Post by Jim Houston on Feb 10, 2019 9:56:45 GMT
The show begins with a shot of the Young Lions’ Cup and a dramatic video which recaps last year’s tournament. It shows Marcus Allen Jones holding up the cup before going on to cash in his title opportunity to win the belt. It then goes through a dramatic reading of each entrant’s name, showing highlights of each, beginning with Kris Knight, who just has some grainy footage from other companies; then it goes to Henry Harrison, showing him brutally attacking Jace Mason and talking to his bears; then it shows Zachary Bates’ high flying abilities. It moves onto showing Berry Bishop defeating MDE before showing her and Elizabeth Karlson facing off as Karlson also takes down Lia Ness. It then floats between Jerry Bishop, James Saturn and Marcus Allen Jones, showing each of them tangling in the Free-1 last year, before ending on a lingering shot of the Young Lions’ Cup.
MW: Eight Freedom Pro Wrestling roster members enter. Two are eliminated tonight, two more in two weeks time before we play to a winner on March 10th. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Young Lions’ Cup 2019.
SD: Last Year this tournament saw the ascension of Marcus Allen Jones to the very top of this company. This year will see him reclaim that spot and it all starts with his quarter-final tonight against Zachary Bates.
MW: We will indeed see that match tonight. Our other quarter-final tonight will see Berry Bishop go one-on-one with Henry Harrison. In addition, Jace Mason defends the newly re-named Freedom Championship against Clutch McCloud. We also will see Bobby O face Jerry Bishop in what promises to be an excellent main event.
As the lights go down in the arena, ‘This Fire Burns’ echoes out through the arena as a motivated, determined and strong-faced Clutch McCloud enters the entrance ramp. He cracks a smile, walking down to the ring and slapping the hands of fans wearing his merchandise and others. A group of fans hold up a ‘Go Clutch!’ sign and Clutch smiles, taking a picture with them before he approaches the ring. He pulls himself up onto the apron, entering through the middle rope before he enters the center of the ring. He poses, and settles into a corner shortly after while his music dies down.
MW: And it is the Freedom Championship match that starts us off tonight. Jace Mason faces perhaps his toughest challenger.
SD: Perhaps. Clutch McCloud is the veteran in this match. He knows how to win and he will certainly have a plan. Jace has his work cut out for him tonight.
Moments later, “Afterlife” rings out through the arena as Jace Mason enters from the backstage area. He strikes a pose as his pyro goes off, and then walks down to the arena, slapping hands and walking to the ring, rolling under the bottom rope as he approaches. He poses in the middle of the ring, holding his FPW Freedom Title high in the air as he lets out a cheer. He settles in the ring as Clutch gives him a cocky grin, and he passes the title to the referee, who holds it high. The bell rings shortly thereafter, and he and Clutch shake hands before starting the match.
Match 1: Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Clutch McCloud (written by Baker):
Clutch and Mason lock up, with Clutch quickly able to use his size, strength, speed, and ring awareness to shove Mason into a corner, but instead of chopping Mason, he changes his gameplan up and whips Mason into the opposing turnbuckle. He follows up, running over and catching Mason with a brutal clothesline against the opposing turnbuckle.
McCloud whips Mason into the opposing buckle, and looks to go for an early TarHEEL to when Mason hits the buckle, but Mason hops the ropes, catching Clutch off-guard! He goes for a Gamengiri to Clutch over the ropes, but Clutch responds quickly with an elbow to the head of Mason, knocking him off the ropes and off the apron! Clutch hits the ropes, bouncing back and rebounding-SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT BY CLUTCH MCCLOUD TO JACE MASON ON THE OUTSIDE!
Clutch gets to his feet first, pulling Mason up on his shoulders, pushing him inside the ring. He climbs up to the ring apron, planning to go for another Moonsault, but Mason manages to roll out of the way, sending Clutch crashing to the ground! Mason tries to capitalize with a superkick, but Clutch ducks low, shoving Mason out of the way! Mason trips, and Clutch rushes forward, catching Mason with a brutal low-angle Shining Wizard! He goes for a pin on Mason!
ONE!
TW-No! Mason kicks out! Clutch looks surprised, but a sly smile creeps onto his face. He lines up for a Technical Foul, signalling for it, but as he goes for it when Mason gets back to his feet, Mason ducks it! Mason nails Clutch from behind with a clothesline, before grabbing Clutch and trying to lift him up with a Falcon Arrow, but Clutch nails him with a knee to the skull, causing him to drop Clutch!
Clutch goes for another Technical Foul, but Mason manages to dodge it, catching Clutch and whipping him into the corner! This time, Mason goes for a dropkick on Clutch to the corner-but Clutch ducks it once again! He catches Mason on the rebound with a Belly to Belly suplex, and bridges for a pi
ONE!
TWO-Mason kicks out just after two! Mason shoves Clutch off, and tries to go for a standing Shooting Star Press onto Clutch, but Clutch gets his knees up! He yanks Mason up to his feet, before hitting a Jumping Spin kick on Mason! He follows through with another Technical Foul attempt, but Mason’s scouted it again, whipping Clutch into the ropes and CUTTING HIM OFF with a brutal running dropkick!
Clutch slides to a stop next to the ropes, and Mason goes high, going for a Shooting Star Press-but Clutch rolls to avoid it once again! Clutch rolls to the outside, recovering for a moment and taking a breather, but Mason hits the ropes to go for a suicide dive-CLUTCH NAILS MASON WITH A BRUTAL TECHNICAL FOUL AS HE DIVES OUT OF THE RING! Mason’s left hanging on the ropes, and Clutch climbs up to the apron-SHINING WIZARD TO MASON HUNG ON THE APRON! Clutch rolls Mason through, and goes for a pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO! Mason kicks out once again! McCloud looks confused, convinced he had the win, but he tries his previous method once again. He pulls Mason to his feet, and whips him into the turnbuckle, before diving-MASSIVE clothesline to Mason against the corner turnbuckle! He whips Mason into the opposite corner, going for another Tarheel-but this time, Mason ducks it once again, grabs Clutch around the waist-GERMAN SUPLEX to Clutch McCloud, sending him back into the center of the ring!
Mason goes high, teasing an SSP, but as McCloud gets his knees up, Mason steals a page out of Graham Baker’s book and nails McCloud in the upper chest with a diving Double Stomp! McCloud looks winded, and Mason yanks him up to his feet, teasing a high-angle superkick as McCloud gets his hands up, before kicking him low, hitting the ropes as McCloud drops, and nailing him in the skull with another massive dropkick! Mason goes for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO! McCloud kicks out! Mason pulls McCloud up, intending on going for the Extra Credit to bring about an ending to the match, but McCloud has other ideas as he nails Mason in the gut with a series of elbows. McCloud taps his elbow-DISCUS LARIAT to the head of Jace Mason, knocking his head clear off! McCloud follows up with a low-angle kick, before going for another Shining Wizard to Mason! He hits the ropes-SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO JACE MASON! McCloud goes for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
THR-NO! Mason kicks out once again! Clutch lines up for another brutal strike with his TarHEEL, but Mason rolls him up!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-NO! McCloud kicks out! Mason hits his stride, however, and pulls Clutch up onto his shoulders through the roll-up, nailing him on his knee with the Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker! He hits the ropes, hitting a springboard Shooting Star Press! He’s not done, however, as he pulls McCloud up one more time-AIR RAID CRASH NECKBREAKER! Mason goes for a pin of his own!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-NO! A flurry of near-signatures from Jace Mason couldn’t bring McCloud to an ending, and Mason knows what he has to do. He pulls McCloud up, but as he goes to whip him into the ropes, Clutch back-drops Mason to the center of the canvas! Clutch yanks Mason up to his feet, and goes for another Technical Foul, missing it, but as Mason goes to capitalize, Clutch whips around with a massive backhanded discus lariat to Mason! Mason drops to a knee, and Clutch lines him up-TECHNICAL FOUL! He lands it and goes for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-MASON GETS A SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST SECOND! Clutch McCloud thought he had it, and he was so close! Clutch lines himself up in the corner, readying for a punt kick, but as he launches at Mason, Mason rolls out of the way! He catches Clutch from behind-REVERSE DDT TO THE CANVAS! Mason goes high for one final Shooting Star Press-AND HE LANDS IT!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-NOW CLUTCH KICKS OUT! Mason looks to be in shock, he’s not sure what more he can do! He gives Clutch space as Clutch gets back to his feet, and Clutch goes for a Discus Lariat, sending Mason to the ground! Mason lays still as Clutch lines up for a TarHEEL, prepared to bring an end to the match as the fans begin to rise to a crescendo! Mason pulls himself up to his feet, and Clutch rushes forward, but Mason, at the last second, COUNTERS WITH A MASSIVE SUPERKICK TO THE JAW OF CLUTCH MCCLOUD! Clutch falls back, and Mason pulls him close-EXTRA CREDIT TO CLUTCH MCCLOUD! Mason hooks the leg for a pin on Clutch!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Winner: Jace Mason.
