Judgement Day Promo Thread

[Jim Houston]

A video appears on freedomprowrestling.com. MDE and Berry Bishop sit on a sofa on one half of the screen while Dasha Banks sits on a chair on the other half.

DB: Thank you both for your time today. I'd like to direct my question to you, Berry. I'm certainly shocked to be interviewing you together. Is this something you were expecting or planning for?

BB: No... not at all. I expected to be training hard this month but I expected to be training by myself or with my old trainers in Chicago. But when MDE happened to come by and offer to help me out, how could I say no? I mean... it was a bit weird at first... he comes across as a scary kind of guy. But it's not weird. It's awesome. Oh! And I'm learning so much! I can counter a lot of what Liz- MDE coughs- a lot of what Karlson... can do. I think I'm ready to be the first Women's Champion.

DB: MDE... you surprised us all by offering to train Berry he now that she's come over to the UK with you... why are you training your upcoming opponent's sister?

MDE: She's not Jerry Bishop's sister. She's Berry Bishop. She's not defined by her brother any more than I'm defined by the spider that lives in the corner of my bathroom. My issues with Jerry are with Jerry alone. Berry doesn't factor into them at all. The fact of the matter is that Berry is a fairly unique training partner who I can learn from. The fact that I'm teaching her is only part of it. I'm learning a lot from her... some which will help me at Judgement Day and some which will help me at other times.

DB: I don't mean to be disrespectful... but a lot of people have suggested that you may have an ulterior motive linked to Jerry. What would you say to those people?

MDE: I'd say that what they think means as much to me as what you think. People can think whatever they choose to think. I've explained myself once and I won't repeat myself.

BB: Can I... Um... I did think maybe at first that he wasn't being totally selfless... but Ma- MDE's not a bad person. He's just focussed. He has goals and he wants to achieve them. I can learn as much from that as I can from what he teaches me in the ring. People should stop worrying. I'm in capable hands.

DB: Berry... what do you make of your brother's comments about you training with MDE?

BB: Jerry made com-

MDE: It has nothing to do with Jerry Bishop. He said himself that Berry is her own person and that she can make her own decisions. Jerry Bishop needs to focus more on whether he wants to truly fulfill his potential and be the best he can be or whether he's satisfied simply being a clown. After he decides that, maybe he can weigh in on other roster members. Until then, he has no right to advise anyone of anything.

DB: Does Jerry know that you're staying in MDE's house?

BB: I... I don't know. I haven't spoken to him. Should he know?

DB: I'd say he proba-

MDE: Jerry Bishop has nothing to do with where his sister stays. She's staying in my living room because it'll save her money. This is wrestling. We're not rock stars who can waste money everywhere we go and stay in hotels for three weeks straight. We have lives to live and bills to pay. Berry is staying here for those reasons and those reasons only. I think it's time these wasted seconds are put to an end.

DB: I do have one more question. Berry, do you realise that MDE mi-

MDE: I said that's enough.

The screen showing MDE and Berry goes dark as Dasha Banks is left looking at someone behind the camera. Ted Crewmember's voice can be heard.

TC: I'm with you on this one. I don't like it.

DB: I don't know what we can do. She's there of her own free will. Whatever he has planned, I hope she's strong enough to deal with it.

[The_Aviator_GB]

We enter on John Grimm walking through a hardware store, still wearing his Renegades jacket as he looks through tools. The clip picks up what appears to be halfway through a slapshod phone interview as Grimm grabs a container filled with metal tacks, shoving it into a shopping bag. An employee looks on and appears to be looking to say something, but upon noticing Grimm's size and gear, simply walks the other way. Grimm begins speaking as he shops.

The thing that sucked the most about Dead Man's Chest, and, honestly, the show before it, was being on the shelf. Queendom did a number on me-concussion, cracked a few ribs, the whole nine. I wanted to make sure I was back in prime condition, and honestly, I wanted Liz to get the shot at the DMC because I think she deserves more of a look than I do at this point. You can go back and watch our stuff-you'll see in most matches, she's not the one getting pinned.

Not that it matters, anyway. One of us goes down, we both do, but she's usually able to make her way out of those situations and put the people who put her there in the hospital, or what-have-you. We beat The Invaders to get that one tag qualifier, and man, i'll admit, Bobby O and Jack Sevren aren't anything to fuck with. I think they both proved that at the last show, too-Sevren took Baker to the limit, and Bobby won the DMC. Can't get much higher than the top, right?

The voice off camera asks a question as Grimm walks along, looking at a few flourescent tubes. He grabs a few bundles and places them in a separate bag, before he looks for a woodworking section and heads toward it. 

What, me? No, i'm not upset with the opportunities i've gotten in FPW so far. I've always been a tag team guy, for the most part-Baker's always been the singles prodigy out of the three of us, Karlson and I do better when we're together. I've taken a lot of falls, of course, but that's kept my team ahead, and that's all that matters. If I help Karlson to wins, I help. If I help Baker or second him, that works too. This Hardcore Title opportunity's the first real shot i've gotten to prove myself in Freedom Pro, and, well...i'm definitely going to use it. 

I'm up against a slew of difficult, but interesting characters in this match. Tommy Storm's got the strap right now, and he beat Baker for it, so I know he's legit. His reputation precedes him, and i'd be a fool to take him lightly. There's Jace Mason, who's beaten me before, but that was in his territory...now we're fighting in mine, so we'll see how he fares. And finally, Henry Harrison, a man who's a little off his rocker but he gets results, so I guess I shouldn't take issue with his methodology. He almost put Karlson out in the DMC match. 

These men all offer equal challenge, but I have something that they don't-size. Storm's the only one who comes close, and I know i'm faster than him. Storm's an extreme wrestling vet, too, but the difference between he and I is that I'm not sure how familiar he is with the deathmatch aspect of those matches. Harrison's got the bears, of course, but they won't do him much good against a table, and Mason's a by-the-books kinda guy, so I doubt he has much experience here as well. I've just gotta use my advantages where I can, and see where I come out.

