Flashpoint (08.25.18)

[FGA Office]

Recorded Earlier

The Burning Heart, James Edwards, rounds a corner with his travel bag slung over his shoulder. He looks surprised to find a camera crew waiting for him.

Cameraman: Do you have a few minutes, James?

Initially miffed because of the perceived ambush, James takes a deep breath to take the edge off of his demeanor.

James Edwards: I’ve got one or two, what do your bosses need from me?

Cameraman: Well, first off, what are your thoughts on facing Mark Bisley tonight?

Edwards slips the bag off his shoulder and stretches for a moment.

James Edwards: I don’t know the guy at all personally, but I’m lookin’ forward to the fight because I need the challenge. Mark is a former tag team champion, which is tough as hell because not only do you gotta trust somebody to watch your back, you gotta trust em’ to hold up their end of the bargain. That takes a lot of focus, which doesn’t surprise me at all. The guy is a damn good technical fighter. He knows his opponents backward and forwards; he’s patient, and he is better on the mat than I am. It ain’t much of a secret that I struggle with guys like that, and I gotta learn to beat em’ sooner rather than later because I need to be at my best soon.

Cameraman: Does this have anything to do with the challenge you made on the last edition of AfterBurn?

James smirks and nods.

James Edwards: Yes sir it does. If you wanna face the best then you damn well better bring your best. No matter who accepts the challenge, I promise they’ll get me at a level better than I was at during All-Star Showdown. Better than I was a few weeks ago when I had Chandler Scott pinned. I don’t aim to steal the show. I wanna win in a big match situation because I want another shot at the new heavyweight championship.

Cameraman: Has any stepped forward yet?

James Edwards: Not yet.

Cameraman: Well you have a platform right now, what do you have to say to any former FGA World Champions watching?

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts.

James Edwards: Any of y’all wanna still prove--

Just then Edwards is interrupted by the sudden arrival on the scene. Brian Stryker is waving his arms back and forth.

Brian Stryker: Whoa whoa whoa. Stop the presses. Did I hear you right? Are YOU challenging the former world champions? YOU think you deserve a shot at the world title? Look, James, I think you’re missing your calling in life, you should be writing comedies cause that’s the funniest sh*t I’ve heard in a long while. The fact you think you can make demands like that is just so laughable I can picture Mike Myers doing a funny accent to it.

Stryker laughs a few times before he suddenly stops and glares at the man who was once a partner in the Brand Wars.

Brian Stryker: The only person who should be making those kinds of claims is me. I’m the one who should be fighting for the top. Cause let’s face it, Flashpoint and by in large FGA needs a guy like me at the top. I’ve have done nothing but brought exposure to FGA. I revived the 15 Championship. I did what no one else could, defending it four times. If it weren’t for a spoiled brat of a GM in Macdonald not liking being told ‘no’, I would’ve been Pride Champ. I’m the untapped oil vein of FGA. Riches beyond their wildest dreams if they take that first chance. So if anything, you got a long way to go before you can make claims like this and try to jump the gate before me. Cause if you do, I’m going to drag you back to the end of the line myself and show you why you shouldn’t cut.

Edwards doesn’t look impressed. His attention turns back to the bag at his side, as he picks it up and adjusts the strap to where it is once again secure on his shoulder. He goes to walk by Stryker only for his former captain to block his path.

James Edwards: You wanna get out of my way, cap?

The last word hangs with a heavy coating of sarcasm, but despite the implied menace, Stryker doesn’t budge.

James Edwards: Aight’, so that’s how this is gonna be, eh?

Edwards lets his question hang in the air long enough to give Stryker a chance to change course. Of course, Stryker doesn’t.

James Edwards: What I’m doing doesn’t concern you Brian, and honestly I don’t give two sh*ts what you think. I played nice in Seattle for the good of the team, and trust me I was tempted as hell to kick your head over the left field wall after all the sh*t you pulled leadin’ up to it. The good thing is though, Team Flashpoint is dead, and that means I don’t have to put up with your bullsh*t anymore. So do me a favor, okay? Keep your loudmouth horsesh*t outta my way, because I’ve got more important people to deal with.

Edwards suddenly shoves Stryker away, causing him to stumble and grab onto the nearest wall to steady himself. As Edwards strides away, he misses something important: Stryker staring an absolute hole in the back of his head, a smirk on his face.

Brian Stryker: Exactly what I wanted out of you.

Stryker turns and walks off.

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
James Edwards vs. Mark Bisley

Edwards explodes at the sound of the bell with a flurry of forearm strikes that immediately ground the surprised Bisley before Edwards hammers his neck with clubbing blows, immediately forcing him onto his stomach and lifting him up for one-- two-- three consecutive German Suplexes! Edwards rips Bisley to his feet and drives him to the canvas with a Back Suplex before going for a cover, but Mark Bisley rolls out of the ring and drops to the floor, using Shintaro Majima’s frame to aid himself to his feet while James Edwards paces the interior of the ring. Bisley shakes his head in annoyance at Edwards before feigning a slide into the ring, luring Edwards in for a stomp that only finds empty canvas as Bisley slides away. Mark Bisley grabs Edwards’ ankles as he tries to regain his footing and drags him out of the ring before swinging him violently into the ringside barricade, following up with a running knee strike to the head, earning boos from the audience! Bisley backpedals and rolls into the ring, instructing the referee to count.

The referee makes it to the count of six before a groggy James Edwards is able to roll back inside, where he’s immediately blasted with a Super Kick by Bisley! Edwards is stunned against the ropes but Bisley unloads with a series of sharp kicks, only backing away at the referee’s behest. Maijima moves slowly toward Edwards, but the ref quickly warns him against it-- allowing Bisley to drop Edwards with a closed fist once he gets up, knocking him into the corner! Bisley follows up with a series of Buzzsaw Kicks (Minnesota Buzzsaw) to James’ ever-reddening chest! Bisley yanks him out of the corner and angles himself to hit a Suplex, but Edwards reverses it, sending Bisley into the corner with a Snap Suplex before quickly following up by dragging him into a Crossface!

Mark Bisley struggles in the hold in agony for a few moments before crawling, coming within an inch of the ropes… but Edwards presses his own foot against the rope to roll both men backwards, into a Head & Arm Choke, though Bisley is able to scramble to the ropes again after a few seconds. Ignoring warnings from the ref, Edwards rises to his feet and rips Bisley away from the ropes, hitting a violent Neckbreaker before rolling out to the apron, ascending to the top rope. Bisley writhes in pain in the center of the apron and Edwards sails across the ring for a Diving Headbutt-- only for Bisley to scoot back and raise both knees, causing Edwards to fly skull-first into them! The audience groans, but Bisley wastes no time forcing the unmoving Edwards to his feet and delivering a Hangman’s Neckbreaker across the knee… Greetings from the Twin Cities! Bisley pushes Edwards onto his back and hooks the far leg for a

ONE
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TWO
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THRE-!

Edwards kicks out to a roar from the audience and a look of disbelief-- and then anger from Mark Bisley. Bisley stomps violently at Edwards’ left leg, grunting louder and louder with each strike. Edwards tries to hide his legs, curling them beneath his body, but Bisley transitions to dropping down, hitting any part of Edwards he can find with stiff knee strikes. He forces Edwards up to a seated position, but Edwards reels him with a hard SMACK! Spit flies out of Bisley’s mouth and he glares at Edwards, going for a Buzzsaw Kick to the head, but Edwards ducks and counters with a Schoolboy that earns him a two-count! Both men scramble to their feet and Bisley goes for a kick to the chest, but Edwards catches him and nails a Leg-Hook Back Suplex, following up with a Saito Suplex. Still dazed from the onslaught before, Edwards is slow getting to a cover, earning a count of one… TWO… but Bisley throws a shoulder off the canvas before three!

The audience applauds the athleticism of both men, but Majima looks displeased on the outside, shaking his head. Edwards seems keen to dispute the count for a moment but sighs and goes back on the offensive, making his way toward the turnbuckles-- but Bisley scrambles to his feet and charges him from behind with a Running Elbow Smash, forcing Edwards into the corner. Bisley shoots the ropes as Edwards stumbles backwards-- right into a Chop Block! Edwards cries out in agony and Bisley hits the ropes in front of him as Edwards stumbles upright, but Bisley catches him with a Running Front Dropkick to the same left leg, proudly exclaiming “You Didn’t See That Coming!” along with a small pocket in the crowd-- but he cries out in frustration as it only earns him a two count! A moment later, Bisley delivers another stomp to the leg for good measure and picks up Edwards’ legs, looking for the Minnesota Cloverleaf-- but Edwards counters into an Inside Cradle!

ONE
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TWO
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TH--!

