Post by Jim Houston on May 5, 2018 14:33:16 GMT
A video plays recapping the announcement of the All Star Tag Team Classic, while showing briefly the formation or debut of each of the eight teams. It also recaps the MDE versus Graham Baker feud and spends time recapping the transition of the Friendmigos into TJ Cole’s control and the involvement of TakeOver in the title match last month.
MW: Welcome to Night One of the All Star Tag Team Classic. We have a treat for you tonight. Four quarter finals, a massive eight man tag and the culmination of a big time rivalry here in FPW.
SD: Tonight is the night that TakeOver and the Friendmigos finally get to the top of this company and the night that MDE finally removes the stain that is Graham Baker.
MW: I'm not sure it'll all go quite like that, but I think we've got some really special matches to come tonight.
The camera shows a locker room backstage, where Matt Dwyer stands with FPW Champion Adam Thompson. Thompson looks concerned while Dwyer sits with his feet up on a chair.
AT: Come on, Matt. We're about to have this match and we're down two men.
MD: We’ll sort it, man. Don't worry.
AT: How? How will we sort it? Sitting here on our asses? We've already tried Black, Kellington, Timido and Azrael but nothing. What else do we do?
MD: Calm down, champ. We can deal with this.
AT: By sitting with our feet up? You need to start caring about this match.
Dwyer stands.
MD: I need to start caring? Tonight I get the chance to get my hands on TJ Cole, the man who took my best friend away from me and turned him into a broken shell of himself. I care more than you think I care. But I'm not going to stress. I've got a few guys in mind.
Match 1: Nick Jameson and Graham Baker v Jeremiah Johnson and ??
MW: It's time for our first match of the All Star Tag Team Classic and this one could be fascinating.
SD: Jameson and Baker are simultaneously very different and yet very similar. Will they coexist as a team or will they implode?
MW: And another big question in this match is the identity of Jeremiah Johnson’s tag partner.
SD: Lets hope they form a better bond than Johnson and McCloud otherwise this one could be over pretty quickly.
A riff hits and drums begin as the words, "Break, break, BREAK YOUR FUCKIN' NECK!" hits, and out from behind the curtain comes Nick Jameson. "The Real Horror" wears a black hoodie to the ring with his Hardcore Title worn over the top, and pulls away from fans trying to touch him, threatening to smack them and insulting them viciously if they get too close. Jameson slides under the bottom rope, holding himself up on his hands and thrusting his hips up and down, simulating sexual intercourse with his tongue out before taking a knee and looking out into the crowd with disdain. He yells more profanities to the crowd as he rips his hoodie off and tosses it to the outside, standing up on the middle turnbuckle and smugly smiling and insulting the crowd once more before jumping down and stretching on the ropes in the corner.
Staccato machine-gun fire plays as Graham Baker’s intro starts, and smoke begins to flow freely as he rises to the stage. As the smoke clears and the song intensifies, he stands up, and raises his hands in the two-finger-gun motion as pyro echoes the same sound and motion of the gunfire from earlier, which plays again. He blows the fingers as if blowing the smoke away from two guns, and approaches the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and climbing the turnbuckles to play to the crowd, as any good babyface does. As he climbs down, Jameson grabs hold of him and tells him to make sure he's focussed, and Baker begins to reply as Jameson turns and unleashes a volley of abuse at a fan in the front row. Baker pulls Jameson away and the two stand together awaiting their opponents.
The remix of 2Pac's final round hits the PA. As soon as Rocky's motivational speech ends, Jeremiah Johnson comes out in a black silk robe with his Pi symbol on the back. He throws a few shadow punches at the top of the ramp. He holds his hands above his head, his middle, index and thumbs outstretched. He throws his arms down into the shape of his DD214 finisher. As the music plays, Johnson, walks down the ramp, throwing shadow punches at fans and talking shit to the camera. Johnson walks up the ring steps and wipes his feet before entering the ring between the ropes. He takes off his silk robe and tosses it to a ringhand; he climbs to the second turnbuckle on the right side hard camera and holds his hands above his head as he did at the top of the ramp. He jumps off the turnbuckle and points to the entire crowd on each side of the ring, who boo him loudly. A quiet ‘Clutch McCloud’ chant breaks out.
MW: Now its time to find out who Johnson’s partner is.
SD: I bet he's chosen wisely. He's a very wis man.
‘My Last Breath’ begins to play and the fans cheer as James Saturn emerges at the top of the ramp.
MW: Wow. This was not what I was expecting.
SD: I'm not sure James Saturn is the kind of partner Johnson needs, but I guess we'll see.
MW: Remember of course that Saturn will face Nick Jameson again tomorrow with the Hardcore Title on the line. This could be valuable for them both.
Saturn makes his way down the ramp and high fives the fans. The camera cuts to the ring, where Baker is looking at Saturn with a slightly puzzled look on his face. Saturn climbs onto the apron and flips over the top rope, offering a high five to Johnson, who accepts the offer but keeps his eyes on his opponents.
The referee orders two men to the middle of the ring and Baker and Saturn step forward. Johnson leaves the ring but Jameson pushes Baker aside, landing a forearm strike to send Saturn reeling backwards. Jameson drives Saturn into the corner and drives his shoulder into his gut repeatedly, only dropping back once the official has reached a four count. Jameson then pulls Saturn out of the corner, talking trash to him before looking for an abdominal stretch. Saturn however manages to counter, landing a hip toss before hitting multiple drop kicks before a cover, 1-no. Jameson kicks out at one.
MW: Fast-paced start to this one.
SD: Nick Jameson tried to get a jump on Saturn but he's survived and has mounted some offence. He's got lots to learn if he thinks it was enough for a three-count though.
Both men get to their feet before Saturn goes for a kick but is caught. He goes for an enzeguiri but Jameson ducks and Saturn lands face first on the mat. Jameson walks across his back and talks some trash to Johnson, who looks on appreciatively. Jameson then pulls Saturn up and lands forearms to his back before driving him into the corner and tagging in Baker. Baker takes Saturn down with a snapmare before hitting him with a dropkick to the back of the neck. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Saturn kicks out.
Baker then starts working the arm, locking in an arm bar as Saturn tries to pull away. Saturn makes it up to his feet and then rolls through before taking Baker down with an arm drag. Saturn tries to make it to his corner but Baker cuts him off, pulling him in for a snap German suplex before tagging in Jameson, who mounts Saturn and lays into him with hard right hands. The official reaches four before Baker drags Jameson off Saturn. Jameson shoves Baker and asks him what he's doing and Baker says he doesn't want to get disqualified.
MW: Dissension in the ranks between these two.
SD: Jameson being his usual ruthless self and Baker keeping them in the match. I like how they're working together.
MW: It's a unique way of working together but I guess you could call it that.
With the distraction, Saturn manages to scramble across the ring and tag in Jeremiah Johnson, who comes in and takes Baker down with a running shoulder block. He and Jameson then go to lock up but Johnson ducks and locks in a sleeper. Jameson however manages to counter with a snapmare and a hard kick to the back before locking in a sleeper of his own. Johnson fights back, breaking the hold by rolling through as the two men stare each other down with a nod of appreciation. They then move towards one another before, in tandem, running to their opposition’s corner and taking down Saturn and Baker.
MW: Both men cheating together here.
SD: It's like they read each other’s minds!
They then lock up, Jameson locking in the headlock and taking Johnson over before Johnson escapes with a headscissors. Johnson then hits the ropes and ducks under an attempted clothesline from the Hardcore Champion, coming back at him with a diving elbow that sends him to the mat. Johnson makes the cover, 1-2-no. Jameson kicks out. Johnson tries to lock in the sleeper hold again but Jameson manages to slip out and behind him, hitting him with a knee to the gut before lifting him for a gutwrench suplex. He lifts the leg of Johnson and tries stepping through for a figure four, but Johnson kicks him away and sends him into the ropes, rolling him up and grabbing the tights, 1-2-no! Jameson just escapes.
MW: He had the tights!
SD: Jameson would have done the same thing.
MW: That may well be true but it doesn't make it ok.
SD: Yes it does. It's a well-known scientific fact that two wrongs make a right. Ask anyone.
Jameson and Johnson get to their feet and Jameson holds his arms out and points at his tights. Johnson simply smiles and goes for a clothesline, but Jameson ducks and rolls him up, also grabbing the tights, 1-2-no! Johnson this time barely escapes.
SD: I told you! I said he'd do the same!
MW: And these fans aren't liking what they're seeing here.
SD: Who cares about the fans? Johnson and Jameson certainly don't, that's for sure.
The two men stare each other down briefly before Saturn and Baker enter the ring. Saturn argues with Jameson while Baker argues with Johnson. Baker lands a strike to Johnson but is taken down with a hard headbutt. Saturn manages a few kicks to Jameson before he's pulled in for an impactful powerbomb. Johnson and Jameson stare each other down again before both men begin to look at their partners. They then look back at each other.
MW: I'm not sure what's going on here…
SD: Look! Jeremiah Johnson has extended his hand!
MW: But they're opponents. There's a match to win.
SD: It's like they've suddenly seen the light.
The two men shake hands before Johnson lifts Baker. Jameson looks at him briefly before pulling him up for a Stigmata Bomb. As he does, Jameson pulls Saturn in and hits him with a DD-214. Both men hit their moves and Jameson quickly drags Baker to the corner. The fans boo as Jameson props Baker up before tagging him in and throwing him into the ring. Baker staggers as Johnson pulls him in for another DD-214, hitting it and covering him, 1-2-3.
Jeremiah Johnson stands with his arms raises as the fans boo. Nick Jameson enters the ring and the two shake hands again as the announcer begins to announce the winners.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match and advancing to the semi-finals, Jeremiah John-
Jameson snatches the mic from the announcer.
Jameson: Johnson and Saturn may well have won the match but I have a feeling that James Saturn may be unable to compete tomorrow. It looks like Jeremiah may need a new partner…
With that, Jameson drops the mic and pulls Saturn from the ring, ramming him headfirst into the ringpost before laying into him with right hands. With Saturn lying motionless, Jameson pulls out a chair and tells Johnson to lift him up. Johnson happily does and Jameson hits him hard over the head. Before Saturn can slump to the floor, Johnson catches him and Jameson drops the chair. Johnson drops him with a DD-214 before hitting a second DDT directly onto the chair.
Jameson and Johnson raise each other's arms before walking up the ramp, smiling arrogantly and continuing to talk trash to the fans.
MW: I can't quite believe what I've seen here.
SD: Jameson and Johnson realised they were a cut above their partners and took action. They did what had to be done.
MW: Maybe they did but I can't say I like it. They chose their partners themselves. If they wanted to team up they had the chance.
SD: But they didn't realise until the stepped into the ring. It's like two people’s eyes meeting across a crowded room and running to the nearest empty room to passionately-
MW: Maybe we should leave that analogy there.
Backstage, Dwyer and Thompson stand outside a door.
AT: Look. I know this guy isn't ideal, but I think I can turn him onto our side.
MD: I've known this guy a lot longer than you have. He's not joining us. I don't want him joining us.
AT: Trust me. It's worth a try.
MD: Were running out of options. Fine. But I don't like it.
Thompson knocks on the door but there's no answer.
AT: Hey. You in there?
Again there's no answer. Thompson tries the door and it’s open. He walks in and is met nose to nose by MDE.
AT: Whoa there. I don't want trouble. I just-
MDE: Get out.
AT: Look. I just want-
MDE: Unless you have an offer of a title match, get out. I have a match to prepare for.
AT: I don't have an off-
MDE: Then get out.
Thompson backs away and goes back through the door.
MD: I told you that was a bad idea.
Match 2: Anarchy v TJ Cole and Jerry Bishop:
MW: Now we come to our second quarter final.
SD: The Friendmigos in action!
MW: And they face on our best loved teams who came so close to becoming the first ever tag champs, Anarchy.
SD: I think this is TJ Cole’s tournament to lose.
MW: TJ and Jerry Bishop’s you mean?
SD: As long as that clown doesn't get in the way.
‘Motionless in White’ begins to play and the fans cheer as Kassius Boone and Davis Reynolds make their way onto the ramp. Boone salutes the fans as Reynolds jumps around him and together they make their way down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans and pumping each other up. They slide into the ring and pose on the turnbuckles as the fans cheer. They climb down and Reynolds jumps around Boone, slapping him on the chest to get him even more pumped up.
Anarchy settle in one corner as ‘King’ appears on the tron and ‘Love is Blindness’ begins to play. TJ Cole makes his way out with Jerry Bishop a few steps behind him. TJ turns to show the camera the back of his jacket, which has ‘Friendmigos’ followed by his name, Jerry’s name and The Hardcases, the last of which is in a barely noticeably different font. TJ walks down the ramp as Jerry begins to slap hands with fans. As he does, TJ turns and pulls him away by the arm, telling him that he doesn't need to pander to these people, which elicits boos from the crowd. Jerry looks hesitant but then walks in tow behind TJ, who climbs into the ring and poses on the turnbuckle, revelling in the hatred from the fans. Jerry stands behind him looking awkward.
As the match begins, TJ orders Jerry into the ring with Reynolds, and the two lock up. Reynolds takes the advantage with a headlock takeover which grounds Jerry. After a few moments, Jerry fights his way up to his feet and uses momentum into the ropes to push Reynolds off. Reynolds hits the ropes and Jerry leapfrogs him. Reynolds continues but is met with a dropkick from Jerry and a quick chinlock. A ‘Jerry Bishop’ chant ensues, which causes Bishop to look a little awkward and allows Reynolds to escape the hold. He hits Jerry with a hard back elbow which causes him to stagger away and allows Reynolds to Tag out. Boone enters the ring and takes Jerry down with a hard clothesline.
MW: There's a real mismatch in power between these two.
SD: Not much of a mismatch in intelligence though.
As Jerry gets to his feet, he ducks a second clothesline and hits the ropes, only to be taken down by a big boot from Boone. Boone goes for a cover, 1-2-no. Jerry kicks out just after the two. Boone locks Jerry in a chinlock as Reynolds calls for the tag. Boone pulls Jerry with hi, to the corner and tags in Reynolds, who immediately climbs to the top rope and hits a freshly released Jerry with a missile dropkick which sends him rolling back towards his corner. TJ reaches down and tags himself in, ducking an attempted clothesline and pulling Reynolds in for a German suplex, which sends him rolling towards his corner. Boone tags himself in and enters, only to be hit with a forearm to the side of his neck.
