top turnbuckle so that she’s now facing the ring. Boos ring out when she flips off for the Sunset. But the boos quickly change to cheer when Sands blocks the move.

Kris Cruise: Sands got her knees up!

Ramsey bounces off Sands’ knees before rolling towards the center of the ring. Both grapplers slowly get back to their feet. Before Ramsey can strike, Sands rushes across the ring and knocks her down with a dropkick. A second dropkick returns Ramsey to the mat. Sands throws out a third dropkick, but she goes to the well one too many times, allowing Ramsey to slip out of the way. Ramsey goes to catch Sands with a superkick on her way back to her feet. But Sands is able to catch her foot, swing the leg away from her and knock her off her feet with a leg sweep. Sands takes Ramsey, delivers an irish whip and follows her into the corner before blasting her with another Wind Kick! She then takes hold of Ramsey as she climbs to the middle ropes. Seconds later, Sands plants her with a Tornado DDT! The cheers continue as Sands steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Sands scans the crowd before flipping off and landing across Ramsey with the Sunset! She turns over for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers as “Warrior” hits the speakers.

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

The cheers continue as Sands gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Ashley Sands gets some measure of revenge with a win over Jaelynn Ramsey here tonight! But after what Jaelynn and Sadie San Francisco did to Antoinette Sands and what they’ve done to both Ashley Sands and Ashley Marie Chase, this rivalry between Ashes 2 Ashes, Sadie and Jaelynn is far from over. It’ll be over when the two Ashleys say it’s over.

Stephy Auger: Look at what Selfish San Francisco has roped poor Jaelynn into.

Kris Cruise: “Poor Jaelynn.” Give me a break. That woman knows what she’s doing. I told you before that she’s a bad judge of character and she’s proven it again by joining forces with her former hated rival!

Stephy Auger: Whatever happens, I just hope Jae makes it out in one piece. I couldn’t care less what happens to Sadie.

Kris Cruise: You’ve made that abundantly clear. Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and once again welcome to the latest installment of FGA’s Vertigo! We’ve got a tremendous night of action in store for you as not one, not two, but three championships will be on the line! Tell us about it Stephy.

Stephy Auger: In our first championship match of the night, The Mighty Sparrow defends his newly won Mid-Atlantic Legacy Championship against Laura Perelli! In our second title match of the night, Ashley Marie Chase will look to become a two-time 15 Champion as she challenges Mark Bisley for the belt! Then, in our third title match of the night, Nina Stokes will defend her United States Championship against Marlon Cure! If you ask me, I see one of those titles changing hands tonight and I’ll give you a hint, it’s not the US or 15 Championships.

Kris Cruise: Well, Mighty Sparrow has bested Laura Perelli before. He could very well do it again.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, but Sparrow wasn’t exactly thrilled when he found out he’d be facing Perelli so fast. If you ask me, I sensed a little fear in that tweet of his!

Kris Cruise: I don’t think Sparrow has ever come off as being afraid of Perelli. But he’s definitely cautious, as he should be. We’ve seen what Perelli can do in the ring. She’s technically proficient for someone with her experience and she knows how to attack the arm with those submissions. I guarantee you that Perelli will be walking into that match with a chip on her shoulder. In regards to our other two title matches, this rivalry between AMC and Mark Bisley will finally be put to an end, hopefully. It’s Best 2 out of 3 Falls for the 15 Championship. We will find out who is the better between them, once and for all. Lets hope that the likes of Ramsey and San Francisco don’t make their way out to ringside for this one.

Stephy Auger: Jae’s more than welcome. Selfish Sadie can stay in whatever dumpster she’s hiding in.

Kris Cruise: With the US Title, Marlon is a veteran. The man won the Best High Flyer Award two of the past three years. Some people…

Stephy Auger: COUGH Marlon Cure COUGH COUGH...

Kris Cruise: ...would argue that he should have won it last year instead of Neal Durden. Cure’s as athletic as they come. He’s arguably the most athletic grappler on this roster. As I mentioned before, he’s a veteran. He has that championship experience. But Nina Stokes is no joke. Your BFF Sadie knows that better than anyone.

Stephy Auger: Sadie, my BFF? Don’t ever joke like that again.

Kris Cruise: The Kodiak has talked the talk and walked the walk. She’s given out these title opportunities to roster members that she’s feels are worthy in her eyes. She defeated Kazu Hirano. She bested Cassius Reed. Can she deny another challenger here tonight? We’ll find out later on. Speaking of Cassius, we just found out that he’s TJ Techniques' mystery partner. They’ll take on The Saturnian Connection in tag team action.

Stephy Auger: TJ should be blessed to be sharing the ring with Cassius again. This time, he has the privilege of being in Cassius’ corner. The only thing that Hip Hop Harry needs to do is stay in the corner, keep his mouth shut and let Cassius do all the work. If he does that, they’re guaranteed a win.

Kris Cruise: I’m pretty sure you and Cassius are the only ones that share that sentiment. Like Amanda Johnson, I, too, question TJ’s thinking here with teaming with someone like Cassius. Continuing on, Evan Envi will take on Sara Mason. You’ll remember that it was Envi that stopped Silk & Cyanide from collecting Seth Iser’s bounty on Fujiko Mine. Tonight, Sara will be in singles action to take on the Chief.

Stephy Auger: If Envi gets hurt out there tonight, I wonder if it was worth it to stick his neck out for Fuji Water. I can tell you that she would never do the same for him!

Kris Cruise: Speaking of the Apex Goddess, the former FGA World Champion will be in our main event when she takes on the Las Vegas Siren, Savannah Taylor!

Stephy Auger: This is the first time that these two have gone one on one since 2016. Fuji swears that this time, there will be a winner. I agree! And that winner will be none other than the Las Vegas Siren!

Kris Cruise: That’s not all. We’ll have news on FGA’s first pay per view on 2021! We’ll be talking about the huge Past vs Present show coming up on April 17! Also, we’ve got two big announcements coming up. Lowri Moss teased an announcement here tonight. I’m dying to find out what she has to say. Then, later on tonight after the main event, we’ve just gotten word that Leonard T. Asherman will have a major announcement.

Stephy Auger: What, he’s quitting?

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy! Leonard T. Asherman is a man that is rarely seen on camera. But whenever he does, something major is about to go down. I cannot wait for what Mr. Asherman has to stay. Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got a great lineup of action. Stay with us! We’ll be right back after the break.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

“Oh give the drummer some, yeah yeah! (Yah!)
Oh give the drummer some, yeah yeah! (Uh!)
Oh give the drummer some, yeah yeah! (Rah!)
Oh give the drummer some, yeah yeah! (Drop it.)"

The beginning of “Gold Watch” by Lupe Fiasco plays throughout the arena over the PA, causing a rumble throughout the crowd gathered in the Grand Ballroom. The new music soon gives way to a familiar image and a more raucous cheer. The first thing the crowd sees is the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy championship, extended through the curtain by a single arm. The rest of the body follows, and Mighty Sparrow emerges. The crowd is more alight once Sparrow makes his presence visible, grinning ear-to-ear with his new championship won off Ace Voltage from All-Star Showdown IX. He pats the main title on his shoulder before walking down the ramp, bumping elbows and fists with fans all the way. Around his waist is also the Liberty Pro King of New York Championship.

Just for the flex, really.

J.A. Aldridge: Making his way to the ring at this time...Ladies and gentlemen, he is your NNNEWWWW FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion... MIGHTY SPARROW!

“Let's peruse the essentials of Cool,
A brief study on the things so instrumental to Lu.
That make me feel flyer than lobbies of W’s,
A disclaimer, just a rhymer, no credentials from a school now!”

Kris Cruise: After Ace Voltage has turned away challenger after challenger, night after night, it was THAT man who would prove to be the answer and dethrone him. Sparrow proved at Showdown that he can hang with the best of them here at FGA, and that championship comes well deserved as well as the other on his waist.

Stephy Auger: What’s that old adage, Cruise? ‘It’s better to be lucky than good’? I can’t think of anything describing Sparrow’s journey to that title. It was luck that he and not Laura Perelli, somehow emerged to challenge Ace for that title. It was luck that he, against all odds, beat Ace for the title. With Laura as the contender tonight, however? After she had to watch Sparrow steal what was basically her’s? That luck has finally run out.

Sparrow hops onto the apron before clearing the ropes and landing in the squared circle. He makes his trademark pose for those with the benefit of flash photography before reaching down for a mic. Aldridge offers one as Sparrow gives some thanks before looking out to the fans. He gets ready to say something but pauses to look down at the championship sitting on his shoulder. After a few moments to let this feeling of accomplishment wash over him, he speaks.

Mighty Sparrow: It is a strange feeling to know that some of Frontier Grappling Arts’ finest have held this championship. Stranger still if you see what I sayin’, to know that I now hold this championship...This legacy. I will however make every single passing moment, every single match count, make and believe I tell you that! I have to admit, that Ace gave me that little ounce of respect in dethroning him, that nod...It was nice. I don’t wanna trade places with Tyler Storm in his line of sights right now, but as I said. Nice.

Stephy Auger: Not even two minutes holding that title and Sparrow is already ducking a rematch! This is the champion that people want to back!? Give me a break.

Kris Cruise: Stephy, don’t you think it might just be that Sparrow is looking to his most IMMEDIATE challenger? Tonight?

Stephy Auger: I know a man ducking challengers when I see one. He obviously knows that it was a fluke to have beaten Ace, JUST like it was a fluke that he got that title match in the first place. Laura will set things right.

Sparrow glanced towards the curtains.

Mighty Sparrow: Me and Ace will see each other again in the future I suspect so I don’t have much cause to worry. No, no, I’m looking at who I have to worry about tonight. Trenton’s own...La Principessa. Laura Perelli.

The crowd makes it very clear who they favor in this upcoming bout, booing Laura’s name from the moment that it leaves Sparrow’s lips. His cadence sounds slightly more Trinidadian, accent a little heavier-leaning.

Mighty Sparrow: Make no mistake that I know, and have always known that Laura is a dangerous competitor, THE dangerous competitor, and a lot of arguments could be made that a coin flip could have landed the other way and it would be her...Not me, standing before you right now as the Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. Could she have beaten Ace? Maybe. I wouldn’t have bet against she. We ain’t gon’ never know for certain. The only certainty that we have in front of us right now is that Laura wants this. Laura has waited, has pushed through, has run down and over any and all competition just to get her shot. At this point I ain’t know who between Laura, Gall and Jones is sick of seeing who.

He shrugs his shoulders as the crowd laughs. Sparrow mouths hastily into the camera, ‘its true’. Sparrow speaks a little more focused now, and that rich West Indian lit fades slightly.

Mighty Sparrow: What I do know is you will get pushed back tonight Laura. The last time we faced...You had this mindset that I was just one last stepping stone, one last body between you and what was expected. What was given. Although what has happened since? I hope your tune has changed. Because if it hasn’t? Well...Let me just say this. So far in FGA, I’ve seemed to have built a foundation on people underestimatin’ me, you included. See me for the threat, the problem I am...Or let it happen to you all over again, Laura. Like I said last time. Flip. That. Coin.

The Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion drops the mic and points to his eye as “Gold Watch” begins playing over the PA once more. Sparrow climbs to the top, raising the championship belt high over his head.

Kris Cruise: Strong words from the champion, looking to kick off his reign the way he started journey to it. Through Laura.

Stephy Auger: That will be his second biggest mistake, Cruise. Do you wanna know his first? Stealing what was her’s in the first place. Mark my words, Mighty Sparrow’s reign ends at Laura’s hands.

[FGA Office]

Backstage area

Ace Voltage’s Locker Room

The camera pans into the locker room of Ace Voltage, where he is sitting all alone with Vertigo on the TV. We can see a table set up of snacks and a few balloons in the room, weird since he is the only one here…


Ace Voltage: My first Vertigo without my beauty and nobody even bothered to show up to my watch party!


Ace notices the cameramen.

Ace Voltage: Oh, finally some company! Mates, have a snack, relax.

We can hear one of the cameramen murmur to Ace.

Cameraman: You seem to be in a good mood after losing your title…

Ace frowns, but tries to keep his upbeat attitude.

Ace Voltage: Well, you know what they say. When one door closes another door opens. And it happens to the best of us. Was I on my A game when facing Sparrow? Absolutely not? Did I underestimate him? Potentially. But I will give him the respect he deserves. I mean he DID dethrone the GREATEST Mid-Atlantic Legacy champion of all time!

Ace smiles as he eats some chips.

Ace Voltage: But that was in the past. I am looking to the future. How else can I make history in FGA? How else can I show everyone that I am the BEST. Ya know a lot of people say it but don’t mean it. I say it and mean it. Do you know why I came back out at All-Star Showdown? To prove my worth. To back-up my words. Am I a great wrestler? Of course. Did I prove that with my legendary title resign? Absolutely. But, again, what did I get? Nothing!

Ace’s happy demeanor changes a bit.

Ace Voltage: Did anyone in FGA really care about me more? No. They just laughed at me, thought of me as an afterthought. Even after I proved I was main event worthy. Hell, I almost beat Fujiko! But then I lost my beauty to Sparrow. Sucks, don’t it? So instead of sulking and complaining like I would’ve in the past, I decided to choose my own destiny.

We see on the TV, flashbacks of All-Star Showdown.

