Vertigo (10.01.16)
Oct 1, 2016 23:00:43 GMT -5
Post by FGA Office on Oct 1, 2016 23:00:43 GMT -5
Jessie Pederson: Joining me at this time are two men who have become synonymous with both Frontier Grappling Arts and the World Title. This matchup, which will pit champion versus challenger, isn't just one of the biggest matches taking place in two weeks at Retribution. It's one of the most highly anticipated of the year. Fans wondered aloud what would happen if these two men ever stepped foot in the ring again. The answer to that question will be revealed when Chandler Scott, the 2016 Frontier Lions Cup winner will take on Zero McHannon, the record three-time FGA World Champion, in two weeks on Pay-Per-View. Zero, Chandler, welcome.
Zero McHannon: Let’s get this over with. I have to ice my knee.
(Chandler smiles and looks right at Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Well I for one think it’s good to be here. Congrats on making it to the big leagues, Jess.
(Chandler looks over at Zero and asks “you can’t congratulate the girl on making it to The Show?” Zero is seen rolling his eyes out of the corner of the screen.)
Jessie Pederson: Champ, let's start off with you. I think it's fair to say that you've dominated the World Title picture over the past nine to ten months. How have you been able to stay at the top for so long, especially when you're facing all-world challengers in the likes of Cindy Parker, Tony Carmine and Johnny Cannon?
Zero McHannon: It’s part of who I am. I was facing the best talent before I came to PDW in Platinum Dynasty Wrestling, and even some select few in EXODUS Pro. When I was a youngin, I was facing the best talent in World Realty Wrestling and NIWF as well. When you’re facing the top of the crop for years, you either adapt and become one of them or fade into the background of being just a mediocre wrestler. The past nine months or so, I’ve realized what I bring out in my opponents. When you’re facing people like Cannon, Carmine, and Cindy… you learn to step up your game for yourself. I’ve got it set in my mind already, even for Vertigos, that if I don’t bring my best, I could get beat. I’ve been able beat anyone that has stood across me for 13 years now. I know I can beat them. I know they can beat me. With that in the back of your mind, it’s time to either put up or shut up. I choose to put up.
(The ever-so cocky look is on Zero’s face that says he’s dead serious. No smiles. No smirks. No sweat. He runs a hand down his head beard and takes a side look over at Chandler to let him know that he was done.)
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, while you dominated FGA and the World Championship picture for all of last year, you started 2016 on the sidelines with several injuries. All these months later, you find yourself back in the World Championship picture. How were you able to make it back to being just one win away from another World Championship?
Chandler Scott: How was I able to make it back to being just one win away?
(Chandler thinks)
Chandler Scott: Skill… desire. I know where I belong in the hierarchy of FGA. But instead of coming back and demanding this and that, I showed and proved. You know, there’s a lot of people in this company that talk this and talk that. They talk about being number one. They talk about being at the top. But at the end of the day, that’s all it is. “Talk”. They never get in the ready and actually do anything about it. That’s what I’ve done since returning. I’ve backed up everything I’ve said in the ring. I’ve proven that I’m at the top of my game. And thanks to that Lions Cup win, I’m one win away. But that last hurdle is going to be the toughest.
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, take me back to the night of Above & beyond V. As you watched McHannon battle tooth and nail against Carmine and Cannon and regained the World Championship, what was going through your mind?
Chandler Scott: Well my first thought was that we were probably going to be in store for yet another rant.
(Chandler turns and looks at Zero.)
Chandler Scott: You do have a tendency to whine, you know.
(Chandler turns his attention back to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: But you know what? Zero went out there at and he got the job done. So I’ll give the credit where it’s due. Good for him. What does that mean now? It means he’s the one that’s going to get his head rocked, not Cannon or Carmine.
(Chandler turns and looks in Zero’s direction.)
Chandler Scott: Congratulations.
(Zero shrugs.)
Zero McHannon: Thanks, but I don’t need your congrats. Pampering gets you nowhere in life, talent does.
Jessie Pederson: Zero, I'd like for you to take me back to that night as well. Obviously you were, pardon the pun, zeroed-in on become World Champion again. But in the back of your mind, you had to know that if you regained the championship, you would be defending that same championship against one of eight competitors. As you saw Chandler defeat Johnny Karma in the finals and become the 2016 Frontier Lions Cup winner, what was going through your mind?