MW: We all know about the weakness in the neck.
SD: You can bet that TJ will be able to exploit it. He is King of FPW after all.
MW: At least he thinks he is.
TJ continues to target the neck, driving the point of his elbow into it before hitting a Pele kick right to the back of the neck. Boone staggers forward and TJ leaps onto the middle rope, hitting a disaster kick to take him down. He stomps on the neck a few times before standing back and stalking Boone. As Boone gets to his feet, TJ looks for a German suplex but he struggles to lift him. He calls for Jerry, who leaps into the ring and hits Boone with a dropkick, giving TJ the momentum to land the German which causes Boone to fall hard onto his neck. TJ rolls over into the cover, 1-2-no. Reynolds barely makes the save as Boone looks unable to move. TJ yells to Jerry to take out Reynolds, and Jerry runs at him, but Reynolds pulls pulls down the top rope, sending Jerry to the outside. Reynolds then takes a run up and dives over the top rope, landing hard on Jerry.
MW: Bishop could be down for some time after that impact.
SD: But so could Davis Reynolds. He's left Kassius Boone high and dry with TJ Cole.
In the ring, the official checks on Boone and determines that he's ok to continue, but TJ, as soon as the official makes the call, pulls him to his feet and goes for an exploder. Boone tries to resist but TJ lands a few blows to the neck before hitting the exploder right into the corner, with Boone’s neck taking a lot of the impact. TJ makes the cover, 1-2-no! Boone manages to get his right foot onto the rope. TJ reacts by kicking hard on the neck again before he climbs to the top rope. Checking that Boone is still down, he lands a moonsault and holds for another cover, 1-2-no. This time Boone manages to force a shoulder up, but not by much.
TJ calls for Jerry, who is just getting to his feet on the outside, and he comes onto the apron to tag himself in. TJ yells for Jerry to target the neck and Jerry waits for Boone to get to his feet, striking him with a rolling elbow to the back of the neck. Boone crumples and Jerry goes for a cover, 1-2-no! Reynolds this time manages to make the save. TJ enters the ring and, with the official distracted by checking on Boone, hits a low blow to Reynolds which sends him rolling out of the ring. TJ calls to Jerry to tag him in and he does, as TJ pulls Boone in for a Crowning Achievement.
MW: That's it, this one is all over.
SD: This move will not just end the match, but possibly Kassius Boone’s career.
MW: Not to forget ending Davis Reynolds’ run too.
As TJ drops back, Boone manages to grab hold of the top rope and keep his footing, causing TJ to crash to the mat and allowing Boone a short time to breathe. Boone tries to move towards Reynolds, who has barely made it back onto the apron, but he struggles to move before dropping to one knee. TJ quickly gets to his feet and looks to pull Boone in for the Crowning Achievement again, but this time Boone gets a hand around TJ’s throat and plants him with a powerful chokeslam. Boone staggers across the ring and manages to tag in Davis Reynolds. Reynolds enters quickly as TJ rises to his feet again, hitting him with a dropkick and then following up with a running knee with TJ on his knees. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. TJ manages to kick out.
MW: This ones turned quickly.
SD: Davis Reynolds having a big impact here. TJ needs to make the tag.
Reynolds pulls TJ up and looks for a reverse frankensteiner, but TJ manages to holds onto both feet and plants him with an inverted Alabama slam. TJ makes the tag to Jerry, who comes in and hits a running bulldog to Reynolds, covering him, 1-2-no! Reynolds gets a shoulder up. Jerry then climbs to the second rope and takes Reynolds down with a blockbuster, before pulling him towards the Friendmigos’ corner and hitting a tornado DDT. He covers him again, 1-2-no! Reynolds barely gets a shoulder up. Jerry stands and plays to the crowd, who mostly cheer for him, as he stalks Reynolds. He looks for the Last Laugh, but Reynolds manages to fight his way out. Reynolds kicks Jerry in the gut and lands a facebuster, before somehow pulling out a standing shooting star press.
MW: What a move from Davis Reynolds!
SD: How did he pull that one off?
MW: Sheer desperation. But now he needs to make the tag.
SD: Boone isn't in a position to get back into this match, surely?
MW: Well he's on the apron with his arm extended, so I'd say he's feeling ready.
Reynolds drags himself across to Boone and leaps for the tag, but Boone isn't there. The camera drops down to show TJ Cole driving elbow strikes into Boone’s neck on the outside. Reynolds quickly climbs out of the ring and goes to confront TJ as the official holds Jerry back from following him. TJ, with the official distracted, lands a hard low blow to Reynolds, who crumples, and then TJ slides him back into the ring. Jerry stands and stares down at TJ, who yells for him to make the cover. Jerry isn't sure, but gets onto the apron and yells louder. Jerry turns, but Reynolds pulls him in for a small package as Boone manages to grab hold of TJ’s leg, 1-2-3.
MW: Anarchy have done it! They've overcome TJ Cole and Jerry Bishop, and the Friendmigos are down to just one team in this tournament.
SD: TJ Cole was being held on the outside. That's-
MW: I won't have this. He hit a low blow. He deserves to be held back.
Davis Reynolds rolls out of the ring as an angry TJ Cole storms back in. Jerry is on his knees with his hands to his head, his face looking shocked. TJ shouts that Anarchy got lucky, before turning to face Jerry. Jerry begins to stand but TJ holds out a hand to tell him to stop. TJ then grabs Jerry by the chin and moves his face close to Jerry’s. He begins to yell.
“You can't do anything right! That's two matches you've cost me now. You're nothing. You've never been anything. I'm all you've got. Even back in the old days, everyone realised you were worthless. They only ever took pity on you. I'm the only true friend you ever had and I'm the only true friend you will ever have. Don't screw me over again. You're lucky that I'm giving you another chance. Now come with me.”
TJ pushes Jerry down to the canvas and turns to leave. He gets to the ropes to find that Jerry still hasn't moved.
“I said come with me.”
Jerry slowly gets to his feet and looks around at the crowd. They begin to chant his name but he slowly slinks away towards TJ. TJ orders him to hold the ropes apart and he does, stepping down from the ring and following TJ up the ramp. The fans boo as TJ turns to look back at them, Jerry cutting a sad figure behind him.
Backstage, Jeremiah Johnson and Nick Jameson are walking down the corridor laughing with one another. Jim Houston walks up to them, clearly unhappy.
JH: What was that?
JJ: Whoa there. Calm it down boss man.
NJ: Yeah, calm it the fuck down.
JH: What was that?
NJ: That was your next Tag Team Champions. We may not have started out together, but we're damn well together now. We're the shit.
JJ: We are very much the shit. And there's not a team in this place that can step up to us.
JH: I must admit you two seem fairly natural together. Alright. I'll let you two compete tomorrow. But there's one condition. If either of you interfere in Baker or Saturn’s matches, or anyone else’s for that matter, you're out of the tournament and you'll never team together in FPW.
JJ: What would we want with a little dweeb like Baker?
NJ: He's a little fucking bitch. I won't lower myself to a guy like him. You got a fucking deal, Houston.
Jameson and Johnson walk off laughing while Houston looks uneasy.
Match 3: Jack Sevren and Bobby O v The Hardcases (written by Jerry Bishop:
*Watson and Deville bring us back to ringside to set up the next match.*
MW: Our next match pits one of the most cohesive tag teams in FPW against two of its most outstanding singles stars; it's the Hardcases vs. Jack Sevren and Bobby O!
SD: I think you've just predicted the outcome of this match, Watson. Jack and Bobby have had so much bad blood between them that they can't hope to work together well enough take out a team as united as Myers and Anderson.
*Judas Priest's "Painkiller" hits over the speakers as the crowd erupts into boos. Dasha Banks makes the introductions.*
DB: Introducing first, at a total combined weight of 566 pounds, "Mangler" Mark Anderson, Paul "the Mauler" Meyers... the HARDCASES!!!
*Myers winds up the crowd by making fun of the "Oh Bobby!" sign held up by a young female fan and mouthing off at a guy wearing a Jack Sevren "Sevren spells 'Defeat' 'J-A-C-K'" shirt. Anderson slaps him on the back and the two enter the ring, deliberating in their corner who will start.*
*The music switches to Shattered Skies' "Fifteen Minutes" and the crowd's boos are now somewhat split with cheers as Jack Sevren takes the top of the stage.*
DB: Next, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, "the Best in the Game", JACK! SEVREN!
*Sevren makes his way down the ramp, waving off the boos, but also making a point to fist-bump the guy Myers made fun of before entering the ring and posing. He takes to his corner and looks up the ramp, somewhat uneasily.*
*The music changes to Avenged Sevenfold's "This Means War", and the crowd warms up just a little more, about 60/40 cheers to boos.*
DB: And his tag team partner, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, "Mr. FPW", BOBBY! O!
*Bobby pops his collar and hustles down the ramp before pausing and turning around to peck the young lady Myers mocked on the cheek. Sevren rolls his eyes and nods. Bobby climbs the steps and pats Sevren on the shoulder before posing against the ropes and hyping up the crowd. He steps back and talks with Jack in his corner. The two show some disagreement before Bobby assents to Jack starting the match. Myers lies in wait in the Hardcases' corner.*
SD: Look at these two, they can't even figure out who's starting in the ring!
MW: Maybe they just wanted to be sure they were putting a good foot forward?
SD: The Hardcases are likely to put their good feet forward. Right into Bobby and Jack's faces!
MW: I walked right into that one, didn't I?
*The bell rings. Sevren and Myers circle each other as the crowd builds in anticipation. Finally, the two lock up, trading holds at a surprisingly quick pace. Sevren gets a waistlock on Myers and looks for a bridging German suplex, but Myers breaks the hold and sidesteps Sevren, placing his arm over his shoulder and hitting him with a Russian leg sweep. Before Sevren can recover, Myers lays into him with some kicks to the midsection followed by a big elbow drop. Myers then holds Sevren's legs up and apart and taunts Bobby before laying a leg drop onto Sevren's undercarriage.*
MW: Jack Sevren looks to be in some trouble here.
SD: Of course he is! His big mouth got him into this mess, and his body can't cash the check his mouth wrote!
*As Sevren writhes in pain, Myers tags in Anderson. Anderson hits another big elbow drop on Sevren. He follows up by turning Sevren around to face Bobby and locks in a camel clutch. The referee asks if Sevren gives, but he refuses. Anderson cinches in the hold for a long while before releasing. He taunts Bobby to tag in, "Bro, bring Big Bad Bobby boy, baby!"*
SD: A master wordsmith!
MW: Yes, a regular Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
SD: Who?
MW: Oh dear...
SD: Hey, where's Ted? We could get rid of all three Kennedys a second time, and all in one swoop!
MW: ...wow, that's dark, man, even for you.
SD: I would've gone for a Camelot line, but I don't like Pendragon either, so.
MW: Still. Dude. Wow.
*Anderson lets Sevren go. Bobby reaches in for the tag as Sevren crawls to his corner catching his breath. Sevren stalls for a moment, just out of Bobby's reach, before nodding and tagging in his partner. Bobby comes in fresh and rushes Anderson with a lightning-quick flurry of strikes and jabs, staggering his opponent. Bobby continues his assault by running the ropes and hitting a dropkick onto Anderson, driving him back into his corner. Bobby doesn't notice that Myers tags himself in. However, Myers stays on the apron for a few seconds, lying in wait as Bobby approaches Anderson. Anderson staggers out of the corner and straight into a superkick from Bobby, knocking him through the ropes. Myers takes this opportunity to rush in and grab Bobby from behind for a German suplex into a quick cover.*
ONE!
TW- NO!
*Bobby gets to his feet, but Myers has snuck behind him and grabs him into a reverse Tiger suplex, driving him hard back into the mat. Myers runs the ropes as Bobby lies stunned and hits with a knee drop to Bobby's face. Myers taunts the audience and sets up for a similar attack on Bobby's family jewels. However, Bobby manages to break a leg free of the hold and kick Myers off. Bobby regains his footing and catches Myers off the ropes with a silk-smooth powerslam. Slightly dazed, Bobby feeds off the energy of the crowd and plays "Head, and Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" with his own feet on Myers' body, leaving Myers wracked with pain in the middle of the ring.*
MW: Looks like Mr. FPW is swinging things back in his favor!
SD: He was lucky! Myers was addressing his audience! Bobby cheated him of his rightful moment!
MW: A leg drop to his junk?
SD: ...well, yeah!
*Bobby, getting his senses back together, looks to his corner and sees that Sevren has recovered. Bobby nods towards Jack as if to ask "You're good?" Still slightly dazed, Sevren nods in return and reaches for a tag. Bobby goes to his corner and tags in Sevren, giving him some encouragement. Sevren enters the ring just as Myers regains his footing. Sevren hits a series of chops driving Myers into a neutral corner. Sevren mounts the turnbuckle just as Anderson rushes in. Sevren kicks Anderson off the apron and hits Myers with a top-rope snapmare into a cover.*
ONE!
TWO!
T- NO!
*Myers kicks out, but without much strength. Anderson is nowhere in sight as Sevren climbs the ropes once more.*
MW: Looks like Anderson's left his partner out to dry!
SD: Nonsense! These two have plans upon plans! They've got Plan A through Plan 12!
MW: That doesn't really make se-
SD: WHAT THE HELL?!
*Sevren leaps from the top rope to drop the knee onto Myers' leg. Myers clutches his leg in pain as Sevren places him in a kneebar. Myers struggles against the hold for several agonizing moments and reaches out for his partner, who is still nowhere to be seen.*
MW: Still sure that the Hardcases have a plan up their sleeves?
SD: Myers is just lulling him into a false sense of security!
*Myers counters out of the kneebar, but Sevren wraps Myers' legs back up and locks in his figure-four finisher!*
MW: This could be it!
SD: No, it won't!
*Anderson crawls out from under the apron and rips Bobby O off the apron, hitting him with a big spinebuster against the apron. Myers struggles against the submission hold as Anderson slowly climbs up the apron and between the ropes.*
SD: Here comes the the Mangler!
MW: And here comes Mr. FPW!
*Just as Anderson approaches Sevren and Myers to break up the submission, Bobby slides through the ropes and pulls Anderson away with an RKO! Sevren cinches the figure-four even tighter and Myers is forced to tap!*
DB: Here are your winners, Jack Sevren and Bobby O!
