Dead Man's Chest

[Jim Houston]

The show kicks off with a dramatic video narrated by a voice similar to that of Timothy Dalton. It begins by showing a montage of trains and busses, interspersed with chess pieces.

“Tonight is the final stop before the end of the line. A last opportunity for the major players of Freedom Pro Wrestling to make their moves and to get into position before the endgame begins.”

It shows highlights of Graham Baker’s career, including winning the Free-1. This footage interlinks with Jack Sevren, showing wins in 5050 as well as some independent footage and his highlights with Bobby O.

“For one warrior, a big victory signalled triumph, but it also signalled the end of the underdog. The underdog now becomes the superstar, with new fighters gunning for his position. A man yet to show his true potential steps into the limelight to rid this young buck of his opportunity and to claim the place he believes to be his own.”

Clutch McCloud is shown defeating Marcus and fighting off The Invaders. Marcus can then be seen holding the title aloft after each of his defenses.

“A champion, dominant in his own way, facing up to one final challenge before facing a great foe. The challenger a star in a different arena, now looking to cement his new legacy against a man once defeated, but shadows lurk around every corner.”

Artemis Evans and James Saturn are shown brawling on different occasions.

“A man who wants more faces a woman who wishes him nothing. Will he rise to become a dominant force, ensuring his continuing under achievement? Will he finally break free of purgatory and rise to claim the prize he believes to be his?”

Tommy Storm’s Hardcore Title win is mixed with footage from Azazel’s recent defeats.

“A monster, once a vicious killer but now flawed and questioned, by none more than himself. A champion wishing to establish himself. Can the monster get back onto his vicious path or will his descent into madness continue as he faces down the oncoming storm?”

The Invaders, The Guardians of Strong Style and The Friendmigos are shown.

“Three teams. Each with the same ambition. One seeking to achieve their goal by any means necessary with no care for others. Another seeking to achieve it through honour and what they see as the one true way. Yet another seeking to achieve it with comradeship that goes deeper than any can imagine. Two will fall tonight while only one can reach the final hurdle.”

Jace Mason, Bobby O, Elizabeth Karlson, Artemis Evans, James Saturn, The Friendmigos and Henry Harrison flash up on the screen, their images flashing into an ever faster mesh.

“An unknown prize from the puppet master. Eight combatants seeking to attain glory. A final opportunity for some. A first opportunity for others. One victor who climbs the ladder of success will stand tall. Seven others will fall. Welcome to Dead Man’s Chest.”

The cameras pan over an excited crowd as Dead Man’s Chest begins. After a few moments, they settle on Mike Watson and Steven Deville at the announcers’ desk.

MW: Welcome Freedom Pro Wrestling fans to Dead Man’s Chest, our penultimate show of what has been an incredible year for FPW. I'm Mike Watson and I'm joined tonight by a fully recovered Steven Deville.
SD: Its a pleasure to be here as always, Watson. I missed our glorious champion retaining his title last month due to a barbaric assault by his monstrous opponent, but I'm back tonight to see Marcus Allen Jones once again emerge victorious as he continues to prove himself to be the champion we all deserve.
MW: Well tonight he-

Watson is interrupted by the opening to Fiesta de Locos, as flashing lights begin to fill the arena. Super Che Junior emerges onto the stage, kicking and punching into the air. He then drops to one knee and beckons out Missy, who spins, sits on his lap and kisses him on the cheek. The music then pauses, before being replaced by Never Gonna Stop, and out comes Matt Dwyer. He and Che embrace before pumping up an already fired up crowd. The Friendmigo team make their way down to the ring, slapping hands with fans before sliding in and posing on the top turnbuckles.

Missy then grabs a mic, welcoming everyone and introducing Super Che Junior and his returning partner, Matt Dwyer.

MW: Looks like there's no time like the present to kick off this show. Clearly it will be Jerry Bishop entering the Dead Man’s Chest match later tonight as Super Che Junior and Matt Dwyer are here to represent the Friendmigos in their quest to become number one contenders for the tag titles.
SD: I've grown to respect Jerry over the past few months, ever since his performance in the Free-1, especially after defeating MDE on the final night, but these two… not-so-Super Che has some way to go and we don't know how Dwyer will fare after a long lay off due to injury.
MW: Tonight these two men face off against two teams, each of which will be desperate to prove that they are next in line for the Tag Team Championships.

As the introduction to The Guardians of Strong Style’s song plays, Sato emerges through the curtain and bows to the fans. Once the introduction ends, Sato rises and Hiro Takahara and Masa Tchyukiro stand either side of him and they bow to the crowd. They then both walk down the ramp with a purpose and climb into the ring, staring down Dwyer and Che. Dwyer comes forward and engages with Takahara, but Che remains rested against the ropes. The Guardians receive a mixed reaction from the fans and a ‘Dwyer, Dwyer, Dwyer’ chant breaks out as he stands face to face with Takahara.

MW: We don't know much about these new Japanese wrestlers but we do know that they bring something quite different to the tag team scene here in FPW.
SD: They bring honour, respect for their opponents and an iron will to win. I have them down as very strong contenders in this match. But not as strong as these two…

The lights go off and the introduction to Killing in the Name Of plays. Spotlights hit opposite sides of the arena as Haych and Dario push their way through the less than complimentary fans. At one point, Dario has to be held back by security after a fan tries to get in his face. Dario satisfies himself by spitting at the fan, leading to a surge of people that security could barely keep back. Haych and Dario climb over the guardrail and into the ring, but instead of their signature poses, they jump Matt Dwyer, taking him down and laying into him before Che and The Guardians of Strong Style engage them, forcing them out of the ring.

Match 1: Number One Contendership for the Tag Team Championships: Elimination Match: The Invaders v The Friendmigos v The Guardians of Strong Style:

MW: The Invaders repelled by both teams there.
SD: But that may be good for The Invaders. If they're not in the ring, they can't be eliminated. Let the other teams juke it out and pick apart the carcasses.
MW: Remember that this match is an elimination match and both members of the team must be pinned for a team to be eliminated. If one is pinned, they must leave the ringside area and leave their partner to fight on by themselves.

The match begins with Super Che Junior and Hiro Takahara in the ring. The Invaders stay on the outside, refusing to step onto the apron while Matt Dwyer leads the fans in a clap to get the match started. Che offers a hand to Takahara, who looks down for a moment before kicking the hand away. As Che spins from the force on the kick, Takahara connects with a mid kick to take him down. He then hits the ropes and rebounds with a penalty kick before making a quick cover, his forearm driven into the face of Super Che, 1-2-no. Che manages to force a shoulder up.

Takahara then pulls Che to his feet and connects with a knife edged chop, the sound of which has the crowd wincing. Che staggers into the corner where Tchyukiro waits. Takahara chops Che again before tagging in his partner. Tchyukiro enters the ring and begins to chop Che while Takahara lays in several kicks to the gut. The official forces Takahara out of the ring as Che slumps down into the corner. Tchyukiro backs away and runs at Che, connecting with a sliding forearm. Che rolls out of the corner and Tchyukiro stands over him before pulling him to his feet by his mask. He pulls Che in for a suplex, but Che manages to drop out of his grip and land on his feet behind Tchyukiro. He backs into the ropes and connects with a dropkick to the knee as Tchyukiro turns, causing him to drop to the mat. Che then scrambles over to the corner and tags in Dwyer.

Matt Dwyer comes into the ring with a flurry, connecting with a fameasser to the kneeling Tchyukiro. He then connects with a bicycle knee which sends Takahara to the floor. As soon as Takahara drops, The Invaders are onto him, laying into him with boots and kicks and right hands, before Haych pulls him up for a crucifix powerbomb, sending him into the guardrail. The fans boo as Takahara slumps to the ground, motionless. Meanwhile, Dwyer stalks Tchyukiro before leaping into the air and connecting with a neckbreaker.

MW: Earlier on I said we don't know much about the Guardians of Strong Style, but one thing we do know is that Masa Tchyukiro’s neck is fairly fragile. I. Sure Dwyer knows that too and he's already zeroing in on that target.
SD: He's started strong has Dwyer, but I'm not sure how much punishment he'll be able to take once Tchyukiro gets back into this match.

Dwyer makes a cover on Tchyukiro, 1-2-no. Tchyukiro kicks out. Dwyer doesn't waste any time, however, pulling Tchyukiro up to his feet and stepping back, looking for a running blockbuster. Tchyukiro counters into a powerslam, holding the back of his neck before pulling Dwyer to his feet. He growls at him before throwing him into the corner. Tchyukiro then runs at him, connecting with a hard running lariat in the corner. Dwyer staggers out of the corner and Tchyukiro pulls him in for a German suplex, bridging for the pin, 1-2-no. Dwyer manages to kick out.

Tchyukiro then looks to his partner, but sees him lying still on the outside. His attention turns to The Invaders, who smirk at him, before their smirks turn to worried looks as Tchyukiro leaves the ring and comes charging after them. He catches up with Haych, laying into him with forearms before Dario pulls him away. Both Haych and Dario lay strikes into Tchyukiro but all three men are suddenly taken down as Matt Dwyer comes flying through the ropes. Dwyer stands and pumps up the crowd before beckoning Super Che to join the fun. Che looks out at the fans, who encourage him loudly, before climbing to the top rope and landing a shooting star press to take down Tchyukiro and both Invaders once again.

MW: These people sure do love Dwyer and Che!
SD: They do, Watson. But you can't trust people. People listen to Coldplay and voted for the Nazis.
MW: Um…
SD: Surely you know Super Hans? My role model in life?
MW: I'm not so sure about Super Hans but I know all about Super Che, and it looks like he and Matt Dwyer have this one under control.

Che pushes Tchyukiro into the ring as Dwyer begins to tune up the band, the fans clapping along with each stomp of the foot. Tchyukiro slowly staggers up to his feet as Dwyer steps towards him and connects with Sweet Chin Music, but the fans gasp in amazement as Tchyukiro simply staggers, willing himself to remain on his feet. Dwyer stares at him before Tchyukiro beckons him on for more. Dwyer steps back and connects with a second Sweet Chin Music, only for Tchyukiro to stagger once again. He beckons Dwyer on a third time, and Dwyer connects again, making a deep cover and hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Takahara out of nowhere managed to break up the pin fall.

Super Che enters the ring and engages with Takahara, taking him down with a head scissors before connecting with a dropkick which sends Takahara into the corner. Che then runs at him and leaps up, looking for a monkey flip, but Takahara takes him out of the air with a forearm. Dwyer then runs at Takahara, but he's taken down with a mid kick. Tchyukiro, who's just about pulled himself to his feet, follows up with a Kokeshi head butt and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Super Che breaks up the pinfall.

Takahara then pulls Che to his feet and connects with a hard knee to the gut before throwing him out of the ring. He and Tchyukiro then stalk Dwyer, waiting for him to get up before each connecting with simultaneous running forearms, Takahara to the face and Tchyukiro to the back of the head, causing Dwyer to fold down to the mat. Tchyukiro makes the cover as Haych and Dario hold back Super Che Junior, 1-2-3.

Eliminated: Matt Dwyer.

Haych and Dario then go to work on Che, throwing him into the guardrail and stomping on him. Tchyukiro and Takahara leave the ring and each spin Haych and Dario around, Takahara driving Dario backwards with chops while Tchyukiro connects with forearms to Haych. They each throw their opponent into the guardrail on opposite sides of the ring before running to the other’s opponent. Takahara connecting with a running dropkick which sends Haych into the crowd while Tchyukiro connects with a running lariat which forces the guardrail back into the knees of the front row.