Zero McHannon: I didn’t give a single sh*t about the Lions Cup that night. I wasn’t until I recaptured the FGA World Championship that I watched the pay per view in full the next day. I watched every match. When I seen Chandler win, I got exactly what I wanted. I heard that Chandler won, but when I saw Chandler win? What was going through my mind?
(This time a smile crosses Zero face and you could see in his eyes that he was ready for what was ahead.)
Zero McHannon: It’s time. Only took me nine months to get what I really wanted the whole time. I mean, who didn’t think that Chandler was going to win the Lions Cup? All the real competition was in the world title match. Cordy was in the Tag Team Championship match. I knew it was coming, I just had to do my part.
(He pats the title on his shoulder.)
Zero McHannon: I did my part. For the third time now.
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, is there a part of you that wished that Cannon retained his championship? Would you have liked to have seen Carmine become the champion?
Chandler Scott: To be completely honest, I couldn’t have cared less. It could have been Zero, it could have been Cannon, it could have been Tony. Hell, it could have been Kyle Ohio. It doesn’t matter who is standing across the ring from me at the pay per view. The only thing that matters is that they have what I want. And you best believe that I’m going to take it.
(Zero shakes his head and looks away from Chandler and Jessie with a small shallow laugh.)
Jessie Pederson: Zero, was there anyone else within that field of eight that you would have wanted to see win it all? Or is this the man that you want to face with everything on the line?
Zero McHannon: See, I’m not like this douche sitting next to me. He doesn’t care who he faces. Doesn’t care about much for anything. I care too much about this sport. I wanted Chandler from the beginning. I’ve made work of Johnny Karma twice now. Mark Storm isn’t quite there, yet. I’ve beaten Dom Harter to get my foot in the door for my first FGA World Championship shot. I’d be a liar to say that I didn’t want Chandler, and I’m as blunt as you can get. If it was anyone besides Scott, I wanted Dom…
(Zero sighs and chews on his bottom lip for a moment, thinking it over.)
Zero McHannon: But when it comes down to putting everything on the line, I’m a three time FGA World Champion, I wanted Chandler after I’ve eventually ran my way through this roster. Sure, there’s people who can touch me, but not really… I strive for facing the best talent, regardless. The next step for me was Chandler, one way or another.
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, is there a part of you that's scared of failing, especially to this man? Is there a part of you that fears that you would come back and make it this far, only to leave Retribution empty handed? You rehabbed the injury, you went through the deep personal issue with Jimmy Page. You qualified for the Frontier Lions Cup and eventually won it. But how much would it hurt to come back and work your way through all of that... only to fail?
(Chandler looks out past Jessie. It appears as if he’s in deep thought as he ponders the question with his index finger over his mouth.)
Chandler Scott: Yeah, it would suck something serious. Finishing things off with Page wasn’t my only reason for returning. Once his ass was kicked, once his face was caved in, once those personal matters were dealt with… I set my sights on winning the title that used to be mine. I earned my way into that Frontier Lions Cup. I then went through three tough opponents during the course of one night to earn this title shot. After everything that I’ve gone through this year… to work my way past that and get this far, only to fail? I’d be gutted. I’d honestly be gutted.
Zero McHannon: Prepare to go home unsatisfied just like the people that you sent home packing all last year. It’s about time you felt that heartache for once, bitch.
(Chandler shoots a look over to Zero, but he looks at Jessie with an innocent expression on his face and ignores Scott.)
Jessie Pederson: Zero, a lot of people have knocked you for failing to defend your championship. You've responded by saying that you don't care. You're simply padding your stats. You've lost the championship on two occasions and I would assume that those losses sting. But is there a part of you that dreads losing that championship not just to anyone, but to the man standing across the ring from you in two weeks?
Zero McHannon: Of course the losses sting, but I stay right on course. I wouldn’t be a three time world champion without losing it twice. I came back stronger each and every time. The chase is what I live for, no matter who tries to discredit me, but part of me wonders, what else do these idiots have to say besides “you can’t defend the title”. They act like GETTING HERE is an easy process. Most people make the chases of their lives and still fall short. Cordy Stevenson and Tony Carmine for example. Cannon being a “paper champion” like he calls me.
