FPW End of Year Awards

[Jim Houston]

It's that time of year again! On December 31st, there will be an End of Year Awards show. On that show, we will be having a wards presented and some speeches written by the award winners, who I will contact a week or so before the awards to ask for speeches to be written.

There will also be a small number of matches on the show. I will announce these in due time.

Please vote using the following link by December 23rd: FPW Awards Survey

In the meantime, please feel free to post promos reacting to Judgement Day, looking ahead to the new year and campaigning for award votes.

Pleease get in touch with any award-related questions. Thanks for all of your efforts this year!

[The_Aviator_GB]

Following the main event of Judgment Day, an exhausted Graham Baker, FPW World Heavyweight Championship slung over his shoulder, limps to the back and settles at a table with Karlson and Grimm helping him. He lays the belt over his shoulder with the plate facing outward, and calls for a beer to be brought to him-a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon is produced by one of the young boys and given to Baker, and Baker cracks it, taking a long swig before he places it down and breathes.

Hell of a show, right?

The crowd chuckles before allowing time for Baker to speak.

Right...onto business, because i'm exhausted and need to catch a flight home. Marcus, you put up a good fight-better than I thought you would, honestly-but in the end, it wasn't enough to put me away. You tried to wreck my knee, and you couldn't get the job done. Your buddies tried to get the rope away from me, to interfere, and you couldn't get the job done. You low blowed me when the referee was distracted, hit me with a knee strike...still couldn't get the job done. Even in the end, when you somehow kicked out of Ground Zero and evaded the Super Mustang Driver...you couldn't get the job done. Now, Marcus, i'm on top, I've got the belt, and you? 

Well, you're in the back of the line. Wherever you and your Invaders pop up next, it won't be in the ring with me, not quite yet. Once you've built yourself back up a bit, we'll see about a rematch, aye? Maybe this time you won't have to cheat to have a chance at victory.

Baker waits a moment as he adjusts the title belt, before slotting it to another shoulder.

We're at the mountaintop now, folks. For a year, a bloody full year, Graham Baker has scraped and clawed his way to the top. I turned a losing streak into a winning streak, into an undefeated Free-1, into a brutal match with Jerry Bishop to win the contract, an honorable loss to Tommy Storm, a skilled skirmish against Jack Sevren, and, at the end of it all, a deserving victory over Marcus Allen Jones to bring honor back to this belt. I promise, from here on out, FPW is my home and this belt is my home. I've turned down every contract, every offer, every bank truck that's been sacrificed to bring me a payday to stay here, defend this belt and put FPW on the map.

At our last show, we damn near sold out the building. We're going to be doing that a lot more, because with me at the head, we're going fucking global. Marcus and The Invaders might head elsewhere, might see what kind of lower-card NXT offers they can scrape up after a performance like the one they had at Judgment Day, but i'm going nowhere. The ACE is here, and he's here to stay. 

I realize, however, that this belt needs work. It needs challengers, matches that make it prestigious, and to kick-start that and bring this belt back to where it so rightfully deserves to be...i'm going to lay out a few. 

Firstly, Jace Mason. Good job on winning the Hardcore title-Grimm's a tough bastard, I couldn't beat Storm, and Harrison scares me for other reasons. I'm proposing a little test of our skills, however-a couple months ago, I beat you in a Sixty Minutes of Freedom Match where if you'd won, I'd have given you a shot at the title you hold now. Now, at this awards ceremony, Jim Houston needs some matches...so how about at the End of Year Awards, the main event is champion versus champion, Jace Mason versus Graham Baker in a non title match, sixty minute limit. Let's tear the goddamn house down.

Baker pauses for a moment after laying this match out.

As for my title challengers, well...there are two men I think are deserving of a shot. First, James Saturn-we've ducked each other long enough, and while i'm unsure of what Jim Houston has in store, after your win over Azazel i'm confident in saying I want you as my first challenger for this belt. You've proven that you're a worthy competitor, and, hell, you've beaten me before...let's see if you can do it again, with the gold on the line, at the first show of the year. 

The other man...MDE. Despicable piece of shit, what with all the news that's come out recently, but one who's managed to secure a victory nonetheless. If you count our clean wins, we're tied one to one right now with a cheapo roll-up from you putting a blemish on my record. You've got an open ticket, and with a win over Bishop, you've got your shot whenever you want it. I'll be waiting for you.

