Young Lions' Cup Promo Thread

[noname1525]

A video of Jace Mason backstage after his match with Clutch McCloud is uploaded to freedomprowrestling.com.

Jace is sitting in the locker room area, holding an ice pack against his jaw.

"Clutch, after all this time, I've finally had my match against you that I'd wanted when I showed up here. And you proved why everyone treats you with respect. Despite the fact that you've fallen down the card quite a bit, you still carry yourself like a main event contender, and that's good. I hope you have luck in your future title matches."

"But speaking of title matches, let's discuss my next challenger. I know this might be a little early, but I want to say something before my next challenger is selected. Russ Bolt, both you and Clutch put your names forward as potential challengers. Mr. Houston wound up selecting my challenger for me, and he selected Clutch. Now to be fair, I was also probably going to select Clutch, but I don't want you to be left with nothing while you're partner rises to greater hights. So either at or before the Resurection event, I'll put my title on the line, and I'll see you in the ring."

[marileeg17]

FPW.com Exclusive

Immediately following the Road to the Young Lions' Cup main event, Dasha Banks catches up with Bobby O as he makes his way through the curtain, a huge smile on his face, Jack Sevren also there, grinning happily.

DB: Bobby, a moment?

Bobby nods as Jack hands him a towel to wipe some of the sweat off from his grueling match.

DB: First off, welcome back, officially!

BO3: Thanks Dasha! I mean wow, was it just me or was that atmosphere electric?! I still have chills going up my spine, my adrenaline is still rushing, my heart, feel it, it's still racing! You know they always say you don't know what you have until it's gone and man was that true tonight. I didn't realize how much I missed being able to get in that ring and get that reaction from the Freedom Fighters. It's an incredible feeling, one I won't soon forget!

DB: It was certainly quite the match, but I have to ask, any ring rust? Any lingering issues from the concussion?

BO3: You ask the tough questions Dasha.

Bobby chuckles.

BO3: I felt great, 100 percent, 110 percent even. I think early on there was definitely some rust there but as the match went on, I just found another gear within myself. Not being able to actually get in the ring these past few months has been rough but what I couldn't do with my body, I focused on doing with my mind. Going into this match with Guardians of Strong Style is gonna be such a challenge and I knew I had to get creative. I was able to test some of my new arsenal tonight but man, credit to Jerry, he had an answer for just about everything!

DB: Speaking of Jerry, you mentioned prior to the match that you asked Jim Houston for a match with him specifically. Any reason why?

BO3: All kinds of reasons. For starters, Jerry and I go way back and sure we've had our ups and downs, but in my time in Freedom Pro Wrestling no one's been more supportive. Jerry was the first person to reach out to me when I came back, the first person to accept my apology, to tell me that he knew what I was going through and that I wasn't the man everyone was saying I was. I, I got called a monster among other things when I came here, but Jerry, he just called me Bobby and that meant the world. Houston gave me the chance for redemption and Jerry made me see what I was fighting for, the man I was fighting for, the life I was trying to reclaim. For that, I'll be forever grateful. But friendship aside, Jerry Bishop is one of the best talents in this locker room, bar none. Coming back, I didn't want to take it easy, didn't want to slowly work my way back. No, I wanted a challenge right off the bat and Jerry was the perfect choice. He gave me everything I could handle and more. I honestly thought he had me a couple times. I had to give everything I had and then some. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better sparring partner.

A few seconds later, a disappointed Jerry makes his way back through the curtain, trying to steer clear of the interview. But Bobby spots him and pulls him over.

BO3: Nothing to be embarrassed about man, you gave me the fight of my life. Come here.

Bobby envelops Jerry into a hug which Jerry lukewarmly accepts. He looks up at Dasha, who gives him a sympathetic smile. Bobby puts his arm around Jerry.

