Vertigo 102 (04.27.23)

[FGA Office]

TAG TEAM MATCH
Def Before Dishonor vs. Illuminati PROJEKT

TJ and Gwen start things off for their respective squads. Gwen is the first to attack, forgoing a collar-and-elbow with a boot to the midsection before unleashing a barrage of forearm strikes. Gwen then returns off the ropes with a wheelbarrow facebuster for a two count. After bringing the action into her team’s corner, she tags in Uncle Monty before the two of them deliver alternating knife edge chops. They then start to pull TJ out of the corner before throwing him hard back into the turnbuckles.

From there, Monty connects with a leaping elbow strike before going for a bulldog out of the corner. At the last second, TJ blocks by pushing him off into the ropes. When Monty returns, he brings TJ down with a hurricanrana. The Funky Technician is able to return to his feet and return the favor with a running hurricanrana of his own. After Monty gets sent for the ride, a pair of japanese arm drags bring him down to the mat. Gwen then rushes in before getting brought down with a japanese arm drag for her troubles. Once Sparrow gets in, Def Before Dishonor set up for an irish whip. Illuminati PROJEKT are quick to reverse, sending them into the fair ropes. When Sparrow & TJ return, they deliver hurricanranas, sending both Monty and Gwen to the outside. Gwen and Monty are able to pick themselves up off the floor. But before they can regroup, Def Before Dishonor take them out with Fosbury Flops to the outside!

Sparrow brings the action back inside. Once he’s got Monty in position, Def Before Dishonor hit a Slingshot Flatliner [TJ] & Wheelbarrow Facebuster [Sparrow] combination for a two count. Monty gets dragged into the corner before Sparrow gets tagged in. With the United States Champion now the legal man, he unleashes corner chest kicks on Monty before sending him for the ride. Monty avoids a back body drop by rolling cross Sparrow’s back, running over into the opposing team’s corner and knocking TJ off the apron with a leaping elbow strike. Sparrow then gets knocked back with a back elbow to the face before Monty brings him down with a diving sunset flip for a two count. After wrenching the arm, he drags Sparrow over into the Illuminati PROJEKT corner before tagging his niece back in. With Gwen in control, she brings Sparrow down with a spinning back kick into a russian leg sweep for a two count. A basement dropkick followed by a Penalty Kick gets another two count. Gwen then tries for a German Suplex, but Sparrow counters with a back elbow to the face. He then performs a standing switch and tries for a German Suplex of his own, but Gwen blocks it. After swinging her head back and catching Sparrow in the face, she performs a standing switch and chucks Sparrow with a German Suplex. Luckily for Sparrow, he rotates in the air and lands on his feet. He quickly stumbles back and tags in The Funky Technician. TJ then tries for a springboard forearm strike, but Gwen blasts him with a superkick in mid air! She goes for the cover and gets the ONE, TWO, THR-NO!

Sparrow leaps across the ring to make the save.

Illuminati PROJEKT remain in control, delivering CONFYRMATION (Low superkick (Gwen) / running knee smash (Monty)) followed by the EXCELLENT ADVENTURE (Reverse STO (Gwen) / jumping enzuigiri (Monty)) for a two count. Once the tag is made, TJ gets brought down with the TRUTH IS OUT THERE (Uppercut to the back of the head (Monty) followed by swinging neckbreaker (Gwen)) for another two count. After TJ gets brought down with a double gourdbuster, Illuminati PROJEKT nearly knock his head off with GOES TO ELEVEN (Double superkick)! Monty makes the cover and gets the ONE, TWO, THRE-NO! TJ gets the shoulder up in time.

Monty then goes to the top to put TJ away with a springboard crossbody, but TJ counters with a dropkick in mid air. Moments later, TJ dives over and makes the tag out to Sparrow. The West Indian Whirlwind strikes first, bringing down Monty with a successful springboard crossbody for a two count. Monty then reverses an irish whip, sending Sparrow into the ropes. When Sparrow returns, he steps through a hip toss attempt before throwing Monty down with a hip toss of his own. Monty gets back up and runs over to attack, but Def Before Dishonor ring him down with a double arm drag followed by Penalty Kicks. Gwen rushes back in for the save, but she gets dazed with a stereo superkick. TJ then runs over and slides behind Gwen before Def Before Dishonor bring her down with a spinning legsweep/leg lariat combination! After Monty gets whipped hard into the corner, he starts to stagger out until a shotgun dropkick from Sparrow sends him flying back into the corner. Monty remains in the seated position until def Before Dishonor come from both sides and crack him with Below The Heavens (Tandem Buck 50/Corner Facewash Boot [TJ] & Love TKO/Corner Shining Axe Kick [Sparrow])! From there, Def Before Dishonor finish things off with Technical Kicks (TJ hits the opponent with the Set’ Em Straight (Busaiku Knee Strike) followed up by Sparrow’s Notorious K.I.C.K II (Top Rope Double Foot Stomp)) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Def Before Dishonor O || Technical Kicks (8:29) || Illuminati PROJEKT X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

We move backstage, to see the cameras focusing in on the curvy visage of the Apex Goddess. The crowd cheers as the lenses focus on the brunette framed face of Fujiko Mine. The camera pulls back to see she has her nightly wrestling attire underneath a black leather jacket. She continues to approach the trajectory of the camera, despite it pulling away from her. She momentarily glances into it, a mysterious expression on her face. She allows it to linger for but a moment, then she adjusts her sightline to something to the left of the view.