Bisley kicks out with wide eyes, rising to his feet before Edwards is able to. Edwards tries to fend Bisley off with strikes, but Bisley finds an opening with a sick knee strike to the jaw from the audience! Bisley smirks out to Majima, who shakes his head, calmly instructing Bisley “end this”, not amused by the theatrics. Bisley turns and stomps down on Edwards’ leg before leaning down, grabbing him by the ear as he says something to him that the cameras cant pick up… before taking a step back and blasting him with a slap similar to the one Edwards delivered earlier, turning him around, leaving him open to one German Suplex… two German Suplexes… and Bisley looks to complete the James Edwards-Killer with a Dragon Suplex, but Edwards counters with an Ace Crusher out of nowhere! Both men shakily get to their feet and Edwards hits the Double-Tap consecutive Spinning Backfits, knocking Bisley to a seated position! Edwards clutches his own leg in pain, but glares a hole through Bisley before crying out and rushing him with the PK Kick to the head… Violent Gospel! Edwards collapses on top of Bisley, clutching his own leg in one arm and Bisley’s in the other.

ONE
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TWO
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THREE!

The audience pops as the bell rings and “My Name is Human” hits the PA system. Bisley rolls out of the ring, only kept upright by an expressionless Shintaro Majima while Edwards remains seated, leaning against the ropes, allowing the referee to raise his arm. Bisley looks dejected, gaze set downcast, face slowly morphing into a glare. Edwards slowly gets up from his seated position against the ropes. The Burning Heart makes his way towards the center of the ring when Brian Stryker slides in from behind with a steel chair in hand. Gasps can be heard as Brian Stryker runs up from behind. Before Edwards knows it, Stryker whacks him across the back with the chair. The crowd erupts with boos as Edwards goes down. Edwards gets up on all fours before Stryker takes the chair and flattens him on the canvas with another chairshot to the back. Stryker kicks Edwards over onto his back before taking the top part of the chair's back and repeatedly driving it down against Edwards' chest. Stryker then chokes Edwards with the top of the chair's back until FGA Officials rush the ring and pull Stryker off of Edwards. The officials tend to The Burning Heart while also scolding Stryker, who leaves the ring looking proud of his actions here tonight.

[FGA Office]

The crowd roars with cheers as Chandler Scott appears once again. This time, he’s switched out from his casual attire from earlier and into his ring gear. Chandler walks with a slow pace while he tapes his left wrist. The DNA of FGA continues to get ready for tonight’s main event until he comes to a stop. A perplexed look forms on his face. Into the picture walks Cherry Baum. The Coney Island native gets a roar of cheers from the Tucson crowd.

Cherry Baum: Chandler, I think you and I need to have a little talk

Chandler looks behind him, checking to see if Johnny Karma is lurking out of his line of sight with intent as Cherry provides the distraction, before turning his attention back to Cherry.

Chandler Scott: Ms. Baum. This… is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Without her tone of voice flickering, Cherry gets right into it

Cherry Baum: Well we could break out a bottle of the good stuff and celebrate the news that The Big Bang Theory is coming to an end a mere eight years after it was last funny, but that would get in the way of asking what the hell you meant on the last show when you talked about me like I was some obstacle to be bulldozed out of the way to get to J-K?

Standing with her arms folded and a particularly displeased look on her face, Cherry waits for an answer - and she’s waiting for a damn good one at that

Chandler runs his hand across the back of his neck. He lets out a sigh before continuing.

Chandler Scott: Cherry, I think you might have been mishearing things. So let me clarify something for you.

A pause

Chandler Scott: You, of all people…

Chandler says as he gesticulated with his hand towards Cherry.

Chandler Scott: … should know that when someone has recently gone up against “J-K” with all the marbles on the line, it’s been you that’s been targeted as a way to get to him. That isn’t me pulling something out of thin air. That’s a fact! You have been a distraction. You have been a liability. But with me, you don’t have to worry about that at all.

Chandler place his hand over his heart.

Chandler Scott: I’m not going to attack you. I’m not going to pay off someone to take you out. I’m not like Evan Envi and his ilk. When it comes to getting that International Heavyweight Championship? I’ll just go through Karma and Karma only to get it. I thought I made that perfectly clear last show. Hopefully you hearing it face to face will clear up any misunderstanding you might have.

Rather than look like somebody whose concerns have been eased, Cherry’s expression remains the same

Cherry Baum: So what were you discussing with BROOKFORD earlier? Because if you're going to tell me you’ve no intention of pulling some underhand crap, you probably shouldn’t do it when half the locker room is talking about how you were seen earlier this evening having a cozy chit-chat with someone who thinks he’s owed the title and the chip on their shoulder gets bigger with every week they’re not in contention for it.

Having pointed out that slight omission in Chandler’s argument, Cherry pops a stick of gum in her mouth and begins to chew as she waits for Chandler to explain that one. Chandler cocks his head to the side. The look on his face screams “are you fucking kidding me right now?” He shakes his head while letting out an annoyed sigh.

Chandler Scott: “Half the locker room said this”... “half the locker room said that”. Is this the half of the locker room that I’ve already beaten? Or is this the half of the locker room that’s envious of me being in the spot that they wished they were in? You know what? Forget it. That’s neither here nor there. You want to talk about Brookford? Heh… Let me tell you about Brookford. Brookford is a guy who thinks he has the cure for everyone’s ailments. Brookford is a guy that thinks he can solve everyone’s problem in one fell swoop. But more important to this scenario? Brookford is a bitter man with an ax to grind. He’s still walking around here with his bottom lip poked out because he once again dropped the ball when there was a championship at stake. He thinks that Karma has no business being in this match at Above & Beyond. So he came to me… Yes, you heard that right. There’s nothing wrong with your hearing for once… He came to me talking about how he could guarantee the International Heavyweight Championship for me. And as enticing as that offer would sound to most men, I’m not most men. I’m better than most men and I’m better than stooping to the lows of having Brookford, or anyone else, do something on my behalf.

Cherry Baum: So the TL;DR is, yes, half the locker room was right when they said they saw you and BROOKFORD chatting about whatever you were chatting about.

Having pointed out the lengths Chandler went to to try and prove her wrong by proving she was 100% right, Cherry blows a small bubble from her gum before she continues

Cherry Baum: Here’s the thing, Chandler: from where I’m stood right now, I can't help but see a whole bunch of oddly-specific attempts to change the subject, and if J-K was here right now he’d tell you to...hang on a second…

Pulling her phone out of her pocket like a samurai unsheathing their sword, Cherry rattles her fingers against the screen with alarming speed before peering back above the screen in Chandler’s direction

Cherry Baum: …“shnaydn di bobkes” is the result I got here, so we’ll go with that for now and assume we’re on the right track. Case in point, you say you weren’t looking to pay off BROOKFORD, then a minute or two later say you’ve got no problem listening to what he has to say - and if BROOKFORD happened to suggest a scenario that involved something other than payment, say a title shot down the line, then you’d technically be telling the truth...but you’d also be a stinking liar.

Holstering her phone like a gunfighter holsters their pistol, Cherry can’t resist the urge to throw a quip in Chandler's face.

Cherry Baum: Or are you going to pretend I heard those comments wrong too?

Chandler touches the brim of his nose with his thumb and index finger. To say he was beyond annoyed at this point would be an understatement.

Chandler Scott: From where I’m standing, it’s clear that you have no idea what the hell you’re talking about. So I’m going to explain this one more time, for the last time. And I’m going to take it step by step and I’m going to go reeeeeeeal slooooooow so even someone like you can understand. One, I’m not going after you. Attacking you is low hanging fruit. Two, I didn’t go searching high and low for Brookford. He sought me out. Three, as good of a talker as he is, I’m not interested in what he’s selling. I didn’t win those two World Titles by having other people do the work for me. I didn’t become a Hall of Famer here by having others fight my battles for me. And I won’t become the International Heavyweight Champion by going through you or having Brookford, or anyone else, rough up Karma before Above & Beyond. I’ll become champion by walking into the Staples Center and outwrestling Johnny Karma. I will do so by proving that I am the better man than him inside this ring. On September 22, every head will bow and every tongue will confess that the DNA of FGA is the IHC. Now if you still don’t like that? If you still aren’t satisfied with what I have to say?

Chandler gives Cherry a nonchalant shrug.

Chandler Scott: Then too bad. Go complain to “J-K” or something. I’m sure you can find him moping around outside the arena, as usual.

For a few seconds Cherry stands there, turning her gum over in her mouth as she thinks of what she’s going to say, but once she starts chewing on it once again it's obvious she’s thought of something

Cherry Baum: Then I guess I should explain something to you, Chandler, and I’ll make sure I’m extra clear when I say it: when somebody brings a legit concern to you where they think that you’re up to something shady, concerns brought on by something you yourself said, and you spend a lot of time trying to change the subject, doesn't that sound…shady to you?

Cherry shoots a “Duh…” look in Chandler’s direction

Cherry Baum: Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years you’ll notice a trend of people recruiting backup to get themselves to the top of the pile here, so if you don’t think that it sounds suspicious when the guy who’ll be on the other side of the ring for a title match has been meeting up with some guy offering to throw a few shortcuts their way, knowing full well that same opponent’s been coming up short in a lot of high-profile matches lately, then you’re either naive or a very good liar.

Chandler let’s a “Hmpf!” escape his lips after the latest part of Cherry’s rant. A light smirk forms, even though he finds nothing about this conversation amusing.

