FPW Judgement Day

[Jim Houston]

MW: Hello everybody and welcome to FPW Judgement Day. This show will be absolutely jam packed with incredible matches and moments so do not take your eyes away from us for the new three to four hours. I'm Mike Watson, joined tonight by my colleague and, dare I say it, friend, Steven Deville.
SD: Tonight we have some of the biggest matches in FPW history. Every championship will be defended, we will crown our first ever Women's Champion. MDE will face Jerry Bishop. James Saturn gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he faces Azazel and… what a main event we have in store for you.
MW: That's right. The FPW Championship will be defended by champion Marcus Allen Jones a she goes up against the Free-1 winner, the man who fought for everything he's ever had, Graham Baker.

The camera shows the ring, which is set for the Hardcore Title match. Tables are placed in all four corners, lined with implements of torture, and there’s no hiding of the weaponry-it’s all displayed out in various garbage cans around the outer area of the ring. Watson looks notably concerned while Deville wears a grim expression, and the two begin speaking.

MW: Here we are, ahead of the biggest hardcore match of the year in FPW-four talented men enter the ring, one of whom’s looking to retain his Hardcore championship, and only one will walk out with the belt. Tommy Storm’s had a hell of a run so far-but can he keep it up?

SD: I doubt it, but the Tommy Storm I knew is different from this one...I just still doubt he can get the job done.

Without wasting any further time, the introductions start as Jace Mason’s Afterlife begins playing while the man himself walks to the ring. He’s very clearly over in this super-packed arena, most fans cheering for him as he walks out and he slaps hands as he jovially approaches the ring. He rolls under the bottom rope as he approaches, playing to the fans and raising his fist high before he drops down. He’s able to rest for only a moment as Narco begins to play, and Henry Harrison rushes out, his teddy bears in hand. He plays to the crowd, arms out seeking praise while the fans, confused, aren’t entirely sure how to react.

MW: There couldn’t be any more disparity between the first two competitors in this four-way match-Mason, a student of the sport, and Harrison, a certified lunatic. Think either of these men have a chance, Deville?

SD: Who knows, anything can happen in FPW! Tommy Storm’s a rough bastard, though, and John Grimm’s looking to make a name for himself...and he might yet.

As Harrison finishes his entrance, Treebarkboy begins to play, and John Grimm enters, clad in his regular ring gear with his mask pulled up, but no hat or glasses. He carries with him a bag of light tubes and other weapons, holding a tube on his shoulder. He approaches the ring, Karlson and Baker notably absent, and drops the bag at the step-up to the apron before stepping in, slipping through the ropes. He pulls his mask down and his jacket off, tossing them to the outside while he rolls the light tube into the middle of the ring. He noticably wears a tank-top bearing The Renegades’ logo that he doesn’t bother to remove. He settles into his corner as Walk by Pantera begins to play.

Moments later, the hardcore icon Tommy Storm walks out from the entrance, his ring gear gleaming in the light and the hardcore title displayed on his shoulder. He walks down the ramp, heading toward the ring ropes and rolling under the bottom rope. He settles in the final corner, looking at the other competitors in the ring as the referee pulls his gloves and goggles on. He takes the belt from Storm, and holds it skyward.

MW: Here we go-one of the most anticipated hardcore matches in the history of FPW unfolding before us.

SD: Let’s just hope Storm drops the damn thing.

Match 1: FPW Hardcore Championship: Fatal Four Way - Tommy Storm v. John Grimm v. Jace Mason v. Henry Harrison (written by Baker/Renegades):

The bell rings, and without any further warning, John Grimm lunges forward and lays Tommy Storm out with a brutal running corkscrew elbow! He grabs Storm and launches him with a brutal snap German suplex, landing him straight on the light-tube, while a determined Jace Mason takes out Henry Harrison with a brutal step-up enziguri! Grimm picks Storm up in a powerbomb position, and runs toward the ropes, throwing him over the side and through a glass-pane table, sending Storm crashing to the ground in a hail of wood and glass! Grimm heads to the outside after him while Harrison attempts to recover from Mason’s first strike, grabbing Mason in a bear-hug after a ducked Enziguri and attempting to plant him onto the light tube remains with a spinebuster, but Mason fights back with brutal elbows, shaking Harrison’s concentration enough to cause him to drop him. Mason kips up quickly, whipping Harrison into the ropes before leveling him with a brutal dropkick! He kips up again and lets out a victorious scream to the delight of the crowd!



MW: Both Mason and Grimm with excellent starts here!



Grimm, on the other hand, seems to want to wear down Tommy Storm quickly. He goes for his bag, dumping a container of tacks out on the ground in front of where Storm lays, and goes to grab Storm in a German Suplex, throwing him back-only for Storm to land on his feet! Storm drills Grimm from behind with a superkick, dazing him, and goes for an overhead belly-to-back suplex, but Grimm holds his ground, drilling Storm with elbows and shoving him off. He rushes forward for a discus elbow, but Storm manages to avoid it by countering with a high kick, then a low kick to Grimm’s leg, before he climbs onto the apron and hits a MASSIVE CROSSBODY SENDING JOHN GRIMM BACK FIRST INTO THE TACKS! Grimm writhes in pain as Storm rolls off of his body, grabbing him in a wrist-lock and yanking him up from the ground and going for a spinning back-kick-but a furious Grimm catches it, before throwing Storm’s leg down and picking his entire body up in a powerbomb and SMASHING HIM DOWN ONTO THE BAG OF LIGHT TUBES!



SD: What a waste of light tubes to take out Tommy Storm-he’d have gone down with one or two of them, let alone thirty!



MW: Grimm’s intent on harming Tommy Storm-and for good reason! The best path to the championship’s directly through him!



Grimm looks away from the wreckage of Tommy Storm only to spot Henry Harrison flying over the ropes from a kick from Jace Mason, but Grimm catches Harrison mid-flight! Harrison looks to one of his teddy bears for help and guidance, but they offer nothing as Grimm slams Harrison down with a brutal inverted powerslam onto the tacks! Harrison cries out in pain and reaches toward one of his bears, but Grimm ignores him and heads into the ring, facing down Mason. The two have a staredown, and circle one another, neither man armed, but Grimm notes the table behind Mason as Mason notes the table behind Grimm. Grimm goes in for a lockup, and the two jockey for control, with Mason managing to get it the first time around. He begins to walk Grimm toward a table lined with barbed wire, getting him close before he drills Grimm with a few kicks to the leg, dropping him down to a knee, and bounces off the ropes to go for a dropkick to send Grimm into the barbed wire-but Grimm catches Mason, tossing him back into the table-only for Mason to bounce off of it by catching his landing with his feet, rebounding and drilling Grimm with a spinning heel kick from behind!



Grimm is stunned, literally and figuratively, as Mason grabs him around the waist and goes to send him through the table with a Falcon Arrow, but as he struggles to get Grimm up, a wounded Henry Harrison makes his way onto the ropes and, with the approval of one of his bears, knocks both Grimm and Mason out of the way of the table with a brutal Springboard meteora from behind! Harrison rolls through the double knee-strike, but is distracted before he can capitalize on the damage he’s caused by one of his bears calling out to him! He goes over to him, not noticing a bloodied and returning Tommy Storm who’s torn his tank top free, and not making any note of him until Tommy Storm sends him packing with an overhead Belly-to-Back suplex through a table set up in the ring! Harrison lands on his head and neck as he slumps down in the corner, and a furious Storm goes for Grimm first while Mason rolls out to the apron to recover. Storm pulls Grimm up for a powerbomb, and sends him sailing through another plain table, before following it up with a brutal cannonball to the turnbuckles! Storm pulls Grimm out of the corner, and goes for a pin!



ONE!



TWO!!-Grimm kicks out, and Storm looks to pull him up for The Eliminator, but as he gets Grimm back to his feet, he eats a brutal Middle Rope Crossbody from Jace Mason that stuns him and makes him drop Grimm, who takes advantage of the moment to roll out of the ring! Mason bounces off the ropes and goes for a jumping knee strike, which Storm eats, still standing as Mason drills him with another, and a third that drops him to a knee! Storm looks up, blood dripping from his face and obscuring his vision, and Jace settles in for a dropkick, but Harrison has other ideas as he intercepts Jace with a codebreaker out of nowhere! Mason drops to the floor like a sack of bricks, and Harrison looks to take advantage of the disabled Storm, picking him up for a Benadryller-but instead drops Storm and kicks his head clean off! He goes for a pin!



MW: The champ’s out! The champ’s out!



ONE!



TWO!!



T-Tommy Storm kicks out! Harrison rolls out of the pin, confused, and looks to the ref, who tries to turn his attention behind him, but it’s too late as he eats a vicious chair shot from John Grimm! Grimm pulls Harrison up onto his shoulders, and throws him up into the air before catching him with a pop-up elbow and rolling him out of the ring. He looks to Tommy Storm laying prone on the ground, and decks him with a brutal penalty kick to the back of the head! He pulls Storm up, stunned, and shoves him into a corner, yanking his singlet down and hitting him with three brutally hard chops. Storm looks to be fading, but Grimm’s not done, pulling his head back up and drilling him with three more. He takes a step back after slapping Storm in the face, pulling him up to the top rope. He follows after him, pulling Storm onto his shoulders in a torture rack and tweaking his back-before he executes The Better Half from the top rope and slams Tommy Storm down, back first, on the chair with the brutal torture rack powerbomb! He goes for a pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-BROKEN UP BY JACE MASON! Mason rolls to a crouching position as Storm rolls out of the ring to recover and Grimm stares him down. Mason beckons Grimm to ‘come on’, and Grimm does, rushing forward with a discus elbow, but Mason counters with a Step-Up Enziguri! He’s quick to hit Grimm with another, and another, but as he goes for a fourth, Grimm catches his leg and shoves it down before he picks him up with a powerbomb!



Grimm runs Mason into a table-occupied corner, throwing him into the nest of wood and barbed wire and keeping him in place! Mason struggles, and Grimm points two fingers like guns at Mason before he drills him with a brutal boot to the face! Mason cries out in pain, and Grimm yanks him out of the barbed wire a moment later, picking Mason up onto his back for another Torture Rack Bomb, but Mason fights out of it, shoving himself down and hitting Grimm with a quick combination of strikes. He knocks Grimm out onto the apron, and follows after him, looking to DDT Grimm onto the apron, but as he gets his arm around Grimm’s neck, Grimm fights against it. He shoves Mason off, kicking him in the balls and pulling him up for Ol’ Reliable-AND DRILLING HIM DOWN INTO THE APRON WITH A SITOUT TOMBSTONE! Mason drops limply off of the apron, and Grimm drops down after him.



MW: I think it’s safe to consider Jace Mason out of this match! No one survives a move like that onto the apron.



SD: No, no they do not-but what has Harrison been doing with those damned bears?



Meanwhile, Henry Harrison has been busying himself setting a ladder up from the ring apron to the outer ring barricade, and as it gets in a position that satisfies him, he catches a glimpse of John Grimm shoving a dazed Tommy Storm back into the ring. He bides his time as his bears direct him to, but as Grimm sets Storm up on the top turnbuckle again, he strikes, drilling Grimm in the back of his targeted leg with a penalty kick! Grimm leaves Storm as he drops to one leg, eating another penalty kick from Harrison, and another, before Harrison rolls him out onto the apron! Harrison follows after him, drilling Grimm with a PK to the head before he pulls him up onto his shoulders with some difficulty. He cracks a wicked smile, cackles, and DRIVES JOHN GRIMM THROUGH THE LADDER WITH A BRUTAL DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Grimm goes limp as he lays in the ladder wreckage, and Harrison smiles, seemingly victorious.



SD: Oh god, at this point i’d take Storm over Harrison.



MW: Harrison’s certainly proven himself to be deadly in this match-he could easily take the title here!



Harrison returns to the ring where a heaving Tommy Storm sits against the turnbuckles on the middle rope, looking up at Harrison through dazed and tested vision as Harrison yanks the canvas away, revealing the hard wood beneath. He approaches Storm, slapping him across the face and going to pull him up for another DVD-



MW: Harrison’s got it!



-but he changes his mind, dropping Storm and consulting with his bears for a moment as he considers going for a kick, but Storm lands on his feet, and drills Harrison with a brutal pump kick to the skull! Harrison drops, but Storm catches him in position for a Widowmaker, yanking him with little difficulty over to the ropes. He hooks in Harrison with the double-underhook, and climbs up to the middle rope!



SD: No...no he doesn’t.



Storm hits a brutal Widowmaker ONTO THE EXPOSED RING FLOOR! He hits the ground hard, but before he can go for the pin on Harrison, Jace Mason hits the ring and lays Storm out with a brutal Step-Up Enziguri! Storm falls back to a knee, and Mason goes for a handspring Enziguri as Storm tries to get back to his feet once again! He goes for a springboard dropkick to seal the deal, but Storm ducks low and catches Mason in a running powerbomb position, looking to hurl him through a glass table at the edge of the ring, but as he runs to hurl Mason, Mason grabs the ropes and wraps his legs around Storm’s neck, managing to keep Storm in the ring while he hangs on the ropes! He releases Storm’s neck from the choke, shoulder-blocking him as he slips back through the ropes, noting the recovering Storm, and quickly pushes through, getting Storm up for a Falcon Arrow-AND SLINGSHOTTING HIM OVER THE ROPES AND THROUGH THE GLASS TABLE!



MW: Jesus Christ! That’s the end of Tommy Storm!



SD: I don’t know if I prefer the two remaining options any more than him...



Mason looks down at the ruined Tommy Storm laying in the table wreckage, before turning around-INTO A SUPERKICK FROM HENRY HARRISON! Harrison goes for a quick roll-up on the damaged Mason!



ONE!



TWO!!



THRE-NO!!! MASON KICKS OUT! Harrison looks furious, pounding on the mat, before noting the exposed canvas where Storm drilled him into the mat before. Bleeding furiously from the head, he drags Mason over to the turnbuckle and sets him up on the top rope. He climbs up, pulling Mason onto his shoulders and preparing to go for the DVD...but he stops, looking at the bears on the side for just long enough for Mason to drill him in the skull with a brutal elbow! Harrison looks as though he’s going to fall, but Mason grabs him, pulling him up to the top rope. He breathes, and grabs Harrison, before executing an Extra Credit from the top onto the exposed ring floor! Harrison makes a horrific noise as all the air leaves his body, and Mason lays prone for a moment.



MW: Mason’s gotta make the pin to win this match!



Mason crawls over to Harrison, and lays a hand across his chest.



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!



Winner, and NEW FPW Hardcore Champion: Jace Mason!



Mason rolls off of Henry Harrison, exhausted and brutalized as he crawls to the ropes. He pulls himself up, looking out to the crowd as the referee brings him the Hardcore championship. He looks at it in his hands, before crying out and holding the belt skyward as he does so.

————————————————————————————————————————

In the back, The Friendmigos sit with Berry Bishop in a locker room. Berry and Jerry sit very awkwardly, their body language very closed off towards one another. Che and Matt sit between them.

MD: Look dude, we want to be there for you tonight.
JB: No. He made this about me and him. It's not about you, or Che. It's simply me and him. This is something I've got to do alone.
MD: Ok, I get it. How about, Junior? You want our help.
BB: No. I can do it by myself too.
JB: If you can do it by yourself, why did you accep-

Che and Matt both give Jerry a look.