(Zero looks over at Chandler.)
Zero McHannon: Honestly? I don’t dread anything. Would Chandler beating me sting? Just as bad as the other two times. Unlike everyone else, I accept the challenge and know I can conquer it. I have no doubt in myself. I just don’t want the title in his hands… at all. He doesn’t want it in mine… I think? Not sure, Chandler doesn’t “care” about anything except getting this title. I care about a lot more than that and it drives me.
(This time Zero looks off to the other side of the room, trying to fight back some emotions or taking things too far. You can see his knuckles turn white around the FGA World Championship as he clutches it. Chandler looks Zero up and down.)
Chandler Scott: You alright over there?
Zero McHannon: I’m fine. Next question.
(The camera focuses back to Jessie Pederson.)
Jessie Pederson: If we were to poll your peers here today, Zero, I'm sure that some of them would begrudgingly give you the respect that you deserve. The rest would probably hope that you fail spectacularly. Chandler, I would assume that you would have more people on your side than the champion. But at the same time, I would assume that there's people that want you to fail as well. Not just other contenders that are behind you, but some of your peers as well who haven't forgiven or forgotten your past actions. Gentlemen, does it matter if you have the support of your peers in two weeks?
Chandler Scott: While I appreciate any support that I do get, in the end, it won’t matter when it comes to this match. Their support won’t factor into the outcome of this match. As much as Zero wants to believe it, this match isn’t going to be me and the rest of FGA versus him. When that bell rings, there’s just going to be three men in that ring. Me, him and the referee. All the cheers, all the chants, all the support won’t mean a thing when that match starts. It’s just going to be two men in there beating the hell out of each other until one walks out the winner. And Jessie? He’s talking to you right now.
(Zero was waiting for Chandler to finish and on the last sentence he perks up. Then in the most monotone voice, he blurts out the first sentence.)
Zero McHannon: The people on the outside can suck my dick. I haven’t needed them to pull off what I’ve done to this point. What I do in that ring, I do on my own. I’m pound for pound one of the best athletes in this business, whether some people don’t want to admit that or not. People hating me enough to want this title taken off me at any cost makes me want to prove them wrong that much more. It’s like any other sport, when you’re getting booed out of the building… when you silence the crowd? It tastes oh so sweet. It’s like being on the road for game seven of the NBA finals and draining the three pointer that wins you the series. That silence is golden. It’s beautiful. It’s easily one of the best feelings in the world.
(He holds up a finger to his lips and “shhhhhhhh” before letting Jessie continue on.)
Jessie Pederson: The two of you haven't been face to face in over a month. It was at the Vertigo in Irvine, California that things got heated between the two of you. But the issues between the two of you didn't arise on that night. This has been brewing for awhile now, hasn't it? This has been carried over from last Final Frontier, correct? Myself and others would assume that this isn't just about the championship, this is borderline personal. So Chandler, tell me, do you respect Zero McHannon? What do you think of him as a grappler and as a person?
Chandler Scott: Do I respect Zero McHannon as a wrestler?
(Chandler smirks)
Chandler Scott: I’m sure people, maybe even this guy included, would love for me to say that I don’t respect him as a wrestler. But let’s look at this objectively for just a minute. How could I not? He’s a great wrestler. He’s a three-time World Champion here, which is something that even I haven’t done…
(Chandler looks over at Zero.)
Chandler Scott: … though that’ll be changing in 14 days. Just figured I’d let you in on that one.
(Chandler winks before turning back to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: But yeah. The guy is what, 13… 14 years in and he’s a multi-time champion. World Champion, actually. Most people… they what, last maybe 3, 4 good years if that? They get a couple titles, they get a couple t-shirts made for them and they’re content. This guy? He’s not content. I can respect that. He’s beaten some of the best that this company has had to offer over the past year, myself included. So do I respect him as a wrestler?
(Chandler turns and looks at Zero.)
Chandler Scott: Yes, I do respect him as a wrestler.