She saunters forward a bit more, and then speaks up.

Fujiko Mine:You know, years ago this was a dream match for ya girl. This would’ve been a match I clamored for. A chance to prove myself against HENNY heartache? Oooh I would’ve salivated at the idea. HENNY’s been around a while. Something of a legend even. But we’re not in that realm anymore.

She shrugs simply.

Fujiko Mine:We’re not in the space where I feel like I have to prove myself anymore. I’ve taken some time ever since the Gold Rush Rumble, and realized that I have been carrying this absolutely massive chip on my shoulder.

She reaches back with her left hand, mimicking carrying something large on her shoulder. She bends down a bit, as if the weight of it is causing her to buckle.

Fujiko Mine:But then you know what? I realized that I’ve got a ring that says I belong in the Hall of Fame for this company. I redefined what it means to be a driving force in FGA. I used to think that I had to constantly be the underdog, the way I was treated around here. But it’s come to me - I’m a standard bearer.

She puts her hands up in a ‘don’t shoot’ gesture.

Fujiko Mine:I’m not delusional. I know that I haven’t been ‘the one’ in FGA in quite a while. Lowri is setting records, and Nina Stokes has called her shot. But people around here had me thinking I was fighting outside of my league being one of the longest reigning FGA World champions in history.

She laughs. She laughs so hard, in fact, that she has to stop her saunter for a bit. She takes a moment to regain her composure, and then continues to walk.

Fujiko Mine:So, I lined up Mark Bisley and I broke his cadence.

A cheeky wink.

Fujiko Mine:And now, I plan on delivering some heartache to HENNY. You see, I’m not doing these things to prove myself anymore. The fans, they have come to my rescue once again. So the Apex Goddess will reward them in kind - by showing them that their faith in me has never been misplaced.

She wags her finger at the camera, a rare moment of eye contact.

Fujiko Mine:But I’m putting to bed the feelings of being an underdog. I’ve spent years…literal years of my career convincing these wrestlers that I not only belong, but I’ve led the pack. At this point, you wanna meet me with disrespect? You’re going to be waking up with a simple lesson. You don’t step to the goddess, unless you want to be put down hard.

She smiles, an expression with a hint of predatory feeling to it.

Fujiko Mine:I know HENNY has come to FGA looking to put his name back on everyone’s lips - and that he’s looking to add my name to the list of those that he’s taken down here in FGA, but sweetie pie honey bunch - I’ve got a three count with your name on it, and you’re going to be left with that and the reminder that I am on my way back to the top. Enjoy the front row seat while I ascend once again.

With the predatory grin still on her face, she winks, and moves past the camera. The camera does not follow this time, and the feed crossfades back to ringside.

[FGA Office]

Fujiko Mine vs. HENNY

HENNY slowly circles the ring before darting forward to try and catch Fujiko off guard with a chop block. HENNY’s sneak attempt fails when the Apex Goddess avoids the strike with a backflip. HENNY scrambles back to a vertical base and charges forward, only for Fujiko to knock him down with a dropsault. Fujiko lands on her feet and motion to follow up with a standing Shooting Star Press, but HENNY wisely rolls to the outside. HENNY tries to take a breather, but Fujiko keeps up the pressure by rushing towards the ropes. At the last second, she kicks her foot off the ropes, twirls through the air and lands in the super hero pose. Before she can return to her feet, HENNY slides back in and tries to take her out with Shot Through the Heart (Superkick). But Fujiko’s just a step too fast as she’s able to catch his foot before bringing him down with a dragon screw.

The Blissbringer continues to control the action with shoot kicks in the corner before whipping HENNY into the far corner. Fujiko runs over to attack, only to get dumped over the top rope. After Fujiko lands safely on her feet on the apron, HENNY catches her with a back elbow. He then hits the far ropes, returns, slides to the outside and yanks Fujiko down to the floor. After Fujiko smacks face-first on the apron, HENNY brings her down with a one-handed bulldog across the steel steps. HENNY Heartache is quick to bring the match back inside, but Fujiko gets her foot on the bottom rope to avoid the three count. He then drags Fujiko away from the ropes to make another cover. Again, Fujiko gets the shoulder up. Frustrated, HENNY goes for another. This time, Fujiko kicks out. So HENNY yanks her back up by the hair, throws her down with a scoop slam and proceeds to rattle off quickfire elbow drops followed by a jumping elbow drop for a two count.

HENNY moves the action into the corner where he rocks Fujiko with multiple European Uppercuts. He then delivers an irish whip before following her across the ring. Instead of crashing into the corner, the Apex Goddess runs up to the top turnbuckle, backflips over HENNY and takes off into the far ropes. HENNY dives over and tries to trip her over by dropping to the prone position, but Fujiko hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Fujiko returns, HENNY turns her inside out with If U Seek HENNY (Busaiku Knee Kick) for the ONE, TWO, T-NO! Fujiko gets the shoulder up.