MW: The Guardians of Strong Style showing no mercy to The Invaders in this one.
SD: I still think The Invaders had the right plan. They held back and waited.
MW: But The Guardians said if The Invaders won't come to them, they'll come to The Invaders. And they certainly did!

The Guardians of Strong Style then return to their corner, Tchyukiro tagging in Takahara as Super Che climbs back into the ring. Tchyukiro stands on the apron holding his neck and head from the punishment inflicted by Dwyer, while Takahara aims a kick at Che, who ducks, rolls through and leaps onto the ropes, connecting with a springboard crossbody and holding for a cover, 1-2-no. Takahara manages to kick out. Che then uses the second rope to leap onto the top rope before coming off with a perfect missile dropkick to Takahara. Che then lifts him into position for an Argentine backbreaker, completing the Agentinidad al Palo which the Maradona kick before making the cover, 1-2-no! Tchyukiro breaks up the pin fall by lifting Che off Takahara and connecting with a vicious German suplex.

At that point, Haych enters the ring and throws Tchyukiro out. Dario then tags himself in in place of Che. Haych quickly lifts Takahara into position for the pop up powerbomb and Dario climbs to the top. The Invaders connect perfectly with War Game and Dario holds for the cover while Haych blocks anyone from breaking it up, 1-2-3.

Eliminated: Hiro Takahara.

MW: The Invaders stole that one!
SD: It was perfect. They let not-so-Super Che do the dirty work and then came in and got the job finished. Now they're the only team with both members still in this match and they have a big advantage.

Haych grabs Che and rolls him back into the ring, Dario immediately making a cover, 1-2-no? Che kicks out. Dario pulls him to his feet quickly and connects with a superkick, followed up by a roundhouse kick before springing up onto the top rope. He pauses momentarily before hitting a 450 splash on Che and making another cover, 1-2-no! Che again manages to kick out, but only barely. Dario tags in Haych, who pulls Che up into a gorilla press position, before slamming him down to the mat. He then lifts Che again and looks for a fallaway slam, but Che lands on his feet. He tries to run at Haych, but Dario has managed to quickly drop to the floor and grab Che’s ankle, distracting him for a moment and allowing Haych to recover. Haych locks in a rear naked choke o. Che, dropping him down to the mat and holding it for a few seconds before releasing and pulling him up, lifting him and connecting, for a second time, with War Game as Dario completes the move. Haych makes the cover, 1-2-3

Eliminated: The Friendmigos.

SD: Yes! Now it's two-on-one. The Invaders are hard enough to beat one-on-one let alone two-on-one.
MW: But who knows how Masa Tchyukiro will respond.

With that, Tchyukiro storms the ring and lays into both men with chops. However, he quickly becomes overwhelmed as Haych and Dario lay into him with kicks and then clubbing blows to the back. Tchyukiro, however, brushes these blows off, and stands, roaring something in Japanese and motioning both men to come at him. They do, but Haych is forced back with a hard headbutt before Tchyukiro ducks under an attempted leg lariat from Dario, hits the ropes and takes him down with a thunderous lariat, folding him in half. Haych tries to capitalise by forcing Tchyukiro into the corner and hitting a stinger splash, but Tchyukiro moves out of the way, laying into Haych with forearms which force him down into a seated position.

Tchyukiro moves away, yelling out in Japanese as the fans begin to cheer loudly. He then runs at Haych but is cut off by a superkick from Dario. Tchyukiro drops to the mat and Dario climbs to the top turnbuckle, looking for the flying senton bomb. Tchyukiro manages to move at the last second and Dario crashes into the mat. Tchyukiro makes it to his feet, pulling Dario up into a deadlift German suplex. He connects and then turns, only for Haych to throw him into the ropes and lift hi, up for Terminator. Tchyukiro blocks it with a hard forearm, before throwing Haych into the ropes and popping him up, connecting with a vicious pop-up headbutt. Tchyukiro almost collapses onto Haych to make the cover, 1-2-3.

Eliminated: Haych.

MW: And now it's even. Masa Tchyukiro for The Guardians of Strong Style and Dario for The Invaders.
SD: But look at this… that headbutt might have been the last ditch attempt at offence for Masa Tchyukiro. And Dario is ready to strike!

Tchyukiro staggers to his feet but drops down to his hands and knees, allowing Dario to come off the top rope with a diving senton bomb to the back of Tchyukiro. Dario rolls him over and makes the cover, 1-2-no! Tchyukiro manages to get his shoulder up. Dario wastes little time in pulling Tchyukiro to his feet, only to then handspring and connect with a tornado DDT. He makes another cover, 1-2-no! The fans explode as Tchyukiro barely gets a shoulder up. Dario can't believe it, but he reacts quickly, connecting with vicious kicks to Tchyukiro’s head. He then climbs onto the turnbuckle and waiting for Tchyukiro to stand. He moonsaults onto Tchyukiro, who catches him on his shoulder, only for Dario to transition into a tilt-a-whirl DDT. Dario makes another cover, 1-no! Tchyukiro kicks out at one!

MW: He kicked out at one! He kicked out at one! I don't believe that!
SD: I'm… I'm in shock!
MW: And now look. Tchyukiro is on his feet. Dario doesn't know what to do.

Dario tries to connect with a roundhouse kick, but Tchyukiro catches his foot and drives his head into his chest, taking Dario down. Tchyukiro then pulls Dario to his feet and connects with yet another hard heabutt, before he climbs gingerly up to the top rope. Dario lays motionless in the ring and Tchyukiro dives off the top rope, connecting with a top-rope Kokeshi and holding for the cover, 1-2-3.

Winners: The Guardians of Strong Style.

Sago climbs into the ring and tries to help Tchyukiro to his feet, but Tchyukiro can barely stand. Takahara comes back down the ramp and manages to pull Tchyukiro up. Both men bow to the fans, who mostly cheer for them, before Tchyukiro is helped up the ramp by his partner and his manager.

MW: What a match that was!
SD: I thought Haych and Dario had played it to perfection, but I can't argue with the winners. Masa Tchyukiro and Hiro Takahara are quite the acquisitions for Freedom Pro Wrestling.
MW: And now The Guardians of Strong Style will advance to Judgement Day on Sunday 2nd December to face off against Bobby O and Jack Sevren for the FPW Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, Graham Baker stands with The Renegades, Elizabeth Karlson and John Grimm. Baker is taping his wrists while Karlson stretches out.

JG: Big night for us all tonight. The Aviator secures his spot at Judgement Day and The Black Death wins the Dead Man’s Chest. We'll be running this company soon enough.

GB: We've got this. Just make sure you make it back in time for the big show. I can't think of anyone better to get that Hardcore Title back from Storm or Azazel.

JG: Hardcore Champion… yeah that sounds good. How about you, Liz? You ready?

EK: Always. I was made for matches like this. Chaos. Weapons. Bodies all around me and me rising above them all. Whatever's in that Chest is mine. I just need to go and get it.

GB: I'm glad I brought you guys here. Let's keep putting us little guys on the map.

*Watson and Deville welcome us back to ringside and introduce the next match.*

MW: Coming up next is a one-on-one battle months in the making, as James Saturn takes to the ring against Artemis Evans, and the Queendom won’t be around to help Artemis this time.

SD: Don’t you dare talk bad about them! They’re supporting and defending each other just like a proper team should!

MW: Supporting and defending each other by interfering in matches?

SD: If justice needs it, Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez are there to protect the Glory Huntress!

MW: Good lord...

SD: You’re just jealous because she doesn’t return your calls.

MW: I’ve never called her, have you?

SD: Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.

MW: And how’s that gone for you?

SD: ...let’s just get to the match. ...loser.

*Evanescence’s “My Last Breath” hits the speakers and the crowd bursts into cheers. James Saturn hits the ramp and bounces on the balls of his feet as Dasha Banks makes her introduction. Saturn jogs down the ramp with his arms spread, high-fiving Freedom Fighters along the ramp, before sliding into the ring and posing on the turnbuckle, drinking in the cheers and pointing out fans in the stands.*

MW: Saturn looking full of vigor after his last match, where he scored the pin for his team against the Queendom.

SD: It was a fluke! Girl Clown and Saturn’s flunky Karlson interfered and cost the Queendom the match!

MW: They were stopping the Queendom from interfering first!

SD: You say potato, I say potato.

*Saturn stretches against the ropes as the music changes to Sturm und Drang’s “Hammer to Fall”. The Freedom Fighters begin booing before Artemis Evans’ chess-piece graphic appears on the tron. Once Evans takes the ramp she basks in the boos as they grow louder. She struts to the ring waving off some fans and taunting some of the younger ones. Evans flips over the top rope, walks past Saturn, and poses on the turnbuckle with a look of smug satisfaction. She dismounts and the ref makes their checks before calling for the bell.*

Match 2: Artemis Evans v James Saturn (Written by Jerry/Berry):

MW: And we’re off! These two have been looking to put each other away for quite a while now, and I think this just might be the night where one of them succeeds!

SD: Obviously *one* of them will succeed, Watson, that’s just basic math. The not so basic math is that James Saturn has a 25% chance at best at beating Artemis going one on one, but Evans has a 75% chance because she’s a genetic freak. Now if this were a triple threat-

*Deville is cut off as Evans slams Saturn to the mat with a hard Sky-walker, countering a waistlock from Saturn. Deville wastes no momentum and pulls Saturn back up into a butterfly suplex, throwing him towards the corner. Saturn staggers to his feet but Evans connects with a triangle dropkick, pushing Saturn back into the center of the ring.*

MW: Evans very effectively preventing Saturn from getting a foothold in this match.

SD: That’s my girl, keep him on his toes!

*Evans stalks towards Saturn and grabs him by the chin, pulling him up to his knees. She squeezes his cheeks and slaps him before planting him with a snap DDT and going for a cover.*

1!
NO!

*Saturn kicks out. Evans smirks to herself and pulls Saturn back to his feet. She knees him in the gut before running the ropes and connecting with an axe kick to the back of Saturn’s neck. She covers again.*

1!
T- NO!

*Saturn kicks out once more. Evans chuckles slightly.*

MW: What’s Evans laughing at?

SD: She’s the Apex Predatress, she likes to toy with her prey before the Execution.

*Evans pulls Saturn up and whips him into the ropes looking for a discus forearm. Saturn manages to duck under Evans’ attack and rebound off the opposite ropes, catching Evans with a clothesline, dropping both combatants to the mat. The crowd cheers as Saturn climbs to his feet and Evans shakes out the cobwebs. Saturn lifts Evans around the waist and drops her into an inverted atomic drop, staggering her. Saturn looks for another clothesline, but Artemis meets him with a jumping spin kick, flooring Saturn once again. Evans runs the ropes and connects with an inverted STO, planting Saturn face-first into the mat. She makes another cover.*

1!
TW- NO!

*Saturn kicks out. Evans’ smirk is replaced with a look of aggravation.*

MW: Saturn’s still in this fight, he’s not down yet!

SD: I give him 11 minutes.