(Chandler turns his attention over to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Now personally…
(Chandler looks back at Zero before turning back to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Meh.
(Chandler shrugs)
Chandler Scott: I don’t know the guy, personally. We’ve never hung out. We’re not in the same social circle. We sure as hell have never gone fishing. So I don’t know the guy like that. That’s for other people like Cindy Parker or even Cordy Stevenson to answer. But whether I think he’s Humanitarian of the Year or a subhuman piece of trash, that’s not gonna change my approach as we head into Retribution in two weeks. It doesn’t matter if he were my best friend or my sworn enemy, I’m walking into that Pay Per View to win back the World Championship.
Jessie Pederson: Zero, I offer you the same question. Do you respect Chandler? What are your thoughts on him as a grappler and as a person?
(Zero raises his head to the question and doesn’t answer straight out of the gate. His eyes narrow.)
Zero McHannon: I respect Chandler as an athlete, not as a person. I said that last December as well and I’ve been sticking to it. I’m surprised we even fit in this room together with the set of egos that we have, but you know what? That’s why I wrestle. It isn’t about going into each week and getting easy match ups so that you can walk through the motions your entire career. That life isn’t for me. It isn’t for Chandler. That part of him, I relate to. I understand. I respect. What I will not put up with is Chandler wanting to take this title off my shoulder, just like I’m not okay with anyone else doing it.
(Zero hikes the FGA World Championship higher on his shoulder.)
Zero McHannon: The moment you look at my championship... The moment you look at me and I can see it in your eyes that you want to be better than me? All bets are off. You’ve crossed into my territory and I’m going to force you off it. Friendships? Nah, seeya later. Think we can have a friendly competition? Over my dead body. I live for wrestling and you’re interfering with my life. Chandler is that person now. He has been that person. We have the same goals and neither of us are going to budge, so I’m going to have to move him my damn self.
Chandler Scott: Good luck with that, by the way.
Jessie Pederson: Gentlemen, I appreciate your time. It appears that you are both at the top of your game and if past performances are any indication, we are in store for a great contest. But before we end this, Chandler, do you have any closing remarks for the champion?
Chandler Scott: Any remarks for the champion?
(Chandler turns his attention back to Zero)
Chandler Scott: …
(Chandler doesn’t say a word. He just continues to stare dead at Zero. Just then, Chandler lets out a smirk.)
Chandler Scott: As I told you four weeks ago, I can’t take away the things you done here. Especially during this calendar year. That FGA World Championship is synonymous with you in 2016, just as it was with me in 2015. But this year, that belt has consistently made it’s way back to you. Props for that. You’re having a great run. Enjoy it. Enjoy the weight of the belt in your hands. Enjoy the scent of the worn leather. Enjoy the way the gold glistens when the light hits it just right. Enjoy being addressed as the Champion of the World. Enjoy it while it lasts, Zero, because that run is coming to a screeching halt in 14 days. And you can suck your teeth and roll your eyes and huff all you want to. I can’t take away your accomplishments. But I can take that World Championship from you. And guess what? I will do everything within the law to make sure that happens.
Jessie Pederson: Zero, you're the champ. The floor is yours. Any last words?
(Zero looks over at Chandler and stares at him for several moments.)
Zero McHannon: Go f*ck yourself.
(McHannon pulls the microphone from his ear and throws it down in the table. He stands up and looks down at the sitting Chandler before holding the FGA World Championship in front of his face.)
Chandler Scott: Yes, I’m well aware of what it looks like. Thank you.
(But Zero doesn’t say a word as he keeps the championship held in Chandler’s face. There’s a moment that passes as Chandler and Zero are deadlocked, but it’s McHannon who walks away while slinging the world title back over his shoulder. The camera slowly pans back to Jessie and Chandler.)
Jessie Pederson: Anything else you’d like to add?
(Jessie leaves the question lingering in the air. But Chandler doesn’t respond. In fact, he doesn’t even look in her direction. He keeps his eyes focused on the path that Zero walked out on, even though the Champion is long gone at this point. Chandler continues to look ahead without turning to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Clear the schedule. Mark your calendar. And whatever you do, make sure you’re in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 15, because even seeing it on Pay Per View won’t do it justice. You’re not gonna want to miss this one. Trust me.