JB: I'm sorry. I just… what he did… if you'd have let me…
BB: It happened. It's not your fault. But let me be clear. This isn't my fault either. I'm not going to let it affect me tonight. I'm going to win my match and deal with… him… later. You can deal with him tonight, but make sure you're ready for him.
JB: I'm ready for him. I just hope he's ready for me.

Jerry walks off and leaves the room, leaving Matt and Che with Berry. After a few silent moments, Berry leaves too.

SCJ: Amigo… you think he's right? You think Jerry will change?
MD: I don't know. But Jerry is right. He needs to do this by himself tonight. For better or worse. This is too personal for us to interfere with.

———————————————————————————————————————


As the lights go down and we enter our next match, Killing In The Name Of begins to play out through the arena loudly as The Invaders make their entrance amidst an echoing chorus of boos. Haych and Dario step out to the arena, each man carrying a chair as they approach the ring. A steel cage looms ominously above it as they step up onto the ring apron, giving the finger to the crowd as they toss the chairs in the ring, stepping in and readying to meet Clutch and Russ as they approach the ring.



MW: All the makings of another great contest as these teams meet once again-however, this time, we’ve got a Steel Cage containing the carnage therein. What do you think about this matchup, Deville?



SD: Well, much like last time, I think The Invaders have an easy win ahead of them here. Steel cage or not, I don’t think the cowards are going to be fast enough to escape the wrath of The Invaders! How about you, Watson?



MW: Believe it or not, I actually think that Clutch and Russ have it. They’ve taken losses at the hands of The Invaders long enough-a win here could really establish them for a future tag title shot.



As if on cue, “This Fire Burns” by Killswitch Engage begins to play out, and Clutch and Russ, accompanied by Danica Jane, enter the arena to a wealth of cheers. The two men play to the crowd for a moment, but upon seeing The Invaders, they take on a look of new focus. The two approach the ring, looking at the cage above them as they step through the ropes. A referee enters the ring as This Fire Burns cuts out, and the cage begins to lower. Both teams have a vicious staredown, but The Invaders look up to the cage, pulling Clutch and Russ’s glance skyward, and giving them an opportunity to rush forward and land the first strikes-

Match 2: The Invaders v Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt (written by Baker/Renegades):

-only for Clutch and Russ to manage to respond with a pair of brutal Technical Fouls! The Invaders fall back after each eating a discus elbow, and the pair of Clutch and Russ decide to separate as the cage fully closes, the bell ringing as both pairs begin to lay into each other with brutal fists. Clutch manages to get an advantage on Dario, landing a brutal jumping spin kick and, after stunning him, manages to land a brutal Belly to Belly, sending Dario crashing into the cage hard! Russ, on the other hand, gets nearly beaten out by Haych, who blasts him with a series of screaming forearms until he picks him up with a running powerbomb-and tosses Russ neck-first into the cage! Russ holds his neck in pain as Haych and Clutch realize that the others are the only two in a currently functional state, and both men have chairs at their feet. They both grab the chairs and posture with them, Haych slamming his into the ground multiple times, before both men rush forward-and Clutch ducks as he slams his chair hard into Haych’s head! He shoves Haych into the ropes, going for another Technical Foul-but Haych ducks, blood pouring from a busted open wound, and catches Clutch with an exploder, sending him sailing back into the cage! He goes for a pin on Clutch!



ONE!



TWO-Clutch kicks out as the referee’s hand hits the mat for two, but before Haych can capitalize on his downed state, Russ slams into him with a flying forearm smash! Haych is stunned, and Russ goes for a German Suplex, but before he can lift Haych, Haych grounds himself and reverses the hold into a waistlock of his own, drilling Russ into the mat with a German of his own, before he yanks Russ off the ground and up onto his shoulders for a fallaway slam-that he executes with brutal precision! He watches Clutch as he struggles to crawl away after taking the exploder into the cage while Dario climbs to the top rope. He flips off the crowd as he goes for a 450 Splash, landing it into a pin!



ONE!



TWO-Russ kicks out, and Clutch manages to take Haych by surprise with a pele kick! Dario goes to counter Clutch, but Clutch responds with a Belly-to-Belly to Dario! As Dario goes down, Clutch capitalizes by hitting him with a Shining Wizard as he gets back to his feet, before getting into the corner to line up for a Punt Kick! He rushes forward to execute the kick-but Dario drops low, catching Clutch and rolling him up-but Clutch immediately counters the roll-up and rolls through, catching Dario by surprise before hitting Dario with a brutal TARHEEL! Dario drops dead as Clutch goes for a pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-Haych breaks the pin with a diving smash, and immediately throws Clutch out of the way with another exploder onto the mat! He yanks Dario out of harm’s way as Russ tries to get a bit of offense in, before catching Russ with a swinging backbreaker! He goes to capitalize with another fallaway slam, but Russ fights back with elbows and forces Dario to drop him, before railing him from behind with a Technical Foul! He drops Haych and immediately climbs to the top rope, tapping his elbow-THUNDERBOLT ELBOW DROP TO HAYCH! RUSS GOES FOR AN IMMEDIATE PIN!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-HAYCH KICKS OUT! Haych powers his way back up before Russ can get any more offense in, tossing Russ over his back with a back-body drop. He spots Clutch running at him for a brogue kick, and sweeps him with a low clothesline before grabbing Clutch with a rear naked choke as he falls. He wraps his legs around Clutch’s torso and gets the choke locked in, strangling the life out of him with a vicious grin on his face, but his focus is broken as Russ hits another Thunderbolt Diving Elbow to break the submission! As Russ rolls for cover, however, Dario responds with a flying Senton bomb attempt to Russ-but he can’t quite capitalize on it as Clutch uses the last of his energy to pull Russ out of the way, sending Dario crashing hard to the ground! Russ goes for a pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THRE-HAYCH BREAKS THE PIN WITH A DESPERATE DIVE! Haych grabs Russ with a snap suplex, sending him hard into the cage before returning his attention to Clutch, who’s beginning to recover from the brutal choke applied to him. He stalks Clutch like a predator stalking prey while Russ recovers on the side, before looking to the top of the cage. He grabs hold of the bars, not noticing that Dario’s had the same idea with the cage door. The race to escape begins…



...as the fight for survival inside the cage continues! Haych goes for a snap suplex, but Clutch rolls through the attempt and goes for a Belly-to-Belly of his own, only for Haych to counter that by flipping Clutch over his back! He runs for a low clothesline to Clutch as he lays on the ground, but Clutch kips up with a sudden burst of energy and nails Haych with a brutal Shining Wizard! He hits the ropes, going for another Flying Forearm Smash-but Haych catches him! He gets Clutch up for a running powerbomb into the cage much like the one that took Russ out for a moment earlier-but Clutch counters with a Hurricanrana that spikes Haych on his head! Haych appears to be out, and Clutch lines up for a final TarHEEL-but Danica screaming draws Clutch’s attention away as Dario almost reaches the cage door! He opens it, and is about to escape, but a desperate Danica slams the door shut on Dario’s head! Dario falls back into the ropes as the door shuts, and Clutch’s TarHEEL is interrupted by a recovering Haych!



Haych pulls Clutch up for a fallaway slam-but Russ yells out from up high! Haych drops Clutch as Russ goes for a Thunderbolt FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE TO A STANDING HAYCH! HAYCH IS DOWN AND OUT, BUT CLUTCH WANTS TO FINISH THE JOB! HE LINES UP FOR IT-READYING IN THE CORNER-BRUTAL PUNT KICK TO HAYCH! CLUTCH FALLS ON TOP OF HIM FOR THE PIN!



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!



Winners: Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt



Clutch and Russ sit on their knees in the ring as The Invaders look up at the lights, beaten by the pair-perhaps for the final time. The cage rises to free the four competitors as Clutch and Russ celebrate a brutal victory in a brutal match, rolling The Invaders out to celebrate with Danica. A brutalized Dario helps Haych to the back, only hoping that Marcus can be more successful in his pursuits than they were earlier in the night...

————————————————————————————————————————

Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with MDE. She looks repulsed, and tries to stand as far away from him as possible.

DB: I'm joined now by… MDE. My first question is… are you ready for your match tonight?
MDE: Is that it? No scathing insults? No questioning how on Earth I could do such a thing to the poor innocent little Bishop girl? I expected a little more spirit from you. I know you normally get creeped out being around me, but I, surprised you're able to hold your tongue. Talking of tongues, that reminds me-
DB: I can't do this.

Dasha takes the microphone and walks off, leaving MDE watching her with a smile on his face. As he turns, he sees Berry Bishop about to walk to the ring. She looks at him with a look of shock and fear and he returns the look with a smile and a taunting wave before walking away.

————————————————————————————————————————


MW: And up next is an intriguing match. This triple threat match between FPW’s best female competitors will be for the first ever Freedom Pro Wrestling Women's Championship.
SD: Intriguing is right. We've got Karlson, the technical killer. We've got Clown Junior, who's been through the mill psychologically this past few days but has also picked up some serious new skills. And finally we've got Artemis Evans, cold, calculating, and with back up.
MW: I think one of the most intriguing things about this match will be those new skills Berry Bishop has picked up. I don't even want to talk about how she got them, but if she's learnt enough to match her technical game with Karlson and Evans, she might well be the favourite.
SD: I don't know about favourite, but I do know that she's an unknown quantity in this match. Maybe after tonight she won't be Clown Junior anymore.

Dasha Banks stands in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Women's Championship.”

The fans cheer as a brand new championship is lowered from the ceiling. The official holds it up for everyone to see as a white queen logo appears on the tron and an anonymized female voice says “Checkmate.” ‘Hammer To Fall’ begins immediately after that and Artemis Evans walks onstage, smirking at the crowd as they boo her. She spreads her arms and pyro goes off on either side of her. She walks down the ramp, laughing at the young girl in a ‘Berry Rocks’ homemade shirt, talking trash to a punk girl with a ‘Karlson Kills’ sign and ignoring an attempted high five from a young fan in a James Saturn shirt. She continues doing this as she walks to the side of the ring and climbs onto the apron before jumping over the top rope. She walks across to the opposite corner and climbs to the second turnbuckle. She closes her eyes, tilting her head back and slowly spreading her arms once more. After doing so, she moves over to the official, looking down at the title belt and giving it a tap.

“Introducing first, from Manchester, England, she is ‘The Glory Huntress’, Artemis Evans!”

The fans boo once more as Evans soaks in the atmosphere.

Next, ‘Hardcore’ begins to play and the stage and entire arena go dark, with pulses of white light with the song’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 also moves across and looks at the belt before staring down Evans and making a threat-slitting motion.

“And her first opponent. She hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is ‘The Black Death’, Elizabeth Karlson!”

There's a mixed reaction for Karlson, who doesn't waver from staring at Evans for the entirety of her introduction.

‘The Entertainer’ begins and the fans cheer loudly. Berry takes the top of the stage with a bow at the opening arpeggios and mimes playing along to the music. On the last bars of the verses, Berry hopscotches to the bottom of the ramp, acting normal but with a slight hint that she's not quite her usual self, 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, but the smile doesn't hold for long. She looks at both of her opponents before retreating into the corner.

“And their opponent, from New Haven, Connecticut, ‘The Bombshell’, Berry Bishop!”

The fans cheer loudly as Dasha Banks leaves the ring. The official holds up the title belt and shows each of the three competitors before, all of a sudden, the arena goes dark.

MW: Wait a minute… what's happening?
SD: It's-

Deville is interrupted by a countdown clock appearing on the screen. The fans let out a murmur of excitement as the clock slowly counts down:

10……….
9……….
8……….
7……….
6……….
5……….
A very short clip of a charging lioness plays.
4……….
That same lioness is seen targeting a gazelle.
3……….
The lioness takes down the gazelle with ease.
2……….
The lioness tightens its grip and chokes the life out of the gazelle.
1……….
The lioness devours the gazelle, blood dripping from her jaws.
0.

The opening nine seconds to ‘Judas’ by Fozzy plays before an ear-splitting roar fills the arena. The lights flicker into being as the music changes to a similar sound to Marty Scurll’s Bullet Club theme without the ‘whoop, whoop’. After the opening a huge woman emerges, an ultra-realistic lioness mask obscuring her face. She wears a lioness-skin-coloured full-body suit and prowls down the entrance ramp, muscles rippling as she moves. The fans are u sure what to make of her and the three women in the ring stand transfixed. As she makes it to ringside she pounces under the ropes and slides into the ring, letting out a load roaring sound and standing to her full height which can't be much below six foot six.

Dasha Banks renters the ring. She holds a microphone with a confused and concerned look on her face.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been informed that this match is now a fatal four way match.”

The fans cheer with surprise.

“Introducing the final competitor… she stands at six feet, seven inches tall and she hails from Sibuya in South Africa. This is Lia Ness.”

Lia Ness raises her arms and lets out another loud roar as the fans react loudly, but neutrally. The official shows her the title belt too before calling for the bell.

Match 3: FPW Women's Championship: Artemis Evans v Elizabeth Karlson v Berry Bishop v Lia Ness:

The four women stare each other down for a few moments before Karlson, Berry and Evans turn their attention to Ness. They each move towards her, but she explodes at them, taking Evans down with a big boot before taking Karlson and Berry down with a running double clothesline. She then lifts Berry and scoops her up with ease onto her shoulder before running and lawn darting her into the turnbuckles. Berry drops motionless to the ground as Karlson tries to grab Ness’ wrist, but Ness pulls her in and takes her down with another hard clothesline. Ness turns to Evans, who backs away and rolls out of the ring, saving herself for later.

SD: Smart move from the most beautiful girl in professional wrestling!
MW: It's not often we agree but that probably is a smart move. Whoever this Lia Ness is, she looks incredibly impressive.
SD: She's already mauled Karlson and Clown Junior. That technical training doesn't look so good now, does it?
MW: How can anyone train for someone like this?

Ness turns to Berry, who's just pulling herself to her feet. She rams Berry back into the corner and drives a shoulder repeatedly into Berry’s gut. Ness then lifts Berry with one arm and places her on the top turnbuckle before backing away into the opposite corner. She takes aim and runs at Berry, connecting with a big boot to send her to the outside. The fans gasp as Berry lands hard on the floor. As Ness turns to Karlson, Evans swiftly moves in and puts the boots to Berry. In the ring, Karlson ducks an attempted boot from Ness and tries to catch her in a headlock, but Ness simply throws her halfway across the ring. As she does, Berry manages to fit off Evans and she stands as the two of them exchange strikes. Berry seems to get the better of the exchange and is about to connect with a hard kick when she turns… only to find Karlson having been thrown out of the ring to land directly onto Berry and Evans. All three women lie on the outside as Lia Ness lets out yet another loud roar.

Ness then climbs over the top rope and drops to the outside. She pulls Evans up and throws her, back first, into the ring post. She then scoops up Karlson and looks to send her into the ringpost too, only for Berry to connect with a kick to the back. Ness barely registers it, but Berry connects again and again, causing Ness to drop Karlson. The fans cheer as Berry unleashes a flurry of kicks, ending with a roundhouse kick followed by a dropkick to the knee to take Ness off her feet for the first time. Berry then back away and connects with a running knee strike before Karlson connects wjth a codebreaker to her kneeling opponent, taking Ness down. Karlson and Berry look to continue their double team, but Evans shoves Karlson from behind, sending her face first into the ringpost.