*Anderson rolls out of the ring shortly followed by Myers. The two help each other up and snarl at Sevren and Bobby in the ring before slinking back up the ramp. Bobby offers Jack a handshake. Sevren looks him in the eye, then back at his hand, and accepts as the crowd bursts into cheers. The two pose on opposite turnbuckles and amp up the crowd.*
MW: Looks like these two were able to put aside their problems!
SD: Oh, sure, just because the FPW tag team championships are on the line! I bet these two wouldn't have even given each other the time of day if this match weren't part of this tournament!
MW: You're still upset about that Marquez comment, aren't you?
SD: Stop making up names just to make me seem dumb!
We see Bobby and Jack walking backstage. Adam Thompson and Matt Dwyer stand waiting for them. Bobby and Jack stop short of them but Thompson and Dwyer hold up their hands to show they don't want any trouble.
AT: Congratulations on the win.
MD: That was pretty impressive.
JS: Well I'm a pretty impressive guy. I guess he's ok too.
AT: Look, I don't have time to waste and I don't want you to waste your either. We need partners tonight. You two have had some issues with TakeOver. How about a chance at revenge?
BO: I'd love to get my hands on TakeOver.
JS: But our revenge will come when it matters. I plan to take those tag belts at the biggest show of the year. That means we have two matches tomorrow so we're not in the business of doing favours.
BO: What Sevren means is that we'd love to help out, but we've got to look after ourselves first. Sorry boys. It's nice to see you Matt.
MD: Yeah… whatever.
Jack and Bobby walk off as Dwyer and Thompson turn to each other and sigh.
Match 4: Sons of Cerberus v Azazel and Davey Jones (no writer volunteered):
Azazel and Davey Jones win.
Dasha Banks stands backstage with Anarchy.
DB: Congratulations Davis and Kassius on your big win. Tomorrow night you face off against Azazel and Davey Jones. How can you possibly beat those two?
KB: It'll be a tough match for sure, but-
DR: We can win that match. Sure Azazel has never been pinned, never been submitted, never been taken to the woodshed and had his trousers pulled down and had his ass ripped apart by his dad’s belt but that doesn't mean shit. I know I can beat him, and I'm sure Kassius can take care of Davey for me.
DB: Kassius, what are your thoughts on that?
KB: Davey is big, but so am I. Davey is tough, but so am I. I think I can get the job done and I know how good Davis is. He can definitely go toe to toe with Azazel.
DR: I can beat Azazel.
Reynolds walks off as Boone thanks Dasha for talking to them.
Dasha turns to see Thompson and Dwyer talking quietly with Jim Houston but nothing can be heard.
Match 5: MDE v Graham Baker: ‘I Quit Match’. If either man voluntarily leaves the ring or uses any kind of weapon, they will be fired from FPW.
MW: It's now time for one of the biggest rivalries we've seen here in Freedom Pro Wrestling to come to an end.
SD: Graham Baker thinks that he can go toe-to-toe with MDE in what is effectively a submission match. He's deluded.
MW: He's more than gone toe-to-toe with him in their two matches so far. He's had times when he's almost overcome the more experienced man.
SD: But has he beaten him?
MW: No, he hasn't.
SD: Point proven. Baker is lucky to even get a third shot. MDE should be getting a much bigger match than this. And once he's disposed of Graham Baker, he'll move onto bigger things.
MW: Maybe he will and maybe he won't, but whatever happens tonight, this is the biggest match Graham Baker has had here in FPW and possibly in his career.
Staccato machine-gun fire plays as the intro to ‘Glory’ starts, and smoke begins to flow freely as he rises to the stage. As the smoke clears and the song intensifies, Graham Baker stands up, looking intensely focussed, and raises his hands in the two-finger-gun motion as pyro echoes the same sound and motion of the gunfire from earlier, which plays again. He blows the fingers as if blowing the smoke away from two guns, and approaches the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and climbing the turnbuckles to play to the crowd, showcasing a lot of intensity. A ‘Graham Baker’ chant begins.
MW: Graham Baker looks focussed and ready.
SD: Maybe a little too ready. He's barely able to stand still. MDE can and will take advantage of that.
MW: These fans are showcasing their support for Baker here. That's one of the loudest chants I've heard all night, and we haven't even started the match yet.
‘Dance of the Knights’ begins to play and the Baler chants immediately turn to boos. MDE walks out onto the entrance ramp and takes a look around the arena, smirking to himself as he listens to the fans boo him. He slowly walks down the ramp, keeping his eyes on Baker in the ring, who is one knee in the corner. MDE walks up the steps and steps through the ropes, smirking as he stares Baker down.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is an ‘I Quit’ match. If either man uses a weapon or voluntarily leaves the ring, they will lose the match and will be fired from Freedom Pro Wrestling.
MDE waves at Baker with the smirk still on his face, but Baker doesn't respond, merely staring back. The official checks them both over and calls for the bell. Baker and MDE circle one another, neither wanting to make the initial move. They continue to circle one another before MDE makes his move, forcing Baker back into the corner but Baker manages to roll under his arm. They circle each other again, MDE forcing Baker into the corner again. Baker moves to roll again but MDE steps to the side to block the roll. Instead, Baker uses his quick fleet to escape to the other side. Once again, the two men circle one another.
Finally, they lock up, MDE taking the advantage with a hammerlock, but Baker quickly transitions into a hammerlock of his own. MDE rolls through to escape and wrings Baker’s arm, but Baker, one hand on the ropes, does a flip and reverses the hold, locking MDE in a headlock and taking him to the ground. Before MDE can get his legs up for the head-scissors, Baker quickly transitions his body for the Emergency Landing. The fans cheer loudly, but the cheers are stopped when MDE manages to pull his arm away before the hold can be locked in. Baker stands stares down at MDE, who looks up at him from one knee. Another ‘Graham Baker’ chant begins.
With the fans still chanting Baker’s name, MDE makes it to his feet and he and Baker circle each other again. They go to lock up but Baker leaps, getting into a head-scissors position with the arm and he takes MDE over, again looking to lock in the Emergency Landing. Another loud cheer erupts before MDE quickly rolls over and scrambles away, leaving him to look down at Baker.
MW: Baker telling MDE that he was this close to locking that in just there.
SD: But this close doesn't mean a thing. Either he locks it in or he doesn't, and MDE won't let him.
MW: We’ll see about that. Graham Baker more than matching MDE right now in this technical exchange.
Baker gets to his feet and he and MDE circle each other once more. They lock up and Baker completes a standing switch. He looks to lift MDE for a takedown but MDE blocks it and completes a switch of his own, lifting Baker and taking him down to the mat. MDE goes for a front facelock but Baker quickly transitions into a hammerlock. Keeping the hold locked in with his right arm, Baker drives his left elbow over and over into MDE’s shoulder. MDE manages to get to his knees and roll through, but he's met with a hard kick to the left shoulder from Baker, and he drops to the mat. As he gets to his knees, Baker runs at him and connects with a dropkick, again to the shoulder, before immediately looking to lock in Emergency Landing. MDE locks his hands and rolls towards Baker, but Baker rolls with him and keeps his grip on the left wrist. MDE keeps his hands locked and, for a moment, there's a stalemate. Baker decides to release the wrist and MDE pulls his arm away, but Baker springs up to his feet and lands stomps to the left shoulder. MDE begins to roll towards the bottom rope but the official blocks his way.
SD: No! No!
MW: If he rolls out of the ring, he'll be gone from FPW.
SD: Think about it, MDE!
With MDE trapped between Baker and the official, Baker continues with the stomps, but MDE manages to catch the leg and pull Baker down, jaw first, into the middle rope. Baker drops back and rolls away, giving MDE time to recover. He shakes out his left arm and flexes the shoulder a few times, before standing and moving over to Baker, who seems to be struggling to breathe. MDE reaches down for a waistlock but Baker leaps up and catches the arm again.
SD: He was playing possum. That's not fair!
MW: He must have learnt from the past two matches.
Baker locks the arm in a wrist lock and uses his foot to force MDE into a kneeling position. Baker then lands hard kicks to MDE’s left triceps. MDE tries to roll through again but Baker is ready, grapevining the arm as he does and positioning himself once again for the Emergency Landing. Again MDE blocks the hold, locking his arms and rolling towards Baker. Baker tries to roll through again but MDE is ready for it, continuing his roll and landing his forearm hard in Baker’s face. Baker releases the wrist, and MDE stomps him hard in the ribs, before stomping on his arm, his head and both ankles. MDE then drops and elbow into Baker’s ribs before rolling him over and stomping on his left shoulder.
MDE then lifts Baker, but Baker shoves him back and hits him with a dropkick once MDE tries to come forward again. Baker then moves towards the ropes and steps between the top and second rope but the official grabs hold of him before he can leave the ring.
MW: What's Baker doing?
SD: He's had enough. He knows he can't win!
MW: He's telling the official that he wants to go for his springboard lariat.
SD: But he can't leave the ring!
MW: That takes a lot of his offence out of the equation. I bet he didn't think about that when the match was announced.
SD: But I guarantee that MDE did!
With Baker talking to the official, MDE takes advantage, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him in for a German suplex, making sure that Baker rotates and lands on his left shoulder. Baker wines in pain and grabs hold of the shoulder but MDE quickly races in, stomping on the shoulder before pulling Baker up and hitting a snap suplex. MDE then locks in an arm bar on the left arm and pulls back, causing Baker to gasp in pain. MDE takes a note from Baker’ playbook and drives his left elbow into Baker’s shoulder, but can't sustain it for long as he too winces in pain.
MW: The effects of this match starting to show on both men.
SD: MDE’s in control now though. Baker won't get back into this one.
MW: Don't be so sure.
As the fans begin a rhythmic clap, Baker manages to free himself from the weight of MDE, getting back to one knee and then to both feet. He tries to flip out of the arm bar, but MDE catches him and hits a reverse DDT, positioning his knee so that he drives it straight into Baker’s shoulder. Baker rolls away and holds his left arm but MDE doesn't give him much time to recover, stomping on the shoulder again and pulling back on the arm, this time allowing Baker to get to his feet but only so that he can drape his leg over Baker and lock in an octopus hold. He wrenches back on the arm and Baker winces again. After a brief period of trying to maintain his standing position, Baker drops down to the mat, allowing MDE to pull back further on the arm and to use his left foot to repeatedly kick Baker in the ribs. The official asks Baker if he wants to quit, but he refuses, managing to free his trapped right arm and use it to catch MDE’s kicks, pulling back on his foot which causes MDE to loosen his grip just enough for Baker to free his right arm and transition into a full heel hook.
MW: What an escape from Graham Baker!
SD: But how much strength is there in his left arm to maintain his control here.
The official asks MDE if he wants to quit and he too refuses. He manages to use his free foot to kick out at Baker, landing kicks to the ribs and one to the left arm which causes Baker to release the hold. MDE rolls away and the two men remain on the mat for a few seconds. The fans begin another ‘Graham Baker’ chant as the two men begin to get to their feet. Both men eye one another and they move in, each standing slightly at an angle so as not to allow the other to reach their left arm. MDE darts down low but Baker quickly sidesteps him and aims a kick which MDE turns away from. MDE manages to use the momentum of the kick to turn Baker, aiming for a German suplex, but Baker blocks it, his leg wrapping around MDE’s. MDE tries to lift him one more time but then sweeps the leg, quickly moving to wrap Baker’s right arm under his leg and to grab his left.
SD: It's time!
MW: MDE trying to lock in the Simply Great Stretch, but Baker is fighting it.
SD: He can't fight it forever.
MDE traps the right arm and tries to pull in the left, but Baker refuses to allow MDE to get a proper hold of him. MDE slightly overreaches, allowing Baker to roll him through, release his trapped arm and make a very smooth transition into the Emergency Landing.
MW: Emergency Landing!
SD: Escape, MDE!
MW: He's got it fully locked in. This might be it.
The official stands over MDE, waiting for him to quit, but MDE doesn't. He thrashes his legs around to move Baker closer to the ropes, all the while calling out in pain. Baker pulls back as far as he possibly can but MDE manages to get right underneath the bottom rope. He slides enough so that Baker is hanging out of the ring, while MDE wraps his legs around the bottom rope. With his free arm, MDE barely manages to break Baker’s grip, causing him to fall to the floor while MDE hauls himself back into the ring, cradling his arm.
SD: It's over! Baker left the ring! He's done here in FPW.
MW: No, he isn't. He didn't voluntarily leave the ring. MDE forced him out.
SD: But… but…
MW: But nothing. Graham Baker is still in this match.
MDE slowly get to his feet, cradling his left arm heavily and he turns to go after Baker, but, to a loud cheer, Baker springboards off the top rope and takes MDE down with a lariat. He leaps up to his feet, screaming to the fans, before grabbing MDE’s left wrist once again, sensing that the end is coming. MDE links his hands and resists Baker’s attempts to lock in the Emergency Landing for a second time, but Baker aims a kick at the linked hands in an effort to break the grip. MDE releases the grip but manages to catch Baker’s foot, quickly transitioning into a half-crab, which he then transitions into an STF, before transitioning once again, trapping Baker’s right arm underneath him and quickly grabbing hold of his left before pulling that back with his leg so that both of Baker’s arms are trapped behind his back.
MW: The Simply Great Stretch. This holds makes me feel sick.
SD: It's over! There's no way Baker can escape this!
Screaming in pain but shaking his head as the official asks him if he wants to quit, Baker manages to roll over onto his back as best as he can. He then manages to use his legs to push himself up into a bridge position, all the while with the hold still applied. He then pushes off with his legs, flipping over to a standing position and forcing the hold to be broken, leaping in the air and hitting double stomp directly onto MDE’s shoulder. MDE cries out and rolls away, while Baker drops to the floor. The fans applaud loudly and another loud ‘Graham Baker’ chant breaks out.
Both men struggle to their feet and they circle each other again, once again trying to keep their left arms away from one another. Baker dives in towards the left arm but MDE manages to catch him in a waist lock and goes for a second German suplex. Baker somehow manages to land on his feet, quickly pulling MDE in for a German of his own. Baker then manages to do a backwards roll, maintaining his grip, and hits a rolling German which drops MDE straight onto his shoulder. Instead of going for the Emergency Landing, Baker lifts MDE, wrings his left arm and hits a Pele kick, sending MDE reeling towards the ropes.
