Afterburn for Vertigo E88

[FGA Office]

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

[Owen Gonsalves]

AFTERBURN EXCLUSIVE
PRE-RECORDED BEFORE VERTIGO E88

We fade into a close up of Spencer Burke. He gives a warm smile to the camera.

Spencer Burke: Frontier fans, at Vertigo 87, we witnessed a remarkable Beat the Clock Challenge where a new number one contender for the FGA United States Championship was named. The time to beat had changed several times throughout the night and it took us all the way to our main event where the man joining me right now beat Mark Storm with one second to spare. Owen Gonsalves, thanks for joining me once again.

The shot pans out to a carefully crafted, intimate set. Spencer Burke sits in a chair across from Wristlock Sinatra himself. In the background, a curtain drawn on either side of a flat screen monitor with a picture of the FGA United States Championship on it.

Owen Gonsalves: Thank you for having me, Spencer. Cut it a little close there last week, huh?

He breathes out with a light chuckle as he readjusts himself in his seat. As he leans back, it's evident that he's wearing an Evan Envi hoodie.

Spencer Burke: It was remarkable. The tension was at an all-time high and you pulled off what can only be described as a clutch win. A win that takes you to July 22nd in Baltimore, Maryland, , Only The Strong Survive where you'll face the FGA United States Champion, Nina Stokes. Now to our knowledge, this is your first time challenging for an FGA championship. You’ve won titles elsewhere before. Are there any nerves heading into your first FGA title match?

Gonsalves smiles and nods along as Spencer speaks. He ponders over the question for a moment.

Owen Gonsalves: That's quite the scene you've set, Spence. There's a nice story that's building around this match. Returning wrestler, looking to refind his past glory once again, wrestles, in a new state for the first time, one day after his 32nd birthday, in his first ever FGA championship match against arguably the most in-form wrestler in the promotion. You couldn't write it better, SB. It's truly the arc that writers and directors dream of grabbing hold of, hell, it's the arc that wrestlers in this industry dream of having.

A pause and a slow exhale out.

Owen Gonsalves: I can talk to you 'bout the title match experience I got but, truth be told, it won't make much of a difference against the current US Champion. Nina will tell you herself, she's already been here, she's been here countless of times and she's probably numb to the feeling by now. Nina Stokes wrestles big matches like she drinks water, I'm aware of that. There's not going to be many wrestlers in the game with the match experience that she has.

He shrugs his shoulders as he leans forward to a small circular table standing in between them where he picks up a glass of water and takes a sip.

Owen Gonsalves: But you already know that everything I've done in this company since my return has been leading up to a championship match, I walked out to wrestle the Pride Champion at Past Versus Present, I called my shot at 2021: A New Odyssey and let every single champ on this roster know that they are all on my radar and last Vertigo I made sure that I secured an opportunity at this championship. Locked that shit down.

He points over at the render of the championship on the monitor. The title is shiny and glistening like it once used to look prior to the crowning of the Kodiak.

Owen Gonsalves: I have been laser focused from the moment I stepped through those curtains again and I am not about to slow the fuck down, not for Nina Stokes or anybody else…

There's a momentary pause as he relaxes his shoulders a little, releasing some of the tension he was building up.

Owen Gonsalves: I'm nervous though… I am. I won't front, I'm stressed about facing Nina Stokes and I recognize that she fully intends on making an example outta me. But… she wouldn't be the first to try that and I doubt she'll be the last. I'm coming at her regardless and, nerves or not, I'm bringing drive and focus that she has not come across in her reign as of yet.

He once again takes a sip of water carefully as Spencer crafts his next question.

Spencer Burke: There's a lot to unpack there, Owen. It's not often that we see wrestlers opening up and discussing their worries and concerns about their opponents like that. I hope you don't mind me digging a little deeper but… What is it about Nina Stokes’ game that concerns you? Or... is there nothing about her that concerns you?

Owen places the glass back on the table before leaning back into his chair.

Owen Gonsalves: Nina is a killer.

The words linger a little, the silence that follows can only be compared to the silence that follows a gunshot. The short millisecond of calm between impact and reaction.

Owen Gonsalves: That's what concerns me most. I can sit here and talk through every little detail about this match, we can talk about the factors that favour me and the factors that favour her, but when that bell rings she could drop me on my head and step on my throat and she wouldn't think twice about it.

Spencer is almost taken back by the graphic response.

Owen Gonsalves: I don't know if she sees me as a threat but I know that I'll prove myself to be one and the moment I do, she'll respond with unbridled violence and I am aware of that. You saw how she made an example of the Pope. You saw how she's made an example of everyone she's stepped in the ring with.

His voice doesn't rise or fall, it just flatlines through that entire monologue. The sort of flatline you'd get from a man reciting his own eulogy, but he pauses as the emotion begins to rise. Through gritted teeth, he continues...

Owen Gonsalves: Spence, I am aware that I am walking out into the open with a vulture waiting, a vulture who's been starved of a genuine meal. I'm sure there's going to be talent in that locker room who take offense to that, but Nina is going to find out that I'm not going to just let her pick me apart. There will be push back and I think she'll salivate at the thought of making an example out of someone who's going to fight it.

Spencer Burke: You don't think Sadie pushed back?

Owen Gonsalves: I don't think Sadie thinks she pushed back. And if she thinks she did, I can only suggest watching that match at A New Odyssey back again. Sadie San Francisco is unfuckwithable when she's on her game, but she wasn't and Nina ate her up. I'd be a fool to watch that, walk in and let her do the same to me, but yeah, I'm concerned. That's for me to navigate and come Only The Strong Survive, I'll be ready, Spence.

The passion that has become synonymous with Owen Gonsalves leaks it's way in towards the end. Spencer smiles in response to the reassuring words.

Spencer Burke: I think if we break down what makes Nina Stokes - a killer, in your words, its the fact that she's arguably one of the best pound for pound strikers in FGA. Do you think you’ll be able to withstand Nina’s strikes? How are you going to try and combat that?

Gonsalves smiles back and nods along.

Owen Gonsalves: I see where you're going with this, SB and I'm happy to connect the dots for you. It's...well-documented that I'm not as consistent as I'd like to be against targeted strikers. Artemis Kaiser beat the dog piss out of me years ago, Neala Connolly knocked me out this year, Tyler Storm battered me in my return to FGA. I haven't got the answers for the strike game all the time, but truth be told, my aim is to make sure that we're wrestling my match and not hers. I'll have plans in place but, the number one plan is to make sure she's locked up with nowhere to go in that ring. We'll see if she can combat that.

The veteran journalist nods along as he refers to his notes before looking back up at Owen. His eyes drift to the glistening championship on the monitor.

Spencer Burke: Owen, I think what makes this match interesting to me is not only the clash of styles but the clash of personalities. You oppose each other in many ways, but the key difference is the way you each perceive championships. It's clear you've been laser focused on finally winning championship gold in FGA...but Nina...well…

Spencer hesitates for a moment, trying to find the best way to phrase his point.

Spencer Burke: She views championships differently, including the very championship she currently holds. We’ve seen Nina’s physical treatment of the United States Championship for the better part of the year. Are you in any way looking to try and restore the championship?

Gonsalves grimaces slightly at the question.

Owen Gonsalves: I had a feeling we'd discuss this. I'll make this as clear as possible, I don't agree with the way Nina handles the United States Championship, I don't agree with something of value in this company being thrown around like trash. Nina has undoubtedly skyrocketed the title's stock since winning it back from Sadie last November, which cannot be taken away from her, FGA historians will look back on this reign of hers as a landmark moment in this title's lineage. Her work inside this ring against opponents like Sadie, and Marlon Cure and Cassius Reed and Kazu Hirano, has been top notch and it has marked this championship as a true wrestling championship like it's Pride Championship counterpart. I won't need to restore a damn thing, Spence, but I intend on doing everything Nina has done and more, I intend on defending it as often as the board will allow, I intend on carrying it like a championship should be carried, with prestige and weight. It's about building on the work done by the previous champions, not about restoring.

Spencer nods along, jotting down notes for himself as he continues to roll this interview along.

Spencer Burke: You mentioned some of Nina's past challengers for the US Championship. Have you reached out to any of them for advice? What do you think you can learn from their failures against her?

Owen Gonsalves: I cannot allow history to repeat itself. I cannot just roll over and give in to the Kodiak the way she'd want. She wants this to be simple, she wants this to be a little pit stop in her reign but I cannot allow for that. The men and women that challenged her were, and still are, at the top of their game, they walked in the same way I will, with a hope and a dream...The difference for me has to be that I deliver. I won't allow for any less.

A beat.

Owen Gonsalves: I haven't reached out to them. I've seen all I need to see from their matches with her, that's where my learning comes from. Spence, I can listen to the excuses and the warnings that may potentially come from the talent she beat, or I can watch it with my own eyes. I'll be watching tonight too, make no mistake about it.

