FPW Free-1: Pre-Tournament Promos

[Deleted]

The jumbo tron screen in the FPW arena flashes black and orange static. The screen clears up and Tommy Storm is standing in front of a FPW banner.

The fans cheer loud and chant “FIGHT…TOMMY…FIGHT”

TS: “Everyone wants to know what I think about what happened at Super Anniversary Party…well here is what I think, My match with Jace was a damn good match and I do respect the fight that Jace put up. However, just like I said at the end of that match I got the 3 count and my hand raised. I show the kid some respect that night and the more I think about it the more that I will say loud and proud I respect Jace and will be more than happy to step into the ring with him anytime anyplace once again.

The fans cheer and chant “one more time”… “One more time”… “One more time”

TS: Now after that I was the one of the first men into the ring for the gauntlet match for the FPW world title. Yes I did not win and yes I was the first man eliminated but I take no shame in the as Azazel is one of the best in the world today and I took him to a new level that I thought would be enough…well as it turns out he has levels upon levels and proved it by making it all the way to the end and in my mind is the true and uncrowned FPW Champion!

The Fans cheer in agreement!

TS: Marcus Allen Jones…as of now you may have the title belt but you are not a true champion. You are a coward and soon enough the people you have pissed off will kick your ass!

The fans cheering and agreement gets louder!

TS: As for what’s next it’s all about the Free-1! Mr. Houston let me make this very clear so this I want in to the Free-1!!!!! I will go into that massive war and through every battle I will stand tall at the end of the whole thing and get a shot at the FPW World Title!!!! I am Tommy Storm…Beat…wait wait wait…I have one more thing to say… James Saturn, the next time you have a thought in that crazy mind of yours that involves my name you better make sure you put some respect on my name and say it correctly! My name is Tommy Storm, and if you need some help remembering that, then double check you have balls, and walk into Mr. Houston’s office and tell him that you want to be in the same block as Tommy Storm! Just know James that if you do that then you better pray to whatever god you believe in cause your ass belongs to me and I plan to kick the hell out of it to make sure you never forget who the hell I am! BEAT ME IF YOU CAN! SURVIVE IF I LET YOU!

The jumbo tron screen in the FPW arena flashes black and orange static. Fades to black.

[Deleted]

I don’t care who I face.

I just want Jones.

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Marcus Allen Jones polishing his trophy case. He opens the case and fluffs the pillow for his FPW Championship title belt. He closes the trophy case door and sees Jerry and Berry Bishop standing behind him in the reflection of the glass.*

MAJ: HOLY SHIT!

*He spins around clutching his chest.*

MAJ: CHRIST, Bishop, how do you *do* that?!*

JB: Slippers. See?

*Jerry and Berry raise their feet to show fluffy slippers with little clown hats on the toes.*

MAJ: Right, sure. Well, what do you want?

JB: Well, Berry thought it’d be a good idea if-

MAJ: Berry?

BB: Berry Bishop, nice ta meetcha!

*Berry extends her hand to shake, Marcus reluctantly accepts and she pumps his hand enthusiastically, shaking him as well.*

MAJ: B-Bishop?

*Berry nods cheerfully and Jerry smiles*

MAJ: *to himself* My god, there’s two of them...

JB: Anyway, Berry thought it’d be a good idea that since we haven’t always gotten along, we’d give you a cake for your birthday to try and smooth things out!

MAJ: Cake?

BB: Uh huh! I made it myself!

*Berry produces a massive blue cake from seemingly nowhere with the words “Happy birthday Marcus Alan Jones” in metallic purple on the top*

BB: I wasn’t sure how to spell your name, but I hope you like it?

*Marcus stares at the cake for a moment and shakes the cobwebs out. He takes a deep breath before proceeding.*

MAJ: Look. *gesturing to Jerry* Clown. *gesturing to Berry* And smaller, girl clown. I don’t know what you two wackos are thinking, but it’s not my birthday.

JB: It isn’t? I could’ve sworn it was today. Or someone’s birthday, right?

BB: Yeah, you have it on your calendar and everything in the Friendmigo HQ.

JB: Hold on...

*Jerry takes out his pocket planner, surprisingly large given his tights have no pockets, and flips through.*

JB: ...wait, who wrote this? Does that say Marcus? Magnus? Marilee? Miriam? ...Moses?

MAJ: Well, time to get a new calendar. Now get out of my face.

*Berry sighs and Jerry pats her shoulder reassuringly as they turn to leave.*

MAJ: ...aw, dammit, wait a minute.

*Berry perks up and Jerry turns as well.*

MAJ: ...you can leave the cake.

BB: Oh, goodie! I know you’ll love it! Thanks, Markie!

*Berry nearly tackles Marcus with a big hug. Marcus stands frozen stiff.*

JB: Come on, Berry, we’ve got some training to do for the big tournament.

BB: Right! See ya, Markie!

*The Bishops trot away, Jerry explaining the finer points of Friendmigoship, Berry taking earnest notes on a pink and purple notepad. Marcus reaches behind his trophy case to his mini fridge and pops open a cold “Marcus Ale-n Jones”, a craft beer he hired a local brewery to produce. He takes a deep swig and shakes his head.*

MAJ: Fuckin’ hell... Two of them...

[The_Aviator_GB]

At a local news affiliate in Graham Baker's 'hometown' of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a news reporter welcomes Baker on for a morning segment. A hometown crowd goes decently wild as Baker steps out from backstage, his hardcore title strapped around his waist while he wears an uncharacteristic button-up and a pair of blue jeans. He motions to the title, before unstrapping it and setting it down on the table. He embraces the host, who'd seen Baker years before when he was first starting out and bringing a ton of fire to the wrestling scene in the area, but it's clearly been a few years. The host opens the segment.

Television Host: So, Graham, it's been a while, but you've clearly grown a ton. Last time you were on, you were a youngblood hoisting that Wired title high in the air...and now you've gone and gotten yourself a proper contract with a proper promotion, and a proper title around your waist! How's the journey treated you thus far?