We cut to another shot as Grimm looks over a few plywood panes, contemplating what he could do with them. He looks back as the voice behind the camera asks another muffled question.

My odds? Well, i'd like to think I have a decent chance, but we'll see. If the luck's in my favor, then Baker won't be the only man walking out of Judgment Day with a strap, and hopefully The Renegades can hold all ours high. We'll see how it goes, though-I'm pulling for Baker more than any of us, so as long as he wins, it'll be a good fucking night. 

Baker's paid his dues, it's time for him to reach the top, and i'm sure he can do it. Regardless of the outcome of my match, and Liz's too, i'm sure, we'll be out there to back him up. Gotta make sure the man's protected from any Invader or Takeover scum who try to do a runout on him. 

There's one more muffled question as Grimm grabs the planes of ply and puts them on a cart. He stops and thinks for a moment.

If I had to call it honest, I'd give it 50-50. Baker's good, but so is MAJ, and i'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that. MAJ has athletic talent that Baker can't exactly match...but Baker's got more heart than anyone. We'll see how it goes. For now, i've got some more shit to buy...and some tables to make. 

With this, Grimm waves the camera off as he goes to check out, his Renegades logo being the last thing visible as the camera cuts out. 

[noname1525]

Backstage, Elizabeth Karlson was storming down the hall. She threw open a door and peered inside the room, before slamming the door and continuing down the hall. A few moments later, a production crew member happened to be walking the opposite direction, only for Elizabeth to grab him and roughly shoved him against the wall. “Where are they?!” She demanded. “I don't know,” he replied. “But I'm sure they went that way,” he continued, pointing further down the hall. Elizabeth let him go and resumed her pursuit until she reached a t-intersection. She took a couple steps down the hall to her right, then, apparently satisfied, she turned around and walked to the left.

The camera angle changed so that she was walking towards the camera. Behind her, Artemis Evans emerged from behind a shipping container and quickly advanced. She grabbed Elizabeth by the shoulders and slammed her into the wall. As she bounced off, Artemis caught her with a knee to the gut, then a vicious uppercut that dropped her to the floor. Thea and Myra appeared, shoving past the cameraman and joining in as Artemis began to stomp on Elizabeth. All three began laying into her, and villainous laughter could be heard over the sound of the beat down. Elizabeth began crawling away from the attackers, and despite the three sets of boots being driven into her, actually began making progress down the hall. At least until Artemis realized what she was doing and pulled a nearby storage rack down on top of her. Elizabeth cried out as she collapsed under the rack. Several small boxes were now strewn across the floor, along with a handful of steel pipes. Myra picked up one of these pipes and considered it for a moment. Then a wicked grin came over her face as she handed it to Artemis, whose expression mirrored hers. Thea pulled Karlson out from under the rack, and she and Myra pulled her to her feet, holding her arms behind her back. Artemis twirled the pipe experimentally, before swinging it sharply forward, driving it into Elizabeth's midsection, Elizabeth cried out again and slumped, only held up by Thea and Myra. Artemis laughed, but the laughter cut off when Elizabeth raised her head and glared up at her. Carried in that glare was a clear message, that no matter what Artemis did to her, Elizabeth would remember, and there would be hell to pay. Artemis was apparently willing to risk the possible punishment, as she drove the pipe into her stomach again. And again. Only then did she look up at her allies and say “drop her.” Thea and Myra did, shoving Elizabeth to the floor. But Artemis wasn't done inflicting pain. She drove her knee into Karlson's back and held it there, grinding it into her spine. She grabbed the pipe with both hands and tucked it under Elizabeth's chin, then pulled back, wrenching on her neck and back. After a moment of struggling in silence, Elizabeth began screaming in pain. Artemis continued to wrench for a moment before finally releasing the pressure. Elizabeth's upper body flopped forward onto the floor. Artemis stood up, staring down at her rival's broken body. “I'll see you at Judgement Day.” She said, causing Thea to laugh as the Queendom left the scene of the crime.

[noname1525]

A brief article was uploaded to f4wonline.com.

Following a vicious attack by The Queendom last Friday, Elizabeth Karlson's status for FPW's Judgement Day show is unknown. Karlson, a renowned hardcore wrestler who has previously worked in CZW, was ambushed backstage by The Queendom during a live show after they had interfered with her match. Karlson was reported to a doctor for an evaluation, but the results of this evaluation are unknown. We have not seen or heard from Karlson since the attack, suggesting that she may be injured. However, FPW management has been quiet on the matter, and continue to advertise Karlson for Judgement Day. Stay tuned for more updates.

[Jim Houston]

"This is so good!"

"It's ok. No better than normal."

"I think... I think it's the best I've ever had!"

"Really? You can't have had much then."

"Nah... we don't go for it quite so much in the US."

Berry Bishop and MDE are sat on the sofa in MDE's living room. The duvet and pillow have been tossed onto the floor and have been replaced with a large bag of prawn crackers, some spring rolls and some take-away containers from a Chinese. Berry looks delighted as she tucks into her food, while MDE regards her as he slowly works through his own.

Berry: Thanks so much for this weekend.

MDE: You've already thanked me. Many times.

Berry: I know... but... just thanks. It's great to make my UK debut and to have such a great match. It was an awesome mesh of styles. The fans seemed to really like it.

MDE: Mesh of styles? The fans? The only meaningful measure of whether or not you were a success is whether or not you won. Focus more on that than anything else.

Berry: Well I did... but it's better to win a great match than a dull one, right?

MDE: No. It's better to win in ten seconds than thirty minutes. I'd much rather win a match quickly than take a long time and risk being hit with a surprise move which keeps me down for a three count. It's about winning. You won, yes, but it took a bit longer than you should be happy with.

Berry looks downhearted.

MDE: But you did well. You've come on a huge amount. Your technical game was far better than her's. Your kicks were on point. You got caught a few times but you were definitely the better of the two of you in that match.

Berry beams.