HENNY brings Fujiko back down with a snapmare before following up with a dropkick. He then sits Fujiko back up before flattening her with a Sliding Forearm Smash for another two count. After a snap suplex, HENNY goes for a Lionsault, only to eat a pair of knees to the midsection when Fujiko counters. With Fujiko back to her feet, she targets the midsection again with a spinning back kick to the gut. HENNY remains doubled over. The moment he stands back up and turns, he gets brought down with a handspring rebound Ace Crusher for a two count.

Fujiko remains in control, using the ropes to deliver a Tornado DDT before following up with a standing Shooting Star Press for a two count. HENNY is then whipped hard into the corner. HENNY flips up to the top turnbuckle, smacks his head on the ring post and falls back into the Tree of Woe. HENNY tries to free himself, but Fujiko is able to knock him down with a double foot stomp that leaves him folded up. Fujiko goes for the folding pin, but HENNY kicks out in just the nick of time. Fujiko goes back to the corner, slamming HENNY face-first into the top turnbuckle 10 times. She then turns him around, climbs to the middle ropes and punches him 10 times. NO! After the fifth punch, HENNY slips out from underneath and yanks Fujiko down. Fujiko smacks face-first on the top turnbuckle before HENNY plants her with a Snap DDT.

HENNY returns the favor, leaving Fujiko folded up with a Dragon Suplex for a two count. He continues to target the neck with a crucifix neckbreaker for another two count. He’s then lifts Fujiko up before planting her with the Malmö Driver ‘91 (Double Underhook Brainbuster) for the ONE, TWO, THR-NO! Fujiko gets the shoulder up in time.

After a scoop slam, HENNY goes for a Double Jump Moonsault in the corner. Fujiko rolls out of the way, but HENNY’s able to land on his feet. HENNY staggers back, regains his balance, runs forward and gets cut off with the 4-Play (running single keg dropkick)! After Fujiko hits HENNY with Sealed With a Kick (Ground arm pulled roundhouse kick), she goes for Yount's 3000th Hit! With HENNY splayed out on the mat, Fujiko scales to the top, twirls off and crushes HENNY’s midsection with the Unfiltered Bliss (Spiral Tap) for the three count.

Fujiko Mine O || Unfiltered Bliss (11:42) || HENNY X

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Well, Piper Lennon seems more unsettled than usual; not her usual, perhaps overly cheery self. Pacing back & forth, her demeanor does not reflect the gaudy Zubaz-clad outfit she’s wearing.

Piper Lennon: Gonna be honest here, I’m pretty pissed.

She whirls to face the camera and shakes her head.

Piper Lennon: No, not because I talked a big game and lost. Not because I’m trying to set an example for my kid and I failed. Failure’s a part of life, it happens a ton every day to everyone, it doesn’t make you a failure on the whole. And I know I’m still gonna get my baby back, I just gotta keep forcing it to happen– my story’s not close to over. It’s gonna be a great lesson to see me stick with it & not let that stop me from getting back where I should be.

A sharp exhale is let out.

Piper Lennon: No, what I’m pissed about is how there’s like this narrative coming from Mara, coming from commentary, trying to make something out of nothing and create a rift. Yeah, Ant let me get hit in the face with the title. Sure people are saying like, oh Mara’s like twenty feet tall surely you could’ve seen it coming & moved sooner so I had time to move, or helped push me out of the way. But NEWSFLASH PEOPLE … not everyone’s good at everything! That’s what makes us people, we’re good at stuff and we’re not as good at other stuff!

She continues to grow more animated.

Piper Lennon: Mara’s not good at not having a stick up their ass, Ant’s not good at stopping their friends from getting smashed in the face with a piece of metal, I’m not good at figure skating or origami, it’s not a big thing … gosh!

Piper seems like she’s about to stomp her foot, but stops herself.

Piper Lennon: So yeah, I’m pretty worked up. And I’m guessing Nina’s probably not gonna take it well that I’m spending a bunch of time talking about stuff besides her. I know she’s got a high opinion of herself like that, and I mean I get it, she’s ridiculously accomplished and dangerous & is involved in what to most people is probably considered as high profile a spot as it gets after winning the Rumble. I’m probably considered a warm up match or stepping stone for her. But here’s the thing …

A wry chuckle gets let out.

Piper Lennon: I don’t care! And I mean that with all due respect, and not being oblivious to what I’m being put in against at all. What I mean is, I’m writing my own narrative, I’m going by my own reality where I’m the main character of my own story. So it’s not about her, or going for the ‘big belt’ it’s about me taking out some much needed frustrations & reminding a few people about a few things. Buckle up kids, this one’s gonna get wild.

With a click of her tongue, she walks out of shot.