GB: I've got to be honest, man, I'm not entirely sure how i've gotten here. Still a little concussed from the whole 'fighting for a living' thing.

The crowd lets out a subtle laugh, before Baker begins speaking again.

GB: It's been a wild ride, though. Freedom Pro's been great to me, even if I took a little while to catch my stride there, I've still made a hell of an impression on their fans. Houston's a good boss, even if he's a little questionable at times, and, well the tag champions are well deserved! Invaders were a right bunch of bastards, and i'm glad to see good ol' boys like Sevren and Bobby bring those titles home...although I've got a bit of personal stake in The Renegades making their own history with 'em. Freedom Pro's a bastion of great talent, even people like MDE who i've had rivalries with have helped me bring out some of my best performances and given me some of the best matches of my career-and with them, i'm only just getting started.

The crowd applauds, and the host takes back over.

TVH: Of course, and you're good to put over those talents, but what do you feel about the new Freedom Pro Wrestling champion, Marcus Allen Jones? Jones has made a hell of a storm on social media recently, but when we reached out to the office for him to make an appearance during your Sixty Minutes of Freedom tour, Mr. Houston seemed a little hesitant to let him represent the company on live television like that. You also seem to disparage Jones, as well. Care to speak on that?

GB: Honestly, I was hoping you'd ask, because I have a ton to say on MAJ, but no one seems to want to hear it, so I might as well say it here. As far as i'm concerned, MAJ is a paper champion and nothing more. The bastard can't win matches clean, yet Houston decides to give him another shot after he tossed away his first one, and lo and behold, he walks out with the title. He couldn't beat Elizabeth Karlson clean, he had to rely on Dwyer hitting a guitar shot and falling victim to his own pranks. He couldn't beat Adam Thompson clean, he had to have his Invader buddies beat the shit out of him first. He couldn't even beat Azazel clean after Azazel went through hell...he had to rely on Davey Jones putting him down first. Thompson, Dwyer, Karlson, Azazel, pretty much everyone in that gauntlet match...they're all competitors that would be better champions than MAJ, but instead Houston felt so compelled to do the 'right thing' that he ended up paving the way for the 'worst thing'. 

In fact, i'd go as far as to say that MAJ is no champion at all, just a man holding a belt. I've fought my way up the ranks, I beat MDE in a submissions match and submitted Jeremiah Johnson, then beat Nick Jameson two falls to one in a Three Stages of Hell match. I've fought for my title, and I intend to make every defense without any sort of bullshit involved, be it Dessius or Saturn or MDE or any motherfucker who comes for me. I'm a fighting champion, and because of that, this belt means more than the Freedom Pro Wrestling World Championship, because the man holding it will do anything to win with honor, distinction, and glory. If MAJ wants to test that, he's more than welcome to.

TVH: So you're saying that MAJ's belt means nothing as long as he's holding it? Is this the attitude you intend to carry into the Free-1 tournament next month?

GB: Absolutely. I don't know who's going to win that tournament, but I've got a few ideas in mind, and i'm sure literally any one of them would be better than Jones. Blocks and matches haven't been announced quite yet, but if by any stroke of luck I end up paired with MAJ, I intend to beat him clean and lay my claim for his fucking belt. I missed out on the gauntlet only because I tore myself to ribbons earlier in the night, but that doesn't mean that I'm done gunning for that belt. I've submitted MDE, and I guarantee you had I been in the gauntlet, I would've done it again, along with beating every other motherfucker in my way. 

You hear me, MAJ? Houston? When I face you, it doesn't matter if you've got yourself, two invaders, and a goddamned shotgun, I'm going to tap you the fuck out and stake my claim. 

TVH:...alrighty then, and what do you feel about the rest of the field in the Free-1?

GB: Honestly, i'm curious to see how everyone does. Jerry Bishop's a seasoned competitor, and i'm hoping i'll be able to scrape my teeth against him. His sister seems like an interesting test, too, no matter how new she is, so i'm excited to face off with her as well. Super Che Jr's a match i've wanted for years, we're both masters of the whole aerial thing in one way or another, so I'd love to try and throw myself into the ring with him and see what sorta show we get from it. Tommy Storm's a fresh talent, too, and while I've heard plenty about his reputation from him and others, I'm excited to see where he goes coming out of this tournament. 

Saturn and Dessius are both matches i'm looking forward to for different reasons-James Saturn gave me the fight of my life in the Young Lion's Cup, and he proved himself to be a hell of a tag team partner, so I want to try my luck against him and see if I can manage to recover and show everyone how much i've grown since then. Dessius, on the other time, is a sour prick and I intend to show him just how much of a bad spot he'll be in against me. Dessius sees himself as being a hardcore master, throwing and whipping his kendo stick too and fro, but at the end of the day I'm going to take him to the limit and come out on top...with my title still in hand, of course. MDE's familiar territory, but I know the man takes every loss to heart, especially losses by submission in our case, so i'm sure fighting him's going to be a new experience all over again, and i'm honestly excited for it. I'm excited to face off with Azazel, too, if I get the chance. The undefeated demon of FPW, and I will say undefeated because I can't count that bullshit from MAJ against him...I want to see what I can pull from him. 

And finally, we have our last three competitors. Adam Thompson's a bloody good wrestler, and I've wanted to lock up with him since the moment I set foot in FPW, so he's going to be a challenge I'd love to tackle if given the opportunity. I can say the same for Clutch McCloud, who i've desired a match with for some time, but never gotten close to. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in the ring as well. I've already spoken on MAJ, so I won't waste any more breath on him.

TVH: You sound confident and ready to go for the next month. How do you feel about your chances?

GB: I'm a natural underdog. I'm not the biggest or strongest, but I have speed and smarts. Honestly, I don't know if i'm walking out with the win in this whole damn thing, but I'm definitely going to pick up some impressive wins, and I'm planning on going after that belt, with or without the title shot at the end of the year. It's the Aviator's time now, and everyone else can just watch me rise. 