As for the rest, i'll be watching, and after the Awards Ceremony when I've had some time to rest up, I'll be looking for competitors to face me on Sixty Minutes of Freedom. Non-title, of course, but if you manage to beat me or put on a good show, well...i'll put a good word in for you with the big man upstairs. You want this belt? Come show me how bad you want it, and don't hold anything back.

Baker lets out a yawn and The Renegades chuckle, before Baker slams the rest of his beer down and crushes the can.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a plane to catch home. I'll answer a couple questions before I go, though...

At that, the crowd around Baker clambers to ask questions as he leans back in his chair...

[noname1525]

Backstage after Judgement Day, Artemis is walking down the hall with the other two Queendom members, her title strapped around her waist. She was leaning into Myra slightly as Thea walked in front of them and cleared the path. The three were stopped by Dasha Banks, who was holding a microphone.

"Artemis, congratulations on your win tonight, becoming the first-ever FPW women's champion. Is there anything you want to say following this historic event?"

Even though the question had been addressed to Artemis, it was Thea who responded. "No, she clearly does not want to say anything right now. Look at the shape she's in, did you even watch her match? Now get out of our way, we've got a celebration to prepare." She shoved Dasha out of the way and began to continue down the hall.

"No, I do want to say something." Artemis said. She stepped away from Myra and unclipped the title from around her waist, holding it up to the camera. "God save the queen." She said tiredly, before shoving the camera out of the way.

[marileeg17]

Back in Marcus' locker room, things are quiet. The camera pans around to the trophy case against the wall, which is now empty, the spot where the FPW World Championship once sat already starting to collect dust. The spot where the Young Lions Cup sat, empty as well as the trophy is currently next to Marcus, who is in an ice bath, soothing his injuries. Dario is standing next to him, his ribs still taped up and his shoulder iced as Haych is sat beside the two, his leg propped up on a bench and his ankle tapped up all the way to his knee. The camera continues to roll as the three just sit there in silence for what feels like an eternity.

Finally, Dario speaks up.

D: You'll get it back Marcus...

Marcus takes a slow, deep exhale, his ribs hurting just to breathe.

MAJ: Just shut up Dario. Shut the fuck up.

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop, in street clothes and his signature leather jacket with purple theater masks, sitting at the bar of his favorite late-night haunt, “Jilly’s”, a local diner known for its comfort food and warm hospitality and staff. Jillian “Jilly” Stewart, the proprietress of the diner, an attractive woman a few years older than Jerry, reclines against the counter, chatting with Jerry, one of the few patrons in late that night. The in-house jukebox starts up Sammy Davis Jr’s version of “I’ll Begin Again” as Jilly pours Jerry a pint of hard cider and slides him a plate bearing a grilled cheese sandwich with fries.*

JS: On the house. Tough match, hon?

JB: One of my toughest, Jilly. You wouldn’t believe how hard that match was for me.

JS: You don’t have to tell me twice. I’ve been following things on the TV here.

JB: Right, right, I always forget that. So you know what I’ve been going through lately.

JS: Only from what I’ve seen, hon. I can’t speak from personal experience, of course. But Jerry, you can’t take that too much to heart. You did your best to do right by the crowd, and they genuinely appreciated your efforts.

JB: I did what I thought was right. What I thought was good. I wanted to let them know that I even though I was ready to plant his head through the mat and cinch in the Chelsea Smile so tight it would’ve left proper scars on the sides of his mouth, that I hadn’t forgotten them. They’re why I’m here. ...and maybe they’re also why I lost.

JS: Don’t say that. You lost the match, sure. So what. You’ve lost before. But you’ve always bounced back. And you’ll bounce back again. You’re the bounciest person I know.

*Jerry chuckles.*

JS: There’s that smile. You’ve been through wars, Jerry. Not just battles, outright wars. TJ and his goons, Marcus, MDE, and hey, remember Sabre?

JB: Oh yeah...

JS: You’ve fought all of those guys, and look where you are now. You may have lost battles, Jerry, but you’ve always won the wars when it came to your fans. The fans loved you when you first started, and they still love you now. Maybe even more.

