Vertigo E88

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this latest installment of Vertigo! Both teams in our opening contest are already in the ring! Both sides and ready to go! So let’s call for the bell and get this show started with some tag team action!

TAG TEAM MATCH
Heroes for Hire vs. Sarah Santa Monica & BiBi Bakersfield

The bell sounds as Mark Storm and Sarah Santa Monica go to initiate a collar-and-elbow. At the last second, SSM opts out for a boot to the midsection, which gets boos from the crowd. She then rakes Storm across the eyes before moving him into the corner. From there, Storm finds himself on the receiving end of multiple knife edge chops before being whipped into the far corner. NO! Storm reverses, sending SSM hard into the corner. She then staggers out of the corner until Storm throws her down with a back body drop. The cheers continue as Storm runs over and brings her down with a Slingblade. BiBi Bakersfield runs in to attack, but Storm throws her down, cartwheels over and follows up with a basement dropkick to the face. Storm then takes Bakersfield, runs and tosses her through the ropes to the apron. He reaches in through the ropes, grabs Bakersfield and drags her into position across the middle rope. Storm sets up for a rope-hung DDT until Santa Monica comes from behind with clubbing strikes across the back. The boos continue as she takes Storm and whips him into the corner. Bakersfield runs in to attack until Storm counters with a back elbow to the face. He then tosses Santa Monica into the corner, hoists herself to a seated position on the top turnbuckle and connects with a dropkick, sending Santa Monica tumbling to the floor!!!

Across the ring, Bakersfield pulls herself up using the ropes. She starts to back away from the ropes until Storm runs up from behind and connects with a shotgun dropkick, knocking her through the ropes and to the floor. The cheers continue as Storm runs across the ring and knocks Santa Monica down with an over the corner slingshot into a springboard moonsault!!!

Mitsuo Shimada steps into the ring. He looks to his left and sees Storm slowly pulling up Santa Monica. He then looks to his right and sees Bakersfield trying to pick herself back up. So he takes off into the ropes, runs back across the ring, leaps through the ropes and knocks Bakersfield down with a suicide dive! Shimada rolls back inside, runs back across the ring, hurls himself over the top rope and knocks Santa Monica down with a somersault plancha!!!

Storm takes Santa Monica and rolls her back inside. After rolling back in, he pulls Santa Monica back to her feet before lifting her up onto his shoulders. Storm then points directly into the camera before driving Santa Monica down with Heroes End! (One-handed electric chair driver)!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

The crowd cheers as "Short Change Hero" plays over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… HEROES FOR HIRE!

The cheers continue as the ref holds up Storm and Shimada’s arms in victory. The camera then cuts to both Kris Cruise and Stephy Auger at the announce desk.

Kris Cruise: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome once again to another installment of Vertigo. I’m Kris Cruise and joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger! Tonight, Stephy, the road to Only the Strong Survive continues right here in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Stephy Auger: That’s right, Cruise. Only the Strong Survive is right around the corner. Which means that the Gold Rush Rumble is right around the corner.

Kris Cruise: Last time out, we got three bombshells when Lowri Moss, a returning Chandler Scott and Seth Iser all declared themselves for the Rumble. But before we went on the air tonight, even more names were announced, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Before the show, it was announced that Mighty Sparrow, the reigning Legacy Champion, Ashley Sands, Tyler Storm, the reigning Pride Champion, Sloan Talbot, Mark Bisley, the reigning 15 Champion, Ace Voltage and Izzy Anders would all be competing in this year’s Rumble!

Kris Cruise: 10 names have been announced. 20 more to go. The field is starting to get stacked, Stephy and we’re not even halfway through the list of participants.

Stephy Auger: I don’t want to do the hyperbole thing and say that this is going to be the most stacked Rumble ever. But we might be well on our way. This might just end up being the deepest Rumble field yet.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of deep, we’ve seen some movement lately here in the tag team division. For years the World Tag Team Title scene was dominated by two teams. The Chaotics and Pendragon. Those have been the two teams synonymous with tag team wrestling in FGA since 2017. But as of right now, this division is starting to get some depth to it.

Stephy Auger: That’s exactly right, Cruise. We just saw Heroes for Hire make short work of two thirds of the Cali Krew. Coming up later on, Illuminati PROJEKT will be in action. They’re 2-0 thus far. Ashes to Ashes are still in the mix. Silk & Cyanide, the uncrowned champions, will be taking them on. Then at the top of the heap we’ve got the newly named Renegades of Funk. Cassius Reed is dragging TJ Techniques to new heights as of late.

Kris Cruise: Dragging? TJ is just as responsible for that team’s success as Cassius. If anything, TJ should get some extra points for even bringing the two of them together.

Stephy Auger: Look, as long as Hip Hop Harry over there knows his role and follows Cassius’ lead, he’ll be alright. He’ll need to follow close instructions tonight because Marlon Cure and Jenny Cien are no joke.

Kris Cruise: Cure and Cien aren’t an official team. But the two of them are always on the same page and they each have a huge experience edge over their opponents. Maybe not as a team. But in terms of wrestling as a whole, King Cure and The Baddie with a Bat do have the edge. Speaking of bats, TJ and Cassius better watch out for that bat. I’m sure TJ is still feeling the effects of that shot across the back from last Vertigo. Also here tonight, Stephy, Sloan Talbot is back in singles action.

Stephy Auger: That’s right, we get to see a former 15 Champion in action tonight and no, I’m not talking about Ashley Sands or Ashley Marie Chase. I’m talking about Sloan Talbot. That poor Kazu Hirano is being served up on a platter for him. If Kazu is smart, he’ll do like his nickname and wander right out of this arena. Stepping in the ring with Talbot is going to get him hurt.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of hurt, it looked like Talbot was about to put the hurt of Logan Alexander last week. But with the help of Mighty Sparrow, they were able to drive Talbot off. I’m sure this issue between Alexander and Talbot is far from over.

Stephy Auger: I doubt it.

Kris Cruise: I just mentioned the reigning Legacy Champion. I’ve gotten word that we will be hearing from Sparrow here tonight.

Stephy Auger: I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for the Not-So-Mighty Sparrow.

Kris Cruise: Later on tonight, Patrick Jones goes one on one with Zack Gall. John Carmichael goes up against one half of The Gourdbusters, Olé Anderson. The Las Vegas Siren returns to singles action as she faces off against one half of the Super Mario Wrestling Bros, Max Powers. Then, in our main event, it’s going to be a big one, Stephy. We’ve seen some Dream Matches lately. Well here’s another one. The Apex Goddess, Fujiko Mine, will go one on one with the reigning United States Champion, Nina Stokes! The winner of that match will challenge for the Undisputed Championship at Only the Strong Survive!

Stephy Auger: Of course, this match wouldn’t even be taking place if it wasn't for Cordy the Benevolent sticking up for The Kodiak and speaking on her behalf. This opportunity is long overdue, Cruise. Long overdue! You can’t say that Cordelia Stevenson doesn’t look out and fight for what’s right! She always keeps it real!

Kris Cruise: Newsflash, Stephy, Cordy Stevenson can’t stand you, either. So you can stop sucking up to her at anytime.

Stephy Auger: Oh that? That’s all a simple misunderstanding. I’m 100% Team Cordelia, especially after she told these fickle fans to stick it. I never imaged I’d be living in a world where I would be cheering for Cordelia over Izzy Anders. But here we are, Cruise!

Kris Cruise: We’ve got a lot of action lined up for you all tonight. But right now, let’s send it to the back where Amanda Johnson is standing by. Amanda, what do you got?

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time are your current World Tag Team champions, Cassius Reed and TJ Techniques, Renegades of Funk.

Into the picture walk Cassius Reed and TJ Techniques. The Funky Technician comes in on Amanda’s left while The Funky Dragon enters the frame on her right. Both men are seen admiring their new World Tag Team Title belts.

TJ Techniques: Amanda, do you know what day it is?

Amanda Johnson: Of course! It's July 4th!

TJ Techniques: Which means what, Amanda?

Amanda Johnson: Independence Day!

TJ Techniques: Absolutely not, Amanda! It's the OG's birthday! You wanna talk about this day being America's birthday? Nah, let's talk about this being the birthday of The Iron King, The Funky Dragon, The Ebony Salmon, Black Jesus, Plan C himself - Cassius Reed!

Cassius Reed: That's right Amanda, America, REST OF THE MOTHERFUNKIN' WORLD! Cassius once more invites each and every one of you mammajammas to join him in celebratin' this, the day of his birth. As Momma Reed, God bless her soul, selflessly gave Cassius unto the world for your own betterment, Cassius continues to allow y'all to celebrate his existence. You're welcome.

Amanda Johnson: Very well. Happy Birthday, Cassius! I know I haven't been able to say this to the both of you at once. But congratulations on your championship win at A New Odyssey.

TJ Techniques: I appreciate that, Amanda. It’s always good to be shown some love.

Cassius Reed: My boy TJ here has got it right. Give us more of that love. Hell, we're only here to liberate you suckas from a lifetime of wrestling mediocrity and Friends reruns. IF THAT DON'T DESERVE THE LOVE CASSIUS DON'T KNOW WHAT DOES.

Amanda Johnson: With that being said, that win didn't come without controversy, did it, TJ?

TJ does a double take once he takes in the question.

TJ Techniques: Woah woah, woah! Amanda, w-what are you doing?

Amanda Johnson: I showed you the footage of what happened in the closing moments of that Tag Team Gauntlet. But we haven't gotten your version of events, Cassius. After all, you did in fact use a loaded elbow pad to secure the victory. Your thoughts, sir?

TJ can’t believe that Amanda is bringing this up now. This is about to get real awkward, real fast.

TJ Techniques: C'mon, Amanda.

Amanda Johnson: What, TJ? We all saw it. Go ahead, Cassius. Explain your actions, sir.

Cassius Reed: Cassius has no idea what you're talking about, on this, the day of his Funkiness' birth.

Amanda Johnson: Really? Really?

Cassius Reed: Did Cassius, knowing victory was assured, change into his "victory" elbow pad? You damn right he did. Did Cassius pre-load the pad with lead shot? That's a scurrilous accusation, and one for which you ain't got no proof. But if Cassius did do that… Cassius is talkin' hypotheticals here, you understand… if Cassius did then so what? What do you actually have to complain about? You have here of 2 of the most exciting performers in the world, working together to entertain you all, instead of mind numbing mediocrity AGAIN. TJ, unlike you, accepts that Cassius does what Cassius does for the betterment of us all. Including using a loaded pad. Which he didn't because, as Cassius says, that was a hypothetical.

Amanda Johnson: Is this true, TJ? Do you actually condone Cassius' actions? Are you comfortable with the fact that some people, mainly Silk & Cyanide, feel like the only reason you even have those titles is because Cassius used that loaded elbow pad.

Cassius Reed: "Allegedly" loaded pad.

Amanda shoots him daggers. TJ starts to nervously rub the back of his neck.

TJ Techniques: Amanda, maaaaannnnn... Look, we got a big match coming up later against Marlon Cure and Jenny Cien. Everybody knows how Cassius feels about that man. The So-Called King got one over on Cassius last time. The Baddie with a Bat, The Baddie with a Phatty, whatever the hell Jenny wants to call herself… she got one over on me, too, when she went upside my back with that bat. The best thing we need to do right now is just keep our minds focused on the two of them and not deal with anything else. We gotta go.

Amanda Johnson: But TJ!

TJ Techniques: I'm sorry. I really am. We can talk about this later.

Cassius Reed: We gotta go funk up somebody's day!

With that, the pair take off, leaving the interviewer dissatisfied with Cassius’ answer.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The camera fades into the locker room area. We see Ace Voltage in jeans and a black t-shirt pacing around the room.

Ace Voltage: I’m not booked on the card tonight, so why am I here? Why am I wasting MY time sitting around and watching sub-par matches tonight? The show just started and there are so many matches to go!

Ace slows his pace and starts looking at the camera.