Chandler Scott: “Coming up short a lot lately”, huh?

He pressed his tongue firmly against his cheek. A look of contempt is painted on his face.

Chandler Scott: You know what? We’re done here. If Karma’s got a problem with me? You tell him to send himself next time.

With that, Chandler storms past Cherry. But he makes a not to not brush shoulders or bump into Cherry. He continues to match out of Cherry’s view as the scene fades...

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

We cut to the backstage area, opening up on the face of Ashlyn De Luca, earning a roar from the Tucson, Arizona audience. As we pan back, we see that she’s not dressed to compete, though each of the FGA World Tag Team Championships adorn her shoulders. De Luca’s standing in front of a television monitor, apparently watching the aftermath of B4B vs Sweet Meat before her eyes drift toward the doorway.

Ashlyn De Luca: Sup?

We pan out a bit more, revealing the approaching figure of Flashpoint interviewer Amanda Johnson. She gives Ashlyn a smile and then gestures toward the monitor.

Amanda Johnson: Checking out the last Dynamic Duos first-round match of the night?

Ashlyn reaches forward and turns the monitor off before looking back to Amanda.

Ashlyn De Luca: Checking out all the matches.

With a pause, she glances toward the titles and then up toward Amanda again.

Ashlyn De Luca: Especially the opening, obviously. I thought Peaches and Dan had some good points last week, y’know? When the Dogs of War came into FGA, they were hype and… they had that momentum to back it up. Across the board, Dogs of War were probably the single most-discussed unit in the game. They demanded a shot at our-- at the Tag Titles and I braced myself for that. I was down for that, especially after what the Dogs allowed to happen back when Vertigo invaded us.

The champion(s) shrugs a little.

Ashlyn De Luca: Time went by though and their barks didn’t seem all that loud anymore, know what I mean? They had no problem barging into Hadley’s office last week sticking their chests out, but it wasn’t because they won anything. They didn’t climb to the Tag Team Championships. They weren’t laying claim to the Tag Titles because of anything they did. It was because Smart Style lost. The Dogs of War didn’t beast everybody and force themselves to the front of the line. They waited because they figured maybe they should get a shot. And now?

Another shrug.

Ashlyn De Luca: And now, they’ve proven they don’t even need to actually win to get a shot. A triple threat match for the Tag Team Titles is fine. I stay ready. But they’re not necessarily getting a shot for anything they did. They’re being rewarded for what didn’t happen.

Amanda Johnson: And that doesn’t strike you as fair.

The interviewer presents it more as a statement, rather than a question. Ashlyn looks off into the distance, pondering, truly thinking about it for a moment before shaking her head a little.

Ashlyn De Luca: I don’t wanna get hung up on what’s fair. I just…

Amanda takes a step closer to Ashlyn, moving the microphone a bit closer to her.

Ashlyn De Luca: I don’t know what I expect from people, I guess. I wasn’t physically on the show a couple of weeks ago when FGA hosted a Sunday edition of Flashpoint. I had prior contractual obligations, but I went above and beyond to make sure I had a presence on the show, man. Like-- I made time to meet up with Amanda at my house to hold an interview. And then I catch the show at like 1:00 in the morning on Monday, play it back… see Hadley Herrera on screen saying something like… Logan and I didn’t feel the need to show up last week. She couldn’t consult with us about anything relating to the Tag Team Titles because we ‘didn’t show up.’ “Out of the question”, she said. Meanwhile, Logan was here the whole goddamn time. My phone didn’t ring. I didn’t get an e-mail. Text. Fax. Nothin. Didn’t feel the need to show up though.

Ashlyn scoffs… before a bitter laugh escapes her mouth, which she quickly stifles, shaking her head.

Ashlyn De Luca: Yeah, okay.

Amanda Johnson: So… I have to ask, do you agree with some of the statements your tag team partner made during an Afterburn segment last week?

Ashlyn doesn’t respond immediately. She draws a deep breath, looking away before Amanda follows up.

Amanda Johnson: Mainly about not being treated fairly by the Flashpoint GM Hadley Herrera.

Ashlyn De Luca: Told you I didn’t wanna get hung up on stuff like that.

Amanda Johnson: Sounds like you are though.

De Luca shakes her head a little, adjusting the title belts on her shoulders.

Ashlyn De Luca: It’s just funny to me how it works out, I guess. I came to FGA originally as a part of Dynamic Duos over a year ago. I was excited to be able to team up with a man I considered my mentor. I was excited at the possibility of wrestling people I’d never even come across in real life before. I was excited about holding tag team gold for the first time ever. And I did all those things.

There’s a pop and an applause from the crowd during the pause before De Luca goes on.

Ashlyn De Luca: And when it was all said and done, I said “I’d like to stay.” And I went and I heard Macdonald’s offer, but I refused. I stayed loyal to Hadley Herrera because… I dunno, I thought it was the right thing to do. I thought that she had a respect and an understanding for her roster that Brandon didn’t have. And at the end of the day, I don’t wanna make this an “us vs them” thing when it comes to management. That’s old. That’s tired. But…

The bitter laugh returns, though De Luca lets it fly this time, shaking her head again.

Ashlyn De Luca: But it’s crazy to think that under that clown Macdonald, Lowri Moss became a singles champion AND a tag team champion, but here on Flashpoint, I find myself lucky to be booked. Period. Any tournament that comes up, any singles title opportunity… the Chaotics aren’t an option. So yeah, I guess Logan was right about that.

She stands there, silent for a moment, pondering. She turns to look at the interviewer once more.

Ashlyn De Luca: Whatever. That doesn’t matter right now.

The interviewer raises a brow.

Ashlyn De Luca: These are the kinds of conversations you have behind closed doors. Don’t wanna distract from what’s right in front of you. And in this case… that’s Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad. That’s Dogs of War. And I can say with mad confidence that the Chaotics are a different kind of animal, but I can’t say we’re as effective when we’re spending our time fighting with the people making the decisions around here.

Amanda Johnson: What is the state of the Chaotics?

Ashlyn De Luca rubs at her eyes with one of her free hands for a moment.

Ashlyn De Luca: I’ve been thinking about a lot. And um… I think it would probably be best, for now, if I j…

Ashlyn trails off as her eyes drift past Amanda and toward something out of frame. Her expression changes from a casual, confident one, fading back to the lack of amusement-- the annoyance-- she’d worn on her face earlier. Amanda turns quizzically and the camera quickly pans in the direction Ashlyn was looking. There we see Logan Alexander, with an expression on his face that makes it clear that he knows this is someplace that he shouldn’t be right at the moment.

Logan Alexander: Huh… I suppose it’s too late to pivot and leave or backpedal away from this one…

He glances off to the his left.

Logan Alexander: Should have made a right at Albuquerque..

Ashlyn tightens her grip on both championships and takes a step toward Logan… before exhaling and turning to stride past him, out of the locker room without a word, earning a groan from the live audience. Logan watches Ashlyn leave and then reaches up to rub the bridge of his nose, with a slightly pained expression on his face. Amanda steps over to him.

Amanda Johnson: Well… I think that answers my question.

Logan looks to her.

Logan Alexander: What? About…

He then motions to himself and then in the direction Ashlyn had gone.

Logan Alexander: ...us?

Amanda nods.

Amanda Johnson: I was hoping to get Ashlyn’s thoughts on where you two stand. I’ll be happy to get your thoughts if you’d be willing to share.

Logan Alexander: I don’t really have any answers. If Ashlyn didn’t offer you and outright yes or no answer, I’d say she’s still thinking about it. That means she’s looking for the best answer, which is good.

Amanda Johnson: Well, she doesn’t have much time to decide. The Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad and the Dogs of War are now both gunning for the titles in four weeks.

Logan Alexander: I know. And so does Ashlyn. Don’t try and second guess her on this, she’ll make the right choice for herself before then.

Amanda Johnson: But will that choice be for you or not?

At that, Logan just smirks slightly.

Logan Alexander: We’ll see.

He nods to Amanda and then turns away and starts walking off before she can follow up, leaving her wondering how and when this situation between the Chaotics would resolve.

[FGA Office]

★★★ Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament (First Round) ★★★
RubyWay vs. Beauty & The Beast

The match starts off with a collar-and-elbow tie up with Kevin Hardaway and Cassius Reed. Hardaway begins to use his strength advantage to move Reed across the ring. At the last second, Reed pivots and presses K-Hard against the ropes. Once the ref calls for a break, both men appear to make a clean break… until Reed slaps the taste out of Hardaway’s mouth with a Pimp Slap! He then begins to unload on Hardaway with jabs, hooks and body blows to boos from the crowd. The boos then turn to cheers when K-Hard grabs Reed, tosses him into the corner and goes to work with a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. Hardaway follows up with an uppercut, sending spittel flying out of Reed’s mouth before he slumps down in the corner. Hardaway pulls him back up by his afro. After delivering an irish whip, Hardaway follows Reed across the ring and counters with a European Uppercut. After sending Reed back across the ring into the previous corner with another irish whip, Hardaway goes to follow up with another European Uppercut. This time, Reed counters with a back elbow. While Hardaway stumbles back, Reed slingshots himself out onto the apron and goes to follow up with the Funkensteiner. But Hardaway catches him on his shoulders, turns and throws him down with a falling powerbomb! He makes the cover, but Reed gets his shoulder up at two.