Burke mulls over his guest's response, and with a smooth level of professionalism, he transitions into his next question.

Spencer Burke: The world will be watching with you, Owen, because if everything goes Nina’s way tonight, she will be pulling double duty at Only The Strong Survive. What are your thoughts on facing an opponent whose focus will likely be divided?

Gonsalves merely shrugs.

Owen Gonsalves: That won't change a thing for me, Spence. She may attempt to make quick work of me so she has energy preserved for the World Champion, she might see me as a warm-up for the big dance, she might take me as seriously as she'll take Cordy Stevenson, who's to say what might happen? I can only prepare with the absolutes that I have in front of me, and truth be told, I'll be in a similar position myself.

Burke's eyebrow raises at the comment.

Owen Gonsalves: I made it clear from the start that I'm here for more than just great matches, I'm here for championships. Now, the same way Nina would be a fool to turn down an opportunity at the FGA World Championship, I'd be a fool if I didn't make the most of every opportunity available to me. While I don't take Nina for one to make excuses, there certainly won't be any now because if she wins tonight, we'll be on even footing at Only The Strong Survive. You're looking at the latest entrant in the Gold Rush Rumble, Spence.

He flashes that trademark grin of his, a smile built on the foundations of determination and drive. Burke is shocked but gathers himself together once again. He turns his attention to the camera.

Spencer Burke: That has certainly added a new layer to this championship match.. Ladies and gentlemen, there is a very high possibility that after tonight both champion and challenger in our United States Championship match will be pulling double duty! You cannot miss it, July 22nd, Baltimore, Maryland!

Burke acknowledges Owen across from him with a COVID safe fist bump.

Spencer Burke: Owen, thanks for your time and best of luck.

Owen Gonsalves: A pleasure, SB. Thank you.

And with that, we fade out.

[Raphael Dallins]

A splatter textured wall. That’s where the shot begins, one of those light cream numbers. The camera slowly pans out to present three shelves filled with hats. Each and every hat is different in style and make, only having two similarities among them. The first similarity is that of color, or lack thereof. Each hat from a porkpie to a fitted, homburg, Kangol bucket, deerstalker and so on is the color of alabaster. Stark, sterile, concise white. The second similitude is being numbered. Each and every hat is numbered from one to thirty. While the fitted has a large number 1, the homburg has a ‘2’ card snugly in the ribbon, the deerstalker has a ‘3’ tag hanging off the brim and so on.

The shot makes a hard pan left to the back of the Legacy champion, admiring the many hats with a single head tilt. The White Hat of FGA lets his dreads hang to one side and reaches up before tapping the number one fitted hat on the brim. He removes it from the shelf, not bothering to put it on.

Mighty Sparrow: I ain’t think we have to worry about Number 1 anymore...Or Number 30 really. With the announcement on the most recent Afterburn, that one of these numbers could go to Izzy and another could go Chandler just as simple as all that. So it does go, yes? The most advantageous and disadvantageous positions in the Gold Rush? Gone. Well some might argue it’s all perspective. Entering at Number 1 certainly makes a bigger brag. I coulda came in first, and I beat the whole company to do so. I earned a shot at Cordy more than anyone here, because I beat out the whole company to do so ain’t? Not...Me per say but y’know...The hypothetical John or Jane Q. Wrestler makin’ an argument for themselves.

Reaching behind, The Legacy champion plucks the number 30 hat off his shelf and gives it a frisbee fling off camera. Same with the number 1 hat.

Mighty Sparrow: See it’s probably a mistake for me to even consider this match right now because wouldn’t ya know it, I’m one of those who have a bit of double duty at OTSS. It sounds like I’m already counting chickens before they hatch. I mean this situation feels like we been here before. Have we? Dealing with Laura Perelli while putting on a classic against Chris Madison? I got a championship to defend that night against Ashley Sands and wouldn’t ya know it, I got a Gold Rush to try and take heads on. Always putting as much as I can on my plate and swearin’ I got more room. Why just go for eliminations and not try and win the whole thing? At least that’s Chris Madison’s advice on it. Not that I don’t appreciate the point made, to always aim high, don’t set the bar too low. I thought about it though...And I do have an answer as to..Why.

Sparrow reaches upward and grabs the brim of the porkpie with a number 9 in the ribbon before tossing it. A beanie with 12 stitched on? Tossed. One by one the hats start flying off-camera, punctuated as Sparrow talks.

Mighty Sparrow: Because say what, I want all the smoke that comes.

Finally Sparrow turns to the camera, a small grin playing up at the corner of his lips that reaches his eyes.

Mighty Sparrow: See I can trust more than anything that a match with Ash is not going to bring some cheap shots or steal the title like Perelli or comin’ for somebody else’s throat, so on and so on. When it’s time for that Legacy championship sittin’ on my couch to be put up? It’ll be all above board, may the best competitor win. I ain’t gonna have to worry about her tryna break somethin’ before the Gold Rush because she’s in it too and the way this championship match could go? It might be as simple as who can win quicker without expendin’ the most energy. I ain’t necessarily about to discount Ash either. It just means that I can take other goals into account. Endless possibilities of what could happen come OTSS, ya see what I sayin’?

Another hat off the rack. Another. Another.

Mighty Sparrow: Some strategies for survivin’ a rumble might be alliances, or tryna keep eyes on everyone who might potentially send you to the back. Nah. Never that. See I will happily find my path to the Undisputed championship, to the DNA of FGA, by going through as many people as possible, sending up and over as many of my peers. I want every elimination, every throat, every head. I gon’ go in and pretend during that match like Cordy’s bounty on Chandler extends to every. Single. One. Of. Y’all.

By now the Legacy champion turns fully to the camera, shoulders squared up. By now there’s only one hat left on the shelves.

Mighty Sparrow: Whether it be Marlon Cure, Lowri Moss, Seth Iser, Chandler Scott, Sloan Talbot, AMC, Owen, Izzy Anders, Savannah Taylor...Star...Taylor? I don’t... Anyway. Voltage, Ashley, Brian Stryker apparently? Whoever, wherever, whenever, however...I’m comin’ for all the above like my life depended on it. Notorious K.I.C.K.s for everyone. That’s a LOT of names to try’n punch above my weight class but y’know what? This is the Gold Rush Rumble, this is Only The Strong Survive and the name speaks for the sentiment. Ain’t no weight class come bell time. Forget if you ‘See Me’ or whatever because if I have my way about it, you might gon’ see me comin’.

The Trini wrestler shrugs.

Mighty Sparrow: That sounds insane, ain't? This is my first time in this company, I ain't someone returning after a journeyman career. I've done good but not perfect, haven't shattered every single obstacle or opponent. It's a tragedy of tryna do better, beatin' my own perception of what's expected of me. So the only option is coast or do better than that, and then do better than THAT tomorrow, and so on and so on. Forever on the escalation, forever on the high until I either crash or keep flyin'. No quit. No end in sight. To that end?

Sparrow turns to reach up, grabbing the final hat and ripping the number tag away. The final hat in question is just another fitted, all white like the rest. He rubs his wrist against the brim, dusting white powder that had hidden away golden fabric. It makes a snug fit on his head before he gives the brim a bend.

Mighty Sparrow: I want most eliminations come OTSS. I will get most eliminations or get my throat smashed in tryin’. That is the only way I wanna win this whole thing anyway. All the smoke, all the heads, anyone, everyone. Still your Legacy champion, most eliminations, and by virtue of that, winning it all. That’s me. Why? Because I’m Sparrow, I’m The West Indian Whirlwind, I’m the White Hat of FGA...And honestly? I’m too fly at being too fly.

[LΞCAVALIΞR]

Travelling through the backstage area of the Mohegan Sun Arena, cameras come across the sauntering form of Fujiko Mine - clad in a Blaise Fader shirt and her custom black leather jacket. A pair of black laced up jeans and amethyst stone heels complete her look. Her creamy eyes seem to be scanning the halls, until she sees something that slows her pacing. The corners of her lips curl into a smile as she stops. Her ears, unhidden by her hair, perk up as the cheers of the crowd catch up to her. She chooses to pause to acknowledge the crowd before picking up her speed and walking towards her target.

She walks right into the Vertigo set, with Spencer Burke standing there. Spencer seems a bit caught off guard, but as a true professional, he catches up quickly. The camera follows and assumes the proper position for an interview.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and Gentlemen, ...uh, my guest at this time is the Apex Goddess, Fujiko Mine.

Fujiko lifts her chin and smiles.

Fujiko Mine: Sorry to surprise you, Spencer. I just know that a certain someone is counting on me to stand next to you and say some words, so I thought I’d jump on over and indulge a bit.

Spencer looks a bit confused, but throws out something to catch on.

Spencer Burke: Would this perhaps have to do with your challenge last Vertigo to Cordy Stevenson?

Fujiko grins sardonically.

Fujiko Mine: You know it, Spencer. Could you do me a favor, can you ask me what I think of her words on social media?