TVH: Good luck to you, then! Anything you'd like to say before we close out?

GB: Of course. To everyone in the field, save MAJ, I wish you all luck in this tournament. It's gonna be a hell of a month, and I'm looking forward to facing the five of you that I get grouped with. To Jim Houston, I'd like to thank you again for the opportunity. And for MAJ...hold that belt close, because i'm coming for it, motherfucker.

The segment ends with Baker shaking the host's hand and shouldering his title, posing with his two-finger guns as the crowd claps and cheers again, before Baker walks backstage and clamps his belt back around his waist...

[Jim Houston]

Dasha Banks stands in the same studio as before, with the screen behind her showing the Free-1 logo and several images of participants flashing through the screen.

DB: Hello and welcome back to freedomprowrestling.com as we reveal the official blocks for the Free-1 tournament. Our social media has been ablaze since we revealed the participants last week, with such comments as @makabescakeshop who said 'this tournament will be the best thing in American independent wrestling since the Danielson era in ROH' and @pwgod who asked 'can anyone pick a winner out of this because I sure cant'. Of course we also had several comments like this one from 'ortonfangirl92' who demanded to know 'where's Bobby?' but we can't please them all! Today we reveal the two blocks and you find out which competitors will be facing off throughout the month of August and which will be avoiding each other, at least until the final! Today I am joined by not just our general manager Jim Houston but also by colour commentator extraordinaire Steven Deville!

Houston and Deville walk onto the set and each exchange hugs with Dasha.

DB: Welcome to you both and thank you very much for joining me.

JH: As always, Dasha, it's my pleasure. We've had so much positive feedback since we announced the Free-1 that I can't wait to set imaginations racing after this reveal.

SD: I just want to know who my boy Marcus will have to breeze past on his way to the final. I'm sure you'll stack it against him like you always do Jim.

JH: Just like I did when I allowed him to randomly pull the final entry in the gauntlet match that ,ade him champion, you mean?

SD: That match didn't make him champion. It just made his reign official.

DB: Now, now. I know this is a bone of contention between the two of you. Why don't we skip ahead to the block announcements? Mr. Houston, I believe you will be revealing Block A, while Mr. Deville, you'll be revealing Block B?

JH: That's right, Dasha. Shall we go one for one to build up some tension?

SD: Whatever you want boss.

JH: Well, why don't we get a big name revealed early on. The first entrant into Block A is the current Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion Marcus Allen Jones.

SD: And in Block B, we have the man Marcus defeated to finally be crowned the official champion of this place. The man who, until facing Marcus, was undefeated. Azazel.

JH: Joining Marcus in Block A is a man who doubtlessly will be very keen to take a shot at the champion- Tommy Storm.

SD: And avoiding Marcus, like he always tried to do, in Block B is Adam Thompson.

JH: I'm not so sure about that, but, nevertheless, not avoiding Marcus in Block A will be James Saturn, a man who Tommy Storm indeed requested to face.

SD: Interestingly, in Block B, a man who I thought was supposed to face Saturn in a triple threat match for the Hardcore Title, is Edward Dessius.

JH: Well I can't grant every wish I'm afraid. However, I may be able to grant this man his wish if he can pull out a victory over the champion in Block A because our fourth entrant into this block is MDE.

SD: I was kind of hoping he'd be in Block B, but oh well. We have the Hardcore Champion, Graham Baker.

JH: Who, incidentally, will defend that Hardcore Title against Dessius when the two face one another in their Block match. But they won't be facing Jerry Bishop, who is our penultimate entrant into Block A.

SD: And in Block B...shock horror, it's his inept sister Berry. Didn't want to put the Bishops together, huh?

JH: Not really, no. Last but certainly not least in Block A will be Clutch McCloud.

SD: Meaning that Block B is rounded out by Super Che Junior.

DB: Wow. Those blocks sound fascinating as I fully expected. Let's recap those now for those keeping score at home. In the A Block, we have: Marcus Allen Jones, Tommy Storm, James Saturn, MDE, Jerry Bishop and Clutch McCloud. In the B Block, we have: Azazel, Adam Thompson, Edward Dessius, Graham Baker, Berry Bishop and Super Che Junior. Mr. Houston, how exactly were these formulated?
 
JH: Well, Dasha, it wasn't an easy decision. I toyed with random drawing, but felt it needed to be a little more carefully planned. I wanted a good mix of experience and youth in each Block, which I feel we've managed, and I wanted to keep some,of our top contenders apart. I think these blocks have been very well designed to ensure some excellent match-ups and some very tasty possible finals.
 
DB: Steven, who do you look at as potential finalists here?

SD: Well its more who will lose to Marcus in the final to be honest. From the other block I suppose Azazel is favourite, but don'tsleep on Dessius. He's got a real ruthless streak and he won't be afraid to take out opponents however he can.

DB: Well, thanks to you both for joining me. We'll see you again on Thursday when the official Free-1 schedule will be revealed. Until then, don't forget to log onto freedomprowrestling.com and participate in our Free-1 prediction contest, where you can select your block winners and decide who you think will become our first ever Free-1 winner.

The blocks flash up one more time,on the screen as a short musical sting plays to end the video.

[Jim Houston]

Rachel clicks her mouse a few times before her eyes widen and she quickly scribbles some things down on a pad. She picks it up and rushes into the next room, where MDE is going over footage of his last match for Reach Wrestling.

R: I'm sorry to interrupt, but they're in.

MDE: Who?

R: Marcus, Storm, Saturn, Jerry Bishop and Clutch.

MDE thinks for a few moments before smiling.

MDE: On balance, probably a good scenario. A chance to beat the champion. A rare chance to face a genuinely top class amateur wrestler. Two guys who I know very well and a rookie. I'll take care of Bishop and Saturn no problem. Clutch is lacking ring shape so I'd like,to face him later on. Storm will be someone to train for and I've got a gameplan for Marcus already. Overall I'm happy with that.

R: Shall we start to plan now?