Ace Voltage: See, I am here for one reason and one reason only. I am here to receive, no DEMAND a rematch against the coward that is Tyler Storm. After I beat Tyler in the ring last Vertigo all I have heard from him is silence. If he was a true champion, wouldn’t he accept my offer? Wouldn’t he put his title on the line one more time to prove that he is better than me?

Ace smirks to the camera.

Ace Voltage: But is he really though? Because if it were up to me, my “loss” to Tyler wouldn’t even count! I never tapped out. I never gave up. I never submitted, but yet here we are. That Pride championship should be around my waist, not Storm’s. But, I am not here to beg. I am not here to plead. I am simply here to get a response. Because if Storm doesn’t give me an answer then we will see his true colors. A coward.

Ace laughs to himself.

Ace Voltage: It really is amazing don’t ya think. Tyler Storm, this proud, fighting champion against everyone else but me. The reason Storm is dodging me is because he knows I am better than him. He knows that if I get to face him one more time for that Pride championship that he will lose. Just like he did last Vertigo. Do I really blame him though? Not really. I wouldn’t want to defend a title against me. Because I am the BEST wrestler in this damn company. I am the Main Event. And…

Ace pauses and looks straight into the camera as it zooms into his face.

Ace Voltage: I will be the next Pride champion.

The camera fades to black.

[FGA Office]

Sloan Talbot vs. Kazu Hirano

“I Am The Walrus” continue to pay over the PA.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, already in the ring. From Koenji, Tokyo, Japan! Weighing in at 176 pounds! He is “Watarimono”... KAZU HIRANO!

The first few operatic bars of Slipknot’s “Unsainted” begin to play as the lights pulsate in time with the music. Slowly the curtains part, and Sloan Talbot steps through - his pace slow and methodical as the song slowly builds.

“Oh, I'll never kill myself to save my soul
I was gone, but how was I to know?”

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Norfolk, Virginia! Weighing in at 253 pounds… SLOAN TALBOT!

Sloan cracks his knuckles as he makes his way down the aisle, a expression of pure, unbridled hatred upon his face. Completely ignoring the fans either side of him Talbot reaches ringside, placing a knee on the apron before pulling himself up using the middle rope. He takes a quick, hateful glance around the arena before stepping into the ring and making his way to the corner.

Talbot and Hirano are about to head out of their respective corners and lock up. But it’s Hirano who comes to a stop when he turns his attention to the entrance way. Talbot motions to head over and attack him while he’s distracted. But his attention quickly turns to the entrance way as well.

Kris Cruise: Now wait just a minute!

Down the ramp walk Theodore Harris and his client, Logan Alexander.

Stephy Auger: Looks like we’ve got company!

Kris Cruise: Logan Alexander and Theodore Harris have no business being out here. Logan isn’t scheduled to compete tonight.

Harris and Alexander continue to make their way down the ramp. Each man is carrying a folding chair. Harris is also carrying a bag of popcorn in his opposite hand and a bottled drink in his back pocket. Once the pair reach the end of the ramp, they open up the chairs and sit them down. Harris then takes the drink out of his back pocket before taking his seat. Alexander looks directly at Talbot before taking his seat next to Harris.

Talbot slowly narrows his eyes at both men until Hirano runs up from behind and brings him down with a rebound O’Connor Roll!

Kris Cruise: Wait, wait, wait!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Talbot kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Salon nearly got caught!

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet until Hirano brings Talbot down with a small package.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Talbot kicks out.

Stephy Auger: Sloan almost got caught again!

Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Talbot goes to take Hirano’s head off with a lariat. But Hirano ducks, reaches back, hooks both arms and tries to muscle him down with a backslide pin. But Talbot’s able to remain on his feet. He then breaks free of the hooks, spins Hirano towards him and lifts him up for a Samoan Drop. Hirano then hits Talbot with multiple elbows to the side of the head before bringing him down with a crucifix pin!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Talbot slips out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Kazu!

Before Talbot can get back to his feet, Hirano grabs a hold of him and wraps him up in a magistral cradle.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Talbot kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Yet another nearfall for Kazu! I’m sure Evan Envi is somewhere in Maryland cheering on his buddy.

Talbot gets back to his feet before taking a step or two back. He slowly turns to the outside when he sees Harris raising his drink, cheering him. Alexander just leans back in his cheer. There isn’t eve the slightest smirk on his face. But you know he’s enjoying this.

Stephy Auger: You know Sloan would love nothing more than to roll out there and knock both of their heads off.

Talbot and Hirano circle the ring. They head head towards the center to lock up. The crowd boos when Talbot opts to deck Hirano with a right hand.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: What? Kazu should’ve kept his hands up!

Talbot reaches down, yanks up Hirano, runs into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. Hirano bounces back and twirls through the hair before landing on the mat.

Kris Cruise: You think Sloan’s pissed?

Stephy Auger: Just a tad bit.

Talbot marches over, yanks Hirano back to his feet and tosses him into the corner. He then runs over before nearly knocking the hair out of Hirano with a lariat. Talbot takes Hirano, delivers an irish whip, follows him across the ring and nails him with another running lariat. The thud from the impact echoes throughout the arena. Hirano is then caught with a series of rights and lefts to the midsection. He’s then doubled over with several knees to the gut. Talbot cups his chin with his head, raises Hirano’s head back up and drops him in the corner with another closed fist punch. The boos continue as Talbot reaches down, pulls Hirano back to his feet and cracks him across the chest with a knife edge chop.

Kris Cruise: Ouch!

Talbot rears his arm back before cracking Hirano across the chest with another knife edge chop.

Stephy Auger: It sounds like a .357 magnum just went off!

Hirano gets caught with another stinging knife edge chop.

Kris Cruise: Talbot’s just having his way with Kazu now.

Hirano is then doubled over after Talbot whacks him with yet another knife edge chop.

Stephy Auger: Kazu can barely defend himself.

Talbot takes Hirano by the wrist and whips him hard into the far corner. Hirano crashes into the turns and staggers out of the corner until Talbot runs across the ring and turns him inside out with a lariat!

Stephy Auger: Logan’s lucky Kazu’s head didn’t fly out of the ring and land right in his lap.

Talbot looks directly out at Alexander before picking Hirano back up. Hirano is then sent for the ride. When he returns, spittle flies out of his mouth when Talbot nearly takes his head off with a running big boot.

Kris Cruise: The ref might want to check and make sure all of Kazu’s teeth are still in place.

Talbot takes Hirano and whips him into the ropes. On the return, Talbot throws him down with a powerslam. Instead of going for the cover, he swings over and mounts on top of Hirano. Talbot looks out directly at Alexander as he starts to nail Hirano with several mounted punches!

Kris Cruise: Talbot’s just going to town on Kazu! Rights and lefts galore!

Stephy Auger: He’s sending a message, Cruise. He’s telling Logan, ‘this is will be you!’

Talbot gets off of Hirano and pull him back to his feet. He then sets up for a vertical suplex before lifting Hirano in the air. Five seconds pass and Talbot continues to keep Hirano in the air. Talbot looks out at Alexander as five seconds turn to 10 seconds. 10 seconds turns to 20. 20 then turns to 30. Harris leans forward in his seat as he continues to watch Talbot keep Hirano held in place. When 40 seconds pass, Talbot finally falls back and completes the stalling suplex. The crowd can’t help but to applaud the display of strength.

Kris Cruise: What raw power, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: You think he’s going to be a tough out in the Rumble.

Kris Cruise: He always has been and I don’t see that changing this year.

Talbot yanks Hirano back to his feet and grabs a hold of his throat. He then hoists him into the air before throwing him down with a chokeslam. Talbot puts his foot on Hirano’s chest and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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The crowd boos when Talbot walks off.

Kris Cruise: Talbot, the match is over! You’ve overpowered Kazu. You’ve outclassed him. Just pin the man and win the damn match.

Stephy Auger: This is over when Sloan says it’s over. That’s something that Logan is going to find out very soon.

Talbot heads back over to Hirano. He then looks out directly at Alexander as he reaches down, grabs Hirano by the throat and pulls him back to his feet. Talbot moves Hirano over towards the ropes. The crowd boos when he hoists Hirano up before throwing him down with a chokeslam over the top rope to the floor! Hirano lands close to Alexander and Harris.

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, did you hear that thud!?

Stephy Auger: I sure did and so did Logan.

Talbot rolls to the outside. He glares at Alexander and Harris before retrieving Hirano and rolling him back inside. Instead of rolling back inside, Talbot turns back to the pair.

Kris Cruise: Sloan...SLOAN...

Talbot steps over to them, but Alexander doesn’t take the bait. Harris then holds up his back of popcorn to Talbot until Talbot slaps it out of his hand.

Stephy Auger: Hey! You know how much that overpriced popcorn cost!?

Alexander stands up. But he doesn’t remain standing for long as Talbot piefaces him, sending him falling back over the chair and to the ramp!

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!”

Talbot stares down the two before turning his attention back to Hirano. He then makes his way back to the ring before rolling back inside. Talbot gets back to his feet and motions to go after Hirano. But he’s quickly cut off by Alexander, who slides back into the ring and attacks him from behind with clubbing strikes. The ref quickly calls for the bell.

Kris Cruise: This official just called for a Disqualification!

Stephy Auger: Can you blame him? Logan just attacked Sloan from behind!

Alexander continues to hit Talbot with clubbing strikes until he turns Talbot around and nails him with several right hands. Talbot gets caught with multiple right hands until he finally pushes Alexander back to create some distance between the two. Alexander rushes back over to attack. But he walks right back into a knee to the gut. Alexander remains doubled over as Talbot turns and hits the ropes. When he comes back, he gets caught with a superkick. Another superkick dazes Talbot. Alexander catches Talbot with a third kick. Talbot remains dazed and on his feet. So Alexander turns and takes off into the ropes. He picks up speed as he comes back. He then leaps forward and tackles Talbot down with a spear! Alexander mounts on top of Talbot and starts firing off a flurry of right hands. The brawl doesn't last for long as referees and officials head into the ring and separate the two.

Stephy Auger: No! NO! Let them fight!

Kris Cruise: No, how about we don’t let them fight until an official match gets made! We don’t need this brawl getting out of hand!

[FGA Office]

The camera follows Amanda Johnson backstage at the Mohegan Sun Arena with some loud back-and-forth going on out of the shot. She continues walking until she runs into one of the younger referees, reading something on his phone. Amanda flashes a genuine look of confusion on her face before she glances back at the official. She clears her throat to get the ref’s attention and he raises his head.

Dan Posey: Honestly I don’t know what happened. One minute I’m talking about my computer I like to take with me on trips, and the next there they are, working on my rig.

Amanda Johnson: ...

Amanda peers past the referee before she takes a few steps closer to the source of the clatter. Mighty Sparrow’s voice picks up as he begins walking into the shot with a small box in hand and an elastic strap hanging around his wrist. The ref glances up from his cell to eye the Legacy champion.

Mighty Sparrow: Listen bana, I ain’t wanna be the one to tell you this. I really ain’t wanna but...Your CPU is out of date. Like, you have a Ryzen 5 in here and I SUPPOSE that’s okay I guess but we gon’ put the newest Ryzen 9 in here to make sure you runnin’ at peak performance. I hope you have a good coolin’ system at home like a Kraken for this because hoo, you don’t want this baby to run hot yes.

Dan Posey: Um, but I know it’s out of date. I--

Before he can continue further The West Indian Whirlwind shakes his head in disappointment and lets out a sad sigh. He hooks an arm around Amanda who at this point would just like to know what’s going on here.

Mighty Sparrow: Poor him yes. Man’s so stunned having an old Ryzen here so long, he ain’t even know what to with himself. I ain’t even have the heart to him that his memory’s lighting don’t sync with his fans. They just kinda...Flicker aimlessly. It’s hard to watch.

The Legacy champion unwraps his arm around Amanda’s neck before disappearing back off-camera. The interviewer looks increasingly perturbed by this, but tries to press on with the interview.