[FGA Office]

Nina Stokes vs. Piper Lennon

Stokes and Lennon start things off by circling the ring. Lennon tries to close the distance, but Stokes is there to catch her with a shoot kick to the inside leg. Lennon winces before continuing to push forward. She once again tries to close the distance on Stokes, but she gets caught with another inside leg leg. Stokes follows up with another inside leg kick before an outside leg kick drops Lennon to a knee. The Kodiak is quick to strike with a rising knee to the chin, knocking Lennon down for a two count.

Stokes continues on offense as she sets up for a fireman’s carry gutbuster. Before she can deliver the move, Lennon fights her way out with elbows to the side of the head. She then slips down from behind and tries for a German Suplex, but Stokes returns the favor with a back elbow to the face. She then turns to face Lennon before throwing her down with an STO for another two count. As Stokes pulls Lennon up off the mat, Lennon starts to fight back with punches to the midsection. Stokes is quick to put a stomp to this with another knee to the chin that drops Lennon to the mat. Stokes then bring the action into the corner, where she unloads on Lennon with multiple shoot kicks. Lennon responds by trying to fight her way out of the corner with open hand chops. Stokes then sends Lennon right back into the corner with a front push kick. She then unleashes another series of shoot kicks. After being on the wrong end of those kicks, Lennon continues to show heart as she fights back with another series of open hand chops. The Kodiak then doubles Lennon over with a rolling solebutt to the midsection, knocks her upright with a kick to the face and returns the favor with a palm strike flurry. After Lennon responds with a hard open hand chop, Stokes fires back with another palm strike flurry. Lennon lets out a yell before getting the crowd on the feet by delivering alternating jabs and knife edge chops. She’s got the number one contender rocks as she takes off into the ropes. Lennon returns off the rebound for an attack, but Stokes is quick to run past her into the same set of ropes. Lennon slams on the brakes, turns around and gets brought down with a running hurricanrana. Lennon returns to her feet, turns around and gets knocked off her feet with a running roundhouse. Stokes then yanks Lennon up off the mat by the hair, doubles her over with another rolling solebutt before bringing her down with a fireman’s carry gutbuster. The boos continue as Stokes follows up with a jumping senton. Stokes doesn't go for the pin and instead hits a second jumping senton. With the boos now even louder, Stokes goes for a third jumping senton. She makes the cover, but she only gets a count of two.

As the match continues, Lennes gets whipped into the car before getting crushed with running double knees. After Stokes whips her hard sternum-first into the far corner, Lennon stumbles back until Stokes comes from behind with the Chaos Theory (Front Turnbuckle Smash into Back Roll German Suplex)! NO! Lennon rotates and lands on her feet. But her leg buckles, dropping her to a knee. Stokes sees this and is quick to take off into the ropes. The Kodiak goes for anther running roundhouse. This time, Lennon returns to a vertical base, catches the leg and counters with a dragon screw leg whip. The cheers continue as she hangs onto the leg while rolling throw and hitting multiple dragon screws. After the last dragon screw, Stokes tries to get back to her feet. But Lennon runs over and deliver a hard kick to the back of the leg, sending Stokes flipping back and landing in the prone position. Lennon pulls her onto her back for the cover, but she only gets a two count.

Stokes gets sent into the corner after a sitout jawbreaker sends her stumbling back. From there, Lennon climbs up to the middle ropes and plays to the crowd by raising her fist. She then rains down right hands while the crowd counts along. After the sixth punches, Stokes shoves Lennon down to the mat. The Kodiak rushes as best she can out of the corner, but Lennon counters with a flapjack for a two count. The Kodiak then reverses an irish whip, which sends Lennon into the ropes. Instead of running back, Lennon hangs onto the ropes. Stokes then rushes over to attack, but Lennon ducks and dumps her over the top rope. The reigning Gold Rush Rumble winner lands safely on the apron and throws out a forearm, but Lennon ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust through the ropes. After hitting the far ropes, Lennon comes back and connects with a running double axe handle, sending Stokes flying off the apron and into the guardrail. After Stokes bounces off the rail and rolls to the floor, Lennon steps out to the apron before connecting with a Cactus Elbow! Lennon plays up to the crowd before rolling Stokes back inside. She makes the cover, but Stokes gets her foot on the bottom rope in time.

Lennon continues to pour on the offense, bringing Stokes down with a side russian leg sweep. She then delivering a soccer kick flurry while holding onto Stokes’ arm before flattening her with a jumping double stomp for a two count. As the match continues, Stokes swats Lennon off of her and throws out a high roundhouse, but Lennon ducks and counters with a jumping neckbreaker slam. Lennon goes to follow up with the Garvin Stomp, but Stokes is able to reach up and block the last stomp. She keeps hold of Lennon’s foot as she returns to a vertical base before bringing her down with a snap Saito Suplex for a two count. Lennon is once again whipped sternum-first into the corner. She starts to stumble back until Stokes brings her down with the Final Cut for a two count. Stokes then places Lennon in a Cobra Clutch. When Lennon refuse to quit, she gets brought down with a Cobra Clutch Suplex. Stokes follows up with a Wrist Clutch Exploder Suplex. She then dumps Lennon on her heard again with a Half Nelson Suplex. Stokes goes for the cover, but Lennon gets her foot on the bottom rope at 2.99!

Stokes goes for yet another fireman’s carry gutbuster. This time, Lennon kicks her legs before slipping down from behind. She then spins Stokes towards her before doubling her over with a throat cross chop. Lennon then takes off into the ropes. When Lennon returns, she gets blasted with a bicycle knee!

NO!

Lennon catches the leg. She then throws the leg down before doubling Stokes over with a Heart Punch. She then pulls Stokes into a font facelock to set up the Snapshot ‘98 (Lifting high angle double-underhook DDT)! Before Lennon can put Stokes away, The Kodiak grabs the arm, spins out and yanks Lennon into a bicycle knee that echos through the arena. She then nails Lennon with a Divine Night (rolling elbow smash) that sends spittle flying out of her mouth After Lennon slowly drops to her knees, Stokes hits the ropes, charges from behind and nearly knocks her head off with Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (Boma Ye Knee Strike) for the three count!

Nina Stokes O || Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (12:56) || Piper Lennon X

Post-match, as Stokes makes her way up the ramp, Mara Jade Miller can be seen making their way down the ramp. The Kodiak and The Murder Theytriarch pass like two ships in the night before Miller hits the ring. From there, Miller puts the boots to Lennon’s back before throwing her down with a deadlift German Suplex. The boos continue as Lennon gets throw down with a hard powerbomb. A second powerbomb is hit. Miller then yanks Lennon up and keeps her held up before throwing her down with authority with a third powerbomb. Lennon remains splayed out on the mat as Miller goes to the outside to retrieve a chair. Just then, Antoinette is seen racing down to the ring. The moment Miler heads back towards the ring with the chair, Antoinette runs over and baseball slides the chair right into Miller’s face!

Miller checks their lip and notice that Antoinette has drawn blood. Instead of getting irate, they just smirk. They then taunt Antoinette for purposely leaving Lennon hanging before finally backing up the ramp. Back in the ring, Antoinette doesn’t take her eyes off them before kneeling down and turning her attention to Lennon.

• COMMERCIAL BREAK •

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns from the commercial break with a panning outside shot of the Manhattan Center.

Kris Cruise Voiceover: Ladies and gentlemen, we’re just a matter of weeks away from Grapple Kingdom V and the FGA World Championship match between the record-setting World Champion, Lowri Moss, and the winner of the 2022 Gold Rush Rumble, Nina Stokes. And ahead of this big, first-time ever match, we’re going to hear now from some of the people in our sport who know the champion and challenger best.

****

The scene fades into a fancy office space. Sitting behind a brown mahogany desk is a light skinned woman with raven black hair wearing a pink business casual suit. She has a glass of wine resting to her right. Grabbing the glass she takes a sip.

“For those who don’t know me, my name is Aphrodite Noel, and I’m a good friend of Lowri Moss.”

Aphrodite Noel rests the wine glass back on the table.

Aphrodite Noel: It didn’t always used to be that way. Were we bitter rivals? Not quite. I didn’t try to put her on the shelf or felt any deep seated hatred. Lowri is, and I hate to admit this, one of the select few people in this industry who I’m… jealous of.

Aphrodite shrugs her shoulders.

Aphrodite Noel: We crossed paths in HKW Underground. I watched her become the greatest North American Champion of all time. She was so great, it didn’t matter who the Underworld Champion was, Lowri was the most consistent performer Underground had ever seen. It takes a generational talent to overshadow a company's World Champion. Lowri accomplished that. Watching her dismantle the competition, taking on all comers– including me multiple times, I might add– goes to show you Lowri Moss’s greatness is second to none.

A beat.

Aphrodite Noel: Who else can become a World Champion with the snap of her fingers? Who else can maintain that level of consistency for years? Who else can continue to be great without showing any signs of slowing down? I couldn’t conquer her. Should that drive me crazy? Maybe. If it was anyone else, you bet I would have no hair left.

Aphrodite chuckles.

Aphrodite Noel: In Lowri Moss, I trust. As good as Nina is, I’ll bet my life savings on Lowri. Bet I won’t be Cordy’s biggest fan if she’s watching, ha. The truth is the truth. You got this, Lowri.

Aphrodite raises her glass to Lowri. She takes another sip from her wine glass as the scene fades.

****

Fujiko Mine: When a Goddess tells you she has a feeling…it might be worth listening to it. I know that I may have caught some flack for not completely rooting on the Apex Goddess to win the Gold Rush Rumble, but Nina Stokes has used no uncertain terms to display that she wants and needs the FGA championship. She’s shown you all that she’s ready. Can she be the one to stop Lowri’s legendary reign? She has a hell of an opportunity in front of her. And Nina is practically family. It’s not a popular thing to admit, but I wouldn’t lie to you all and say I’m not rooting for her. I am. She has the drive, the tools, and the ambition to dethrone the unstoppable Lowri Moss. If you’re asking the Apex Goddess? I might just have another feeling…

****

Sitting on the couch in the Miami mansion, a beautiful sight of the ocean right outside the window as the backdrop, was the former interviewer and current Empire Pro and Underground Tornado Tag Team champion Skylar Rayner. A puggle and a French bulldog are chasing each other and yapping happily at her feet, becoming a background noise for her message in support of Lowri Moss.

Skylar Rayner: I still remember the first time I met Lowri.

The voice of the blonde Dane was accompanied by a slight smile.

Skylar Rayner: She was one of the first guests I had the pleasure of having back in Underground, undoubtedly the biggest name I had the honor to interview up to the moment. Fresh off her big win in the WCS World Cup, and it’s kinda funny that such an important trophy that can rightfully be considered the peak of the career of a wrestler was, for her, the beginning of her exceptional rise to stardom.

Sky surely had some honeyed words for the FGA World champion. But these were more than some stock phrases to sponsor a friend. One could tell there was sincere admiration behind every word she spoke and, more importantly, facts were backing up her statements.

Skylar Rayner: Seriously, how many titles has she won since then? Multiple championships across Underground, MWE, FGA… Not to mention the tournaments and awards that adorn her incredible palmares. And the greatest thing about all this? She didn’t have to take shortcuts to get to the top. She did it with the hard work and passion that always characterized that young girl from Llanelli, Wales. She did it on her own terms, staying true to the morals and ethic that made her a role model for so many young wrestlers. And some not-so-young as well.

She added that remark self-referentially, with a wink.

Skylar Rayner: You are an inspiration, Lowri. I, as well as thousands of wrestlers and fans all across the world, will be cheering for you at Grapple Kingdom as you take on another formidable opponent in Nina Stokes. Keep showing out like only you can do, keep raising the bar, keep putting smiles on faces.

Standing up from the couch, Skylar unzipped her hoodie to reveal a Don’t mess with Moss t-shirt with a cartoonish version of Lowri superkicking an opponent into next week.

Skylar Rayner: Pob lwc, my almost twin.

****

Riley Owens: I’ve known Nina for a number of years. Her revolution is one to behold. Her ring skills have always been on point, at least from a technical aspect. And she got pretty far relying strictly on it. But I don’t think the game was ready for the mentality that Nina showed up with in FGA. No two people’s journey to the top is ever the same. Some people switch up moves, other switch promotions? Nina? She decided to stop caring what others thought about her. And to her credit, it’s worked wonders. Lowri Moss? She’s the definition of what a champion should be. And honestly? I think that’s one of the reasons why Lowri might be in trouble this time. Everything Lowri stands for opposes Nina’s philosophies. And that’s going to lead to one hell of a clash.

****

Ryan LeCavalier: There’s a lot people can say about Nina Stokes. A consummate professional, surely should come to mind when you think of her feats and accomplishments. From the very first time we ever stood across the ring, I knew she was something special. No matter what you throw at her, Nina’s always going to handle it with a certain poise, grace, and a little bit of a mean streak. If there ever was a name that should be celebrated in Pro Wrestling, it’s that of Nina Stokes. I’m not just saying that because we’ve had dozens of matches, but when you really think about how she’s truly cemented her name in this sport. There’s no one better, I’m glad to have called her a friend and rival and I hope she goes out there and puts on one heck of a show.

****

The scene cuts into a lavishly furnished room, optimized by shades of rich crimson. The camera catches its subject, playing with a golden rotary phone, twirling it around her delicately painted finger. The subject in question is one that the FGA explodes for. Though not the most successful, not the most popular, she’s one of the roster’s most sensational. Wearing her extravagant, fluffy coat, her eyepatch, and her signature Cheshire Cat smile.

Izzy Anders: You all want my opinion?

She picks up a wine glass, stirring the liquid around.

Izzy Anders: Let’s break down our two competitors. The challenger, Nina Stokes, has always been a friend of mine. Though we never shared much of the same space, our families are intertwined. By marriage, she’s one of my in-laws. So, I ought to be biased? No, never that. When have you ever heard of me being biased unless it involved a certain lovely Apex Goddess? Mmm, that Fujiko of mine.

She snickers.

Izzy Anders: I’m not going to get distracted. Nina’s a destructive fighter. Since she decided to not let the business play with her anymore, she has been changing lives. People that enter the ring against her leave differently than when they walked in. Why do you think she has won the Best Striker award more than I have? It’s because she put the time and energy into figuring out the best way to dismantle someone with a few choice kicks and punches.

Izzy Anders: Why vote against that? We’ve seen her do it to many people. On top of that, I know the hunger that has been dwelling within Nina since day one. She has wanted to be a world champion for as long as I’ve known her. It has eluded her in several places, where the people kept her down. Now in FGA, the most prestigious wrestling company around, she’s one match away from realizing that dream? Oh, that’s a hard thing to beat.

Izzy wags her finger at the camera, not letting the thought rest for too long.

Izzy Anders: But if anyone can do it? It’s Lowri Moss. My wrestling daughter has evolved from plucky underdog to incredible tag team specialist to the undeniable ace of the company. In five defenses, she can overcome four Hall of Fame candidates, those who would top the lists of many GOATs listings to a man who rivaled her Ace status. 451 days has she reigned. She’s someone that no one can scoff at. If Nina takes her lightly in the slightest, she’ll become another statistic.

Izzy Anders: Lowri’s not ever going to give up. I learned that the hard way. She has bolstered herself through war. There’s no longer any excuse to hold her down. She has beaten the greats. She has gained all the experience she needs. She’s now the woman to beat here in FGA. If Nina wants to become the very best, she needs to put down the best we have now.

Izzy takes a sip of her wine.

Izzy Anders: So, who do I think can come out on top? Oh, I hope, in my heart of hearts that Nina overcomes her last demon. But I don’t think Lowri Moss is going to just let that happen. I think…I think…Nina Stokes will transform one more time. She must. She knows that. Lowri knows that. I know that. The world knows that. If not, she’ll never get this chance again. The cards were dealt with. It’s up to her now.

The Mindkiller raises her wine glass.

Izzy Anders: I’ll be there in attendance, watching the whole thing. However, Nina, don’t expect me to cheer for you over my daughter. Because I’m a little curious to see what happens to you if you lose.

Izzy throws the wine glass and begins to cackle. As her dramatic laughter elevates, the feed then cuts to static.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
Lowri Moss vs. Owen Gonsalves

The match starts with with a show of respect via handshake. From there, Gonsalves transitions from a collar-and-elbow into a front facelock. Before he can get it fully locked in, Moss is able to grab an arm, spin out and reverse into an arm wrench. Moss contains to wrench the arm until Gonsalves rolls forward, bridges back, spins over onto his knees, hits a headstand flip over and follows up with a fireman’s career takedown. Gonsalves quickly follows Moss down to the mat and applies an overhook on the arm. After bending the arm at 90 degrees and muscling her arm down to the mat, Gonsalves leaps up for a jumping stomp to the pointed elbow, but Moss rolls out of the way in time.

The World Champion and the former United States Champion have another feeling out process. Moss is able to shake off multiple attempts at getting her arm grabbed. In the blink of an eye, Gonsalves brings her down with an ankle pick. Wristlock Sinatra returns to a vertical base and continues to hold Moss’ leg. From there, Gonsalves catches the champion with multiple shoot kicks to the back of the leg. Seconds later, he turns her over into a Stretch Muffler. Gonsalves fights for the submission, but Moss won’t give up. So he decides to apply more pressure by delivering a kneeling version of the Stretch Muffler. Gonsalves nearly has Moss bent in half while he presses his knee across the champ’s back. Despite the positioning and the pressure being applied, Moss still won’t give up. From there, Gonsalves transitions into a Bow & Arrow. Gonsalves keeps Moss across his knees until she reaches up, pulls his hand from around her neck and rolls over into a lateral press for a two count.

As the match continues, the two grapplers have yet another feeling out process. This time, Moss tries to keep Gonsalves at bay with feint kicks. When Gonsalves finally decides to come in, he gets caught with a shoot kick to the leg. Moss then unleashes alternating shoot kicks to the legs before rocking him with a European Uppercut. From there, the World Champion brings the action into the corner, where she lights up Gonsalves’ chest with multiple knife edge chops. Gonsalves is quick to grab Moss, toss her into the corner and give her a taste of her own medicine with shoot kicks of his own. Moss then takes Gonsalves, moves him back into the corner and rocks him with multiple European Uppercuts. Gonsalves eats the strikes before tossing Moss into the corner and returning the favor with multiple European Uppercuts of his own. He then sets up for an irish whip, but Moss uses her free arm to hook onto the top rope. Gonsalves tries for another irish whip, but again, he gets blocked. He then nails Moss with a forearm shiver until Moss strikes back with a forearm of her own. Another forearm connects. Moss then moves Gonsalves into the corner before cracking him with a headbutt. From there, Gonsalves finds himself on the receiving end of ​​the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent) before being brought down with with a Tornado DDT for a two count.

Moss continues to control the match with a snapmare before Gonsalves gets caught with multiple soccer kicks to the back. She then returns off the ropes with a low angle European Uppercut across the back of the neck for a two count. A russian leg sweep gets another two count. The World Champion goes for a snap suplex, but Gonsalves blocks and counters with a small package for a two count. With both grapplers vertical, Moss goes to strike first with a Brazilian Kick. The kick misses when Gonsalves ducks. Before Moss can turn back around, Gonsalves takes control of the champ’s back and tries for a German Suplex. Moss blocks and counters with a back elbow before hitting the ropes. On the return, she throws out a bicycle knee strike, but Gonsalves gets his arms up to block the attack. Moss then throws out a roundhouse kick, but Gonsalves ducks and counters with an inverted headlock takeover into the Crossface Oblivion Wing (Arm Trap Crossface)!

The Technical Spectacle fights like hell for the submission as he repeatedly yanks back on the hold. The crowd is at a fever pitch as Moss can be heard screaming in agony. Despite being given multiple opportunities to throw in the towel, the champ never takes it. Gonsalves holds on for dear life and tries to get Moss to submit, but Moss is able to scratch and claw her way to the ropes. From there, Gonsalves moves the action into the corner and hits Moss with alternating European Uppercuts and forearm strikes. He goes for a Tornado DDT of his own, but Moss pushes him off. Moss rushes out of the corner to attack, but Gonsalves counters with a Michinoku Driver for the ONE, TWO, T-NO! KICKOUT.