Spencer pauses for a second.

Fujiko Mine: Sorry, I don’t mean to tell you how to do your job, I just know this is a thing.

Fujiko looks into the camera, keeping that same grin.

Spencer Burke: Uh, Fujiko? What do you think about Cordy’s words on social media?

Fujiko puts her fists into her hips and stands proudly.

Fujiko Mine: It doesn’t matter, Spencer!

Spencer looks bewildered by Fujiko’s behavior.

Spencer Burke: Could you uh...elaborate?

Fujiko drops the behavior and drops back into her normal posture.

Fujiko Mine: Happy to, Spencer. You see...Cordy has a lot of questions and opinions. She has a lot of thoughts and feelings. Especially when it comes to Fujiko Mine. You’d think that Cordy found some sort of secret code book when it comes to Fujiko Mine, one that almost no one else was tuned into…

She shakes her head.

Fujiko Mine: Except she’s parroting things that plenty of my opponents have before. Specifically, she’s pulling right out of the playbook of Molly Reid back in 2017, when I came back. Remember how I came back, and Molly pulled out the ‘old’ Fuji-files, as if she cracked some code about who I was and how I was just ‘pretending’, just like she was? How I was a hypocrite?

Fujiko tilts her head a bit away from Spencer.

Fujiko Mine: Or how about Chris Madison, who went in that same direction after he saw how well it worked for Molly.

Fujiko sighs shortly.

Fujiko Mine: Or how about Tyler Storm, who tried to claim that I was being disingenuous and ‘showing him up’ when I brought Ken Griffey Jr. to the ring with me, as if I needed to ‘clear’ that with him first?

Fujiko offers a shrug.

Fujiko Mine: For anyone taking notes and hoping to come back to this moment for something, I’m going to let you in on a secret.

Fujiko leans in close towards the camera, her hand half cupped around her mouth. It’s a secret between her and the world.

Fujiko Mine: I have never claimed to be perfect.

She leans back and steps back until she’s in line with Spencer.

Fujiko Mine: What I have claimed...is that I would one day be the best FGA has. And I’m closer to that than most people think. But they think that because of how a Mid Atlantic Legacy title match that happened years ago went down, they can point there and draw a direct line to me now and do that Leo Dicaprio pointing meme.

Fujiko looks over at Spencer.

Fujiko Mine: Or they point to what happened with Izzy and Renati and point to me. Then they’re unsatisfied when they get an answer from the man in charge. Nevermind the fact that Izzy and I tore through the Dynamic Duos, won the tournament, and then she beat me for the Pride title...and we still went and won the US tag team championships. THEN, she challenged me for the FGA title. But you know, none of that matters.

Fujiko’s sardonic grin returns.

Fujiko Mine: Because if it doesn’t fit Cordy’s narrative, it doesn’t matter!

A short, powerful but humorless laugh erupts from Fujiko.

Fujiko Mine: I’m somehow ‘not good enough’ and at the same time FGA’s golden girl. Somehow a coward and a hypocrite and yet FGA’s favorite and the establishment wrestler all at the same time. You know why I don’t bother to respond to Cordelia on social media? Evidence and logic don’t matter. Trying to combat ‘her’ version of events, her version of me? It’s not worth the time or energy. It’s exhausting just watching her desperately try to find ANYTHING to say about me. She even claims that me trying to get a match with Chandler Scott was ‘annoying and pathetic’. She even claims that Nina Stokes should watch out for me, even after Nina told her she was wrong.

Fujiko rolls her eyes. Her emotions are heightened as she speaks.

Fujiko Mine: I don’t need to answer any of Cordelia’s questions. I don’t need to prove to her that I’m different or the same, or whatever she’s asking me to prove. Because she wouldn’t believe it anyway, but also because there’s really only one thing I’m concerned with proving to Cordelia is that I deserve to be the FGA Undisputed champion. That’s the only question I’m concerned with answering when it comes to Cordelia. Everything else? I’ve been through already. Proven already. Cordelia isn’t breaking any new ground asking them. All this stuff has been addressed. I’ll go through it again, on my terms, but the people who matter know. The FGA fans already know. So let her tweet at me endlessly. Let her obsess. Because while she’s doing that, I’m going to focus on what actually matters. I’m going to focus on my match with Nina Stokes. Because as I said last Vertigo? I have no qualms with proving that I deserve that title opportunity.

Fujiko’s jaw becomes set as she looks into the camera.

Spencer Burke: Your feelings on your match tonight, then?

Fujiko’s posture relaxes a bit.

Fujiko Mine: I think that the person who most knows who I feel about this match is...

Nina Stokes: Speak of the devil, and she shall appear.

The camera shifts over to Ms. Stokes. She’s dressed in a short red leather jacket, black shirt, distressed black jeans, and a pair of red Ralph Lauren sandals.

Fujiko Mine: Nina Stokes.

Fujiko offers up a smile to her Renati sibling and opponent for the event.

Fujiko Mine: It’s great to see you.

Nina Stokes: Likewise dear.

Fujiko Mine: Your timing is impeccable. Tonight is going to be quite the event. Either I am going on to face Cordelia Stevenson for the Undisputed championship, or you are.

Fujiko nods to her friend.

Fujiko Mine: I’m not worried about the outside distractions of what the champ has to say. I just am looking forward to our first singles match here in FGA...with the stakes as high as they are.

Nina shifts her weight onto her left foot.

Nina Stokes: The stakes are always high here in FGA. But I get where you’re coming from.

She pauses for a moment.

Nina Stokes: Though, it is a bit of a surprise that no company has pulled the trigger on a match between us, until now.

Fujiko nods, her brow knitted with thought.

Fujiko Mine: But I suppose to some, that’s my doing.

Fujiko turns to Spencer, shooting him an exaggerated wink and elbow nudge.

Fujiko Mine: Some will say I’ve been ducking you this whole time, Nina.

Fujiko takes a moment to contemplate what she’s said.

Fujiko Mine: But the match is happening tonight. Either you or I am going to face Cordy for the Undisputed title. Honestly, you’d get my best regardless of if it was for that, for your United States title, or even just a one-on-one. But this is the level you belong at, Nina.

Nina Stokes: Hmmm.

Nina takes a moment to think.

Nina Stokes: Please dear, clear your mind.

A second passes.

Nina Stokes: This tiff between you and Cordy? I can’t say it is surprising. Hell, in all truthfulness, it was likely bound to happen. And while that is something you must face in due time, please remember that it is our special night.

Fujiko nods in agreement.

Fujiko Mine: You’re right, it was bound to happen. She claims to be the best. I want that claim. Of course we were meant to clash, just like she was going to with Tj before PDW closed. But…

Fujiko shakes her head and wags her finger.

Fujiko Mine: It’s just talk until that championship is on the line.

Fujiko pauses, following that with a slow exhale.

Fujiko Mine: So tonight isn’t about Cordy. It’s not about what she has to say. It’s about you and me. One on one. And you’re the only thing I’m focusing on.

Fujiko relaxes, maintaining a posture that is neither defensive or aggressive.

Fujiko Mine: To me? Win or lose, we’re cool. If you win, you go on to face Cordy for the Undisputed title, and I enter the Gold Rush Rumble...an event I’ve been dying to win. An event that kicked off my drive to be the best. An event I am going to win.

She takes another breath.

Fujiko Mine: And if I win? I bypass it for another year. But that’s after tonight. And honestly, either outcome can wait. Tonight, I just want to give you the match you deserve.

A moment passes.

Nina Stokes: Make no mistake, this match will be a difficult one. I will not take it easy on you.

She snaps her fingers.

Nina Stokes: But at the end of the day, you are still a part of my family. And despite what happened with Salem, being family goes a long way in my book.
Fujiko’s posture relaxes at the mention of the word ‘family’. She pauses for a while, thinking about Nina’s words.

Fujiko Mine: Family.

She takes a moment to shift her weight from leg to leg.

Fujiko Mine: No matter what happens out there, I know I am going to get your best. You’ll get mine. And when this match is over, we’ll still be family. Dinner’s on me.

She turns to face Spencer.

Fujiko Mine: Thanks for your time, bud.

She turns back to give Nina a slight bow.

Fujiko Mine: See ya out there.

She moves past Nina, evacuating the scene.

[Brian Stryker]

Brian Stryker is seen leaving the locker room, bag slung over his shoulder as he begins whistling to himself as he heads towards the parking lot. Just as he turns the corner, he’s approached by a familiar face.

Spencer Burker: Stryker, a moment?

Brian Stryker: SPENCER! My favorite backstage reporter. How are you doing buddy?

Stryker laughs and slaps Spencer on the back rather hard as the man tries his best to remain composed.

Spencer Burke: I’m fine. I must say, the FGA fans and locker room are quite shocked to see you back after all this time away.