Evans then connects with a knee to the gut of Berry and swiftly follows up with an axe kick before rolling Berry back into the ring. She makes a cover as soon as she gets back in, 1-2-no. Berry manages to kick out. Evans then pulls Berry in for a butterfly suplex, which connects before Evans rolls through and climbs up to the top rope, looking for a moonsault. However, she's cut off by Karlson, who leaps onto the top rope from inside the ring and takes Evans down with an enzeguiri. Karlson then looks to capitalise, looking for a cross-arm breaker on Evans. Evans manages to block it for long enough that Berry breaks it completely. However, Karlson and Evans both drive Berry backwards and work together to knock her out of the ring. As soon as Berry is over the top rope, Karlson and Evans lay into each other, connecting with a flurry of right hands that sends the crowd into raptures.

MW: I don't get it! These two hate each other so much but they worked together to get Berry Bishop out of the ring.
SD: They wanted Clown Junior out of the way. These two want to tear each other apart.

Karlson gets the upper hand in the exchange through sheer force of will and she kicks Evans hard in the gut before connecting with another codebreaker. She then pulls Evans up and looks to connect with All Hail the King, only for Evans to block her. Evans kicks out Karlson’s leg to drop her to her knees before connecting with a snap DDT and rolling over to make a cover, 1-2-no. Karlson kicks out. Just as Karlson kicks out, Berry makes her way back into the ring and grabs an arm and a leg of Evans, rolling her through into a clever roll-up, 1-2-no. Evans manages to escape. Berry and Evans make it to their feet and Evans looks for a discus forearm, only for Berry to go with the momentum, trap the arm and lock in an arm bar.

MW: We've never seen that from Berry Bishop before.
SD: It's that training. She's become far more technically proficient.
MW: Lets just focus on that bit and not anything else.

The fans cheer for Evans to tap as she cries out in pain, but Berry is suddenly pulled away by Ness, who has recovered on the outside. She pulls Berry out of the ring with such force that she crashes to the floor. Ness then climbs in herself and pulls Karlson up for a gorilla press slam, with connects with such force that Evans bounces up slightly. Ness then turn to Evans, who begs off into the corner. As Ness comes closer and closer, Evans backs up so far that she can't back up anymore. As Ness comes closer, Evans aims a kick at Ness, but she blocks it and Evans tries to plead with her. Ness, however, places both arms around the throat of Evans and lifts her, throwing her across the ring to land on Karlson.

Ness then shoves Evans away and places both hands on the shoulders on Karlson, applying a huge amount of pressure to the cover, 1-2-no! The pin was broken up just in time by a flying Berry Bishop. Bishop aims forearms at Ness, who looks up, shrugs them off and places a hand around Berry’s threat. Berry gives her a look of panic before trying to take the wrist. Ness, however, is too strong, and she lifts Berry high into the air before connecting with a vicious chokeslam to drive her into the mat. Ness then turns back to Karlson, who is barely getting back to her feet. As she pulls her up, Karlson leaps onto Ness’ shoulders and looks for a hurricanrana, but Ness catches her leaving Karlson dangling from her shoulders. Ness grabs Karlson by the hips and throws her up into the air, catching her on the way down into a piledriver.

MW: My God, what a piledriver that was!
SD: That won't just break her neck. That could kill someone.

Ness makes another cover, 1-2-no! Evans this time breaks up the pin attempt, driving a chair into Ness’ back. Ness simply stands and turns to face Evans, who thinks quickly, throwing the chair at Ness and connecting with a leaping spin kick to send the chair right into her face. Ness staggers back before Berry recovers and strikes her with the Checkmate, sending Ness over the top rope to the outside. Evans immediately tries to capitalise, rolling up Berry from behind, 1-2-no! Berry only barely manages to get a shoulder up. Evans then stalks Berry and pulls her in for the Guillotine Strike.

Berry, however, manages to drop down and use her legs to hook under the arms of Evans, rolling her through, then catching Evans’ legs with hers and bridging for the pin, 1-2-no! Karlson somehow managed to break up the cover just as the official's hand was coming down for three. Each of the three women scramble to their feet and eye each other up for a few moments before Berry attempts another Checkmate, this time to Karlson. Karlson, however, catches her leg and takes her down, locking in a knee bar. Evans watches this for a moment before locking in a crossface. Berry cries out in pain and looks about to tap out.

Suddenly, Lia Ness returns to the ring and tries to break the holds by lifting Karlson. Karlson, however, maintains her grip, not allowing the hold to be broken. Ness then drops Karlson and moves over to Evans, pulling her away from Berry more easily before dropping her onto Karlson. Karlson, however maintains the grip on the knee and Berry raises her arm, about to tap out to end the match. As she does, Ness grabs the arm to stop Berry submitting. Ness then pulls Berry up for a suplex, but Karlson keeps hanging on. Ness uses her power to lift Berry, leaving Karlson dangling. As Ness continues to lift Berry, she manages to pull Karlson into position for another piledriver, and she drops, connecting with a brainbuster to Berry and a piledriver to Karlson.

MW: What a display of strength!
SD: I've never seen such raw power in all of my life. If this woman wins this match, I don't see any way that she could lose this championship.
MW: She's just one cover away.

Ness looks to make a cover on Karlson but Evans slides Karlson away, shoving her out of the ring. Ness then moves towards Evans but she too slides out of the ring. Ness stares her down as Evans begs off. Ness then turns towards Berry as Evans runs around the outside of the ring, sliding Berry out before Ness can make the cover. Ness looks down at Evans and leaves the ring as Evans moves away from her again. Ness builds up a head of speed and charges after Evans, who stops, connecting with a drop toe hold to send Ness face first into the steel steps.

Evans then moves quickly, lifting Karlson’s lifeless body and rolling her into the ring. She follows and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Karlson somehow manages to get a shoulder up. Evans can't believe it! She then pulls Karlson to her feet and looks for the Guillotine Strike, which connects. Evans makes another cover, 1-2-no! Berry Bishop barely manages to come to the rescue again. Berry pulls Evans up and goes for the Touchstone Takedown, connecting with the parallel snapmare but finding Evans rolling out of the ring to avoid the penalty kick. Berry look angry as she turns, but she's taken out by an incredibly vicious pouncing spear by Lia Ness.

Before Ness can make a cover, however, Evans enters the ring and drives the title belt into the side of her head. Ness staggers and drops to the outside as Evans covers Berry, 1-2-3.

Winner: Artemis Evans.

SD: She did it! Artemis Evans did it!
MW: She stole it, more like. Evans let Lia Ness hit the final blow before stealing in and taking the title.
SD: There's nothing wrong with that. I call it brains over brawn.
MW: Well whatever it was, Artemis Evans is backing away up the ramp cradling the FPW Women's Championship. When these three women in the ring recover, I'm sure they'll be coming after Evans. She may be champion, but she's put a massive target on her back tonight.

——————————————————————————————————————————

Backstage, we see Graham Baker stretching out.

MW: And there's the challenger for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship in our main event tonight. He's had a storied career thus far in FPW but tonight could see him catapult to a new level.

The camera switches to Marcus Allen Jones relaxing with a smirk on his face as he stares and waves into the camera.

SD: But that's the man standing in his way, Marcus Allen Jones. Simply put: he is the best professional wrestler in the world today and he's the man who will dash Graham Baker’s dreams later tonight.

———————————————————————————————————————————

MW: Next we have a hotly anticipated match between one of rosters’s rising stars James Saturn, who’s looking to secure his place in the FPW heavens, and the dark knight of Freedom Pro Azazel, a man of few emotions but eager to retain his place in the Championship hunt. Steven, what on earth are you doing.

SD: Well, unlike you, Watson, I’ve been working on improving myself and learning some new skills. I’ve taken up runecasting.

MW: *flatly* Runecasting.

SD: It allows me to predict the future, and I’m going to do so for this match. Observe!

*Deville tosses a handful of marked stones onto the commentary desk. He passes his hands over them humming monotonously.*

MW: Well, what do they say?

SD: Saturn’s an idiot and Azazel’s gonna knee his face off.

MW: That first one’s not a prediction.

SD: You don’t even know how this works, so shut up.

*Evanescence’s “My Last Breath” plays and the Freedom Fighters cheer as James Saturn takes the ramp. He calls for the crowd to get on their feet and jogs down the ring, zig-zagging back and forth to high-five fans on both sides of the ramp. He slides into the ring and continues to amp up the crowd.*

MW: Saturn’s been on a hot streak lately and he certainly looks ready to take on the Anti-Hero!

SD: I wouldn’t back that pony too hard, Watson. Azazel’s winning percentage is higher than anyone in FPW, and one of his losses came at the hands of-

MW: Don’t say it.

SD: My best friend Marcus Allen Jones.

*Saturn stretches himself out with the ropes. Azazel’s music replaces Saturn’s and the arena goes dark. The crowd continues to cheer as the shadowy figure of Azazel slowly marches toward the ring, torch in hand. Azazel stares straight through Saturn, never turning his eyes away. He places his torch on the turnbuckle and sits in his corner, eyeing up his opponent.*

MW: Azazel is one of the most tactical and adaptable wrestlers in FPW, but can he outwit the Psycho Rookie?

SD: Of course he can! Saturn’s too busy playing to the crowd to keep his head in the game.

Match 4: Azazel v James Saturn (written by Jerry/Berry):

*The bell rings. Azazel remains seated. Saturn starts towards him, but Azazel doesn’t react, simply stares at him. Saturn shrugs and sits down directly in front of Azazel and offers his hand for Rock Paper Scissors. Azazel doesn’t react. Saturn tells Azazel “Have it your way”, and taps “rock paper scissors SHOOT!” On “shoot”, he thrusts his hand forward to sucker-punch Azazel. However, Azazel catches Saturn’s fist and smiles, pulling both men to their feet.*

MW: Looks like Azazel’s going to have it his way.

SD: Anyone else feel like getting a burger? I’m hungry all of a sudden.

*Azazel works Saturn’s arm, wrenching him into a waistlock variation before quickly whipping Saturn up and over for a Saito suplex. Not letting up, Azazel keeps his hands around Saturn’s waist and deadlifts him into a German suplex. He releases the hold and Saturn starts to get to his feet, but Azazel spins him around and connects with an exploder suplex. He goes for an early cover.*

ON- NO!

MW: Azazel looking to play the power game here, trying to keep Saturn from getting up to speed.

SD: Brilliant! Couldn’t do it better myself. ...don’t you say a word, Watson.

*Azazel takes a moment to observe Saturn as he regains his footing. The Anti-Hero lets Saturn up and spins for a roundhouse kick. Saturn manages to duck the kick and chop Azazel’s base out from under him and dropping Azazel face-first to the mat. Dazed, Azazel gets to a knee only to be met with one of Saturn’s knees to his face. Saturn bounces back to his feet and drops an elbow on the grounded Azazel. Saturn then channels Dolph Ziggler, running his hands through his hair and flicking them at Azazel before hitting a flurry of elbow drops, leaping for the tenth and final elbow and making a cover.*

ONE!
NO!

MW: Saturn’s always been a bit of a show-off, but I didn’t think he was *that* Show-Off.

SD: Azazel’s having none of this tomfoolery! Powered right out of that like it was nothing. Which is what it was.

*Saturn and Azazel both get to their feet and size each other up. They begin to circle with Saturn lightly bouncing on his toes, Azazel slinking like a wild cat. Finally, the two lock up. Trading a series of holds and reversals, Azazel and Saturn both showcase their agility and technical talents. Both men run the ropes, leapfrogging and dodging each other’s offense, dancing around each other. Saturn avoids Azazel’s kicks while Azazel dodges Saturns strikes. The crowd whips into a frenzy as the two battle back and forth, erupting into “THIS IS AWESOME!” chants as Azazel goes for a roundhouse kick at the same time Saturn connects with an enzuigiri. Both men lay flat, breathing heavily before getting to their feet.*

MW: The Freedom Fighters are going wild for these two!

SD: Saturn’s just wearing himself out, Azazel’s got him beat in the endurance department.

*Saturn counters out of a brainbuster hold and hits an inverted atomic drop followed by a forceful clothesline and goes for the cover.*

ONE!
TWO!
NO!

*Saturn pulls Azazel up and towards the ropes, working the Anti-Hero’s arm. Azazel counters Saturn’s “Old School”-style ropewalk maneuver with a spinning heel kick as Saturn leaps from the rope. Azazel then runs the ropes for his springboard moonsault, landing square on Saturn and making a cover.*

ONE!
TWO!
NO!

*The crowd starts chanting for both men, dueling with “LET’S GO SAT-URN!”, “A-ZA-ZEL!” The two combatants slowly get to one knee and eye each other up. Saturn has a slight smirk on his face, Azazel showing nothing. Rising to their feet, they meet in the center of the ring. Azazel strikes first with a forearm. Half the crowd boos while the other half cheers. Saturn returns the forearm, and again the crowd is torn. The two trade strikes and wind up clubbing each other with rapid, unrelenting strikes as the crowd chants “FIGHT FOR-EVER!” Saturn ducks a blow from Azazel, winds up, and connects with a strong strike to the Anti-Hero. Saturn quickly mounts the turnbuckle and calls for the Saturnsault. However, Saturn had not noticed that the strike didn’t ground Azazel, only dazed him. Saturn leaps from the turnbuckle, flips, and Azazel meets him on the way down with The Night to Saturn’s face. The Freedom Fighters shout “HO-LY SHIT!” as Saturn lies motionless and Azazel struggles towards him to cover.*

MW: AN UNBELIEVABLE MANEUVER FROM AZAZEL!

SD: KNEE HIS HEAD OFF, AZAZEL, TEACH HIM A LESSON!

*Azazel crawls over and drapes an arm across Saturn*

ONE!
TWO!
THRE- NO!

*Saturn kicks out just before the referee’s hand hits the mat for the third count. Azazel rolls off him and brings his hands to his head in disbelief. Saturn drags himself to the ropes in hopes to regaining his footing.*

MW: INCREDIBLE! Saturn managed to kick out of The Night, even when it countered his own finisher!

SD: He’s lucky! If Azazel had hit that on him while he was right-side up, this’d be all over!

*Saturn gets to his feet in the corner, pulling himself up with the ropes. He gives Azazel a “bring it” gesture”. Azazel rushes him and looks for The Night once more, but Saturn dodges aside leaving Azazel to connect with the turnbuckle, leaving him staggered and limping. Saturn then climbs the turnbuckle and spreads his arms, looking for his diving spear. Azazel turns around and Saturn collides with him, planting the Anti-Hero to the mat. Saturn makes the cover, 1-2-no! An agonisingly close kick out from Azazel!

Saturn climbs to his feet and pulls Azazel with him. He whips him into the corner and runs at him, looking for a big splash. Azazel, however, moves out of the way and Saturn crashes into the turnbuckles, slumping there. Azazel lays into him with a flurry of quick kicks. Just as Saturn seems about to collapse, Azazel lifts him, positioning him onto the top rope and climbing after him. Azazel then lifts Saturn into position for a superplex, holding him about his head.