Ace Voltage: You’ll see a picture of me in that ring with Tyler Storm. I didn’t want to wait in line for anything. I wanted to pick my own path and by going out and facing Storm man to man, I think I made my intentions clear. My eyes are now set on the Pride Championship. Ironic that I of all people want the Pride Championship, huh?

Ace chuckles to himself.

Ace Voltage: But this presents a new challenges to me. This allows me to show everyone that I really AM the best in this company. I am a great technical wrestler and nobody cares. But, now. All eyes will be on me. Sure I can cheat to win. Rake some eyes, hit a low blow, but anyone can do that. No everyone can wrestle a clean, fair match and be the best at it. Now, Tyler Storm may think he is the best for now. But his little world is about to be turned upside down.

The TV shows a picture of Ace tapping on Storm’s title from All-Star Showdown.

Ace Voltage: Ever since I stepped foot in FGA, I have backed up my words. I put away Zola Star. I defeated those who came for my championship and now, I want the Pride Championship. I should have won grappler of the year but it’s more of a popularity contest anyway. But now, its time to show the fans and this company that I am the BEST pure wrestler here. I have been overlooked too long by the top wrestlers in this company. It’s time to put myself on the map AGAIN.

The commercials and pictures end on the TV as Vertigo is coming back to air.

Ace Voltage: I have officially put Tyler Storm on notice. And if he is so noble and fair, he will accept my challenge and give me what I want.

Ace grabs a sip of water and another handful of chips.

Ace Voltage: Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have to watch my successor try his best to live up to my expectations.

The cameramen get up and leave as we see the camera fade to black.

[FGA Office]

MID-ATLANTIC LEGACY CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Mighty Sparrow vs. Laura Perelli

Sparrow remains in the ring as “Gold Watch” continue to play. Sparrow leans up against his corner after handing his championship to the ref. He talks a few seconds with the referee before looking out to the crowd. He mouths a few of Lupe’s lyrics to himself casually and takes one last glance about. Sparrow grabs the ropes in his corner, again with a few last second leg stretches before he is ready to go.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the FGA MID-ATLANTIC LEGACY CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, already in the ring. He is the reigning… defending… FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, MIGHTY SPARROW!

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing the challenger! Hailing from Trenton, New Jersey, weighing in at 127 lbs, this is LAURAAAAA PERRELLIIIIIIIII!

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

Kris Cruise: Laura Perelli earned this opportunity by defeating Zack Gal and Patrick Jones in the Second Chance Triple Threat. The three of them, along with Mighty Sparrow, were originally in the Elimination Chase to determine Ace Voltage’s challenger. They both find themselves here once again. This time, however, as champion and challenger.

Stephy Auger: The roles should be reversed, Cruise. Sparrow stole that match from Perelli. She should be the one standing here right now the new Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion. Bt she’ll make it right. Perelli will make it right now. You can write it down. I hope Sparrow enjoyed his short time as champion because he’s about to lose it!

The bell sounds as Perelli and Sparrow make their way out of their respective corners. Champion and challenger take their time sizing each other up before engaging in a collar-and-elbow. After jockeying for position, Perelli gains the advantage by latching onto Sparrow’s arm. She quickly follows up with an arm wrench. Two more more wrenches follow before Sparrow rolls forward, leans back and kips up. Before Sparrow can reverse into an arm wrench of his own, Perelli trips him up and brings him down before transitioning into a wrist lock. The ref asks Sparrow if he wants to give up. The champ refuses. Sparrow then rolls backwards onto his knees before battling back to his feet. He then reverses into an arm wrench of his own. Perelli then rolls forward, turns over onto his knees, flips over with a headstand, spins in place and reverses into a hammerlock from behind. Sparrow answers by spinning in place and reversing into a hammerlock of his own. Sparrow keeps the advantage until Perelli nails him with an elbow right to the face with her free arm. The crowd boos the tactic as Perelli reverses into another hammerlock of her own. Perelli applies pressure to the shoulder joint by forcing Sparrow’s hand towards his neck. The champion lets out a groan until he reaches back with his free arm, grabs Perelli by the back of the neck and escapes with a jumping snapmare.

Perelli gets back to her feet as Sparrow hits the ropes. When he returns, Perelli intentionally runs into him with a shoulder block to his affected arm. Sparrow doesn't get knocked over. But he does double over. Perelli immediately pounces as she takes Sparrow’s right arm and brings him down with a rolling cross armbar! The crowd gasps and boos as they see Perelli try to fully apply the submission. But Sparrow blocks her by wisely locking his fingers together. Perelli repeatedly yanks back as she tries her hardest to break Sparrow’s grip. But Sparrow hangs on for dear life. Sparrow then turns over to his left, pinning Perelli’s shoulders to the mat.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli lets go of the hold as she kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Close call there by the champion.

Stephy Auger: Once again, luck was on his side.

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet before Perelli quickly brings Sparrow down to the mat with a drop toe hold. Perelli quickly rolls across Sparrow’s back and tries to place him in a crossface. But the champion wisely slithers his way towards the side of the ring and gets his right hand on the bottom rope.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Perelli reluctantly rolls off of Sparrow before getting back to her feet. La Principessa backs away towards the center of the ring. Back across the ring, Sparrow remains on his knees as he breathes a sigh of relief.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, that’s right, Sparrow! You know just how lucky you were to get to the ropes. If you didn’t, you’d be tapping out!

Sparrow finally gets back to his feet before circling the ring. He then slowly starts to inch over towards Perelli. Both grapplers motion for another collar-and-elbow until Perelli executes a drop-step go-behind before applying a waist lock. Sparrow quickly performs a standing switch and reverses into a rear waist lock of his own. Perelli then reaches down, slowly pries Sparrow’s arms from around her before quickly spinning and latching onto his arm. The crowd gasps as Perelli tries to muscle him down into a Fujiwara Armbar. Champion and challenger spin around as each tries to fight for the advantage. Perelli ultimately wins as she’s able to bring Sparrow down. No! Sparrow goes down, but he lands on his knees and keeps his right hand planted on the mat. He then flips over with a headstand, cartwheels over, spins in place and reverses into a hammerlock. Sparrow maintains the advantage until Perelli nails him with another back elbow to the face. The crowd boos as Perelli takes off into the ropes. She goes to hit Sparrow with another running shoulder block to the affected arm. But Sparrow counters by falling flat to his back. When Perelli turns around, Sparrow returns to his feet with a kip up before catching her with a pelé kick. Perelli is dazed while Sparrow hits the ropes. The cheers continues when he comes back with a running hurricanrana, sending Perelli through the ropes and to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Perelli just got sent to the floor with that running rana.

Stephy Auger: She’ll get back up. Sparrow can’t keep her down for long. Especially not for a three count.

The challenger tries to gather herself as she slowly fights back to her feet. When Perelli turns around, the crowd cheers when Sparrow knocks her down with Fosbury Flop!

Kris Cruise: Air Sparrow!

Sparrow takes Perelli and rolls her back inside. As soon as Sparrow slides back in, Perelli quickly rolls over and latches onto Sparrow’s arm! The crowd gasps as Perelli’s able to lock Sparrow in a Fujiwara Armbar!

Kris Cruise: Perelli’s got Sparrow trapped!

Stephy Auger: HA HA! Would you look at that? Sparrow thought he was going to just slide back in and make a cover, huh? WRONG!

Fortunately for Sparrow, he’s still underneath the bottom rope. So the ref gives Perelli another five count.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Perelli maintains a hold of Sparrow’s arm as she turns over to her knees. She then drags Sparrow back towards the center of the ring before delivering a stomp to the keylocked arm.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: What? Why are you complaining? She didn’t rake him in the eyes. It was perfectly legal.

The crowd boos Perelli while Sparrow quickly rolls over towards the ropes. He presses his right arm against his torso while he rests up against the ropes. But it doesn't take long for Perelli to march back over and latch onto his ankle. Perelli tires to pull Sparrow back towards the center of the ring. But Sparrow reaches back and grabs onto the middle rope with his left hand. Perelli continues to try and pull Sparrow away from the ropes. But Sparrow hangs on for dear life. As Perelli continues to try and yank him off, Sparrow gets up to his right foot. He then quickly reaches up and grabs onto the top rope. Perelli then reaches up and wraps her arms wound Sparrow’s calf. Perelli continues to try and pull Sparrow off. Sparrow then lets go of the top rope before nailing Perelli with an enzuigiri. The crowd cheers as Perelli staggers towards the side before dropping down across the middle rope.

Sparrow shakes off his right arm before hitting the ropes. The champ runs back across the ring before catching Perelli across the back with a leapfrog body guillotine! Perelli drops off the ropes before rolling to the outside. She continues to try and recover on the floor while Sparrow takes off into the far ropes.

Kris Cruise: The champ’s gearing up for something else...

Sparrow builds up speed as he runs back across the ring. Instead of leaping to the outside, Sparrow swings through the ropes with a Tiger Feint. Sparrow goes to leap through the ropes with a suicide dive when Perelli jumps up and counters with a European Uppercut, knocking him down.

Stephy Auger: YES! YES YES YES!

The crowd boos as Perelli reaches back inside, grabs Sparrow by his right wrist and drags him across the ring. She goes to drag him over into the corner until Sparrow reaches out and tries to block by grabbing the bottom rope. Perelli can’t swing Sparrow’s bicep against the ring post. So she opts for swinging his right forearm against the ring post instead!

Kris Cruise: Perelli’s gone after the arm again!

Stephy Auger: She’s been targeting it all match. I would say that trying to take out Sparrow’s legs would be the smarter play. But we all know what Perelli’s about. We all know what she’s setting up for here.


Sparrow quickly rolls back over towards the center of the ring. He continues to guard his arm by pressing it up against his torso. He looks over and sees Perelli sliding back inside, so he gets back to his feet. Perelli charges over to attack until Sparrow knocks her own with a falling crescent kick! Perelli remains down as Sparrow hits the ropes. The champ comes back and goes for a Running Senton. But Perelli gets her knees up. Instead of Sparrow bouncing off Perelli’s back, Perelli keeps him held in place and quickly transitions into a Bow & Arrow Hold!

Kris Cruise: What a counter by Perelli!

Stephy Auger: She’s great, instead she? She’s had a counter for pretty much everything that Sparrow’s thrown out.

Sparrow groans while Perelli continues to bend him across her knees. The ref asks the champion if he wants to give up. Sparrow refuses. He then reaches up with his left hand and tries to pull Perelli’s hands from underneath his chin. Sparrow’s eventually able to slip out and roll off Perelli’s knees into a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Perelli kicks out.

Sparrow goes for an irish whip until Perelli reverses and sends him flipping down to the mat with an arm wringer. She reaches down to grab Sparrow before the champ knocks her back with a double upkick. Sparrow returns to his feet with a kip up before taking off into the ropes. When Sparrow returns, the crowd boos when Perelli brings him down with a Running STO! She then pulls Sparrow up to a seated position before taking off into the ropes. Perelli comes back and tries to knock Sparrow’s head off with a Sliding D. But Sparrow rolls out of the way, causing Perelli to whiff on the strike. Both grapplers get back to their feet before charging at each other. Sparrow’s able to stop Perelli with the Leaf Hurricane (Counter Scorpion Kick followed by a Pele Kick)! Perelli remains dazed until Sparrow hits the ropes, returns and knocks her down with a leaping forearm strike (with the left arm)! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Perelli gets pulled to her feet before being whipped into the corner. Sparrow rushes in to attack until Perelli turns him around with a boot to the face. The crowd boos when Perelli hammerlocks Sparrow from behind, turns and chucks him shoulder-first into the ring post!

Sparrow remains doubled over in the corner until Perelli brings him down with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sparrow kicks out.

Sparrow gets back to his feet and gets caught with a forearm smash. A second forearm smash finds its mark before Perelli throws out a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut snaps Sparrow’s head back. The champ is then caught with a knife edge chop. Perelli blasts him with a second knife edge chop. She then delivers a third stinging chop before knocking him down with a standing dropkick to the right shoulder! Perelli picks up Sparrow and whips him into the corner. She then rushes across the ring before nailing him with a high knee in the corner to the right shoulder! The boos continue as Perelli pulls him by the hair out of the corner. Sparrow is then lifted up across Perelli’s shoulders before being brought down with the Head Shot (Ushi Goroshi)! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Perelli with a near fall. She’s really been on top of things during this match, hasn’t she?

Stephy Auger: She has. She knows that she should be the one walking around with that title belt. But if she keeps this up, the title is well on its way to being hers.

Perelli pulls Sparrow back to his feet and catches him with another pair of European Uppercut before catching him with a pair of knees to the midsection. She then hooks both arms before bringing him down with Gone Bust (Floatover Butterfly Suplex)! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

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

Perelli pulls Sparrow back to his feet and scoops him up before delivering a Shoulderbreaker. She then follows up with a Shoulder Claw to his right shoulder.

Kris Cruise: Perelli targets the arm and shoulder before applying another submission. Can Sparrow battle his way out of this one?

Stephy Auger: Absolutely not.

Sparrow groans as Perelli continues to clamp down on the shoulder. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. When the champ refuses, Perelli applies even more pressure. Sparrow howls out in pain before reaching out towards the crowd.

