Vertigo E106

[FGA Office]

[FGA Office]

EagleBank Arena
Fairfax, VA

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. We are coming to you tonight from Fairfax, Virginia, the last stop before Grapland! Tonight, you will see El Dragón's toughest test to date as he takes on Seth Iser! Lena Galante will look to get the biggest win of her career when she takes on World Champion Nina Stokes in non-title action! After getting saved by Def Before Dishonor on the last episode of Vertigo, Fujiko Mine will team up with the World Tag Team Champions to take on former champions, Silk & Cyanide, and her opponent for Grapland, Savannah Taylor! Then, in our main event, it's Match Two of the Best of Seven series of Owen Gonsalves goes one on one with Chandler Scott! We've got all that and more tonight on Vertigo. Right now, let's send it over to the ring for our opening contest!

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Both grapplers haven't been getting the results that they've wanted as of late. Ashley Marie Chase hasn't seen much success this year in either singles or tag team competition...

Stephy Auger: Yeah, that's putting it lightly!

Kris Cruise: ...Meanwhile, "Spoiled" Summer, a woman that's used to getting her way, hasn't been getting her way as of late as she's dropped her last two matches.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, and each loss was thanks to "Bitter" Betsy Gallagher! Don't you worry though, Cruise. Summer is going to course correct here tonight and she's going to carry that momentum right into Grapland!

Ashley Marie Chase vs. Summer Page

AMC starts off strong, dropping Page with a pair of clotheslines. After a standing dropkick knocks Page back down to the mat, AMC sets up for an irish whip. Page is quick to reverse, sending AMC into the far ropes. To AMC's credit, she's able to use the momentum to hurl herself across the ring and knock Page down with a diving forearm smash for a two count!

Chase brings the action into the corner, where she unloads on Page with corner chest kicks. Page gets sent into the far corner with an irish whip before AMC comes charging across the ring. At the last second, Page counters with a back elbow to the face before following up with a Springboard DDT out of the corner for a two count!

Page stays in control, bringing AMC down with a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. A russian leg sweep gets another two count. AMC starts to battle back with punches to the midsection before whipping Page into the ropes. When Page returns, she sees AMC setting up for a back body drop. So Page counters with a face smash into the knee before dropping her with a Chick Kick for another two count! Page then goes to spike AMC with the Sweet & Sassy (Frankensteiner), but AMC counters with a powerbomb for a two count!

AMC starts her comeback, dropping Page with another pair of clotheslines. Page ducks the third and throws out another Chick Kick, but AMC ducks and counters with a Scorpion Death Drop for a two count. Page is quick to reverse an irish whip, sending AMC back into the ropes. She goes to catch Chase off the rebound with a clothesline, but AMC ducks under and counters with a Float Over DDT for another two count. AMC brings the action back into the corner and starts delivering more corner chest kicks. After Page gets whipped into the far corner, AMC runs across the ring, connects with a clothesline and goes for a running bulldog out of the corner. At the last second, Page shoves her off into the ropes. When AMC returns, Page stuns her with the Total Knockout (Superkick)! With AMC dazed, Page turns and takes off into the ropes. When she comes back, AMC gives her a taste of her own medicine with the Kick Of Doom (Superkick)! Page remains dazed until AMC hits the far ropes, returns and tackles her down with the Walk of Fame (spear) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

NO!

Page gets her shoulder up at the last second!

AMC screams at the ref that it was a three count. But the official holds his ground and lets her know that it was only two. After Chase regains her composure, she steps out to the apron before scaling the ropes. Once she gets to the top, she leaps off for It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's A Chase (High crossbody block), but Page counters with a dropkick in mid air! After bringing AMC back down with the Spoiled Rotten (Backstabber), Page follows up with Pure Perfection (Perfect Plex) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Summer Page
Pure Perfection (5:20)

Kris Cruise: Summer Page gets back in the win column with this victory tonight over AMC!

Stephy Auger: It was almost academic, Cruise. Everything went according to plan.

Kris Cruise: Everything went according to plan? AMC nearly had her beat!

Stephy Auger: Who cares about what "nearly" happened. Let's talk about what DID happen and that was Summer Page righting the wrongs of the last couple of shows and getting her hand raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: She did get the job done, I'll give her that. But she better come prepared because at Grapland, she'll be heading into enemy territory!

[FGA Office]

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, the SMWB!

There aren't a bunch of theatrics that follow. The sound of someone entering or exiting a Mario Warp Tunnel isn’t heard in the background. Max Powers and Landon Knight simply walk into the picture, dressed in some FGA branded sweat sets. The appearance of the SMWB is met with cheers from the viewing crowd.

Max Powers: What was that I heard coming from Hook & Grapple?

SMWB starts to snap his fingers in an attempt to jog his memory.

Max Powers: Something to the effect that we're nothing but a joke and a disgrace to tag team division? That's funny coming from two guys who interrupted our post match celebration, then went and did a whole bunch of…nothing. What happened, dudes? I thought you were going to show us what real tag team wrestling was? I thought Archibald Collins and his towel boy were going to show us real technical wrestling.?Yet from where I'm standing, I don't see them anywhere to be found. What about you, Landon, do you see them anywhere?

Landon olds his hand slightly above his eyebrows before peering down the hall.

Landon Knight: Nope, I can't spot 'em at all. What about you, Spencer? Do you see them?

Spencer gives Knight a quizzical look. After a quick nudge from Knight, the veteran reporter quickly gets up to speed.

Spencer Burke: Oh, right!

Spencer tucks his mic under his arm before using his hands to mimic a pair of binoculars.

Spencer Burke: I'm afraid I can't find them, either, sir.

Max Powers: Look, I get it. You see the name, you see the colors. Automatically, you think to yourselves that you've found an easy pair of guys to go after. These two saw the names Super Mario Wrestling Bros on the roster and that lightbulb went off in their heads. Who better to establish yourselves against then two dorks like Max Powers and Landon Knight. But I've got bad news for you. You didn't pick a pair of easy targets. By my count, there's only one other team in all of FGA that's more accomplished than us, and that's…

Max turns his head to the side before touching his stomach.

Max Powers: Silk & Cyanide.

The mention of the name causing Powers to quickly grow pale. He points his finger to Spencer, asking him to give him a moment. A second or two later, Powers’ cheeks puff out before he quickly covers his mouth.

Max Powers: You'll have to excuse me, Spencer. Giving those two credit for, well, anything makes me wanna hurl.

Landon Knight: Don't worry, I've got it from here. Those two Dojo Bros think that the SMWB are easy pickings. But they couldn't be further from the truth. What you're looking at, boys, is a pair of MEN that have gone to battle against the best tag teams. You're looking at a pair of MEN that have won the tag belts in every promotion they've called home. You strip away the marketing, you take away the cute tandem names, and what you've got standing before you is one of the best tag teams of the last decade.

Knight’s statement is met with cheers from the crowd.

Landon Knight: That isn't just a bunch of words, either. That isn't just some baseless claim. It's a factual statement that's been backed up by countless hardware. Hardware that you are lacking in, by the way.

Knight points right at the camera.

Landon Knight: Now I know that it's been a minute since the SMWB have had gold around their waists. We both admit that. We're tag team wrestlers, so the times that we've been put out there in singles action, things haven't exactly gone our way. We won't hide from that, either. With teams like Silk & Cyanide and Def Before Dishonor, or even Ashes to Ashes, it's easy for the SMWB to get lost in the shuffle. So to that we saw this. It's time that Max and I remind all of you just who in the heck we are. So Archibald and Raymond, how about you two put your money where your big mouths are. Anytime, anywhere, anyplace. You want a fight with the Red n Green Machine? You got it. But for your sakes, you better be as good as advertised, because if you're not? You are about to be in for a rude awakening real, real soon.

Max Powers: Level Up

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: We've got HENNY in action up next as he goes one on one with tag specialist, Liam Richardson!

Stephy Auger: This is nothing more than a glorified practice session for HENNY, let's be honest.

Kris Cruise: You can't dismiss Liam Richardson like that!

Stephy Auger: Sure I can. I just did! Look, Cruise, you said it yourself. "Tag specialist." Last I checked, this is a singles match. Miles Watson won't be standing in that corner waiting for a tag when the action becomes too much for him to handle. Plus, that idiot Gregory Murphy at ringside won't be any help, either.

HENNY vs. Liam Richardson

As soon as the bell sounds, the crowd erupts with boos when HENNY charges across the ring before turning Richardson inside out with If U Seek HENNY (Busaiku Knee Kick)! The boos continue as HENNY grabs him by the hair and pulls him up to his knees before unloading him multiple shoot kicks. After taking off into the far ropes, HENNY picks up speed before flattening Richardson with a sliding forearm smash to the face!

Instead of going for the pin, HENNY delivers several quickfire elbow drops, followed by a jumping elbow drop. HENNY Heartache opts out of another opportunity to go for the pin and, instead, comes crashing down across Richardson with a Jumping Knee Drop. To add insult to injury, HENNY keeps his knee pressed down across Richardson's throat while the ref counts him down. Just as the referee's count is about to reach five, HENNY finally relents. After taking his sweet time dragging Richardson into position, HENNY looks out to his "adoring fans" before heading towards the ropes. He goes for a Lionsault, but Richardson rolls out of the way in time!

HENNY easily lands on his feet, though.

