Kris Cruise: Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to another edition of Vertigo! I’m Kris Cruise! Joining me as always is my colleague Stephy Auger! FGA has returned to live events and we just kicked things off with a bang tonight!
Stephy Auger: That’s right. Owen Gonsalves may go down in the history books as beating Brian Stryker. But to put it more accurately, he survived! You run that match back nine more times and I guarantee you, we’d have a new US Champion more often than not.
Kris Cruise: The man just retained his championship. He just received the new design of the US Championship and you’re already hating.
Stephy Auger: I’m just stating the obvious, Cruise!
Kris Cruise: We just saw the new US Champion right here defend his gold. But that won’t be the only gold on the line tonight!
Stephy Auger: Not at all. Cassius Reed will lead the Renegades of Funk as they defend their World Tag Team Championship against the Illuminati PROJEKT!
Kris Cruise: Owen wasn’t the only champion that received a newly designed championship. The Renegades of Funk were given the new Tag Team Titles earlier this afternoon, which is the fourth design in that title’s lineage.
Stephy Auger: TJ Techniques better not screw this up. Cassius wants more than an afternoon to enjoy his new belt!
Kris Cruise: Then, in our main event, it’s going to be title vs title as Mighty Sparrow and Mark Bisley go one one!
Stephy Auger: That’s right. Both the Legacy and 15 Championships will be on the line tonight. One of these two men will join the very short lift of grapplers that have been double champions!
Kris Cruise: That’s not all. We will hear from the record two-time Gold Rush Rumble winner Lowri Moss! As a matter of fact, we’re going to hear from her right now!
“Loner Boogie” by Boy Azooga plays over the PA system, instantly creating a buzz amongst those present inside the Petersen Events Center, and once the song's intro finishes, Lowri Moss walks out through the curtains, which only causes the cheers to increase in volume. Dressed casually, Lowri stands on the stage, a broad smile on her face as she takes a moment to survey the crowd, revelling in the reception.
J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… the winner of the 2021 Gold Rush Rumble… LOWRI MOSS!
She makes her way along the ramp, towards the ring, and as she does so, she makes an effort to slap the hands of as many as possible of the fans that reach out to her.
Kris Cruise: At Only the Strong Survive, Lowri Moss made history-- not for the first time in her FGA career-- when she won the Gold Rush Rumble for a record-equalling second time. Victory this year may not have been quite as arduous a task as it was for her in last year’s Rumble, but take nothing at all away from her, she went out there and she earned herself the win, and in the process earned herself a match for the Undisputed Championship.
Stephy Auger: She got lucky, Cruise, drawing number twenty-six in the Rumble, the number that has produced more Gold Rush Rumble winners than any other. That luck of hers isn’t going to extend to All-Star Showdown though.
After climbing the steps and entering the ring, Lowri heads for one of the corners, climbs to the second rope and gestures to the fans watching, both in the venue and at home, by making the ILY sign with her right hand.
Kris Cruise: On the subject of All-Star Showdown, after Lowri won last year’s Rumble, she then had to decide who she wanted to face at All-Star Showdown IX. This year, however, there’s no such choice for her to make-- as I just alluded to, we already know that at All-Star Showdown X, it will be Lowri Moss versus Cordelia Stevenson, for the Undisputed Championship, in a repeat of their match from last December.
Stephy Auger: Like Cordy said on Twitter earlier in the week, Cruise, last year Lowri made the wrong decision, but this time the decision has already been made for her, and she’s in her worst case scenario.
Kris Cruise: I’m sure Lowri doesn’t see it that way. And it’s funny to hear you say, Stephy, that she made the wrong decision last year - I seem to remember you saying at the time that if Lowri was smart, she should choose Cordy.
Stephy Auger: Stop trying to stir the pot, Cruise.
Lowri goes to collect a microphone, and as her music fades out, she glances around at the fans that are in attendance, basking in their cheers. She starts by giving her usual greeting.
Lowri Moss: What’s occurring, Pittsburgh?
The customary cheap pop follows, which is now back to the size that Lowri had previously grown accustomed to, with Vertigo tonight taking place in front of a full capacity crowd for the first time since March of last year.
Lowri Moss: So I guess I’m beginning to make a habit of this, huh?
The smile on Lowri’s face now resembles more of a smirk.