Berry: Thanks. I think I've improved a lot too.

MDE: You've got a great teacher.

Berry: No... I've got a simply great teacher!

MDE and Berry lock eyes for a moment, each holding their forks near their plates.

Berry: So... um... when do we fly back home?

MDE: Thursday. We get into Chicago about midnight Thursday and then it'll be time to acclimatise before Judgement Day on Sunday.

Berry: It'll be great to see everyone again. Jerry! Fozzy! The guys! Aaaah! Cactus Jack too! And the others. I can't wait. But...

MDE: But what?

Berry: But... it's been so much fun here. I feel like there's so much more I want to do before I go... to make the trip complete.

Berry looks at MDE for a moment before her eyes drop down to her food.

MDE: Well, tomorrow were scheduled for morning work and then rest before a big final day of training on Wednesday. You'll like who I've got in on Wednesday. She's as close to a carbon copy of Evans as you'll find. We've spent a lot of time on Karlson, so focussing more on Evans will be good for you.

Berry: So... what are we doing tomorrow afternoon?

MDE: What do you want to do?

Berry: Ummm.... maybe... how about a soccer game? I've never been to one and seeing as we're in England...

MDE rolls his eyes.

MDE: Soccer... the sport of morons. Fine. If you insist. I'll find a game.

Berry smiles.

Berry: You do so much for me! I've improved so much in the ring but I'm not the only one who's improved. Wait until everyone sees the new MDE! You're such a good guy!

MDE gives Berry a look and she drops the thought. They finish the rest of their meal in silence before MDE takes the plates into the kitchen and starts to run some water. Berry follows.

Berry: No! No way! I'll do the washing up.

MDE: Fine. It's getting late so I'm heading up to bed. I'll see you tomorrow.

Berry: Oh... I th... I...

MDE: What?

Berry: Never mind.

Berry quickly busies herself with the washing up as MDE turns, walking up the stairs with a smile on his face and his finger and thumb held ever so close together.

[veggieleezy]

*Dasha Banks finds Jerry Bishop pacing outside the FPW arena, Fozzie Bishop dutifully trotting alongside him back and forth. Dasha has her winter coat on, but Jerry is just in his street clothes, seemingly oblivious to the weather.*

DB: Jerry, I’m glad I found you. I know it must have been difficult for you watch that interview with MDE.

JB: *trying to laugh it off* Just a bit, Dasha. It was a bit difficult to watch. I had to watch my sister act like a ventriloquist dummy for the man I’m facing in a few days. She told me once she wanted to be a ventriloquist dummy when she grew up. But not like this. You heard her in that interview. She was not herself. He barely even let her speak, and when he did let her he was twisting her words all around like a- a- some kind of word snake. I don’t know, I’m too stressed to make jokes right now.

DB: I’m sorry to hear that, Jerry. But Berry did at least seem confident in her chances in the Women’s Championship match, isn’t that a good thing?

JB: That’s the worst part, Dasha. He *knows* I want to support her. He *knows* that I would never do anything to hinder or hold her back. Even if it means letting her run off into the gym of a man who stands firmly against everything I do and believe. He’s manipulating Berry somehow, he has to be. He’s trying to make her forget who she is.

DB: But MDE said that she’s also finding who she is, didn’t he?

JB: And that’s the *real* beauty of it. It pains me to say it, but he may have a point. Berry isn’t defined by her relationship to me any more than I’m defined by having a pet bear.

*Fozzie growls supportively*

JB: My sister is her own person. And while I’m honored and touched that she has adopted my color scheme and even the Touchstone Takedown, she’s built a style all her own. And *on* her own. She didn’t need me to coach her how to be the electric performer she is, she made her way here through her own hard work and determination to entertain and be one of the best women in the business at doing so.

DB: Are you saying that she shouldn’t have gone to London to train with MDE, then?

*Bishop catches his words and runs his hands through his hair. He takes a few steps away from Dasha before returning.*

JB: I know I had said before that if Berry wanted to train for her big match that she could’ve come to any other member of the roster other than him. Maybe I was wrong in saying that. He does have an edge to his style that I don’t, and maybe that’s what Berry will need to win. But. That edge should come from ability and skill and technique. Not from blocking out everything around you, especially not blocking out the fans. We need them. All of us. We fuel ourselves with their cheers and boos. Every time I need that little more in the tank than I can get to, I know that the Freedom Fighters can get me there. I may not win, but they’ll get me as close as I can. I fight for them. Berry fights for them. We fight for them. We fight to give them everything we can and then some, dig down deep and do the incredible. Why? So they can go home knowing that someone put themselves on the line to ensure their enjoyment. I don’t take that for granted. I won’t take that for granted. I can’t take that for granted. And neither should Berry. I hope that she still remembers that when the big day comes.

DB: And do you have anything to say to MDE before they return to Chicago?

*Bishop pauses for a moment*

JB: I don’t need to say anything to that- oh what’s the word they use... ah, right. I have nothing to say that arrogant wanker. I’ll see him at Judgment Day, and he’ll see what the Freedom Fighters and I think of his attitude.

[marileeg17]

Marcus and the Invaders are in his locker room. Haych sits with his feet up, watching a college football game on the flat screen TV in the corner while Dario nervously stands next to Marcus, who is on the phone and staring at his trophy case. In his hands is the crushed bowl of the trophy, which is all that remains from the damaged Young Lions Cup.


MAJ: Yeah, it made it here…Well, what the hell do you want me to say Derrick, this happened on your watch in your shithole of a promotion…Yes I know I got my start there but unlike the rest of you, I got out…Save your apologies, my trophy is ruined…Oh that’s just wonderful but that’s supposed to help me how?...No, you’re wrong and you’re an idiot. Oh and you’re delusional if you think I’m ever coming back to AAW everrrrr againnnnnn!


Marcus slams his phone down angrily as he goes back to looking at the remnants of his trophy.


D: Look on the bright side boss, least you got some of it back. Plus, it’s not like it’s your title belt that got smashed. You should be thankful for that.