Brian Stryker: Yeah, I was pretty content being the robe and slippers kinda guy for a while there. But once my body started to heal up from the knee surgery and back surgery, I started to think. Hey, maybe this old War Horse has enough in him to get a few more battles out of it. So when I called the FGA head honchos, they jumped at the idea. I mean, come on, it’s me. Who WOULDN’T want to see me back. Especially since I had to go out on such crappy terms before.

Spencer Burke: You mean the series against Tyler Storm?

Brian Stryker: Bingo. You see Burkey, I’m more mellow than I have ever been before. Tyler, 100% ran circles around me. However, I am not that same man. I am healthy for the first time in what feels like over a decade. Nothing hurts, nothing is off, I am in the best shape of my life. I got an AWESOME sternum bush that the wife is just crazy for. I am in just the greatest place.

SO when I got here, I knew that to remind folks of just who I am, I had to make a big BIG splash. That’s why poor Seth was the guyI had to interrupt. With him talking about Gold Rush, I just had to interject and drop my Wojbomb on them all. And did you hear that crowd? I may be clean and sober, but I’ll never get over that kind of rush when the crowd is just so unexpectedly shocked, they just cheer wildly.

Spencer Burke: So you announce yourself for the rumble stating unfinished business.

Brian Stryker: Yup. After 2018, where I was so goddamn close to winning it all, I knew that I would not rest until I got that chance to win. And now, I have that opportunity. After all, for several years I was playing on a handicap. My knee was all kinds of busted. Now I’m practically the Bionic Man. No WAY I am gonna lose now. I got the experience, pun not intended, I got the skills, I got the smarts. I’ve been in this game a looooong time Burkey.

I know things not many of these young guns even consider. And THAT is what’s gonna give me the edge on so many of these kids in the rumble. You’re looking at a future winner Burkey, get your autographs now before it gets expensive.

Stryker pats Burke on the back again as he resumes his whistling and walks off to find his rental car.

[Cordy]

Just on the opposite side of the curtain, Fujiko paces slowly with her hands on her hips. The camera picks up “The Baddest” playing in the arena, signifying that she has just emerged from her amazing contest against the United States champion, Nina Stokes. The first on the scene to approach her is the PAINMOTHER, XENA, who gently pats Fujiko on the back as she’s bent slightly at an angle. Just behind her is Jessie Pederson, who has an FGA microphone in her hands.

Jessie Pederson: Fujiko, congratulations on your victory tonight. With that, you have secured your opportunity to challenge Cordy Stevenson for the Undisputed championship.

Fujiko’s pained expression breaks slightly to show whispers of a smile before it is replaced with that same beleaguered expression.

Jessie Pederson: At Only the Strong Survive, you will receive your first ever one on one matchup against Cordelia Stevenson. It appears the stakes are getting very high between the two of you.

Fujiko nods, her abdomen pushing out as she breathes completely through her diaphragm and back.

Fujiko Mine: To Cordy, this is a personal affront on everything she thinks is ‘wrong’ with FGA. Which is to say, that she’s not getting enough attention. This is ‘personal’, where she feels the need to do her best impression of wrestlers from my past that tried the same thing. Said the same things. When Cordy ignored the fact that I said I was willing to earn it, she didn’t really understand that I meant that I was going to earn it. The challenge was great, but I found a way to win.
She takes a moment, wincing and bringing her arm up to rub her neck for a moment.

Fujiko Mine: And I take nothing away from Nina Stokes. Nina fought incredibly hard to win that match. Nina has always been one of the strongest, fiercest competitors I’ve ever known. She is family. There were definitely moments that I did not think I was going to persevere. But I found that well again.

Jessie shakes her head a little in confusion.

Jessie Pederson: That well? Can you elaborate?

Fujiko forces herself to straighten up a bit, wincing in pain. The muffled sounds of J.A. Aldridge wishing the fans safe travels can be heard through the curtain. Fujiko adjusts her volume to compensate, as XENA stands beside her, pride dashed across her normally stoic expression.

Fujiko Mine: When I came back to FGA, I told myself that no one was going to be more resilient than me. I was going to fight as hard as I could to get back on my feet, keep my shoulders off the mat, and generally just be the hardest to put down. Molly learned that. Evan learned it. Jimmy Page, Izzy Anders, Marlon Cure, James Edwards, Tyler Storm, the list goes on and on. They all got the fight of their lives facing me. Because I developed that well of resolve that kept me in matches. Gone were the legitimate claims of me being unable to wrestle, because I took shots that would lose people matches and found a way to keep myself in the game. And sure, Seth Iser was able to best me twice, but outside of him? There was a reason I kept the FGA title as long as I did. It was because I could always go to the well to make sure I had what it took to outlast my opponent.

A sly smile plays on Fujiko’s face.

Fujiko Mine: Nina helped me find that well again. Lowri helped me find that well again. And I’m incredibly grateful. Because I don’t want the Undisputed Frontier Grappling Arts championship. I don’t need the Undisputed Frontier Grappling Arts championship. That’s just cliche. I have to earn the Undisputed Frontier Grappling Arts championship. Not just as in, I had to earn the title shot tonight. I mean like I have to. There is no other path in my mind. Game 7, win or go home.

Fujiko’s smile goes away, and she looks at Jessie with a little sadness in her eyes.

Fujiko Mine: I’ve never been synonymous with FGA. I’m not the heart and soul, like Tj was with PDW. I’m not this company’s DNA. I don’t want those monikers. I want what I’ve earned. That hall of fame ring, I earned by becoming grand slam and triple crown champions. I earned being known for that resiliency and tenacity. I earned those main events with the FGA World championship. I earned that massive run at the top. So now I want to earn the moniker...FGA’s Best. And really, what better way than beating the only person to unify the FGA title and make it Undisputed twice? To become FGA Undisputed Champion? There are still goals I want, of course. The Gold Rush Rumble and the Frontier Lions Cup come to mind. But those aren’t on my mind now. Winning at Only The Strong Survive is. Because beating Cordy Stevenson won’t put any demons to bed. People are going to downplay my accomplishments, short-change me, call me fake, and try to strip from me what I have earned. That I’ve come to expect. But what it will do is what I need it to do: convince me that I earned the right to call myself the best again. And now, whether Cordy likes it or she doesn’t? She has to defend against me.

Just at that moment, a round of loud and obnoxious applause can be heard in the distance. The camera follows the sound and the Undisputed Champion, Cordelia Stevenson can be seen sauntering down the hall, clapping her hands and yelling.

Cordelia Stevenson: OH MY GOD! THAT WAS A STELLAR MATCH!!! YOU AND NINA TORE THE HOUSE DOWN CHICA!!!! Like… YOOOOOOO.

Cordelia walks up, but then stops when she sees Jessie Pederson. Her gaze goes back and forth between Jessie and Fujiko, and then stops on the microphone before she lets out a loud gasp.

Cordelia Stevenson: Oh my God… wait… am I… interrupting something?

She dramatically clutches her chest and shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: I’m sooooo sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your celebration or anything. I mean, doing that would just…

She lets out a low cackle as she finally opts to drop the act.

Cordelia Stevenson: .. totally impede on your territory. Because clearly, after last Vertigo, it’s clear that interrupting celebrations is your thing,

The champion smirks as she stares at her new challenger.

Cordelia Stevenson: But no, seriously. Congratulations, Fujiko. You did it. You went out there and you earned your shot against a very tough…

She cuts her eyes away and shrugs as her voice trails a bit.

Cordelia Stevenson: … but obviously distracted Nina Stokes.

Jessie Pederson feels the need to interject after that comment.

Jessie Pederson: Oh come on now, Cordelia! How can you even say that after the match that those two women put on.

Cordelia holds up her hands innocently.

Cordelia Stevenson: I’m just saying… did you not see the interview she had with Spency earlier tonight? All focus on Owen…

Cordelia shifts her gaze to Fujiko now.

Cordelia Stevenson: … and not the task at hand. Granted, I could blame Spencer for that. That line of questioning was horrific, but I know he was only doing what he was told. Get Nina distracted and focused on Owen because Cordelia Stevenson versus Fujiko Mine has to happen. Well unfortunately for you, it will; and believe me when I tell you, that I won’t get distracted. I am totally aware and focused on the task at hand. You see, Fujiko… you give yourself far too much credit. This has nothing to do with me liking, or disliking that I have to defend my championship against you. Quite honestly, it doesn’t matter to me either way because at the end of the day, when all is said and done, the Undisputed Champion will be… me. This match is something I know the fans are dying to see… therefore it’s not really something I care to give them. But alas, here we are. The showdown that they’ve been waiting for. I guess now I’ll take solace in the fact that I’ll just have to break their hero’s heart and spirit. Because at Only the Strong Survive? That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ll admit, you’ve come a long damn way from being that girl that could hardly make it onto a show in PDW. You’ve gotten infinitely better, and you’re far more than the laughing stock that Tony and Zero always painted you out to be. But understand this chica. I don’t care how far you’ve come and I don’t give a damn how resilient you are… because at the end of the day you still aren’t Cordelia Marie Stevenson. Or…

She mockingly wipes fake tears away from her eyes.