Lowri Moss: On the first episode of Vertigo after last year’s Only the Strong Survive, I came out here to the ring and I stood here, and I reflected on what had been the most challenging, most physically demanding night of my career so far - a night that culminated with me winning the Gold Rush Rumble for the first time. And now, eleven months later, I find myself standing out here again, on the first episode of Vertigo after
this year’s Only the Strong Survive, and after having won the Gold Rush Rumble for a
second time.
Lowri briefly raises her free hand above her head, holding up her index and middle fingers, in reference to her two Gold Rush Rumble wins.
Lowri Moss: This time round it’s even better though, because while last year only a limited number of people were allowed to be in attendance, this year, I get to share the moment with all of you!
She makes her sweeping gesture with her hand, motioning towards the fans, who cheer in response.
Lowri Moss: Have I mentioned how happy I am to be back in front of a full crowd? It really is great to have you all back in the building. Moments like these, particularly moments like the one at the end of Only the Strong Survive, when I was celebrating in the ring after winning the Rumble, these are moments to savour, and being able to share them with all of you genuinely does make them even better.
She again glances around the arena, but more slowly this time, taking a few seconds to look at all of the fans on each side of the ring, before turning back towards the hard camera.
Lowri Moss: I suppose I ought to talk a little about the Rumble itself then.
After pausing for another couple of seconds, this time to gather her thoughts, Lowri proceeds.
Lowri Moss: I posted a tweet last month in which I contrasted my victory in this year’s Rumble with my win last year, saying that this year was like a sprint to the line, whereas last year it had been more of a marathon - although on second thought, considering that I had to go through two other matches last year before I even got as far as the Rumble, that whole night was probably more like an
ultramarathon. Entering at number twenty-six rather than at number three wasn’t the only reason why it felt different this year though. As I brought up ahead of this year’s match, my aim going into the Rumble last year was merely to improve upon my only previous appearance in a Gold Rush Rumble, back in 2017, when I was eliminated after having been in the match for less than a minute; it was an aim that I stated publicly, and I didn’t do so to downplay my chances of winning, or anything like that, I did it because at the time, I wasn’t sure whether it was realistic for me to believe that I could win. Well, we all know now how things turned out.
Indeed we do.
Lowri Moss: Having won last year’s Rumble, I went into this year’s match with far greater confidence, believing that I could win it again-- and that was my aim this time, plain and simple: to win it for a second consecutive year. Of course, that’s easier said than done when you’ve got twenty-nine opponents who also have their sights set on winning-- or at least twenty-eight of them, with my other half being the one possible exception-- but as one of three previous Rumble winners in the match, I knew that having won it before, I could win it again, and I wasn’t going to accept any other outcome.
She gives a shake of her head.
Lowri Moss: While I did have the benefit this year of drawing a later number, I still had to go through a third of the field to win, which included Seth Iser, who had said that anyone who wanted to win the Rumble would have to go through him, and that he didn’t think there was anyone who could do that. I proved otherwise though;
I went through Seth Iser-- I
eliminated Seth Iser.
With a little help from Brian Stryker, admittedly.
Lowri Moss: There was Mighty Sparrow, who had set himself the goal of breaking the record for the most eliminations in a single Rumble, and although he fell short of that, he still had a very good showing, reaching the final four after entering at number six-- but then he too was eliminated by yours truly. And as for the man whose record Sparrow was trying to break, Chandler Scott, he had an even more impressive performance, entering at number one and, with the odds against him, lasting for sixty-three minutes, coming close to breaking the record that I set last year, as well as coming close to winning, before, eventually, he was eliminated by Izzy Anders.
Lowri runs her free hand through her hair, as she continues.
Lowri Moss: And so it came down to me and Izzy. We went back and forth for a number of minutes, including an exchange of strikes befitting two grapplers who between them have won four Best Striker Awards, as we fought tooth and nail, with both of us going all out for the win. Ultimately though, only one of us could win, and after I managed to escape from a fireman's carry, I was able to hit a Nos Da, before I then threw Izzy over the top rope, to be the one to get the win.
She grins as a thought crosses her mind, a recollection of something that Izzy said to her early last year.
Lowri Moss: Izzy once told me that I needed to strive to push past her; at Only the Strong Survive, I did just that, as I emerged victorious, as the winner, for the second year in a row, of the Gold Rush Rumble.
She lets out a sigh, perhaps one of contentment.