Mason rolls off of Clutch and breathes heavily as he looks up to the sky, completely exhausted and breathless. He falls to the ground flat, brutalized, and shakes his head as the referee hands him his title belt. Clutch McCloud slowly gets to his feet, and Mason places his title on his shoulder, looking to Clutch. He offers his hand, and Clutch shakes it again, before running his hand over Mason’s title. He looks to Mason, and with a wry smile, runs his finger across his neck before he rolls out of the ring to allow Mason to celebrate.
Backstage, Dasha Banks appears on camera.
DB: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion, Graham Baker.
The fans cheer as the camera pans to Baker. A ‘Gra-ham Ba-ker’ chant breaks out.
GB: Dasha… that gives me an idea. Come on.
Baker starts to walk off, beckoning Dasha to come with him. The camera follows him down the corridor and up some stairs before he comes through the curtain and walks into the entrance ramp. The fans cheer loudly as he walks down to the ring, holding the ropes open for Dasha to follow.
GB: Why not do this out here, in front of all of these wonderful people?
DB: Well… why not indeed. Graham, you've been in the wars recently with James Saturn and Marcus Allen Jones wanting to get involved in your business. What do you have to say to both of those two?
GB: James Saturn earned a chance to face me for my championship, that much is obvious. But I beat him. It was unfortunate that Marcus chose to get involved and I understand why James was upset, but if he thinks for one second that he was going to beat me before Marcus got involved, he's delusional. His reaction to that loss was completely over the top and, if I may say so, completely out of character. But Saturn seems to think himself to be something new now- ‘The Paragon’- whatever that's supposed to mean. If he somehow manages to win the Young Lions’ Cup, I'll take great pleasure in beating him again. As for Marcus… well I beat him at Judgement Day and he doesn't like it. He doesn't get an immediate rematch just because. He needs to earn it. If he wins the Cup, I'll gladly beat him again too.
DB: Of course, all of this depends on victory over MDE at the Young Lions’ Cup finals show.
GB: It does. And I've consistently said that I will beat MDE. He was a tough opponent last year. He did beat me twice, albeit with an asterix next to the second loss. But last time we faced each other, I made him submit. Since then, I've been on the up and he's been going in the opposite direction. He says that he'd get a chance at this title even if I didn't offer him one, but I don't believe that. I offered him a chance so that I could finally put it to bed that he's on my level. I will beat MDE and I will face whoever wins this tournament.
DB: Do you expect TakeOver to get involved in that match?
GB: They can try. Marcus tried to stop me beating Saturn. Did it work? Hell no. Will it work against MDE. No again. If Marcus thinks he can get a chance at my title just by interfering in my matches, he's mistaken. I plan to prove that to him in two weeks time when I can get my hands on him the right way- in this ring.
DB: Right now, that match remains a three-on-one handicap match. Do you have any partners in mind? You already turned down Jace Mason’s offer of assistance.
GB: I did, and I'll explain why. TakeOver are a team. A team with an egomaniacal leader who will do whatever it takes to get his way, but they're a team nonetheless. Ideally, it would be me, Karlson and Grimm, but Grimm’s out for a long time and Liz has her own fish to fry in the Young Lions’ Cup. I need a team alongside me who know how to work together. I've made an offer but I'm waiting for a response. It may not be my first choice, but I think it's the right one.
DB: Thank you for joining me. Do you plan to stay out here for Marcus Allen Jones’ match?
GB: No. He may want to interfere in my matches, but until he earns a chance to face me, I have no interest in his.
Baker plays to the fans for a few moments before leaving the ring, allowing a couple of young fans to hold his belt as he walks back up the ramp.
MW: After what proved to be an excellent title defense for Jace Mason, we now return to the ring for the first of four Young Lions’ Cup quarter-finals that will be happening over this show and next.
SD: And what a way to start off! The defending Young Lions’ Cup winner, the man who will win this until he's no longer young enough, Marcus Allen Jones!
MW: Mmmmm, that's the same Marcus Allen Jones who tried to interrupt our FPW Championship match at Launch Party? The same Marcus Allen Jones who no-showed his own match with Jack Sevren? The same Marcus Allen Jones who lost his FP-
SD: Alright, alright, I get the point. Marcus may not have quite been at the top of his game recently, but this is how he gets back to the top. A win over Zachary Bates and then a win over whoever wins our next match and then a win over whoever makes it to the final and then a win over whoever is the champion and then wins over everyone, just like before.
MW: You mentioned his opponent there, Zachary Bates. Bates is an impressive young wrestler fresh to FPW. He made his debut a month or so ago when he faced, and beat, Jerry Bishop. I think Zachary Bates will give Marcus a very tough match tonight.
SD: Tough perhaps, but there's only one winner and that's the Marksman himself, my best friend, Marcus Allen Jones.
Cult of Personality begins to play and the fans boo vociferously. Marcus swaggers out onto the ramp, pausing for a moment before doing his standing back flip and landing with a pose as Haych and Dario join him. The boos get even louder as The Invaders walk out and this causes the three men of TakeOver to smile a little wider as they saunter down the ramp. As ‘I'm the smiling face on your TV’ hits, Marcus gives a big smile to the camera and pulls out a piece of paper, which simply says ‘Marcus, Haych, Dario and……’ before he slides into the ring and poses dramatically for the fans, who still boo him loudly.
After Marcus’ music fades out, ‘ProtoVision’ plays and Zachary Bates comes out to a fairly warm reception. He walks down the ramp, hood up, and slaps hands with some fans. He gets down to the ring and takes a big breath before leaping up onto the apron, flipping into the ring and climbing up to the top rope to pose. After a few seconds, he backflips down, landing perfectly in the same pose that Marcus landed in at the top of the entrance ramp. All the while, Marcus lies across the top rope, a la Shawn Michaels, flanked by Haych and Dario.
During the introductions, Bates looks a little restless but Marcus still lies across the top rope, head resting on his hand. As Dasha Banks leaves the ring, Marcus yawns, stretches and climbs down, walking up to Bates and looking him up and down before giving him a smirk.
Match 2: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final 1: Zachary Bates v Marcus Allen Jones:
The bell rings and Bates rushes in quickly, only for Marcus to roll underneath his attempted lock up. Bates turns as Marcus gives him another smirk. Bates rushes in again and Marcus again rolls away, this time ending up lying down with his head resting on his hand again. Bates looks down, frustrated, and he aims a kick at Marcus, but Marcus is too fast, rolling away and springing to his feet. Bates again rushes in but Marcus connects with a dropkick to take him down.