Richardson scrambles back to a vertical base and rushes over for an attack, but he gets stopped in his tracks with a spinning heel kick. After HENNY yanks him up by the hair, runs into the corner and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle, Richardson gets turned around before nearly getting his head knocked off with multiple corner European Uppercuts. After a hair toss sends him flying out of the corner, Richardson struggles to get back to his feet... until a running knee lift sends him flipping backwards down to the mat! After HENNY lifts him upside down and drops him on his head with the Malmö Driver ‘91 (Double Underhook Brainbuster), HENNY pulls his dazed opponent to his knees and blows a kiss before crushing him with the Heartache’s Kiss (Kamigoye) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: HENNY
Heartache’s Kiss (3:34)

Kris Cruise: HENNY made it look easy out there as he picks up the win.

Stephy Auger: ...Yeah, just like I said he would! This was simply one more chance for HENNY to get his reps in before he slaps that old hag Emery Layton straight into retirement! I hope Emery had her bug eyes glued to the screen because what happened tonight will happen to her at Grapland!

Kris Cruise: Something tells me that Emery will be putting up a better fight than Richardson did tonight.

Stephy Auger: But the end result will remain the same. Remember that.

[FGA Office]

The camera fades into the backstage area, where we see Empires United (Betsy Gallagher, El Dragón, & Maria) arguing with each other in front of the Vertigo backdrop. Jessie Pederson is right there with them.

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

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

Maria: EL DRAGÓN!

Jessie Pederson: —El Dragón... Empires United! Guys, let me cut to the chase, Betsy and—

Jessie catches a glimpse of Maria squinting at her, so she quickly corrects herself even before she can make the mistake again.

Jessie Pederson: —El Dragón, you both won your respective matches last week: El Dragón submitting Monty Margolis and Betsy tagging with Lena Galante against Summer Page and Travis Levitt in a winning effort! At Grapland, Betsy will finally go one-on-one with Summer Page, a feud that has slowly gone personal, while El Dragón will get his FGA Pride Championship rematch against the FGA Pride Champion, TJ Techniques. Tonight, however, Antoinette and Seth Iser stand in your individual paths. How are you feeling?

Betsy starts to open her mouth but Maria takes the microphone and stares daggers at Jessie.

Maria: En primer lugar, Jessie Pederson, si ese es tu nombre real, la semana pasada fue el partido debut de El Dragón en la FGA, así que fue más impresionante de lo que lo dijiste. En segundo lugar, ¿revancha? Esta es la primera oportunidad de título de El Dragón, y Seth Iser sentirá de primera mano por qué El Dragón merece su oportunidad.

Betsy looks miffed at the interruption. She starts to open her mouth again, but this time, Julian Tijerina El Dragón cuts her off.

El Dragón: Sí, María, tienes razón. Maria is correct.

Maria nods her head, moving back, letting El Dragón take center stage, much to Betsy's annoyance.

El Dragón: Damas y caballeros, ladies and gentlemen... Last week, I made my debut, submitting Monty Margolis in a stellar match, muy bien, my first ever match in FGA, and tonight, I continue my winning ways against Seth Iser!

El Dragón turns to Jessie, then to Maria, and finally to Betsy, who is staring daggers at him. But he is unfazed.

El Dragón: Now, Seth is no slouch. He is no easy pickings. Like Monty Margolis, he is a dangerous competitor, skilled and learned...

El Dragón raises a finger in the air, shocking Maria, much to Betsy's annoyance...again.

El Dragón: But, he is not facing someone who will lose that easily as well, for I am the Masked Pride of Spain, Ellllllllllllll Draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagón, and I will breathe fire on those who stand in my way, in my path, in my goal of becoming the NEW FGA Pride Campeón.

Maria cheers him on, jumping on her heels, as Betsy heaves a sigh. But El Dragón is not done.

El Dragón: Now, I have never met or faced the current campeón, TJ Techniques, but it is only a matter of time before he learns that revenge is a dish best served...caliente!

Maria applauds El Dragón as he finishes his promo, though both Jessie and Betsy look confused at that last part.

Jessie Pederson: Wait, if you've never met or faced TJ Techniques, then why are you talking about revenge. Also, isn't revenge a dish best served cold? I don't think cold is caliente in Spanish.

Maria is offended by this response and starts yammering at Jessie in Spanish while El Dragón holds her valet by her waist. Betsy shakes her head but it doesn't take long for her to get so annoyed, and frustrated, she steps forward, takes the microphone from Jessie's hand, and takes over the interview, leaving everyone else squabbling behind her while she addresses the camera on her own.

Betsy Gallagher: Summer Page... This message is especially for you. Last week, I made you eat a loss, struck your pretty little face and sent you on that mat, 1-2-3! This week, I'm facing Antoinette, but make no mistake: I have not forgotten about you. I will never forget about you. Because at Grapland, you and I have a date, I finally get my hands on you, one-on-one, just you and me, two fighting women who need to settle a score, and trust me when I say, watch my match tonight, love. Because tonight, my apologies to Antoinette but I will make an example out of her. Watch on, Page. What happens in that ring tonight, what I do to Antoinette, I'll do all that and more to you at Grapland.

Betsy then turns around to see Maria still chastising Jessie while El Dragón holds his manager back. Betsy rolls her eyes and groans in frustrations before she returns the microphone to Jessie and departs the scene. Seeing this, El Dragón starts to slowly drag Maria out of there while the latter continues to hurl Spanish words at the unfortunate interviewer. Once Empires United disappears from the shot, Jessie realizes the camera is still rolling and tries to awkwardly end the segment on her own.

Jessie Pederson: Uhh... Well... There you have it, ladies and gentlemen... Empires United! Betsy Gallagher takes on Antoinette tonight in preparation for her match against Summer Page at Grapland while Jul—El Dragón takes on Seth Iser before he faces FGA Pride Champion TJ Techniques for that title also at Grapland. Wow...

The camera focuses on a confused Jessie as it slowly fades to black.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: I don't know about you, Stephy, but Antoinette has been acting weird lately.

Stephy Auger: Of course she's acting weird. She comes from the Sands family. Her being weird comes with the territory.

Kris Cruise: What I'm saying is, it seems like Antoinette is going through a bit of a personality change.

Stephy Auger: Well, maybe she finally opened her eyes and realized that hanging out with losers like Ashley Sands and Ashley Marie Chase wasn't exactly the best thing for her career. Maybe she realizes that to get through the likes of Mara Jade Miller and Piper Lennon, she's got to get tough. Who knows, maybe she's even finally starting to listen to the advise of Seth Iser.

Kris Cruise: That's the last thing she needs.

Stephy Auger: What do you mean? Seth has got a wealth of knowledge. A kid like her would do wonders sitting under his learning tree.

Kris Cruise: She hates being called kid.

Stephy Auger: Okay, fine. Twerp. Pipsqueak. How's that?

Kris Cruise: ...ANYWAYS, Antoinette will be taking on Betsy Gallagher, who along with Lena Galante, was victorious last time out against Travis Levitt and Summer Page.

Stephy Auger: Well, Lena isn't going to be there to carry her to a win like last time. As we all know, Summer has a habit of making her presence in Betsy's matches. If "Bitter" Betsy can't keep her focus, then I can see The Insect picking up a win tonight.

Betsy Gallagher vs. Antoinette

Gallagher looks for a collar-and-elbow to start things off, but Antoinette cuts her off with a spinning back kick to the midsection. Lady Gallagher finds herself getting brought down to the mat with a snapmare before Antoinette follows up with a dropkick to the back of the head for a two count. Antoinette continues her attack, sending Gallagher into the ropes with an irish whip. When Gallagher returns, Antoinette knocks her off her feet with a running dropkick for another two count. Gallagher finds herself on the wrong end of another irish whip. This time, into the corner. Seconds later, Antoinette sends her crumbling out of the corner with a corner dropkick. While Gallagher crawls away from the corner, Antoinette heads to the outside before scaling the turnbuckles. Once Gallagher returns to her feet and turns around, Antoinette knocks her down with a missile dropkick!

NO!

Gallagher swats her down out of the air! She then grabs a hold of Antoinette on the mat before throwing her down with a deadlift German Suplex for a two count!

Gallagher returns the favor, sending Antoinette into the corner. Lady Gallagher rushes in for a running corner European Uppercut, but Antoinette slips out of the way! Gallagher crashes into the corner and stumbles back before Antoinette rolls her up with a schoolboy for a two count. Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Antoinette throws out the Ant-zuigiri (step-up enzuigiri), only for Gallagher to duck and smash her with the Knightmaker (Elbow Smash to the back of the opponent's head) for a two count!

Gallagher stays in control as she sets up for a running powerslam. At the last second, Antoinette slips down from behind and pushes her into the ropes. When Gallagher returns, Antoinette knocks her back with a running big boot. Gallagher stumbles back before seesawing off the ropes and turning Antoinette inside out with a Rebound Lariat for a two count! Gallagher finally brings Antoinette down with a running powerslam for another two count. Gallagher then holds Antoinette in place upside down. She then takes one arm away and flexes her bicep before finally falling back to hit the delayed vertical suplex for another two count.

Antoinette tries to fight back with a flurry of right hands, but Gallagher is able to knock her down with a European Uppercut. She then sets up for an irish whip until Antoinette reverses. Gallagher returns off the rebound before turning Antoinette inside out with a single leg dropkick. She then pulls Antoinette up from behind and throws out the Queen's Lariat (Wristlock transitioned into a Short-Arm Lariat), but Antoinette ducks and counters with the Sugar Crash (Backstabber) for a two count! Antoinette brings the action into the corner and goes for a Tornado DDT, but Gallagher shoves her off in mid air. Gallagher runs out of the corner with a lariat, but Antoinette knocks her back with a leg lariat before sending Gallagher flying backwards into the corner with a Shotgun Dropkick. She then rushes into the corner and starts running on top of Gallagher with Ant Goes Marching (Running stomps to the chest of a seated opponent in the corner)! After five seconds, Antoinette continues to deliver the running stomps. Another five seconds pass and she still continues the stomps! She finally stops when the ref has to pull her off of Gallagher. But Antoinette slips by the official and heads back into the corner. She then sits Gallagher up on the top turnbuckle before bringing her down with the Ant Hill (Top Rope Frankensteiner)! Antoinette heads right back to the top before twirling throw the air and landing hard across Gallagher's chest with the Rave-A-Round (Corkscrew Moonsault) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

NO!

