Vertigo E93

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Giant Center
Hershey, PA

Kris Cruise: Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of Vertigo! I’m Kris Cruise! Joining me as always is my colleague Stephy Auger! We’re coming to you live from the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania! Both Macy Dover and Jillian Clay are already in the ring to kick things off with tonight’s opening contest!

Macy Dover vs. Jillian Clay

As soon as the bell sounds, Clay rushes over and brings Dover down with a running hurricanrana. The cheers continue when Dover gets back to her feet, turns around and gets caught with two savate kicks in succession.

Kris Cruise: Clay’s gone right after Dover! She isn’t wasting any time!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, she attacked Dover when she wasn’t ready! Clay knows that if she takes Dover straight up, she won’t last for long.

Clay takes Dover, delivers an arm wrench and follows up with repeated slaps to the chest before whipping her into the corner. She then runs across the ring and rocks Dover with a step-up knee strike.

Kris Cruise: Dover caught all of that knee to the face.

Dover gets whipped into the far corner. Clay runs across the ring and goes for a corner dropkick, but Dover moves out of the way, sending Clay crashing into the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Clay missed!

Stephy Auger: Dover got out of the way just in time. Clay should have stayed on top of her.

Dover goes over, yanks up Clay by the hair and launches her across the ring with a biel throw. The boos continue when Clay gets snatched up before getting tossed across the ring with another biel throw. Clay picks up herself up, turns around and eats a running bicycle kick to the face!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a kick!

Stephy Auger: I’m surprised Clay didn’t get her faced caved in.

Clay gets knocked through the ropes to the apron. She pulls herself up, but Dover runs over and nails her with a battering ram through the ropes. Clay gets knocked off the apron before smacking her face against the edge of it on the way down.

Kris Cruise: We saw what happened last time Dover took the action to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, she pretty much ragdolled Antoinette all around ringside!

The Bulldover heads to the outside. After pulling Clay back to her feet, Dover lifts her up before bringing her down with a vertical suplex on the floor!

Stephy Auger: Did you hear that!?

Kris Cruise: How could I not!? There’s protective padding down there, but it can only protect you but so much. It still hurts.

Dover picks up Clay, hoists her over her head with a military press. The Bulldover keeps Clay held over her head as she circles the ring. Half the crowd marvels at Dover while the other half boos her.

Kris Cruise: Dover’s just showing off now.

Stephy Auger: I love it!

After lapping the ring with Clay held above her head, Dover throws her back in the ring through the ropes! She then slides herself back in. Clay slowly picks herself back up and turns around before a leg lariat drops her to the mat. Dover yanks her back up before whipping her hard into the corner. Clay can be seen arching her back after it collides with the turnbuckles. Dover rushes in to attack, but Clay turns her around with a boot to the face.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh! Clay might have just found an opening!

Stephy Auger: “Might” is the key word.

While Dover staggers away from the corner, Clay runs up from behind and leaps onto her back. She's about to hit Weltraumschrott (Stalling Reverse Rana) until Dover pushes her off her shoulders. Once Clay lands in front of Dover, Dover spins her towards her before turning her inside out wit a short-arm clothesline.

Stephy Auger: So much for that comeback!

The boos continue as Dover yanks Clay back to her feet deliver delivering Mace to the Face (Inverted Stomp Facebreaker)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd boos as “Turn Down For What” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout... MACY DOVER!

The boos continue as Dover gets her arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Macy Dover picks up yet another win. I don’t want to say she’s unstoppable, Stephy. That would probably be going too far. But that’s two wins and no losses since her return.

Stephy Auger: She’s looked damn good in there. I know it’s only two wins. But after all of this time away, for her to come back and be this dominant, it says something. Like I said at the 10 Year Anniversary Show, you know what she's back for, Cruise. You know what she wants and I think that what she’s looking for isn’t too far away.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think so, either. Folks, we’ve got a huge lineup for you here tonight on this latest edition of Vertigo. We’ve got not one but two title matches in store for you. In our first championship match of the evening, Sparrow defends his 15 Championship against Sloan Talbot. Then, the Illuminati PROJEKT look to knock off the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions, Silk & Cyanide!

Stephy Auger: But that’s not all! Gareth Prichard Jr will be going one on one with Julian Tijerina! Then, in our main event, HENNY collides with Brian Stryker!

Kris Cruise: We will also be hearing from former Undisputed Champion Cordelia Stevenson, who request time after tonight’s main event. Right now, though, we’re going to send it to the back where Spencer Burke is standing by. Spencer, take it away!

[FGA Office]

We then head backstage after the match where Spencer Burke seems to have drawn an unenviable spot in some ways as he’s got the microphone on his hand and a tense look on his face rather than forcing on any smile. A couple of crates and trash cans decorate the backstage area as does a makeshift set and curtain with the Vertigo logo over top. He looks over to the side briefly before looking at the camera.

Spencer Burke: We have a bit of a situation brewing involving my next guest, Seth come on in here.

Spencer gestures toward Seth Iser and he’s coming in wearing a three piece suit, a black and teal coloration which is a little different for him and he seems to have his own stern and heavy expression as he has his arms crossed.

Spencer Burke: While we haven’t heard the answer from Izzy herself regarding your challenge…I find myself in rare agreement with Stephy’s initial reaction. Why? Why THAT match with someone who has done the things Izzy has done?

Seth’s eyes narrow ever so slightly when that question is asked but he doesn’t make an aggressive move. He just uncrosses his arms and offers a slight shake of the head as he’s chewing over his words a bit.

Seth Iser: You do know that both Izzy and I aren’t exactly saints, right?

There’s a little bit of bite to that question as Spencer looks up at the 6’5 giant mentioning this but Seth continues.

Seth Iser: What else could honestly settle it, Spencer? It is what needs to happen for the things we’ve done to each other…and to others. We’re tainted souls in a lot of ways…some of it is our fault, some of it beyond our control. But control within that kind of chaos? That’s the ultimate kind of fight to settle an issue like ours. A man who flies away from their fear may find that he has only taken a shortcut to meet it. So I’d rather face what’s coming.

A cold frown still emanating from Iser as he states all of this, it seems Spencer has another question but Seth’s eyes narrow just a little bit more, he’s not done talking.

Seth Iser: It is the only choice. Running from it…running from what I’ve done, what I had to do even to get to that point…that’s not the wrestler’s way. Hell, take control of what needs to be done…when you have that opportunity. That’s what I did. Even if it doesn’t end up being the most ‘beneficial’ I guess you could say…it’s the right move as a wrestler. It isn’t the right move morally…something I’d tell my daughter, but doing right by morals, doing right by your own self, doing right for someone else, and doing right by professional wrestling are always things that are going to conflict. But…this was the right thing to do. No–

Seth’s train of thought as he was continuing his point is cut off not by Spencer but by the sound of steel cutting air. In an instant, a metal chair meets the back of his knee, forcing him down to the floor. The assailant steps forward, taking the chair into both of their hands and driving it into Iser’s spine. Quiet and resolute, the attacker brings the chair down again onto Iser’s back, bringing him down to the cold concrete. Spencer looks up at the individual, the camera catching their face. Izzy Anders stands in the full light of revelation as she grasps the chair. Her attention doesn’t deviate from Seth Iser, not even to cast a glance at Spencer. Instead, she analyzes his body, reaching down to tear off one of the legs of his suit. His left knee, famously tended to, becomes her target. Izzy prods one of the scars before standing up. Spencer goes to interfere, seeing the heinous future but Izzy’s far too gone. She drives the chair down onto Iser’s knee. Fighting back a cry of anguish, Iser releases the pain through gritted teeth.

Izzy turns the chair over before driving the point of its head down on the knee several times before she reaches down to grab onto the damaged appendage. The Mindkiller turns and begins to drag Iser down the hallway.

Spencer Burke: Izzy, where are you going?

The camera operator gives chase, coming after Izzy, but only finds the curtain to ringside switching to and fro. The feed switches to the ringside cameras, where the sight of Izzy dragging Seth down the ramp greets the viewers. The audience lets out slight cheers, but they find themselves concerned by the lack of pleasantries coming from Izzy. Dressed in a form-fitting black dress with matching heels, the Mindkiller appears not poised for action. Yet, as she makes her way down the ramp, she ditches the heels to make her work easier.

Kris Cruise: We haven't heard a word from Izzy Anders since the attack that led to her losing at All-Star Showdown!

Stephy Auger: I can hardly believe that it was Iser’s fault. Izzy was in Cordy’s crosshairs. Now we get to witness another temper tantrum because Izzy can’t take accountability.

Iser begins to stir, the effects of the initial assault slowly dying down. Izzy stops and looks over, noting the gesture. She lets go and goes to pick Iser up. Iser, in stark retaliation, drives his fist into her face. Izzy stumbles back, laying on the barricade. Iser stretches his knee, but finds the wrath needed to power through the pain. With a grunt, Iser rushes at Izzy, who moves out of the way.

Iser stops his attack, only because a little girl greets him with a recoil. The fear on her face freezes Iser as he watches the child nearly start crying at the prospect of injury. Iser’s face softens even the prospect of fear coming across his eyes ever so slightly, but the moment only lasts a second before Izzy drives her heel right into his throat! He drops to his knees coughing and gasping for air while gritting his teeth and putting that emotionless mask back on as best he can.

Izzy reaches down and takes Iser by his hair before hurling him into the steel steps headfirst. Iser slides down the steps, holding his face. The Mindkiller stalks him, but not before retrieving the chair she had earlier. Gingerly, she sends it into the ring before going to take Iser and force him to follow it. While Iser barely writhes on the mat, Izzy takes up her heels and enters the ring. Iser makes it to the ropes, using them to drag himself to a standing position. Izzy doesn’t allow him to make it that far, and she delivers another sweeping chair shot to the left leg. The much taller man crumbles to the mat, shrouding the intensity of the pain behind a vacant stare. Izzy tilts her head at him, her face reflecting the same lack of expression. She rears the chair back and strikes him again, this time aiming for the back of the neck. Iser falls onto the mat, his body gone stiff from the blow.

Stephy Auger: We need security or someone to come get this maniac off Iser. We don’t need another Dom Harter situation!

Kris Cruise: If you want to keep your career going, I wouldn’t mention him around Izzy right now. Regardless, Iser wanted this. Izzy’s merely responding to his pleas. You should agree with this, Steph.

Izzy, once again, drags Iser to the center of the ring. She stands idle for a moment, quietly accessing the situation. She looks down at the chair before gazing up at Iser’s exposed knee. A humorless chuckle escapes her as she moves to fix the chair around the knee!

Stephy Auger: Okay, Kris, you damn sadist, is this how you want Iser’s career to end here?! AT THE HAND OF THIS MONSTER?

There are many people in the audience that want to see it happen. However, there are a fine majority that are screaming for Izzy to stop. The Mindkiller doesn’t act on her plan, instead she goes to cater a microphone for herself. When she receives the device, she heads back over to Iser, where she sits down on top of the chair. Iser grits his teeth as her weight grinds the metal against his knee.

Izzy Anders: Quiet now~.

She pats his leg.

Izzy Anders: This isn’t a Moretti situation. No, no, no.

Her voice draws out in a haunting, playful cadence. There’s almost a look from Seth that’s half…daring her to pull the trigger on what she wants to do. He’d have half of a smirk if he wasn’t coughing from the shoe to the throat.

Izzy Anders: This should be the part where I’m denying everything you have said. Perhaps a few sassy words here, a fight there. No, no, none of that. Because you’re often right about things. In some strange way, I agree with what you said back there and prior. Except the idea that this ending that we’re inching ever closer to would disrespect the World Championship. That belt’s more crimson than it is gold, I say. However, it’s the reasoning that I’m failing to understand.

Izzy purses her lips, staring around the onlooking arena. Her attention returns to Iser after a short while.

Izzy Anders: Ruining my future. Embarrassing me. Taking away food from my child’s mouth. All of that was just so that you would incur my wrath? So I can put you down? Carmichael turned the key to that part of my mind that I locked away. He couldn’t open the door, but you? You. You’ve always known how to play with my head, and I can’t sit here and believe that you did everything so that you could have me kill you in the end. Because that’s the only way that this goes. Page and Chandler have gone here. Hardaway has walked into this match many times. Even my good friend, Savannah, has gone into it. I haven’t yet. I have done everything that I can not to go there. Because if I walk into that match, all these metaphorical chains that I have wrapped around this soiled mind of mine will come undone. And you want all that to come out against you?

A dry, empty laugh comes out of Izzy. She brushes her hair from out of her face.