JB: You’re good at this, Jilly. Maybe you should go into psychiatry.

JS: Nah, I’m happy just to charge you for meals, hon.

*The two share a warm laugh. The diner’s door jingles as a customer enters.*

JS: I think someone’s looking for you.

*Jerry looks over his shoulder to see Berry Bishop walk through the door. She looks around the diner before seeing Jerry. Jilly turns away and says something to the line cook. Finally spotting Jerry, Berry smiles and waves uncomfortably before approaching and sitting next to her big brother. The jukebox flips to Nat King Cole’s “When You’re Smiling”*

BB: ...um, hi.

JB: Hey, kiddo.

BB: *taking a very deep breath and talking rapid-fire* Look, I know you’re upset with me and I know I messed up and that *CREEPAZOID* is a meaniehead and a jerk and a bully and downright disgusting and I’m sorry I let you down and I’m sorry I went off to London without telling you and I’m sorry I did *THAT* with *HIM* and I wanted to tell you I took like 13 showers after I saw that video and I’m sorry I didn’t win the women’s championship match even though I trained so hard and I’m sorry you lost your match and I know that you went into it wanting to defend me and stand up for me and I’m grateful and thankful and I’m glad the Freedom Fighters still believe in you and I still believe in you and-

*Jerry puts a finger to Berry’s mouth, she shushes mid-word.*

JB: Berry. It’s okay. I’m not mad at you. You didn’t do anything wrong. That limey bastard played you just like he played me. The only thing I’m upset about is that I couldn’t have warned you. I’ve dealt with him before, and I’m only mad because I didn’t get a chance to warn you about what he’s like before you left. I’m mad at myself. Not you. I could never be mad at you.

BB: Oh. Well, that’s a relief, I guess... Still, I really am sorry you lost your match.

JB: Yeah, me too... And I’m sorry you lost your big match. But I think you’ll get another shot soon. You did great. And you’re going to keep doing great. I’m really proud of you.

*Berry starts to well up.*

BB: You really mean that?

JB: You know I do.

BB: Oh, Jerry, that’s all I ever wanted to hear!

*The Bishops share a tight embrace and as they separate Jerry chucks his sister on the chin as she wipes a tear from her eye.*

JB: Hey, Jilly, could you get Berry my usual?

JS: Sure thing, hon. Already had it in the works once she walked in.

JB: Jilly, you’re the tops.

*Jilly winks at Jerry with a kiss.*

BB: So... what do we do now?

JB: The same thing we do every night, Berry. Try to make the world smile.

*Jilly serves Berry her own plate of grilled cheese and fries*

JB: How about we get her one of these as well, huh? *Jerry swirls his drink a little*

BB: *gasps* But I’m underage!

JB: I won’t tell Dad if you don’t.

*Berry sputters before bursting into laughter. Jerry and Jilly join in. The Bishops toast each other and enjoy their meal, chatting with Jilly as the camera fades out.*

[marileeg17]

In the medical area, cameras have followed Bobby and Jack, who are getting checked up after their brutal match.

Doctor: Alright Bobby, I need you to follow my finger.

A few moments later, the doctor consults his chart and makes some notes.

D: Well, its what I thought and honestly I'm surprised you were able to finish the match given you were running on autopilot for about a good half of it.

Jack looked up from his magazine curiously.

J: What do you mean doc?

D: I mean that Bobby took some pretty nasty forearm blows during that sequence and one of them looks to have seriously rung his clock. You've got a moderate bordering on a severe concussion. Are you sure you don't remember blacking out, even just for a few seconds?

Bobby shakes his head.

B: I really don't. I was going like 90 miles a minute I guess I just didn't realize...So, you're saying I worked most of that match basically on mental memory and adrenaline?

Bobby laughs but Jack doesn't seem to find it funny.

J: Maybe that's why we lost...

B: What?

Jack shakes his head.

J: Never mind.

Bobby frowns.

J: So I'm guessing we can't ask for our rematch any time soon? How long's he gonna be out?

D: Hard to say. Normally we like to give it a few weeks to recover but it really all depends on each person. Everybody's different so it could be a few weeks, a few months, there's really no set timetable.

J: A few months huh? Maybe I should find myself a new partner in the meantime...

Bobby looks at Jack confused but Jack just shrugs.