Marcus looks at Dario with a puzzled look on his face and then just shakes his head before proceeding to throw the crumbled cup at his head. Dario ducks and the cup hits the wall, adding another small dent.


MAJ: Thankful? I should be thankful? Are you a fuckin’ nut job? The only one who should be thankful is you for me not booking you a one way ticket out of here. You’re as responsible for this tragedy as Baker is, so please, don’t talk to me about who should be thankful…


Haych looks up from the TV for a moment and takes a large bite of his turkey sandwich.


H: Florida’s winning. That makes me thankful.


MAJ: You think this is funny?


Haych shrugs.


H: Actually, I do. You spent months talking game about how titles are just props and about how you didn’t get into this business to win them. But once you did, they started to become your pride and joy. Houston can say all he wants about how you talk shit about the company and the title but he doesn’t see it behind closed doors. He doesn’t see the way you absolutely treasure that thing and the Young Lions Cup. So yeah, it’s kinda funny that all your talk was bullshit and how now, you’ve gotta deal with the consequences.


D: He’s got a point…


Marcus walks over to where the broken trophy landed on the floor, picks it up and places it on a shelf in the trophy case. He then pulls out a key to lock the brand new lock he had installed. But as opposed to before, Marcus has a grin on his face.


MAJ: Both of you shut up. We have more important things to focus on. Like keeping this belt around my waist. So you want me to give thanks on this auspicious holiday? Sure, I’ll give thanks. Today I’m thankful for me, Marcus Allen Jones. I’m thankful for my genius, my skill, my aptitude, my devilishly handsome good looks. But most of all, I’m thankful I had the foresight to see something like this coming.


Marcus smiles much to the confusion of the Invaders. He reaches into his gym bag and pulls out something that looks strikingly like the Young Lions Cup, fully intact.
Dario looks stunned.


D: But I thought…Baker, he…how is that possible?


Marcus laughs as he pulls out his phone to record what is about to happen next. He hands it to Dario and tells him to keep rolling.


MAJ: The trophy you destroyed Baker, it wasn’t the precious Young Lions Cup that you fought oh so hard for. See, after I had the pleasure of putting your training partners on the shelf, I had a feeling you’d be coming for revenge. And as you mentioned, I don’t have anybody as close to me as Gresham and Sabre are to you, but I did have a trophy, my first trophy. So I decided to lay a little trap and leave my locker room door conspicuously open. Sorry Haych and Dario for blaming you earlier. You were just pawns in my elaborate ruse so you had to be kept in the dark.


Now, I know what you’re thinking, “how could he have possibly seen all this coming?” Simple Baker. I’m one step ahead 100 percent of the time. So you took Houston’s trophy and props for taking it back to AAW. I will admit, that part I did not fully see coming. But anyway, you took the trophy and you swung and you swung and you left that night feeling like you hit back as hard as I hit you. WRONG. Because what you destroyed was a decoy that I had made by the same person who made the original. I paid him double for his silence. What you destroyed was quite literally a prop. A prop that made you feel strong and by its destruction was made to make me feel weak. And credit to me but I deserve an Academy Award. Fake outrage aided by utter vitriol, I made you and everyone else believe that trophy meant something to me.


Marcus goes back to his gym bag and pulls out something else, a sledgehammer.


MAJ: My friends at AAW sent this back with the crushed cup. This was what you used to destroy it right? One swing of the hammer and everything I accomplished would be wiped away. One swing of the hammer and my success would be no more than a pile of twisted metal and broken dreams…How could you be so stupid, so naïve? It’s like what I’ve said from day one, trophies mean nothing. They are props that do nothing but make you feel complacent. If you had won the Young Lions Cup, you would have settled down in a neighborhood of mediocrity. But me, I saw this for what it was. A $500 piece of metal on top of a wooden base with a gold plaque. It’s nice looking for what it is with the lions on the base of the cup and all, but it’s just a prop. You thought you found a weakness in me, thought you found a way in and I had to let you believe it. You fell hook-line-and-sinker.
See Graham, I don’t keep a trophy case to make myself feel important. I KNOW I’m important. I do my talking in the ring and if I win titles and trophies as a result, so be it. And if you’d like me to prove it…


Marcus holds the Young Lions Cup high.


MAJ: You were the first title I ever won in wrestling and I did it in my first tournament. You represented the first step on the ladder to my ascent to greatness. You and I we had some good times but all good things must come to an end. My success won’t but I don’t need props around to prove it.


Marcus kisses the cup before placing it down on the ground. He picks up the hammer again, pulls it back and swings down hard, sending the trophy crushing beneath the weight of the blow. Marcus repeats the motion several times, mocking Baker as he does. When he’s finished, the real Young Lions Cup is in much worse shape than the one Baker destroyed weeks ago.


Marcus holds up the damaged trophy close to Dario’s phone.


MAJ: Props make you weak. Friends make you weak. That’s the difference between you and I Baker. You measure your success by what fills your trophy cases. I measure mine by the scalps I’ve taken. I’ve beaten everyone there is to beat here, won almost everything there is to win. But you won the Free-1 didn’t you. And you’ve got that prop to prove it. Unfortunately for you, when you cash it in and fail to defeat me, you’ll go back to having nothing. But I’ll tell you what, since this is the holiday season, I’ll be generous. You can have these (Marcus holds up the two damaged cups). They are garbage now, just like you.


Marcus smirks before telling Dario to shut the phone off. In the locker room, the cameras still record.


D: You son of a bitch. That might be the dirtiest thing you’ve ever done.


Marcus shrugs as he takes one of the cups and fills it with chips and fills the other with guacamole. He sits down next to Haych to watch the rest of the game.


MAJ: Well look at that, turns out these cups do have some use after all.

[marileeg17]

Trainer: Is he ever gonna get off the horn?


Jack looks up from where he is taping his wrists to see Bobby still on the phone. He shrugs.


J: Must be important.


T: More important than getting you two ready for your big tag team match this weekend?