MW: Is he… is he looking for a top rope brainbuster?

Saturn, however, drives a knee down into Azazel’s head and drops back down onto the turnbuckle. Saturn then aims a hard kick to send Azazel off the top rope. Saturn turns and readies himself, leaping off and connecting with a Saturnsault. He holds for a cover…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

Winner : James Saturn 

MW: AMAZING! SPECTACULAR! James Saturn has put Azazel down for the three-count!

SD: Oh, come on, he got lucky!

Saturn kneels in the ring and takes in the cheers of the fans after his biggest ever victory. He acknowledges the fans on all sides before rolling out of the ring and slapping hands with fans as he leaves up the ramp. As he walks through the curtain, the lights go off for a few seconds. When they come up, the same woman from Dead Man’s Chest is in the ring but she's accompanied by a huge figure with his face covered by a hood. She points a finger to the entrance and the giant figure grabs Azazel’s foot and drags him to the edge of the ring. He and woman leave the ring and he drags Azazel out, dropping him on the floor before dragging him up the ramp as the fans watch in stunned silence.

——————————————————————————————————————————

A video plays on the screen revealing the dates for FPW shows in 2019:

Monday December 31st: FPW End of Year Awards Show
Sunday January 13th: Road To Season Three Launch Party
Sunday January 27th: Season Three Launch Party
Sunday February 10th: Road To Young Lions Cup 1
Sunday February 24th: Road To Young Lions Cup 2
Sunday March 10th: Young Lions Cup
Sunday Match 31st: Road To Resurrection
Sunday April 21st: Resurrection
Sunday May 5th: Road To All Star Tag Team Classic 1
Sunday May 19th: Road To All Star Tag Team Classic 2
Sunday June 2nd: All Star Tag Team Classic
Sunday June 16th: Road To Free-1 1
Sunday June 30th: Road to Free-1 2
Sunday July 14th: Road to Free-1 3
Thursday August 1st to Saturday August 31st: Free-1 II
Sunday September 22nd: Road to Dead Man’s Chest
Sunday October 6th: Dead Man’s Chest II
Sunday October 20th: Road To Uncensored
Sunday November 3rd: Uncensored
Sunday November 17th: Road to Judgement Day 1
Sunday December 1st: Road to Judgement Day 2
Sunday December 15th: Judgement Day II

MW: Wow! What a calendar that is for FPW in 2019!
SD: We’re getting bigger. We're getting stronger. More shows. More amazing matches. But there's still more to come tonight.
MW: Three title matches, including this next one for the FPW Tag Team Championships.

-----------------------------------------------------

"The following contest is scheduled for one fall!” Dasha Banks said. “And it is for the FPW Tag Team Championship!”

Sato emerged from behind the curtain as the Guardians of Strong Style’s music hit and bowed to the audience. The introduction concluded as Sato rose and Tchyukiro and Takahara emerged to stand next to their manager. They made their way to the ring as Dasha continued the introductions.

“Introducing first, the challengers. From Hiroshima Japan, Masa Tchyukiro and Hiro Takahara, The Guardians of Strong Style!”

Steven Deville(SD): “I have been waiting 28 days to see these men in action again. They impressed me greatly at Dead Man’s Chest, and I’ve been looking forward to seeing them go head-to-head with our champions.”

Mike Watson(MW): It’s not often that you consider the champions the underdogs in a title match, but with everything we’ve seen from the Guardians of Strong Style, they just might be the favorites in this match. If I had to guess, I’d say the odds are perfectly even, I don’t think either team has an advantage. Meaning that this contest will be decided purely through skill.”

Sato exited the ring as Tchyukiro and Takahara turned to face up the ramp. “This Means War” began to play throughout the arena, with a video package showing highlights from both Jack Sevren and Bobby O’s careers. Jack and Bobby walked through the curtain wearing the belts and were greeted by the audience’s cheers.

“And introducing their opponents. They are the FPW Tag Team Champions, the team of Jack Sevren and Bobby O!”

Jack and Bobby climbed into the ring, and Jack walked right up to their opponents, smirking at them as he raised his title. Bobby eventually grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him away, shaking his head slightly. The two of them handed their belts to the referee and had a quick conversation before Bobby stepped onto the apron, leaving Jack in the ring to start the match. Across the ring, Masa Tchyukiro was standing in the corner, ready to face him.

Match 4: FPW Tag Team Championships: Bobby O and Jack Sevren v The Guardians of Strong Style (written by Mason/Queendom):

The ref called for the bell, prompting both men to advance. Jack went to tie up, but Tchyukiro shoved him away, shaking his head. Jack looked at him quizzically for a moment before he took a step closer and shoved his face, causing Tchyukiro to take a slight step back. Jack spread his arms and said something taunting to Tchyukiro. But the grin on his face was wiped away as Tchyukiro lashed out and caught him with a right hand, staggering him. Jack took several steps back before he looked up at his opponent, his smile back on his face. Suddenly, he charged forward and attempted a clothesline, but Tchyukiro just stood there and took the hit. Jack glanced at him before running to the ropes and attempting another clothesline. Tchyukiro’s weight shifted backwards, but he remained upright and yelled something in Japanese. Jack tried one more time, building momentum by running to the ropes, but this time, Tchyukiro leveled him with a forearm smash as he got close. Jack was knocked off his feet and was left staring up at Tchyukiro. Jack retreated to his corner and extended his hand. Bobby reached into the ring and tagged in, his eyes locked on Tchyukiro.

MW: “Jack Sevren trying to get under the the skin of his opponent, but it appears that he regretted that as he tags his partner in instead.”

Tchyukiro sized up Bobby as he advanced, nodding as he got closer. The two circled each other for a moment, before Bobby struck, sinking a knee into his gut and landing two quick punches that made Tchyukiro step back.

SD: “And just like that, Bobby O has made more progress than Jack Sevren.”

And that was when Tchyukiro struck back, landing a punishing knife edge chop before grabbing Bobby by the back of his head and driving his forehead into his knee. Bobby staggered back, but Tchyukiro grabbed him by the wrist and whipped him to the ropes, catching him with a clothesline that knocked him to the floor. But rather then press his advantage, Tchyukiro backed up, allowing Bobby to get back to his feet. Bobby apprehensively stood up, keeping a close eye on his opponent as he did so. Both men closed the distance again, with Tchyukiro attempting another knife edge chop. But Bobby caught his wrist and pulled him in, setting up a hammerlock DDT. Tchyukiro quickly pressed Bobby up against the ropes to force a break, nodding appreciatively as he backed up. Bobby took a few steps away from the ropes, then was forced to duck as Tchyukiro attempted a lariat. Bobby then ran to the ropes himself, and connected with a dropkick that knocked Tchyukiro off his feet! Bobby quickly ran forward and attempted a curbstomp, only for Tchyukiro to roll out of the way. Tchyukiro stood up as Bobby turned around and caught him with an overhand chop. He grabbed Bobby by the wrist and shoulder and dragged him to his team’s corner.

MW: “Bobby O managing to take Tchyukiro to the ground, but unable to press the advantage as Tchyukiro now tags in his partner.”

Tchyukiro held Bobby in the corner as Hiro Takahara ran into the middle of the ring, before turning around and running back at Bobby, connecting with a jumping forearm smash. Bobby slumped to the mat before Takahara pulled him out of the corner and dropped into a cover.

..1!.Kick-out!

Bobby sat up and tried to rise to his feet, but Takahara flattened him out with kick to the chest. Then Takahara turned him over and pulled him to his knees, holding onto his back to prevent him from escaping. He began driving his knee repeatedly into Bobby’ ribs.

SD: “A very tactical move here from Hiro Takahara. If you damage an opponent’s ribs, it makes it very hard for them to breathe. And an opponent who can’t breathe is going to tire much faster.”

Eventually Takahara decided to end his assault, pulling Bobby to his feet and whipping him to the ropes. Bobby managed to duck the attempted clothesline and rebound one more time, but then ran right into a gut kick from Takahara. With Bobby doubled over, Takahara drove his heel into the back of his neck with an axe kick that caused him to fall to the mat. Takahara turned him over once again and hooked the leg for a cover.

...1!..Kick-out!

Takahara nodded as Bobby kicked out and pulled him to his feet. He dragged him to the corner and leaned him against the turnbuckles. He took a slight step back and eyed Bobby’s chest appraisingly.

MW: “Takahara’s sizing up Bobby for his next attack.”

And that attack was quickly revealed, as Takahara lashed out with a knife edge chop. The crowd responded with a loud “WOOO” before Takahara whipped Bobby across the ring into the other corner. Hiro ran in after him and connected with another brutal chop. After pausing to take in the audience’s response again, he once again whipped Bobby across the ring, sending him back into the original corner. But this time as he ran towards his opponent, Bobby charged out of the corner and met him with a forearm smash. Takahara stumbled back a short step, but began smiling and nodding.

SD: “What the?”

Takahara blasted Bobby with a forearm of his own, but Bobby managed to stay on his feet. He looked up to see Takahara beckoning him forwards. And so Bobby struck with another forearm. This time Takahara was forced to take a full step back, but the smile was still in his face. He connected with another forearm smash, and Bobby took a step back. Bobby bent over to catch his breath, before straightening up and blasting Takahara in the face with yet another forearm. This time Takahara was driven back several steps, and the expression on his face changed to one of determination.

MW: “These two having a bit of a one-upmanship contest going on here.”

The crowd cheered as Takahara struck back, driving Bobby several steps back and forcing him to lean against the ropes to keep himself upright. But he didn’t stay there for long, quickly advancing and driving his forearm into Hiro’s face. Takahara staggered back, a surprised look on his face.

SD: “I don’t think Takahara expected Bobby to be able to retaliate from that last forearm, but now it’s Takahara who’s dangerously close to losing consciousness.”

Takahara shook his head to recover, then knocked Bobby off his feet with a final forearm smash! The crowd applauded as Takahara broke the stalemate and dropped into a cover.

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

Takahara wasted no time following the kick-out, pulling Bobby to his feet and dragging him into his corner. Tchyukiro tagged in and the two of them dragged Bobby’s limp body into the center of the ring. Takahara ran past him and rebounded off the ropes. He hit a dropkick to the back of Bobby’s head, driving him forward into a lariat from Tchyukiro! Bobby was turned inside out from the attack, and Tchyukiro quickly turned him over and hooked his leg.

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

Leaving Bobby lying on his back, Tchyukiro ran to the ropes, building momentum for the kokeshi headbutt he connected with on the rebound. Bobby sat up, clutching his head, and Tchyukiro capitalized by locking in a deep chin lock. Bobby grabbed his arm and tried to pull it away from him, but Tchyukiro was too strong, and Bobby couldn’t make much headway.

MW: “Tchyukiro slowing the pace down here after the fast paced start to this match.”

SD: “And this is another tactical move from The Guardians of Strong Style. Takhara took several powerful forearms from Bobby before he tagged out, and by holding Bobby here like this, Tchyukiro is buying time for his partner to recover while he continues to punish their opponent.”

Bobby had finally settled on a new strategy for escaping the chinlock, driving several short elbows into Tchyukiro’s midsection. The pressure around his chin loosened just slightly, and Bobby quickly exploded to his feet in an attempt to escape. But Tchyukiro switched his grip, transitioning from a chinlock into a waistlock, then lifting Bobby over his head and driving him to the mat with a german suplex, bridging into the pin.

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

The crowd erupted into cheers at Bobby’s kick-out. Tchyukiro on the other hand, looked disappointed that Bobby had escaped again, but that didn’t stop him from transitioning into a mounted position and laying into Bobby with alternating forearms. The crowd booed as they watched Tchyukiro battering Bobby, but he paid them no heed as he continued to rain blows down on a defenseless Bobby. Eventually, he switched tactics, standing up and pulling Bobby to his feet with him.

MW: “With Bobby laying limp like that, I’m surprised Tchyukiro didn’t go for a cover, I feel like it would have been the perfect time to end the match.”

But instead, Tchyukiro whipped Bobby to the ropes. And as Bobby rebounded back towards him, he lifted Bobby into the air, setting up for a pop-up headbutt.

But as Bobby came back down, he wrapped his arm around Tchyukiro’s neck, turning his fall into a spiking DDT! Cheers broke out in response to Bobby’s reversal, and they increased in volume as he regained his feet, ready to press his advantage. But Tchyukiro had crawled into his corner, a hand on his forehead. Takahara tagged in, and Tchyukiro rolled out of the ring. The camera changed to a shot of Sato talking with him, a worried look on his face.

Takahara had gotten into the ring and charged at Bobby, looking for a dropkick. But Bobby was ready and sidestepped the attack, causing Takahara to fall to the mat. Bobby immediately took advantage, unleashing a flurry of precise stomps into his grounded form. After a few moments, Bobby ceased his attack and took a few steps back to catch his breath. Takahara rose to his knees and was ready to rise further when Bobby went back on the attack, catching him with a quick kick to the head before pulling him up and locking in a front facelock. He attempted to lift Takahara with a suplex, but Takahara kept his weight low and prevented himself from being lifted. Bobby tried again, but Takahara continued to block the attempt. And so Bobby tried a new tactic, letting go of the facelock and connecting with a European uppercut, then pulling him back into the facelock and lifting him off the mat with a suplex. Takahara was slammed into the mat and Bobby floated over into a cover.

...1!..Kick-out!

Bobby acted quickly, pulling Takahara up and whipping him into the corner. He went to follow him in and continue the attack, but Takahara brought his knees up, causing Bobby to collide with them. Takahara shoved Bobby into the corner and then leaned into the ropes to connect with an enzuigiri. Bobby slumped into a seated position, leaning back against the bottom turnbuckle. Takahara stepped onto the middle turnbuckle before jumping off and driving both feet into Bobby’s chest. He rolled backwards and up to his feet before charging at Bobby. He attempted to drive his boot into Bobby’s face, but Bobby rolled out of the way at the last second, causing Takahara’s leg to sail in between the ropes and land on the apron. Before Takahara could pull his leg back through, Bobby caught him with a savage kick to the back of his other leg. Takahara cried out as Bobby connected with two more kicks to the same spot before the referee forced him to stop and back away. Takahara pulled his leg back through and walked out the corner, limping slightly. He kicked Bobby in the gut, wincing as he did so, and locked in a facelock. He lifted Bobby for a vertical suplex of his own, but Bobby shifted his weight on the way over and landed on his feet behind Takahara.

He pushed Takahara into the ropes near his corner, holding him against them as he tagged in Jack Sevren. Bobby continued to hold Takahara in place as Sevren climbed into the ring. He ran to the far ropes to build momentum before rebounding and coming back towards Takahara, diving down as he got close and connecting with a chop block to the previously targeted left leg. Takahara cried out again as Jack transitioned into a school-boy roll up!

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

Jack grabbed the left leg of Takahara and drove it to the mat, pinning it down under his knee. From there, he began to drive elbows into Takahara’s thigh.

SD: “It looks like Bobby O and Jack Sevren may have found the first crack we’ve seen in the Guardians” armor.”

Leaving Takahara flat on his back, Jack stood up and ran to the ropes, running back in to deliver a knee drop to the left leg. Then he bent down and pulled Takahara to his feet, maintaining a grip on the leg. He lifted Takahara up and drove the injured leg into his knee.