Izzy Anders: What made you think that I wouldn’t end it right now? For what you did to not just me, but to my daughter that night at All-Star Showdown? I ought to do more to snap this knee open like a can. No, I should do far worse to the point where I might get fired from this company again. But I won’t. No. But I won’t walk into Chivalry is Dead until you give me the best damn reason to.

Izzy gets off the chair, giving Iser some reprieve. She shoves the microphone down onto his chest and rests her foot lightly on the chair as incentive. You hear Iser cough into the microphone twice, still feeling the effects of the shoe as the pain is also unquestionable in his knee.

Seth Iser: You kill me this way now and I’ll live in your head forever and we both know it. I’d haunt your every step…worse than I ever haunted Owen without me having to lift a finger to do it. Long after I’m gone…long after you’ve retired, my ghost will still remain hanging over you. Killing me now…would permanently wound you. Besides…you’d…

Seth again coughs twice, but also has that semblance of a half smirk etched on his face despite the pure agony he’s in.

Seth Iser: You’d have blinked. And you’d lose. You’d…never have the control you crave back. That’s…not what you’d want to teach your kid either.

Yet again, a cough from Iser as he’s starting to sit himself up ever so slightly.

Seth Iser: You want to kill me…there’s only one way you can do it without blinking. Without me dogging every step you take for the rest of your life. You sure as hell don’t want to raise your kid with that hanging over you. In conclusion…

Iser’s face turns stern and cold as he’s glaring at Izzy, doing his best to hide the pain.

Seth Iser: You kill me now…I win. You kill me in that arena…in that setting…that’s your only chance to do it without my ghost haunting you. Maybe then…nobody would ever wound you…or in your mind wound your kid like that ever again. There isn’t a right choice…but this is the only one you can make.

Izzy’s face contorts with anguish stirring into agitation. She lifts her head, staring at the lights, hoping to find the answers there. When she does not find them there, she lowers her head and stares back at Iser.

Izzy Anders: You’re right. I hate that you’re right. I see this game you’re playing. I can hear the truth behind the words you spew out, and I despise it. Before Carmichael, before Cordelia, it’s you.

Izzy pauses again, biting the inside of her cheek.

Izzy Anders: I accept your challenge.

The crowd cheers, yet the camera catches the unsettled gazes of the more pensive fans.

Izzy Anders: I keep looking into the abyss, Iser. You know that. So, I’ll give you what you want. But only because I can’t have you…or anybody getting in the way anymore.

Izzy removes the chair from Iser’s knee, kicking it out of the ring.

Izzy Anders: Chivalry is Dead.

As the metal hitting the floor echos in Seth isn’t even reaching for the ropes to get up, rather he’s just eyeballing the woman who jumped with this assault.

Seth Iser: Remember…don’t blink.

Izzy continues to stare at Seth, not ever blinking. The feed then cuts, leaving the lasting image remaining.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

FGA returns from commercial break wit both Mark Bisley and Nando Fresno already in the ring.

Kris Cruise: We’re about to get our next match underway. But I can’t just ignore what we saw before the commercial break. Izzy Anders came this come to breaking Seth Iser’s knee. She had him right where she wanted him. But she needed answers, Stephy. She needed a reason to walk into Chivalry is Dead and boy, did Seth give her an answer.

Stephy Auger: Seth isn’t called Wrestling’s Greatest Mind because it’s a cute saying. It’s because that’s exactly what he is. No one knows how to play the game like him. No one knows how to get into the heads of his opponents quite like him. You’re right. Izzy could have ended things with Seth right then and there. But that would have given him more power. She couldn't live with herself if she took him out now. Grapple Kingdom 4 is going to see the next and likely last chapter in this rivalry between Izzy and Seth. But you know as well as I do, Kris, there will hardly be any grappling in that Chivalry is Dead match.

​​Kris Cruise: You’ve got that right. We won’t see nary a headlock in that one. But we will see some technical wrestling here as one of the more underrated on this roster, Mark Bisley, takes on the other half of the Saturnian Connection, Nando Fresno.

Mark Bisley vs. Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter

The match starts off with a lock up. Bisley is quick to overpower Fresno and move him across the ring against the ropes. The ref then gets over and gives them to the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Both grapplers make a clean break. Bisley then quickly takes Fresno and whips him into the far ropes when. When Fresno returns, he ducks a back elbow before continuing to run the ropes. The Alien Hunter ducks a clothesline off the return before continuing to run the ropes. Fresno returns and hurdles over a back body drop attempt before continuing to run the ropes. When Fresno comes back, Bisley leapfrogs over him. Bisley lands on his feet, turns around and gets knocked down to a knee after a basement dropkick. The cheers continue as Fresno knocks him down with a sliding knee smash. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
Bisley kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Quick nearfall there for Fresno.

Stephy Auger: My money’s on Bisley, as it always is. But I’ll give that little runt Fresno this. We’ve seen him pull off some shocking upsets in the past.

Kris Cruise: Like against Seth Iser, for instance.

Stephy Auger: Exactly!

Bisley reverses an irish whip, sending Fresno into the ropes. Bisley goes for another back body drop off the rebound. This time, Fresno slips down from behind, spins Bisley towards him and catches him with four jabs. The Alien Hunter follows up with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut connects. The cheers continue as Bisley gets knocked back with a series of rapid palm strikes before a discus elbow knocks Bisley through the ropes to the apron!

Kris Cruise: Fresno’s just as good with his hands as he is in the air! I think Bisley might have thought he would run right over Fresno. That’s far from the case.

Stephy Auger: You let him have his fun, Bisley. Let’s get serious now.

After Bisley pulls himself up, Fresno goes for a shoulder thrust through the ropes. The crowd boos when Bisley grabs a hold of him and counters with the Iko Uwais (cravat with repeated knees to the head)!

Kris Cruise: What a counter from “Smart” Mark!

Fresno gets shoved down to the mat. After he rolls over and picks himself back up, Bisley knocks him down with a springboard lariat.

Kris Cruise: Bisley’s got him down! He goes for the cover… no!

Fresno gets sent for the ride. When he returns, the crowd boos when Bisley chucks him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Bisley heads over, pulls Fresno back up and whips him hard into the corner. Fresno staggers out of the corner before Bisley brings him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Fresno slowly turns over into the prone position before Bisley hits the ropes, flips back and hits the Corazón de Zorro (lionsault to a face-down opponent's back)! The boos continue as Fresno get peeled off the mat before getting brought down with the Fresno Killer Combo (two rolling German suplexes followed by a release Dragon suplex)!

Kris Cruise: Fresno had the advantage early, but that seems like a lifetime ago now.

Stephy Auger: Nando should have continued to stick and move. The moment he deviated from his gameplan, Bisley took advantage and now look at him. Bisley’s suplexing him every which way in there.

Bisley kicks Fresno over onto his back before stepping out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Bisley might be looking for something off the top.

Stephy Auger: It might be Sapienza time, Kris.

Bisley starts to climb the turnbuckles. Once Bisley makes it to the top, he leaps off for the Sapienza (frog splash to the opponent's legs)! NO! Fresno rolls out of the way, causing Bisley to crash on the mat.

Kris Cruise: Bisley missed! Fresno got out of the way!

Bisley guards his midsection as he picks himself back up. He turns around and goes after Fresno, but the Alien Hunter knocks him down with a dropsault.

Kris Cruise: Fresno’s trying to take back control of this one.

Bisley picks himself up. When he turns around, Fresno runs over and knocks him into the corner with a front dropkick. Fresno then takes Bisley and whips him into the far corner. After pointing across the ring, Fresno runs over, leaps into the air and connects with a Stinger Splash! NO! Bisley catches him in mid air before bringing him down with Paul Krause (Bisley sidesteps a leaping opponent and catches them with a shinbreaker)!

Kris Cruise: Smart counter from Bisley!

Stephy Auger: That’s why you have to be careful in there against Bisley. He can snatch you right out of the air and ground you with the Paul Krause.

The boos continue as Bisley keeps a hold of Fresno's leg before delivering a grounded dragon screw leg whip. Bisley delivers a second dragon screw. Bisley maintains a hold of the leg before delivering a KneeDT (foot DDT)! With Fresno’s down on the mat, Bisley steps out to the apron, climbs to the top, leaps off and crashes down across Fresno's legs with the Sapienza. He then takes hold of Fresno's legs before turning him over into the Minnesota Cloverleaf (Texas cloverleaf with a knee to the opponent's back)! Fresno has no choice but to tap out.

The crowd boos as “Storms End” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout... MARK BISLEY!

The boos continue as Bisley gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Mark Bisley picks up the win here in this one, Stephy. You know, I happened to have a conversation with Bisley last week and he’s still upset over how things went down at All-Star Showdown X.

Stephy Auger: How could he not? He went into that Two Falls match against Sparrow and Logan Alexander and came away with neither the 15 or the Legacy Titles. The crazy thing is, he was never pinned or submitted in either of those two falls!

Kris Cruise: Well if you ask Logan Alexander, Bisley brought this entire situation on himself. So you’re not going to get any pity out of Logan or Theodore Harris from him. However, if Bisley pitches his case, All-Star Showdown X may end up not being the last time Logan found himself across the ring from Bisley. We’ll make sure to keep an eye out on that situation. Right now, though, we’re going to send it to the back where Amanda Johnson is standing by. Amanda…

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson does...Not look excited about the prospect of this interview. Clad in a long black dress with a skirt of some conservative length, she was likely hunting to interview the current FGA 15 champion in his way to defense number three. Who does she get? None other than his manager it seems. Caroline Dallins stands opposite of Johnson with her arms crossed and her face in a larger scowl than usual. Her fingers casually sweep a lock of hair from her eyes, smoked purple lips pucked and looking ever sourer. She looks about as happy to see Amanda as the interviewer is to see her. Through it all, both women try some form of professional courtesy, though Caroline’s hand twitches as though she might consider shoving Amanda on her ass again.

Amanda Johnson: It’s another defense for your client tonight, Ms. Dallins. If he gets past Sloan Talbot tonight that will make for defense number three and put him one match closer to an opportunity at Owen Gonsalves and the United States championship. You did seem entertained by the idea of Sparrow actually setting some goals. Does that mean you believe he’ll be able to dethrone Owen on a second go-around? I admit I find it hard to believe that you would actually be rooting for anything he comes up with by himself.

Caroline Dallins: What is that supposed to mean exactly, Amanda?

Amanda Johnson: Well I--

Caroline jerks the microphone from the interviewer before thumping her on the head with it. Not hard enough to knock her silly, but hard enough to give an audible thud. Amanda rubs her head and scowls as Caroline sneers openly, muttering ‘--before you hurt yourself’. She clears her throat and hands the microphone back to Amanda, who is still rubbing the back of her head.

Caroline Dallins: Would I be managing Baby Bird here in FGA if I didn’t believe in him?

Amanda Johnson: Well why are you wrestling in other companies if you do believe in him so much?

Caroline Dallins: Silence, basic. Anyway, would I be speaking to you right now, answering questions on what a potential rematch between he and Wristlock Sinatra, the Chairman of the Surfboard, would look like?

Amanda Johnson: So you believe Sparrow can beat Owen?

Caroline Dallins: No.

Amanda blinks in a complete lack of surprise by how quick and succinct Caroline is in stating Sparrow’s chances of beating the US Champion.

Caroline Dallins: You want me to give you a list of people I don’t think he can beat? I could write it down if you want. It’s about as long as the list of people Owen has to fight at DEATHWORLD Night Three. Look, Owen has been doing this as long as I have, more consistently than most in the industry period. He has evolved throughout his career to meet and shatter every expectation and obstacle set in front of him. It isn’t just experience, it isn’t just hold-for-hold, it is an intangible thing that you have to deal with to make it and Sparrow hasn’t had it yet, Amanda. Owen has. Cordelia has. Lowri has. Seth has in spades. Look that man in the eye and tell me he hasn’t. Izzy has. Savannah damn sure has. Karm--er, Carmichael has, Scott, Fujiko has. Techniques has! Me! I HAVE. Long ago, so...So long ago. It is something all the greats have seen or dealt with. It shapes them. Always differently. Something that makes you great but you cannot teach. My client has not tasted it yet...But he will. Then...This company and everyone else should be terrified when it happens. Ain’t gonna be nobody crushing after or want those damaged goods like that.

Something in the way Caroline says that is laced with sinister intent. Harm to befall her client perhaps? Emotional scarring? Psychological trauma going hand in hand with wrestling success? No tax breaks? Who knows. Amanda certainly looks a little uncomfortable though.

Amanda Johnson: I...See.

Caroline only sneers at Amanda, eyeing her over.