Jack shrugs again.


J: Bobby’s got that briefcase now. He’s finally gonna get his shot at Marcus. His focus might be elsewhere right now but he always gets it together when we’re in the ring. He always puts the team first. Gotta respect that.


The trainer just nods.


T: You’re not worried? I’ve been training wrestlers for a long time son and sometimes, when singles gold comes calling, the team starts falling. No one wants to be the Janetty…


Jack frowns.


J: First off, there ain’t no Janetty here. Bobby and I, we were both established singles stars before we decided to pair up. So if anything, this is like…the Meta Powers or the Two-Man Powertrip. So we’re Savage and Hogan, Austin and Triple H. Not Shawn and Marty. Never Shawn and Marty.


The trainer chuckles.


T: I’m just saying, I’ve seen this before. One guy starts wanting to pursue the single life and the other gets left behind. You and Bobby, you’re both dipping your toes back in those waters but so far, he’s having a little bit more success with it. And I’m not trying to pick sides here but I’ll give you the same advice I give all my guys. Don’t be the one who gets left behind.


Jack looks back to where Bobby is walking over and offers a half smile. He stands up to face his trainer.


J: Thanks K-Dogg but Bobby and I, we’re good. As crazy as it sounds, we’ve got each other’s backs and stuff. Ya know, we’re not like, best friends or whatever, but this team we have, it’s really been working. I trust him and I trust that he’s not gonna let me down or abandon what we have to go chase singles success. If he wants to take on Marcus, he won’t have to do it alone. I’ve got his six and I know if it were me, he'd have mine too.


Bobby smiles as he makes his way into the ring.


K: Was that phone call so important that you put us back 15 minutes of training kid? That better have been your mother.


Jack laughs as Bobby laces up his boots.


B: Not quite. It was CJ.


Jack looks surprised.


J: Wait, CJ as in CJ Holmes? Your ex-girlfriend, former love of your life CJ?


B: Laying it on a little thick there, don’t you think?


J: How come you didn’t tell me you guys were talking again?


B: We’re not…I mean, we are, but it’s…complicated. She called me after Dead Man’s Chest. Apparently shit went down with William, surprise, surprise. Anyway, she wanted to apologize and tell me what a huge mistake she made.


J: So you forgave her, just like that? Because dude, I don’t want to be that guy but she seriously messed you up and sent you down a pretty rotten path. So like, just be careful I guess is what I’m saying.


Bobby laughs.


B: Your concern is sweet but it’s not like that. We’re just friends, if you could even call it that. I don’t know what we are or what I even want us to be. But I know that she needs a shoulder right now and as part of the whole 12 steps thing, I owe it to her to at least be that.


J: I thought that was for alcoholics?


B: You do realize I went to prison because of my addictions right? So yeah, its helped center me and it’s helped me get my career back. And it got me to you. Keep in mind, the whole making amends thing is what led us to become tag team partners. So, don’t knock it til you try it.


Both Jack and Bobby share a laugh as K-Dogg looks on from the corner of the ring.


K: Are we gonna get any training in today or are you two just gonna keep talking like you’re on Days of Our Lives. Let’s go guys, get your ass in the ring and start stretching. I’m not gonna pull any punches today. You’ve got a big match this weekend. Guardians of Strong Style, they’re no joke. So less yapping, more tapping.


Jack and Bobby look at each other and smile before fist bumping.


J and B: Yes sir!

[Deleted]

*a camera turns on to see henry sitting alone in a room *

Well well well. It's been three whole weeks since I was last seen at an fpw event. But here we are now, and I have two things to address. First things first the hardcore match. The match that is going to get me my first title belt. Everyone talks about how sick people have to be in order to participate in one of these matches, well I guess it's a good thing I am not quite right upstairs.

That's all I have to say on the hardcore match.

Now the second thing is the most important part. I was wrong, now I know that's a big thing to say, admitting I was wrong but every good King has to do it at some point. I was wrong about Jace Mason. He is ready to compete on the main roster. And the way he proved this to me was by ruining my chances at winning the Dead Man's Chest match. I had my hands on that chest, I was going to win that match and then Jace Mason showed up. He threw me off the top of the ladder in a very spectacular matter. But now this hardcore match it's going to be nothing stopping me from going and getting my revenge against Jace Mason. So you better be ready Jace because you have nothing going for you going into this match and I will ruin you.

[The_Aviator_GB]

Graham Baker sits in a dimly lit room on a steel folding chair, his chest bare as he hangs his arms over the back of it. A cigarette dangles from his mouth, and he thinks for a moment before he pulls it out, putting it out on the chair's back. He cracks his neck and waits a moment before he begins to talk. 

Good stunt, Marcus. Applause to you for 'getting one over on me', and being as smart as you are. For wrecking your own legacy to prove a point to me-unfortunately, a point that's moot in the grand scheme of all of this. So what, I didn't get back at you with wrecking the Young Lions' Cup, boo me. Now I look like a fool, i'm well aware, and you look to be so, so smart, so cunning in replacing your cup because you saw me coming! Well, congratulations, Marcus! Now you're the asshole who wrecked the Young Lions' Cup, and you're the one with all the momentum going forward because I'm a dumbass! Because my friends are still in the hospital!

Well, tell you what, Marcus, no matter if I wrecked the Young Lions' Cup, a fake Lions' cup, the New Japan cup or any trophy you've held or ever could hope to fucking hold, it's not going to change a goddamn thing. You and I, we're from different cities, different places, but I think there's an understanding between us, between our cities. A Chicago man, you are-your first show at AAW, your start in those hallowed Legion halls, to a man who considers himself to be from Philadelphia, the home of extreme wrestling and what you-and i'm sure many others-consider to be 'garbage' wrestling. 

No matter what you think of these promotions, these styles, these cities...our cities have codes, Marcus. Codes of conduct, and let me remind you of Chicago's-you put one of mine in the hospital, I'll put two of yours in the morgue. Philadelphia's, although not outright said as such...is the code of brotherly love. To protect one's brothers as one would protect themselves. You put two of my brothers in arms in the hospital, Marcus, and I'd be remiss if i'd not enforce the code that you live by, that people from your city live by, this Sunday at Judgment Day. 