Ruby Tyler is soon tagged in and goes to work on Reed. After delivering an arm wrench, she delivers multiple chops to the chest. While still controlling Reed’s arm, Tyler shoots him off into the ropes. When Reed returns, Tyler brings him down with an arm drag. While Reed is trying to get back up, Tyler knocks him back down with a jumping side kick. When Reed trying to get up on a knee, Tyler delivers a hurricanrana, sending The Funky Dragon face-first into the canvas. After Reed rolls himself to the outside, Tyler turns and runs into the far ropes. When she returns, she slams on the brakes when Daph the Destroyer gets right in her way. Daph stands towering over Tyler with her arms crossed. Tyler goes to her left. But Daph steps in her path. She then goes to her right. But again, Daph blocks her. So Tyler decides to unload on Daph with a flurry of right hands. But Daph is eventually able to fight through the strikes and shove Tyler down to the canvas. Tyler gets back up and fires off another flurry of right hands. Daph fights through the blows before shoving Tyler back down. Tyler rolls back to her feet, runs over and throws out a European Uppercut, which knocks Daph back a bit. Hardaway then gets in, runs over and connects with a lariat. This knocks Daph back a bit further. RubyWay then charge over and bring Daph down with a double STO! Reed then slides back in, quickly grabs Tyler from behind and brings her down with a belly to back suplex. He makes the cover, but Hardaway is right there to break up the count at one.

In the fifth minute, Reed brings Tyler down with a neckbreaker before delivering a running leg drop for a two count. He then goes over and tags Daph in. Daph marches over, picks up Tyler and whips her into the ropes. When Tyler returns, she goes for a crossbody block. But Daph catches her in mid air. After Daph hoists Tyler up onto her shoulders, Hardaway gets in the ring and runs at Daph. But Daph knocks him down with a big boot. She then turns and Samoan Drops Tyler down onto Hardaway! The Destroyer then heads into the ropes, comes back and delivers a running splash on both members of RubyWay! ONE! TWO! Tyler gets her shoulder up.

As Daph picks up Tyler, Tyler begin to fight back with punches to the midsection. But Daph cuts off the comeback with a clothesline. After pulling Tyler up into a seated position, Daph runs into the ropes. When she returns, she rolls over Tyler with the Volcano Crush (cannonball)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Tyler gets her shoulder up. After throwing Tyler down with a hard scoop slam, Daph makes the tag out to Reed, who delivers the Funky Knee, Funky Do to Tyler! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Tyler gets her shoulder up. After bringing Tyler down with a reverse DDT, Reed makes the tag out to Daph, who gets back in and leg drops Tyler for another two count. After sending Tyler into the corner, Daph rushes over and goes for The Post-Electric Burn (handspring splash). But Tyler moves out of the way, causing Daph to crash into the corner! As Daph stumbles back away from the corner, Tyler steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, dives off and knocks Daph down with a top rope forearm smash! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Daph shoves Tyler off of her.

As Daph gets up, Tyler runs at her. Daph tries to swat her down with a clothesline. But Tyler ducks and heads into the ropes. When Daph turns around, Tyler brings her down with a Sling Blade! She then turns over and begins to crawl towards the RubyWay corner. Hardaway has his arm held out for the tag. Just as Tyler nears the corner, the crowd boos when Reed grabs her by the ankle and drags her back towards the center of the ring. The Funky Dragon goes to follow up with a jumping left elbow drop. But Tyler rolls out of the way, causing Reed’s elbow to hit the canvas! When Reed turns over and gets up on a knee, Tyler brings him down with the Ruby Cutter (somersault Ace Cutter)! With Reed down, Tyler turns over and crawls back over towards the RubyWay corner. Hardaway is frantically waving Tyler over for the tag. Once Tyler gets within an arm’s distance of the corner, she leaps over to make the tag. But Daph yanks Hardaway off the apron at the last second! She then grabs him by the throat, lifts him up and delivers a two-handed chokeslam across the edge of the apron! The crowd boos when Hardaway goes down. But the boos turn to cheers when Tyler knocks Daph back with a baseball slide. Tyler then slips out onto the apron, jumps off and brings Daph down with a leg lariat! Tyler climbs back up onto the apron, runs, jumps off and crashes down across Daph with Look Out Below (running diving elbow drop off the apron)! Tyler climbs back up onto the apron and waves up Daph. While this is happening, Reed grabs her from behind. But Tyler quickly knocks him off of her with back elbows. When Daph gets back to her feet, Tyler goes for a diving crossbody. But Daph catches her in mid air. Hardaway then rolls back in before running into the far ropes. When he returns, the crowd explodes with cheers when he leaps through the ropes and connects with GTFO~! (Running suicide dive), knocking Daph down! When Hardaway gets up and turns around, Reed goes for a slingshot huracanrana to the outside. But K-Hard catches him across his shoulders, turns, runs down ringside and throws him into the guardrail with the Williams Driver (Tiger Bomb)!!! When Hardaway turns around, Daph drops him with Oliver’s Lament (roundhouse kick)

In the tenth minute, Daph brings the action back inside. She goes for a two handed chokeslam on Tyler. But Tyler counters with a bell clap to the ears. Once Tyler falls to her feet, she unleashes a series of chops and punches. While Daph is rocked, Tyler turns and runs into the far ropes. When she returns, she goes for the Crimson Kiss (Codebreaker). But Daph grabs her in mid air and counters with the Player 2 Kill (Brainbuster drop onto knee)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! The crowd cheers when Tyler gets her shoulder up. After whipping Tyler into the far corner, Daph runs over and hurls herself at Tyler with a hip attack. But Tyler slips out of the way, causing Daph to crash into the turnbuckles! As Daph staggers away from the corner, Tyler runs into the far ropes. When Tyler returns, she knocks Daph down with a running single leg drop! She then gets to her feet, staggers over and tags Hardaway back in. K-Hard rushes back in and brings Daph back down with a spinning headscissors takedown. After delivering a double foot stomp to the chest, Hardaway pulls Daph up into a seated position before heading into the ropes. When Hardaway returns, he flattens Daph with a running knee to the chest! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Daph gets her shoulder up.

Hardaway goes to run into the ropes. Instead of returning, Reed reaches in from the outside and yanks him down to the mat. The boos continue as Reed drags Hardaway to the outside before bringing him down with an inverted facelock backbreaker. When Reed gets back up and turns to his left, Tyler leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him down with a diving forearm smash! She then takes Reed and whips him down ringside and into the guardrail. Tyler runs down ringside to attack when Reed ducks and dumps her over the guardrail and into the crowd!!! Reed rushes over, takes Hardaway and rolls him back inside. The Funky Dragon gets tagged back in during the thirteenth minute. He picks up Hardaway and knocks him into the corner with a European Uppercut. After Hardaway is whipped hard into the opposite corner, Reed runs over and catches him off the rebound with a Spanish Archer! He drops down for the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Hardaway gets his shoulder up. Reed pulls Hardaway back up and rocks him with the Pimp Slap Symposium. After doubling K-Hard over with a boot to the midsection, Reed brings him down with a snap suplex. Reed steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. He then leaps off and goes for a diving somersault leg drop. But Reed rolls out of the way, causing Reed to crash onto the canvas! While Hardaway is down, he turns over and tries to crawl across the ring. K-Hard then leaps over into his corner for the tag. But Tyler is still laid out in the crowd! Reed pulls himself over and tags Daph back in. When Hardaway turns around in the corner, he gets squashed by Daph with The Post-Electric Burn! The Destroyer then shoves Hardaway out of the corner and over towards Reed, who drops him with a discus punch. Daph marches over, pulls up Hardaway and lifts him up for a powerbomb. But Hardway counters with a flurry of right hands to the head. After slipping down in front of Daph, Hardaway grabs her by the wrist and knocks her down with the Decap Lariat (short-arm lariat)! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Reed dives over and breaks up the pin.

Reed takes Hardaway and goes for an irish whip. But K-Hard reverses. When Reed hits the ropes, Tyler returns the favor and yanks him down to the mat. After dragging Reed to the outside, Tyler brings him down with a Sling Blade! Back inside, Daph spins Hardaway around, doubles him over and goes for the Player 2 Kill. But Hardaway blocks. After Tyler rolls back inside, RubyWay deliver a double brainbuster to Daph! They then pick up Daph before sending her off into the far ropes with an irish whip. When Daph returns, RubyWay brings her down with the Crimson Peak (Shatter Machine)! Hardaway makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

RubyWay O || Crimson Peak (16:32) || Beauty & The Beast X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson is backstage standing next to BROOKFORD. The crowd boos upon seeing the big man next to FGA’s resident interviewer. With a white towel around his neck and stoic expression on his face, no mistaking he is all business tonight.

Amanda Johnson: BROOKFORD, two weeks you scored a victory over Salem Kaiser under controvers--

Immediately BROOKFORD cuts her off.