MW: “Jack Sevren connecting with a shin breaker, now transitioning into a dragon screw! Sevren has been relentlessly attacking the leg ever since he got tagged into this match.”

SD: “And that’s exactly what he should be doing. And it was also smart of Bobby O to tag in Jack when he did. Jack Sevren is the more technically minded of the two, so as soon as Bobby found a weakness, he brought him in to pick that leg apart. And now Sevren’s going for a cover!”

...1!..Kick-out!

SD: “And that’s something that Bobby and Jack have to be careful of, they can’t get too focused on the leg. For as much pain as you can inflict on an injured leg, it’s not the kind of pain that will keep an opponent from kicking out. If they focus too much of their offense on that leg, this match could drag on much longer than necessary.”

Jack Sevren appeared to be thinking along similar lines as he picked up Takahara and dragged him to the corner. He stepped up onto the middle turnbuckle and pulled Takahara into a facelock, setting up for a tornado DDT. But Takahara suddenly acted, shoving Jack over the top rope and sending him crashing to the floor! Takahara turned to his corner and was prepared to tag out, but Tchyukiro yelled something at him and pointed over his shoulder. Takahara turned around and saw Jack Sevren climbing onto the apron and preparing to spring. Takahara charged at him and swung a left hand that Jack ducked by hopping off the apron. Jack then swung his arm under the bottom rope, sweeping Takahra’s left leg out from under him. Takahara fell onto his back as Sevren climbed back onto the apron. Jack took a second to look out to the cheering audience before throwing himself over the top rope and onto Takahara’s chest with a tope atomico! He stood up and dragged Takahara away from the ropes before making the cover.

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

Jack rose to his knees and looked down at Takahara for a moment before looking back up and Bobby, who reached out for a tag. Jack nodded as he stood up and walked into the corner, tagging out of the match. Bobby climbed into the ring as Takahara began to sit up. Bobby went on the offensive, pulling Takahara to his feet and turning him around. He connected with a quick gut punch to keep him off balance, then whipped him to the ropes, bending over to try and hit a back body drop. But Takahara saw it coming and kicked him in the head, which caused Bobby to straighten up and take a few steps back. But to hit that kick, Takahara had to put weight on his injured leg, which caused him to stagger. Bobby saw this and rushed forwards, pulling Takahara to the mat with a single leg takedown.

SD: “Oh, I hadn’t even thought of that. Takahara’s strength comes from his powerful kicks, and if you can’t stand, you can’t kick. By injuring that leg, Bobby and Jack have taken away some of his best moves.”

Bobby had rolled Takahara over so that he was facedown and backed up, waiting for his opponent to get to their knees so he could hit his curbstomp. Takahara rose to all fours, and Bobby ran in, but as he lifted himself to deliver the curbstomp, Takahara pulled himself back, causing Bobby to miss with the stomp and stumble slightly. Takahara rose as Bobby recovered and turned around. Bobby swung a punch, but Takahara caught it and turned it into a saito suplex, dropping Bobby high on the back of his neck. Bobby attempted to recover, but as he began sitting up, Takahara charged in and hit a vicious penalty kick!

MW: “It looks like Bobby and Jack didn’t take away all of Takahara’s move, he nearly took Bobby’s head off with that kick! Now going for the cover!”

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

Takahara used the opportunity while Bobby was down to try and run to his corner to tag out. But Bobby swung his leg out and connected with Takahara’s leg, tripping him and preventing him from getting to his partner. Bobby shakily stood up and pulled Takahara up with him. He whipped him across the ring and attempted a clothesline, but Takahara ducked under and ran to the far ropes, leaping over them and onto the apron. Bobby ran in to try to attack, but Takahara caught him by the back of the neck and snapped his head and neck across the top rope. As Bobby staggered back, Takahara quickly climbed to the top rope, then leapt off, flying through the air with a crossbody. Bobby went down, but instead of going for the cover, Takahara pulled him to his feet and whipped him to the corner. He ran in after Bobby and drilled him with a running forearm smash, then pulled his leg out from under him, dropping him to a seated position. Takahara backed into the center of the ring, then ran forwards and delivered a double knee strike!

MW: “How is Takahara able to do all of this with that injured leg?”

SD: “In a word, adrenaline. And now he’s attempting a cover!”

...1!...2!.And Jack Sevren breaks up the pin to save his partner!

The crowd exploded with cheers as Jack helped Bobby to his feet in the corner, but behind him, Tchyukiro had also gotten into the ring and was now marching towards him. He grabbed Jack by the shoulder and turned him around, they drove his his forehead into Jack’s face, causing him to fall to the mat and roll out of the ring. Tchyukiro backed up, walking to his corner with his hands raised as the referee began to admonish him.

Meanwhile, both Bobby and Takahara had stood up and were now facing each other. They both began to circle the ring, keeping an eye on each other. Bobby took a tentative step closer, and Takahara made no objection. But then he struck, feinting with a kick before connecting with a jab-cross combo. He grabbed Bobby’s wrist and attempted to send him to the ropes, but Bobby reversed and whipped Takahara to the ropes. Bobby hit a back elbow on the rebound, but Takahara sprang right back to his feet, only to run into a spinning gut kick from Bobby. Bobby pulled Takahara’s head and tucked it between his legs, then lifted him into a powerbomb position. But before he could connect, Takahara began rain down punches on his head. Bobby was forced to set Takahara back on his feet and take a step back. Takahara swung a big right hand, but Bobby ducked under, then connected with an enziguri! Takahara fell face first onto the mat, and Bobby ran to the ropes before running back in and hitting a curbstomp! He quickly turned Takahara over and made a cover.

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

Bobby sat up in complete shock that Takahara had escaped, and the crowd clearly were just as surprised, an audible gasp was heard. And then Bobby eyed the top turnbuckle, and a look of determination came over his face. He dragged Takahara closer to the corner and the stepped onto the apron and began to climb to the top rope. He crouched there for a moment and was about to spring when Jack Sevren jumped onto the apron and tagged himself in. Bobby looked at his partner for a moment before he jumped off and drove an elbow into Takahara’s chest, then stood up and ran across the ring, knocking Tchyukiro off the apron! At the same time, Jack made a cover on Takahara!

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

MW: “No one in this arena can believe that Hiro Takahara just kicked out again, least of all Bobby O and Jack Sevren!”

Across the ring from each other, the tag team champions locked eyes. Bobby motioned for Jack to do something while he climbed onto the apron.

SD: “What’s Bobby doing now?”

The answer quickly became apparent, leapt off the apron and connected an axe handle on the rising form of Tchyukiro. Tchyukiro was knocked off his feet, and Bobby began raining down right hands.

Back in the ring, Jack pulled Takahara away from the corner and grabbed his leg. He looked out into the crowd and let out a loud “WOO” as he locked in a figure-four leglock! Takahara yelled in pain as Jack fell back to finish the submission attempt.

MW: “Jack Sevren taking advantage of the injured leg as he locks in the figure four!”

SD: “The champions endgame strategy is coming into effect!”

As Takahara struggled while in the figure four, Tchyukiro, who had managed to rise to his feet, and Bobby continued to brawl. Tchyukiro sent Bobby staggering back with a forearm, but Bobby retaliated by lashing out with a superkick! Tchyukiro sidestepped Bobby’s foot and connected a massive headbutt that dropped Bobby to the floor. Tchyukiro shook his head, slightly dazed, but then looked into the ring and saw his partner in pain. He hurriedly rolled under the bottom rope and ran across the ring, then delivering a kokeshi headbutt to Jack Sevren, which caused Sevren to break the hold! Takahara Slowly stood up as Tchyukiro lifted a dazed Jack to his feet. The Guardians of Strong Style looked at each other and nodded before running to the ropes on opposite sides of the ring, then they each delivered a running forearm to Jack’s head!

SD: “Oh my god! They just sandwiched him!”

Jack collapsed to the mat, and Takahara dropped down and hooked his leg.

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

SD: “We have new tag team champions!”

Winners: The Guardians of Strong Style

Sato threw his arms up as the Guardians’ music began to play. He ran around the ring and motioned for the referee to hand him the belts. The ref was confused slightly, but obliged. Sato climbed into the ring and presented Takahara and Tchyukiro with their prizes before standing between them and raising their arms.

MW: “A hard fought match for both teams. Jack and Bobby did everything they could to retain, and they came very close to doing so, using an effective strategy to give the Guardians of Strong Style the most fight they've had here in FPW.”

SD: “But in the end, it wasn't enough. Tonight, strong style was just too much to overcome. Congratulations to our new tag team champions.”

————————————————————————————————————————

Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jim Houston:

DB: Mr. Houston, we've had an amazing show so far, but we've also seen the announcement of a whole new FPW calendar for next year. Tell us a bit about how it came about.
JH: It came about through a lot of hard work and negotiation. I wanted to bring more regular shows to our fans and I think next year they'll be very happy with what we put out. We have several major shows and several smaller shows to bridge the gaps. Those ‘Road To’ shows are going to be a little smaller, a little shorter, but they won't lack in quality. Every single show will be worth the ticket price and more.
DB: And how about the Women's Championship match tonight. Why did you make it a four way match?
JH: Well I signed Lia Ness several months ago but wanted to hold off on her debut until I felt she could make a big impact. This match was planned for a long time so she and I hatched the countdown clock plan. It generated quite a buzz. Lia had a great debut and I'm sure she'll bring a lot to Freedom Pro Wrestling.
DB: And can I have a word on the next match?
JH: Well… I don't condone the actions taken by MDE this month. However, I believe the best way to resolve these types of issues is by meeting man to man in the ring. Jerry Bishop will have the chance to get some measure of revenge for his sister and I can assure you that Berry will also have that chance in the future.

————————————————————————————————————————


MW: And now we come to the penultimate match of the evening. Jerry Bishop, the heart and soul of Freedom Pro Wrestling, facing a man who has positioned himself as one of the most vile, hated men ever to step into this company.
SD: Even I have to admit that MDE has gone too far in this past month. I understand what he was trying to do, but to target a man’s sister and to… use her… to get to him? That's beyond wrestling. It's sick and it's wrong. But it's got Jerry Bishop’s attention.
MW: Jerry for so long has been a nearly-man here in FPW. He nearly won the Free-1. He nearly won the Dead Man’s Chest. But if he wins this match then he'll put himself first in line for a shot at FPW Champion next year.
SD: But can he win this match without selling out everything that he believes in?

A video package plays, beginning with Jerry Bishop entertaining fans, clips interspersed with MDE’s accusations about Jerry limiting himself to pander to the crowd. It shows Jerry coming so close to beating Graham Baker, only to fall short. It shows Jerry kneeling in a ring on several occasions, taking the warm applause only offered to those who lose gallantly. It then shows an intense MDE, promising to take away everything that Jerry is. It highlights MDE training with Berry, and then shows clips from MDE’s video where he revealed how he'd used her. These clips are mingled with highlights from their match in the Free-1, ending with the two men staring at one another across the ring.

The camera pans around the arena to find every single fan on their feet; many hold signs in support of Jerry Bishop. When ‘The Comedian’s Gallop’ begins, the place explodes with cheers. Jerry comes to the top of the ramp, looking intense but also looking taken aback with the wall of noise that greets him. He bows deeper than ever before before he charges down the ramp, dance conducting as he goes. He slides into the ring and bounces off the ropes a couple of times, raising an arm to recognise the support he's still receiving. A loud ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant replaces the music as Dasha Banks tries to introduce him.

“The following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, hailing from Kansas City, Missouri… he is ‘The Jester’… Jeeeeeeeeeeeerrryyyyyyyyyy Bishoooooooooooop.”

The chant continues for some time before ‘Dance of the Knights’ begins. Immediately the entire arena transforms into the sound of booing and jeering. MDE walks slowly onto the ramp and pauses at the top, smiling as he looks down the ramp towards Jerry. Jerry stands by the ropes, staring at MDE with an intensity we've not seen before from Jerry. MDE begins his slow march down the ramp, ignoring the fans who scream all kind of obscenities at him. As he reaches the bottom of the ramp, Jerry backs away and hits the opposite ropes, charging at MDE and taking him down with a suicide dive. The fans explode as the music abruptly stops.

Jerry pulls MDE to his feet and whips him into the guardrail, charging at him and connecting with a running forearm to send MDE slumping down. Jerry then puts the boots to him over and over again before being dragged away by the official. Jerry pauses for a moment before pushing his way back past the official and putting the boots to MDE once again. The official pulls Jerry away again and orders him into the ring, but Jerry doesn't listen. He tries to get back to MDE but the official still blocks him. MDE, however, pushes the official into Jerry, who staggers backwards. MDE then takes Jerry down with a fireman’s carry before locking in a chin lock on the outside, keeping Jerry grounded.

The fans boo MDE as he simply smiles a heartless smile in return. Jerry resists the hold, managing to make his way to his feet and drive MDE backwards, towards the opposite guardrail. MDE, however, manages to apply the breaks, turning to send Jerry into the railing. He breaks the hold and sends Jerry into the ring, following him along with the official, who calls for the bell.

Match 6: MDE v Jerry Bishop:

Jerry is quick to the get to his feet and the two men exchange a brief stare, before Jerry rushes forward, aiming a forearm to MDE. MDE blocks it, however, catching the arm and taking Jerry down, maintaining his grasp and transitioning into an arm bar. Jerry quickly rolls out of it, wringing MDE’s arm and kicking his leg out. He maintains his grip on the arm while aiming kicks to MDE’s ribs which MDE can't block. Jerry then hits the ropes and connects with a running dropkick to send MDE onto his back.

With the fans loudly chanting his name, Jerry tries to pull MDE to his feet but MDE counters with a single-leg takedown, quickly moving in and locking in a headlock. Jerry tries to counter with a head scissors, but MDE moves to avoid it and to keep the hold locked in. The fans boo MDE as he uses his weight to keep the hold firmly applied. Jerry tries to twist his way out of the hold, but MDE uses his weight well, always blocking Jerry’s escape route. Finally, Jerry feigns rolling to his left and uses MDE’s movement to get the head scissors locked in. MDE forces the break, and both men spring to their feet, only for Jerry to instantly connect with a rolling elbow.

MDE staggers into the ropes and Jerry follows, taking him out of the ring with a clothesline. MDE lands on his feet but Jerry connects with a slingshot crossbody to take his opponent down. He doesn't relent, pulling MDE up and driving his head into the ring apron before whipping him once again into the guardrail. Jerry builds up the fans’ cheers as he backs away, aiming at MDE with another running forearm, but MDE pulls away at the last minute, and Jerry crashes hard against the guardrail, flipping over it and landing in the crowd.

MW: Jerry crashes and burns!
SD: Just like MDE talked about. Jerry Bishop wasted time by playing to the fans and it cost him.
MW: Perhaps on this occasion, but Jerry’s started incredibly fast in this match. I’ve rarely seen him so intense. And the official is recognising it. He's being very lenient with his ten count in this match because of the ill feeling between these two.
SD: MDE told us just how good Jerry Bishop could be. This may be the start of that transition that MDE was talking about. By bringing this out of Jerry, maybe MDE is really getting what he wants.
MW: And that's where I worry about Jerry. Out of everyone here, he's not the one I'd think would ever give into the dark side, but sometimes the intense feeling just becomes too much to control.
SD: He's about to become more powerful than he could ever imagine.

The fans help Jerry to his feet but MDE shoves two of them away, grabbing Jerry in a front facelock and connecting with a snap suplex to bring Jerry back over the guardrail. Jerry arches his back after the hard landing but MDE doesn't relent. He pulls Jerry up to his feet and pulls him in for a belly to belly suplex, sending Jerry back-first into the guardrail and eliciting a sound of concern from the fans. MDE then pulls Jerry up to his feet again, driving him back first into the ring apron. He looks for another belly to belly into the guardrail, but, just after releasing Jerry, the fans in front row pull the guardrail away, allowing Jerry to avoid such a rough landing.

MDE turns and stares down the fans, who initially yell abuse at him before backing away as he moves towards them. He stares intensely at them before pulls Jerry to his feet and throwing him over the rail into the crowd. The fans scatter as MDE follows Jerry. He pulls him to his feet and locks in a waist lock, looking behind him into a row of empty chairs. Just as he pops his hips for the German suplex into the chairs, Jerry manages to flip out, landing on his feet and the staggering backwards due to the pain in his back. MDE turns only for Jerry to connect with a second rolling elbow which sends MDE back over the guardrail.

As MDE struggles to his feet, Jerry positions himself on top of the guardrail and leaps at MDE, driving his forearm into MDE’s face. Jerry springs up to his feet and pumps up the nearby section of the fans, who respond generously. Jerry then picks up his opponent and rolls him back into the ring, following him and climbing to the second turnbuckle. Jerry stalks MDE before coming down with a blockbuster. As MDE gets to his feet, Jerry connects with a step-up enzeguiri and then pulls him in for a running bulldog. Jerry springs up again and the fans explode with cheers for him. He looks around before leaving the ring and climbing up to the top rope. As MDE slowly gets to his feet, stunned by the flurry of offence, Jerry leaps off, twisting in mid air as he looks for a rolling elbow off the top rope. MDE, however, reacts quickly, catching Jerry and connecting with another belly to belly, silencing the fans before the boos rain down a second later.

MW: Jerry had MDE reeling but the technical master just pulled out another impressive counter.
SD: We can question a lot about MDE after this past month, but one thing we can never question is his skill inside that ring. He may be the best pure wrestler we have in this company right now.
MW: But Jerry Bishop has had him off his game for much of this match. It's clear that Jerry wants to punish MDE but that may be causing him to miss opportunities. He hasn't made a single cover and we're already ten minutes in. He needs to start thinking about winning the match as well as about punishing MDE’s indiscretions.

MDE takes a moment before getting to his feet. He sees Jerry resting on the second turnbuckle, hands holding his lower back. MDE then runs at Jerry, driving both of his knees into his back and forcing him into the turnbuckles. Jerry crumples to the mat as MDE drives knees repeatedly into the sore back. He then laces his fingers under Jerry’s chin, one knee placed squarely into the lower back, and wrenches back with all his might. Jerry cries out in pain but MDE keeps wrenching the hold, bending Jerry’s back unnaturally far. The official asks Jerry is he wants to continue, but Jerry doesn't come close to giving up.

As MDE wrenches back a little further, Jerry seizes his chance, pushing up with both hands and causing MDE to overbalance, rolling him onto his back. Jerry flips over and lands on his feet, leaping up into the air and connecting with a double stomp to MDE’s gut. The landing, however, jars Jerry’s back and causes him to fall to the mat in pain. With both men down, a loud ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant begins. It continues as both men pull themselves up using the ropes and Jerry calls for the fans to keep the chant going and to keep him going at the same time.

Jerry and MDE exchange a stare across the ring before moving towards one another. Jerry aims an elbow at MDE, but MDE catches the arm. Jerry, however, counters the attempted arm bar by floating over and connecting with a neck breaker. Jerry then pulls himself to his feet again, and stalks MDE. MDE makes it to his feet but Jerry takes him down with a parallel snapmare, hitting the ropes and connecting with a vicious penalty kick to complete the Touchstone Takedown. Jerry then makes the very first cover of the match, hooking the far leg, 1-2-no! MDE just kicks out in time.

MW: Jerry finally looking to have this match won.
SD: He knows that MDE has done serious damage to his back. He can't keep going forever and he's starting to hit his big moves. Can he slay the dragon?

Jerry wastes little time after the kick out. He pulls MDE up and positions him for the Last Laugh, setting him up before letting out the booming laugh that has been such a trademark of his in FPW. MDE, however, uses the split second the laugh gives him to free his arms and drive Jerry into the corner, driving his shoulder into Jerry’s gut repeatedly. MDE then lifts Jerry up to the top rope and climbs after him. He looks to set him up for a superplex, but Jerry resists, connecting with right hands to MDE’s gut. MDE counters with clubbing blows to Jerry’s back before pulling him into position and delivering the superplex. Jerry tries to hold his back after the landing, but MDE rolls through and locks Jerry into a butterfly lock giving him no time to recover.

The official checks on Jerry but he refuses to give in, despite the pain etched on his face. MDE keeps the hold locked in for several moment before pulling Jerry to his feet and transitioning quickly into a gutwrench, maintaining his grip and connecting with a gutwrench suplex, before floating over to look to complete the Triple Gutwrench. MDE lifts Jerry into position for the gutwrench powerbomb, but Jerry manages to counter, slipping down from the shoulders into a DDT. Both men lie motionless on the canvas as the fans begin to cheer loudly.

MW: Jerry Bishop proving tonight that he truly is every bit as good as MDE says he is.
SD: But which way will he go? Will he go for the win or will he stay loyal to everything that got him here?
MW: Why not both? He can be the Jerry Bishop we all know and love and still find a way to win this match.
SD: I agree with MDE on that one. I don't think he can win this match and still be the fan favourite that everyone knows. He needs to be ruthless, calculating. I don't know if he has it in him.

Both Jerry and MDE begin to get to their feet, the damage taken in the match clearly having taken its toll on both men. They make it up at the same time, seeing each other across the ring once again. They move towards one another, staring each other down as they come forehead to forehead. Jerry stares with even more intensity than we've seen so far and MDE returns the stare with a smile as he sees what he's driven Jerry to. MDE can then be seen saying something to Jerry, but the microphones don't pick it up. Jerry's reaction makes it clear what MDE said as Jerry begins to lay into him with right hands, forcing MDE back into the corner.

MDE smiles as Jerry strikes him over and over again, before managing to counter with a knee to the gut. Jerry is forced to step back but he comes back at MDE with more strikes, only for MDE to block them and look for a belly to belly into the turnbuckles. Jerry, however, counters with a headbutt, causing MDE to stagger back into the corner. Jerry then connects with a rolling elbow and MDE staggers out of the corner. Jerry hits him once again with a parallel snapmare before completing the Touchstone Takedown one more time. Jerry then pulls MDE up and looks for the Last Laugh again. He sets him up and lets out another booming laugh, only for MDE to wriggle free and connect with a release German suplex.

MDE shakes off the punishment he's received in the past few minutes and stalks Jerry, connecting with a second German suplex as Jerry makes it to his feet. MDE then moves over to Jerry again, trapping his left arm with his left foot and pulling back on his right arm. Jerry resists but MDE keeps wrenching back. He tries to get his right leg over the arm to complete the Simply Great Stretch, but sheer force of will keeps Jerry out of reach. After a few moments of struggle, MDE transitions, rolling across and taking both legs, locking in a Boston crab which he quickly turns into liontamer.

MW: Liontamer! Jerry's already injured back is going to snap in two if this hold is applied for much longer.
SD: Surely he has to tap out to this!
MW: The fairytale victory for Jerry Bishop is about to be dashed by MDE.

Jerry fights forward, slowly dragging himself to the ropes as he tries to break the hold. The closer Jerry gets to the ropes, the more MDE wrenches back and the more pain courses through Jerry’s body. The fans urge him forward as Jerry's face shows a mixture of pain and determination. Gritting his teeth and resisting one last burst of pain, Jerry finally clutches the bottom rope and forces the break. MDE waits until the official’s count has reached four before finally releasing his grip, and Jerry rolls to the outside for respite.

MDE, however, doesn't give him time to recover. He slides out of the ring and pulls Jerry to his feet, looking down and seeing the pain in Jerry’s eyes. MDE drives him back first into the barricade and throws him over it once more. The fans scatter again as MDE climbs over with Jerry. The official tries to hold him back but MDE shoves him away, leading to the official entering the ring and beginning a count.

1……….

MDE pulls Jerry to his feet and clubs him across the back.

2……….

MDE pulls a number of chairs from the front row towards him, setting them up so that three pairs of chairs face outwards, the hard metal backs of the chairs pressed together.

3……….

The fans gasp as MDE looks to set Jerry up for a German suplex, checking then hairs behind him.

4……….

MDE pulls Jerry in, and looks for the German…

5……….

Jerry, however, manages to drop down and counter, using his feet to roll MDE through. MDE rolls through onto his feet as Jerry springs up too.

6……….

Jerry gets a grip around the waist of MDE and, without hesitation, connects with a German suplex of his own, driving MDE’s back into the hard metal of the chairs.

7……….

Silence echoes around the arena for a few moments as the fans process what Jerry has just done, but it's soon replaced by a wave of intensity as Jerry pulls MDE to his feet and dumps him over the barricade.

8……….

MW: Jerry Bishop wants to end this in the ring. He wants a decisive victory, not a count out.
SD: But how will he get MDE back in the ring in time?

9……….

Jerry barely manages to slide MDE into the ring and dive in as the official raises his arms for the count of ten. Jerry looks down at the lifeless body of MDE and then looks to the fans. They urge him on, standing and making as much noise as they can. Jerry nods before pulling MDE up and setting him up for a third time for the Last Laugh. He pauses before letting out a third booking laugh, but again the pause to play to the fans is enough to allow MDE to drop down to the mat and avoid the DDT.

Jerry looks down at MDE, who is barely able to move, before he takes a deep breath and sighs. He slowly draws his thumb across his lips, cutting his face into a smile before bending down to lock in the Chelsea Smile, a move sure to end it. MDE, however, uses these precious few seconds to recover, hooking an arm between Jerry’s legs and rolling him through, gripping his hands around the waist and connecting with a gutwrench, before hitting a gutwrench suplex and floating over, lifting Jerry and completing the Triple Gutwrench with a vicious gutwrench powerbomb. MDE then drops into a cover, managing somehow to hook both legs, 1-2-3.

Winner: MDE

MW: MDE wins.

MDE rolls away and then climbs to his knees, looking down at Jerry with a look bordering on disappointment. He then rolls to the outside and staggers up the ramp very unsteadily, his hands grasping his lower back.

MW: I don't want to say it again.
SD: I think the entire FPW world wanted Jerry Bishop to win this match. But this match proved that MDE was right. Jerry was vicious on the outside, hitting a German suplex onto the rims of six chairs. Jerry would never have done that in the past. And then he got MDE into the ring and felt he emended to play to the fans one more time. A cover then and this match would have been over. And even then, if he'd have just locked in the Chelsea Smile without the theatrics, it would have been over. Jerry Bishop plays to these fans and, by doing so, he'll never truly realise his full potential. MDE won the match tonight, but he also proved himself to be completely correct.

Jerry slowly pulls himself to his feet, a devastated look on his face. He uses the ropes to help himself move towards the apron and, as he does so, the fans stand in unison and applaud. A ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant slowly gains momentum before it echoes around the arena from the mouth of every single fan. Jerry looks around the arena and nods to the fans before exiting the ring and walking up the middle of the ramp.

MW: Jerry Bishop didn't win tonight but he may have done something more important. MDE wanted to take everything that Jerry Bishop was- everything that he is. Jerry didn't compromise his values. He didn't compromise who he truly is. He didn't sell his soul like MDE did however many years ago. Jerry Bishop came into this match as the heart and soul of FPW, and he leaves as FPW’s heart and soul. For Jerry, this is about more than wins and losses. This is about a connection: a very special connection with a very special group of people. Jerry Bishop has a connection with these fans and nothing that MDE, or anyone else, can do will break that connection. Bravo, young man. You've faced the monster and come out with your dignity intact.

———————————————————————————————————————————

MW: Before our main event I want to tell you briefly about the Freedom Pro Wrestling year-end awards. You will have the chance to vote in categories such as ‘Wrestler of the Year’, ‘Match of the Year’ and ‘Feud of the Year’. Keep looking at freedomprowrestling.com for more details.
SD: Marcus for all awards!
MW: Marcus may well win some award, but let's refocus here. What a night its been so far here at Judgement Day.
SD: Artemis Evans becomes the first ever women's champion, a new Hardcore Champion, new Tag Team Champions. Incredible action. Debuts. Our flagship show has certainly lived up to its billing.
MW: But now we have the biggest match in Freedom Pro Wrestling history. This match has been building for months. It's the match everyone came to this arena for tonight and it's the match everyone at home has been waiting to see. Let's take a look.

The video package starts with the Free-1 logo playing, before archival footage starts playing from different promotions, showing such great names as Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Misawa, and many others holding their promotions' titles high. The reigns start to get more recent-Cena, a TNA-era Styles, Okada, Reigns-before cutting to an image of the FPW title while 'Let's Go' by Run The Jewels starts to play. 

Anarchists put flame to a tire, walk 'round with fire 'round necks,

A clip shows MAJ holding the FPW title up in the air after he and The Invaders beat Adam Thompson down before their match.

Mankind gotta deal with a new kinda mind i'm a quick death wrapped in a threat,

Another clip shows MAJ pinning Azazel after cheating in the finish to the brutal Gauntlet for the FPW title, The Invaders coming out to celebrate as he does so.

Tell these fuzzy little weak-hearted bunnies to back up or get wet,

Another clip shows Marcus beating Saturn in brutal fashion in the Free-1, then repeating the process with MDE.

Nevermind where you draw the line, I've got a mind for crime, it's all disrespect.

The next clip shows Marcus making Adam Thompson tap out to the sharpshooter, then Azazel passing out, and finally with Clutch across the ring from him.

Pain is a game, then you better run with it,

Marcus drills Clutch with a brutal superkick.

Have fun with it, enjoy your suffering.

A clip of Clutch being defeated fades and is replaced by various wrestling magazines lined with Marcus's face, the captions reading 'Best in the world?' and 'Best pro athlete in Wrestling!' as Marcus wears a cocky grin, but the song stalls for a moment as the magazines flash and are suddenly nailed to a wall behind Graham Baker, briefcase in lap, cigarette in mouth, sitting in a steel folding chair.

Look in the eyes of the violent and villainous,

A clip shows Baker facing down MAJ before the Free-1, holding his Hardcore title against MAJ's world title.

We are the murderous militants,

A clip shows The Renegades backing Baker up at the Free-1 final as he pins Bishop after a massive Ground Zero, holding the trophy in his hands.

We have been cursed by the curs,

A clip shows Baker losing to Tommy Storm, before showing Jack Sevren's challenge.

We shooting first on our turf,

A clip shows Baker screaming out as he slams Sevren down with the Mustang Driver that ended the Free-1 Briefcase challenge.

Pay us our proper respect, you pray for your god to end the perverse,

A clip is shown of Baker approaching MAJ in the ring after his defense against McCloud, Free-1 briefcase in hand, limping but still strong willed,

He sent the worst of the worst. 

A final clip shows Baker and MAJ face to face, a frozen frame as Baker puts a finger-gun to MAJ's forehead, and the song cuts out once again as Baker and MAJ are seen sitting face to face through split frames, staring at one another. There's a quick break, and its picks up once again.

The Enemies of the State,

A clip shows Baker and all his various ring gears from his first Judgment Day promo.

Pardon me, your mistake,

A clip shows MAJ on screen at ROH as The Invaders brutalize Zack Sabre Junior and Jon Gresham.

See, i'm raised to eat pain,

A clip shows the reaction of MAJ as Baker smashes his YLC trophy in AAW.

Appetite for sliced face.

Sporadic clips start to play as Baker and MAJ's major matches are shown, with notable moments being MAJ assaulting Adam Thompson before their title match while Baker puts Nick Jameson through a glass pane. More clips play, showing major victories and moments, ending as MAJ and Baker both lock in their signature submissions on different opponents as they peel back, the song growing more and more intense. Voice lines are played as the song goes on, showing more and more brutal moves from the two as they ring out, before cutting to an alternating view of MAJ's ROH promo and Baker's AAW promo;

Newsflash, this is a Batman movie, and i'm the starring role.

He's tarnished the belt, the company, and anyone who's ever looked for or challenged for it.

FPW doesn't need you, and it sure as hell doesn't deserve me. 

I'm going Scorched Earth, and you cannot fucking escape me. 

Come Judgment Day, he'll realize that i'm everything I say I am, and more.

Come Judgment Day, Freedom Pro rises with a new Ace, and that Ace is Graham Fucking Baker.

I hope you can sleep tonight, while this little refrain sits in your mind;

Bring your Invaders,

You tapped out.

Bring your trophies,

You tapped out.

And bring your gear,

You tapped out.

Because at Judgment Day, i'm coming for every fucking one of you. 

The song continues to play, with 'huhs' and 'let's go's' playing out before the last 'Let's Go' fades to a clip of a match card, showing a furious Baker with his finger gun to his head and a smirking, confident MAJ, with the words 'FPW World Heavyweight Championship' displayed below it.

The fans cheer loudly as the camera pans around the arena, taking in each and every one of them. A dark, eerie silence then falls over the arena as the lights go out, and moments later, two musicians on electric guitars start riffing on either side of the entrance stage. They play the opening segment to Glory as the ‘tron starts to pulsate with the beats of the music. As they continue to play, two musicians on trumpets in the pits on the opposite sides of the entrance ramp start to play, and two more with violins begin to kick in as a whole orchestra kicks up the opening to Glory. As the song begins to rise, a golden lights travels down the ramp like a sunrise, and as it breaks, staccato machine gun fire breaks out and the words ‘GRAHAM BAKER’ appear in massive font on the tron to a major pop as Baker runs out, smoke pouring from the stage and pyro going off around him in bursts like gunfire. Baker wears his new gold and black ring gear and his leather jacket as well as a bandana and goggles,, but he pulls the jacket off and throws it down alongside his headcovering, bowing to the fans overtop of it as he screams out, the Renegades flanking him from behind.



He grabs his briefcase and slaps fans’ hands as he approaches the ring, sliding the briefcase to the referee as he approaches. While the choral parts of Glory kick in, he plays to the crowd from all four turnbuckles, pyro popping out of each one as he plays to it before he settles in the center, making a belt motion on his waist and yelling out ‘It’s my fucking time!’ as the song kicks up once again and all four ring posts shoot out bursts of pyro. He slams his hands down into the mat in tone with the rising trumpet in the song, falling into the corner turnbuckle and taking a determined crouch as the song dies out...

A loud ‘Gra-ham Ba-ker’ chant echoes around the arena before the arena goes dark again, the only light coming from camera flashes. After a few moments, a video appears on the overhead screen. At first, there is just narration.

“And so it was said, Ezekiel 7: 7-8: ‘Doom has come upon you, upon you who dwell in the land. The time has come! The day is near! There is panic, not joy, on the mountains. I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices.’


A hooded figure is then seen holding the Bible, which he closes as he shakes his head.


“Graham Baker, your judgment day has arrived.”


The figure then throws the Bible on top of a flaming pile of trophies, belts and other mementos meant to symbolize items from Baker’s career and his storied past. As everything burns, the hooded figure steps in front of the flames and begins to laugh devilishly before the video once again goes black. Then, seconds later, the lights all go back on, pyro hits from the stage and spotlights begin to swirl.


Look into my eyes, what do you see? The cult of personality!


The Invaders burst through the curtain, absorbing the chorus of boos. Haych is carrying a rug over his shoulder and Dario is lagging slightly behind, his ribs taped up from the brutal match the two endured earlier in the night.


I know your anger, I know your dreams. I’ve been everything you want to be, I’m the cult of personality.


Following behind the Invaders, about 10 men dressed to look like Egyptian slaves emerge from the curtain, carrying the golden throne where Marcus is sat atop it. He’s wearing a crown on his head and holding the championship belt high in the air. In his other hand is one of the two damaged Young Lions Cups as he sips presumably water from the vessel.


SD: As Marcus’s best friend, I can tell you that crown on his head was molded and formed from the broken and shattered pieces of the Young Lions Cup, which Graham Baker so heartlessly destroyed!


MW: Have you not been paying attention lately? Baker destroyed a decoy cup, Marcus himself destroyed the real cup in a pure act of selfishness. It was a disgusting display if you ask me.


SD: That’s why no one asked you…I mean look at this, look at this extravagant entrance fit for a king!


The crowd boo even louder as Marcus’ throne just sits at the top of the ramp. Marcus eggs them on, basking in the hatred, seemingly enjoying every moment.


MW: Is he ever going to get in the ring?


SD: Shut up Watson. The champion deserves this. He worked harder than anyone on this roster to make sure he’d enter the biggest show of the year with our company’s biggest prize. Let him enjoy it as fans show their adulation for their champ!


Mike Watson just shakes his head.


As a certain point in the music hits, Marcus instructs the 10 men to put him down and as they do, Haych and Dario roll out the red carpet from the throne to as close to the ring as it stretches. One of the men assist Marcus from the throne as another drapes a purple velvet cape over his shoulders. Marcus begins to walk down the carpet as his music continues to play but as he gets halfway there, he turns back around with a smile on his face. He walks back to the throne and pulls something shiny from behind it, making sure the cameraman was close enough to see and catch the audio of him saying, “couldn’t forget this now, could I?”


SD: That’s, that’s, that’s the Young Lions Cup! The REAL Young Lions Cup!


MW: Unbelievable. He made a decoy for his decoy. So this was all what, a game to get into Baker’s head?


SD: Now, now, don’t be jealous that you didn’t think of it first. What brilliance from our king!


As fans continue to boo, Marcus walks to the edge of the carpet, holding FPW championship high in one hand and the Young Lions Cup in the other. Dario and Haych then pick Marcus up and carry him up the steel steps before Marcus dismounts their shoulders and enters the ring. He walks over to Baker, smugly holding both title and cup in the man’s face and shouting at him, “you’ll never get your hands on what’s mine!”


Marcus laughs before handing the belt to the referee and the cup to Dario, who shoves it into Stephen Deville’s lap saying, “don’t let anything happen to this.” Stephen nods and responds, “I’ll protect it with my life!”


Around the ring, all 10 men are bowed down in homage as the Invaders stand back by the commentator's area. Marcus and Baker stand face-to-face as the ring announcer begins introductions. But before she can, Marcus swipes the microphone.

MAJ: Thanks doll, but I'll take it from here.  This match, scheduled for one-fall is for the Freedom Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship! In this corner, we have the challenger, saddled with his briefcase that granted him a championship match. And all he had to do was cash in and voila, didn't have to earn it. Sure he won the Free-1 but he did it from the opposite half of the bracket. Never had to face me. If he had, you'd be looking at a whole different challenger tonight. But anyway, he calls himself the Aviator, he's everyone's favorite garbage wrestler, hailing from the worst city in the world, please show your applause for Graham the 'Master'Baker! Now, in the champions' corner, is the man, the myth, the legend. His FPW resume reads as such: first-ever Young Lions Cup winner, gave Azazel his first loss, and most importantly, the longest-reigning FPW champion, ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the man you love to hate, the greatest who's ever lived, the best there is, best there was and best there ever will be, the one and only Man - eat a dick Becky Lynch. He is the showstopper, the icon, the game, the almighty, the phenomenal, Marcus...Allen....Joneeeeeesssssssss!

Marcus hands the mic back to the ring announcer who just looks at the referee and the timekeeper, who proceeds to ring the bell.

Match 7: FPW Championship: Marcus Allen Jones v Graham Baker:

The two men stare at each other across the ring. A loud chant for Baker washes over them, Baker looking more and more determined with every round of chanting and Marcus’ smirk getting bigger and bigger. Finally, with an almost imperceptible nod, the two men begin circling one another. They lock up, jockeying for position but neither man able to gain the upper hand. The break, backing away as Marcus runs his fingers through his hair. Baker readjusts his elbow pads. They lock up a second time and again neither man can gain a foothold. As they break the hold, Marcus takes a cheap shot, slapping Baker across the face and smirking. Baker goes for him, but Marcus backs into the ropes and the official gets in between them.

Baker backs up, calling Marcus forward, but Marcus takes a moment to talk with The Invaders. Baker calls Marcus forward again but Marcus instead drops down and rolls out of the ring. He talks with Dario as Haych stands guard. The fans boo him loudly as Baker looks fed up. After a few moments, Marcus climbs up onto the apron and enters the ring, but keeping himself in the ropes to avoid Baker coming for him. Finally, he steps away and the two men circle one another again. This time they lock up more forcefully, and Baker forces Marcus back a few steps. Marcus, however, counters, spinning out into a hammerlock. Baker drops and twists and locks in a hammerlock of his own, transitioning into the headlock and taking Marcus over. Marcus quickly escapes with a headscissors and the two men scramble to their feet, only for Marcus to spit in Baker’s face. Baker stands, disgusted, for a moment before looking up and staring into Marcus’ cocky face.

MW: The tension between these two is palpable.
SD: As much as I hate to admit it, they may be very evenly matched. I give Marcus the edge, and I certainly give him the psychological edge, but if anyone can go toe to toe with Marcus Allen Jones, it may be Graham Baker.

Baker refuses to lose his cool, circling Marcus again. They lock up for a third time, Marcus ducking under and locking in a waistlock. He lifts Baker, trying to take him down, but Baker drops and rolls through. Marcus moves in quickly and looks to lock in a waistlock again but Baker performs a standing switch and goes for a German, only for Marcus to flip out and land on his feet. The two men stare each other down again, before Baker moves quickly, hitting the ropes and aiming a clothesline at Marcus. Marcus ducks, then drops down, Baker running over him, before Marcus leapfrogs Baker as he comes back around again. Marcus then bends over, looking for a back body drop, but Baker rolls over him, stops himself and connects with a snap German suplex.

The fans explode as Baker gets the first major offensive move of the match. He makes a swift cover, 1-no. Marcus kicks out and gets back to his feet in an instant. Baker then leaps up, looking for a hurricanrana, but Marcus blocks it. Baker drops and Marcus hooks his arms with his legs, looking for a Styles Clash. Baker manages to free his legs and he drops down, only for Marcus to connect with a vicious kick to a bent-over Baker, followed by a kick to the gut and a DDT. Marcus smirks as he gets up and stands over Baker, bending over him and talking trash before hitting the ropes and coming off with a standing shooting v star press. Baker however, gets his knees up and Marcus bounces off, landing with his arms clutching his gut.

Baker is quick to react hitting the ropes and connecting with a running dropkick to send Marcus rolling onto his back. Baker makes another cover, 1-no. Again Marcus kicks out at one. Baker, however, uses the momentum of the kick out to grip the arm and he tries to lock in the Emergecy Landing. Marcus manages to block it, albeit with a hint of panic, and he rolls over to force Baker’s shoulders down, 1-2-no. Baker kicks out but relinquishes his grip on the arm. Marcus is first to his feet and he connects with a dropkick as Baker follows. Marcus then picks up Baker and whips him into the corner before leaping up and connecting with a hurricanrana.

SD: Thatta boy, Marcus!
MW: Baker has seemed a little skittish in the early stages. He's gone for covers which really haven't had a chance of being a three-count. For him, this is his biggest match by far. He seems a bit nervous.
SD: And why wouldn't he be. It's his biggest match against his best opponent. You'd be nervous too if you were in his position.
MW: I just hope it doesn't cost him.
SD: It's a good point. Marcus has been here before. He's our longest reigning champion. He's beaten Adam Thompson. He's beaten Azazel. He's retained that belt over and over and over again. He's used to the big stage. That's why he's in control of this match at the moment.

Marcus looks to slow it down a little, stomping on Baker’s knee and leaving his foot there to keep the pressure applied. He then lifts the leg and drives the knee into the canvas, causing Baker to cry out in pain. Marcus then places his feet behind the knees of Baker and hooks Baker’s heels before jumping and driving the knees into the mat again. He drags Baker over to the ropes and places his leg on the bottom rope, before holding the top rope and leaping up, driving all of his weight down onto the knee. Baker rolls away in pain, clutching his left leg, and Marcus watches, looking amused.

Marcus then pulls Baker up to his feet but drops him quickly with a kick to the left knee. Baker falls to the mat and tries to get up quickly, but Marcus connects with a dropkick which sends Baker rolling away. Marcus then waits for Baker to be positioned near the ropes and springboards up onto the top rope, balancing for a moment before connecting with a Phoenix splash back into the ring. He holds on for a cover, hooking the right leg, 1-2-no. Baker kicked out.

MW: That was closer than the Graham Baker fans will like to see.
SD: What that was was an example of Marcus Allen Jones’ ring IQ. He hooked the good leg, meaning that the power for the kick out had to come through the injured left one. There's less power for a kick out and doing so will only jar that knee further. If you ask me, Marcus looks the better wrestler and the better-prepared one too.
MW: But Graham Baker has a lot of heart. He's fought from the bottom on countless occasions. He's here because of his will to survive: his will to win. Marcus may be on top now, but I assure you that this match is far from over.

Marcus quickly returns to the knee, lifting the leg and driving his one knee into the side of Baker’s, holding there and twisting with as much force as he can. As he wrenches on the leg, he smiles and calls out to the fans: “Who's your money on now, bitches?” This elicits loud boos but they just cause Marcus to wrench the leg even harder, Baker responding with further cries of pain. Marcus then tries to wrap the legs for the kneeling cross-legged STF, but Baker fights back. He keeps his legs out of reach of the champion and then drives his elbow into Marcus’ skull when Marcus tries to reach forward. This causes Marcus to reel away and allows Baker to make it to his feet, albeit with a pronounced limp.

Marcus comes in again and aims a kick to the leg, but Baker catches it, spins Marcus around and pulls him in for a German, which he hits, bridging for a cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out. The fans cheer Baker on as he makes it to his feet and stalks Marcus, hooking the arms and looking for a dragon suplex, only for Marcus to drive his heel into Baker’s knee and free himself. Marcus then connects with a dropkick to the knee to send Baker down onto all fours. Marcus then hits the ropes and comes off with a sliding DDT, driving Baker’s head into the mat. Marcus makes a cover with a back press, 1-2-no. Baker managed to kick out.