Gallagher gets her knees up in time! After Antoinette bounces off of Gallagher and rolls across the ring, she uses the ropes to pull herself up. Antoinette slowly steps away before getting doubled over with another Knightmaker. Gallagher then brings Antoinette down with the British End (Pumphandle Lift dropped into a Reverse STO) before putting her away with the Betsy Bomb (Sitout Double Underhook Powerbomb) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Betsy Gallagher
Betsy Bomb (7:36)

Kris Cruise: Betsy Gallagher picks up the upset over Antoinette!

Stephy Auger: Antoinette was already in a foul mood before. This one might send her over the edge!

Kris Cruise: This is huge for Lady Gallagher. She continues to build momentum as she heads into Grapland, where she will finally get Summer Page one on one!

Stephy Auger: Gallagher might think she's got home field advantage at Grapland. But I feel like Summer will be able to get the better of her again.

Kris Cruise: For Antoinette, this is a tough one to swallow. It was a back and forth match where she was favored. But Betsy was able to counter the Rave-A-Round at the perfect time and it was all downhill from there.

Stephy Auger: One could argue it's been going downhill for Antoinette since she lost the Legacy Champion.

Kris Cruise: You mean when it was stolen from her by Piper Lennon.

Stephy Auger: Whatever. It's been downhill for her ever since. She's got a Legacy Championship match coming up against the winner of Piper and Mara Jade Miller at the Anniversary Show. But with the form she's in right now, I think either one of them could take her.

Kris Cruise: That remains to be seen. If we are to believe Antoinette's words, and I have no reason not to, she doesn't care which one of them she gets. She just wants to hurt the both of them and get back what's hers.

[FGA Office]

Once again we find ourselves in the backstage interview area where Amanda Johnson is already waiting with a microphone in hand, a smile on her face, and a whole load of information she is ready to impart on y’all

Amanda Johnson: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back as we take a short break from the inring action to remind you that Grapland is right around the corner with a card stacked with matches, chief among them we will see the FGA World tag Team Championships defended as Def Before Dishonor go face-to-face with Silk & Cyanide to determine who the best team in this company is, and joining me right now is one of the teams who will be participating in this match…

At the exact same time Amanda begins her introduction the camera zooms out slightly to reveal that not only is she being flanked by Silk & Cyanide as she is giving her introduction, but once again Sara Mason has taken control of her microphone and is holding it in place for Amanda to speak while Erin Mariani is keeping a very close word on every word, syllable and syntax coming from Amanda’s mouth

Amanda Johnson: …that would be the team of Silk & Cyanide, who have joined me at this moment to discuss regaining their title belts

A beat

Erin Mariani: Go on…

Try as she might to suppress it, Amanda lets out a sigh

Amanda Johnson: Their title belts which are rightfully theirs, and will soon be again

Once again there is a beat, but this time it’s followed by Sara Mason patting Amanda on the head like somebody would a puppy after it performed a simple trick

Sara Mason: You see? That wasn’t so difficult, was it?

Mason goes to hand the microphone back to Amanda…but then changes her mind and pulls it away at the last second

Sara Mason: On second thoughts, Maureen, I’ll be keeping hold of this. Got to leave these things in the hands of professions, you know?

While her tone of voice might sound faux-friendly, the look that Mason is giving Amanda as she says this is clearly telling her to get the hell out of her shot, a suggestion which Amanda doesn’t have to think twice about before she takes the hint – not least because of the look that Mariani is giving her in her peripheral vision that suggests that she’s in the mood for hurting a few people right now

Once Amanda is out of sight and out of mind, with Mason once again sarcastically waving as she gets out of Dodge, Mason passes the mic between her hands for a moment as she picks her words

Sara Mason: Where to begin, where to begin? Oh wait, I have a great idea of where to begin: tonight’s match, where all of a sudden the casual and downright arrogant assumption of some bizarre sense of superiority of those space-occupiers who currently think they might be champions, a claim which is a little difficult since they don’t hold these…

Mason grabs “her” title belt and holds it in front of the camera for about half a second, before casually tossing it aside

Sara Mason: …but the good news for them is we won’t hurt them too badly

A beat

Sara Mason: Oh, we’ll hurt them alright, but the pain and suffering they will experience will be a little aperitif for what we have in mind for them when it comes time to right the natural order, but we don’t want to be too greedy this evening because we want to make sure there’s an itty bitty glimmer of hope in their eyes before we make it official that they can’t keep deluding themselves without something bad happening to them. However…

Without warning, Erin Mariani plucks the microphone out of Mason’s hand, an action she clearly was not expecting to happen

Erin Mariani: …however, tonight isn’t just about applying a little pressure to the bodies of a couple of insects to see how much pressure they are able to withstand when we could finish them at any moment without thinking about it, tonight is about something which was taken from me. I’m sure that one or two of you out there have a vague recollection of the last show, the show where I was supposed to face the Plastic Goddess, and yet…?

All that Mariani can do is theatrically throw out her spare hand in a shrug

Erin Mariani: Nothing

Mariani pauses, which at first appears to be to add some theatricality – but the look in her eyes indicates that she is livid at this

Erin Mariani: For so long I had waited, biding my time, knowing that one day our paths would cross and that day came – only for it to be taken from me. Imagine this for a moment: there was I, waiting for somebody to tell me that it was time for me to take my place behind the curtain and await my cue, and yet that did not happen at any point. At the end of the evening I was still sitting there, dressed and ready for war, and yet I was being told that the show had ended. The disrespect was cutting as nobody thought it worth informing me that the match I had prepared for was no longer going to be taking place

Taking a deep breath, Mariani looks to the ceiling for just a moment, before her head snaps down and she glares directly down the camera lens

Erin Mariani: But tonight I at least have the opportunity to get a taste of what I was looking forward to, and I dare you to take away my match a second time, because if you thought that I was willing to demonstrate who the true Goddess of this company is the last time, wait until you see what happens when I have been given an even greater incentive to demonstrate the difference between a Goddess and a cheap, shallow provocateur who claims to be a goddess but is, in fact, a tawdry heretic. And this is what hurts the most: tonight only offers the sliver of the opportunity that I was supposed to have, and the chances of digging my fingernails into the face of…of…that are greatly reduces as there are far more moving parts. At least I can say that there is a guarantee that whenever I step into the ring there will be somebody who deserves to suffer standing across from me, but will I settle for that? No, NEVER[/b]

The last words out of Mariani’s mouth are less said as hissed, like a fine mist of the most lethal poison, which appears to freak Mason out so much that her hand creeps into frame and she pinches the microphone back out of Mariani’s hand and tries to steer the conversation back on track

Sara Mason: You see, boys and girl, the fact is that the two of us despise the three of you equally, and it’s safe to assume that our temporary partner for this evening’s festivities happens to despise at least one of you too, meaning that there is plenty of incentive all around to hurt you, to embarrass you, to humiliate you – but the fact remains that none of us wants to end you…yet, but that will all come in due time. But as long as somebody actually remembers that we have a match tonight and doesn’t forget about it and hopes that nobody noticed, things are going to work out fine – in that “Worried that you might have to rearrange the matches for the next show” definition of fine because somebody might have gotten a little overzealous this evening, but we have no idea who might do that…

Mason cannot help but side-eye Mariani for the briefest of moments

Sara Mason: But just a reminder to Deaf Dumb & Blind, if they want to get their hands on the titles which they think they own but so clearly don’t, there is only one way that is going to happen: try to get your hands in front of your face before we get up close and personal with your faces. With any luck we’ll leave our mark on you one way or another, and in doing so you’ll leave a little trace of your blood on what is ours. And make no mistake, they’re ours, and you’re just a couple of pieces of meat for us

Without so much as a pause for breath Mason tosses the microphone over her shoulder, causing it to land on one of the interview sofas with an audible thump, and without so much as a goodbye she and Mariani pick up “their” title belts and move on to the next thing – the next thing being this evening’s match.

[FGA Office]

Mara Jade Miller vs. Patrick Jones

As soon as the bell sounds, Jones rushes across the ring and knocks Miller back with a flying forearm smash! Jones quickly returns to his feet, hits the far ropes, comes back and knocks Miller further back with another flying forearm smash. MJM shakes out the cobwebs while Jones heads to the top turnbuckle. He leaps off for a flying crossbody block, but Miller catches him in mid air before hoisting him up onto their shoulders and countering with a Samoan Drop for a two count!

Miller stays in control, turning Jones inside out with a big boot after an irish whip into the ropes! They then reach down and latch onto Jones' throat before yanking him back to his feet and throwing him down with a chokeslam for another two count. Seconds later, Jones gets whipped hard into the corner. He staggers out until Miller throws him down with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for another two. After a front powerslam brings Jones back down, Miller tries for a powerbomb. As soon as Jones gets lifted onto their shoulders, he hits them with multiple punches across the top of the head. Jones slips down in front and catches Miller with Zoned Out (superkick), but Miller stays on their feet. Jones then nails them with a second Zoned Out! Miller looks to be rocked. Jones throws out a third superkick, only for Miller to catch his foot, swing the leg away from them and drop him down to all fours with a violent knife edge chop across the back of the neck. Jones tries to get back to his feet, but he's quickly knocked down with The Wargasm (Corkscrew Scissor Kick) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winners: Mara Jade Miller
The Wargasm (3:28)

Kris Cruise: Mara Jade Miller defeated Patrick Jones early on in their FGA career in pretty convincing fashion. This was just more of the same.