BO3: Let me tell you something Dasha, this guy, this guy right here, is one hell of a wrestler. But you already know that, everyone watching already knows that. He's also quite the catch and well, looky here, today is Valentine's Day. So listen up ladies of FPW, present company included, Jerry the Bish is on the market and you won't meet a sweeter, more compassionate guy in your life.

Jerry looks back up at Dasha who's blushing a bit herself.

JB: Th-thanks Bobby, but I'm not really in the mood to celebrate.

Bobby nods slightly.

BO3: Sure thing bud. But let me make one thing clear before I go to the back for a much-needed ice bath. You gave me the fight of my life and I thank you for it. You showed me I'm ready to be back and come the Young Lions Cup when Jack and I go toe-to-toe with the Guardians, I'll be ready. Those titles are coming back home and that's a fact. Oh and Graham, don't think I've forgotten about you either. I know I left the case in the back, because tonight wasn't about that. But it's there and waiting. I look forward to challenging you for that Freedom Pro Wrestling title sometime soon.

Jack frowns slightly and rolls his eyes.

JS: Come on Bobby, let's get out of here. Oh and Jerry, tell Fozzie I said HI!

Jerry just nods as Bobby and Jack make their way to the back, leaving him with Dasha and Ted.

DB: I'm sorry, Jerry, I know you really wanted to win tonight.



JB: It's okay. Bobby's got his mojo back, and he needs as much pep in his step as he can get if he and Jack are gonna win back those tag team titles.



under his breath: ...man, we couldn't even get that far...



JB: I'm happy that I was able to help my friend, and I hope he knows he can come to me whenever he needs it.



DB: That's very noble of you, Jerry. I just wish you wouldn't put so much on yourself. We love you just the way you are.



Bishop takes a deep breath and smiles weakly
.


JB: Thanks, Dasha. Hopefully one of these days I'll believe it, too.



Bishop turns off toward the locker room. Dasha starts after him but she's stopped by Ted Crewmember.



TC: Let him go, Dasha. He'll get out of this funk eventually. He always does. He's just gotta work it out his own way.



DB: You're right. I just wish he could see how much the fans all care for him, how much we all care for him.



TC: He knows, kid. Even if he ain't feelin' it right now, he knows.

[noname1525]

The closing moments and aftermath of a Sixty Minutes of Freedom match was uploaded to the FPW website.

Mike Watson: "Local talent Riley Lewis has impressed so far in this match against Berry Bishop, but Bishop is in full control at the moment, waiting for Lewis to rise to her feet."

Riley stood up, and Berry attempted a snapmare, but Riley resisted and shoved Berry to the ropes. Thinking quickly, Berry jumped onto the middle rope and then leaped off into a roundhouse kick that caught Lewis square in the face! Berry quickly regained her feet and once again waited for Riley to do the same. Riley rose much more slowly this time, but eventually stood up and turned to face Berry. Berry smiled at her, then connected with Checkmate to knock her off her feet once more! She dropped into a cover.

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

'The Entertainer' played from the speakers as Berry stood up and had her hand raised by the referee, a massive smile on her face. She leaned into the ropes and began talking to the fans in the front row. She was about to step through the ropes to get closer when her music cut out unexpectedly. A white queen appeared on the tron as 'Hammer to Fall' began to play. The crowd booed as Artemis Evans strode onstage, her jacket unzipped to show the women's championship strapped around her waist. She raised a mic and began speaking as she began walking down the ramp.

"Congratulations Berry, now that's three wins in a row. And that's good, I was worried you might be hurt after your Young Lion's Cup match."

There's a slight pause as Artemis climbs into the ring before she begins speaking again. "After all, you took some hard hits in that match, and it would be a shame if something stopped you from competing in the biggest match of your career."

She eyed Berry's shoulder, which was taped up after being driven into the gaurdrail and ringpost during her match with Henry Harrison. Artemis suddenly took a step forward, causing Berry to take a quick step back. A smile spread across Artemis' face as she took a few steps back and raised the mic again.

"But don't worry, I wouldn't do something like that to you...Until our match. The way I see it Berry, you have three options. Option 1: you hope your shoulder heals up before next Sunday. Option 2: You realize you're too injured to compete and pull out of the match. Or Option 3, which is the option I think you'll wind up taking: you foolishly attempt to take me on despite your shoulder, and i destroy it much worse than Harrison ever could. I advise you think very carefully about this Berry."

Artemis tossed her mic aside as she exited the ring. The camera caught one more shot of Berry's thoughtful, worried expression before fading to black.

[marileeg17]

At Midnight on Sunday, the day of the second Road to YLC show, a cryptic tweet appears on Marcus' account:

@hismajesty: I've been silent all week but my silence ends today. I'll let my ring work do the talking. @bakerboy your time is almost up. @fpwhouston the reckoning has arrived. They say those who don't learn from history are doomed to be taken over by it...Today you all learn, my word is my bond. The TakeOver has officially begun... #TMinusTakeOver #TimesUp #YouWereAllWarned

[Jim Houston]

A short statement has been posted on freedomprowrestling.com:

At the end of tonight's show, Marcus Allen Jones, Haych, Dario, Sarah Daniels and George Jackson committed an act of criminal damage when they tore apart the FPW ring and committed acts of assault against several members of staff from local security firm 'HJS Services'. These acts are currently under investigation both internally and by local law enforcement.

Jim Houston would like to thank all of those who have sent messages of support, but wishes to urge that all FPW fans and roster members treat this situation with caution. No further comment will be made on the matter until both investigations have concluded.

[Jim Houston]

After Road To Young Lions' Cup II goes off the air and the arena begins to clear, a single camera still rolls, the cameraman having fled the scene once the security personnel were being taken out. It shows Graham Baker lying in a pool of blood outside what is left of the ring. It picks up the sound of footsteps and shows MDE walking into shot. He crouches down over Baker before looking around and disappearing for a few moments. He returns with the FPW Title and holds it over Baker.

"Graham... I don't know if you can hear me or not, but if you can... listen carefully. I told you to be careful. I told you that TakeOver had people everywhere. But as usual, you went rushing in without calculating the consequences. Hunter Killer? I could have told you they weren't to be trusted. And now? Now you've gone and got yourself an excuse. But let me tell you this. It's your fault that you got into this condition. I will not hesitate to take advantage of it in two weeks time. You see this belt? Take a good hard look at it over the next two weeks, because if that eye heals up, it'll be the last time you'll get such a close look. Whether you're 100%, 60% or... judging by the look of you... 20%, I don't care. I'll take this title from you and I'll finally get you to shut up about how I made you. You made a stupid decision tonight... make sure you make better ones against me or it'll just be far too easy."

MDE drapes the belt over Baker, who still hasn't moved. He stands, looks down at him for a little longer and then turns and walks off camera.

[Saturn]

The camera opens on James Saturn sitting leisurely on the turnbuckle of a ring in the middle of an empty arena. He's scribbling on a notepad and barely notices the camera approaching.

"And that is one down... Two to go."

James looks up to the camera, tosses his notepad out of the ring, and drops off the turnbuckle.

"Tonight I beat Jerry Bishop, and I sincerely hope that the Jester of FPW learned something from that match. See, I didn't get into that ring and destroy Bishop just so I could advance in the tournament, I also did it to teach him a lesson. He reminds me a lot of the old James Saturn, willing to lay down for what the company wants, let himself be patronized and stepped on, all for the fans. Well, I'm here to let you in on a little secret Jerry, the fans don't matter. The minute you stop listening to them and start working for yourself, that's when you get your mojo back, that's when you start winning again. You don't have to be a joke, take it from someone who was in the very same position only a month ago."

James rolls out of the ring and begins slowly walking up the ramp.

"But that was tonight, what I want to talk about is the future. Specifically, me winning the Young Lions Cup in two weeks time. Firstly, to advance to the finals I'll have to face off against the Black Death herself, Elizabeth Karlson. But that won't be too hard, I've been in the ring with her before, I've seen her fight, and after hours of studying her matches, I can confidently say I have her completely scouted. What's more intriguing to me is who I'll be facing in the finals, Berry Bishop or Marcus Allen Jones. Berry Bishop is a striker, and just one good hit from her can take you down hard, but she's green, and she's not going to be ready for James Saturn. And then there's Marcus Allen Jones, which... Look, I don't care if he wants to pretend that I'm part of his joke of a stable, it won't matter when I put him down in the ring at Young Lions Cup, but let me make this clear, I do not work for him, I don't work for anyone, and especially not that rat. So if he keeps wanting to play stupid mind games with Graham Baker over the FPW Championship, that's fine. But he should be focusing on something much more dangerous than Baker, and that's the Paragon of FPW, or else he's up for a very unpleasant surprise on March 10th when I launch a Saturnsault straight into his stupid face."

By now James has made it to the top of the ramp, he surveys the area and then looks to the cameraman. Without a single word, James punches the cameraman in the stomach and levels him with a nasty superkick. The camera tumbles to the ground and James walks over to it, picks it up, and aims it at his face.

"Oh yeah, and by the way, I'll be rooting for MDE in his match against Baker in two weeks, it's good that some people are finally figuring how much of a conceited shit our champion is. But just a fair heads up, whoever comes out on top in that match, don't get to comfortable with that belt, because pretty soon after I'm coming to take what is rightfully mine."

[noname1525]

The camera opens to reveal Artemis Evans flanked by the other two members of the Queendom. It's clear that Thea and Myra were struggling to contain laughter, but they remained quiet as Artemis began to speak. 

"Oh Berry. Berry Berry Berry. Did you really believe you'd beaten me? How foolishly naive. You thought you'd figured out the rules, but then I changed the game. You may have been able to get the better of me,  but when the three of us have a single goal, the Queendom is unstoppable. And right now, that goal is to keep this championship around my waist for as long as I want it to be there. So the rest of you better get used to this sight,  because now that we've returned to full strength here in FPW, I'm going to be champion for a long time."

Thea leaned over and whispered something to Artemis, and the two of them began snickering. Myra took this opportunity to begin speaking. 

"You all thought you'd seen the last of us when we left in December, but as we proved last night, you thought wrong. We're back, and we've returned to rule over this promotion. Don't believe me? Ask Berry Bishop."

"Or ask her failure of a brother." Thea chimed in,  causing all three women to start laughing.  

"Did you see the look on his face?" Artemis asked. 

"Which one?" Thea asked. "His little angry face when he came out or the look of absolute devastation when you won? I n ever thought I'd say this, but I actually missed this place. The people here are so easy to mess with."

The camera pulls back and fades out as the Queendom continue to talk among themselves.

 

[The_Aviator_GB]

Graham Baker sits in a chair in his gym, his Freedom Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Title slung over his shoulder, his eye and head bandaged as well as bandages being wrapped around his midsection and abdomen.

So. Here we go again.

Baker spits a glob of spit to the ground, and cracks his neck.

Once again, ambushed by TakeOver after they'd added Hunter-Killer to their ranks. Once again, my spotlight's taken by someone so jealous that I'd tapped them out in the center of the ring. Once again, someone comes screaming in to taunt my corpse after I've been knocked down, because they can't bear to face me while I'm on my feet. 

So many people to address, so little time. Where do I begin?

Baker adjusts his title, and holds it up.

Do you see this? What I still hold in my hands? The Freedom Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Title, something that I won't lose, something that can't be taken from me. Even when I'm down, MDE can't bear to grab it when he leaves. Even when I'm down, Marcus leaves the damn thing in the ring, as do his cronies. They can't bother to pull it off of me, and they know why, but I ask you, Freedom Pro Faithful, do you know why?

Two months ago, in Chicago, in front of a capacity crowd, I tore Marcus's arm out of its socket after I'd destroyed his legacy in front of his homebrew crowd. Two months ago, in Chicago, despite cheating, despite bringing out everything he had, I destroyed Marcus Allen Jones. I ended his title reign, and I held that belt high, my belt, in victory. I promised to bring notoriety back to this belt, prestige back to this belt. 

Marcus was afraid to bring this belt elsewhere, because he knew that while he was good, he wasn't as good as I was. He was afraid to defend this belt outside of FPW, because he was more happy with his trophy sitting around his waist. He was placated with the idea of the title simply sitting around his waist, on his shelf, anywhere that it could until Houston could force a defense out of him. Meanwhile, I've defended this belt everywhere. A barnburner against Gacy in CZW, multiple tear-down-the-house matches in various indies around the 'States, a main event title versus title match against WALTER in PROGRESS, and even defenses while I was tag team champion in ALPHA, holding both of those belts high everytime I came out.

To me, this belt is not a key to my success, but rather a key to the success of men around me. Marcus could take it back if he so wished, but he knows what would happen-I'd track him down, and I'd fucking destroy him. 

Speaking on that...I'll be coming to do that, anyway. TakeOver's painted a massive target on their back, and I don't think they're going to love the response they get when they can't come out five-on-one once again. Daniels, Jackson, Dario, Haych...you all have a receipt coming, one bigger than you ever could've imagined. You can run, but you cannot hide from me.

You will be alone, and when you are...I will come for you. That's a promise. Jones, you'll be kept waiting to watch your stable fall apart...but rest assured, you'll receive your comeuppance as well.

Baker adjusts the title once again. 

As for MDE, Saturn, anyone who listens to this and thinks for one second that they'll be coming for this belt, I have a message for you.

I tore Heaven and Hell asunder to reach this peak. I ripped through man after man, Emergency Landing after Emergency Landing. I took Dessius out of this fucking company, I outlasted Azazel, the first man to do so. Adam Thompson couldn't keep up, nor could Che or Berry or Jerry or Jack Sevren. All veterans of this industry, all coming for me, but no one can make a shot at me count. 

Every single person who's faced me in the past three months has fallen. I'm unpinned since Storm managed to outlast me. I'm undefeated in multiple promotions, I'm in the best shape of my life.

I'm an underdog no fucking longer.

I have my prize, I have this company on my back, I have the weight of the world on my shoulders and a responsibility to keep this belt out of the hands of men like MDE and Jones and Saturn who would hold it up as a prize, carry it for no other reason than to have it, just to prove that they're the best here-but me? I'm here to make FPW the most dominant force in the world of wrestling. I'm here to bring this belt to every promotion I come across, and defend it. I'm here to beat champions down into the mud, submit any villain who comes for me, show why FPW is the hottest thing in the fucking world right now, bar fucking none. 

Let it be known-this is just the start. 

On March 10th, I will defeat MDE, and, making a bold statement, I will tap him out. 

The winner of the Young Lions' Cup will find an insurmountable roadblock when they face me, as I bring them down to their knees in the ring and tap them out.

I will enter the Free-1 again, win for a second time, and I will pick my challenger for Judgment Day, who will also find themselves on the receiving end of an Emergency Landing that brings them more agony than they ever thought possible.

And I will prove, without a doubt, that I am the ace of this goddamned company, and no one, not Saturn, Jones, MDE, Jackson, Daniels, Invader or otherwise, will stand in my fucking way. 

So come prepared on March 10th, MDE, because even if I'm at 20%, you'll have to kill me to rip this belt from my hands.

And Saturn, if you're honest about winning...I hope you're ready to receive the second biggest embarrassment of your career at my hands, once again.

Baker spits another glob onto the ground, adjusting his belt and leaving the scene with the camera still filming...

[marileeg17]

Graham, Graham, Graham...

A camera comes up on Marcus Allen Jones, who is sitting alone in a dark room, the only light swinging like a pendulum from the ceiling, flashing to illuminate his face every few seconds.

I'm right here Graham. All alone. No Invaders, no Hunter Killer.

Marcus smirks, the glint of his smile being caught in the light.

I mean, I don't know what to say at this point. You were warned. You all were warned. But you just didn't listen or perhaps you just didn't take the warning seriously. And now you're paying for it. You wondered why I didn't pick the bones of your prone, bleeding body, taking, let there be no mistake, MY title, with me as I left triumphantly? Because that would have been too easy. It would have been too easy, like taking candy from a baby, like it was to get Hunter-Killer to see things from my point of view. It didn't take much to convince them to join the right side of history Graham. But I'm sure your bruised ego thinks otherwise. I'm sure you think I had to beg and plead and pay a king's ransom, when the truth is, they just don't like you. Or maybe it was that they just knew better. See, when you're about to go to war and you have a choice, why choose the losing side? You ALWAYS set yourself up for victory, something I just don't think you've quite learned.

I'm right here Graham, come find me, come get your "receipt."

Here's the thing Graham, trust no one. Maybe now you'll heed those words. I promised this place chaos, a promised this place a TakeOver. You didn't believe me, Houston didn't believe. Your lack of faith in me is disappointing. When have I ever not done what I said I was going to do? When have I ever issued an empty promise? You didn't believe me and now look what you made me do. Graham, it didn't have to be like this, but a message needed to be shown and a reminder needed to be issued. You may say you've put this company on your back but flash back a year when I put this company on the map. You may say that you are bringing prestige to the title, but tell me, how is defending the belt at every piss poor indie on this circuit bringing prestige? The way I see it, you're devaluing the very thing you claim to love by giving anyone and everyone a chance. But then again, it shouldn't surprise me. In fact, it's all become very clear. You claim I refused to defend this title and you're damn right I did, because it was prestigious. It was prestigious because the man made the title not the other way around. But I took it with me, remember, I had it over my shoulders when I decimated your friends in Ring of Honor, not once but twice. And had I defended it, I would have done so because someone proved themselves worthy, not because I knew I'd beat them. You handpick your victims because you know they are no match for you. How honorable of you! But I get it, you know your win over me was a fluke. So that's why you're denying me my contractually obligated rematch until you have no choice, because you know you won't beat me again.

Come get me Graham, I'm all alone. I promise there's no ambush waiting...

An ambush would be too easy. And I already did that. I'm an original Graham so you don't have to worry about another 5-on-1 attack. My MO is not to repeat myself. That would be boring. No my plan is a little different, a little more complex. You look at your calendar and you think, "I can only deny Marcus his rematch for the remainder of the 2019 calendar year." But see, your timeline is a little off there. Graham, I know what makes you tick, I know how to push your buttons. And I'm not afraid to do exactly that. So, you think you have all these months but when I'm done with you, you'll be begging for the rematch just to get rid of me in, let's set the clock at three months. If you don't beg me for a rematch in three months, I'll go away. I'll leave you to your championship reign knowing it's tainted because you refused to face the one man who you know would take that title off of you.

Three months Graham. If I haven't gotten under your skin in three months, consider yourself rid of me.

Marcus grabs the bulb so his face is fully in focus.

But I can promise you that my timeline is solid. And maybe this time you'll listen when I say, the clock is ticking... So take your pathetic belt wherever you want. I know you'll come back hollow, come back wondering, am I really a true champ until I accept this challenge? We both know that answer deep down and we both know it's going to eat away at you for the next three months. But in three months' time, everything you love, everything you think you know about this industry, will be taken over. And not just by the Invaders. Not just by Hunter-Killer. We are everything and everywhere. In every fiber of this company. You'll never know who to trust, never know how your matches might go. Choosing your challengers, hand picking them to ensure victory, that valiant approach, even that won't assure you'll pick someone I didn't already pick first. I'm five steps ahead and as much as I'm enjoying this little game of ours, we both know where this leads.

Three months Graham. I'll be waiting to spill even more of your blood. And I won't be in the shadows. Neither will TakeOver.

Oh and Houston? We have a problem. Or, more accurately, you have one, with TakeOver...

You'll all been warned. You won't be warned again. 

Just like that, Marcus shatters the glass bulb in his hand causing him to bleed, blood which he wipes right across the lens of the camera. He smiles at the camera before shutting it off.

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits in front of a camera. He looks at it for a few minutes and then taps on the lens.

"Graham? Graham? Hohoho, you're in trouble my friend. You're under siege. You're under siege from all sides. You're... let me educate you for a minute. Between late 1939 and early 1940, there was a war within a war. It was known as the Winter War and it was a war in which Russia took a great deal of land from Finland. Flash forward to 1941. The Germans were invading a Russia after a dramatic turn by Hitler, who had played Stalin for a fool to ensure his cooperation on the Eastern Front. The Fins saw their chance and swooped in, taking back the land that they'd lost. They advanced fairly far and they ensured that the Red Army couldn't just fight on one front. Together, the Fins and the Germans began the single greatest siege in military history.

"And that's you. You're Leningrad. You see, you don't just have me coming for you. You have Saturn coming from the north. I'm coming in from the west. As for your retreat south and east? Well TakeOver have got that covered. You've got nowhere to go, Graham. The final road into Leningrad was sealed on September 8th 1941, thus beginning an 872-day siege, the likes of which had never been seen before and will never be seen again. Families were wiped out and people turned into little more than animals as they died on the streets. The once-great city was reduced to rubble by the German war machine. And that's what awaits you.

"But wait... there's more. The people of Leningrad... they were survivors, just like you. They did whatever they could to stay alive, just like you. You say I'll have to kill you to take your title? That's the same thing the people of Leningrad believed at the beginning. By as the siege went on, things started to change. You see... there stories. Survivors, those few people who managed to survive, tell of atrocities. Atrocities which only happen when people are at their most desperate. Stories are told late at night in the city that has been built up over the remains of Leningrad of what happened in those 872 days. No food. Bodies lying dead in the streets. You don't have to be a genius to figure out that those people who, just like you Graham, would do anything to survive, turned to cannibalism.

"But, MDE, I hear you ask. What does that have to do with our match? Well, just like the people of Leningrad, I sense a bit of cannibalism in you, Graham. Of course I don't mean that you're going to take a bite out of my arm; this is a more spiritual cannibalism. Graham, you've built up the image of yourself as a wholesome fighter, who will do anything within your power to fight your corner and who has ultimately risen to the top of the company that you hold so dear. But that image... its starting to cannibalise itself, isn't it? There are little bite marks where the light is shining through. Saturn sees it. TakeOver see it. And I see it. You hand pick people you think you can beat to pad out your title reign. You take the title to shitty little indie promotions and proclaim great victories. But we can see through you, and soon your precious fans will see through you too. They loved you when you were underdog, Graham, but how will they feel when your project the image of a great champion?

"Ultimately, Graham, you, like Leningrad, will go down as nothing more than a footnote when they tell the story of a far greater war: MDE's war. I will join the spiritual blockade of Graham Baker. I will join those who make you turn your head and check your surroundings wherever you go. And I will strangle the life out of you before ultimately sending in the heavy artillery. Graham- I've told you many times now. Your days as champion are numbered, but your suffering? It's only just begun. I'll see March 10th... if I don't see you before that."

[kingclutch]

Russ Bolt and Clutch McCloud are backstage.

RB: Wooo! Russ Bolt vs. Jace Mason, bay-byyyyy!!!! *He and Clutch high five*

CM: I know you're gonna kill it, man.

RB: Mason, you don't wanna find out what happens when the Bolt strikes! But don't you worry about that Jace, I don't want you losing sleep worrying about that. I just want your best. Just know that my best is better. Now you're a talented kid, I'll give you that. Hell, you even gave Clutch here a run for his money and even came out on top. But you know what? I've been grinding my whole life. Through high school to get to The U (Miami), through The U to get to the NBA. Through the NBA to get to the Finals. While I've never hoisted the goal, I am a harder worker. And hard work will ALWAYS beat talent when talent doesn't work hard. Bank on that.

[kingclutch]

Clutch McCloud's Twitter (kingclutch)

Best of luck to one of my greatest teammates and friends, @boltfpw as he takes on Jace Mason for the Freedom Championship #GetThatGold #FreedomChampionship #FPW #ThisIsWhatWeLiveFor #RiseAndGrind

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop slumped on the floor against his locker with a thousand-yard stare. Berry Bishop half-heartedly skips up to him.*

BB: You okay, Jer-Bear?

JB: Hm? Oh, Berry. Yeah, uh... yeah, I’m okay.

*Berry slides down next to her brother*

BB: I know you really wanted to beat Jimmy “Super Jerk” Saturn tonight.

*Jerry chuckles slightly*

BB: There’s that smile!

JB: Thanks, Berry. But that doesn’t change the fact that I lost. Again.

BB: I’m sorry. You still gave them your all, though, and the crowd loved it.

JB: Right, right... still, though. One or two losses I can take, but something’s wrong. I don’t know what, but something must be wrong. What’s going on with me?

BB: You’re putting too much on yourself again, Jerry. Like that time you tried to piggyback me, Che, and Matt at the same time.

JB: Had to lie down for a couple of days after that...

BB: If it helps, I really appreciate you coming out to help me against Artie and those meanie Queenies.

JB: And that’s another thing, I cost you your championship match. Could I have done something differently? Should I have just trusted you to handle it on your own? Which you totally can when they’re playing fair.

BB: Which they don’t. Those witchy b-

*Jerry tuts her*

BB: ...belligerents.

JB: That’s better.

BB: I’ve been borrowing your thesaurus. Jerry, it’s going to be okay. There’s always another match. Another chance for us to bounce back and do what we do best.

JB: Be able to sit through a Big Bang Theory marathon and manage to not shoot the TV?

BB: We tolerate bad comedy so that we can use it as a teachable moment.

JB: Bishop By-Law #19.

BB: Precisely.

*Jerry takes a deep breath.*

JB: Maybe you’re right. You’re behind me, the fans are behind me, heck, even Jack and Bobby are behind me and I never thought I’d be saying that. I just gotta keep trying. I’ll get back on track eventually.

BB: C’mon, let’s go get some food.

JB: Panda House?

BB: Sammich Zone?

JB: Jilly’s?

BB: Jilly’s. We could both use the pick-me-up.

*The Bishops get to their feet. The siblings hug and walk out of the locker room arm in arm.*

BB: I actually asked my cable company to remove CBS.

JB: They’ve committed enough crimes against comedy. Unfortunately Les Moonves won’t let me back into their offices after last time.

[Deleted]

*a camera turns on to focus on Henry Harrison sitting behind a desk with his teddy bears resting on the desk*
Well, it’s been around three weeks since I first laid down a challenge to the freedom pro roster. Unfortunately, no one has responded to the chance to fight me. So I have to make a choice, do I start beating down people from behind to get a fight or do I call someone out. And right now I don't feel like getting an earful from my bears about how what I did was wrong. So that leaves me only one option. So who do I call out? The new kid on the block with Zachary Bates, the winner of the dead man’s chest match Bobby O, or do I call out the man on the losing steak Jerry Bishop. *suddenly Henry turns to his left and starts intently listening to his black bear* hmm I do see what your saying in that calling out jerry bishop would be my best option right now. *Henry then turns back to face the camera* So Jerry I guess you know what I am doing now. So what do you say Jerry are we going to fight at the young lion's cup or do I have to make this more personal.