LET’S GO, SPARROW!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP,CLAP*

LET’S GO, SPARROW!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP,CLAP*

LET’S GO, SPARROW!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP,CLAP*

Sparrow balls his hand into a fist and starts shaking it. The champion continues to feed off the energy of the crowd. Perelli shakes her head in disbelief when she sees Sparrow turning over to a knee. He slowly battles back to a vertical base before catching her in the gut with an elbow. Sparrow buries another elbow in the gut. Two more elbows find their mark to break the hold. While Perelli is doubled over, Sparrow turns and motions to hit the ropes. But Perelli reaches out and grabs him by the hair from behind. The crowd boos when she yanks him into a European Uppercut across the back of the head before leaving him folded up with Dead Money (Bridging Leg-Hook Belly to Back Suplex)!

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

The crowd cheers when Sparrow gets his left shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: That was a three count, Cruise!

Perelli takes Sparrow and whips him into the corner. La Principessa charges into the corner and throws out another corner high knee. The crowd cheers when Sparrow slips out of the way, causing her to crash into the turnbuckles.

Stephy Auger: NO!

Kris Cruise: Perelli missed!

Sparrow turns Perelli around and unleashes multiple corner chest kicks. He then moves Perelli out of the corner before whipping her into the far ropes. Perelli comes off the ropes until Sparrow spins around and catches her in a Sleeper Hold.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow returns the favor! He’s got Perelli locked in a submission of his own! He’s about to put Perelli to sleep!

Sparrow tries to cinch down on the hold, but that right arm has been worked over repeatedly, so he can’t get the hold nice and tight. This allows Perelli to slip to the side before throwing out a belly to back suplex. Sparrow’s able to roll over her shoulder and land on his feet. When Perelli turns around, Sparrow doubles her over with four toe kicks before dropping her down to a knee with a Switchblade Kick. Perelli tries to shake out the cobwebs as the champ hits the ropes. Sparrow builds up speed as he runs back across the ring before flattening Perelli with a front dropkick to the face! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Sparrow heads out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Perelli gets back to her feet, Sparrow rises up from the crouched position, leaps off and knocks her down with a missile dropkick! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Sparrow steps back out to the apron and climbs the turnbuckles. The champ waits patiently for Perelli to get into position. Back down on the mat, Perelli turns over on all fours before picking herself back up. When she turns around, the crowd cheers as Sparrow leaps off and knocks her down with a diving crossbody!

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

Sparrow takes Perelli and pulls her back up before hitting the ropes. When he returns, Perelli hoists him up for a pop-up maneuver. On the way down, Sparrow counters into a Meteora, driving her down! The cheers continues as Sparrow hits the ropes, comes back and lands the running Senton. With Perelli still down, Sparrow heads across the ring before stepping out to the apron. He makes his way over towards the corner, leaps to the top, flips off and crashes down across Perelli with a springboard guillotine leg drop! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Perelli gets her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How much closer can you get?

Stephy Auger: C’mon, Laura, hang in there.

Sparrow slowly pulls Perelli back to her feet. He then takes control of her wrist before whipping her hard into the corner. Perelli starts to stagger out of the corner as Sparrow rushes forward. The crowd cheers when Sparrow leaps up and drives her down with The Notorious K.I.C.K. (Standing Double Foot Stomp)! NO! Perelli rolls underneath it at the last second. Sparrow rolls back his feet, turns around and rushes back over before being stopped in his tracks with a European Uppercut. The champ remains dazed as Perelli turns and hit the ropes. When she returns, the crowd gasps as she executes the Italian Arm Trick (Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissor Armbar)!

Kris Cruise: Perelli traps the champ in yet anther submission!

Stephy Auger: Don’t lie your pride get the best of you, Sparrow! Tap out before she snaps your arm!


Sparrow howls out in pain as Perelli hangs on him with the submission. She repeatedly pulls back of Sparrow’s right wrist. The pain from this causes the champion to drop down to a knee before ultimately falling into the prone position. From there, Perelli then transitions into the New Jersey Necktie (Rings of Saturn)!

Kris Cruise: Uh oh.

Stephy Auger: Oh, it’s over now. It’s over now!

Sparrow is seen kicking his legs as he’s trapped with nowhere to go. The ref continues to ask if he wants to give. A closeup of the champ shows him gritting his teeth. He’s trying his hardest to hang on. But the pain is starting to become too much to bear. Seconds later, the bell sounds.

Kris Cruise: Wait, what jus happened!?

Stephy Auger: He tapped! Sparrow tapped! We’ve got a new champion!

Kris Cruise: I didn’t see him tap out.

Stephy Auger: Sparrow verbally gave up!

Kris Cruise: Let’s send it to our ring announce J.A. Aldridge for the decision.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve just been informed that a deciding fall did not occur in the allotted time for this bout. There, this contest… has been ruled a DRAW!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

J.A. Aldridge: Therefor, STILL the FGA Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion, MIGHTY SPARROW!

Kris Cruise: The Mighty Sparrow retains his champions after this match gets ruled a match.

Stephy Auger: Sparrow was lucky to win the Elimination Chase. He was lucky to beat Ace Voltage and he gets lucky here again!

Sparrow is handed his championship. He’s still nursing his right arm, so the ref drapes it across his left shoulder for him. Sparrow turns and sees Perelli pacing back and forth across the ring. Perelli walks with her hands on her hips as she shakes her head in disbelief. La Principessa’s pacing comes to halt as she sees Sparrow approaching.

Stephy Auger: Look at him, Cruise! He’s shoving that title in her face! She’s rubbing it in!


Kris Cruise: He is not!

Perelli has some words for Sparrow… before putting her right arm out for a handshake.

Stephy Auger: How classy!

Sparrow turns and looks to the crowd.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: This crowd doesn’t seem too hot about the day of Sparrow shaking Perelli’s hand.

Stephy Auger: What do they know, anyway?

Sparrow turns back to Perelli. He instinctively reaches out with his right hand. A grimace quickly follows before he pulls his hand back. Perelli realizes that Sparrow’s still hurt, so she puts her left hand out instead. Sparrow then shakes her hand with his left.

Stephy Auger: One of these days, Sparrow’s luck is gonna run out.

The crowd continues to cheer the show of sportsmanship until Perelli quickly pulls him down to the mat. The crowd erupts with boos when Perelli locks him back in The New Jersey Necktie!

Stephy Auger: Like right now!

Sparrow is seen howling in pain after being locked back inside the move. The ref admonishes Perelli and demands that she break the hold. But Perelli completely ignores him. He then reaches down and tries to pull Perelli off Sparrow. But it’s to no avail. The official then stands back up and waves for help.

Kris Cruise: This is uncalled for! The match is over, dammit! Perelli doesn’t have to do this!

Stephy Auger: Oh, but she does!

The bell repeatedly sounds while Sparrow remains trapped in the hold. Perelli continues to keep the submission applied as another ref rushes down to the ring. Sparrow is seen kicking and screaming as he continues to be subjected to the New Jersey Necktie. While the two officials are trying to pulls Perelli off, Sparrow starts frantically nodding his head. Members of the crowd see Sparrow nod his head over and over until Perelli finally lets go.

Stephy Auger: Did you see that? Sparrow gave up! He just verbally submitted!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: On April 17, FGA will be present “Past vs Present,” an event that will pit some of the best of FGA’s past versus some of the best of FGA’s present. Over the past week, we’ve seen the rollout of names. Let’s go over that list right now.

Stephy Auger: AJ Fairchild returns for one night only at Past vs Present! AJ’s a former Wrestler of the Year and a former Heavyweight Champion. He even won the precursor to the Frontier Lions Cup, the New Frontiers Cup. The fans at home haven’t seen AJ in an FGA ring since 2014. But they will see him once again at Past vs. Present!

Kris Cruise: Joining AJ at Past vs. Present will be Chris Madison! Madison is a former two-time Pride Champion and is someone that has been one of the top wrestlers in FGA over the last five years. We’ve seen him go toe to toe with someone of the best, including rivalries with both members of tonight’s main event, Fujiko Mine and Savannah Taylor. There is no question that Madison can still go. We’ll see who he gets matched up with “Mayhem” Madison at Past vs. Present.

Stephy Auger: Next up we have two more names. These two names were announced on the same day. I’m talking about Heather Lasiewciz and Yun Goeun! These two were half of Heroes Never Die with Izzy Anders and Savannah Taylor. That foursome had a hold over FGA for much of 2017. We haven’t seen much of Lasiewicz or Goeun in a wrestling ring since their departures in September 2017. So we’ll see what challenges they can bring to their respective opponents at Past vs. Present!

Kris Cruise: Arguably the biggest name to be announced thus far. Multi-time champion, multi-time award winner and Hall of Famer Chandler Scott returns for one night only at Past vs. Present! Chandler’s career was believed to have ended at the hands of Jimmy Page during that infamous Steel Cage Match at 2019: A New Odyssey. But the announcement of his return for this event shocked many far and wide. What shape is he in? What is he able to bring to the table? Who will he face? We heard Fujiko Mine give her strong pitch over Twitter. She wants FGA to give her what she wants! We eagerly await to find out just who these names will be facing, as well as what new names will be announced. Remember, you can see all these former stars in action at FGA’s Past vs. Present on Saturday, April 17, only on Frontier+!

[FGA Office]

"Baddest do, what the baddest do (hey)"

"The baddest do (hey), we the baddest, ooh"

"Baddest do, what the baddest do (hey)"

"The baddest do (hey), we the baddest"

The heavy electronic beat of "The Baddest" kicks in, and the crowd bursts into cheers, knowing who is about to arrive. The thumping beat quickly spreads through the arena, and the crowd gets into the spectacle of audio. The lights in the arena dim, with pink and purple spotlights swirling around the arena.


"Coming at you live, real, real wild
Here to light it up, set the world on fire
Gonna break rules and hearts in twos
'Cause that's what the baddest do"

The secondary lights in the arena bump to the beat, mixing between light & dark.


Never going back, nah, not that
Diamonds on drip 'cause I came to make a splash
Gonna break rules and hearts in twos
'Cause that's what the baddest do (yeah, uh)

As the rap begins, The lights near the entrance ramp go black, and a figure stands there in the darkness. As the beat drops again, The lights all focus on the figure, almost washing them out. After a moment, the lights drop back to a ‘non blinding’ level and Fujiko stands there, The Apex Goddess holds her hands up, pressing the backs of their hands against their forehead in a “crown gesture”.

Kris Cruise: Here comes the Apex Goddess, who had another amazing match with Seth Iser…

Stephy Auger: BUT SHE LOST! AGAIN! Thankfully! Seth proved that Fujiko doesn’t have what it takes anymore, so we don’t have to see her carrying around the title!


"I'm doing damage, went just how I planned it
I do what I want when I say (when I say, when I say)
모두 날 따라 해, 난 끝내주잖아
To live on the edge of insane"

Over her ring attire is a shirt that has her "Apex Goddess" logo on it. The music drops for a second, and then the beat kicks back in as she is announced.

J.A. Aldridge: FGA Faithful, please welcome The "Apex Goddess", Fujiko Mine!


"Coming at you live, real, real wild
Here to light it up, set the world on fire
Gonna break rules and hearts in twos
'Cause that's what the baddest do"

Fujiko saunters down the ramp. Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a jump onto the apron. She turns around and looks out at the crowd for a moment. J.A holds out the microphone, and Fujiko steps through the ropes before taking it. There are cheers as she slowly circles around the ring.

Fujiko Mine: I had to come out here, and stand in front of you all to say that I failed.

There are a smattering of boos and silence as she stands facing the camera, a stoic look on her face.

Fujiko Mine: I should be standing here in front of you all, with the FGA World championship back over my shoulder, but I’m not. I’m not proud of having lost, but that’s the reality of the situation. So here’s my new reality…

She taps the head of the mic lightly against her chin for a few thinking moments.

Fujiko Mine: I have my second ever match against Savannah Taylor later tonight. Last time we faced, we went to a time limit draw, eliminating the both of us from the Frontier Lions Cup. This time, there is no time limit to disappoint you. There is nothing standing in the way of me defeating the former International Heavyweight champion tonight, in front of all of you here in the Grand Ballroom. I’m going to start accumulating wins again. I’m going to beat Savannah, and whoever else the powers that be put into my path. I’m going to prove that I deserve to be at the top of FGA once again. But I am going to do things a little differently. I’m not going to let my opponents take my recent failings as a reason to believe that they are surpassing me. So prepare for some more surprises, prepare for some more brutality...and prepare for me to make my return to the top.

Cheers ring out as Fujiko smiles, satisfied with her decree.

Fujiko Mine: It starts tonight with the formidable challenge of Savannah Taylor. I’m sure that she’s just as eager as I am to return to championship calibur. And I won’t expect anything less than her best, but for all her cunning and ability, tonight is my night, and there won’t be anything other than a Fujiko Mine victory in the main event of Vertigo tonight.

Fujiko nods to herself, but wags her finger.

Fujiko Mine: But that’s not all I came out here to talk about.

Fujiko takes a deep breath and nods.

Fujiko Mine: For an incredibly long time, two people existed in FGA, but never fought. Like ships passing in the night, we were close, but the one on one match never happened. When he disappeared, I silently resigned myself to the fact that the match that I wanted so badly would never happen. But then…

Fujiko points to the screen, where the “FGA Past vs. Present” logo appears.