Stephy Auger: The veteran was no match for them. Let's not sugarcoat it. As much as I love Piper Lennon, especially after she stabbed Antoinette in the back earlier this year...


Kris Cruise: ...

Stephy Auger: ... she might be overmatched being in the ring with The Murder Theytriarch.

Kris Cruise: Miller is taller, stronger and hits harder. Getting into a fist fight with them probably wouldn't be the smartest idea. But I'll give Piper this. She's crafty. She's got enough tricks up her sleeve to retain her championship. But we'll have to wait and see if she can survive the challenge of the former champion at Grapland.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: Ju-... "El Dragón" insists that he's out for revenge at Grapland. But Jessie Pederson brought up a great point. How could he be out for revenge if he's never stepped in the ring with TJ Techniques before?

Stephy Auger: That's because he has been in the ring with TJ before, you idiot! Everyone knows its Julian Tijerina under the mask! Even Pedro Gonzales is wondering what the hell is the matter with him. Maybe when TJ landed on his head, he knocked a couple of screws loose.

Kris Cruise: Call him whatever you want, Stephy, but El Dragón has shown what he's capable of in an FGA ring before.

Stephy Auger: Sure. But can he withstand the test of The Last Outlaw of Professional Wrestling? I don' think so!

Kris Cruise: Perhaps you're right. With that being said, 2023 has been a down year for Seth Iser. He isn't in the greatest form at the moment. As far as FGA's concerned, at least.

Stephy Auger: Or maybe that's just what Seth wants us to think. This is a man that's Wrestling's Greatest Mind, after all. You don't think he's got something up his sleeve? You don't think he's moving chess pieces behind the scenes? Maybe this is what Iser wants everyone to think before he springs his next plan into action.

Kris Cruise: There isn't anyone more calculated in all of wrestling than Iser, I'll give you that.

Seth Iser vs. El Dragón

Dragón strikes first, dropping Iser down to a knee with a basement dropkick moments after the opening bell. The Former Julian Tijerina takes off into the far ropes before knocking Iser fully down with a running front dropkick for a two count. Dragón continues his attack, turning Iser around and dropping him to a knee with a springboard roundhouse kick. He then sizes Iser up before blasting him with a Buzzsaw Kick. NO! Iser ducks, returns to his feet and goes to counter with a belly to back suplex. Dragón ends up rolling over the shoulder, landing on his feet and countering with an O'Connor Roll for a two count.

Dragón stays on the attack, catching Iser when he turns to his feet with the 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)! After he returns off the ropes, he brings Iser back down with the Tilt-a-Whirl Surprise (tilt-a-whirl headscissors into a sunset flip) for another two count. Dragón heads right back into the ropes. When he returns, he ducks a big boot from Iser before continuing to run the ropes. When Dragón comes back, he executes another Tilt-a-Whirl Surprise. This time, a tilt-a-whirl headscissors into a crucifix pin. He gets another two count.

Dragón goes right back into the ropes. This time, Iser goes to bring him down with a back body drop. Dragón ends up slipping down from behind before countering with a Sombra Driver (schoolboy suplex). But Dragón can't pull Iser down. Instead, Iser counters with a leg drop across the arm before applying a short arm scissors. After Dragón fights his way to the ropes, Iser brings the action into the corner. From there, he lights up Dragón's chest with multiple knife edge chops. A series of back elbow strikes, knee strikes and shoulder thrusts followed before Dragón gets flung out of the corner. Once Dragón is back to his feet and turns around, Iser comes barreling out of the corner before nearly taking his head off with a running big boot for a two count!

Iser stays in control, delivering a snake eyes across the top turnbuckle before catching Dragón with a running big boot that turns him inside out for another two count. Dragón starts to fight back with chops before Iser shoves him down to the mat. Dragón returns to his feet with a kip up before catching Iser with another Rompiendo El Hielo! While Iser is rocked, Dragón hits the ropes. When he returns, though, Iser is able to counter with a Stun Gun. Seconds later, Dragón gets flung across the ring again. First, with a release German Suplex. After he gets whipped hard into the corner, he starts to stumble out until Iser chucks him across the ring with a release belly to belly suplex for another two count. Dragón gets brought down with a vertical suplex, but he gets the shoulder up at two. Iser continues to target the back. First, with a pendulum backbreaker. Then, with the Icebreaker (Irish Curse). Dragón is then brought down with the Pillar of Truth (Bossman Slam) for another two count.

As the match continues, Dragón gets caught with three jabs. Iser goes for a discus clothesline, but Dragón ducks and hits the ropes. When he returns, Iser counters with a spinning spinebuster. He then tries for a superplex, but Dragón counters with multiple forearm strikes before pushing Iser down off the middle ropes. Once Iser returns to a vertical base, Dragón brings him down with a diving neckbreaker. Dragón starts to mount a comeback as he catches Iser with yet another Tilt-a-Whirl surprise. This one is a tilt-a-whirl into a DDT for a two count. Iser quickly reverses an irish whip, sending Dragón into the ropes. When Dragón returns, he delivers a running hurricanrana that sends Iser across the middle rope. Seconds later, Dragón connects with La Guillotina (rope walk into a leg drop across the back of the head). After bringing Iser back down with a Sling Blade, Dragón delivers the Dragón Twist Cutter (Spinning Cutter) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: El Dragón
Dragón Twist Cutter (8:58)

Kris Cruise: We've got our second upset of the night as El Dragón surprises Seth iser with the win!

Stephy Auger: Are you sure that was a three count? I'm not so sure.

Kris Cruise: Well I'm more than positive that Dragón got all of that one for the three count. This is the time of victory that will give him all the confidence as he tries to capture the Pride Championship at Grapland.

Stephy Auger: ... for the "first" time, right?

Kris Cruise: Yes, now you're catching on!

Stephy Auger: ...I can't wait until we're done with this charade.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: We've seen two big upsets thus far tonight. Can Lena Galante make it three for three?

Stephy Auger: In a word, no. Nina Stokes mentioned that at one point, Lena Galante asked the champion if she should join tonight. Tonight, The Kodiak is going to show her why she should've stayed far, far away.

Kris Cruise: Not so fast, Stephy. Lena has more than held her own so far in her short FGA career. She's undefeated!

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah? Well that little undefeated streak is gonna get snapped by Nina Stokes. If Lena's lucky, that streak will be the only thing the World Champion snaps tonight.

Nina Stokes vs. Lena Galante

Before the bell sounds, Travis Levitt, Galante's opponent for Grapland, can be seen making his way to ringside. His presence gets the attention of both grapplers and the official. To this he simply puts his hands up and motions that he's just here to watch. Stokes is quick to close the distance on Galante in the opening moments of the match. The Brixton Beauty accidentally backs herself into the corner before The Kodiak pounces! Galante is able to slip away from the strike before catching Stokes when she turns around with a trio of forearms! Stokes is able to eat the strikes before quickly snatching Galante by the throat and tossing her into the corner. She throws out the Divine Night (Rolling Elbow), but Galante slips out of the way again before catching the World Champion with another trio of strikes! She tries for an irish whip, but Stokes reverses and sends her into the far corner. Stokes runs across the ring and throws out the running double knees, but Galante slips out of the way in time and follows up with a schoolboy for a two count.

Galante stays on top of the champion, catching Stokes with alternating shoot kicks to the legs. The Brixton Beauty then takes off into the far ropes. Upon her return, Stokes dips her shoulders before lifting her up for a fireman's carry gutbuster. Before Galante can be brought down, she counters with multiple elbows to the side of the head before slipping down from behind and countering with a dropdown neckbreaker for another two count! Stokes gets back to her feet before a running STO brings her down for another two count. Galante continues to stay on offense as she sends Stokes for the ride. The Kodiak returns and sees the back body drop being telegraphed from a mile away. So she knocks Galante upright with a kick to the face, doubles her over with a rolling solebutt to the midsection, knocks her back upright with another kick to the face, doubles her back over with another rolling solebutt, knocks her back upright with a third kick to the face before blasting her with the Divine Night for a two count!

Stokes continues to exert her dominance, catching Galante off an irish whip rebound with a running roundhouse. Galante gets brought back down with a snapmare before a soccer kick to the back echoes throughout the arena. The Kodiak delivers a knife edge chop to the back of the neck before a soccer kick to the chest flattens her. Stokes follows up with a jumping senton before yanking Galante back up. After Galante gets whipped into the corner, Stokes charges forward and crushes her with running doubles knees. The Kodiak then whips Galante hard into the far corner. The turnbuckles rattle when Galante's back collides with them. The Brixton Beauty slowly slumps down before Stokes charges across the ring, hurls herself at her and bashes her with running double knees to the face! The World Champion grabs Galante by the hair and slowly pulls her back to her feet until boxing forearms send her slumping back down. Galante is then ragged by the hair out of the corner before Stokes throws her down with a snap Saito Suplex. The Kodiak then flings Galante across the ring with a release German Suplex, then a Half Nelson Suplex. After Galante gets dumped hard with a wrist clutch Exploder Suplex, Stokes puts her foot underneath Galante's chin and slowly raises her into position. She remains dazed on her knees until The Kodiak comes form behind and clobbers her with Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (Boma Ye Knee Strike) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winner: Nina Stokes
Amidst the Shadow of Sorrows III (7:18)

Kris Cruise: The Kodiak picks up yet another win.