You traipse and tumble through the wrestling world like a lopsided tornado, wrecking everything wherever you go and maybe claiming one or two belts along the way, but think about this, Marcus-you've burnt every bridge you've ever built, and all you have left...is FPW. What happens when your Invaders get bored of having to cash checks that you make, but can't afford? What happens when you drop that title-if not to me, then to someone down the line? What happens when Jim Houston finally gets tired of your bullshit and sends you packing, permanently? Where do you go then?

You're good, sure, but everyone who's watched anything you've done has seen what you bring. Your smarks online might claim and clambor that 'you should be in WWE' or that 'Impact should take a chance on you' or that 'Marcus should definitely go to NJPW', but...you'll go nowhere. You're stuck, Marcus, and it's all on you. When I beat you on Sunday, and claim that belt, you'll have nowhere else to turn, nowhere else to go. Your Invaders will probably up and leave to find someone who can actually get them something worthwhile, and you'll try and find replacements, but they'll turn on you, too. You're trapped, Marcus, and the only person to blame is yourself.

...Not that any of that matters, of course, because at Judgment Day, I'm putting you in the fucking ground. You've come for everything I have, now i'm coming for everything you can give. They'll have to carry your pieces out of the ring, because I'm not stopping until I tear you limb from limb, and when you lay on your back with everything you are broken to pieces...you'll realize exactly how badly you fucked up setting me off.

See you Sunday. 

[Jim Houston]

Berry: And then when he kicked it across and the other player hit it with his head and it went in! That was amazing! Do they always do that?

MDE: Yeah, pretty much.

Berry: And the guy in front of us! He was shouting so much smack to the official. I'm amazed it's allowed.

MDE: It's standard. I doubt big brother would want you repeating what you heard.

Berry: Dang... I guess not.

MDE: It's a sport for morons anyway.

Berry: But it was so... so... vibrant! And so much fun! I wish I could go again! Thank you so much for taking me!

Berry hugs MDE as they sit on the sofa, squeezing tight as he barely returns the hug. After the split apart, they share an awkward glance for a few moments.

MDE: Well, tomorrow's a big day. Five matches back to back against an opponent who will replicate Evans' every move. You'd better get your sleep to be ready. No less than four wins is acceptable.

Berry: I can't wait! I've learnt so much and I'm going to make sure it's all on show tomorrow. She won't know what hit her!

MDE stands.

MDE: I'll leave you to rest. Good night.

Berry: Night.

MDE walks up the stairs and Berry watches him go. As he reaches the top, she stands and moves towards them.

Berry: Wait.

MDE turns.

Berry: I just want to say... thanks so much for taking me today. I know you hate soccer so it meant a lot that you took me to see it.

MDE turns back and walks through the door, closing it behind him. Berry stands and stares up at the closed door for a few moments before shaking her head and sitting back on the sofa. She moves a few things around and looks thoughtful for a minute before standing up again. She moves towards the stairs and climbs the first couple before pausing and thinking.

Berry: No... its not a good idea.

Berry turns back again and goes into the kitchen, getting a glass and pouring herself some water. She carries it back into the living room and pulls out an extravagantly large straw from her bag. Sitting back down, she takes a gulp before putting the glass back down again. Again she stands, moving towards the stairs. She climbs a few more this time before stopping and heading back down.

Berry: Damn it, Beatrice! Get yourself together. We've only got one more night here before we go back home. It's now or never...

Berry sits and thinks for what feel like ages. Finally, she nods, takes a deep breath and moves back towards the stairs. This time she climbs all the way to the top and pauses in front of the door. Taking another deep breath, she knocks and slowly pushes it open.

Berry: Hey...

[Jim Houston]

A video appears on freedomprowrestling.com. It shows a dark room on a shaking, hand-held camera. Sitting topless in front of the camera is MDE. He begins to speak quietly and softly.

"Je-rry... oh Je-rry. I've got a few things to confess to you Jerry Bishop. I've been lying to you. Not about everything. But I've been lying about a few things. Maybe I'll start off with the truths. It's true that I saw your real potential in our Free-1 match. There was something about me that meant you couldn't quite hide it well enough; you couldn't quite bring yourself to lose to me. Well bravo Bishop. That was your first step to a limitless future. Another truth is that I really do want to bring that out of you again. I want to expose you. I want these people that you love so much to see you for who you really are. And the biggest truth of all, Bishop, is that I want you to be like me. I want you to realise just how good you can be and I want you to like it. I want you to want it. Maybe we could even become a tag team? Who knows?

"But how about the lies? Well, the truths feed the lies. You see, when I lost to you at the Free-1, I didn't disappear from FPW and not plan to return. I didn't happen to see you involved in the Dead Man's Chest Match and feel compelled to return to face you like I said after I powerbombed you off that ladder. Oh no, Bishop. I always planned to face you at the biggest show of the year to give you the biggest possible exposure for your career-changing match.

"And the next lie... you'll want to hear this one for sure... the next lie is this. People have been asking me how I can afford to spend so much time training your baby sister when I have a match to prepare for. Well, the answer to that question isn't quite the one I've been giving. I've had so much time to train Bishop Junior because I've already fully prepared to face you. I was fully prepared to face you in November but I waited. Because I had another thing I needed to do...

"But wait... listen to me being so impolite. I'm talking about your sister like she's not even here."

MDE moves the camera to show the outline of a woman, her bare back facing the camera as she lies, quietly breathing, asleep in the bed MDE is sat on.

"Oh yes, Bishop. I can assure you that your eyes aren't deceiving you. This part of the plan was the one I was most looking forward to. I wanted a reason for you to hate me enough to shed your disguise and become the true wrestler that you've been hiding. I thought about taking out Che and Dwyer, but they're your equals. If I took them out, you'd let them deal with it themselves. Would you be angry? Of course you would. But you don't feel you need to protect them. But her... oh, you've caught big brother syndrome big time with her, haven't you? She's your innocent little sister that you're trying to keep away from the horrors of the real world. But guess what? They found her, Jerry. Let me tell you exactly how they found her...