Cordelia Stevenson: Crying Cordy Stevenson as you like to call me. Which is hilarious considering how much I hear you whining and crying about people downplaying your accomplishments and holding your past against you. Newsflash chica, people doubt you because you gave them reason to. You put yourself in that hole and now you’re frustrated with the world because you have to do the work to dig yourself out of it. It’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it? And to think, imagine how you feel about me because of the tights incident with Lowri. What did you say? All respect you had for me went out of the window? Well years of your career and a lot of your early accomplishments were surrounded by tactics just like that. But you want the respect to come automatically for you? When I went damn near 10 years without an incident to my name, but that one… slip… caused all the respect you had for me to be lost. You don’t see the hypocrisy in that? It’s a two way street. If one night can wash away ten years… then baby girl, you’ve got about 27 more years of good deeds to go before you can ever atone for the things you’ve done and gotten away with. The difference between you and I though? It's that I really don’t give a damn.

Cordelia takes a step forward now, leaning down a bit to look Fujiko in the eye.

Cordelia Stevenson: At Only the Strong Survive, you’re going to realize that all of this… all that you’re doing? It was all in vain. You’re going to leave the arena that night, in the same damn position that you’re in now. Second best.

Fujiko tilts her head back to look up at XENA, whose jaw is set and flexed. She quickly glances down at Fujiko, and stays put. Fujiko swishes her tongue around in her mouth, then lets out a tremendous sigh.

Fujiko Mine: There wasn’t a celebration here, Cordy.

She shrugs plainly.

Fujiko Mine: After all, I said I was going to earn my shot if that’s what it took, and I did that. So save your praise. I don’t want it, nor do I need it.

She presses up her hand in a ‘stop’ gesture.

Fujiko Mine: Because you’ve shown how incredibly fickle your affections are over the years. You’ve shown how uncaring you’ve been. It’s always been conditional, the condition being ‘as long as it doesn’t interfere with Cordy Stevenson.’ Plus this isn’t about me wanting your respect. We could do your favorite thing and go back and forth just like you want to do on social media about that, but let me set some things clear for you. This match between you and I? It’s happening because I was determined for it to happen. Not because Chandler Scott, Leonard T. Asherman, and the ‘We hate Cordy Stevenson club’ convenes in the parking lot Tuesdays and Thursdays to chant for your downfall. Not because you think Nina was distracted. But because I said I got next, you told me to earn it, and I did. That’s all.

Fujiko shifts her weight and crosses her arms underneath her chest.

Fujiko Mine: And, as if it wasn’t obvious, you’ve proved me right once again. You rooted for Nina, told her it was her time, dismissed me completely, and when she gave me her all and lost...you insult her by claiming it was because her mind was elsewhere. You claim I don’t know Nina Stokes? I’ve got bruises forming all over my body and an oncoming headache that tells me Cordy doesn’t know the faintest thing about Nina Stokes. Nina almost took my head off out there for the opportunity to fight you for the title and the best you can come up with is ‘she was distracted’. Please. You say that I’ve been crying about people doubting me? It’s a fact, even as I held a grip on the FGA title for well over a year, people doubted my ability. Every challenger, the same energy. ‘Fujiko is a fluke, it’s my time, she isn’t that good. Hey, remember when she wasn’t good? That’s also right now.’

She says in a mocking tone, scrunching up her face like Russel Westbrook being asked a ridiculous question.

Fujiko Mine: It would be so...so easy to blame other people, blame the fans, claim that there are forces working against me. But I didn’t. And I don’t. I just call out those who do it. You wanna point to grabbing Lowri’s tights as the point where I lost respect for you? No, it was when you decided that it was justified. When you decided it was a big ole ‘Cordyspiracy’, and that you were ‘tired of playing nice’. It’s funny that you’ve spent this time calling me a hypocrite that you openly admit you had up the facade.

Fujiko tilts her head to point her words directly at the champion.

Fujiko Mine: As you could see if you were paying attention, I let it fuel me. I let it push me to get better and better and better. To the point where I don’t want to be Cordy Stevenson. After all, Cordy Stevenson didn’t have a death grip on the Pride title, matching the number of record defenses. Cordy Stevenson didn’t win the Grand Slam. Cordy Stevenson wasn’t main eventing over Fujiko Mine when they were both champions. It’s a simple truth that even though my opponents, yourself included, doubt me to the moon and back? I never have doubted myself.

Fujiko pauses to break eye contact with the champion, putting her hands in front of her for a moment and glancing down at them.

*FM; Not even when Seth Iser ‘cracked the code’ as some people put it. I didn’t cry about losing to him either time. I didn’t cry when Evan Envi turned me away. I didn’t cry when Izzy Anders beat me for the Pride title. Didn’t cry when Chandler picked you over me. I refocused, I set myself, and I pushed forward. Frustrated with the world? What for? The world doesn’t owe me anything. And to my surprise and delight the fans have been behind me every step of the way. They prove that I’ve been going in the right direction, even when I’ve made mistakes or stumbled.

She rolls her right shoulder a bit, keeping her eyes trained on the champion.

Fujiko Mine: You think you know me so well, you think we’re a lot alike, to the point where you think that I got frustrated like you did, huh? If anything, Cordy? I’m bored. Bored that I was getting to finally face off against Cordy Stevenson, and you did the exact same thing that James Edwards did. You did the exact same thing that Chris Madison did. The same thing that The New Murder Did. I’ll be honest, Seth Iser actually switched it up and tried a new tactic. Credit to him.

She taps her foot on the ground a few times, placing her arms back in a folded position under her chest.

Fujiko Mine: You stand here, having copped Chandler’s moniker, copped other wrestler’s strategies in trying to break me down, and think that you’re the one that’s going to break my spirit? Here’s the thing, Cordy.

Fujiko stands up completely straight, her chin tilted up in Cordy’s direction.

Fujiko Mine: You could never. Your attempts to put a shovel to my past haven’t broken my spirit. Your snide comments on twitter couldn’t do it. And you could hit me over and over and over again...but you’re going to be asking yourself the exact. Same. Thing as everyone else has.

Fujiko’s voice drops to just above a whisper.

Fujiko Mine: What do I have to do to keep her down?

She gives a humorless laugh.

Fujiko Mine: Maybe ask Seth Iser. Hope he can help ya figure it out.

Another laugh.

Fujiko Mine: But you, champ? You’re going to be asking yourself that well long after the bell has rung and you’re spending your first few moments watching the ref hand me that championship belt. And you’ll keep asking it on the car ride home as the former Undisputed champion. You may retire and grow old with that question surfing the synapses of your mind. But what you won’t do is break me. I don’t care if you try to beat me unconscious. I don’t care if you try to make me pass out. You may think you don’t care...but wait until your best shot, the move that you’re used to use to win a match doesn’t work. Wait until you have to break out things you haven’t tried in years. Wait until you try and get flashy and do what I do, like at Past vs. Present...

XENA chuckles a bit at the memory.

Fujiko Mine: Wait until it all fails. Because when it does, and believe me, it will fail... in my eyes you won’t see a fire. You won’t see my resolve. You won’t see some mystical force, or unexplained rage. No.

Fujiko pauses for a moment.

Fujiko Mine: You’re going to see the look on your own face when you realize that you tried everything, everything, and the wrestler you thought was second best? Outlasted you and took away your championship.

Cordelia is staring at Fujiko, listening to every single word that she has to say. She stays quiet for a moment, before raising an eyebrow.

Cordelia Stevenson: You sure you, Lenny and Chandler don’t have yall meetings in the parking lot and what not?

She points somewhere off in the distance behind her.

Cordelia Stevenson: I don’t know, yall got a lot of the same bullet points. Yall sure this wasn’t like the topic of the last meeting or something?

Cordelia shakes her head.

Cordelia Stevenson: But anyway, look… I like that fire. It’s brought you a long way. Former Pride Champion, Mid Atlantic Champion, Grand Slam Winner? Right? You’ve done did damn near everything that there is to do in this company, and look at you. Look at where it’s gotten you. Right here…

Cordelia smiles.

Cordelia Stevenson: ... still chasing me. You see Fujiko…

She glances down at the Undisputed Championship that rests on her shoulder.

Cordelia Stevenson: This has always been my focus. I didn’t need any trinkets along the way to boost my self esteem or anything like that. Not to say that those other belts aren’t amazing accomplishments, because they are. They were just never accomplishments that I cared to have. You see, for me, it was always this… or bust. And yeah, there were plenty of times where it was bust. But I picked myself right up, and kept moving forward because I didn’t want anything else. I didn’t need anything else. I refused to settle for anything else. So while I applaud your resume and your accomplishments… understand that it was never something I sought out. It was never something that I wanted. The only thing I ever wanted is the very thing that I’m holding right now, and it’s the very thing that I won’t allow you to take from me. Do you hear yourself? Do you hear the names that you’re throwing out…. The New Murder? James Freaking Edwards? You’re already beat if you’re likening them to me because guess what… they’re not in my league either. You have never been in the ring with someone like me. Don’t even dare try and fool yourself to think that you have. I’m an entirely different beast altogether than the ones you’ve slain in the past. And since we’re clearing things up for one another… allow me to clear this up for you.