(Chandler emerges from his seat, takes off his earpiece, detaches the clip from his shirt and tosses it down next to the table. He then walks off in the opposite direction, leaving Jessie to watch at him leave. She turns to her right, the path which Zero took to leave. The scene slowly fades out.)
Zero McHannon: Let’s get this over with. I have to ice my knee.
(Chandler smiles and looks right at Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Well I for one think it’s good to be here. Congrats on making it to the big leagues, Jess.
(Chandler looks over at Zero and asks “you can’t congratulate the girl on making it to The Show?” Zero is seen rolling his eyes out of the corner of the screen.)
Jessie Pederson: Champ, let's start off with you. I think it's fair to say that you've dominated the World Title picture over the past nine to ten months. How have you been able to stay at the top for so long, especially when you're facing all-world challengers in the likes of Cindy Parker, Tony Carmine and Johnny Cannon?
Zero McHannon: It’s part of who I am. I was facing the best talent before I came to PDW in Platinum Dynasty Wrestling, and even some select few in EXODUS Pro. When I was a youngin, I was facing the best talent in World Realty Wrestling and NIWF as well. When you’re facing the top of the crop for years, you either adapt and become one of them or fade into the background of being just a mediocre wrestler. The past nine months or so, I’ve realized what I bring out in my opponents. When you’re facing people like Cannon, Carmine, and Cindy… you learn to step up your game for yourself. I’ve got it set in my mind already, even for Vertigos, that if I don’t bring my best, I could get beat. I’ve been able beat anyone that has stood across me for 13 years now. I know I can beat them. I know they can beat me. With that in the back of your mind, it’s time to either put up or shut up. I choose to put up.
(The ever-so cocky look is on Zero’s face that says he’s dead serious. No smiles. No smirks. No sweat. He runs a hand down his head beard and takes a side look over at Chandler to let him know that he was done.)
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, while you dominated FGA and the World Championship picture for all of last year, you started 2016 on the sidelines with several injuries. All these months later, you find yourself back in the World Championship picture. How were you able to make it back to being just one win away from another World Championship?
Chandler Scott: How was I able to make it back to being just one win away?
(Chandler thinks)
Chandler Scott: Skill… desire. I know where I belong in the hierarchy of FGA. But instead of coming back and demanding this and that, I showed and proved. You know, there’s a lot of people in this company that talk this and talk that. They talk about being number one. They talk about being at the top. But at the end of the day, that’s all it is. “Talk”. They never get in the ready and actually do anything about it. That’s what I’ve done since returning. I’ve backed up everything I’ve said in the ring. I’ve proven that I’m at the top of my game. And thanks to that Lions Cup win, I’m one win away. But that last hurdle is going to be the toughest.
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, take me back to the night of Above & beyond V. As you watched McHannon battle tooth and nail against Carmine and Cannon and regained the World Championship, what was going through your mind?
Chandler Scott: Well my first thought was that we were probably going to be in store for yet another rant.
(Chandler turns and looks at Zero.)
Chandler Scott: You do have a tendency to whine, you know.
(Chandler turns his attention back to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: But you know what? Zero went out there at and he got the job done. So I’ll give the credit where it’s due. Good for him. What does that mean now? It means he’s the one that’s going to get his head rocked, not Cannon or Carmine.
(Chandler turns and looks in Zero’s direction.)
Chandler Scott: Congratulations.
(Zero shrugs.)
Zero McHannon: Thanks, but I don’t need your congrats. Pampering gets you nowhere in life, talent does.
Jessie Pederson: Zero, I'd like for you to take me back to that night as well. Obviously you were, pardon the pun, zeroed-in on become World Champion again. But in the back of your mind, you had to know that if you regained the championship, you would be defending that same championship against one of eight competitors. As you saw Chandler defeat Johnny Karma in the finals and become the 2016 Frontier Lions Cup winner, what was going through your mind?
Zero McHannon: I didn’t give a single sh*t about the Lions Cup that night. I wasn’t until I recaptured the FGA World Championship that I watched the pay per view in full the next day. I watched every match. When I seen Chandler win, I got exactly what I wanted. I heard that Chandler won, but when I saw Chandler win? What was going through my mind?