MW: I've never seen Baker do that before.
SD: Now he's stealing moves? He can't beat MDE with his own move so he's stealing other people's?
MW: MDE said it himself, the only time he's ever submitted was to Zack Sabre Junior’s armbar. I remember that match well. Sabre attacked the arm like that several times. Clearly MDE isn't the only one who watches tape around here.
Baker then grabs the arm and tries to grapevine his legs around it, but MDE uses his good arm to shove him away. MDE then lands a kick to the gut and goes for a Gutwrench Powerbomb, but he can't lift Baker. He pulls away, holding his left arm as Baker stands and goes for another German suplex. This time MDE is the one who lands on his feet, and he quickly manages to trap Baker’s right arm and tries to pull in his left.
SD: Simply Great Stretch! I knew he'd get the win.
MW: But look. He's having trouble. He couldn't lift Baker for the powerbomb and now he can't pull in the arm.
MDE tries to pull in the left arm but Baker resists, and MDE doesn't have the strength left. He releases the leg and backs away towards the ropes, a look of sudden panic on his face. As quick as a flash, Baker makes it to his feet and kicks hard at MDE’s shoulder. MDE rolls over and Baker pulls him up, going for a powerbomb and sending him into the turnbuckles, his left shoulder hitting hard. As MDE staggers forward, Baker then pulls him in and hits him with a Tiger Bomb.
MW: He calls that move Ground Zero!
SD: I've never seen him do it before.
MW: He very rarely does. It's one he pulls out only when he desperately needs it.
The fans begin to cheer loudly as Baker tries to pull in the arm but MDE manages to grip his hands once again. Baker tries to pull back but it's to no avail. He doesn't have the strength to break the grip. This time he's the one who pulls back, but he doesn't hesitate. He lifts MDE and drives him towards the corner, lifting him up onto the second turnbuckle. Baker them climbs to the top rope.
MW: Ejection Seat!
SD: But this won't win him the match. He needs-
MW: Oh my God! What a transition! Emergency Landing!
Instead of a traditional top rope frankensteiner, Baker includes the arm and comes down with a perfect grip for the Emergency Landing. He fully extends the arm and the official stands over MDE, one arm pointing towards the timekeeper.
MW: MDE has to give up here. His arm is about to snap.
SD: No! Hold on MDE!
MW: He can't last much longer.
MDE writhes around in pain, trying to roll towards Baker but, when he does, he calls out in even more pain. He tries to get his right arm up to grip his left, but Baker manages to keep kicking it away. MDE finally manages to get his right arm to grip Baker’s left to force him to weaken his grasp, and he twists Baker’s left arm, causing him to call out in pain too. However, Baker kicks the arm away and pulls back even further, only able to grip with his right hand. Finally, MDE taps his right hand on the canvas, and the official moves to call for the bell, only for Baker to grab him with his injured left hand. Baker yells “Say the words!” to MDE and, after a few moments, MDE yells out “I quit!”
The fans erupt, immediately standing and applauding as Baker breaks the hold and rolls backwards. He kneels and holds his right arm aloft as his left hangs by his side. He gets to his feet and the official raises his hand as he allows his face to show all of the emotion of one of the biggest wins of his life. Baker climbs the turnbuckles as the fans chant his name one more time, and he salutes the fans on each side of the ring.
MW: There you have it. Graham Baker, the man who seemingly had more heart than brains, the man who couldn't find a way to win for months here in FPW. Graham Baker has finally picked up his first win, and he's vanquished his ultimate foe. MDE tested Baker as much as anyone possibly could, but even he couldn't resist this man.
SD: I… I can't come up with an excuse. Graham Baker deserved this win. He was the better man.
MW: He certainly was the better man tonight. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him and I think it starts right here, tonight.
In the ring, Baker drops down from the final turnbuckle as MDE staggers to his feet, his arm lifeless by his side. MDE tries to walk out of the ring but Baker stands in his way. The two men stand there for a moment, Baker looking at MDE while MDE simply looks down, before Baker extends his hand. The fans cheer as MDE looks down at Baker’s hand. After a few moments, MDE pushes past Baker and leaves the ring, which is met with a chorus of boos from the fans. Baker stares at him for a while as he makes his way up the ramp, left arm still hanging motionless by his side. Finally, Baker turns to the fans and salutes them one more time, taking in the ‘Graham Baker’ chants which fill the arena.
Backstage, TakeOver are walking to the ring. Boos are heard as they come up on the tron. They walk together and smile as they see TJ Cole standing with Jerry Bishop in the shadows behind him.
MAJ: TJ, my man.
TJ: Marcus.
MAJ: You ready for this? After tonight, no one will be in any doubt about who the real FPW Champion is. And hey, maybe I'll even give you the first shot if you pull your weight in this match.
TJ: You just worry about doing your part. I don't need a runt like you to tell me how to win my matches.
TakeOver smirk as TJ walks away.
TJ: Jerry. Come.
Jerry slinks out of the shadows with his head down, following TJ.
Match 6: TakeOver and TJ Cole v Matt Dwyer, Adam Thompson, ?? and ??
MW: Now for our main event. We have TakeOver teaming with TJ Cole to take on Adam Thompson, Matt Dwyer and…
SD: And?
MW: Well… right now they don't seem to have partners.
SD: That's because nobody wants to face off against TakeOver and nobody wants to face the power of the Friendmigos.
MW: Dwyer and Thompson have been trying all night to find themselves a set of partners, but everyone has dodged them.
SD: This one will be a walk in the park for the real FPW Champion and his very own set of friends, or amigos if you prefer.
Cult of Personality begins to play, “Look into my eyes, what do you see, a cult of personality,” and then Marcus comes out, stands at the top of the ramp and does a standing backflip, landing in a pose similar to that of Will Ospreay. Behind him, Haych and Dario emerge and the three men pose, with Haych carrying the Young Lions Cup alongside his own tag Team Title. TakeOver wait for a few seconds as his pyro hits from the base of the stage. Then they begin their walk to the ring, only stopping when the lyrics hit, “I’m the smiling face on your TV.” That’s when Marcus turns to the camera and flashes a big arrogant smile before pulling out a piece of paper, which reads “Thompson is a phoney as Roman’s push’. TakeOver enter the ring and pose together, Marcus with an arrogant smirk on his face. The three men stand together and turn to the ramp.
‘Love in Blindness’ begins to play as ‘King’ appears on the screen. The fans boo as TJ Cole walks out onto the ramp, turning to show his ring jacket, which says ‘King of FPW’. Jerry Bishop skulks out behind him, a very suspicious red mark on his left cheek, and TJ orders him down to the ring. TJ walks ahead of Jerry, taking a sign from a fan that lists Jerry and Matt as the real Friendmigos and ripping it in half. Jerry begins to pick up the halves but TJ calls him away. They enter the ring as Marcus offers TJ a hug, but TJ blows past him, leaving Marcus laughing. TakeOver look on as TJ poses on the top rope and they point and laugh at Jerry, who stands below him and takes his jacket.
MW: I don't much like them, but they're a strong team.
SD: I love them and yes they are. TakeOver and the Friendmigos, the stuff of dreams!
MW: Maybe dreams for some but they're nightmares for most.
SD: Nightmares are dreams idiot.
The lights then dim before a spotlight hits the stage. ‘The Feast and the Famine’ begins to play as Adam Thompson emerges at the top of the ramp, holding his title aloft. He points me finger at the five men in the ring before storming down the ramp. He walks up the steps and enters the ring, walking over to his opponents with no fear as Marcus makes a point of standing behind Haych and Dario, while yelling “I'm the real champion.” Thompson moves closer as the official stands between him and TakeOver, before Thompson stands on the top turnbuckle and raises his title in the air.
Once Thompson has dropped down, blue and grey lights shower the crowd. Rob Zombie's ‘Never Gonna Stop’ blares as Matt Dwyer comes out to a standing ovation with his guitar slung over his shoulder. He smiles at the reaction and raises the sign of the horns for all to see, and then makes the sign of the Friendmigos (pretty much just making an F-shape with your hand) before making his way down the ramp, bumping horns with everyone before getting into the ring. He and Thompson bump fists and they stare down their opponents, who call “is that all?” The official briefly speaks with Thompson and Dwyer before signalling for each team to choose a legal man.
MW: Well I guess that's it. It's a four-on-two handicap match.
SD: It's a massacre, that's what it is!
MW: I’m sure Dwyer and Thompson will give as good as they get.
SD: Hey, its purely a math thing. Their chances of winning are drastically lower than they would be with a partner… but even then-
MW: Lets not go there.
Dwyer and Dario stand in the ring together and begin to circle each other as the official goes to call for the bell. However, all of a sudden the lights drop and the arena goes dark. The fans begin to cheer but nothing happens for a few seconds.
MW: There's something… we seem to have an issue with the power here.
SD: This is Jim Houston taking pity. He doesn't want to see his champion pulverised.
All of a sudden wild music starts to play and strobe lights fill the arena. This goes on for a few seconds before a sun starts to rise on the tron. The camera shows a wide shot, with all of the wrestlers turned to face the ramp before a close up shows Jerry Bishop’s face, which is a mixture of shock and awe. The camera then pans to the ramp where, after the sun has fully risen, a masked man appears and begins to punch and kick the air. A few steps behind him is a masked lady, who does a spin before sitting on his knee and kissing him on the cheek as the fans are on their feet cheering.
SD: I don't believe this!
MW: He's answered the call. Now we'll see the real Friendmigos.
SD: But… but the real Friendmigos are-
MW: Don't even try to cover this up. It's Super Che Junior! He's been gone for over a year and now he's here when the Friendmigos need him most.
SD: TJ Cole looks like he's seen a ghost.
MW: And Jerry Bishop looks like he's seen one too!
The masked pair then stand, she walks towards the ring and climbs inside before the masked man raises his hand then runs down to the ring and slides inside to join her. Once in the ring he poses for the fans and lifts a hand to his ears, listening to the cheers of the amazing crowd. The masked lady then takes a microphone and finally speaks.
“Welcome, beloved citizens of the world, may I introduce you to the light in the darkness, the sparkle of life, the shining bullet of justice. May I introduce to the true son of the ropes, the first Argentine Superhero, the unique and unrepeatable Super Che Junior.”
The fans continue to cheer for Super ache as he turns, but TJ Cole rushes him. Che ducks a clothesline and ales TJ down with a dropkick. Dwyer and Thompson exchange strikes with The Invaders before sending them out of the ring. The pair turn towards Marcus, who slides out of the ring, leaving Thompson, Dwyer and Che standing together. Slowly, the three turn to one corner where Jerry Bishop stands, staring in awe at Che. Che steps towards Jerry but Matt grabs his arm. Che shakes him off and holds up his hands to tell Matt that it's ok. Che moves towards Jerry, who takes a small step forward. However, TakeOver and TJ jump the three, The Invaders taking down Dwyer and Che while TJ and Marcus take down Thompson. Haych sends Dwyer out of the ring while Dario lays out Che with a leg lariat. TJ and Marcus lay into Thompson with stomps.
The fans boo as The Invaders lift Che and hold him up for Marcus, who stands ready for a superkick. As he steps towards Che, he's taken out by Dwyer with a hard clothesline as Thompson makes it back to his feet and hits TJ with a hard right hand. Thompson and Dwyer then exchange strikes with The Invaders before sending them out of the ring. As they turn towards Marcus, who is getting to his feet, both are met with low blows from behind by TJ Cole, who throws them out of the ring. TJ then calls to Marcus, who pulls Che up to his feet. TJ hits him with straight right hands and then calls to Jerry.
Jerry steps forward reluctantly as TJ points at Che. Jerry shakes his head and tries to back away, but TJ grabs his arm and pulls him forward. TJ then slaps Jerry and yells at him that he owes everything to TJ. He then points at Che once again and Jerry begins to breathe very quickly, almost foaming at the mouth. Jerry runs at Che as the fans collectively gasp, but Jerry stops short. The fans cheer as he very slowly turns towards TJ. TJ tells Jerry to back down but Jerry just stares at him. TJ begins to look a little scared but suddenly Marcus takes Jerry down from behind and he and TJ quickly lay into him. The fans boo loudly as the two men lay into Jerry.
MW: This has completely broken down here.
SD: The match hasn't even started yet! This is chaos.
MW: But wait. Here comes Jim Houston.
Jim Houston stands on the ramp with a microphone.
“Alright, alright. TJ, Marcus, step back. Matt and Adam didn't have partners before now, but it looks like we've just found two for them. This match will take place and it will be TakeOver and TJ Cole facing Adam Thompson and a team that I like to call the real Friendmigos, Matt Dwyer, Super Che Junior and Jerry Bishop.”
The fans cheer loudly once again as TakeOver and TJ rant and rave in the ring. They turn to continue their assault of Jerry but are met by Thompson, Dwyer and Che. The ring is cleared by the three men before Thompson stands and calls for someone to start the match with him. After a brief discussion, Dario begins the match. The two men lock up and Thompson takes control, taking Dario down with a headlock takeover before hitting three straight right hands. Haych tries to get into the ring but Dwyer is immediately in and taking him off the apron. This causes Marcus and TJ to enter and once again the match breaks down, with all eight men brawling in and out of the ring.
The Invaders take on Dwyer and Che, getting the upper hand and driving them into the barricade on the outside. Thompson takes Marcusout of the ring and they battle on the outside. Jerry stands across the ring from TJ, who stares him down and yells at him that it's not to late to come back to him. Jerry begins to breathe quickly again, before diving at TJ. TJ just dodges him and slides out of the ring. Jerry follows and chases TJ around the ring, but is taken down by Paul Myers and Mark Anderson.
MW: The Hardcases!
SD: Finally, the real Friendmigos are here to defend their leader’s honour.
MW: The official has called for the bell here. This one is done, but I don't think it's over.
The Hardcases get a few shots in on Jerry before Dwyer and Che run at them. They and TJ quickly escape up the ramp, leaving both sets of Friendmigos staring each other down. Meanwhile, TakeOver lay into Adam Thompson on the outside before Dwyer and Che run them off. TakeOver escape through the crowd with Dwyer and Che staring them down. TJ and The Hardcases stand at the top of the ramp while Jerry stares them down.
MW: What a way to end the first night of the All Star Tag Team Classic.