Fujiko Mine: ...This was announced. And at first? I didn’t think much of it. It was another great example of things FGA would do in order to give its fans the best experience. But then one specific name was announced.

On cue, the logo changes to show the visage of one person. Cheers emanate, both for the person and for the confirmation of what Fujiko insinuates.

Fujiko Mine: Give him to me, FGA. You know that this is one of the greatest FGA matches to never happen. My one other regret is that I could not be standing here, as champion, to allow him to challenge for it one more time. But you cannot deny me this now. I need it.

Fujiko looks at the screen, and her eyes stay glued to it as she lifts the microphone to her lips.

Fujiko Mine: FGA past vs. present. Fujiko Mine vs. Chandler Scott. Make it happen. So I can prove what I’ve always known.

Fujiko flips the mic, and “The Baddest” begins playing again. Fujiko poses for the crowd a few times, and then takes her leave from the ring.

Kris Cruise: What an incredible prospect! Fujiko Mine vs. Chandler Scott! A never before seen one-on-one matchup!

Stephy Auger: Another attempt for Fuji-water to try and steal the spotlight! I hope she gets ignored!

Kris Cruise: In either event, FGA: Past vs. Present is shaping up to be an exciting event, on April 17th!

[FGA Office]

TAG TEAM MATCH
TJ Techniques & Cassius Reed vs. The Saturnian Connection

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

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

FIVE.

FOUR.

THREE.

TWO.

ONE.”

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: The Saturnian Connection were once looked at as nothing more than easy out. They used to be looked at as an easy win. But we’ve seen that over the past year, the team of Nando Fresno and Jillian Clay have proven themselves to be tough matchups for anyone on the roster.

Stephy Auger: SatCon are used to being the underdogs. But I don’t see how they’re not the favorites in this one, even with Cassis Reed standing across the ring from them.

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing their opponents! First, hailing from Staten Island, New York! Weighing in a 188 pounds! He is “The Funky Technician” TJ TECHNIQUES!

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

Kris Cruise: TJ Techniques was able to win the third and deciding match between him and Cassius Reed. Now he finds himself willingly teaming up with the man that has called him virtually every name in the book. This was TJ’s idea to team with him.

Stephy Auger: Well TJ isn’t dumb. He now realizes the error of his ways. He realizes that it was HIM who disrespected Cassius, not the other way around. After stealing two matches from Cassius, he know wants to make things right by becoming his Padawan and learning from the best.

Kris Cruise: Every week I’m amazed at the lies that you and Cassius tell yourselves.

Stephy Auger: There’s no lies. Only the truth.

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

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: TJ gets to bask in Cassius’ greatness. As long as Hip Hop Harry over there keeps his mouth shut and does what he’s told, Cassius will take the two of them to the very top. You just watch.

The bell sounds as TJ Techniques and Nando Fresno look to start things off for their respective teams. Before things turn physical, Techniques heads over to Fresno and extends his hand. The Alien Hunter turns to the crowd before turning to Jillian Clay. Upon getting the approval of the crowd and his partner, Fresno turns back to Techniques and shakes his hand.

Kris Cruise: Nice show of sportsmanship there.

Stephy Auger: No, it was a show of weakness. What is TJ doing? You’re suppose to reel him in for a sucker punch, not shake his hand.

Techniques and Fresno begin circling the ring before locking up. The two grapplers jockey for position until Techniques gains the upper hand with a side headlock. Techniques groans from discomfort as Techniques cinches down on the hold. Fresno is then asked if he wants to give up. When Fresno refuses, Techniques throws him to the mat with a side headlock takeover. The Funky Technician remains in control until Techniques reverses into a grounded headscissors. Techniques tries to escape with a kip up, but Fresno keeps his legs wrapped tight around his neck. Techniques tries for another kip up. But again, it’s to no avail. The ref then gets down and asks Techniques if he wants to give up. TJ refuses. After shifting over onto his knees, Techniques executes a headstand before pushing himself off the mat to escape the hold. Techniques lands on his feet and turns to hit the ropes while Fresno scrambles back to a vertical base. When TJ returns, he runs over Fresno with a shoulder block. He then turns and hits another set of ropes. Techniques returns and hops over Fresno after the Alien Hunter turns over into the prone position. When TJ comes back, Fresno sets up for a hip toss. Techniques steps through it and goes for a hip toss of his own. Fresno blocks it. Techniques tries to muscle him up with another hip toss. Again, Fresno blocks it. He then slaps Techniques in the midsection, doubling him over. Fresno then drapes his leg across the back of Techniques’ neck before executing a back flip. As soon as Fresno lands on his feet, Techniques knocks him off his feet with a spinning leg sweep. Fresno gets back to a vertical base before getting caught with a Shotei. TJ connects with another Shotei before sending him for the ride. Fresno comes off the ropes and heads back towards the center of the ring before getting knocked down with a spinning back elbow. Techniques hits the ropes, comes back and throws out a Flashing Elbow. He misses when Fresno rolls out of the way. Fresno quickly takes advantage of the missed attack and delivers an arm wrench before dragging him towards the SatCon corner.

The crowd cheers when the tag is made out to Clay. Fresno keeps Techniques’ arm arm held out until Clay comes off the top with a springboard foot stomp across it. She then executes an arm wrench of her own before tagging Fresno back in. Fresno takes control of Techniques’s free arm before SatCon sends him flipping down to the mat with a double arm wringer. Fresno pulls Techniques back up and pushes him into the corner before catching him with alternating jabs to the head and midsection. The Alien Hunter follows up with a European Uppercut and a tag out to Clay before delivering an irish whip. When Techniques returns, SatCon knock him off his feet with a double dropkick. Clay makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Clay with the nearfall. The Saturnian Connection have controlled this thus far with quick tags and clear communication. It doesn’t matter how good TJ and Cassius are individually. They don’t have anywhere near the tag team experience that Fresno and Clay do.

Stephy Auger: Reed isn’t known for tag teaming. In fact, he hates it. But when someone like TJ throws himself at his feet and begs him to take him under his wing, who is Cassius to say no?

Kris Cruise: Again, the lies you tell yourself...

Clay takes Techniques and heads across the ring before bringing him down with a running somersault arm wringer. With Techniques down, Clay gets to her feet before rushing towards the ropes. She leaps to the middle rope and flips back with a Lionsault as Techniques rolls out of the way. The crowd breathes a sigh of relief when Clay avoids crashing to the mat by landing on her feet. Clay runs back over to attack Techniques until he counters with a Shaolin Sidekick (Harlem Sidekick)! Clay returns to her feet before getting knocked back down with another Shaolin Sidekick! Techniques sets up for an irish whip when Clay reverses, whipping him into the ropes. TJ comes off the rebound and sees Clay set up for a back body drop. So he continues to run towards Clay before turning away and backflipping over her. Clay stands back up and turns around into a running hurricanrana. Techniques runs over to attack, but he gets thrown down with an arm drag. A second arm drag brings Techniques back down. Clay runs back over to Techniques before bringing him back down with an overflow arm drag. Techniques pulls himself up with the ropes and sees Clay rushes towards him. So he counters with a back elbow, knocking her back. Techniques then runs over and brings Clay down with a wheelbarrow arm drag. Clay gets back to her feet before Techniques rushes over and uses the ropes to bring her down with a springboard arm drag. Clay picks herself back up before a running hurricanrana sends her through the ropes and to the apron. The SatCon member uses the ropes to pull herself back up. But she doesn’t stay standing for long as Techniques rushes into the corner, leaps over the top rope and knocks her off the apron with a triangle shoulder block!

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for Techniques! TJ won that arm drag battle before taking things to the air.

TJ slides back inside and circles the ring before cupping his hand to his ear. Upon hearing the cheers from the crowd, Techniques nods before taking off the ropes. He picks up speed as he runs back across the ring before hurling himself over the top rope. The cheers grow louder when he takes out Clay with a diving topé con hilo!

Kris Cruise: TJ takes it to the air again and connects with another dive!

Stephy Auger: Look at that. Look at those dives from TJ Number 2. He’s been inspired by Cassius Reed, the last Rey del Aire winner! We never saw TJ pulling off dives like that before tonight. He’s learning already!

Kris Cruise: ...

Techniques takes Clay and rolls her back inside. He then rolls himself back in and make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Clay kicks out.

TJ picks up Clay, delivers an irish whip and doubles her over with four kicks to the midsection. He then backs up against the ropes before coming back and knocking Clay down with a Scissors Kick. Techniques again cups his hand to his ear before returning to his feet with a Spinaroonie. TJ pulls Cay up into a front facelock before gliding back across the mat. Before he can plant Clay with a Moonwalk DDT, Cassius Reed reaches over the top rope and slaps him across the back, tagging himself in.

Kris Cruise: What was that?

Stephy Auger: Cassius has seen enough! TJ’s out here playing up to these people while Clay gets more and more time to recover.

Kris Cruise: What are you talking about? TJ Techniques had things under control.

Stephy Auger: Says you! Cassius is gonna show TJ how you act when you get an opponent down. You stay on them! You don’t cup your hand to your air and play to these idiots!

TJ gives Reed a confused look. But The Funky Dragon lets The Funky Technician know that he’s got this. As soon as Reed turns his attention to Clay, Clay quickly delivers an arm wrench and runs across the ring before throwing him down with a running somersault arm wringer.

Kris Cruise: Cassius Reed just lost the advantage for his team as soon as he gets tagged in!

The tag gets made to Fresno. The Alien Hunter slingshots back into the ring. SatCon take Reed and deliver multiple double arm wrenches before whipping him into their corner. Clay runs across the ring and catches Reed with a step-up knee strike before dropping down to all fours. Fresno then runs across the ring and uses Clay’s back as a launchpad to deliver an elevated Stinger Splash! After hoisting Reed up into a seated position on the top turnbuckle, Fresno leaps from the canvas up onto Reed’s shoulders before bringing him down with an avalanche hurricanrana! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reed kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Huge rana off the top from Fresno, but he only gets a two count. Like I was saying before, TJ Techniques had everything well under control. But as soon as Cassius gets in, he ends up on the wrong end of things!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, because Clay gave him a cheap shit.

Kris Cruise: Since when is an arm wringer a cheap shot!?

Fresno takes Reed, heads into the SatCon corner and slams him face-first into the corner before tagging Clay in. Clay gets back in and nails Reed with a hook kick to the body before tagging Fresno back in. Fresno slingshots back in and hits a hook kick to the body before tagging Clay back in. Clay hops in through the ropes and hits Reed with another hook kick to the body before tagging out to Fresno. The Alien Hunter slingshots back in and unloads on Reed with a rapid palm strike flurry, followed by a discus elbow. After Reed drops down to a seated position, Fresno tags Clay back in. Clay hops back in through the ropes and sets up near the center of the ring. She rushes back over towards the SatCon corner and hurls herself at Reed with a cannonball senton. The crowd gasps when Reed slips out of the way, causing Clay to crash into the corner!

Stephy Auger: Nobody was home!

Kris Cruise: The Saturnian Connection did a good job keeping Reed cut off in the corner and hitting those quick tags. But Reed was able to get out of the way in the nick of time.

Reed starts to crawl across the ring while Clay remains in the corner. Techniques can be seen in the corner slapping the top turnbuckle with his left hand while holding his right hand out for the tag. Back across the ring, Clay reaches over and tags Fresno back in. Fresno is quick to get back in while Reed gets back to his feet. TJ calls for Reed to dive over and make the tag. Instead of making the tag, Reed turns and catches Fresno with a back elbow.

Kris Cruise: Reed could have made the tag! What is he thinking!?

Stephy Auger: Calm down, Cruise! Cassius knows what he’s doing!

The Funky Dragon knocks Fresno back with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut knocks Fresno further back. Reed then moves Reed against the ropes before going to town with a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body! He then hooks Fresno’s arms around the top rope before blasting him with the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow)! Reed unhooks Fresno’s arms before whipping him across the ring. Fresno comes back off the ropes before getting doubled over with a left hook to the body. Reed knocks him upright with a knee lift before throwing out a discus punch. Fresno ducks and throws out a punch of his own to counter. But he gets doubled over with Johnny Cage (split-legged punch to the midsection)! Reed then leans back before bringing Fresno down with What Da Funk (kip up huracanrana)! He makes the cover.

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

Stephy Auger: Like I said, Cassius has this under control!

Reed grabs Fresno by the hair and drags him back to his feet before popping him with a left jab. The Funky Dragon taunts Fresno and tells him to bring it before popping him with another jab. Fresno tries to answer back with a punch. But Reed is easily able to slip out of the way and pop up with another jab. Fresno through out another right. This time, Reed ducks before catching him wit another jab. Two more snapping jabs follow before Reed taunts him with the Ali Shuffle. Before Fresno can respond, Reed decks him with a right hook!

Stephy Auger: PI-YOW!

Kris Cruise: You talked about TJ “playing up” to the crowd and giving his opponent time to recover. Yet here’s Cassius taunting his opponent and wasting valuable time.

Stephy Auger: Let me ask you a question, Cruise. Who is standing right now, Cassius or Nando Fresno?

Kris Cruise: Cassius.

Stephy Auger: EXACTLY!

TJ calls for the tag, but Reed motions for him to calm down. He then pulls Fresno back up before bringing him down with a snap suplex. He then stands next to Fresno and points out to the crowd before throwing out Funky Knee, Funky Do (Kneecolepsy)! The crowd cheers when Fresno rolls out of the way, causing Reed to land hard on his knees.