BROOKFORD: Slow your role toots. Controversial? So it’s my fault Savannah can’t keep that temper of hers in check? Would I have preferred to choke Salem out? Sure. A win is a win. The money is the same whether you choke someone out or you win because a hot headed United States Champion didn’t know her place. Her place two weeks ago was not at the announce table. Savannah should have stayed in the back getting ready for her match. Emotions forced her to make a mistake. Lets be real. She may have tried to assault me, I doubt she lost any sleep missing her intended target.

BROOKFORD smirks. As suddenly as he smiles, the smile washes away to an expression of unmistakable annoyance.

BROOKFORD: Who cares about two weeks ago anyway? What about me? What about tonight? Why aren’t we talking about me facing Savannah Taylor for the United States Championship? This non title nonsense is only delaying me from correcting the very mistake made back in January. Hadley continues to ignore the fact that if it wasn’t for Sage gift wrapping Noelle Smith a win, choking Savannah out in the finals of the tournament was written in stone. I should be the reigning; defending United States Champion right now! Not her! Where is my title shot?!

An audible groan can be heard off camera as BROOKFORD and Amanda turn to see United States champion Savannah Taylor making her way into the frame. Her title is grasped firmly over her right shoulder as she rolls her eyes upon seeing the pair.

Savannah Taylor: Awwww, what’s the matter, big fella? You still mad that you got outsmarted by someone and it cost you something that you feel is yours? And now you are out here demanding that you be HANDED a shot at my championship? Am I in the correct ballpark?

She says as she tosses her hair behind her shoulders.

Savannah Taylor: As for where your title shot is? It doesn’t even exist. Yeah, you may have had a somewhat good run back in January, but the record books will show you and everyone else who was in that tournament as being right where they belong….behind me. I’m not sure if you are aware, but there is a pecking order around here. You are nowhere near close to being near the top, so the sooner that you get that through your thick head, the better off we ALL will be.

BROOKFORD closes his eyes. He takes in a long drawn in breathe, he exhales just as slowly. Reopening his eyes he addresses the United States Champion with an eerie calmness

BROOKFORD: Nice speech. Here is what YOU need to understand. I don’t care what your perception is of where my place in the pecker order is. I. Want. My. Shot. Clearly stating my case isn’t good enough. You're hiding behind an imaginary line, champ. Salem wants a shot at you. I may not agree with her getting a shot before me, unlike me, she actually beat you. You can’t deny that. After tonight, you won’t be able to deny me either. Continue to hide behind what your perception of the pecking order is.

BROOKFORD cracks his knuckles.

BROOKFORD: You wanted me to stop complaining? You want me to take action? I’m choking you out tonight. Then we’ll see what excuse you hide behind to deny me what is owed!

Savannah Taylor: It isn’t perception….it’s reality. Obviously your reality is different from everyone else’s, but hey….you do you.

She says as she tilts her head to the side, cracking her neck in the process.

Savannah Taylor: But if you are so hard up for the shot that you claim is yours and if you are THAT determined to choke me out...I’m not even going to make you buy me dinner first. I’ve stared down badder people than you, pal. I’ve been in the ring with people that would make you run back to your mommy in tears. You don’t intimidate me in the least bit. All you are is another intimidating man looking to make a name for himself at the expense of a woman who is literally half of his size. So why don’t you go try your scare tactics on someone who is willing to buy into your line of B.S. I hear Vertigo is looking for someone.

BROOKFORD takes a moment to take in everything the United States Champion had to say. A sigh escapes him.

BROOKFORD: I would be disappointed if you were intimidated by me. Where is the fun that? I love a fight just as much as I love the power of money. Stating I am going to choke you out is not meant to intimidate you, no, not at all. To feel someones body go limp is oddly satisfying. Doesn’t matter who it is. Could be you. Could be Salem... if she didn’t leave the building. Could be your favorite Game of Thrones actor. Choking people out gives me an emotional release.

BROOKFORD shrugs.

BROOKFORD: But anyway. This isn’t personal. I find you... adorable. If it wasn’t for you holding what I feel should be mine, we’d probably laugh over a couple drinks. Your tough. I acknowledge that. You are going to find out what I am willing to do to someone I don’t hate all in the name of restoring the natural order. That’s me taking that..

BROOKFORD points to the United States Championship.

BROOKFORD:... away from you!

The expression on Savannah’s face shows little to no emotion as she steps closer to her much larger opponent. She glances up at BROOKFORD, then down at her championship, then back up at BROOKFORD.

Savannah Taylor: One thing you are going to find out real quick about me is that when someone threatens something I have, I stop at NOTHING until the threat is eliminated. It doesn’t matter how and it doesn’t matter what tactics I use, so long as the threat is neutralized. It doesn’t matter if it is you. It doesn’t matter if it is Salem. Whoever steps up to take my title…..I’m knocking them down. End of story.

BROOKFORD nods his head.

BROOKFORD: Noted. Time for talking is over. I’ll see you out there.

BROOKFORD looks at Amanda who was standing there the entire time watching the tension build between Savannah and BROOKFORD. He rolls his eyes at her. Then he looks at Savannah one last time. Shifts his attention to the United States Championship before giving the emotionless expression Savannah one last glance. He turns his back and walks off.

[FGA Office]

★★★ Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament (First Round) ★★★
B4B vs. Sweet Meat

Ian McKinnon starts off the mat by throwing Riley Sweet down with a pair of arm drags. After an irish whip sends Sweet into the ropes, McKinnon throws her down with a pair of japanese arm drags. McKinnon goes for another irish whip. But this time, Sweet reverses. When McKinnon returns, he goes for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover. But Sweet cartwheels out of it. Once McKinnon gets back to his feet and turns around, Sweet throws out a kick. McKinnon catches her foot. But Sweet quickly follows up with an enzuigiri that sends McKinnon flipping down to the canvas! Sweet makes the cover, but McKinnon kicks out at two. Sweet then picks up McKinnon and shoots him off into the far ropes. When McKinnon returns, Sweet leapfrogs over him. McKinnon continues to run the ropes. When he returns, Sweet knocks him off his feet with a dropkick for another two count. Sweet takes McKinnon and goes for another irish whip. This time, McKinnon reverses. When Sweet returns, she sees McKinnon set up for a back body drop. So she stops in front of McKinnon, turns away from him and rolls across his back as he stands back up. She then grabs McKinnon from behind. But McKinnon is quick to give her three elbows to the face. With the hold broken, McKinnon takes off into the far ropes. When he returns, he executes a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takeover, sending Sweet through the ropes and to the floor. McKinnon then turns and runs into the far ropes. He hopes for a dive to the outside onto Sweet. But Aries Armadaist comes out of nowhere and blindsides him with the Karnage Bomber (Lariat)!!! Sweet rolls back inside and makes the cover. But McKinnon gets a shoulder up at two.

During the third minute, the tag is made out to Armadaist. He grabs a hold of McKinnon and delivers the Headbangers Ball (series of headbutts)! While McKinnon is dazed, Armadaist grabs him and whips him into the far corner. Armadaist then runs over and blasts him with a corner big boot to the face. After McKinnon crumbles from out of the corner, Armadaist makes the cover. But McKinnon gets his foot on the bottom rope at the count of two. Armadaist pulls McKinnon back to his feet and sets up for a Saito Suplex. But McKinnon counters with elbows to the side of the head. He then goes to run off into the far ropes. But Armadaist reaches out, grabs him by the back of the tights, yanks him back over to him and follows up with a hard forearm shot to the lower back. Armadaist quickly follows up with a Cobra Clutch Backbreaker. He makes the cover, but McKinnon gets his shoulder up at two. Armadaist then takes McKinnon and goes for an irish whip. But McKinnon reverses. When Armadaist hits the ropes, he also gets hit with a punch to the back of the head from Trenton Snow! Armadaist staggers back over towards McKinnon, who brings him down with an inverted leg drop bulldog! He reaches over and hooks the leg. But Armadaist gets his shoulder up at two.

In the sixth minute, Snow finally gets tagged in. After stalking Armadaist, Snow pulls him up, only to send him back down with a scoop slam. He circles Armadaist before delivering a stomp to the right bicep, right knee, right ankle, left thigh and left wrist. Snow follows up with a jumping double stomp to the abdomen for a two count. Snow brings Armadaist back to his feet and doubles him over with multiple knees to the midsection. After a knee lift knocks Armadaist upright, Snow runs into the ropes. When he comes back, he runs past Armadaist and into the far ropes. When he returns, he blasts Armadaist with a lariat. But Armadaist only stumbles back. So Snow turns and runs back into the ropes. When he returns, he connects with another lariat. Armadaist stumbles even further back. But he’s still on his feet. With Armadaist reeling, Snow runs back into the far ropes. When he returns, Armadaist throws out the Karnage Bomber. But Snow ducks. As soon as Armadaist turns around, Snow knocks Armadaist down with a hard lariat that catches him right underneath the jaw! Snow drops down and makes the cover, but Armadaist gets his shoulder up at two.

After Armadaist is taken down by a belly to back suplex, Snow makes the tag out to McKinnon, who follows up with a springboard diving leg drop for a two count! He then shoots Armadaist off into the ropes. When Armadaist returns, he sees McKinnon setting up for a back body drop. So he stops, knocks McKinnon upright with a kick to the face and throws him down with a Saito Suplex! Instead of going for the cover, Armadaist gets up, charges over into the B4B corner and sends Snow flying off the apron with a Karnage Bomber!!! When Armadaist turns around and approaches McKinnon, he leaps up and rakes Armadaist across the eyes. With Armadaist stunned, McKinnon turns and runs into the far ropes. But he gets caught with a rope-assisted gamengiri to the back of the head from Sweet. As McKinnon staggers back towards the center of the ring, Armadaist knocks him down with a running leaping headbutt! He rolls across McKinnon and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! McKinnon gets his shoulder up.

As the match continues in the tenth minute, Sweet is tagged back in. She goes for a snap suplex, but McKinnon blocks it. He then goes for a vertical suplex as a counter. But Sweet slips down from behind. When McKinnon turns around, Sweet throws out a punch. But McKinnon swats it away and counters with a punch of his own. He goes to follow up with a kick to the midsection, but Sweet catches his foot and knocks him down with a step-over spinning kick! After pulling McKinnon back up, she brings him back down with a snap suplex for another two count. McKinnon then reverses an irish whip, sending Sweet off into the ropes. When she returns, she brings McKinnon down with a Sling Blade! Sweet returns to her feet and heads into the far ropes. When she returns, she follows up with a running Shooting Star Press! She hooks the leg. ONE! TWO! TH-NO Snow rushes over and throws out a jumping elbow drop. But Sweet rolls out of the way, causing McKinnon to get hit with the elbow drop! As Snow tries to get back up, Sweet knocks him back down with a Buzzsaw Kick! She turns back to McKinnon and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! McKinnon gets his shoulder up.

Sweet takes McKinnon and whips him into the corner. She then runs across the ring and goes for a Corner Shining Wizard. But McKinnon ducks and dumps her over the top rope. After Sweet lands safely on the apron, Mckinnon goes to attack. But Sweet ducks and doubles him over with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. Sweet follows up by slingshotting herself over the top rope and bringing him down with a leg trap sunset flip powerbomb!!! The ref slides into place to make the count. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Snow breaks up the pin with a hard kick to the back. Sweet then makes the tag out to Armadaist, who gets in, yanks up McKinnon and whips him into the corner. He runs over and blasts McKinnon with another Karnage Bomber, sending McKinnon slumping down in the corner! Armadaist pulls him up by the hair and goes for the Ontario Stampede (running bulldog) out of the corner. But McKinnon shoves him off into the ropes. When Armadaist returns, McKinnon goes for a leapfrog. But Armadaist catches him in mid air and throws him down with a spinning spinebuster!!! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! McKinnon gets his shoulder up. After a scoop slam, Armadaist steps out onto the apron and scales to the top turnbuckle. He leaps off for a diving headbutt. But McKinnon rolls out of the way, sending him crashing face-first onto the canvas! McKinnon then rolls over, reaches up and tags Snow back in.

Snow marches over in the sixteenth minute and whips Armadaist into the ropes. When Armadaist returns, Snow brings him down with a Mountain Bomb! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Armadaist gets his shoulder up. Snow pulls Armadaist back up and nails him with a forearm strike. Armadaist returns the favor with a forearm of his own. Snow then nails him with two more forearm shots. Armadaist returns the favor with a forearm shot of his own. Snow then delivers two more forearm shots. Armadaist motions for a strike. But Snow cuts him off with a forearm strike! Snow then nails Armadaist with another forearm strike… and another… and anoth-NO! Armadaist lunges forward and cracks him with a headbutt!!! While Snow is dazed, Armadaist turns and runs into the ropes. When he returns, Snow cuts him off with a back elbow. While Armadaist is stunned, Snow turns and runs into the ropes. When he comes back, Armadaist throws out another Karnage Bomber. But Snow ducks. When both grapplers turn around to face each other, Armadaist throws out a feint punch. As soon as Snow bites on the fake and ducks, Armadaist quickly grabs him and plants him with a DDT! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! McKinnon dives over and breaks up the pin!

This brings in Sweet, who comes out of nowhere and knocks McKinnon down with a flying knee kick! Across the way, Armadaist drops Snow with Wham, Bam, Thank Ya Ma'am (Three Left Handed Jabs, a Right handed Hook, and finished with a Bionic Elbow)! Back across the ring, Sweet runs into the ropes, comes back and goes for the God Stomp (Curb Stomp). But McKinnon slips out of the way and counters with a poison rana before rolling to the outside! In the far corner, Armadaist begins to turn up the band as he has his sights set on delivering a nut cracking, ball breaking, future-children-being-born-with-flat-heads kick to the groin. Once Snow finally gets back to his feet and turns around, Armadaist motions to run out of the corner and deliver the Dick Kick. But McKinnon reaches back into the ring from the outside, yanks Armadaist down to the mat, takes him by the ankles and pulls him groin-first into the ring post!!! While McKinnon climbs up onto the apron and then climbs the turnbuckles, Snow pulls Armadaist from out of the corner, lifts him up and brings him down with the Winter Solstice (Crucifix Cutter)! McKinnon turns around on the top, flips off and crashes down across Armadaist’s back with Superman’s Dead (double rotation moonsault)! Snow turns over and makes the cover while McKinnon watches out for Sweet. ONE! TWO! THREE!

Best for Business O || Superman’s Dead (18:40) || Sweet Meat X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Johnny Karma vs. Alex Chalwell

The match starts as both competitors circle the ring before locking up collar and elbow. Karma manages to use his slight size advantage to overpower his opponent, moving Alex back into the corner. The referee calls for a break, which he gets before Chalwell rakes the eyes of his opponent! He throws Karma into the corner and immediately goes to town, unloading with a series of rights and lefts to the midsection. The referee intervenes again, forcing Chalwell back a step, before he charges in with a clothesline!

The crowd seem surprised by the opening of the match as they begin to rally behind Karma. But a swinging neckbreaker takes the former Undisputed champion down to the mat as Chalwell covers for a one count. He pounds the mat in frustration, but quickly gets back to his feet as he puts the boots to Karma, keeping him down. Or, try to keep him down. Karma gets back to his feet in time to take a snapmare, and a boot to the spine to follow. This time, however, Chalwell grabs his opponent by the hair and throws J-K out through the ropes. Alex follows him out, bouncing Karma’s head off the apron before whipping him back first into the guard rail. Just to soften him up. The referee starts to warn Alex to bring the action back into the ring, but not before he grabs Karma in a bearhug and runs the former Undisputed champion back first into the steel ring post.

After that, Alex rolls his opponent back into the ring and covers for a two count. That doesn’t sit right with the former CWL Caribbean Heavyweight Champion, who asks the referee if he knows how to count. Frustrated, Chalwell drags his opponent back to his feet once again. He attempts a short arm clothesline, but Karma ducks under the arm and counters with a belly-to-belly suplex as Alex turns around! The crowd cheer as Chalwell bounces off the mat, only for both men to quickly get back to their feet. Karma grabs his opponent by the arm, wrenching it into a hammerlock as he goes behind again, this time lifting Alex up for a belly to back suplex! The trifecta is completed as Chalwell staggers to a vertical base, only to wander right into the Dynamite Karma (hammerlock suplex). But Karma’s pin attempt is only able to garner him a two count.

Chalwell rolls out of the ring shortly thereafter, trying to gather his bearings as Karma takes a moment to tend his back after that collision with the ring post earlier. The crowd’s jeers seem to be getting to Chalwell as he swats away a fan’s sign, which is enough to draw Karma out of the ring. He catches Alex from behind with a clubbing forearm, before bringing him back towards the ring. Chalwell’s head gets bounced off the apron before he’s rolled inside. Johnny head to the corner, ascending to the middle rope for a diving fist drop!

Karma keeps control for another minute or so, showing off his strength as he lands a huge spinebuster and a snap scoop powerslam off the ropes. But Chalwell has the wherewithal to kick out at two. A jumping knee drop a moment later prompts Karma to cover again, but still he can only manage a two count. Alex seems to be trying to find an opening, however, raising his boot after being sent to the corner – but Karma sees it coming and catches the foot. He brings his opponent hopping out of the corner before sweeping the leg. A quick spin and the catapult looks inevitable, only for Alex to land on the middle rope in a feat of impressive athleticism. Johnny finds himself on the receiving end of a boot to the face to put some distance between them, before Alex leaps off the middle rope with a flying clothesline!

But he soon grasps at his shoulder, a lingering effect of those hammerlock suplexes earlier. Undeterred, Chalwell picks up his second wind as he performs a Garvin stomp, using one of Karma’s patented moves against him, much to the chagrin of the crowd. The Virgin Islander upping the aggression as he slams Karma back into the corner for some shoulder thrusts to the gut. He brings Karma out of the corner with an atomic drop, leaving the former Undisputed champion in the center of the ring as Chalwell runs against the far ropes, coming back with a big time lariat! The pin attempt follows, but Alex can only get a two count.

Chalwell maintains the advantage for a couple of minutes, wearing Johnny down with a variety of slams and suplexes. Even an old school stump piledriver gets thrown in there, but Karma keeps kicking out each time. The bridging fisherman suplex scores him a two and a half count, but Alex Chalwell isn’t happy about that. Much like you’d expect. Chalwell brings his opponent back to his feet once again, forcing Karma back into the corner. Some knee lifts to the gut take the wind out of his sails before Johnny is whipped from pillar to post. And with enough force that he staggers away from the turnbuckle, right into a “Thru the Virgin Isles” (Tilt-A-Whirl Mat Slam) – NO! Karma reverses, dropping down behind his opponent as he applies an abdominal stretch!

The fans are caught off guard by the counter; they immediately begin cheering as Karma applies the submission hold. His attempts to transition into a full nelson slam and complete the Paris Journal, however, don’t pay off. Chalwell breaks free from the submission and turns around, right into the path of the Sugar Ray Karma (three left jabs followed by a right hook). Down he goes as Johnny Karma summons up what’s left of his energy. Chalwell hits the mat, but he’s quickly back up, albeit in a daze as Karma drops him with the Bum Trip (Shoulder Neckbreaker).

That one keeps him down for a moment as Karma gets back to his feet in the corner. Chalwell forces himself back to a vertical base, shaking off the effects of those last few moves as Karma launches himself forward with the Check Your Chicklets (super kick), connecting right on the jaw! He staggers backwards, bouncing off the ropes in a daze. But Karma is ready for him, grabbing Alex Chalwell by the wrist as he hits the Hard Times (wrist lock transitioned into a bionic elbow). And with a hook of the leg, Johnny Karma is able to pick up the three count.

Johnny Karma O || Hard Times (13:53) || Alex Chalwell X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

HEADLINE
★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Savannah Taylor vs. BROOKFORD

The match starts off with the US Champion trying to take BROOKFORD off his feet with a pair of dropkicks. The last of which has the Problem Solver reeling. While BROOKFORD is stunned, the Las Vegas Siren turns and runs back into the far ropes. When she returns, BROOKFORD turns her inside out with a lariat takedown! He yanks Taylor up off the mat by the wrist before bashing her with a short-arm elbow smash. BROOKFORD pushes Taylor away from him… only to yank her back up by the wrist and bash her with another short-arm elbow smash to the face! While Taylor is dazed, BROOKFORD turns and runs into the far ropes. When he returns, Taylor stops him in his tracks with a yakuza kick. While BROOKFORD is dazed, Taylor turns and motions to run into the far ropes. But BROOKFORD quickly grabs her from behind and throws her down with a release German Suplex! The move sends Taylor bouncing off the apron before she rolls out onto the apron. While the Las Vegas Siren struggles to pull herself up onto the ropes, BROOKFORD heads into the far ropes. When he returns, he throws out a spinning backfist. But Taylor ducks and pulls down the top rope, sending BROOKFORD flipping over the top rope and falling down hard to the floor! Once the Problem Solver picks himself back up on the outside, Taylor is quick to knock him back down with an Asai Moonsault! Taylor brings the match back inside and makes the cover. But BROOKFORD kicks out at two.

As the match continues, Taylor brings the match into the corner and delivers a series of knife edge chops. She goes for an irish whip, but it gets reversed. BROOKFORD then runs across the ring to attack. But Taylor catches him with a back elbow to the face. She then hoists herself up onto the middle ropes and throws out a front kick. But BROOKFORD catches her foot before yanking her off the ropes, sending her down back-first to the mat. BROOKFORD pulls Taylor back up and knocks her across the ring with backhand chop after backhand chop. The last chop knocks Taylor into the corner. From there, the Problem Solver sends Taylor slumping down in the corner with Mongolian Chops. He then turns and runs into the adjacent set of ropes. When BROOKFORD returns, he connects with a running facewash! After pulling Taylor up from out of the corner, BROOKFORD flings her towards the center of the ring with a T-Bone Suplex. He makes the cover, but Taylor gets her shoulder up at two.

In the fifth minute, BROOKFORD brings Taylor down with a snap suplex. The Problem Solver then delivers a second snap suplex. He makes the cover, but Taylor gets her shoulder up. BROOKFORD pulls Taylor up by the hair before slapping her across the back of the head. He then turns Taylor towards him before whacking her across the face with an open hand slap. The blow sends Taylor staggering over into the ropes. After BROOKFORD approaches and turns Taylor around, she blasts him with a punch to the face. Taylor then delivers another punch… and another… and another. Taylor goes to run into the far ropes, but BROOKFORD grabs her from behind again. This time, she blocks the German Suplex with multiple back elbows to the face. The US Champ then takes off into the ropes. When Taylor returns, BROOKFORD throws out another spinning backfist. But Taylor ducks. When BROOKFORD turns around, Taylor catches him with the Ultimecia (spinning backfist)! She then knocks BROOKFORD back with another Ultimecia! While BROOKFORD is dazed, Taylor takes him by the wrist and whips him into the far ropes. When BROOKFORD returns, Taylor tackles him down with a Lou Thesz Press before unloading a series of right hands ot the face. BROOKFORD then rolls over on top of Taylor, grabs her by the hair with both hands and rams the back of her head against the canvas! While still holding onto Taylor’s her, BROOKFORD pulls her back up to her feet before flinging her across the ring! As Taylor slowly pulls herself up using the ropes, BROOKFORD marches across the ring and hooks her arms from behind. After placing Taylor in a full nelson, BROOKFORD drags the US Champ back towards the center of the ring. He lifts Taylor up for a sitout full nelson atomic drop. But Taylor reverses into a wheelbarrow victory roll. ONE! TWO! BROOKFORD kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, BROOKFORD throws out a slap, which Taylor ducks. He then throws out a left handed slap. But again, Taylor ducks. She then doubles him over with a boot to the gut before planting him with a DDT! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! BROOKFORD kicks out. Taylor picks up BROOKFORD and goes for an irish whip, but BROOKFORD reverses. When Taylor returns, she sees BROOKFORD set up for a back body drop. So she stops and counters with The Gamble (corkscrew neckbreaker)! She makes the cover. ONE! TWO! BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up. After an irish whip sends BROOKFORD into the corner, Taylor runs across the ring and connects with a hip strike. The Las Vegas Siren goes to follow up with a bulldog when BROOKFORD shoves her off into the ropes. When Taylor returns, she slides through BROOKFORD’s legs. When BROOKFORD turns around, he gets rocked with a roundhouse kick. She then grabs BROOKFORD and drives him down with the Blonde Ambition (forward russian legsweep)! Taylor struggles to push BROOKFORD over before making the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! BROOKFORD gets his shoulder up.

In the ninth minute, a bulldog brings BROOKFORD down. Taylor then steps out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and goes for a Frog Splash. But BROOKFORD gets his knees up, causing Taylor to crash across them! After bouncing off of BROOKFORD’s knees, Taylor turns over and curls up. BROOKFORD then returns to his feet and overwhelms Taylor with palm strikes and Kesagiri chops. The Las Vegas Siren is then sent into the corner with an irish whip. BROOKFORD runs across the ring and connects with a corner elbow. He then goes for an irish whip. But Taylor reverses, follows him across the ring and connects with a hesitation dropkick! After shoving BROOKFORD out of her way, Taylor steps out onto the apron, climbs to the top turnbuckle and crouches down. When BROOKFORD turns around, Taylor stands back up and flips off for the Dancing Mad (diving somersault hurricanrana). But BROOKFORD catches her in mid air and counters with a powerbomb! He drops down and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Taylor gets her shoulder up! BROOKFORD pulls up Taylor, lifts her up and throws her down with a pumphandle powerslam! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Taylor gets her shoulder up. The Problem Solver then sends Taylor into the far ropes. When she returns, BROOKFORD throws her down with a sitout spinebuster! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Taylor gets her shoulder up. After rocking Taylor with a series of trapping headbutts, BROOKFORD lifts up the US Champion and plants her with a brainbuster! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! THRE-NO! Taylor gets her shoulder up.