Cordelia’s eyes narrow a bit now as she glares at her fellow Hall of Famer.

Cordelia Stevenson: The only reason you’re even here and challenging for this title… it’s not because you necessarily deserve it… it’s because Seth Iser felt he needed to work his way to a rematch instead of just receiving the one that he’s technically owed. No more and no less. So all that rah rah you’re talking. Save it. Because the reality of the matter is, as usual… you’re a stand in. And do you want to know why you were never a heart and soul like Tj was? Why even after all you’ve done, you’re still not synonymous with FGA?

Cordelia allows the question to linger in the air for a moment.

Cordelia Stevenson: It’s because things like that? They’re reserved for the standouts. So take a good look at me Fujiko. Take a good look at this Undisputed Championship. What you see now? Is the same exact thing you’re going to see after you wake up at Only The Strong Survive.

She blows a kiss at Fujiko.

Cordelia Stevenson: Get familiar.

Fujiko’s face scrunches up again.

Fujiko Mine: So which is it, Cordy? Am I a stand in, or the ‘golden girl’ of the company? Am I the establishment, or the swimmer out of her depth? You talk out of both sides of your mouth, changing the narrative as you see fit. And you can’t say both, because not that long ago you were complaining about people having what you felt you deserved.

She tilts her head to the side.

Fujiko Mine: And it’s funny, honestly, that you sit here, knowing I was FGA champion as long as I was, drafted over you, and having earned my way to the main event, and to the same Hall of Fame that you’re in, that you act like I don’t know what I’m in for. I compare you to my past challengers because you act just like them. That is to say, you’re incredibly predictable.

A mischievous smile comes up.

Fujiko Mine: So like I said a few weeks ago...I am familiar. Maybe you should take your own advice.

Cordelia yawns.

Cordelia Stevenson: You do realize, you’re both right? You’re the stand in because the company wants you to be their Golden Girl. There are plenty of other people deserving of a shot, but…

Cordelia shrugs.

Cordelia Stevenson: Here you are. I won’t compare you to my past challengers, because you’re different. But the end result won’t be. For as long as you were champion, Fuji… realize that now, I’ve been champion much longer. More successful title defenses… everything you’ve done, I’ve already surpassed. You’re not going to derail me. You’re just another chapter in the story that FGA doesn’t want to be told but is getting published anyway.

Cordelia then shifts her attention towards Xena.

Cordelia Stevenson: And if you keep looking at me that way, your ass will get a chapter of its own too.

Cordelia scrunches up her face as if challenging Xena to do something, before blowing a kiss at her as well.

Cordelia Stevenson: But yeah, I’ve got places to be. Undisputed Champ shit. Things you know nothing about.

Cordelia throws up a deuces as she turns around and goes about her business. Fujiko places a hand out to restrain XENA from making any sudden moves, her eyes narrowed at the departing champion. Jessie appears to hesitate, then allows herself an exit as Fujiko keeps her eyes trained in the direction Cordelia went.

[Mister Harris]

Earlier tonight…

The scene opens backstage, with the camera following Jessie Pederson down one of the backstage hallways. She takes a left, going past a catering area setup for FGA personnel and she spots an individual in a suit standing in the hallway ahead of her, staring off in the opposite direction. Jessie slows as she approaches, lifting her mic before making her presence known.

Jessie Pederson: Mister Harris.

Theodore Harris slowly turns to glance over his shoulder. Seeing who it is, he smiles slightly, and then turns to face her.

Theodore Harris: Miss Pederson. A pleasure to meet you. May I help you with something?

Jessie Pederson: I’d appreciate getting some of your time, if that’s possible.

Theodore Harris: Certainly. I’m just waiting on a drink order right now. Would take my mind off the loss of my bag of popcorn.

He sighs softly. Jessie regards him a little apologetically.

Jessie Pederson: Ah. Well, I’d actually like to bring that whole situation up right now. Just a short time ago, you and Logan Alexander went out to ringside during Sloan Talbot’s match with Kazu Hirano. Was it your intention to provoke Sloan into a fight out there during his match? Or maybe it was to repay the favour for him showing up during Logan’s beat the clock challenge match against Mighty Sparrow a couple of weeks ago?

Theodore Harris: Straight to the point, eh?

Theodore smirks at her.

Theodore Harris: It certainly was a small degree of retribution against Sloan for his unannounced appearance during the last Vertigo. Of course, we didn’t sneak out there in the middle of his match to offer any sort of distraction. We just took our own seats out there so we could watch Sloan go about his business. See just how fearsome he thinks he is. He did a pretty good job out there once he remembered he was in a match. Would have been hilarious to see Kazu pick up the win with one of those quick roll ups at the start of the match. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

He shrugs slightly.

Theodore Harris: Beyond that though, we both just sat there and watched. Sloan went on picking Kazu apart. Then he decided that wasn’t enough for him. He walked over to intimidate us or provoke a response. Logan wasn’t having any of it. Logan doesn’t fear Sloan at all. That’s why he just sat there. If Sloan wanted a free shot, Logan would have let him have it.

Then Theodore scowls.

Theodore Harris: Instead, Sloan decided to destroy my snack.

A pause to let that sink in.

Theodore Harris: If he wanted to provoke Logan, he succeeded there. Then he got in a shot on Logan as well and figured that was it. Logan would have taken him to task right there in the ring tonight but I guess FGA officials figured that it wasn’t the time or place just yet. If this is what Sloan wants though, Logan is going to be more than willing to oblige him. He was willing to go even when he had already wrestled last week and Sloan was fresh. Surprisingly, Mighty Sparrow jumped in on that to help out.

Jessie Pederson: Do you really find that to be so surprising?

Theodore Harris: Sure. It wasn’t his fight to get involved in. No one would have thought any less of him if he’d gone on his way. I’m sure he was plenty sore from the match he and Logan had just gone through. He decided to stick his neck out for Logan though. And for that, Logan shook his hand when all was said and done. A show of professional respect for our Legacy champion.

He smirks again.

Theodore Harris: I guess that means Sparrow enjoyed that match as well and might be looking forward to a rematch down the road.

Jessie Pederson: Well, he did speak with Amanda Johnson a short time ago and he did mention that he expects to be facing Logan for the Legacy championship.

Theodore Harris: Huh… perhaps after Only the Strong Survive. If Sparrow doesn’t defend his title or if he retains it there, Logan will certainly accept a title opportunity if one should come his way. If Sparrow doesn’t hold onto the title or if Logan doesn’t meet management’s threshold for a Legacy championship match, Logan will still look forward to a rematch without the title involved. Mighty Sparrow gave Logan one of the toughest matches since his return to FGA. And he came closer than most to beating Logan too.nHe just missed on two Notorious K.I.C.K. attempts during that match.

Theodore lifts up one hand holding his thumb and index finger close together but not quite touching.

Theodore Harris: That close, Jessie. I was sweating bullets. Logan though? He was unfazed. No matter how near it came, it was still a miss. He doesn’t worry about the ‘what if’ aspect of it. Sparrow proved us right out there. He’s no joke in the ring. And as tough as that match was, Logan and I know that the next time the two square off will be even more so. I’d like to believe that Logan would have had him at the end of their match had Sloan and a time limit not been involved. If Sparrow thinks the same, or that it was even a reasonable possibility, considering just where things were, he’s not going to be quite so flippant and dismissive the next time around.

Jessie’s eyes widen a little at that last comment.

Jessie Pederson: Do you really think he wasn’t serious against Logan on the last Vertigo broadcast?

Theodore Harris: Oh no. He was certainly quite serious in the ring, but he might not have been taking Logan as seriously as he should have going into that match. We had to look up ‘Skysurfer Strike Force’ afterwards just to see what he was on about with that. It was interesting. Might’ve been more appropriate if Logan was a superhero.

Theodore glances aside, smiling a little at the thought, before returning his focus to Jessie.

Theodore Harris: Perhaps he was just having a little fun with that. Perhaps he was being a bit more serious about that and he thought that Logan wasn’t a threat to him. But it sounds like he knows there will be a rematch and it’s not likely going to get any easier than the first go around was.

Jessie Pederson: I see. Well, there is one more thing I would like to ask you about. Since Only the Strong Survive is just a few weeks away, will Logan be looking to take part in the Gold Rush Rumble? We’ve had many big names in FGA making their own intentions clear about competing for a chance at the Undisputed championship over the last few shows. Surely Logan has those same aspirations as well.

