Young Lions' Cup Promo Thread

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits behind his desk dressed smartly but not looking entirely happy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to freedomprowrestling.com. My name is Jim Houston and I am the Freedom Pro Wrestling General Manager. I apologise in advance for the length of this video, as I have several matters to address as we look to the Young Lions' Cup, the next phase of our calendar. Allow me straight away to address the ending of Launch Party. Marcus Allen Jones no-showed his match against Jack Sevren, only to involve himself in the main event and taint the ending of what I felt was growing into an excellent match. Marcus, if you want a title match against Graham Baker, you'll need to earn one. I'm not giving you a title match just because you get involved in the champion's business. And James Saturn, whatever happened after that match is also not going to earn you a rematch. I understand how you feel but I can't allow those actions to be rewarded. The two of you will both have to earn yourself a title match against Graham Baker because you won't be handed one- either of you.

"Luckily for you both, the upcoming Young Lions' Cup will allow one winner to main event Resurrection on April 21st and you both happen to fit the requirements. The tournament is open to any FPW wrestler who will be aged 26 or under on the day of March 10th. Eight of our young, talented wrestlers will enter and one will succeed Marcus Allen Jones as the Young Lions' Cup winner for 2019. On each of two Road To Young Lions' Cup shows on February 10th and 24th, we will have two quarter final matches. The winners of these matches will face semi-finals and, if they are victorious, the final, on March 10th right here in Chicago, Illinois. Full brackets will be released next Sunday, so any interested wrestlers need to declare that interest before that date.

"Next I'd like to address one of our champions, or more specifically one of our championships. I'd like,to address the Hardcore Championship. Jace Mason managed to pull off an impressive victory at Launch Party over Jimmy Havoc, who will not be returning to FPW. Watching that match, I saw Jace exit his comfort zone on several occasions but I also saw that perhaps the Deathmatch style wrestling is one that Freedom Pro Wrestling doesn't need to exhibit quite so frequently. Therefore, I am officially renaming the Hardcore Championship as the Freedom Championship. This championship is open to any and all challengers and any and all match types, including Deathmatch wrestling. Jace Mason, as the holder of the championship, will be free to determine the type of match he wishes to defend it in, as will any champion who holds the title before they make a defense.

"So let's take a look at our upcoming shows, shall we? On our first Road To Young Lions' Cup show on February 10th, we will see two Young Lions' Cup quarter final matches. We will also see two other matches, as our newly renamed Freedom Championship is put on the line by Jace Mason against... well, let's see who feels they deserve to step up. We will also see crowd favourite Jerry Bishop in action as he looks to bounce back from his loss against Zachary Bates. Jerry will go one on one with Bobby O, as Bobby looks to get back into ring shape following his concussion.

"On February 24th at our second Road To Young Lions' Cup show, we will see our other two quarter final matches. But we will also see tag team action. Marcus Allen Jones and TakeOver seem to want to disrupt Graham Baker at the moment, so let's see what happens when they get into the ring. Marcus and The Invaders will be in six-man tag action against Graham Baker and two partners of his choosing. Choose wisely, Graham, especially with John Grimm still out of action. We will also see the Women's Championship defended. Artemis Evans... you ran through the list of contenders and were rather dismissive, but one thing you didn't bank on was Berry Bishop defeating MDE. Therefore I feel strongly that Berry has earned the right to be the first challenger for your championship.

"And so to the Young Lions' Cup show itself. As we know, there will be two semi-finals and the final, but we will also see the Tag Team Championships defended as Bobby O and Jack Sevren get their rematch against The Guardians of Strong Style. We also will see Graham Baker's offer to defend his FPW Championship against MDE be taken up, as the two men fight over the biggest prize in this company. There is one more slot available on this card, but let's just wait and see what happens over the upcoming month before we decide exactly what will fill it.

"Over the next month and a half, I hope to truly showcase the future of FPW as we determine who will face the FPW Champion in the main event at Resurrection. As always, please stay tuned to freedomprowrestling.com for all of the news and updates as we get closer to the shows. As for our roster members... impress me. There's a lot of shows this year and a lot of yuk competing to get spots on them. Don't fall behind."

Houston smiles as the confirmed matches flash up on the screen before the video ends with the FPW logo.

[Jim Houston]

As always, please can I have volunteers for matches. I'll send details of finishes etc a week before the match is due.

Road To Young Lions' Cup 1: Sunday February 10th
Jace Mason v. Clutch McCloud: Freedom Championship (Baker to Write)
Young Lions' Cup Quarter- Final 1: Zachary Bates v Marcus Allen Jones (Houston to Write)
Young Lions' Cup Quarter-Final 2: Henry Harrison v Berry Bishop (Houston to Write)
Jerry Bishop v Bobby O (Mason to Write)

Road To Young Lions' Cup 2: Sunday February 24th
Young Lions' Cup Quarter-Final 3: Jerry Bishop v James Saturn (Houston to Write)
Young Lions' Cup Quarter-Final 4: Kris Knight v Elizabeth Karlson (Houston to Write)
Graham Baker, ?? and ?? v TakeOver (Baker to Write)
FPW Women's Championship: Artemis Evans v Berry Bishop (Match Writer Needed)

Young Lions' Cup: Sunday March 10th:
Young Lions' Cup Semi-Final 1: Bates/Marcus v Harrison/Berry (Houston to Write)
Young Lions' Cup Semi-Final 2: Jerry/Saturn v Knight/Karlson (Houston to Write)
Henry Harrison's Open Challenge (Match Writer Needed)
Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Russ Bolt (Match Writer Needed)
FPW Tag-Team Championships: The Guardians of Strong Style v Jack Sevren and Bobby O (Bishops to Write)
FPW Championship: Graham Baker v MDE (Baker to Write)
Young Lions' Cup Final (Houston to Write)

[Jim Houston]

MDE slowly walks down the corridor after the show, a bag slung over his shoulder. Dasha Banks walks upto him, her expression wary but with a slight hint of a smug smile.

DB: MDE, you just lost to Berry Bishop in what for her must have been one of the most emotionally charged moments of her life. What's your reaction to that defeat?

MDE: That was Berry Bishop's main event. That was the biggest match she's ever had. She gave every single thing that she had to that match. As for me? It was a match I didn't want, I didn't need and I certainly wasn't going to risk much bigger matches for it. She beat me because it was the thing she's wanted more in her life than anything else. I lost because she wanted it much more than I did. It's as simple as that.

DB: You talk about bigger matches to come and I presume you're referring to your title challenge at Young Lions' Cup against Graham Baker. How can you justify having that match after losing tonight?

MDE: I was offered a match by the champion and I took it. It was conditional on me winning any other match. Losing tonight has no bearing on what I do next. If it did, then I'd have won, make no mistake about that. I'm not going to injure myself ahead of my first ever one on one match for the FPW Championship, a match I should have had a long time ago by the way. On March 10th, I will beat Graham Baker for a third time and I will begin my reign as Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion. And when I do, I know who I want to face as my first challenger. Berry Bishop. I'll prove that tonight meant nothing.

DB: Perhaps it meant nothing to you, but Jim Houston seems to believe that Berry achieved something worthy of her becoming the number one contender for the Women's Championship. Surely she deserves some credit for this win?

MDE: I must admit, I clearly trained her a little better than I thought I had. She's certainly a better student than I anticipated. I didn't see her escaping half of the holds I applied, but she managed it. Maybe one day she'll realise that this was just business and she'll come back to complete her training. Who knows just how good I could make her? With what she showed tonight plus some specialist training for the match, maybe she can beat Evans. I'll be watching closely.

DB: Return to complete her training? After what you did? You really are a sick, son of-

A voice is heard from behind the camera.

"Dasha, that's enough."

MDE stares into Dasha's eyes for a moment, lets out a smug laugh and walks away.

[ticktock]

A loud roar of triumph begins the video and a montage of lionesses taking down their pray is seen as a distorted voice speaks.

"My becoming takes a further step. The next sacrifice has been made and has been accepted. When I sacrificed Elizabeth Karlson, I took another step on my journey. The Great Huntress is growing stronger within me. The more sacrifices I make, the stronger she becomes. Until one day... she becomes. The Great Huntress finally takes her place at the top of the food chain and all men will recognise her greatness. Every sacrifice is a step towards the reality. The next step? Wait and see."

[The_Aviator_GB]

We enter on Elizabeth Karlson backstage after Launch Party, wiping blood from a large wound on her forehead sustained during the match. She looks down at her ring gear, and shakes her head before looking back up. 

Lia Ness...the fucking gall of you to...beat me like you did...but you can't deny the fact that I...almost had you. Our story...ain't nearly done, and i'm...not going to wait for you to pop back up. I want in...the Young Lion's Cup.

Karlson wipes a decent portion of blood from her face and drops the towel on the ground. 

Jim Houston...when you gave me a contract last year, my first match was against the reigning Young Lions' Cup winner, Marcus Allen Jones. I almost had him, and I certainly would've, had Matt Dwyer not interfered after you added him to the match. I'm not only the best young talent in this company, i'm one of the best talents in the world, and no one is going to prove otherwise. John Grimm is out of action and gone after Judgment Day, and Graham Baker's FPW's champion...I want to prove myself, that I can rise above The Renegades, that I can rise above all of this. My record...not too impressive as of recent, but I want the fucking shot. 

She stops, coughing, and then looks back to the camera. 

In fact, I'm not asking for the clearance, I'm telling you, Houston, and everyone else-the first entrant into the 2019 Young Lions' Cup is Elizabeth Karlson. 

Karlson drops the blood-covered towel, and leaves the camera's range of view without saying anything else.  

[Jim Houston]

MDE, dressed in street clothes, strolls slowly through an oak-panelled corridor with a variety of insects in display cases mounted on the walls. A man walks behind him with a set of keys and, as MDE examines one particular specimen, a butterfly, he points and the man comes forward to unlock the cabinet. He brings out the specimen, encased in glass, and hands it to MDE before walking away. MDE holds it up and examines it for a few moments.

"Beautiful. A beautiful creature. A beautiful concept. The symmetry of the wings... its magnificent. Symmetry is a wonderous thing. The idea that there can be two sides of the same thing exactly the same without the slightest imperfection... Graham, the symmetry in our match coming up is undeniable. Even the least intelligent fan can see it. Last year, you came in, the new addition to the roster coming up against the established star. The underdog against the establishment. And you gave it a good shot. You impressed me. But now it's the opposite way round. You're the champion. The establishment. I'm the underdog. I come into the match not expected to win and you've got all of the pressure on your back, probably for the first time. How does it feel, Graham? Can you handle being the favourite?

"The symmetry isn't just in the two matches. Our careers here in FPW have taken such fascinating directions since we first met. The first time round, I beat you. I beat you without question. The second was murkier. I outsmarted you. Then you got your win. Since then, how many matches have you lost? Not many. How many have I won? Not many. We entered the Free-1, me in a block with Marcus Allen Jones and you in a block with Azazel. Neither of us was favourite but neither was outsider. You scratched and clawed your way to contending for the block, making not a single mistake. I dominated my way to being an almost certain winner, but I made a mistake where you didn't. You went on to win the Free-1 and you had your big main event. I went on to have my big match too. For once, we both won. We both had our big moments on the big stage. But make no mistake, in winning the Free-1, Graham, you overtook me. You became the big star and I became the also ran. Symmetry. It's remarkable."

MDE looks down wistfully at the butterfly before his expression changes. He throws it down, the glass shattering in the floor before he stomps and crushes the specimen under his foot.

"But we all know, Graham, that symmetry is bullshit. It doesn't matter how we got here. It doesn't matter what happened in our previous matches. The only thing that matters is this match. You go in as the champion. The big star of FPW. Let's face it, you're the ace. But there's one thing that you can't get over. One thing that's stopping you. And that's me. I hear you... every time you speak... 'when I beat MDE.' 'I overcame MDE.' Hell, I even read your bio on some other promotion's website and it said that you overcame MDE on your path to glory. You talk more about me than about anyone else. I'm a huge part of your past. Before your matches with me, you were just another trash wrestler that a few CZW fans had heard of but who wasn't a name, didn't matter. After me, you were on the map. But you still don't have the edge over me. Against almost everyone else, you have a winning record. But against me? One for two. And it eats you up inside.

"You see, before, you were just another opponent. Our matches were just another match, like any other I'd have. But to you, they were huge. Now? This is just another title defense to you. I'm just another guy who's stepping up to try and take down the ace. To me? I'll say this now. This is the most important match in my career. Just to be clear, Graham... this is the biggest... match... of... my... career. Take that in. Let it percolate in your brain. That little feeling bubbling up inside you right now is called fear. Your toughest opponent... the man who beat you two times out of three in matches that weren't that important... now you face that man fully motivated, fully trained, fully ready. And I'll tell you this: that man will beat you. That man will take your title. That man will remind everyone he is simply great. It's time for the real MDE to return and Graham... you're going to be the conduit. Enjoy that belt while you can, because your days are numbered."

[The_Aviator_GB]

Graham Baker appears in a warehouse similar to the one he cut his first promo on MDE in, his title belt slung over his shoulder while he wears his standard aviator's jacket and street clothes. He adjusts the title, breathes, and looks toward the camera.

I'm not going to waste time talking about what happened last weekend. Marcus Allen Jones saw it right to stick his nose into my business and try and take my title once again, and Saturn decided that, since he couldn't beat me, he'd have to try and embarrass me. End of the day, i'm still the Freedom Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion, and neither of those men are going to get a chance at this belt anytime soon, so long as I have a say in it. 

He cracks his neck, and looks to the camera. 

Now, I've got something to look ahead to. MDE finally called me out after accepting my challenge last month, and he set our date for Young Lion's Cup. It's touching, really-an anniversary of one of the first times MDE cost me a win, that win being against James Saturn himself. I'd struggle for a month or two more after this, wonder where I belonged in FPW, if it was worth it to keep trying...and soon enough, I'd score a win against MDE that would send me soaring. MDE's used this point to say that he made me, that I'm only where I am because of him, et cetera, so on and so forth...but what MDE doesn't realize is, while he claims this match was just another day for him, I know for a fact it wasn't.

I know for a fact it eats MDE up that I was the only man to ever tap him out after Sabre Junior. I know for a fact it bothers him day in, and day out, that after that loss he's been unable to get his fire back. That every shot he's had at getting close to the FPW title has been plagued by his own failures. MDE was right when he said one thing-that our career paths in Freedom Pro have been symmetrical, that while i've been on a winning tear, he's lost to...almost everyone he's faced. Hell, at the last show he lost to Berry Bishop, a competitor who, while worthy, I was able to put away with relative ease. 

MDE was wrong when he said he made my career, however. Because, to me, MDE isn't my greatest opponent-he was an obstacle, a stepping stone, and something I was able to overcome. 

When I beat MDE, it wasn't off a roll-up, like he had to use to beat me. It wasn't off a pinfall, which was my business. It wasn't off a fluke or a match where the stakes appeared to be stacked against me, it was in a match type that he selected, with rules meant to fuck me over, and still, I overcame, I wrapped MDE in one final Emergency Landing, and I tapped him the fuck out. I haven't lost much since then, and every loss i've taken, I've absolutely made up for.

I proved, back at Judgment Day, that I'm the Ace of Freedom Pro. I'm the man who's going to carry this company to new heights, wherever I go, this belt goes with me, and I've defended it day in and day out against any challenger worthy enough, anywhere. Every match, I've walked out victorious. Every match, I've come back stronger, and i've gotten better. MDE, I'm no underdog anymore, and I know for a fact you aren't either. You're a technical master, you're more honed than I am, but you have nothing on the strength I have, the fire to keep on going. When we step in the ring at the Young Lions' Cup final, you will know exactly how much i've changed. It's going to be a hell of a battle, but I'm going to come out on top, and do you know why?

Because you're still just a stepping stone. That 1-2 record, it does bother me, but once I beat you, I've proven that I'm equal. Hell, I've proven that I'm better than you. I'm going to take you to your limits once again, and no Simply Great Stretch, no Triple Gutwrench...none of these things will slow me down. None of these things will stop me. You'll have to put a bullet in my skull to put me down for good, and honestly, MDE? 

I don't think you can do it. I think you've lost your spark.

I'll see you at the Young Lions' Cup...so if you want to prove me wrong, there's your chance.

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits in his office, a stack of DVDs each bearing the name Baker on them sitting next to his computer.

"Graham, you said a lot of things just then. Let's talk them through, shall we? You say that when you made me quit in our match- because that's what I did. You didn't let me tap out. You forced me to say the words. You say that when you made me quit, it wasn't just another match. In the beginning, it was. I'd beaten you twice and yet I had to face you again. At the time, I didn't much care for that decision by the esteemed Mr. Houston and I still don't agree with it now. But you said something interesting there. You said that it eats me up day after day that you made me quit and that I never quite recaptured my spark. You know something? It does bother me. I'm a better technical wrestler than you. You admitted it. I know it. Everyone knows that. And yet you got one over on me with technique. I didn't like that then and I still don't like it now. Ever since then, my technical advantage has been somewhat negated. It's time for me to get it back.

"I take issue with you saying that I was just an obstacle. You say that before you finally managed to overcome me, you were questioning your place here. So if you hadn't managed to beat me, maybe you'd be back in your trash companies with your trash matches rather than here as the champion and in other promotions bragging about the day you finally beat the big, bad MDE. I've seen it Graham. I was never just a stepping stone to you. You define so much of yourself by referring to our series of matches. But it's not just you. Announcers refer to what we did in that ring whenever you wrestle. Fans talk to you about the time you finally made me quit being one of their favourite moments. Oh yeah, I may not like fans but I do listen in. Your career and mine have been inexorably intertwined for nearly twelve months now. A stepping stone? No, Graham. Neither of us truly believes that.

"You talk about your fire and passion and desire and will and resilience and all of those other buzzwords. But what do they really mean? All you're really saying is that you think you want it more than anybody else does, that you can get more from your talent than anybody else can from theirs through sheer force of will. But what do you know about how much I want it? You come in here with Karlson, with Grimm, getting advice from wrestlers you met because of your win over me. You may love wrestling, but wrestling is only a part of your life. I come here alone, or with someone I pay to work for me. I spend my time here focussed on what I'm going to do in the ring and I leave alone again. Wrestling is my entire life. It's all I do; it's all I care about and it's all I need. So to tell me you want it more? That's bullshit once again Graham. You may not know it but I certainly do. You say I've lost my spark? I say I've lost my focus. My spark is where it's always been. My focus shifted. In the Free-1 I toyed with looking to the fans for inspiration. Coming up to my match with Berry, I looked for some psychological warfare. But that's not where my focus ought to be. My focus needs to be on knowing every single one of your moves. My focus needs to be on knowing exactly how to counter everything you will do. My focus needs to be on knowing your next three moves before you know them yourself. My focus will be in the right place, and my spark will be there for all to see. So if you think I have to put a bullet in your head to win, you're wrong. I just have to be MDE. After all, that's all I was before."

MDE turns as the door opens. His assistant Rachel walks in.

"I've called the list of guys you wanted to bring in. JD is free but he's expensive. He was top of the list, so do you want me to confirm?"

MDE gives Rachel a look.

"What do you think?"

Rachel gives a rueful smile and turns, muttering under her breath as she walks out.

"It's nice to see you too..."

[Saturn]

Several minutes after Launch Party goes off air the camera opens on James Saturn walking swiftly out of the venue, he's jittery and clearly shaken by his attack on Graham Baker, but composes himself the instant he sees Dasha Banks coming his way. Dasha stops in front of James, the slight hint of a frown on her face.

DB: James, I... I'm sorry, why would you do that?

JS: Do what?

DB: Attack Graham Baker, betray your friend, betray your fans..."

James raises an eyebrow and turns to Dasha, grabbing the microphone out of her hand.

JS: That wasn't "betraying my fans", the fans understand that what I did was for the good of my career, and that slimy sack of shit deserved every bit of pain I gave him. If it weren't for him hitting me while I was predisposed, I would be the FPW champion right now, you know that? Of course you don't, cause you can't comprehend that the "Ace of FPW" can do anything wrong.

Dasha Banks looks stunned, and it takes her several seconds to try to get back with the interview.

DB: I don't...

JS: Sorry, James Saturn isn't taking any more questions at this time.

James turns back to the camera.

JS: Oh, and be aware, you people may still have your perfect champion now, but soon enough I'll be holding that belt high, and showing you all how you should not have underestimated James Saturn. But since I'm currently not allowed anywhere near the FPW title, I'll instead opt to compete in, and win, the Young Lions tournament. It's funny, this'll be something of a homecoming for me, last year I entered the FPW as part of the Young Lions Cup, looking to make a name for myself, and trust me, I did, but I also didn't win, which is very bad. But you know what they say, new year, very new me, you people wanted to see a change from good old James Saturn? Here it is. I'm going to win the Young Lions cup, and then I'm going to take what's rightfully mine, because I'm James Saturn, and I'm the goddamned Paragon.

James drops the mic, wearing something close to his signature smile, but not quite the same, something much more cocky and much less welcoming, before walking away, leaving Dasha in silence.

[noname1525]

A video was uploaded to the FPW website, opening with a shot of the entrance to the FPW gym. The door opens, and Jace Mason steps outside, a few bandages on his head and a workout bag slung over his shoulder. Dasha Banks steps into the shot, a microphone in her hand.

"Jace, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind answering a few questions?"

Jace smiles slightly and shifts the bag on his shoulder. "No, it wouldn't be too much trouble. I kind of expected I'd be seeing you today, it's not that often I disappear after a big show like we just had, but after that match with Jimmy Havoc, I figured I could rest for a few days. But now I'm back, so go ahead."

"Well, you already answered my first question concerning your absence, so I'll go ahead and move on to my next question. I'm sure you've heard Jim Houston's announcement of the Young Lion's Cup, I was wondering if you had any thoughts about that."

"I do actually have a few thoughts about that." Jace replied. "I am just barely eligible, and this would be my last year to compete in such a tournament. But I'm already booked to defend the Hardcore, I'm sorry Freedom championship. That will take some getting used to. But being champion means that I have certain responsibilities, I understand that. And if those responsibilities keep me from participating in the Young Lion's cup, then so be it. Because defending that championship is always going to be my first responsibility. So I'll let another up-and-comer take advantage of the opportunity."

Dasha begins to say something else, but then Jace starts to speak again.

"And since I won't be competing in the Young Lion's cup, that means I have an open card for the other two advertised shows. And I see that Graham Baker is in need of a pair of partners for a match against TakeOver. Now this sounds like the perfect time for me to make good on my word. Graham, all you have to do is send word, and I'll be willing to stand up to TakeOver. We've fought against each other a few times, and torn the house down every single time. I think that if we worked that kind of magic against each other, there's no telling what kind of magic we could work when we're on the same team."

[marileeg17]

Facebook Live in 3...2...1...

The phone clicks on and we see Marcus Allen Jones in the driver's seat and Haych in the backseat, implying Dario is the one filming. Marcus is wearing sunglasses, jeans and a CM Punk Best in the World t-shirt. The phone focuses on the view outside of Marcus' window, which shows the 2300 Arena coming into focus. With eyes still on the road, Marcus begins to reflect.

MAJ: 2300 Arena...Hell of a historic venue. The names who have come through this place, the companies that have called this place home. Ring of Honor used to run here all the time back in the day, but relax, I'm not here to cause trouble for them, not this week at least. No, this is about history, this is about memories. And this cynic actually has one at this very arena. Yep, that's right, when I was just a little Mark, no more than 10 years old, I had the chance to meet some of my favorite wrestlers, and it was actually at a ROH show. And I went up to this guy, Bryan Danielson and I stood in front of him with a pen and paper in my hand. Danielson smiled and said, "Do you want my autograph sport?" and I looked back at him, and then looked at my dad and smiled, and I said, "No, I want to give you mine because one day, I'm going to become the biggest star in this industry and one day, I'll be even better than you. You'll be able to say you were the first person to get my autograph." Danielson was so impressed he took my autograph and then signed a blank piece of paper himself. We traded autographs and on the one he wrote to me, it said, "To Marcus, the future of professional wrestling," and on the one I wrote him it said, "To Bryan, the best wrestler not named Marcus Allen Jones." That was the moment I knew that I was the best in the world, that I was the future of professional wrestling, that I was a destiny just waiting to be fulfilled. 

That was the beginning of my story and today, 2300 will once again play host to another chapter. Today, Major League Wrestling has come to town and today, TakeOver deploys yet another scouting mission and perhaps we'll even reveal yet another member. But speaking of TakeOver, I feel the need to address my actions from the last show. My first remarks, go out to TakeOver's top prospects, Jace Mason and James Saturn. I knew you boys would come through and you did with shining colors. Jace, you didn't even need our help against Havoc. I was impressed. Dario was waiting behind the curtain for if you got in trouble, but you didn't. That's why you're TakeOver material. You made our faction so proud. And James, I previously mistook you for a loser but you played your part perfectly. When I offered you a spot in TakeOver, I knew your initial reluctance would turn into acceptance. It was never about you beating Baker though. It was about you creating a diversion and you did. Baker, Houston, you be the judge and while James might deny it, think about if you really trust him. Because to me, it just seemed way too convenient how things played out the other night now didn't it?

The numbers are there, they are everywhere. So choose wisely Baker, choose very, very wisely...

Oh, so back to me addressing my actions. I'll address them. I have no regrets and I make no apologies. None. Why should I? Did you really think that just because I shared a personal, touching story that it meant I've gone soft? Oh no, sharing that story was a reminder that I am the best, that I was the best, that I'll always be the best. So to treat your best by trying to put me in the ring with a failure like Jack Severn? I honestly never even believed the match was real. Because, who does that, who makes that match? What kind of hack promoter puts their best asset in the ring with one of their worst? I had no intention of getting in the ring with Jack. So he can have his forfeit win, but I know him, I know how hollow it makes him feel. Much like he will when Bobby realizes his destiny and accepts the offer I extended months ago. TakeOver is still calling Bobby, just leave the dead weight and join the greatest faction in all of professional wrestling.

Let this be known Jim, you may think you are calling the shots and for now, maybe you are. But the puppet master is pulling strings all over this company and when everything comes out, you'll be wishing you didn't make me jump through hoops to get my rematch. That being said, tonight, I make it official. As the winner of last year's Young Lions Cup, I am not only entering this tournament but I am giving myself a bye all the way until the finals. Whoever gets through that tournament might just be worthy to face me, but the rest of the field, well, like I said, I'll be facing one man or woman. I call the shots, I make the matches, I set the rules. Oh and Jim, if I don't get what I want, prepare for the Young Lions Cup to be taken over permanently...

Marcus pulls the car over, tightens his hood and zips up his TakeOver jacket, as he gets out in front of 2300 Arena.

MAJ: Time to scout. Later Marks!

[Deleted]

*a camera opens to Henry Harrison sitting in an office chair behind a desk. He's bears rest on top of the desk*

There are a few questions involving yours truly. To start where have I been? I have been biding my time. Waiting in the back for the perfect moment to come back and fight. Now that moment is upon us. Now we have plenty of opportunities just staring me in the face. First off we have Jace Mason looking for a contender. Jace mason you pinned me last time we fought fair and square and I have not forgotten that fact. However I decided to take a pagr out of your book and study. I found out the one thing that led to my downfall in our matches. I was too distracted. However in a one on one match you don't have the luxury of not having my full attention on you. So when we next fight at the road to the young lions cup and will take your title.

But that is only one opportunity and I said there are multiple opportunities. The next opportunity is the open spot on the young lion's cup. Because if there is one thing I know. It that there is someone back there when looking for a fight. So this is an open challenge to anyone on the freedom pro roster who's looking for a fight.

[veggieleezy]

*The Bishop siblings enter the backstage area celebrating following Berry’s victory over MDE. Dasha Banks approaches for an interview*

DB: Berry, congratulations on a big win, this must be an emotional moment for you.

BB: I gotta tell ya, Dashy, I feel so relieved right now. I finally got to put that creep in his place, and now Jerry and I can finally move on.

JB: Absolutely. The specter has been laid to rest. Now the Bishops can get back to doing what we do best.

BB: Eating lots of jelly beans without getting sick?

JB: That was implied, but I meant stealing the show and sending the crowd home happy.

BB: Right, that too.

DB: Not to put a damper on the good feelings, but Jerry, how do you feel after your loss to Zachary Bates at the Road To event?

JB: It would’ve been nice to pick up a win after last year’s finale, but I can’t be too mad. Bates is one of our newest talents and the kid came in hungry and looking to prove he belongs here, and he did just that. If he enters into the Young Lion’s Cup he can make a good name for himself.

DB: And speaking of the Young Lion’s Cup, you have another opportunity to challenge for the FPW Women’s Championship, Berry. Are you ready to face Artemis Evans again?

BB: You betcha. I’ve got my head back in the game now, and I’m not throwin’ away my shot. ...are there any other musical references I can make, Jer?

JB: Um... Do you hear the people sing?

BB: *bursts into song and marching to the locker room* SINGING THE SONGS OF ANGRY MEN, IT IS THE MUSIC OF A PEOPLE...

JB: Dad’s a big theater buff.

DB: I kinda figured.

*Jerry and Dasha chuckle and smile at each other for just a moment too long.*

JB: I, uh, I should go make sure she doesn’t turn the catering area into a barricade. ...again.

DB: Right, and I probably ought to get back to the ring. See you around.

JB: You too!

*Dasha exits, Jerry turns away*

JB: “You too”? What’re you thinking? *He looks up with a nervous expression* Berry, please get down from there!

BB: *from offscreen* NOW WE PLEDGE OURSELVES TO HOLD THIS BARRICADE!

*Jerry runs off camera as Ted Crewmember turns the camera to face himself.*

TC: Kids, am I right?

[The_Aviator_GB]

Baker's changed positions, as he's now in his exercise gear sitting in a gym, looking to be exhausted and overheated as he sits on a bench, resting. He has a towel wrapped around his neck, and his title belt lays across his waist. He takes the towel and wipes a large amount of sweat from his forehead, before looking up at the camera.

Lots to address...and not much time. Let's just get to it.

He cracks his neck, and holds a single finger up.

James Saturn...you wouldn't have pinned me no matter how hard you tried. If you were the man you claimed to be, so much better than me, so much more capable in every way than Graham Baker, you would've beaten me earlier on in that match. Let's not mince facts here-you're a good talent, Saturn, but you're not on my level. That entire match, I was two steps ahead of you, save for a few moments where you surprised me and gained an inch of momentum. I wanted to give you your space, Saturn-the reason that match went on as long as it did was not because I would have trouble putting you away-it was because I would've felt bad doing it before you got your chance in the sun.

This match was your coming out party, James Saturn, and you simply weren't good enough to put Graham Baker away. Hell, all it took was a single finisher to you and you were done-predisposed or not, holding a title belt shouldn't impact your ability to kick out, but it did. You, like everyone else who's come against me save for the rare exception that is Marcus Allen Jones, couldn't beat the Mustang Driver. Couldn't fully beat the Emergency Landing. You couldn't escape me. 

So go ahead. Win the Young Lions' Cup, get your second title shot, and see how quickly things come to an end for James Saturn. I promise you-we'll have the same result, it'll just be significantly quicker. 

Baker breathes, wrapping his towel around his neck and puts two fingers up. 

Jace Mason. While I appreciate your offer to help me, I'm gonna have to decline for the time being. You're a good man, and you've got a belt to focus on. If I were you, I'd do that-don't involve yourself in this shit. 

Baker holds three fingers up.

MDE. You claim that wrestling is your life, your entire life, nothing but, and you're right. I've watched your matches-something I picked up from our last encounter-and I've seen how you thrive. You're the best wrestler in the world inside a vacuum-you can wrestle circles around anyone you've ever tangled with, you can reverse most finishers, and you can apply the Simply Great Stretch seemingly out of nowhere. Your strength and impact skills are impressive, too-i've felt all three of those last points myself. 

There is, however, one problem-you're far too regimented. You have no room to grow.

When I busted out new maneuvers in our match at the All Star Tag Team Classic, you had no idea how to respond. A pele kick to the arm lead to you being thrown off your game. A Ground Zero onto your shoulder set you up for the end-they might as well've rung the bell just at that moment. You can scout your opponents' finishers, you can reverse basic holds, but at the end of the day-you can't adapt. You memorize a moveset, you memorize counters, but instead of capitalizing on anything changing, you just hope your opponent sticks to their routine.

You failed against me using this method. Against Azazel, twice. Against MAJ and Jerry in the Free-1. Against Berry last weekend, and you'll fail against me on March 10th when you face me for the belt. I used to fear you, MDE, I used to fear your talent, until I realized your achilles heel is that anytime someone dares to be different, you crumble. You can scout my moves all you want-learn every counter to the Mustang Driver, stop the Ground Zero, reverse my Lionsault, neutralize the Emergency Landing, and I will still beat you. I will pull out every trick in the book to retain my title, because this company lives and dies on my back, by my actions, by the way I hold this fucking belt.

I've worked all of the last year, shrugging off other bookings and devoting myself almost entirely to becoming the Ace of Freedom Pro. I've climbed to the top of the mountain, and i'm going nowhere but up from here. Saturn, MAJ, you, anyone else who steps in my way, they'll understand why i've done what i've done, and how i've changed from here. I'm not the man you faced last year, MDE. Saturn learned that last weekend, when, despite his claims of 'being the best', he couldn't put me away. Mason learned that when I took him out-despite a good fucking fight. MAJ learned that when I destroyed him in front of his hometown at Judgment Day. 

You'll learn that next. The Aviator's only soaring higher, and this match, MDE? This is just another stepping stone.

I'll see you soon.

Baker adjusts his towel and belt, throwing the belt over his shoulder before he walks off. 

[kingclutch]

Clutch, Russ, and Danica are back stage talking.

Dasha banks comes up to them.

DB: Excuse me, could I have just a minute of your time?

CM: Absolutely.

DB: Thank you. Now you guys are coming off a big loss against Hunter Killer. What's going through your mind after getting SO CLOSE to being FPW Tag Team Champions?

Russ: Well Dasha, the important thing is that we stay focused. We still see ourselves at the top of the mountain. We still see ourselves becoming the benchmark for not only those in FPW, but those all around the world.

CM: We had one hell of a match with Hunter Killer. Now I know they have an opponent already, but whoever wins that match is being put on notice. FPW Tag Team Champions, your reign will be short...or it will be OVER. The Storm rages on and we will not stop until all of the FPW gold (that we can attain) is on our shoulders.

*off screen* Might I add something?

Sir Richard Crowley comes into view, shaking hands firmly with Clutch and Russ, but blows off Danica.

SRC: Now if I'm seeing correctly, Jace Mason is without an defense opportunity and that simply will not abide. So I will put the ball in your court as it were Mr. Mason: Russ Bolt or Clutch McCloud? Truthfully it doesn't matter who you choose because either way when you are down on that mat and the ref hits 3, you will be staring at the lights questioning your very existence after what my client does to you. You have been warned. Choose wisely.

*the entourage exits*