Kris Cruise: Reed missed!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, because he was distracted by TJ over there calling out for the tag. I told you that if Chance The Grappler just kept his mouth shut, they’d be fine! Now look at Cassius! He should have just blocked TJ out.

Reed rolls over to a seated position and favors his legs while Fresno slowly gets back up. The Alien Hunter rushes over and flattens Reed with a sliding knee strike!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a knee!

Fresno rolls over towards his side and gets back to his feet. He then executes a forward roll before reaching over and tagging Clay in. The crowd cheers when Clay springboards to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes across Reed with a corkscrew moonsault!

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

Techniques drags Clay off Reed.

Kris Cruise: TJ makes the save!

Stephy Auger: It took him long enough!

TJ heads back out to the apron as Clay goes for another attack. She pulls Reed back to his feet and takes control of his right arm before bringing him down with a single arm DDT. The Funky Dragon immediately rolls out to the apron.

Stephy Auger: Clay went right after Reed’s hurt arm!

Kris Cruise: So you fault Clay for targeting Reed’s bad arm, but you’re perfectly fine with Laura Perelli trying to rip Mighty Sparrow’s arm off.

Stephy Auger: Exactly!

Kris Cruise: …

Reed uses his left hand to pull himself up using the ropes. Before Reed can make another move, Clay rushes over and brings him back inside with a Slingshot Cutter! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Reed gets his left arm up.

Reed is then whipped into the corner before Clay runs in and connects with another step-up knee strike. Clay turns Reed around and leans forward before slowly lifting him up onto the middle ropes. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as she steps out to the apron and climbs the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: What’s she going for here!

Clay gets into position up top and reaches back. She’s got Reed set up for an avalanche Shiranui when Reed slips out and counters with a belly to back superplex!

Stephy Auger: Thank you, Cassius! Thank you!

With both grapplers down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!






TWO!







THREE!









FOUR!












FIVE!

Clay starts to slowly push herself up off the mat before dragging herself towards the SatCon corner. Meanwhile, Reed stirs on the mat before slowly turning over towards his corner. He looks over and sees TJ reaching out for the tag. He turns back and sees Clay continuing to drag herself towards her corner. Reed looks back to TJ before turning back to Clay. Reed sees that Clay is now out of arm’s reach.

Kris Cruise: What are you waiting for, Cassius!? Make he tag!

Reed then turns, dives over and tags TJ back in!

Kris Cruise: TJ got the tag!

Stephy Auger: Don’t mess this up!

The crowd cheers as Techniques slingshots himself back in. He runs over before coming to a stop when he sees Fresno get the tag. Techniques resumes his run before Fresno executes a sliding drop-step go-behind into a snap German Suplex! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Fresno pulls Techniques up and sets up for a Spanish Fly. But Techniques is able to fight out of it with elbows to the side of the head. He then sets up for a Spanish Fly of his own. But Fresno is able to return the favor with elbows to the side of the head. The Alien Hunter turns and hits the ropes before getting caught off the rebound with a running Spanish Fly! The cheers continue as Techniques makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Clay makes the save!

The Staurnian Connection take Techniques and bring him down with the Rigel (Wheelbarrow Suplex/Running Knee Strike combo)! Fresno makes the cover.

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

Reed flies over and breaks up the pin with a springboard diving left elbow drop!

Stephy Auger: Now that’s how you make a save!

Kris Cruise: A simple dive would have sufficed!

Stephy Auger: Cassius makes the save and you still find fault? How ungrateful can you get, Cruise!?

Kris Cruise: ...

Reed picks up Fresno and runs towards the ropes. He motions to toss Fresno to the floor, only for Fresno to pivot, grab Reed and toss him over the top rope. Reed lands on his feet before his momentum sends him into the guardrail. The Funky Dragon heads back over the ring until Clay rounds the ring post, leaps off and knocks him down with a flying enzuigiri!

Stephy Auger: Where did she come from!?

Back inside, Fresno takes Techniques and goes to bring him down with the Barnard 33 (Reverse Snapmare → Bicycle Knee Smash)! But Techniques lands on his feet, swats down the bicycle knee and counters with Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em (Phenomenal Blitz)! The cheers continues as Techniques takes Fresno and pulls him into a front facelock. He starts to go for the Moonwalk DDT until Fresno counters by ramming him back-first into the corner. A pair of shoulder thrusts follow before he delivers an irish whip. Fresno closely follows Techniques into the corner. But instead of crashing into the turnbuckles, Techniques executes a Tiger Wall Flip in the corner over Fresno before catching him when he turns around with Set ‘Em Straight (Busaiku Knee Strike)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Clay rolls back inside.
.
TWO!
.
Clay reaches over to break up the pin, but Reed reaches back inside and holds her back by the leg…
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers as “Step into a World (Rapture’s Delight)” plays over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, here are your winners, TJ TECHNIQUES and CASSIUS REED!

The cheers continue as the ref raises Techniques’ arm in victory. Reed then heads over and stands in front of the official to raise his own arm.

Kris Cruise: TJ Techniques and Cassius Reed pick up the victory. It wouldn’t be easy taking on a team like The Saturnian Connection. But I have to say that this match could have gone the other way. SatCon are a good team. But Cassius nearly cost them the match.

Stephy Auger: No, you mean TJ nearly cost them the match! But they got the win. There are still some kinks that need to be ironed out. But as long as TJ knows his role, shuts his mouth and lets Cassius lead, this duo can go straight to the top.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We head backstage to FGA trepid reporter Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson: Guys tonight we have yet another chapter in the ongoing Saga between Mark Bisley and Ashley Marie Chase.

The camera moves to the right to show that AMC is standing next to a wall stretching in preparation of her upcoming title match.

Jessie Pederson: Ashley at tonight you face off with Mark once again but this time it will be a 2 out of 3 falls match.

AMC: …………..

AMC does not say anything and does even acknowledge that Jessie is standing next to her.

Jessie Pederson: Um ok. The last time we saw you in an FGA ring it was against Mark Bisley and Sloan Talbot. It appeared that you had that match won until Jaelynn Ramsey showed up and distracted you. Were you surprised that she showed up and your partner Ashley Sands did not?

AMC: …………..

Again AMC says nothing but this time she does look over at Jessie with a look of pure hatred in her eyes causing Jessie to take a step back.

Jessie Pederson: Ok that seemed to hit a nerve. We have seen that Jaelynn and her new partner in crime Sadie San Fran seem to have issues with not only Ashley Sands and Antoinette Sands but apparently you as well.

Again AMC scowls at Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: They took out Antoinette Sands as a way to stick it to Ashley Sands but it appears that you are targeted as well. Considering what has happened in the past do you blame Ashley Sands for what happened and are you worried that they may interfere in your business again tonight?

AMC again says nothing but grabs a chair causing Jessie to back away out of fear that AMC may take a swing at her. AMC grabs Jessie by the arm and pulls the microphone close.

AMC: I hope they try!

She pushes Jessie away and walks off with the chair leaving Jessie slightly rattled.

[FGA Office]

• PREVIOUSLY RECORDED •

In the bowels of the Manhattan Center there’s a certain cat which got a certain canary, and while it is unfortunate that we’re not talking about Sylvester finally putting Tweety Bird out of our collective misery, the obvious swagger in Mark Bisley’s step as he makes his way through the backstage area with the 15 Championship belt on his shoulder as he’s on a constant bearing with the camera crew is enough to make it clear that some gloating is imminent…

Mark Bisley: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mark Bisley, and as you might notice I am the reigning, defending, and all around best 15 Champion. In fact, as a great man once said, I feel good.

A beat

Mark Bisley: ...doo do do-do do-do-doo

Yes, that did just happen

Mark Bisley: …and it’s all because I was never concerned about whether I was the first, the second, the third or the twelfth Ashley of Frontier Grappling Arts, I was merely concerned in proving that I’m just me that I can be, because being the best me that I can be. And yet for some reason there’s always somebody who doubts me, and demands I prove myself yet again, as if the literally every single time I step in the ring didn’t prove it beforehand.

For a moment Bisley pauses, with the vaguest hint of a quiver in his voice, although he quickly pushes it down by clapping his hands together and continuing as if nothing happened

Mark Bisley: …and I could not be happier about this, because tonight this refusal to accept what your eyes are telling you has given me the opportunity to put…

Pausing to count on his fingers for a second as he considers committing to a bit, before shrugging it off and continuing

Mark Bisley: …whichever Ashley it is in the ground once and for all, as tonight requires me to not just beat her once to retain the 15 Championship, but twice. So tell me, ladies and gentlemen of internet comments sections far and wide, when you see me prove that I can decisively defeat Ashley Marie Chase twice in the same match, what is the narrative going to be? I got lucky…twice? I pulled a fast one…twice? There’s always an excuse, always an attempt to undermine everything I do, because it’s simply so hard for people to accept that I was better…once, for the period between the opening bell and the closing bell, and everything that my opponent does or did is just a distraction from what was going to happen all along. And I’m not going to say that I’m bitter, because I’m not, but I would appreciate it if the record were changed once in a while. Or if the song is going to remain the same, at least make it something worth listening to, such as The Ballad of Mark Bisley Being So Much Better than You Could Hope to Be. But…

With the swift raising of a finger, Bisley’s tone of voice instantly upticks into something more positive

Mark Bisley: …education takes time, so even if I do nudge people in the correct direction, I shouldn’t expect them to become experts overnight. After all, how many of my opponents assumed they were experts and were swiftly proven to be amateurs, and I don’t mean in the Olympic definition of “amateur” either. And, if I can get back to the subject in hand for a moment without somebody distracting me, tonight will be the final less on Ashley Marie Chase’s education as tonight is the night where she learns she simply cannot hang with me, and that’s okay, few people can – but most people realize this without having to resort to chicanery, shenanigans and flimflams to try and claim an advantage over me which just so happened to involve somebody else having to get involved, so I suppose that it’s kind of fitting that she learns the harshest lesson in the harshest manner possible.

With a shrug, Bisley switches onto another subject faster than he can catch breath

Mark Bisley: And, of course, this also means that things will change for me too. By putting Ashley Marie Chase behind me once and for all, I can look forward to new challengers and new challenges, which also means that the record changes as I no longer have to stand in the ring or stand backstage and hear Ashley Marie Chase’s entrance theme ever again, which is quite the relief as I have heard that theme a lot for the past few months and would appreciate a little variety. And that is what I am looking forward to: different opponents, different techniques, different backgrounds, different challenges, all so I can continue to grow as the performer that I know I am to the level I know I should be at, and when I do that I’m going to start hearing something different. No, not the entrance themes I hear from one side of the curtain or the other, but opinion, as it becomes harder and harder for people to make excuses to try and deny what their eyes tell them, because there is one thing their eyes will keep seeing: me, with my hand raised, as title after title is handed to me. But go ahead, tell me how my opponents keep making mistakes, just like Ashley Marie Chase will make a bunch of mistakes tonight, because at some point you might notice that the only person you claim isn’t making mistakes is me. And there’s a reason for that.

[FGA Office]

BEST 2 OUT OF 3 FALLS
FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Mark Bisley vs. 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

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

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is a Best 2 out of 3 Falls Match for the FGA 15 Championship! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Beverly Hills, California… ASHLEY MARIE CHASE!

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 was in no mood to talk, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Her head is clearly elsewhere. We’ve seen her before these battles with Mark Bisley before. She never lacked confidence. I would even argue thats he was arrogant. But not tonight. She is solely focused on Jaelynn Ramsey and Selfish San Francisco instead of being focused on the champion.

The arena lights dim to almost pitch blackness, save for a couple of blue lights that pulse in sync with the intro to "Storms End" that is rising in pitch and intensity until the main hook burst forth and, at that very second, the ramp is bathed in blue light as Mark Bisley strides onto the ramp before he turns his head towards the title resting upon his shoulder and raises the belt high above his head while wearing one hell of a self-satisfied smirk upon his face

Keeping his title raised as he makes his way down the ramp, Bisley walks at his own pace as he confidently walks to the ring at his own pace right up until he reaches the ringside area, and once he reaches the ringside area he lowers his arm and breaks into a short dash to give him the momentum to hop onto the ring apron where he crouches for a moment and taps the side of his head a couple of times to the song's beat before he climbs onto the nearest turnbuckles

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota! Weighing in at 201 pounds! He is the reigning… defending… FGA 15 Champion, MARK BISLEY!

As he stands on the turnbuckles with the title held firmly in his hands, Bisley fixes his eyes on his opponent as he looks down on them and the smirk leaves his face entirely as his eyes move from his opponent to the title and then back to his opponent once more, at which point he climbs down from the turnbuckles and the second his feet meet the canvas he whips the towel from around his shoulders and chucks it to the referee without taking his eyes off his opponent, as he takes a few steps forward so he's stood in the centre of the ring where he drops to a knee and carefully places his title on the mat where he runs his hand over its faceplate while looking his opponent dead in the eye to remind them of one fact: this is my title.

Kris Cruise: Mark Bisley is looking to put AMC in his rear view once and for all.

Stephy Auger: He’s been ready. This little saga should have been over and done with back at Only the Strong Survive. But Bisley will end this once and for all when he beats her not once, but twice here tonight.