B: Doc, can we have a minute?

D: Sure, I have to get your prescription ready. I'll be back in a few.

B: Thanks.

Alone, Bobby turns his attention to Jack who's back looking at his magazine.

B: This might be the concussion talking but what's going on man? You're not really blaming me for what happened out there are you?

Jack shrugs it off.

J: Of course not, I'm just frustrated is all. Feels like that win slipped through our fingers.

B: We'll have another chance. We figured them out, it just took a little longer. But we've got them now and I know when we go at them again, we'll get those belts back. Just gotta talk to Houston about our rematch once I get cleared and all. But in the meantime, don't stop wrestling on my account. 

Jack smiles as he taps Bobby on the shoulder. Their moment is short-lived however as just a few seconds later a stagehand shows up at the door holding two bags and a large chest. He puts the chest down on the ground and slides the two bags off his shoulder. Jack's eyes never leave the chest.

SH: Hey guys, sorry to drop in but they had to close up the locker room so Houston asked that I bring your stuff here. I got one bag apiece and Bobby's DMC. That's it right?

B: Yeah that's it, thanks for bringing it by.

SH: Of course. You guys take care!

As the stagehand leaves, Bobby notices Jack's eyes fixated on the chest.

B: You uh, you don't have to stick around on my account. I've already got a ride back to the hotel...Jack? Jack? Earth to Jack?

Finally Jack snaps out of his gaze.

J: Oh okay, sure. Ya know, I think I'll take you up on that idea. Go singles for awhile as you heal up. I mean, let's be honest, you've got this chest so clearly we both know where your energies are gonna be when you get healthy anyway.

B: My energies are gonna be on us, on regaining the tag titles. Jack, you've gotta go by now, I've stuck it out with you this far so I'm not gonna quit now.

Bobby laughs but Jack doesn't seem to be reassured.

B: Look at me. Getting healthy is my first priority. And the second that happens, I'm going to Jim to get our rematch. The chest can wait. My world title match, it'll wait. This is my focus. You can't get rid of me that easily. We came together and it's been something special. I don't know dude, maybe it's the concussion, I said that before, but maybe it is, but I'm all sentimental right now. I'm just gonna say it, you're my best friend. Since coming back here, you were so cool about everything. You just put our differences aside. I did some shitty stuff to you dude and I'm sorry. It was never your fault, I just, I had to take my anger out and you were a target. You could have held a grudge against me but you helped me and now here we are. So yeah, the room is kinda spinning now so I think I should lay down.

Jack nods.

J: Remember, no sleeping with a concussion. I'll make sure to have the music going real loud when you get back.

Bobby laughs.

Jack grabs his bag and brushes his hand against the DMC. He lingers for a few seconds before offering Bobby a wave and heading out the door. But he stops as he gets to the exit, pausing to look back at Bobby, whose attention is elsewhere.

J: We should both be glad you won't remember saying any of that in the morning...

Jack shakes his head and sighs as he closes the door behind him.

[kingclutch]

Clutch picks up his phone (puts it on speaker)

Crowley: Clutch, my boy! Congratulations on your win! *sighs* I've been thinking: this holiday has given me a bit of perspective and the edge I needed. For you, me, Russ, and even Danica. It's time for us to get back to business. It's time to get titles on you boys.

Clutch: 100% agree.

[Saturn]

James Saturn stands in the dark with a small smirk on his face, much less noticeable than usual, but much more comfident. He has a flashlight shined against his face.

"I've proven myself. I beat Azazel, I showed how good I am. 2019 will be the year of James Saturn, whether the rest of the FPW locker room like it or not."

James chuckles and tosses the flashlight to the ground.

"Thought I would try to be creepy, y'know, since I just conquered the beast, clearly the creepy aesthetic didn't work. But what I said first, I was serious, by the end of 2019 you'll be calling me the new face of FPW, and it'll be a Damned handsome face."

James begins to walk away but remembers something and turns back around.

"Don't forget to vote!"

[noname1525]

Jace was standing in the empty auditorium of a small civic center, the hardcore title over his shoulder, a thoughtful look on his face.