(This time a smile crosses Zero face and you could see in his eyes that he was ready for what was ahead.)
Zero McHannon: It’s time. Only took me nine months to get what I really wanted the whole time. I mean, who didn’t think that Chandler was going to win the Lions Cup? All the real competition was in the world title match. Cordy was in the Tag Team Championship match. I knew it was coming, I just had to do my part.
(He pats the title on his shoulder.)
Zero McHannon: I did my part. For the third time now.
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, is there a part of you that wished that Cannon retained his championship? Would you have liked to have seen Carmine become the champion?
Chandler Scott: To be completely honest, I couldn’t have cared less. It could have been Zero, it could have been Cannon, it could have been Tony. Hell, it could have been Kyle Ohio. It doesn’t matter who is standing across the ring from me at the pay per view. The only thing that matters is that they have what I want. And you best believe that I’m going to take it.
(Zero shakes his head and looks away from Chandler and Jessie with a small shallow laugh.)
Jessie Pederson: Zero, was there anyone else within that field of eight that you would have wanted to see win it all? Or is this the man that you want to face with everything on the line?
Zero McHannon: See, I’m not like this douche sitting next to me. He doesn’t care who he faces. Doesn’t care about much for anything. I care too much about this sport. I wanted Chandler from the beginning. I’ve made work of Johnny Karma twice now. Mark Storm isn’t quite there, yet. I’ve beaten Dom Harter to get my foot in the door for my first FGA World Championship shot. I’d be a liar to say that I didn’t want Chandler, and I’m as blunt as you can get. If it was anyone besides Scott, I wanted Dom…
(Zero sighs and chews on his bottom lip for a moment, thinking it over.)
Zero McHannon: But when it comes down to putting everything on the line, I’m a three time FGA World Champion, I wanted Chandler after I’ve eventually ran my way through this roster. Sure, there’s people who can touch me, but not really… I strive for facing the best talent, regardless. The next step for me was Chandler, one way or another.
Jessie Pederson: Chandler, is there a part of you that's scared of failing, especially to this man? Is there a part of you that fears that you would come back and make it this far, only to leave Retribution empty handed? You rehabbed the injury, you went through the deep personal issue with Jimmy Page. You qualified for the Frontier Lions Cup and eventually won it. But how much would it hurt to come back and work your way through all of that... only to fail?
(Chandler looks out past Jessie. It appears as if he’s in deep thought as he ponders the question with his index finger over his mouth.)
Chandler Scott: Yeah, it would suck something serious. Finishing things off with Page wasn’t my only reason for returning. Once his ass was kicked, once his face was caved in, once those personal matters were dealt with… I set my sights on winning the title that used to be mine. I earned my way into that Frontier Lions Cup. I then went through three tough opponents during the course of one night to earn this title shot. After everything that I’ve gone through this year… to work my way past that and get this far, only to fail? I’d be gutted. I’d honestly be gutted.
Zero McHannon: Prepare to go home unsatisfied just like the people that you sent home packing all last year. It’s about time you felt that heartache for once, bitch.
(Chandler shoots a look over to Zero, but he looks at Jessie with an innocent expression on his face and ignores Scott.)
Jessie Pederson: Zero, a lot of people have knocked you for failing to defend your championship. You've responded by saying that you don't care. You're simply padding your stats. You've lost the championship on two occasions and I would assume that those losses sting. But is there a part of you that dreads losing that championship not just to anyone, but to the man standing across the ring from you in two weeks?
Zero McHannon: Of course the losses sting, but I stay right on course. I wouldn’t be a three time world champion without losing it twice. I came back stronger each and every time. The chase is what I live for, no matter who tries to discredit me, but part of me wonders, what else do these idiots have to say besides “you can’t defend the title”. They act like GETTING HERE is an easy process. Most people make the chases of their lives and still fall short. Cordy Stevenson and Tony Carmine for example. Cannon being a “paper champion” like he calls me.
(Zero looks over at Chandler.)