Stephy Auger: As if there was ever any doubt. Nothing against Lena's previous opponents, but that's the World Champion she stepped in there with! What did we think was going to happen!?

Kris Cruise: I know Lena didn't get the result that she wanted, but she has to feel proud of the fact that she was able to take it to the champion and get the better of the strike exchange for a little bit. It says a lot that she was able to hang in there against one of the most lethal strikers in FGA's history.

Stephy Auger: You can talk about her impressive performance all you want. The only thing that matters at the end of the day are wins and losses, not style points. If I'm Travis Levitt, I'm feeling much better about my chances at Grapland.

[FGA Office]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED

TJ Techniques: All I want to know is one thing. Why?

We emerge from pitch back to a shot of TJ Techniques. The Funky Technician is currently an an undisclosed basketball court after hours in New York. TJ is currently leaned back against a cage fence. The brim of the Yankees fitted, which was shadowing is eyes, gets turned around, revealing the fire and the frustration in his eyes.

TJ Techniques: Right now, I don't have time to listen to Silk & Cyanide drone on and on and on. I'll deal with them later on Vertigo. Right now, I don't even have time to deal with Julian Tijerina and his identity crisis. The only thing I'm concerned with right now... is yo ass, Logan.

Uttering that names causes TJ to give a look of disgust.

TJ Techniques: So that brings me to my previous question. Why? Why you do my man like that? As a matter of fact, why you do me like that? Hmm? I thought that there was a level of respect here. I thought there was a level of trust here. I thought we was peoples, Logan. Now, I don't have the same professional rivalry that you had with Sparrow. I don't have the link to you like he do. But here's what I thought we had. A common bond. A bond over unappreciative partners. A bond over havin' partners that ended up stabbin' us in the back when they didn't need us no more. As an OG in this game, I had respect for you. This business is a young man's game. So you goin' out here, gettin' busy and still doin' your thing at your advanced age, it deserved respect. I gave you your props.

He shakes his head.

TJ Techniques: But all the pops and respect, all that went out the window the moment you proved that you were nothin' more than a snake. You can forgot all that now. When I think about people in FGA who are down to pull some sucker sh*t, Sara Mason and Erin Mariani's asses are right at the top of the list with a bullet. But surprise, surprise, you right there with em. And I don't even get it.

TJ getsures towards the camera.

TJ Techniques: Were you that pissed off that Sparrow kept eliminatin' you from Battle Royal after Battle Royal, Gold Rush Rumble after Gold Rush Rumble? Were you that bothered by the fact that no matter what you did, it never felt like you could really get the better of him? Logan, you shouldn't have been bitter. You should've gotten better. That's all you had to do. And you did. You beat my man right in the middle of the ring. Some could call it a fluke. Some could call it luck. But the record books will always show that you beat him to become the United States Champion. If you left it right there as is, no one would've have a problem with you. But you couldn't leave it there, now could you? Hell no. You had to stab my man in the back. You had to catch me lackin' when I was tryin to make the save.

TJ nods.

TJ Techniques: So you wanna target the Tag Champs? Well, I'd ask you to go ahead and find your old tag partner. But the last time she tagged with you, she ended up whoopin' your ass and puttin' you on the shelf. That's all good, though, 'cause me and Sparrow are down to catch your ass one on one. See my man Sparrow, he ain't done with you. Hell no, not by a long shot. You got a receipt comin' your way. I promise you. I PROMISE YOU. It's comin. You gon' see us, one way or the other. But until that time comes when you get yours, I want to hear you explain yourself. That's right, Logan, I want you to open that mouth of yours up and talk. I don't want to hear from no Theodore Harris. I don't want to hear from no one else but you. A man at your big age shouldn't be havin' someone else speakin' for him, anyway. You been actin' like a mute for the past two years. But now, it's time to fix your f*ckin' mouth and explain yourself.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Kris Cruise: There's certainly no love lost between these two sides. Each side will be going against each other coming up at Grapland! The Apex Goddess and The Las Vegas Siren will once again find themselves across from each other! Meanwhile, Silk & Cyanide will look to regain the World Tag Team Championship for an unprecedented third time when they challenge Def Before Dishonor!

Stephy Auger: Last week, they wanted to throw in their capes and save Fujiko from an attack. But when it's time for them to get bailed out, do you think Fujiko will return the favor? Do you think she'll be there to save the day?

Kris Cruise: Of cour-

Stephy Auger: She won't!

Kris Cruise: That remains to be seen. But I'm sure that Fujiko is very grateful that Def Before Dishonor made the save on the last show.

Stephy Auger: Yeah, I'm sure she is.

Kris Cruise: All you need to know is this. Fujiko, Raphael Dallins and TJ Techniques have united over a common enemy in Silk & Cyanide. That spells bad news for The Divine Duo and The Las Vegas Siren.

Stephy Auger: You think they care? They aren't the least bit intimidated and neither is Savannah Taylor.

Kris Cruise: Well maybe they should be because over the past three years, very few have been more successful than The Apex Goddess, The Foundation and The Funky Technician.

TRIOS MATCH
Def Before Dishonor & Fujiko Mine vs. Silk & Cyanide & Savannah Taylor

Techniques and Mason circle the ring to start the match... until Erin Mariani attacks from behind with a running elbow tackle! Silk & Cyanide proceed to double team The Funky Technician with stomps until Raphael Dallins rushes in and drops Mariani with a running front dropkick. The former Sparrow returns to a vertical base before Mason grabs him and whips him into the far ropes. Off the return, Dallins hurdles over a back body drop attempt before continuing to run the ropes. Mason stands up, turns around and gets caught with a running hurricanrana that sends her through the ropes to the floor. Back inside, Savannah Taylor runs in and throws out a big boot, only for Sparrow to catch her foot before countering with a Windmill Kick! Dallins returns to a vertical base before Mariani grabs him from behind and muscles him down with a half nelson facebuster!

Mariani takes Sparrow and snapmares him over before hitting the far ropes. When she returns, she hurls herself at him with a running hip attack, only for Techniques to cut her off with a dropkick that sends her tumbling across the mat. The Funky Technician then takes Mariani, delivers an irish whip and follows her across the ring. As soon as Mariani hits the ropes, a running Shotei from Techniques sends her over the top rope to the floor! On the other side of the ring outside, Fujiko runs along the apron before bringing Mason down with a diving hurricanrana! Back inside, Dallins hits the far ropes before he returns, hurls himself over the top rope and knocks Taylor down with a Suicide Dropkick!

Once the legal competitors are back inside, TJ brings the action into his team's corner and catches Mason with multiple forearm smashes. After the tag out to Sparrow, Dallins gets in and lights up Mason with repeated corner chest kicks. After the tag out to Fujiko, the Apex Goddess gets in, catches Mason with a rope-assisted gamengiri before planting her with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Mason is quick to reverse an irish whip that sends Fujiko into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she plants Mason with a Rolling DDT for another two count. The Apex Goddess heads towards the side of the ring and goes for a Springboard DDT off the ropes, but Mason shoves her off in mid air. Mason runs over and throws out the Salem Slap (palm strike to the face), but Fujiko counters with a handstand calf kick before she knocks Mason off her feet with the 4-Play (running single leg dropkick) for a two count.

Fujiko continues to control the action for her team with a basement dropkick followed by a headscissors facebuster for another two count. Mason then gets brought down to all fours after a drop toe hold. Fujiko then hops up onto Mason's back before flattening her with a standing Shooting Star Press. The Apex Goddess then hits the ropes, only for Mariani to cheap shot her from behind with a knee to the back. Fujiko doubles over, then stands up, turns and takes a swipe at Mariani. Mariani holds Fujiko's attention until Taylor runs up from behind and hits a snap Dragon Suplex. Fujiko rolls backwards onto her knees before Taylor blasts her with a running bicycle knee.

From there, The Las Vegas Siren & The Divine Duo cut off the ring. Silk & Cyanide hold Fujiko in the corner while Taylor goes to work with chops, punches and stomps. The Apex Goddess wrestles herself free and elbows both members of Silk & Cyanide before going after Taylor, but the Las Vegas Siren stops her with a spinning backfist before dropping her with the Emerald Weapon (Corkscrew neckbreaker) for a two count. After the tag out to Mason, she delivers the Blood & Black Lace (high speed running back elbow to an opponent sat in the corner), followed by the Falling Idol (hangman's neckbreaker to a kneeling opponent) for a two count. Once Mariani becomes the legal woman, she throws Fujiko out of the corner with a monkey flip before flattening her with the Libertine (running double stomp to a seated opponent) for a two count. She then delivers a front facelock with multiple knee lifts before bringing Fujiko down with an arm trap swinging neckbreaker for another two count. The Las Vegas Siren gets tagged back in. After throwing Fujiko down with a Uranage, she scales to the top, flips off and puts her away with the Ultimecia (Phoenix Splash) for the ONE, TWO, THR-NO!

Fujiko gets the shoulder up.

The Las Vegas Siren then lifts Fujiko up onto her shoulders for A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (One handed Electric Chair Driver), only for Fujiko to block it with punches across the top of the head before countering with a poison rana!