Lowri Moss: There is only one other person who has won the Gold Rush Rumble twice, someone who also did so in consecutive years: Dom Harter.
The mention of the Tenacious Little Bastard elicits some boos from the fans.
Lowri Moss: You know, I like how even though he hasn’t set foot inside an FGA ring for getting on for two years now, you still boo the mere mention of Dom’s name.
Now Lowri lets out a chuckle.
Lowri Moss: I can’t say I blame you. And believe it or not, I got a text message from Dom following Only the Strong Survive… actually no, it was from Annie, but it was telling me that Dom had a three-word reaction to seeing me win the Rumble, equalling his record, and if I tell you that the last two words of his reaction were “off, Lowri,” I think you should all be able to work out what the first word was.
Starts with F, rhymes with duck.
Lowri Moss: Anyway, after having won the Gold Rush Rumble again, I can now look ahead to All-Star Showdown X, to a shot at the Undisputed Championship, and to a rematch from last year’s All-Star Showdown… with Cordelia Stevenson.
The crowd erupts into a chorus of boos, and Lowri has to wait for them to die down, before she can continue.
Lowri Moss: You all know what happened at last year’s All-Star Showdown, how my match that night with Cordy ended. Since then I’ve been determined to earn myself another shot, another chance to fulfill my aspiration to reach the top of the mountain in FGA, even if that meant having to go through another Rumble to get it-- although I was told by Cordy that I better pray that if I did win the Rumble, she wouldn’t be the one waiting for me.
Lowri scoffs.
Lowri Moss: That was exactly what I wanted though.
She then moves towards a cameraman standing on the apron, so she can look directly at the camera.
Lowri Moss: I know you’re watching this somewhere backstage, Cordy. Remember when you said that I couldn’t win the Rumble again - remember when you claimed that what I did last year was just an outlier? Well I proved you wrong, Cordy, and now, at All-Star Showdown, I’m coming for you, and I’m coming for the Undisputed Championship.
Right on cue, the haunting opening to Pop Smoke’s “Invincible” begins blaring throughout the arena.
Stephy Auger: Thank God!!!
The crowd in attendance bursts into a chorus of boos as the beat drops and the FGA Undisputed Champion, Cordelia Stevenson emerges from the back.
Kris Cruise: This crowd is certainly not giving the Undisputed Champion a warm welcome.
Stephy Auger: Of course they aren’t, Cruise. They wanted nothing more than to see Fox News Mine walk out of Only The Strong Survive as the new Undisputed Champion, but this woman right here sent them and Fujiko home with shattered dreams, and it’s the same thing she’s going to do to Lowri, AGAIN.
Cordelia stops atop the ramp, her smile on full wattage as she takes in the crowd’s disdain with a twisted sense of joy. She points at her shirt, which reads in bright purple letters “Ding… Dong.” Underneath is a black and white portrait photo of her locking Fujiko Mine in the ‘Chandler Could Never’. She then turns around so that the back of her shirt is visible to the camera. It reads “The Witch is Dead.”
Stephy Auger: You’ve got to love that shirt, Cruise! You know, I’ll make sure to snatch us up some as soon as they’re available in the shop.
Kris Cruise: You might as well save your money. I don’t want it.
Cordelia spins back around and focuses her eyes on the woman in the ring and simply shakes her head. She mouths off a few words to Lowri that the camera doesn’t quite pick up before dramatically stomping up the ring steps. She turns around to face the crowd, slowly hoisting her Undisputed Championship into the air before climbing between the ropes teasingly slow. She waves off a stagehand who offers her a mic, pulling one that was tucked in the back of her waistband. As the music dies down, the volume of the jeers only grows more intense. Cordelia looks around at the crowd before yelling two simple words that send the fans into an uproar.
Cordelia Stevenson: AND… STILL.
Cordelia saunters around the ring, laughing at the crowd's response. Finally she turns on her heels and turns back towards Lowri.
Cordelia Stevenson: You’re familiar with those words, aren’t you, Lowri? I mean, aren’t those the same words that you heard the last time that we crossed paths? The same words that you heard as I hoisted the International Heavyweight Championship into the air just as I said I would? Oh I know you remember that night exceptionally well, because lord knows, you just gave an unnecessary play by play of everything you did prior to it, during it, and after it. Everything that has led you to this moment… of starting the cycle all over again.