The bell sounds as Bisley and AMC make their way out of their respective corners. The two rivals waste little time getting right into each others faces.

Kris Cruise: The bad blood between these two is palpable.

Bisley and AMC continues to exchange words until AMC pops him with a right hand! The cheers continue when AMC socks him with another right hand. AMC fires off four more punches before going for an irish whip. No! Bisley reverses, sending her into the ropes. AMC rebounds off the ropes and knocks Bisley down with a diving forearm smash. She then hits another set of ropes and comes back before knocking Bisley down with another diving forearm smash! AMC points to a third set of ropes. Upon hearing the cheers of the crowd, she turns and hits the ropes. When AMC comes back, Bisley turns and sees AMC rushing towards him. So he starts to backpedal. As AMC goes for another diving forearm, Bisley drops to the mat, causing AMC to whiff and crash across the canvas. AMC rolls out to the apron and pulls herself up before a shoulder thrust doubles her over. Bisley goes to bring AMC back inside with a vertical suplex, only for AMC to slip down from behind and roll him up with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet until AMC knocks Bisley down with a dropkick. Bisley scrambles back to a vertical base being knocked off his feet with another dropkick. AMC then takes Bisley and whips him into the ropes before catching him off the rebound with a running dropkick. The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley kicks out.

AMC takes Bisley, moves him into the corner and nails him with repeated chest kicks. Bisley is then whipped into the far corner before AMC rushes across the ring and nails him with a running corner knee to the face. AMC goes for a running bulldog out of the corner when Bisley shoves her off into the ropes. When AMC returns, Bisley throws out a lariat. The crowd cheers when AMC ducks and counters with a Float Over DDT! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley kicks out.

Kris Cruise: This match has been all AMC thus far.

Stephy Auger: That’s right. “Thus far.”

AMC steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. When Bisley gets back to his feet, AMC leaps off for It’s A Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Chase (high crossbody)! The crowd gasps… then boos when Bisley dropkicks her out of the air!

Kris Cruise: Mark Bisley with the anti air counter!

AMC guards her midsection while she lays on the floor. She slowly gets back to her feet until Bisley doubles her over with a rolling solebutt kick to the ribs. The boos continue as Bisley lifts AMC up across his shoulder before bringing her down with Blind Destiny (Canadian backbreaker rack dropped into double knee gutbuster)! He makes the cover.

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

Bisley snatches AMC up before throwing her down with a snap suplex. AMC gets pulled back to her feet before being thrown down with a second snap suplex. Bisley turns over and hooks the leg.

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

Bisley takes AMC and sends her for the ride. When AMC returns, Bisley throws her down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. He then flops over into a jackknife pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
AMC starts to bridge up before her torso gives out, sending Bisley falling back on top of her. Bisley lays in place for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: AMC couldn’t power out of that jackknife pin.

Stephy Auger: She’s hurt already, Cruise! This match has the potential to span three falls. But with the shape she’s in, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bisley takes this in two straight falls.

Bisley pulls AMC to her feet and takes control of her back before bringing her down with the Chase Killer Combo (two rolling German suplexes followed by a release Dragon suplex)! The boos continue as Bisley heads over and makes the cover.

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

Bisley pulls AMC back to her feet, takes control of her back and brings her down with two more rolling German Suplexes! Bisley rolls over and pulls AMC back to feet. He hooks her arms for another Dragon Suplex when AMC reverses into a wheelbarrow victory roll.

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

Bisley kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Chase nearly got him with that reversal.

Both grapplers scramble back to her feet. AMC steps forward before Bisley drops her down to a knee with a superkick to the lower leg. Bisley then throws out a superkick to the face. The crowd cheers when AMC reaches up and catches his foot in time. Bisley proceeds to hop up and down on one leg while AMC gets back to her feet. He goes to catch AMC off guard with an enzuigiri. But AMC ducks the kick! AMC reaches down, pulls Bisley back to his feet from behind and brings him down with a Scorpion Death Drop! She makes the cover.

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

Bisley reverses an irish whip, sending AMC into the ropes. When she returns, Bisley chucks her across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! The crowd boos as AMC bounces off the mat before rolling out to the apron. AMC starts to pull herself up using the ropes until Bisley doubles her over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Bisley goes for the a slingshot DDT, only for AMC to drop to a knee on the apron and hang onto the middle rope. The crowd cheers when Bisley slips off AMC and smacks the back of his head against the floor!

Stephy Auger: Mark!

Kris Cruise: AMC blocked that DDT attempt on the apron. Bisley looks to be shaken up after the fall to the floor.

Bisley turns over on all fours and tries to shake out the cobwebs. As soon as he gets back to his feet, AMC runs over and connects with a baseball slide to the back of the head, sending him tumbling to the floor. AMC slips out to the floor and pulls Bisley into a standing headscissors before bringing him down with the Name Dropper (Pedigree)! The cheers continue as she pushes Bisley back inside and rolls herself back in before making the cover.

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

Bisley gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: AMC was that close to going up one fall on Bisley.

Stephy Auger: All she had to do was drag him a couple inches away from the ropes.

AMC picks up Bisley and heads across the ring before bringing him down with a running bulldog. She then heads over and sets up shop in the corner before waving Bisley up. Bisley struggles to push himself up off the mat before running over and delivering the Full Facial (Curb Stomp)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Kris Cruise: Chase had done it! She gets the first fall! Now, all the pressure is on Mark Bisley! He has to win the next two falls to walk out of here with the 15 Championship.

Stephy Auger: If there’s anyone that can handle this pressure, it’s Mark Bisley. I’m not worried on the slightest.

Kris Cruise: You are worried.

Stephy Auger: Don’t you tell me how I’m feeling! Mark Bisley has won that title twice! He is a former World Tag Team Champion! This man has championship experience!

Kris Cruise: So does Ashley Marie Chase! AMC knows how to get the job done in championship bouts. She has the experience. She has more experience than Bisley, actually. AMC knows how to close a match out.

Stephy Auger: We’ll see.

ASHLEY MARIE CHASE - 1
MARK BISLEY - 0

*DING! DING!! DING!!!*

AMC runs back over before knocking Bisley down with another diving forearm smash! The cheers continue as AMC steps out to the apron and scales the turnbuckles. AMC gets to the top, leaps off and tackles Bisley down with the high crossbody! NO! Bisley rolls through it and hooks the leg.

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

AMC kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Bisley nearly tired this one up!

Both grapplers return to their feet. AMC tries to catch Bisley with a kick to the midsection. But it’s Bisley that ends up catching her foot in time. Bisley taunts AMC by pointing to his head. But he taunts for too long as AMC catches him with an enzuigiri. The cheers continue as Bisley staggers across the ring before collapsing against the ropes. AMC gets back to her feet and runs over to attack until Bisley comes off the ropes with a high speed running dropkick to the knee. The cheers turn to boos when AMC crumbles to the mat.

Kris Cruise: Bisley’s gone after the back and ribs. Now, he’s targeting the leg.

Stephy Auger: Which is smart! She can’t fly off the top with a bad leg. She can’t hit that Curb Stomp with a bad leg. This is great strategy by Bisley. They call him “Smart” Mark for a reason, you know.

AMC continue to favor her right leg as Bisley heads back over. He reaches down, lifts up the leg and delivers a KneeDT (Foot DDT)! Bisley takes AMC by the hair and brings her back to her feet before throwing her down with a dragon screw. Bisley pulls AMC back up before delivering yet another dragon screw. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Bisley only gets a count of two. But he’s starting to wear AMC down.

Stephy Auger: He needs to stay on the attack. Show no mercy. Continue to attack that leg.

Bisley start to pull AMC back up until she hits him with right hands to the midsection. The cheers continue as AMC fights back with punches to the face. AMC throws out another punch, only for Bisley to swat it away and counter with an elbow smash. Bisley then steps back and knocks AMC down with the Anaconda Bite (superkick to an opponent's leg followed by a superkick to the kneeling opponent)! With AMC down on the mat, Bisley steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. Once Bisley reaches the top, he leaps off and crashes down across AMC with the Sapienza (frog splash to the opponent's legs)! The boos continue as Bisley steps out to the apron, rushes back to the top, leaps off and lands down hard across her with another Sapienza. Instead of going for a cover, Bisley makes his way back out to the apron. Bisley takes in the disdain of the crowd.

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Kris Cruise: This crowd is really letting Bisley have it. They don’t appreciate him forgoing a pin attempt to

Stephy Auger: They hate him now? Well, they’re really gonna hate him after this! Do it again, Bisley! ONE MORE TIME!

Bisley climbs with a purpose to the top turnbuckle. He reaches the top and scans the crowd before jumping off and delivering a third Sapienza! After wrapping up AMC’s legs, Bisley turns her over into the Minnesota Cloverleaf (Texas cloverleaf with a knee to the opponent's back)! The boos grow even louder when they hear AMC yell out in pain. The challenger tries to hang on. But as soon as Bisley starts to lean back, AMC is forced to tap out!

Kris Cruise: Mark Bisley has tied it up.

Stephy Auger: Just like that! See? See!? What did I tell you, Cruise? This match was far from over. You were ready to write him off. These idiots thought that AMC had this in the bag after winning that first fall. I bet you even Ashley herself thought she had this thing won. But you can never count Mark Bisley out. Never! He took the loss of the first fall, shook it off and came back with a plan of attack. Now look, Cruise. Now look at it. It’s all tied up. You could say it’s anyone’s match now. But if you ask me, the pressure is all on Chase. She didn’t close things out when she should’ve. She didn’t take care of business and now she’s one fall away from losing this match!

ASHLEY MARIE CHASE - 1
MARK BISLEY - 1

*DING! DING!! DING!!!*

Bisley darts across the ring and goes to take out AMC’s knee with another low dropkick. But the former champion is able to roll out of the way in time. AMC gets back to her feet, turns around and gets overwhelmed as Bisley rushes in with rapid fire elbow smashes! The boos continue as AMC gets moved into the corner before getting doubled over with another rolling solebutt kick to the ribs. Bisley further targets the midsection with multiple deep shoulder thrusts. He then latches onto AMC’s neck before delivering the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head). Bisley drags AMC out of the corner before bringing her down with Greetings from the Twin Cities (hangman's neckbreaker over the knee)! He makes the cover.

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

Bisley brings AMC down with another snap suplex before heading back out to the apron. The champion scales to the top, leaps off for another Sapienza and misses when AMC rolls out of the way in time. The crowd cheers when Bisley crashes hard across the canvas.

Kris Cruise: Bisley went for a fourth frog splash, but he caught nothing but the canvas on that one!

Stephy Auger: C’mon, Mark. get back up. Don’t let her take your title from you again!

AMC looks over and sees Bisley curled up on the mat. So she retreats into the corner and waits for him to get into position. Once Bisley finally gets back to his feet and turns around, AMC charges out of the corner. The crowd gasps when she throws out the Walk of Fame (spear), only for Bisley to side step, catch her in mid air and counter with the Paul Krause (Bisley sidesteps a leaping opponent and catches them with a shinbreaker)! Bisley immediately hooks AMC’s right leg and tries to turn her over with the L'Étoile du Nord (Canadian Maple Leaf)! AMC starts fighting like hell to free herself. So she repeatedly nails Bisley with kicks to the face. Bisley tries to fight through it, but he eventually gets knocked down. Bisley then scrambles right back to his feet before hooking AMC’s right leg again. He tries to turn her over into the L'Étoile du Nord. This time, AMC violently swings her left heel over and over against Bisley. AMC desperately fights to escape while Bisley tries to turn her over. She eventually wins the battle as Bisley is once again knocked down to the mat. But he scrambles right back to his feet. He goes to grab AMC’s leg when AMC sits up and rolls him up in a small package!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley shifts his weight over on top of AMC, reversing the small package…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
AMC rolls back over and reverses the small package…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Bisley rolls back over and reverses the small package…

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
AMC kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet. AMC throws out a kick to the midsection. But once again, it gets caught. Bisley wastes no time swinging the leg away from him before taking control of her back. He hoists AMC up for a belly to back suplex. But AMC rolls over his shoulder. As soon as she lands, the crowd gasps when they see her right knee buckle.

Stephy Auger: Her knee just gave out!

Bisley turns around and motions to attack, only for AMC to catch him by surprise with the Kick of Doom (superkick)! The crowd cheers when AMC uses her left leg to hit another Kick of Doom! With Bisley down, AMC limps across the ring before stepping out to the apron. Bisley starts to pick himself back up while AMC climbs the turnbuckles. AMC reaches the top and jumps off before knocking him down with the high crossbody!

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

Bisley gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: That was close!

Stephy Auger: Too close!

AMC takes Bisley, moves him into the corner and delivers repeated chest kick. She then sets up for an irish whip, only to get reversed. Bisley runs across the ring to follow up with an attack when AMC turns him around with a boot to the face. The crowd cheers as AMC steps out to the apron, climbs the turnbuckles, jumps off and drives him down with a top rope bulldog! She makes the cover.

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

Bisley gets his shoulder up.

AMC takes Bisley and pulls him into a standing headscissors. She starts to motion for a cradle piledriver when Bisley counters with a back body drop. Bisley then steps out to the apron and waits for AMC to get in position. Once AMC is finally back to her feet, Bisley leaps up. The crowd gasps when Bisley goes for a springboard lariat… then cheers when AMC counters with another Kick of Doom!