Caroline Dallins: No. You don’t. Liar--You will though. Everyone will. No need to disrespect Sloan Talbot. Let’s talk about tonight. Tonight Sloan can recapture what was once his. The FGA 15 championship.

It is only then that Caroline finally reaches off-camera and holds up the FGA 15 championship of her client’s. She looks down at the belt briefly, before glancing back up.

Caroline Dallins: You have to believe that he must feel some kind of way especially. Sloan that is. He probably believed--knew, that between he and Logan, Sloan was the better man. Yet where is Logan Alexander now? A champion. The Legacy champion. Where is Sloan now? Eyeing the smaller opponent, the faster opponent, the opponent that maybe he can simply tear to ribbons as Clare Fox watches. Because why not go for easier prey? No no, let’s not heed Mr. Harris himself commenting on Baby Bird’s dangerousness. Let’s go to easily snatch that title. I don’t think this will go the way Talbot is hoping. You can go after the favorite wrestler of Clare Fox’s grandmother if you want. She can bake you some cookies after all’s said and done.

Amanda Johnson: ...Thank you for your time.

Caroline walks off screen...

...Then she comes back and eyes Amanda over

Caroline Dallins: Also, Silk & Cyanide better win tonight. I got money riding on that World Tag Team Championship.

...Then she leaves finally for real.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP
(c) Sparrow vs. Sloan Talbot

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: The following, scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit, is for the FGA 15 CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, the challenger! Hailing from Norfolk, West Virginia! Weighing in at 253 pounds... SLOAN TALBOT!

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

Kris Cruise: Sloan Talbot is a former 15 Champion. If he has his way tonight, the championship could be coming his way again.

Stephy Auger: It very well could be. Talbot has tasted the championship before. He’s got championship experience. The man knows how to win. He’s got a huge size and strength advantage over Sparrow. Tweety Bird can fly through the air all he swats. All Talbot has to do is swat him out of the air and it’s over, Cruise. We’ll have a new champion.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think Talbot winning will be nearly as easy as you make it seem. But if Talbot can get his hands on Sparrow, it won’t be good news for the champion.

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

From the entrance to the ring, Sparrow appears through the curtain flanked by manager Caroline Dallins. On her shoulder rests his championship. The West Indian Whirlwind begins high-fiving fans on his way down the ramp, all the while Caroline stresses important points to her client. He gets to the outside of the ring as “Gold Watch” continues playing before he jumps and lands on the apron. Caroline simply takes the stairs.

Kris Cruise: Here comes the champion!

Stephy Auger: Sparrow looks ready for this, I’ll give him that.

Kris Cruise: With a win here tonight, that would give Sparrow three successful championship defenses. All he would need is a successful fourth defense and he could cash in the 15 Championship for a shot at Owen Gonsalves.

Stephy Auger: Assuming Owen is even still the U.S. Champion.

Kris Cruise: That’s fair.

Stephy Auger: Look, we know the trouble that Sparrow has faced with submission-based wrestlers over the past year and some change. We saw it against Logan. We saw it against Owen. We’ve seen it against others. Yes, he defeated Mark Bisley for the 15 Championship to become a double champion. I’ll give Tweety Bird that. But submission wrestlers have been his Achilles Heel. The man would love nothing more than to have another go at Owen and prove himself. But, he’s got to get there first.

Kris Cruise: That he does and getting by Talbot won’t be an easy task. Talbot is someone that had issues with Logan Alexander in the past. That led to a meeting that ended with Logan getting the W over Talbot. However, some time later, it was Sparrow that ended up getting the better of Logan by walking out of All-Star Showdown X still 15 Champion. You have to wonder if that bothers Talbot at all.

Stephy Auger: Caroline Dallins did bring that up backstage with Amanda Johnson. I wouldn’t be surprised.

A second jump sees The West Indian Whirlwind clear the ring ropes before throwing his hat into the audience. With a nod from his manager, Sparrow then takes off for the farthest side of the ring. He springs onto the second rope, executing a backflip and lands on his feet in the middle of the squared circle. He does a sliding motion on his heel before turning and striking a Rock Lee pose to the cheers of the crowd. Meanwhile, Caroline lifts Sparrow’s championship overhead behind him.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from South Oropouche, Trinidad! Weighing in at 205 pounds! He is the reigning... defending... FGA 15 Champion! He is "The West Indian Whirlwind"... SPARROW!

“Got my, gold watch and my, gold chain,
With my, fancy car and my diamond ring!
With my fancy broad and she foreign!
So its, no words and its, no slang, and I'm no trick and I'm no lame.
Its just so slick that she's so game, and its...
Yea, yea she love it over here. Its just yea, yea she love it over here!”

Sparrow leans up against his corner, talking a few seconds with his manager before looking out to the crowd. Caroline finishes going over some last minute points she has to make and he nods, agreeing...For the most part. After some discourse, she heads out of the ring but not before handing the title over to the ref.

Talbot makes a beeline over towards Sparrow as soon as the bell sounds.

Kris Cruise: Talbot’s going right after the champ!

Sparrow circles away from Talbot while the challenger tries to close the distance.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow’s trying to stay out of arm’s reach.

Dallins can be seen on the outside slapping the apron and yelling at him to stop running away.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, stop running!

Kris Cruise: He is not.

Sparrow accidentally backs himself up against the corner. Talbot quickly seizes on the opportunity and lunges in for a strike. The crowd cheers when Sparrow slips out of the way and catches Talbot when he turns around with a flurry of right hands. Unfortunately for Sparrow, they have no affect Talbot.

Kris Cruise: That’s not good.

Sparrow backs away while Talbot stalks him from out of the corner.

Stephy Auger: I don’t think Sparrow wants any parts of Talbot.

Sparrow continues to step back until he accidentally backs himself up in the far corner. Talbot lunges in for another attack. The crowd cheers again when Sparrow slips out of the way before catching Talbot when he turns around with another flurry of right hands. Once again, the punches have no effect on Talbot.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow’s got to try something else here.

Sparrow goes to back away, but Talbot latches onto his neck with both hands before throwing him in the corner. Talbot throws out a haymaker. But the crowd cheers when Sparrow slips out of the way before catching Talbot when he turns around with corner chest kicks. He goes for an irish whip. Talbot blocks by using his free hand to hang onto the ropes. Sparrow goes for another irish whip. Again, Talbot blocks by hanging onto the ropes. He then swats Sparrow's hands off him before dropping him with a right cross.

Kris Cruise: What a punch!

Talbot reaches down, grabs Sparrow by the throat and yanks him back to his feet before pushing him into the corner. He goes for another haymaker, but Sparrow kicks his arm out of the way before unleashing another flurry of fire rights. Talbot eats the punches before palming Sparrow's face and shoving him back into the corner. From there, Sparrow gets caught with multiple back elbows to the face. The boos continue as Sparrow gets caught with multiple knee strikes before multiple shoulder thrusts double him over. Dallins heads over into the corner and slaps the apron while yelling at Sparrow to fight back.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow is getting the hell beat out of him in the corner. I’m sure Caroline yelling in his ear isn’t helping.

Stephy Auger: It should. She’s trying to motivate the man!

Sparrow remains doubled over until a series of clubbing strikes to the back knock him down into the prone position. The 15 Champion groans as Talbot presses his foot down on the back of his neck. Dallins is inches away from Sparrow. She slaps the apron again before urging him to get up. Sparrow continues to be pinned down to the mat while the ref gives Talbot a five count.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Talbot steps off of him. He reaches down, picks Sparrow back up and snaps his head back with a European Uppercut. After Sparrow stumbles back into the corner, Talbot lights up his chest with multiple knife edge chops. He then delivers an irish whip and follows Sparrow across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, Sparrow grabs onto the top ropes and tries to vault over Talbot, but Talbot catches him right across the shoulder.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh.

Talbot turns and goes for a running powerslam out of the corner. At the last second, Sparrow slips down from behind and pushes Talbot into the ropes. Talbot comes back and tries to take Sparrow's head off with a lariat. Sparrow ducks, swings around across his back and tries to bring him down with a crucifix pin. Talbot shakes his head before countering with a Samoan Drop! He reaches back and hooks the near leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sparrow counters with a grounded crucifix pin!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Talbot slips out.

Kris Cruise: Good counters by both grapplers there.

Both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base. Talbot beats Sparrow to a standing position first and drops him with another right hook. The boos continue as Talbot yanks up Sparrow before whipping him into the corner. Talbot runs across the ring and goes for a running shoulder thrust, but Sparrow hoists himself up and counters with a rope-hung arm-trap Can Opener!

Kris Cruise: What a well-timed counter by the champ!

Stephy Auger: Of course, the first thing he does right in this match is take something right out of Caroline’s playbook!

Sparrow fights like hell for the submission. But because it's a submission that's being applied through the ropes, it will not count. So the ref gives him a five count to break the hold.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Sparrow lets go. Dallins slaps the apron and yells at Sparrow that he had until five. Sparrow turns back to Talbot and sees his challenger trying to shake out his arm. The moment Talbot turns around, Sparrow springboards to the top rope before knocking him back with a diving sidekick. Sparrow hops through the ropes to the apron before climbing another corner. The crowd cheers when Talbot gets knocked back with another diving side kick. The 5 Champion then takes off into the ropes. When he returns, he brings Talbot down with a running hurricanrana! NO! Talbot blocks, leaving Sparrow hanging upside down.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good.

Stephy Auger: For Talbot it is!

Sparrow shakes his head as Talbot pulls him back up to his shoulders. Talbot goes for a powerbomb, but Sparrow counters with another flurry of right hands. He then spins around on Talbot's shoulders, flips back and spikes him with a reverse rana!

Kris Cruise: Sparrow just dropped Talbot right on his head! He’s got the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Talbot kicks out.

Sparrow brings the action into the corner before nailing Talbot with more corner chest kicks. After Talbot gets whipped into the far corner, Sparrow runs across the ring and goes for a monkey flip. The crowd gasps when Talbot catches him.

Stephy Auger: Sloan blocked him again! Claire has him on top of his game.

Talbot turns around and sits Sparrow down on the top turnbuckle. He goes to shove Sparrow off, but Sparrow counters with a front kick to the face that knocks him back. The crowd cheers as Sparrow leaps off and tries to drive him down with the The Notorious K.I.C.K. II (Top Rope Double Foot Stomp)! But Talbot catches him in the air again!

Kris Cruise: Talbot stuffs another strike from Sparrow!

Talbot swings his arm up, sending Sparrow flipping backwards through the air. Sparrow then lands on his feet before dropping Talbot down to a knee with a front dropkick to the leg. The cheers continue as Talbot gets caught with two Switchblade Kicks before he gets knocked down with Love TKO (Shining axe kick on an opponent crouched)! Sparrow makes the cover.

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

​​Kris Cruise: Talbot got nailed with that hard kick. But Sparrow only gets a count of two.

Sparrow brings the action back into the corner. He climbs up to the middle ropes before planting Talbot with a Tornado DDT! A dazed Talbot remains in the seated position until Sparrow hits the ropes, returns and flattens him with a running penalty kick! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Sparrow pulls Talbot up to a seated position and holds his finger up to the crowd.

Kris Cruise: The crowd wants one more!

Stephy Auger: Do play to these idiots! Just kick him already!

Dallins hits the apron and yells at Sparrow to stay on him. Sparrow then runs back into the ropes. He goes to flatten Talbot with another penalty kick. This time, he's denied as Talbot grabs a hold of the leg.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

Stephy Auger: See! See!? This is what Caroline was talking about!

Talbot maintains a hold of the leg as he returns to a vertical base. Sparrow goes to counter with an enzuigiri, but Talbot blocks it. He then hooks his arms around both legs before sending Sparrow crashing into the corner with a catapult. The 15 Champion stumbles away from the corner as Talbot charges from behind. He goes to take Sparrow's head off with a running lariat, but Sparrow ducks the strike. Talbot's momentum takes him into the ropes. When Talbot returns, Sparrow knocks him back with a jumping sidekick. Sparrow then hits a running hurricanrana, sending Talbot through the ropes to the floor.

After Talbot picks himself up off the floor, Sparrow looks over and gives him the Rock Lee pose. Talbot then immediately climbs up to the apron, only to have Sparrow run over and knock him back off with a step-up enzuigiri!

Kris Cruise: Down goes Talbot!

Talbot is slow to pick himself up on the outside while Sparrow takes off into the far ropes.

Kris Cruise: Are we about to see Air Sparrow take flight?

Sparrow runs back across the ring, flips over the top rope and knocks him down with Air Sparrow (Fosbury Flop)! NO! Talbot catches him across his shoulder, runs forward and launches him head-first into the ring post with a lawn dart!