Amanda Johnson:It has been recently announced that the next challenger for the Legacy championship will be none other than Ashley Sands.

Ashley Sands: Don’t you think he knows that, Amanda?

From off camera steps the aforementioned Ashley Sands. A white doctor’s coat covers her upper body, her wrestling boots coming out at the bottom make it obvious that she is wearing her ring gear underneath. As if to complete the look, a stethoscope hangs from her neck and down the middle of her chest.

Ashley Sands: Does he look the least bit concerned right now? Hell I have a tag match against Silk and Cyanide later tonight. But there are just some things that have to fixed no matter what’s going on inside a wrestling ring… like just how jacked up this rig was. I’d call it a potato but the Irish in me doesn’t want to insult actual potatoes like that.

Ashley absently nudges at her glasses as she looks down at the machine.

Ashley Sands: Now can we talk about the GPU while we’re at it? A GTX 1050? Are you freaking kidding me? My grandmother checks her email and Facebook on a machine with better than that.

Mighty Sparrow: You should be ashamed. The fact that you have this beautiful rig but a 1050. A 1050!?

Dan Posey: I was gonna buy a better one but then, well you know. The shortage of chips happened! You think I want to play Overwatch 2 and Baldur’s Gate III with things this bad!? Mass Effect all but made my hard drive cry!

Mighty Sparrow: The Legendary Edition?

Dan Posey: The original!

Sparrow grimaces before he walks into the shot beside Ashley. The Legacy champion clears his throat against his fist before meeting Amanda’s gaze.

Mighty Sparrow: Amanda, Ash and me are gon’ tear up the ring when we face for the Legacy championship. Ain’t no bones about it, I respect everything she can do. The biggest worry for whoever wins our match is Logan Alexander coming down the pipeline. I know after that match he and I had, Logan will have an argument for the Legacy title in his back pocket and who could blame him? Of course he has Sloan to contend with first but after that...Ey. Anyway! That’s the future and one of us will deal. For now it’s me and the Good Doc here. At least Ashley will try to be careful of my hands for the good of any future raids.

Amanda Johnson:That’s a great attitude but the big question is--

Dan Posey: Do you guys do WoW, Destiny, or Final Fantasy raids?

Mighty Sparrow: Yes.

Ashley squints and turns her head with a look of confusion for a moment.

Ashley Sands: Wait... Destiny has an endgame? You’re talking to a lady with a moogle and tonberry plushies for a cover but are we talking about Shadowlands or Classic? Because I get enough sleep watching a Sloan Talbot match so I really don’t need to be firing up retail.

She shakes her head and dismissively waves her hand away. Sparrow mouths ‘ooohhhh’ behind Ash as if she made a mic drop.

Ashley Sands: But Sparrow’s right. We’ll see what we’ll see when it comes to the Legacy title. Although, I have to admit that the Jersey girl in me kind of gave it a look out of the corner of my eye when I came to FGA and it was called the Mid-Atlantic title. So if there’s anyone ELSE that would represent it and wear it with pride it’d be me.

Mighty Sparrow: May the best Jersey girl…Or Trini boy win then. …Wait! Of course Destiny has an end game! It isn’t just a grossly broken PVP!

Amanda Johnson: That’s…Thank you both for your time.

[FGA Office]

We get the familiar light dimming as the audience that is in attendance reacts right away. It transitions to going out. The creepy beginning of ‘Unsainted’ is what follows as the fans are booing heavily. Before long the lights come on and Iser, once again dressed professionally in a suit, has made his appearance as he’s got a scowl etched on his face. The veteran doesn’t take a step and while this crowd isn’t as vocally antagonistic as the previous one in terms of a vulgar chant...they’re booing him heavily.

Kris Cruise: Even if he’s mellowed and matured somewhat, here comes one of the most disliked stars in the company today...and the former World Champion.

Stephy Auger: As far as I know of the people announced for the Gold Rush Rumble, he’s the only one who has been announced that these stupid people don’t like! People talk about a bounty that Cordy put on Chandler for the Rumble but there s a conspiracy against Iser!

Kris Cruise: Will you stop!? Seth Iser could get the devil praised in a church.

Stephy Auger: That’s sacrilegious Cruise! He retired the Deity of Destruction name years ago!

We then see Iser walk down the ramp and for once he’s choosing to ignore the signs waving in his direction or the occasional vulgar middle finger salute as he’s pulling himself up onto the apron before entering the ring. He’s gesturing for a microphone and nobody is going to ignore his request. He’s also demanding the music stop as it seems he’s got something to say.

Seth Iser: Yet another warm welcome…

There’s a dismissive eye roll from the former World Champion as the crowd lets out a loud but rather unorganized boo.

Seth Iser: You’d think things would be a little warmer...I defy different kinds of odds and even father time itself to reach a level so few ever do in this industry if they were in their prime years. Most people my age in this industry, they’ve hung up the boots. The increased physicality of wrestling has made the retirement age earlier than it was twenty years ago...and the mental strain drives out half of the kids who aren’t tough enough to make it anyway. Near twenty year careers...they’re a rarity. They should be respected.

And the eyes are narrowing further on the former world champion as his face has contorted fully into a frown, his eyes even suppressing some of that anger of old.

Seth Iser: ...But somehow mine isn’t.

That one line has enough venom to poison a city as Iser is palming his free hand into a fist and tightening his grip on the microphone.

Seth Iser: I was hoping for an opportunity to do what I do better then anybody else in the world...and that’s my brand of wrestling and prove why I should have the respect but alas...no dice. Instead…I feel the need to talk about what is about to happen.

The veteran then brushes his hair back as he takes a breath...a calmness on his face even if there is still a fire in his eyes.

Seth Iser: I heard the positive reaction for Lowri Moss...when she threw her name into the hat.

A wild chorus of cheers for the young rising star bordering on superstar. There’s a calmness in Seth’s face as he contemplates things further.

Seth Iser: The hell of it is...I like Lowri more then most people in the back. She’s forthright...she wants to stand up for the right thing in her mind...in her perspective and seems honest enough to learn from some mistakes being made. I also know...she’s replayed the match she and I had a couple of years ago now in the Wildcard Tournament over in her head.

He pauses and lets things hang over as he’s letting those words come out.

Seth Iser: Hell, she wants to be the first back to back winner of this prestigious event since Dom Harter won the first two Gold Rush Rumbles. The lass is chasing history.

The prospect of history is cheered though the initial name drop of Dom’s name got booed but Seth just continues on with his point.

Seth Iser: She has a score in her mind to settle with Cordy. She’s motivated and hungry to do what she can in order to get to that point. There isn’t a damned soul in the locker room that would deny that.

He pauses and considers that point before his face contorts to a frown.

Seth Iser: But history also doesn’t have sympathy for what could have been. And quite frankly...I’m more than motivated to throw her out as much as anyone else to prove a point that this year...I’m erasing my bad Rumble history and this year’s entire Gold Rush Rumble...you have to go through me to get that opportunity...and I don’t think anyone here can do that.

And with that declaration the boos from the audience have returned as Iser straightens his tie, he’s calmed down a little as he’s thinking about another thing.

Seth Iser: There’s been a lot of talk about Chandler Scott’s return and entering himself in the Gold Rush Rumble.

The mere mention of Chandler’s name lets out uproarious cheers as Iser just pauses there in the center of the ring and lets the audience start to get it out of their system. After a few seconds of this, it seems he’s already lost his patience at this love fest.

Seth Iser: That’s...a peculiar reaction because I remember the last time he was a full time wrestler on the roster. Not a man who was looking to go out in one match or what he is today...but what he was then. You people weren’t giving him that kind of reaction. In fact...it was the opposite. Do you people honestly remember the last incarnation of war Jimmy Page and Chandler Scott had?

There’s a pause as he lets that question hang. There’s some cheers from the bloodthirsty folk and that also puts a disapproving glare on the veteran’s face.

Seth Iser: Some do...some are choosing not to. Look up that last incarnation or even their initial battles in this company here on your own prerogative. But it’s funny how the perception of someone can change when they’re away just for a little bit. And now you have him pegged as one of your emotional favorites to win this damn Rumble…am I right about that?

The cheers are far more solid and in favor of Chandler entirely yet again as Seth’s face curls up into a frown.

Seth Iser: I do find it interesting that the current champion has put a form of a bounty on him with the reward being a title opportunity...but Chandler and I have never had a chance to look eye to eye here. We might finally get that fateful encounter in the Rumble…

The idea of those two going at it does bring some joy to the audience as Iser’s face contorts to a sneer.

Seth Iser: And I’d throw his ass over the top rope just like any other man or woman.

Just like that the audience turns from cheers to boos.

Seth Iser: Lowri Moss...Chandler Scott, and myself already putting our names on the dotted line or this. You can time transport Zero’s best form and put him in the Rumble and I wouldn’t give a damn either. I’d knock his teeth in and throw his sorry ass over the top rope as well. Hell, bring God o mighty himself and I’d shove the old testament up his ass and throw him over the top rope for causing too much stupid war! It doesn’t matter if you’re a hot-shot looking for glory or an old veteran who wants to copy the history I’ve made...you will all ha---

With that Seth’s interrupted...with something nobody expected. A piano riff starts playing as the titantron springs to life suddenly. Everyone in attendance turns to the main stage. The screen is playing static before the screen goes blank before flashing over to a black screen when the words “The Experience” appear. “Watch Me Burn” by Silent Theory then starts blasting as the crowd stands there in stunned silence.

Kris Cruise: Is that….what I think it is?

Stephy Auger: No way. Can’t be.

To the shock of everyone in attendance, out from behind the curtain walks a man, head down. He stands dead center of the stage as he lifts his head up and reveals that it is Brian Stryker. The crowd loses its mind as they all begin cheering loudly as the former 15 Champion has shockingly reappeared in the world of FGA.

Kris Cruise: I can’t believe it ! Brian Stryker! Brian Stryker is back in FGA!

Stephy Auger: I thought he was dead!

Brian, sporting his new buzz cut, smiles the biggest smile he’s ever had on camera as he walks down the ramp. The crowd is still screaming their heads off as he climbs up steps to the ring. Then in a surprising burst of agility, leaps up onto the top rope in one motion and holds his arms out for the crowd, egging them to cheer louder.

Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker has not been seen in a ring for well over two years.

Brian hops down into the ring and holds his hands up in a “hold on a moment” pose towards Seth as he takes a mic that was left for him. He goes to raise it up, but stops as the crowd starts chanting.

“BRIAN STRYKER! CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!”

“BRIAN STRYKER! CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!”

Brian takes the moment to soak everything in one more time. He raised the mic up again as the crowd started to quiet down, only slightly.

Brian Stryker: That’s right ladies and gentlemen. You’re not dreaming. You’re not hallucinating. You haven’t been teleported back in time to 2014. You are in fact seeing what you are seeing. I have returned! The Experience himself has returned to the land of FGA and I am here with one purpose in mind. And what that is, I’ll get to in a moment.

Brian turns his attention towards Seth, who has been frowning the entire time Stryker has been out there, staring a hole right through the man.

Brian Stryker: Seth, sorry to interrupt your….whatever it was you were doing out here, but I just couldn’t help myself. You see, a while back I was sitting in my study at home, looking at my wall of accomplishments from my career, and that’s when I realized there was something missing. Just one empty spot on that wall. And for so long I couldn’t figure out what that was. Then one day it hit me.

When I first walked away from all this, I thought I was satisfied. I thought I had no regrets, and I didn’t. I made the right choice at the right time. But as the days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, I came to figure out I did have one tiny regret. So I made the decision to get back into the gym and I pushed myself harder than I ever did before so I can come out here in front of these great fans that I missed, and say this…..I, Brian Stryker, am entering the Gold Rush Rumble.

The crowd pops as Brian nods with his trademark goofy grin.