Quickly, Marcus looks for a standing moonsault. Bates rolls away but Marcus lands on his feet. Bates leaps up and aims a roundhouse kick at Marcus, who ducks and leaps up for a hurricanrana. Bates cartwheels out of it and ducks as Marcus runs at him. He drops down but Marcus steps over him before Bates leapfrogs over Marcus. Marcus aims a lariat, but Bates ducks and hits the ropes himself, springboarding and looking for a back elbow. Marcus moves and Bates rolls backwards, pushing himself up to his feet. Marcus aims another dropkick at Bates but Bates steps aside and Marcus hits the mat. Bates aims for a standing moonsault this time and Marcus rolls away, but Bates lands on his feet. Marcus shoves Bates into the corner and follows him, but Bates steps up the turnbuckles and back flips away as Marcus connects with the turnbuckles. He staggers out and Bates leaps up, connecting with a reverse rana!
MW: By God, listen to this crowd!
SD: I haven't heard a ovation like this since… no, I don't want to think about that.
MW: These two might be the most athletic men here in FPW and they certainly showed it right there.
SD: Marcus is down but Bates can't capitalise. He's blown up from all of that flippy-do stuff.
Bates pulls himself up, breathing hard, but Marcus is already pulling himself up too. Bates connects with a spinning thrust kick to the gut to double Marcus over and then he pulls him into a front facelock, moving over to the ropes. He steps up and looks for a tornado DDT, but Marcus pushes him away when he lands. Bates comes in again and Marcus connects with a drop toe hold which sends Bates face first into the middle turnbuckle. Marcus steps back, taking a moment to slow things down and catch his breath. Before Bates can recover, Marcus grabs him by the legs and pulls him out of the corner, lifting him and planting him with the wheelbarrow facebuster. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Bates kicks out.
Marcus doesn't waste any time in pulling Bates up and setting him up for a suplex. He lifts him and then looks for the falcon arrow, but Bates lands on his feet and connects with a dropkick to the now-seated Marcus. He goes for a standing moonsault again and this time connects, holding for a cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out. Bates then pauses for a second, allowing Marcus to get to his feet, before running at the ropes and springboarding again, this time connecting with an enzeguiri which sends Marcus rolling out of the ring. Bates looks down at him and runs at the ropes, hitting a suicide dive to send Marcus to the ground. But Bates doesn't stop, heading straight back into the ring and running at the ropes again. Just as Marcus makes it to his feet, Bates connects with a suicide somersault senton. The fans cheer loudly as Bates springs back to his feet. He climbs into the ring again but Haych and Dario come over to check on Marcus. Bates looks down at the three TakeOver men and shrugs. He runs at the ropes leaping up onto the top rope catching his balance and taking all three down with a shooting star press.
MW: And TakeOver are down!
SD: Get up Marcus!
MW: Zachary Bates showcasing incredible athleticism all through this match. This is simply a joy to behold.
SD: No it isn't! Come on Marcus!
MW: Marcus Allen Jones may have met his match athletically tonight. Bates needs to get him into the ring though.
After taking a moment to recover, Bates pulls Marcus out of the TakeOver heap and rolls him back into the ring. He follows and quickly makes a cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Marcus just gets a shoulder up as the fans gasp. Bates waits for Marcus to get to his feet before connecting with a superkick which staggers him, he then pulls him in for a snap dragon suplex and backs into the corner, running at a kneeling Marcus and delivering a brutal bicycle knee strike. Marcus rolls backwards and Bates crouches in the corner again, waiting for him to make it to his feet. As he does, Bates runs at him and takes him down with a sling blade, making a quick cover, 1-2-no! Again Marcus just manages to get a shoulder up.
Bates holds his head in frustration but he doesn't let up for long. He rolls Marcus out of the ring and onto the apron, lifting him almost immediately and looking for a suplex. He lifts him and is about to drop him for a brainbuster onto the apron, but Marcus drills a knee into Bates’ head to block it. Marcus drops down and then connects with a Pele kick before shoving Bates off the apron and into the guardrail. Falling back into the ring, Marcus holds onto the official and distracts him as Haych and Dario lay into Bates on the outside. The fans boo loudly as The Invaders throw him into the guardrail and hit him with hard strikes before rolling him back in. Marcus makes a cover, 1-2-no. Bates gets a shoulder up as the fans cheer and begin a ‘Bates, Bates, Bates’ chant.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones almost stealing one there.
SD: He doesn't steal things; he simply takes what's his. Zachary Bates has the temerity to try and stop Marcus from winning his Young Lions’ Cup. Disgraceful.
MW: What's disgraceful is one of the longest tenured FPW wrestlers using his lackeys to try and beat someone who's been here for five minutes.
SD: Haych and Dario are not lackeys! They're associates.
MW: Whatever we're calling them, it's an embarrassment to Freedom Pro Wrestling.
Marcus stands and puts the boots to Bates as the crowd continues to boo. He smirks as he lifts Bates, who's bleeding from a small cut just above his eye after The Invaders opened him up. Marcus pulls him in for another falcon arrow and this time hits it, rolling away instead of making the cover. He climbs up to the top rope and poses for a moment before connecting with a phoenix splash. He makes the cover, 1-2-no! Bates barely manages to get a shoulder up as the fans cheer loudly. Marcus looks down at Bates with mild annoyance before pulling him up by the back of his shorts. He traps the wrist and looks for Six Stars, but Bates rolls under the bicycle knee, trapping Marcus’ wrist and going for a rainmaker. Marcus ducks and aims a superkick at Bates but Bates ducks and connects with a roundhouse kick to leave both men down on the canvas.
The fans cheer as both men lie breathing heavily. The cheers quickly turn to boos as Dario climbs onto the apron and Haych gets into the ring. He pulls Bates up and throws him into the ropes, looking for a pop-up powerbomb. Bates, however, spins and connects with a hurricanrana, sending Haych into Dario, knocking Dario off the apron and sending Haych to the outside. Bates then looks down at them and hits the ropes, charging at the, before taking them both down with a somersault plancha. Bates quickly slides back into the ring only for Marcus to connects with a superkick before he can get off his knees.
Marcus then pulls Bates up and traps the arm again, looking for Six Stars as the crowd boos. He ripcords him and leaps up for the bicycle knee, but Bates sidesteps and connects with a lifting inverted DDT. He makes the cover, 1-2-no! Marcus manages to kick out again. Bates then stands, gaining energy from the fans who's noise goes up another level. He pulls Marcus up and lifting him onto his shoulders. Rolling forward, he plants Marcus and leaps up onto the second rope, coming down with a moonsault and making the cover, 1-2-no! Again Marcus just gets a shoulder up to silence the fans.
Bates, however, catches the arm, traps it and locks in a crossface! The fans cheer and a loud ‘tap, tap, tap’ chant breaks out. Marcus writhes in pain and tries frantically to make it to the ropes, but Bates keeps him under control. As Marcus scratches and claws his way to the ropes, Bates tries to resist and to pull him back towards the middle of the ring. For just a moment, Bates breaks the hold to drag Marcus back, but Marcus takes advantage, rolling Bates onto his back for a quick cover, 1-2-no! Bates barely gets a shoulder up. Marcus and Bates both scramble to their feet at the same time. Bates aims a superkick but Marcus ducks, leaping up for a hurricanrana, but Bates catches him and shoves him off. Bates then pulls Marcus in for a sit out powerbomb, which connects, and he holds for the pin, 1-2-no! Marcus again barely manages to get a shoulder up.
MW: Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing fifteen of the best minutes of wrestling I've seen in a long time.
SD: And it's not over! Marcus is still alive!
MW: Perhaps only thanks to the interference of The Invaders. But this match is still going. Zachary Bates has come so close, on multiple occasions. Can he finish the job and pull off the biggest shock we've seen in FPW in… perhaps ever?
Bates stands and the fans can sense the end is close. He stalks Marcus and, as soon as he's in position, he grabs the wrist and looks for the rainmaker. He pushes him out and then pulls him in for the clothesline, but Marcus ducks and connects with a reverse DDT. He follows it up quickly with a standing shooting star press and holds for the cover, 1-2-no! Bates gets a shoulder up. Marcus then pulls Bates up and sets him up for Six Stars once more. He ripcords him but, before he can pull him back in, Bates pulls Marcus in and connects with a rainmaker! Bates then stands and goes for the corkscrew senton, but Marcus gets his knees up and rolls Bates up into a schoolboy, 1-2-no! Bates barely pushes Marcus off.
