FPW Cruise Control Promos

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits behind his desk in his office, dressed smartly with the Free-1 trophy sat in front of him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to freedomprowrestling.com. I am Jim Houston, your Freedom Pro Wrestling general manager. First of all I'd like to thank each and every one of our Free-1 participants for giving FOW undoubtedly our biggest ever month. We saw so many incredible matches, great moments and two fantastic finalists. I feel incredibly proud of all of our Free-1 participants, from block winners to basement dwellers. I know everyone gave their absolute best and each and every one of you have gone up in the estimations of all of our fans and all of the FPW management. To our two block winners, big congratulations. Jerry Bishop and Graham Baker, you are totally deserving of being two finalists and the two of you will face off in the Free-1 final on Sunday September 9th at our next FPW show, Cruise Control. That match will be the main event of Cruise Control and the winner will earn the right to face our FPW Champion at our end of year show.

"But what of the rest of the card? Well, my first thoughts go to Azazel. I truly believe Azazel was going to defeat Super Che Junior to earn himself the B Block winner's position. However, due to Davey Jones- who was by the way banned from all FPW Free-1 shows- Azazel lost that opportunity. I considered adding Azazel to the Free-1 final but felt that would be unfair to our deserving finalists, so, as Azazel seems desperate to get hold of Davey Jones and, as Davey seems very keen to get his hands on Azazel, the two men will go one on one at Cruise Control. But that match has the potential to get a little out of control. In order to contain the two men and, to be honest, in order to guarantee the safety of the FPW fans, that match will take place inside a steel cage. And, in addition to that, if Azazel wins, he will face the FPW Champion in October.

"Speaking of which, I didn't say Marcus Allen Jones. The reason for that is that the FPW Championship will be defended at Cruise Control. But Marcus has so many people in line for a chance to take him down. The two men who defeated him in the Free-1 are certainly in line, as, potentially, is Azazel, among several others. But the man who will face Marcus at Cruise Control is a man who was never pinned and never submitted when he lost the title. Adam Thompson lost the title due to injury- an injury caused by Marcus Allen Jones. So Adam will earn his chance to face Marcus with the title on the line.

"Also on the line at Cruise Control will be the Tag Team Championships, as Bobby O and Jack Sevren return to FPW competition and defend their titles against number one contenders The Renegades. With Graham Baker in the Free-1 final, the Hardcore Title defense owed to Tommy Storm will take place at a later date, and I'd like Tommy to take some time prepare for what inevitably will be a war of a match against Baker.

"There will be two more matches on the show. After taking advantage of an injured James Saturn, Artemis Evans will face him one on one. We will also see another in-ring debut as the team of Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt face The Invaders, a match I feel that Clutch and Bolt will relish after their interactions with Marcus Allen Jones at the final Free-1 show.

"As for the rest of the FPW roster, there are always spots available on Sixty Minutes of Freedom and there are always chances to impressand earn a spot on our next show. We have a lot of special things coming up and I am always watching closely to see who is earning themselves a chance to show what they can do.

"I look forward to seeing you all at Cruise Control."

[Jim Houston]

OOC-

Here's the card. I need three volunteers for matches please. Finishes will be sent out next weekend with a deadline of getting to me by the end of the day on Friday 7th September.

Free-1 Final- Jerry Bishop v Graham Baker (MDE to write)
Azazel v Davey Jones- Steel Cage Match (MDE to write)
Marcus Allen Jones v Adam Thompson- FPW Championship (MDE to write)
FPW Tag Team Championships- Bobby O and Jack Sevren v The Renegades (Baker to write)
Artemis Evans v James Saturn (Lee to write)
The Invaders v Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt (Baker to write)

[veggieleezy]

Out of character post here.

Baker and I have decided before going into the final that it’d be cool to do a press conference-type promo together! Everyone can contribute questions for either or both of us, we’ll answer them, Bossman MDE can edit or tweak depending on how he sees fit for booking purposes, and everyone gets to have fun! Send your questions via messages on this site to the two of us:

-Veggieleezy
-The_Aviator_GB

We’ll work out our answers, send them on to MDE for editing and proper posting! Sounds good? I think so at least!

[veggieleezy]

*Dasha Banks catches up with Berry Bishop in the locker room as she packs her gym bag for the night. Berry looks more than a little disappointed, but smiles when she notices Dasha. Note that throughout the conversation, Berry never stops packing.*

BB: Hi, Dashy! How are you?

DB: I’m fine, Berry, but the Freedom Fighters and I were hoping to get your thoughts on the Free-1 Tournament, even though you, well, didn’t reach the final.

BB: Yeah, that is kinda butts. It woulda been really cool to go all the way to the championship match, too. I bet I coulda beat any one’a those guys in the other block! With a left an’ a right an’ a Berry Buster ta boot!

DB: Even Jerry?

BB: Oh, uh, yeah, probably! But sadly it was not to be. As the French say, que sera sera. *Berry begins to hum the song to herself, still packing.*

DB: Berry, that’s- never mind.

BB: I know I didn’t make it very far in terms of points, but that’s okay! I know I’m still learning and I’ve still got a good ways to go before I become my very bestest Berry. I also learned a lot in my matches! I know NEVER get in the way of Azazel’s knees, Adam is *really* strong, Che’s a lot of fun to wrestle, and to watch, and Eddie’s kinda mean, but I think he just needs a friend! *GASP* Maybe even... A FRIENDMIGO!

DB: Berry, you do know you’re not officially a Frien-

*Berry whips her bag, which is somehow impossibly light despite how much she packed into it, over her shoulder and sprints out of the locker room.*

DB: *from the hallway* CHE, WAIT UP! I GOT AN IDEA ABOUT MY INITIATION!

*Dasha smiles and sighs as Berry runs off.*

Ted Crewmember: *from behind the camera* Kinda reminds you of a younger someone, doesn’t it?

DB: Huh? Oh, shut up, Ted. Let’s move on.

[marileeg17]

Invaders Assemble!

The camera pans out to reveal the Invaders alongside Marcus, none of the three looking pleased. They do however seem to be on the same page for the first time in weeks.

MAJ: I've been called many things in my life, good and bad, but I've never and will never be called a hypocrite. But that's a claim you can't make, can you Jim? You and I don't get along but I at least thought in your own fucked up way, that you believed you were a man of honor and integrity. I was wrong. All you really are is desperate. So desperate to make sure I lose that you'll go to any lengths. Which brings me to the Free-1.

Marcus pauses.

MAJ: I uses to have some respect for Clutch McCloud. Not a lot mind you but more than a handful of guys in the back. But then he showed up with his entourage. His muscle and his eye candy to mask what everyone already knew. That Clutch McCloud is one sorry ass excuse for a wrestler. And don't think I don't see the irony. I myself have an entourage but unlike Clutch McCoward, I left my boys at home. I chose the integrity of the Free-1. I chose to fight fair. And match after fuckin' match I did just that. And proved what you people fail to acknowledge. I am the best. And I don't need sidekicks or muscle. I don't need distractions like you McCoward.

Again, Marcus pauses.

MAJ: Let's not mince words. The Free-1 was a complete sham, marred by controversy and cheating. And because of certain events, the two finalists are people who don't deserve that stage. The final should have been myself vs Azazel just as I called from day one. But instead, the tournament was tainted as both myself and Azazel had wins stolen from us. But you don't care, do you Jim? You don't care that your hypocritical ass allowed this to happen. The B Final. The back up. The manufactured version of events. If this is the final you've chosen Jim, so be it. Just know, neither Baker nor Bishop is deserving of a championship match. Adam Thompson on the other hand...Adam Thompson is a broken man. He too was exposed as a fraud. He may have never lost the title but newsflash Adam, I've never lost it either. And I'm not planning to lose it. As I've said before, I'll hold this belt til I'm good and ready to give it up. I was put in an impossible position so I couldn't make the Free-1 the most prestigious tournament in wrestling. But I will continue to make this title because every second I hold it, the better off it becomes.

One last pause.

MAJ: Now, let's talk about something you said, something that really has me going. Clutch and Russ are salivating at the opportunity to face the Invaders because of their interactions with me...with me...Not the other way around? Do I need to rewatch the match with you Houston? I came out and was confronted with 3 on 1 odds. Insurrmountable and yet I almost surmounted them. But of course, it makes total sense that you would give a coward and his heavy an undeserved match against the greatest tag team wrestlers of this or any other generation. The Invaders played by the book. Good luck looking in the mirror knowing you facilitated a team that didn't.

Dario takes the mic.

D: Marcus and us, we aren't always on the same page but this is one of those times we 100 percent agree. We're owed a rematch and Bobby and Jack, we're fuckin' coming for it. In the meantime, we'll squash your boys Jim. We'll make you wish you never put them on our path. We've got a new killer mentality. It ain't personal boys, its just professional. It's a professional courtesy when we let you live, let you be wheeled out in a stretcher and not carried off in a damn body bag.

MAJ: Our TakeOver is far from finished. Thompson, McCoward and friend, be warned. The hour is soon at hand. Oh and Jimbo, keep playing your games. It's real cute. But you won't be the one laughing when I take this title and make it some other promotion's pride and joy. Keep testing me. Just wait and see what happens...Now, get this stupid camera out of my face.

Hatch pushes the camera man away as the footage ends abruptly.

[Jim Houston]

MDE walks backstage after his loss to Jerry. He walks slowly, head down. He passes members of the FPW backstage crew, who keep their eyes on him, watching warily. He doesn't look up at them. He doesn't say anything. He doesn't even see them. He passes down a corridor lined with pictures of previous events from that arena, stopping to look at a blank space, where someone has left some masking tape with 'Bishop and Baker stare down' written on it. MDE stares at it for a few moments, his face utterly blank, before moving on and going through a door marked 'Locker Room'.

The camera follows MDE to find a scene of wrestlers talking loudly about the Free-1 results, only for them to stop and stare silently at MDE as he comes in. He doesn't acknowledge them, instead going over to a corner and picking up his bag. He walks slowly back to the door, turning briefly to look at the assembled group of silent observers, before passing through the door and continuing along the corridor.

MDE passes through the corridor just as he did before, head down and silent. He turns along a corridor with an 'exit' sign and walks towards a door, only for Graham Baker to turn into the corridor and walk towards MDE, beer in hand. MDE doesn't look up until he and Baker are blocking each other's way, Baker having deliberately stood where MDE is walking. The two of them stare each other down for a few moments before MDE drops his head again and moves to the side to get through. Baker puts out a hand onto MDE's chest.

GB: Before you walk out of here... any time, any place. You know that.

MDE looks up at Baker for a moment before walking on, pushing through the door and not turning back.

[Saturn]

The camera opens on the FPW locker room, its darker than usual and seemingly everyone else is gone. James Saturns sits on a bench facing the camera unusually solemnly, his head down.

"I don't like what I've become. I've been in the FPW since February and it's already obvious what I've become. In the short time I've been with FPW I've become a gatekeeper, a temporary challenge so other people can get higher on the card. I don't if I've fallen into mediocrity or the idiots in the back just don't think I'm good enough, I hope it's the latter. None of that changes the fact that I came to FPW wanting to make a serious impact, but I haven't. I've done nothing of note at all"

James finally lifts his head up to look at the camera.

"So, I gotta prove myself I guess. And apparently the one I'm proving myself against is Artemis Evans, unless she beats me and I become even more of an irrelevant asshole."

James stands up and walks over to the camera, seeming angrier than usual.

"But here's the thing, I don't want to fight Artemis Evans. I don't think she should be entitled to a match with me just cause she managed to kneecap me after I already had an awesome match, and I don't want a match with her because I'm sick of everybody always attacking me from behind. Because if you look back, I have a quite a couple moments of me getting my ass handed to me when I don't expect a fight. But you know what? I'll fight her, mainly because I feel obligated to, but also cause the little shit deserves to get her ass handed to her. I'm making sure I don't lose this one, cause if I don't who knows where I'll be by the end of the year. Anyways, see you in Hell Artemis, or in the ring at Cruise Control, whichever you feel like."

The camera cuts to black.

[The_Aviator_GB]

The promo opens inside the same gym that Baker's been frequenting for the entirety of the Free-1, with Baker sitting in a chair in the middle of the ring once again. Sweat gleams on his body and he wears only a set of running shorts and a tanktop, clearly showing that he's still training. The Renegades lean on the turnbuckles in the ring, each dressed in their own training gear, looking into the camera with contemplative glances. Finally, Baker speaks after a few more moments of waiting.

GB: "So, here we are. Winner of the B-Block, the only man to walk out of the Free-1 with no losses taken. I'll admit, two draws were hard to come by, and harder to swallow, but Thompson and Azazel simply couldn't put me down as easily as they'd put down anyone else. The doubters were there throughout-those who thought because I couldn't put away Berry Bishop in five and a half seconds, that I wouldn't be able to hang with Azazel, with Thompson-hell, even with Che and Dessius. But...I did. I more than hung with them-Dessius and Che went down like bricks, I outlasted The Night and I'd have bested Thompson if I'd had another second in that ring with him. No one's ever kicked out of the Ground Zero, and I sure as hell know that Thompson wouldn't have been the first person to do it, either.

The entirety of this tournament, despite the doubts, i've had everyone behind me. The fans screaming my name, the internet going ablaze, my local friends who haven't quite made it this big sending me messages of support and sharing a beer with me after the show...it's been incredible, honestly. To watch my two companions win their first shot at tag gold since the olden days has made this even more exciting, and to have their support...it's unreal, honestly. I've never felt this much energy in anything in my entire life, but i'm not quite willing to let it slip away. When I enter the final on September 9th, I'm going against a man who's got the support of almost every fan in any arena at any given time. I expect split chants, people screaming for me and Jerry at every point, the crowd white hot throughout the entire match...but make no mistake, i'm not holding back on him. To do so, would be disrespectful.

Jerry, you've been here a long time. You've had a lot of shots-you hung with Azazel in the gauntlet, you beat TJ Cole and the Hardcases to ban those fucks from this company forever, and you're far more talented a wrestler than many men. You've beaten MAJ and Storm, and hell, you even managed to put away MDE, which is something that took me more than a few tries. You see this as your true 'coming out'-that winning the tournament here would be incredible for you, to finally seal your place in the Freedom Pro record books as a champion, to show everyone that you belong. The ultimate fairy tale ending to your story, for the Jester to come out on top.

I'm sorry to tell you that that's not going to happen.

We haven't been properly introduced of course, so let me tell you exactly who I am, face to face. My name is Graham Baker. Every step of the way, in every company i've been in, i've fought tooth and nail for recognition, for something to give. In the PROGRESS dojo, I was an underdog to those who would be considered underdogs. My trainers thought I was talented, sure, but they never thought i'd make it anywhere. They never thought i'd do anything. When I faced Sexsmith for the third time in four months, I'd had enough and I packed my things and bailed. I headed stateside, finding an apartment in a little city known as Philadelphia and trying my hand with a little company called Combat Zone Wrestling.

If PROGRESS was hard, CZW was impossible. Brutal matches that were hell on the mind and body, brutal opponents who weren't afraid to hit stiffer than anything i'd ever been hit with before, brutal management that accepted nothing less than 100%. I considered dropping the whole wrestling thing, going back home to grab a job at my dad's shop and calling it a life...but I didn't. I fought on. In a tag match, I scored a roll-up victory over the then-Wired champion, and in the resulting title match, I brought him to his limit, locked in the Emergency Landing, and I tapped that poor bastard out once and for all. The crowd, stunned into silence, let out a cheer louder than anything i'd ever felt up to that point.

No one expected me to win the rematch, of course. Dumb luck, they called it, but they were shocked to see me become lucky once again as an Ejection Seat through a table sealed my victory once again. The next few matches were harder, still-a clinic against Gresham, an aerial assault against Wentz and Reed, a bloodbath against Gacy that saw me develop the Ground Zero, and a series of wrestling classics against David Starr. Eyes were on me, the underdog from the UK who'd soared to the heights in just a few short months. Offers began to flow in, offers for the X-Division, for the Junior Heavyweights, for the Cruiserweight division...but as I pondered them all, I wanted something greater. When FPW sent a feeler out to me for their Young Lion Tournament, I saw the potential here, and I accepted immediately. 

Like everywhere else, I fought tooth and nail for acceptance. I lost five matches before I'd win one, but when I won, I was instantly made. MDE was the canvas upon which i'd started my masterpiece here in FPW, and I haven't stopped since. No one who's been locked fully in the Emergency Landing has escaped on their own volition, not here, not before I came here, and they never will. In my first title match, I won the Hardcore title off of Nick Jameson in a war as of yet unseen. In my first tournament, I was the only man to never be pinned, submitted, rolled up, you-fucking-name-it. In the next few months, I will face you in a tournament final, Tommy Storm in an ultraviolent deathmatch that you've never seen anything like, and Marcus Allen Jones at the end of the year show. Despite what MAJ says, I will show him exactly how worthy I am to face him when I drive him into the mat, when I kick the brains out of his skull, when his nose meets my elbow so many times he looks like Lord fuckin' Voldemort, and when I'm finally done making a mockery of him like he's made a mockery of this business, I'm going to drag him down to the mat and show him firsthand how it feels to have the Emergency Landing locked in.

But first, I have to make it through you. 

So I will. Like everything else i've promised, Jerry, I promise to give you the fight of your life. I promise to take you to the limit and give you 115% until I can give you no more. You will see a side of me you may think you've seen before, but I promise you, you haven't. I'm sorry to take this final strip of validation from you, of course...but this is my moment, my proving ground, the culmination of my story.

I know you understand.

I'll see you in September. For now, this is The Aviator, Graham Baker...signing off."

Baker points his finger-gun at the camera, 'shoots', and blows smoke away from it as he cracks a smile, the camera fading to black shortly after. 

[noname1525]

Dasha Banks is standing near a backstage monitor.

Dasha: "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest, one of FPW's newest superstars, Artemis Evans!"

Artemis walks into frame, a relaxed smirk on her face.

Dasha: "Welcome to FPW Artemis. You're set to make your debut next month at FPW Cruise Control, and your opponent for that match, James Saturn, has had some interesting things to say about the match. Let's take a look."

*The monitor shows James's promo from a few days earlier*

Dasha: "Do you have anything to say in response to James Saturn?"

Artemis: "James has to stop taking everything so personally. 'Oh no, people keep attacking me from behind.' What I did at the last Free-1 show had nothing to do with him; it was about taking the spotlight for myself and getting everyone in the audience to start talking about the best wrestler to appear in FPW, me. I could have ambushed any of those worthless wannabes and it wou'dn't have made a difference. I was waiting in that crowd for the perfect opportunity to make my mark, and when I saw James Saturn moping his way up that ramp, I knew I'd found it. I'd found a broken shell of a man, someone who wouldn't expect a sudden attack. And yes, I attacked him while his back was turned, so what? It fulfilled its purpose didn't it? Everyone is now talking about Artemis Evans. James, I don't give a damn about your problems, your woes of becoming a gatekeeper.  All I see when I look at you is the next rung on my ladder to greatness. You seem pretty popular with the audience here in FPW, which is good, because when I break your body to go along with your broken spirit, I'll have even more people watching."

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop sitting alone in the locker room in his ring gear, minus his signature mask.*

JB: There are often times when people accuse me of not taking things seriously. So if you will allow me, I will be as serious as I can.

*He stands and tears off his ring gear to reveal his purple and black smoking jacket. He walks across the room as the Jester’s Court set suddenly appears, and sits down in his beanbag chair.*

JB: That’s better.

*Fozzie, Bishop’s pet bear cub, approaches with a little tray on his back carrying a strawberry milkshake.*

JB: Thank you, Fozzie.

*Fozzie roars happily and lays down at Bishop’s feet. Bishop takes a sip and a deep breath.*

JB: Ladies and gentlemen. I come before you today to thank you for your support throughout my time here in Freedom Pro Wrestling. It is because of you that I do what I do. You are the reason I’m here. You are the reason I’m *still* here. You are the reason I lace up these boots and step out through that curtain night in and night out. And you are the reason I am in the FPW Championship match. And for all you’ve given me, I hope I have given back in return. Thank you. It has been an honor.

*The camera pans slightly to one side and graphics of each of the Free-1 competitors appears in turn as Bishop addresses them.*

JB: And now I would like to address my fellow wrestlers in this Free-1 Tournament, beginning with those I faced in my Block.

*James Saturn hitting the Saturnsault*

JB: Saturn, you are arguably the highest flier in FPW not to wear a mask. You’re an exciting performer and a great asset to the roster. You faced some tough competition in our block and you always put pleasing the fans first, even if it cost you some points along the way. I may not have been at 100% going into our match, but I won’t use that as an excuse. You beat me fair and square, and you showed dignity in victory. It was an honor.

*Tommy Storm holding his gold from previous companies*

JB: Tommy, while I may not approve of your language, I admire your tenacity. Your resume speaks for itself as one of the most accomplished competitors in the company. You take winning very seriously, and while a roll-up isn’t quite how either of us particularly wanted our match to end, I saw my moment and used it. I think it’s fair to say you would have done the same in my boots. Who knows, in another time we might have been partners. It was an honor.

*Clutch McCloud squaring up against WWE wrestlers*

JB: Clutch, you and I go back quite a way. We’ve been enemies, we’ve been friends, but through it all I like to think we’ve gained some respect for each other. Wrestling is who you are. It is your lifeblood. Heck, you’ve even held the biggest championship in the industry. You do this because it’s what you do best. You put me away in our match, and yet you still showed respect. And for that you have mine. It was an honor.

*MDE training at his dojo*

JB: Ah, MDE, my old frenemy. You and I had been dancing around each other for quite some time, and if memory serves correctly this tournament marked the first time we’ve properly squared off. And boy oh boy, did we tear the house down. Your tactical brilliance is unparalleled, albeit a bit twisted. But let’s face it, buddy. Even you couldn’t plan for someone like me. *wink* We pushed each other to the edge in that ring, and any time you want to do it again, say the word. It was an honor.

*MAJ flipping off a young fan wearing a League of Friendmigos shirt*

JB: Marcus...

*Fozzie growls at Jerry’s feet*

JB: We’ve fought each other who knows how many times. And we’ll likely clash again and again. Because without guys like you, there wouldn’t be guys like me. You bring out the best in me in that ring, and I bring out the best in you. You may hate to admit it, but you know I’m right. You and me, Marcus, I think we’re gonna be dancing partners for a good long while, and I can’t wait for the next round. It was an honor.

JB: Now for the other side of the tournament.

*Berry Bishop dancing her way to the ring*

JB: Berry, I know we’ve only recently found out about each other, but you’ve come such a long way in such a short time. I’m proud of the progress you’re making, and you’re only going to get better. Just keep your chin up and smile. Win, lose, as long as you remember why you got into this business you can’t go wrong. It would have been an honor.

*Super Che Junior connecting with the Call of the Hero*

JB: Che, my oldest friend. You and I have been partners and friends since the very beginning. We’ve never faced off one on one, but let me tell you I think that would be a match worth more stars than Marcus can count. Your opportunity will come, mi friendmigo, don’t you worry. It would have been an honor.

*Edward Dessius drenched in blood (whose blood is unclear)*

JB: Edward... Oooh, boy, you really are something else, aren’t you? But I can respect that. You consistently put your life and livelihood on the line in that ring. You stop at nothing to make sure you leave with the win. While some might see that as borderline psychotic, I can see deep down that it’s the passion for this business. You aren’t afraid of anything, and you try to bring that out in your opponents. Or maybe you are just crazy, who’s to say. It would have been an honor.

*Adam Thompson hoisting the FPW Championship*

JB: Adam, you were our first champion. You went to war with MAJ and his cronies, and I am proud to say that I fought at your side a few times. There’s a reason you were the first- you represent the best of what this company has to offer. Respect, dignity, strength, perseverance. You defended your title in the name of the Freedom Fighters. While we haven’t faced each other one on one, I think we can both agree it’d be a heck of a match. It would have been an honor.

*Azazel holding his torch*

JB: Azazel, your story here in FPW is one of the more intriguing to me. You came in as this monstrous force of nature, this dominating beast who destroyed everything in his path. While you still more or less do that, even at the expense of my friends and family, somehow the Freedom Fighters got behind you. And I now understand why. You never give up. You don’t know how. You’re incapable of surrender. Your undefeated streak is already part of FPW legend, and who knows how long it would’ve lasted without interference. You’re a force to be reckoned with, and your time shall come. Lemme know if you want a hand with Jones by the way. Either of them. It would have been an honor.

*Bishop stands up and walks back across to the locker room, taking off his smoking jacket to once again reveal his ring gear. He opens his locker and removes a picture of Graham Baker posing with his finger-gun. Bishop addresses the picture.*

JB: Which brings me to you, Graham. You’re one of the brightest stars in the company right now. You took Adam and Azazel to their limits, which is more than even I can say. You’ve won the hearts of Freedom Fighters the world over. You’ve even come out of this Free-1 Tournament without a loss to your name. You’ve scratched and clawed and fought tooth and nail for every ounce of respect and opportunity you’ve had, and you made the most out of all of them. You’re an electrifying performer and a remarkable young talent. Heck, you’ve even held a championship, which is something I haven’t done.

*Bishop drops the picture to the floor.*

JB: Yet.

*He stares down the camera.*

JB: Graham, you may be one of the best this company has ever seen. Your star is on the rise, there is absolutely no denying that. When you and I hit that ring, the crowd is going to be hotter than molten iron on the surface of the sun. Our styles clashing and playing off of each other, we’re going to push each other harder than either of us has ever had to go. We’re going to put on one of the best matches in FPW history.

*Bishop draws his mask out of his locker.*

JB: But when the time comes and we face off on September 9th... if you think that I’m going to give any less than every drop of energy I have and then some, if you think I won’t spill my blood, sweat, and tears to win, if you think you’re the only deserving winner for this match, if you even entertain the notion that it’s going to be anything less than full throttle from bell to bell, if you have the slightest inkling that I won’t dig down deeper than I’ve ever had to and use everything in my little purple bag of tricks and techniques, if you let it cross your mind that I won’t fight and fight and fight until I have nothing left to give you or the crowd and they’ll have to wheel me out of the arena because I can’t hardly move or breathe or see straight from exhaustion, if you could possibly fathom the concept that you and I are going to redefine what endurance, determination, and willpower mean, and shatter limits we didn’t even know we had or existed... Then Graham, my friend...

*Bishop puts his mask on and stares at the camera.*

JB: It will be my privilege to put a Smile on that face.

*Bishop flicks the sides of his mouth into a Chelsea Smile as the camera cuts to black.*

[noname1525]

Artemis tweets out a picture of her standing over James Saturn at the final Free-1 show with the following caption: "My hunt for glory has brought me to FPW, and in one week, it will take me through you, James Saturn"

[marileeg17]

ARE YOU HYPE?!?

I'M HYPE!

ARE YOU FUCKIN' HYPE?!?

I'M FUCKIN' HYPE!

SO WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO AT CRUISE CONTROL?

KICK THE RENEGADES ASSES!

I SAID "WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO AT CRUISE CONTROL?!?

KICK THE RENEGADES MOTHER FUCKIN' ASSES!



At that moment, Bobby walks into the room to hear Jack screaming at the top of his lungs.

BO: What the hell?

This grabs Jack's attention.

JS: Oh, hey Bob-O, you're finally here!

Jack quickly turns to his computer screen, where it's noted he's on a Skype call with WWE's Mojo Rawley and New England Patriots tight end, Rob Gronkowski.

JS: Hey boys, thanks for the pep talk. Gotta go. Talk soon.

Jack shuts his computer screen as Bobby has a puzzled look on his face.

BO: Mojo Rawley and Rob Gronkowski?

JS: Yeah, they are my hype gurus. Met em back in my NXT days. Good people.

BO: Hype gurus? Wow, you uh, really lost your edge since that stint in the E huh.

Bobby chuckles as Jack frowns in response.

JS: For your information, Junior, I haven't lost a damn thing. I've just adopted a new way of living, a new mantra, and you are reaping the benefits as much as anybody. We wouldn't be tag champs if I was the old Jackass you loved to hate. Hell, we probably couldn't even be in the same room without ripping each other's heads off. And let's be real buddy, if anyone has lost their edge, its the guy who used to kneecap people with a pipe and then torque said knee with a kneebar. Not that I'm complaining that guy is gone though...

Bobby nods his head a few times.

BO: That wasn't killer instinct. That was borderline...NO, that WAS psychotic behavior. I had some real issues. You were just a Class-A douche bag.

JS: Guilty as charged!

Both Bobby and Jack share a laugh.

BO: I have to ask though, why do you need hype gurus? I mean, I feel like the match itself is reason to be hype. The Renegades are no joke. And we're gonna need to be at our absolute best. We need to take this seriously, not with some artificial hype. That's like 5-Hour Energy. It won't last and I don't want to be in the weeds, going punch for punch, when that happens. I want, NO, we NEED to be 100 percent from bell to bell.

JS: And you think I'm not taking it seriously?

BO: I think there's a lot you don't take seriously.

Jack seems offended.

JS: Name one thing I don't take seriously?

BO: Dude, just last week you wanted to spray paint penises on Marcus' shrine. Funny as that may have been, it's not staying focused on the task at hand. Marcus and I, we'll have our moment but for now, I'm 100 percent in it for this team, our team. That's my focus. That's what I wake up having on my mind and go to bed dreaming about. 

JS: Aww, you dream about me? How sweet.

Bobby just rolls his eyes and offers a short smile.

JS: In all seriousness though, you and I want the same thing. And we're focused on the same thing. We just have different processes. Look, we've only been a team for a short while so we still have to learn about each other and what makes us tick. My process is pump up stuff. Yours, as I'm learning, is more, internal. But when it comes down to it, no matter how we choose to get there, we're both in the same mindset and with the same goals. It's all about defending these titles together. Our differences make us a hell of a formidable team as the Invaders learned. Now it's time to show the Renegades why Triple O-Severn is the class of tag team wrestling in this joint.

BO: I thought it was Double O-Sevren?

Jack shrugs.

JS: I forgot you're BO3 not BO2. That's what I get for always calling you Orton Junior.

Bobby laughs.

BO: I still can't believe it sometimes. You and I a team. None of the guys from 50-50 would believe it either. I think Jerry asked me if 50-50 was the darkest timeline because we were enemies then and now, you and I are kinda, sorta, well, friends.

Jack laughs.

JS: He asked me the same thing and then said something about needing to feed his bear. His version of an alternate timeline is quite interesting. Who ever thinks to have a pet bear?

BO: Uh, you know that's not a made up thing. He really does have a pet bear.

Jack looks to be in disbelief so Bobby shows him a photo on his phone.

JS: Well, why the hell are we in here when I could be meeting a real life bear?

Jack begins to walk out as Bobby follows. The end of their conversation can be heard quietly as they move out of range of the camera.

JS: So what's its name? And what kind of bear?

BO: Uh, brown I think. It's name is Fozzie.

JS: Huh, Fozzie the Bear. Jericho would have been a better name.

[The_Aviator_GB]

A new clip is uploaded to the FPW website, labeled as 'Free-1 Final Video Package'

The song 'Praying' by Kesha begins to play as interspersed clips of are shown, with Jerry Bishop and Graham Baker training, coming out to their first few shows.

"In the left corner...

Fighting out of London, by way of Philadelphia...

He is The Jester...

They call him The Aviator...

Jerry Bishop!

Graham Baker!"

Baker is shown fighting at PROGRESS, putting away Sexsmith in one match and being pinned by WALTER in another. In another shot, Bishop fights in 50-50, managing to score a win during his team with Super Che, but ending with a shot of 50-50's doors closed. Both men look elsewhere, showing shots of Bishop in Monaco performing while Baker boards a plane, and ends up in front of the barbed-wire logo of CZW. Both men shake hands with different people-Baker with DJ Hyde, Bishop with Missy. The next few shots show them at CZW and FPW, respectively. Baker takes a double-light tube shot while Jerry manages to defeat Davey Jones. More excapades are shown with the two, wins and losses, before culminating in Jerry and the Friendmigos combatting Team Sabre while Baker wins the CZW Wired Title. A side-by-side shot shows Jerry and Dwyer, still as companions, while Baker holds the title high as the fans chant his name.

A report from PWI lists 'top ten wrestlers to watch', and both Baker and Bishop are showcased, with a commentator saying that 'a match between these two immensely hot talents would be nothing short of a barnburner'. Bishop is shown in a locker room next, conversing with Dwyer while TJ Cole looms, while Baker's hype video plays to introduce him to FPW. The next show shows Jerry as a special guest referee fast-counting his friend Matt Dwyer while MDE pins Baker off a gutwrench powerbomb. Both men show looks of disappointment before rolling beneath the bottom rope and leaving the ring. The next few months are well-accounted with Jerry looking more and more disappointed in himself while Baker racks up loss after loss; however, the tune changes as we enter the All-Star Tag Tournament where Jerry reunites with his Friendmigos while Baker submits MDE! There's a side-by-side shot of Baker standing over MDE while Jerry stands reunited with the Friendmigos, seeming to be framed so that they look toward one another.

The next few shots show other victories and good efforts the two put up, with Bishop knocking TJ Cole and the Hardcases out of FPW permanently while Baker submits Jeremiah Johnson. In the next shot, Nick Jameson falls to Graham Baker as Baker claims the Hardcore Title, while Jerry Bishop puts up a good fight against Azazel-and nearly puts him away! Both men are shown passing by one another backstage-the bloodied form of Baker walking by the bruised Bishop, before the Free-1 tournament is announced. Shots of all the competitors and all the matchups, alongside short clips of the finish to each match, are shown, before finishing off with Baker's draw against Thompson while Bishop defeats MDE. While Bishop celebrates his victory and turns his back to the ramp, 'Glory' kicks in, and Baker appears on the ramp, pointing his finger at Bishop. 

We end with shots of Baker and Bishop training as the final, most intense portion of the song kicks up, slowing down as Baker and Bishop say a few lines each.

"I promise to give you the fight of your life. I promise to give you 115%. You think you've seen this side of me before...but you haven't."

"...if you let it cross your mind that I won’t fight and fight and fight until I have nothing left to give you or the crowd and they’ll have to wheel me out of the arena because I can’t hardly move or breathe or see straight from exhaustion, if you could possibly fathom the concept that you and I are going to redefine what endurance, determination, and willpower mean, and shatter limits we didn’t even know we had or existed..."

"Bishop..."

"Baker..."

"I'll ground you, for good."

"I'll put a smile on that face."

The last shot of the video package shows the two men in a locker room, Bishop with his mask in hand, and Baker with his jacket, both looking up as thought they're facing one another, while Bishop raises his thumb and draws the Chelsea Smile while Baker points a finger gun at Bishop. The shot lingers for a moment, before cutting to a fast-cut match card showing Bishop drawing a smile on his face while Baker points his finger-gun against his head, the card showing the main event for Cruise Control.