Grapple Kingdom V (06.09.23)

[FGA Office]

The PPV fades to pre-recorded footage. From earlier this afternoon, to be exact. We get a glimpse at the ring crew in the process of hanging the ring skirt, hanging the ropes, putting on the turnbuckle pads, etc. The camera pans around the nearly empty Kaseya Center before zooming in several sections up. We then cut to interviewer Jessie Pederson, who is sitting in one of the seats way up while she looks down below at the ring and production crews. Next to her is one half of tonight's Three Stages of Hell match.

Jessie Pederson: Here we are just a couple of hours before we kick things off here tonight at Grapple Kingdom V. With me right now is Chandler Scott and Chandler, this is probably a dumb question for someone like you who has been doing this for a while. But are you nervous at all about tonight?

Chandler stares out, scanning the arena from right to left. He glimpse down below at the ring before turning his attention back to Jessie.

Chandler Scott: No.

Jessie Pederson: No?

Chandler Scott: Not in the slightest.

Jessie Pederson: Really? That surprises me.

She leans forward, hoping that he'll elaborate.

Chandler Scott: I'll tell you... when FGA held Past vs Present in 2021, I was nervous for that. Cordelia was always a tough opponent. She was wrestling at a peak that was even greater than when we had faced off in 2015 and 2017. I didn't know what I had left after that Cage Match in 2019. Could I give these people one last great performance? That was supposed to have been my last match. Obviously that didn't turn out to be the case. But at that time, yeah, I was nervous. But for this? No. I'm not nervous at all.

Jessie Pederson: How come?

Chandler Scott: Well, why should I be? The last time I faced Carmichael, I got the brakes beaten off me. He ran right through me. I was embarrassed out there. That was, without a doubt, the most humiliating match I've ever been apart of. Of course, this isn't new information. I said as much a couple of shows back on Vertigo. But that empty-headed idiot wants to paint this narrative that I couldn't admit defeat, even though I've gone on live TV and said how badly he beat me. So when you've gone through being beaten as soundly as I was... when you've gone through being mauled like I was... when you've gone through having someone, especially someone that you dislike, wipe the mat with you, what is there to be nervous about the next time around? Tonight can't go any worse than that night.

Jessie Pederson: I'm sure John Carmichael would disagree, but fair enough. How are you feeling going into tonight? It's been a long time since you've competed inside the ring.

Chandler Scott: How am I feeling? I mean, I’m cleared to compete again. Finally. So that's good. But outside of that? I’ve felt better, if you want me to be honest.

Chandler takes a deep breath before exhaling.

Chandler Scott: This whole process… it’s been draining. There were times when I was physically exhausted. There were times when I was mentally fried. It's a lot harder to bounce back from things now then, say, eight or nine years ago. I wasn’t one of these prodigies that came into this sport as a teenager. I came into this business in my late 20s and didn’t really hit my stride until I was in my 30s. And when I got after it inside the ring, I got after it hard. Anybody can go to one of these dime a dozen companies that pop up at a moment’s notice and win their top title. But when you’ve been a record-setting World Champion in the top promotion in the UK, when you’ve been a record-setting World Champion in the top promotion in the US, when you’ve gone through the premiere wrestling tournament in Japan and become a World Champion there, too, it all takes its toll. Over the years, I’ve paid the price. Partially just due to the wear and tear of competing at a high level against this industry’s best. Other times, it’s because of people like Carmichael and that subhuman piece of shit from Flint crossing the line...

Chandler looks off while he leans back in his seat. He looks down.

Chandler Scott: A couple of years ago… that man suplexed me 15 feet off the top of a steel cage. He attacked me after the match. He rammed that steel cage door on my head over and over. Then he took those steel steps, raised it over his head and threw it down across my face. Not one, but twice. You’ve seen those steps, Jessie. Those things aren’t light. So just from that situation, you’re talking about overcoming two broken arms, a broken jaw… 90 percent of my orbital floor being blown out… Grade III concussion… lingering vision and strength issues after the fact….

He lets out a sigh.

Chandler Scott: Then with Carmichael, when he threw me off the stage and I fell face-first on the floor, I was seriously hurt in that fall. I think they called it an acute subdural hematoma. I couldn't even feel my left side after that. I had to be rushed in for emergency surgery...

Chandler lets out another frustrated sigh.

Chandler Scott: Trying to come back from just those injuries in 2019, only to end up having to rehab from even more injuries after 2021. At this stage of my life, no less. With all the miles I've put on my body due to this business. It’s been tiring. I feel like I’ve aged about 10 years just from all the stress and everything’s that’s happened in and out of the ring. Life… it hasn’t been kind to me, recently, Jessie. And hey, I’m not saying this to try and gain sympathy. This isn’t some sob story. Don’t feel sorry for me. I... I brought a lot of this onto myself. So, yeah, it is what it is...

Jessie Pederson: You’ve mentioned everything that you’ve been through these past few years. At a certain point, wouldn’t it be better to stop? Wouldn’t it be better for your health - both mental and physical - to just call it a career? Like you mentioned, you’ve won multiple World Titles. You’re a Hall of Famer. You’re respected. A lot of people would be satisfied with the career that you’ve had. So why put yourself out there and continue, especially after everything you’ve gone through these past couple of years?

Chandler Scott: Because I want to go out on my terms. That could be stubbornness. It may very well be stupidity. But if I’m leaving the sport of professional wrestling, it’s because I wanted to. Not because someone took me out or screwed me over, but because I made the call to hang it up. Not Carmichael or anyone else.

A beat

Chandler Scott: But there’s another reason why I’m doing this, Jessie. It’s because this is all that I’ve got left. That 18x18, 20x20 ring. It’s the only thing I have left in this world. The hope of getting it back, at least. The fans? Yes, they cheer me now. But I spent most of my career getting booed by them. And rightfully so. I've been… a bit much, at times. So I spent most of my career being booed out of buildings like this. I respect the fans, I really do. But we know how they can be. Friends? I don’t think I really have any friends in this business anymore. Hell, I don’t think I have any outside this business, either.

Chandler nervously rubs the back of his neck.

Chandler Scott: There’s no one special waiting back home for me anymore and that hasn’t been the case in a long, long while. But that ring? That’s it. The hope of recapturing... something. Anything. You know? I don't act, I don't sing, I don't model. I'm not an entrepreneur. Being a professional wrestler is the only thing I’ve been good at in my life. Carmichael took that away from me once. He’ll never take it from me again. Ever.

Jessie Pederson: Let me ask you, how did we get here with you and John Carmichael?

Chandler puts his hands together.

Chandler Scott: You know, Jessie, when it comes to my rivals here… longtime fans would think of the likes of Blaine Harrison or Kevin Hardaway. Others would think of Cordelia, Zero, or that sorry excuse of a human from Flint. For Carmichael, people might think Tony Carmine or Johnny Cannon first, maybe Izzy or Envi or Valero after that or vice versa. But if you look deeper, there’s been a rivalry there between he and I this entire time. The entire time. After I returned to this company in 2014, it was only a matter of time until I found myself back in the World Title picture. Fast forward a couple of months and the two of us, along with Sean Sands and the World Champion at the time, main evented A New Odyssey the following year. Since that time, Carmichael has held a grudge against me. In his mind, I wasn’t deserving of being in that match. Yet I did what he couldn’t do and that was wrestle the World Championship away from the so-called “King of the F’n World”. I didn't pin him. I didn't pin Sean. I pinned the champion. Two months later, I beat that man again. Of course, that did nothing but get under Carmichael’s skin. From there, I continued to handle business inside the ring for the rest of 2015. Including getting the better of Carmichael one on one for the first time.

A beat.

Chandler Scott: Over the years, we continued to clash. I cost him a Frontier Lions Cup by beating him in the finals in 2016. He cost me a Gold Rush Rumble by eliminating me last in 2017. He successfully defended the Undisputed Championship against me in his very first defense later that year. I defeated him to become the first International Heavyweight Champion the following year. There were times when we were both being booed. There were times when we were both being cheered. Regardless of whatever side of the spectrum we were on when it came to fan support, we were never friends. Never. But I can say that at one time, I did respect Carmichael. I respected his fight. I respected his skillset, his never-say-die attitude. For years, he was a punching bag for The New Kings, The New Murder, The Good Guys. But he was resilient. No matter the odds, he continued to fight and that was something that I did respect. But that respect was thrown out the window years ago when he did what he did to me. You want to run me down? Fine. You want to call me a bunch of names? Go ahead. People here have said far worse about me than he ever has. But what he did at that All-Star Showdown, Jessie, that was one step too far. It went from a wrestling contest between two professionals… to something personal. He took away my livelihood. He took years away from my career. Years that I’ll never get back.

Chandler narrows his eyes.

Chandler Scott: You asked me why I still do this? You asked me why I would want to come back? I want my career back, Jessie. I want my goddamn life back! He not only took all of this away from me, but he spent the last 20 months taking pleasure in it. He took pleasure in stealing from me, mocking me. Tonight will not be a pleasurable experience for him.

Jessie Pederson: I want to bring up something Carmichael said a couple of shows back. He mentioned that you had a bit of luck against that Johnny Karma guy, but not him. How do you respond to that?

Chandler cracks a smirk.

Chandler Scott: Just a little bit of luck, Jessie? Me defeating him for one of the biggest prizes in FGA is more than "just a little bit of luck". Me beating him in multiple World Title matches is more than "just a little bit of luck". He can change his name, change his theme music, change his ring gear, overhaul his moveset, switch up the presentation. He can do all of that. At the end of the day, underneath this facade, John Carmichael is still Johnny Karma because they are one in the same. He's still the same small... vindictive... envious... spiteful man that he's always been. That man was always in my shadow. My shadow casted over him when I left in 2013. I overshadowed anything he was ever able to accomplish from 2014 to 2019. And I will cast a shadow over him, again, when I'm standing tall over him tonight.

A beat.

Chandler Scott: You want to know what really pisses him off, Jessie? It's the fact that these fans don't love him the way that they do me. It's the fact that his peers don't look at him the same way they do me. Do they respect his accomplishments? Sure. Do they hold him in high regard? As a wrestler, of course. But do they rank him above me? Not at all. You know what else really pisses him off? The fact that he made this big speech in 2019 about how if he didn't win the big one, he would call it a career. And when Autumn Annihilation came around that year, instead of rallying behind Carmichael and cheering him on... they cheered on the returning Cordelia instead. They cheered for her just a little bit louder than they did for him. They cared more about Cordelia's return and becoming International Champion than they did him fighting for his career. And since that time, he's done nothing but throw a fit about it ever since. But you want to know what really gets under his skin? The fact that the one woman here, besides Cherry Baum, that he could call an actual friend... the one woman that stood beside him and fought the good fight... ended up befriending the two people, Izzy and Evan, that had made his life a living hell. When you take all of that into account, it's no wonder you're so goddamn bitter, John. Sadly, I'm all out of sympathy. I would say you could go and rest your head on Cherry's shoulder. But oh, that's right. You burned that bridge when, on live TV, you blamed her for everything and accused her of holding you back.

He shakes his head.

Chandler Scott: Tell me, John. It's been about... mmm... three and a half years since you unceremoniously booted Cherry out of the ring and out of your life. Since that time, you've yet to win back the World Title. So tell us, John, is Cherry still holding you back?

Chandler gestures towards the camera, as if he's expecting a response from Carmichael.

Chandler Scott: Of course she's not, because she was never holding you back. John Carmichael was always holding John Carmichael back. But he'll never admit that, of course. It's always everyone else's fault. It's the fan's fault, it's the office's fault, it's Cherry's fault, it's this person, it's that person. John, you will have no one to blame but yourself for what happens to you tonight. You could've left well enough alone. You could've been satisfied with your dominate win of FGA's biggest stage. But no. You wanted more. You wanted to end me. You'll pay dearly for that.

Jessie Pederson: Don't take this the wrong way. But what makes you think that you can beat Carmichael here tonight? The last time you competed in a wrestling match was 20 months ago. The last time you won a wrestling match... was on February 2nd, 2019. That was 1588 days ago, Chandler!

Chandler Scott: I know how to count, Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: And that doesn't concern you?! At all?!

Chandler Scott: Why would it?

Jessie sits with her mouth agape.

Chandler Scott: No one expects me to win. The fans might want me to. But no one thinks I'm going out there and winning. I haven't won in over four years. I'm facing the guy who, the last time we wrestled, handed me my ass. I've lost everything, Jessie. Everything. So what do I have to be concerned about? What do I have to be worried about? Being embarrassed? He already did that in front of thousands on pay per view. I've literally got nothing to lose out there. And the most dangerous man, Jessie, is the one that's got nothing left to lose....

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Oh boy. Ooooh boy.

Stephy Auger: Those two didn't hold back, huh?

Kris Cruise: They didn't hold back last Vertigo and they definitely didn't tonight.

Stephy Auger: This one is going to get ugly quick.

Kris Cruise: I'm afraid you're right. Let's send it back to the ring where J.A. Aldridge is ready for the ring introductions.

*DING! DING!! DING!!! *

THREE STAGES OF HELL
1st Stage - Standard Match | 2nd Stage - Street Fight | 3rd Stage - Dog Collar Match
John Carmichael vs. Chandler Scott

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest... is a THREE STAGES OF HELL MATCH!

The crowd erupts with cheers and applause over the match announcement.

J.A. Aldridge: Here are the rules. The 1st fall will be contested under standard rules, where a grappler can win by pinfall, submission, disqualification or countout. The 2nd fall will no have No Disqualification and No Countout. Then, the third fall, if necessary, will be a Dog Collar Match! The first grappler to win two falls wins...

The lights dim as the sound of a guitar plays throughout the arena. Multi-colored lasers soon begin to shoot out from the stage. Once their attention has been captured, the crowd turns to the entryway to prepare for the man that's about to walk out. At the 25 second mark, “Animal Ghosts” bursts through the speakers. Chandler Scott steps through the curtain with outstretched arms to a loud ovation from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, hailing from Westwood, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 214 pounds... CHANDLER SCOTT!

Chandler heads down the ramp with purpose. Once he's reached the aisle of the aisle, he rolls himself into the ring just as the lights come back on. Chandler times his ascension onto the middle ropes with the beginning of the chorus. The crowd sings along with the chorus while Chandler poses with outstretched arms. When the chorus ends, Chandler hops off the middle ropes, turns and lands on his feet. He begins tugging on the top rope as he awaits for his opponent.