BROOKFORD moves the action back into the corner as he grabs Taylor by the throat and pressed her against the turnbuckles. From there, he sends Taylor slumping back down in the corner with another set of Mongolian Chops. BROOKFORD then runs into the far ropes, comes back and blasts Taylor with a running facewash. He runs back into the far ropes, comes back and delivers another facewash. BROOKFORD then takes off into the far ropes once again. When BROOKFORD returns, he goes for a cannonball. But Taylor rolls out of the way, sending BROOKFORD crashing into the turnbuckles! Once BROOKFORD finally gets back to his feet, Taylor leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him down with a missile dropkick to the back of the head! She then steps back out onto the apron, scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and crashes across BROOKFORD with a Frog Splash! Taylor bounces off of BROOKFORD before turning over and clutching her midsection. The crowd begins to buzz after both grapplers start to stir on the canvas. Just then, the crowd explodes with cheers when Salem Kaiser is seen making her way down the ramp. The Witch continues to walk down to the ring with a purpose. Her eyes are focused solely on what’s going on in the ring. Kaiser climbs up onto the apron before stepping in through the ropes. The ref heads over and instructs The Witch to leave the ring. But Kaiser gently moves the ref from out of her way. As BROOKFORD turns to face Kaiser, The Witch runs over, leaps into the air and cracks him across the jaw with the New Hampshire Handshake (Superman Elbow Strike), knocking the Problem Solver down to the mat!!! She then turns to the Las Vegas Siren. After doubling Taylor over with a boot to the midsection, Kaiser hooks her arms. She then looks around at the crowd before driving Taylor face-first into the mat with the Hijack Kevorkian (spinning lifting double underhook facebuster)!!! The ref calls for the bell while both BROOKFORD and Taylor are laid out. Kaiser takes in the chants from the crowd before slipping to the outside and making her way back up the ramp.

Savannah Taylor X || No Contest (12:49) || BROOKFORD X

★★★ COMMERCIAL BREAK ★★★

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
★★★ SINGLES MATCH ★★★
Chandler Scott vs. Brian Stryker

The bell sounds as Stryker tries to get the jump on Scott to start tonight’s main event. But Scott ducks and lifts Stryker up across his shoulders. The crowd cheers as he heads to the center of the ring and looks to deliver a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! But Stryker counters with back elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down behind Scott, Stryker grabs him and goes for Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex). But Scott counters with a back elbow to the back of the head. He then runs into the far ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd boos when Stryker knocks him down with a running dropkick. Another dropkick returns Scott to the mat. Stryker then takes Scott and whips him into the far ropes. Stryker runs into the corner, but Scott ducks and dumps him over the top rope. When Scott turns around, Stryker nails him with a punch to the face. Stryker then goes for a springboard maneuver. But as Stryker is in mid-jump, Scott connects with a Pinpoint Dropkick, knocking Stryker down to the floor! While Stryker tries to pick himself up on the outside, Scott heads into the corner and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Once Stryker gets to his feet and turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Scott leaps off and knocks him down with a Frog Splash crossbody! Scott brings the action back inside and makes the cover, but Stryker gets his shoulder up at two.

Scott goes to control the arm in the second minute. After delivering another arm wrench, the crowd boos when Stryker rakes Scott across the eyes. Stryker then takes advantage of the opening and wrenches Scott’s arm repeatedly. He then tries to rip the arm from out of its socket, sending Scott down to a knee. When Scott gets back up, Stryker knocks him down with the First Stryke (arm twist/hook kick combo). He then picks up Scott, moves him into the corner and nails him with two forearm strikes. After an irish whip sends Scott into the far corner, Stryker runs across the ring and connects with a corner dropkick! Scott staggers along the ropes before dropping down to a knee. Stryker pulls him up from behind, drags him back towards the center of the ring and brings him down with Stryke 2 for a two count! Scott is then shot off into the far ropes. When Scott returns, Stryker knocks him down with a back elbow to the face. As Scott turns over onto a knee, Stryker runs over and connects with a spiking hurricanrana! He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! Scott gets his shoulder up.

In the fifth minute, Scott reverses an irish whip, sending Stryker into the ropes. When Stryker returns, he brings Scott down with a running hurricanrana. As Scott gets back to his feet, Stryker runs over and knocks him down with a clothesline. He pulls Scott back up and hits him with a forearm strike before whipping him back into the far corner. Stryker runs over, connects with a corner elbow and follows up with a CSS Enzuigiri! While Scott is rocked, Stryker turns him around, lifts him up and sits him down on the top turnbuckle facing away from the ring. When Stryker climbs up onto the middle ropes, Scott starts to fight back with back elbows to the face. The last of which knocks Stryker down to the mat. When Scott gets up on the top turnbuckle, Stryker runs over and shoves him off, sending Scott crashing into the guardrail!!! The cowd erutps with boos as Scott curls up on the outside. Once Scott finally picks himself back up, Stryker is right there to knock him back down with a high angle body press! Stryker mounts himself on top of Scott and rains down a flurry of short range right hands to the face. Stryker bring the action back inside and makes the cover. ONE! TWO! T-NO! Scott gets his shoulder up.

After delivering a snap suplex, Stryker steps out onto the apron. He takes in the boos from the crowd before scaling the turnbuckles. Once he reaches the top, he leaps off and goes for a diving leg drop. But Scott rolls out of the way! The crowd cheers when Stryker crashes onto the mat! The cheers then get even louder when Scott gets back to his feet and goes to set up Stryker for the Scott Lock (Scorpion Death Lock). But Stryker reaches up and gouges his eyes! After Scott drops down to all fours, Stryker gets back up and nails him with a punt kick to the ribs that knocks him over onto his back. Stryker continues his assault with several stomps to the chest. After pulling Scott back up, Stryker doubles him over with a knee to the midsection before bringing him down with the Freak Accident (pumphandle neckbreaker lift dropped into a cutter)! Stryker then heads into the corner, scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and crashes down across Scott with a corkscrew moonsault! He hooks the leg. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Scott gets his shoulder up. Stryker delivers a backbreaker before heading over into the corner. He then steps out onto the apron and goes for Flight of the Valkyries (Springboard Crossbody preceded by a top rope rope walk). But Scott catches him, lifts him up across his shoulders and counters with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker! The crowd cheers after the counter, but Scott isn’t able to capitalize. With both grapplers down, the ref starts his count.

ONE!




TWO!





THREE!




FOUR!




FIVE!

After both grapplers return to their feet, Stryker connects with a right hand. Scott answers back with a punch of his own. Stryker connects with another right hand. Scott answers back with a punch of his own. Stryker connects with an-NO! Scott blocks and counters with a punch. He then hits Stryker with another punch… and another… and another. He goes for an irish whip. But Stryker reverses. When Scott returns, he brings Stryker down with a Sling Blade! After pulling Stryker up into a seated position, Scott runs off into the ropes. When he returns, he throws out a sliding forearm smash. But Stryker rolls out of the way. When both grapplers return to their feet, Stryker knocks Scott down with a running spinning heel kick. He then turns and heads into the ropes. When Stryker returns, he goes for a running Shooting Star Press. But Scott rolls out of the way! He then grabs a hold of Stryker and hits a snap suplex. Scott then rolls over, pulls him back up and hits a second snap suplex. He then pulls Stryker back up, backs up towards the corner and delivers a snap suplex into the turnbuckles! Scott makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Stryker gets his foot on the bottom rope.

As the match continues in minute eleven, Scott shoots Stryker into the far ropes. When he turns, Scott throws him down with a big back body drop. He follows up with a jumping knee drop. Scott makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Stryker gets his shoulder up. Scott pulls up Stryker and whips him hard into the corner. As Stryker staggers out of the corner, Scott scoop him up from the side and delivers a running backbreaker. He makes the cover. ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Stryker gets his shoulder up. Scott picks up Stryker and sends Stryker stumbling backwards into the corner after a hard European Uppercut. He then lifts Stryker up onto the top turnbuckle. As Scott scales the ropes, Stryker hits him with punches to the face. The boos continue when he shoves Scott down to the canvas! Stryker then stands up on the top turnbuckle and goes for the Air Stryke (Shooting Star Press). The crowd gasps when Scott rolls out of the way. Instead of crashing onto the canvas, Stryker lands on his feet! When he turns around, he grabs Scott and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Scott around, he goes for an irish whip. But Scott reverses, runs across the ring and nearly knocks Stryker’s head off with a running European Uppercut! After sending Stryker into the far corner with an irish whip, Scott runs, jumps and nails Stryker with a flying corner elbow smash! While Stryker is dazed, Scott lifts up Stryker and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. He then turns away from Stryker, places him in a three quarter facelock and sets up for the Mass Spike (top rope-hung Cutter(. But Stryker’s able to unhook his legs. After Stryker spins Scott back towards him, the crowd erupts with boots when Stryker kicks him blatantly below the belt. Scott’s legs buckle before he drops to his knees. The ref calls for the bell.

Chandler Scott O || Disqualification (12:06) || Brian Stryker X

After the match, Stryker berates Scott before kicking him down to the mat with a boot to the face. Stryker mounts himself on top of Scott and rains down right hands to the face.

STRYKER SUCKS!
STRYKER SUCKS!
STRYKER SUCKS!

Boos continue to fill the arena as Stryker pulls Scott back up to his feet. He then grabs Scott before throwing him down with Stryke 2! After dragging Scott into position, Stryker steps out onto the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle. Just as Stryker is about to flip off and crash down across Scott with the Air Stryke, officials race down to the ring and get in front of Scott. They berate Stryker for his actions against Scott, as well as James Edwards from earlier in the night. Stryker smirks while he slowly climbs down to the apron. Stryker mouths off at the officials before dropping to the floor. The boos continue to rain down on Stryker as he makes his way around ringside and up the aisle. The show closes with Stryker standing at the top of the ramp with his arms held high in “victory”...