MW: That knee is really causing some concern for Baker here.
SD: And Marcus isn't just using it for his offence now. He's using it to counter Baker. Germans, dragon suplexes… they all require close proximity and leave the knee vulnerable. Not to mention hurricanranas and dropkicks which require tremendous leg strength. Graham Baker is in serious trouble in this match.

Marcus stands, looking down at Baker as he stomps hard on the knee. Baker tries to wriggle away but Marcus follows, stomping on him again. Baker makes it to the bottom rope but Marcus yanks him away, stomping again and again on the knee as the fans boo once more. Marcus again looks to lock in the kneeling cross-legged STF, and this time he manages to get it locked in. Baker cries out in pain and tries to reach towards the ropes, but they're some way away. Marcus keeps the hold firmly locked in as Baker tries to fight his way out. Baker tries to move to the ropes but he struggles to get anywhere, and the fans become increasingly quiet as the seconds pass and Baker remains in the hold.

Marcus looks confident as he tells the official to check on Baker. When the official asks if Baker wants to quit, Baker grits his teeth and replies, “Never.” In response, Marcus cranks the hold harder and Baker cries out again, but a renewed determination forces Baker forward. After a few painful seconds of crawling, Baker finds his way to the bottom rope and the official forces the break. Marcus relinquishes the hold but he stomps hard on the knee as he stands, causing Baker to grasp it in pain once more.

Marcus watches as Baker pulls himself up on the ropes. Baker looks back at Marcus and stares him down intensely, but Marcus doesn't appear fazed. Marcus comes back in, stalking Baker, who tries to protect the leg. After a few feignts, Marcus manages to connect with a kick which sends Baker down to one knee. Marcus then pulls him up and connects with a falcon arrow, gripping the right leg for the cover, 1-2-no. Baker gets a shoulder up, unable to find the strength in his left leg to kick out.

MW: I think Marcus may be sniffing the end of this match now.
SD: He has a wounded animal in the cross hairs. Pulling the trigger now will be a mercy killing as much as anything else. Finish him off, champ!

Marcus stands and steps through the ropes, climbing up to the top turnbuckle. He waits for Baker to slowly pull himself up to his feet and leaps off, connecting with a picture-perfect shooting star DDT. He rolls Baker over and hooks the right leg again, 1-2-no! Baker barely manages to get a shoulder up. The fans cheer loudly as Baker keeps the match alive. Marcus looks down before lifting Baker by the hair. He tries to whip him into the ropes but Baker collapses after a couple of steps, his knee unable to take much weight. Marcus smiles before running and connecting with a shining wizard, before immediately pulling Baker up and connecting with a Canadian destroyer. Instead of making a cover, Marcus signals to the fans that he's going to the top rope.

The fans boo as Marcus slowly exits the ring, climbs the turnbuckles and starts a slow clap. He turns too all of the fans as they boo, mocking them with his slow clap. He yells out, “Fuck you, Trevor,” before turning back to hit the Mark-Out Moment. However, Graham Baker has somehow made it to his feet. He rushes up to the top rope and leaps up, connecting with the Ejection Seat! The fans blow the roof off as Baker scrambles over to make the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Marcus barely kicks out. Baker holds his hands to his head and looks down at Marcus as a loud Baker chant fills the arena once again.

Baker pulls himself up to his feet using the ropes. He's still unsteady, but the adrenaline coursing through his body masks the pain in his knee. As Marcus makes it to his feet too, Baker pulls him in and connects with a dragon suplex, bridging, but only with one leg, for the cover, 1-2-no! Marcus again just manages to kick out. Baker springs up this time, the fans urging him on. He pounds at his own knee to get some circulation back before stalking Marcus. Marcus gets onto all fours and Baker goes for a deadlift German, but he struggles to lift him. Marcus then crawls away between Baker’s legs and goes for a German of his own, but Baker flips out. He lands and staggers back as his knee buckles. Marcus is quick to connect with a kick to the knee that elicits more boos from the fans, but Baker manages to respond, rolling through and pulling Marcus in for a German. Both men collapse to the mat as the fans cheer loudly.

MW: Here it is! The famed Graham Baker comeback.
SD: This match was as good as over. That Mark-Out Moment would have ended it, but somehow, someway Graham Baker managed to suck it up and make the counter.
MW: And now we're back on an even keel. Baker may have an injured knee, but he's done some damage of his own to Marcus. These fans are on their feet begging Graham Baker to get up and win this match.
SD: But beating Marcus Allen Jones isn't easy. It'll take more than a burst of adrenaline and some cheering fans to keep Marcus down for a three count. I think there's a lot of wrestling to be done before this one’s over.

Both men slowly manage to pull themselves to their feet and they eye each other across the ring. They come together, staring deeply into each other’s eyes before each man lets fly. They exchange right hands at a furious pace, their mutual hatred on full display. The fans cheer themselves into a frenzy as the exchange goes on and on and on. Finally the two men begin to slow, the right hands still forceful but the pace dropping. Baker connects with a hard right to send Marcus staggering, but Marcus comes back with one of his own. All of a sudden, both men seem to get a second wind, and the pace picks up again, as does the crowd, the cheers returning to a frenzied level.

As both men begin to tire again, Marcus blocks a right hand from Baker and ducks under him, aiming for a Pele kick. Baker, however, catches the legs and tries to pull Marcus up onto his shoulders for the P-51 Driver. Marcus, however, elbows his way free and drops down behind Baker, quickly trapping the arm and looking for the Six Stars. As he pulls Baker back after the ripcord. Baker catches the knee, lifting Marcus onto his shoulders again for the P-52 Driver. As Baker begins to take off for the move, Marcus twists, turning it into a DDT to take Baker down. Marcus rolls into a cover, 1-2-no! Baker just manages to kick out.

Marcus gets to his feet as Baker begins to stir, and he goes back to the knee, looking for a figure-four. Baker, however, pulls Marcus towards him and rolls him up with a small package, 1-2-no! Marcus barely kicks out. Both men scramble to their feet and Baker ducks at attempted superkick, counting with a dropkick which sends Marcus into the corner. Baker then runs at him, landing a high knee which sends Marcus reeling out of the corner. Baker lands on the apron and leaps up, only just maintaining his balance due to the knee injury, and connects with a springboard lariat. Baker makes a cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out.

MW: This match is much more even now and, dare I say it, the pace has picked up too.
SD: And that'll suit Marcus Allen Jones. Baker has an injury which doesn't just hurt- it slows him down. If he tries to wrestle at a frenetic pace, he'll be unable to keep it up and he'll make mistakes. Marcus just needs to wait for the opening and bang! That'll be it.

Baker is quick to transition, looking to lock in the Emergency Landing again. Marcus counters in the same way as before, locking his hands and trying to roll Baker up, but Baker rolls through, forcing Marcus through as well as managing to get the full extension. Marcus cries out with pain and flails around as he tries to make it to the ropes. With Haych and Dario forcing the rope inwards, Marcus just manages to grasp it and Baker is forces to break the hold. Baker stares down at The Invaders before running towards their side of the ring, only to be cut off by a drop toe hold from Marcus. Baker slumps against the ropes and Marcus grabs his legs, pulling him in for a wheelbarrow facebuster. He rolls Baker over and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Again Baker barely kicks out.

Marcus stands and backs away into a corner. Baker struggles to make it to his feet and, as he does, Marcus tunes up the band. The fans boo as Marcus then takes two steps towards Baker and connects with a superkick. Quick as a flash, he looks to lock in the sharpshooter to complete the Mark-treal Screwjob, and manage to turn Baker onto his stomach. Baker cries out, pressure on his lower back and also on his injured knee, which Marcus strikes at with his free arm. This time, as Baker tries to make it to the ropes, Haych and Dario pull the bottom rope away with as much force as they can. With the rope almost out of reach, Baker looks close to tapping out, but, to loud cheers from the fans, out come The Renegades, John Grimm and Elizabeth Karlson. They square up to The Invaders, forcing them to release the rope and allowing Baker to grasp it, forcing the break. The Renegades bang on the edge of the ring and the fans come with them, helping Baker to pull himself to his feet.

However, as soon as he gets to his feet, Marcus pulls him in for the Six Stars once again. He pushes him away and pulls him back, leaping up for the knee, only for Baker to sidestep and connect with a pump kick to the gut. Baker then pulls Marcus onto his shoulders and connects with the P-51 Driver! Baker takes a few seconds to drag himself over to Marcus, making a cover without being able to hook the leg, 1-2-no! Marcus kicks out at the last minute.

MW: Baker wins the-
SD: Oh no he doesn't! Marcus Allen Jones keeps his title reign alive.
MW: How close was that? We almost had a new champion.
SD: I think there are only four people in the arena right now who aren't in shock. And I'm one of them!
MW: I don't know how, but this match is still alive.

Baker lies on the canvas, breathing hard and holding onto his still badly injured left knee. Marcus lies on his stomach after having turned over when he got his shoulder up. The fans cheer loudly once again as they take in what they've just seen. Slowly but surely, both men drag themselves up to their feet. They eye each other again across the ring and again the move towards one another. Baker looks for a right hand like he did before, but Marcus ducks, connecting this time with the Pele kick and sending Baker reeling into the corner. Marcus runs into the corner and connects with a spinning heel kick before pulling Baker up onto the top rope. He climbs after him and looks for a superplex. Baker is powerless to block it as Marcus lifts him, but twists in ,I'd-air, connecting with a top rope falcon arrow. Instead of making a cover, Marcus then crawls across to the ropes again. He climbs onto the top and, without any theatrics this time, dives, connecting with the Mark-Out Moment. Having roles away with the impact, he scrambles back to Baker, draping an arm across the challenger, 1-2-no! Graham Baker rolls a shoulder up and the last possible opportunity!

Marcus is barely able to believe it as the fans explode with another loud cheer for Graham Baker. Wasting no time, Marcus pulls Baker up, almost like dragging a dead weight, and grabs the wrist, looking for the Six Stars once again. He shoves Baker but Baker drops to one knee even before he can be pulled back in. Marcus, keeping hold of the wrist, aims a hard kick to the side of the head. Baker crumples and Marcus goes back to the sharpshooter. He steps through and tries to turn Baker, but Baker pulls his legs towards him and then kicks them out, forcing Marcus back into the ropes. As Marcus comes back at Baker, he rolls him up with a small package, 1-2-no! This time Marcus escapes at the final possible moment. Both men scramble up to their feet again, Baker ducking an attempted kick to the head and running through, leaping up onto the middle rope and looking for an enzeguiri. Marcus moves and Baker lands on his hands and knees, but he's able to dodge Marcus’ attempted dropkick. Baker then positions himself behind Marcus and lifts him, connecting with a deadlift German. Baker rolls over to drape an arm across him but Marcus manages to roll just far enough away.

SD: Brilliant! What ring awareness that man has. If he hadn't have rolled away, Marcus Allen Jones might- might- have been able to lose his title.
MW: Agonisingly close for Graham Baker right there. He must have used his last burst of energy getting Marcus Allen Jones up for that German suplex. We're thirty-eight minutes into this match. I can only imagine what it's taken out of both men.
SD: And either man knows they're three seconds away from losing at any time. The pressure must be unbearable.

The fans chant loudly for Baker as both men look to climb to their feet again. The Invaders yell encouragement to Marcus while The Renegades do the same to Baker. The two men make it up simultaneously, each men looking across the ring at one another. With a final burst of energy, they run at one another, each man looking for a lariat and the other absorbing it and remaining standing. They share a look of amazement as each tries to process their next moves. Marcus aims first, looking for a spinning back fist, only for Baker to catch the arm and whip him across the ring. Baker connects with a drop kick and then yells, “Ground Zero!” The fans cheer in anticipation as Baker lifts Marcus for a turnbuckle bomb. He connects and, as Marcus staggers out, Baker kicks him in the gut and pulls him in for the release tiger bomb. It hits and Baker quickly make the cover, hooking both legs.

MW: This is it! One! We've got a new champion! Two! Graham Baker has done it! Thre-
SD: Shoulder! Shoulder! It's up! It's up! It's up!
MW: Marcus Allen Jones just kicked out of Ground Zero!

Baker backs away with a look of pure shock on his face. The fans are suddenly silent as they absorb what they've just seen. Then, leg by Karlson and Grimm, a rallying cry builds as the fans try to push Baker on. It takes him a few moments, but he moves back towards Marcus. As he does, Dario climbs onto the apron, distracting the official. Marcus lands a hard low-blow and Baker doubles over in pain. Grimm and Karlson try to rush the ring but Haych grabs Grimm and throws him into the barricade before he pulls Karlson off the ring apron and tosses her into Grimm. In the ring, Marcus stands, grabs the wrist and connects with the Six Stars. He makes a cover, hooking both legs.

MW: No! Not this way! One………. Two………. Thre- no! Graham Baker! Graham Baker kicks out!
SD: No! He can't have! That's the Six Stars!
MW: Ground Zero couldn't keep Marcus down. And now a low blow and the Six Stars can't keep Baker down. What will it take to win this one?

The fans jump up and down with elation as Marcus realises that Baker has kicked out. Marcus looks down at him with disdain before he goes back to the legs, looking for the sharpshooter once again. He hooks the legs and is about to turn Baker when Baker goes to the same counter as before, rolling him up in a small package but time rolling through not the Emergency Landing. The fans cheer loudly as the sense the end being near. They implore Marcus to tap as Baker wrenches back on the hold. Marcus tries everything he can to escape, but he's can't break Baker’s grip. Instead, after much squirming, he barely makes it to the ropes. The fans let out a disappointed murmur, but Baker doesn't pause. Instead, he lifts Marcus up onto his shoulders once again and again connects with the P-51 Driver. This time, however, Baker doesn't go for a cover. Instead, he follows through, leaping up onto the ropes and looking for a lionsault.

MW: Lionsault. He's done this once before in-
SD: Marcus moved! Baker crashes and burns.
MW: And now Marcus Allen Jones sees his chance. He rolls towards the ropes.
SD: He's going to end this match with a Mark-Out Moment, in every sense of the phrase.
MW: Marcus stands on the top rope… readying himself. Mark-Out Mom- no! Baker caught him! Emergency Landing locked in! There's nowhere to go for the champion.
SD: Marcus! No!
MW: Is Marcus Allen Jones about… is he about to- yes! He taps out! We've got a new FPW Champion!

Winner: Graham Baker

The fans explode with cheers as Marcus’ hand bangs on the mat over and over. Baker releases the hold and his hands go to his face, unable to believe that he's captured the FPW Championship. As the official rings the bell, the timekeeper brings the belt to the ring and Dasha Banks announces Graham Baker as the new FPW Champion. The Invaders roll Marcus out of the ring and help him up the ramp as Baker is handed the title belt. He sinks to his knees with emotion, but he's soon helped to his feet but Grimm and Karlson. He embraces them both, the three of them sharing in this special moment. As he releases the embrace, the three of them raise their arms and the fans begin to climb over the barricade. Baker yells at security not to stop them, and fans begin pouring into the ring. They lift Baker onto their shoulders as confetti rains down on the new FPW Champion and his legion of fans.