Brian Stryker: And WHEN I win that rumble, I am going to challenge for the Undisputed Championship. And WHEN I win that, that wall is gonna look nice and completed. So Seth, mind if I call you that? Cool, your words sparked something inside me just now. Saying an old veteran copying your history. While it’s true I am that old vet, been doing this since I was a wee lad of 16, the one thing I am NOT doing is copying your history. Cause when yours truly wins that rumble, I’m rewriting history itself. So what do you gotta say about that?

In a total contrast to the goofy grin that was on Stryker’s face, the hardened sneer is on Iser’s as he eyeballs his fellow veteran.

Seth Iser: The former two time Fifteen champion. Good enough that he even got to cash it in once…and like Chandler Scott...I find it interesting how these people are reacting to you compared to the last time you were a regular here...

He pauses for a moment, keeping his face contorted in a frown.

Seth Iser: So the allure brought you back as well, am I right?

He asks that question with a hint of aggression but the nature of it isn’t meant to be answered.

Seth Iser: Alright, I gave you your respect and let you go on even if this was my time. I look in your eyes...I am inclined to believe you want that notch of glory. We’ve seldom shared a ring but we’re old dogs. In that regard, we’re one in the same. Hell, I’d even wager we’ve been down some similar roads...but that’s another discussion for another time.

You see his face relax slightly after mentioning those roads in a vague sense.

Seth Iser: But while you have that beautiful dream of yours, Brian...hell, I’d even wager if circumstances were just a little different...you’d have as good of a shot as anybody of doing it. I've become one of the greatest hunters and greatest wrestlers in the world at forty years of age and you aren’t the only one who has gotten himself in phenomenal shape and keeping father time at bay in his own way. So I’m here to tell you point blank...same thing as anyone else. If it means you hold a grudge for me doing what I have to do...so be it. I’ll throw you over the top rope and hit the pause button on your dream...because when that bell rings, sentimentality is thrown out the window. It’s war. And nobody gives a damn about others dreams, ambitions, safety...or even what these damn people might want. It’s all for one.

He pauses as his face turns deadly serious and that last sentence gets the audience booing toward Iser right away, a total opposite of the love Stryker got moments ago.

Seth Iser: To put things in perspective though as to why I feel as strongly as I do: I didn’t have a tournament win for a long time...I went and got two. One here and one in another company. I hadn’t been a world champion in several years. I’d won two in the span of a couple of months in those same two companies. Brian, since we’re on a first name basis apparently, when I set my mind on something...I become the mountain anyone has to measure up to. And a Rumble victory is one last thing to put on my list. My mind is set on that. But I do have to thank you for one thing now…

For the first time tonight Seth has a smirk finally creeping on his face.

Seth Iser: You just made this Rumble an even bigger accomplishment for me...because ending your dream and continuing mine will make this an even greater accomplishment than it already would be on its own.

Brian grins to the crowd as he points at Seth, mouthing “look at this guy.”

Brian Stryker: Well I’ll see YOU at the rumble. Oh by the way. Your fly is down.

Seth looks down at his pants as Brian laughs. Brian flips the mic into the air stepping back out of the ring as Watch Me Burn starts playing again as the fans resume their chanting of Brian’s name as he raises his arms up for them. Seth’s sneering in the ring with a shake of the head and a twitch of the eye mouthing something off microphone.

Kris Cruise: Yet another return to the company making his intentions known!

Stephy Auger: What a jerk...I never missed him.

Kris Cruise: People are happy Brian has returned with a refreshed mindframe! With that big news we will be right back!

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

TAG TEAM MATCH
Illuminati PROJEKT vs. Saturnian Connection

The bell sounds as handshakes are exchange between both teams to kick things off. Both Fresno and Monty Margolis remain in the ring to start things off for their respective teams. Monty and Fresno jockey for position until Monty gains the upper hand with a side headlock. He’s then quickly pushed off into the ropes. Monty then rebounds off the ropes before knocking Fresno down with a running shoulder block. He then takes off into another set of ropes. As Monty returns, Fresno returns to his feet with a kip up before leapfrogging over Monty. The senior Margolis continues to run the ropes. When he returns, Fresno hops up before bringing him down with a hurricanrana. Monty returns to his feet. Fresno quickly drops him down to a knee with a basement dropkick before knocking him down with a dropkick to the face. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Monty kicks out.

Fresno takes Monty and whips him into the far corner. The Alien Hunter runs across the ring, connects with a step-up knee in the corner and follows up with an irish whip into the far corner. Fresno runs across the ring, leaps into the air and misses the Stinger Splash when Monty slips out of the way. Fresno crashes into the corner, stumbles back and gets brought down with an arm-strap backstabber. The cheers continue as Monty makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Fresno kicks out.

Monty pulls Fresno back up before bringing him right back down with a hangman’s neckbreaker. Fresno is then pulled back to his feet before Monty throws him down with a cravat suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Fresno kicks out.

Monty pulls up Fresno, places him in a clinch and doubles him over with alternating knees to the midsection. He then hooks both arms before throwing Fresno down with a Butterfly Suplex. The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Fresno kicks out.

Monty grabs Fresno by the wrists, drags him over into the Illuminati PROJEKT corner and tags in Gwen Margolis. Gwen gets in, pulls Fresno up and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Fresno around, Gwen hits him with a forearm strike before following up with a European Uppercut. Fresno is then pulled out of the corner before being sent for the ride. When the Alien Hunter returns, he sees Gwen setting up for a back body drop. So he stops and counters with an Axe Kick across the back of the head. Gwen drops down to a knee as Fresno turns and heads back into the ropes. When he returns, he flattens Gwen with a sliding knee strike. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gwen kicks out.

Fresno heads over and tags in Jillian Clay. Clay hops in through the ropes, rushes over and brings Gwen back to her feet before whipping her into the ropes. When Gwen returns, she gets brought down with two arm drags before an overflow arm drag sends her rolling to the outside. When Gwen gets back to her feet, the crowd cheers when Fresno runs along the apron before bringing her down with a diving hurricanrana.

Clay heads into the corner and starts climbing the turnbuckles. Back on the outside, Fresno takes Gwen and holds her in place. Gwen then flips off the top before knocking Gwen down with a Corkscrew Moonsault!

Gwen gets rolled back inside. Clay then slides back in and makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gwen gets the shoulder up.

Clay quickly latches onto the arm and pulls Clay back to her feet by the wrist. She then performs an arm wrench before delivering repeated slaps to the chest. The cheers continue as she runs across the ring before bringing Clay down with a running somersault arm wringer. Clay pulls Gwen back up, latches onto the arm and brings her back down with another running somersault arm wringer. Gwen is then pulled back to her feet before getting whipped into the ropes. On the returns, Gwen gets flipped down to the mat after a kitchen sink. Clay then heads towards the side of the ring, leaps onto the middle ropes, flips back for a Lionsault and gets blocked when Gwen gets her knees up!

Clay remains curled up on the mat while Gwen turns over on all fours. Gwen continues to crawl towards her corner before reaching over and making the tag. Fresno runs over to try and cut Monty off, but he’s able to knock the Alien Hunter down with a springboard crossbody! Monty rolls off Fresno, heads over to Clay and whips her into the corner. He runs across the ring, catches her with a leaping elbow strike and follows up with a bulldog out of the corner! Monty goes for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Clay gets the shoulder up.

Monty takes Clay and whips her into the ropes again. Clay rebounds off the ropes, comes back and gets brought down with a flapjack. She turns over onto her back as Monty hits the ropes. Monty then comes back and squashes her with a somersault senton! He reaches over and hooks the near leg for the cover.

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

The Saturnian Connection take Monty and whip him into the ropes. When he returns, they knock him down with a double dropkick. Fresno then takes hold of Monty’s legs while Clay positions herself across the ring. SatCon sets Monty up for the Rigel (Wheelbarrow Suplex/Running Knee Strike combo)! But Gwen reaches in, yanks Clay down and drags her to the outside while Monty counters the wheelbarrow suplex lift with a wheelbarrow bulldog! Monty then takes Fresno, runs and tosses him through the ropes and to the floor. On the outside, Gwen lifts Clay up before throwing her down with a wheelbarrow facebuster!

Gwen takes Clay and rolls her back inside. Monty heads over, takes Clay and heads into the corner. He then sits her down on the top turnbuckle before bring her down with Wheel in the Sky (avalanche frankensteiner)! He makes the cover.

ONE!

.
TWO!
.
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THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, the Illuminati PROJEKT!

[FGA Office]

The cameras cut to a shot of Spencer Burke standing in front of a Vertigo banner.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time I am joined by the FGA Undisputed Champion, Cordelia Stevenson…

The shot pans back as Spencer turns towards Cordelia who is simply glaring at him. She clears her throat and raises an eyebrow.

Cordelia Stevenson: That introduction was kind of light there, don’t you think, Spency?

For a brief second, a look of confusion sweeps over Spencer’s face. Then, as the realization hits him of what she means, he lets out a long exasperated sigh. He turns back towards the camera, gritting his teeth together.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time, I am joined by…

He casts a look at Cordelia who simply nods and motions for him to go on.

Spencer Burke: The Lioness of the Frontier; The Energy that FGA so desperately needed The Breaker of the Glass and THE NEW DNA OF FGA… Ladies and Gentlemen, she is the Holy Trinity of FGA… The Undisputed Champion, SAINT SEXY… Cordelia Stevenson!

Cordelia beams with pride as she closes her eyes and raises her chin high. She takes a deep breath and then exhales slowly, lowering her gaze to Spencer. She nods her head approvingly and points a finger at him.

Cordelia Stevenson: Now that… was money. Much better, Spency. That’s what I’m expecting from now on. Usually you’re good money, but sometimes you have to be reminded. Make sure you pass that along to Amanda and Jessie. No more of that deadpan shit. I bring the energy whenever I’m around and I expect that energy to be reciprocated.

Spencer forces a smile.

Spencer Burke: I’ll make sure to pass along the memo.

Cordy pats him on the shoulder.

Cordelia Stevenson: You’re a good man. This company doesn’t deserve you to be honest.

The compliment actually brings a genuine smile to Spencer Burke’s face.

Spencer Burke: Well, thank you, Cordelia. Happy Fourth of July to you by the way.

This comment causes Cordelia to scrunch up her face. She holds up her hand and shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: Nah. We’re not celebrating that over here this year, Spency. I’ll leave that to the good ole boys. How can I in good faith continue to celebrate Independence Day and freedom, knowing that not everyone… was free?
You see, but when you point something like that out? Automatically you’re labeled the bad guy; the spoil sport. Isn’t it funny how the oppressor always wants you to celebrate their history, all the while trying to cover the atrocities within it. But when you try to hold them accountable… suddenly they’re the victim. Everyone wants to live behind these rose colored shades and pretend that everything is alright, but when you lift that veil and reveal the ugly truths of the reality at hand… nobody wants to acknowledge the dark clouds that could potentially rain on their parade or ruin their cookout. Asking for accountability is a goddamn crime these days, it seems. Ironically enough, this company is no different, and I guess that is why I have become a pariah of sorts. No one wants to acknowledge the ugly truths that I’ve unearthed. No, they’d rather it be swept under the rug instead. People like Chandler Scott and Fujiko Mine want to pretend that those ugly truths don’t exist or better yet, that it’s all made up...

She winds her finger in a circular motion alongside her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: … in my head, despite history clearly showing otherwise. And then they’ll even point to my success and use that as some sort of justification for their line of thinking.

She puts on a mocking voice.

Cordelia Stevenson: The system clearly can’t be flawed, Cordelia. Look at how far you’ve come!

She animatedly punches the air before scoffing in disgust.