*THUNK!*

​​Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: Did you hear that!?

Talbot heads over, picks up Sparrow and rams him back-first against the edge of the apron. The boos continue as Talbot pulls Sparrow away from the ring before ramming him back-first against the edge of the apron again. Talbot picks up Sparrow and lifts him up into a bear hug before ramming him back-first against the ring post.

Kris Cruise: Talbot’s just destroying Sparrow’s back!

Stephy Auger: That will take the fight right out of him.

The boos grow louder as Talbot peels back the mat on the floor.

Kris Cruise: Hey, hey, hey!

Stephy Auger: Here we go! Talbot isn’t playing around! He came here tonight to become a champion!

Talbot takes Sparrow and throwing him down on the exposed floor with a spinebuster!

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Stephy Auger: Spine right on the pine!

Sparrow gets rolled back inside before Talbot rolls back in for the cover.

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

Sparrow is met with cheers and applause as he gets the shoulder up.

Talbot pulls Sparrow back to his feet, lifts him up and throws him down with a chokeslam. He reaches back down, pulls Sparrow back up by the throat and plants him with a one armed brainbuster! Talbot makes the cover.

ONE!

.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

Sparrow is met with cheers and applause as he gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for the challenger!

Stephy Auger: I thought he had him!

Talbot places Sparrow in a Sleeper hold. The crowd cheers and tries to get Sparrow back into the match, but he immediately starts fading.

Stephy Auger: He’s got him now, though! Look at Sparrow! He’s out of it already!

Dallins can be seen slapping the apron to try and get through to Sparrow. But he's unresponsive. Even the ref doesn't get an answer out of him. So the ref raises his arm and lets go. It falls. The crowd sighs when they see the arm fall a second time.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t good, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: We’re seconds away from a new champion!

The crowd is on pins and needles as Sparrow's arm is raised a third time. He lets go. The arm falls... then stops! The crowd explodes with cheers when they see Sparrow keep his arm held up.

Kris Cruise: No! We don’t have a new champion! Sparrow’s still in this! He’s not done yet! There’s still some fight in the West Indian Whirlwind!

Stephy Auger: How? HOW!?


Sparrow shakes his arm as he starts to feed off the energy of the crowd. He slowly turns over to a knee. After battling back to a vertical base, Sparrow hits Talbot with four elbows to the midsection, breaking the hold. He then hits the ropes, comes back and gets turned inside out with a lariat! The crowd boos as Talbot makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers as Sparrow gets the shoulder up.

Talbot picks up Sparrow and tosses him to the apron through the ropes. He then takes a hold of Sparrow before trying to bring him back inside with Enter Tragedy (Superplex From Apron)! The crowd cheers when Sparrow counters with a knee to the head on the way up before landing down on top of Talbot.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Talbot kicks out.

Talbot reverses an irish whip, sending Sparrow into the ropes. He goes for a back body drop off the rebound, but Sparrow slips down from behind. He turns Talbot towards him and catches him with the Leaf Hurricane (Counter Scorpion Kick followed by a Pele Kick)! Sparrow brings the action into the corner before planting Talbot with another Tornado DDT! The West Indian Whirlwind then steps out to the apron before connecting with a springboard guillotine leg drop! He goes for the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: He almost had him, Stephy!

Sparrow goes for an irish whip, but Talbot reverses again. Talbot barrels across the ring to attack in the corner, but Sparrow turns him around with a boot to the face. He then steps forward and takes control of Talbot's back.

Kris Cruise: No way!

Sparrow groans as he delivers a German Suplex into the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Yes way! What a suplex from the champion!

Stephy Auger: HOW!?

While Talbot rolls away from the corner, Sparrow steps out to the apron and starts climbing to the top.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow’s going to the high rent district! He wants to put this one away!

Sparrow gets to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and connects with The Notorious K.I.C.K. II! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Gold Watch” blasts over the PA!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout.... aaaaaaaaand STILLLLL FGA 15 Champion, SPARROW!

The cheers continues as Sparrow gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow picks up the win here tonight! That’s not three successful defenses for Sparrow! He’s just one more successful title defense away from cashing in and challenging for the 15 Cham-

Stephy Auger: What’s wrong, Cruise?

Kris Cruise: Wait just a minute!

Sparrow continues to celebrate the win after being handed his championship. His celebration is cut short as he turns around and sees Macy Dover in the ring.

Kris Cruise: What’s Macy Dover doing here?

Stephy Auger: I thought you said you got it, Cruise? What do you think she’s going there? What do you think she came back to FGA for?

The music dies down as Dover steps towards Sparrow. She looks at the 15 Championship across Sparrow’s shoulder. Sparrow looks down at the belt before looking back over to the Bulldover. Dover taps the championship with her finger before putting her finger right in Sparrow’s face. Dover then looks over at Caroline and nods before stepping back and exiting the ring.

Kris Cruise: Woah, woah, woah. Hold on just a second. What was that look to Caroline Dallins for? What’s really going on here?

Stephy Auger: It looks like Sparrow just found himself face to face with his next challenger.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED

FGA cameras catch up with TJ Techniques at another undisclosed location. TJ clearly isn’t dressed to compete. But he’s got some fighting words to get off real quick.

TJ Techniques: ​​Oh what, you thought I was bluffin? You thought I wasn't gonna stand by what I said? Believe me when I tell you that I meant every word that come out of my mouth at that 10 Year Anniversary Show. I'm not gonna step into that FGA ring until I get what I want and that's Cassius Reed.

TJ points directly at the camera.

TJ Techniques: Speaking of his hoe ass, it sounds like somebody had something to say when they caught wind of my words. What was it that you told me, Cassius? That's you're just out here handing out life lessons? That I ain't the white girl hero in the Hallmark movies and that I won't change you into something that you not? That's cute. What else did you say? Something about how I shouldn't be crying because the inevitable happened?

TJ lets out a smirk.

TJ Techniques: I'll tell you what. Since you wanna talk so tough... since you think you the man... since apparently you got it like that, let's see if words and actions match on pay per view. Because guess what? I got somethin' for you. I got some sh*t for you.

TJ reaches into his back up and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper. He holds the paper up to the camera after unrolling it.

Do you know what this is? This right here is what we call a contract. My signature is on it. The people that make things happen in this company? They names is on it. The only one that's missing is yours. The only signature not on here is yours. Oh, and don't worry. It's already been faxed over to you, so don't even try to play like you didn't get it. And in the event that you wanna tear that one up, I got more copies in the tuck so don't even try it. Don't even try it. Don't. Even. Try it.

A beat.

TJ Techniques: See... you are not runnin' away from this. You not runnin' away from what's comin' to you. Cause when I see you, I’m gonna smack the sh*t of you. This right here? This has been a long time comin'. It shouldn't have come to this. It didn't have to come to this. I never came out here and acted like I was the glue that held everything together. I didn't get on the cameras and front and act like I was the man. My success was your success. We were a team. We won together. I never tried to step over you or step in front of you. BUT... but... people that watched those Renegades of Funk matches? They know. They know. I don't even need to elaborate. I don't even need to speak on what doesn't even need to be said. They know in they hearts who really held it down. And that ate at you. You couldn't stand it. You couldn't stand it that I was gettin shine. You tried to downplay me in front of the people and act like you was the one that was really out here doin’ it for the home team. But the real ones? They knew the truth and deep down, you knew the truth, too. You saw someone that was faster than you, flyer than you... you saw someone that was out here gettin' in, both in and out of FGA. You couldn't handle that. You couldn't stand that. So you turned around and did what you did at All-Star Showdown X.

TJ takes another pause before continuing.

TJ Techniques: This match that I want for Grapple Kingdom? It's not about winnin'. I couldn't care less about gettin' the win. I've already proven twice now that I can get a dub over you. I just want you in the ring so I can legally beat the dogsh*t out of you. That's all I want - to get you in an arena, to get you in a ring where it's safe and legal for me to do what I want to you. Cause trust me, if I had a different mindset, you would have been touched after what you did at All-Star Showdown X. You would have already been dealt with. But I've got the right mindset and I'm damn sure not spendin' any time behind bars over some damn Cassius Reed. Feel me?

Another beat.

TJ Techniques: Like I said, I don't care about no damn win. Hell, I'll lay right down for you and let you pin me as soon as the match starts. Believe me, your ass needs a big singles win far more than I do. So you can take that. You can go ahead and have that. Go ahead, have those 3 seconds and get that pin. Cause guess what? I'll spend the next 3 minutes, 13 minutes, 30 minutes or 3 hours giving you exactly what you deserve. See, there won't be any smilin' and dancin' at Grapple Kingdom. The people won't be seein' any Moonwalk DDTs. But they will see me dog walk your ass up and down that damn arena.

TJ lets that last line linger before continuing.

TJ Techniques: So you go ahead. Go ahead and sign that contract. Then, when you do that, get wifey on the phone. What's her name again? Minnie? Melanie? Maddie?

TJ snaps his fingers until he recalls the correct name.

TJ Techniques: Oh, that's right. Melody. Yeah. Yeeeeeah. Go ahead and get wifey on the phone. Go ahead and make sure she gets all your affairs in order. Cause there's gonna be a lot of slow singin' and flower bringin' once I get done with you. Though by who, I don't know. You don't have no team. You don't have no squad. None of your peers f*ck with you. Shit, Bianca Reed is your damn family and tellin' by how she talk, she wouldn't so much as piss on you if you was on fire.

TJ lets out a slight laugh.

TJ Techniques: I don't think you realize just how badly you f*cked up. But you will soon. Oh my Lord, you will soon because you are gonna get everything that's comin' to you. So you go ahead, Cash. Go ahead, sign the contract. Put pen to paper and sign that damn contract. Make sure you bring your little bowlegged ass to the pay per view and watch what I do to you. You are going down. You are going down. You are going WAY down... to the f*cking ground...

[FGA Office]

Cassius Reed vs. Betsy Gallagher

"Dusted" by Astroid Boys plays and Betsy walks out with her robe on, taking her place in the middle of the ramp, where she stretches her arms to either side and lets the robe fall slightly down her back, exposing her shoulders but still being mostly worn.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Manchester, England! Weighing in at 143 pounds... BETSY GALLAGHER!

As she starts walking to the ring, she alternates between pointing at herself and at the crowd, her confidence only second to how much she appreciates the fans.

​​Kris Cruise: Betsy Gallagher picked up the win back at the 10 Year Anniversary Show. Can she keep the momentum rolling?

Stephy Auger: I don’t want to say that Betsy got thrown into the deep end a couple of weeks back. But getting your win first on a 10 Year Anniversary Show is a big deal. However, Cassius Reed is a much tougher opponent than the one she faced last time. We’ll see how she fairs.

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

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

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

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

Kris Cruise: We heard some strong words from Cassius’ former partner TJ Techniques just a couple of moments ago.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, big talk for a man that’s been hiding from Cassius after The Funky Dragon laid him out!

Kris Cruise: Hiding? TJ is not hiding?

Stephy Auger: He is too! He was hiding in some park last week. We couldn’t tell where he was this week. He talks real big and tough when he’s nowhere near the arena. But the last time him and Cassius were in the same place, TJ was the one that was left on his back. This is all just for show. He really doesn’t want another match with Cassius Reed. He knows exactly what Cassius would do to him.

The bell sounds as Reed and Gallagher circle the ring. They head towards the center for a lock up, but Reed steps back at the last second. Instead of engaging in the collar-and-elbow, Reed sticks his hand out for a handshake.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kris Cruise: The crowd’s not buying this for a minute.

Stephy Auger: How dare them!

Gallagher motions towards Reed as she looks out to the crowd.

"NO!"
"NO!"
"NO!"
"NO!"

Gallagher goes to shake the hand, but Reed leaves her hanging as he pulls back and runs his hands through his afro as he moonwalks away from her.

Kris Cruise: So disrespectful.

Offended, Gallagher charges at Cassius. But the Funky Dragon is a step ahead and brings her down with a huracanrana before unleashing MMA punches from the mount.

Stephy Auger: She fell right into the trap!

Reed takes Gallagher, heads into the corner and slams her face-first into the top turnbuckle. After delivering a combination of rights and lefts to the body, Reed adds insults with a backhand smack across the face. Gallagher is then sent into the far corner with an irish whip. Reed runs across the ring to attack, but Gallagher charges out of the corner and cuts him off with a single leg dropkick! She makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Reed got rocked with that dropkick and nearly got beat!