Kris Cruise: Jessie Pederson went over the stats with Chandler during their interview earlier today. They speak for themselves, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: Yes they do. He's been out of the ring for 20 months. He hasn't won in over 4 years. This match is over before it even began, Cruise. Chandler was so cocky in that interview. He said he had nothing to lose and how tonight couldn't possibly go worse than last time. Um, yeah, it could because John Carmichael will have him in the dirt if he gets his way.

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

Yeah, c'mon

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

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

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

Kris Cruise: The distain Carmichael has for Chandler is palpable. We've seen Carmichael go to war many a times in that ring, Stephy. But something about Chandler just brings something different out of Carmichael.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, he's an arrogant prick that's asking to get his head knocked off. Carmichael is the backbone of his company. He's broken his back for this place. Yet he gets disrespected left and right while people like Chandler get put on a pedestal. This rolled out the red carpet for Chandler's grand return. After this match, they'll be rolling him out of here in a hearse.

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

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

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, haling from Queens, New York! Weighing in at 233 pounds! He is The Backbone of FGA, JOHN CARMICHAEL!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until the end
Until the end

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

Until the...END

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

Carmichael immediately throws out a right, but Scott blocks it and counters with a right of his own. The cheers continue when Scott blocks Carmichael's punch before countering with another punch. Scott then fires off three right hands until a right cross from Carmichael drops him to the mat!

Kris Cruise: What a right hand!

Stephy Auger: Carmichael dropped him already!

The camera cuts to Scott, who is seen laying on his side while he tries to shake off the blow. Scott turns over on all fours before Carmichael runs over and nails him with a punt kick to the ribs. The crowd boos as Scott lets out a loud groan. He guards his midsection after being knocked over onto his back. He slowly turns back over onto all fours before Carmichael nails him with another punt kick to the ribs.

Carmichael can be seen taunting Scott while Scott slowly tries to drag himself towards the ropes. Scott then starts to pull himself up using the ropes until Carmichael nails him with a kidney punch that immediately drops him to a knee. From there, the boos continues as Carmichael chokes Scott by pushing his neck down across the middle rope.

Ref: ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR...

Carmichael yanks Scott back up to his feet, shoves him into the corner and unleashes a ballistic combination of rights and lefts to the body. He follows up with an uppercut that snaps Scott's head back before he plops down to a seated position in the corner.

Stephy Auger: I bet Chandler regrets running his mouth now!

Carmichael reaches down, pulls Scott back up, hooks his arms across the top rope and delivers a hard knife edge chop.

*CRACK!*

Scott immediately guards his chest. Carmichael pushes him back into the corner, hooks his arms around the top ropes before delivering a hard knife edge chop across the throat.

*CRACK!*

Scott staggers out of the corner before dropping down to a knee. Carmichael is quick to snatch him up from behind, run over towards the opposite corner and slam him face-first into the top turnbuckle. From there, Carmichael doubles Scott over with repeated knees to the midsection before flinging him out of the corner with a biel throw.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael is picking up right where he left off.

Stephy Auger: To the surprise of no one!

Carmichael walks over, snatches Scott up off the mat and throws him across the ring with another biel throw.

Stephy Auger: Carmichael's throwing him around like a ragdoll.

The boos continue as Scott gets chucked across the ring with a third biel throw. Scott's momentum sends him rolling out to the apron.

Stephy Auger: Look at him running already!

Kris Cruise: He is not.

Scott can be seen slowly pulling himself up using the ropes. Once he's back on his feet, Carmichael grabs the top ope with both hands, pulls back and then shoves the ropes forward, sending Scott flying off the apron and crashing side-first against the guardrail!

Kris Cruise: Did you hear that impact, Stephy?

Carmichael rolls to the outside. He slowly pulls Scott away from the guardrail before ramming him back-first into it. The boos continue as Carmichael turns around and rams Scott back-first against the side of the ring. He then turns around before ramming Scott back-first against the guardrail again. Carmichael takes Scott and scoops him up. Instead of hitting a fallaway slam, he runs forward, ramming Scott back-first against the ring post. He then follows up with a scoop slam across the steel steps.

Stephy Auger: He should've just stayed home on the couch, Cruise. He could've saved himself from all of this.

Carmichael walks around the ring post before reaching down... and peeling back the protective matting. The crowd boos as the concrete floor is exposed.

Kris Cruise: The referee has to step in here and get this back into the ring.

Stephy Auger: You think the referee is gong to try and get in Carmichael's way? I don't think so.

Gasps and shrieks are heard when Carmichael places Scott in a standing headscissors.

Kris Cruise: Come on, John.

Stephy Auger: What? This is what Chandler wanted.

Carmichael goes to lift Scott up for a powerbomb, but Scott kicks his legs, forcing Carmichael to lower him back down. Carmichael goes for another powerbomb. Once again, Carmichael gets countered. Carmichael then starts to deliver clubbing strikes across the back until Scott cuts him off with a back body drop!

Kris Cruise: Scott countered!

Scott stumbles over before collapsing against the side of the ring. He can be seen favoring his back before he slowly slips back inside.

After getting up to a knee, Scott starts to slap the canvas to fire up the crowd. Once they start to clap in unison with the slaps, Scott starts to pump his fist.

Kris Cruise: Chandler's got this crowd behind him...

Scott feverishly nods his head as he slowly returns to a vertical base. He then points to the far ropes before taking off towards the side of the ring. Scott returns off the rebound, runs back across the ring, leaps through the ropes... and gets countered with a powerslam onto the exposed floor!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: Did you hear that thud!?

Scott can be heard screaming out in pain while he arches his back. Carmichael grabs him by the ears and slowly peels him off the mat before a hard punch to the midsection doubles him over. He then violently swings his arm down, knocking Scott down to the floor with a clubbing strike across the back of the head. Scott gets thrown back in through the middle & bottom ropes before Carmichael rolls himself back in. The Backbone of FGA takes Scott and whips him hard into the corner. The turnbuckles rattle when Scott's back collides against them. Scott slowly staggers out of the corner until Carmichael takes him and whips him violently into the opposite corner. The crowd gasps as Scott flips up the turnbuckles before bouncing off the ring post and tumbling to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Carmichael tried to throw him through the corner with that irish whip!

A ground shot on the outside shows Scott down in the prone position. Seconds later, Carmichael rolls to the outside and snatches him off off the floor before rolling him back inside. Carmichael then slides back in, takes Scott, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and bashes him with Punch Drunk (running European uppercut in the corner followed by a running knee strike to the downed opponent)! The boos continue as he grabs Scott by the head and slowly pulls him back to his feet. Wen Scott doubles over, Carmichael takes a few steps back, then moves forward before snapping his head back with I Am Wrestling (Mr Wrestling II knee lift)! The move knocks Scott backwards before he falls through the ropes to the apron.

Kris Cruise: Chandler is getting battered in there.

Stephy Auger: Why do you sound so surprised? Carmichael told you this would happen. Deep down, you knew it would happen, too!

Scott is one against seen trying to shake out the cobwebs. From behind comes Carmichael as he exits through the ropes. After latching onto Scott's back, the crowd gasps when they see Carmichael trying to throw him off the apron with a suplex. Scott blocks by hooking one of his legs around Carmichael's. Carmichael tries for another suplex. This time, Scott blocks by hooking his right arm around the middle rope. So Carmichael nails him with clubbing strikes across the back of the neck before trying for another suplex. Again, Scott blocks by hanging on for dear life. He eventually lets go after Carmichael blasts him with another kidney punch. Carmichael then hooks Scott's arm from behind before chucking him off the apron with a Half Nelson Suplex! A collection of gasps, shrieks and boos are heard when Scott bounces off the guardrail before hitting the floor!

Kris Cruise: Chandler's hurt, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: I don't feel sorry for him. He did this to himself.

Scott can be seen down on the floor as his leg quivers. The ref goes to check in on him. But Carmichael isn't about to give him a moment to breathe. He nudges the referee out of the way before snatching Scott up and rolling him back inside.

Stephy Auger: That's right, Carmichael. Stay right on top of him.

The ref admonishes Carmichael for his actions. Carmichael responds by pointing to the ring and telling him to get back inside. From there, Carmichael slides back inside and yanks Scott back up before whipping him into the ropes. When Scott returns, Carmichael hoists him up before throwing him down with Life's A Bitch (pop up sitdown powerbomb)! Gasps are heard when the back of Scott's head smacks off the canvas.

Carmichael takes Scott and slowly pulls him up off the mat before turning him inside out with Queens Road (clothesline to the back of the head followed by a running lariat)! The crowd erupts with boos when Carmichael pulls Scott into a front facelck before hooking the arm.

Stephy Auger: He's got him set up, Cruise. You know what comes next.

Kris Cruise: Unfortunately...

Carmichael turns to each section of the booing crowd before planting Scott with the Bloodline (swinging lifting single underhook DDT, aka swinging DNA Driver)!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Stephy Auger: It's over for the goldenboy, Cruise. One fall down, one to go!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

Carmichael pulls Scott's head up.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kris Cruise: What is Carmichael doing?

Stephy Auger: He's not done yet. He wants to enjoy this.

Carmichael shakes his head. He looks out to the fans as he rises to his feet... and puts his foot on Scott's chest.

Kris Cruise: You've got to be kidding me!

Stephy Auger: HA HA HA!

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

John Carmichael - 1
Chandler Scott - 0

Stephy Auger: That was great!

Kris Cruise: He had the man pinned! There was no need to rub it in!

Stephy Auger: Yes there was! Chandler needs it to be drilled through his thick skull that he can't go anymore. This game has passed him by! Not only is he not in the same league as Carmichael, but he doesn't deserve to be in the same ring as him! Chandler Scott has no place in FGA anymore. This is John Carmichael's company and don't you forgot it!

Carmichael snatches Scott off the mat, runs across the ring and tosses him over the top rope to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Carmichael's about to take out the trash.

Carmichael quickly rolls to the outside. After yanking Scott back up, the boos continue as he delivers a double underhook suplex onto the steel ramp!

Kris Cruise: Chandler has yet to really get himself going in this match and he's already down a fall.

Stephy Auger: He should just quit while he's already behind.

Carmichael throws Scott down hard with another double underhook suplex on the ramp!

Stephy Auger: Chandler really thought this couldn't go worse than the last time. It's about to get much worse for him.

Carmichael pulls Scott back to his feet. He then places Scott in hammerlock with one arm while using his other hand to grab Scott by the hair. The crowd erupts with boos as Carmichael parades a helpless Scott around the ring. Carmichael can be seen holding Scott up in front of multiple fans and asking them, "this is your golden calf? This is your false idol?" He then takes Scott, runs and throws him hard into the ring post. Scott lets out a groan as he tumbles to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael's enjoying every second of this.

Stephy Auger: Why shouldn't he? Chandler asked for this!

Carmichael marches down ringside. He makes eye contact with J.A. Aldridge and motions for the ring announcer to get up. Aldridge wisely gets the heck out of dodge before Carmichael snatches up the chair.

Kris Cruise: Just great...

Carmichael slams the chair shut before gripping the legs. He marches back down ringside while Scott struggles to pick himself up off the floor. As soon as Scott gets back to his feet...

*THWAP!*

Carmichael wallops him across the back of the head. Scott immediately crumbles to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Back, back, back, back, back.... gone!

Carmichael hasn't had enough. He then raises the chair high above his head before swinging it violently down across Scott's body over... and over... and over... and over... and over... and over... and over... and over... and over again!

Kris Cruise: This is getting uncomfortable to watch.

Stephy Auger: Really? I'm very comfortable.

Carmichael looks at the chair, which is down visibly bent. He tosses the chair to the side before scanning the booing crowd.

Stephy Auger: You hear this, Cruise? This man broke his back for them. He carried this company on his back when so many of their favorites came and went. Yet this is how they treat him? Ingrates. Every last one of them.

Carmichael heads over towards the ring, drops to a knee and underneath the ring before pulling out another steel cheer.

Carmichael heads back over to Scott. After pulling Scott back to his feet, Carmichael takes the chair and jabs him hard in the midsection, doubling him over. He then lifts Scott back up slightly before scissoring the chair around his neck.

Kris Cruise: Oh no. OH NO! This is what Carmichael did to take out Evan Envi!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and he's about to take out Chandler Scott. Again!

Scott's eyes widen as Carmichael runs over and slams him hard head-first into the ring post. Scott immediately crumbles to the floor. The referee heads to the outside and removes the chair from around Scott's neck.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael's trying to cripple him!

Stephy Auger: He asked for this, Cruise. No one told him to come back.

Scott can be seen gasping for air while he guards his throat. As soon as Carmichael approaches, the referee gets up and cuts him off. Carmichael then moves the ref to the side before putting the boots to Scott. He then yanks Scott back to his feet before rolling him back inside. Carmichael then rolls himself back inside before pulling Scott into another front facelock.

Stephy Auger: Don't ever mention these two in the same breath again. It's an insult to Carmichael.

Carmichael scans the crowd before lifting Scott up and planting him with another Bloodline!

Stephy Auger: Got 'em!

Carmichael returns to his feet before putting his foot on Scott's chest for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

Carmichael takes his foot off Scott's chest and circles the ring.

Kris Cruise: What the hell is he doing now?

Stephy Auger: He wants to enjoy this.

Carmichael comes back over to Scott before slowly raising his finger in the air.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Carmichael slowly drops down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: Oh give me a break!

Stephy Auger: Do it, John!

Carmichael goes to pin Scott with one finger... until Scott quickly shifts himself on the mat and pulls Carmichael into a Triangle Choke!

Kris Cruise: Chandler caught him!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

Carmichael desperately tries to yank himself away from Scott, but Scott won't let go. The cheers continue as Scott gets the submission cinched in.

"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"

Kris Cruise: Scott's trying to choke him out!

Stephy Auger: John! JOHN! Get out of this!

The referee asks if Carmichael wants to give up. The cheers grow louder when Carmichael raises his arm off the mat. Carmichael goes to slam the arm down, but he stops himself at the last minute. The crowd boos when Carmichael takes Scott, slowly lifts him up off the mat and slams him down, breaking the submission.