A few moments pause.

Theodore Harris: No.

Jessie gives him a dumbfounded look.

Jessie Pederson: No?

Theodore Harris: No. He doesn’t have those kinds of aspirations at this point. He isn’t actively looking for a shot at the top star in FGA. Sure, most people want to be part of the rumble so that they can make a name for themselves and earn that big title match by reaching the end. That’s not what Logan is looking for now. The rumble is a lot like the Beat the Clock challenge from the previous Vertigo, he wouldn’t expect to win it. He’s not Ashlyn De Luca.

He doesn’t offer any more to that comparison, seemingly willing to let Jessie and the rest of the viewers draw from that what they will.

Theodore Harris: I think he would be much more interested in taking part just to see how he fares against the FGA roster at large though. Maybe he can have a good showing out there. Score some big eliminations or set the stage for some future showdowns with other wrestlers that he wouldn’t normally end up in the ring against. But maybe he could go out there, shock the world, and find a way to win the whole damn thing.

He looks serious as he says that, but after a few moments Theodore chuckles softly.

Theodore Harris: To be honest, not even I would put any money on that. Let everyone else boast about how they will be the winner. Logan in the rumble is just there to do his own thing and let the chips fall where they may.

He grows a bit more serious before continuing.

Theodore Harris: What is really on his mind regarding Only the Strong Survive is whether he’ll have anything meaningful there for him specifically. He’s missed out on the last few supershows and would like to avoid another repeat. No match booked for him yet I know, but maybe something wi--

A door swings open nearby, banging against the wall, startling both Theodore and Jessie. They turn towards the source just as a pair of hands grab hold of the front of Theodore’s suit jacket. Sloan Talbot steps the rest of the way into the shot, none too gently shoving Theodore back against the wall, drawing a surprised yelp from Jessie as she backpedals away from them and a wince from Theodore as he hits the wall. Theodore reaches up, placing his hands on Sloan’s wrists, but doesn’t seem to make any attempt to get free.

Theodore Harris: Well, hello again. Are you here to offer an apology about my popcorn? Or maybe reimburse me for it?

Sloan narrows his eyes at Theodore’s witty response, then proceeds to lift Theodore off the floor while keeping him against the wall. Theodore’s eyes widened slightly in response.

Theodore Harris: I guess I’ll take that as a no. You know Sloan, this sort of behaviour is going to get you in more trouble. You didn’t keep your hands to yourself earlier and you took some lumps for it. But hey, don’t let me dissuade you from digging a deeper hole for yourself here.

Sloan just glares back at Theodore for a couple of moments, then adjusts his grip on him, allowing him to hold Theodore up with one hand, allowing him to draw back the other, while clenching his fist. Theodore’s gaze flicks away from Sloan’s, looking towards his fist. Another arm snakes past Sloan’s, grabbing hold and trapping it there before anything else occurs. Sloan’s head snaps around towards the interloper, and then snaps back as a palm is thrust up under his chin. Sloan stumbles back a step, losing his hold on Theodore, who falls to the floor. Before he even gets a chance to right himself, Logan Alexander presses his advantage, driving a foot into Sloan’s midsection to double him over, and then quickly pivoting around to deliver a fourth superkick to Sloan, which knocks him to the floor.

Logan immediately turns his attention back to Theodore Harris, who’s now sitting on the floor with his back against the wall and looking up at him with a rueful smile.

Theodore Harris: What kept you?

As usual, there isn’t a verbal response from Logan. With the mask covering his mouth and nose, there’s no sign that his lips even move. He extends a hand out to Theodore.

Theodore Harris: Yeah, yeah. Making excuses, of course.

Theodore reaches up to Logan’s offered hand and the pair clasp each other’s forearms, then Logan pulls Theodore back to his feet.

Theodore Harris: Did you at least get my drink?

Logan casts a glance back over his shoulder. One of the backstage technicians is there holding a paper coffee cup with a plastic cover on the top of it in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. Theodore cracks a smile at this.

Theodore Harris: Excellent. Seems it wasn’t a wasted trip then.

Thedore then walks past Logan and over to the technician, taking the cup from him. He then turns back towards Logan, who just stares back at him.

Theodore Harris: Yes, of course. Thank you.

Theodore bows slightly to Logan, playfully mocking him. Logan just turns back towards Sloan... just in time to be tackled off his feet now that the bigger man had gotten back on his. Logan hits the floor and Sloan wastes no time shifting to a mounted position and starts throwing punches. Logan covers up with both arms, doing his best to protect his head. Seeing that he wasn’t making much progress there beyond the first couple of punches, Sloan shifts targets, landing a couple of solid body blows instead. Logan instinctively starts to curl up to protect his body, allowing Sloan to just reach through his guard, grab hold of his neck and start to choke him. There is a growing commotion from some onlookers and it sounds like at least one of them is calling for security. Not having the benefit of waiting for someone to break things up, Logan quickly brings both hands up and boxes Sloan ears. Then again. And again. After a fourth successful attempt, Sloan rears back slightly, his grip loosening and looking a little dazed by the blows. Logan shifts his legs up between the two of them, and pushes off of Sloan, sending the big man sprawling backwards.

Theodore can be seen sipping his drink calmly as the two fighters remain on the ground for several moments catching their breath and regaining their bearings before they start climbing to their feet. Logan is up first and closes the distance between them, performing a double leg takedown. Logan moves to the mount position and starts throwing punches, but even after landing a couple of them, Sloan is able to shove him off. They both return to their feet, Logan once again getting to a vertical base first. This time Logan starts teeing off, landing several punches in succession before Sloan is able to start retaliating. The two continue to trade shots for several seconds, as Sloan gradually takes control of the exchange, driving Logan back several steps. Sloan staggers Logan with a quick one two punch combination and then grabs Logan by the throat before he can regain his balance. Sloan pulls Logan in closer, reaching around behind him, but Logan is able to shift and bat Sloan’s other arm aside. Logan then grabs onto the arm Sloan is holding him with, jumps up and stomps down on Sloan’s foot with both of his. Sloan releases Logan and hops back on his other foot, starting to reach down to the foot that was just stomped on. Logan steps back and strikes out with another superkick, connecting for the fifth time and dropping Sloan to a knee. Logan backs off again several steps then rushes towards Sloan again. Whatever he had in mind was quickly thwarted though, as Sloan drops down a little lower, grabs hold of Logan around the waist, then lifts, pivots and drops backwards, flapjacking Logan onto an equipment trunk. Logan smacks against the top of the trunk, rebounding from it and falling to the floor.

Theodore continues to observe, taking a longer drink from his cup at this point, but keeping his distance from the confrontation. Sloan stands back up first and stalks over behind Logan, who’s just pulling himself up with some support from the trunk. Sloan waits for a few moments before he starts to deliver clubbing blows to Logan’s back before grabbing hold of him and slamming him face first against the trunk. Sloan then grabs Logan and rolls him onto his back on the trunk and then starts punching away on him again. Logan again does his best to cover up, but looks a bit dazed from the succession of blows. Sloan eases up as he notices that the trunk is wheeled and has shifted away from the wall. Sloan seems to consider something, noting that the trunk was on wheels, as he glances down the hallway the two are fighting in. A short distance down the hall is one of the backstage catering areas on the left side and a little beyond that the hallway ends at a wall with a connecting corridor to the right. There are a few people in the catering area, glancing down the hall at the ongoing confrontation. Sloan reaches down, grabbing hold of Logan around the neck again, apparently trying to choke him further, while also pulling the equipment trunk away from the wall. He starts to push it down the hallway, quickly picking up speed while keeping Logan held down on it. As Sloan hurries through the hallway and drawing close to the catering area, he releases his hold on Logan and the trunk, letting momentum carry them on towards the wall at the end of the hall. The spectators there quickly move aside, some of them gasping at what the likely outcome of this will be. Whether he knows exactly where he’s heading or not, Logan seems to realize he’s in imminent danger and rolls himself off the top of the trunk, falling onto the floor roughly behind it. The trunk loudly slams against the wall a few seconds later.

Logan remains sprawled on the floor for several seconds where he’d come to rest, then pushes himself up to a sitting position. He starts to look around for Sloan, who makes his presence known via a running boot to the head, knocking Logan flat once again. Sloan steps back over to Logan, reaches down to grab hold of him around the neck once more, then proceeds to deadlift him off the floor with both hands and chokeslam him back onto the floor. Sloan steps back for a moment, while Logan arches off the floor in apparent pain, to survey the small group of people watching what has turned into a one sided beating. Sloan locks eyes with Theodore, who’d followed them along to the catering area with the other people that had been there, then looks down at Logan, who looked like he was trying to roll himself onto one side but just didn’t have the energy to do so. Sloan looks back at Theodore and lifts one hand to point at him. He looks back to Logan and reaches down once more to pull him up to his feet. Once Logan is being held up by Sloan, the sound of running footsteps approaching becomes noticeable. Sloan doesn’t pay it any mind as he then hoists Logan up over his head into a gorilla press almost effortlessly. He then carries Logan over to the nearest table in the catering area and as the footsteps draw close and someone calls out for Sloan to stop, he brings Logan down with a spinebuster through the table, leaving him laying on the broken remains of it.