Zero McHannon: Honestly? I don’t dread anything. Would Chandler beating me sting? Just as bad as the other two times. Unlike everyone else, I accept the challenge and know I can conquer it. I have no doubt in myself. I just don’t want the title in his hands… at all. He doesn’t want it in mine… I think? Not sure, Chandler doesn’t “care” about anything except getting this title. I care about a lot more than that and it drives me.
(This time Zero looks off to the other side of the room, trying to fight back some emotions or taking things too far. You can see his knuckles turn white around the FGA World Championship as he clutches it. Chandler looks Zero up and down.)
Chandler Scott: You alright over there?
Zero McHannon: I’m fine. Next question.
(The camera focuses back to Jessie Pederson.)
Jessie Pederson: If we were to poll your peers here today, Zero, I'm sure that some of them would begrudgingly give you the respect that you deserve. The rest would probably hope that you fail spectacularly. Chandler, I would assume that you would have more people on your side than the champion. But at the same time, I would assume that there's people that want you to fail as well. Not just other contenders that are behind you, but some of your peers as well who haven't forgiven or forgotten your past actions. Gentlemen, does it matter if you have the support of your peers in two weeks?
Chandler Scott: While I appreciate any support that I do get, in the end, it won’t matter when it comes to this match. Their support won’t factor into the outcome of this match. As much as Zero wants to believe it, this match isn’t going to be me and the rest of FGA versus him. When that bell rings, there’s just going to be three men in that ring. Me, him and the referee. All the cheers, all the chants, all the support won’t mean a thing when that match starts. It’s just going to be two men in there beating the hell out of each other until one walks out the winner. And Jessie? He’s talking to you right now.
(Zero was waiting for Chandler to finish and on the last sentence he perks up. Then in the most monotone voice, he blurts out the first sentence.)
Zero McHannon: The people on the outside can suck my dick. I haven’t needed them to pull off what I’ve done to this point. What I do in that ring, I do on my own. I’m pound for pound one of the best athletes in this business, whether some people don’t want to admit that or not. People hating me enough to want this title taken off me at any cost makes me want to prove them wrong that much more. It’s like any other sport, when you’re getting booed out of the building… when you silence the crowd? It tastes oh so sweet. It’s like being on the road for game seven of the NBA finals and draining the three pointer that wins you the series. That silence is golden. It’s beautiful. It’s easily one of the best feelings in the world.
(He holds up a finger to his lips and “shhhhhhhh” before letting Jessie continue on.)
Jessie Pederson: The two of you haven't been face to face in over a month. It was at the Vertigo in Irvine, California that things got heated between the two of you. But the issues between the two of you didn't arise on that night. This has been brewing for awhile now, hasn't it? This has been carried over from last Final Frontier, correct? Myself and others would assume that this isn't just about the championship, this is borderline personal. So Chandler, tell me, do you respect Zero McHannon? What do you think of him as a grappler and as a person?
Chandler Scott: Do I respect Zero McHannon as a wrestler?
(Chandler smirks)
Chandler Scott: I’m sure people, maybe even this guy included, would love for me to say that I don’t respect him as a wrestler. But let’s look at this objectively for just a minute. How could I not? He’s a great wrestler. He’s a three-time World Champion here, which is something that even I haven’t done…
(Chandler looks over at Zero.)
Chandler Scott: … though that’ll be changing in 14 days. Just figured I’d let you in on that one.
(Chandler winks before turning back to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: But yeah. The guy is what, 13… 14 years in and he’s a multi-time champion. World Champion, actually. Most people… they what, last maybe 3, 4 good years if that? They get a couple titles, they get a couple t-shirts made for them and they’re content. This guy? He’s not content. I can respect that. He’s beaten some of the best that this company has had to offer over the past year, myself included. So do I respect him as a wrestler?
(Chandler turns and looks at Zero.)
Chandler Scott: Yes, I do respect him as a wrestler.
(Chandler turns his attention over to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Now personally…
(Chandler looks back at Zero before turning back to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Meh.
(Chandler shrugs)
Chandler Scott: I don’t know the guy, personally. We’ve never hung out. We’re not in the same social circle. We sure as hell have never gone fishing. So I don’t know the guy like that. That’s for other people like Cindy Parker or even Cordy Stevenson to answer. But whether I think he’s Humanitarian of the Year or a subhuman piece of trash, that’s not gonna change my approach as we head into Retribution in two weeks. It doesn’t matter if he were my best friend or my sworn enemy, I’m walking into that Pay Per View to win back the World Championship.