Cordelia spins her finger in a circle before giving Lowri a mocking round of applause.
Cordelia Stevenson: Congratulations, Lowri. You’ve proven once again that you’re quite amazing at throwing people over the top rope. While I’m sure these idiots are just eating up your little tale of perseverance and redemption, it doesn’t change what you and I both know is going to happen. You can get their hopes up all you like and instill that little mustard seed of faith in them — but you and I both know that in the end it will only blossom into full fledged disappointment, just like it did the last time.
Cordelia’s eyes narrow as she utters the last part of the statement with a snarl. She jabs a finger at Lowri and smirks.
Cordelia Stevenson: Now don’t get me wrong; winning the Gold Rush Rumble is an incredible feat, I know it. I’ve been there and I’ve done that. Winning it twice? It’s impressive. There are so many variables, so many things beyond your control that it takes an amazing amount of instinct to conquer it all. Instinct…
Cordelia tilts her head a bit and gives a casual shrug.
Cordelia Stevenson: … and luck.
She shakes her head.
Cordelia Stevenson: But don’t for one second fall into the trap of thinking that the rumble is an assessment or a measuring stick of what it takes to win this —
She taps the Undisputed Championship on her shoulder.
Cordelia Stevenson: — because it isn’t. You see, when you’re standing across that ring from me at All Star Showdown and you’re trying to take this belt from me, please understand that luck won't be a factor at all. Luck won’t be able to assist you, nor will it be able to save you. Lady luck won’t be on your side—
She frantically points towards her shirt.
Cordelia Stevenson: Because I’ve already snuffed her out. The variables are few and far in between, and when it’s just you and I, it’s a much more controlled environment. In the end, there is only one thing that truly matters, and one question that needs to be answered. Can you be better? Because if you want to become the FGA Undisputed Champion, that’s exactly what you’ll have to be, Lowri, and the frightening truth is that since I made my return back to the business? There has been
no one better. Luck can win you a Gold Rush Rumble but it damn sure won’t …beat …me. Not with this on the line. Not when I’m in the prime of my career and not when I’ve still got so much to fight for and work left to do. Last year? You weren’t better, chica. I mean, you’d like to believe that you were, and you’ve given a million reasons why, but truthfully, none of them mask your shortcomings. And I don’t see why this time around will be any different.
She holds her hand up and makes a talking mouth motion with her hand.
Cordelia Stevenson: You can come out here and bore us to death, talking until you’re blue in the face. You can keep telling the world how you’re so motivated and inspired and how you’re ready to be the champion that you always knew you could be; it sounds lovely; it really does — but all I see when I look at you is a woman treading down the same exact path that led her to failure. I don’t see a woman that has learned from her mistakes, but instead one that is doomed to repeat them. Yeah, you’re coming for me and you’re coming for my Undisputed Championship…
Cordy scoffs.
Cordelia Stevenson: But what exactly are you going to do when you cross my path?
She leans down a bit, looking Lowri in the eyes.
Cordelia Stevenson: Not a damn thing.
For a second it looks as if Lowri is about to say something but Cordelia holds up a finger and shakes it as she quickly spins away.
Cordelia Stevenson: And that’s exactly why you’re the least of my worries, at least when it comes to this Undisputed Championship. You see, Lowri, as much as you love having your little moment in the sun and blabbering about your accomplishments, and giving us a whole play by play on a damn match that we all watched, the truth is, we already know how this story ends. It’s not going to have the perfect fairy tale ending that you’ve been dreaming of. No, it’s going to end in heartache. It’s going to be a modern day tragedy, and as much as I’d
love to rewrite that tale for you, I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was something on the table that didn’t interest me… more.
Cordelia runs a hand through her hair and paces around the ring.
Cordelia Stevenson: If you took a second to think about something besides your wants and desires, you’d realize that there was another big winner during the Gold Rush Rumble. As a matter of fact, that person secured a shot at this title before you did. And you know why that is? It’s because she was out there doing the Good Lord’s work. She knew what was at stake and she took advantage of the moment. She knew the mission at hand and she got the job done; unlike so many others that willingly pissed away the opportunity of a lifetime.
She turns towards the camera.
Cordelia Stevenson: Hi, Mighty Sparrow. Hi, Savannah.
She turns her attention back towards Lowri.