SD: This is chaotic. Jim Houston needs to get control of this company.
MW: I have a feeling that he'll have a lot to say tomorrow night. What a show we've seen tonight. We'll see you all tomorrow.
MW: Welcome to Night One of the All Star Tag Team Classic. We have a treat for you tonight. Four quarter finals, a massive eight man tag and the culmination of a big time rivalry here in FPW.
SD: Tonight is the night that TakeOver and the Friendmigos finally get to the top of this company and the night that MDE finally removes the stain that is Graham Baker.
MW: I'm not sure it'll all go quite like that, but I think we've got some really special matches to come tonight.
The camera shows a locker room backstage, where Matt Dwyer stands with FPW Champion Adam Thompson. Thompson looks concerned while Dwyer sits with his feet up on a chair.
AT: Come on, Matt. We're about to have this match and we're down two men.
MD: We’ll sort it, man. Don't worry.
AT: How? How will we sort it? Sitting here on our asses? We've already tried Black, Kellington, Timido and Azrael but nothing. What else do we do?
MD: Calm down, champ. We can deal with this.
AT: By sitting with our feet up? You need to start caring about this match.
Dwyer stands.
MD: I need to start caring? Tonight I get the chance to get my hands on TJ Cole, the man who took my best friend away from me and turned him into a broken shell of himself. I care more than you think I care. But I'm not going to stress. I've got a few guys in mind.
Match 1: Nick Jameson and Graham Baker v Jeremiah Johnson and ??
MW: It's time for our first match of the All Star Tag Team Classic and this one could be fascinating.
SD: Jameson and Baker are simultaneously very different and yet very similar. Will they coexist as a team or will they implode?
MW: And another big question in this match is the identity of Jeremiah Johnson’s tag partner.
SD: Lets hope they form a better bond than Johnson and McCloud otherwise this one could be over pretty quickly.
A riff hits and drums begin as the words, "Break, break, BREAK YOUR FUCKIN' NECK!" hits, and out from behind the curtain comes Nick Jameson. "The Real Horror" wears a black hoodie to the ring with his Hardcore Title worn over the top, and pulls away from fans trying to touch him, threatening to smack them and insulting them viciously if they get too close. Jameson slides under the bottom rope, holding himself up on his hands and thrusting his hips up and down, simulating sexual intercourse with his tongue out before taking a knee and looking out into the crowd with disdain. He yells more profanities to the crowd as he rips his hoodie off and tosses it to the outside, standing up on the middle turnbuckle and smugly smiling and insulting the crowd once more before jumping down and stretching on the ropes in the corner.
Staccato machine-gun fire plays as Graham Baker’s intro starts, and smoke begins to flow freely as he rises to the stage. As the smoke clears and the song intensifies, he stands up, and raises his hands in the two-finger-gun motion as pyro echoes the same sound and motion of the gunfire from earlier, which plays again. He blows the fingers as if blowing the smoke away from two guns, and approaches the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and climbing the turnbuckles to play to the crowd, as any good babyface does. As he climbs down, Jameson grabs hold of him and tells him to make sure he's focussed, and Baker begins to reply as Jameson turns and unleashes a volley of abuse at a fan in the front row. Baker pulls Jameson away and the two stand together awaiting their opponents.
The remix of 2Pac's final round hits the PA. As soon as Rocky's motivational speech ends, Jeremiah Johnson comes out in a black silk robe with his Pi symbol on the back. He throws a few shadow punches at the top of the ramp. He holds his hands above his head, his middle, index and thumbs outstretched. He throws his arms down into the shape of his DD214 finisher. As the music plays, Johnson, walks down the ramp, throwing shadow punches at fans and talking shit to the camera. Johnson walks up the ring steps and wipes his feet before entering the ring between the ropes. He takes off his silk robe and tosses it to a ringhand; he climbs to the second turnbuckle on the right side hard camera and holds his hands above his head as he did at the top of the ramp. He jumps off the turnbuckle and points to the entire crowd on each side of the ring, who boo him loudly. A quiet ‘Clutch McCloud’ chant breaks out.
MW: Now its time to find out who Johnson’s partner is.
SD: I bet he's chosen wisely. He's a very wis man.
‘My Last Breath’ begins to play and the fans cheer as James Saturn emerges at the top of the ramp.
MW: Wow. This was not what I was expecting.
SD: I'm not sure James Saturn is the kind of partner Johnson needs, but I guess we'll see.
MW: Remember of course that Saturn will face Nick Jameson again tomorrow with the Hardcore Title on the line. This could be valuable for them both.
Saturn makes his way down the ramp and high fives the fans. The camera cuts to the ring, where Baker is looking at Saturn with a slightly puzzled look on his face. Saturn climbs onto the apron and flips over the top rope, offering a high five to Johnson, who accepts the offer but keeps his eyes on his opponents.
The referee orders two men to the middle of the ring and Baker and Saturn step forward. Johnson leaves the ring but Jameson pushes Baker aside, landing a forearm strike to send Saturn reeling backwards. Jameson drives Saturn into the corner and drives his shoulder into his gut repeatedly, only dropping back once the official has reached a four count. Jameson then pulls Saturn out of the corner, talking trash to him before looking for an abdominal stretch. Saturn however manages to counter, landing a hip toss before hitting multiple drop kicks before a cover, 1-no. Jameson kicks out at one.
MW: Fast-paced start to this one.
SD: Nick Jameson tried to get a jump on Saturn but he's survived and has mounted some offence. He's got lots to learn if he thinks it was enough for a three-count though.
Both men get to their feet before Saturn goes for a kick but is caught. He goes for an enzeguiri but Jameson ducks and Saturn lands face first on the mat. Jameson walks across his back and talks some trash to Johnson, who looks on appreciatively. Jameson then pulls Saturn up and lands forearms to his back before driving him into the corner and tagging in Baker. Baker takes Saturn down with a snapmare before hitting him with a dropkick to the back of the neck. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Saturn kicks out.
Baker then starts working the arm, locking in an arm bar as Saturn tries to pull away. Saturn makes it up to his feet and then rolls through before taking Baker down with an arm drag. Saturn tries to make it to his corner but Baker cuts him off, pulling him in for a snap German suplex before tagging in Jameson, who mounts Saturn and lays into him with hard right hands. The official reaches four before Baker drags Jameson off Saturn. Jameson shoves Baker and asks him what he's doing and Baker says he doesn't want to get disqualified.
MW: Dissension in the ranks between these two.
SD: Jameson being his usual ruthless self and Baker keeping them in the match. I like how they're working together.
MW: It's a unique way of working together but I guess you could call it that.
With the distraction, Saturn manages to scramble across the ring and tag in Jeremiah Johnson, who comes in and takes Baker down with a running shoulder block. He and Jameson then go to lock up but Johnson ducks and locks in a sleeper. Jameson however manages to counter with a snapmare and a hard kick to the back before locking in a sleeper of his own. Johnson fights back, breaking the hold by rolling through as the two men stare each other down with a nod of appreciation. They then move towards one another before, in tandem, running to their opposition’s corner and taking down Saturn and Baker.
MW: Both men cheating together here.
SD: It's like they read each other’s minds!
They then lock up, Jameson locking in the headlock and taking Johnson over before Johnson escapes with a headscissors. Johnson then hits the ropes and ducks under an attempted clothesline from the Hardcore Champion, coming back at him with a diving elbow that sends him to the mat. Johnson makes the cover, 1-2-no. Jameson kicks out. Johnson tries to lock in the sleeper hold again but Jameson manages to slip out and behind him, hitting him with a knee to the gut before lifting him for a gutwrench suplex. He lifts the leg of Johnson and tries stepping through for a figure four, but Johnson kicks him away and sends him into the ropes, rolling him up and grabbing the tights, 1-2-no! Jameson just escapes.
MW: He had the tights!
SD: Jameson would have done the same thing.
MW: That may well be true but it doesn't make it ok.
SD: Yes it does. It's a well-known scientific fact that two wrongs make a right. Ask anyone.
Jameson and Johnson get to their feet and Jameson holds his arms out and points at his tights. Johnson simply smiles and goes for a clothesline, but Jameson ducks and rolls him up, also grabbing the tights, 1-2-no! Johnson this time barely escapes.
SD: I told you! I said he'd do the same!
MW: And these fans aren't liking what they're seeing here.
SD: Who cares about the fans? Johnson and Jameson certainly don't, that's for sure.
The two men stare each other down briefly before Saturn and Baker enter the ring. Saturn argues with Jameson while Baker argues with Johnson. Baker lands a strike to Johnson but is taken down with a hard headbutt. Saturn manages a few kicks to Jameson before he's pulled in for an impactful powerbomb. Johnson and Jameson stare each other down again before both men begin to look at their partners. They then look back at each other.
MW: I'm not sure what's going on here…
SD: Look! Jeremiah Johnson has extended his hand!
MW: But they're opponents. There's a match to win.
SD: It's like they've suddenly seen the light.
The two men shake hands before Johnson lifts Baker. Jameson looks at him briefly before pulling him up for a Stigmata Bomb. As he does, Jameson pulls Saturn in and hits him with a DD-214. Both men hit their moves and Jameson quickly drags Baker to the corner. The fans boo as Jameson props Baker up before tagging him in and throwing him into the ring. Baker staggers as Johnson pulls him in for another DD-214, hitting it and covering him, 1-2-3.
Jeremiah Johnson stands with his arms raises as the fans boo. Nick Jameson enters the ring and the two shake hands again as the announcer begins to announce the winners.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of this match and advancing to the semi-finals, Jeremiah John-
Jameson snatches the mic from the announcer.
Jameson: Johnson and Saturn may well have won the match but I have a feeling that James Saturn may be unable to compete tomorrow. It looks like Jeremiah may need a new partner…
With that, Jameson drops the mic and pulls Saturn from the ring, ramming him headfirst into the ringpost before laying into him with right hands. With Saturn lying motionless, Jameson pulls out a chair and tells Johnson to lift him up. Johnson happily does and Jameson hits him hard over the head. Before Saturn can slump to the floor, Johnson catches him and Jameson drops the chair. Johnson drops him with a DD-214 before hitting a second DDT directly onto the chair.
Jameson and Johnson raise each other's arms before walking up the ramp, smiling arrogantly and continuing to talk trash to the fans.
MW: I can't quite believe what I've seen here.
SD: Jameson and Johnson realised they were a cut above their partners and took action. They did what had to be done.
MW: Maybe they did but I can't say I like it. They chose their partners themselves. If they wanted to team up they had the chance.
SD: But they didn't realise until the stepped into the ring. It's like two people’s eyes meeting across a crowded room and running to the nearest empty room to passionately-
MW: Maybe we should leave that analogy there.
Backstage, Dwyer and Thompson stand outside a door.
AT: Look. I know this guy isn't ideal, but I think I can turn him onto our side.
MD: I've known this guy a lot longer than you have. He's not joining us. I don't want him joining us.
AT: Trust me. It's worth a try.
MD: Were running out of options. Fine. But I don't like it.
Thompson knocks on the door but there's no answer.
AT: Hey. You in there?
Again there's no answer. Thompson tries the door and it’s open. He walks in and is met nose to nose by MDE.
AT: Whoa there. I don't want trouble. I just-
MDE: Get out.
AT: Look. I just want-
MDE: Unless you have an offer of a title match, get out. I have a match to prepare for.
AT: I don't have an off-
MDE: Then get out.
Thompson backs away and goes back through the door.
MD: I told you that was a bad idea.
Match 2: Anarchy v TJ Cole and Jerry Bishop:
MW: Now we come to our second quarter final.
SD: The Friendmigos in action!
MW: And they face on our best loved teams who came so close to becoming the first ever tag champs, Anarchy.
SD: I think this is TJ Cole’s tournament to lose.
MW: TJ and Jerry Bishop’s you mean?
SD: As long as that clown doesn't get in the way.
‘Motionless in White’ begins to play and the fans cheer as Kassius Boone and Davis Reynolds make their way onto the ramp. Boone salutes the fans as Reynolds jumps around him and together they make their way down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans and pumping each other up. They slide into the ring and pose on the turnbuckles as the fans cheer. They climb down and Reynolds jumps around Boone, slapping him on the chest to get him even more pumped up.
Anarchy settle in one corner as ‘King’ appears on the tron and ‘Love is Blindness’ begins to play. TJ Cole makes his way out with Jerry Bishop a few steps behind him. TJ turns to show the camera the back of his jacket, which has ‘Friendmigos’ followed by his name, Jerry’s name and The Hardcases, the last of which is in a barely noticeably different font. TJ walks down the ramp as Jerry begins to slap hands with fans. As he does, TJ turns and pulls him away by the arm, telling him that he doesn't need to pander to these people, which elicits boos from the crowd. Jerry looks hesitant but then walks in tow behind TJ, who climbs into the ring and poses on the turnbuckle, revelling in the hatred from the fans. Jerry stands behind him looking awkward.
As the match begins, TJ orders Jerry into the ring with Reynolds, and the two lock up. Reynolds takes the advantage with a headlock takeover which grounds Jerry. After a few moments, Jerry fights his way up to his feet and uses momentum into the ropes to push Reynolds off. Reynolds hits the ropes and Jerry leapfrogs him. Reynolds continues but is met with a dropkick from Jerry and a quick chinlock. A ‘Jerry Bishop’ chant ensues, which causes Bishop to look a little awkward and allows Reynolds to escape the hold. He hits Jerry with a hard back elbow which causes him to stagger away and allows Reynolds to Tag out. Boone enters the ring and takes Jerry down with a hard clothesline.
MW: There's a real mismatch in power between these two.
SD: Not much of a mismatch in intelligence though.
As Jerry gets to his feet, he ducks a second clothesline and hits the ropes, only to be taken down by a big boot from Boone. Boone goes for a cover, 1-2-no. Jerry kicks out just after the two. Boone locks Jerry in a chinlock as Reynolds calls for the tag. Boone pulls Jerry with hi, to the corner and tags in Reynolds, who immediately climbs to the top rope and hits a freshly released Jerry with a missile dropkick which sends him rolling back towards his corner. TJ reaches down and tags himself in, ducking an attempted clothesline and pulling Reynolds in for a German suplex, which sends him rolling towards his corner. Boone tags himself in and enters, only to be hit with a forearm to the side of his neck.
MW: We all know about the weakness in the neck.