Both men scramble to their feet and Bates connects with a superkick. Marcus staggers but he returns fire with a standing enzeguiri. Both men droop but Marcus drops to his knees. Bates looks down at him and connects with a hard kick to the chest, then another, then another. He repeats until he's kicked Marcus ten times before a stiff kick to the head ends the combination. Instead of covering him, Bates drags a motionless Marcus over to the turnbuckles. He sets him into position and climbs, looking down at Marcus for a few seconds before leaping down with a 630 senton.
However, Marcus isn't there and Bates crashes into the mat. Haych stands in the ring with the official trying to get him out, which allowed Dario to slide Marcus out of the ring. With Bates down, Dario helps Marcus back up and Haych exits the ring. Marcus climbs gingerly up to the top rope and, without his usual theatrics, leaps off for a Mark-Out Moment, the faintest hint of a ‘fuck you, Trevor’ being heard just before impact. Marcus holds for a cover with a back-press, 1-2-3.
Winner: Marcus Allen Jones.
SD: Yes! Yes! Yes! Marcus wins.
MW: That match was absolutely amazing but it will be tainted by the knowledge that, if not for Haych and Dario, surely Zachary Bates would have had it won.
SD: You'll never know. Bates was impressive. He's beaten Jerry and he gave Marcus a tough test, but he's not as good as the rightful FPW Champion.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones advances- barely- into the semi-finals.
Marcus is helped out of the ring by Haych and Dario. TakeOver stand and bask in the boos for a short period before The Invaders help Marcus up the ramp. At the top of the ramp Marcus turns and looks at Bates, who kneels against the ropes and stares back. Marcus flashes him a smile and motions to call him sometime.
SD: Marcus is right. Zachary Bates would make a great addition to TakeOver.
MW: You really think that Zachary Bates is going to want anything to do with Marcus Allen Jones and those two?
SD: And…
MW: And what?
SD: And… there's more to TakeOver than the three men we can see.
Bates pulls himself up and the fans begin a warm round of applause. He salutes each side of the ring before climbing out and staggering up the ramp, slapping a coupe of hands as he goes to the back.
A video plays showing a dark room, lit only by candlelight. Three shapes can be seen, mere shadows flickering with the lights. Two sit cross-legged on the floor while the other kneels in front of them. A chant begins, quietly, and the kneeling man slowly raises his arms. The chant gets louder and louder, the man's arms raising until they reach up to the ceiling, the voices reaching a crescendo as the third man lets out a great scream. The chant suddenly stops, and the man's arms drop limply to his sides, his body slumping forward. The smaller of the two points towards him, and the larger stands, pulling the body of the kneeling man up and over his shoulder. The two walk out of the room, the camera following behind them and lingering on a shot of the face of Azazel, eyes wide open in a demonic stare.
MW: I… I'm not sure what we've just seen.
SD: Whatever it was, I don't like it. I don't like these two creeps and I don't like this weird magic stuff.
MW: Well, after that incredible match- Zachary Bates’ second potential Match of the Year candidate already here in FPW by the way- we've got something entirely different.
SD: Clown Junior versus Bear Guy? This ought to be interesting.
MW: Berry Bishop, the number one contender for the FPW Women's Championship after a big win at Launch Party, takes on Henry Harrison, a man who's struggled to make much of an impact in his time in FPW and who, quite frankly, I think may be insane.
SD: He listens to two teddy bears which he thinks tell him what to do. What insane about that?
MW: What isn't? But he's also a dangerous man. He's a brawler be what lacks in technical ability he makes up for in striking ability. Berry Bishop could be in trouble in this one.
SD: And next she faces Artemis Evans. She'll be lucky if she's still in one piece after these two matches.
‘Narco’ begins to play and Henry Harrison emerges, running over to the right side of the stage and holding out his arms. The fans don't give him much of a reaction so he runs over to the leg side of the stage and does the same, to a similar reaction. He then marches down the ramp and rolls under the bottom rope, pulling his two teddy bears- a polar bear and a black bear- from his jacket and placing them carefully under the bottom turnbuckle. He makes them bow to him before crouching down and listening to them. He looks with disgust at the polar bear and shakes his head before turning away looking thoughtful.
The mood changes when ‘The Entertainer’ plays and Berry Bishop enters. She bows at the top of the ramp as the fans cheer loudly, giving her the strongest reaction she's had in FPW, before hopscotching down the ramp and playing the ring apron in time with the music. She bows in the middle of the ring and gives the fans a smile and a wink before looking over at the bears and saying how cute they are. She moves closer to them but Harrison blocks her and she moves away, holding her hands out to show she means no harm.
Match 3: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final 2: Henry Harrison v Berry Bishop:
The bell rings and Berry comes to the centre of the ring, extending her hand to Harrison. He looks to the bears for guidance and, looking at the black bear, moves forward to shake Berry’s hand. Berry tries to pull away after the handshake, but Harrison holds on and glances over his shoulder at the polar bear. With a sick smile, he pulls Berry back in and connects with a hard clothesline. He mounts Berry and starts laying into her with right hands before the official’s count reaches four and he suddenly stops, looking back at the black bear. He stands and moves back, allowing Berry a bit of time to recover. She looks up at him and checks her lip for blood.
Before she can stand, Harrison runs at her, aiming another clothesline. Berry, however, manages to duck and to take him down with a spinning heel kick. She then rolls through and locks in a chinlock, forcing Harrison to the mat and pushing up with her hips to apply more pressure. She pushes herself up into almost a headstand, applying even more pressure, before bringing her feet over into a bridge, applying even more. The official asks Harrison whether or not he wants to quit, but he won't, and Berry is forced to break the hold when she can't maintain her position.
MW: Impressive technique from Berry Bishop.
SD: She learnt a lot when she was training with-
MW: She probably doesn't want us to mention that.
SD: Look, what MDE did to her was as immoral as it comes, but she did learn a lot and she is a better wrestler as a result. One day, when she's over what happened, she might recognise that.
Berry stands and aims a kick at the seated Harrison, who drops to the mat and looks for a kip up. However, Berry catches him into a waist lock, pops her hips and takes him down, locking in a front face lock to keep him grounded. She maintains the hold for a few moments before transitioning, grasping the arm and twisting it behind Harrison’s back. She then stands, keeping one foot on the arm before driving the other into the upper arm to send Harrison rolling away into the corner in pain. Harrison rolls over to his bears and he tells the black bear that his advice did t work, before turning to the polar bear. He listens intently and then makes it to his feet, Berry watching with interest all the time.
The two of them come together in the middle of the ring, and Harrison offers a hand for a test of strength. Berry takes it but Harrison quickly kicks her in the gut and clubs her across the back. He then pulls her into a front facelock and connects with an implant DDT. Instead of making the cover, he looks to the polar bear and mounts Berry again, connecting with a series of right hands. Again the official makes his count and gets to four. This time, Harrison flinches and covers his ears, looking accusingly at the black bear before climbing off Berry and holding out his hands to tell the bear to calm down.
MW: This Henry Harrison can wrestle… but I'm not sure I'd say he's all there.
SD: Imagine what it must be like to face him. He's one of the least predictable wrestlers here in FPW. It can't be easy.
MW: It certainly can't. We've heard a lot about Graham Baker and MDE going back and forth talking about predictability and adaptability. I'd love to see what those two have to say about Henry Harrison and these two bears.
Harrison turns back to Berry, but he's met with a spinning thrust kick to the gut followed by a monkey flip. She makes a cover, 1-2-no. Harrison kicks out. Berry keeps a grip on him, locking in a headlock and pulling him up, only to connect with a running bulldog. Berry then pulls him up and whips him into the corner, connecting with a running knee which sends him staggering. She follows up with a disaster kick and makes another cover, 1-2-no. Again Harrison kicks out. Berry then goes back to the arm that she kicked earlier. She looks to lock in a double wrist lock but Harrison lands clubbing blows which force her away.
He climbs to his feet just in time to duck a roundhouse kick. As Berry spins back to face him, he pulls her in and plants her with a spinebuster. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Berry manages to kick out. Harrison then turns to the bears and, after a nod to the polar bear, he pulls Berry out of the ring. The official follows and tries to get them back into the ring, but Harrison whips Berry hard into the guardrail and then throws her into the ringpost shoulder first. He then steadies her against the post and runs at her, driving a forearm into her face and forcing the back of her head into the ringpost. Berry slumps to the ground.
MW: That must have been the bad bear that did that.
SD: If I'm Henry Harrison, I'm throwing that black bear away. Everything that's gone well in this match for him has come from the polar bear’s influence.
MW: …… like almost getting disqualified twice?
SD: Like using the environment to incapacitate Berry Bishop. He just needs to roll her into the ring and he's got this one won.
Harrison looks at the bears again and looks ashamed when he looks at the black bear. Shaking his head, he pulls Berry up and rolls her into the ring. He follows and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Berry kicks out at the last second and the fans let out a cheer of relief. Harrison looks at the polar bear but then quickly turns away, looking at the black bear and nodding. He stands back, letting Berry pull herself to her feet using the ropes. As she does, he keeps glancing at the polar bear and then forcing himself to look away, but he can't resist. He sits up onto the top turnbuckle and stands before coming down with a meteora from the top rope. He covers Berry, 1-2-no! Again Berry barely kicks out.
Harrison then looks to the polar bear with a twisted smile again and pulls Berry to her feet. He lifts her onto his shoulders and looks about to deliver a devastating move before he looks down at the bears one more time. He looks at the black bear for a few seconds before shaking his head and putting Berry down. As he does, he aims a kick at her head, but she sidesteps and connects with a penalty kick as Harrison hits the mat. Berry makes the cover, 1-2-no. Harrison kicks out. Berry then stalks Harrison, looking set for Checkmate. She aims and spins, but Harrison blocks the kick with an axe handle and takes her down hard with a double leg. He then backs away before running at Berry, who sits in the middle of the ring, and connecting with a penalty kick. He makes a deep cover, 1-2-no! Berry just gets a shoulder up.
MW: This match was milliseconds away from being over!
SD: I'd rather Henry Harrison not face Marcus in the next round, thank you.
MW: Harrison looks frustrated that this one hasn't finished yet. He's looking to those bears and… wait, where's he going?
Henry Harrison rolls out of the ring and looks underneath it. He pulls out a steel chair and slides it into the ring. Following, he picks up the chair and, after checking with the polar bear, stands ready to strike Berry with it. The official tries to pull the chair away but Harrison shoves him away and, just as Berry is about to turn, he readies himself again. He brings the chair down hard but Berry swiftly grabs the black bear and holds it above her head. Harrison pauses, staring at her for a few seconds. She drops the bear and ducks under a second frenzied chairshot. Harrison lowers the chair and Berry connects with Checkmate, sending him slumping to the mat and the chair across the ring. Berry makes the cover, 1-2-3.
Winner: Berry Bishop.
MW: Berry wins! She almost had her head taken off with a steel chair but some quick thinking and a devastating Checkmate sealed her place in the Young Lions’ Cup semi-finals.
SD: Where she will face Marcus Allen Jones.
MW: She certainly will. Berry cele- wait a minute!
Henry Harrison grabs the chair again and swings it aggressively at Berry, who barely manages to get out of the way. She quickly gets out of the ring and leaves Harrison to reconcile with his bears, picking up the black bear that Berry tossed aside and seemingly mediating an argument between the pair of bears. Berry, meanwhile, backs up the ramp, keeping her eyes on her defeated opponent.
A video plays hyping the Tag Team Title match for Young Lions’ Cup. It showcases Bobby O and Jack Sevren, their title reign, their All Star Tag Team Classic win, and even some of their battles against one another from previous companies. It also show The Guardians of Strong Style, how they earned the chance to wrestle for the titles, how they defeated Jack and Bobby in an absolute classic and their victory over Hunter Killer, Sato narrating their victories with a speech about how no one else is ready to face them.
As the video ends, a camera follows Berry Bishop backstage, where she walks down a corridor and into the women’s locker room, only for the door to open before her and Artemis Evans to walk out. Berry holds her hands up as if to say she doesn't want any trouble, but Evans merely laughs.
AE: Impressive, Bishop. Two wins in a row… what's that now? Two wins in FPW? I don't see why Houston thinks you'll be the one to beat me. I'll chew you up and spit you out. You may have learned a bit of mat wrestling from that creep MDE but you're no match for me. Now get out of my way.
Evans shoulder barges Berry and walks on, leaving Berry staring at her. Berry mumbles something to herself.
BB: I learned a lot more than you think…
She gives Evans one last look before entering the locker room.
“The Comedian's Gallop” begins to play from the arena speakers, and Jerry Bishop emerges to a hero's welcome. He bowed to the crowd, then began walking down the ramp as Dasha Banks began the introductions for the match.
“The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Kansas City Missouri, the Jester, Jerry Bishop!”
By this point, Jerry was standing in the middle of the ring and waving to the crowd as his music began to fade out. He said something to the fans in the front row as “This Means War” began and the cameras refocused on the stage.
The intro finished, and Bobby O walked out onstage, Jack Sevren trailing behind him. He looked out into the cheering audience and nodded at the warm response.
“And introducing his opponent, from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Being accompanied by Jack Sevren, he is Mr FPW, Bobby O!”
Mike Watson(MW): “Bobby O has always been a fan favorite here in FPW, but this response is on another level compared to the ones he’s received in the past.”
Steven Deville(SD): “No one likes to see a wrestler get injured, but everyone loves to see them come back.”
Bobby removed his jacket and stepped forward with his hand extended. Jerry eagerly shook it, and the cameras could hear him saying “it’s good to have you back.” Bobby nodded before he let go of Jerry’s hand and backed into his corner. The ref called for the bell, and both Jerry and Bobby advanced.
Match 4: Jerry Bishop v Bobby O (written by Mason):
Both men were tentative at first, one would reach for one of their opponents’ arms, only for it to be pulled back. Then Bobby grabbed Jerry’s wrist and pulled him in, stepping behind him and attempting a waistlock. Jerry prevented him from locking his hands and grabbed one of his arms, turning his grip into a wristlock. But he didn’t have time to wrench on his grip before Bobby broke free and turned in, pulling Jerry to the mat with a snapmare and locking in a chinlock. He held Jerry there for a momently, gradually adding pressure, before Jerry managed to push his arm over his head and squirm free. Bobby stood up and backed away, allowing Jerry time to rise to his feet.
SD: “A nice technical exchange to begin this match.”
Jerry and Bobby once again stepped forward and tied up. Bobby once again took advantage, grabbing Jerry’s arm and bending it back behind his head. Jerry struggled to escape, and right when it looked like he was going to succeed, Bobby passed the arm over his head and snapped it over his shoulder, then utilized an arm wringer to send Jerry back down to the mat. With Jerry in a seated position, Bobby bent his arm back once again.
MW: “Bobby O has clearly not spent his time away doing nothing, this is a more technical Bobby than we’ve seen before.”
Jerry shifted his weight and was just able to get his foot on the bottom rope to force a break. Bobby let go and backed up as Jerry stood up. Bobby went right after Jerry’s arm again as he advanced, but it was Jerry who grabbed his wrist and whipped him into the ropes. Jerry tossed Bobby with an arm drag on the rebound, but Bobby didn’t stay down for long, scrambling right back to his feet. Jerry quickly closed the distance, but Bobby met him with a boot to the gut. Jerry doubled over, and Bobby wrapped his arm around his neck to set up a DDT, only for Jerry to shove him backwards into the ropes. Bobby released his hold and allowed Jerry to back into the center of the ring. Bobby took a few steps forward when Jerry dove for a double leg takedown. Bobby sprawled out to keep his legs out of reach, then turned around and attempted to lock in a rear-naked choke. In his panic, Jerry turned onto his back, but this only allowed Bobby to wrap his legs around his waist and tighten his hold.
SD: “We might see a quick ending to this match!”
But Jerry was able to pry Bobby’s legs from around his midsection and roll himself back, forcing Bobby’s shoulders to the mat.
...1!..Kick-out!
Both men scrambled to their feet, hoping to be the first to get to upright position. Jerry just managed to beat Bobby and locked in a side headlock. Bobby backed him to the ropes, but instead of holding him there to force the break, Bobby used it to pick up momentum and walked back into the center of the ring, pushing Jerry off of him towards the far ropes, then dropped down as Jerry rebounded. He shot to his feet as Jerry hit the ropes, then dropped Jerry with a clothesline as he ran back towards him. With Jerry flat on his back, Bobby resumed his earlier attack on the arm, connecting with a quick knee drop that landed across Jerry’s bicep before turning him over and locking in a hammerlock. Jerry cried out as Bobby increased the pressure.
MW: “Bobby is clearly looking at setting up for submission victory later in this match, and he’s working to soften up Jerry’s arm for the O Snap.”
Jerry drove his free elbow back, hoping to connect with Bobby’s head in order to force him to release the hold. Bobby withstood the first three, but when the fourth connected, his grip loosened, and when the fifth elbow strike landed, he let go entirely. Jerry rolled over and kipped up, then grabbed at his arm, clearly feeling the effects of Bobby’s targeted assault.
Bobby rose to his feet and ran at Jerry for another clothesline, but Jerry ducked underneath, causing Bobby to his the ropes and rebound. Jerry raised his leg and called out “Superkick!” causing Bobby to stop and cover his face. The crowd laughed as Jerry lowered his leg and took a look at Bobby, who was still ready to block an incoming superkick. But he began to realize what was going on, and slowly lowered his arms, a slightly bemused expression on his face. He said something to Jerry as they began to circle each other, to which Jerry responded with a shrug and a sheepish grin. Bobby suddenly reached out and grabbed Jerry’s wrist and whipped him into the corner. He ran in after him and appeared to set up a forearm smash, which caused Jerry to raise his arms and cover up. But Bobby stopped himself before making contact, which prompted another round of laughter from the audience. Jerry figured out what happened and lowered his arms as Bobby said “Two can play at that game.” Jerry nodded, slightly abashed that someone had pulled the same trick on him.
But on the outside of the ring, Jack Sevren wasn’t pleased with Bobby’s joking around. “You should have hit him Bobby.” Bobby just shrugged and backed out of the corner, motioning for Jerry to bring it.
The two tied up once more. This time, it was Jerry who scored the advantage, stepping around and trapping Bobby with a waistlock. He drove him into the ropes and attempted an O'Connor roll-up, but Bobby held onto the ropes, causing Jerry to merely roll backwards into the middle of the ring. Bobby turned around as Jerry stood up and met him with a quick forearm smash. Jerry was stunned momentarily, and Bobby capitalized, throwing on a front facelock and rotating so that he was facing the ropes again; then connected with a snap suplex. He floated over into a cover, holding Jerry's shoulders down.
...1!.Kick-out!
Bobby nodded as he stood up, unsurprised that Jerry had escaped. He grabbed a wrist and pulled Jerry up, then dragged him to the ropes. Bobby draped the previously targeted arm over the top rope, exposing Jerry's chest for a knife-edge chop. As always, the crowd reacted with a loud “WOO”, which prompted Bobby to do it again, driving his hand into Jerry's chest. He went for it one more time, but Jerry countered, leaning back into the ropes and bringing his knees up into Bobby's chin. Bobby staggered back from the impact, buying Jerry time to rotate his shoulder a few times, trying to work the feeling back into it. Bobby ran forward again, this time running into a back elbow from Jerry. Then it was Jerry who was running forward, pulling Bobby down with a headscissors takedown. Bobby didn't stay down for long, and was already rising as Jerry ran to the ropes. Jerry knocked Bobby back down with a clothesline, then continued to run and hit the ropes behind Bobby. As Bobby began to rise again, Jerry approached and attempted a tilt-a-whirl DDT. But as he swung around to drive Bobby's head down, Bobby shoved him away, causing Jerry to drop face-first onto the mat. Jerry quickly rose to a kneeling position, only to be struck with a roundhouse kick from Bobby. Leaving Jerry dazed, Bobby backed into the corner. Grabbing the top rope, he pushed himself up until he was standing on the middle turnbuckle. The crowd grew quiet as he waited for Jerry to rise to his feet. And then as Jerry stood up, Bobby leaped from the turnbuckle and hit a missile dropkick. Jerry was knocked off his feet and as Bobby landed, he quickly made a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
MW: “It looked like Jerry was taking control of the match, but Bobby was still one step ahead. Now Bobby taking a moment to catch his breath and plan his next move.”
Jerry had rolled over several times until he was resting on the apron and began using the ropes to pull himself upright. Bobby looks over and sees Jerry rising. He stands up and runs over, attempting to grab him, but Jerry sidesteps. Bobby tried a clothesline next, but Jerry ducked under that and leaned over the ropes to deliver a forearm smash. Bobby took a few steps back, and Jerry quickly climbed between the ropes and back into the ring. He ran towards Bobby and connected with a dropkick. Bobby went down, but Jerry quickly pulled him back up and into a front facelock. He lifted Bobby up before bringing him down with a suplex. Jerry maintained his hold, and after swinging his hips around, pulled Bobby up for a second suplex. He lifted his opponent, but before he could bring him back down, Bobby shifted his weight and landed behind him. He quickly grabbed Jerry’s wrist and set up for a ripcord lariat, spinning him out. But as he pulled him back for the lariat, Jerry left his feet and pulled him to the ground with a slingblade! Jerry quickly stood back up and then leaped into an elbow drop onto Bobby’s chest. He transitioned his landing into a cover, hooking Bobby’s leg.
...1!..Kick-out!
Leaving Bobby laying flat on his back, Jerry ran into the corner and climbed to the second rope. He pumped his arms up and down a few times, getting the crowd ready for his next move as Bobby stood up. Jerry launched into the air, attempting a blockbuster, but Bobby ducked and ran forwards to avoid the attack. Jerry rolled through and came up standing. He turned around as Bobby ran at him and blocked his attempted punch. The two began exchanging right hands, the pauses between each punch slowly growing more and more prolonged.
MW: “Bobby O best be careful here, he’s found himself in a similar situation to the one he was in when he was injured.”
After Jerry’s latest punch, Bobby had no response, so Jerry continued his offensive. He caught Bobby with a kick to the leg, then swung a quick left jab. But Bobby caught Jerry’s fist and used it to pull him in for a clothesline. Jerry just managed to duck underneath and stand up behind Bobby, who quickly turned around. Jerry went for a hook, but this time it was Bobby who ducked down, connecting with two swift punches to the midsection, then with a European uppercut as he straightened up. Jerry was staggered. And Bobby wasted no time in pressing his advantage, pulling him in for a DDT. Jerry was planted into the mat, but instead of going for a cover, Bobby pulled him back up and began to drag him into the corner.
SD: “What’s Bobby got in mind now? After getting the better of that striking exchange, he was in prime position to try and finish the match. But instead he’s decided to go for more offense instead.”
Bobby left Jerry leaning in the corner and connected with a single punch to keep him dazed as he took a deep breath. He then lifted Jerry up, seating him atop the highest turnbuckle. He then began climbing the turnbuckles himself. He now stood on the top rope, locking in a front facelock on Jerry, who he pulled into a standing position. He pulled upwards, but Jerry managed to hold on. Bobby tried again, but Jerry would not be budged. Bobby’s attempts to lift Jerry abated for just a moment, but Jerry made it count, landing several strikes to Bobby’s midsection. Bobby released his facelock, and Jerry shoved with all his might, sending Bobby crashing to the mat below. Jerry repositioned himself on the top rope, staring down at Bobby's prone body. And then he flew, driving his body into Bobby with a frog splash!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Jerry stood up, an intense expression on his face. He motioned for Bobby to stand back up, nodding repeatedly as he did. Bobby unsteadily rose, and as he did so, Jerry hit a snapmare and sent him down into a seated position. Jerry ran to the ropes and rebounded, attempting a penalty kick as he neared Bobby. But Bobby threw his body back to avoid the kick, and as Jerry was slightly off-balance, Bobby pulled him down with a school boy roll-up!
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Jerry rolled backwards back to his feet, only to run into a superkick from Bobby! Jerry tried to stay upright, but was failing until Bobby lifted him into a fireman's carry. He rotated Jerry off of his shoulders and pulled him down with a stunner! Jerry flopped onto his back and Bobby dove into a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
MW: “Unbelievable! Jerry Bishop is still alive in this match!”
SD: “I don’t think it will be that way much longer, Bobby O is closing in on the end of this fight.”
And sure enough, Bobby was eyeing the slowly rising Bishop in a way that was all too familiar to the crowd, who began an “RKO!” chant. Jerry fully straightened, and Booby leaped for the RKO. But as he wrapped his arms around Jerry’s neck to bring him down, Jerry caught him, holding him in place! Somewhat awkwardly, Jerry shifted his grip and planted Bobby with an inverted DDT. Jerry rolled onto the apron, standing up while keeping an eye on Bobby, who also rose to his feet. The crowd knew what was coming, and they started clapping in anticipation. As Bobby turned to face him, Jerry pulled himself onto the top rope, then used that to launch himself for a springboard forearm. He connected, driving his arm into Bobby’s face, but as he landed, he winced, grabbing at the arm he’d used to strike Bobby.
MW: “Oh!”
SD: “Well this is interesting Bobby’s attack on the arm from before paying off now, buying him time to roll out of the ring before Jerry could make a cover.”
Bobby was currently leaning against the barricade, recovering after the springboard forearm. Jerry looked over and saw him, the ran towards the ropes, launching himself over them and onto the apron without losing momentum. Then he launched himself, and Bobby turned around and stepped away from the barricade just in time to get knocked down with a crossbody! Jerry quickly lifted him up and tossed him into the ring, then rolled in after him and made a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Jerry paused for a moment, taking a few deep breaths and rotating his arm a few times before standing up, pulling Bobby upright with him. He whipped Bobby to the ropes, but as Bobby neared him on the rebound, he suddenly left his feet. He caught Jerry with a headscissors, turning him around and around before bringing him down and immediately transitioning into an arm trapped crossface! Jerry cried out in sudden pain, clearly not expecting the submission. He did his best to reach the ropes, scrambling to get just a little closer. But Bobby didn't let him move a inch.
SD: “It's not the O Snap, Bobby’s signature submission, but he's once again applying pressure to that shoulder. And judging by the expression on Jerry's face, it may lead to the end of this match all the same.”
Jerry's free arm was reaching for the ropes, but he soon lowered it closer to the mat, prepared to tap out. But he clenched his fist. He began rocking back and forth slightly. This upset Bobby's grip, and as he re-adjusted his hold, Jerry turned into him, driving his shoulders into the mat!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Both men scrambled to their feet, and Bobby delivered a quick boot to Jerry's gut before throwing him into the ropes. Jerry rebounded back towards him, and Bobby lifted him for a pop-up powerbomb, but Jerry managed to keep his momentum and land behind Bobby. Both men turned around, and Jerry took advantage with a step-up enzuigiri. Bobby was staggered, and Jerry utilized a quick snapmare to pull him to the mat.
MW: “Are we going to see it?”
Jerry hit the ropes and charged back towards Bobby, connecting with a devastating penalty kick!
MW: “Yes we are! Jerry Bishop hitting the Touchstone Takedown; and now dropping into a cover!”
...1!...2!..Bobby kicked out!
SD: “But it still wasn’t enough to put Bobby away!”
Jerry grabbed both of Bobby wrists and simultaneously pulled him to his feet and into a straightjacket hold. He tucked Bobby’s head and let out a laugh, preparing for the Last Laugh. But before he could hit his finishing move, Bobby attempted to straighten up, raising Jerry’s feet off the ground. He couldn’t quite throw Jerry over his head as he was clearly trying to do, and was forced to set Jerry back down. But he had managed to loosen Jerry’s grip, and was able to break out of the straightjacket. He quickly shoved Jerry away and straightened up, then was forced to duck as Jerry attempted a clothesline. Bobby followed Jerry to the ropes, and as Jerry turned around, Bobby clotheslined him over the top. But as Bobby turned around, Jerry landed on the apron. He waved to the crowd before he ran to the corner post and began climbing the turnbuckles. Bobby heard the crowd’s response to Jerry’s wave and turned around to see him perched on the top turnbuckle. He ran forward and leaped, connecting with a dropkick directly to Jerry’s chest! Jerry dropped into a seated position on the top turnbuckle, and Bobby quickly climbed up to meet him. He slapped on a front facelock and wasted no time, lifting Jerry up and bringing him to the mat so far below with a superplex! And he wasn’t finished there, transitioning his grip into an anaconda vice!
MW: “The O Snap is locked in, and Jerry has nowhere to go!”
SD: “And Bobby’s been targeting that arm and shoulder throughout the entire match, Jerry is in no shape to fight free.”
Jerry was reaching for the ropes with his free arm, but the superplex and taken him far enough away that they were just out of reach. He then began using his free arm to land several forearm strikes to Bobby’s head, but the angle prevented him from doing much damage. Bobby increased the pressure on the hold, and Jerry let out a loud cry of pain and tapped out! Bobby released his hold and stood up as “This Means War” began to play once more.
Winner: Bobby O.
MW: “What a match we just witnessed. I’d say it’s just about the perfect comeback for the returning Bobby O.”
Jack Sevren climbed into the ring and raised Bobby’s hand in victory, joining him in soaking in the crowd’s adulation.
SD: “Both competitors gave it their all tonight, there’s no doubt about that. But Bobby’s technical prowess was too much for Jerry to overcome this time. Bobby has clearly improved that part of his wrestling game while injured, and I think that he and Jack Severn have a good chance to regain their tag team championships from the Guardians of Strong Style when they get their rematch in four weeks at the Young Lion's cup event.”
MW: Eight Freedom Pro Wrestling roster members enter. Two are eliminated tonight, two more in two weeks time before we play to a winner on March 10th. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Young Lions’ Cup 2019.
SD: Last Year this tournament saw the ascension of Marcus Allen Jones to the very top of this company. This year will see him reclaim that spot and it all starts with his quarter-final tonight against Zachary Bates.
MW: We will indeed see that match tonight. Our other quarter-final tonight will see Berry Bishop go one-on-one with Henry Harrison. In addition, Jace Mason defends the newly re-named Freedom Championship against Clutch McCloud. We also will see Bobby O face Jerry Bishop in what promises to be an excellent main event.
As the lights go down in the arena, ‘This Fire Burns’ echoes out through the arena as a motivated, determined and strong-faced Clutch McCloud enters the entrance ramp. He cracks a smile, walking down to the ring and slapping the hands of fans wearing his merchandise and others. A group of fans hold up a ‘Go Clutch!’ sign and Clutch smiles, taking a picture with them before he approaches the ring. He pulls himself up onto the apron, entering through the middle rope before he enters the center of the ring. He poses, and settles into a corner shortly after while his music dies down.
MW: And it is the Freedom Championship match that starts us off tonight. Jace Mason faces perhaps his toughest challenger.
SD: Perhaps. Clutch McCloud is the veteran in this match. He knows how to win and he will certainly have a plan. Jace has his work cut out for him tonight.