Bisley slowly turns over onto he knee. He tries to shake out the cobwebs as AMC limps over. She jumps up for another Curb Stomp, only for Bisley to get to his feet, catch her in the air and deliver another Paul
Krause! The boos continue as Bisley takes AMC and brings her down with the Move of the Year (Shiranui)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout… aaaaaaand STILLLLLLL the FGA 15 Champion, MARK BISLEY

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Evan Envi vs. Sara Mason

Red lights pulse throughout the arena as "Dear Enemy" begins to radiate throughout the arena, almost immediately followed by Sara Mason marches through the entranceway and pauses at the top of the ramp, dropping into a crouch as she looks towards the ring as a wicked smirk begins to cross her face

Dear Enemy
All that makeup that you wear
Will never hide
There's a devil under there
Dear Enemy
Are you really that insane?
To think that you
Are the only one in pain

Once she's walked halfway down the ramp Mason breaks into a sprint, bearing down upon the ring before she dives under the bottom rope and slides into the ring, quickly rising to a knee as she holds out her arms to let her opponent know that, yes, she's here - now what the hell do they plan on doing about it?

J.A. Aldridge The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Salem, Oregon! She is one half of Silk & Cyanide… SARA MASON!

How could you do this to me?
Tell me did ya feel good? Did ya get relief?
You know you're a super creep
Cause the things you do won't let you sleep
Got no friends only enemies
Now you got one more...cause you're dead to me

With her eyes fixed firmly upon her opponent Mason crawls back a few paces into the nearest corner so she can reach up to grab the middle ropes, lifting herself back into a crouching position without breaking her stare at any point, and as she awaits the opening bell a sick smile begins to form upon her face

The familiar, frantic instrumental slams into the PA system, drawing a pop from the crowd in attendance. Multi-colored strobes dance throughout the venue as the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” blares throughout. Upon the first hint of vocals, Evan Envi steps through the tunnel and onto the ramp, his signature jacket thrown on, hood pulled up over his head, slightly obscuring the view of his face. He takes a few steps forward, eyes pointed downward… until a smirk crosses his face and he looks up, peeling the hood off of his head..

J.A. Aldridge Her opponent, hailing from Ocean City, Maryland! Weighing in at 204 pounds! He is the “Chief” EVAN ENVI!

Raising his signature Double V’s high into the air, Envi makes his way down the ramp. Evan climbs the stairs and finally lowers his arms once he’s climbed the ropes near the turnbuckles as if walking a staircase, standing at the top as he unzips his jacket, shooting a wink toward the audience members nearest to him. Envi tosses his jacket aside and leaps from the top rope down into the ring, running the ropes just once before coming to a stop at the ropes nearest to the hard camera, staring coolly into the lens-- at someone-- before the smallest smile returns to his face and he backs to the center of the ring, music fading.

The crowd boos when Envi gets driven down from behind with a one-handed bulldog!

Kris Cruise: Envi just got caught from behind! Mason’s going for the cover!

ONE!
.
.
Envi kicks out.

Stephy Auger: You would think Envi would be smarter than to turn his back on someone like Sara Mason.

Envi reverses an irish whip, sending Mason into the ropes. When she returns, the crowd boos when she tackles him down with a Lou Thesz Press before following up with multiple headbutts. Envi is then pulled back to his feet before being given an inverted atomic drop. The Chief remains doubled over before Mason brings him back down with a jumping front facelock into a double knee chest breaker! While Envi is down in the prone position, Mason hits the ropes before delivering a running senton across the back. She delivers a second running senton for good measure before pushing him over to make the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Envi kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Mason has been all over Envi since the opening bell.

Stephy Auger: I’m not surprised. A couple years ago, it would be Envi that would be getting the jump on his opponents. But not now. No. Envi isn’t the man he used to be. He lost his edge. People like NEON and Ricky Valero gave him that edge. Now, he’s gone soft and spends his time swooning over that swine Fujiko Mine!

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy!

Mason pulls Envi up and sets up for another irish whip when the Chief reverses, sending her into the corner. Envi rushes in to attack before Mason steps out and throws him into the turnbuckles with a japanese arm drag! The boos continue as Mason picks up Envi before slamming him face-first into the top turnbuckle. She turns the Chief around and cracks him with a headbutt before catching him with a cross chop to the throat. Mason pulls Envi back up and sends him slumping down in the corner with a series of palm strikes to the chest, followed by an elbow to the face. She then steps back towards the center of the ring before rushing into the corner to catch Envi with multiple running dropkicks. The boos continue as she drags Envi out of the corner before making the cover.

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

Mason takes Envi and whips her into the ropes. When he returns, he sees Mason setting up for a back body drop. So Envi stops and counters with The Blues (snap double arm DDT)! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Envi drops Mason with his patented DDT, but he only gets a two count.

Stephy Auger: Years ago, when Envi hit The Blues, that meant that the match was over! Envi hits it now? Only a two count. Like I said, he’s lost his edge.


Envi scoops Mason up across his shoulders and motions to launch her over to the top rope a Lawn Dart. Mason then slips down from behind and shoves him into the ropes. After Envi ricochets off the ropes, the crowd boos when she catches him with a forearm strike across the lower back. Mason then stops Envi down across the bottom rope before standing across his back to choke him.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Mason slingshots over the top rope, lands in font of Envi on the floor and whacks him with another Salem Slap! She then slips back inside, brings Envi back to his feet and takes him down with the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent)! While Envi rolls over into the prone position, Mason steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. She leaps off for a flying elbow drop… and misses when Envi rolls out of the way.

Kris Cruise: Nobody was home on that one! The Chief has found his opening! Can he get back into this contest?

Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Envi knocks her back with a forearm strike. Another forearm strike connects. Mason gets rocked with a third forearm before being moved into the corner. From there, the crowd WOOs as Envi delivers rapid, alternating, European Uppercuts and knife edge chops. Mason is then whipped hard into the far corner. As she staggers out, Envi grabs her before throwing her down with a Sambo Suplex! He makes the cover.

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

Mason reverses an irish whip, sending Envi into the ropes. She sets up for another back body drop until Envi stops, knocks her upright with a kick to the face and throws her down with a belly to belly suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Envi picks up Mason and delivers an irish whip before following her into the corner and hitting a European Uppercut. He delivers another irish whip, follows Mason back across the ring and catches her with another European Uppercut. Envi then pulls Mason out of the corner, lifts her up and throws her down with a front suplex across the top rope. Mason continues to hang across the rope while Envi steps out to the apron. The Chief scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks her down with a diving leg drop. He makes the cover.

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

Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Mason got the shoulder up in time, but just barely. The Chief has been firing on all cylinders after avoiding the diving elbow from Mason.

Envi pulls Mason back up and places her in a Straightjacket Choke before bringing her down with multiple kneeling backbreakers. With Mason down, Envi steps over her before heading to the corner. Envi scales to the top and flips back for The Classics (diving moonsault)! The crowd gasps when Mason rolls out of the way! But Envi’s able to land on his feet! Mason gets back to her feet, rushes over to attack and gets caught with a superkick! The Chief blasts her with another superkick before throwing her down with a Uranage! Envi reaches down, pulls Mason gets up and lifts her up across his shoulders before throwing her down with a Running Liger Bomb!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

J.A. Aldridge Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout, EVAN ENVI!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Nina Stokes 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: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the FGA UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! 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 was given this opportunity by Nina stokes after All-Star Showdown IX. She thinks of Marlon as a worthy and deserving challenger.

Stephy Auger: Correction. Cure is getting the opportunity because Stokes willed it and allowed it to happen. King Cyre unfortunately came up short against Tyler Storm when he challenged for the Pride Championship. Will he come up empty handed again here tonight?

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

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

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

Nina paces around for a moment. Then she removes her jacket and tosses it into the corner. Afterwards, Nina removes the championship belt from her waist and walks to the center of the ring. She hoists the United States Championship high into the air as a wick smirk forms. When she is done, she casually gives the belt to the referee. Nina pulls on the ropes and stretches before she lounges in the corner and waits for the start of the match.

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes has successfully defend her championship three times. However, that last desense was due to a time limit draw between herself and her rival, Sadie San Francisco.

Stephy Auger: Selfish San Francisco had the nerve to say that Nina Stokes didn’t win, she survived. Let me ask you, Cruise, what planet is Sadie on? What in the hell is she talking about? Nina survived? Let me tell Selfish Sadie what was happening in that match. The Kodiak was mauling her. Nina Stokes was cleaning her clock. Nina wasn't the one trapped in a submission when time expired. It was Sadie and she was hanging on by a thread! If Selfish Sadie was smart, she would lick her wounds, accept the fact that Nina is out of her league and go bother someone else. If she even thinks about crossing Stokes again, then she will get everything that comes to her.

The bell sounds as champion and challenger meet up in the center of the ring. Stokes and Cure stare each other down until Cure takes a couple steps back. King Cure begins to circle the ring. The Kodiak starts to do the same. Both grapplers continue to size each other up. Stokes starts to close the distance until Cure throws out a roundhouse kick, forcing her back. Stokes starts to close the distance again before firing off a low shoot kick to the outer leg. Stokes catches Cure with another shoot kick to the outer leg. The Kodiak throws out a third kick. But this time, Cure checks it. Cure responds with a shot kick of his own. Stokes delivers another shoot kick before Cure answers back with one of his own. Champion and challenger trade shoot kicks again until Stokes doubles him over with a rolling solebutt to the midsection. She then locks Cure in a side headlock. Stokes doesn't stay in control for long as Cure shoves her off into the ropes. When Stokes returns, she tries to knock Cure off his feet with a running roundhouse kick. But Cure blocks by grabbing her leg. After swinging the leg away from him, Cure takes control of Stokes’ back and throws out a belly to back suplex. Stokes rolls over his shoulder, lands on her feet and throws out the Divine Night (rolling elbow). The Kodiak whiffs when Cure ducks the strike. He turns and throws out a Rolling Elbow of his own. But he misses when Stokes ducks out of the way. Cure turns around and gets nailed with the Divine Night. King Cure remains dazed until Stokes him down with a second Divine Night! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Cure kicks out.

Kris Cruise: The second discus elbow dropped him, but he was able to kick out in time.

Stephy Auger: Cure might have kicked out. But that elbow rocked him something serious.

Stokes takes Cure, moves him into the corner and unloads on him with multiple shoot kicks to the chest. She sets up for an irish whip when Cure reverses, sending her into the far corner. Cure runs across the ring to attack until he gets turned around with a boot to the face. Cure appears dazed before quickly following up with a Pelé Kick! Cure takes Stokes and whips her into the opposite corner. The challenger rushes in to attack when Stokes knocks him back with a back elbow to the face. Cure tries to shake out the cobwebs as Stokes takes off into the ropes. She comes back and goes for a running hurricanrana. But Cure blocks it, leaving Stokes hanging upside down. Cure shakes his head ‘no’ before pulling Stokes back up onto his shoulders. He then shifts Stokes so that she’s held up in a fireman’s carry. The crowd gasps when Cure falls back and throws out The Blackout (fireman’s carry dropped into an overhead kick)! NO! Stokes catches his foot on the way down. She then throws the leg back, sending Cure rolling backwards onto his knees. The crowd gasps when Stokes darts over and throws out Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (Boma Ye Knee Strike) right to the face! NO! Stokes misses when Cure ducks and rolls to the outside in the nick of time.

Kris Cruise: Cure was THIS close to getting his head kneed off his body!

Stephy Auger: He has to be breathing a sight of relief right about now.

Stokes rolls to the outside and goes after Cure. While Cure is taking a breather, the crowd boos when Jenny Cien slips in front of him, blocking Stokes’ path towards him. Stokes proceeds to look Cien up and down. The look on Stokes’ face tells that she isn’t impressed with what she sees. The champ the turns her attention back to Cure before rolling back inside.

Kris Cruise: Stokes is smart enough not to fall for whatever plan Cien had in mind.

Cure makes his way back up the steps before stepping back in through the ropes. Cure and Stokes circle the ring again before locking up. After jockeying for position, Stokes gains the advantage with another side headlock. Cure goes to shove her off into the ropes again. This time, Stokes hangs on. Cure then hits Stokes with two forearm shots to the ribs before trying to shove her back off into the ropes. Once again, Stokes hangs on. So Cure takes Stokes and moves her into the near ropes. King Cure tries to get a running start before trying to push her off into the far ropes. Stokes drops to a knee while keeping the side headlock applied. After battling back to his feet, Cure takes Stokes and tries to counter with a belly to back suplex. Stokes rolls over his shoulder, lands on her feet and places him in another side headlock. Cure is then brought down to the mat with a side headlock takeover before Stokes reverses into a grounded headscissors. The Kodiak doesn’t stay in control for long as Cure escapes with a kip up. Stokes then scrambles back to her feet before catching Cure in another side headlock. Cure takes Stokes, lifts her up and brings her down with a belly to back suplex. Stokes then quickly reaches over and places Cure in yet another side headlock.

The ref gets down and asks Cure if he wants to give up. The challenger refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Cure takes Stokes, lifts her up and delivers a shinbreaker, breaking the hold. Stokes hobbles on one leg until a front leg sweep drops her down to all fours. Cure then hits the ropes, comes back and flattens Stokes with a running 540° Corkscrew Senton Bomb across the back! He pulls Stokes over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stokes kicks out.