SD: You can bet that TJ will be able to exploit it. He is King of FPW after all.
MW: At least he thinks he is.
TJ continues to target the neck, driving the point of his elbow into it before hitting a Pele kick right to the back of the neck. Boone staggers forward and TJ leaps onto the middle rope, hitting a disaster kick to take him down. He stomps on the neck a few times before standing back and stalking Boone. As Boone gets to his feet, TJ looks for a German suplex but he struggles to lift him. He calls for Jerry, who leaps into the ring and hits Boone with a dropkick, giving TJ the momentum to land the German which causes Boone to fall hard onto his neck. TJ rolls over into the cover, 1-2-no. Reynolds barely makes the save as Boone looks unable to move. TJ yells to Jerry to take out Reynolds, and Jerry runs at him, but Reynolds pulls pulls down the top rope, sending Jerry to the outside. Reynolds then takes a run up and dives over the top rope, landing hard on Jerry.
MW: Bishop could be down for some time after that impact.
SD: But so could Davis Reynolds. He's left Kassius Boone high and dry with TJ Cole.
In the ring, the official checks on Boone and determines that he's ok to continue, but TJ, as soon as the official makes the call, pulls him to his feet and goes for an exploder. Boone tries to resist but TJ lands a few blows to the neck before hitting the exploder right into the corner, with Boone’s neck taking a lot of the impact. TJ makes the cover, 1-2-no! Boone manages to get his right foot onto the rope. TJ reacts by kicking hard on the neck again before he climbs to the top rope. Checking that Boone is still down, he lands a moonsault and holds for another cover, 1-2-no. This time Boone manages to force a shoulder up, but not by much.
TJ calls for Jerry, who is just getting to his feet on the outside, and he comes onto the apron to tag himself in. TJ yells for Jerry to target the neck and Jerry waits for Boone to get to his feet, striking him with a rolling elbow to the back of the neck. Boone crumples and Jerry goes for a cover, 1-2-no! Reynolds this time manages to make the save. TJ enters the ring and, with the official distracted by checking on Boone, hits a low blow to Reynolds which sends him rolling out of the ring. TJ calls to Jerry to tag him in and he does, as TJ pulls Boone in for a Crowning Achievement.
MW: That's it, this one is all over.
SD: This move will not just end the match, but possibly Kassius Boone’s career.
MW: Not to forget ending Davis Reynolds’ run too.
As TJ drops back, Boone manages to grab hold of the top rope and keep his footing, causing TJ to crash to the mat and allowing Boone a short time to breathe. Boone tries to move towards Reynolds, who has barely made it back onto the apron, but he struggles to move before dropping to one knee. TJ quickly gets to his feet and looks to pull Boone in for the Crowning Achievement again, but this time Boone gets a hand around TJ’s throat and plants him with a powerful chokeslam. Boone staggers across the ring and manages to tag in Davis Reynolds. Reynolds enters quickly as TJ rises to his feet again, hitting him with a dropkick and then following up with a running knee with TJ on his knees. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. TJ manages to kick out.
MW: This ones turned quickly.
SD: Davis Reynolds having a big impact here. TJ needs to make the tag.
Reynolds pulls TJ up and looks for a reverse frankensteiner, but TJ manages to holds onto both feet and plants him with an inverted Alabama slam. TJ makes the tag to Jerry, who comes in and hits a running bulldog to Reynolds, covering him, 1-2-no! Reynolds gets a shoulder up. Jerry then climbs to the second rope and takes Reynolds down with a blockbuster, before pulling him towards the Friendmigos’ corner and hitting a tornado DDT. He covers him again, 1-2-no! Reynolds barely gets a shoulder up. Jerry stands and plays to the crowd, who mostly cheer for him, as he stalks Reynolds. He looks for the Last Laugh, but Reynolds manages to fight his way out. Reynolds kicks Jerry in the gut and lands a facebuster, before somehow pulling out a standing shooting star press.
MW: What a move from Davis Reynolds!
SD: How did he pull that one off?
MW: Sheer desperation. But now he needs to make the tag.
SD: Boone isn't in a position to get back into this match, surely?
MW: Well he's on the apron with his arm extended, so I'd say he's feeling ready.
Reynolds drags himself across to Boone and leaps for the tag, but Boone isn't there. The camera drops down to show TJ Cole driving elbow strikes into Boone’s neck on the outside. Reynolds quickly climbs out of the ring and goes to confront TJ as the official holds Jerry back from following him. TJ, with the official distracted, lands a hard low blow to Reynolds, who crumples, and then TJ slides him back into the ring. Jerry stands and stares down at TJ, who yells for him to make the cover. Jerry isn't sure, but gets onto the apron and yells louder. Jerry turns, but Reynolds pulls him in for a small package as Boone manages to grab hold of TJ’s leg, 1-2-3.
MW: Anarchy have done it! They've overcome TJ Cole and Jerry Bishop, and the Friendmigos are down to just one team in this tournament.
SD: TJ Cole was being held on the outside. That's-
MW: I won't have this. He hit a low blow. He deserves to be held back.
Davis Reynolds rolls out of the ring as an angry TJ Cole storms back in. Jerry is on his knees with his hands to his head, his face looking shocked. TJ shouts that Anarchy got lucky, before turning to face Jerry. Jerry begins to stand but TJ holds out a hand to tell him to stop. TJ then grabs Jerry by the chin and moves his face close to Jerry’s. He begins to yell.
“You can't do anything right! That's two matches you've cost me now. You're nothing. You've never been anything. I'm all you've got. Even back in the old days, everyone realised you were worthless. They only ever took pity on you. I'm the only true friend you ever had and I'm the only true friend you will ever have. Don't screw me over again. You're lucky that I'm giving you another chance. Now come with me.”
TJ pushes Jerry down to the canvas and turns to leave. He gets to the ropes to find that Jerry still hasn't moved.
“I said come with me.”
Jerry slowly gets to his feet and looks around at the crowd. They begin to chant his name but he slowly slinks away towards TJ. TJ orders him to hold the ropes apart and he does, stepping down from the ring and following TJ up the ramp. The fans boo as TJ turns to look back at them, Jerry cutting a sad figure behind him.
Backstage, Jeremiah Johnson and Nick Jameson are walking down the corridor laughing with one another. Jim Houston walks up to them, clearly unhappy.
JH: What was that?
JJ: Whoa there. Calm it down boss man.
NJ: Yeah, calm it the fuck down.
JH: What was that?
NJ: That was your next Tag Team Champions. We may not have started out together, but we're damn well together now. We're the shit.
JJ: We are very much the shit. And there's not a team in this place that can step up to us.
JH: I must admit you two seem fairly natural together. Alright. I'll let you two compete tomorrow. But there's one condition. If either of you interfere in Baker or Saturn’s matches, or anyone else’s for that matter, you're out of the tournament and you'll never team together in FPW.
JJ: What would we want with a little dweeb like Baker?
NJ: He's a little fucking bitch. I won't lower myself to a guy like him. You got a fucking deal, Houston.
Jameson and Johnson walk off laughing while Houston looks uneasy.
Match 3: Jack Sevren and Bobby O v The Hardcases (written by Jerry Bishop:
*Watson and Deville bring us back to ringside to set up the next match.*
MW: Our next match pits one of the most cohesive tag teams in FPW against two of its most outstanding singles stars; it's the Hardcases vs. Jack Sevren and Bobby O!
SD: I think you've just predicted the outcome of this match, Watson. Jack and Bobby have had so much bad blood between them that they can't hope to work together well enough take out a team as united as Myers and Anderson.
*Judas Priest's "Painkiller" hits over the speakers as the crowd erupts into boos. Dasha Banks makes the introductions.*
DB: Introducing first, at a total combined weight of 566 pounds, "Mangler" Mark Anderson, Paul "the Mauler" Meyers... the HARDCASES!!!
*Myers winds up the crowd by making fun of the "Oh Bobby!" sign held up by a young female fan and mouthing off at a guy wearing a Jack Sevren "Sevren spells 'Defeat' 'J-A-C-K'" shirt. Anderson slaps him on the back and the two enter the ring, deliberating in their corner who will start.*
*The music switches to Shattered Skies' "Fifteen Minutes" and the crowd's boos are now somewhat split with cheers as Jack Sevren takes the top of the stage.*
DB: Next, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, "the Best in the Game", JACK! SEVREN!
*Sevren makes his way down the ramp, waving off the boos, but also making a point to fist-bump the guy Myers made fun of before entering the ring and posing. He takes to his corner and looks up the ramp, somewhat uneasily.*
*The music changes to Avenged Sevenfold's "This Means War", and the crowd warms up just a little more, about 60/40 cheers to boos.*
DB: And his tag team partner, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, "Mr. FPW", BOBBY! O!
*Bobby pops his collar and hustles down the ramp before pausing and turning around to peck the young lady Myers mocked on the cheek. Sevren rolls his eyes and nods. Bobby climbs the steps and pats Sevren on the shoulder before posing against the ropes and hyping up the crowd. He steps back and talks with Jack in his corner. The two show some disagreement before Bobby assents to Jack starting the match. Myers lies in wait in the Hardcases' corner.*
SD: Look at these two, they can't even figure out who's starting in the ring!
MW: Maybe they just wanted to be sure they were putting a good foot forward?
SD: The Hardcases are likely to put their good feet forward. Right into Bobby and Jack's faces!
MW: I walked right into that one, didn't I?
*The bell rings. Sevren and Myers circle each other as the crowd builds in anticipation. Finally, the two lock up, trading holds at a surprisingly quick pace. Sevren gets a waistlock on Myers and looks for a bridging German suplex, but Myers breaks the hold and sidesteps Sevren, placing his arm over his shoulder and hitting him with a Russian leg sweep. Before Sevren can recover, Myers lays into him with some kicks to the midsection followed by a big elbow drop. Myers then holds Sevren's legs up and apart and taunts Bobby before laying a leg drop onto Sevren's undercarriage.*
MW: Jack Sevren looks to be in some trouble here.
SD: Of course he is! His big mouth got him into this mess, and his body can't cash the check his mouth wrote!
*As Sevren writhes in pain, Myers tags in Anderson. Anderson hits another big elbow drop on Sevren. He follows up by turning Sevren around to face Bobby and locks in a camel clutch. The referee asks if Sevren gives, but he refuses. Anderson cinches in the hold for a long while before releasing. He taunts Bobby to tag in, "Bro, bring Big Bad Bobby boy, baby!"*
SD: A master wordsmith!
MW: Yes, a regular Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
SD: Who?
MW: Oh dear...
SD: Hey, where's Ted? We could get rid of all three Kennedys a second time, and all in one swoop!
MW: ...wow, that's dark, man, even for you.
SD: I would've gone for a Camelot line, but I don't like Pendragon either, so.
MW: Still. Dude. Wow.
*Anderson lets Sevren go. Bobby reaches in for the tag as Sevren crawls to his corner catching his breath. Sevren stalls for a moment, just out of Bobby's reach, before nodding and tagging in his partner. Bobby comes in fresh and rushes Anderson with a lightning-quick flurry of strikes and jabs, staggering his opponent. Bobby continues his assault by running the ropes and hitting a dropkick onto Anderson, driving him back into his corner. Bobby doesn't notice that Myers tags himself in. However, Myers stays on the apron for a few seconds, lying in wait as Bobby approaches Anderson. Anderson staggers out of the corner and straight into a superkick from Bobby, knocking him through the ropes. Myers takes this opportunity to rush in and grab Bobby from behind for a German suplex into a quick cover.*
ONE!
TW- NO!
*Bobby gets to his feet, but Myers has snuck behind him and grabs him into a reverse Tiger suplex, driving him hard back into the mat. Myers runs the ropes as Bobby lies stunned and hits with a knee drop to Bobby's face. Myers taunts the audience and sets up for a similar attack on Bobby's family jewels. However, Bobby manages to break a leg free of the hold and kick Myers off. Bobby regains his footing and catches Myers off the ropes with a silk-smooth powerslam. Slightly dazed, Bobby feeds off the energy of the crowd and plays "Head, and Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" with his own feet on Myers' body, leaving Myers wracked with pain in the middle of the ring.*
MW: Looks like Mr. FPW is swinging things back in his favor!
SD: He was lucky! Myers was addressing his audience! Bobby cheated him of his rightful moment!
MW: A leg drop to his junk?
SD: ...well, yeah!
*Bobby, getting his senses back together, looks to his corner and sees that Sevren has recovered. Bobby nods towards Jack as if to ask "You're good?" Still slightly dazed, Sevren nods in return and reaches for a tag. Bobby goes to his corner and tags in Sevren, giving him some encouragement. Sevren enters the ring just as Myers regains his footing. Sevren hits a series of chops driving Myers into a neutral corner. Sevren mounts the turnbuckle just as Anderson rushes in. Sevren kicks Anderson off the apron and hits Myers with a top-rope snapmare into a cover.*
ONE!
TWO!
T- NO!
*Myers kicks out, but without much strength. Anderson is nowhere in sight as Sevren climbs the ropes once more.*
MW: Looks like Anderson's left his partner out to dry!
SD: Nonsense! These two have plans upon plans! They've got Plan A through Plan 12!
MW: That doesn't really make se-
SD: WHAT THE HELL?!
*Sevren leaps from the top rope to drop the knee onto Myers' leg. Myers clutches his leg in pain as Sevren places him in a kneebar. Myers struggles against the hold for several agonizing moments and reaches out for his partner, who is still nowhere to be seen.*
MW: Still sure that the Hardcases have a plan up their sleeves?
SD: Myers is just lulling him into a false sense of security!
*Myers counters out of the kneebar, but Sevren wraps Myers' legs back up and locks in his figure-four finisher!*
MW: This could be it!
SD: No, it won't!
*Anderson crawls out from under the apron and rips Bobby O off the apron, hitting him with a big spinebuster against the apron. Myers struggles against the submission hold as Anderson slowly climbs up the apron and between the ropes.*
SD: Here comes the the Mangler!
MW: And here comes Mr. FPW!
*Just as Anderson approaches Sevren and Myers to break up the submission, Bobby slides through the ropes and pulls Anderson away with an RKO! Sevren cinches the figure-four even tighter and Myers is forced to tap!*
DB: Here are your winners, Jack Sevren and Bobby O!