Both sides are screaming at their downed partner to make the tag. The Apex Goddess is able to scratch and claw her way across the ring before diving over and tagging Dallins back in. Taylor rolls over and tags Mariani back in. Dallins comes in like a house of fire, hitting everything that moves. Both members of Silk & Cyanide get caught with leg lariats before they get returned to the mat with jumping sidekicks. Mason gets whipped into the far corner before Mariani reverses an irish whip. Dallins returns off the rebound and delivers a running hurricanrana before sending Mariani flying backwards into Mason with a front dropkick. Mariani starts to crawl away while Dallins charges into the corner and cracks Mason with Love TKO (Shining axe kick on an opponent against the corner turnbuckle). Seeing the lay of the land, Tylor hops off the apron and rejects the diving tag from Mariani.

Mariani gets to her feet and watches as Taylor lives to fight another day by walking to the back. While Mariani's back is turned, Techniques shoves her into the near ropes before throwing her down with a rebound snap German Suplex. Fujiko brings Mariani right back down with Eriana's Vow (Lumbar Check) before Dallins comes off the top with The Notorious K.I.C.K. (Top Rope Double Foot Stomp) for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

Winners: Def Before Dishonor & Fujiko Mine
The Notorious K.I.C.K. (10:46)

Kris Cruise: Fujiko, Dallins and Techniques pick up the win! But not before Savannah Taylor left her teammates high and dry!

Stephy Auger: I love Savannah, I really do. But baby, what are you doing? What were you thinking?

Kris Cruise: Silk & Cyanide would be mad over losing to that trio of opponents on any day. But with the way they lost tonight, they will be extra pissed now. I hope Savannah knows what she's doing. Not only does she have unfinished business with Fujiko, but she might have just put two targets on her back with her actions tonight.

/ -- BREAK -- /

[FGA Office]

Vertigo returns with Spencer Burke standing by in front of the Vertigo backdrop.

Spencer Burke: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time... Chandler Scott.

The arrival of Chandler Scott is met with a roar of cheers from the crowd. Chandler shakes Spencer's hand before motioning for him to proceed with his line of questioning.

Spencer Burke: On the last episode Vertigo, Chandler, you found yourself on the wrong end of your match with Owen Gonsalves. You are now down 0-1 against him in this Best of 7. While being down on points against someone like Owen Gonsalves is bad news enough, it appears as though your actions in that match have angered him. Not to put words in Owen's mouth, but he sounded equal parts hurt and offended over your match tactics. Do you care to respond?

Chandler looks off to the side. He can't help but crack a smirk. He turns his attention back to the report.er

Chandler Scott: Do I care to respond? To what, exactly? Him claiming that he won because I "half-asssed" it? You want me to respond to his claims that I was too busy playing head games instead of trying to outwrestle him? Or should I respond to this notion that I was embarrassed about what happened last show? Let's just knock it off with the dramatics, Owen. You want to chastise me about head games? Is that so? Like you weren't the one sitting there holding the ropes open multiple times after I got sent out of the ring? Like I don't know how to enter a damn wrestling ring without assistance? Like you weren't sticking your hands in my face to let me know just how close I was to getting locked into a submission? Enough with the crocodile tears, Owen.

There's a small section of boos from the Gonsalves zealots. But Chandler mostly gets cheered after those comments.

Chandler Scott: Let's talk about some more facts while I'm at it. Now, were some of my tactics... unwise? Yeah, you could say that. I admit it. I started getting full of myself. I got a little too cute for my own good and at the end of the day, it blew up in my face. I own it 110%. But make no mistake about it, I didn't lose that match because I was too busy "playing with my food". I lost that match because, simply put, Owen Gonsalves proved himself to be the better wrestler.

This proclamation from Chandler gets a roar of cheers from the crowd.

Chandler Scott: You won't hear me crying over what happened. You won't see me stand here and make any excuses. Owen handled the business that needed to be handled. He went out there with a gameplan and he executed it to a T. I tried to match wits with the man. I got outmatched. I tried to take it to the mat. Owen proved that he had the superior ground game. Hell, Spencer, there was one point where I had him on his back while I was on standing of my feet. I was in full control. I was in the dominant position. All of a sudden, this guy turns my wrist one way and the next thing I know, I'm on MY back wondering what the hell just happened. What happened on the last show was no fluke. There was no luck involved. Owen Gonsalves was the better wrestler, period...

Chandler gives Owen a polite golf clap before putting his finger in the air, which indicates that a "BUT..." is coming.

Chandler Scott: ... for one night. I give Owen all of the credit in the world for doing what he did. Am I disappointed that I didn't get the win? Of course I am. But embarrassed? Embarrassed?! No, never that. I've lost big matches before. I've been pushed to the point where I was left with no choice but to tap out before. It'll likely happen again at some point. So no, I don't feel any shame over being forced to submit to a guy that calls himself the "Submission Alchemist". But Owen, it was just one match. Remember, this Best of 7 was your idea, smart guy. You haven't proven anything yet, buddy. You've got to show me and you've got to show these people again... and again... and again... that you're truly the better wrestler. Just between me and you? I don't think you're going to do it, pal. It's not because you're not qualified. It's not because you lack the skillset. It's because I'm going to stop you.

Once again, Chandler's words are met with cheers and applause from the crowd watching this backstage interview on the Video Tron.

Chandler Scott: Be it 5 matches, 6 matches or even 7, by the end of this, I will be the one getting my arm raised. While you, Owen, will have the luxury of knowing that while you can hang with yours truly in the ring... and while you can even make me submit... what you cannot do is beat me 4 times out of 7. That's all there is to it. Now if you'll ex-

Chandler motions to walk away, but Spencer puts his hand on his arm.

Spencer Burke: Hold on just for a second, Chandler. Can I get in one more question.

Chandler turns his body back to Spencer.

Chandler Scott: You got it, Spencer. Hit me.

Spencer Burke: There's a part of Owen's rant that caused me to raise an eyebrow. I'm not sure if you caught it. But Owen stated, and I quote, "f I did all that out there for a win in Game 1? Imagine the lengths I’m going to go to, to pull out a win in Game 2." How do you respond?

The smirk is slowly wiped off of Chandler's face. In its place is a stone cold expression. There isn't any humor in his tone. In its place is the stern tone of someone that means business. Chandler addresses the camera.

Chandler Scott: Imagine the lengths you'll go to pull out a win in Game 2? What exactly did you mean by that, Owen? Are you implying that you're going to take liberties out there? Are you implying that you're wiling to hurt me. I'm not talking about keeping me down for a three count or forcing to submit. No, I'm talking about you going out there with the intention of injuring me.

Chandler returns his focus to Spencer.

Chandler Scott: Tell me that's not what he meant, right Spencer? Right? Right?

Chandler turns right back to the camera.

Chandler Scott: Tell me that's now what you meant, Owen. I don't think that's what you meant because to be quite honest, you're not a stupid man. You're smart enough to know that's not a road you want to travel down with me. You know better than to cross that line with me. So I'm going to take that statement, Owen, and toss it to the side. I'm going to chalk it up you simply getting ahead of yourself and getting caught up in the moment. For your sake, that better have been what it was. Because if it wasn't, then this Best of 7 series, which is supposed to determine the superior wrestler, will turn into.......... something else.

Chandler glances over at Spencer. The reporter ends up loosening his tie after how intense things have just gotten. Chandler glances back over at the camera.

Chandler Scott: Good luck out there, friend.

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
BEST OF 7 SERIES
(Gonsalves leads 1-0)
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 2 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: Things have definitely gotten more tense between Owen and Chandler since the first match in this best of seven series.

Stephy Auger: Owen took offense to Chandler's actions during the first match. it looks like Chandler has taken some offense to Owen's threats. I think we might be seeing less wristlocks and more fisticuffs in this one. I hope they beat the hell out of each other, personally.

Kris Cruise: Regardless of how they feel, they can't let their emotions get the better of them. They have to wrestle smart. They have to stick to whatever strategy they have for this match. Going off emotions will cause either this series to be tied 1-1 or Chandler to be down 0-2 quickly.

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: During the first match in this best of seven, we saw Owen really outwrestle Chandler out there. Did that come as a surprise to you?

Stephy Auger: Of course it didn't come as a surprise, Cruise. If this were 2016 or 2017, then maybe. But it's 2023. Let's not even beat around the bush. Owen wrestled circles around Chandler and I don't think it was particularly close. Chandler might think h's still that guy. He might think he can turn back the clock. But Owen showed Chandler his place in 2023 and that was underneath him. No wonder Owen doesn't want to team with him. Chandler isn't good enough.

Kris Cruise: Stop it Stephy! Stop trying to stir the pot. What I will say is this. Owen was able to outwrestle Chandler. Everything that he tried, he was either stuffed or reversed.

Stephy Auger: That had to be a huge blow to Chandler's giant ego. No matter what he came up with, Owen had a counter for it. He better dig deep into his bag tonight. If Chandler can't come up with something to keep Owen down, then he'll be leaving this match and this best of seven series down 0-2. I've got some numbers for you, Cruise. Do you know how many NBA playoff series that have had a status of 2-0?

Kris Cruise: No, how many?

Stephy Auger: 449. Do you know how many of those teams down 0-2 came back to win?

Kris Cruise: I'm going to guess 150? 160?

Stephy Auger: Ha! Only 33! 33 out of 449! Only 7.3% of teams have come back to win a series after being down 0-2! So whatever Chandler's got up his sleeve, it better be good. He says going down 0-2 isn't a death sentence, and he's right. It won't be over. But the fat lady will definitely be warming up!

The bell sounds as Gonsalves quickly runs over and tries to tackle Scott to the mat with a double leg takedown! The take down attempt is stuffed by Scott as he catches Gonsalves in a front facelock. Gonsalves tries to wrestle his way out of the hold, but Scott's got it on tight.

Kris Cruise: Owen tried to bring it to the mat again, but Chandler stuffed the takedown attempt!