"Little Miss Bishop here thinks that I just happened to be at the gym the day that she was training. She thinks I happened to do her a kindness and agree to help her out. She thinks she managed to charm me into letting her come here, to my house, to my gym and to letting me train her up for her match. But every single step of this was planned meticulously. What else did you expect from someone like me? I was at that gym because I knew she'd be there. I helped her escape that headlock because I knew that trainer wasn't very good. I let her think she was chasing me out of the door because I knew she wanted me to help her but I also knew she was too pure to think that I was beyond her help too. I let her think that she was changing me into a better person, a kinder person. I let her believe that her influence was changing me into someone else. Everything I did, I did to this end."

MDE holds the camera to face Berry as he slowly bends down towards her, planting a kiss on her shoulder. She lets out a contented murmur. MDE turns the camera back to himself and laughs.

"I could sense it. Day by day it came closer and closer. I let her have some awkward moments, some times when our eyes just happened to meet and nothing was said. I kept enough distance to make her want to reach across that distance and I knew... last night when I walked up those stairs, I knew I was just hours away from accomplishing my mission. So tonight, when I heard Berry coming up the stairs and knocking on my door, I was ready. And so, it turns out, was she. I tell you, Bishop, if it runs in the family, whatever braindead female manages to find you attractive has a fun future ahead. I didn't actually expect to actually enjoy the pleasure of Miss Bishop's company in my bed, but you know what they say... it's the quiet ones you've got to watch out for. At least, she's quiet during the day anyway...

"And now that my mission has been accomplished, well... once you've planted the seeds, you throw away the envelope. Berry Bishop is nothing to me. She's the envelope that contained the seeds of your growth. And now I'm going to throw her away. Or, more to the point, just leave her and wait for the wind to blow her away."

MDE stands, the camera moving with him. He puts the camera down for a few seconds and, when he picks it up, he's wearing a shirt. He turns the camera to face away from him and it shows a suitcase, packed and ready to go.

"Plans change, Bishop. I'd better finish up here as my flight leaves in a few short hours and I'd hate to miss it. By tonight, I'll be in Chicago and your precious little sister... well, for all I care she can stay here to rot until I get back.

"Jerry Bishop... I hope you're ready for Judgement Day, because, if you're not ready after all this, I'm not sure you'll ever be the wrestler the world deserves to see. I'll see you Sunday."

[veggieleezy]

*Dasha Banks finds Jerry Bishop in the locker room, sitting on a bench in front of his open locker, chin resting on his thumbs, fingers to his nose, with a thousand yard stare.*

DB: Jerry, I cant imagine what you must be feeling right now... but I do have to ask. Are you okay?

*Jerry doesn’t respond.*

DB: Well, um... is there anything I can do? I know it’s not my place, but-

*Jerry slowly shakes his head no, still staring off.*

DB: And, um, about Berry, that must be-

JB: *flatly* She’s a big girl now. She can make her own choices. I can’t always protect her. I have to accept that.

DB: Well, I guess that’s something... is there anything you’d like to say to MDE before your match?

*Bishop turns to Dasha and looks her straight in the eye.*

JB: Oh, no, Dasha. I have nothing to say to him. Not anymore. But I can tell you what I’m going to do to him. I’m going to face him in that ring. And we’re going to put on the best match of either of our careers. And we’re going to tear the house down, build it back up, and then burn it right back down again, because the fans will be cheering me through every strike, every kick, every move, every moment, and giving me the fuel I need prove to him that he’s wrong about me. I’m just as good as he is, maybe better, who knows. But I have something he’ll never have. Family. He may think he’s taken that from me, but he’s mistaken. Berry’s going to learn what you’ve done, and she’ll be as disgusted with him as we all are. Myself, you, the Freedom Fighters. We’re all in this together. They have my back, and I give them everything I have in return. They’re going to carry me through this match and help me give it my all and then some. Because that’s what we do here.

*Bishop stands and faces the camera, slowly putting on his leather jacket.*

JB: But I do have something I would like to say to my opponent, now that I think about it. When that bell rings, I’m not in the ring with a technical supervillain. No. You’ll be in there with a hero who has nothing left to lose. And guess what? I don’t think I’m even going to change my style all that much, either. Do you know why? Because I plan to break every bone in your body, and I’m going to look damn good doing it too. No matter what you throw at me, no matter what dirty tricks you pull out of your unwashed singlet, no matter what grand schemes and strategies you might have, I can adapt to anything you’ve got. You know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men? That goes for conniving little snakes like you. Your little house of cards strategy is going to come collapsing down around you, because let’s face it, you couldn’t beat me then, and you can’t beat me now. Just when you think you know the answers, I change the questions.

*Bishop slams his locker closed*

JB: Oh, and as for calling my sister an envelope? Seeds? Your mother wouldn’t even want you to talk to you over the phone with that mouth. You’d better pray that they enforce the disqualification rules, and you’d better tell your trainer flunkies to get a body cast ready, because even if I lose, I will make sure you leave that ring as broken as you can possibly be. You think I’m a clown? Just some laughable little Jester? Well, you may have just unleashed the Joker. And he can’t wait to put a smile on that face. See you in the ring, you limey fuck.

*Bishop storms off, leaving Dasha speechless.*

[noname1525]

Backstage at an episode of 60 Minutes of Freedom, Dasha Banks is standing with Artemis Evans and the Queendom, prepared to give an interview.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Queendom.” she said. “Artemis, you specifically requested this interview before your match, what were you planning on telling everyone?”