*Anderson rolls out of the ring shortly followed by Myers. The two help each other up and snarl at Sevren and Bobby in the ring before slinking back up the ramp. Bobby offers Jack a handshake. Sevren looks him in the eye, then back at his hand, and accepts as the crowd bursts into cheers. The two pose on opposite turnbuckles and amp up the crowd.*
MW: Looks like these two were able to put aside their problems!
SD: Oh, sure, just because the FPW tag team championships are on the line! I bet these two wouldn't have even given each other the time of day if this match weren't part of this tournament!
MW: You're still upset about that Marquez comment, aren't you?
SD: Stop making up names just to make me seem dumb!
We see Bobby and Jack walking backstage. Adam Thompson and Matt Dwyer stand waiting for them. Bobby and Jack stop short of them but Thompson and Dwyer hold up their hands to show they don't want any trouble.
AT: Congratulations on the win.
MD: That was pretty impressive.
JS: Well I'm a pretty impressive guy. I guess he's ok too.
AT: Look, I don't have time to waste and I don't want you to waste your either. We need partners tonight. You two have had some issues with TakeOver. How about a chance at revenge?
BO: I'd love to get my hands on TakeOver.
JS: But our revenge will come when it matters. I plan to take those tag belts at the biggest show of the year. That means we have two matches tomorrow so we're not in the business of doing favours.
BO: What Sevren means is that we'd love to help out, but we've got to look after ourselves first. Sorry boys. It's nice to see you Matt.
MD: Yeah… whatever.
Jack and Bobby walk off as Dwyer and Thompson turn to each other and sigh.
Match 4: Sons of Cerberus v Azazel and Davey Jones (no writer volunteered):
Azazel and Davey Jones win.
Dasha Banks stands backstage with Anarchy.
DB: Congratulations Davis and Kassius on your big win. Tomorrow night you face off against Azazel and Davey Jones. How can you possibly beat those two?
KB: It'll be a tough match for sure, but-
DR: We can win that match. Sure Azazel has never been pinned, never been submitted, never been taken to the woodshed and had his trousers pulled down and had his ass ripped apart by his dad’s belt but that doesn't mean shit. I know I can beat him, and I'm sure Kassius can take care of Davey for me.
DB: Kassius, what are your thoughts on that?
KB: Davey is big, but so am I. Davey is tough, but so am I. I think I can get the job done and I know how good Davis is. He can definitely go toe to toe with Azazel.
DR: I can beat Azazel.
Reynolds walks off as Boone thanks Dasha for talking to them.
Dasha turns to see Thompson and Dwyer talking quietly with Jim Houston but nothing can be heard.
Match 5: MDE v Graham Baker: ‘I Quit Match’. If either man voluntarily leaves the ring or uses any kind of weapon, they will be fired from FPW.
MW: It's now time for one of the biggest rivalries we've seen here in Freedom Pro Wrestling to come to an end.
SD: Graham Baker thinks that he can go toe-to-toe with MDE in what is effectively a submission match. He's deluded.
MW: He's more than gone toe-to-toe with him in their two matches so far. He's had times when he's almost overcome the more experienced man.
SD: But has he beaten him?
MW: No, he hasn't.
SD: Point proven. Baker is lucky to even get a third shot. MDE should be getting a much bigger match than this. And once he's disposed of Graham Baker, he'll move onto bigger things.
MW: Maybe he will and maybe he won't, but whatever happens tonight, this is the biggest match Graham Baker has had here in FPW and possibly in his career.
Staccato machine-gun fire plays as the intro to ‘Glory’ starts, and smoke begins to flow freely as he rises to the stage. As the smoke clears and the song intensifies, Graham Baker stands up, looking intensely focussed, and raises his hands in the two-finger-gun motion as pyro echoes the same sound and motion of the gunfire from earlier, which plays again. He blows the fingers as if blowing the smoke away from two guns, and approaches the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and climbing the turnbuckles to play to the crowd, showcasing a lot of intensity. A ‘Graham Baker’ chant begins.
MW: Graham Baker looks focussed and ready.
SD: Maybe a little too ready. He's barely able to stand still. MDE can and will take advantage of that.
MW: These fans are showcasing their support for Baker here. That's one of the loudest chants I've heard all night, and we haven't even started the match yet.
‘Dance of the Knights’ begins to play and the Baler chants immediately turn to boos. MDE walks out onto the entrance ramp and takes a look around the arena, smirking to himself as he listens to the fans boo him. He slowly walks down the ramp, keeping his eyes on Baker in the ring, who is one knee in the corner. MDE walks up the steps and steps through the ropes, smirking as he stares Baker down.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is an ‘I Quit’ match. If either man uses a weapon or voluntarily leaves the ring, they will lose the match and will be fired from Freedom Pro Wrestling.
MDE waves at Baker with the smirk still on his face, but Baker doesn't respond, merely staring back. The official checks them both over and calls for the bell. Baker and MDE circle one another, neither wanting to make the initial move. They continue to circle one another before MDE makes his move, forcing Baker back into the corner but Baker manages to roll under his arm. They circle each other again, MDE forcing Baker into the corner again. Baker moves to roll again but MDE steps to the side to block the roll. Instead, Baker uses his quick fleet to escape to the other side. Once again, the two men circle one another.
Finally, they lock up, MDE taking the advantage with a hammerlock, but Baker quickly transitions into a hammerlock of his own. MDE rolls through to escape and wrings Baker’s arm, but Baker, one hand on the ropes, does a flip and reverses the hold, locking MDE in a headlock and taking him to the ground. Before MDE can get his legs up for the head-scissors, Baker quickly transitions his body for the Emergency Landing. The fans cheer loudly, but the cheers are stopped when MDE manages to pull his arm away before the hold can be locked in. Baker stands stares down at MDE, who looks up at him from one knee. Another ‘Graham Baker’ chant begins.
With the fans still chanting Baker’s name, MDE makes it to his feet and he and Baker circle each other again. They go to lock up but Baker leaps, getting into a head-scissors position with the arm and he takes MDE over, again looking to lock in the Emergency Landing. Another loud cheer erupts before MDE quickly rolls over and scrambles away, leaving him to look down at Baker.
MW: Baker telling MDE that he was this close to locking that in just there.
SD: But this close doesn't mean a thing. Either he locks it in or he doesn't, and MDE won't let him.
MW: We’ll see about that. Graham Baker more than matching MDE right now in this technical exchange.
Baker gets to his feet and he and MDE circle each other once more. They lock up and Baker completes a standing switch. He looks to lift MDE for a takedown but MDE blocks it and completes a switch of his own, lifting Baker and taking him down to the mat. MDE goes for a front facelock but Baker quickly transitions into a hammerlock. Keeping the hold locked in with his right arm, Baker drives his left elbow over and over into MDE’s shoulder. MDE manages to get to his knees and roll through, but he's met with a hard kick to the left shoulder from Baker, and he drops to the mat. As he gets to his knees, Baker runs at him and connects with a dropkick, again to the shoulder, before immediately looking to lock in Emergency Landing. MDE locks his hands and rolls towards Baker, but Baker rolls with him and keeps his grip on the left wrist. MDE keeps his hands locked and, for a moment, there's a stalemate. Baker decides to release the wrist and MDE pulls his arm away, but Baker springs up to his feet and lands stomps to the left shoulder. MDE begins to roll towards the bottom rope but the official blocks his way.
SD: No! No!
MW: If he rolls out of the ring, he'll be gone from FPW.
SD: Think about it, MDE!
With MDE trapped between Baker and the official, Baker continues with the stomps, but MDE manages to catch the leg and pull Baker down, jaw first, into the middle rope. Baker drops back and rolls away, giving MDE time to recover. He shakes out his left arm and flexes the shoulder a few times, before standing and moving over to Baker, who seems to be struggling to breathe. MDE reaches down for a waistlock but Baker leaps up and catches the arm again.
SD: He was playing possum. That's not fair!
MW: He must have learnt from the past two matches.
Baker locks the arm in a wrist lock and uses his foot to force MDE into a kneeling position. Baker then lands hard kicks to MDE’s left triceps. MDE tries to roll through again but Baker is ready, grapevining the arm as he does and positioning himself once again for the Emergency Landing. Again MDE blocks the hold, locking his arms and rolling towards Baker. Baker tries to roll through again but MDE is ready for it, continuing his roll and landing his forearm hard in Baker’s face. Baker releases the wrist, and MDE stomps him hard in the ribs, before stomping on his arm, his head and both ankles. MDE then drops and elbow into Baker’s ribs before rolling him over and stomping on his left shoulder.
MDE then lifts Baker, but Baker shoves him back and hits him with a dropkick once MDE tries to come forward again. Baker then moves towards the ropes and steps between the top and second rope but the official grabs hold of him before he can leave the ring.
MW: What's Baker doing?
SD: He's had enough. He knows he can't win!
MW: He's telling the official that he wants to go for his springboard lariat.
SD: But he can't leave the ring!
MW: That takes a lot of his offence out of the equation. I bet he didn't think about that when the match was announced.
SD: But I guarantee that MDE did!
With Baker talking to the official, MDE takes advantage, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him in for a German suplex, making sure that Baker rotates and lands on his left shoulder. Baker wines in pain and grabs hold of the shoulder but MDE quickly races in, stomping on the shoulder before pulling Baker up and hitting a snap suplex. MDE then locks in an arm bar on the left arm and pulls back, causing Baker to gasp in pain. MDE takes a note from Baker’ playbook and drives his left elbow into Baker’s shoulder, but can't sustain it for long as he too winces in pain.
MW: The effects of this match starting to show on both men.
SD: MDE’s in control now though. Baker won't get back into this one.
MW: Don't be so sure.
As the fans begin a rhythmic clap, Baker manages to free himself from the weight of MDE, getting back to one knee and then to both feet. He tries to flip out of the arm bar, but MDE catches him and hits a reverse DDT, positioning his knee so that he drives it straight into Baker’s shoulder. Baker rolls away and holds his left arm but MDE doesn't give him much time to recover, stomping on the shoulder again and pulling back on the arm, this time allowing Baker to get to his feet but only so that he can drape his leg over Baker and lock in an octopus hold. He wrenches back on the arm and Baker winces again. After a brief period of trying to maintain his standing position, Baker drops down to the mat, allowing MDE to pull back further on the arm and to use his left foot to repeatedly kick Baker in the ribs. The official asks Baker if he wants to quit, but he refuses, managing to free his trapped right arm and use it to catch MDE’s kicks, pulling back on his foot which causes MDE to loosen his grip just enough for Baker to free his right arm and transition into a full heel hook.
MW: What an escape from Graham Baker!
SD: But how much strength is there in his left arm to maintain his control here.
The official asks MDE if he wants to quit and he too refuses. He manages to use his free foot to kick out at Baker, landing kicks to the ribs and one to the left arm which causes Baker to release the hold. MDE rolls away and the two men remain on the mat for a few seconds. The fans begin another ‘Graham Baker’ chant as the two men begin to get to their feet. Both men eye one another and they move in, each standing slightly at an angle so as not to allow the other to reach their left arm. MDE darts down low but Baker quickly sidesteps him and aims a kick which MDE turns away from. MDE manages to use the momentum of the kick to turn Baker, aiming for a German suplex, but Baker blocks it, his leg wrapping around MDE’s. MDE tries to lift him one more time but then sweeps the leg, quickly moving to wrap Baker’s right arm under his leg and to grab his left.
SD: It's time!
MW: MDE trying to lock in the Simply Great Stretch, but Baker is fighting it.
SD: He can't fight it forever.
MDE traps the right arm and tries to pull in the left, but Baker refuses to allow MDE to get a proper hold of him. MDE slightly overreaches, allowing Baker to roll him through, release his trapped arm and make a very smooth transition into the Emergency Landing.
MW: Emergency Landing!
SD: Escape, MDE!
MW: He's got it fully locked in. This might be it.
The official stands over MDE, waiting for him to quit, but MDE doesn't. He thrashes his legs around to move Baker closer to the ropes, all the while calling out in pain. Baker pulls back as far as he possibly can but MDE manages to get right underneath the bottom rope. He slides enough so that Baker is hanging out of the ring, while MDE wraps his legs around the bottom rope. With his free arm, MDE barely manages to break Baker’s grip, causing him to fall to the floor while MDE hauls himself back into the ring, cradling his arm.
SD: It's over! Baker left the ring! He's done here in FPW.
MW: No, he isn't. He didn't voluntarily leave the ring. MDE forced him out.
SD: But… but…
MW: But nothing. Graham Baker is still in this match.
MDE slowly get to his feet, cradling his left arm heavily and he turns to go after Baker, but, to a loud cheer, Baker springboards off the top rope and takes MDE down with a lariat. He leaps up to his feet, screaming to the fans, before grabbing MDE’s left wrist once again, sensing that the end is coming. MDE links his hands and resists Baker’s attempts to lock in the Emergency Landing for a second time, but Baker aims a kick at the linked hands in an effort to break the grip. MDE releases the grip but manages to catch Baker’s foot, quickly transitioning into a half-crab, which he then transitions into an STF, before transitioning once again, trapping Baker’s right arm underneath him and quickly grabbing hold of his left before pulling that back with his leg so that both of Baker’s arms are trapped behind his back.
MW: The Simply Great Stretch. This holds makes me feel sick.
SD: It's over! There's no way Baker can escape this!
Screaming in pain but shaking his head as the official asks him if he wants to quit, Baker manages to roll over onto his back as best as he can. He then manages to use his legs to push himself up into a bridge position, all the while with the hold still applied. He then pushes off with his legs, flipping over to a standing position and forcing the hold to be broken, leaping in the air and hitting double stomp directly onto MDE’s shoulder. MDE cries out and rolls away, while Baker drops to the floor. The fans applaud loudly and another loud ‘Graham Baker’ chant breaks out.
Both men struggle to their feet and they circle each other again, once again trying to keep their left arms away from one another. Baker dives in towards the left arm but MDE manages to catch him in a waist lock and goes for a second German suplex. Baker somehow manages to land on his feet, quickly pulling MDE in for a German of his own. Baker then manages to do a backwards roll, maintaining his grip, and hits a rolling German which drops MDE straight onto his shoulder. Instead of going for the Emergency Landing, Baker lifts MDE, wrings his left arm and hits a Pele kick, sending MDE reeling towards the ropes.
MW: I've never seen Baker do that before.
SD: Now he's stealing moves? He can't beat MDE with his own move so he's stealing other people's?