Stephy Auger: As strange as it sounds, Chandler can’t let this match get to the mat. You would think that someone with Chandler’s pedigree would have the advantage on the ground. In most cases, he would. But not against Owen Gonsalves. That was clear as day in Game One.

Scott looks around with a smile on his face while he's got control of the action. Second later, he's able to muscle Gonsalves down to all fours. The moment Gonsalves tries to return to a vertical base, Scott executes a Gator Roll to his left. Gonsalves tries to get up again, only for Scott to counter with a Gator Roll to his right. He continues to keep Gonsalves held in place until he lets go, spins around on Gonsalves' back and starts paintbrushing him with slaps across the back of the head. Scott smirks before climbing up and placing Gonsalves inside a Figure Four Headlock. From there, he rolls Gonsalves over onto his back while keeping the hold applied.

Kris Cruise: Chandler transitioning into a submission. You know Owen won’t take kindly to those slaps across the back of the head.

The ref gets down and asks Gonsalves if he wants to give up. Gonsalves vehemently refuses, so Scott taunts him again by repeatedly smacking him across the top of the head.

Stephy Auger: Slap him again, Chandler! I want to see how pissed Owen gets.

Kris Cruise: No, you just want to see these two hurt each other!

Stephy Auger: Duh!

Scott taunts Gonsalves by asking him if he's taking him seriously now. Unfortunately for Scott, Gonsalves reaches up and snatches a hold of Scott's hand.

Kris Cruise: Uh oh!

Gonsalves grabs Scott's middle and ring fingers and bends them backwards. Scott yells out in pain as Gonsalves is able to roll out of the hold.

Stephy Auger: This is about to be bad, Cruise. Very, very, very bad.

Gonsalves keeps a hold of Scott's fingers as he returns to a vertical base. He screams down at Scott, "what did I tell you!?" before going to town on Scott with repeated stomps to the face!

Kris Cruise: Owen’s stomping the hell out of Chandler!

Stephy Auger: Get him! Get him again! Stomp a mudhole in him and walk it dry!

The cheers continue as Gonsalves continues to rain down stomps on Scott! After yanking Scott back to his feet, Gonsalves whips him as hard as he can into the corner. The crowd gasps as Scott Flair Flips in the corner before tumbling down to the floor!

Kris Cruise: Owen put everything he had behind that irish whip!

Stephy Auger: Yeah, I think he was trying to whip him through the ring post!

Gonsalves can be seen pacing back and forth inside the ring with a scowl on his face.

Kris Cruise: I can’t recall the last time I’ve seen Owen this upset.

Stephy Auger: Oh yeah, Chandler’s about to get his ass kicked. Again!

Once Scott can be seen stirring on the outside, Gonsalves marches towards the side of the ring before stepping out to the apron. The Technical Spectacle starts to wave Scott up off the mat. When Scott finally gets back to his feet and turns around, he does a double take as Gonsalves runs along the apron, leaps off and drives him down with a Meteora!

Kris Cruise: Draco Meteor!

The cheers continue as Gonsalves mounts himself on top of Scott and starts raining down forearm smashes across the face!

Kris Cruise: Owen is going to town on Chandler!

Stephy Auger: He shouldn’t have made Owen angry!

Gonsalves picks up Scott and whips him down ringside into the guardrail. He then sizes Scott up before rushing down and nailing him with a running European Uppercut. Gonsalves then whips Scott down into the second corner of the guardrail before nailing him with another running European Uppercut! The cheers continue as Scott gets whipped into the third corner of the guardrail. Gonsalves charges down ringside before snapping his head back with a third running European Uppercut! After Scott gets whipped into the fourth corner of the guardrail, Gonsalves runs as fast as he can down ringside. The crowd erupts with cheers when Gonsalves sends Scott flipping over the guardrail into the crowd with a running shotgun dropkick!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a dropkick!

Gonsalves hops over into the crowd before repeatedly bashing Scott with multiple knee strikes. Each strike knocks Scott's head back, causing it to smack against the guardrail!

Kris Cruise: The ref has to step in here!

Stephy Auger: Why? I’m liking what I’m seeing!

Gonsalves reaches down, yanks up Scott and dumps him back into the ringside area. After Gonsalves climbs over the rail, he takes Scott and rolls him back inside. Gonsalves rolls back in, returns to his feet and sees a dazed Scott backing away from him. Scott motions for a timeout. But his pleas fall of deaf ears as another running shotgun dropkick sends him flying backwards into the corner!

From there, Gonsalves grabs Scott, pulls him back to his feet and delivers multiple shoot kicks to the chest. After sitting Scott up on the top turnbuckle, Gonsalves grabs him by the wrist before delivering a hard arm wringer. Scott falls down shoulder-first on the canvas!

Kris Cruise: Owen goes right back to the arm! That’s what got him the victory in match one.

Stephy Auger: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it, right?

Gonsalves pulls Scott back to his feet before delivering a hammerlock scoop slam. Scott lands on his arm after being on the receiving end of another hammerlock scoop slam. Gonsalves continues to target the arm with a single arm DDT. Scott grabs the arm and tries to roll away, but Gonsalves rushes over and holds him in place. He positions Scott on his side and hammerlocks the arm... before delivering a jumping stomp to the arm! Scott lets out a yelp before rolling across the ring.

Kris Cruise: Scott’s got to find a way to break up Owen’s momentum. Grab the ropes, roll to the outside, something!

Stephy Auger: The old Chandler would’ve went for a rake to the eyes or a chop to the throat. But he doesn’t have that in him anymore.

Scott holds his left arm against his body as he sits up against the ropes. Gonsalves doesn't given him any time to recover as he's right on top of him. Gonsalves grabs Scott by the legs and tries to pull him away from the ropes, but Scott blocks taking his right hand and grabbing onto the middle rope. Gonsalves puts a stop to that with a shoot kick right to the face!

After dragging Scott back towards the center of the ring, Gonsalves pulls him back to his feet. He takes control of Scott before targeting the arm again with a hammerlock suplex. Scott sits up and seethes as he clutches the arm. Once again, Gonsalves is right on top of him. This time, with a hard soccer kick to the back that echoes through the arena. Scott arches his back before Gonsalves straddles his arm. After reaching down and slowly pulls off the athletic sleeve, Gonsalves bends his arm at 90 degrees and forces his palm flat on the mat.... before delivering a pointed elbow stomp! The crowd gasps as Scott screams out in pain.

Kris Cruise: Owen isn’t holding anything back as he continues to target the arm.

Stephy Auger: You can tell just how badly Owen wants this.

Scott immediately rolls over towards the corner. He gets up on his knees and hugs the arm. As Gonsalves approaches, Scott reaches up and nails Gonsalves with a right hand to the midsection. Scott delivers another blow to the midsection, but it doesn't do much to stomp Gonsalves as he counters with a forearm smash across the jaw. He then yanks Scott up to his feet before turning and throwing him shoulder-first into the ring post!

Kris Cruise: Oh no!

Scott remains doubled over as Gonsalves grabs him by the back of the tights. Gonsalves slowly pulls him out of the corner before bringing him down with a belly to back suplex.

NO!

Scott rolls over the shoulder and lands on his feet. When Gonsalves turns around, he gets caught with a knife edge chop.

Scott continues to hold his left arm close to his body as he uses his right arm to fire off another knife edge chop. Another knife edge chops connects before quickly following up with a jab. Scott delivers another knife edge chop, followed by a jab. The cheers continue as Scott continues to deliver knife edge chop/jab combinations... until Gonsalves reaches out and grabs the wrist. He quickly follows up with an arm wrench into a double knee armbreaker to the good arm!

Kris Cruise: Owen’s gone after the right arm!

Stephy Auger: Now Chandler’s really screwed. He’s totally defenseless!

Scott stumbles across the ring before dropping down to his knees. He remains in place until Gonsalves comes from behind and drives him down with another Draco Meteor! Scott quickly uses his right arm to cover up the back of his head. Gonsalves starts to rain down forearms and pointed elbow strikes. Scott does his best to try and block the strikes. So Gonsalves grabs the fingers on his right hands and starts to bend them! After snatching control of the wrist, Gonsalves gets up from his knees and locks on the London Dungeon!

Kris Cruise: Golden Arm ‘55!

Scott screams out in pain as soon as the hold in applied. The referee asks him if he wants to give up. Scott refuses, so Gonsalves pulls back on the arm.

Kris Cruise: Chandler doesn’t want to give up here.

Stephy Auger: He better! It’s bad enough that he’s done 0-1 with one bad arm. Does he want to be down 0-2 with two bad arms? He’s go to think long term here. If Chandler has any chance of winning this series, he better think smart, submit quickly, and live to fight another day before more damage gets done to that good arm!

Scott continues to scream out in pain while locked inside the Golden Arm '55. Gonsalves yells at Scott to tap, but Scott shakes his head so. So Gonsalves pulls even further back on the arm, applied even more pressure.

Kris Cruise: I don’t like the idea of Chandler throwing in the towel. But you’re right. With potentially another five matches in this series left, he’s got to think long term.

Stephy Auger: Thank you!

Gonsalves pulls back on the right arm while the official asks Scott if he wants to give up. Again, Scott shakes his head no. Wristlock Sinatra keeps the hold locked on while Scott is writhing in pain. A closeup of Scott's reveals a look of distress on his face. The official continues to communicate with him and asks him if he wants to quit. Despite the amount of pain that he’s in, he shakes her head no.

Stephy Auger: That man is stubborn to a fault! Just give up already!