Moments later, Sloan is swarmed by FGA officials and security, who proceed to force him back from the area, while trainers swarm around Logan to check on him. As security begins to escort Sloan away, he turns and looks towards Theodore once again, then smirks slightly.

Theodore doesn’t offer anything in response. He walks over towards Logan and kneels down close to him alongside the rest of the trainers as they tend to him.

Fade to black.

[Chandler Scott]

WRITER'S NOTE: This take's place before the fourth Afterburn segment on this show

We once again find ourselves in the halls of the backstage area inside the Mohegan Sun Arena. The limited capacity crowd had just witnessed yet another dream match. This time, in the main event. Both Fujiko Mine and Nina Stokes went out there and put on a show like only they could. With the main event decided and the show officially over, the cameras continue to roll in the backstage area. FGA’s intrepid reporters are on the prowl for the latest scoops, reactions and other happenings for the upcoming Afterburn. The next FGA grappler to find themselves on camera is none other than the DNA of FGA, Cordelia Stevenson Chandler Scott. Chandler continues to traverse through the halls until he comes to a stop. He squints his eyes before raising his right hand to shade them.

Chandler Scott: Now hold on just a minute!

Chandler’s demeanor changes. A wide smile grows across his face as he walks with a pep in his step down the hall. “Hey! HEY!” he claims as he tries to catch up to someone making their way towards the exit.

Chandler Scott: Is that… is that “Papa” Stryker I see?

Brian Stryker was making his way to the exit, shifting and stretching his arms and legs after his first match in over 2 years. Least he can say, ring rust is hella real and hella painful. He stopped in his tracks and turned around, seeing Chandler running after him.

Brian Stryker: If it isn’t the most wanted man in FGA.

The comment gets a roll of the eyes from Chandler. It was nothing against Stryker. Plus he knew that someone of his stature and history in FGA would immediately put him in the crosshairs of some. But it was this bullshit bounty of Cordy Stevenson that annoyed him. Chandler dismissed the comment from Stryker with a wave of the hand.

Chandler Scott: So it really is you. Bring it in, man.

Chandler puts his hand out to offer up a handshake. Brian shook his head with a laugh as he shook Chandler’s hand.

Chandler Scott: It’s been a long time, Brian. How in the hell are you?

Brian Stryker: Oh you know, trying to keep two kids out of trouble, getting a different kind of surgery every other month. It’s been nothing but one big party.

Brian and Chandler were on much friendlier terms than most people around here. He was one of the fewer people that understood the humor and sarcasm of Brian.

Brian Stryker: So what about you? You got the whole damn locker room in a kerfuffle and every pissant thinking they got a chance at a world title cause you pissed off Cordy so much. What’s that like?

Chandler Scott: Just peachy. I couldn’t possibly be better!

Chandler offers a sarcastic retort. With multiple World Title reigns under his belt, he’s been in a position that many wrestlers would have loved to be in. People would have envied him for being in the spots that he’s occupied. But no one, absolutely no one, would envy the spot he’s currently in right now.

Chandler Scott: I’ve been to the top many times, Bry. I’m used to having a target on me. But it’s much different having 29 people out to get you in the same match. But this whole bounty thing? I mean really, what are we talking about here? She never shook anyone’s hand. She never put this agreement down in writing. Hell, she never even pinky swore. So who, besides Ashley Marie Chade, is even entertaining this nonsense?

Brian begins whistling, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible. When it was clear it Chandler was not fooled by his ploy, Stryker sighed heavily.

Brian Stryker: Look man, it’s nothing personal, but FGA has always loved you. You got everything you wanted out of this place. Me? I’m a footnote here. People forget I was the reason the damn brand wars started. I was the first 15 Champion to earn a shot at the Pride title by defending four straight times. I got screwed over out of that title shot and wasn’t even offered a consolation prize or a proper rematch. Instead I had to play general and lead Flashpoint against Vertigo in a fight I didn’t want. And look at what that got us anyways. Nothing comes easy for me in this job. So if the rumble comes and I see an opening, you know I gotta take it.

Chandler Scott: You’re more than a footnote here, man. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. No one has held that 15 Title more than you. People still remember the “Quest to 4” to this day. I was right there alongside you in the brand wars. I was the one getting jumped 12 on 1 when I went at Envi after he defected and tried to screw our brand over, remember?

Chandler gesticulates with his hand as he tries to jog Bryan’s memory. Stryker getting screwed out of his rightful shot at the Pride Championship was the first shot fired in the brand war between Vertigo and Flashpoint. But the two time 15 Champion was far from the only causality. If we’re trying to compare damage done, arguably no one got it worse than the two of them and Johnny Karma/John Carmichael/Whatever the hell he’s calling himself this month. Unlike Carmichael, Bryan and Chandler were eventually able to be victorious in their battle against Vertigo.

Chandler Scott: All that being said, Bry? You do whatever you feel you have to do out there. I get it. I do…

Chandler’s voice trailed off before letting out a sigh. Some might even interpret it as a defeated sigh. Was he resigning to the fact that he knew he wasn’t going to be able to change Bryan’s mind? Was he resigning to the fact that thanks to Cordy, his fate was already sealed in the Rumble? Or was it something else? Chandler put his hand out for Bryan to shake one more time.

Chandler Scott: Best of luck out there.

Bryan firmly shakes Chandler's hand. The two exchange a nod. No more words are exchanged between the two. But the nod and the look they shared said everything. They both knew what needed to be done at the Rumble. If luck would have them in the Rumble at the same time, it was only a matter of who was going to get who first. With that, Bryan turned and made his way back towards his locker room to gather his belongings. The camera slowly zoomed out as Chandler continued to watch on. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and lowered his head. Unbeknownst to him, Amanda Johnson had slowly walked up behind him.

Amanda Johnson: Excuse me, Chandler?

Chandler lifted his head before turning his attention to her. He forced a smile to greet the interviewer.

Amanda Johnson: Everything OK between you and Bryan Stryker? I couldn't help but look on.

Chandler looks back out in Bryan's direction. But at this point, Bryan's long gone after turning down the corner. Chandler slowly turns back to Amanda.

Chandler Scott: It's fine. What can I do for you?

Amanda Johnson: Well, before you left, I was wondering if I could get your thoughts on a couple things.

Chandler Scott: Fire away.

Amanda Johnson: Did you watch the match tonight between Fujiko Mine and Nina Stokes?

Chandler responds with a nod.

Chandler Scott: I did. With the volume turned off, of course. I didn't want my attention to be distracted by commentary, crowd reactions or anything else. I wanted to be solely focused on the action inside the ring.

Amanda Johnson: Well, next time you might want to keep the volume on. There was actually an announcement before the match on commentary! I'm sure you'll be happy to know that you'll be competing in the main event of the next Vertigo.

In fact, he was. Chandler couldn't help but smirk.

Chandler Scott: Me? In the main event? Well hell, I can't exactly say I'm disappointed in that. Who do they got for me?

Amanda Johnson: So next week, you will be wrestling in the main event on Vertigo. But here's the catch. The winner of the match will get the number 30 spot in the Rumble while the loser will get the number 1 spot.

Chandler's whole demeanor perked up at the announcement.

Chandler Scott: Really now? Well, how about that? So, who do I get the pleasure of sharing the ring next week? Hmm? Come on, Amanda. No more stalli-

Amanda cuts him off mid sentence.

Amanda Johnson: Izzy Anders.

Just like that, his whole demeanor changed. Chandler once again looked off into the distance. This time, with narrowed eyes. He wasn't exactly over the moon after hearing the name of his opponent. He wasn't jumping for joy. There was no excitement to him. Yet at the same time, he wasn't angry. He knew deep down that this day would come. It was bound to happen at some point; the two of them, finally, one on one. The only question that remained would be that of Izzy's intentions heading into such a match. Would she be entering that match to prove a point? Or would she be entering with the plan of taking him out? She's never exactly liked him. Some might even call it hatred. Did she hate him to the levels she had for the likes of John Carmichael? No, absolutely not. But he certainly ranked up there. Because of that, it wouldn't be a bad wager to bet on it being the latter. Who knows. Maybe her level of disdain towards Chandler has lowered to a simple dislike in recent years.

Maybe.

Hopefully.

Chandler Scott: ...it's time.

Amanda Johnson: I'm sorry, what?

Chandler continued to look off. A slow nod of the head followed. He had accepted... something. What that was would be for him and him only to know.

Chandler Scott: It's time...

He repeated himself with a hushed tone. With that, Chandler turned and walked off, leaving Amanda with more questions.