Gallagher picks up Reed and knocks him into the corner after a trio of European Uppercuts. She then delivers an irish whip, follows him across the corner and connects with a running corner European Uppercut. Gallagher goes for another irish whip, but Reed reverses and whips her back into the previous corner. Reed runs back over to attack, but Gallagher turns him around with a boot to the midsection before coming off the middle ropes with a diving leg drop bulldog! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Gallagher. She’s not backing down.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, because she doesn’t know any better.

Gallagher picks up Reed and shoots him for the ride. The crowd cheers when Gallagher scoops him up across her shoulder off the return. Gallagher goes for a running powerslam, but Reed slips down from behind and shoves her into the corner. The crowd boos as Gallagher stumbles away from the corner before getting brought down with a belly to back suplex.

​​Kris Cruise: Just like that, Cassius is back in control.

The Funky Dragon returns to a vertical base before delivering a running left elbow drop. Reed hits the ropes, returns and connects with another running left elbow drop. The boos continue as Reed gets back up, faces away from Gallagher and crushes her with Funky Knee, Funky Do (Kneecolepsy)! He makes the cover.

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

Reed picks up Gallagher and doubles her over with a hard knee strike to the midsection before bringing her down with a neckbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Gallagher gets brought back down with a snap suplex. Reed turns over into a lateral press.

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

Reed picks up Gallagher and pulls her into a front facelock. Just as he's about to deliver a Snap DDT, Gallagher grabs him, runs forward and rams him back-first into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Gallagher countered the DDT. Can she follow up?

The cheers continue as Gallagher delivers multiple shoulder thrusts. With Reed doubled over, Gallagher pulls him out of the corner and goes for a pumphandle slam. However, Reed slips down from behind, takes control of her back and brings her down with another belly to back suplex. NO! Gallagher rolls over his shoulder, lands on her feet and drops him down to a knee with the Knightmaker (elbow smash to the back of the head)! The cheers continue as she hits the ropes, comes back and knocks him down with the Regal Knee (running knee strike to the side of the head)! She makes the cover.

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

Gallagher picks up Reed, rocks him with another European Uppercut and doubles him over with a boot to the midsection before bringing him down with the British End (pumphandle lift dropped into a Reverse STO)! She makes the cover.

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

Gallagher takes Reed and whips him into the ropes. She sets up for a rebound off the return, but Reed stops, grabs her and plants her with a Snap DDT!

The boos continue as Reed makes the cover.

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

Reed takes Gallagher and whips her hard into the corner. Gallagher staggers out of the corner before getting thrown down with a bridging Northern Lights Suplex.

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

Reed picks up Gallagher and goes for a vertical suplex. The crowd cheers when Gallagher slips down from behind, takes control of his back and knocks him down with the Queen's Lariat (wristlock transitioned into a short-arm lariat)! NO! Reed ducks the lariat before countering with an inverted facelock backbreaker. The boos continue as he makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Cassius. You have to give Gallagher credit. She’s hanging in there with Cassius.

Reed takes Gallagher and doubles her over with a trio of knee strikes to the midsection. After an uppercut knocks her upright, Reed delivers a split-legged Stunner. The crowd boos as Gallagher turns and staggers across the ring before collapsing against the ropes. Reed goes over, pulls Gallagher away from the ropes and brings her down with a Reverse DDT. The Funky Dragon opts out of the cover to head to the apron. Reed scales to the top, flips off and connects with a diving somersault leg drop! He makes the cover.

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

Stephy Auger: How was that not three!?

Reed brings the action into the corner. He goes for a Tornado DDT, but Gallagher pushes him off mid-turn. Gallagher sees Reed running towards her, so she goes to throw him down with a Pop-up Powerbomb! But Reed counters with the Spanish Archer (Bionic Elbow), sending Gallagher crumbling to the mat. The boos continue as Reed heads to the top before delivering Plan C (Starship Pain)! he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •/center]

[FGA Office]

Logan Alexander vs. Patrick Jones

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

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

He jogs down the ramp, talking to and high-fiving fans, trying to get them as pumped up and ready to go as he is. Jones goes straight from the ramp and jumps onto the ring apron before ducking through the second and third rope, giving another, slower spin just to drink in the environment.

Kris Cruise: We are back with more action. This time, some non-title action as Patrick Jones goes up against the reigning Legacy Champion, Logan Alexander.

Stephy Auger: Speaking of legacy, what’s the legacy that Patrick Jones wants to leave here in FGA? He’s come so close to really breaking out, only to come up short time and time again.

Kris Cruise: Well, a win here would be huge for Jones, non-title or not. Let’s see what he does with the opportunity.

Without any music or fanfare, Logan strides out from the entryway, dressed to compete, with Theodore Harris walking along beside and half a step behind him. Logan’s gaze focuses on his opponent standing in the ring while Theodore looks around the arena and at the assembled crowd as they walk down the entry ramp to the ringside area.

Logan leads the way over to the nearest set of ring steps, climbs up them to the ring apron and then into the ring. Theodore follows Logan up the stairs, stopping on the ring apron.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Theodore Harris! he is the reigning FGA Legacy Champion... LOGAN ALEXANDER!

Logan moves back into the corner, leaning back against the turnbuckles, draping his arms on the top rope on either side of him and looks towards his opponent. Theodore steps over behind him and leans in close, talking softly to Logan, who merely nods slightly in response to whatever is being said.

Kris Cruise: Logan Alexander is all business tonight, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: When isn’t he? We’ve barely hard the man talk since returning to FGA.

Kris Cruise: Logan has some unfinished business with Sparrow. The time will come when there paths will cross again. For now, Logan’s main concern is his Legacy Championship.

Theodore then steps back and descends the stairs back to the ringside mats. Logan keeps his gaze on his opponent waiting for the bell to ring.

The bell sounds as Alexander and Jones make their way out of their respective corners. The two veterans size each other up before locking up. Alexander quickly gains the advantage with a side headlock. The reigning Legacy Champion doesn't remain in control for long as Jones moves him into the nearest ropes before pushing him off into the far set of ropes. The crowd boos when Alexander returns off the rebound with a running shoulder block, knocking Jones down. Alexander then turns and hits another set of ropes. When Alexander returns, Jones rolls over into the prone position. Instead of continuing to run the ropes like 99% of wrestlers, Alexander stops and counters with an elbow drop across the back. Alexander gets back to his feet and hits a second elbow drop to the back. Instead of going for another elbow drop, Alexander returns to his feet and starts stomping away on Jones' lower back.

Stephy Auger: Jones left himself open and now Logan is taking advantage.

Alexander pulls Jones up, moves him into the corner and catches him with a pair of palm thrusts. After an irish whip sends Jones into the far corner, Alexander runs across the ring and connects with a dropkick. The boos continue as he pulls a dazed Jones from out of the corner and sets up for a running bulldog. At the last second, Jones counters by shoving him off into the ropes. Alexander then returns off the rebound before knocking Jones to the mat with a reverse bulldog! He makes the cover.

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

Alexander brings Jones down with a snap suplex before turning over into a lateral press.

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

Alexander takes Jones, stuns him with an atomic drop before bringing him down with a pendulum backbreaker. He makes the cover.

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

Alexander takes Jones and doubles him over with an inverted atomic drop before hitting the ropes. When Alexander returns, he brings Jones down with a swinging neckbreaker. NO! Jones rolls through it and counters with a bridging Northern Light Suplex.

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

Kris Cruise: Great counter by Jones! He nearly got the three count.

Alexander reverses an irish whip, sending Jones into the ropes. The Legacy Champion sets up for a back body drop off the return, but Jones knocks him upright with a kick to the face before bringing him down with a belly to belly suplex. He makes the cover.

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

Jones picks up Alexander before taking control of his back. He gets one arm hooked. Just as he's about to hook the other arm and lock his hands together, Alexander breaks free and catches him with a back elbow to the face. Alexander then performs a standing switch before going for a German Suplex. Jones blocks the move, returns the favor with a back elbow of his own, performs a standing switch and brings Alexander down with a bridging German Suplex.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Jones.

Jones takes Alexander and moves him into the corner. He hits the Legacy Champion with low and mid kicks before a roundhouse kick to the head rocks him. Jones then delivers an irish whip, follows Alexander across the ring and connects with a step-up enzuigiri in the far corner. He then brings Alexander from out of the corner, hoists him up and drops him with an Implant DDT. He makes the cover.

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

Jones throws Alexander back down with a scoop slam before stepping out to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Jones is heading to the top.

Stephy Auger: Roll out of the way, Logan!

Jones scales the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he leaps off and lands down across Alexander with a diving elbow drop.

Kris Cruise: Jones dropped that elbow right across the chest of the champion.

Jones heads over into the corner before pointing at Alexander.

Kris Cruise: He’s calling his shot.

Alexander starts to stir on the mat. Jones then starts to wave him up. Jones' waves get faster and faster the closer Alexander gets to returning to his feet. Alexander finally gets back to his feet and slowly turns around. Jones shifts out of the corner and goes for Zoned Out (superkick), but Alexander catches the leg and throws him down with a dragon screw leg whip.

Stephy Auger: Great counter.

Jones slowly gets back to his feet, but he's sent crumbling to the mat after Alexander runs over and hits a basement dropkick.

Kris Cruise: Logan brings him right back down.

Jones struggles to get back to his feet. Once again, he's quickly taken down when Alexander comes from behind with a chop block.

Stephy Auger: He’s soften Jones up for the Perfect Chaos Theory.

Alexander goes for a figure four. But after Alexander turns around, Jones reaches up and pulls him into a small package.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Alexander kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet until Jones knocks Alexander down with a forearm strike. A second forearm knocks Alexander back down. Alexander gets back to his feet and gets stunned with a jumping knee strike.

Kris Cruise: Logan’s dazed!

Jones reaches down and massages his hurt leg before running as bets he can towards the ropes. Jones rebounds back and goes for a flying forearm, but Alexander leaps up and spears him out of the air.

Stephy Auger: What a counter from Logan!

Jones gets sent for the ride. When Jones returns, Alexander lifts him up, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster. Instead of going for the cover, he pushes Jones over into the prone position before locking in the Edgecator version!

Stephy Auger: Perfect Chaos Theory

The crowd wants Jones to continue. They try to will him towards the ropes. But the pain is too much for Jones. When the ref asks him if he wants to quit, Jones nods his head.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout... LOGAN ALEXANDER!

[FGA Office]

Somewhere backstage sitting in a stairwell is where we find AMC

AMC: Johnny, Johnny, Johnny! Today is just not your day sir. Nope if this was your day you would have been given the day off or Ant as an opponent.

AMC snickers to herself

AMC: You see for weeks me and my bestie Ashley Sullivan have been doing everything we can to get our richly deserved title shot against Silk and Cyanide but do we get the match?

AMC shakes her head in disgust

AMC: That would be a big NO! Instead they choose to face Illuminati Projekt. Now they are a very good team but let's face it they are not Ashes 2 Ashes but then again nobody really can be.

AMC smirks

AMC: So instead I get put in the ring with John Boy. Now normally that would be fine but alas I am not in a good mood and that means trouble for you sir. That means I will have to kick your ass, maybe even “kill” you in that ring to prove my point to FGA brass. Hell beating your ass just might be the most fun I will have this week so Johnny I truly hope you are prepared because if you're not I might just truly end you.

AMC looks directly into the camera

AMC: Then after I finish with you maybe I will take a stroll to ringside and pay the Tag Champs a visit. Last time I wandered to the ring I had such a good time so why not do it again.

AMC laughs and gives the cameraman the go away wave as we fade to black.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Brian Stryker is seen sitting on some crates backstage, taping his wrists up. He checked his work as he looks up at the camera, smirking a cocky grin as he did. He wags a finger to the camera, before chuckling softly to himself.

Brian Stryker:Oh Juli, Juli, Juli.You just had to go and open your big mouth. That was always your biggest problem. You loved writing checks your ass couldn’t count. Don’t think I didn’t hear what you said about me at the Anniversary show. 4 years is a long time maybe, but don’t forget YOU ducked me for those 4 years. You screwed me out of my chance at the Pride title. A title shot I earned. And you screwed me out because of that bastard old gm of ours. Instead of facing me like a man that next week and taking your beating like a pro, you decided to disappear for a little while

So consider this your warning, I WILL get my payback on you. It may not be tonight, it may not be next week. But it will come. And if I have to by taking ANOTHER title from you, I will do that too. You’re nothing but a spineless coward Julian, I want you to always remember that, even if I have to beat it into you. Nothing will ever change that. It’s who you are. You can’t run from your sins, and I will be there to collect my pound of flesh.