Cordelia Stevenson: Yes, this person went out and methodically removed the malignant tumor that is Chandler Scott from the Gold Rush Rumble…
Cordelia beams with pride as the crowd boos in response to the mention of Chandler getting eliminated.
Cordelia Stevenson: … and quite honestly, I feel that they are more deserving than
anyone—
She looks Lowri up and down and then rolls her eyes.
Cordelia Stevenson: — including you — of a shot at my Undisputed Championship, because it is what is owed to them. I’ve always been a woman of my word, have I not? I mean, when I told you that I would do anything to retain my International Heavyweight Championship, did I not mean exactly that?
Cordy teases with a wink and then shrugs.
Cordelia Stevenson: I'm not one to waste words. When I say them, they have meaning and my word is my bond. That is why, I don’t care that you won the Gold Rush Rumble, Lowri. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this or not, but I do things my way. You’ll get your shot... but the next contender for my title is none other than—
Cordy crouches over and stomps her feet excitedly.
Cordelia Stevenson: Isabella Frieda Popodopolous Anders aka my IZZY POP aka Izzy Anders.
The crowd lets out a loud pop at the mention of the Hall of famer and Gold Rush Rumble runner up. Cordelia straightens up and looks towards the camera, letting out a low hiss.
Cordelia Stevenson: And hopefully it’s not the one that lost her spine when she fell back into the comfort of Fujiko’s bosom.
The crowd lets out an ooh at the snide remark. Cordelia turns towards the ramp now and holds out her hand.
Cordelia Stevenson: Izzy, I know you’re back there, chica. Cut your little bullshit act and stop acting like you don’t want this just as much as I do. Get out here so we can hash out the details of
your reward.
A round of silence occupies the entire arena, which unfortunately causes the initial buzz to die out. Fans look expectedly, hoping that Cordelia had brought on the Mindkiller like they had hoped. A few fans look dejected, many of them wearing Mindkiller shirts. There’s even one fan wearing a “DIE, HARTER, DIE” shirt from her earlier days. Of course, there’s one person in attendance that enjoys the dying fanfare.
Stephy Auger: I hate to disagree with Cordelia here, but I don’t think Izzy’s coming. Her confidence is ruined. She lost to a lesser woman and now she’s hiding backstage. I bet she’s going to make some big deal about her failure and--
But soon enough, they begin to realize that it wasn’t happening--
Until “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram” blares through the entire audio system.The crowd jumps to their feet, striking the audio feed deaf as the Hall-of-Famer walks out onto the entrance stage. Not dressed to compete with a scarlet dress and black heels on, the Mindkiller brushes some of her hair out of her face and lets out a sigh at the spectacle in the ring. Her walk down the ramp seems uncooperative, even as she is within inches of the ring. Shifting her gaze between the two ring occupants, Izzy already seems annoyed and she rounds the corner to retrieve a microphone from the waiting stagehand.
Kris Cruise: Well, how does your foot taste, Stephy?
Stephy Auger: Please don’t ever bring up my feet again, you creep.
Izzy draws closer to the commentary table, giving Kris Cruise a friendly wave and she gets close to Stephy, who shrinks a little in her seat.
Stephy Auger: Isabella, please, I don’t really have time for this--
Playful as ever, Izzy gives Stephy’s chair a minor shove, sending her spinning around a bit.
Stephy Auger: What are you? Five?!
The Mindkiller ignores Stephy’s cry of frustration and enters the ring via stairs. As she makes her way in, she stares at Lowri before turning her head over to Cordelia. She makes a face at the champion, questioning her words and motivations off-gate. As it dies out, she moves back to Lowri and steps to her, a gentle smile dawning on her face.
Izzy Anders: What I need to do first and foremost is congratulate Lowri Moss. Thanks to you, the legacy of Dom Harter dies just a hint more. As one of the many people who despises that Tenacious Little Bastard, I cannot thank you enough for aiding in that process. It came at my expense, but it is what it is. Which brings me to the very woman who called me out here.
The joyous demeanor fades to a look of pure confusion, coupled with her folding her arms against her chest.
Izzy Anders: What the f**k is wrong with you?
Flavored with spicy sharpness, Izzy’s words ignite the crowd. She tilts her head at Cordelia.
Izzy Anders: I didn’t think you were serious. Here, I thought that you were just poking fun at me, but here we stand. So, go on, tell Lowri and I how you reached this...fascinating conclusion.
