FPW Free-1: Pre-Tournament Promos

[Jim Houston]

See the announcement on Super Anniversary Party for the full details.

Participants Announced Sunday 15th July
Blocks Announced Sunday 22nd July
Schedule Announced Thursday 26th July

I look forward to hearing about why you should enter.

[Deleted]

Azazel shoves past people backstage. Dasha Banks approaches him.

DB: What do you think of the new Free-1 tourna-

A: GIVE. ME. JONES.

DB: Which.. one..?

A: BOTH OF THEM.

Azazel marches right to Jim Houston’s office.

[The_Aviator_GB]

At the conclusion of the Super Anniversary Party, Baker sits backstage with the Hardcore Title slung over his shoulder. He leans his head back against the wall, blood still dried on his body, while a medic plucks shards of glass out of him and begins to bandage some of his wounds. He taps the plate of the title, and cracks a smile, shaking his head before looking into a camera set up directly ahead of him.

GB: I told you all I'd do it, that Jameson didn't have a chance in hell to beat me twice in a row in a deathmatch of this caliber. He may've gotten the first fall, sure, but no one watching could say that it was deserved. That he pinned me clean, because he needed to use a shot to the nuts and a chair to keep me down. Jameson's good, sure, and he's beaten me once before, sure, but I proved that he wasn't good enough to keep me down for two falls. He knocked my ladder down, and I knocked his-problem is, I managed to evade the fires of hell...he wasn't so lucky. 

At this, Baker adjusts the title and leans back, blinking and wincing as a particularly painful shard of glass is pulled out of his back.

GB: What matters now, is this. Jameson's not coming back, so I'm not obliged to give him a rematch, nor would I after the bullshit he pulled. Dessius, you're next in line for a shot, because you felt so inclined to abuse my good ol' comrade James Saturn after you two won. But...I'm willing to offer Saturn a shot as well, because after all, he did beat you. So how about we make this a triple threat match for the Hardcore title on the first day of the Free-1 Tournament, eh? You, me, Saturn...we'll see who the real hardcore badass is out of the three of us.

Baker cracks his neck once more time, and then looks back into the camera with great intensity.

GB: And speaking of the Free-1 Tournament...I want in. I've beaten MDE, who entered the gauntlet, and I guarantee you I could've beaten MAJ after that bullshit he pulled had I been allowed to enter as I wished and put my hardcore title on the line. I did what I said I would, and I beat Jameson, and I was still rearing to go no matter how much abuse my body had taken. Houston, you wouldn't let me do that, perhaps making the right call, but now...I need you to make the right call and put me into this tournament. I'm your reigning Hardcore Champion, and I intend to stay as such for as long as it takes to prove that I'm the future of this company. 

I'm going to enter this tournament, and beat every sorry motherfucker in my way-and i'll also do this, anyone who scores a pinfall or submission victory over me in the Free-1 earns a shot at my title to cash in in the months after. Anytime, any place. You pin me, and this baby is yours for the taking...assuming you can beat it out of me. When I make it to the finals, decimating everyone in my block, and come out on top in the end to claim not only the prestigious title of the first winner of the Free-1 Tournament, but go on to collect the World Heavyweight Championship from whoever happens to be champion at our show in December...I'll show that i'm not just the future of FPW, but the now, and that i'm the fucking man in this company.

I'll be awaiting your placement, Houston. And to everyone else...i'll be awaiting you in the ring. The Aviator's here to stay...and win this whole fucking thing. 

[noname1525]

The camera focuses on the men's locker room door for a moment before it opens and Jace Mason steps out. He begins to walk down the hall before Dasha Banks runs up to him. 

Dasha: "Excuse me Jace, do you have a moment?"

Jace looks reluctant, but stops to hear what she has to say.

Dasha: "Once again, a disappointing loss here in FPW. Is there anything you have to say about that? What does the future hold for Jacce Mason?"

Jace takes a deep breath, "What does the future hold for Jace Mason?" he repeats. "To be honest Dasha, I don't even know anymore. I knew that the odds of me winning the main event were slim to none, but I'd hoped to at least qualify. Instead I came up short once again." He pauses and takes another deep breath. "But I have to look on the bright side. I still learned something from this match. I focused too much of my attention on what was at stake, and I failed to focus on my match. And that allowed Tommy to take advantage. And don't get me wrong, Tommy's a great guy, I'm glad he got that chance. I'm just disappointed it had to be at my expense."

"You heard the announcement of the Free-1 by our general manager earlier, are you planning on entering?" Dasha asks.

"I don't know Dasha" Jace replies. "A tournament like the Free-1 should consist of the best of the best, and coming off of two losses, I'm not sure I deserve a spot. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to head home and figure out this next stage in my career."