Stryker hops off the crate as he marches off camera to finish preparing for his main event match.

[FGA Office]

John Carmichael vs. AMC

"I Bring the Darkness (End of Days)" by Jim Johnston featuring Tommy Vext begins to play as the aisle way fills up with smoke. AMC rises up from the smoke in full face paint and is trying not to cough from all the smoke.

”Who do you think you are?
You’ve now gone much to far!”

AMC steps through the smoke and looks around at the crowd she then slowly walks toward the ring basically strutting with a smirk as she fist bumps some of the fans

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Beverly Hills, California! Weighing in at 120 pounds, she is Ashley Marie Chase... A... M... C!

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

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

Kris Cruise: AMC is still angling for Ashes to Ashes to get a shot at the World Tag Team Championship. She didn't seem too pleased that the Illuminati PROJEKT received those shots before them. But to Gwen and Monty's credit, they did defeat the champions in non-title action at the Anniversary Show.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, because Ashes to Ashes stuck their nose in their business and interfered.

Kris Cruise: If by "interfered" you mean "stopped Silk & Cyanide from cheating," then yes, they did.

The arena lights dim as the unmistakable sound of Ray Manzarek's keyboard intro to When the Music's Over fills the arena, and as it builds The Lizard King himself speaks.

Yeah, c'mon

The intro continues to build and build, to the point where it starts to feel more than a little self-indulgent that the crowd are being kept waiting that little bit too long in a darkened arena, that is until the song decides it's had its fun and kicks into gear.

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

And as the dirtiest of Bobby Krieger riffs rings out across the arena we see John Carmichael standing at the top of the ramp with his eyes closed and head tilted back for a second as he lets his arrival wash over those in the crowd and their immediate response wash right past him like water off a duck's back until he's good and ready and decides to start strolling to the ring.

When the music's over
When the music's over, yeah
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Yeah

Taking his time as he walks down the ramp, Carmichael makes sure that anyone and everyone within earshot who wants to say anything to him is met with a condescending look to remind them of their place in relation to his, namely he's the guy they paid to see while they're people who can shout a lot but nothing else.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Queens, New York! Weighing i at 233 pounds! He is "The Backbone of FGA"... JOHN CARMICHAEL!

When the music's over
When the music's over
When the music's over
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights

Once he makes his way to ringside, Carmichael climbs the ring steps and walks along the apron, coming to a halt halfway along where he turns to face the crowd before he slowly raises his right arm, taking his time to milk the crowd response before doubling down on riling them up by raising the index finger on his hand even more slowly, and judging by the look on his face he's loving every second of taking up their time before he steps between the ropes into the ring.

Kris Cruise: John Carmichael had the nerve to gloat over what he did to Chandler Scott at All-Star Showdown X. But he was quickly shut up via a chair shot to the back from Savannah Taylor.

Stephy Auger: I don't get this at all, Cruise. I love Savannah. I really do. But she's barking up the wrong tree here. She's trying to start something with a guy that has put both Evan Envi and Chandler Scott on the shelf within the past year. Why would she want to put herself in his line of sight? Not to mention, why is she fighting Chandler Scott's battles for him? Like, I wonder what her husband thinks of all this. I bet that was an awkward conversation at the dinner table. "Sorry honey, I have to go and fight my Ex's battle for him. BRB!" Maybe Cordelia was right about her.

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy!

When the music's over
When the music's over
When the music's over
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights
Turn out the lights

Once inside the ring Carmichael simply shrugs the leather jacket off of his shoulders and folds it over his arm for a moment before shoving it into the chest of the referee and turning his back on him, and once he's done that Carmichael climbs the nearest turnbuckle and climbs to the middle rope where he stands, not to pose or appeal to the crowd but just to make sure that they know he's there and he's the focus of their attention.

For the music is your special friend
Dance on fire as it intends
Music is your only friend

For a split second the song cuts out, and in that second Carmichael hops off the turnbuckle and walks to the middle of the ring, where he once again stands with no pose or appeal, just a spotlight which is on him the entire time.

Until the end
Until the end

Finally Carmichael drops to a knee and lowers his head, knowing what's coming

Until the...END

Right on cue with that Jim Morrison bellowing that last word, Carmichael once again raises his right arm and with it the index finger on his hand, at which point he raises his head to reveal the look of the cat who got the canary, or more accurately somebody who is looking the crowd in the face and outright laughing in their faces knowing they can't and won't do a damn thing about it.

Carmichael and AMC start things off with a lock up. AMC gains the advantage with a side headlock until Carmichael shoves her off into the ropes. The crowd boos when AMC returns off the rebound before getting knocked down with a standing shoulder block. Carmichael goes to follow up with an elbow drop, but he catches nothing but canvas when AMC rolls out of the way.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael caught nothing but canvas on that one.

Carmichael gets back to his feet before finding himself on the receiving end of an arm wrench. AMC delivers a second arm wrench, then another. Carmichael reaches over with his free arm, grabs AMC by the hair and pulls her head back as he moves her over against the ropes. The crowd boos him while the ref gives them to the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

As soon as both grapplers let go of each other, Carmichael swings for the fences with a haymaker. The crowd cheers when AMC ducks and catches Carmichael when he turns around with repeated chest kicks. She then goes for an irish whip, only for Carmichael to reverse. Carmichael goes for a back body drop off the rebound, but AMC slips down from behind and counters with a Reverse DDT! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

AMC moves the action into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. She then gives him another series of repeated chest kicks before moving him out of the corner. Carmichael gets sent for the ride. When Carmichael returns, the crowd cheers when AMC brings him down with an arm drag. A second arm drag returns him to the mat. AMC goes for a third arm drag, but it gets blocked. She tries to muscle Carmichael down with another arm drag. But again, it gets blocked.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh.

The crowd boos when Carmichael hooks both of AMC's arms from behind before throwing her down hard with a full nelson over the knee!

Stephy Auger: Tahara!

AMC can be seen arching her back in pain. After sitting AMC up, Carmichael delivers multiple kicks to the back before hitting the ropes. The boos continue as Carmichael comes back and flattens her with a running dropkick to the shoulder.

Carmichael yanks AMC up by the arm, takes control of the arm and returns the favor with an arm wrench of his own. He then goes one step further by delivering a second arm wrench before following up with a shoulder block to the shoulder. Carmichael hits AMC with two more shoulder blocks to the shoulder before sending her flipping down to the mat with an arm wringer. The crowd boos when he follows up with a jumping knee drop before making the cover.

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

Carmichael takes AMC and whips her into the ropes. When AMC returns, Carmichael knocks her down with a running lariat. AMC tries to pick herself back up, but Carmichael is right there to knock her back down with a clothesline from behind. He then grabs AMC by the hair and peels her off the mat before throwing her down with a half nelson suplex. He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
AMC gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Carmichael brings the action into the corner. From there, he delivers repeated knees to the midsection before dropping her face-first to the mat with I Am Wrestling (Wrestling II Knee Lift). The boos continue as AMC gets yanked off the mat before getting whipped hard into the far corner. AMC staggers towards the center of the ring before scooping her up and bringing her down with the Fresh Meadow (swinging rib breaker)! He hooks the leg.

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

Carmichael snatches AMC up by the wrist, yanks her over towards him and lifts her up across his shoulders. The crowd boos when he brings her down with Spite (fireman's carry backbreaker)! He makes the cover.

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

AMC gets thrown down with a double underhook suplex before getting dragged into position. After Carmichael pulls her up to a seated position and delivers a hard kick to the pin, he heads over into the corner and scales the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael's going up high again...

Carmichael jumps back for Armaros (diving back elbow to a seated opponent)! He misses! The crowd cheers when AMC rolls out of the way in time.

Kris Cruise: ... and he misses again! The high risk has not paid off for him tonight.

Carmichael gets back to his feet. He makes his way over to AMC before getting cut off with a running pump knee. AMC returns to her feet before knocking him back with a dropkick. Carmichael tries to shake off the blows while AMC hits the ropes. He goes to cut AMC off with a lariat on the return, but AMC ducks and counters with a Float Over DDT! The cheers continue as she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Carmichael reverses another irish whip, sending AMC into the corner. Carmichael runs over to attack, but he gets turned around by a boot to the face. The cheers continue as AMC hops out to the apron through the ropes, scales the turnbuckles, jumps off and brings him down with a diving bulldog! She nudges him over for the cover.

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

AMC steps out to the apron and scales the turnbuckles in another corner.

Kris Cruise: AMC isn't done. She's going back to the top.

Carmichael gets back to his feet, turns and gets knocked down with a missile dropkick. The cheers continue as AMC heads back out to the apron and starts climbing another corner.

Kris Cruise: AMC is going back up top!

Stephy Auger: Chase is pushing her luck.

Carmichael returns to a vertical base before getting knocked back down with a moonsault!

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

Carmichael gets sent for the ride. When he returns, he gets stunned with the Kick of Doom (superkick)! AMC then doubles him over with a kick to the midsection before bringing him down with the Name Dropper (Pedigree)!

The crowd boos as Sara Mason starts walking down the ramp.

Kris Cruise: Wait just a second, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: What's the matter? Chase made it perfectly clear that she was going to be at ringside for Silk & Cyanide's title match. Why can't one of them come down here?

The boos quickly turn to cheers when Ashley Sands runs behind her and knocks her down with a clothesline!

Stephy Auger: Hey!

Kris Cruise: Ashley Sands knew exactly what Mason was up to!

Sands starts putting the boots to Mason until Erin Mariani knocks her down with a running elbow tackle!

Kris Cruise: Erin Mariani just got the jump on Sands!

Stephy Auger: She fell right into the trap.

Back in the ring, AMC continues to look on. She motions for the outside, but Carmichael hooks both arms form behind. He hoists her up for another Tahara, but AMC reverses into a wheelbarrow victory roll.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Carmichael kicks out.

Both grapplers scramble back to their feet. AMC rushes Carmichael and throws out a flying forearm, but Carmichael catches her in mid air and twists to his left before slamming her down with the Salt of the Earth (tilt-a-whirl over the shoulder powerslam)! The boos continue as AMC gets tossed out to the apron before getting pulled back in and brought down with the Khartbreyk (rope hung swinging neckbreaker).

Carmichael takes AMC and pulls her into a front facelock before lifting her up and planting her with the Bloodline (swinging lifting single underhook DDT, aka swinging DNA Driver)!

Stephy Auger: Did you see that! He just laid out AMC with the Bloodline, aka the new and improve DNA Driver!

Kris Cruise: ...

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

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

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

The distinctive sound of static fills up the air in the room. A light blue hue emanates from one of the corners obstructed by a chair. Then… a voice…

Julian Tijerina: Tonight... Tonight was just the first of many matches. Tonight was the return of El Guapo to FGA, to the ring, to in-ring action, to professional wrestling. Tonight was the start of El Guapo Julian Tijerina's Redemption Arc. Wins, losses, those matter of course, but I won't lose my head this time. Oh, no! Whether I win, whether I lose, my eyes will stay on the prize... And that is, to once again, become an FGA Champion... To once again give you all what you need, what you want, what you crave... Someone who actually looks like a champion, with the smile, the face, and the charm to elevate FGA back to the heights where it truly belongs! Alto en el cielo!

Then a flick and the voice once more…

Julian Tijerina: Tonight was an amazing night for me. I had fun working with Ant. Hopefully, we get to work together again in the future, and not just for a one night...Sands. Tonight we continue my redemption arc, El Guapo Julian Tijerina's way back to becoming an FGA Champion, to once again give you all what you deserve, a "Beautiful" champion who can elevate FGA back to the heights where it truly belongs! Alto en el cielo!

And again…

Julian Tijerina: Tonight... ONE "El Guapo." Night TWO of All-Star Showdown X. THREE opponents. Fatal FOUR-way match. Everything, all the stars, the numbers, they were all seemingly aligned. If this was not the great first step I needed to take towards the path that I decided to walk back here in FGA, my redemption arc, then I wouldn't know what is. This was just a teaser, an appetizer, juego previo…

Finally, the voice changed and instead of one… there were two.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina picks up the win in an action-packed Fatal 4-Way! What a way to kickoff Night Two of All-Star Showdown X!

Stephy Auger: Agreed! Julian Tijerina, to his credit, remains undefeated here in his return to FGA. If what you say is true, Cruise, then Jules could find himself in title talks sooner rather than later.

Then… it stops. The TV gets turned off and a snicker can be heard coming from the other side of the chair followed by a mild crack from either fingers or the neck of whoever sits on the other side. Two hands appear on the rests, white tape on the fingers – it feels almost as if the person sitting there is readying for a fight of whatever kind. A deep sigh follows and then his voice can be heard loud and clear.

Gareth Prichard Jr: I admire you, Julian. Coming back all these years after you went and vanished from thin air; trying to regain the spot that once was yours. Looking to make your schtick stick once again. It takes guts to do something like that; so I’ll give you props.

A small pause from Gareth lets his praise of his upcoming opponent sink in as he continues.

Gareth Prichard Jr: That’s a nice little winning streak you’ve got going for yourself. I must admit you’ve looked nothing short of impressive since returning from whatever the hell you were doing all those years. Almost as if time hasn’t gone past you…

Still, without getting away from the chair and without the camera following the voice in order to show Gareth’s face, he continues talking.

Gareth Prichard Jr: What was that you keep talking about? A redemption arc? You elevating FGA to the place it belongs? Getting back to a title shot? Hell, you even got Stephy to agree with you… that’s all cute.

Gareth laughs before getting out of the chair abruptly and walking to a point where the camera picks him up. He’s dressed to fight. The shirt he’s been using to wrestle rolled up ¾ up the arm, the hands taped up, his pants and boots in their places. There’s even a wicked smile on his face and a fire in his eyes that hasn’t been there in a long while.

Gareth Prichard Jr: Too bad none of your previous matches could’ve prepared you for THIS one. I’m not Margolis, I’m not Perelli, I’m not Talbot, and thank god I’m not Antoinette… I’m a completely different beast from what you’ve faced so far in your redemption arc. I’m glad you’ve had those matches beforehand because that way you don’t have the built-in excuse of being rusty or whathaveyou. I’m glad you’ve built that momentum for yourself because then I know I’m getting the best version of you I could get tonight… and when I show you reality; when I show you this ain’t some anime type bullshit arc where the power of friendship or beauty can save you… when I show you that you’re light years away from being a champion in this promotion again because things changed too much in the years you were away and a new breed of wrestlers started to creep up the ladder… when the dust settles, you’ll remember these words and know that I was right.

Gareth pauses and smirks, calming himself down from the burst of words that just came out of his mouth.

Gareth Prichard Jr: My friend, as the saying goes…

Prichard breaks out his rather bad Spanish…

Gareth Prichard Jr: “El que se fue a Sevillia, perdió su silla…”, and you, mi amigo… went away for far too long to reclaim it as easily as you thought.

[FGA Office]

Gareth Prichard Jr vs. Julian Tijerina

The lights go out. A few seconds later, "Senbonzakura" by Lindsey Stirling plays, the lights go back on, and "El Guapo, Julian Tijerrrrrrrrriiiiiiinnaa!!!" comes out, bathed in purple and pink spotlight and holding a purple rose, which he sniffs. He pivots slowly for the benefit of the crowd. On his way to the ring, he high-fives fans and surrenders his rose to a lucky girl at ringside.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, hailing from Extremadura, Spain! Weighing in at 220 pounds! He is the Venomous Virtuoso... JULIAN TIJERINA!

Julian gracefully climbs inside the ring. Once inside the ring, Julian spins on his toes with both arms stretched to either side and his head towards the ceiling. He stops and slowly, almost dramatically, removes his mask and shows his own grin, a more attractive version of the mask's. In one fluid motion, Julian takes off the poncho, and ends up with both arms once again stretched to either side, one hand holding his mask while the other holding the poncho.

Kris Cruise: Julian Tijerina has been on fire since his return to FGA towards the tail end of 2021. He’s been racking up win after win after win. Right now, he’s got a date with Ace Voltage for the Pride Championship at “Royal Battle at Royal Albert Hall” in March.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, if he even makes it.

Kris Cruise: What are you trying to say, Stephy?

Stephy Auger: I’m trying to say that Tijerina may not even make it past Gareth Prichard Jr. We saw a much more aggressive Gareth at the 10 Year Anniversary Show. You think that was just a one off? No, he’s bringing that new style into the new year, Cruise. This is a man with a point to prove.

Surrendering the mask and the poncho to the referee, Julian climbs the turnbuckle and again stretches both arms to either side before applauding the fans, randomly waving and pointing at people, blowing kisses at cute girls, and occasionally winking. Finally, he goes back down, stretches with the ropes' help, and waits for his opponent to get in the ring with him.

The arena goes dark once more as the first two drum beats of “Revolt” by WildFire signal the arrival of Gareth Prichard Jr.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Cardiff, Wales! Weighing in at 180 pounds... GARETH PRICHARD JR!

Kris Cruise: We just heard from Gareth before coming out here. He’s actually glad that Tijerina is on this streak because in his mind, he’s facing the best version of Tijerina that he possibly can.

Stephy Auger: That’s right. Julian has no excuses. He’s coming in red hot. He’s got the momentum. But if I’m taking Gareth at his word, that momentum is coming to a screeching halt tonight.

The bell sounds as Prichard and Tijerina meet up in the center of the ring. Prichard and Tijerina stare each other down until Tijerina extends his hand.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think Gareth is in the mood to shake hands, Julian.

Prichard looks down at the hand, then back up at Tijerina's face... before stepping back.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Tijerina just shakes his head before circling the ring. The two grapplers circle each other up before pushing forward and locking up. Both grapplers jockey for position until Prichard shoves Tijerina back. Tijerina regains his balance before heading back over to Prichard and engaging in another collar-and-elbow tie up. They jockey for position until Prichard gets shoved back. Prichard stumbles back a step or two before pushing forward. After locking up again, Prichard starts to move Tijerina across the ring. At the last second, Tijerina pivots and presses Prichard up against the ropes.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Tijerina slowly takes his hands off of Prichard... before giving him two condescending taps to the side of the face.

Kris Cruise: Gareth isn’t going to take that kindly.

Tijerina goes for a third, but Prichard is quick to snatch a hold of his wrist and reverse into an arm wrench.

Stephy Auger: See! That’s what he gets for trying to be cute. Go ahead Gareth. Rip that arm right off!

Prichard drags Tijerina over towards the center of the ring before delivering a second arm wrench. After Prichard delivers a third, Tijerina rolls forward, leans back, kips up and reverses into an arm wrench of his own. Prichard then rolls forward, turns over onto his knees, flips over with a headstand and then reverses into another arm wrench of his own. Prichard starts to manipulate the wrist until Tijerina rolls forward, rolls backwards onto his knees, flips over with a headstand, carthweels and reverses into another arm wrench of his own. Prichard winces with pain from the wrist lock before rolling forward, leaning back, kipping up, spinning in place and reversing into a hammerlock from behind. Prichard tries to push Tijerina's hand up towards his neck, but Tijerina reaches back with the free arm, grabs Prichard by the back of the neck and escapes with a jumping snapmare. Tijerina runs over to attack, but Prichard gets up to his knees and uses his right arm to knock Tijerina down with a rear sweep. He makes the cover.

ONE!
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.
TWO!
.
.
Tijerina starts to bridge out from under the lateral press, but Prichard is quick to bring Tijerina right back down with a crucifix pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tijerina kicks out.

Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Tijerina brings Prichard down with a standing double leg before flipping over into a jackknife pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prichard bridges up, turns, turns again, hooks both of Tijerina's arms from behind and brings him down with a backslide pin.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Tijerina slips out, grabs Prichard's arm and rolls him up with La Magistral.

ONE!
.
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TWO!
.
.
Prichard kicks out.

Both men quickly scramble up to a knee before turning to face each other. Their exchange is met with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: How about that? This one looks to be evenly matched, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: For now.

Tijerina and Prichard slowly return back to their feet. They stare each other down until Prichard snatches a hold of Tijerina with a side headlock. Tijerina is quick to push him off into the ropes. When Prichard returns, he knocks Tijerina down with a running shoulder block. Prichard takes off into another set of ropes as Tijerina returns to his feet. Prichard knocks him down with yet another running shoulder block before taking off into another set of ropes. When Prichard returns, Tijerina returns to his feet with a kip up before leapfrogging over Prichard. Prichard continues to run the ropes. When Prichard comes back, Tijerina brings him down with a hip toss. No! Prichard steps through it and counters with a hip toss of his own. NO! Tijerina counters by bringing him down with #ArmDragCity (Over-the-shoulder Arm Drag followed by a Wheelbarrow Arm Drag followed by a Tilt-a-whirl Headscissors Arm Drag)! The cheers continue as Tijerina quickly transitions into a Fujiwara Armbar!

Kris Cruise: Prichard’s on the wrong end of this submission!

Stephy Auger: Get to the ropes, Gareth!

Prichard howls out in pain while Tijerina pulls back on the arm. The ref asks Prichard if he wants to give up. Prichard refuses by shaking his head. With his free arm, Prichard pulls himself towards the side of the ring before swinging his right leg over onto the bottom rope.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Tijerina breaks the hold before rolling away from Prichard.

Kris Cruise: Between the two of them, Prichard is the one that’s more well-versed in submissions. But he nearly got caught there, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Julian caught him by surprise. I’ll give him that. But he didn’t put Prichard away.

Prichard pulls himself up using the ropes. He shakes out his left arm before circling the ring. Both grapplers size each other up before locking up. NO! Prichard hits a drop step go behind before throwing Tijerina down with a school boy transitioned into a powerbomb!

Stephy Auger: That’ll turn things around!

Tijerina curls up and clutches the back of his head. Prichard heads back over and puts the boots to Tijerina. He then mounts on top of Tijerina before raining down repeated forearms across the side of the head.

Kris Cruise: Gareth is absolutely assaulting Julian with those forearms!

Stephy Auger: He’s really laying it in, Kris. I have to admit, I’m liking this newer, aggressive side. I much prefer this version than the lapdog that followed Lowri Moss around.

Prichard picks up Tijerina, throws him down with a snapmare and applies a neck crank. The ref gets down and asks Tijerina if he wants to give up. Tijerina yells out while Prichard continues to twist the neck. The ref continues to try and get an answer out of The Spanish Sweetheart. The answer is no! Cheers are heard as Tijerina starts to turn over onto a knee. Once he's back to a vertical base, he catches Prichard with multiple elbows to the midsection. After the last elbow breaks the hold, he takes off into the ropes. NO! Prichard reaches out, grabs Tijerina by the back of the tights and yanks him over towards him before bringing him down with an Olympic Slam! NO! Tijerina slips down from behind and returns the favor with the Sombra Driver (Schoolboy Suplex)!

Kris Cruise: Gareth just got a taste of his own medicine!

Tijerina sets up shop on the far side of the ring. After Prichard picks himself up, Tijerina runs across the ring and connects with a running front dropkick to the side of the arm, knocking Prichard through the ropes to the floor.

Tijerina takes off into the far ropes. The Venomous Virtuoso runs across the ring before delivers a baseball slide into a headscissors, sending Prichard into the ring post. The cheers continue as Tijerina runs back over and executes another headscissors, sending Prichard rolling back into the ring. Prichard then gets back to his feet, turns around and gets brought down with a Sling Blade! Tijerina makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prichard kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Tijerina gets the nearfall. You have to imagine that Ace Voltage is somewhere watching this intently, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Exactly. There’s a part of Ace that wants to defend his title in his backyard of London, England! That’s the pride part of him. That’s the competitor in him. But there’s also apart of Ace that hopes that Gareth stretches the hell out of Julian in there.

Tijerina takes Prichard, delivers an irish whip, runs across the ring and connects with a corner backflip dropkick. The cheers continue as Tijerina runs back over and connects with a step-up enzuigiri. A dazed Prichard turns and staggers out of the corner before dropping across the middle rope. Tijerina goes to follow up with a slingshot leg drop, but Prichard slips back inside the ring. The crowd gasps, then boos when Tijerina lands hard across the apron before tumbling to the floor.

Kris Cruise: No one was home there.

Stephy Auger: He didn’t just miss a move, Kris. Julian missed and hit his leg on that hard apron. That’s going to affect him going forward.

Prichard rolls to the outside. He starts to stalk Tijerina while the Spanish Sweetheart uses the edge of the apron to help himself up. Before Tijerina knows it, Prichard lunges forward from behind and drops him with a chop block.

​​Kris Cruise: Gareth went right after the leg.

Stephy Auger: As he should.

Tijerina gets rolled back into the ring. Instead of rolling back in to make the cover, Prichard stays on the outside. He immediately grabs the leg and delivers a dragon screw leg whip against the edge of the apron.

​​Kris Cruise: Gareth goes after the leg again.

Stephy Auger: He saw a weakness and he’s exploiting it.

Prichard's not done! He takes Tijerina by the leg and drags him over towards the ring post. He peeks behind him and sees some fans in the front row pleading for Prichard not to do it. With a somber look on his face, Prichard thinks better of it and nods his head... before swinging the leg against the ring post.