"I came to FPW seeking glory as a singles competitor, and now that I've achieved that, I thought it would be good for me to take a step back and take a look at where I've come from. It was in a building much like this one where everything got started for me. I made my debut as part of a tag team, and from my first taste of a wrestling match, I knew that I wanted to keep doing this for a long time. But it wasn't an easy journey to get from where I was to where I am, I was still about as green as you could possibly be. That tag team allowed me to hone my skills alongside a friend, a partner, someone I trusted. We built off of each other and we each became better at what we did. We challenged for tag team gold a few times, but were never successful. But during one title match, even though we came up short, we put on a damn good match, and our eyes were opened. We realized that the sky was the limit for our careers, that now that we've become the wrestlers we are now, we could do whatever we wanted. But there wasn't room for our tag team in what either of us wanted. And with that in mind, we decided to go our separate ways. He journeyed to the U.K. to add some new elements to his style, while I decided to make a name for myself here in the U.S. And now that I'm a champion, I think people are going to be hearing my name more and more often."

He holds up said championship, looking it over one more time. "To be honest, I still can't believe I've won this. It seems like just yesterday I made my debut in FPW, and I was nowhere near ready to hold something like this."

"But I can't let myself get distracted by things like that. I've been quiet in FPW while I've been retracing my steps, and a few things have happened in that time. Graham Baker has challenged me to a champion vs champion match at the End of Year Awards Show. And I really want to accept that match. But I also want to be a fighting champion and give Tommy Storm his rematch. I'm also a fair person, I realize that I didn't pin Storm to take his championship from him. And that puts me in quite the conundrum. Do I face Graham Baker at the Awards Show, or do I give Tommy Storm his rematch? Well, I don't really like turning down a challenge, and since Tommy Storm hasn't asked for his rematch yet, I'm going to accept Baker's challenge. He wants a champion vs champion match, he's going to get a champion vs champion match. But at the first FPW show of 2019, I will give Tommy Storm his one-on-one rematch."

[Jim Houston]

Sato stands with The Guardians of Strong Style flanking him.

"At Judgement Day, Guardians of Strong Style showed all of FPW that strong style is best. Guardians of Strong Style beat Jack Sevren and Bobby O to take Tag Team Titles. Message now is simple. We continue to prove dominance of strong style over everything else. So for new year, we take on all teams. All challenges accepted. We begin at award show. If there is team who wishes to try to take titles, challenge us. We accept first challenge we get. Whoever it is, be ready for pain. FPW tag division belongs to us."

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits in the edge of the ring in his gym. He's wearing workout gear and has a shine of sweat on him. The room is eerily quiet.

"I've been quiet for some time. I don't tend to stay quiet but after Judgement Day I needed to reflect. I needed to reflect on my disappointment. Am I disappointed that I won the match? No. am I disappointed that I proved that I am as good as anyone here in FPW once again? No. Am I disappointed that the new FPW Champion has given me a match for the title anytime I like? No. I'm disappointed that Jerry Bishop proved to be the loser that I hoped he wouldn't be. I hoped that my plan would be enough to make Jerry so desperate for revenge that he would abandon his crowd-pleasing antics and show himself for the ruthless talent that I know he can be. And yet what I did wasn't enough. It wasn't enough to save Jerry Bishop from the mediocrity that his life has become. For that, Jerry, I'm disappointed.

"But let's move forward. Jerry Bishop... you still have it inside you. When you realise that you're wasting your talent on being a mid-range loser, I'll be waiting. Until then, Graham Baker... I'm almost genuinely happy for you. You were one of my toughest opponents- one of. In the end you got the better of me in our last encounter, but we're not level like you want to believe. I have two wins over you and you have one over me- am impressive one no doubt- but still just one. And now you've given me a title match whenever I want it because you want to even up the only score in FPW that doesn't sit in your favour. I will accept your challenge... when I'm ready.

"Until then... I'm sure there's someone out there who wants to even a different score. Jerry, I'm done with you for now, but there's another Bishop who probably wants to try and take some revenge. Berry... if you want to face me, you know exactly where I am."

[noname1525]

On an episode of Sixty Minutes of Freedom.

"Hammer to Fall" begins to play as Artemis Evans appeared at the top of the stage wearing black pants and her signature black leather jacket. She smirked out at the crowd, taking in their boos before she began to slowly unzip her jacket, revealing the FPW Women's Championship strapped around her waist. A fan in the front row yelled something at her, and she yelled right back as she began to walk to the ring. Noticeably absent from this entrance were the other two Queendom members, and the commentators revealed that they were currently on tour with another promotion.