“Just a few things I need to get off my chest, nothing in particular.” Artemis replied. “First of all, Berry Bishop. It was recently brought to my attention that I may not have been paying as much attention to you as I should have. You have been training with MDE, and he seems to be impressed with your performance. Which I will admit, could be an issue. I’ve seen what he can do, and his grappling and technical wrestling skill are formidable. If you have been training with him, you just might be a threat. But as good as MDE is, my friend Myra here is just as good, if not better. And thanks to the training I’ve received from her, I’ll be able to break you Berry, MDE’s little protégé or not, when we cross paths in the ring.”

“And then there's another thing. I'm not deaf to the people's whispers. I know what they say, that I can't get anything done without say, that I can’t get anything done without my allies at my back. But those people are only making excuses. They can’t accept how great I am, so they make up excuses to enable them to hate me. But I’m going to take that particular excuse away from them, because at Judgement Day, I’m asking Thea and Myra to stay in the back, and let me win the FPW women’s championship all on my own, just to show these ‘fans’ that I am indeed just as good as I say I am.”

The Queendom turned and began to leave, but Dasha stopped them with another question.

“Before you go, we’ve heard nothing from Elizabeth Karlson since you attacked her last week, is there anything you want to say about that?”

Artemis looked at both of her comrades before replying. “No, I don’t think there is. They say actions speak louder than words, and I think we said enough last week.”

Artemis turned and walked down the hall, headed to the ring for her match.

[noname1525]

(Literally a few minutes later, I just wanted to separate the backstage segment from the in-ring segment for some inane reason)


A white queen graphic glitched onto the titantron screen as a female voice said “checkmate.” “Hammer to Fall” began to play and Artemis appeared on the stage, flanked by her Queendom allies. She posed at the top of the ramp,, spreading her arms as pyro went off, before marching down to the ring. All three women climbed into the ring, talking trash with the audience. As the song faded out, the Queendom turned to face up the ramp, awaiting Artemis’ opponent.

A fast-paced electronic song broke out as a video package for a woman named Gwen Yamamoto began to play.

MW: “I’m being told that Artemis’ opponent tonight, Gwen Yamamoto, is a promising young all-rounder whose mother wrestled in Japan. She’s definitely one to keep an eye on, this is in her blood. “

Her song and entrance video continued to play, with no sign of Gwen.


SD: “Apparently she doesn’t want you to keep your eyes on her, no sign of the young Miss Yamamoto.”

The music cut out and the video changed to a camera feed from backstage, as a cameraman rounded a corner and found Gwen Yamamoto slumped against the wall, unconscious. An unusual mask with three faces on it was sitting on the floor next to her, the eye holes staring into the camera. The crowd cheered as they recognized the mask, and knew what it meant.

MW: “Could it be?”

The Queendom were still standing in the ring, looking ready for a fight, but just a little nervous if the mask meant what they thought it did. Suddenly, the lights went out. Someone ran up the ramp to the back, and crew members could be heard talking to each other. A moment later, someone emerged from the back and ran down the ramp. The crew members began moving around, clearly getting ready for whatever was about to happen. And then the lights came back on, revealing Elizabeth Karlson in the ring, glaring at the Queendom!

The crowd absolutely erupted at this reveal, with a “HOLY SHIT” chant breaking out.

MW: “The crowd is loving this! We haven’t seen Elizabeth Karlson since the Queendom ambushed her backstage last week, and now she’s back!”

The Queendom had taken several steps back from Elizabeth when she’d first appeared, but now they began looking at each other, as if realizing that they still had a numerical advantage. But Elizabeth wasn’t waiting for them to attack again, she charged Artemis, knocking her down with a forearm smash. Thea and Myra immediately went on the attack, driving Elizabeth away from their fallen member with relentless strikes. But then Karlson started fighting back. She kicked Myra in the chest, then ducked a punch from Thea and backdropped her out of the ring. Myra lashed out and kicked Elizabeth in the back of the leg, causing her to stumble slightly. Myra whipped her across the ring. She attempted a spinning leg lariat as Elizabeth rebounded back towards her, but Elizabeth ducked and kept running, then flying through the ropes and taking out Thea with a suicide dive! Elizabeth stood back up and stared at Myra, daring her to attack. But Artemis had rolled out of the ring and now charged Elizabeth from the side. But Elizabeth caught her arm as she attempted to attack. Artemis’ face displayed an expression of fear before Elizabeth lashed out and drove her hand into Artemis’ throat, causing her to stagger back, clutching her neck. But Elizabeth couldn’t press her advantage, as Myra had slid out of the ring and struck from behind. The two of them began to brawl, exchanging multiple strikes.

Away from them, Artemis had stood back up and grabbed a chair from the front row of the audience and advanced on Elizabeth. She raised the chair over her head and was about to strike when Elizabeth grabbed Myra and pulled her close, transitioned behind her and shoved, causing Artemis to hit Myra instead! Artemis looked down in horror at what she’d just done, before looking up and stared at Elizabeth with murder in her eyes. Elizabeth just shrugged, which prompted Artemis to swing the chair again. But Elizabeth caught it and kicked Artemis in the gut, causing her to let go of the chair. Elizabeth switched her grip on the chair so that she could swing it, but Artemis retreated back in the ring before Elizabeth had the opportunity. Artemis taunted Karlson from inside the ring, but Elizabeth caused her to shut up as she rolled into the ring herself. Artemis ran forwards and began stomping on Karlson, hoping to press the advantage before she could stand up fully. But Elizabeth withstood the attack and stood up. She began striking back, and both women unloaded right hands into each other. Eventually Elizabeth took control, and began striking with her knees as well as her hands. With artemis dazed, Elizabeth jumped up and drove her knees into her face with a codebreaker! Artemis flopped to her back as Elizabeth stood up, letting out a yell. The crowd cheered as Elizabeth called for the Creeping Death. But before she could lock it in, Thea and Myra pulled Artemis out of the ring and helped her up the ramp. The crowd booed as the Queendom retreated, with Elizabeth staring at them as they left. “Hardcore” began to play as Elizabeth turned to the crowd and accepted their cheers, the crowd still happy to see her after she’d been taken out.