Kris Cruise: Oh come on!

Stephy Auger: Tijerina thought he was just going to come into this Vertigo and roll through Gareth like he has everyone else. Well, looks like someone has just gotten a rude awakening!

Tijerina yells out in pain when Prichard swings his leg against the ring post again.

​​Kris Cruise: Come on, Gareth!

Prichard motions to swing the leg into a third post, but he stops himself…

Kris Cruise: Thank you!

... only to instead deliver a figure four leg lock around the ring post.

Kris Cruise: What the hell, Gareth!

Stephy Auger: He’s going all out! He sent the message loud and clear to Julian Tijerina. This isn’t the same FGA that he left all those years ago. There’s a new breed of grapplers here and he just doesn’t measure up anymore!

The ref immediately rolls to the outside and gives Prichard a five count.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI-

Prichard finally lets go. He gets admonished by the official, but Prichard pays him no mind. He rolls back inside, turns over to his knee and sees Tijerina trying to pull himself across the ring. Prichard's not about to have any of that. So he stands up, walks over and snatches up Tijerina's ankle with both hands. After bending the leg at 90 degrees, Prichard kneels down before slamming Tijerina's knee into the mat over... and over... and over... and over... and over... and over again.

Kris Cruise: I thought we saw a vicious side of Gareth at the 10 Year Anniversary Show, but this pales in comparison.

Tijerina immediately rolls over towards the side of the ring. He positions himself against the ropes before hugging his leg.

Stephy Auger: I don’t think Julian’s going to be doing any high flying anytime soon.

Prichard heads over and grabs a hold of the ankle again. The crowd boos when he's eventually able to wrestle away control of the leg. Tijerina uses his free leg to try and kick Prichard off of him. But Prichard eats the kicks to the chest like a champ before dragging Tijerina back towards the center of the ring. Tijerina gets hits with a trio of elbow drops across the leg. Prichard then scissors the leg between his before delivering a jumping knee drop. Prichard does this two more times before transition into an Indian Death Lock.

Kris Cruise: Julian has to find a way out of this hold and finish this match off quickly. He can’t risk going into Royal Battle with a leg injury.

The boos continue while Tijerina screams out in pain. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. Tijerina refuses. With the support of the crowd, The Venomous Virtuoso is able to pull himself over towards the side of the ring before grabbing the bottom rope with both hands.

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Prichard reluctantly breaks the hold. He then takes Tijerina and drags him over towards the center of the ring. He's about to drop down into a Kneebar, but Tijerina is able to deliver an upkick underneath the chin that knocks Prichard down.

Moments later, both grapplers return to their feet. Prichard goes for a kick to the leg, but Tijerina catches his foot. Prichard goes to counter with an enzuigiri, but Tijerina ducks and reverses into an Ankle Lock.

Kris Cruise: Tijerina’s got another submission locked in!

The crowd cheers as Tijerina continues to crank away on the ankle. Tijerina fights for the submission, but Prichard doesn't quit. After pushing himself up to his knees, Prichard executes a forward roll, breaking the hold as Tijerina staggers forward and crashes into the corner. Prichard runs in to attack, but he gets knocked back with a back elbow to the face. Tijerina rushes as best he can out of the corner before planting Prichard with a Tilt-a-whirl DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Prichard kicks out.

Tijerina whips Prichard into the ropes. He sets up for a back body drop off the rebound, but Prichard stops and plants him with a Cradle DDT! The cover gets made.

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

Prichard picks up Tijerina and goes for another Olympic Slam. Once again, Tijerina slips down from behind. He then takes control of Prichard's back before bringing him down with Asesino León (Cobra Clutch Slam)! He makes the cover.

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

Tijerina pulls Prichard up and hits him with eight alternating slaps before catching him wit the Rompiendo El Hielo (Shoot Kick to the left leg followed by a Shoot Kick to the left side followed by a Roundhouse Kick followed by a finger gun gesture before a Superkick)! NO! Prichard catches the superkick, swings the leg away from and takes control of Tijerina's arm from behind before forcing him down to the mat. The crowd boos when they see him place Tijerina in an Omoplata!

Stephy Auger: Krukenberg!

Kris Cruise: This is the second time now that Gareth has put someone in Owen Gonsalves’ hold!

The ref asks Tijerina if he wants to give up. Tijerina has no choice but to tap out.

The crowd boos as “Revolt” hits the speakers.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout... GARETH PRICHARD JR!

The match is over, but Prichard keeps the hold applied.

Kris Cruise: Gareth won’t let go! This is exactly what he did at the Anniversary Show!

The ref repeatedly calls for the bell. The bell is rung over and over, but Prichard refuses to release the Krukenberg!

Kris Cruise: This is uncalled for, Stephy! The ref has to get in there and stop this!

Backstage, Brian Stryker can be seen watching the events taking place on a monitor. He then looks to his right. The camera pans right, revealing the entrance to the Gorilla Position. Stryker's just a couple of feet away from making his way out to the curtain and running down to make the save. Instead, Stryker just shakes his head before exiting to the left.

Stephy Auger: HA! Stryker wasn’t about to lift one finger to help Julian Tijerina!

Prichard CONTINUES to keep the Krukenberg lock on. The crowd then explodes with cheers... when Owen Gonsalves rushes down to the ring!

Kris Cruise: Finally, some help!

Gonsalves races down the ramp in no time. As soon as the U.S. Champion slides into the ring, Prichard releases the hold. Gonsalves quickly crawls over to Tijerina and checks on him before standing up and staring Prichard down. Prichard can be seen mouthing something to Gonsalves before dropping to the mat and rolling to the outside. Prichard turns and keeps his eyes locked on the U.S. Champion as he backs up the aisle.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •/center]

[FGA Office]

We open in on a couch that centers the frame. It is completely devoid of an occupant, but not for long. There is a glitch over the view, and in pops the Apex Goddess, Fujiko Mine. She is dressed in a simple white t-shirt and light colored distressed jeans. However, she is covered in filth and mud. It covers her shirt, drips from the tips of her fingers, and is slathered into her hair. She relaxes back on the couch for a moment, then crosses her left leg over her right. She runs her tongue over her incisors for a moment, then nods.

The camera zooms in on her carefully as she speaks.

Fujiko Mine: I couldn’t resist the glitchy intro, since my ‘code’ has apparently been cracked.

She smirks coyly.

Fujiko Mine: So I thought I would address me calling Cordy a ‘dumpster fire of a human being’, since she took to twitter to try and uno reverse card - her signature move.

She shrugs, the camera close enough to frame her upper body in the majority of the view. Some of the mud on her person slowly flops off of her and into her lap.

Fujiko Mine: She’ll moan and groan about my honor, how dare I say such a thing when she did a nice thing once upon a time, oh by the way let me bring up the fact that Fujiko’s fiance died. You know, something that a dumpster fire of a human being would do.

She nods shortly.

Fujiko Mine: Let’s get to the real reason I slipped that in there - because Cordy Stevenson believes that because she did a nice thing once upon a time that it is enough to mitigate the fact that she openly and freely gloats about awful things that she’s done to the likes of myself, Lowri Moss, Izzy Anders, and Chandler Scott. She thinks that because she keeps a note of things that happened forever ago, and has the free time to go back in the twitter timeline to find something that would support her moldy mindset that she’s automatically ‘right’.

She loses some of the mirth in her expression.

Fujiko Mine: Cordy Stevenson is primarily a garbage human being because everything she does is transactional. Her friendship with the Jones family? Ultimately transactional. Her loose friendship with me? Transactional. Her kind words towards people like Nina Stokes, Izzy Anders, Lowri Moss? Transactional.

There is a flicker, and when the camera refocuses she is cleaner. The shirt is still stained and dirty, but the muck on her skin and in her hair is gone.

Fujiko Mine: I said that Lowri Moss would make it to where she currently is not because there was anything in it for me - I said it because it’s true in my mind. Lowri Moss can feel however she likes about me, what I’ve been through, and how I operate. Doesn’t change the fact that I knew she was going to be at the top of this company.

She uncrossed her legs, pressing them together at the knees instead.

Fujiko Mine: The chronicles of Fujiko Mine and Izzy Anders don’t need to be rehashed - but there’s a reason why we say we are best friends - because through all of what we’ve gone through - we found a common ground in competing together. We understand each other on a level few others do. I don’t hold the past over Izzy’s head anymore, like Cordy tries to do every time she wants to try and defend herself when you decide that she wants to spend her copious free time being immature and lame on twitter.

Fujiko turns her hand towards her face, checking underneath her nails and casually picking out errant dirt.

Fujiko Mine: And I have made it no secret that I think that Nina Stokes is the future of the company, as well. She has not gotten her just due, and it was an honor getting to face off with her at the 10 year anniversary show. It won’t be long before she is competing for the FGA Undisputed Championship, and I would not be surprised in the least if she got that championship this year.

She stares unblinkingly into the camera, accentuating her point.

Fujiko Mine: So Fujiko, what’s up with this bit about you being covered in dirt? Isn’t Cordy going to try and co-opt that metaphor by using it in the reverse to say that you appear to be clean, but really you’re filthy deep down?

She smirks.

Fujiko Mine: Sure, she’s made a recent name off of twisting meaning and words to meet her dismal nature. But this bit should be pretty clear to anyone paying attention to me.

She raises an eyebrow.

Fujiko Mine: This has more to do with that fact that I have been the proverbial lightning rod for mudslinging. Savannah Taylor, Chris Madison, Cordy Stevenson, Seth Iser, Tyler Storm, the list could easily provide the gaudiest wallpaper for Madison Square Garden.

There is a bit of a shift, and there is less dirt and grime on the Apex Goddess.

Fujiko Mine: You see - Cordy Stevenson isn’t “The Clout”. She is the Seeker of the Clout. That’s why she’s constantly tagging me on twitter, knowing she won’t get a response. I’ve learned not to waste my breath - as soon as she loses the advantage she’ll switch her focus. It’s a simple debate tactic. She longs to use me to keep her relevant. It’s not just me, just look at her mentioning Chandler despite him being silent for quite a while - but it’s true all the same. I’ve been targeted by leeches, as Izzy Anders has said to me once. As she put it, it’s my “devotion to being a virtuous person”. Have I failed before? Certainly. But I find my way back on the path, and I have never turned my back on the fans - the reason that I do this, and they have never turned their back on me. So when Cordy Stevenson eventually realizes that she strayed too far from the path and returns to it, there will be some that are reminded of this time - when her toxic arrogance permeated so much of FGA. Will she apologize for this when that time comes? Probably not. And there will be people that will keep that in mind. But you know who they will never have to have those thoughts about?

There is one more shift, and Fujiko is completely clean. There isn’t a speck on her person. Even her nails are spotless. She smiles genuinely.

Fujiko Mine: Because while I don’t let people like Seth Iser put a bounty on my head without becoming dangerous, and while I won’t let people like Chris Madison take their little shots at me from afar; I won’t turn my back on them. They built me up when they didn’t have to. They supported me, even when they were told they shouldn’t. They know I am like them, for them, and by them.

She nods with respect, in reverence to the audience.

Fujiko Mine: That’s why even though you were the only person to hold the International Heavyweight Championship in 2021, even though you unified the titles again, people put their focus on me. It’s why I am the first, and as of right now, only person to be the Wrestler of the Year in back to back years. It’s why I am The Apex Goddess. And while this has mostly been focused on Cordy, I want anyone who thinks her line of thinking to listen well to what I have said today.

She closes her eyes, a bit of a satisfied smile on her face.

Fujiko Mine: It’s why I don’t flinch when you try and mock me doing my best to make it back to the top of the company. People like you couldn’t dream of doing it. Your fragile ego wouldn’t withstand it. But if I need to start at number one and go all the way through the Gold Rush Rumble to get my shot, I will do it. If I need to win the Frontier Lions Cup, I’ll do it. I don’t shy away from the challenge. So whomever likes to say that I am the puppet of Leonard T. Asherman can know this - I don’t need the support of anyone but the fans. If they wanna put me in handicap matches, they can do it. If they wanna stack the deck against me, they can do it. I’m not scared. I will persevere, I will scratch and claw, and I will prove to you all that I deserve my hall of fame ring. I deserve the accolades I’ve gotten. And I can be the FGA Undisputed Champion again.

She pushes off the couch, standing to her full height.

Fujiko Mine: That is the will of the goddess…and that will be done.

Fujiko’s facial expression turns to a defiant, confident one. She nods to the camera one final time, and then she walks out of the frame, with the camera fading out soon after.