Stepping back towards the turnbuckle, Izzy motions to Cordelia, encouraging her to carry on with the diatribe presented for everyone in attendance.
Cordelia puts a hand to her chest, feigning shock at Izzy’s reaction. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
Cordelia Stevenson: IzzyPop, what do you mean what is wrong with me? The question is, what is wrong with you? I’m a woman of my word and I let it be known long ago that whoever entered the Gold Rush Rumble and eliminated Chandler Scott, would earn a shot at this Championship. Why do you think the likes of Brian Stryker decided to stick their head out of the retirement home window to say hello? It was because of the extra incentive for a shot at this.
She lifts the title in the air, letting it hang for the world to see.
Cordelia Stevenson: The biggest prize in the game, chica.
She nods towards Lowri.
Cordelia Stevenson: Some people can only dream of having this in their possession, and the sad truth is that many never will. You’ve held it before. Hell, you took it away from me.
Cordelia’s lips purse together as she recalls her defeat at the hands of Izzy.
Cordelia Stevenson: And you know that many would give damn near anything just for a shot.
Cordelia shakes her head and takes a step back.
Cordelia Stevenson: And here you are, turning your nose up at the very thing that so many would kill to have. Why? Did you or did you not eliminate Chandler Scott from the Gold Rush Rumble?
Izzy stares at the FGA Undisputed Championship, briefly recalling what she had once had. Something that has eluded her grasp since then. Izzy presses her tongue against the inside of her cheek before speaking again, and she starts with a long sigh.
Izzy Anders: Before you get going, Cordelia, I did eliminate Chandler, but I never agreed to your demands. Because what you’re doing is giving me, or rather, whoever did eliminate Chandler, a handout. Are you trying to say that I need a handout from you? But before you answer that, the grandstanding question is where does that leave Lowri here? She won the Rumble. She survived, she overcame, and most of all, she deserves to be right here, getting her shot first and foremost. So even if I do get my shot, why do I have to be first? Why can’t you just stop ducking Lowri and, well, by your judgment, beat her again? Unless there’s some other reason.
Izzy scratches her cheek while she sucked her teeth. All of which serves to display the awkwardness of the situation.
Izzy Anders: Unless you’re worried?
A tension falls on the trio as the crowd sharply gasps.
Izzy Anders: I don’t doubt that you can beat Lowri again, but I also don’t believe it will go exactly the same as it did the first time. Who knows, Cordelia? Lowri Moss just might got ya beat, and you want to put me in front so that you can pad the stats a little more. Or you want to right a tremendous wrong. But that doesn’t matter because each way I think of you, I think you want to give me the shot so that you don’t have to face Lowri--and most of all, you think you’re going to beat me.
Izzy lifts her hand up and turns to leave.
Izzy Anders: So, thanks, Cordy hon, but no thanks. I don’t want to get in the way of Lowri here. She did everything right, and I couldn’t sleep at night if I screwed her over. I’m not that kinda gal anymore. Deal with her first and then we can talk about rematches, with or without the strap.
Cordelia simply gives Izzy a blank stare. It looks as if she’s trying to compute something that Izzy said. She scrunches up her face in disgust.
Cordelia Stevenson: Did -- did you just imply that I’m… worried?
She points to Lowri.
Cordelia Stevenson: About… her? Do you realize
who you’re talking to? And to be quite honest, I’m genuinely insulted that would even cross your mind. I’m hurt that you’d think that I’d see you as nothing more than an opportunity to just
pad my stats. The notion is downright disrespectful not only to me, but to you as well, and for the record, I don’t appreciate it at all. No one is denying that Lowri has earned an opportunity. She’ll get hers in due time. This isn’t about a handout. I’d never offer you one. This is about me being sick of the damn systems in place and adding a little spice to the monotony of it all.
Cordelia lets out a disappointed sigh and shakes her head as she jabs a finger in Izzy’s direction.
Cordelia Stevenson: Once upon a time, you used to have vision, Izzy. Once upon a time, you too wanted to change the system. But the only thing that’s really changed is you and I can’t even say that it was for the better. Is this what you’ve been reduced to? Now you only fight when Lenny and the board tells you to? You really have given in to the ways of Mine and gone to a place where clearly your backbone wasn’t allowed to follow. Pardon me for actually wanting to challenge myself. Excuse me for not simply wanting to do the same old tired song and dance that Leonard T. Asherman wants me to. But you know what?