Cure takes Stokes, brings her back to her feet and delivers another shinbreaker. He then drags her into position and steps out to the apron before bringing himself back inside with a topé atomico. Cure slingshots back out to the apron and goes for another topé atomico. Stokes instinctively lifts her knees up to block the move. But the counter hurts her just as much as it does Cure. Both grapplers get back to their feet before Stokes gets doubled over with a boot to the midsection. Cure then lifts Stokes up before bringing her down with a bridging Fisherman Suplex.

ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!

Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Cure picks up Stokes, lifts her up and plants her with a Small Package Driver.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Stokes kicks out.

Cure pulls Stokes back up, cross her legs and lifts her up before planting her with My Name Is My Name (Cross-Legged Fisherman Buster)!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Stokes gets her shoulder up. Cien can be seen slapping the apron on the outside before holding three fingers up at the referee.

Kris Cruise: Cien thought it was three. I know Cure wishes it was three. But Stokes got her shoulder up in time.

Stephy Auger: Marlon Cure has come so close to winning the World Champion and Pride Championship. He doesn’t want to walk out of this match without the gold.

Cure pulls Stokes up and doubles her over with four knees to the midsection. He then hits the ropes and comes back before bringing her down with the Throwback. Stokes remains in the prone position as Cure heads into the corner. He looks out to Cien, who points to the top. King Cure then scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and lands across Stokes’ back with No Ceilings (Sky Twister Press)! He pulls Stokes over and makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: That has to be it right there!


ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

Stephy Auger: NO!

The crowd sighs when Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Marlon Cure was just a half second away from becoming the new United States Champion. He was THAT close, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: That has to feel like a gut punch to King Cure. He’s thrown everything at The Kodiak. But he can’t keep the champion down for the three count.

Cure slowly pulls Stokes back to her feet with The Kodiak catches him by surprise with A Slice of Grace (throat punch)! Cure is then knocked into the corner with a palm strike flurry to the chest before catching him with a lariat! Stokes throws out another lariat before Cure knocks her back with a forearm strike. Stokes heads back over into the corner and nails him with another lariat before being knocked back with another forearm strike. Cure shuffles out of the corner and drops Stokes down to a knee with a low dropkick to the leg. Cure then hits the ropes, returns and flattens her with a Shining Wizard! Cure makes the cover.

ONE!


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TWO
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THR-NO!

Stokes gets her shoulder up.

Stokes reverses an irish whip, sending Cure into the ropes. When Cure returns, Stokes tries to catch him with a boot to the midsection. Cure ends up catching her foot before swinging the leg away from him. He then takes control of Stokes’ back before bringing her down with a ripcord slingblade! Stokes remains sprawled out on the mat while Cure exits out to the apron.

Stephy Auger: Cure wants to put this one away right here!

The crowd gasps when Cure springboards to the top turnbuckle before walking halfway across the top rope. Cure stops, flips off for the Reign Storm (Ropewalk Corkscrew 630° senton) and misses when Stokes rolls out of the way!

Kris Cruise: Cure caught nothing but the canvas!

Cien is seen slapping the apron repeatedly while she yells at Cure to get up. Cure is seen favoring is lower back while Stokes starts to stir on the mat. Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Cure throws out a roundhouse kick. Stokes swats it away before blasting him with the Divine Night! Cure is then whipped into the ropes before being caught off the rebound with a running roundhouse kick to the face! Cure returns to his feet before being doubled over with another rolling solebutt to the ribs! Stokes knocks him upright with a rising knee to the chin before another rolling solebutt doubles him back over! She then latches onto his wrist before catching him with multiple wristlock face kicks! Stokes then delivers a pointed elbow across the back of the neck before whipping him into the corner. The Kodiak charges across the ring and crushes Cure with running double knees in the corner! Stokes delivers another irish whip, follows him back across the ring and delivers another set of running double knees! After Cure crumbles out of the corner, Stokes scales to the top turnbuckle and jumps off for a diving double foot stomp. Cure rolls out of the way at the last second! After landing on her feet, Stokes’ momentum sends her rolling forward. Stokes rolls back to her feet, turns and rushes forward. Cure runs right at her and throws out a flying forearm bash. But Stokes counters in mid air with a bicycle knee!! Cure slowly starts to push himself up onto his knees before Stokes darts over and blasts him in the back of the head with Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III!!! She pulls him over and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

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

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns from the commercial break to the sight of Amanda Johnson standing somewhere backstage, microphone in hand.

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time… she is one half of the FGA World Tag Team Champions… Lowri Moss!

The camera pans out, and the [restricted] audience responds with a cheer, as the winner of the 2020 Gold Rush Rumble comes into view. Dressed casually, in a pair of jeans and a replica Wales rugby union jersey, she has both of the World Tag Team Championship belts on her person, with one on either shoulder.

Amanda Johnson: Lowri, I know you have an announcement that you want to make, so… the floor is yours.

Lowri smiles courteously at the reporter.

Lowri Moss: Thanks, Amanda.

She then turns to face the camera.

Lowri Moss: Yes, as I alluded to earlier on Twitter, I have an announcement that I need to make, and it concerns these titles that are on my shoulders.

She glances at the two championship belts, before returning her focus to the camera.

Lowri Moss: It’s not far off two years ago now, since the night in May of 2019 when Gareth-- or Neal, as I guess he’s still better known to most of you-- when he and I won these titles. Our predecessors as champions, The Chaotics, had begun to complain about a lack of competition, but then the two of us came along, and not only did we present them with some new challengers, we went and ended their record-setting reign as World Tag Team Champions.

A smirk crosses her face.

Lowri Moss: Since then, we’ve gone on to have a record-breaking reign of our own, breaking not just the records that The Chaotics had set in the tag team division, but also the records for both the longest reign and the most successful title defences by any champion, or champions, in FGA history.

And possibly also the record for the most combined days as champion(s), but this writer has elected not to look into that one.

Lowri Moss: I’m not sure of the exact number of days that we’ve held these titles for, but even allowing for the period when FGA suspended its shows due to the pandemic, I know that it's close to six hundred. And in that time, we’ve defended the titles against teams from both inside and outside FGA, including the likes of Bristow & Barnes, the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad, Silk & Cyanide, and of course, the Super Mario Wrestling Bros.

Pendragon’s victory at All-Star Showdown IX was the second of two successful title defenses against the SMWB.

Lowri Moss: We even unified the titles with the United States tag team titles, and… all told, it has been a reign that has surpassed any goals that we could’ve possibly considered setting for ourselves back when we became the champions. However… nothing goes on forever-- all good things must come to an end eventually.

Lowri lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss: Neal… Gareth… he made it publicly known a number of months ago that he was going to retire from wrestling at the end of last year, and… although I don’t have any such intentions, I can’t defend these titles on my own, while my partner is sitting at home on the sofa. And so, tonight, I’m here to announce… that we are vacating the world tag team titles.

After pausing for a moment to allow that to sink in, Lowri turns her attention to Amanda, who is a bit taken aback by that news, although not that you would know it from her body language, ever the professional.

Amanda Johnson: I have to say, Lowri, that I’m quite surprised by that announcement, and I’m sure I won’t be the only one who’s surprised by it. After all, you had both previously said that you were going to keep defending the world tag titles until you lost them, so I have to ask, what has changed?

Lowri Moss: You’re right, Amanda, we had planned to continue to defend the titles until we lost them, but three months have now passed since All-Star Showdown, and in that time, Gareth has, I guess… he has gotten used to not wrestling. He had one final singles match in Underground, when he had a match with a prosthetic leg--

Yes, that really happened.

Lowri Moss: But that was two and a half months ago, and since then, as I said, I think he has gotten used to not wrestling, he has gotten used to not training, not having to get himself prepared for a match, so I think now… I think he simply doesn't want to get back inside a wrestling ring again any time soon - if ever.

Amanda Johnson: Well, I suppose one effect of you and Neal… errr… Gareth--

Amanda correcting herself causes Lowri to chuckle.

Amanda Johnson: One effect of the two of you vacating the world tag team titles is that it will enable you, Lowri, to concentrate solely on your career singles career here in FGA, without you having to wrestle multiple times at each pay-per-view event, as was the case for you throughout last year.

Lowri Moss: Yes, that’s true. I know I had said in the past-- in fact, I think it was you that I said it to, Amanda-- that I wouldn’t want to sacrifice what Gareth and I had achieved as a team for the sake of my singles career, but… that was before he decided to retire from wrestling, and so… yeah, I’m sure not having to pull double duty, or even triple duty, can only be beneficial for me as far as my goals as a singles grappler are concerned.

Amanda Johnson: I can’t talk about you and singles competition without bringing up the match that you had with Cordelia Stevenson at All-Star Showdown. The match ended in somewhat controversial fashion, and I know that you spoke briefly to Jessie Pederson about it afterwards, but I was wondering, do you have anything more than you want to say about it now, now that you’ve had three months to reflect on what happened?

Lowri responds with a shake of her head.

Lowri Moss: Not really, Amanda. I still don’t particularly want to go into any great detail about it. And besides, like you said, three months have now passed, so whatever frustration, or even anger, that I felt at the time about the way the match ended, that has long since gone away-- what happened… happened. One thing that definitely hasn’t gone away though is my aspiration to be a top champion in FGA.

Another, smaller sigh escapes her lips.

Lowri Moss: You know, Amanda, I always try to do things the right way, inside and outside the ring, without ever compromising my values or my principles. That’s why you won’t ever see me grab an opponent’s tights, or put my feet on the ropes for extra leverage. It’s also why you haven’t seen me already tonight, demanding to be given a rematch with Cordy-- if I'm going to get another shot at the international heavyweight title, or one at the world title, rather than it being given to me, I'm going to earn it, just like I earned the shot that I got at All-Star Showdown, even if that means that I have to go through another twenty-eight, twenty-nine people to get it, and then--

Lowri stops in mid-sentence, as something crosses her mind.

Lowri Moss: Are you familiar with the poem “The Guy in the Glass” by Dale Wimbrow, Amanda?

Now it is Amanda’s turn to shake her head.

Amanda Johnson: No, I can't say that I am.

Lowri Moss: It’s a poem I first heard a few years ago, and in the days following All-Star Showdown IX, I found myself thinking about it. I’m not going to recite the whole thing, but I will recite the final verse.

There is another momentary pause, this time as Lowri tries to make sure that she gets the words correct.

Lowri Moss: “You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, and get pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartaches and tears, if you've cheated the guy in the glass.”

She smiles, pleased with herself for having remembered all of the words.

Lowri Moss: The message of the poem, essentially, is that we’ll only be at ease with ourselves if we can look in the mirror and accept what we see. And when the day comes when I reach the top of the mountain in FGA-- because I will get there, Amanda, eventually-- I'll go to the mirror and look at myself, and I’ll be able to smile, knowing that, whatever I had to go through along the way, I got there by doing things the right way, without ever taking any shortcuts.

Just as Lowri finishes that sentence, something-- or rather, someone-- out of the view of the camera catches her eye.

Lowri Moss: Oh hey. After talking earlier about record-setting champions, look who it is!

The camera swings to focus on a figure walking through the halls of the Grand Ballroom. They walk with a purpose as they approach the stationary position of the camera, and before long the shadows reveal the figure’s face. The crowd cheers loudly as they see the face of the Apex Goddess, Fujiko Mine. She is full on in her ring gear and entrance attire, and gives a little bit of a wink to the camera as she approaches Lowri.

Fujiko Mine: Couldn’t help but overhear on the way to the ring that you’ve got to vacate the titles.

Her playful look dissipates as she confirms that she overheard Lowri’s announcement, before a wink is placed at the end of her next sentence.

Fujiko Mine: You know, I’m no Neal, but I might’ve done in a pinch. But seriously, it is not an easy decision you make, and I’m sorry to see Pendragon end this way. But I know you’re not one to sit back.

Fujiko leans forward slightly, her irises quickly shifting back and forth. She takes a step forward, moving closer to Lowri. She scans Lowri’s face for a few crucial seconds, then leans back.

Fujiko Mine: I can see it in your eyes, Lowri. You’ve got the same plans as me. You’re going to prove you deserve another chance, just like me. You’re going to win and win and win until you are competing for a top title in this company again, and you’re going to win it the way you are meant to. You’ll get there, and you’ll get there without taking any shortcuts.

Lowri nods her head, in full agreement with everything that Fujiko just said.

Lowri Moss: Yup. And like you said to me on Twitter not so long ago, maybe I'll see you there, right?

Fujiko smiles and nods.

Fujiko Mine: Maybe you will, indeed.

Lowri smiles back at her.

Lowri Moss: Good luck against Savannah.

Fujiko steps back into Lowri’s space again. She gently picks up Lowri’s hands, and looks into them.

Fujiko Mine: There is gonna be a championship in these hands again, mark my words.

She smiles, and then leans in and whispers something into Lowri’s ear. Whatever she says, it causes Lowri's smile to broaden into a big grin. She then clears Lowri’s space quickly.

Fujiko Mine: Good to see you, Amanda. Hope you’ve been well. Excuse me, I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but I have a match, and losing isn’t in the plans.

Fujiko backs away from Amanda and Lowri, then moves towards the ring, and the show returns to ringside, in readiness for the main event.