Cordelia Stevenson: Nah fam… look how far I’ve made it despite the flaws in the system. As I’ve said before, my ability to overcome an obstacle does not mean that the obstacle doesn’t exist. My ability to navigate and survive in an unjust system does not mean that the system isn’t unjust. That’s an ignorant train of thought and a dangerous one that stifles any chance of progression. But of course that’s not something I expect Fox News Mine and Chandler ‘Kyle Rittenhouse’ Scott to understand. They’ll never be able to see things from my vantage point, you know why? Because the clarity in which I see things would only pollute the fairytale world they’d like to think that we live in. They’d love for you to think that I’m delusional, but you notice how that sentiment hasn’t really gained any traction with anyone else? It’s because people know what’s up man. I’ve told not one lie yet and even though people may turn a blind eye or go quiet, they will never agree with the notion that I’m crazy. This country and its history alone, gives merit to every single word that I say. Who is more qualified to speak on an unjust system than someone subjected and victimized by it daily? That’s why I use my voice. As great as I am, I realize that there are some things greater than I; some things more valuable than titles and championship gold, and tonight, I’ve forced this company to take a step in the right direction and I am extremely proud of that.

Spencer Burke: Of course you are referencing tonight’s Main Event.

Cordelia nods.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yes indeed. Fujiko Mine versus Nina Stokes. Tonight Nina gets the opportunity to fight for a long deserved shot at…

Cordelia taps the Undisputed Championship around her waist.

Cordelia Stevenson: ...this. It’s a travesty that it’s taken this long to be honest. Someone as dominant as Nina should have long been in the discussion for a shot at this title. Yet, someone as unproven in singles competition as Lowri Moss always gets talked up more, force fed down our throats and placed on a pedestal that she hasn’t earned the right to be on. Don’t get me wrong, she was a member of the most dominant tag team in FGA history, there’s no doubt about that, but on her lonesome? Yeah, she’s left a lot to be desired, and I do say that with every intent and purpose of making her step her game up.

Cordelia places a hand to her chest.

Cordelia Stevenson: Despite what people seem to think, I’m not the enemy here, Spencer. I simply want this company to be better and I want it to do better. Is that so wrong?

She throws her hands in the air.

Cordelia Stevenson: Be the change that you want to see in the world, that’s what they say right? Well I’m being that change and I’m helping to bring that change. I am the breaker of the glass, not only for me, but for those that follow. Fujiko Mine would never, and it’s not because she isn’t capable, it’s because she truly doesn’t give a damn about anything or anyone besides herself. Riddle me this, Spencer, when was the last time she did anything that benefitted someone else in this business besides herself?

Cordelia shrugs and proceeds before Spencer can even begin to respond.

Cordelia Stevenson: Yeah. Don’t even waste your time trying to figure that one out. I’m using my story, my position, to make things better for everyone else. Tonight, Nina Stokes gets her shot. Not a shot that she was given, but a shot that she more than earned; a shot that she deserves, which is much more than I can say for her opponent. Whether or not she capitalizes on that? Well that’s completely up to her. But I’ve laid the groundwork and I’ve gone through the struggle so that others like me could try and ascend with no ceilings. That is true independence. That is true freedom; and tonight, marks the true beginnings of liberation. It doesn’t matter to me who wins tonight, although admittedly I do have my preference; all that matters is that my grievances have been heard loud and clear — and tonight’s main event is an admission of that. Trust, it would not be happening if the company truly felt there wasn’t any truth behind the things I’ve said. America is all about the cover up, Spencer... and apparently... FGA is too.

The Undisputed Champion gives a final nod as she turns and walks away. Spencer Burke, looks after her, his face unreadable as he processes everything that she’s just said. Nothing else is said, the scene just fades away.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Thanks in no small part to the unseasonable overcast weather and the lower temperatures that go with it, we find Erin Mariani in the early afternoon sitting cross-legged on a blanket in the middle of the woodlands on the outskirts of Uncasville with all the supplies that she needs in order to get closer to nature – namely a glass of Chablis which is dripping with condensation as a result of the wine bottle barely fitting into its cooler due to the amount of ice packing it in there, and…no, that is all that Mariani needs in order to bring a little taste of decadence to this rustic hellhole, in no small part because in the near distance there is a rustic thunk which appears to be somebody chopping wood

Erin Mariani: Today is that one day of the year where people witter on about “freedom” and use it as an excuse to act like a group of drunken apes who think the best course of action is to inconvenience anyone and everyone within a three mile radius by setting off fireworks to show just how “patriotic” they are and not, say, just how little imagination that they have.

A beat, followed by Mariani aiming a particularly condescending look down the camera lens

Erin Mariani: Oh dear, did you feel the need to boo Me all of a sudden?

Throwing her head back in a silent laugh at the people who she obviously cannot see or hear but knows full well are reacting as expected, Mariani decided to reel in the spider’s web a little

Erin Mariani: How imaginative of you all…

And with that, she takes a sip of her wine, and once again we can hear the rhythmic thunk of an axe followed by the splintering of wood, although for some reason Mariani does not seem perturbed by this

Erin Mariani: But enough about people going through the motions because they have been told to go through the motions, that was just a little fun at the expense of…

Rather than outright address the audience, Mariani instead dismissively flicks her hand in the camera’s direction

Erin Mariani: …instead I shall point out that, for a pair of unfortunate souls, today they will not experience freedom. No, for one pair of poor, unfortunate souls they shall experience the sort of pain and suffering that requires people to seek a taste of freedom, and that’s actual freedom and not this empty use of the word used to sell meat by-products and wheat-flavoured soda to the less educated. And there is a reason for this: myself and my partner and in a very[/u] foul mood, for reasons which I believe I should not have to explain.

Another beat, as Mariani gives an icy glare towards the camera while, at the same time, the grip of her index and middle finger around the neck of her wine glass noticeably tightens

Erin Mariani: Suffice it to say, an example needs to be made, and the Sword of Damocles is aiming at the necks of somebody who all to recently tasted defeat at our hands. But there is a difference: when they tasted defeat, the two of us had a point to prove and that point was those titles belong to us by right, but now things are different. Now we have decided that we may as well cut down the division one team at a time so those thieves understand what is coming for them, and that nobody will be able to help them.

At the very second Mariani finishes speaking, an axe slams down into the ground barely a foot away from her and yet Mariani doesn’t flinch, and with the axe firmly embedded in the earth in walks Sara Mason with an armful of logs she dumps onto the ground in an arbitrary spot and, without a single word, she walks behind Mariani and grabs a bottle of bourbon out of the hamper and glugs a quite impressive amount of booze straight out of the bottle before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand

Sara Mason: So you’re saying we can’t use this axe tonight?

Erin Mariani: As tempting as it is, it probably wouldn’t be the wisest move.

Sara Mason: Shame…

For a second Mason looks at the axe as if she has a few ideas of how to use it, but after shaking her head instead she decides to rummage in the backpack dumped on the ground and grabs a box of matches and some firelighters, although when she pulls them out Mariani holds up a hand to indicate not to set anything on fire just yet, which causes mason’s shoulders to slump in disappointment

Sara Mason: First I can’t cut down the competition at the knees…literally, now I can’t burn anything. What am I supposed to do in this place?

Erin Mariani: Enjoy the scenery.

Taking Mariani at her word, Mason peels the jacket from around her waist and drops it on the ground and drops down to sit on the ground in almost the same pose as Mariani, but while Mariani’s cross-legged stance is composed, Mason’s is more like her body just happened to land in that configuration when the ground got in her way

And so they sit, enjoying the scenery

For about eight seconds

Sara Mason: Anything else? The scenery’s just trees and bugs.

Erin Mariani: That is the point.

The look on Mason’s face makes it abundantly clear that she has no idea what the hell her partner’s talking about

Erin Mariani: Look closer at the beauty of nature, and what do you actually see? Hanging from the branch of a tree you see a spider has made its web where it can snare its prey. On top of that branch you can see a nest where one chick gets the preferential treatment while the others face starvation. And on the bark of the tree itself you see a bird tearing a grub from its sanctuary to devour it. What you actually see, in every corner, is nature bearing its fangs as everything lives in fear of starvation or being consumed, and yet people just think that it looks nice so blankly stare at it.

A particularly knowing smirk crosses Mariani’s lips

Erin Mariani: And the cruelty is the point, as nature cracks her whip every single second of every single day, it is only natural to do nature’s bidding. And to do that, all we need to do is enforce the natural order.

Casting a glance at her partner, Mariani has a very knowing look in her eye

Erin Mariani: Not literally, of course. It is a little difficult to regain what is rightfully ours if we insist on proving that we are the apex predators.

Mason appears to understand where this is going…but she can’t quite help cast a mournful eye towards the axe that is still firmly stuck in the ground

Erin Mariani: More than anything else, adding a little fear to the hearts of those thieves will teach them what happens when they step onto the territory they clearly don’t belong in, and an example must be made in blood. That one, of course, that can be taken literally.

Now that she understands where this is going, Mason looks towards her partner and asks the one burning question which is on her mind

Sara Mason: So can I get this fire started or what?

Erin Mariani: Of course.

With an almost giddy look in her eye, Mason grabs the matches and firelighters and lights a couple of them, taking a perverse delight at looking into the flames as they burn towards her fingers before flicking them onto the hastily-assembled bonfire at her feet where, after a little coaxing, the embers erupt into some amber flames

Sara Mason: That feels so much better.

Rather than respond, Mariani merely takes a sip of her wine with a smirk while keeping an eye on her partner, and as expected her partner returns to the backpack where she picks out promotional headshots of Ashley Sands and Ashley Marie Chase and, after looking at them with a disdainful look, she casually drops them into the bonfire where they are rapidly consumed by the flames

Sara Mason: Ashes…

For half a second an almost sweet smile flickers on Mason’s face, but only for half a second before it’s replaced by a far more malicious look

Sara Mason: …to ashes, Ashes.

With a little pyromania going a long way, Mason picks up her bottle of bourbon and pours out a pretty generous amount onto the bonfire, maintaining eye contact with the camera for every last drop, and when she’s done she takes another swig and lets the fire remove any trace of Ashleys Chase and Sands from the scene

Sara Mason: You know, E, we probably should make a move soon, because we would hate to be fashionably late for somebody’s execution.

Erin Mariani: Perhaps you’re right. But maybe we should let this evening’s entertainment allow a few additional minutes to walk this earth.

Sara Mason: I’ll pack up, then.

Grabbing the backpack off the ground, Mason slings it over her shoulder and walks out of shot to wherever Silk & Cyanide’s vehicle is parked…however, a moment later, she sneaks back into shot and yanks the axe out of the ground and slings it over the same shoulder as the backpack, and it doesn’t seem that Mariani doesn’t mind this too much…

[FGA Office]

Patrick Jones vs. Zack Gall

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

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Louisville, Kentucky! Weighing in at 235 pounds… PATRICK JONES!

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

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Newport, Wales… ZACK GALL!

Gall gets to his knees, extending his arms and hitting the mat a couple of times before getting on his feet and rushing towards the ropes making a throat cut sign.

Kris Cruise: Zack Gall’s already in the ring as he prepares for this match against Patrick Jones. Stepy, these two know each other from that Elimination Chase not too long ago.

Stephy Auger: Yes they do. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it was Patrick Jones that eliminated Gall first from the Elimination Chase. So I’m sure Gall would like to get some payback in this one. Not to mention, he’s desperately looking for a win in the worst way. I’m sure Laura Perelli is loving this. But not Gall and especially not Dante Difranco. He wants to see some results out of his client.

Kris Cruise: Jones may have outlasted Gall in the Elimination Chase. We know that he’ll be challenging Mark Bisley for the 15 Championship at Only the Strong Survive. But he can’t look past Gall. He’s got those educated feet that’ll put you to sleep if you’re not careful.

Both grapplers start things off with a lockup. Jones starts to move Gall towards the corner until Gall pivots at the last second and presses him against the the turnbuckles. The official is quick to step in and and administer a five count.