*Evans climbs through the ropes nearest Saturn and lies in wait. As Saturn staggers to his feet, Evans slingshots herself over the rope looking for a Code Red. Saturn looks up just in time to dodge aside and land a dropkick to Evans’ back as she flips over the top rope. Evans lands hard onto the mat, clutching her back. Saturn starts to feel the crowd’s cheers and revs himself up. He makes his way over to Evans. He pulls her up and grabs her by the wrist and leads her to the ropes. Saturn climbs the turnbuckle to the top rope, still clutching Evans’ wrist, and walks a short way out on the rope.*

MW: Looks like Saturn’s planning to go-

*Saturn leaps from the rope bringing a hard chop down across Evans’ back*

MW: Old School!

SD: That’s just disrespectful! Try using your own moves, you hack!

*Saturn amps himself and the crowd up as Evans lies on the mat. He looks at Evans and then the ropes again. Saturn points to the ropes and the crowd cheers. He shrugs and climbs the top turnbuckle once more.*

MW: And here comes Saturn Air!

*Evans stirs herself to her feet and Saturn dives for a clothesline, but Evans counters, catching Saturn into a cutter.*

SD: Playing possum! Brilliant!

*Evans makes the cover*

1!
2!
Th- NO!

*Saturn kicks out. Evans now looks furious as the crowd cheers even louder.*

MW: Incredible! Saturn’s still in this match!

SD: How’d he get out of that one? Impossible!

*Evans once again grabs Saturn by the face and starts hurling abuse at him. When she goes to slap him, Saturn swats her hand away and throws himself forward with a spear. He then runs the ropes and connects with a running knee to Evans’ midsection. Saturn, fed by the cheers of the crowd, runs the ropes once more, this time connecting with a calf kick. Evans drops to the mat holding her ribs and Saturn makes a cover.*

1!
2!
T- NO!

*Evans digs into the tank and kicks out.*

MW: Saturn’s starting to swing things back his way!

SD: Artemis knows what she’s doing, she’s lulling Saturn into a false sense of security.

*Saturn continues to feed off the energy of the crowd and gets to his feet, shaking the ropes in a style reminiscent of the Ultimate Warrior (but not as rapidly) to fire up the Freedom Fighters. Evans gets to her feet behind Saturn’s back and looks for a neckbreaker. Saturn catches Evans’ arms and shoves her away before hitting her with an enzuigiri. He climbs the top turnbuckle once more and motions for Evans to get to her feet. Just as she recovers, Saturn dives from the top rope and plants Evans with a diving spear and goes immediately into a cover.*

1!
2!
THR- NO!

*Evans kicks out just in the nick of time.*

MW: Saturn almost putting away the Glory Huntress!

SD: SHE SHALL HAVE HER GLORY YET, WATSON, SO HELP ME GOD.

*Saturn, breathing heavily, gets to his feet and channels the crowd. He shouts “WHADDA YOU WANT?!”, to which the crowd replies “SATURNSAULT!” Saturn obliges and climbs the top turnbuckle, posing with his arms outstretched before moonsaulting onto the prone Evans and making another cover.

1!
2!
THRE- NO!

*Evans manages to kick out at 2.8. Saturn is stunned.*

MW: UNBELIEVABLE! Evans just kicked out of the Saturnsault!

SD: HA! Just goes to show the kid doesn’t have what it takes to hang with Artemis!

*As Saturn checks with the ref, Evans lets out a weak laugh and flips Saturn the bird. Saturn winds himself up and lets out a roar. He grabs Evans’ legs between his arms and flips her over, locking in the Walls of Saturn.*

MW: THE WALLS OF SATURN! He’s never had to dig that deep before! This just shows how much winning this match means to Saturn!

SD: Come on, Artemis, don’t tap! You can do it!

*Evans writhes in pain and claws for the ropes, but Saturn has the submission cinched in too tightly. After several agonizing moments, Evans finally taps.*

Winner: James Saturn

*Saturn releases the hold and throws himself against the ropes in relief and celebration. Evans slowly rolls herself out of the ring and makes her way to the back, cursing to herself and everyone at ringside while nursing her ribs.*

MW: Absolutely incredible match here, with James Saturn picking up the win over a ferocious opponent. How do you like them apples, Steve? ...Steve?

SD: Oh, shut up about him, what about Artemis?

*Deville leaves the commentary table and checks with the ref to make sure that Artemis is okay. Watson puts his head in his hands and sighs heavily.*

Suddenly, the arena goes dark. On the screen, a timer appears.

28 days.
0 hours.
0 minutes.
4 seconds… 3 seconds… 2 seconds… 1 second… 0 seconds…

A distorted voice plays over the speakers.

“The becoming is entering the final preparations. The sacrifices have made me stronger. Strong enough now to prowl through FPW. In just twenty-eight days I shall assume my rightful place at the top of the food chain. Freedom Pro Wrestling is my hunting ground. With each further sacrifice I will continue to grow stronger. Irresistible. Soon I shall become a creature of legend. The Great Hunter. The next three sacrifices are being prepared.”

The clock returns:

27 days.
23 hours.
59 minutes.
5 seconds.

The lights come back up.

MW: Wait a minute… 28 days? That takes us… that takes us right up to Judgement Day.
SD: So you're saying that whoever… whatever this is… will he here at Judgement Day?
MW: I guess so.
SD: These videos started in the summer. I… I have no idea what to expect.
MW: Neither do I. Whatever it is, it's coming very soon.




Mike Watson(MW): “And now for the first title match or the show, as the always dangerous Azazel challenges the relatively new champion Tommy Storm for the FPW hardcore championship!”

Steven Deville(SD): I’ll be honest, this is a little weird for me. I’ve spent a long time rooting against Azazel as he feuded with Marcus Allen Jones, but tonight, I can’t wait to see him smash Tommy Storm’s face-hang on.”

Azazel walked out onto the stage and stood there, holding his torch and staring out into the crowd for a moment before beginning to march to the ring. As he was halfway down the ramp, the arena was plunged into darkness as the lights went out and “No One Will Survive” began to play, awkwardly overlapping the intro for the song with Azazel climbing into the ring.

MW: “Apparently Azazel emerging before the production staff was ready for him.”

SD: “I guess he didn’t want to wait any longer, nothing wrong with that.”

An unusually long amount of time passed before “Walk” began to blare from the arena speakers. Tommy Storm walked out on the stage holding his belt. He cocked his head, giving Azazel a confused look before he shrugged and called out “Let's fucking go!” He beat his chest twice then threw his arms over his head as orange pyro went off. He marched to the ring, taking care to enter the ring as far from Azazel as possible.

MW: “Tommy Storm showing a bit of caution around Azazel, probably a wise decision.”

But as he got in the ring, Tommy walked up and got in Azazel's face, raising his title above his head.

MW: “Or not.”

The referee separated the two of them, forcing Tommy back into his corner. The ref asked both men if they were ready to compete, and upon receiving a nod from each of them, he called for the bell.

Match 3: Hardcore Championship: Tommy Storm v Azazel (Written by Mason/Evans):

SD: “We are underway, and Tommy Storm showing no fear as he strides right up to Azazel and-oh! Caught with a spinning heel kick!”

Tommy flopped to the mat, and Azazel quickly continued his attack, dropping into a mounted position and laying into Storm with vicious right hands. He eventually stood up and pulled Tommy up with him, then whipped him into the corner. Azazel ran in after him and connected with a running forearm smash. Tommy was clearly stunned, but Azazel wasn’t finished. He rapidly drove his forearm into Tommy’s face again and again. Storm tried to bring his arm up to defend, but without missing a beat, Azazel drove a kick into his ribs, causing him to drop his hands to cover his midsection and leaving his face open for another powerful forearm smash. Tommy slumped into a seated position as Azazel backed up, taking a breath before stepping back in and beginning to drive his boot repeatedly into Tommy’s chest. He continued to do this until the ref pulled him back and checked to make sure Tommy storm could still continue. A camera caught a glimpse of Azazel’s face, and his usually neutral expression was replaced with one of pure rage. The camera then cut to a shot of Tommy Storm pulling himself to his feet using the ropes. He raised his hands and made a ‘bring it’ gesture.

SD: “Storm’s stupidity beginning to show as he asks Azazel to inflict more punishment. I will never understand this man.”

Tommy left the corner, and he and Azazel began to circle each other. He took a quick step in and swung a punch at Azazel, who easily ducked under the strike and lashed out with a kick that Tommy avoided by taking a step back. Tommy took another step in, his hand raised to offer a test of strength. Azazel took a step forward and raised his hand. He and tommy interlocked fingers, but then he kicked Storm in the gut, doubling him over and setting him up for the DDT that followed! Azazel quickly rolled Tommy over and hooked his leg for the cover.

...1!.Kick-out!

MW: “Tommy Storm proving he still has life, despite being on the receiving end of a vicious beating from Azazel.”

SD: “And I’ve been loving every second of that beatdown.”

Azazel went for a stomp onto Tommy’s chest, but Storm rolled out of the way. Azazel bent over to grab him, but Tommy lashed out with a kick to Azazel’s shin that made him stumble, buying time for Tommy to stand up. Azazel went for an uppercut, but Tommy caught his arm and whipped him across the ring. But instead of rebounding, Azazel held onto the ropes and stopped himself. Tommy rushed him, but Azazel sidestepped and redirected him through the ropes and onto the floor. Azazel paused to take a breath, but Tommy recovered faster than he’d expected, sliding into the ring behind him and connecting with a quick German suplex. Azazel managed to roll backwards up to his feet, only to get hit with a spinning backfist from Storm! With Azazel staggered, Tommy pulled him in and hit a snap suplex.

MW: “And just like that, Tommy Storm has taken control.”

Before Azazel could make an escape, Tommy wrapped his arms around his head and locked in a chinlock. Azazel struggled, but Tommy held on tight, refusing to let Azazel create any space.

SD: “As much as I hate to admit it, this is probably a smart strategy from Storm. Azazel exploded into this match with relentless offense and caught Storm off guard. By throwing on this hold, Storm gives himself a moment to catch his breath, as well as slow down his opponent.”

Azazel began to work his way out of the hold, so Tommy pulled him up and transitioned his grip, then drove Azazel to the mat with a reverse DDT. But Azazel was already working his way back to his feet. Thinking quickly, Tommy pulled him the rest of the way up and whipped him across the ring. This time, Azazel rebounded and ducked under Tommy’s attempted clothesline. He hit the far ropes and rebounded back towards Storm, who caught him with a hip toss. And before Azazel could escape, Tommy trapped him in another chinlock. Tommy smirked as he increased the pressure.

But that smirk faded when Azazel let out a low growl and grabbed one of Tommy's arms with both hands. Despite Storm's best efforts, Azazel pried the arm away from his neck and began to stand back up. He let go of Storm's wrist with one hand and drove his elbow back and caught Storm on the jaw. Storm released his hold and Azazel smashed him with another elbow. Tommy took a step back, hoping to get out of range. But Azazel spun around and nailed him with another spinning heel kick.

MW: “Tommy Storm now rolling to the outside of the ring. So far during this match, Tommy has had no answer for anything Azazel has thrown at him.”

Tommy was now laying flat on his back next to the ring. Azazel walked around the ring before he began to climb under the top rope and onto the apron. Suddenly, Tommy swung his arm upwards and drove a kendo stick into Azazel’s exposed side! Azazel grimaced and Storm swung his kendo stick upwards again, causing Azazel to fall off the apron.

MW: “Just a reminder for anyone who’s confused, as this is a hardcore title match, it is contested under hardcore rules. And Tommy is using that stipulation to take control of the match.”