Scott cries out in pain once Gonsalves pulls back even further on the hold. He keeps his back arched to keep consistent pressure applied to the arm. Scott lets out another labored groan before slamming him fist down on the mat out of frustration.

Stephy Auger: Finally! He taps out!

Kris Cruise: He did not!

Gonsalves leans forward while keeping Golden Arm ‘55 locked on. The referee questions Scott once more. He asks him if he wants to give up. Scott doesn’t respond. The official asks him again if he wants to give up. Again, Scott doesn't respond. Scott then slowly reaches his free arm back. After wrapping his free arm around Gonsalves’s ankle, he quickly yanks back, dropping Gonsalves down into the prone position. The crowd gasps, then cheers when Scott dives over across Gonsalves' back and applies the Arm Trap Crossface.

Kris Cruise: Crossface Oblivion Wing!

Scott tries to apply as much pressure as he can with the hold. But he can't pull back as much as he'd like, thanks to the work that was done on his own arm during this match and the first match. Gonsalves easily reaches up, grabs a couple of the fingers on Scott's left hand and pulls back. The crowd grows uneasy as they see and hear Scott screaming out in pain again.

Kris Cruise: Just like, Owen gets out of it.

Stephy Auger: What did he think was going to happen there?

After Gonsalves escapes the hold, he grabs Scott from behind and pulls him back to his feet. He goes for a German Suplex, but Scott elbows him with his right arm. Another back elbow connects. After the third finds its mark, Scott hits the ropes. When he returns, Gonsalves scoops him up across his shoulders. Scott starts to kick his legs to try and get out of the hold. Gonsalves goes to push him off of his shoulder to deliver a fireman's carry gutbuster, but Scott counters by driving him down with a Sling Blade!

Kris Cruise: What a counter!

Scott slaps the canvas before waving his arm up and down to get the crowd fired up.

Stephy Auger: What is he doing? They can’t help you, idiot!

Scott shakes his fist as he starts to feed off the energy of the crowd. Once both grapplers are back to their feet, Scott nails Gonsalves with a Kesagiri chop. A second Kesagiri chop connects, then a third. Scott then whacks Gonsalves with a spinning Kesagiri chop, followed by a rolling Kesagri chop. Another spinning Kesagiri chop connects, followed by another rolling Kesagiri chop! Scott throws out a third spinning Kesagiri chop, only for Gonsalves to counter with a bridging German Suplex!

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

Scott turns to get the shoulder up.

Gonsalves maintains the rear waistlock. After pulling Scott back to his feet, Gonsalves hooks the arms and delivers a bridging Tiger Suplex.

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

The crowd cheers when Scott kicks out.

Gonsalves pulls Scott back to his feet before taking control of his back. Gasps and cheers are heard when he hooks both of Scott's arms from behind. Gonsalves tries to bring him down with the Paroxysm (Snap Dragon Suplex), but Scott blocks it by hooking his right leg behind Gonsalves'. Gonsalves tries to muscle him up for another Paroxysm but again, Scott counters. So Gonsalves lets go of the arms before battering Scott with a hard forearm smash to the back of the neck! He then spins Scott towards him, scoops him up and throws him down with a Michinoku Driver!

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

The crowd applauds when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Gonsalves pulls Scott up off the mat before Scott quickly sends him into the ropes with an irish whip. When Gonsalves returns, he comes back off the rebound and executes a tilt-a-whirl Guillotine Choke!

NO!

Scott counters into an inverted atomic drop!

Gonsalves remains doubles over until Scott lifts him across his shoulders and brings him down with a fireman's carry neckbreaker! Gonsalves remains in a seated position until Scott hits the ropes, returns and flattens him with a Sliding D! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Chandler gets a two count.

Stephy Auger: That might have been his first pin attempt all match!

Scott goes for another irish whip. This time, Gonsalves reverses, sending him into the corner. Gonsalves runs in to attack, but Scott turns him around with a boot to the face. The cheers continue as he climbs up to the ropes before bringing Gonsalves down with an inverted Tornado DDT! He makes the cover.

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

Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Chandler.

Stephy Auger: He’s got to keep this up and continue to build off this momentum. He can’t let Owen back into this one.

Scott brings the action back into the corner and tries for a regular Tornado DDT. Gonsalves blocks by pushing Scott off in mid air. Once Scott lands on his feet, Gonsalves runs over to attack. Scott ducks the clothesline before hitting the ropes. When Scott returns, he comes to a stop as Gonsalves runs past him towards the same set of ropes. When Scott turns around, the crowd cheers as he turns right into a Sling Blade from Gonsalves!

Kris Cruise: Owen with a Sling Blade of his own!

Gonsalves pulls Scott back to his feet. After delivering alternating shoot kicks to the chest and hamstring, Gonsalves smashes Scott with a hard forearm across the jaw. The blow rocks Scott, causing him to collapse against Gonsalves!

Kris Cruise: Chandler got clobbered with that forearm!

Stephy Auger: He doesn’t even know where he is right now! Look at him!

Gonsalves keeps his opponent held up before lifting him up, heading into the nearest corner and sitting him down on the top turnbuckle. He then turns, grabs a hold of Scott and positions him for a tp turnbuckle hung cutter.

Kris Cruise: Australia Street!

Gonsalves takes a few steps out of the corner before dropping Scott with Australia Street!

NO!

Scott unhooks his legs, takes control of Gonsalves' back, turns away from the corner and delivers a German Suplex!

Stephy Auger: Scott escaped it again for the second match in a row!

Scott maintains control of the rear waistlock. He then turns, pulls Gonsalves back to his feet before delivering a second German Suplex. Then a third. Then a fourth!

The cheers continue as Scott fires off three more rolling German Suplexes!

Scott motions for another suplex, only to bring Gonsalves down with a ripcord Sling Blade instead! He then pulls Gonsalves back to his feet, delivers an irish whip, follows him into the corner and connects with a running European Uppercut. After whipping Gonsalves into the far corner, Scott runs across the ring before catching Gonsalves with a flying corner elbow smash!

Kris Cruise: Scott nailed it this time!

After taking Gonsalves and sitting him on the top turnbuckle, Scott grabs a hold of one of Gonsalves' legs. Before he can throw Gonsalves down with a dragon screw leg whip, Owen counters with repeated front kicks with his free leg. Once Gonsalves is free, he nails Scott with a hard forearm smash before planting him with a Tornado DDT!

Scott remains done in the prone position while Gonsalves steps out to the apron. He slowly scales the turnbuckles.

Kris Cruise: Owen’s heading up top!

Stephy Auger: We don’t see Owen take it to the air often. This better connect…

Gonsalves climbs to the top before slowly standing up from a crouched position. He then leaps off... and lands across the back of Scott's neck with a diving knee drop!

Kris Cruise: Good Lord, what a knee!

Stephy Auger: It’s over, Cruise!

Gonsalves rolls forward, quickly crawls back over, pushes Scott onto his back and makes the cover.

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

The crowd gasps, then cheers when Scott gets the shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: How did Chandler survive that!?

Gonsalves grabs Scott and slowly pulls him up. Once Scott is back to his feet, he swats Gonsalves hand off of him before whacking him with a hard slap that echoes throughout the arena.

Stephy Auger: He slapped the taste right out of his mouth!

Scott remains dazed while Gonsalves keeps his gaze off to the side. He silently seethes before slowly turning his attention back to his groggy opponent... and sends spittle flying out of his mouth as he snaps his head back with a hard European Uppercut. The blow causes Scott to plop down to a seated position before quickly falling onto his back.

Scott stays splayed out on the mat before Gonsalves pulls him back up. He quickly takes control of Scott's arms from behind before throwing him down with Paroxysm! Gonsalves yanks Scott back to his feet before taking control of his arms again. Scott can be seen shaking his head no before Gonsalves throws him down with a second snap Dragon Suplex! Scott rolls backwards up onto his knees before falling face-first to the mat. Gonsalves grabs him by the back of the tights and slowly peels him off the mat before leaving him folded up after a third Paroxysm! He's still not done! He then yanks Scott off the mat and pulls him into a standing headscissors. Gonsalves hooks both arms, lifts Scott upside done and then drops him right on his head with the Angel Duster (Double Underhook Piledriver)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!

The crowd explodes with cheers as “Blockbuster Night Part I” blasts over the PA.

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

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

Kris Cruise: Owen Gonsalves has done it! He has defeated Chandler Scott yet again and now leads 2-0 in this Best of Seven!

Stephy Auger: I don’t want to say it’s over, but it’s over. Owen worked over the left arm again. He then attacked the right. Chandler got dumped on his neck over and over towards the end of the match. I told you he should’ve tapped out as soon as Owen got him that hold. Now look at him. Worse for wear!

Kris Cruise: It isn’t over, though. There’s still potentially five matches left in this series. But Chandler finds himself down 0-2. If he is going to come back and win this series, he’s going to have to dig deep. He’s got a long, long road ahead of him. The next stop on that road is Grapland, we were will see you all in just two days from now, live and only on pay per view. It’s Match Three in the Best of Seven, Emery Layton’s return to an FGA ring, four championships on the line and so much more. We will see you all in Manchester, England for Grapland. For Stephy Auger, this is Kris Cruise signing off! Goodnight, everyone!

Gonsalves continues to acknowledge the crowd after climbing each corner. After climbing down from the last corner, he turns and sees a dazed and hurt Scott slowly getting up to his knees. Scott’s left arm stays limp at his side while he uses his free arm to hold the back of his neck. When Gonsalves approaches, Scott slowly extends his hand out. Scott then motions for Gonsalves to shake his hand. Gonsalves simply walks past Scott and exits the ring, leaving him high and dry…