Ref: ONE… TWO…

Both grapplers make a clean break before Gall grabs Jones and whips him into the far corner. Gall comes charges across the ring and throws out the Death by Knee (V-Trigger)! Jones slips out of the way, causing Gall to crash into the corner. Gall stumbles back until Jones spins him around, lifts up the left leg and throws him down with a dragon screw leg whip. Jones tries to turn him over into a single leg crab, but Gall counters with an upkick to knock him down. Both grapplers turn over on all fours until Gall gets back to his feet and nails Jones with a punt kick to the ribs. Gall grabs a hold of Jones, pulls him back to his feet and moves him into the corner. From there, Gall goes to town on Jones with multiple shoot kicks to the chest before a spinning back kick to the midsection doubles him over. Gall then turns Jones around, takes control of his back and throws him out of the corner with a half nelson suplex. Gall heads over and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Jones kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Gall is showing some fire early.

Stephy Auger: This is what Dante Difranco wants to see. He wants to see some fire and aggression from his client.

Gall takes Jones and whips him into the ropes. When Jones returns, Gall throws him down with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Gall heads over, pulls Jones back up and brings him down with an Exploder Suplex. He then pulls Jones back to his feet and hooks both arms from behind before throwing him down with a release Dragon Suplex. After landing in the prone position, Jones tries to push himself up off the mat. But Gall is right there to flatten him with a double foot stomp. He pulls Jones over and makes the cover.

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

Gall picks up Jones, scoops him up and slams him down with a Michinoku Driver II!

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

Jones gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Yet another nearfall for Jones! The current number one contender to the 15 Championship isn’t looking so hot, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: He still looks pretty good from where I’m sitting. Mmm!

Kris Cruise: ...

Gall takes Jones and nails him with four forearms strikes before whipping him into the ropes. He tries to catch Jones with a lariat on the return. But Jones ducks and counters with a Floatover DDT!

Kris Cruise: Jones has his opening! I don’t know what happened earlier in this match. Maybe he was taking Gall lightly. Maybe he was focusing solely on his 15 Championship match at Only the Strong Survive. But this is Jones’ chance to take control of this match and put Gall away.

Both grapplers remain on the mat until Jones returns to his feet with a kip up. Gasps are heard from the crowd when Jones immediately staggers over and collapses against the ropes.

Stephy Auger: Not so fast, Cruise. Jones doesn’t look like he’s all quite there yet.

Jones continues to try and shake out the cobwebs. He turns and sees Gall getting back to his feet. So he runs across the ring and knocks Gall down with a diving forearm. Jones hits the ropes, comes back and knocks Gall off his feet with another diving forearm. Jones then takes Gall, doubles him over with an inverted atomic drop and throws him down with a double underhook suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gall kicks out.

Gall reverses an irish whip, sending Jones into the ropes. When Jones return, he knocks Gall off his feet with a dropkick. Gall gets back to his feet until Jones drops him down to a knee with a step-up enzuigiri. He then quickly grabs a hold of Gall before planting him with a Kneeling DDT. Gall remains sprawled out on the mat as Jones steps out to the apron before scaling the turnbuckles. Once Jones reaches the top, he leaps off and crashes down on Gall with a flying elbow drop.

Kris Cruise: Big elbow off the top for Jones!

Stephy Auger: You know what comes next, Cruise.


Jones heads across the ring and sets up shop in the corner. Jones starts to wave Gall up off the apron. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Gall gets closer and closer to returning to a vertical base. Once Gall is back to his feet, he turns around before getting nailed with Zoned Out (Superkick)! Jones drops down and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd cheers as “I Won’t Back Down” hits the speakers.

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

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

Kris Cruise: A good come-from-behind win there for Patrick Jones. But he’s got to be better next time. Mark Bisley will be more than prepared when he faces Jones the next time around.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We go Backstage where AMC and Ashley Sullivan are standing by but as usual AMC does not seem to be in really good mood.

AMC: What is missing here? Oh could it be OUR Tag Team Titles? The titles that we should have been given once they were vacated! But NOOOO!!!! Instead we were put in a match and were cheated!!!!!!!!

AMC pounds the wall with her fist.

AMC: Well that ends now! From now on we will do what we want and take what we want! No more will we allow others to have what should rightfully be ours! Those tag titles will be ours! All single titles will be ours!! Hell the Rumble will be ours because I am officially announcing my entry into the Rumble and everybody else in that match has just been put on notice because AMC will give no quarter and will give no mercy!!

AMC snarls and starts pacing as Sully steps up. She looks down and removes the stethoscope and white doctor’s coat she wore early when she was working with Sparrow and throws them back on the bench behind them.

Ashley Sands: Why do I feel like I’m always the one out of the three of us that keeps the most calm when crap gets ugly. Chill out for a moment, girl. Let’s just chill ok? Yeah we didn’t get the titles but we ain’t out of it yet. But we will be if we go out there throwing a temper tantrum and get our asses kicked because we weren’t focused. Losing to these two, now that’ll be a big blow to our chances at even getting a sniff at those belts again and ruling this division like a couple of queens.

AMC is looking Sully up and down and then at the Doctor’s coat on the bench as if it was the first time she noticed it.

AMC: Sully you know I love you and all and far be it for me to judge but you are a married woman so do you really think you should be playing doctor with any other men? Especially the ones that work here?

She picks up the stethoscope

AMC: Wow you really go all out when you play doctor huh?

AMC smirks at her. Ashley just rolls her eyes at her friend and takes the stethoscope, throwing it away back onto the bench.

Ashley Sands: Ang isn’t into that. Enough games alright. We’ve got a bit of business to handle right now.

AMC: Don't worry about me because I know what needs to be done tonight. Silk and Cyanide obviously are into pain and agony because that is what they are going to get tonight. Those tag titles are ours and I won't allow anybody to get in our way of claiming them. Tonight we step back into the light and shine it on the darkness that is FGA management and force them to give us what we deserve. Then after you can tell me about about your Doctor games

AMC smirks at Sully, who rolls her eyes and punches AMC in the arm.

AMC: First up we take out Silk and Cyanide and then on to the Rumble and my big win there. The summer of The Ashley’s begins tonight!

[FGA Office]

TAG TEAM MATCH
Silk & Cyanide vs. Ashes to Ashes

The opening guitar riff of "Warrior" by Skarlett Riot begins to play over the sound system seconds before the Hybrid Champion Ashley Sands walks out onto the stage. Pointing out to the fans all over the arena, Sands walks down to the ring. Once she gets down to ringside, and gets on the apron before climbing the turnbuckle from the outside. She nimbly climbs the turnbuckle from the outside to perch atop the top rope as she sits on her knees.

J.A. Aldridge: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Bradley Beach, New Jersey... ASHLEY SANDS!!!!

With her name being announced, Ashley holds both of her arms up as she lays back on the turnbuckle post behind her. Flashing from cameras going off all around her, Sands rolls forwards to flip down into the ring and land on her feet.

"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 stutting with a smirk as she fist bumps some of the fans

J.A. Aldridge: Her partner, hailing from Beverly Hills, California... Ashley Marie Chase, A! M! C!

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

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

Kris Cruise: The team of Ashes to Ashes were able to put the war with Sadie San Francisco and Jaelynn Ramsey behind them when the pair eliminated Sadie and Jae from the Tag Team Gauntlet. Unfortunately for the two Ashleys, their night was cut short by their opponents here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Ashley Marie Chase is deluded enough to think that they should have been handed the titles when they were vacated. What is she on?

Kris Cruise: Let me guess. If anyone was to have had the titles handed over to them, it should have been Silk & Cyanide, right?

Stephy Auger: Exactly!

Kris Cruise: ...

The arena lights dim as the sound of a woman's laugh heavy with contempt echoes through the arena, which soon segues into the bassline of "She's Gone Away" signals the arrival of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason as the duo slink onto the entrance ramp and pause for a moment, with Mariani looking towards the ring in disgust while Mason looks as if she's waiting for any excuse to start a fight

You dig in places till your fingers bleed
Spread the infection, where you spill your seed

The pair turn their heads towards one another and share a conspiratorial look before they slowly turn their attention back towards the ring and without a moment's hesitation the pair begin to walk towards the ring, keeping in step with one another and maintaining focus on what they have planned for the sorry individuals that await them.

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 248 pounds! They are the team of Erin Mariani and Sara Mason, SILK & CYANIDE!

I can't remember what she came here for
I can't remember much of anything anymore

Once the duo reach ringside Mariani climbs the ring steps and climbs the ropes so she's perched with one foot upon the top turnbuckle as she literally looks down upon Her opponent while, at the same time, Mason dives under the bottom rope and slides into the ring and quickly rises to a knee and looks directly towards their entertainment for this evening

She's gone, she's gone, she's gone away
She's gone, she's gone, she's gone away

Having staked their place in the ring, Mariani vaults over the ropes and twists in mid-air so she lands on Her feet in the corner while looking directly towards the opponent while Mason slowly crawls back towards the same corner while maintaining a stare in the opponent's direction the entire time before she reaches to her sides to pull herself into a crouching position.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide, the team you like to call the uncrowned champs, are once again walking around with a chip on their shoulder.

Stephy Auger: Why not? They carried the United States Tag Team Title scene while Pendragon, a team that NEVER beat them two on two, got all the credit.

Away...
Away...

As the duo await the opening bell Mason gestures towards the opponents, daring them to come a little closer to see what will happen, while Mariani wears a bemused smirk upon Her face knowing full well what the duo have in mind for the poor souls standing across the ring from them

Ashes to Ashes can be seen going over strategy in their respective corner. But their planning is cut short when Silk & Cyanide race across the ring and get the jump on them!

Kris Cruise: Oh what the hell!

Stephy Auger: Protect yourself at all times, Cruise! I don’t want to hear your whining! Sands and Chase should know better!


The bell sounds as Erin Mariani and Sara Mason nail Ashley Sands and Ashley Marie Chase with clubbing strikes across the ring. Mariani turns Sands around and sends her slumping down in the corner with multiple forearm strikes across the face. Meanwhile, Mason takes AMC, places her in a side headlock and rakes her face along the top rope. The boos continue as she chokes AMC across the top rope. Back in the corner, Mariani applies a foot choke to Sands.

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide are choking the life out of Ashes to Ashes!

Stephy Auger: Uh oh! Looks like Chase and Sands forget the safe word! Don’t you just hate it when that happens?

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: Ha!

Mason takes AMC and tosses her through the rope to the floor. After making her way to the outside, Mason grabs AMC and slams her face-first onto the apron. She then slams her face-first against the ring post. Mason then takes AMC and runs down ringside before bringing her down with a one-handed bulldog! With AMC down in the prone position, Mason heads back down the other end of the ringside area. She then rushes back over towards AMC before hitting her with a running seated senton. Mason follows up with a leg drop across the back.

Kris Cruise: Ashes to Ashes are getting dominated by Silk & Cyanide.

Stephy Auger: This is what happens when you’ve been disrespected for far too long.

Back inside, Mariani charges across the ring before nailing Sands with a running knee strike in the corner. After Mason rolls back inside, she runs across the ring before Mariani hip tosses her, sending her crashing into Sands with a cannonball senton!

Kris Cruise: Sands just got crushed in the corner!

The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide grab Sands and pull her out of the corner and towards the center of the ring. Mariani hits a short-arm clothesline, keeps hold of the arm and rolls Sands over so the momentum pulls them to a seated position, allowing Mason to hit a sliding clothesline. Mariani finally heads out to the apron while Mason makes the cover.

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

Mariani gets tagged back in. Silk & Cyanide pull Sands back to her feet and deliver a double arm wrench followed by double palm thrusts to the chest, knocking her down. Mariani makes the cover.

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

Mariani heads over and makes the tag. She then goes back over, pulls Sands up and holds her in place while Mason scales the turnbuckles. On cue, Silk & Cyanide deliver The Pleasure Principle (Mariani holds the opponent in a front facelock as Mason comes off the top rope to rake the opponent's back)! Sands drops down to her knees. The boos continue as Mason brings her down with the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent)! She makes the cover.