As Tommy pulled himself to his feet, a video appears onscreen showing Tommy sliding his arm that was closest to the ring reaching under the skirt and grabbing the kendo stick, then passing it to his other hand to get it into position to ambush Azazel.

The video disappeared as Tommy pulled Azazel to his feet and threw him into the barricade. The guardrail shifted as Azazel slammed into it, and he arched his back from the pain. He took a step forwards and Tommy lifted him onto his shoulders. Tommy stepped closer to the guardrail and forcefully draped Azazel across it, driving his midsection into it. Leaving Azazel draped across the guardrail, Tommy walked to another side of the ring and pulled a table out from underneath. The crowd cheered as he began to set it up. Meanwhile, Azazel shifted his weight and got off the guardrail. He rose to his feet and saw Tommy almost finished setting up the table. He shook his head before breaking into a sprint. He rounded the corner of the ring and stepped onto the steps, launching himself off and driving his knee into the back of Storm’s head. Storm flopped to the floor before Azazel pulled him up and rolled him into the ring. Azazel climbed in after him, only for Storm to catch him in a small package!

...1!...2!..Kick-out!

Both men quickly stood up, and Azazel angrily whirled to face Tommy, only to be caught with a superkick! Azazel was stunned, but managed to stay on his feet. But Tommy quickly changed that by lifting him up and driving him to the mat with an exploder suplex. Tommy rolled over and was clearly considering going for a cover, but decided on another course of action. He dragged Azazel’s fallen form closer to the corner, then walked across the ring and leaned back into the opposite corner.

SD: “What’s he going for now?”

Tommy looked out into the crowd and raised his fist before taking a deep breath and running towards Azazel. He stepped over him and then up and onto the second turnbuckle, before throwing his body weight back and onto Azazel with a Vader bomb! He hooked the leg on impact, looking for the win.

...1!..Kick-out!

MW: “Azazel still showing lots of life despite the punishment from Tommy Storm.”

Tommy was on his knees as he raised his hands to his head, in complete surprise that Azazel had managed to kick out so early. But then his eyes fixated on the middle turnbuckle and he rose to his feet. He stepped over Azazel and bent over to begin untying the turnbuckle pad. After a few moments of fiddling, he stood up and raised the pad over his head before tossing it into the crowd. He then pulled Azazel to his feet and pointed at the exposed turnbuckle, shouting into his face “You’re going right there!” He put his hand on the back of Azazel’s neck and went to slam his face into the turnbuckle, but Azazel put his foot on the turnbuckle, stopping his forward momentum. Tommy, panicked, started shaking his head, then was driven backwards by another elbow from Azazel. Azazel turned around and tried to continue the attack, but Tommy was able to grab his wrist and send him into the opposite corner. Tommy charged at Azazel and smashed him with a clothesline that dropped him to a seated position. Timmy backed up a few steps before running in and delivering a cannonball! He pulled Azazel out of the corner and went for a cover.

...1!...2!.Kick-out!

SD: “Despite being on the receiving end of some ferocious offense from Tommy Storm, Azazel is still managing to keep himself alive. The fortitude this man shows is uncanny.”

Tommy stood up and paced back and forth for a moment in frustration. Azazel began to rise, but Storm kicked his leg out from under him and dropped him back to the mat. “Just stay down!” he yelled at him, before stepping on him as he walked to the corner. He ducked under the top rope and climbed onto the apron, then began to ascend to the top rope.

MW: “This could be dangerous, we don't see Tommy Storm take flight too often.”

Tommy stared down at Azazel for a moment before leaping off and attempting a frog splash. But as his opponent left the top rope, Azazel brought his knees up, causing them to be driven into Storm's gut as he landed! Tommy rolled off of Azazel, who began to rise to his feet. He backed into the corner, grabbing both ropes and leaning forward. His gaze, still filled with that terrifying rage, was fixated on Storm as he began to stand up. As Tommy finished rising, Azazel charged out of the corner and drilled him with a single leg high knee. But he wasn't finished there, he pulled Tommy back up and tucked his head between his legs. He grabbed Storm around the waist and lifted his body up, then drove his head into the mat with a piledriver!

MW: “That’s not a move we usually see from Azazel! Now hooking Storm’s leg!”

...1!...2!.Kick-out!

The camera caught a glimpse of Azazel’s face as he stood up and pulled Tommy to his feet. Instead of looking disappointed that Tommy had kicked out, he looked almost pleased as he dragged his opponent to the ropes.

SD: “That's a little disturbing. Having an opponent kick out one of your pin attempts is one of the most annoying feelings in the world, yet Azazel currently looks happy about it. I don't think any man should feel that way.”

MW: “Well, are we sure Azazel is a man at all? We've all heard what he claims.”

The commentators went silent as they let that statement sink in.

Meanwhile, back in the ring, Azazel leaned Storm against the ropes and used the ropes to tie up his arms, preventing him from escaping and exposing his chest. Then he lashed out with a swift kick, driving his shin into Tommy's chest. The impact issued a loud crack, and an audible gasp came from the crowd. Azazel swung another powerful kick, issuing another crack and prompting another gasp. Again and again he struck, landing kick after vicious kick.

MW: “Azazel is taking full advantage of the hardcore stipulation, this assault has gone on far longer than the ref would have allowed in a normal match. How much further do you think he plans to take this?”

SD: “Until he's satisfied I guess. That's the only answer I can give you.”

Azazel hesitated after delivering his latest kick. He stood there for a moment, looking at Tommy, whose head was slumped onto his chest. Tommy slowly looked up and met Azazel's gaze, and the camera could hear him quietly say “is that all you got?” Azazel smirked and stepped forward, wrapping one arm around Storm's neck and used his other arm to untangle the ropes, allowing him to pull Tommy into the center of the ring. He draped one of Tommy's arms over his neck and lifted him up, holding him there for a moment before driving him downwards to finish the brainbuster! He rolled Storm over and hooked his leg for the pin.

...1!...2!..Kick-out!

Azazel merely nodded as Tommy lifted his shoulder off the mat. He stood up and lifted Tommy into a fireman’s carry. Azazel walked Tommy into the corner, where he turned sideways and perched him atop the top turnbuckle. Azazel climbed up after him and went to lock in a front facelock, but Storm caught him with a quick punch. Azazel was staggered, and that gave Tommy the opportunity to punch him again, dropping him off the top. Tommy used this opening to take a quick breath before getting into position for a dive. But quick as a cat, Azazel climbed back to the top rope and began laying into Tommy with forearms, battering him into submission. Azazel truly applied the front facelock and attempted a superplex, but Tommy grabbed the turnbuckle, holding on and preventing himself from being lifted. Azazel tried to lift him again, but Tommy maintained his grip. With Azazel in between attempts to lift him, Tommy took a risk and let go of the turnbuckle to drive his fist into Azazel’s gut. Azazel let out a grunt and Tommy did it again, forcing Azazel to relinquish his hold. Tommy then swung an uppercut that caught Azazel on the jaw and sent him crashing to the mat. This time, he didn’t get right back up, allowing Tommy to first get into position, then leap from the top rope with a frog splash! He landed across Azazel chest and hooked his leg for the cover.

...1!...2!.Kick-out!

MW: “Tommy Storm connecting with the frog splash after a failed first attempt, and it’s still not enough to finish Azazel here tonight!”

Tommy rolled over into a mounted position and began battering Azazel with lefts and rights. As the first few strikes landed, Azazel still looked angry, but his more and more punches made contact, he slowly started to go nearly unconscious. Tommy nodded as he looked down at Azazel’s unmoving body. He stood up and climbed out of the ring, walking over to the barricade. He began talking to a pair of fans in the front row. The camera couldn’t catch any of their conversation, but before long the fans stood up and Tommy was lifting their chairs up and over the barricade. He folded both of them up and slid them under the bottom rope and into the ring. He positioned them on the ring floor, overlapping them at their thickest points. Then he turned his attention back to Azazel, who was just beginning to stir. He tucked Azazel’s head between his legs and then lifted him onto his shoulders. He turned around and powerbombed him onto the chairs!

MW: “Storm showing us why he calls himself the King of Xtreme!”

Tommy pulled Azazel’s body off the chairs and hooked the leg.

...1!...2!..Kick-out!

MW: And how on earth did Azazel kick out of that?!”

SD: “It’s like you said earlier Mike. Azazel might not be from earth.”

Tommy was incensed that Azazel had managed to kick out. He pulled him to his feet and whipped him to the ropes. Tommy ran at him to catch him with a clothesline, only for Azazel to duck. Both men turned around, and Azazel charged at Tommy and clotheslined him out of the ring. Azazel climbed out of the ring and pulled Tommy to his feet, clearly intending to do more damage, when his eye fell on the table Tommy had tried to set up earlier. Azazel shoved Tommy back to the floor and began to finish setting up the table. As he finished, Tommy, who’d risen to his knee, grabbed him from behind. Azazel turned around and whipped him into the barricade. With Tommy sprawled out in pain, Azazel bent over and looked under the ring, and when he straightened up, there was a Kendo stick clutched in his hand. He turned around and swung at Tommy, cracking the stick across his back. Tommy cried out in pain as Azazel threw down the stick and grabbed him, dragging him towards the table. Azazel laid him across the table and threw one last punch into his face for good measure before climbing back into the ring. He walked across to the far side before turning around and taking a deep breath. Then he ran across the ring towards the corner, propelling himself up and over, landing on the apron. But he only stayed there for a split second as he jumped onto the middle rope and launched into a moonsault! He landed perfectly, driving Tommy Storm through the table!

SD: “Oh my god! Nephilim through the table!”

Azazel shakily rose to his feet, urged on by the cheering crowd. He lifted Tommy up and rolled him into the ring. Azazel rolled in after him and went for a cover.

...1!...2!..Kick-out!

MW: “Now it’s Tommy Storm displaying some incredible fortitude!”

Azazel had rolled off of Storm after he kicked out and was now laying flat on his back. But suddenly he sat straight up, his eyes filled with some new light. He stood the rest of the way up and backed into the far corner from Storm, watching him the entire time. Tommy slowly began to rise to his feet, using the ropes in the corner to pull himself up.

SD: “I think Azazel’s ready to end this, he’s getting ready to deliver The Night.”

Tommy had fully stood up and took a few unsteady steps out of the corner. Azazel began running across the ring, poised to deliver The Night. But at the last possible second, Tommy sidestepped, and Azazel’s knee was driven into the turnbuckle that Tommy had exposed earlier! Azazel cried out and staggered back, turning around into a front facelock from Storm!

MW: “Storm’s lifting Azazel up! And now he’s dropping him down!”

SD: “ Eliminator!”

Tommy rolled over and hooked Azazel’s leg.

...1!...2!...3!

Winner: Tommy Storm.

MW: And it’s over, Tommy Storm has retained his Hardcore Championship!”

Tommy Storm rolls out of the ring and is handed his title. He barely manages to walk but won't accept help as the fans applaud him up the ramp. He reaches the top and then turns, saluting the fans and looking back at his opponent, who lies in the ring having not moved an inch, All of a sudden, the lights go dark. When they come up again, a woman is in the ring with a microphone in her hand. Azazel is staring at her, a look of shock of his face the likes of which we've never seen. She begins to speak.

“Azazel… you were once a great beast. You truly were the devil incarnate. Together, we did great things. When we parted, I warned you. Always remember what you are. Always remember what you set out to do. But now you sit disgraced. You've lost your focus on what you are. You've lost your focus on what you set out to do. And now you must be… destroyed.”