Artemis grabbed a microphone from the timekeeper's area as she walked around to the side of the ring. She climbed onto the apron and hurled one last piece of abuse at the crowd before stepping between the ropes. She stood in the center of the ring as her music faded out before raising her mic and beginning to speak.

"I told you so." she said, and immediately the crowd began to boo. "I told all of you that I was going to become women's champion, but you didn't believe me. And I told you that I would do it without Thea and Myra, but you people didn't believe that either. And yet here I am, your FPW women's champion just like I said I would be, and I did it on my own, just like I said I would. It's about time for you to realize when I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it; to realize that I am just as good as I say I am.  And now I'm sure you're all wondering what I'm going to say next, but to be honest, I don't think there's anything left to say. I currently have no challenger for my title, and considering I beat everyone in the women's division to win this title, there's no one deserving of a title shot right now. The way I see it, I can just hold onto this until someone does something to earn a shot. Or until our 'esteemed' general manager inevitably plays favorites and gives someone a title match for no reason. I'm not sure which will happen first, but I'll be waiting. And you'd better get used to seeing this title around my waist, because I'm going to make sure that I'm holding onto it for a long time. And if you doubt that after everything I've proved so far, then you're just as dumb as I thought you were."

She dropped he mic as the boos rained down, but she paid no attention to them as she exited the ring  and began walking up the ramp. At the top of the stage, she turned around and unstrapped her title, raising it above her head with a smile on her face.

[The_Aviator_GB]

A clip plays, showing an abandoned cabin in the wilderness, covered in rot. The footage played is in black and white, and stutters every few seconds as a symbol begins to appear on the door of the cabin. It stutters more and more, until the symbol appears in its entirety as a white skull, with a black crack rapidly spreading down the forehead before the door itself begins to crack, the clip stuttering hard one final time before-

-it returns to normalcy, and two figures in burlap hoods stand on either side of the door, leaning against it. The one on the left is tall, bulky, and obviously male, while the other is shorter and quite obviously female. The figure on the right pulls their hood off, revealing Sara Daniels of Hunter-Killer. She has her warpaint on and ready as she approaches the camera, crouching next to it while the other figure stays leaning against the wall.

The Guardians of Strong Style have lain out a challenge for the FPW tag team championships...and who better to take it, than us? Who else would, after all-the broken team of The Invaders? Jack Sevren with his injured deadweight, Bobby Orton? Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt, maybe, but...they couldn't hold a candle to us even if they tried, and we all know that the team's just biding time until Clutch can claim a title of his own, and then what? 

Hunter-Killer is absolution. Hunter-Killer is not just the best choice, we're the only choice-the Guardians of Strong Style may think they run FPW's tag division, but we've run every division we've stepped foot in. Freedom Pro will be no different. 

We'll see you at the awards show.

As Daniels finishes speaking, Jackson pulls off his mask and growls out a short sentence. 

Good luck. 

The two step back toward the cabin, and the camera stutters once more, cutting out one time...before reappearing on a blank cabin, the door replaced...

[Jim Houston]

A short announcement appears on freedomprowrestling.com

Title versus Title to Headline Awards Show

Jim Houston confirmed earlier today the three matches that would be taking place at the FPW End of Year Awards show. In addition to revealing the winners of such prestigious awards as Match of the Year, Feud of the Year and Wrestler of the Year, FPW stars will be in action. To kick off the show, the new tag team of Hunter-Killer will debut after having answered the open challenge from The Guardians of Strong Style, with the Tag Team Championships on the line. There will also be a major ten-person tag team match, as the team of James Saturn, Jerry Bishop, Berry Bishop, Elizabeth Karlson and Clutch McCloud takes on FPW Women's Champion Artemis Evans, MDE, Lia Ness and The Invaders. Our final match, the show's main event, will see FPW Champion Graham Baker in action for the first time since his title victory as he takes on newly-crowned Hardcore Champion Jace Mason. Neither title will be on the line.

With the deadline for voting for the awards swiftly approaching, please make sure you've voted!

[veggieleezy]

I can dig this card.