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

Mason pulls Sands back to her feet before dropping her with a headbutt. She then turns away from Sands and motions for a standing moonsault. Instead, she opts for a back kick to the head. The boos continue as she takes Sands, heads into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. Sands is then turned around before getting caught with the Lyssa (jumping side kick to the midsection). After Sands plops down to a seated position in the corner, Mason heads over into the Silk & Cyanide corner. She sizes up Sands from across the ring before charging forward. Mason picks up speed just before hurling herself at Sands with the Blood & Black Lace (high speed running back elbow to an opponent sat in the corner)! The crowd cheers when Sands slips out to the apron, causing Mason to crash into the corner!

Kris Cruise: Nobody was home on that one! Sands got out of the way just in the nick of time!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Mason rolls away from the corner while Sands rolls herself back in under the bottom rope. When she looks over, she sees AMC pulling herself up to the apron. Sands then reaches up and makes the tag.

Kris Cruise: AMC’s in!

The crowd cheers as AMC scales the turnbuckles. Once Mason is back to a vertical base and turns around, AMC stands up, leaps off and knocks her down with a high crossbody!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason kicks out.

Mason reverses an irish whip, sending AMC into the ropes. When she returns, she slips down from a back body drop before bringing Mason down with a Scorpion Death Drop! AMC makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Mason kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for AMC!

Mason reverses another irish whip, sending AMC towards the ropes. The crowd boos when Mariani knees AMC in the back. AMC arches her back in pain until she turns around and knocks Mariani off the apron with a clothesline!

Kris Cruise: There you go, Ash! There you go!

Stephy Auger: Gee, biased much?

Kris Cruise: I know you’re not talking about someone being biased!

Stephy Auger: ...

AMC turns around and sees Mason charging at her. So she ducks and dumps Mason over the top rope to the floor!

Kris Cruise: The trash just got taken out, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: I can’t wait to tell Mason what you just called her!

AMC heads into the corner and climes the turnbuckles. When Mariani gets back to her feet, AMC flips off and knocks her down with a moonsault!

Kris Cruise: Big time moonsault to the outside by Ashley Marie Chase!

Sands heads across the ring, climbs the adjacent corner, flips off the top and knocks Mason down with a moonsault!

Kris Cruise: Now Ashley Sands is getting in on the action! Silk & Cyanide have just been laid out! Ashes to Ashes are standing tall! This limited capacity crowd is rocking for these two!

Stephy Auger: It isn’t over yet!

Kris Cruise: If Silk & Cyanide don’t figure out something quick, it will be!

Stephy Auger: ...

AMC picks up Mason and rolls her back inside. After rolling herself back inside, she makes the cover.

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

AMC takes Mason, pulls her back to her feet and brings her down with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex!

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

AMC takes Mason, pulls her into a standing headscissors and lifts her up before throwing her down with a powerbomb. She then heads into the corner, scales to the top, flips off and lands across Mason with a moonsault! She hooks the leg.

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

The crowd sighs when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I thought she had her there!

Stephy Auger: Well you thought wrong!

AMC takes Mason, drags her over into the A2A corner and tags Sands in. Sands gets in, pulls Mason back to her feet and drives her face-first into the mat with a reverse russian leg sweep. She then heads into the corner, scales to the top, flips off and crashes across Mason’s back with a moonsault. The cheers continue as she pulls Mason over and makes the cover.

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

Mason gets the shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: She’s a fighter, Cruise! She won’t stay down.

AMC gets tagged back in. Ashes to Ashes then take Mason and send her for the ride. When Mason returns, the crowd cheers when they throw her down with a double back body drop. AMC pulls Mason back to her feet before whipping her back into the ropes. On the return, AMC lifts Mason up and brings her down with a Samoan Drop. She then rolls off of Mason so Sands can follow up with the Wind Whisper (Rolling Senton)! Sands then rolls off and heads towards her corner while AMC makes the cover.

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

The crowd boos when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I’ll have to agree with you, Stephy. Mason is showing some toughness here.

AMC takes Mason and whips her hard into the corner. Mason crashes into the corner and staggers over towards the center of the ring before AMC doubles her over with a boot to the midsection. She then goes to deliver The Name Dropper (Pedigree) until Mariani comes up from behind and brings her down with a double knee backbreaker.

Kris Cruise: Mariani with the save!

Stephy Auger: THANK YOU!

Mariani heads out to the corner and extends her arm for the tag. Back near the center of the ring, AMC continues to arch her back in pain. Mason slowly starts to turn around before crawling over towards the Silk & Cyanide corner. The crowd boos when she reaches over and tags out.

Stephy Auger: She’s in!

Mariani rushes in and puts the boots to AMC. After pulling AMC back to her feet, Mariani brings her down with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker. She makes the cover.

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

Mariani and takes AMC and whips her into the corner. She then runs over, hops on top of AMC and throws her out of the corner with a monkey flip. AMC sits up until Mariani rushes over and nails her with a running hip attack to the back of the head! Mariani reaches down and pulls AMC back up to a seated position before hitting the ropes. When she returns, she flattens AMC with the Libertine (running double stomp to a seated opponent)! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sands runs over and delivers a stomp to the back.

Kris Cruise: Good save there by Mariani. Both of these teams are vying to become the first challengers for the Renegades of Funk and their World Tag Team Championship. You’d have to think a win here tonight would go a long way towards getting that title match.

Sands heads back out to the apron while Mariani move AMC into the Silk & Cyanide corner. The tag gets made out to Mason before Silk & Cyanide pull AMC over towards the center of the ring and bring her down with the Descent (double suplex dropped into sitout gourdbuster from Mariani)! AMC remains in the prone position while Silk & Cyanide head into opposite sets of ropes. When Mason & Mariani return, they nail AMC with basement stereo dropkicks. The boos continue as Mason pulls her over for the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when AMC gets the shoulder up.

Mason pulls AMC back up before doubling her over with a cross chop to the throat. She then grabs a hold of AMC and runs across the ring before bringing her down with the Lorelei (with the opponent in a headlock, Mason dives out of the ring to snap their neck on the ropes)! The boos continue as Mason rolls back inside and places AMC throat-first across the bottom rope. She then stands on AMC’s back and chokes her across the bottom rope while pulling upon the middle rope!

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Mason reluctantly breaks the choke. She then heads over and makes the tag back out to Mariani. After Mariani gets in and drops down to a knee, Mason pulls AMC back to her feet. The crowd boos when Silk & Cyanide bring AMC down with the Vow (one-handed bulldog by Mason over Mariani’s knee)! Mariani makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when AMC gets the shoulder up.

Mason takes AMC and whips her into the corner. She then runs across the ring to attack until AMC counters with a back elbow to the face. AMC switches positions with Mason in the corner before sitting her up on the top turnbuckle. She then turns, lifts Mason onto her back and runs out of the corner before bringing her down with the Gucci Drop (Backpack Stunner)!

Kris Cruise: Mason’s down! Sara Mason is down! AMC has to find a way over towards her corner to make a tag!

Mason remains sprawled out on the mat while AMC slowly turns over into the prone position. Sands can be seen jumping up and down in their corner while AMC pulls herself across the ring. Sands then starts to repeatedly slap the top turnbuckle. The crowd takes their cue from Sands and starts clapping along. Sands continues to wave AMC over towards their corner. AMC continues to try and pull herself closer and closer. AMC then dives over and makes the tag!

Kris Cruise: Sands is back in!

After Sands scales to the top turnbuckle, the crowd explodes with cheers when she flips off and lands across Mason with the Sunset (Swanton Bomb)! She turns over and makes the cover.

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

The crowd erupts with boos when Mariani dives over and breaks up the pin.

Kris Cruise: Where did Mariani come from!?

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Mariani takes Sands and whips her into the ropes. She sets up for a back body drop off the rebound. But she gets countered when Sands stops and plants her with a DDT. Sands gets back to her feet and stomps Mariani out of the ring. She picks up Mason, pulls her into the corner and climbs up onto the middle ropes. The cheers continue when she plants Mason with a Tornado DDT!

Sands heads back into the corner before climbing back up to the middle ropes. She starts waving Mason up. Mason then starts to stir before turning over on all fours. Once Mason’s back to her feet, Sands flips off and brings her down with a Blockbuster! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Oh so close.

Sands takes Mason and whips her into the ropes. Mason comes back off the ropes before Sands knocks her off her feet with a spinning heel kick! She makes the cover.

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

The crowd sighs when Mason gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How much closer can you get, Stephy!?

Stephy Auger: C’mon, Sara! Hang on!

Sands takes Mason, delivers an irish whip, follows her across the ring and blasts her with the Wind Kick (running big boot in the corner)! The cheers continue as she pulls Mason out of the corner before bringing her down with into Dust (Codebreaker)! Mason remains down on the mat while Sands heads over and tags AMC back in.

Kris Cruise: AMC gets tagged back in.

Stephy Auger: I’m not sure I agree with this. Sands had the hot hand.

AMC starts to climb the turnbuckles after Sands steps out to the apron. The crowd then erupts with boos when Mariani yanks Sands down off the apron. Sands smacks her face against the apron on the way down.

Kris Cruise: How the heck did Mariani sneak over there!?

Mariani then throws Sands against the guardrail. She then reaches down, scoops Sands back up and drops her with a snake eyes across the guardrail!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord! She just dropped Sands throat-first across the rail!

Stephy Auger: Good, now we don’t have to hear her talk. That voice is like nails on a chalkboard, Cruise.

Mariani turns around and does a double take as AMC leaps off and knocks her down with a missile dropkick!

Kris Cruise: AMC could’ve taken out Mason. But she opted for the missile dropkick to the floor after Mariani took out Sands.

AMC rolls back inside. She gets back to her feet and crouches down. Across the ring, Mason is struggling to pick herself up. Once Mason’s back to her feet, she slowly turns around and starts to step back as AMC charges at her. The crowd cheers when she launches herself at Mason with the Walk of Fame (spear)! But the cheers turn to boos when Mason dives out of the way, causing AMC to crash shoulder-first into the ring post!

Kris Cruise: No! NO! NO!

AMC is still doubled over in the corner until Mason brings her down with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
Mason gets her feet on the middle ropes!
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd erupts with boos as “She’s Gone Away” blares throughout the arena.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this bout… SILK & CYANIDE!

The boos continue as Silk & Cyanide nudge the ref out of the way. Mason and Mariani then raise each others arms in victory.

Kris Cruise: That damn Silk & Cyanide just stole a victory from Ashes to Ashes!

Stephy Auger: It couldn’t have happened to a better team!

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide have been crying about how much they’ve supposedly been screwed over. Yet when they’re the ones actually cheating a team out of a match, now it’s perfectly okay.

Stephy Auger: Exactly! I’m glad you’re finally up to speed.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Switching scenes, the cameras open up in a different section of the backstage area. A somewhat secluded section of hallway comes into focus as ace interviewer Amanda Johnson walks towards a production trunk where the figure of FGA star Savannah Taylor sat perched on the trunk, dressed in her ring attire and a black notebook open in her lap, a ballpoint pen making soft scratches on the page. Amanda clears her throat before approaching the Las Vegas native.

Amanda Johnson: Excuse me, Savannah?

The blonde looks up from her notebook and regards the interviewer with a raised eyebrow.

Savannah Taylor: Amanda. To what do I owe this pleasure ?

Amanda Johnson:: Well I was hoping to get…..

Savannah raises a hand to cut her off as she clicks her pen closed.

Savannah Taylor: Wait, let me guess. You want to know where I’ve been and why I haven’t been seen in the ring, doing what I do best? Is that it?

She doesn’t even give Amanda a chance to respond.

Savannah Taylor: Or maybe, you want to get my thoughts about the recent happenings involving my absolute best buddy[/b] Cordelia Stevenson. I mean, she’s never been short of words, but recently? Ehhhh, I can’t say that some of what she has said is wrong. Or maybe you want to know what I think about certain….returns.

She can’t help but roll her eyes.

Savannah Taylor: Am I in the right ballpark?