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Kris Cruise: Carmichael got caught! He was this close to giving up!

Stephy Auger: He was not!

Scott remains sprawled out on the mat while Carmichael stumbles backwards into the corner. Once Carmichael has recovered, he starts to line Scott up. Scott can be seen stirring on the mat before slowly turning over onto all fours. As Scott starts to slowly pick himself up off the mat, Carmichael comes out of the corner and throws out another Wrestling II Knee Lift. This time, Scott catches Carmichael, lifts him up and counters with a cradle backbreaker toss into the corner!

Scott immediately drops to a knee and starts to a favor his back. Meanwhile, Carmichael remains seated in the corner while he clutches the back of his neck with both hands. Scott slowly picks himself back up before heading into the corner. He pulls Carmichael up, brings him out of the corner and delivers a shinbreaker before following up with a cross-legged shinbreaker toss into the corner. The cheers continue as Carmichael tumbles out of the corner before favoring his leg. Scott heads over, picks up Carmichael's leg and delivers a trio of elbow drops across it. Scott follows up with a Foot DDT. Carmichael tries to roll away, but Scott grabs the leg and drags him right back towards the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Scott finally has control of this match.

Stephy Auger: It won't last.

The cheers continue as Scott applies a Spinning Toe Hold. The ref asks Carmichael if he wants to give up. When Carmichael refuses, Scott slaps him across the face before stepping over the leg and around again to twist the knee and ankle joints even more. Carmichael can be heard yelling out in pain. He reaches up to grab Scott, but Scott responds with a hard slap across the face. The ref asks Carmichael again if he wants to give up. After Carmichael refuses, Scott delivers a hard punch to the midsection before stepping over the leg and turning around again to further twist the knee.

Scott keeps the pressure applied. Carmichael reaches up to fight his way out of the hold, but he gets met with a hard punch to the face. After Carmichael turns down another chance to give up, Scott pulls him back to his feet before bending the leg. Carmichael senses another shinbreaker coming, so he tries to fight his way out of it with elbows across the back of the head. The crowd cheers as Scott fights through it, lifts Carmichael up, delivers another shinbreaker, follows up with a dragon screw leg whip, keeps hold of the leg and follows with a grounded dragon screw.

Kris Cruise: Scott's doing his best to slow Carmichael down by attacking the leg

Carmichael yells out while he clutches the leg. After Scott wrestles control of the leg away, the crowd erupts with cheers with he motions for the Scorpion Death Lock.

Kris Cruise: Scott Lock!?

Instead of turning Carmichael over into the Scott Lock, Scott counters with a stomp below the belt.

Carmichael curls up on the mat before Scott drags him over into the corner. After Scott rolls to the outside, he grabs both of Carmichael's ankles before pulling him into the ring post. The cheers continue as he puts Carmichael in a Figure 4 Leglock around the ring post! Carmichael hollers out while Scott keeps the hold applied.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael never thought he'd e on the receiving end of this. He should've ending things when he had the chance!

After a good 15 seconds, Scott eventually releases the hold and falls to the floor. While he gets back to his feet, Carmichael can be seen rolling away from the corner.

Kris Cruise: Scott looks to have done some damage to the leg of Carmichael.

Carmichael continues to slowly roll across the ring until he rolls underneath the bottom rope and out to the apron. While he slowly pulls himself up using the ropes, Scott can be seen rounding the ring post before climbing up onto the apron behind him. The crowd cheers as Scott runs up behind Carmichael and starts to bash him with clubbing strikes across the back. He once again bends Carmichael's leg before lifting him up. From there, Scott jumps down to the floor, slamming Carmichael down hard with a shinbreaker to the apron!

*THUD!*

Kris Cruise: Good God, did you hear that!?

Carmichael howls out in pain as he crumbles to the floor before hugging his knee.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael will be lucky if his kneecap isn't broken.

Scott picks up Carmichael for a shinbreaker, runs down ringside and throws him hard against the ring post! The cheers continue as Scott makes his way all the way down to the other end of the ringside arena. He slowly turns and points down towards Carmichael before charging down the ringside area. At the last seconds, Carmichael ducks and dumps him over the guardrail!

Stephy Auger: There you go, John! Get some separation so you can get enough time to recover.

Kris Cruise: Not so fast!

Scott quickly pops back up, grabs Carmichael and drops down with a reverse hangman across the top of the guardrail. Carmichael staggers forward before dropping down to a knee. He continues to favor his neck until Scott comes up from behind. The crowd cheers as Scott takes the BNC cable wire from one of the production cameras, wraps it around Carmichael's neck and chokes him with it.

Stephy Auger: John! JOHN!

Kris Cruise: Chandler's trying to choke the life out of him!

Scott eventually lets go. While Carmichael gasps for air, Scott makes his way over to the announce table and snatches up one of the monitors. Carmichael continues to favor his throat as he returns to a vertical base. The moment he turns around, Scott runs over and rams the monitor into his face, knocking him down!

Scott picks up Carmichael, marches over and slams him face-first onto the announce table. The cheers continue as he pulls Carmichael's head back before slamming it hard onto the table again. Scott then starts to repeatedly slam Carmichael face-first onto the announce table while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FIVE!"

"SIX!"

"SEVEN!"

"EIGHT!"

"NINE!"

"TEN!"

Carmichael gets rolled onto the table. Scott then turns around before looking up at the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: It looks like Chandler wants to take it to the air.

Scott starts to climb up to the apron, but he stops himself.

Stephy Auger: He's having second thoughts already.

Scott climbs back down, reaches underneath the ring... and pulls out a tall ladder.

Kris Cruise: I don't think so, Stephy.

Scott takes the 12" ladder and slides it into the ring. After rolling himself back in, he picks up the ladder, opens it up and positions it right against the ring post.

Kris Cruise: No, he can't be...

Fans in attendance stand up as Scott makes his climb up the ladder.

Kris Cruise: HE CAN'T BE...

Scott stops, looks over and sees Carmichael still splayed out on the mat. He then motions for the referee to hold the ladder in place while he continues his climb. Cruise and Auger immediately clear the announce area.

Kris Cruise: I don't like this, Stephy. It's too risky.

Stephy Auger: I don't like it either. John, get up!

Scott carefully climbs up to the top cap of the ladder. Gasps are heard as he slowly stands up from a crouched position. Scott puts his arms out to help balance himself.

Kris Cruise: If he hits this, it's over for John Carmichael!

Scott slowly raises his arms in the air. He then takes a death breath...





...leaps off the ladder for a flying elbow drop...






...and misses when Carmichael rolls off the table! The crowd shrieks and gasps as Scott crashes through the table!!!

"HOLY SHIT!"
"HOLY SHIT!"
"HOLY SHIT!"

Scott remains motionless amongst the table debris. Carmichael can be seen starting to stir near the announce team. The collective silence is replaced with boos once Carmichael gets back to his feet. He starts to limp over towards the ring before rolling himself back inside.

Carmichael uses the ropes to pull himself up before limping over towards the ladder. He closes the ladder shut before pushing it down to the mat. Carmichael then rolls to the outside, takes the ladder and drags it into place, positioning it so it lays horizontal across the apron and the top of the guardrail.

Kris Cruise: Now what does Carmichael have in mind?

Stephy Auger: Whatever it is, it better work out better for him than it did for Chandler Scott.

Carmichael turns and limps over towards the area where the announce table used to be. After dragging Scott back towards the ring, Carmichael pulls him up and rolls him back inside. Carmichael then rolls himself back inside. He once again uses the ropes to get back to his feet before pulling up Scott by the hair. Carmichael muscles his opponent into the corner before sitting him backwards on the top turnbuckle. Seconds later, he steps out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: What is Carmichael setting up for?

Carmichael repositions Scott on the top turnbuckle. Gasps are heard as both men are now perched up on the top turnbuckle the top turnbuckle hook.

Kris Cruise: This isn't good, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: John, get down from there!

After hooking Scott's arm from behind, Carmichael chucks Scott off with an avalanche Half Nelson Suplex!

"HOLY SHIT!"
"HOLY SHIT!"
"HOLY SHIT!"

Scott lays motionless amongst the broken ladder.

Stephy Auger: That ladder isn't the only thing broken!

Carmichael picks up Scott and rolls him back inside. He then rolls back in before making the cover.

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

Scott gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Carmichael takes Scott, drags him towards the center of the ring and makes the cover.

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

Scott gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael pulls Scott back to his feet, scoops him up and brings him down with the Fresh Meadow (swinging rib breaker)! The boos continue as Scott gets thrown down hard with Spite (fireman's carry into backbreaker)! Carmichael pulls him right back up, hooks both arms from behind and slams him down with the Tahara (full nelson slam over the knee)! He makes the cover.

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

Scott gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Scott gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael with another lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Scott gets the shoulder up.

Frustrated, Carmichael takes Scott and repeatedly rams the back of his head against the canvas.

Stephy Auger: Don't let him frustrate you, Carmichael. You've got him right where you want him. Chandler's barely got anything left.

Carmichael rolls to the outside, reaches underneath another section of the ring and pulls out another steel chair.

Carmichael flings the chair into the ring before rolling back inside. He then folds open the chair and sets it down before setting up Scott for an irish whip. Scott is quick to reverse! Carmichael returns off the ropes... and gets sent face-first into the seat of the chair with a quick drop toe hold.

Stephy Auger: JOHN!

Carmichael continues to hold his face while Scott slowly rolls to the outside. The crowd starts to cheer as Scott starts to throw chair after chair into the ring.

Kris Cruise: Scott got burned bad the last time he tried something big.

Scott rolls back inside, picks up Carmichael, heads into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle while the crowd counts along.

"ONE!"

"TWO!"

"THREE!"

"FOUR!"

"FIVE!"

"SIX!"

"SEVEN!"

"EIGHT!"

"NINE!"

"TEN!"

After sitting Carmichael backwards on the top turnbuckle, Scott heads over and folds open four chairs. He positions the chairs in twos so that the seats are facing each other. Scott motions towards the corner before stopping himself. He turns back around and rethinks the positioning of the chairs. The crowd cheers when he turns the chairs around so that the backs are lined up against each other.

Kris Cruise: Oh boy...

Scott heads over into the corner and sits down on the top turnbuckle. After grabbing a hold of Carmichael's arms, Scott slowly stands up on the middle ropes.

Kris Cruise: He's got Carmichael set up...

Stephy Auger: John! JOHN!

The crowd erupts with cheers when Scott delivers an avalanche throwing crucifix powerbomb, sending Carmichael back-first across the tops of the chairs!

Kris Cruise: GOOD GOD! CARMICHAEL'S BACK!

Carmichael bounces off the chairs before rolling across the ring. He hollers in agony while arching his back.

Stephy Auger: JOOOOHHNNNN!

Scott slowly picks himself up off the mat. After pulling Carmichael back to his feet, Scott lifts him up before delivering a brainbuster across the knee. The cheers continue as Carmichael gets brought down with a fireman's carry neckbreaker across the other knee. Scott pulls Carmichael off the mat before pulling him into a front facelock. He hooks the arm.

Kris Cruise: Scott's about to put him away with the DNA Driver!

Instead of hitting the DNA Driver (Bloody Sunday), Scott brings Carmichael 's arm around his neck, hooks the leg, lifts him up and plants him with a Pole Shift Emerald Flowsion! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

John Carmichael - 1
Chandler Scott - 1

Kris Cruise: We're all tied up, Stephy! We knew this would be a war. But these two are trying to cripple one another! My God!

Exhausted, Scott rolls off of Carmichael. He stays on his back while the referee clears the chairs out of the ring.

Stephy Auger: I don't think they've got anything left.

The crowd starts to murmur when the referee comes back into the ring with the dog collars.

Kris Cruise: This is what it comes down to. The third and deciding leg of this contest.

Both grapplers remain sprawled out on the mat. The referee kneels down and attaches the dog collar around Carmichael's neck. He turns to Scott, but Scott is already crawling over towards the ropes. While Scott struggles to pull himself up using the ropes, the referee attaches the other dog collar around his neck.

Before Scott can even turn around, he gets yanked down to the mat. Scott turns over to a knee and tries to pick himself back up, but Carmichael yanks him back down with the chain again.

Carmichael tries to pull Scott back towards him, but Scott fights him off. Scott then takes the chain and tries to pull Carmichael towards him, but he gets fought off. Both grappler play tug of war with the chain.

Kris Cruise: Who's going to gain the advantage?

Once both grapplers are within striking distance, the crowd erupts with cheers when they trade punches.

Kris Cruise: The fists are flying!

The crowd is at a fever pitch as Carmichael and Scott continue to trade punches in the center of the ring. Each man is quick to answer the other's punch. Neither man slows down for a second. The two continue to exchange blows until Scott ducks a right hand and counters with one of his own. Scott ducks another right hand before coming right back with a punch. The cheers continue as Scott delivers a flurry of right hands. Those cheers quickly get replaced with boos when Carmichael rakes Scott across the eyes. He then takes Scott, marches into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Scott around, Carmichael wraps his hand with part of the chain before delivering a hard knife edge chops across the chest. The sickening thud from each strike echoes throughout the arena.

Scott's chest is heavily brushed and beaten. But Carmichael doesn't show him any mercy. Instead, he wraps his arm with part of the chain before delivering repeated clotheslines in the corner. The boos continue as Scott gets whipped hard into the far corner. Scott staggers his way out of the corner until Carmichael turns him inside out with a lariat underneath the chin!

Stephy Auger: He nearly got his head knocked off!

Carmichael pulls Scott over for the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael takes Scott and whips him into the opposite corner. Carmichael runs in to attack, but Scott turns him around with a boot to the face before bringing him down with an inverted Tornado DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Carmichael gets the shoulder up.

Scott picks up Carmichael and sends him for the ride. He sets up for a back body drop off the rebound, but Carmichael slams on the brakes, takes the chain and whacks him right across the back with it!

Scott slowly drops to his knees. He continue to arch his back in pain until Carmichael whacks him across the chest with the chain. After Scott drops down to all fours, Carmichael repeatedly whips him across the back with the chain. An overhead shot of Scott in the prone position shows his back heavily bruised and cut. Carmichael then heads over into the corner and unties the top turnbuckle pad before ripping it off.

Carmichael takes the chain and pulls Scott over into the corner with it. After yanking Scott back to his feet, Carmichael sits him down backwards on the top turnbuckle. The crowd starts to murmur as he scales up to the middle ropes.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael's heading towards the top again...

Carmichael lifts Scott up and brings him down with the Bitter Taste of Failure (belly to back superplex dropped onto the top turnbuckle). The crowd erupts with boos as Scott bounces off the exposed turnbuckle before crumbling to the mat.

Kris Cruise: That might've broken him, Stephy. That might've done it right there!

Carmichael crawls over and makes the cover.

ONE!

.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!

The crowd cheers when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: How was that not three?

Carmichael picks up Scott and whips him into the ropes. Scott returns off the rebound and ducks a lariat before continuing to run the ropes. When Scott returns, he ducks a back elbow to the face before hitting the ropes. Scott returns off the rebound and gets brought down with another pop-up sitout powerbomb from Carmichael!

NO!

Scott counters with a Frankensteiner!

Scott gets up on all fours and starts slapping the mat to get the crowd fired up.

Kris Cruise: Scott's trying to feed off the energy of this crowd.

[Scott slowly returns to a vertical base. He checks behind him before taking off into the far ropes. Scott returns off the rebound, knocks Carmichael down with a clothesline and continues to run the ropes. The cheers continue as Scott returns off the rebound and knocks Carmichael back down with another running clothesline. Scott continues to run the ropes. Carmichael gets up, turns around and gets brought down with a lariat takedown.

Scott crawls over into the corner before picking himself up with the ropes. He looks behind him before slowly climbing the ropes. As soon as he gets to the top, Carmichael wraps up part of the chain before dropping to his back, causing Scott to slip, fall and end up crotched on the top turnbuckle.

Carmichael heads into the corner. He then takes the chain and whacks Scott across the back with it multiple times before climbing up to the middle ropes.

Kris Cruise: Carmichael's going for another superplex...

Stephy Auger:

Carmichael looks around before stepping up to the top ropes. He then takes Scott, lifts him up and brings him down with a belly to back superplex!

NO!

Scott turns in mid air and lands down across Carmichael! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
,
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Carmichael gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael gets sent for the ride. When Carmichael returns, Scott sends him flipping down to the mat with a kitchen sink. While Carmichael is in the seated position, Scott wraps his forearm with the chain before taking off into the ropes. When Scott returns, the crowd cheers when he flattens Carmichael with a Sliding D! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Carmichael gets the shoulder up.

Scott picks up Carmichael and whips him into the ropes. When Carmichael returns, Scott tries to whack him across the face with the chain. Carmichael ducks before hitting the ropes. Carmichael comes back off the ropes. Scott swings the chain across his body and tries to whack Carmichael across the face again. He whiffs when Carmichael ducks and hits the ropes. When he returns, the crowd cheers when Scott knocks him off his feet with a Pinpoint Dropkick!

Kris Cruise: He's still got it.

Scott turns over and slaps the canvas before pointing over towards the corner.

Kris Cruise: Scott might be looking to go back to the top again. I'm not sure how wise that is.

Stephy Auger:

Scott gets to his feet and starts to head over into the corner. he then hoisted himself up onto the middle ropes before slowly stepping up to the top ropes.

Once Carmichael returns to a vertical base, Scott stands up from a crouched position, leaps off and knocks Carmichael down with a frog splash crossbody!

NO!

Carmichael rolls through it, pulls Scott up as he gets back to his feet, turns him upside down and plants him to an eruption of boos with the jumping tombstone! The crowd erupts with boos.

Kris Cruise: 27 Club!

Stephy Auger: IT'S OVER!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

The crowd cheers when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

Scott gets the shoulder up.

Carmichael sits Scott up, wraps part of the chain around his fist and starts raining down rapid right hands to the face. He adds insult to injury by grinding the chain-wrapped fists into Scott's forehead. Carmichael then unwraps the chain around his fist, wraps it around his elbow and starts raining down Bionic Elbows across the head. He then wraps part of the chain around Scott's neck and chokes him from behind with it. The boos continue as Scott flails his arms. Carmichael then yanks Scott back to his feet, runs and tosses him through the ropes to the apron. Carmichael drags Scott into position across the middle rope before bringing him down with the Khartbreyk (rope hung swinging neckbreaker)!

Carmichael rolls to the outside, grabs the chain and drags Scott out onto the apron before bringing him down with an apron-hung swinging neckbreaker! The boos continue as Scott gets rolled back inside. Carmichael rolls himself back in, drags Scott away from the ropes with the chain and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: What does Carmichael have to do to put him away!?

Kris Cruise: Scott's giving him a harder fight than he thought.

Carmichael yanks Scott back to his feet before whipping him violently into the corner. The crowd gasps when Scott crashes sternum-first into the top turnbuckle. He starts to stumble back until Carmichael grabs him from behind and throws him down with another Tahara! Scott bounces off of Carmichael's knee before getting sent for the ride. When Scott returns off the rebound, the boos continue as Carmichael tries to slam him through the ring with the Salt of the Earth (tilt-a-whirl over the shoulder powerslam)! The boos grow louder when Carmichael motions that it's over. After peeling Scott off the mat by the ears, Carmichael scoops him upside down. The same boos are quickly replaced with cheers when Scott starts to kick his legs. Carmichael leans back until Scott lands on his feet. The cheers grow louder when Scott has Carmichael upside down for a Tombstone. Before Scott can hit it, Carmichael kicks his legs to counter. Scott leans back until Carmichael lands on his feet. The boos come back out as Carmichael regains control. Carmichael's got Scott up across his shoulder. Before he can slip him down into position for the Tombstone, Scott kicks his legs again. He continues to kick the legs until he slips down from behind. When Carmichael turns around, Scott throws out a wild haymaker. He whiffs and gets his head snapped back with an uppercut. A dazed Scott plops to a seated position.

Carmichael quickly reaches down, yanks Scott back to his feet and pulls him into a front facelock. He then lifts Scott up before planting him with another Bloodline!

NO!

Scott kicks his legs on the way up, forcing Carmichael to lower him back down. He then takes the arm, spins out of it and knocks Carmichael down with a short-arm Bionic Elbow!

NO!

Carmichael ducks and catches Scott when he turns around with a fireman's carry. Carmichael tries for another fireman's carry into a backbreaker. Scott fights him off with a flurry of elbows to the side of the head. After slipping down from behind, Scott turns Carmichael towards him. He hits Carmichael with multiple open hand slaps, followed by an elbow strike to the head, followed by a discus forearm, ending with a running Single Leg Dropkick)!

Stephy Auger: Was that... The Clockwork Orange! We haven't seen that since...

Carmichael starts to stir on the canvas. As soon as he turns over and gets up on a knee, Scott rushes back over before flattening him with a Shining Wizard!

Stephy Auger: Wait a second. #PimpShit!?

Scott pulls Carmichael off the mat, hooks both arms and plants him with a Snap Double-Arm DDT!

Stephy Auger: The Blues!?

Scott keeps the double underhooks applied. He then turns over, pulls Carmichael back to his feet, lets go of the underhooks, places Carmichael in a front facelock and follows up with three consecutive DDTs in the style of the Three Amigos!

Stephy Auger: Three Enemigos!?

Kris Cruise: Do you realize what Chandler just did? He just nailed Carmichael with the signature moves of some of his most hated rivals! Cannon! Carmine! Envi! Anders!

Stephy Auger: That no good son of a...

Both grapplers remains sprawled out on the mat... until Scott leans back and returns to his feet with a kip up. He immediately ropes to a knee before favoring his back. Once he's back up, the crowd cheers as Scott circles the ring while shaking his fists.

Scott starts to pace back and forth before shaking the top rope.

Kris Cruise: He's feeling it now, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: ...

Scott picks up Carmichael, delivers an irish whip and follows him across the ring before snapping his head back with a running European Uppercut. He then takes Carmichael, delivers another irish whip, follows him across the ring and bashes him with a flying corner elbow smash. With Carmichael rocked, Scott sits him up on the top turnbuckle. He then turns his back to him, places him in a three quarter facelock and takes a couple of steps out of the corner. Scott looks around at the rabid crowd. He then the crowd a thumbs up, then a thumbs down before spiking Carmichael with the Mass Spike (top rope-hung Cutter)!

Kris Cruise: That was vintage Scott right there!

Stephy Auger: This can't be happening...

Scott slowly peels Carmichael off the mat before pulling him into another front facelock. He scans the crowd after hooking the arm.

Kris Cruise: Scott could put him away with the DNA Driver here!

Instead of dropping Carmichael with the DNA Driver, Scott lets go, turns him around and wraps the chain over... and over... and over... and over... and over again around his neck. Scott chokes Carmichael from behind with the chain before slowly lifting him up across his shoulders. Scott looks to to the crowd... before spiking Carmichael with a Burning Hammer! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Stephy Auger: GAH!

Kris Cruise: He's done it!

J.A. Aldridge: Here is your winner... CHANDLER SCOTT!

"YOU'VE STILL GOT IT!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

"YOU'VE STILL GOT IT!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

"YOU'VE STILL GOT IT!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

Kris Cruise: Chandler Scott has done it! He has defeated John Carmichael here tonight! When all else failed, he pulled out the Burning Hammer, the same move he defeated Carmichael with to become the first International Champion at Above & Beyond VI! What a war we have just witnessed!

An exhausted Scott sits on his knees. He looks around and shakes his head in disbelief. Scott falls onto his back before placing his hands over his face.

Kris Cruise: He probably never thought this day would come again.

Stephy Auger: I know I didn't.

Scott slowly returns to a vertical base. The cheers continue when the referee raises his arm in victory.

Kris Cruise: We have just witnessed one hell of a war between two of the greatest to ever do it in FGA. But when the dust settled, it was Chandler Scott that was victorious here tonight.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, barely standing.

Scott slowly circles the ring and takes in the cheers and applause from the crowd. He starts to step out to the apron, but he stops himself halfway.

Kris Cruise: What's he doing.

Scott looks back over and sees Carmichael still on the mat. He then hops down to the floor and motions towards the ramp... only to snatch up one of the steel chairs and slide back into the ring. The crowd erupts with cheers.

Stephy Auger: He can't do this!

Scott makes a beeline towards Carmichael. The ref goes to stop him. But one look from Scott and the ref wisely backs up. The crowd looks on as Scott drags Carmichael towards the corner.

Stephy Auger: What's that referee doing!? Get over there and stop him!

Kris Cruise: Chandler's not done with Carmichael, just like Carmichael wasn't done with him after their last match.

Stephy Auger: And you're condoning this?

Gasps are heard when Scott scissors the chair around Carmichael's neck.

Kris Cruise: Alright, now, Chandler. There's no need for this.

Stephy Auger: Would someone stop him!

Scott hoists himself up onto the middle ropes before looking down at Carmichael.

Stephy Auger: He's going to break his neck!

The gasps grow louder when Scott slowly stands up on the top turnbuckle.

Kris Cruise: I understand he wants revenge. I get it. He wants to hurt Carmichael just as badly as he hurt him. Maybe even worse. But he doesn't have to go down this road. He already got his win. Don't do this, Chandler!

Scott stares down at Carmichael with contempt. He narrows his eyes as he thinks back on everything that Carmichael took from him.

Stephy Auger: Would someone help Carmichael? Please!

Scott looks out at the crowd. Some are cheering for him to do it. But there are a few that are shouting "NO" and waving him off. The expression on Scott's face softens.

Stephy Auger: Do you hear these people? They want Chandler to do this!? After everything Carmichael did for them!

Scott looks back down. As soon as he sees Carmichael, his eyes narrow. Scott snarls as he points down at his Carmichael. Gasps are heard when Scott leaps off from the top with a flying double foot stomp...

Kris Cruise: NOOOO!














...and lands next to Carmichael's head

Stephy Auger: Phew!

Kris Cruise: Thank God!

Scott drops to a knee before looking over at Carmichael. He looking out and simply shakes his head before rolling to the outside. Scott is met with cheers and applause on the outside. But he doesn't take it in. Instead, he walks with his head down with his hands on his hips while he makes his way up the ramp and to the back.

[FGA Office]

We’re seeing one half of Def Before Dishonor for the second time tonight, backstage and looking a little worse for wear but still standing. Of course, the change now is that the West Indian Whirlwind is holding on one shoulder one of the FGA World Tag Team championships on his shoulder, and the United States championship on the other shoulder. Even with a match coming up in mere moments against Logan Alexander, and all the tenacity that will need from him, The White Hat of FGA stands strong.

Sparrow: Wrestling is constantly playing with the hand we are dealt. I don’t think I need to explain that to Logan who is an elder statesman in this business, in this industry by and large. I don’t think I need to explain that to Harris either, because I know he knows. Yes. I get it, fighting at one hundred is...Would be the best thing to ask for but this is how we do it, this is how we roll on. We all have goals, and we all have disappointments.

The Master of the Kick snorts at himself, as though suddenly remembering something.

Sparrow: You wanna hear something petty? You wanna know my disappointment? Hear now me yes. My disappointment was that I only won one award, for best U.S. champion in FGA’s last year. Wild ain’t?

The double-double champ has to laugh to himself slightly. As if he didn’t just become a double champion in Frontier Grappling Arts a second time over, a feat only seen by some of the best and brighter in company history. Anyone can read on the face of the Master of the Kick that good enough isn’t ever.

Sparrow: In a company where some of us are only fighting for their lives trying to get an elusive win, trying to get some breathing room and not see a specific rival over and over again, or win the big one...We each have these goals we do obsess with. Look...Make no mistake tonight, I know what it looks like, I know what it could be perceived as but I am coming out there giving everything I had just like me and Teej gave facing up against Silk & Cyanide.

He clears his throat briefly.

Sparrow: Make no bounds about it, make no doubts about it...But Logan, Mr. Harris, with all due respect, if you take this title from me tonight, it will not diminish...You wanna know why? Because these fans will know. They’ll know out there. Everyone in the locker room will know. I never do anything but give one hundred, one hundred and ten, one hundred and twenty. I give everything...Everything I have to every match and you have---

Sparrow throws his arms up.

Sparrow: --you have seen it for yourself in every Gold Rush that I KEEP COMING SO DAMN CLOSE, AND CLOSER TO WINNING! TO BREAKING RECORD ELIMINATIONS! ...So understand, you are getting the best and an hour’s rest for me is like a vacation. I will be fresh as a daisy and like always you gon’ get the very best...of Sparrow tonight. So give me all you got and don’t blink.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: We've got the United States Championship match coming up next Stephy. Speaking of the U.S. Championship, we've got someone in the crowd that knows a thing or two about that title.

The crowd erupts with cheers when the Video Tron shows Salem in the front row. A "TIS THE SEASON!" chant breaks out, which brings a smile to the face of the former FGA wrestler.

Kris Cruise: We've got The Phenomena in the house tonight, Stephy! The record-tying two-time U.S. Champion is in the building!

Stephy Auger: Who the hell left her in here, anyway? She needs to get back on her broom and abracadabra her ass right on out of here!

FGA UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
© Sparrow vs. Logan Alexander

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

Logan leads the way over to the nearest set of ring steps, climbs up them to the ring apron and then into the ring. Theodore meanwhile walks around the ring towards the opposite corner of the ring with the other set of ring steps.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the FGA United States Championship! Introducing first, the challenger! Being accompanied to the ring by Theodore Harris! He hails from Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Weighing in at 227 pounds... LOGAN ALEXANDER!

Logan walks across the ring to the opposite corner, turns around and leans back against the turnbuckles, draping his arms on the top rope on either side of him. Theodore climbs up the ring steps behind Logan, stepping onto the ring apron behind him. He leans in close, talking softly to Logan, who merely nods slightly in response to whatever is being said.

Kris Cruise: Logan Alexander and his representative, Theodore Harris, weren't exactly thrilled with being granted this match tonight. For one, they felt like Logan hadn't earned this championship match yet and two, they wanted to face Sparrow at 100%

Stephy Auger: Listen, you know I've got all the respect for Logan and Mr. Harris is a fine manager. But you don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Who cares if Sparrow wrestled earlier tonight? That's his problem, not theirs. Even the No-Longer-Mighty Sparrow said it himself. If Logan can beat him tonight, he'll have earned it.

Theodore then steps back and descends the stairs back to the ringside mats. Logan fixes his gaze on the entryway, waiting for his opponent’s arrival.

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

From the entrance to the ring, Sparrow appears through the curtain, his championship wrapped around his waist. The West Indian Whirlwind begins high-fiving fans on his way down the ramp. He gets to the outside of the ring as “Gold Watch” continues playing before he jumps and lands on the apron.

A second jump sees The West Indian Whirlwind clear the ring ropes before throwing his hat into the audience. Impressively, the championship remained on his waist! Sparrow then takes off for the farthest side of the ring. He springs onto the second rope, executing a backflip and lands on his feet in the middle of the squared circle. He does a sliding motion on his heel before turning and striking a Rock Lee pose to the cheers of the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from South Oropouche, Trinidad! Weighing in at 205 pounds! He is one half of the reigning FGA World Tag Team Champions, as well as the reigning... defending... FGA United States Champion! He is The West Indian Whirlwind... SPARROW!

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

Sparrow leans up against his corner, holding out the championship to the referee after removing it from his person. After some discourse with the announcer and ref, the West Indian Whirlwind is ready to go.

Kris Cruise: With his Tag Team Championship win earlier tonight, Sparrow is now a two-time double champion here in FGA. But his run as a double champ could end just as quickly as it started, Stephy.

Stephy Auger: That's right. Sparrow is guaranteed to walk out of this one as a champion. If Logan gets his way, it'll only be as a Tag Team Champion. Alexander has been eliminated by Sparrow from multiple Gold Rush Rumbles. It's time that Alexander finally gets some payback.

Kris Cruise: But as we said moments ago, he really doesn't want this match because he knows Sparrow won't be at 100%. Even during the main event of the last Vertigo, he refused to cheat.

Stephy Auger: I don't know what's gotten into Logan lately. But there's a title on the line. He needs to snap out of it and take advantage of what's in front of him.

The bell sounds as Alexander makes his way towards the center of the ring. The Quiet One then motions for Sparrow to come over towards him. Once Sparrow is within arm's reach, Alexander extends his hand out. Sparrow looks out to the capacity crowd and points over to Logan. Sparrow looks back at Alexander... and slowly shakes his hand. Alexander responds with a nod. He then lets go... and puts his hands up in a defensive manner before backing away from the United States champion.

Kris Cruise: Nice show of sportsmanship there.

Stephy Auger: He should've decked him.

Alexander hooks both arms around the top rope before leaning back. Meanwhile, Sparrow can be seen doing some stretches of his own in the opposite corner. Once both grapplers are ready, they begin to circle the ring.

Alexander starts to slowly inch forward. When he sees Sparrow motion to his right, he cuts to his left. When Sparrow motions to his left, Alexander cuts to his right. The Quiet One tries to feint a collar-and-elbow before shooting in for a takedown. Alexander ends up catching nothing but air as Sparrow's able to strafe out of the way. Alexander gets back to his feet before making a beeline right towards the champion. Alexander shoots in for another takedown. But once again, Sparrow's able to slip out of the way in time.

Kris Cruise: It's clear what Logan's plan in.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, get the champion down and tie him up.

Alexander remains undeterred and continues to go after the champion. The Quiet One feints a few times before shooting in and grabbing a hold of Sparrow's leg. Sparrow hops on his free leg while Alexander tries to bring him to the mat. Sparrow continues to hop backwards before he collapses against the ropes. As soon as the champion grabs the middle rope, the ref forces Alexander to let him go by the count of five.

Ref: ONE... TWO...

Alexander lets go and backs up towards the center of the ring. Sparrow uses the ropes to pull himself back to his feet. He then circles the ring before locking up with Alexander. The Quiet One quickly gains the advantage with a side headlock. He then performs a standing switch into a hammerlock before Sparrow counters with a jumping snapmare. Alexander gets back to his feet while Sparrow hist the ropes. The champion returns off the rebound and ducks a clothesline before continuing to run the ropes. Sparrow comes back and ducks a back elbow before continuing to run the ropes. When Sparrow returns, he comes to a stop once Alexander runs past him towards the same set of ropes. When Alexander returns, he slams on the brakes when Sparrow runs off into another set of ropes. The West Indian Whirlwind returns before quickly cutting to run into another set of ropes. The cheers continue as Sparrow returns, gets close towards Alexander before quickly cutting to run into yet another set of ropes. When Sparrow comes back, he brings Alexander down with a running hurricanrana. Alexander returns to his feet, turns around and gets brought back down with a wheelbarrow arm drag. The cheers continue as Alexander gets back to his feet, turns around and gets sent back down with a tilt-a-whirl arm drag. Sparrow rushes back over to attack. Alexander goes for a hip toss over the top rope, but Sparrow's legs ricochet off the top rope before he lands back on his feet. Sparrow then delivers a quick arm wrench, followed by a slap across the chest. The West Indian Whirlwind then walks up to the top rope and twirls through the air before bringing Alexander down with yet another arm drag. Once Alexander returns to a vertical base, he gets caught with another running rana. This one sends him through the ropes to the outside.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow is just too fast for Logan.

Sparrow takes off into the far ropes before picking up speed on the return. He motions for a dive to the outside, but he bounces off the ropes, flips back and lands in a Rock Lee pose to the delight of the crowd. Theodore Harris can be seen on the outside turning to Logan as he gestures towards the champion.

Stephy Auger: You see that, Logan? You play nice with him and what does he do? He taunts you?

Kris Cruise: It's not a taunt.

Stephy Auger: Are you blind? Of course it is!

Alexander takes his time walking around the ring. Once he's lapped the ring, he climbs up to the apron before stepping back in through the ropes. The challenger then slowly makes his way over to Sparrow before locking up. This time, Sparrow gains the advantage with a side headlock. Alexander goes to shove him off, but Sparrow doesn't budge. He then moves Sparrow into the near ropes, then tries to get a running start before shoving him off into the far ropes. NO! Sparrow drops down to his knees while keeping the side headlock applied. After Alexander returns to his feet, he goes for counter with a belly to back suplex, but Sparrow kicks his legs on the way up before reversing into a side headlock takeover. Alexander is able to counter with a grounded headscissors, but he doesn't stay in control for long as Sparrow escapes with a kip up. Alexander returns to a vertical base before getting sent back down with another side headlock takeover. After the challenger reverses into a grounded headscissors, the champion escapes with another kip up. Alexander races back to his feet before getting caught with another side headlock takedown. NO! Alexander blocks the move. He then grabs Sparrow and delivers a belly to back suplex. NO! Sparrow rolls over his shoulder, lands on his feet, spins Alexander towards him and follows up with yet another side headlock takedown. Alexander ends up reverses into another grounded headscissors seconds later. Sparrow goes for a kip up, but Alexander blocks it. Sparrow goes for another kip up. But again, Alexander stuffs the escape attempt.

Sparrow shifts around on the mat before turning over onto his knees. He then presses down on Alexander's legs as he performs a handstand. In the blink of an eye, Sparrow pushes himself out on the grounded headscissors, lands on his feet and quickly follows up with a low-angle front dropkick to the face.

Kris Cruise: Again, Sparrow is just a step too quick for Logan.

Stephy Auger: Logan has to stop playing nice and go after the leg. It'll slow Sparrow down plus take away that leg-based offense of his.

Alexander clutches his mouth as he quickly rolls out to the apron. The Quiet One can be seen sitting on the apron before moving his jaw around. Before Alexander can even get back to his feet, Sparrow runs up from behind and knocks him off the apron with a baseball slide to the back, sending the challenger tumbling to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Typical cheap shot from Sparrow.

Kris Cruise: Cheap shot!?

Harris quickly scurries over towards his client. He gets down and looks right at Alexander before gesturing towards Sparrow.

Stephy Auger: That's right, Mr. Harris. Let Logan know that he has to get aggressive.

Alexander once again circles the ring. The Quiet One then makes his way up the steps before entering in through the ropes. He and Sparrow proceed to circle the ring before locking up. NO! Sparrow hits a drop step go behind, takes control of Alexander's back and brings him to the mat with a waist lock takedown.

Alexander gets up on all fours and tries to spin out of it and take control of Sparrow's back, but The West Indian Whirlwind keeps Alexander in front of him.

Harris can be seen slapping the apron and instructing Alexander not to let Sparrow outwrestle him.

Alexander slowly fights back to a vertical base. From there, he reaches down, grabs Sparrow's wrists and slowly pries the apart his grip. He then quickly reverses into a rear waistlock of his own and tries for a German Suplex. Sparrow counters by kicking his legs on the way up. Once Sparrow's lowered back down, Alexander goes for another German attempt. This time, Sparrow blocks by hooking his right leg behind Alexander's. He then runs forward towards the ropes. At the last second, Sparrow drops down to a prone position, sending Alexander through the ropes to the floor!

Alexander picks himself up on the floor. As soon as he turns around, the crowd explodes with cheers when Sparrow leaps over the top rope and knocks him down with a suicide dropkick!

Kris Cruise: Big dropkick to the floor from the champion!

Sparrow takes Alexander and rolls him back inside. He then climbs up to the apron, springboards to the top rope, leaps off and connects with a guillotine leg drop!

NO!

Sparrow catches nothing but canvas after Alexander rolls out of the way.

Stephy Auger: Logan's got his opening. Go after the leg!

Sparrow crawls over towards the ropes before using them to pull himself up. He tarts to hobble around the ring until Alexander grabs him from behind. Alexander goes for a belly to back suplex. Again, Sparrow rolls over his shoulder. But as soon as the champion lands on his feet, his leg buckles. The crowd gasps when Sparrow plops down to a seated position.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow's hurt, Stephy.

Harris can be seen motioning for Alexander to do something. Alexander starts to head over towards Sparrow, but he stops himself. He motions forward again, only to stop.

Stephy Auger: What are you doing, Logan!?

Alexander puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head... before heading over and lifting up Sparrow's leg. The Quiet One goes for a Figure Four, but Sparrow reaches up and counters into a small package.

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

Kris Cruise: That moment of hesitation nearly cost him.

Once both grapplers return to their feet, Alexander throws out a kick to the leg. Sparrow reaches out, catches the foot and counters with a step over spinning wheel kick!

Sparrow sits up before scooting himself up against the corner. The champion can be seen massaging his leg while Alexander stirs on the mat.

Kris Cruise: That kick caught Logan good. But the champion couldn't take advantage.

Sparrow uses the ropes to pull himself up while Alexander returns to a vertical base. Sparrow does his best to run over to attack, but Alexander lifts him up and counters with a spinebuster! He makes the cover.

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

Alexander goes back to targeting the leg. After delivering three elbow drops across the leg, Alexander follows up with the Figure Four.

Stephy Auger: There we go!

Sparrow can be seen yelling out in pain. The referee asks the champion if he wants to give up. Sparrow refuses. He then tries to scoot himself towards the ropes, but Alexander counters by scooting right back towards the center of the ring. Sparrow then tries to turn to his right, but Alexander blocks by turning to his left. When Sparrow goes to his left, Alexander blocks by going to his right.

Kris Cruise: Logan isn't letting Sparrow get out of this.

Sparrow continues to yell out in pain before slowly lowering his back to the mat. As soon as the ref sees both shoulders down, he makes the count.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sparrow sits right back out.

The West Indian Whirlwind reaches out for Alexander, but the veteran leans back just out of his reach. The champion slaps the canvas out of frustration. He then starts to turn to his right. But once again, Alexander blocks by going to his left. Sparrow then feints to his left. When Alexander turns to his right, Sparrow quickly turns over in the same direction. The crowd cheers when they see Sparrow waving his arm repeatedly over towards his right. The challenger can be seen shaking his head in disbelief. The crowd then erupts with cheers when Sparrow turns all the way over and reverses the pressure.

Alexander lets go of the hold. Both grapplers can be seen pulling themselves towards opposite sides of the ring. After they use the ropes to pull themselves up, champion and challenger turn around, rushes towards the center of the ring and take each other out with a clothesline!

Kris Cruise: They just knocked the air out of each other.

While both grapplers are splayed out on the mat, the referee starts his count.

ONE
.
.
.
.
.
TWO
.
.
.
.
.
THREE
.
.
.
.
.
FOUR
.
.
.
.
.
FIVE!
.
.
.
.
.
SIX!
.
.
.
.
.
SEVEN!
.
.
.
.
.
EIGHT!
.
.
.
.
.
NINE!
.
.
.
.
T-NO!

Both grapplers are met with cheers and applause when they return to a vertical base. Alexander strikes first with a palm thrust. Sparrow strikes back with a knife edge chop. Alexander comes right back with a palm thrust. Sparrow answers back with a knife edge chop. The Quiet One connects with another palm thrust. Sparrow responds with a knife edge chop. The champion cuts him off with another knife edge chop. The cheers continue when Sparrow hits him with a pair of knife edge chops. The West Indian Whirlwind then delivers a trio of chops. He then turns and hits the ropes. When Sparrow returns, he knocks Alexander down with a jumping sidekick. NO! Alexander ducks, quickly takes control of Sparrow's back and follows up with A Long Pause (multiple rolling German Suplexes)! Alexander holds the bridge on the last suplex...

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

Alexander delivers an inverted atomic drops before hitting the ropes. When he returns, he drops Sparrow with a reverse bulldog. Sparrow gets pulled back to his feet before getting brought down with Dead Air (Implant DDT)! He makes the cover.

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

Alexander places Sparrow in an inverted front facelock before dropping him with the reverse Implant DDT version of the Dead Air.

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

Sparrow gets tossed out through the ropes to the apron. Alexander then pulls him across the middle ropes before giving him the draping DDT version of Dead Air!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Sparrow gets his foot on the bottom rope.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow will not stay down!

Alexander gives Sparrow an atomic drop before following up with a russian leg sweep. After a pendulum backbreaker brings Sparrow back down, Alexander heads up to the middle ropes. He goes for an elbow drop, but Sparrow gets his good leg up.

Kris Cruise: Sparrow caught him on the way down.

Alexander turns over on all fours and tries to shake off the blow. Once the challenger gets back to his feet, he turns around and gets caught with a leg lariat. Alexander returns to a vertical base before getting brought back down with another leg lariat. Alexander is quick to reverse an irish whip. He goes to catch Sparrow off the rebound with a back body drop, but Sparrow slips down from behind. Sparrow's leg buckles again. Alexander turns and sees Sparrow doubled over before turning to hit the far ropes. When Alexander returns, Sparrow brings him down to a knee with a front dropkick to the leg. The West Indian Whirlwind follows up by cracking Alexander across the top of the head with Love TKO (Shining axe kick on an opponent crouched)! He makes the cover.

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

Alexander reverses an irish whip, sending Sparrow into the corner. The challenger runs in to attack, but he gets turned around with a boot to the face. Sparrow is quick to follow up with a German Suplex into the turnbuckles! He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another close call for the challenger.

Stephy Auger: Come on, Logan. You've been denied by Sparrow for long enough.

Alexander reverses another irish whip. He then sets up for another back body drop off the return. This time, Sparrow counters with a kick to the face that knocks him upright before dropping him with a leaping sidekick. Alexander sits up and tries to shake off the blow, but he ends up getting flattened with a running Penalty Kick! Sparrow with the cover.

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

Sparrow takes control of Alexander's back and tries to hook the arms for a Tiger Suplex. After a struggle, Alexander wrestles himself free, catches Sparrow with a back elbow to the face, turns around and slams him down with the Full Stop (STO)!

Alexander takes Sparrow and whips him hard into the corner. The West Indian Whirlwind staggers out of the corner while Alexander hits the adjacent ropes. Alexander returns off the rebound before bringing Sparrow down with The Silencer (Ace Crusher)!

NO!

Sparrow pushes him off into the ropes. Alexander returns off the rebound and ducks another jumping sidekick. Sparrow turns around and nearly gets caught with a superkick, but he ducks it. When Alexander turns around, he gets caught with the Leaf Hurricane (Counter Scorpion Kick followed by a Pele Kick)! Alexander stumbles back until a running front dropkick sends him flying backwards into the corner.

The cheers continue as Sparrow heads over into the corner, climbs up to the middle ropes and plants Alexander with a Tornado DDT! The West Indian Whirlwind drags Alexander into position before pointing to the top turnbuckle.

"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"

Kris Cruise: Sparrow's about to put Logan away!

Stephy Auger: Get up, Logan! Get up!

Sparrow steps out to the apron before scaling the ropes. The champion reaches the top turnbuckle, leaps off and sticks Alexander with The Notorious K.I.C.K. II (Top Rope Double Foot Stomp)!

NO!

Alexander rolls out of the way. As soon as Sparrow lands on his feet, he immediately crumbles to the mat.

Kris Cruise: I think he tweaked something.

Sparrow can be heard groaning as he immediately rolls to the outside.

Kris Cruise: This doesn't look good for the champion.

Sparrow is on the outside hugging his leg. Back inside, Alexander returns to a vertical base. He sees the referee counting Sparrow out. So he goes over and stops the official.

Kris Cruise:

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

Instead of grabbing Sparrow and dragging him back inside, Alexander drops to a knee and tends to his opponent on the floor.

Stephy Auger: LOGAN, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?

To the shock of the fans, Alexander actually helps Sparrow back to his feet. Again, instead of bringing the action back inside, Alexander helps Sparrow up the ramp.

Kris Cruise: Logan knows that Sparrow's hurt. He already didn't want this match because Sparrow would be wrestling twice in one night. Now this? No, Logan doesn't want to win this way.

Stephy Auger: I would!

Champion and challenger continue to make their way up the ramp when the bell sounds.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has ruled this contest... a DOUBLE COUNT OUT!

There's some slight boos from the crowd. But they mostly cheer. Even Salem is seen applauding the efforts of both men.

J.A. Aldridge: Therefor, STILL your FGA United States Champion, SPARROW!

Kris Cruise: This isn't the way either of these two men wanted this match to end. But I doubt that this is the last time we'll see them cross paths over the United States Championship...

[FGA Office]

Nina Stokes: I have been told that it’s normal to feel anxious prior to these sorts of matches.

A close up of Nina appears on the screen. She is seated on the floor with her back against the wall. Her black Nike sports bra and shorts visible behind the picture's reddish hue.

Nina Stokes: But I don’t feel anxious.

Her eyes remain steadfast on the camera’s lens.

Nina Stokes: I don’t feel anxious. I don’t feel nervous. I don’t feel scared. I don’t even feel excited.

A few seconds pass by.

Nina Stokes: This numbness that courses through my very being? I’m told that it's abnormal, eerie even―

Another second passes.

Nina Stokes: But it’s accompanied by a curious calmness.

Her eyes peer down at her unwavering hands.

Nina Stokes: A similar calmness visited me before each and every shoot fight that I had back in HKW. The exact calmness washed over me prior to my final encounter with Salem, right before I ended her career.

A moment passes as the camera stays steadfast on Nina.

Nina Stokes: Lowri? These are perilous times for you. I’m not concerned about your happiness. I’m not concerned about your legacy. And I’m damn sure not concerned about your safety and well being. The only thing that matters is that I walk out of that arena holding the championship belt. And if I must butcher you to do so, well, I won’t be bothered whatsoever.

The camera zooms in on her face, just a little bit.

Nina Stokes: My sacrifice to this wretched sport has been immeasurable. I’ve given my body. I’ve given my mind. I’ve given my life force―

There’s a pause.

Nina Stokes: It’s high time for me to hold that championship up into the air.

A moment goes by before the camera starts to fade out.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: It's main event time, Stephy. This is one of the most anticipated championship matches we've had in quite some time.

Stephy Auger: Yes it is. I'll give that runt Lowri her due. She's been a record-setting World Champion. She's somehow escaped multiple matches against multiple Hall of Famers with her championship. But tonight, she faces Nina Stokes for the first time one on one. The self-proclaimed Standard Bearer of FGA has never met a challenge like the one she's about to face tonight. That's saying a lot!

MAIN EVENT
FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
© Lowri Moss vs. Nina Stokes

The lights in the arena dim to a fairly darkened level. A couple of seconds pass before MUCC’s “Sei to Shi to Kimi” begins to play. The base of the entrance becomes fills up with heavy smoke. Nina Stokes makes her way out from the back a few seconds later. She emerges from the smoke after a moment or two. She gives a sly sneer to camera before she makes her way towards to the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is for the FGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Introducing first, hailing from MIAMI, FLORIDA! Weighing in at 140 pounds! She is "The Kodiak"... NINA STOKES!

Her pace down to the ring deliberate and leisurely. She tosses a couple of glances towards the crowd, but for the most part, she keeps her eyes fixated on the square circle. Nina flexes her arms a bit as she reaches the end entryway. She cracks her neck and completely circles the ring one time. Stokes turns and sees Salem staring right back at her from the front row.

Kris Cruise: There's no love lost between those two.

Afterwards, Nina cracks her knuckles and slides into the ring.

Kris Cruise: The Kodiak comes into this one 100% focused. She isn't nervous. She isn't anxious. She is totally calm.

Stephy Auger: Why wouldn't she? She knows deep down that Lowri Moss can't touch her.

Kris Cruise: Stokes may think highly of herself. You may even think highly of her. But this is Lowri we're talking about here.

Stephy Auger: So what? Nina has been a record-setting champion here, just like Lowri has. People talk about how much of a great striker Lowri is. That might be true, but Nina clears her in the striking department. Nina has a better submission game. There isn't anything that she can throw at Nina that Nina can't counter. We're going to see a changing of the guard tonight.

Nina paces around for a moment. Then she removes her jacket and tosses it into the corner. Nina pulls on the ropes and stretches before she lounges in the corner and waits for the start of the match.

“Loner Boogie” by Boy Azooga plays over the PA system, and once the song's intro finishes, Lowri Moss walks through the curtains, out onto the stage, with a broad smile on her face and her title around her waist. Lowri takes a moment to scan the cheering crowd, before making her way towards the ring, and as she does so, she slaps the hands of some of the fans that reach out to her.

J.A. Aldridge: Her opponent, hailing from Llanelli, Wales! Weighing in at 142 pounds! She is the reigning... defending... FGA World Champion... LOWRI MOSS!

After arriving at ringside, Lowri climbs the steps up onto the ring apron and steps through the ropes, before heading for one of the corners and climbing to the second rope. Lowri gestures to the fans by making the ILY sign with her right hand, in acknowledgement of their response to her arrival. She then takes the title from around her waist and holds it aloft, eliciting further cheers and applause. She continues to hold the title in the air for several more seconds, as she again surveys the crowd, soaking in the reaction.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss has successfully defended her World Championship against four Hall of Famers. No one has defended the World Championship more times than her. She has etched her name in the history books with this historic run. Does it all come to an end tonight? Can Lowri figure out the gameplan to defeat The Kodiak?

Stokes takes one step out of her corner. Moss looks across the ring and does the same. Stokes takes another step forward. The camera switches back to Moss as she does the same. After Stokes takes another step forward, the crowd cheers as Moss comes marching across the ring. Stokes goes to meet her and the two end up bumping chests. The cheers grow louder when they bump chests again. Moss doesn't allow herself to be intimidated by Stokes, so she leans her forehead into Stokes'. Stokes does the same before piefacing the World Champion.

Kris Cruise: They aren't backing down at all.

Stephy Auger: You can feel the tension.

The referee extends her arm in between the two before motioning for them to back up a bit. Both champion and challenger reluctantly do so. Stokes is asked if she's ready. The Kodiak nods. Moss is asked if she's ready. The World Champion nods. The referee then steps back and motions for them to get after it. The crowd cheers as champion and challenger circle the ring. Moss and Stokes slowly inch towards each other. Both grapplers feint strikes until Stokes throws out a high roundhouse. The crowd sighs when Moss ducks out of the way at the last second.

Stephy Auger: She was this close to getting caught, Cruise.

Kris Cruise: Lowri has to be aware of those strikes.

When Moss gets back to her feet, Stokes holds her thumb and index finger about an inch apart. Moss runs her hands through her hair before circling the ring. Stokes then inches closer and tries to cut off the ring. Just then, the two grapplers lunge forward and engage in a snug collar-and-elbow. After jockeying for position, Stokes starts to move Moss back. Moss puts up some resistance and stops before moving Stokes across the ring. The Kodiak is quick to pivot before muscling Moss across the ring against the ropes. The referee heads over and gives both grapplers to the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR...

As soon as both grapplers make a quick break, Stokes throws out a hard knife edge chop. The Kodiak whiffs when Moss ducks out of the way. The moment Stokes turns around, Moss catches her with a hard shoot kick to the chest. Moss backs away and waits for Stokes. Stokes simply looks down at her chest, looks back over to Moss and brushes off the strike.

Stephy Auger: Nina ate that strike like a champ! She isn't phased by that kick.

Stokes marches over towards Moss and locks up with another collar-and-elbow. The Kodiak is quick to muscle Moss across the ring against the ropes. Moss starts to move Stokes back until the challenger muscles her back across the ring again. The ref is quick to rush back over and give them to the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR...

As soon as both grapplers break it up, Stokes throws out a knife edge chop. Once again, The Kodiak whiffs when Moss ducks out of the way. When Stokes turns around, the crowd cheers when Moss nails her with a stinging knife edge chop. She then steps backs and waits for Stokes near the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Stokes got caught with another strike from the champion, but she doesn't look hurt at all.

Stephy Auger: Look at what Moss is doing. She's sticking and moving. She knows that if she stays in close, Stokes will have her way with her

The Kodiak makes her way back over towards Stokes. After jockeying for position, Moss gains the advantage with a side headlock. Stokes tries to push her off, but Moss stays locked on. Stokes tries to push her off but again, she gets denied. Stokes catches the champion with a forearm to the ribs before trying to push Moss off into the ropes. Moss again keeps the hold applied. The Kodiak then takes Moss, moves her into the near ropes, then gets a running start before shoving Moss off int the far ropes. NO! Moss blocks by keeping the hold applied while squatting down. The World Champion really starts to crank away on the hold. Stokes is asked if she wants to give up, but she refuses. After Stokes stands back up, she takes Moss, moves into another set of ropes and gets a running start before pushing Moss off into the ropes. NO! Moss drops down to a knee while keeping the side headlock applied.

Kris Cruise: Lowri's hanging onto that side headlock for dear life.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, because she's scared. She knows she can't trade strikes with Nina. That's why she's grabbing a hold and trying to wear her down. But this is a mistake, because if Nina gets her on the ground, it's a done deal.