Jessie Pederson: Zero, I offer you the same question. Do you respect Chandler? What are your thoughts on him as a grappler and as a person?
(Zero raises his head to the question and doesn’t answer straight out of the gate. His eyes narrow.)
Zero McHannon: I respect Chandler as an athlete, not as a person. I said that last December as well and I’ve been sticking to it. I’m surprised we even fit in this room together with the set of egos that we have, but you know what? That’s why I wrestle. It isn’t about going into each week and getting easy match ups so that you can walk through the motions your entire career. That life isn’t for me. It isn’t for Chandler. That part of him, I relate to. I understand. I respect. What I will not put up with is Chandler wanting to take this title off my shoulder, just like I’m not okay with anyone else doing it.
(Zero hikes the FGA World Championship higher on his shoulder.)
Zero McHannon: The moment you look at my championship... The moment you look at me and I can see it in your eyes that you want to be better than me? All bets are off. You’ve crossed into my territory and I’m going to force you off it. Friendships? Nah, seeya later. Think we can have a friendly competition? Over my dead body. I live for wrestling and you’re interfering with my life. Chandler is that person now. He has been that person. We have the same goals and neither of us are going to budge, so I’m going to have to move him my damn self.
Chandler Scott: Good luck with that, by the way.
Jessie Pederson: Gentlemen, I appreciate your time. It appears that you are both at the top of your game and if past performances are any indication, we are in store for a great contest. But before we end this, Chandler, do you have any closing remarks for the champion?
Chandler Scott: Any remarks for the champion?
(Chandler turns his attention back to Zero)
Chandler Scott: …
(Chandler doesn’t say a word. He just continues to stare dead at Zero. Just then, Chandler lets out a smirk.)
Chandler Scott: As I told you four weeks ago, I can’t take away the things you done here. Especially during this calendar year. That FGA World Championship is synonymous with you in 2016, just as it was with me in 2015. But this year, that belt has consistently made it’s way back to you. Props for that. You’re having a great run. Enjoy it. Enjoy the weight of the belt in your hands. Enjoy the scent of the worn leather. Enjoy the way the gold glistens when the light hits it just right. Enjoy being addressed as the Champion of the World. Enjoy it while it lasts, Zero, because that run is coming to a screeching halt in 14 days. And you can suck your teeth and roll your eyes and huff all you want to. I can’t take away your accomplishments. But I can take that World Championship from you. And guess what? I will do everything within the law to make sure that happens.
Jessie Pederson: Zero, you're the champ. The floor is yours. Any last words?
(Zero looks over at Chandler and stares at him for several moments.)
Zero McHannon: Go f*ck yourself.
(McHannon pulls the microphone from his ear and throws it down in the table. He stands up and looks down at the sitting Chandler before holding the FGA World Championship in front of his face.)
Chandler Scott: Yes, I’m well aware of what it looks like. Thank you.
(But Zero doesn’t say a word as he keeps the championship held in Chandler’s face. There’s a moment that passes as Chandler and Zero are deadlocked, but it’s McHannon who walks away while slinging the world title back over his shoulder. The camera slowly pans back to Jessie and Chandler.)
Jessie Pederson: Anything else you’d like to add?
(Jessie leaves the question lingering in the air. But Chandler doesn’t respond. In fact, he doesn’t even look in her direction. He keeps his eyes focused on the path that Zero walked out on, even though the Champion is long gone at this point. Chandler continues to look ahead without turning to Jessie.)
Chandler Scott: Clear the schedule. Mark your calendar. And whatever you do, make sure you’re in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 15, because even seeing it on Pay Per View won’t do it justice. You’re not gonna want to miss this one. Trust me.
(Chandler emerges from his seat, takes off his earpiece, detaches the clip from his shirt and tosses it down next to the table. He then walks off in the opposite direction, leaving Jessie to watch at him leave. She turns to her right, the path which Zero took to leave. The scene slowly fades out.)