MW: MDE said it himself, the only time he's ever submitted was to Zack Sabre Junior’s armbar. I remember that match well. Sabre attacked the arm like that several times. Clearly MDE isn't the only one who watches tape around here.
Baker then grabs the arm and tries to grapevine his legs around it, but MDE uses his good arm to shove him away. MDE then lands a kick to the gut and goes for a Gutwrench Powerbomb, but he can't lift Baker. He pulls away, holding his left arm as Baker stands and goes for another German suplex. This time MDE is the one who lands on his feet, and he quickly manages to trap Baker’s right arm and tries to pull in his left.
SD: Simply Great Stretch! I knew he'd get the win.
MW: But look. He's having trouble. He couldn't lift Baker for the powerbomb and now he can't pull in the arm.
MDE tries to pull in the left arm but Baker resists, and MDE doesn't have the strength left. He releases the leg and backs away towards the ropes, a look of sudden panic on his face. As quick as a flash, Baker makes it to his feet and kicks hard at MDE’s shoulder. MDE rolls over and Baker pulls him up, going for a powerbomb and sending him into the turnbuckles, his left shoulder hitting hard. As MDE staggers forward, Baker then pulls him in and hits him with a Tiger Bomb.
MW: He calls that move Ground Zero!
SD: I've never seen him do it before.
MW: He very rarely does. It's one he pulls out only when he desperately needs it.
The fans begin to cheer loudly as Baker tries to pull in the arm but MDE manages to grip his hands once again. Baker tries to pull back but it's to no avail. He doesn't have the strength to break the grip. This time he's the one who pulls back, but he doesn't hesitate. He lifts MDE and drives him towards the corner, lifting him up onto the second turnbuckle. Baker them climbs to the top rope.
MW: Ejection Seat!
SD: But this won't win him the match. He needs-
MW: Oh my God! What a transition! Emergency Landing!
Instead of a traditional top rope frankensteiner, Baker includes the arm and comes down with a perfect grip for the Emergency Landing. He fully extends the arm and the official stands over MDE, one arm pointing towards the timekeeper.
MW: MDE has to give up here. His arm is about to snap.
SD: No! Hold on MDE!
MW: He can't last much longer.
MDE writhes around in pain, trying to roll towards Baker but, when he does, he calls out in even more pain. He tries to get his right arm up to grip his left, but Baker manages to keep kicking it away. MDE finally manages to get his right arm to grip Baker’s left to force him to weaken his grasp, and he twists Baker’s left arm, causing him to call out in pain too. However, Baker kicks the arm away and pulls back even further, only able to grip with his right hand. Finally, MDE taps his right hand on the canvas, and the official moves to call for the bell, only for Baker to grab him with his injured left hand. Baker yells “Say the words!” to MDE and, after a few moments, MDE yells out “I quit!”
The fans erupt, immediately standing and applauding as Baker breaks the hold and rolls backwards. He kneels and holds his right arm aloft as his left hangs by his side. He gets to his feet and the official raises his hand as he allows his face to show all of the emotion of one of the biggest wins of his life. Baker climbs the turnbuckles as the fans chant his name one more time, and he salutes the fans on each side of the ring.
MW: There you have it. Graham Baker, the man who seemingly had more heart than brains, the man who couldn't find a way to win for months here in FPW. Graham Baker has finally picked up his first win, and he's vanquished his ultimate foe. MDE tested Baker as much as anyone possibly could, but even he couldn't resist this man.
SD: I… I can't come up with an excuse. Graham Baker deserved this win. He was the better man.
MW: He certainly was the better man tonight. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him and I think it starts right here, tonight.
In the ring, Baker drops down from the final turnbuckle as MDE staggers to his feet, his arm lifeless by his side. MDE tries to walk out of the ring but Baker stands in his way. The two men stand there for a moment, Baker looking at MDE while MDE simply looks down, before Baker extends his hand. The fans cheer as MDE looks down at Baker’s hand. After a few moments, MDE pushes past Baker and leaves the ring, which is met with a chorus of boos from the fans. Baker stares at him for a while as he makes his way up the ramp, left arm still hanging motionless by his side. Finally, Baker turns to the fans and salutes them one more time, taking in the ‘Graham Baker’ chants which fill the arena.
Backstage, TakeOver are walking to the ring. Boos are heard as they come up on the tron. They walk together and smile as they see TJ Cole standing with Jerry Bishop in the shadows behind him.
MAJ: TJ, my man.
TJ: Marcus.
MAJ: You ready for this? After tonight, no one will be in any doubt about who the real FPW Champion is. And hey, maybe I'll even give you the first shot if you pull your weight in this match.
TJ: You just worry about doing your part. I don't need a runt like you to tell me how to win my matches.
TakeOver smirk as TJ walks away.
TJ: Jerry. Come.
Jerry slinks out of the shadows with his head down, following TJ.
Match 6: TakeOver and TJ Cole v Matt Dwyer, Adam Thompson, ?? and ??
MW: Now for our main event. We have TakeOver teaming with TJ Cole to take on Adam Thompson, Matt Dwyer and…
SD: And?
MW: Well… right now they don't seem to have partners.
SD: That's because nobody wants to face off against TakeOver and nobody wants to face the power of the Friendmigos.
MW: Dwyer and Thompson have been trying all night to find themselves a set of partners, but everyone has dodged them.
SD: This one will be a walk in the park for the real FPW Champion and his very own set of friends, or amigos if you prefer.
Cult of Personality begins to play, “Look into my eyes, what do you see, a cult of personality,” and then Marcus comes out, stands at the top of the ramp and does a standing backflip, landing in a pose similar to that of Will Ospreay. Behind him, Haych and Dario emerge and the three men pose, with Haych carrying the Young Lions Cup alongside his own tag Team Title. TakeOver wait for a few seconds as his pyro hits from the base of the stage. Then they begin their walk to the ring, only stopping when the lyrics hit, “I’m the smiling face on your TV.” That’s when Marcus turns to the camera and flashes a big arrogant smile before pulling out a piece of paper, which reads “Thompson is a phoney as Roman’s push’. TakeOver enter the ring and pose together, Marcus with an arrogant smirk on his face. The three men stand together and turn to the ramp.
‘Love in Blindness’ begins to play as ‘King’ appears on the screen. The fans boo as TJ Cole walks out onto the ramp, turning to show his ring jacket, which says ‘King of FPW’. Jerry Bishop skulks out behind him, a very suspicious red mark on his left cheek, and TJ orders him down to the ring. TJ walks ahead of Jerry, taking a sign from a fan that lists Jerry and Matt as the real Friendmigos and ripping it in half. Jerry begins to pick up the halves but TJ calls him away. They enter the ring as Marcus offers TJ a hug, but TJ blows past him, leaving Marcus laughing. TakeOver look on as TJ poses on the top rope and they point and laugh at Jerry, who stands below him and takes his jacket.
MW: I don't much like them, but they're a strong team.
SD: I love them and yes they are. TakeOver and the Friendmigos, the stuff of dreams!
MW: Maybe dreams for some but they're nightmares for most.
SD: Nightmares are dreams idiot.
The lights then dim before a spotlight hits the stage. ‘The Feast and the Famine’ begins to play as Adam Thompson emerges at the top of the ramp, holding his title aloft. He points me finger at the five men in the ring before storming down the ramp. He walks up the steps and enters the ring, walking over to his opponents with no fear as Marcus makes a point of standing behind Haych and Dario, while yelling “I'm the real champion.” Thompson moves closer as the official stands between him and TakeOver, before Thompson stands on the top turnbuckle and raises his title in the air.
Once Thompson has dropped down, blue and grey lights shower the crowd. Rob Zombie's ‘Never Gonna Stop’ blares as Matt Dwyer comes out to a standing ovation with his guitar slung over his shoulder. He smiles at the reaction and raises the sign of the horns for all to see, and then makes the sign of the Friendmigos (pretty much just making an F-shape with your hand) before making his way down the ramp, bumping horns with everyone before getting into the ring. He and Thompson bump fists and they stare down their opponents, who call “is that all?” The official briefly speaks with Thompson and Dwyer before signalling for each team to choose a legal man.
MW: Well I guess that's it. It's a four-on-two handicap match.
SD: It's a massacre, that's what it is!
MW: I’m sure Dwyer and Thompson will give as good as they get.
SD: Hey, its purely a math thing. Their chances of winning are drastically lower than they would be with a partner… but even then-
MW: Lets not go there.
Dwyer and Dario stand in the ring together and begin to circle each other as the official goes to call for the bell. However, all of a sudden the lights drop and the arena goes dark. The fans begin to cheer but nothing happens for a few seconds.
MW: There's something… we seem to have an issue with the power here.
SD: This is Jim Houston taking pity. He doesn't want to see his champion pulverised.
All of a sudden wild music starts to play and strobe lights fill the arena. This goes on for a few seconds before a sun starts to rise on the tron. The camera shows a wide shot, with all of the wrestlers turned to face the ramp before a close up shows Jerry Bishop’s face, which is a mixture of shock and awe. The camera then pans to the ramp where, after the sun has fully risen, a masked man appears and begins to punch and kick the air. A few steps behind him is a masked lady, who does a spin before sitting on his knee and kissing him on the cheek as the fans are on their feet cheering.
SD: I don't believe this!
MW: He's answered the call. Now we'll see the real Friendmigos.
SD: But… but the real Friendmigos are-
MW: Don't even try to cover this up. It's Super Che Junior! He's been gone for over a year and now he's here when the Friendmigos need him most.
SD: TJ Cole looks like he's seen a ghost.
MW: And Jerry Bishop looks like he's seen one too!
The masked pair then stand, she walks towards the ring and climbs inside before the masked man raises his hand then runs down to the ring and slides inside to join her. Once in the ring he poses for the fans and lifts a hand to his ears, listening to the cheers of the amazing crowd. The masked lady then takes a microphone and finally speaks.
“Welcome, beloved citizens of the world, may I introduce you to the light in the darkness, the sparkle of life, the shining bullet of justice. May I introduce to the true son of the ropes, the first Argentine Superhero, the unique and unrepeatable Super Che Junior.”
The fans continue to cheer for Super ache as he turns, but TJ Cole rushes him. Che ducks a clothesline and ales TJ down with a dropkick. Dwyer and Thompson exchange strikes with The Invaders before sending them out of the ring. The pair turn towards Marcus, who slides out of the ring, leaving Thompson, Dwyer and Che standing together. Slowly, the three turn to one corner where Jerry Bishop stands, staring in awe at Che. Che steps towards Jerry but Matt grabs his arm. Che shakes him off and holds up his hands to tell Matt that it's ok. Che moves towards Jerry, who takes a small step forward. However, TakeOver and TJ jump the three, The Invaders taking down Dwyer and Che while TJ and Marcus take down Thompson. Haych sends Dwyer out of the ring while Dario lays out Che with a leg lariat. TJ and Marcus lay into Thompson with stomps.
The fans boo as The Invaders lift Che and hold him up for Marcus, who stands ready for a superkick. As he steps towards Che, he's taken out by Dwyer with a hard clothesline as Thompson makes it back to his feet and hits TJ with a hard right hand. Thompson and Dwyer then exchange strikes with The Invaders before sending them out of the ring. As they turn towards Marcus, who is getting to his feet, both are met with low blows from behind by TJ Cole, who throws them out of the ring. TJ then calls to Marcus, who pulls Che up to his feet. TJ hits him with straight right hands and then calls to Jerry.
Jerry steps forward reluctantly as TJ points at Che. Jerry shakes his head and tries to back away, but TJ grabs his arm and pulls him forward. TJ then slaps Jerry and yells at him that he owes everything to TJ. He then points at Che once again and Jerry begins to breathe very quickly, almost foaming at the mouth. Jerry runs at Che as the fans collectively gasp, but Jerry stops short. The fans cheer as he very slowly turns towards TJ. TJ tells Jerry to back down but Jerry just stares at him. TJ begins to look a little scared but suddenly Marcus takes Jerry down from behind and he and TJ quickly lay into him. The fans boo loudly as the two men lay into Jerry.
MW: This has completely broken down here.
SD: The match hasn't even started yet! This is chaos.
MW: But wait. Here comes Jim Houston.
Jim Houston stands on the ramp with a microphone.
“Alright, alright. TJ, Marcus, step back. Matt and Adam didn't have partners before now, but it looks like we've just found two for them. This match will take place and it will be TakeOver and TJ Cole facing Adam Thompson and a team that I like to call the real Friendmigos, Matt Dwyer, Super Che Junior and Jerry Bishop.”
The fans cheer loudly once again as TakeOver and TJ rant and rave in the ring. They turn to continue their assault of Jerry but are met by Thompson, Dwyer and Che. The ring is cleared by the three men before Thompson stands and calls for someone to start the match with him. After a brief discussion, Dario begins the match. The two men lock up and Thompson takes control, taking Dario down with a headlock takeover before hitting three straight right hands. Haych tries to get into the ring but Dwyer is immediately in and taking him off the apron. This causes Marcus and TJ to enter and once again the match breaks down, with all eight men brawling in and out of the ring.
The Invaders take on Dwyer and Che, getting the upper hand and driving them into the barricade on the outside. Thompson takes Marcusout of the ring and they battle on the outside. Jerry stands across the ring from TJ, who stares him down and yells at him that it's not to late to come back to him. Jerry begins to breathe quickly again, before diving at TJ. TJ just dodges him and slides out of the ring. Jerry follows and chases TJ around the ring, but is taken down by Paul Myers and Mark Anderson.
MW: The Hardcases!
SD: Finally, the real Friendmigos are here to defend their leader’s honour.
MW: The official has called for the bell here. This one is done, but I don't think it's over.
The Hardcases get a few shots in on Jerry before Dwyer and Che run at them. They and TJ quickly escape up the ramp, leaving both sets of Friendmigos staring each other down. Meanwhile, TakeOver lay into Adam Thompson on the outside before Dwyer and Che run them off. TakeOver escape through the crowd with Dwyer and Che staring them down. TJ and The Hardcases stand at the top of the ramp while Jerry stares them down.
MW: What a way to end the first night of the All Star Tag Team Classic.
SD: This is chaotic. Jim Houston needs to get control of this company.
MW: I have a feeling that he'll have a lot to say tomorrow night. What a show we've seen tonight. We'll see you all tomorrow.