Gonsalves continues to control the action, hitting Moss with a fireman’s carry gutbuster. Moss remains on all fours until Gonsalves flattens her with the Draco Meteor (Meteora). He then pulls Moss back to her feet by the back of the tights before bringing her down with a bridging German Suplex for the ONE, TWO, T-NO! Moss gets the shoulder up.

Gonsalves maintains the rear waistlock as he turns over and pulls Moss back to her feet. From there, Moss winds up on the wrong end of a bridging Tiger Suplex.

ONE! TWO! TH-NO! Moss kicks out.

Gonsalves pulls the dazed champion back to her feet. He then takes control of Moss’ back before bringing her down with the Paroxysm (Snap Dragon Suplex)! A dazed Moss rolls backwards onto her knees while Gonsalves hits the ropes. When he returns, Moss pops back to a vertical base and brings him down with an STO!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Gonsalves gets the shoulder up.

Moss sets up for an irish whip until Gonsalves reverses. When Moss returns, she knocks him off his feet with a spinning heel kick. Gonsalves returns to his feet and gets doubled over with a shoot kick, drops down to all fours after a low kick to the leg and gets flattened with a Switchblade Kick. Moss scales to the top and goes for a diving crossbody, but Gonsalves is able to knock her out of the air with a dropkick.

With Moss down, Gonsalves starts to line the champion up for the knockout blow. That is, until HENNY races down to the ring and leaps up to the apron! This causes Gonsalves to run over and knock him down to the floor with a hard forearm strike across the jaw. Gonsalves slingshots to the outside and starts unloading on HENNY with mounted forearm strikes. Wrstlock Sinatra continues this attack until Moss grabs him from behind and rolls him back inside. The moment the champion climbs back up onto the apron, Gonsalves catches her with a forearm smash. He goes for a vertical suplex back inside, but Moss slips down from behind and counters with the Severn Bridge (Tiger suplex transitioned into a Bridging double chickenwing)! Gonsalves yells out in pain while Moss pulls back on both arms. To add insult to injury, HENNY has recovered and taunts him. From the outside, HENNY continues to slap the apron obnoxiously while yelling at him to give up. Even sections of the crowd that are pro-Moss want Gonsalves to quit. But he doesn’t give them what they want.

Moss ends up having enough of HENNY at ringside, so she lets go and makes her way over to the apron. HENNY climbs up and yells at Moss for letting go of the hold. Both Moss and the ref tell HENNY to get to the back… until Gonsalves runs up from behind and connects with a shotgun dropkick to the back. This sends Moss forward, causing her and HENNY to crack heads! HENNY quickly drops to the floor while Moss remains dazed. Gonsalves takes advantage and brings her into the corner and delivering Australia Street (Top Turnbuckle Hung Cutter)! He goes for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THE-NO!

Moss gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Gonsalves brings Moss right back into the corner before finally hitting the Tornado DDT. from there, he delivers another Paroxysm before making the cover.

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

Moss gets the shoulder up.

Gonsalves hooks both arms, lifts Moss upside down and plants her with the Angel Duster (Double Underhook Piledriver)!!!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

Moss gets her shoulder up at 2.99!!!

Gonsalves sets up for another Angel Duster until Moss brings him down with a standing double leg and flips over into a jackknife pin.

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

Gonsalves bridges up, turns, turns again, hooks Moss’ arm and tries to brings her down with a hard backslide. But Moss is able to roll over across Gonsalves’ back, land in front of him and counter with a Cradle Piledriver.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
T-NO!

Gonsalves gets the shoulder up.

Moss picks up Gonsalves before getting caught with a flurry of forearm strikes. After the opening, Gonsalves runs towards the ropes, jumps off and knocks her down with the Sky Uppercut (Springboard Corkscrew European Uppercut)!

NO!

Moss counters with a bicycle knee strike! Gonsalves slowly turns over to a knee before getting flattened with a Shining Wizard!

ON!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THE-NO!

Gonsalves gets the shoulder up.

Moss delivers an irish whip, follows Gonsalves into the corner and catches him with Just for Kicks (Running big boot to a cornered opponent followed by a running Facewash)! Moss then sets up for the Nos Da (Rolling cutter) until HENNY rushes in and knocks them both down. The crowd erupts with boos as soon as the ref calls for the bell.

Lowri Moss X || NO CONTEST (17:06) || Owen Gonsalves X

HENNY continues to get admonished by the official as he puts the boots to both Moss and Gonsalves. After Moss gets tossed through the ropes to the floor, HENNY continues his attack on Gonsalves. He then sets up for Heartache’s Kiss (Kamigoye). Once Moss rolls back in and throws out the Golden Boot (Skull Kick), HENNY is forced to bail and retreat out of the ring. Moss then helps Gonsalves back to his feet before the two embrace with another handshake.