 

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston stands outside his office, a small crowd of reporters around him.

"Thank you for your time. I hereby announce that, due to his interference in our biggest match to date, Davey Jones has been disqualified from participation in the Free-1 tournament and furthermore will be banned from all Freedom Pro Wrestling events for the duration of the Free-1. After the Free-1 has concluded, I will then consider Azazel's request to face him one-on-one. In addition, I officially announce that Graham Baker will defend his Hardcore Title against Edward Dessius on the opening night of the Free-1, either as a tournament match or a special one-off singles match."

"Mr. Houston, how do you feel about our new champion?"

"I'm not happy about it. But I put together the match and I knew it was possible. The draw was unfortunate but Marcus is our rightful champion for now."

A reporter begins to ask another question but MDE walks through the crowd towards Jim Houston.

"I want in."

He walks away as Houston looks thoughtful, nodding to himself.

[Saturn]

James Saturn limps backstage rubbing his neck, groaning. He glances around and sees a cameraman and ushers him over.

"Yeah, hey.... So, I've got some stuff to say... About this Free-1 thing.. Dessius too, I also want to talk about that spiky haired fuck, Dessius."

James cracks a smile for the camera, only to let out a whimper of pain and grab his head again.

"I'll give it to you straight Eddie, you're a crazy fuck.. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you shouldn't be allowed around other people. I'll admit, knowing that you are how you are.... I probably shouldn't have egged you on so much.... But jesus dude, at first I thought you were just an obsessive massacist, now I realize you're also a demented pyschopath. You're also a coward.... And you can't handle things like an adult.... And your hair is stupid."

James then tries to put on another smile before leading the camera over to the locker room.

"That said... Graham Baker, first of all I'm honored that you consider me a friend, and I'm very grateful that you'd be willing to fight Dessius for me. But I really like your hardcore championship triple threat idea, and I've gotta thank you for that too. The triple threat will allow me to beat the snot out of Edison for being such a creepy weirdo and face off against one of the best guys in FPW all in one, so Houston, if you're seeing this I endorse Grahams triple threat idea."

James walks face first into the locker room door, stumbles back a bit, then steps inside.

"Finally, this Free-1 sounds very cool, maybe your best original idea yet Jim!"

James winks at the camera.

"And I want to participate, for a couple reasons. One..."

James holds up a finger, then sticks up two more, then puts them back down before rubbing the back of his head again

"..... I really want a shot a the FPW championship.... Like, really bad, and I haven't even had a chance to get near that thing. I mean, this Tommy Stone guy shows up..."

The cameraman interrupts

"Tommy Storm"

"What?"

"The guy, his name is Tommy Storm"

James gets back to his rambling.

"Whatever... This Tommy Stork fellow shows up, wins one match, and is immediately given a shot... Why's he get a shot? I want a shot!"

James sighs and regains his demeanor, leading the camera farther into the locker room.

"But I get it, he earned it... Whatever.. I get it. So, that's why I wanna enter the free- 1, cause I wanna earn it... And by the end of this year, I wanna be your new FPW world champion."

James stops walking, they've come to the back of the locker room, its strewn with trash and the lightbulb is flickering. In a far corner lies another one of Edward Dessius's kendo sticks.

"Ah, here we are"

James walks over to the kendo stick, takes out a match box, lights a match, and sets the kendo stick on fire. James then realizes he's in a no fire zone and stamps it out, the kendo stick is now just a bunch of twigs littered on the floor along with all the other trash.

"I should get out of here before Dessius sees this."

James waves at the camera before sprinting out of the locker room.

[Deleted]

I see you won’t put Davey in the tournament.

No matter. The child hasn’t earned it anyways.

But know this, Jim. I’m going to be taking my anger out on everybody in FPW. There won’t be a body left breathing after I win the Free-1. And then I’m going to kick Davey’s ass and then I’m going to kick MAJ’s ass.

My winning streak may be over, but MAJ sure as hell didn’t beat me. This tournament is mine for the taking.

[noname1525]

A video is uploaded to freedomprowrestling.com. The video, shot from a cell phone camera, shows a trio of women standing in an unfamiliar locker room. The one in the middle, holding the camera, is the first to speak. 

"I am the Glory Huntress, Artemis Evans. I represent The Queendom, the greatest faction in modern women's wrestling. When we arrive in any company, there are only two options, bow down before us, or we will take you out." The three women smirk at the camera. "But this isn't about us and our quest to take over," she says with a hint of a British accent, motioning to the entire group. "This is about ME and my hunt for glory," she finishes, pointing at herself. "When my former best friend and the heads of this company forgot about me, I took matters into my own hands and ensured that they would never forget me again. Now, I seek out the greatest challenges, the greatest heroes, so that when I knock them down and kick them aside, no one will forget the name Artemis Evans. And now I've set my sights on Freedom Pro Wrestling." 

She tilts the camera slightly to the side, allowing the red-headed woman on her left to take up more of the frame. "While the rest of us may not have been signed to FPW, we trust that our Executioner will represent us well, while we continue to dominate the rest of women's wrestling."

Artemis re-centers the camera as she says "Watch out FPW. I'm coming, and your world will never be the same." 

The trio smirk at the camera one more time as the video fades to black.

[marileeg17]

Several hours after the events of Super Anniversary Party...

Jack Sevren has his tag team championship slung over his shoulder as he walks through a mostly dark and quiet arena. He comes upon the locker room, where instead of finding it empty as he expected, he notices Bobby O sitting on a bench, his gaze fixated on his belt. Jack chuckles before flipping the light switch alerting Bobby of his presence. Bobby looks up at Jack and the two smile.

JS: Damn dude, you were so focused on that belt, you might as well name it CJ.

Jack chuckles but Bobby's sharp glance tells Jack he didn't find the joke funny. 

JS: Sorry, that was uh, well, that was totally uncalled for. Old habits, die hard I guess. Still not really used to the whole, us not being enemies thing quite yet. I suppose these belts will make that process move a little quicker.

Bobby just shakes his head before cracking a small smile of his own and looking back at his title.

BO: Your comment about CJ notwithstanding...Yeah, this whole thing has taken some serious getting used to but here we are, tag team champions. Never in a million years would I have expected that. You and me. Wow.

Jack laughs as he notices Bobby isn't meeting his gaze.

JS: Earth to Bobby! Come in Bobby! I'm as happy as you are to be one-half of the tag champs but you're fixated on that thing like you've never won a title before. And I know for a fact you have, several of them. And big deal ones too. Like, weren't you WWE tag team champion with Randy? That's a pretty big accomplishment winning a belt in the E. Not for nothing, but this is a small not super well-known indy. I can't imagine this title means more to you than the ones you won in WWE and NXT.

Bobby finally looks up at Jack before slinging the title over his shoulder and walking over to one of the mirrors in the room. 

BO: That's where you're wrong Jack. This title means more to me, so much more than anything else I won previously because for the first time in my career, I feel like I accomplished something on my merit. I didn't use the Orton name in NXT but my dad was the one who put in the good word that got me my foot in the door. When I won the NXT title, I knew I was talented, but I could never really know if that was all there was to it. Then on the main roster, it was my association with Randy that got me thrown to the top of the cards. I didn't really get to show what I was capable of since I was living in his shadow. And you already know what happened at 50/50. I may have beaten you for the title but there was no denying I had help. I only got the belt because William wanted the Orton last name as a draw for his promotion. I was his cash cow and the guy he played for a fool. Nothing more. But this title, this symbolizes something. I was out of wrestling. I went to jail for assaulting a worker. I honestly thought it was done. Jack, I had to beg Jim Houston just to take a chance on me. Everything I've done since then, everything I've done here in FPW, it's been about me proving something to Jim, to these fans, to myself, that I'm not that guy anymore. This title, I won it on my merit. I was handed anything, we weren't handed anything. We had to earn our opportunity like anyone else. We had to deal with the prick of the century constantly in our faces. Well, it backfired this time and I can't tell you just how satisfying that all was. That match, that was me at my absolute best, giving it everything I have. And for the first time in a long time, everything I had was good enough to get the job done on my own.

JS: Well, I mean you did have a tag team partner so maybe don't focus on the "on my own" line when you spill your guts in front of the fans.

Bobby can't help but laugh.

BO: I'm not practicing a promo on you, geez. The reason I'm telling you this is because well, you and I are in this together now whether we like it or not. It's not just about a common goal of taking down TakeOver anymore. We're tag team champions. That means something. And that means that you mean something...So yeah, you're right, I didn't do it on my own. I did it with my mortal frenemy. That might even be more impressive.

Jack laughs as well as he takes a seat next to Bobby, who has returned to the bench.

JS: So, this team thing, we're really sticking with it huh?

BO: Unless you want me to defend the championships by myself, then yeah, we're sticking with it.

JS: Well then, we need a name, and an entrance and possibly matching gear.

BO: A name?

JS: Yeah, obviously. Every badass team has one. DX, the Road Warriors, Brothers of Destruction, ooo, how about Rated RKO? Huh, huh?

Jack chuckles as he nudges Bobby's shoulder, who just rolls his eyes.

BO: I guess I wasn't thinking about a name. I spent the better part of my career trying to get away from a name, from being reduced to the son of X, the brother of Y. Names aren't all that important to me. But, I think you're right. We're a united front now, we should have a name to show it. Just please, let's stay away from ones that have already been taken. And don't make it anything corny like---

JS: Double-O Sevren.

Bobby looks horrified as Jack has a huge grin on his face.

JS: That's perfect. Double-O Sevren.

BO: I thought I said nothing corny.

JS: See, all I heard was "Pick whatever you want Jack, your brilliant, sexy beast."

Jack gets up and heads for the door.

JS: I'm telling Houston right now so he can get us announced as such for our title defense.

Bobby still doesn't like the name but he sees no point in fighting Jack. He just shakes his head as Jack runs out the door. A few seconds pass before Jack returns, somewhat of a neutral expression on his face.

BO: If you hadn't run out of here so fast I would have told you Jim left an hour ago.

JS: I'll just tell him later...In the meantime, I saw this on Jim's door. It says he mentioned this during the show but I guess I was just too busy to notice.

Bobby takes the paper and hands it back to Jack without much thought.

BO: I noticed it.

Jack frowns at Bobby for not telling him.

JS: So, you're entering right? I know I sure as hell will be.

BO: I wasn't going to, no.

JS: Oh come on, it's the Free-1. What if Marcus enters? You might get your chance to get your hands on him, or hell, even better...You and I could match up. I know we're on the same team now but we've still got unfinished business. Our head-to-head reads 1-1. You can't tell me you don't want to settle that with a friendly rubber match?

Bobby thinks about it. Part of the reason he didn't plan to enter the tournament was that very possibility. He and Jack had been gelling well as a team and he didn't want anything to get in the way of that. Especially now that they had the tag team titles to think about. But Bobby also knew that when Jack had his mind set to something, he was too stubborn to back down ever. He was entering that Free-1 and now, Bobby knew he had to as well.

BO: The chance to beat two jackasses in the same tournament? How could I possibly say no?

JS: Oh, I'm so going to look forward to kicking your ass all over the ring Baby O.

Both Jack and Bobby smile as Jack once again leaves the room. Alone again, Bobby takes one more longing look at the title and smiles one of the biggest smiles he has in some time.

[Jim Houston]

The video begins with a dark street. A general buzz of noise can be heard before the camera turns to a pub with several English flags at the front. There are a few men outside the pub smoking and looking downtrodden, pints of lager in their hands. After a few moments, a group of young lads come through the door and begin walking up the street. The five of them walk with their arms around one another singing...

Lads: It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming... football's coming home! It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming... Three lions on a shirt! Never stop believing. 30 years of hurt.

From the opposite direction, a larger man walks with hands in his pockets and his head down. As the lads and the man get closer together, he walks off to one side to walk around them.

Lad: Oi!

The man ignores him.

Lad: Oi! Mate! Why so sad? Fucking semi-finals innit. Show some fucking pride mate.

The man slows slightly, but continues walking, shaking his head. The lad who was shouting to him stands in front of him, blocking his path. The man stops and raises his head and showing his identity. It's MDE.

Lad: You fucking deaf mate? Fucking sing with us. Yeah we fucking lost but who fucking cares. Lighten up you stuck up prick.

MDE tries to walk on but the lad and his mate grab him by the arm and pull him round. MDE twists one of their arms into a hammerlock and manages to do the same to other with just his right hand.

Lad: Whoa mate. We don't want any trouble. We're just proud of the fucking lads ain't we? No need to look so down about it.

MDE: I don't care about 'the fucking lads'. I don't care whether your precious team won or lost. But here you are, celebrating losing like it's a badge of honour, like losing when you've tried hard is better than winning, like being humble in defeat is better than winning and being proud. That's what wrong with people in this country. They'd rather support a nice loser than a winner who knows how good he is. They'd rather be the one who loses gracefully and goes home smiling because 'it's the taking part that counts'. Bullshit. Winning is all that matters. Your little bunch of good losers lost. And that's what you'll all do if you keep getting in my face. Get out of my way.

MDE shoves the two lads to the ground as their friends look on. He begins walking when one of them calls after him.

Lad: I know who you are... you're that wrestler who lives round here aren't you?

MDE turns and looks at the lad.

Lad: My mate likes all of that bollocks. He's says you're shit. You only live down here because if you move up to London you'll be a nobody. He says you're fucking boring. You talk about winning like you know anything about it. When did you last come so close to winning anything important? Fuck off.

MDE: When did I last come so close to winning anything important? My last match in the USA, where they value winners, where they deride losers and say that a good loser is just a loser. I came this close to beating Azazel and I guarantee if I had I'd be FPW Champion right now. In a few short weeks I'm planning to enter the Free-1 tournament, potentially the biggest independent wrestling tournament outside of Los Angeles, and I plan to defeat every single person in my block and then go onto win the final to guarantee myself a shot at the FPW Championship in December. And when I do, I'll be sure to bring my contract back here and wave it in every single fans face at these tiny local shows. Those fans are only there to catch a glimpse of me doing what I do best. Without me, there is no local wrestling. I put this place on the map, and when I win that FPW Championship and get the chances I deserve, I'll wipe the place right back off the map again and you'll go back to being a nothing town in a nothing county in a nothing country. Now get out of my way or I'll show you just how boring I can be.

MDE briefly squares up to the lads, who take a small step back before letting him continue on down the road.

[marileeg17]

www.youtube.com/freedompro

A video begins to play with narration:

"Seven men entered...But of those seven, only one man emerged with the greatest prize in this industry. Outlasting six mere mortals, he entered as a human only to emerge as a god. A god among his peers, lowly peers, all of whom should count themselves lucky to worship at his feet. We are not worthy. We have not earned what is coming. A true champion, the one we've prayed for, is finally here. To legitimize this company, this title, this business. He is not a pro wrestler, but rather he is the pure, raw essence of wrestling itself. His name is synonymous with greatness. His name IS greatness. You will never know him but you've always known of him. You've worshipped him from afar. His kingdom come, his will be done. Introducing to you for the first time ever, your king, your idol, your god among men, Marcus Allen Jones!"

As the narration ends, Marcus is seen standing in the center of the ring, spotlights all around him. Next to him is a small wooden table covered with a cloth. Before Marcus speaks, the chorus from Queen's "We are the Champions" blares loudly over the speakers. As the camera pans in, it's clear that the arena is empty with the only light in the place shining on the champion, who has a mic in his hand.

MAJ: As I look around this room, I see the people who inspire me, the people who pushed me to achieve my dreams, the ones who I credit for helping me reach this pinnacle. Without them, without the guys and girls in the back whose best made me give my best, I wouldn't be here today. You understand that Freedom locker room and Freedom Fighters, without all of you in this arena right now, I would not standing here your proud, humble champion. So to everyone in these seats, I thank you.

A few seconds follow of the camera panning the thousands of empty seats before returning to Marcus who has the biggest and most obnoxious grin on his face.

MAJ: Oh, oh wait a second. There's no one here and by now, I imagine everyone in the back went home as well. So when I say thank you to all of the people in the arena, I mean to thank no one. You people watching at home or paying for tickets to come see my show, you don't deserve an ounce of my gratitude. You didn't become champion, I did, and I did it without a damn bit of help from any of you. And the same goes for my peers if it's even right to call you that. But really, peers are people on your level, in your league and not one of you is that. Your best didn't push me to be my best. I did that on my own. I'm never not my best and honestly, even if anyone of you were on that night, your best just wouldn't have been good enough. There is no wrestler in the world quite like me so for those who think I'm just some cheap knockoff, keep thinking that. I'm sure that thought will help you sleep at night. Meanwhile, I'll be sleeping like a fuckin' baby with money under my pillow and the title belt by my side. So to all of you and I mean all of you, try developmental before coming for my title. Because if you swing at the king, you best not miss. Or else you'll learn the same way Azazel and the Bishop twins, Clutch McCloud, MDE and Tommy Storm did. If you swing at the king and you miss, you might as well just tuck tail and go home.

Marcus begins to walk around the table.

MAJ: It's no secret what's under here. This is the moment, the big reveal, the part when all of you get to see my side plates. And I thought about it, I thought long and hard what I'd do but sideplates, they just didn't seem right. They just didn't seem...enough. So I decided to change it up a little. Are you all ready to see him? Are you ready to see Marcus Jr? He's quite exquisite if you ask me and he's ready to make his royal debut to the world. Shall we?

Marcus pulls the sheet off and reveals a brand new looking belt that has sideplates with a crown and the initials MAJ underneath in gold lettering. But the coup de tat is the center plate. Where the FPW logo was originally displayed, it has now been replaced with something that looks like a mirror. Only when you look closely, it's not whoever is looking into the mirror's face that you see, but rather Marcus'. He holds the belt up to the camera to reveal the image.

MAJ: I just wanted all of you to see what I see. Because when you look in a mirror, you see mediocrity and self-loathing. But when I look into a mirror, I see pure, unadulterated greatness. And now, that's what everyone else will see whenever they look at my championship. They'll see my greatness and maybe some part of them will aspire to it. I hope my efforts will raise the level of competition in this place because if they don't, I might have to take MJ and defend him somewhere else. 

Marcus pauses.

MAJ: Look at me. I'm the smiling face on your TV. I am the person women fantasize about and the person men wish they could be. I personify what it takes to have success in this industry. I am everything I say I am and did everything I said I'd do. I ended Azazel's streak and conquered 5 other men in the process. And now, I'll get the chance to have my greatest joy when I prove all of you wrong again. Your paper champion, he wants his title back. But to be the man you have to beat the man and Adam, you can't beat me. You couldn't beat me if my hands were tied behind my back and I was blindfolded. You're a pathetic excuse for a wrestler and an even more pathetic excuse for a man. Just like your beloved England, you'll have a front row seat from home to watch someone else win your precious gold. And just like England, you'll never, ever be world champion again. As for the rest of you, I'm not sure what else I have to prove. I beat six men in one night. Not a single one of those idiots deserves a shot at this title. They should be the ones proving themselves...And that brings me to the Free-1. To think, they call me the knockoff...Anyway, this might be the one thing Jim Houston has done as an owner that isn't utter shit. Because the next person who challenges for my belt will have earned it. And it's for that reason that I would like to announce my entry into the Free-1. Now, I know what you all must be thinking, "But Marcus, you're already champion. Why enter a tournament to be the #1 contender?" The answer, you simple-minded buffoons, is that if I'm the #1 contender, it means no one else is. And since I've beaten every pathetic excuse for a wrestler here, why not easily become the #1 contender for my own belt? Hell, I could lay down for myself. Or better yet, put on a 5-star, eat-your-heart-out-Dave-Meltzer classic. The options are endless. When I win the Free-1 and become both the champion and the challenger, all of you will have no choice but to acknowledge what I've said from day one. No one can touch me. No one even comes close. And if you don't recognize greatness as it stands in front of you, you can just continue to cry to your mommies about how your favorite wrestler lost because he's not as good as me.

MAJ: So, word to the locker room. Enter the Free-1 or don't. Just know, at the end of the tournament, the result is going to be the same. My hand will be raised, my name will be announcing. "He is the winner of the Free-1 and STILL the FPW World Champion, Marcus Allen Jones!"

Marcus leaves the ring but not before giving two middle fingers to the camera and shoving it away.

A black screen then appears to end the video: Marcus Allen Jones has officially entered the Free-1. 

[Deleted]

* The scene starts with Dasha, a purple carpet, sponsored banners and a group of photographers waiting to take pictures of the stars who will appear * 

Dasha Banks: Welcome Freedom Fighters, we are here at the LoF Anniversary Party waiting for the guests and the first ones to arrive are the Mighty Couple, the Mysterious Masked  Woman and Super Che Junior.

* Both masked heroes come to meet Dasha after being taken a few shots for the photographers, they greet her politely before the interview starts* 

DB: Well Missy and Che we are happy to have you here tonight to celebrate another anniversary of the foundation of the League of Friendmigos. After dethroning TJ Cole and getting back the power to call yourselves the Migos, what are your thoughts about the future?

SCJ: I speak for both of us when I say that we are extremely happy, as are Matt and Jerry, to have the right to call ourselves Friendmigos again.

MMW: These have been difficult times for the League but with the help of our Migos out there and the hard work of the guys we finally get what was ours from the beginning.

SCJ: Stay tune fellas, now that we have our trademark back we can continue our self-financed sitcom and with the extra money we got Jerry a new sister!!!

* Dasha seemed confuse about Che’s last comment but she managed to compose herself and continue the interview * 

DB: Che, the last time you got inside a ring it was on a Tag Team Match with Matt at your side instead of Jerry. How do you felt about your new tag partner? We know you’re more used to share the squared circle with Jerry. Also, why did you lost? It was the lack of experience on Matt in the art of tag team matches?

SCJ: First, about the loss, after a big battle like the Friendmigos Civil War was, our heads relaxed, our bodies were shattered and we couldn’t bring our A game . The Renegades won that match fairly because they were best that night but that will not happen twice. Matt, Jerry and I are friends; we train, travel, have fun and spend a lot of time together. It’s true Jerry and I do have more experience being a tag team, but Matt is part of the group and our chemistry is amazing. In tag matches if a team losts it’s not cause of one of the wrestlers, it’s both fault. We need to keep working and improving to be the best team we can be. That’s the only way to get a chance to face the Double-O Sevren and become Tag Champions ourselves.

DB: So you’re saying that you will not be part of the Free-1 Invitational Tournament that will take part the next month on freedomprowrestling.com?

SCJ: I’m just getting back on track and enjoying every second of it. I think there are people who deserve this chance more than me. If I’m able to get in I’ll give till my last drop of sweat to win the tournament and make myself the #1 contender.

DB: As you said before, Jerry have met his younger and *new* sister, Berry. We saw he has been struggling with the notice and they already had the chance to share the FPW ring at our last show. How do you think the relationship will go from here? She’ll be the second Friendmiga to join the League?

* Missy takes the lead and answers Dasha’s question * 

MMW: Jerry has been struggling with a lot of things lately. From the Friendmigos Civil War and how TJ treated him, to the chance to get his hands on the FPW Championship and the negative of Mr Houston to bring his bear to the ring, these were tough and stressful times for him. About her sister, Berry seems like a nice girl, she idolizes him and Jerry is a lovely guy. When they’ll get to know each other their relationship will grow strong. Also, Berry as anyone has the open doors to become a Friendmigx

DB: Thank you guys for your time and have a nice night at the party.

MMW: We want to thank you Dasha for being here helping us at the purple carpet but I have to make a correction. This is not our Anniversary, we were happy to be back together but also sad because none of us got a win at the FPW Anniversary Party, so we decided to make our own party as other non-friendly Migo did by himself. Instead of his celebration, this is not a coronation; this is our “At leas we tried party” from now known as “ALWTP”.

SCJ: We will have fun tonight and for the first time we’ll held the unique FriendMigrammy ceremony who will be given to the best Friendmigo in FPW. Stay tune fellas, this is just beginning.

* The Mighty Couple walks to the Friendmigos Headquarters’ entrance- none other than Mr Houston office- waiting for Azrael to allow them to enter to the party and leaving a corpsing Dasha Fuentes * 

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop in the locker room, unlacing his boots and quietly muttering to himself. Dasha Banks approaches for a few words.*

DB: I’m sorry, Jerry, I know you’re in a bit of an awkward moment right now, but I’d like to get your point of view at the moment?

*Jerry takes a deep breath and shakes the cobwebs off, turning to Dasha with a genuine smile.*

JB: Sure, Dasha, what would you like to know?

DB: Well, considering that you weren’t the only Bishop to enter the gauntlet match for the FPW Championship, how do you feel about Berry’s insertion into the championship picture? And do you think she deserved it?

JB: I won’t question Mr. Houston’s decisions about who entered the gauntlet match; if he thought Berry was ready, then she was ready. Personally, that was the first time I’d ever seen her in the ring, and she was terrific. She held her own against one of the most dominant forces in FPW today. Had she been successful in taking out Azazel, I would’ve been honored to face her in the ring. And I’m quite touched that she’s adopted the Touchstone Takedown. I always did like that move. All of that aside, she still is my sister. If we’re ever in a head-to-head situation, I will fight with every ounce of fire and fun that runs through my veins, but until that time comes she has my complete support. I could not be more proud of her.

DB: Now that the League of Friendmigos is back to its proper standing, as it were, should any of the members of the League enter the Free-1 Tournament, how would you feel facing them in the ring?

JB: Oof, that’s a toughie. I love these guys, and I know their styles like the back of my h- *Jerry looks to his gloved hand* well, you know. Che’s always been the most flippy out of our trio. Once he hits those ropes, he doesn’t stop for anything. And Matty’s one of the best competitors I’ve seen, and I think his record defending the Friendmigo honor speaks for itself. If I were to go against them, I hope that they know there are no hard feelings, and I will offer my hand to any opponent before and after any match I have.

DB: Even Marcus?

JB: ...well, maybe any opponent.

[veggieleezy]

*A short time later, Dasha approaches Berry Bishop as she skips through the backstage area.*

DB: Excuse me, Berry-

BB: Oh, hi, Dashy! Is it okay if I call you Dashy? Oh, I hope it is, because it’s such a good name for you! What’s up?

DB: Um- *cough* Berry, you’ve just made your debut in the FPW ring-

BB: I know, isn’t it exciting? I’ve never been more excited! Except for when I finally met my big brother Jerry, and we were all like “YAY We’re family!”

DB: Right... But Berry, you lost your debut match, isn’t that at least a little demoralizing?

BB: I don’t quite know that that means, but sure I’m a little bit sad that I lost. But that meant that Jerry got to have his chance! That Azazel fella’s a really tough egg! And I should know, I eat eggs for breakfast every day! That’s how I’ve got these muscles, see?

*Berry flexes to show moderate muscles*

DB: Um, impressive?

BB: Thanks! I may have lost my first match, but that sure isn’t gonna be my last! I’m gonna learn from my big brother and fight for what’s right and good about wrestling; fun and putting on a great show. If Mr. Houston would allow me to compete in the Freedom-1 Tournament, I would happily accept.

DB: Even if you end up facing Jerry?

*Berry thinks deeply on this before answering*

BB: Well, in that case, it’d just be sibling rivalry, right? No hard feelings, so no one gets hurt! All’s well that ends well! Tata!

*Berry skips away cheerfully as Dasha shakes off the overdose of Bishop Family she’s had to go through.*

[Jim Houston]

Dasha Banks stands in a studio with a screen behind her, on which is the FPW logo. She stands in front of a podium which features the logo for the Free-1 tournament.

DB: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Free-1 announcement show. Tonight I will shortly be joined by Jim Houston, who will reveal all 12 participants of the upcoming Free-1 tournament. This ground-breaking spectacle will take place throughout the month of August with the winner receiving a spot in the main event of our season end show in December to face the FPW Champion. Tonight we find out the pool of wrestlers that the winner could come from.

A highlights package plays, showing key moments from the past year in FPW. It shows Adam Thompson retaining his title in a triple threat at the beginning of the year, the fracturing of the Friendmigos, The Invaders vanquishing Anarchy, Nick Jameson winning the Hardcore Title, Graham Baker’s feud with MDE, Marcus stealing the title and Thompson claiming it back, the Civil War match, Thompson’s injury, Baker winning the Hardcore Title, Jack and Bobby winning the tag team classic and then the titles and finally Marcus Allen Jones standing tall with the title at the end of the Super Anniversary Party.

DB: What a year it has been for Freedom Pro Wrestling and what a year it will no doubt continue to be. The Free-1, three more signature shows including our end of season spectacle and much more to come which is yet to be announced. But enough of the future. Let's talk about now and let's welcome our general manager Jim Houston.

Jim Houston walks onto the stage and steps up to the podium.

DB: Welcome Mr. Houston.

JH: Thank you Dasha. It's a great honour to be here to personally reveal each of the participants of the Free-1 tournament, a tournament which I hope to become an annual tradition here in FPW. So let's start with our first entrant, our esteemed champion, the man who has redesigned, or, some might say, defaced, our championship belt, Marcus Allen Jones. Marcus wanted to win the tournament so he can declare that there are no challengers for his crown. I look forward to seeing what he can do. Next, we have some no-brainers. Azazel has been undefeated for most of his time here in FPW and he has a genuine grievance with our champion, so I doubt anyone will be more motivated than he will be. Adam Thompson will make his in-ring return in the Free-1 as he looks to get his title back and Clutch McCloud will return to full-time action in this tournament.

DB: What a start!

JH: Indeed it is. Those four men might well be our headliners but we have a lot of other talented entrants. Our resident wrestling machine MDE and his long-time rival Graham Baker will both enter, as will Friendmigos Jerry Bishop and Super Che Junior. Recently returning star Edward Dessius will claim a spot, as will the man who defeated him on his return James Saturn. A man who won his debut match and impressed in his second, Tommy Storm, will also enter, which very high expectations of his performance. As for our last spot, there were several in contention, but that spot will go to Berry Bishop, who will have the chance to show her unique skill-set over at least five matches.

DB: So that completes our line-up. On the screen now you can see each of the 12 participants. I'm sure there will be a lot of questions about these entrants, but first of all, there are some notable names not involved. Haych, Dario, Bobby O, Jack Sevren, Matt Dwyer and others. Can you talk to us about their lack of involvement?

JH: Of course. Jack and Bobby are our new Tag Team Champions and I'd rather them stick to tag team competition, as I would The Invaders, who I'd rather not have around given their propensity for involving themselves in our champion’s matches. Matt Dwyer was in contention for our final spot, as was Jace Mason, but Mason chose to build some momentum before returning to action here after a disappointing start to his FPW career and Matt has been nursing some injuries since tangling with TJ Cole, so I'd like him to rest those up a little.

DB: So who sticks out as a potential winner to you?

JH: I'm looking at Adam Thompson, Azazel, MDE or maybe even Tommy Storm, all of whom have the talent to go all the way, but I think there could be good showing from both Friendmigos and Graham Baker. James Saturn has all the talent in the world to surprise us, while Dessius is vicious enough to pick up some big wins and Berry Bishop is a bit of an unknown. Honestly, it's unpredictable and that's something I like a lot.

DB: Have you begun to think about the blocks?

JH: I have a rough idea. In fact, there's about four different options that I have in mind. But I'd like to hear from the participants. Who do they want to face? Who do they want to avoid? Should I put allies, or family, in the same block or should I separate them? One week from today, we'll find out.

DB: Well thank you to Mr. Houston for joining me today and thank you to all of you for tuning in here on freedomprowrestling.com. We'll be back next week to reveal the two blocks. Bye!