MDE: We can draft some ideas. I need to train here until the 29th and find some training partners to face when I'm over there. Let's focus on Storm at first. He's a very good wrestler but he can strike and he's not afraid to use weapons. I'll avoid the hardcore stuff and focus on the wrestling and striking combination. How about Mike Hitchman? I think he can fit the bill pretty well.

R: Hmmm... yeah he'll do. I'll see if he can come in during the week next week. I was thinking maybe Millie Reading as well? She doesn't have the power or the experience that Storm has but she could do a lot of what he does and I'd imagine she'd do it pretty well.

MDE: Bring her in. And get those two local guys who worked as Marcus for the last match. They seemed to fit the bill well.

R: Ok. How about Clutch?

MDE: Typical modern all-rounder. We can find them two to a dozen when we get there. If I'm facing him later on, we'll focus on him when I'm out there. If not, try Fletcher.

R: And Bishop? Saturn?

MDE: I'm not fussed by them. Saturn is a typical cocky high flyer. Keep him grounded and he won't have a clue what to do. As for Bishop, if I can't beat him I may as well give up. Try and get guys in for a solid week next week. I'll rest Saturday and then we fly out Sunday. Do you have the gym set up?

R: Yeah, but it's costing us. Normally it's only three days and he's happy to let you have it but this time you'll be there almost a month. He's not happy to shut it down for you for the entire time, but he says he'll do three hours a day for twice the normal hourly rate. I searched around and I think it's the only deal you're going to get.

MDE: How does that work out financially?

R: Well your fee for the tournament will cover the gym but you'll need to finish at least third in your block to end up with something to take home afterwards by the time we factor in travel, hotel and food. Third means you'll take back $500, second means you'll bring back just over $1000 and reaching the final means you'll at least triple that, with about a $10000 payday if you win. It's important that you don't slip up this time.

MDE: I don't slip up.

R: Well...

MDE: I don't slip up.

R: Ok. I'll get onto Hitchman and Reading now and will try to see about Fletcher.

MDE turns back to the monitor just in time to see himself hit the Triple Gutwrench and pick up the win at the first ever Reach Wrestling event.

[Jim Houston]

The Free-1 logo flashes up on the screen along with the same musical sting heard at the beginning of the block reveal video.

Dasha Banks is sat in an armchair opposite MDE, with a dark wall as their backdrop.

DB: I'm joined here today by MDE, who is my guest for today's Free-1 interview. First of all, what does it mean to you to enter the Free-1 tournament?

MDE: It means that I get the chance to wrestle the champion at one of FPW's biggest shows. I've been in FPW for a while and I've been treading water. I didn't come here wanting to become champion. I came here to wrestle one match and then happened to stay. Ever since then, I've been trusted to have some of the biggest matches this promotion has put on. I deserve my chance to become champion in a fair one-on-one match and winning the Free-1 is how I'll get there.

DB: You've got quite a block to make it through.

MDE: Yes and no. Marcus is a coward. He tries to avoid wrestling in order to win. He won't be able to do that against me. If he leaves the ring I'll take the count-out. If he stays in the ring I'll keep him grounded. If his henchmen try to interfere I'll take all three of them out or, better yet, have them disqualified. This tournament is about winning and it doesn't matter how. Tommy Storm interests me. He's got a pedigree on my level, if not better, but he's diluted himself with hardcore drivel more recently. If he can still remember how to wrestle, I think he'll provide a good test, but he'll show his flaws soon enough. Saturn doesn't worry me. He's young and inexperienced. I can exploit that over and over again. Then there's Bishop. If he focussed on wrestling as much as he does on trying to be the clown that he is then maybe he'd get somewhere, but until then I have nothing to worry about. McCloud might take some beating, but he's only just come back from injury and there's little chance he's 100% yet. I might lose one along the way, but I'd confidently say that eight points will be enough to make the final.

DB: And if you did make the final, who would you expect to face from B Block?

MDE: Azazel. He's the best I've faced here in FPW and I don't honestly think it's too close. Baker will take a lot of punishment before going down, but he won't withstand Azazel. Thompson will be similar. A chance to finish what I started with Azazel's knee would be something I'd look forward to.

DB: You're confident you could beat Azazel?

MDE: Yes, I know I can beat Azazel. He only beat me in the gauntlet after a roll-up. Let me get hold of his knee and I'll make sure that he either taps or never walks again.

DB: Bearing in mind that you've lost all three of your most recent matches, what gives you the right to even be in this tournament, let alone claim yourself to be among the favourites and say you'll beat an almost unbeatable man?

MDE: What gives me the right? The fact that day in and day out I work harder than any of the other so-called wrestlers in that locker room. The fact that I have more wrestling ability in my left arm than they do in their entire bodies. The fact that I'm a wrestler, one of the only real wrestlers, not brawlers or straight up fighters, on this damn roster. I will ensure that I step into that ring fully prepared for every match I have, for every opponent I face and for every win that I guarantee I'll get. Yes I lost to Baker, but guess what? I also beat him twice. Yes I lost to Azazel, but guess what? I damn near tore his lower leg off the first time and almost finished the job the second. I didn't lose to Jace Mason and Elizabeth Karlson. I lost to two of the best this promotion has to offer and I was in the ring with them because I am damn well good enough to be. Until the likes of James Saturn and Jerry Bishop start to beat me, I'll not be chided for losses. No wrestler worthy of any respect wins every match they have otherwise they've stagnated in terms of competition. By the end of this tournament, even the most ignorant of fans will know just how good I really am.

DB: And if you did win this tournament, who would you like to see as champion in December?

MDE: I don't mind. I owe Azazel and Thompson. I'd happily beat Marcus or anyone else who gets jumped up the queue when Houston desperately tries to get his belt back from his sworn enemy. The long and short of it is this: I want to be the champion. I am the best and I will beat whoever stands in my way. Now that's enough time you've wasted. I have training to do.

MDE stands up, removes his mic and walks off screen.

[Deleted]

*Both Dasha and Che are together at the FPW interview area waiting for Ted’s signal to start with the segment*



Dasha Banks: Welcome Freedom Fighters, we are here with Super Che Jr to hear his thoughts on the just released fixture for the Free-1 and his opinion on the rivals he will face on the B block.



SCJ: Well Dasha, as I told you days before when we met at the LoF ALWTP, I wasn’t expecting to be part of it. But since Mr. Houston said my name my head is focused only on one thing and it’s to prove him that his decision is the right one. With Missy, Jerry, Berry and even a wounded Matt we have been training our asses off and we will continue doing it because we are not only here to compete but also to win this tournament and to show everybody, but more important to ourselves, that we are capable of anything if we work together.



DB: Talking about the Friendmigos, How’s the atmosphere in the group now that you’ll be fighting against each other for the first time? And more important how do you think the fact that you'll be fighting against Jerry's *new* little sister affect the relationship between Jerry and you?



SCJ: I know some people think that the possibility of winning the tournament and facing each other for it could tear us apart but that's not true. We have been encouraging ourselves to improve and watching your friends working hard by your side gives you the extra power to beat the odds and become everyday a little better than the day before. Even if we have to defeat a beloved Migo in our way to the catch the prize at the end of the day we know well that it’ll be a win for the League. As a Friendmigo I can say that a win of any of us is a win for every member of team. About my relationship with Jerry, since day one we knew that in the future our paths would cross in the ring and we’ll have no choice than to fight each other. But none of us ever imagined that the first match against a Bishop would be against someone called Berry instead of Jerry. She’s such an amazing and friendly person, she’s the new acquisition of the League and I already think of her as a sister because I have this strange sensation of knowing her from a longer time than I actually do. About the match, Berry’s style it’s pretty much likes Jerry’s. But she’s still a newbie and has a lot to learn and much more to improve if she thinks she can defeat me at thumbswrestling. Dasha, who already knows Che's nonsense well, keeps asking questions



DB: Besides Berry, you’ll be sharing block B with Azazel, Adam Thompson, Edward Dessius and Graham Baker. What are your concerns about the last two? And what will be your strategy to win those matches?



SCJ: The Aviator is a tough fighter; he can take a beating and his submission style could bring me problems if I don’t pay attention to it or if he catches me off-guard. But I trust my own llaveo (lucha libre grappling) to counter attack the Emergency Landing and his chain wrestling. Also he doesn’t have a great percentage of wins in non hardcore matches and my strategy to take three points home will be to give my own pace to the match and take him by surprise with my aerial moveset. Now about Dessius, the Lunatic from the Underground, he’s a brawler and a big one, he's a solid hardcore worker like Baker. But, he’s not as technically minded. I’ll need to work hard on his legs with my kicks to keep him from overpowering me and to cut out his mobility. Also to try to keep myself out of his range so he won’t be able to brawl with me because I have no chances to defeat him on a fist contest.



DB: As I said before, Adam Thompson will be part of block B as well. The Pendragon is back and he has let us know he’s willing to claim back what is of his own and by his words “he never lost”. What do you think about it?



SCJ: The Rightful King of England is back to FPW, luckily for me and the Migos, the last time we fought against a king we dethroned him and he ended up leaving the company. I know Thompson is just getting back but maybe he’s not ready to compete at top level so soon and that’s the key to my win, otherwise I don’t know how many chances I’ll have to defeat him but if I’m able to get him in a long match, with an already injured body cause of the previous fights and my speed it’s still with me during the last bits of the combat I’ll promise to tame the dragon, slay the king and make him answer to my call.



DB: Wow, it seems like you’re on fire tonight. Che agrees with a nod but he immediately checks himself to actually see if he’s on fire. Finally but not less important, there is Azazel, the self proclaimed Anti-Hero will face you, the argentine Superhero, in what could be a MOTN contender and steal the show.



SCJ: I totally agree with you Dasha, this is one of the matches I wanted since I stepped foot on FPW. Truly fight between good and evil, the devil incarnate against the sparkle of life. He was undefeated for almost a year and his first pin lost came from a gauntlet match where he survived through four competitors before he was attacked by Davey Jones who wasn’t even part of the match. If there is a candidate to win this tournament, that’s Azazel. I expect a high paced match, reversals, aerial moves and a lot of kicks from both of us. But most important, of course, to end his winning streak on 1 on 1 matches with just my barely hands. I want a fair contest because my integrity and honor are more important than winning or losing. I know there is good in him and I want to make him see the bright side of life and why not, to make him a new member of the League of Friendmigos.



DB: Thank you very much for your time answering all of my questions but just one more. Ain’t you scared to be defeated now you told us your strategy to win every single of the matches you’ll have?



SCJ: mmm well, actually, I mean… Are you recording this? - Che said to the cameraman. I thought this was just chit chat before the actual interview- back to Dasha who points at her microphone and the backstage crew. After realizing what he has done he left the interview with just two words more to say. Ohhh mierda.


 

[Deleted]

A video is posted on the FPW Website.The video opens with Tommy Storm leaning up against the apron of an empty wrestling ring. Storm is looking like he has just completed a very intense workout. The video is shot is shot in a selfie style.

TS: “FPW fans all around the world have been trying to get in touch with me through various ways wanting to know my thoughts on being included in the Free-1 and the announcement that I will be in Block A with 5 of the best wrestlers in FPW. I was wanting to keep quiet and just train for such an important time in my career but my trainers said that I am needing to keep my fans informed as to how I am feeling, so here goes….I am feeling amazing!!!! This Free-1 has the chance to redefine pro wrestling as we know it and I am ready to have my name announced as the winner!”

Off shot we hear a voice yelling

“Stay focused about the block brother!”

TS: “Sorry coach (Tommy smirks and chuckles) Will you just finish getting the mid practice drink ready please. He is right though, everyone is trying to talk about how the final match or how their title shot will go after all is said and done, I will stay focused on the 5 men I am set to do battle with in my block. Marcus Allen Jones, James Saturn, MDE, Jerry Bishop and Clutch McCloud make sure you are all ready for war because I am not taking any of you lightly and I am not looking past anyone. I am looking forward to the battles that are coming my way. For my fans I want you to know that I am taking this very seriously and have asked my two best friends to train my so I ready for anything that may come my way in the Free-1. I will make sure that all my fans know exactly how I feel about each and every match when the schedule is released.

Off shot we hear 2 voices chuckle and laugh

“How you feel?”

A beer bottle is handed to Tommy in the shot and another one is handed to another hand through the shot. Then “The Cowboy” James Storm and Hardcore Legend Cactus Jack join Tommy in the shot.

JS: “Here’s how I feel about those 5 punks you have in your block. (Looking right into the camera) when you boys get in the ring with Tommy, Sorry ‘bout your damn luck!”

CJ: “Bang!!! Bang!!!” BEAT TOMMY IF YOU CAN! SURVIVE IF HE LETS YOU! Now lets finish the beer and get ready for Extreme Rules training.”

All 3 men laugh and toast their beers as the video ends.

[Saturn]

"Alright... here we go...."

James Saturn is holding a handheld camera lounging in front of his computer.

"So the guys I'm gonna beat to get to the finals of the Free-1 have just been announced Jimmy Houston, and I figured I'd just give a tiny spiel about each of these clown..."

James pauses for a second.

".... Sorry, clowns isn't right, at least not all of them... from what I've seen Bishop isn't much of a clown. So anyways, everyone besides the clown."

James looks amused with himself and carries on. A picture of Tommy Storm flashes.

"First up we have Tony Norm.... Timmy Rork...... Wait, I got it, Tommy Storm! You happy dude? I got your name right. I got to be honest though, I'm excited to see Storm in FPW. Good to have another son of Portland in the locker room. By the way Tommy, what is it with Portland parents and passing down the stupidest names like Storm or Saturn? Oh yeah, Tommy is more an overt risk taker and even cocker than me, I can exploit that in the ring. Next!

A picture of MDE pops up on the screen.

"You know those pretentious music nerds who think they're cool 'cause they know who Nirvana are? MDE is the pretentious music nerd of wrestling, and I mean that in the most honest way. Anyways, MDE's problem is that he's so focused on the prize that he forgot that he has to chase it first. To get to the finals MDE still has to face the entirety of block A. Moreover he's underestimating most of us just like that. I'll tell you something, MDE is gonna wish he didn't underestimate me."

A picture of Clutch McCloud is the next to appear.

"If I understand correctly, Clutch is just coming off of a pretty scary injury, so he's probably not in tip top shape, I'm confident I'll be able to beat him. Unrelated, but Clutch should grow his hair out a little. It would look better."

Next is a picture of Jerry Bishop.

"Next we come to the most threatening of this group, and I have to be honest here.... I just don't think I can beat him. Honestly, I don't think anyone can. So since I have about a 2% chance I'll just move on."

Finally, a picture of Marcus Allen Jones flashes on screen.

"Alright, here's the thing, I have like a thing with Jones and basically..... Look, when I first came to the FPW I was immediately entered into the young lions cup. I thought it would be a great chance to proceed myself but ultimately I got beat in the second round- and Jones won, and I've held a grudge since, I don't know why. But what I do know is that I'll enjoy wiping a smile off his stupid shit eating face. I apparently still need to prove I'm worthy of some opportunities, what better way than by beating the FPW champion."

James stands up from his chair and looks straight at the camera.

"Better yet, I'm going to beat the FPW champion, win the Free-1 tournament, then beat the FPW champion again in December and everyone's going to see what James Saturn is made of."

[The_Aviator_GB]

[We open up on footage of Dasha Banks and her camera crew filming Graham Baker as he runs through a series of exercises with The Renegades. Baker appears to be in top physical condition, shredded and dropping any excess body fat to have a sleek, muscular physique. His scars from his hardcore match with Jameson have since healed over, and his hardcore title sits protected against his leather jacket at ringside. Baker notes Banks, and in one last act of self promotion, has Grimm hit him with a German suplex before reversing it into a flip and landing on his feet. Grimm, Karlson, and Baker all slap hands before Baker walks over to Banks, grabbing a towel as he does so]

DB: Graham, after your appearance on the local news the other morning calling out Marcus Allen Jones, you’ve since been awfully quiet. Any comments to make on your placement in the Free-1 and how you’ve been feeling about the tournament at large?

GB: Honestly, Dasha, I’ve been so preoccupied with training I haven’t had time to film any promos or go after any specific members of my block, but I’m glad to do it now while you’re here. Since I walked off that set and back to the FPW dojo, i’ve been running myself through the ringer to figure out any weakspots from my last three matches and handle them before they become too problematic. I’ve been training harder for this than I have for any fight in my entire life, if that tells you anything. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, and looking at the field...i’m feeling apprehensively confident.

DB: Any comments to make on your block placement and those you’re facing off with?

GB: I’ll run down the field, person by person:

First, we’ve got Berry Bishop. Newcomer, a striker from what I’ve seen, and incredibly unpredictable. My best shot’s going to be making sure I keep myself at enough range and in control to limit her strikes. If I can eliminate her arms and her reach early enough in the match, I can take her strength from her. I’m also benefitted by the fact that she’s required to use her arms, which allows me to get an edge with the Emergency Landing. Like I said, though, she’s unpredictable and new. We’ll see how she goes .

Next, Super Che Jr. Talk about a dream match! One of the best aerialists of the day, and a man i’ve wanted to face for an absurdly long time. Che’s got the air advantage, but as a ground worker, I’ve got a bigger shot than he does. Che may avoid the Emergency Landing, but I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve...not that i’m saying that this’ll be an easy fight. Che’s going to take a ton out of me and I’m going to take a ton out of him, but in the end I think he’ll realize just why they call me The Aviator.

Next up, we’ve got Edward Dessius, who i’ve Been on a collision course with for quite some time. Dessius is a rough brawler and a hardcore mastermind, so a hardcore match somewhere in this tournament’s gonna work to his benefit. Unfortunately for him, though, Nick Jameson beat him for the title originally, and now that i’ve beaten Jameson...well, it’s like a food chain, you know? If I can avoid letting Dessius take advantage at any point, i’ve got a good shot, and if he slips up, well...that also happens to help me out quite a bit.

Fourth is Adam Thompson. Renowned powerhouse, stiff striker, and former Freedom Pro Wrestling world champion. I’m looking forward to this one quite a bit, it’s my second most anticipated match in the whole thing. The thing with Thompson is that he’s driven, he’s lethal, and both his Excalibur and Bloody Fucking Murder are deadly weapons in his arsenal. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for countering both of them by working with and against similar movesets, but we’ll see what happens in the match-after all, nothing compares to the real thing.

And, finally, the match i’m looking forward to most. Azazel. Undefeated in fair competition, Azazel tore through the gauntlet match like no other. He’s a vicious son of a bitch with a deadly knee and kicks that could drop a man faster than Cro Cop. No one person has been able to defeat Azazel, no man has even hung with him for more than a few minutes. I want to show that I can. It’s foolish to say that i’ll be the one to slay the beast...but I can damn well try, and I certainly will. I’m looking forward to this one.

DB: Quite a few interesting comments on your fellow block members. If you are to make it through, who would you like to face in the finals?

GB: Three choices.

First, James Saturn. Saturn’s a hell of a talent, and an honest competitor. He puts it all out there every night and throws himself on the line, and he’s fun as hell to watch too. The last time we met in singles, Saturn beat me, but I plan on coming back for him and getting my win back. If this is your final matchup...it’ll be one good match.

Second, MDE. I’ve had three matches before, and while MDE claims he’s won two, i’ll give him one. The man had to resort to handcuffs and a rollup in a hardcore match, and I know that broke his little heart that his Simply Great Stretch just couldn’t get the job done. At the end of the day, I made MDE quit in the center of the ring, and that’s worth more than any single win ever could be. I’d love to face him again and see which one of us comes out on top.

And finally, MAJ. No good feelings or praise here, I just want the ability to make him look like a clown before I take his belt a few short months later, is all.

DB: Interesting choices! Any final comments to make before we let you get back to training?

GB:...Good luck to everyone, and to my fans, keep your eyes glued to the screen. You don’t want to miss this.

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston is sat behind a desk in his office, a big smile on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, hello and welcome to freedomprowrestling.com. My name is Jim Houston and I'd like to apologise for the lack of the lovely Dasha Banks by my side, she is very busy with Free-1 interviews right now, so I've taken the decision to make the schedule announcement by myself. I am very excited to officially announce that August 1st will see a full night of Free-1 action, streamed live and for free on freedomprowrestling.com. Each of our twelve wrestlers will be in action as they begin their Block action, and the night will be main evented by the B Block clash of Azazel and Adam Thompson. From that point on, a match will be released almost every day for free on freedomprowrestling.com, with a small number of exceptions as even our video producers need some days off. At the conclusion of each round, we will have a wrap-up show, with Dasha Banks and various special guests recapping the action and looking forward to the next round of block matches. The final night of the Free-1 will again see all competitors in action, as both blocks come to what I'm sure will be a dramatic conclusion. The order of matches on the final night will be randomly determined to ensure fairness for all. Finally, on September 9th, we will host our Free-1 Final, alongside a full FPW show where I can announce right now that all FPW titles, assuming the champion isn't in the Free-1 final, will be defended. Without further ado, I present to you the full Free-1 schedule. Thank you. I hope you enjoy the shows."

A video flashes up, showing the match graphics and dates for each night:

August 1st: James Saturn v Clutch McCloud (A)
August 1st: Super Che Junior v Berry Bishop (B)
August 1st: MDE v Tommy Storm (A)
August 1st: Graham Baker v Edward Dessius (B): FPW Hardcore Title
August 1st: Jerry Bishop v Marcus Allen Jones (A)
August 1st: Azazel v Adam Thompson (B)

August 2nd: MDE v James Saturn (A)
August 3rd: Graham Baker v Berry Bishop (B)
August 5th: Jerry Bishop v Clutch McCloud (A)
August 6th: Azazel v Edward Dessius (B)
August 7th: Marcus Allen Jones v Tommy Storm (A)
August 8th: Adam Thompson v Super Che Junior (B)

August 9th: Special Bonus Match: The Invaders v The Renegades: Number One Contenders for the FPW Tag-Team Titles
August 9th: Marcus Allen Jones v James Saturn (A)
August 10th: Super Che Junior v Edward Dessius (B)
August 11th: Jerry Bishop v Tommy Storm (A)
August 12th: Adam Thompson v Berry Bishop (B)
August 13th: MDE v Clutch McCloud (A)
August 14th: Graham Baker v Azazel (B)

August 15th: Special Bonus Match: Hardcore Open Battle Royal: Number One Contender for the FPW Hardcore Title
August 15th: Jerry Bishop v James Saturn (A)
August 16th: Adam Thompson v Edward Dessius (B)
August 17th: Tommy Storm v Clutch McCloud (A)
August 19th: Azazel v Berry Bishop (B)
August 20th: Marcus Allen Jones v MDE (A)
August 21st: Graham Baker v Super Che Junior (B)

August 24th: Tommy Storm v James Saturn (A)
August 24th: Marcus Allen Jones v Clutch McCloud (A)
August 24th: Jerry Bishop v MDE (A)
August 24th: Azazel v Super Che Junior (B)
August 24th: Graham Baker v Adam Thompson (B)
August 24th: Edward Dessius v Berry Bishop (B)

September 9th: A Block Winner v B Block Winner

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits in the middle of a ring, with several young wrestlers wrestling around him. He doesn't move no matter what happens, and his eyes remain closed as the camera zoom in on him. Finally, when all the can be seen on the screen is his face, his eyes open and he stares intensely down the camera.

"Tommy Storm. The first man to face me. Tommy's first big test here in FPW. Quite frankly, I'm glad it's Tommy Storm first. That's just what I wanted. I wanted him fresh, 100%, for when I beat him. An NCAA champion he might be, but history is nothing for now. And in a few shorts days time, I'll pick up my two points and make a big statement against one of the more competent wrestlers here."

As MDE talks, sounds of wrestling can be heard, and The impact of the bumps can be seen as MDE's head slightly shakes.

"Next... Saturn. From experience to inexperience. From a wrestler to an acrobat. James... you think you can wrestle me and come out on top and I'm sure you believe that. You've won matches here before and will do again but not this one. You want to call me out for being someone who looks down on other wrestlers and other wrestling fans? Well you're right. Wrestling is done a certain way and there is an objectively right way and several objectively wrong ways. I'll beat you the right way, no matter what you do."

More crashes can be heard, as can groans from someone clearly trying to fight out of a submission hold.

"After Saturn, my fifth and sixth points come in the form of McCloud. A man still recovering from a horrific concussion who will have already fought two matches in the tournament. I'll be sure to keep an eye on your balance, McCloud. You'd better make sure there's no permanent damage. Then it gets more interesting. Jones. The FPW Champion. Unlike others, I don't care how you won the belt. Was it through your own skill? No. Did you deserve it? Not really. But you have it and it has your name on it. I give you credit for being in the right place at the right time and for taking your opportunity once you got to that place. But this is your notice. That belt is going to be mine, sooner or later. When I beat you, we'll make it sooner."

A foot can be seen passing between the camera and MDE's face. He doesn't blink.

"Finally, I face the clown. Bishop, you and I have stepped into the ring before and I've beaten you. Now you're even less focussed on wrestling than normal with your friend league and your little sister in tow. I really hope for your sake that I already have the block sealed up by the time we face one another, although you could be in very serious trouble."

A loud crash is heard.

"The Free-1 will be a time of chaos in FPW. It'll be a time where everyone thinks they can win big. It'll be a time where everyone's on edge. The winner will be the person who best holds their nerve, keeps their calm and does the straightforward things properly. As you can tell right now, no matter what may be happening, I'm the calm in the middle of the storm, and the Free-1 will be mine."

MDE stands very quickly, whirling one of the wrestlers round and taking them down with a gutwrench powerbomb. The second aims a strike at him but MDE catches the arm and pulls him in for a gutwrench suplex. He turns to the other two and hits one with a snap suplex before taking the final one down with a Triple Gutwrench.

"Freedom Pro Wrestling... you're finally going to see the reason why I am.... Simply Great..."

[Deleted]

The jumbo tron screen in the FPW arena flashes black and orange static. The screen clears up and Tommy Storm is standing in front of a FPW banner.

The fans cheer loud and chant “FIGHT…TOMMY…FIGHT”

TS: “FPW fans….hell no! Not like this! This is too important to say over a video. It’s time to get serious!

“Walk” by Pantera plays and Tommy walks out from behind the curtain.

The fans cheer louder as Tommy enters the arena.

He stops after a few steps and looks around at the crowd. He beats his chest with his fists and arms in the shape of an X twice then throws his arms up over his head with his left hand making the rock on hand sign and his right hand making the hang loose hand sign. When his hands hit the peak of being raised over his head orange pyro goes off in three bursts. Tommy lets out a yelling “lets fucking go” and walks to the ring. He gets in the ring and raises his arms at 2 sides of the ring before going into a corner and grabbing a mic.

TS: “Everyone wants to know about how I am feeling or training or whatever for the Free-1 this Wednesday. All the other fighters have been talking about all the people that have to face but I am taking this one match at a time so my focus is properly creating a game plan for victory. Jones, Bishop, Clutch, and Saturn I will be ready for you as the time comes but the game plan and focus is on one man only and that’s MDE!
MDE vs Tommy Storm in week one of our block and fans around the world is excited. Let’s all just be honest here, MDE is one of the best wrestlers on the planet and he will be a huge test to begin an incredible Free-1 tournament. MDE, I know you train hard and I know you are ready to battle the entire block we have to go through to get to the finals but I think you are not focused on me enough. I understand why but I don’t want you to have any excuse when lose so what I am going to do is stand across the ring from you and shake your hand, then when that bell rings I am going to take this right hand and punch you in the face as hard as I can just so your focus centers on the ass kicking I am prepared to deliver to you. My time in FPW is now and the fans around the world that know who the hell I am know that the Free-1 tournament is going to belong to The King of Xtreme!

The fans cheer loud and chant “FIGHT…TOMMY…FIGHT”

TS: “MDE you simply great, however you are not prepared to handle a violent technical fighter with absolutely nothing to lose like me. Your time in FPW has been fantastic but my time in FPW has only just begun. These matches in the Free-1 will define this year in FPW and when it is all said and done the definition will read Tommy Storm Free-1 Champion! My ascension to the top begins with you MDE, and I hope you are ready to get extreme in every way! BEAT ME IF YOU CAN! SURVIVE IF I LET YOU!

“Walk” by Pantera plays as Storm looks intensely into the camera as the shot fades to black.

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits on a bench in a locker room, sweating from having just completed a workout.

"Tommy Storm... you think that I'm not prepared for you? You clearly know nothing about me. I prepare more than anyone else in the world and you're one of the people in this block who I've not faced in the ring before. If you'd paid any attention to any of the videos that FPW insist I add to the website, you'd know I'm more prepared for this match than any other. But if you want to keep believing that I'm looking past you and thinking that I won't be at my best, you go ahead. Advantage me. But here's the thing- and I'm going to keep this short and sweet- you were one of the best collegiate wrestlers ever. But this isn't amateur wrestling. I do a lot of amateur wrestling but I do a lot of other things too. You may have a slight advantage over me in some of the technical exchanges, but you won't be able to escape when I tie you in knots and begin to pick apart your body piece by piece. Storm, I will beat you and I will survive. The question for you is... will you be able to bounce back? This tournament is about resilience, and I don't think you'll be able to get back to your best after I beat you at your own game. I'll see you tomorrow."