Stokes is asked if she wants to give up. The Kodiak refuses before battling back to a vertical base. After catching Moss with three forearms to the ribs, she lifts the champion up before bringing her down with a belly to back suplex. The boos quickly turn right back to cheers when Moss reaches over and applies a grounded side headlock.

Kris Cruise: Lowri went right back to that headlock. She does not want to let go of Nina Stokes.

Moss turns back over to a knee. The referee asks Stokes if she wants to give up. Stokes refuses before battling back to a vertical base. She catches Moss with three more strikes to the ribs before moving her into the near ropes. Stokes gets a running start before shoving Moss off into the far ropes. NO! Moss counters with a side headlock takedown. Stokes is quick to reverse into a headscissors, but she doesn't stay in control for long as Moss escapes with a kip up. The Kodiak scrambles back to a vertical base before Moss brings her right back down with another side headlock takeover. After Stokes reverses into a grounded leg scissors, Moss escapes with another kip up. The Kodiak scrambles back to a vertical base before getting thrown back down with another side headlock takeover. NO! Stokes blocks, takes Moss and counters with a belly to back suplex. NO! Moss rolls over her shoulder, lands on her feet, turns and hits the ropes. When Moss returns, the crowd boos when Stokes knocks her down with a running roundhouse to the chest.

Kris Cruise: OH, the champ got caught with that one.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, she felt that one, too! She couldn't brush that one away like Stokes did.

Moss sits up and guards her chest before Stokes comes up from behind. The crowd boos when she nails Moss with a hard soccer kick that echoes throughout the arena. Moss remains in a seated position while Stokes knocks her forward on the mat with another soccer kick to the back. Another soccer kicks knocks Moss forward. Moss gets knocked forward again with yet another soccer kick. Stokes quickly takes off into the ropes. The Kodiak returns off the rebound and nearly takes Moss' head off with a running Penalty Kick! Moss leans out of the way in time before quickly countering with a schoolboy.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

As Stokes tries to scramble back to her feet, Moss throws out a roundhouse of her own. Stokes ducks just in time before rolling backwards and getting up to a knee. The crowd cheers as Moss returns the favor by holding her thumb and index finger about an inch apart.

Kris Cruise: Lowri's throwing it right back at Nina.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, go ahead and antagonize The Kodiak. That's smart. We all saw how well that worked out for Sadie San Francisco. If Lowri keeps it up, she'll end up just like her.

Stokes gets back to her feet and locks up with Moss again. After muscling Moss into the corner, the ref gives them to the count of five to break it up.

Ref: ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR...

Moss slowly raises her arms in the air while Stokes slowly leans forward. Stokes bends forward... before quickly grabbing the middle ropes and nailing Moss with alternating shoulder thrusts to the midsection.

Kris Cruise: The champ left herself wide open!

Stephy Auger: Rookie mistake there by Moss.

Moss remains doubled over until Stokes lifts her up by the chin. She follows up with a stinging knife edge chop that echos throughout the arena. Moss turns away and covers up after getting nailed with another hard knife edge chop. Stokes turns Moss back towards her before blasting her with another hard knife edge chop. Stokes steps off to the side and measures Moss up before delivering a hard shoot kick to the midsection. The thud from the kick echoes throughout the arena. After Moss gets doubled over after another shoot kick, Stokes lifts her up before unleashing rapid shoot kicks in the corner.

Stokes continues the kicks until Moss catches her leg and counters with a pointed elbow strikes across the thigh. She then switches positions in the corner before hacking away at Stokes' chest with knife edge chops. The cheers continue as Moss switches from chops to multiple shoot kicks. She then takes Stokes and whips her into the far corner. Moss runs across the ring to attack until Stokes darts out of the corner and runs her over with a shoulder block! Moss slowly sits up and clutches her shoulder. The champion starts to roll her shoulder until Stokes comes from behind with another hard soccer kick to the back.

Stephy Auger: What did I tell you, Cruise? What did I tell you was going to happen? Lowri's got no answer for Nina Stokes.

Stokes picks up Moss, doubles her over with a rolling solebutt and knocks her back into the ropes with a front push kick to the side of the head. The Kodiak pushes forward and nails Moss with another series of shoot kicks to the chest. She then delivers an irish whip, follows Moss across the ring and crushes her with running double knees in the corner. The Kodiak delivers another irish whip, follows her back across the ring and delivers running double knees in the corner again! The boos continue as Moss gets whipped across the ring before Stokes crushes her with running double knees. Moss slowly slumps down in the corner while Stokes steps back towards the center of the ring. The Kodiak charges forward before bashing Moss with running double knees to the face!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, Lowri just got crushed!

Stokes steps back towards the center of the ring while Moss turns and slips halfway out between the middle and bottom ropes. She tries to take a breather and shake out the cobwebs, but The Kodiak doesn't give her time to recover. The crowd boos as Stokes marches across the ring, steps through the top & middle ropes and rains down repeated stomps across the back of the head. Stokes adds insult to injury by scraping her heel across the back of Moss' head over and over. The referee tries to get Stokes to back up. Stokes responds by grinding her heel against the back of Moss' head.

Kris Cruise: Alright now! Robin Danders needs to get in there and move Stokes back. Lowri's between the ropes, for crying out loud!

Stokes puts her arms up and finally backs up towards the center of the ring. The referee heads to the outside and checks in on Moss. Stokes then steps out to the apron, heads across it and delivers a delayed knee drop across the back of the head. The move causes Moss to falls through the ropes to the floor.

Stephy Auger: When's the last time you saw Lowri get beat up this badly?

Kris Cruise: This isn't going the way I thought it was going to. But Lowri is a fighter. It doesn't look good for her now. But all she needs is one opening to turn this around.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, good luck with that!

Stokes takes Moss and rolls her back inside. She then rolls back in, drags Moss away from the ropes and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Smart move by Nina to move Lowri away from the ropes and force her to use energy on that kickout.

Stokes picks up Moss, brings her down with a snapmare, delivers a knife edge chop across the back of the neck, flattens her with a shoot kick to the chest and returns off the ropes before following up with a jumping senton. Stokes turns and presses her forearm down across Moss' chin while she makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss kicks out.

Stokes yanks her back over and makes the cover again.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Moss kicks out.

Stokes quickly swings over into top mount before peppering Moss with rights and lefts to the face. As soon as Moss raises her arms to try and cover up, Stokes snatches hold of her and and goes for a cross armbar.

Stephy Auger: Just like that, Cruise! What did I tell you? There's nothing that Lowri can do to counter Stokes.

Moss locks her hands together and tries to hang on for dear life. Stokes yanks back over and over and tries to break Moss' grip, but it's to no avail. Moss then turns over onto a knee and tries to pin Stokes.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stokes quickly repositions her legs and transitions into a Triangle Choke. The Kodiak tries to chinch down on the hold while Moss desperately tries to escape.

Kris Cruise: Lowri's in trouble! Nina could put her away right here!

Stephy Auger: Tap her out, Nina!

Gasps and boos are heard as The Kodiak tries to force a submission. The referee asks Moss if she wants to give up. Moss refuses. After getting up to her knees, Moss slowly gets up to her feet. She then grunts as she slowly lifts Stokes off the mat.... then throws her down with a kneeling powerbomb, breaking the hold.

An exhausted Moss falls on top of Stokes for a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
The crowd gasps when Stokes counters into a Kimura from bottom side!

Kris Cruise: Nina got her again!

Moss screams out in pain while Stokes cranks away on the arm.

Stephy Auger: Look at her, Cruise. She's this close to tapping out!

Moss continues to scream out while Stokes fights for the submission. The referee asks Moss if she wants to give up. Gasps are heard when Moss' hand hand hovers over the canvas.

Stephy Auger: We're on the verge of a new champion!

Instead of tapping out, Moss reaches her free arm forward and grabs the bottom rope, forcing a rope break.

Ref: ONE... TWO... THREE... FOUR...

Stokes breaks the hold.

Kris Cruise: Lowri's go to come up with something fast. Nina Stokes is catching her right and left and she's lucky she was close to the ropes there.

Stephy Auger: Yes, Cruise, yes. You're finally coming over to my side of things.

Moss rolls to the outside before sitting on the apron to clutch her arm. While her back is turned, Stokes hits the far ropes, returns from behind and connects with a baseball slide that knocks her off the apron to the floor. The boos continue as Stokes rolls to the outside, grabs Moss and rolls her back in. The Kodiak climbs back up to the apron. As soon as she starts to step through the ropes, the crowd cheers when Moss scrambles to her feet, grabs the leg and delivers a dragon screw leg whip against the middle rope. Stokes immediately drops to the apron before falling to the floor.

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Kris Cruise: Nina Stokes was just a step too slow. She saw she was in control and took her foot off of Lowri's neck for just the slightest second. That's all the champion needed.

Stokes gets back to her feet. She turns around, looks up and does a double take. The crowd cheers when Moss flips off the top turnbuckle and knocks Stokes down with a moonsault!

Stephy Auger: What the....!?

Kris Cruise: The high risk pays off for the World Champion! Lowri needed something big to really swing the momentum back in her favor!

Moss takes Stokes and rolls her back inside. She then slides back in before making the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

Moss sets up for an irish whip until Stokes reverses, sending her into the corner. The Kodiak rushes in to attack, but Moss knocks her back with a back elbow. Stokes shakes off the blow before rushing back in. This time, Moss turns her around with a boot to the face. Stokes starts to staggers away from the corner before quickly turning around and charging back in. The crowd cheers when Moss comes out of the corner and cuts her off with an STO! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for the champion.

Moss sets up for another irish whip until Stokes reverses again. When the champion returns off the rebound, she sees Stokes set up for a back body drop. So she counters with a kick to the face that knocks the challenger upright. Moss turns and heads back into the ropes. When Moss comes back, the crowd boos when Stokes doubles her over with a rolling solebutt. Stokes turns and hits the ropes. Stokes returns and comes to a stop when Moss runs past her towards the same set of ropes. When Stokes turns around, the crowd cheers when Moss knocks her don with a springboard enzuigiri!

Kris Cruise: A Slice of Heaven!

Stephy Auger: Kickout, Nina. Kickout!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Stokes kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Yet another nearfall for the champion. She withstood everything that Nina threw at her, found her opening and now she's taken control of this contest. Lowri's been in there against Hall of Famers, Stephy. She knows how to weather the storm against the very best.

Moss picks up Stokes and goes for a vertical suplex. Stokes blocks it. Moss tries to muscle her up with another vertical suplex attempt. This time, Stokes blocks it by dropping to a knee. So Moss lets go and connects with a Switchblade Kick! She then pulls Stokes up into a standing headscissors before planting her with a Cradle Piledriver. The cheers continue as Moss makes the cover.

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

Moss pulls Stokes back to her feet and delivers a snap suplex. She maintains a hold of Stokes as she rolls over, pulls Stokes back up and hits another snap suplex. The cheers continue as Moss turns over, pulls Stokes back up, pulls her towards the corner and hits a snap suplex into the turnbuckles! Moss picks up Stokes and tries for a German Suplex, but Stokes blocks it. After a pair of back elbows break the hold, The Kodiak performs a standing switch and counters with the Chaos Theory (Front Turnbuckle Smash into Back Roll German Suplex)!

NO!

Moss rotates, lands on her feet, runs up to Stokes and blasts her when she returns to her feet with a bicycle knee strike! She then turns the dazed Stokes away from her before bringing her down with a bridging German Suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

The crowd boos when Stokes turns over to get her shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: I thought Nina was done there.

Stephy Auger: It'll take more than that to put Stokes away.

Kris Cruise: But you have to admit, she did get rocked. She is hurt.

Stephy Auger: ...

Moss maintains the rear waistlock. She then pulls Stokes back to her feet before throwing her down with a second bridging German Suplex!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
NO!

Stokes turns over to get the shoulder up.

Again, Moss maintains the rear waistlock. The champion pulls Stokes back to her feet and goes for a third German Suplex. Stokes blocks it. Moss tries to muscle her up for another German but again, Stokes blocks it. Moss lets go and delivers clubbing strikes across the back of the neck before trying for another German Suplex. Again, Stokes blocks it. Stokes then hits a back elbow, performs a standing switch and goes for a German of her own. Moss blocks it, returns the favor with a back elbow to the face, performs a standing switch and goes for another German of her own. Stokes blocks it. She then swings her head back and cracks Moss right in the nose! The Kodiak performs a standing switch and takes control of Moss' back. The crowd gasps and boos when she heaves Moss over the top rope to the floor with a release German Suplex!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

Stephy Auger: Stokes just chucked Lowri to the outside with a release German!

Stokes crouches down as she waits for Moss to get in position. The ref immediately heads to the outside and checks on Moss. Moss tries to shake off the move as she struggles to push herself up to all fours. Once the champion starts to pick herself up off the floor, Stokes turns and takes off into the far ropes. The Kodiak picks up speed as she runs back across the ring before leaping through the ropes and knocking Moss down with a suicide dive!

NO!

*CRACK!*

Moss counters with a perfectly-timed bicycle knee strike!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, did you hear that!? Moss just clobbered Stokes with a leaping bicycle knee!

The cheers continue as Moss picks up Stokes and rolls her back inside. She then rolls herself back in and makes the cover.

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

Stokes gets her foot on the bottom rope.

Moss pulls up Stokes, lifts her upside down and plants her with a second Cradle Piledriver! She makes the cover.

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

Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Moss takes Stokes, brings her into the corner and plants her with a Tornado DDT!

NO!

Stokes pushes Moss off. The Kodiak rushes over and goes for a running hurricanrana, but Moss blocks, leaving Stokes hanging upside down. The cheers continue when Moss follows up with a jumping piledriver! She makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: What a counter from the champion! This could be it...

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Moss steps out to the apron and scale the turnbuckles. After Stokes finally gets back to her feet, Moss stands up from the crouched position, leaps off and knocks her down with a flying crossbody!

NO!

Stokes rolls through it, pulls Moss back up while she returns to a vertical base, throws her up across her shoulders and follows up with a fireman's carry gutbuster! The boos continue as she makes the cover.

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

Stokes makes the cover again.

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

Moss gets the shoulder up.

Stokes follows up with grounded knee strikes to the ribs. Moss curls up, so Stokes returns to her feet, snatches a hold of Moss' wrists and delivers a double wrist-clutch followed by multiple stomps to the opponent's chest, face, and head! The Kodiak reaches down, grabs Moss by the hair and slowly pulls her off the mat. She then sizes the champion up before doubling her over with a rolling solebutt. As soon as Moss starts to stand up straight, Stokes delivers another rolling solebutt. This time, Moss drops down to a knee. Moss can be seen guarding her midsection. She starts to get up, but she immediately drops back down to a knee!

Kris Cruise: Moss looks to be really hurt here. She can't even stand back up.

Stephy Auger: Of course she is. After all those spinning back kicks? Nina probably broke a rib or two!

The Kodiak can be seen motioning for Moss to get up. When Moss doesn't answer Stokes' request, she slaps her upside the head.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Kris Cruise: What disrespect being shown by the challenger.

Stokes motions for her to get up again. When Moss doesn't, Stokes slaps her across the head a second time.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Stephy Auger: I can't believe these people are actually booing the hometown girl! They didn't treat Carmichael like this in his hometown a couple of shows ago!

Moss finally gets up and pushes Stokes back. Moss motions for Stokes to come at her. Stokes obliges.

Kris Cruise: This isn't smart Lowri...

The Kodiak runs forward and delivers a rolling solebutt that drops Moss down to all fours. She then follows up with a punt kick to the ribs that knocks Moss over onto her back. The boos continue as Stokes leaps up and connects with a jumping senton before turning over and making the cover.

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

Moss gets the shoulder up.

Stokes picks up Moss and moves her into the corner. After Moss gets caught with a hard shoot kick to the chest, Stokes sits her up on the top turnbuckle. Stokes then turns away from her before hoisting herself up onto the middle ropes.

Kris Cruise: Could we see an avalanche gutbuster here?

The crowd starts to stand up as Stokes while Stokes positions Moss across her shoulders. Boos follow when Stokes brings her down with an avalanche fireman's carry gutbuster!

Stephy Auger: Yes we do!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Moss gets the shoulder up.

Stokes throws Moss down with a scoop slam before stepping out to the apron. The Kodiak then makes her climb up the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Stokes looks to be going all the way up to the top. We never really see this from her.

Stephy Auger: Have you ever seen a Kodiak fly, Cruise?

Once Stokes gets to the top, she leaps off and crushes Moss with a diving double foot stomp!

NO!

Moss rolls out of the way. As soon as Stokes lands on her feet, her momentum sends her rolling forward. The Kodiak rolls back to her feet, turns around and sees Moss rushing towards her. Stokes throws out a lariat, but Moss ducks under, floats over across her back and brings her down with a crucifix driver!

Kris Cruise: What a counter from the champion! This could be it!

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

The crowd boos when Stokes kicks out.

Moss brings Stokes back down with a swinging neckbreaker before heading into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Now Moss wants to head to the top...

Moss scales to the top turnbuckle, flips off and lands across Stokes with a moonsault!

NO!

The crowd boos when Moss bounces off of Stokes' knee!

Stephy Auger: Nina got her knees up in time!

Stokes grabs Moss by the hair, pulls her back to her feet and brings her down with the Final Cut. Moss remains on the mat while Stokes heads back out to the apron. She scales to the top, leaps off for a top rope splash and connects with nothing but canvas when Moss rolls out of the way!

Kris Cruise: Moss rolled out of the way again!

Stephy Auger: Come on, Nina. Come on!

The ref checks on both Moss and Stokes before starting her count.

ONE!






TWO!






THREE!







FOUR!








FIVE!








SIX!








SEVEN!




After both grapplers slowly return to their feet, Moss nails Stokes with an elbow smash. Stokes returns the favor with an elbow of her own. Moss nails Stokes with another elbow smash. Stokes answers back with another elbow of her own. Moss nails Stokes with a pair of elbow smashes! Stokes answers back with a hard elbow across the jaw. Moss nails Stokes with a trio of elbow smashes! Stokes stuns the champion with another hard elbow to the jaw. Moss shakes off the blow and comes back with four elbow smashes! Stokes goes to answer with another elbow, but Moss gets her off with four more elbows. The Kodiak motions to respond, but again, Moss comes back with four more elbows! Stokes shakes off the blow and throws out a roundhouse kick. Moss swats it away, grabs Stokes by the head and responds with a headbutt. Stokes gets cracked with a second headbutt! After Moss nails her with a third, The Kodiak doubles her over with a quick rolling solebutt. She then slowly lifts Moss back up by the chin, then quickly hooks both arms before blasting her with arms-captured headbutts!

Kris Cruise: Nina is just battering Lowri with those headbutts!

Stokes turns and hits the far ropes. When she comes back...

*CRACK!*



Moss cuts her off with a bicycle knee strike. Stokes remains stunned while Moss turns and hits the ropes. When Moss returns...


*CRACK!*


Stokes cuts her off with a bicycle knee of her own! The Kodiak turns and heads towards the side of the ring. As soon as Stokes' back hits the ropes...


*CRACK!*


Moss blasts her with another bicycle knee strike! The champion points across the ring before hitting the far ropes. When Moss comes back, Stokes comes off the ropes and rocks her with another bicycle knee.


*CRACK!*


Both champion and challenger are standing on spaghetti legs. Stokes shakes off the blows before hitting Moss with an elbow smash. A second elbow connects. Then a third. Then a fourth. She then sizes Moss up before flattening her with the Divine Night (Rolling Elbow)!

NO!

Moss ducks and catches Stokes when she turns around with a Rolling Elbow of her own!

NO!

Stokes ducks. Both champion and challenger then blast each other with Rolling Elbows before dropping to the mat! Stokes and moss are met with applause from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: My God, what a fight we are witnessing between these two proud grapplers! They both want this win bad! They both want to leave Miami as FGA World Champion!

The referee checks on both grapplers before starting her count.

ONE





TWO!





THREE!





FOUR!






FIVE!





SIX!





SEVEN!






EIGHT!













NINE!
















TE-NO!

Both grapplers are met with cheers and applause after just barely beating the ten count. Moss strikes first with a European Uppercut. A second European Uppercut knocks Stokes back. A third European Uppercut knocks Stokes further back. After Moss connects with a fourth European Uppercut, Stokes takes her, switches positions, catches her with an elbow smash and then knocks her into the corner with a front push kick to the chest. The crowd boos when Stokes follows up with a series of shoot kicks n the corner. Moss then takes Stokes, tosses her into the corner and follows up with a series of shoot kicks. The Kodiak grabs Moss, tosses her into the corner and doubles her over with a rolling solebutt. Moss quickly stands up straight, grabs Stokes, tosses her into the corner and follows up wit the Scarlet Barrage (Alternating rapid-fire knife edge chops and forearms to a cornered opponent)! Stokes responds by grabbing Moss, tossing her into the corner and unleashing a palm strike flurry. The boos continue as she sends Moss slumping down in the corner with boxing forearm strikes.

Stephy Auger: Lowri can't outstrike Nina! I told you this from the very beginning!

Stokes steps back towards the center of the ring. She then runs forward, throws herself at Moss and connects with running double knee to the face!

NO!

Moss moves out of the way, causing Stokes to crash into the corner.

Kris Cruise: Moss got out in time!

Stokes stumbles back until Moss brings her down with another dragon screw leg whip. The Kodiak turns over onto a knee before Moss flattens her with a Shining Wizard! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd boos when Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Moss takes Stokes, delivers an irish whip, follows her into the corner and connects with a running big boot to a cornered opponent followed by a running facewash!

Kris Cruise: Just for Kicks!

Moss pulls Stokes back to her feet and drags her out of the corner. She then hits Stokes with alternating middle and low round kicks before delivering a roundhouse kick that drops Stokes to a knee. Moss sizes her up, throws out the Golden Boot (Skull Kick) and whiffs when Stokes ducks out of the way. The crowd boos when Stokes lunges up and catches Moss with A Slice of Grace (Throat Punch)! She then lifts Moss up across her shoulders for another fireman's carry gutbuster. Moss fights her way out of with elbows to the side of the head, slips down from behind into an inverted front facelock and follows up with a Rolling Cutter! She makes the cover.

Kris Cruise: Nos Da! Lowri's got it!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!









NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: That wasn't three!?

Stephy Auger: C'mon, Nina...

Moss hooks Stokes from behind before bringing her down with Nos Da II (Standing somersault cutter)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

NO!

Te crowd boos when Stokes gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How has Nina Stokes not been put away?

Stephy Auger: That's what so many of her opponents have asked in the past. Guess what, Cruise? They were never able to keep her down!

Moss takes Stokes and drags her into position near the corner before stepping out to the apron.

Moss scales the turnbuckles. Once she gets to the top, she flips off and connects with the 450 Splash!







NO!

The crowd erupts with boos when Moss bounces off Stokes' knees after Stokes lifts them up in time.

Kris Cruise: Lowri got desperate and it came back to bite her!

Stephy Auger: Her ribs were probably broken already. What did she think was going to happen even if she hit it?

Kris Cruise: Everything else hasn't worked! Lowri had to try something! Now Lowri really has to dig down deep!

Moss yells out after immediately curling up on the mat. The champion continues to guard her midsection. The moment Moss turns over to a knee, The Kodiak rushes over and blasts her with a bicycle knee across the side of the head, sending her crumbling to the mat! Stokes drags Moss into position before stepping out to the apron. She scales to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and comes crashing down across Moss' midsection with a diving double foot stomp! She doesn't go for the cover. The crowd gasps when she steps back out to the apron and climbs the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Nina is going back to the top!

Stokes gets to the top, leaps off and crushes Moss with another diving double foot stomp to the midsection! Again, Stokes doesn't go for the cover. The boos continue as she hops out to the apron through the ropes before scaling the turnbuckles.

Stephy Auger: She isn't stopping, Cruise!

Stokes gets to the top, leaps off and squashes Moss with a top rope splash! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!

The crowd cheers when Moss gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Stokes nearly knocked the air right out of Moss. but she still got her shoulder up in time!

Stephy Auger: Don't let her back into this, Nina! Finish her off!

Stokes pulls Moss back to her feet before lifting her up across the shoulders and delivering another fireman's carry gutbuster! She then grabs Moss by the back of the tights, pulls her up from all fours and throws her down with a Half Nelson Suplex! The boos continue as Moss gets thrown down with a Cobra Clutch Suplex! The Kodiak then pulls Moss back to her feet and hooks her before dropping her with a Wrist Clutch Exploder Suplex!

The crowd grows uneasy as Stokes grabs Moss by the hair and pulls her up to her knees.

Kris Cruise: This isn't good for Moss...

Stephy Auger: If Nina hits this, it's over.

Stokes takes off into the ropes. When Stokes returns, the crowd erupts with boos when she nearly takes Moss' head off from behind with Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (Boma Ye Knee Strike)!

Stephy Auger: It's over! We've got a new champion!

Stokes pulls Moss over onto her back and makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!




NO!

The crowd erupts with cheers when Moss gets the shoulder up.

Stephy Auger: What!?

Kris Cruise: Lowri got her shoulder up in time!

Stephy Auger: WHAT!?

Kris Cruise: There is still some fight left in the champion!

Stokes grabs Moss by the hair and pulls her up to her knees. She then takes off into the ropes. Stokes returns off the rebound and runs past Moss as she continues to run the ropes. When The Kodiak returns, she flattens Moss with Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III to the face! She makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

Stephy Auger: YESSSSS!

The sold out crowd sits in stunned silence as the ref calls for the bell.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout... aaaaaaand NEEEEWWWWWW FGA World Champion, NINA STOKES!

“Sei to Shi to Kimi” blares throughout the arena. The camera cuts to several fans that are still stunned and shocked. Once they realize what has just happened, the boos start to come on.

Stephy Auger: YESS! YESSSS! YESSS! YESS! YESSS!

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss just lost the FGA World Championship!

The boos continue as Stokes gets handed the FGA World Championship belt.

Kris Cruise: Lowri Moss has just suffered defeat at the hands of Nina Stokes! "The Kodiak" has ended the record-setting reign of Lowri Moss to become the new FGA World Champion! What a match!

Stephy Auger: I told you, Cruise! I may have gotten every other pick tonight wrong! But I was spot on with this one! For as good as Lowri was, Nina was better. Nina hit harder! She struck faster! She had an answer for everything. She broke Lowri down. This has been a long time coming. Nina Stokes wasn't going to be denied. After she finally earned this championship match, she was going to make the most of it and that's exactly what she did!

Stokes raises the FGA World Championship as the crowd erupts with boos.

Stephy Auger: Jidai no Makuake. You know what that means?

Kris Cruise: No.

Stephy Auger: It means, "The Beginning of an Age"! Tonight, Cruise, is the beginning of the age.... of The Kodiak!

Stokes purposely steps over Moss before exiting the ring. The Kodiak makes her way to ringside where she once again locks eyes with Salem. The fans surrounding Salem cheer when she gets up from her seat. The Phenomena looks over at the World Championship on Stokes' shoulder. Salem motions to touch it, but Stokes is quick to swat her hand away. Salem then points her finger at Stokes. After Stokes smacks her hand away again, Salem pushes the champion. The crowd boos when Stokes responds by piefacing Salem. Before Salem can jump the rail, security is quick to rush over and get between the two of them. Stokes keeps her eyes locked on Salem as she backs away before turning her attention back to Moss, who still hasn't come to. The Kodiak turns and makes her way up to the very top of the ramp. From there, Stokes turns around and surveys the crowd before raising the FGA World Championship above her head.

[FGA Office]

After the PPV has ended, Moss can be seen slowly sitting up on the mat with the help of senior referee Robin Danvers. Moss is seen blinking her eyes before tryin to shake out the cobwebs. The Standard Bearer of FGA is met with applause from the crowd as she's helped back to a vertical base. A dejected Moss stands with her hung low before lifting it up to look at the crowd.

"THANK YOU, LOWRI!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*


"THANK YOU, LOWRI!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*


"THANK YOU, LOWRI!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*


"THANK YOU, LOWRI!"
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*

Moss tries to smile through the pain before slowly stepping out through the ropes. She makes her way down the steps before taking the time to high five everyone in the front. The former champion turns and slowly makes her way up the ramp. Once Moss gets to the top of the stage, she turns, surveys the capacity crowd and gestures to them by making the ILY sign with her right hand before slowly walking back through the curtain...