Amanda Johnson: I am curious what you think about those, but what i’m really wanting to know is, what are your thoughts when you are moments away from stepping into the ring with one half of what many people feel are one of the most popular tag teams to come into FGA?

A slight sigh escapes Savannah’s lips as she slides off of the trunk.

Savannah Taylor: You know, I almost feel sorry for Max. I really do. I mean, it wasn’t too long ago where his best friend and tag team partner Landon Knight stood toe to toe with Seth Iser. and took the former champion to the limit. If it wasn’t for the emergence of Gareth Prichard Jr., we would have seen the upset of the damn century. But instead, the main reason why people tolerate Lowri Moss is responsible for Seth winning. And where has Landon been? Who knows? But what I do know is that this match between myself and Max? Well, it’s downright unfair.

Amanda looks at Savannah with a slightly raised eyebrow.

Amanda Johnson: Unfair? In what way?

Savannah Taylor: That is exactly what I said. This match puts Max at a distinct disadvantage. Not only is he flying solo without Landon to be there as backup, but he’s going up against the one person who is solely responsible for two people, two pains in my ass, no longer being in wrestling, let alone no longer being in FGA. I’ve more than made my name synonymous with FGA, so excuse me if I don’t feel that someone who appreciates a second rate video game franchise is on my level.

She lets out a sigh as she shakes her head.

Savannah Taylor: But if Max Powers is so damn stubborn that he has it in his mind that this match is going to be his singles breakout match, then I have zero problem bringing him back down to Earth and reminding him just what kind of person I am. I’m not someone that he should even think of crossing. I am not someone who he should think is going to give him any semblance of an easy match. And if Max insists on stepping to me? Then I’m afraid it is going to be…

She slams shut the notebook she was holding in her hands with a somewhat loud thud.

Savannah Taylor: Game over.

Amanda Johnson: One more question. As you know, the feature attraction of the upcoming Only The Strong Survive event is the Gold Rush Rumble. Already we have seen quite the list of names either declare themselves for the Rumble or be named. Will we see your name be added to such a list?

Savannah simply shrugs her shoulders.

Savannah Taylor: I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?

With that, the Las Vegas native walks off as the scene switches elsewhere.

[FGA Office]

John Carmichael vs. Olé Anderson

The arena is plunged into darkness as the opening bars of "Land of Sunshine" play over the PA system until golden light floods the entranceway to reveal John Carmichael stood at the top of the ramp, his back to the crowd and an arm held high with his index finger raised, making damn sure that everyone in the arena knows that he's there and they're now on his time

You have a winning way, so keep it, your future, your future, your future
You are an angel heading for a land of sunshine
And fortune is smiling upon you

Having kept the crowd waiting for as long as he damn well feels like, with his entrance theme literally laughing in the crowd's faces, finally Carmichael whips around on the spot to face the ring and without a second's hesitation begins to walk to the ring

Kris Cruise: John Carmichael finds himself back in action for the first time in weeks, Stephy. I’m sure Carmichael would love nothing more than to get out some of that anger he’s still feeling after losing to Izzy Anders at All-Star Showdown IX.

Stephy Auger: I think you’re wrong, Cruise. Carmichael might have lost the Steel Cage Match. But he ultimately won the war. He proved to the world just how ugly Izzy Anders truly is. From what I’m hearing, Carmichael’s got his eyes on another false idol.

Kris Cruise: Well I haven’t heard anything about that.

Stephy Auger: Of course you didn’t. You don’t have any sources!

Kris Cruise: ...

Prepare for a series of comfortable miracles
From fasting to feasting, to feasting
Life to you is a dashing, bold adventure
So sing and rejoice, and sing and rejoice

As he makes his way down the ramp in his own damn time, Carmichael occasionally glances from side to side at the fans nearest to him wearing an expression that combines bemusement and contempt of each and every last one of them until he reaches the ringside area and simply shrugs his leather jacket off his shoulders and makes his way onto the ring apron

Kris Cruise: One thing I do know is that. John Carmichael will in fact be in this year’s Gold Rush Rumble. No one has been in more Rumbles than Carmichael. No one’s eliminated more people in Rumble history than Carmichael. He may no longer be Johnny Karma, Stephy. All those monikers like “Battle Royal God” may be long gone. But you can’t ignore or deny his history in that match.

Stephy Auger: The man absolutely dominated the Rumble last year before that thief Izzy Anders screwed him over. I’m more than confidant that he can do it again. Out of the names announced thus far, he’s one of the very few that have actually won the match. He knows what it takes to win and win big, Cruise. I love Seth Iser’s chances. But if I had to bet money, I’m putting a nice chunk of change down on Carmichael, too.

And look for the dream that keeps coming back your future, your future, your future
Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a handshake
'Cause everything is not yet lost

Quickly stepping through the ropes into the ring, Karma climbs the nearest turnbuckles and simply stands there without raising an arm, a finger, or even a muscle to acknowledge the crowd, instead he's just making sure they can see that he's there

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following co-

The crowd erupts with boos as Carmichael jumps off the ropes, runs over and knocks Anderson down from behind with a clothesline.

Kris Cruise: What the hell!?

Stephy Auger: A vet like Anderson should have never turned his back to John Carmichael. He’s smarter than that!

Anderson pushes himself up to all fours before Carmichael flattens him with a jumping knee drop across the back of the neck! The boos continues as Carmichael takes Anderson, moves him into the corner and nails him with two punches to the gut followed by a European Uppercut. Carmichael then takes Anderson, places him upper body through the ropes, grabs the back of his neck with both hands and chokes him across the top rope by pulling him forward.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Carmichael breaks the hold before catching Anderson with a superkick while he’s trapped in the ropes. The boos continue as Carmichael brings him back inside before sitting him down on the top turnbuckle (facing away from the ring). He then climbs up to the middle ropes, grabs Anderson and brings him down hard with the Bitter Taste of Failure (belly to back superplex dropped onto the top turnbuckle)! After Anderson bounces off the top turnbuckle and rolls across the mat, Carmichael marches over, pulls him up and tosses him to the apron through the ropes. Carmichael reaches through the ropes, grabs Anderson and drags him into position before bringing him down with the Khartbreyk (rope hung swinging neckbreaker)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd erupts with boos when Carmichael pulls Anderson’s head up.

Kris Cruise: That match was over, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Carmichael isn’t through having his fun yet.

Carmichael pulls Anderson back to his feet, hoists him up from behind and throws him down with the Tahara (full nelson slam over the knee)! The boos continue as Anderson is slowly brought back to his feet. Seconds later, Anderson is hoisted into the air before being slammed down with authority with Life's A Bitch (pop up sitdown powerbomb)!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd erupts with boos when Carmichael pushes Anderson off to the side.

Kris Cruise: Alright, Carmichael! You’ve proved your point.

Stephy Auger: Has he?

Carmichael grabs Anderson and yanks him back to his feet. He then scoops Anderson up, holds him upside down and drops him right on his head with the 27 Club (Jumping Tombstone)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The Crowd erupts with boos as “Land of Sunshine” blares throughout the arena.

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

---

Returning backstage, a zoom in of the Pride Championship is shown and slowly the view is widened to show not only the champion, Tyler Storm, but also interviewer Spencer Burke. Tyler is scratching a bit at his right shoulder while keeping the Pride title balanced on his left.

Spencer Burke: As we swing back here, I've gotten a chance to speak with our Pride Champion, Tyler Storm. Tyler, hopefully all is well?

Tyler Storm: Oh about as well as it could be, Spence. The schedule has been tough recently but I'd much rather have a tough packed schedule than an easy and slow one. Just remind me that I may need to think about some ice treatment coming up, heh.

Spencer Burke: I'll try to remember that. But Tyler, I wanted to stop you back here tonight because obviously on the last episode of Vertigo, you actually had the opportunity to square off once again with your most recent foe of late, Ace Voltage, in a Beat The Clock Challenge match to determine the new #1 Contender for Nina Stokes' US title at Only The Strong Survive. Great match aside, just as the two of you had at A New Odyssey where you retained your Pride Championship...well this time around, you came on the losing end to Ace...

Tyler Storm: And that night, I lost my smile, it was devastating, Spence...

That actually gets a small bit of laughter from Tyler and he shrugs to himself while readjusting his stance and moving the Pride Championship over to his right shoulder.

Tyler Storm: In all seriousness though, fair play to Ace. Coming off of the supershow matchup with him, that was an insane challenge and the way he pushed me and the standard of the Pride Rules match was something that definitely earned my respect. Again, I've said it since the beginning of this whole new spat between us, Ace Voltage is a star athlete in that ring and you have to give him his due there, and that respect grew after getting the chance to fight him again. But then we go to this past Vertigo, and another great matchup later, this time he slipped past my elbow shot and ended me with a second to spare. He proved that the result of A New Odyssey could have been very different, with also the potential to become the new challenger for the US title, which eventually was overtaken time wise by my Aussie brother for life Owen Gonsalves.

Spencer Burke: And that actually segways nicely into my next question. After the show and even tonight, Ace has made clear he thinks he's earned one more shot at you and the Pride Championship...so that decision then rolls over to you, what are your thoughts?

Tyler Storm: How dare he, the nerve really?!? Again, joking aside because I'm bad at that, I can see where he is coming from on a competitive side and a smart side. Ultimately, he lost his United States Championship match with Nina Stokes by 1 second to Owen, and that stings bad especially when you have no control about what happens in that match between Owen and Mark. But he's made it no secret, he's hungry to regain gold, I got the chance to see that hunger firsthand through the whole of the buildup to and during the match at A New Odyssey. Call it greed but I respect the hustle, I really do. And again, fact is, he beat me 1-2-3 in the battle ground where it all matters during the last show. I don't care how anyone else conducts themselves, I was taught that when someone beats you, you don't just ignore that because then you aren't doing any better for yourself.

The champ glances over at the recently redesigned title and nods a few times to himself before turning back to Spencer.

Tyler Storm: Ultimately, I'll let the powers that be decide, but if Ace Voltage wants another shot at the Pride Championship, regardless of what anyone thinks, he earned it. So I'm happy to accept any challenge he throws down. I'm not going to be scared and try to find different competition when there is a clear #1 Contender in my face that earned that right the best way possible. So Ace, I know you are listening...I'm ready for one more round. But just know this time, now I've got a little more to prove because I'm coming off a loss to you. I can't say how different that'll make me for this next showdown with Pride on the line, but I know you ain't gonna take me lightly, and I still ain't doing that with you man. So best of luck when that comes.

Spencer Burke: We'll definitely try to get an update as to when this match is official and when it will take place, but that's a big announcement here on Vertigo tonight as it looks like Tyler Storm/Ace Voltage will grace a card one more time! Now before I let you go, another big thing on the table recently announced is the return of the Gold Rush Rumble. And your name has been announced on social media as one of the participants. Now obviously, this time last year you actually removed yourself from that match in the pursuit of reclaiming the Pride Championship you hold now. Is the plan changing any this year or do you think the extra challenge can be on the table this time around?

Tyler Storm: I'll have to think on it a little more. Again, I make no secret the respect I have for the Gold Rush Rumble match, the opportunity that comes with it is just too great to overlook. Last time around, it wasn't so much a case where I didn't want to focus on it and Lowri at the same time, it was a matter more of I didn't feel I earned a right to be there. Just me being honest, I didn't feel worthy of sharing that field last time, because I felt down on myself and of my abilities and I needed to rectify my place with this championship back over my shoulder before I took a step back in that match. This time around, again I definitely don't want to overdo myself, but I also feel a lot more confident I've earned my name in it again compared to last time. With how I've fought with this Pride Championship back with me, with getting such kind words of respect from people like the current top champ Cordy, from Lowri, from so many others...the idea of aiming for the top of the mountain is becoming a lot more clear and if this is that chance, then it's starting to become a lot more foolish if I don't take it. It's a definite we'll see if plans change, but for now, I accept my invitation.

Spencer Burke: With that then, Tyler, thanks for your time.

Tyler Storm: My pleasure, good sir.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •