Vertigo E105

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

Now Arena
Hoffman Estates, IL

Kris Cruise: Hello, everyone, and welcome to another edition of Vertigo! I'm Kris Cruise and joining me as always is my colleague, Stephy Auger. Stephy, the road to Grapland continues here tonight as we touch down just outside of Chicago for a solid night of action.

Stephy Auger: That's right, Cruise. The World Champion will be in action tonight to maul yet another opponent! Sparrow could be on the verge of losing his United States Championship! Not to mention, tonight we kick off the Best of 7 series!

Kris Cruise: You are indeed correct. The Best of 7 series begins tonight between Owen Gonsalves and Chandler Scott! There is potentially six matches left after tonight. But you always want to start a series off on the right foot.

Stephy Auger: By the end of tonight, either Owen or Chandler will be down 0-1. Having the advantage will be important when it comes to a series as evenly matched as this one. I honestly hope they beat the hell out of each other tonight.

Kris Cruise: Speaking of beating the hell out of each other, Fujiko Mine and Erin Mariani will certainly be looking to do that in their matchup!

Stephy Auger: There's no love lost between those two going back to when Fujiko was being carried by Izzy Anders in their tag team.

Kris Cruise: Don't start, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: LIKE I WAS SAYING, there's been beef between Fujiko and Silk & Cyanide since the days when Fujiko ventured off into the tag team scene. These two aren't exactly on each other's Christmas List, if you know what I mean. Expect some fireworks out of that one.

Kris Cruise: When I think of fireworks, I think of red, white and blue, Stephy. When I think of red, white and blue, I think of the United States and the United States Championship! Sparrow will be defending his U.S. Championship against Logan Alexander. Can the West Indian Whirlwind settle things with Logan tonight and walk out the U.S. Champ?

Stephy Auger: Can he? Sure. Will he? I don't think so. Logan Alexander is a man that is determined to get the better of Sparrow. This is something that Logan has been wanting for a long, long time and now, he finally gets his shot. If I were a betting woman, I'm putting down a good chunk of change on the old man bringing home the United States Championship back to... Canada?

Kris Cruise: Also here tonight, Betsy Gallagher and newcomer Travis Levitt were on opposite sides of the ring last Vertigo. They once again find themselves standing across the ring from each other. But this time, they've got company! Joining them both will be the British-born Lena Galante and Summer Page, respectively.

Stephy Auger: Summer Page has been a thorn in Betsy's side Summer cost her the Breakout Battle Royal. Betsy got some help in the form of her fellow Brit on the last show. But I think Lena is biting off a bit more than she can chew here. "The Dragon" is looking to establish himself as the new prize in FGA and he'll put down Spice and Lady Gallagher just to do it.

Kris Cruise: Rounding on tonight's show, Mara Jade Miller will look to hit Antoinette where it hurts when she tries to inflict punishment on Antoinette's sister-in-law, Ashley Sands! El Dragón will be making an appearance tonight when he goes one on one with tag specialist, Monty Margolis! Hook and Grapple will be making their FGA in-ring debut when they take on The Gourdbusters in our opening contest. As we mentioned earlier, FGA World Champion Nina Stokes will be taking on Mitsuo Shimada in the main event!

Stephy Auger: I can guarantee you that The Kodiak will be looking to send a message loud and clear to Shimada's Heroes for Hire buddy, and the number one contender to Stokes' championship, Mark Storm.

Kris Cruise: We've got all that and more for you tonight. Right now, let's send it to the ring for tonight's opening contest!

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Stephy, we are moments away from seeing the in-ring debut of Hook & Grapple Fight Team. The team of Archie Collins and Raymond Blackwood debuted last Vertigo with some not so flattering remarks towards the Super Mario Wrestling Bros.

Stephy Auger: Well, the truth hurts, Cruise, and that's exactly what Hook & Grapple gave to those two nerds. They don't take anything seriously. They are a mockery to the art of tag team wresting. Blackwood and Collins, now that's a real tag team right there and tonight, they're going to show what real tag team wrestling is all about.

TAG TEAM MATCH
Hook and Grapple vs. The Gourdbusters

"The South Street Submission Artist" Raymond Blackwood and Olé Anderson start things off for their respective squads. After shaking hands, they engage in a collar-and-elbow tie up. Blackwood is able to get the better of Anderson, transitioning from a side headlock into a hammerlock. After Anderson spins out and reverses into a hammerlock of his own. Blackwood nails him with a back elbow to the face with his free arm. After performing a standing switch, Blackwood throws Anderson to the mat with a waistlock takedown. Anderson struggles to get back to his feet, only to find himself back down in the prone position after another waistlock down. Blackwood is quick to spin on Anderson's back and transition into a grounded front facelock. After Anderson struggles to return to a vertical base, Blackwood keeps the hold clamped on while he drags Anderson towards the H//G corner. After "The Rip City Butcher" Archie Collins tags himself in across Blackwood's back, he gets in and delivers several kicks to Anderson's ribs while Blackwood holds him in place. After Blackwood exits to the apron, Collins continues his assault, beating Anderson down with repeated double ax handle smashes across the back. Collins is quick to bring the action into the corner, where he lights up Anderson's chest with repeated knife edge chops. Anderson finds himself doubled over after multiple knees to the midsection before nearly getting his head knocked off with hard European Uppercut. Collins follows up with a two-handed choke. After barely breaking the ref's count of five, Collins lets go and backs away towards the center of the ring. While Collins is being chastised by the official, Blackwood takes the tag rope and chokes Anderson with it! Gully Blanchard sees this, so he tries to enter the ring and intervene. But Collins is quick to turn the ref's attention to him and point out that he isn't grabbing the tag rope. While Blanchard and the official argue, Collins rushes over and puts the boots to Anderson. He then delivers a loud clap before he and Blackwood switch spots.

With the ref's attention now back on the action, Blackwood brings Anderson down with a single underhook suplex for a two count. A Butterfly Suplex gets another two count. After Anderson is sent for the ride, Blackwood doubles him over with a knee to the midsection before applying an abdominal stretch. When Anderson doesn't quit, Blackwood brings him down with a pumphandle slam for another two count. After a tag gets made out to Collins, H//G drop Collins with Skull Kiss (double shoot headbutts) for a two count. Anderson finds himself whipped back into the H//G corner before Collins delivers a running European Uppercut. After Blackwood catches Anderson with a running corner mafia kick, H//G send Anderson slumping down in the corner with quick tag corner stomps. With Collins back to being the legal man, H//G bring Anderson out of the corner with a double suplex. He goes for the cover, but Blanchard dives over and breaks up the pin. Blanchard starts to head back towards the Goudbusters corner until Blackwood comes up from behind and throws him shoulder-first into the ring post. Blackwood quickly heads to the outside and brings him down with a single arm DDT before applying a Fujiwara Armbar.

Back in the ring, Anderson gets the hell chopped out of him in the corner. After he gets whipped into the far corner, Collins runs across the ring to attack. Anderson shows signs of life by knocking Collins back with a boot to the face. He then runs out of the corner to attack, but Collins counters, chucking him across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex. After Collins tags out to Blackwood, Anderson finds himself on the wrong end of the HG BARRAGE (European Uppercut (Collins) / Wind-Up Punch (Blackwood) / Stunner (Collins) / German Suplex (Blackwood) Combination) before the duo brings him down with the Grappling Hook (Opponent on Blackwood's Shoulders/Diving Blockbuster by Collins) for the three count!

Winners: Hook & Grapple Fight Team
Grappling Hook (5:27)

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

The camera fades into the backstage area, where we see Betsy Gallagher fidgeting with her wrists, specifically the tape on them, while standing beside Jessie Pederson in front of the Vertigo backdrop.

Jessie Pederson: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time... Betsy Gallagher.

The sound of the crowd roaring in cheers is deafening. Betsy smiles at this, her hands finding their way to her hips. She takes a moment to soak it all in before remembering a recent slight that turns her mood sour. She shakes her head, lowers it for a bit, takes a deep breath, and puts on a more serious expression when she turns to Jessie.

Jessie Pederson: Betsy, tonight, you team up with Lena Galante against the woman who cost you your match last week, Summer Page, and the man who benefited from Page's antics, Travis Levitt. What—

Betsy interrupts Jessie by wrapping a hand around the microphone and signalling with her other hand for the interviewer to pause, an uncomfortable wince on her face.

Betsy Gallagher: I do apologize for cutting you off here, Jessie... But I do want to take this time, just a little bit of time, to address the elephant in the room...

Betsy then turns to someone off camera, scowling, her voice much louder in frustration.

Betsy Gallagher: ...what in the bloody hell is all this?

The camera pans to reveal Maria first, a smug eat-shitting grin on her otherwise pretty face, much to the cheers of the crowd.

Maria: Hola, Señora Gallagher!

Betsy Gallagher: Don't you 'hola, señora Gallagher' me, Maria! I haven't seen you two since Grapple Kingdom—

"Chico Misterioso" (O.S.): We...have never met before.

The camera pans further and reveals a new masked man behind Maria. The crowd immediately realizes who it is, mostly because of the sound of his voice, his general build, and the fact that he's with Maria. Betsy squints at this "Mystery Guy", not appreciative of having been interrupted, and goes as far as taking a deep breath before ignoring the luchador's interruption.

Betsy Gallagher: —and neither of you have answered my calls or texts. Now...this?!

Maria tries to speak, presumably to answer Betsy, but El Dragón holds out a hand signalling her to pause while holding her shoulder with the other. At the same time, he takes a step forward, with Maria taking a step back, to address Betsy on his own.

Julian Tijerina El Dragón: Mis disculpas por no haberme presentado todavía. My apologies for just introducing myself now...

El Dragón lowers his head and then takes a deep breath. Maria watches him with glee while the crowd cheers and laughs, some joining in with his oft-repeated introduction.

El Dragón: Damas y caballeros, ladies and gentlemen... It is my honor and privilege, as your...

El Dragón pauses, realizing he is no longer FGA Pride Champion, err was never the FGA Pride Champion. He turns to Maria who looks at him with sad puppy dog eyes, empathizing with the former, err never champion's loss, uhh confusion. She pats him on the back softly, nodding her head in mourning agreement. El Dragón feigns a cough, turning back to Betsy, who crosses her arms and glares at him with disdain.

El Dragón: ...newest luchador on the FGA roster...to introduce myself as the one, the only, the...Masked Pride of Spain, Ellllllllllllll Draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagón!

Maria claps as the crowd continues to cheer and laugh, with some of them even mimicking El Dragón's introduction of his name. The masked man then turns to the camera, ignoring everyone else with him, as if he was having a conversation on his own with the viewers.

El Dragón: Tonight, El Dragón makes his long awaited debut on FGA! Tonight, El Dragón takes on Monty Margolis! Tonight, El Dragón wishes he was wrestling the other, hotter Margolis instead, but El Dragón also knows that Monty is not a man to be underestimated! Tonight, El Dragón and Monty Margolis go to war...as guerreros, as men, as two bulls trapped in an endless cycle of violence, a neverending dance of machismo and brutality, all to prove their worth not only to each other, not only to all the fans, not only to their peers, but also to themselves! Tonight, El Dragón—

Betsy is not having any of it, though, and she is clearly not amused. With a stomp, she cuts El Dragón off and throws a mild tantrum but she does manage to reign herself in.

Betsy Gallagher: ENOUGH! You versus Monty Margolis, we get it, mate! One-on-one, singles competition, Gwen Margolis is super attractive... We get it! We all get it! So enough, Julian—

Maria immediately cuts her off with a correction, poking her head from behind the luchador.

Maria: ...El Dragón.

Betsy Gallagher: —El Drag—Whatever! I don't have time for any of this! I have a bloody match tonight, with Lena Galante against that...Summer Page and Travis Levitt! GG, Gallagher, Galante, one night only, for now, teaming up to freeze Summer, turn that Page...inside out, make sure she knows firsthand that her season is over, that winter has come! And Travis? There's no Lev...ing it! Get it? Levitt? Leave it? Leaving it? Bah, whatever! I don't have time for any of this! I've got a tag team match! Finally, I get to put my hands around Page, Summer Page! I get to make her pay for all her antics, for all the annoying things she's done to me! Winter and justice have come! Crowns Up!

Betsy throws the Empires United hand gesture in the air but El Dragón turns to Maria, seemingly confused.

El Dragón: No puedo hacer eso! No con esta máscara puesta! I...don't know what that is.

Betsy screams in frustration. She stares at him with ill intent before grabbing his head...and kissing him on the mask's mouth. Maria, and even Jessie, can only stare at Betsy in confusion even as the the latter lets El Dragón's head go. The confused masked man just stands there. Betsy doesn't waste the opportunity to then grab Maria's head in turn...and plants a big one on her as well! Finally, she turns to Jessie, and Jessie gulps before closing their eyes and puckering up.

Betsy Gallagher: Not you, Jessie. You're not a part of this...

Betsy then turns to Maria and El Dragón again, both still confused, the former still frustrated.

Betsy Gallagher: ...and I won't be a part of this, whatever this is, tonight! I've got a tag team match, with Lena Galante, an opportunity to finally make Summer Page pay for making the past few weeks hell for me, and I will see to that, even if I have to beat down Travis Levitt again! UGH! This is all stressing me out! I need a bloody time out! Maybe a Yorkshire pudding or a spotted dick...

Betsy storms out of there, much to Jessie's disappointment, while still continuing her inane ranting, even slapping her own butt for good measure. Something about American football, the NBA, and neighing like a horse?

There is a pause among all three remaining personalities. El Dragón finally turns to Maria, who returns his gaze, but after a few long seconds, decides not to say anything anymore and just walks out of the frame, in the opposite direction from where Betsy headed. Maria gulps, turns to Jessie, who is just as confused as she is with what the hell just happened.

Maria: ...D-disfruta de la gloria de tu nuevo...luchador más gua—feroz y talentoso del mundo, Julian—El Dragón!

Maria squints at Jessie, trying to intimidate the interviewer, but when it doesn't work because she's too cute and extremely harmless, she turns around and tries to leave, disappearing off-screen...before returning again because she headed in the wrong direction, where Betsy had gone to and not where El Dragón disappeared to.

Maria: Muévete, perro.

Jessie instinctively makes way for her, still confused. Shaking their head, the interviewer takes a deep breath before turning to the camera.

Jessie Pederson: Well... There you have it, ladies and gentlemen... Betsy Gallagher teams up with Lena Galante against Summer Page and Travis Levitt... Julian—

Maria interrupts, screaming the correction off-screen.

Maria (O.S.): EL DRAGÓN!

Jessie Pederson: —El Dragon goes toe-to-toe with Monty Margolis...for his debut, I guess? Only on Vertigo! ...I feel like I'm experiencing one right now.

The camera focuses on a confused Jessie as it slowly fades to black, with the crowd still cheering and laughing at the strange turn of events.

[FGA Office]

“Spoiled” Summer Page is walking into the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. She slides her sunglasses off of her face.

“Spoiled” Summer Page: It seems as though I have been thrown into this tag team match. Luckily enough my tag team partner for the evening is Travis Levitt, who is a good friend of one of my sister’s boyfriends. So I can’t stand here and complain about who I am teaming with. I have no complaints and that is why I have every confidence in the world that we will take care of Betsy and Lena tonight.

Summer smiles devilishly.

“Spoiled” Summer Page: Not just because we want to win because we do but because of principal. Betsy Gallagher has done everything in her power to stick her nose in my business. That is unacceptable! Because I have come to FGA for a greater consciousness. Which is why I have set my sights on the FGA 15 Championship because I will dispose of Betsy Gallagher once and for all.

Summer walks away.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Coming up next, Stephy, we've got our second of two tag team matches here tonight. We've got two makeshift teams as Betsy Gallagher and Lena Galante take on Summer Page and Travis Levitt.

Stephy Auger: Summer Page has been making Betsy Gallagher's life a living hell while repeatedly staking her claim towards the vacant 15 Championship. Both Lena Galante and Travis Levitt want to make names for themselves here in FGA after their recent debuts. On the last episode of Vertigo, Galante came to the aid of Gallagher. But all that did was put her inside the crosshairs of "Spoiled" Summer. I have a feeling that that move is going to come back to bite her.

TAG TEAM MATCH
Betsy Gallagher & Lena Galante vs. Summer Page & Travis Levitt

As soon as the bell sounds, Betsy Gallagher immediately takes off after Summer Page! Summer is quick to drop and rolls to safety on the outside, resulting in boos from the crowd. But Betsy slides to the outside right after her and starts chasing her around the ring! After lapping the ring, Summer rolls back inside. As soon as Gallagher slides back in after her, Travis Levitt cuts her off with a running forearm smash that both rocks and drops Lady Gallagher. This immediately prompts Lena Galante to springboard to the top turnbuckle, leap off and knock Levitt down with a shotgun dropkick! Galante returns to her feet with a kip up, but she doesn't remain vertical for long as Summer grabs her from behind, runs and tosses her over the top rope. Instead of Galante falling to the floor, she grabs onto the top rope with both hands. Summer turns around and does a double take when she sees Galante hanging by the ropes, so she runs over to knock her off with a baseball slide. Galante just barely avoids the attack by "skinning the cat" to get back inside the ring. After Summer whiffs on the strike, she climbs back up to the apron, only to get blasted with a roundhouse kick from Galante.

Back in the ring, Levitt tries to return the favor with an attack from behind in the form of a German Suplex. But Galante's able to rotate and land on her feet! She rushes back over and throws out a yakuza kick. But Levitt gets his hands up in time. After catching Galante's foot, he swings the leg away from him. Unfortunately for "The Dragon, Galante uses the momentum to spin around and blast him with a Discus Elbow! Levitt stumbles back before falling through the ropes to the floor. The British-born grapplers stand tall inside the ring while Levitt and Summer try to regroup and come up with a Plan B on the floor.

As the match continues, things continue to go south for the team of Levitt and Page. Gallagher gets the better of Levitt with four European Uppercuts before a running lariat knocks him down for a two count. After Levitt gets sent into the corner with an irish whip, Gallagher comes barreling in, connects with a corner running European Uppercut and then hits the far ropes before knocking him off his feet with a single leg dropkick from another two count. After the tag out to Galante, “Spice” gets the better of Levitt with an arm trap neckbreaker for a two count. She places The Dragon in a Cravate, catches him with multiple knees to the face before bringing him down with a Cravate Cutter for another two count. After an irish whip gets reversed, the tide turns for Levitt/Page as Summer cheap shots Galante with a knee to the back when she hits the ropes! Levitt's able to take advantage with a tilt-a-whirl slam for a two count.

Once Summer gets tagged in, she puts the boots to Galante before taunting Gallagher. She adds insult to injury by stealing Gallagher's Fairy Tale Ending (Double Underhook Sit-out Facebuster) and hitting it on Galante for a two count. After Levitt gets tagged back in, he returns the favor by hitting Galante with a neckbreaker of his own (the swinging variety, to be exact) for a two count. A one-arm backbreaker gets him another two count. The Dragon then tries to a vertical suplex, but Galante knees him in the head on the way up. After Galante gets lowered back down, she catches Levitt with the Black Star Line (Scorpion Kick) before bringing him down with a running STO.

Both Summer and Betsy can be seen pleading for their partners to make the tag. Levitt is able to crawl over and tag out to "Spoiled" Summer first. As soon as she gets in the ring, she rushes across the ring to pull Galante back. But before she can, she has to slam on the brakes after Galante dives over and tags Gallagher back in! Summer begs for a timeout, but her pleas fall on deaf ears. Gallagher picks up Page, runs into the nearest corner and rams her back-first into the turnbuckle. After a series of shoulder thrusts nearly drive the air out of Summer, Gallagher keeps up the attack with rapid European Uppercuts. She then sets up for an irish whip, but Summer reverses, sending her into the far corner. Summer runs over to attack, but Gallagher turns her around with a big boot to the face before driving her down with a diving leg drop bulldog for a two count. After a tag out to Galante, they whip Summer into the far ropes before catching her off the rebound with a double back body drop. Levitt then runs in to attack, but Gallagher ducks and dumps him over the top to the floor. But instead of crashing to the floor, Levitt lands on his feet before yanking Gallagher down to the mat and dragging her to the outside. Back in the ring, Galante brings Summer down with a Cravate Suplex. She then gets on the top turnbuckle to set up for the Spice Rack (Diving Double Knee Facebreaker), but Levitt climbs to the apron and grabs onto her legs. After Galante is able to shake him off her and send him to the floor, Summer runs into the corner, grabs Galante by the ankles and yanks her off the top turnbuckle! After Galante crashes hard on the mat, Summer heads to the top and hits the Epitome of Perfection (Best Moonsault Ever) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

NO!

Gallagher hops onto the apron and blocks the BME with a hard forearm smash across the jaw, dropping Page to the mat! Page slowly returns to her feet and turns around before a charging Galante brings her down with the Brixton Blowout (Kairopractor) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winners: Betsy Gallagher & Lena Galante
Brixton Blowout (10:03)

Kris Cruise: Lena Galante has just picked up the win for her side here tonight!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, thanks to that cheap shot from Betsy Gallagher! That wasn't very Lady-like from Lady Gallagher!

Kris Cruise: Well, turnabout is fair play, Stephy. Summer has been in Betsy's business for weeks now. Not to mention, that cheap shot to the back earlier in this match. The shoe isn't great when it's on the other foot. Things aren’t just sta-... wait… wait just a minute, everyone. Hold on…

Stephy Auger: "Hold on"? "Hold on" for what, Cruise?

Kris Cruise: I'm just getting some information relayed to me in my headset…

Stephy Auger: What information? I'm not hearing anything!

Kris Cruise: Word has just come down from the FGA offices. Two new matches have just been added to Grapland. We're going to see newcomers Lena Galante and Travis Levitt go at it in singles action! Then finally, Betsy Gallagher will get to get her hands on Summer Page, one on one. No partners. Just the two of them. Summer Page will have nowhere to run and no one to hide behind at Grapland!

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns from break with a harsh static cut before another cut brings us backstage. To some pre-recorded footage. Who appears in front of the camera? None other than current double champion, TJ Techniques. Despite being a double champion, only one championship is currently in his possession - the Pride Championship. As you would expect, TJ isn’t in the greatest of moods after both him and Sparrow were victims of theft at the hands of Silk & Cyanide. The Funky Technician continues to pace back and forth. He finally comes to a stop. TJ lifts his hands palm side up, then turns his hands over before pressing down. This calming techniques seems to work. For now, at least.

TJ Techniques: Let me talk to the people one time…

TJ holds up his index and middle fingers on his left hand.

TJ Techniques: Let me talk to y'all about two things, in fact. First up, the title that's on my right shoulder. The Pride Championship. My Pride Championship. Now Julian Tijerina... or should I say El Dragon, as he's callin' himself these days. Now Drag', it ain't lost on me that you still got your eyes on this belt. It ain't lost on me that you wanna run it back. To that I say... bet. As far as I'm considered, you were a man that wore this Pride Championship with respect. You're a man that wore this Pride Championship with pride. You did me the solid of givin' me a shot at this championship. So I feel it's only right that I do the same in return. So whenever you wanna run it back, you got it. That's my word. Whenever you want another shot at this title, it's yours. But just know this, my man. What happened to you at the end of our last match? Me comin' off the top rope and landin' right on your face? That was an accident. Y'all know me. Y'all know how I get down. Unless you do me dirty, I'm not goin' out there tryin' to take anybody out. Thats never been my style. There was no malice in my actions. So that, Dragon, was an accident and for that, I do apologize. But make no mistake about it. Me winning this championship from you? That was no accident. Me retainin' this championship against you? That won't be no accident, either.

The confident words of the Pride Champion garner cheers from h viewing audience out in the crowd.

TJ Techniques: So that was the first thing I wanted to talk about. The second topic is the belt that should be on my left shoulder. It's the belt that should also be across my man Sparrow's shoulder, too. And the reason why those belts aren't there... is because of Silk & Cyanide.

The mere mention of Silk & Cyanide’s name causing the crowd to boo as loudly as they can.

TJ Techniques: Once again, Silk & Cyanide are on that sucker sh*t. And you know what's crazy? We shouldn't be surprised. It's 2023. We know the score when it comes to them two hoes. Just when you think that y’all couldn't get any lower, y’all find another level to stoop to. And that's what y'all did when y'all stole our titles... OUR titles... OUR titles... like a pair of thieves in the night. Now as much as I can't stand the sight of either one of y'all asses, I can at least acknowledge your place in the history books. I can at least acknowledge your accomplishments within the tag team ranks. Be it hook or by crook... and if we're keepin' it a buck, it's damn sure been a lot more "by crook"... but I can at least acknowledge that you are one of the most accomplished teams in this company's history. If y'all wanted another shot, all y'all had to do was ask. You know us. You know me and Sparrow weren't about to make y'all jump through a bunch of hoops. We boxed your damn heads off the last time and we would've gladly done so again. But askin' ain't never been in your vocabulary, has it? Nah. Y'all don't ask. Y'all don't have the decency to ask. You demand. And when your demands ain't meant, you resort to stealing. You resort to sneakin' someone from behind. You resort to thievery. But get this, 'cause that's not even the crazy part. Then you got the nerve to walk around here actin' like those belts are yours. Let me make somethin' clear to the both of you. You might walk like champions. You might talk like champions. In certain places, possession might even be nine tenths of the law. But in my eyes, in Sparrow's eyes, in FGA's eyes and in the eyes of the people, y'all ain't champs. Y'all are chumps.

The audience out in the arena cheer and applaud TJ’s passion.

TJ Techniques: Ask someone like Blyss Lockhartor what it's like to get on Sparrow's bad side. Ask Cassius Reed what it's like to get on my bad side. You want to steal our belts? You want to play in our faces and act like you're the real champions? Bet. So let me tell you what's gon' happen. Sooner or later, we gon' get you inside that ring and when we do?

TJ makes a come hither motion. The cameraman quickly picks up on TJ’s command and zooms in.

TJ Techniques: We're smacking the sh*t out of both of you.

[FGA Office]

We head backstage during a brief lull in the action and cut to the interview area, where Amanda Johnson is stood in front of an FGA flag with a microphone in her hand and a smile on her face as she begins to speak

Amanda Johnson: Welcome back, everybody, but there is still plenty more to come on tonight’s…

Before there is any chance of Amanda finishing her introduction a hand reaches out of shot and grabs the microphone out of her hand and pulls it away, and when the camera pans to see what is going on it reveals the two members of Silk & Cyanide standing on the periphery of the interview area, with Erin Mariani holding “her” World tag Team Championship belt over her shoulder while Sara Mason has Amanda’s mic in one hand while “her” title belt is limply hanging out of her hand and dragging against the floor, and now that they have Amanda’s attention Mason decides it’s now her turn to speak

Sara Mason: I’ll be borrowing this for a couple of minutes. You don’t mind, do you?

The look that Mason is giving Amanda is one part genuine inquiry, but seven parts “If you don’t want me to hurt you, you better scram” – and it’s the heavy undertones are reason enough for Amanda to get out of the way as quickly as possible

Sara Mason: Don’t worry, Mindy, we’ll leave your microphone here for when you come back!

As Amanda disappears from view Mason sarcastically waves her fingers, snickering to herself as she does so, though after mere seconds the snickering stops dead and she side-eyes the camera for a split second before she turns her head and looks towards the lens, and with her words firm in her head she turns herself towards the camera

Sara Mason: Where to begin, where to begin? Oh wait, I know the perfect place to begin…

Mason hoiks up the title belt in her possession so it can be clearly seen by the camera, before clinking it against the one over Mariani’s shoulder like the two of them are sharing a toast, though judging by her reaction it appears that Mariani wasn’t expecting this to happen

Sara Mason: Let me guess, the two of you wastes of skin convinced yourselves that we’d act like the only girls that you are interested in and were just going to lie down and take it with no complaints whatsoever? Well I hate to break it to you, but that was never, never going to happen no matter how much you wished it would, so we decided to remind the two of you of this itty bitty fact, and that’s why E and myself are standing here with the titles that we made while the two of you are comparing cuts and bruises and, oh yeah, had a sneak preview of how we can take these belts from you any time we want, say, or please. It’s nothing personal…

A beat

Sara Mason: …oh wait, it’s plenty personal because of how the two of you casually spoke about the titles as if we weren’t even holding them, then pulled a fast one to get something which you clearly didn’t deserve, so we decided to redress the balance and give you something which you so clearly deserve – and what you deserve is a reminder that luck runs out, and when your luck runs out the only thing you get to claim that you got from us was a savage beating which left both of you half the men you thought you were and the titles back where they so obviously belong, which is where they are at this very second. Getting it yet, boys?

Weirdly, rather than looking pissed off, instead Mason appears to be smiling as she lays it out for Def Before Dishonor, as if she’s looking forward not to winning the titles back but unleashing hell on the pair of them and winning the titles back is merely a coincidental part of what she has in mind

On the other hand, Mariani is not smiling. No, instead she flicks her hair to one side and holds out her hand for the microphone, which Mason pretty much drops into her hand before walking out of shot for a moment with the championship belt in her hand dragging along the interview area floor, and just out of shot she can be heard flopping into one of the interview area seats and putting her Doc Martin-clad feet up on the coffee table between the seats

With that minor distraction out of the way, Mariani speaks

Erin Mariani: Aside from that pair of insects which we will deal with in due course, this evening I have something else which needs to be dealt with. That something else has a name, clearly, and their name is Fujiko Mine. But that is not the name which I take issue with. No, the name I take issue with is her calling herself a “Wrestling Goddess”…

The way that Mariani’s lip curls as she says those last two words out loud, disdain pouring like fire from her lips with every syllable, makes her disgust at such a notion all the more clear

Erin Mariani: I do hope that you are able to see the issue which I have with this description you have given yourself, as your doing so means you are encroaching on the world of divinity and decadence which I inhabit with every waking moment, neither of which are qualities which you possess. No, Miss Mine, the qualities you possess are tawdry, vulgar…dare I say it, cheap. You do not lift yourself above all others like a Goddess should, you lower yourself down to be a piece of meat for the baying dogs in the crowd who can barely contain their unsightly drooling whenever they see so much as a square inch of female flesh. And I cannot have that encroaching upon my world, and yet this is what is going to happen this evening, and so something must be done about this issue

Just as Mariani is about to continue, she is distracted by the sound of Mason’s feet slipping off the interview area coffee table with a loud thud, which leads to Mariani closing her eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath which she exhales through her nostrils, waiting for a couple of more seconds before she picks up from where she was so rudely interrupted

Erin Mariani: This is the fundamental issue which I have: you are trying to cement the idea in the minds of the slabs of meat and bone watching that a goddess is somebody whose job is to please the most shallow wants and needs of the great unwashed. I, on the other hand, wish to remind them that a Goddess is a powerful being who must and shall be respected lest she smite those who doubt her power, especially if she happens to be a vengeful Goddess who wields her power for this very reason. And this is why this evening’s match means far more than likely occurred to you, as I have to rebalance the entire world in order to remind the patriarchal slobs watching our match that a goddess is not somebody who is there to please them, a Goddess is somebody who is there to show her power and dispense it upon those who need to be punished for their sins. In this particular instance, Miss Mine, that would be you

A dark chuckle emanates from deep within Mariani’s chest

Erin Mariani: I would suggest that it would be nothing personal, but that would be a lie. The fact is I have long waited for a chance to correct the mistake which is your own self-given nickname, and that chance has finally arrived at my feet. A chance which I plan to relish, not least because that would also give those who sought to take what is rightfully ours some pause as they realise that when we tighten the screws on somebody we do not stop, ever, until we say that the task has been completed

Sensing that is the moment her partner in crime intends to finish Mason slinks back into shot, the title belt still being dragged along the ground behind her, and after brushing her hair out of her eyes she gestures in Mariani’s direction to have the microphone back

Sara Mason: You see, that’s the thing about being the two of us: there’s always somebody getting in our business, either blindly stumbling into it only to wish they hadn’t when we let them know what we think of interlopers or those who think they can handle what is coming so dare to get involved in what we do deliberately, and the thing is we aren’t discerning of who crosses our paths or why, because the result is always going to be the same. Once we get the scent of your blood in our nostrils, we are going to come looking for you, we are going to take our time picking you apart, and when we get bored we are going to end you. It’s what we do, it’s what we’ve always done, and still there’s people dumb enough to think they can push their luck. But if you want to play with fire, be our guests, because between you and fire there’s always going to be one winner

Erin Mariani: …and when that happens, being burned will be the least of your worries

For a fraction of a second it almost looks as if Mason is going to perform a literal mic drop, but instead she thinks better of it as she and Mariani turn and leave the interview area without uttering so much as another breath – though a moment later there is one final act of their interjection, as Mason tosses the microphone over her shoulder without looking and it flies towards the cameraman, who has to very quickly get himself and his expensive camera equipment out of the line of fire, though you get the feeling neither Mason nor Mariani care if it hits him or not

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Mara Jade Miller will get the chance to reclaim their Legacy Championship when they challenge new champion Piper Lennon at Grapland. It was just announced earlier tonight that the winner of that match will go on to defend against Antoinette at the 12 Year Anniversary Show!

Stephy Auger: What!?

Kris Cruise: You heard right. Antoinette will get her chance to win back the Legacy Champion that was pretty much stolen from her several months back. As much as Antoinette would love to get her title back, she wants another crack at Mara Jade and Piper even more!

Stephy Auger: That's all well and good. But she couldn't stop Piper Lennon from winning the Legacy Championship and I doubt she'll be able to stop Mara Jade from beating the tar out of here sister-in-law here tonight!

Kris Cruise: We know how close Ashley Sands and Antoinette are. You can bet that Ashley is going to look for some measure of revenge for her family in this one.

Stephy Auger: Uh, yeah, good luck with that one!

Mara Jade Miller vs. Ashley Sands

When the bell sounds, Miller rushes over and drops Sands with a pump kick to the face! The boos intensify as Miller immediately yanks Sands back to her feet by the hair before ragdolling her across the ring with multiple biel throws. Sands starts to fight back with wild rights and lefts before taking off into the ropes. When she returns, Miller tackles her down with a Lou Thesz press before raining down repeated forearm smashes!

Miller stays in control, whipping Sands hard into the corner before catching her as she staggers out with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! The Murder Theytriarch continues to target the back as they catch Sands off an irish whip rebound with a Samoan Drop for the ONE, TWO, TH-NO!

Miller pulls up Sands by the hair!

They continue their attack, throwing Sands down with a gourdbuster before sending her across the ring with a deadlift release German Suplex! Moments later, Sands finds herself being held upside down. Miller keeps Sands held in the air for at least 20 seconds before finally falling back to complete the vertical suplex. They turn over into a lateral press for the ONE, TWO, TH-NO!

Again, Miller pulls Sands up by the hair!

Sands gets sent for the ride again with an irish whip. When she returns, Miller nearly takes her head off with a big boot! They then reach down, grab Sands by the throat and yank her back to her feet before throwing her down with a chokeslam. After Sands gets pulled up and doubled over with multiple knees to the midsection, Miller hits the ropes, returns and chops Sands' head off with The Wargasm (Corkscrew Scissor Kick) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winners: Mara Jade Miller
The Wargasm (3:10)

Stephy Auger: What was that, Cruise? What were you saying about Ashley Sands looking being out for revenge?

Kris Cruise: That match didn't exactly go the way that Ashley wanted it to.

Stephy Auger: That's a funny way of saying she got her ass kicked! Miller doesn't look like they're done, either!

Post-match, Miller throws Sands down with authority with a powerbomb! They then place Sands in a Stretch Muller before adding insult to injury with repeated stomps to the head. Miller nearly bends Sands in half until Antoinette races down to the ring with chair in hand!

Kris Cruise: Here comes Antoinette!

Stephy Auger: What does she think she's going to do? She can't stop them!

After a chairshot to the back breaks the hold, Miller stands up, turns around and gets doubled over after Antoinette jabs them in the midsection with the chair! Another chairshot across the back connects! Miller stands up and arches their back until Antionette connects with another chairshot across the back! This time, Miller staggers forward before falling through the ropes to the apron. As soon as Miller pulls themself up using the ropes, Antoinette runs over and throws the chair right at their head, knocking them off the apron to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Down goes Mara Jade!

Stephy Auger: Gah!

Unbeknownst to Antoinette, Piper Lennon has slide into the ring right behind her!

Kris Cruise: Ant! ANT! LOOK OUT!

As soon as Antoinette turns around, Lennon runs over and drops her with a belt shot to the face!

NO!

Antoinette ducks in the nick of time!

When Lennon turns around, Antoinette runs over and sends her flipping down to the mat with a step-up Ant-zuigiri (step-up enzuigiri)! She then pulls Lennon up, lifts her across her back and drops her with the Rave Affect (Tay KO)!

NO!

Lennon catches the knee before spinning Antoinette away from her. The crowd erupts with boos as the champion quickly drops and rolls to the outside to safety.

Kris Cruise: Piper Lennon was this close to getting laid out!

Antoinette heads back over and motions to pick up the Legacy Championship. At the same time, Lennon reaches back in and grabs it. The two play tug of war with the championship until Antoinette lets go. After Lennon falls down to a seated position, she returns to her feet before cradling the championship in her arms. Lennon slowly backs away from the ring while shielding the championship from Antoinette’s sights. Antoinette then climbs up to the middle ropes before pointing right at her former friend.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

The camera comes up backstage where Spencer Burke stands in front of the Vertigo interview set, a smile on his face.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time - The Apex Goddess, Fujiko Mine.

The crowd cheers loudly as Fujiko steps into frame. Dressed in a red and orange version of her standard ring attire and a smirk on her face, she slides beside Spencer and waves to the camera. The crowd watching at ringside cheers loudly as she appears on frame.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, tonight you are taking on Erin Mariani, an old rival of yours. Do you happen to have any thoughts on getting to take on someone you’ve battled in a heated tag team rivalry before, one on one?

As the question washes over the Apex Goddess, she nods thoughtfully.

Fujiko Mine: Spencer, Let me just state the obvious. When ever is a match with either of the members of Silk & Cyanide a one on one match? Sara Mason has got a free night, and even if she didn’t I’d be very much expecting to see her come down to the ring to make sure that Erin has…

She pauses, then puts on a sarcastic tone.

Fujiko Mine: …the best chances possible to get herself a win tonight.

She punctuates with a roll of the eyes.

Fujiko Mine: So the answer is simple, Spence. I’m basically treating this like a handicap match. Odds have always been stacked against the Apex Goddess, why would I expect things to be any different?

She can only offer Spencer a shrug.

Fujiko Mine: But I’ll say this - at the end of the night, I’m still getting the victory. My hand is going to be the one raised, and I’m going to gain momentum towards my goal of returning to the top of the mountain.

Spencer leans in towards the Blissbringer, offering her another question.

Spencer Burke: Fujiko, with recent consecutive losses to Nina Stokes, is it fair to say that you are facing quite the uphill battle in that aspect?

Fujiko immediately has the answer.

Fujiko Mine: Of course. And let’s be real, I have not yet earned a shot at Nina Stokes and the FGA World championship. That’s a ways away. But I have always been upfront - the only reason I am here is to be the best. And between twice redefining the Pride championship, between a run as Tag Team champion, between consecutive runs as Wrestler of the Year here in FGA…and between a history setting reign as the FGA World Champion already…some might say I am in the conversation. But being in the conversation isn’t quite good enough. Not after looking at the reign Lowri has had. Not after coming short from that elusive second reign.

Fujiko loses her smirk a bit.

Fujiko Mine: That second reign is…

Fujiko’s attention drifts to Spencer’s left, and her eyebrow raises and her posture sets her back.

Fujiko Mine: …nevermind that, Spencer. We have ourselves a guest.

A low chuckle can be heard as the figure of Savannah Taylor steps into the frame off to Spencer’s left side. The smirk on her face is somewhat smug as she looks between the two.

Savannah Taylor: Oh come now, don’t stop on my part. I’m merely here as an interested observer. So please, continue Spencer.

Spencer Burke: Well actually, now that you’re here, I happen to have a question for you. Last Vertigo, we saw you and what many are calling one of your top rivals here in FGA, Mark Storm, battle in a hotly contested match which saw you come up short. Where do you go from here?

Savannah can’t help but roll her eyes a little as she folds her arms across her chest.

Savannah Taylor: What’s the old adage? There is only one way to go, and that is up. For all my faults, I am not going to discredit Mark Storm. He is good and gives me a run for my money each time. He earned that win.

Internally, she is raging, but her skilled poker face tells a different story.

Savannah Taylor: I know that may come as a shock to you and especially to your initial guest, but I DO have my moments. Now as far as what is next? I have options, one of which includes championship gold. What that gold is, I’m keeping that to myself. But as luck would have it, your guest and I have somewhat unfinished business. Isn’t that right, Fujiko?

[FGA Office]

One-half of the World-Tag champions is obviously lacking his half of the World Tag championships. The West Indian Whirlwind is dressed to compete tonight, United States championship on his shoulder but there is a look of annoyance written all over his face as he paces back and forth in front of the camera. It’s that kind of nervous, embittered energy. It’s that kind of energy that has someone jazzed up and ready to trip the fuck out. Yet with a few steps towards the camera, the United States champion pulls himself back. Mentally, psychologically that is. He reins it in. Silk & Cyanide didn’t get to pop off. Ant did take her eyes off the prize and he could be mad at her.

...But he’s chosen simply not to be. Instead, his focus is on tonight’s task at hand. He looks up at the camera bearing down on him and gives a tug of his trademark white fitted hat. One-half of Def Before Dishonor will not be shown up here tonight.

Sparrow: I ain’t gonna season Silk & Cyanide’s steak before me and Teej get done grilling that beef real quick. Y’all stole the championships. I canno--

Pause.

Sparrow: I cannot wrap my head around what reality we live in, that me and Teej gotta go through this nonsense. Like, it’s not even the fact that y’all was talking ten shades of that noise about how we wasn’t gonna get it done, we was just some team thrown together like it’s whatever and the second--

Sparrow claps his hands right in front of the camera to make his point.

Sparrow: The second y’all got shown your ass and got those tag championships taken from you...What do you do? You pull a Laura Perelli. You pull a Jersey Devil. Now mind, the history of wrestling, nah--all within the history of FGA, championships get nicked all the time by sore losers. Make no mistake but the fact--the fact that y’all two, as good as you are, and as much credit as we could heap on y’all go to the most basic level bullshit? I mean talk about ‘rooted in any kind of seep-seated insecurities they may have felt gestating within them from an early age’...I digress. I can’t...I can’t even fathom it. So...If you really just wanna get that work so badly, if it wasn’t bad enough to whip on y’all at Grapple Kingdom V and make you get shamed a second time over? That’s whatever. Onto Logan though...This is how we go.

The United States champion relaxes a little bit. His expression even softens to the tiniest amount, becoming more complacent with each word. He truly, genuinely at this point believes that his rivalry with Logan is on a foundation of competitive skill.

Sparrow: You get me tonight, one hundred percent. I ain’t had a booking in another place in a while. You get full West Indian Whirlwind tonight. All my attention Logan, is on you alone and defending this championship. Make no mistake about it...But regardless of what happens brethren, I will shake your hand after all is said and done. You...You wanna take this, then you can go right ahead and try but at least I know with you? You ain’t gonna take this unless you have earned it. See you out there.

Sparrow begins to walk and then stops short. The United States champion’s eyebrow arches as he stares at...

Caroline Dallins.

The two look at each other for a few moments, and Caroline’s face looks a little...Uneasy, as the United States champion continues to stare a hole through her. After a few moments, she steps aside and simply lets him pass.

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Coming up next, we’ve got El Dragón…

Stephy Auger: …who is definitely NOT Julian Tijerina. No sir. Not at all.

Kris Cruise: …taking on Monty Margolis. Monty’s niece Gwen Margolis was unsuccessful in her recent singles match against Piper Lennon. Uncle Monty will be looking to not only pick up an impressive win against Dragón, but also, help bring some of that momentum over to his Illuminati PROJEKT tag team. Him and Gwen haven’t given up their goal on becoming World Tag Team Champions, you know.

Stephy Auger: Well, perhaps they should. What’s that quote? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

Kris Cruise: Stop it, Stephy.

El Dragón vs. Monty Margolis

The match starts with both grapplers trading holds until El Dragón takes control of the arm with an arm wrench. After two more arm wrenches follow, Margolis rolls forward, leans back, kips up and brings Dragón down with a headscissors takeover. Margolis continues to stay in control after a pair of dropkicks. He goes for a third, but Dragón side steps and swats him down. When Margolis gets back to his feet, Dragón returns the favor with a pair of dropkicks of his own. He then goes for a third, but Margolis side steps, swats him down and rolls him up with a magistral cradle for a two count.

After Dragón gets sent for the ride, the two trade hip toss reversals before Margolis brings the former Pride Champion down with an arm drag. The two then start to trade arm drags until Dragón gets the better of him with #ArmDragCity (Over-the-shoulder Arm Drag followed by a Wheelbarrow Arm Drag followed by a Tilt-a-whirl Headscissors Arm Drag, followed by a Fujiwara Armbar)! Margolis eventually makes it to the ropes.

As the match continues, Dragón stays on the attack, catching Margolis with a Sling Blade for a two count. Margolis reverses another irish whip, sending Dragón into the ropes. When Dragón returns, he plants Margolis with a tilt-a-whirl DDT.

NO!

Before Dragón can fall back and hit the DDT, Margolis counters with a Flapjack for a two count. Dragón gets thrown back down with a Butterfly Suplex for another two count. After Dragón gets whipped into the corner, Margolis runs in to attack. Dragón knocks him back with a back elbow to the face before knocking him down with a diving neckbreaker off the middle rope.

NO!

Before Dragón can jump off, Margolis runs back into the corner before catching Dragón with a leaping elbow strike. After grabbing Dragón by the ankles and yanking him off the middle ropes, Margolis steps out to the apron before bringing Dragón down with a springboard crossbody.

NO!

Dragón rolls through, pulls Margolis up as he returns to his feet and throws him up across his shoulders. Before Dragón can deliver his attack, Margolis strikes first with multiple elbows to the side of the head. He then slips down from behind, delivers an arm-trap backstabber and follows up with a somersault senton for another two count.

Margolis brings the action back into the corner and slams Dragón face-first into the top turnbuckle 10 times. He then turns Dragón around, climbs up to the middle ropes and starts raining down right hands. After the fifth punch, Dragón shoves him off of him. Instead of Margolis falling back-first down to the mat, Margolis is able to back flip out of the shove and land on his feet. Dragón runs out of the corner to attack, but he gets caught with a superkick. Dragón remains dazed while Margolis hits the ropes. When Margolis returns, Dragón returns the favor with a superkick of his own. Dragón turns to hit the ropes until Margolis leaps onto his shoulders from behind, spins and brings him down with a hurricanrana for a two count.

Margolis heads back out to the apron before going for a second springboard crossbody. This time, Dragón counters with a dropkick in mid air. Margolis gets up and remains on his knees until Dragón blasts him with a Buzzsaw Kick. Dragón goes for a second Buzzsaw Kick, only for Margolis to duck, leap to his feet and go for a German Suplex. Dragón catches Margolis with a back elbow to the face on the way up. Once he gets lowered back down, Dragón performs a standing switch before throwing Margolis down with a Sombra Driver (Schoolboy Suplex) for a two count. Margolis is then whipped hard into the corner. He starts to stagger out of the corner until a front dropkick sends him flying backwards into the corner. Margolis starts to pick himself up until Dragón runs into the corner, hits a Corner Backflip Dropkick, followed by a Step-up Enzuigiri, followed by La Guillotina (Slingshot Leg Drop to the back of the head of an opponent draped on the second rope)! After Margolis gets brought down with a diving neckbreaker off the middle ropes, Dragón brings him back to his feet and unloads on him with combos. Dragón overwhelms him with Rompiendo El Hielo (Shoot Kick to the left leg, followed by a Shoot Kick to the left side, followed by a Roundhouse Kick, followed by a Superkick) before bringing him down with the Dragón Slayer (Jumping Cutter transitioned into a Dragon Sleeper)! With Margolis trapped and nowhere to go, he's left with no choice but to tap out.

Winner: El Dragón
Dragón Slayer (8:07)

Post-match, Dragón points to the camera before making the belt motion around his waist.

[FGA Office]

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, with me at this time is one of the men that will be taking part in the Best of 7 series, Chandler Scott.

The mention of Chandler’s name gets cheers from the crowd. The cheers get even loud as soon as Chandler steps foot into the frame. Amanda gives his outfit a once over before raising an eyebrow?

Amanda Johnson: Um, interesting attire there, wouldn’t you say?

The camera zooms in on Chandler’s orange shirt. In white lettering, the shirt reads “SETH SUCKS EGGS”. The reveal gets both laughs and cheers from the crowd.

Chandler Scott: Well, you know, I just happened to be rewatching Grapple Kingdom 5 recently and something caught my eye. There was a particular interview that I found very interesting. As a matter of fact, it was one that you yourself conducted.

Amanda lets out a slight smirk.

Amanda Johnson: Yes, I think I'm aware of which one you're referring to.

Chandler Scott: Now there was a certain wrestler that was more or less rooting for me to lose that night. This certain somebody went on to say that if I somehow survived that encounter, they wouldn't mind getting a piece of me for both personal and professional reasons.

The crowd boos over this certain somebody trying to go after Chandler. Chandler scoffs at the notion.

Chandler Scott: How cute. Well, as you can clearly see, I did survive that encounter. I'm still here. So how about this.

Chandler turns to the camera to address this individual directly.

Chandler Scott: How about you get your old ass up off the couch, strap up that bum knee, and try to do something about it…

Chandler is greeted with big cheers from the hot crowd. Seconds later, he puts his finger up to indicate that another point is about to be made.

Chandler Scott: ... after I do what you and no one else in the history of wrestling can say that they did, which is best Owen Gonsalves in a Best of 7 series.

Cheers.

Chandler Scott: Owen, Owen, Owen. I still don't think this is the best idea. I still believe that the better course of action would've been you taking me up on my offer. You don't think we could've given Def Before Dishonor a run for their money? You think we couldn't have gone head to head with Silk & Cyanide? We could've set an even higher standard for tag team wrestling in FGA. For as much as teams The Chaotics and Pendragon set the bar, we could've raised the bar even higher. I'm talking tag team main events, Owen, and not just on Vertigos. I'm talking about having the tag team titles main event pay per views. That's what you and I could've done. We could've gone on a world tour and defended those championships against some of the best teams this industry has to offer. But that's now nothing more than a dream because teaming with me, your friend, is somehow... beneath you? It's something that you want to keep in your back pocket and only pull it out when you're old, broken down, with nothing left to prove?

Chandler gives the bitterest of smirks.

Chandler Scott: Being in a team with me, Owen, it wasn't about you being in the background. It wasn't about you being my Robin. You would've never taken a backseat to me. You would've walked right beside me, never behind me. Hell, we could've put your name first. You could've had the bigger name on the marquee, I didn't care. All I wanted was to do something special with a guy that I respected.

He lets out a sigh.

Chandler Scott: Amanda, Owen wasn't just some guy that I'd catch a ride to the arena with. He wasn't just some guy that I'd hang out with after a show. I've spent time with this man's family. I've been in his home. It goes beyond the sport of professional wrestling with he and I. There have been times when I've been that person on the other end of the line that he vented his frustrations to. Lord knows he's done the same for me.

Chandler shakes his head.

Chandler Scott: You know, ever since I came back here, some people just seem to have a problem with me. That certain somebody that I alluded to before, for one.. John Carmichael, well, his issues were obvious. I namedropped another wrestler that I'd like to wrestle from elsewhere during my comeback speech in April. That wrestler replied, indirectly of course, that not only did I not want the "smoke" with him, but that he'd put me back on the shelf. Owen, never in a million years did I think I'd add you to the list of people that felt some type of way about me…

He throws his arms up with frustration.

Chandler Scott: ...yet here we are. You think you're bitter now, though? You think you're bothered now? Just wait until you're on the wrong end of this Best of 7 series. It doesn't matter if it takes 7 matches or only 4, that is exactly where you'll be, when this is all said and done.

The crowd cheers Chandler’s words. But there are some slight boos from the staunch Owen supporters in the crowd.

Chandler Scott: Now if you'll excuse me, Amanda, I've got Game 1 to win.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

BEST OF 7 SERIES
(Series Tied 0-0)
Owen Gonsalves vs. Chandler Scott

The lights dim as “Animal Ghosts” bursts through the speakers. 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, Chandler Scott pushes through the curtain to a loud ovation from the crowd.

J.A. Aldridge: The following contest, scheduled for one fall, is Match 1 in the Best of 7 Series. Introducing first, hailing from Westwood, Massachusetts! Weighing in at 210 pounds… CHANDLER SCOTT!

Chandler heads down the ramp with purpose. Once he's reached the end 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: Chandler Scott still seems to be taking Owen’s rejection pretty hard.

Stephy Auger: “Waaaah, I thought Owen was my friend. Waaaah, but I wanted Owen to be my tag team partner. Waaaah, I thought we were going to spend our days holding hands and skipping through the fields. Waaaah…”

Kris Cruise: Knock it off, Stephy!

Stephy Auger: You want me to knock it off? Tell Chandler to knock it off and stop acting like a woman scorned.

Kris Cruise: He did seem pretty set on the idea of him and Owen becoming the top tag team here in FGA.

Stephy Auger: Who cares? Get over it!

The hard bass of Run The Jewels’ “Blockbuster Night Part I” causes the floor to vibrate as the crowd instantly come to their feet, knowing fully well who is about to make his entrance. All eyes are on the curtain as they wait for his arrival. A white bright light flashes at every beat, and the fans in attendance are slamming anything they can to the beat.

'Bunches and bunches
Punches is thrown until you’re frontless
Oodles and oodles
Bang bullets at suckers' noodles
Last album? Voodoo!
Proved that we was fuckin' brutal
I’m talking crazy, half past the clock is cuckoo'

As soon as the incomparable Killer Mike kicks into his verse, the white flashing light stops and Owen Gonsalves bursts through the curtain with a pace that matches the rhythm of the track. He storms his way to the top of the entranceway and pauses to soak in the electric energy from the crowd, with a smirk on his face as he rolls his wrists while subtly mouthing the words to the song. Once El-P's verse begins, Wristlock Sinatra immediately begins to walk down towards the ring as he has his hands outstretched, his eyes staying focused on the ring he’s about to go to work in.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Melbourne, Australia! Weighing in at 205 pounds! He is “Indestructible”... OWEN GONSALVES!

'Look at these kiddies, Mike
I'm a rat-a-tat 'em for living
I deal in dirty work
Do the deed and then dash
Ditch 'em'

Having made his way to the bottom of the ramp, Owen starts shadow striking to the camera at the bottom of the ramp before feigning a rolling elbow in the camera's direction as El-P says 'ditch 'em' to which the camera reacts accordingly. He paces around the ring, keeping his energy high before plodding up the steps, wiping his feet as soon as he steps on the apron. He moves down the apron and faces the crowd, mouthing a few words to a few of the fans in the front row before he enters the ring. He immediately goes to a corner and begins to warm up and stretch as he awaits the start of the match.

Kris Cruise: Owen Gonsalves is heading into this Best of 7 series with a chip on his shoulder. He feels he’s been slighted by not just Chandler, but my his peers and the fans as well.

Stephy Auger: Well someone’s still upset about coming away with zero awards last year. So in his eyes, he’s going to use this Best of 7 series of remind everyone just who the hell he is. I’m not the biggest fan of Owen. I’m more of a Seth Iser girl, to be honest.

Kris Cruise: I’m sure Owen will be thrilled to hear that.

Stephy Auger: But to be honest, I don’t see this Best of 7 going past any more than 5 matches. I see Owen making good on his promise and wrestling circles around Chandler.

Kris Cruise: I don’t think anyone would fault you for picking Owen. But really, you see this series being over in just 5 matches?

Stephy Auger: Why wouldn’t I? I don’t care who he beat inside Three Stages of Hell a couple of months back. Chandler has spent the better part of the last four years on the shelf, Cruise. Last Vertigo, he won just his second match since earlier 2019. That man is old, he is washed and as it stands today, he isn’t in Owen’s league. Let’s not act like one big suplex from Owen won’t have the Sonic rings bursting out of his neck.

The bell sounds as Gonsalves and Scott head towards the center of the ring. The two exchange words before asking each other if they're ready. Seconds later, both grapplers are met with applause as they shake hands.

Kris Cruise: A surprising show of respect there, given how testy things got in their post-match interview last Vertigo.

Gonsalves starts to walk away, but Scott doesn't let go of his hand.

Stephy Auger: I think you spoke too soon!

The crowd murmurs as Gonsalves turns back to Scott. Scott then yanks Gonsalves over towards him, which causes the crowd to grow uneasy.

Stephy Auger: Look at Chandler punking Owen out! I didn’t think he has it in him anymore!

Scott has some words for Gonsalves before turning to walk away. But he's stopped dead in his tracks when Gonsalves doesn't let go of his hand.

Kris Cruise: Not so fast!

Gonsalves yanks Scott back over to him. Scott tries to pull his hand away, but Gonsalves won't let go. Gonsalves has some words for Scott before Scott rips his hand from. He then narrows his eyes before balling up his fist. Before he can even think about raising his fist, the referee is quick to step in and separate the two.

​​Kris Cruise: Chandler looked like he was about ready to clock Owen with a right hand.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, he should’ve sucker punched him!

Both grapplers steps back before circling the ring. They each turn and wave their arms up to get the split crowd even louder.

"LET'S GO, OWEN!"
"LET'S GO, CHANDLER!"

"LET'S GO, OWEN!"
"LET'S GO, CHANDLER!"

"LET'S GO, OWEN!"
"LET'S GO, CHANDLER!"

Both grapplers size each other up before moving forward and locking up. After a snug collar-and-elbow, Scott starts to muscle Gonsalves across the ring. After pressing Gonsalves in the corner, the ref gives them both to the count of five to break it up.

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

Both grapplers make a clean break. But instead of stepping back, Scott stays right in Gonsalves' face. The referee once again has to step in before instructing Scott to step back.

Stephy Auger: Look at Chandler not backing down. He’s letting Owen know he’s not intimidated by him.

Scott puts his hands up before backing up towards the center of the ring. Gonsalves tugs the nearby ropes before making his way out of the corner. They then circle the ring before locking up in another snug collar-and-elbow. This time, Gonsalves starts to muscle Scott back across the ring. At the last second, Scott pivots, pressing Gonsalves up against the ropes. Gonsalves tries to move Scott back, but Scott presses him right back up against the ropes. Gonsalves then turns to his left before pressing Scott against the ropes. Scott then turns to his left and presses Gonsalves back up against the ropes. This sequence continues until Gonsalves finds himself pressed up against the turnbuckle again.

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

Both grapplers make a clean break. Scott motions to punch Gonsalves, only to stop... and give him a couple of pats on the cheek. Gonsalves is quick to swat Scott's hand away from him.

Kris Cruise: Gonsalves didn’t take too kindly to that.

Stephy Auger: Chandler’s getting in his head, Cruise.

Scott backs up towards the center of the ring before pointing down directly in front of him. Gonsalves makes a beeline out of the corner towards Scott and locks up with him once more. This time, Gonsalves gains the advantage with a side headlock. Scott tries to push him off into the ropes, but Gonsalves won't let go. Scott catches him with a forearm to the ribs before trying to push him off. But again, it's to no avail. Gonsalves keeps the side headlock applied. Scott then takes Gonsalves and moves him into the near ropes before getting a running start. He goes to shove Gonsalves off into the far ropes, but Gonsalves counters by dropping to a knee and keeping the side headlock applied. Gonsalves wrenches down on the hold.

Kris Cruise: Scott’s escapes attempts were stuffed by Gonsalves.

Stephy Auger: This is not where Chandler wants to be. As soon as Owen gets a hold of you, he’s not letting go.

The referee gets down and asks Scott if he wants to give up. Scott refuses. He then slowly starts to battle back to a vertical base. After grabbing onto Gonsalves' wrist, Scott starts to slowly lift Gonsalves' arm from around he's. He's nearly reversed into a top wristlock, but Gonsalves quickly overpowers him, wraps his arm around Scott's neck and brings him down to the mat with a side headlock takeover. Instead of simply staying on top of Scott, Gonsalves uses the leg to scissor Scott's left arm. Scott slowly reaches up with his right arm, places the forearm across Gonsalves' throat and tries to push his head back. But his escape attempt is thwarted when Gonsalves cinches down on the hold.

Kris Cruise: I think I just saw Owen tell Chandler he’s not going anywhere.

Stephy Auger: …and he’s right. It’s bad enough that Owen’s latched onto him. Now he’s got Chandler on the ground.

The ref asks Scott if he wants to give up. Scott refuses. He then takes his free arm, hooks it around Gonsalves' back and reverses the grounded side headlock into a Bridge & Roll counter.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gonsalves rolls back over into the dominant position with the side headlock. Scott then grabs Gonsalves before reversing into another Bridge & Roll counter.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gonsalves rolls back over to a knee while keeping the side headlock applied. After both grapplers make it back to their feet, Scott finally pushes Gonsalves off into the ropes. When Gonsalves returns, Scott goes to knock him down with a standing shoulder block, but Gonsalves stays on his feet.

Kris Cruise: Gonsalves remained vertical?

Gonsalves smirks at Scott before brushing off his chest. So Scott turns and heads into another set of ropes. Scott returns off the rebound and tries or a running shoulder block. Gonsalves braces himself and absorbs the blow. Scott then looks Owen up and down before pointing off to the far ropes.

Stephy Auger: He’s daring Owen to knock him down.

Gonsalves nods before taking off the ring the ropes. When Gonsalves returns, Scott throws him down with a hip toss. NO! Gonsalves steps through it and reverses with a hip toss of his own! NO! Scott steps through it and reverses Gonsalves' reversal with a hip toss of his own. NO! Gonsalves steps through it and counters with an an arm drag, sending Scott through the ropes to the floor.

Kris Cruise: Gonsalves got the better of him once again!

Scott gets up to a knee on the outside. When he turns back towards the ring, he sees Gonsalves sitting down on the middle rope and holding the top rope up for him. There’s some cheers and oohing from the crowd.

Stephy Auger: Ooooo, Owen is getting cheeky now. I like it!

Scott returns to his feet and sees Gonsalves waving him back inside. Scott climbs up onto the apron. He keeps his eyes locked on Gonsalves as he slowly steps back in through the ropes.

Stephy Auger: Dammit, Owen! You should've sucker punched him when he was stepping in through the ropes.

Kris Cruise: You would advocate for a cheap shot, wouldn’t you?

Stephy Auger: Of course!

Scott meets Gonsalves back near the center of the ring and locks up. This time, Scott gains the advantage with a side headlock of his own. He quickly performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammerlock from behind. Scott stays in control until Gonsalves spins out and reverses into a hammerlock of his own. Scott yells out when Gonsalves begins to push his wrist up towards his neck. The ref asks Scott if he wants to give up. He quickly refuses. He then feints a back elbow to the face before spinning out and reversing into another hammerlock from behind. Gonsalves then uses his free arm to reach back, grab Scott by the back of the neck and bringing him down with a jumping snapmare. Scott scrambles back to his feet, only to be returned to the mat with an arm drag. Scott finds himself on the receiving end of two more arm drags. The last of which causes Scott to quickly roll to the outside and halt Gonsalves' momentum.

Kris Cruise: Scott finds himself back on the outside. Is it time for Plan B, maybe?

Stephy Auger: You can tell he’s getting frustrated, Cruise. You know how arrogant that man is. He really thought he could get in there and outwrestle Owen Gonsalves in 2023. Like I said, I’m no Owen fan, but even I thought that was crazy.

Scott turns and sees Gonsalves once again sitting down on the middle rope and holding up the top rope for him. Instead of taking Gonsalves up on his offer, Scott purposely walks all the way around ringside to the opposite side of the ring before rolling back in. There’s a small section of boos towards Chandler.

Kris Cruise: Chandler didn’t take Owen up on his offer this time.

Stephy Auger: It looks like someone’s salty.

Scott and Gonsalves circle the ring once more. The two size each other up before heading towards the center of the ring and locking up. Gonsalves quickly takes control of Scott's arm and applies a standing reverse armbar. Scott grimaces as Gonsalves starts to apply some classic wrist work. Gonsalves stays in control as he delivers a pair of arm wrenches before twisting the wrist. Scott is asked again if he wants to give up. He refuses. After Gonsalves yanks hard on his arm, Scott quickly executes a forward roll back to a vertical base, breaks free with a knee to Gonsalves' hand and brings him down with a snapmare. Scott goes to follow up with a headlock, but Gonsalves quickly rolls out with a hip heist and reverses into a kneeling reverse armbar! Scott grunts before delivering a slap to the canvas out of frustration.

Kris Cruise: Gonsalves once again gets the better of Scott.

Stephy Auger: He’s about to lose it, Cruise.

Scott is asked once more if he wants to give up. He refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Scott rolls forward, backdoor escapes through Gonsalves' legs and flips him forward down to the mat. Despite Gonsalves being on his back, he still has control of Scott's wrist. So he's able to twist the wrist, bringing Scott right back down to the mat! Gonsalves stays in control by returning to a vertical base while bending Scott's wrist. Scott kicks his foot against the mat in frustration.

Kris Cruise: Look at the smirk on Gonsalves’ face. He’s loving this.

Stephy Auger: He does have a mean wristlock, I’ll give him that.

After turning down yet another chance to quit, Scott starts to battle back to a vertical base. Gonsalves maintains control of his wrist until Scott breaks free after kicking Gonsalves' hand. He quickly slaps on a side headlock before Gonsalves shoves him off into the ropes. Scott returns off the rebound before Gonsalves brings him down with a hip toss. Gonsalves quickly drops down to his knees before quickly going back to working over the arm with an under-armbar.

Scott yells out in pain while Gonsalves applies pressure by pulling up. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. Scott refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Scott rolls forward, gets back to his feet and quickly brings Gonsalves down to the mat with a side headlock takeover. He doesn't stay in control for long as not only does Gonsalves reverse into a grounded headscissors, but he applies an under-armbar, as well. Scott tries to use his free arm to pull Gonsalves' legs from around his neck, but Gonsalves applies pressure to the trapped arm to stop him. When Scott turns down another chance to quit, Gonsalves lets go of the arm before before going back to manipulating the wrist joint.

Gonsalves maintains a hold of the wrist before letting go of the grounded headscissors. After Scott turns over to a knee, he slowly gets back to his feet. He then uses his free arm to move Gonsalves back towards the corner.

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

As soon as Gonsalves lets go, Scott quickly grabs the arm and goes for an irish whip. Gonsalves is quick to reverse, sending Scott into the corner. Gonsalves charges in and goes for a running European Uppercut, but he catches nothing but the top turnbuckle when Scott slips out of the way.

Kris Cruise: Scott got out of the way in time!

Stephy Auger: He just found his opening!

Gonsalves stumbles back until Scott spins him towards him, delivers a quick arm drag and transitions into a kneeling under-armbar of his own.

Gonsalves reaches his free arm up towards Scott to try and escape, but Scott pulls up on the arm to stop him. Scott can be heard yelling at Gonsalves to tap, but Gonsalves has no intentions of throwing in the towel. After Gonsalves turns over to a knee, he slowly returns to a vertical base. He then rolls forward, bridges back, spins over onto his knees, flips over with a handstand, reverses into an arm wrench of his own before following up with a hammerlock scoop slam!

Kris Cruise: Just like that, the Technical Spectacle is back in control.

Gonsalves quickly drops down to a knee, grabs Scott's arm and bends it at 90 degrees. Scott tries to fight him off, but Gonsalves is able to muscle Scott's arm down to the mat. The crowd shrieks when he goes for a pointed elbow stomp, but Scott's able to roll out of the way just in the nick of time.

Stephy Auger: Chandler is so lucky he rolled out of the way.

While Scott sits against he ropes and shakes out the arm, Gonsalves goes over and holds out his thumb and index finger about an inch apart.

Kris Cruise: Now it’s Owen that’s getting in Chandler’s head.

Scott uses the top rope to pull himself back to his feet. After the two lock up, Gonsalves starts to muscle Scott back towards the corner. At the last second, Scott pivots, pressing Gonsalves up against the turnbuckles.

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

As soon as they let go, Scott catches Gonsalves with an elbow smash!

Stephy Auger: There you go!

Scott sizes up Gonsalves before nailing him with another elbow smash. After Gonsalves gets nailed across the jaw with a third elbow smash, Gonsalves quickly grabs Scott, tosses him into the corner and bashes him with a forearm smash! The cheers continue when Gonsalves smashes him with another forearm. Scott shakes off the blow before nailing Gonsalves with a European Uppercut. Gonsalves returns the favor with a European Uppercut of his own. A second European Uppercut snaps Scott's head back. He then gets dropped to a knee with a third European Uppercut.

Kris Cruise: Gonsalves got the better of that exchange. Again.

Scott walks on his knees over into the adjacent corner before picking himself back up. He tries to shake off the blows, but Gonsalves doesn't give him much time to recover. He quickly turns Scott towards him before lighting up his chest with multiple shoot kicks. After Scott gets whipped him into the far corner, Gonsalves comes charging across the ring before snapping his head back with a running European Uppercut. He then climbs up onto the middle ropes before planting Chandler with a Tornado DDT! NO! Scott pushes him off mid-turn. After Gonsalves lands on his feet, Scott runs out of the corner and throws out a running kesagiri chop. Scott whiffs on the strike when Gonsalves ducks and hits the ropes. When Gonsalves returns, the crowd cheers as he executes a tilt-a-whirl Guillotine Choke with bodyscissors!

Kris Cruise: Beautiful transition there by Gonsalves!

The cheers continue as Gonsalves keeps the submission applied. The referee asks Scott if he wants to give up. When Scott refuses, Scott transitions into an Octopus Stretch.

Stephy Auger: Owen’s just going from one submission to another!

Scott yells out in pain after finding himself in yet another submission from the Technical Spectacle. He's asked if he wants to give up. Scott refuses. So Gonsalves starts to target the ribs with repeated pointed elbow strikes while keeping the Octopus Stretch applied!

When Scott still doesn't give up, Gonsalves adds insult to injury by balling his hand into a fist and grinding his knuckles into Scott's ribs.

Kris Cruise: I just know that hurts!

The crowd oohs and ahhs when Gonsalves reaches his arms behind him, locks his hand together and leans back, applying even more pressure! Scott can be seen and heard crying out in pain.

Stephy Auger: How has he not given up!?

The ref asks him if he wants to give up. Scott shakes his head no, so Gonsalves lets go, lifts him up across his shoulders and brings him down with a fireman's carry gutbuster! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Scott kicks out.

Gonsalves goes back to targeting the arm by bringing Scott down with a hammerlock suplex. He turns over into a lateral press.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Scott kicks out.

Gonsalves pulls up Scott before whipping him into the ropes. When Scott returns, Gonsalves sends him flipping down to the mat with a kitchen sink. He quickly pulls Scott back to his feet and delivers an arm wrench into a double knee armbreaker. While Scott is down on all fours, Gonsalves sizes him up before delivering a running Penalty Kick to the elbow!

*THWACK!*

Scott howls in pain as he quickly clutches the arm. He then rolls himself under the bottom rope and out to the apron. After Scott pulls himself up using the ropes, he catches Gonsalves with a shoulder thrust through the ropes before bringing him down with a sunset flip.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gonsalves claps Scott's ears with his legs to escape.

Once both grapplers return to their feet, Gonsalves quickly snatches control of the wrist and sends Scott down shoulder-first to the mat with an arm wringer! He reaches back down, picks up Scott and sends him into the corner with an irish whip. Gonsalves runs in to attack, but Scott uses his good arm to knock him back with a back elbow to the face. As soon as Scott hoists himself up to the middle ropes, Gonsalves quickly snatches control of the wrist before sending Scott flipping down to the mat. The cheers continue as he pulls Scott back to his feet before finally hitting the Tornado DDT! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Scott gets his good shoulder up.

Gonsalves picks Scott back up before throwing him down with a Michinoku Driver.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Scott kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Owen. He’s more or less controlled this entire match from the start.

Stephy Auger: Chandler has to come up with something quick and stop Owen from attacking that arm. The last thing he wants is to pick up an injury in Match 1 of a Best of 7 series.

Gonsalves tries to throw Scott back down with a German Suplex, but Scott blocks it. He then tries to muscle Scott up for another German Suplex but again, he gets blocked. After Scott catches him with two back elbows to the face, he runs towards the ropes. Scott wraps his arms around the top rope and yanks back in an attempt to send Gonsalves flying off him. But it doesn't work! Gonsalves keeps the rear waistlock applied, pulls Scott down to the mat and rolls backwards with him back to his feet. Instead of following up with a bridging German Suplex, Gonsalves tries to muscle him down into an arm-trapped crossface!

Kris Cruise: Crossface Oblivion Wing!

Gonsalves tries to flatten Scott out on the mat. But Scott blocks by standing on his knees and his free arm. Instead of continuing to fight for the submission attempt, Gonsalves pops back to his feet before delivering another soccer kick to the elbow!

Kris Cruise: I know that hurts like a son of a bitch.

Stephy Auger: Owen isn’t taking it lightly on him. He’s wrestling this match with a purpose. He’s out here to prove that not only is he a better technical wrestler than Chandler Scott, but he’s pound for pound the best wrestler in all of FGA.

Gonsalves picks up Scott and whips him hard into the corner. Scott starts to stagger out until Gonsalves takes him and whips him hard into the far corner. Gonsalves rushes in to attack, but Scott turns him around with a boot to the face before coming down off the middle rope with an inverted Tornado DDT!

Kris Cruise: Good counter there by Scott! He’s got the cover!

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gonsalves kicks out.

Scott picks up Gonsalves before taking control of his back. He goes for a German Suplex of his own, but Gonsalves blocks it before countering with a back elbow to the face. He then performs a standing switch before trying to go for the German again. Scott frees himself with three back elbows to the face before hitting the far ropes. When Scott returns, he knocks Gonsalves down with a running Kesagiri chop! Gonsalves returns to a vertical base before getting knocked down with another running Kesagiri chop. Scott sets up for an irish whip until Gonsalves reverses. Scott returns off the rebound before bringing Gonsalves down with a Sling Blade! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gonsalves kicks out.

Scott takes Gonsalves and lifts him up across his shoulders. Before Scott can deliver whatever he's got in mind, Gonsalves elbows him in the side of the head before slipping down from behind. He tries for another German Suplex, but Scott swings his head back and nails him in the face! Scott then performs a standing switch before bringing Gonsalves down with a ripcord Sling Blade! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
Gonsalves kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Chandler only gets a two count.

Stephy Auger: He’s got control of this match, though, and that’s something he desperately needed to do.

Scott takes Gonsalves and whips him into the corner before running across the ring and connecting with a European Uppercut. After Gonsalves gets whipped into the far corner, Scott runs across the ring and connects with a flying corner elbow smash!

NO!

Gonsalves slips out of the way, causing Scott to crash into the corner! He starts to stumble back until Gonsalves grabs him from behind and throws him down with the Paroxysm (Snap Dragon Suplex)! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

The crowd cheers when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Owen dumped him right on the back of his neck, but he only gets a two count.

Gonsalves brings the action back into the corner before sitting Scott down on the top turnbuckle. He takes a couple of steps out of the corner before positioning Scott for Australia Street (Top Turnbuckle Hung Cutter)! Just before Gonsalves can hit the move, Scott frees himself from the rope, drops down behind him and quickly counters with a reverse Sling Blade!

Stephy Auger: He got Owen again with that move!

Scott pulls Gonsalves back to his feet, lifts him up across his shoulders and brings him down with a fireman's carry neckbreaker. The cheers continue as Scott lifts Gonsalves up before bringing him down with a Kneecap Brainbuster! He the takes a hold of Gonsalves' wrists before pulling him up to his knees.

Kris Cruise: What’s Chandler got in mind here?

Scott looks down at Gonsalves and blows him a kiss before cracking him with a Double wrist-clutch knee strike to the face!

Kris Cruise: Heartache’s Kiss?

A groggy Gonsalves remains on his knees before falling face-first on the mat. Scott’s not done, though. He gets behind Gonsalves and pulls him to his feet by the back of the tights… before dropping him with a ripcord into a Rolling Elbow!

Kris Cruise: What in the…? Was that… was that The Second Crusade!?

Stephy Auger: Chandler took exception to Owen going after his arm. So he’s throwing the moves of some of Gonsalves’ rivals back in his face. First HENNY, then Artemis Kaiser…

The crowd erupts with cheers and boos when they see Scott twirling his finger in the air.

Stephy Auger: …and now it looks like he’s about to finish Owen off by taking a page out of Seth Iser’s book!

Kris Cruise: No way.

Stephy Auger: Yes way!

Scott pulls Gonsalves back to his feet and pulls him into a front facelock. He twirls his finger again before planting Gonsalves with the deprivation DDT!

NO!

Gonsalves quickly takes the arm, spins out and pulls him down into an arm-trap crossface!

Kris Cruise: Crossface Oblivion Wing!

Stephy Auger: Chandler’s screwed now!

The crowd is at a fever pitch as they anticipate a submission win at any moment. Gonsalves continues to try and fight for the submission while Scott tries his best to hang on. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But once again, Scott refuses. He can be heard straining himself as he tries to pull himself across the ring. Gonsalves does his best to pull back and apply even more pressure. It succeeds in slowing Scott down. But only momentarily. Scott continues to try and claw his way forward.

Kris Cruise: Chandler’s trying to fight through it!

Stephy Auger: Why? For what reason? He’s clearly in pain. Hell, he’s probably hurt at this point. Just throw in the towel and live to fight another day. He’s got potentially six matches left. What is he thinking?

Gonsalves shakes his head in disbelief as he sees Scott making progress. The cheers get louder and louder the further Scott drags himself. This capacity crowd is trying to will Scott to the ropes. Scott goes out to reach for the ropes... when Gonsalves moves his leg over and repeatedly stomp on Scott’s!

Kris Cruise: OH NO!

The crowd cheers and Ooohs while Gonsalves continues to stomp away on Scott's hand!

Stephy Auger: Owen’s not holding back!

With the left hand now damaged, Scott groans as he pulls himself forward a couple of more inches. He’s about to reach out with the right hand when Gonsalves places his foot on the bottom rope and pushes off, sending both men rolling backwards on the canvas! The crowd gasps when they see Gonsalve reapply the Crossface Oblivion Wing. Gonsalves then pulls back as far as he can, causing Scott to scream out in pain. With nowhere to go, Scott is left with no choice but to tap out.

Kris Cruise: Owen’s done it!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match… OWEN GONSALVES!

The cheers continue as Gonsalves gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Owen picks up the win! He now leads this Best of 7 series 1-0.

Stephy Auger: Chandler has no one to blame but himself! He got cocky towards the end and it ending up blowing up in his face. Not only is he now down 0-1, but he could’ve potentially picked up an injury.

Gonsalves can be seen playing up to the cheering crowd. Across the ring, Scott sits up against the ropes while cradling his left arm. Gonsalves turns and slowly makes his way over towards Scott. He looks down at Scott before slowly dropping to a knee. Both grapplers stare each other down… before Gonsalves extends his hand. Scott looks out at the crowd… before taking Gonsalves’ hand. Gonsalves helps Scott back to his feet… before holding up one finger directly in his face. He then gives Scott a pat on the shoulder before exiting the ring.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Backstage, we find tonight's challenger for the United States championship, Logan Alexander, standing by with his manager, Theodore Harris. The pair have staked out a spot not too far from the gorilla position as the time for Logan's encounter with United States champion, Sparrow draws near. Logan sits on an equipment box, eyes closed with his arms folded across his chest. Theodore stands close by, taking a drink from a cup of steaming coffee held in one hand. Lowering the cup, Theodore nods to the camera.

Theodore Harris: Here we are, four months later. Tonight is going to be a redo of Grapple Kingdom five for myself, the challenger here and the champion, wherever he is at the moment. Four months ago, Logan got an unexpected opportunity for the United States championship. On that same night though, the US champion also had a title challenge for the World Tag Team championships while his partner also had a challenge for the Pride championship earlier on. Logan had been looking for a chance to square off with Sparrow again. He has some matters to resolve and some questions to lay to rest. But he wanted Sparrow at his best so that there wouldn’t be any doubts about the result however it went. Sparrow was sure that his tag team match wouldn’t impact his title defense later on that night. We weren’t so sure about that. Of course, Sparrow did end up getting hurt during his match with Logan. Seemingly badly enough that Sparrow would’ve been at a big handicap should the match have continued.

He pauses, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.

Theodore Harris: I can still hear Stephy Auger’s screaming from that moment.

He smirks a little and pauses again to take another drink.

Theodore Harris: That’s not how Logan wanted it though. Rather than take the opportunity there, which might’ve been an assured victory and let him have the United States title around his waist right now, Logan decided to call it a night. What could’ve been a clean sweep by title challengers that night instead left Sparrow as the only defending champion to walk out with their original prize. We'll be wondering for a while more if that was a mistake. Pride can sometimes make a person do foolish things, but sometimes you just have to take a chance on getting things done the way you want them. After that choice had been made, Sparrow and I had a chat later that night. I wanted to make sure Sparrow understood. He's had to face many opponents that have sought to get a quick win over him in whatever way was possible. While Logan does want to defeat Sparrow, it's become more that just a matter of wins and losses here. Sparrow is a measuring stick for Logan here in Frontier Grappling Arts. I walked Sparrow through it all.

He raises his free hand and begins counting off the details as he mentions them.

Theodore Harris: He was Fifteen champion for four months and was never beaten for the title. Was Legacy champion for eight months. Has been United States champion for almost fifteen months. Is one half of the World Tag Team champions, with or without the belts. He's currently a double champion which is the second time he's done that in his tenure. That tenure has only been about three years at this point. He is easily one of if not the most decorated competitors in Frontier Grappling Arts in that time span. Add to that the fact that he's made two deep runs in the Gold Rush Rumble and the last time he lost a proper singles match was back in 2021 and that was against Chris Madison at Past vs Present.

A pause.

Theodore Harris: I told Sparrow that he basically has 'Future World champion' written on him. It's hard to imagine that he won't reach that milestone here.

Theodore smiles at that.

Theodore Harris: For Logan though, all of that tells him that if he's going to remain in Frontier Grappling Arts and do more than take up a roster spot and earn a paycheck, he needs to beat someone like Sparrow with no asterisk beside the victory. Logan needs to set the course of his future in the company and he's going to try and do so here tonight against the person who may very well be the future of this company. Ever since Logan lost the Legacy championship, it's been a struggle for him to try and claw back all the ground and credibility he lost. Tonight is another chance to bring that to an end. But we're under no illusion or arrogant presumption here tonight. This is a daunting task. Logan's recent history doesn't stack up favourably against Sparrow's. Head to head, it's a toss up on paper given their previous encounters, but Sparrow isn't one to make mistakes. It's strictly skill versus skill and, while Logan is very good at what he does, Sparrow keeps getting better.

Theodore frowns slightly, an acknowledgement of how things appear to be.

Theodore Harris:There is likely to be no rematch should this not go Logan's way. Sparrow and I both made the case for this match after what happened at Grapple Kingdom, so whatever favour we've got is spent. A loss means Logan gets out of the way for the next challenger and goes to answer some questions about what comes next for him. Logan has a lot to lose out there tonight, but also a lot to win potentially. When you go all in, there's a good chance you're walking away with nothing... but sometimes, you can make something magical happen.

Theodore glances over to Logan, who is now sitting and observing him silently. Theodore looks back at the camera.

Theodore Harris: Let it not be said that Logan didn't go down fighting for all he was worth. Tonight, he'll chart a course to his future. We'll see shortly what the obstacle before him has to say about it.

With that, he offers a nod to the camera and raises his cup. The feed then cuts to black.