She looks Izzy up and down and scoffs.
Cordelia Stevenson: Maybe you have more insight than I do. You’ve always been smart, Isabella, and maybe you know what time it is. Maybe you’re simply projecting and I’m not the one that’s worried -- but you are. Maybe deep down you just know that you can’t cut it anymore, and you’re afraid of facing the truth, and if that’s the case, then maybe the match between us shouldn’t happen. Cause quite simply, it’d be a waste of time.
Having remained quiet for some time, observing with interest the exchange between Cordy and Izzy, Lowri takes a step forward, interjecting herself into the conversation.
Lowri Moss: While you may be having a hard time with this, Cordy, I can understand where Izzy's coming from. Ahead of the Rumble, you tried to dangle that same carrot in front of me, the one that you had already waved in front of everyone else. You knew how much I wanted a match for that title, and so you told me, “Eliminate Chandler and get your shot.” I told you though that if I was going to get a title shot out of the Rumble, it was going be for winning the whole thing, not for eliminating a specific opponent.
She shakes her head, before continuing.
Lowri Moss: And if the roles were reversed, if Izzy had won the Rumble, but I had eliminated Chandler, and you were now standing here offering me a shot at the undisputed title as my “reward”… I can't deny that I would be tempted to take you up on it, but I would still be very hesitant to do so, not least because I wouldn't want to jump the queue.
Lowri lets out a sigh.
Lowri Moss: Having said that though…
She then turns to face Izzy.
Lowri Moss: Izzy, please don't feel like you have to turn this down because of me. You wouldn't be screwing me over. My shot is safe - it isn't going anywhere. Whatever happens between now and All-Star Showdown, the one thing that's guaranteed is that I'll be in a match for the Undisputed Championship at that show, so if Cordy wants you to have a title match with her before then, and if you want to take her up on it--
After pausing to cast a quick glance in Cordy's direction, she looks back to Izzy, a smile on her face.
Lowri Moss: Go for it - I'll happily await the winner of your match. And besides, as much as I would love to be the one to end Cordy's reign, having the chance to face you for the title is something that I would relish just as much.
Izzy taps her chin, turning to openly contemplate Lowri’s counteroffer.
Izzy Anders: Y’know, Lowri? You’re right. It doesn’t really matter who makes it to you. You’re the one who is already positioned to challenge; it’s now just a matter of who. Will it be your fated rematch against Cordelia Stevenson or will it be against me, the very woman that has always had your best interest? Aw, how dramatic.
Casting her Cheshire Cat grin over to Cordelia, Izzy displays the very face of what Cordelia knows.
Izzy Anders: What a wonderful idea, Lowri, I’m glad
you thought of it.
Cordelia shoots Izzy a murderous gaze and mocks her mannerisms, mouthing off. ‘I’m glad you thought of it’ and rolling her eyes.
Cordelia Stevenson: Look, here am I offering opportunities in a place where quite simply there aren’t many and still — despite my noble intentions, I’m ridiculed and mocked and my intentions are painted to be everything except pure. I’m not going back and forth about this. I’m not going to beg and plead for someone to take a match with me. Quite frankly, I don’t give a damn what either one of you does at this point because in the end, it won’t make that much of a difference.
She nods towards Lowri.
Cordelia Stevenson: Your days are numbered. History will repeat itself, and you’ll be staring down the barrel of disappointment yet again, and as for you…
She turns her attention back to Izzy.
Cordelia Stevenson: Take the opportunity or not. Play rock, paper, scissors, yuck it up; figure out exactly what it is that you want to do. Just let it be known that I am indeed a woman of my word and the opportunity is there for you to have or pass on. But just know, Izzy Pop, if you do accept your reward, you’ll also be cashing in on an ass whooping that is long overdue.
The agitation is clear in Cordelia’s tone as she stares Izzy down. She then shifts her gaze to Lowri and then back to Izzy, and scoffs as she turns away, heading towards the ropes.
Lowri Moss: Remember, Cordy, “destiny just simply cannot be avoided.”
Izzy hands off her microphone to a stagehand, content with what has transpired. She snickers to herself as she watches Cordelia leave and exits, giving Lowri a wave.
• COMMERCIAL BREAK •