The lights go off again as the fans murmur. When they come back up, she's gone, leaving just Azazel in the ring looking panicked. The fans all gasp as they've never seen Azazel like that before.

The camera cuts to backstage, where Dasha Banks stands with Sato and The Guardians of Strong Style.

DB: Well, tonight we saw your team become the number one contenders to the Tag Team Championships. What do you have to say about that match?

S: We did what we say we do. Friendmigos gave us tough challenge. But we tougher. Invaders fight dirty. But we overcome with honour and strong style.

DB: And now you will go on to face Jack Sevren and Bobby O at Judgement Day. What type of challenge will they give you?

S: Big challenge. They excellent team. But they better singles wrestlers. Takahara-san and Tchyukiro-san are team. Only team. Guardians of Strong Style will win championships. Bobby and Sevren will be great singles wrestlers but they not better team than us.

We enter into the next match with no introduction from Deville and Watson, but simply the entrance music of Jack Sevren playing as ‘15 Minutes’ by Shattered Skies echoes through the arena. Sevren enters with his tag title displayed prominently on his chest, but he signals to a nearby camera that he’s leaving with the Free-1 Briefcase and its accompanying title shot. He walks out to the ring, rolling underneath the bottom rope and playing to the crowd a bit before settling into a corner.



MW: Sevren looks focused here, and he’s adamant on claiming his world title shot from Baker-and then the title itself from MAJ! Those two have a history that goes way back.



SD: If we’re being honest, the outcome of this match really decides one thing, and one thing alone.



MW: And what’s that?



SD: Which one of these men is losing to MAJ at the End of the Year show.



Sevren watches the entrance as ‘DNA’ by Kendrick Lamar begins to play to a pop before Graham Baker’s name appears on the titantron. Moments later, Graham Baker emerges, his briefcase in hand, heavily focused and ready to go. He plays to the crowd a bit, slapping hands, before he lays the briefcase down with the ring announcer next to his jacket. He climbs up to the ropes, springboarding into the ring before giving two finger-guns toward Sevren. Sevren chuckles, and as the ring announcer steps in, Sevren grabs the microphone from him. He approaches Baker.



JS: Look kid, I know you think you’re hot shit, but I’m going to beat your ass down here. Let’s say you just hand over that briefcase and we’ll call it an early night, maybe i’ll give you a shot at the tags with one of your indie buddies later on?

Match 4: Free-1 Briefcase Defence: Graham Baker v Jack Sevren (written by Baer/Renegades):

Sevren offers a hand to Baker, but Baker wastes no time spitting in his face and shoving him back. The two immediately lock up without any further hesitation, and the referee begins the match. The two seem to be matched, with Sevren getting an early headlock advantage before Baker manages to reverse it into a waistlock. Baker goes for a suplex, but Sevren rolls through and rolls him up for a quick pin attempt!



ONE!



TWO!!



TH-BAKER KICKS OUT! Graham Baker kips back up, but Sevren’s quick to lay Baker out with a brutal lariat. Baker tries to scramble back to his feet, but Sevren catches him in a waistlock, going for a German Suplex, but Baker manages to escape! He goes for a dropkick from behind, but Sevren hits the ropes, drilling Baker with a dropkick of his own as Baker goes down! Baker hits the mat hard with a thud, and Sevren scrambles up to the top rope, signalling for a knee drop-AND SLAMMING HARD INTO BAKER’S TORSO! He covers Baker!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-BAKER KICKS OUT AGAIN!!! Baker scrambles back to his feet, and Sevren goes to pull Baker up for another German Suplex, slamming him down into the mat! Sevren goes to capitalize on Baker’s stunned state, but Baker manages to make it out to the arena floor, rolling to safety. Sevren taunts him, teasing a suicide dive to the outside, before sliding down under the bottom rope. He grabs Baker for another suplex, but Baker manages to flip out of the attempt again, rearing back and going for a kick to the back of Sevren’s head, but Sevren ducks it and goes for another lariat, which Baker manages to dodge. Sevren sweeps low and picks Baker up afterward, getting him in position for a two-leg takedown-BEFORE SLAMMING HIM HARD, BACK-FIRST ON THE APRON! Baker cries out in pain as Sevren shoves him back in, kicking him in the back as he slides under the ropes, before climbing back in. Sevren goes to pin Baker again, but Baker manages to kip up with quickness and stun Sevren with a snap pele kick, hitting the ropes-AND DRILLING JACK WITH A BRUTAL DROPKICK THAT SENDS HIM INTO THE ROPES!



MW: A dominant display by Jack Sevren here, but we see Graham Baker trying to make a comeback!



SD: Baker’s going to have a hell of a lot of ground to recover from-he’s clearly taken the most damage out of the two of them!



Baker taunts Sevren to get back to his feet, and Jack does, but as he does, Baker lights him up with a vicious knife-edge chop. Sevren isn’t shaken, but responds with one in kind to Baker, sending Baker stumbling back. He presses his advantage, going for a second, and a third, clearly forcing Baker back in the striking battle. He sets Baker up on the ropes, hanging him through, before climbing to the top rope. He points two fingers down, and drills Baker on the back and neck with a brutal knee drop! Baker bounces and falls back into the ring, writhing in pain, as Sevren climbs back in and goes for yet another pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-BAKER KICKS OUT AGAIN! Sevren looks furious and frustrated, but an element of respect lies in his glare. He realizes that he’s going to need to step his game up, and yanks Baker back to his knees, noting the obvious pain of the other man. He hits the ropes, and goes for a dropkick, but Baker manages to duck it, grabbing Jack’s leg in a vice as he does so! He attempts to lock in an Indian deathlock, but Sevren’s quick to react, reversing the hold into his signature Figure Four!



MW: Sevren giving Baker a taste of his own medicine here!



SD: This could be the move that puts Graham Baker down for good!



Baker cries out in pain as Jack torques the hold, twisting more and more on Baker’s ankle and attempting to cause his opponent to tap out or pass out, but Baker manages to power through! Sevren’s too focused on the manipulation of the joint to notice Baker reaching for the ropes. He crawls a few inches further, closer, closer-and he grabs the rope! The referee forces Sevren to break the hold, but only after another moment of torture! Baker clutches his leg in pain as the referee checks on him while Sevren basks in the boos from the crowd. He looks back to Baker as he gets back to a knee, and circles him, planning his next route of attack.



Finally, after a moment, the two men enter into another faceoff, although Baker’s noticably favoring his untouched limb. Baker and Sevren lock up once again, but Sevren takes advantage of Baker’s weakened leg and kicks at it a few times, causing Baker to lose leverage and Sevren to manage to get Baker in a headlock, drilling him into the ground with a snapmare. As Baker recovers, Sevren bounces off the ropes and hits a brutal dropkick to the head of Graham Baker! He goes for another pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-BAKER KICKS OUT! Sevren looks frustrated at this point, and brutally stomps on Baker’s injured leg while the referee chastises him. He pulls Baker up to his feet and brutally chops him across the chest, attacking his already-bruised torso. Baker coughs and drops to a knee again, but Sevren pulls him back up, chopping him again. He chops him three more times before he pulls Baker up on his shoulders. He sets Baker on the top rope, and climbs up after him, getting ready to hit a Top Rope Lungblower and bring the night to an end. He gets ready to drop Baker...but Baker struggles against it and nails Sevren in the head with a brutal elbow. Sevren tries to maintain his hold, but Baker nails him a few more times, causing Sevren to adapt and drill Baker with a brutal underhook superplex to the mat! Baker lands back-first, bouncing off the mat for a second and holding his back, giving Sevren enough time to go for another top-rope knee drop-but Baker rolls out of the ring to avoid it, sending Sevren crashing into the mat! From the outside, Baker taunts Sevren, and Sevren responds in a rage, hitting the ropes and going for a wrecking ball dropkick on Baker, but Baker manages to dodge it and pull Sevren through the ropes! Sevren hits the ground, and Baker goes for a sliding dropkick, hitting Sevren as the referee begins the ten count.



By the three-count, Baker manages to make his way back in the ring as Sevren gets back to his feet, but Baker’s not done yet. He hits the ropes for a suicide dive, but the injury to his leg and veteran timing from Jack Sevren allow Sevren to counter Baker’s suicide dive with a brutal forearm smash to the head! Baker crashes to the ring floor, and Sevren targets his leg once again, climbing to the top rope and aping Baker’s movements before he hits a brutal diving stomp to Baker’s injured leg! Baker cries out in pain, and Sevren rolls to recover from the stomp, admiring his handiwork.



MW: Baker keeps trying to get the advantage but falling short-what does The Aviator have to do here to get his heat back?



SD: More importantly, can he manage to do it?



Sevren grabs Baker and shoves him back in the ring, entering the ring after him. He postures to the crowd for a moment as Baker cries out in pain, the crowd seeming to be mildly upset and confused before Sevren grabs Baker’s leg. He attempts to grapevine Baker to pull him in for the Figure Four, but Baker struggles against it before Sevren puts his leg down with a stomp. He goes to lock in the Figure Four and grapevines his leg, but as he goes down Baker reverses the hold into an Inverted Figure Four! Sevren cries out in pain while Baker torques the hold repeatedly, trying to keep pressure on Sevren. Baker cries out before Sevren finally manages to grab hold of the ropes. The referee forces Baker to break the hold, and he does, but not before causing a great deal of damage to Sevren’s leg. Sevren seems to be struggling now, and Baker takes advantage of this, hitting the ropes and drilling Sevren with a single leg dropkick from his wounded leg! Sevren goes down, and Baker goes for his first cover of the match!



ONE!



TW-Sevren kicks out, and Baker springs to action, pulling Sevren up for an Exploder Suplex into the corner! Sevren looks shocked as Baker bounces off the ropes again and goes for a running knee from his injured leg, but Sevren ducks it, sending Baker back into the turnbuckles! Baker holds his leg, and Sevren capitalizes, going for a bridging German suplex and slamming Baker into the mat! He holds through on the pin, going for it!



ONE!



TWO!!



THRE-BAKER KICKS OUT AGAIN! Sevren looks incredulous, but wastes no more time, pulling Baker back to his feet and going for a tombstone piledriver! Baker manages to reverse it, refusing to allow himself to be pulled up and shoving Sevren into the ropes, catching him on the rebound and taking him down with a brutal lariat! He hits the ropes, shakily, and goes for a Lionsault with a great deal of improper form, but hitting nonetheless!



MW: Baker breaking out a series of new moves to take down Sevren, but the damage to his leg is evident!



SD: Always have to consider what a shape the leg’s in when you go for high risk moves like that!



Baker goes for the pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



TH-SEVREN KICKS OUT! Baker pulls him back up and the two immediately enter into a striking battle, exchanging brutal elbow blows and chops back and forth in the center of the ring as the crowd gets hotter and hotter. Sevren looks to have the advantage as a series of chops send Baker reeling back, but as he goes to capitalize with a final elbow strike, Baker hits a brutal discus elbow out of nowhere, knocking Sevren silly! Baker capitalizes, forcing Sevren back with a series of brutal chops and elbow strikes and capitalizing before he forces him into the ropes! He hits the ropes perpendicular to Sevren, going for a no-handed moonsault-BUT SEVREN’S QUICK TO CAPITALIZE ON BAKER’S LACK OF SPEED, CATCHING BAKER FOR A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! HE LOCKS HIM IN-AND DRILLS HIM INTO THE GROUND!



MW: The tombstone piledriver! Sevren’s signature move!



Sevren falls to his knees as Baker lays on the ground, stunned. He reaches out for nothing, close to the ropes as Sevren goes for the pin, not noticing Baker’s boot nearing the rope. Sevren calls for the referee to begin counting.



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE-WAIT! The referee stops the count as he notices Graham Baker’s boot touching the rope, and the crowd explodes while Sevren looks to be infuriated. Baker looks shocked to still be in the match, and Sevren yanks Baker up for another Suplex, but Baker reverses it! He manages to catch Sevren with a suplex of his own, fighting through the pain in his leg! He keeps a hold, and drills Sevren with another suplex, and another, landing a trifecta before he drops Sevren and drops to one knee! He clutches his knee for a moment and looks at Sevren laying on the ground, shocked at the momentum of the match changing before he hits the ropes, rushing toward Sevren, who rolls out of the way and out of the ring! Baker manages to bounce off the ropes he was heading toward and head through the ropes with a suicide dive, sending both himself and Sevren to the ground! Both men manage to get up to their feet at the same time, exploding into offense as they do so! Sevren manages to low shoulder-block Baker and tries to throw him into the chairs, but Baker counters with a brutal elbow to the face and a kick, before sending Sevren over into the audience himself! Baker catches himself for a moment, looking at Sevren as he lays in the wreckage...before he runs, getting a jumping start onto the barricade, and executes a perfect corkscrew moonsault onto Jack Sevren in the pile of chairs! The crowd goes mad and the referee stops his count-out to check on the two men on the outside!



MW: My lord! Graham Baker is using up what life he has left to make sure Jack Sevren can’t win this match!



SD: Of course he is! Baker’s got one chance to get what he’s been building toward since he beat MDE-Why would he stop with an injured leg?



The two men are down as the referee pulls the barricade back and medics go to check on them, but Graham Baker manages to get to his feet first, pulling Sevren up and, with difficulty, getting him back in the ring. He rolls Sevren in, going in after him and hooking his leg in the center of the ring.



ONE!



TWO!!



THRE-SEVREN KICKS OUT! GRAHAM BAKER IS IN SHOCK AS JACK SEVREN LOOKS UP TO THE SKY, INCREDULOUS! THE CROWD GETS LOUDER AND LOUDER AS SEVREN AND BAKER GET BACK TO THEIR FEET FOR ONE FINAL FACEOFF, STARING EACHOTHER DOWN, HATRED AND FURY EMBLAZONED IN THEIR EYES. THEY RUN FORWARD FOR ONE FINAL LARIAT, BUT BAKER DUCKS, THROWING SEVREN ONTO HIS SHOULDERS-



MW: THE MUSTANG DRIVER!



-AND SLAMMING HIM ONTO THE GROUND WITH A BRUTAL DEATH VALLEY BOMB! BAKER FALLS ON TOP OF SEVREN, HOOKING HIS LEG!



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!



WINNER: GRAHAM BAKER.



The bell rings out, declaring Baker as the winner, and Baker falls to his knees, crying out. He looks at Sevren laying prone in the middle of the ring. He pays him little mind, asking for a microphone and his briefcase, picking them up and looking forward at the hard camera.



GB: Marcus, i’m coming for you.



Baker takes his briefcase and slides out from under the bottom rope, limping back up the off-stage ramp as Sevren lays in the ring, looking up at the lights...

The camera cuts to backstage, where Marcus and The Invaders can be seen coming down the corridor. It then cuts to Clutch McCloud, who is flanked by Russ Bolt and Danica Jane. Both look incredibly focussed and ready.

As we return to the broadcast, “This Fire Burns” by Killswitch Engage begins to play through the arena speakers as Clutch McCloud begins to make his entrance. He looks focused, determined, not paying much mind to the fans. Bolt and Jane wall a few paces behind him, allowing him to focus on the match ahead. The fans are clearly behind Clutch as he enters the ring, posing for a moment before quickly settling in a corner, looking toward the entrance.



MW: The title match of Dead Man’s Chest-Clutch McCloud against Marcus Allen Jones, marking the last of the men to beat Marcus being awarded a shot! I think he could take it tonight...but what do you think, Deville?



SD: McCloud’s win in the Free-1 was a fluke, nothing more. I don’t see him coming close at all tonight, but...we’ll see what happens. I’ve been proven wrong before, I suppose.



Shortly after, static rings out in the arena, ringing in a reign of boos as ‘Cult of Personality’ begins playing and Marcus Allen Jones walks out, the FPW title displayed prominently around his waist. The Invaders follow close behind. Marcus holds up a banner that has his opponents crossed out, the last two being ‘McCloud’ and ‘That Loser, Baker’, which he drops before he approaches the ring. The fans boo him, and he gives them all the finger before climbing into the ring, looking ready for a fight. MAJ stares down McCloud, giving him a cocky grin, before handing his title off to the referee who starts the match.

Match 5: FPW Championship: Marcus Allen Jones v Clutch McCloud (written by Baer/Renegades):

MW: Here we go! The final title match before the End of the Year show-the winner here we go on to face Graham Baker when he cashes in his Free-1 title shot!



SD: The stakes have never been higher, but i’m sure Marcus will manage to pull out the win!



McCloud goes to lock-up with MAJ, but MAJ seems to have been shaken from his last match and as he goes in for the lockup, delivers a brutal knee to the midsection of Clutch McCloud before backing up, and drilling him with a brutal shining wizard. He pulls Clutch back up for a Canadian Destroyer, putting his head through his legs and almost executing the piledriver-before Clutch strikes back against him and backdrops him over himself! Clutch looks for an early ending, drilling MAJ with a pele kick as he gets back to his feet and following it with a brutal spinning kick, before hitting a Technical Foul on the stumbling MAJ and going for a pinfall!



ONE!



TWO!!



TH-MAJ KICKS OUT! Clutch looks frustrated, and primes for a Brogue Kick, but as he goes for it, MAJ drops low and rolls him up!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-CLUTCH KICKS OUT! He rolls to recover as MAJ does the same, but MAJ manages to get leverage, drilling Clutch in the jaw with a brutal superkick. He pulls Clutch up for a Falcon Arrow, but Clutch manages to reverse it, shoving MAJ off and going for another jumping spin kick, but MAJ dodges that and goes for another kick of his own! He lands it to Clutch’s chest, before he jumps on Clutch with a series of punches and kicks, throwing him over to the outside ropes-and drilling him with a suicide spear to the outside! He and Clutch land in a pile as the fans gasp, watching as both men struggle to regain their bearings after the beginning of the brutal assault.



MW: Both men showing dominance early on, but MAJ seems to want to keep an upper hand on this match!



SD: Of course he does-he’s the champion, why would he give up the belt so easily?

Bolt and Jane check on Clutch, but they're shoved away by The Invaders, who lay into Russ Bolt. He manages to fight back, shoving Dario into the guardrail but being taken down by Haych, who connects with a fallaway slam. The Invaders then move towards Danica Jane, who backs away in fear. They continue pursuing her until she runs up the ramp, at which point The Invaders return to ringside.

Surprisingly, Clutch manages to get back to his feet first, having not seen the attack by The Invaders. He grabs Marcus for a powerbomb and aims toward the apron, but MAJ reverses the powerbomb into a brutal rana, sending Clutch’s back hard into the apron! Clutch writes in pain as Marcus recovers for a moment, taking a second-and drilling Clutch in the head with another superkick, bouncing his head back against the apron! Clutch writhes in pain as Marcus rolls him back in the ring, following after him and scrambling in, rolling him all the way in and going for another pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-CLUTCH KICKS OUT AGAIN! Marcus goes to capitalize, but Clutch goes for him again, throwing him over his back with a back body drop! He goes for a brutal kick to Marcus’s head, landing it, before he picks him up with a Belly-to-Belly suplex-AND SLAMS HIM HARD INTO THE MAT! He follows up with another, and another, but as he goes for a fourth, Marcus manages to flip out of it, hitting the ropes and delivering a brutal swinging neckbreaker as he does so. He goes to pick Clutch up for a 6 Star Knee, but Clutch yanks Marcus forward into a discus elbow! Marcus falls to his knees, and Clutch hits him with a brutal shining wizard to the face. Marcus falls flat on his back, and Clutch rolls him over, going for another early pin.



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-MAJ kicks out! Clutch looks frustrated, but not shocked, and goes to set up for the punt kick as MAJ gets back to his feet. Clutch runs in for the kick, but MAJ drops low, sweeping up behind him and grabbing him around the neck before transitioning over into an Everflow DDT! He drills Clutch into the ground, before crawling up to the top rope, going for a 630 Senton without his usual theatrics, but Clutch manages to roll out of the ring and make it to the outside! Marcus slams his knee into the canvas, looking to be in pain, and Clutch looks to capitalize-but falls straight into Marcus’s trap, eating a baseball slide from Marcus as he runs straight into the ropes! He rolls back out from under the bottom rope, yanking Clutch back into the ring and placing him on the apron. He goes to the top rope-and hits a brutal Pheonix Splash to Clutch as he lays across the apron, taking some impact himself but putting the brunt of it on Clutch! He falls to the outside, clutching his torso in pain!



MW: Marcus Allen Jones really giving it his all to retain his title here in this brutal match!



SD: And he will, I have no doubt!

Russ Bolt tries to check on Clutch but The Invaders cut him off again, launching him into the guardrail before Haych connects with a pop-up-powerbomb into the railing. Bolt slumps down as Dario helps Marcus.

As Marcus recovers, Clutch manages to get enough of a hold on himself to do the same. He moves back into the ring, pulling himself up as Marcus gets himself back in. Clutch notices Marcus, and as he gets through the ropes, Clutch waits...and drills him with a technical foul, before following it up with a brutal TarHEEL to the jaw of Marcus Allen Jones! Marcus drops flat, his foot tangled in the ropes, and Clutch tries to yank him out, unable to pin and unwilling to give it up quite yet. He goes for another Technical Foul to Jones, but Jones somehow manages to dodge it, yanking him down-AND HITTING A BRUTAL CANADIAN DESTROYER! JONES GOES FOR YET ANOTHER PIN ON CLUTCH MCCLOUD!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-CLUTCH KICKS OUT AGAIN!



Marcus looks confused and worried, perhaps angry, as he waits for Clutch to get back to his feet, tuning up the band in the form of his icon, Shawn Michaels. He goes for a superkick as Clutch gets back up, but Clutch ducks it, slamming Marcus down and then going through with a sunset flip powerbomb! He goes for a pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-Marcus kicks out! Clutch decides to pick him up for another powerbomb, securing his legs so he can’t drill him with another Hurricanrana, and slams him into the corner turnbuckle! He grabs Marcus with a fisherman suplex, and drives him back into the mat off of the turnbuckle, going for the pin with a bridge!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-MARCUS KICKS OUT AGAIN! Clutch looks incredulous, and sets up for another TarHEEL to the downed Marcus Allen Jones! Jones looks to be scrambling to figure out how to recover from the assault he’s sustained so far, and as Clutch goes for the TarHEEL, he appears not to have an answer-until he does, ducking low and tripping Clutch before he traps his dominant leg in a sharpshooter! Clutch cries out in anguish as Marcus locks the sharpshooter in further and further, before Clutch attempts to reach the ropes, only for Marcus to pull him back! Clutch looks as though he’s about to tap out, but suddenly, he manages to lunge forward and away from Marcus and reach the ropes! The referee forces Marcus to break the hold after Marcus hangs on for another second or two, brutalizing Clutch’s leg. Clutch struggles to get back to his feet as the referee checks on him, but he agrees to continue the match, lunging forward at Marcus with a snap Technical Foul, but Marcus manages to avoid it due to Clutch’s diminished speed! Clutch tries for a Belly-to-Back suplex, catching Marcus and slamming him down to the mat. He goes for a TarHEEL-but as he starts running, his brutalized leg gives out and he falls to a knee. Marcus manages to get back to his feet, and sees the weakened Clutch before him.



MW: Marcus did a ton of damage to that leg with that early sharpshooter.



SD: That he did-his victory is secured here!



Marcus tunes up for a superkick, and goes for it-only for Clutch to feint out of it, rolling Marcus up!



ONE!



TWO!!



THRE-MARCUS KICKS OUT! Clutch rolls back to his feet and goes for another TarHEEL, but Marcus catches his other leg and tries to lock in a Sharpshooter, only for Clutch to avoid it by struggling against it. He kicks Marcus in the side of the head, shoving him off and going for another Technical Foul. He lands it, knocking Marcus back, before he tunes up for a final TarHEEL to bring it home, but as he does so, Marcus responds with a brutal superkick to the jaw! Clutch looks shocked by the sudden attack, and Marcus takes advantage as Clutch drops to the ground, climbing to the top rope and screaming ‘Fuck you, Trevor!’ as he hits a 630 Senton and hooks Clutch’s leg.



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!



Winner: Marcus Allen Jones.



Clutch McCloud is defeated as Marcus stands dominant in the ring, collecting his title from the referee and celebrating for a moment...before DNA by Kendrick Lamar rings out across the arena. In shock, Clutch turns around to see a limping, wounded Baker holding his briefcase high. The Invaders come to block Baker but Russ Bolt drives a chair into the back of Dario. Haych turns and Russ connects with a Technical Foul to send him down. Bolt nods at Baker as Clutch joins him, and they step aside to allow Baker down the ramp.

Baker approaches the ringside area, climbing into the ring and staring MAJ down. The two have a faceoff before Marcus lays his title down in front of him, beckoning Baker to ‘come and take it’. The two get nearly nose-to-nose, standing with the title being the only distance between them, jawing...before the referee forces them apart. Baker climbs to the outside of the ropes, looking Marcus in the eyes, and saying ‘I’ve got you now’, before he climbs down off the ropes and heads up the ramp, giving Marcus his final moment in the sun...

Backstage, Clutch McCloud is being helped to the locker room by Russ Bolt. Dasha Banks approaches them.

DB: Clutch… you put in a valiant effort out there but came up short. How are you feeling?

CM: I'm feeling pretty disappointed. But I lost fair and square to a man who I'm not ashamed to say is better in that ring than me right now.

DB: And Russ, you felt the full force of The Invaders. What do you have to say to them?

RB: Clutch and me, we faced them once and I came up short for us. I want to face them again. They target me when I'm not interfering with them. They target Danica and run her-

CM: Whoa… they attacked Danica?

RB: They looked like they were about to before she ran off. We-

CM: They don't do that and get away with it. At Judgement Day, I want The Invaders. Me and Russ facing them one more time. I'll make them pay for that.

Clutch and Russ limp off towards the locker room.

As we come back to the ring, Jim Houston is stood with a microphone in his hand. The ring is surrounded by ladders. They line the guardrails two deep and there are four longer ladders propped up against the ringposts.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have a few announcements to make. The first is a thank you. A thank you to each and every single one of you who make Freedom Pro Wrestling what it is. I cannot stress enough just how important you, the fans, are to Freedom Pro Wrestling. As a special thank you, I'd like to announce that next year, FPW will be expanding its schedule. Full details will be released in the coming weeks, but next year will see a lot more Freedom Pro Wrestling, and I cannot wait to bring it to you wonderful people.”

The fans cheer this announcement and Jim Houston smiles, basking in the cheers for a few moments.

“Secondly… secondly, I can now make official the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship match, and the main event, of Judgement Day. On Sunday 2nd November, right here in Chicago Illinois, Marcus Allen Jones will defend his FPW Championship against the winner of the Free-1 Graham Baker.”

The fans cheer once again and a loud ‘Gra-ham Ba-ker’ Chang echoes around the arena. Houston lets it go for a minute before raising the microphone again. The fans quickly quieten.

“And my final announcement concerns tonight’s main event. The Dead Man’s Chest Match. A lot of people have been speculating as to what exactly is in the Dead Man’s Chest. Some have suggested that it might be a new Championship. Others that it gives the winner the chance to join the main event of Judgement Day. Some even have suggested that the winner will get the chance to take over my job. One person even asked me whether this contained a poisoned chalice and the winner of the match would be fired. Right now, I can officially reveal that the winner of the Dead Man’s Chest ladder match will receive a guaranteed championship match, good for a shot at any Freedom Pro Wrestling title at any time during a Freedom Pro Wrestling show. The winner of this match will have between now and the next Dead Man’s Chest Match to claim their prize. Should that prize go unclaimed, they will forfeit their opportunity. Now, please welcome the first competitor in this match, FPW’s newest acquisition, a very… interesting young man, Henry Harrison.”

Narcos begins to play and Henry Harrison runs to the right side of the stage, out-stretching his arms like a king looking for praise. He then runs to the left side of the stage and does this again. He then walks down to the ring before rolling under the bottom rope. Harrison stands up and pulls his teddy bears from his jacket. He then places the teddy bears under the bottom rope by the ring post. After this he takes off his jacket and throws it outside the ring. The fans are unsure what to make of him as he shakes Jim Houston’s hand before Houston leaves the ring and walks up the ramp.

MW: This man is… bizarre to say the least.
SD: Is he the guy who talks to teddy bears?
MW: Yes that would be him.
SD: We hired him? I was at that trial and this was the guy we hired? A guy who talks to teddy bears?
MW: But we both saw what he can do when he gets going inside the ring. That's all that ultimately counts.
SD: All that… he talks to teddy bears, Watson.

The Entertainer begins to play and Berry Bishop takes the top of the stage with a bow at the opening arpeggios, miming playing along to the music. On the last bars of the verses, Berry hopscotches to the bottom of the ramp and “plays” the ring apron as she climbs into the ring. She somersaults over the top rope and bows in the middle of the ring with a wink and a smile. She introduces herself to Henry Harrison and gives a loud ‘awwwwww’ when she sees the bears. Berry tries to pick one up and Harrison blocks her, before listening to the polar bear and lunging for her, then quickly stopping and looking back at the black bear before giving Berry a rueful stare, which she returns with a confused gaze.

Jace Mason waits behind the curtain as the intro for "Afterlife" plays. As soon as the intro is over he steps out, one foot forward in a dramatic pose and pyro goes off. He pauses to look at the crowd and smile for a moment before making his way down the ramp, pleased with the warm welcome back he's receiving. Jace happily gives high fives fans and does a bit of trash talk with the few people booing him. He gets on the ring apron and climbs the right side turnbuckles. He pauses again, one foot on the top and one on the middle turnbuckle, before raising his right fist and dropping into the ring. He nods at Berry and Harrison but doesn't engage with them, instead turning his attention to the entranceway.

The stage and entire arena suddenly go dark, with pulses of white light with Hardcore’s beats, ranging in intensity and brightness as the Black Death crawls up the ring ramp toward the ring. As she gets closer and the lyrics continue, the lights intensify in number before a single spotlight highlights her in the ring. She pulls her mask off and the excess of her entrance gear before bowing to the crowd and slightly playing to them. She then turns to Berry Bishop and the two stare each other down for a few moments as the next song begins.

This Means War plays for about 15 seconds before the music pauses and then Bobby O walks out wearing a military style jacket. He pops the collar and then walks to the ring at a fast pace, trying to high five fans on the way. Bobby enters the ring via the steel steps. When he gets in the ring, he grabs the ropes and leans over them, often while looking towards the crowd and pointing and smiling. Berry and Karlson break off their stare down to turn towards Bobby, who looks over each of his opponents before moving to one side of the ring and holding up his Tag Team Championship.

My Last Breath begins to play and James Saturn emerges, showing some effects from his match earlier in the night with Artemis Evans, but looking fully focussed as he stares up at the Dead Man’s Chest which hangs above the ring. He walks down the ramp, slapping hands with fans before circling the ring and looking at the variety of ladders than surround it. He then looks under the ring and emerges with a smile before climbing onto the ring apron and flipping inside. He looks to Berry and Karlson and gives them a nod of respect before settling and waiting for the next opponent.

The Comedian’s Gallop is the final song to play and Jerry Bishop receives the warmest welcome of all. He bows at the top of the ramp and then energetically dance-conducts on his way down the ramp. He picks up one of the ladders and sets it up at the bottom of the ramp, climbing it and jokingly try to the reach the chest from the outside before giving it an ‘ah nuts’ and climbing back down. He slides into the ring and is almost bowled over by Berry, who gives him a big hug. Jerry returns the hug but the camera catches him looking a little unsure of it for a moment.

Match 6: Dead Man’s Chest Ladder Match: Henry Harrison v Berry Bishop v Jace Mason v Elizabeth Karlson v Bobby O v James Saturn v Jerry Bishop:

Each competitor pauses for a few moments as the bell rings, taking the time to feel each other out. A mixture of chants can be heard for almost every single participant, but the loudest are still for Jerry Bishop. After a few moments, Jace Mason leaves the ring to get a ladder and he's followed by Bobby, Berry, Karlson and Saturn. Jerry goes to follow but he's cut off from behind by Henry Harrison, who takes him down with a clotheslines to the back of the head followed by hard stomps, eliciting boos from the crowd. As the rest of the entrants re-enter the ring, Harrison pauses, turning to his bears in the corner and going over to them, sliding out of the ring to converse with each.

The five competitors who've brought ladders in the ring each look to set them up, with Bobby, Saturn, Berry and Mason setting them up under the Dead Man’s Chest. Karlson, however, uses hers as a weapon, taking Bobby and Saturn down before being hit with a dropkick by Saturn, sending the ladder crashing into her face and sending her tumbling to the mat. Saturn then looks up and is about to climb when Berry connects with a hard kick to the back and drives his head into one of the rungs of the ladder. Saturn staggers away and Berry connects with a disaster kick which sends Saturn into the four ladders, knocking each of them down.

Bobby and Mason then make it back to their feet and each of them looks to engage with Berry. Bobby looks for a superkick, only for Berry to duck and connect with a roundhouse kick. Mason fares better, connecting with a superkick to Berry’s gut before taking her down with step-up enzeguiri. He turns, only to turn straight into the path of Henry Harrison, who connects with a top rope meteora before laying into Mason with a series of mounted right hands. Harrison then releases Mason and turns to Karlson, who is only just recovering from the ladder to the face, a trickle of blood running down from her nose. Harrison lifts her up and connects with a spinebuster, mounting her and looking to rain down more right hands only to pause and look across at the black bear. He holds his arms out and reluctantly moves off Karlson, moving back towards the bears. This allows Bobby time to recover, and he takes Harrison down with an RKO.

MW: Big mistake from Henry Harrison!
SD: I think you mean that Henry Harrison is a big mistake.
MW: He may be a few teddy bears short of a picnic, but he can certainly go in that ring.

Bobby turns and stalks James Saturn, looking for another RKO, but Saturn has it scouted, pushing Bobby away in mid air so that he lands on one of the ladders. Bobby cries out and rolls away to the floor, grasping his back. Saturn then picks up a ladder and looks to set it up, but he's interrupted by Jerry, who connects with a rolling elbow, causing Saturn to drop the ladder and also roll to the outside. With all of his opponents out of the ring, Jerry looks to set up the ladder and climb it, only for Berry to join him. As they climb opposite sides of the ladder, they each slow, realising what's about to happen. The fans draw a collective breath as both Bishops reach the top, only for Jace Mason to pull Jerry down and Karlson to pull Berry down.

Mason connects with another superkick to the gut before drilling Jerry with a DDT, while Karlson connects with a codebreaker. Both Bishops roll to the outside as Mason and Karlson look to climb to the top. They meet at the top of the ladder, exchanging right hands as each tries to be the last to survive. Mason seems to be getting the upper hand and Karlson looks about to drop from the ladder when the ladder suddenly starts to tip over as Bobby O shoves it to the side. Mason falls with the ladder, but Karlson manages to drop down and land on her feet, only for Bobby to connect with a quick DDT.

MW: With seven competitors in this ring it's going to be extremely hard for anyone to make it to the top of that ladder uninterrupted.
SD: But right now Bobby O has the ring to himself. Will he be the one to climb the ladder and retrieve the Dead Man’s Chest?
MW: I wouldn't be so sure; look who's about to enter the ring.

Henry Harrison slides under the ropes and positions himself behind Bobby. He grabs Bobby and spins him around, kicking him in the gut before lifting him onto his shoulders. He turns to the bears and looks intensely at the polar bear, but then glances at the black bear and shakes his head, putting Bobby back down again. However, with one more look at the polar bear, he leaps into the air and kicks Bobby in the head, sending him collapsing to the mat. Harrison rolls Bobby out of the ring and begins to climb the ladder, but James Saturn isn't far behind. With Harrison halfway up the ladder, Saturn connects with a dropkick to send Harrison and ladder crashing to the mat.

Saturn then positions Harrison onto one of the other ladders before stepping back. He pauses momentarily before grabbing a second ladder, which he places on top of Harrison. Then, with a short pause to ready himself, Saturn connects with a standing shooting star press, sandwiching Henry Harrison between two ladders. Saturn rolls away clutching his mid-section in pain, but Harrison simply lies motionless. For a few moments, every competitor is down, but then the Bishop siblings make it to their feet on the outside. They eye each other from across the ring, before Berry skips around to Jerry and whispers in his ear. Jerry smiles, and the two of them pull two of the ladders from the ring and balance them between the ring apron and the guardrail. The fans gasp as the ladders sit precariously in position.

The Bishops then turn to Bobby O. Berry connects with a kick to the gut before Jerry stands on one of the ladders they set up and leaps off, connecting with a blockbuster on the outside. Berry then turns, only to be met by Karlson. She connects with a vicious knee to the gut before driving a knee into Berry’s face. Berry reels away but Karlson connects with a backstabber. Jerry comes to Berry’s aid only for Karlson to connect with a codebreaker. She then jumps up onto one of the ladders on the outside and comes down with a vicious double stomp to Jerry. With everyone else still down, Karlson slides into the ring and pulls one of the ladders off Henry Harrison, who still hasn't moved.

Karlson sets the ladder up and begins to climb, seemingly unnoticed by everyone else in the match. She gets closer and closer to the Dead Man’s Chest before reaching up and grasping it with both hands. All of a sudden, James Saturn pulls the ladders away from underneath her, leaving Karlson gripping the Chest but unable to unhook it. Saturn looks up at her and tries to pull her legs down, but Karlson lifts them away from him. He then quickly moves to the outside, looking up at her before taking a deep breath, jumping up onto the top rope and connecting with a springboard diving clothesline to take Karlson down. Both of them land in a heap on the canvas as the fans explode with noise.

MW: Air Saturn! What a moment of self-sacrifice. What a painful landing for the Black Death Elizabeth Karlson.
SD: All Saturn needed to do was to pull her down. He could have climbed the ladder there and then but he didn't. He went for theatrics and it's surely cost him this match.
MW: Be that as it may, the match does continue. And here come Bobby O and Jace Mason back into the ring.

Bobby and Mason eye each other across the ring and come together, exchanging right hands. Bobby gets the upper hand and he whips Mason into the ropes, connecting with a powerslam. Bobby quickly looks to set up the ladder and climb it, but Mason pulls him down and connects with a slim kick to the gut before kicking out the leg and hitting a running dropkick. Mason then climbs the ladder, getting closer and closer to the top before he's stopped by a recovered Bobby. Bobby pulls Mason’s leg away and Mason falls, onto to be hit with an RKO as he lands.

Bobby bursts to his feet and soaks in the cheers for a moment before he climbs the ladder again. However, he's blocked by Henry Harrison, who pulls him down right into a spinebuster. Harrison then stands, somewhat unsteadily from the punishment he's taken, before beginning to climb himself. He climbs slowly, clearly affected by the standing shooting star, which allows Jerry to return to the ring and climb the other side. The two reach the top and exchange blows, neither man willing to fall, before Berry also climbs into the ring. She climbs up the same side as Henry Harrison, straddling the side of the ladder as she aims kicks at his back. Harrison then drops, leaving Jerry and Berry once again atop the ladder together.

The two Bishop siblings stare at each other regretfully for a few moments, before Jerry shrugs and looks about to strike Berry. Before he does so, he's pulled down from behind by Elizabeth Karlson, who connects with a chokenreaker, but doesn't spend time on any more before quickly climbing the ladder. Berry, who stood transfixed by Karlson’s attack on Jerry, quickly tries to reach the Dead Man’s Chest but Karlson cuts her off with a forearm to he gut. Karlson and Berry exchange forearm strikes for a few moments, each teetering but neither falling.

MW: Wait a minute!
SD: That's… that's Artemis Evans!
MW: Artemis Evans has had her problems with Elizabeth Karlson recently, that's for sure, and she's hardly best of friends with Berry Bishop, but she has no business being out here.
SD: I don't think Karlson or Berry even realise that she's there.

Evans gets a grip on the bottom of the ladder and begins to push. As the ladder starts to tip, Karlson and Berry look down into the smiling face of Evans. The ladder falls and Berry and Karlson are thrown to the outside, their helpless bodies crashing through the two ladders resting between the apron and the guardrail. Artemis Evans moves over to the ropes and stares down at her handiwork, smiling as the fans boo her. She then rolls out of the ring and heads back up the ramp.

MW: Karlson and Berry have surely been taken out of this match!
SD: They might have been taken out of this sport with that landing. Artemis Evans is ruthless.
MW: And so it seems we're down to five competitors here, at least for the moment. And I think each of those competitors has just realised the situation.

In the ring, Jerry, Harrison, Bobby, Saturn and Mason have struggled up to their feet. They each stare at one another before looking down at the two ladders lying on the canvas. A sudden scramble begins, with Harrison and Mason taking one ladder and Saturn another. They set them up while Bobby and Jerry brawl. Bobby tries to throw Jerry out of the ring, but Jerry lands on the apron. He looks to connect with a springboard forearm but Saturn takes him out of the air by throwing his ladder. Jerry lands with a sickening thud and rolls to the outside.

Bobby and Harrison then each try to climb their ladder, only for Mason to pull Bobby down. He tries to climb but Bobby pulls both men down in turn. The three men begin to brawl, exchanging right hands between themselves before an alliance begins to form. Mason and Harrison target Bobby, driving him back against the ropes before Harrison takes him out of the ring with a clothesline. Bobby lands on his feet and staggers backwards, only for Saturn to leap onto the top rope and connect with a crossbody to take Bobby down. The adrenaline in his body allows Saturn to get straight up to his feet and soak in the cheers of the fans.

Saturn then reaches under the ring and pulls out a table, leading to more cheers, which he slides into the ring. Seeing Harrison and Mason half way up the ladder, Saturn strikes them both with the table and causes them to drop, before he connects with a superkick to take Mason down. Saturn then sets up the table and drags Harrison onto it. He thinks for a moment before climbing to the top rope and setting up for a shooting star press. Harrison, however, quickly moves off the table and Saturn stops himself, only for Jace Mason to connect with a dropkick which sends Saturn to the outside.

Harrison quickly staggers over to the ladder and begins to climb. Mason follows and the two men climb to the top. They exchange blows, Harrison getting the upper hand and causing Mason to drop down a couple of rungs. Harrison then reaches up and has both hands on the Dead Man’s Chest before Mason recovers and connects with right hands to the gut. Harrison wobbles on the very top of the ladder before Mason pulls him in and, after a brief look down to the ground, takes him off the top of the ladder with the Extra Credit.

MW: A Spanish fly off the top of a ladder!
SD: I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like that before. Both men are surely out of this match after that moment of madness from Jace Mason.
MW: And now look at this. Mason and Harrison are down. Bobby and Saturn are down on the outside. Jerry Bishop’s moment has come.

The fans cheer loudly as Jerry Bishop drags himself into the ring. He places his arms on the ladder and begins to climb slowly, pulling himself up with great effort. Slowly but surely he reaches the top and reaches up, only for someone to come bounding up the opposite side of the ladder. The fans buzz with surprise as a hooded figure grabs Jerry around the waist and hoists him up, connecting with a gutwrench powerbomb off the ladder through the table. The fans start to boo as they realise what's just happened, and the hooded man takes down his hood and smiles with satisfaction as he stares down at Jerry Bishop’s broken body.

MW: Its MDE!
SD: MDE’s back and he's going after Jerry Bishop!
MW: And now Bishop has to be out of this one too. Artemis Evans and MDE have got involved in something which wasn't theirs to be involved with.
SD: Jerry Bishop cost MDE the Free-1 back in August. We haven't seen him since but now he's here and he's getting his revenge.

As MDE climbs down the ladder and leaves, the fans boo loudly. For a few moments, nothing happens, and then Bobby O and James Saturn slide into the ring. A duelling chant begins for both men as they slowly make it onto the ladder. They climb in unison, each reaching the top at the same time. After a brief staredown, they explode into a flurry of right hands. The flurry slows as each man begins to tire, both looking like they could topple to the mat at any moment. Bobby strikes Saturn with a right hand and Saturn teeters but manages to hold on. Saturn strikes Bobby with a right hand and Bobby looks poised to drop, holding on with just one hand as he pulls himself back into position. Bobby aims another strike at Saturn, but Saturn ducks, suddenly leaping up and looking for a frankensteiner to take Bobby off the ladder. Bobby somehow manages to hold on, sending Saturn crashing to the floor. The fans cheer as Bobby reaches up and unhooks the Dead Man’s Chest, holding it above his head briefly before dropping down into a heap on the mat.

Winner: Bobby O.

MW: And there is your victor. Bobby O has been here for almost a year now and this is his first big singles success.
SD: He outlasted everyone. Look at the carnage he managed to survive. Bodies are everywhere. Ladders and tables are broken. Limbs may be broken. But Bobby O will stand above them all.
MW: Bobby took his share of punishment too. He'll be aching and sore after this, but now one half of the Tag Team Champions is also the first ever holder of the Dead Man's Chest!

Bobby pulls himself up using the ladder and raises the Chest above his head. He's joined by his fellow Tag Team Champion Jack Sevren, who raises Bobby’s arm as the two men embrace. Confetti rains from the ceiling as the fans cheer for Bobby and the show goes off the air.