Moments later, “Afterlife” rings out through the arena as Jace Mason enters from the backstage area. He strikes a pose as his pyro goes off, and then walks down to the arena, slapping hands and walking to the ring, rolling under the bottom rope as he approaches. He poses in the middle of the ring, holding his FPW Freedom Title high in the air as he lets out a cheer. He settles in the ring as Clutch gives him a cocky grin, and he passes the title to the referee, who holds it high. The bell rings shortly thereafter, and he and Clutch shake hands before starting the match.
Match 1: Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Clutch McCloud (written by Baker):
Clutch and Mason lock up, with Clutch quickly able to use his size, strength, speed, and ring awareness to shove Mason into a corner, but instead of chopping Mason, he changes his gameplan up and whips Mason into the opposing turnbuckle. He follows up, running over and catching Mason with a brutal clothesline against the opposing turnbuckle.
McCloud whips Mason into the opposing buckle, and looks to go for an early TarHEEL to when Mason hits the buckle, but Mason hops the ropes, catching Clutch off-guard! He goes for a Gamengiri to Clutch over the ropes, but Clutch responds quickly with an elbow to the head of Mason, knocking him off the ropes and off the apron! Clutch hits the ropes, bouncing back and rebounding-SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT BY CLUTCH MCCLOUD TO JACE MASON ON THE OUTSIDE!
Clutch gets to his feet first, pulling Mason up on his shoulders, pushing him inside the ring. He climbs up to the ring apron, planning to go for another Moonsault, but Mason manages to roll out of the way, sending Clutch crashing to the ground! Mason tries to capitalize with a superkick, but Clutch ducks low, shoving Mason out of the way! Mason trips, and Clutch rushes forward, catching Mason with a brutal low-angle Shining Wizard! He goes for a pin on Mason!
ONE!
TW-No! Mason kicks out! Clutch looks surprised, but a sly smile creeps onto his face. He lines up for a Technical Foul, signalling for it, but as he goes for it when Mason gets back to his feet, Mason ducks it! Mason nails Clutch from behind with a clothesline, before grabbing Clutch and trying to lift him up with a Falcon Arrow, but Clutch nails him with a knee to the skull, causing him to drop Clutch!
Clutch goes for another Technical Foul, but Mason manages to dodge it, catching Clutch and whipping him into the corner! This time, Mason goes for a dropkick on Clutch to the corner-but Clutch ducks it once again! He catches Mason on the rebound with a Belly to Belly suplex, and bridges for a pi
ONE!
TWO-Mason kicks out just after two! Mason shoves Clutch off, and tries to go for a standing Shooting Star Press onto Clutch, but Clutch gets his knees up! He yanks Mason up to his feet, before hitting a Jumping Spin kick on Mason! He follows through with another Technical Foul attempt, but Mason’s scouted it again, whipping Clutch into the ropes and CUTTING HIM OFF with a brutal running dropkick!
Clutch slides to a stop next to the ropes, and Mason goes high, going for a Shooting Star Press-but Clutch rolls to avoid it once again! Clutch rolls to the outside, recovering for a moment and taking a breather, but Mason hits the ropes to go for a suicide dive-CLUTCH NAILS MASON WITH A BRUTAL TECHNICAL FOUL AS HE DIVES OUT OF THE RING! Mason’s left hanging on the ropes, and Clutch climbs up to the apron-SHINING WIZARD TO MASON HUNG ON THE APRON! Clutch rolls Mason through, and goes for a pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO! Mason kicks out once again! McCloud looks confused, convinced he had the win, but he tries his previous method once again. He pulls Mason to his feet, and whips him into the turnbuckle, before diving-MASSIVE clothesline to Mason against the corner turnbuckle! He whips Mason into the opposite corner, going for another Tarheel-but this time, Mason ducks it once again, grabs Clutch around the waist-GERMAN SUPLEX to Clutch McCloud, sending him back into the center of the ring!
Mason goes high, teasing an SSP, but as McCloud gets his knees up, Mason steals a page out of Graham Baker’s book and nails McCloud in the upper chest with a diving Double Stomp! McCloud looks winded, and Mason yanks him up to his feet, teasing a high-angle superkick as McCloud gets his hands up, before kicking him low, hitting the ropes as McCloud drops, and nailing him in the skull with another massive dropkick! Mason goes for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO! McCloud kicks out! Mason pulls McCloud up, intending on going for the Extra Credit to bring about an ending to the match, but McCloud has other ideas as he nails Mason in the gut with a series of elbows. McCloud taps his elbow-DISCUS LARIAT to the head of Jace Mason, knocking his head clear off! McCloud follows up with a low-angle kick, before going for another Shining Wizard to Mason! He hits the ropes-SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO JACE MASON! McCloud goes for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
THR-NO! Mason kicks out once again! Clutch lines up for another brutal strike with his TarHEEL, but Mason rolls him up!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-NO! McCloud kicks out! Mason hits his stride, however, and pulls Clutch up onto his shoulders through the roll-up, nailing him on his knee with the Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker! He hits the ropes, hitting a springboard Shooting Star Press! He’s not done, however, as he pulls McCloud up one more time-AIR RAID CRASH NECKBREAKER! Mason goes for a pin of his own!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-NO! A flurry of near-signatures from Jace Mason couldn’t bring McCloud to an ending, and Mason knows what he has to do. He pulls McCloud up, but as he goes to whip him into the ropes, Clutch back-drops Mason to the center of the canvas! Clutch yanks Mason up to his feet, and goes for another Technical Foul, missing it, but as Mason goes to capitalize, Clutch whips around with a massive backhanded discus lariat to Mason! Mason drops to a knee, and Clutch lines him up-TECHNICAL FOUL! He lands it and goes for a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-MASON GETS A SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST SECOND! Clutch McCloud thought he had it, and he was so close! Clutch lines himself up in the corner, readying for a punt kick, but as he launches at Mason, Mason rolls out of the way! He catches Clutch from behind-REVERSE DDT TO THE CANVAS! Mason goes high for one final Shooting Star Press-AND HE LANDS IT!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-NOW CLUTCH KICKS OUT! Mason looks to be in shock, he’s not sure what more he can do! He gives Clutch space as Clutch gets back to his feet, and Clutch goes for a Discus Lariat, sending Mason to the ground! Mason lays still as Clutch lines up for a TarHEEL, prepared to bring an end to the match as the fans begin to rise to a crescendo! Mason pulls himself up to his feet, and Clutch rushes forward, but Mason, at the last second, COUNTERS WITH A MASSIVE SUPERKICK TO THE JAW OF CLUTCH MCCLOUD! Clutch falls back, and Mason pulls him close-EXTRA CREDIT TO CLUTCH MCCLOUD! Mason hooks the leg for a pin on Clutch!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Winner: Jace Mason.
Mason rolls off of Clutch and breathes heavily as he looks up to the sky, completely exhausted and breathless. He falls to the ground flat, brutalized, and shakes his head as the referee hands him his title belt. Clutch McCloud slowly gets to his feet, and Mason places his title on his shoulder, looking to Clutch. He offers his hand, and Clutch shakes it again, before running his hand over Mason’s title. He looks to Mason, and with a wry smile, runs his finger across his neck before he rolls out of the ring to allow Mason to celebrate.
Backstage, Dasha Banks appears on camera.
DB: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion, Graham Baker.
The fans cheer as the camera pans to Baker. A ‘Gra-ham Ba-ker’ chant breaks out.
GB: Dasha… that gives me an idea. Come on.
Baker starts to walk off, beckoning Dasha to come with him. The camera follows him down the corridor and up some stairs before he comes through the curtain and walks into the entrance ramp. The fans cheer loudly as he walks down to the ring, holding the ropes open for Dasha to follow.
GB: Why not do this out here, in front of all of these wonderful people?
DB: Well… why not indeed. Graham, you've been in the wars recently with James Saturn and Marcus Allen Jones wanting to get involved in your business. What do you have to say to both of those two?
GB: James Saturn earned a chance to face me for my championship, that much is obvious. But I beat him. It was unfortunate that Marcus chose to get involved and I understand why James was upset, but if he thinks for one second that he was going to beat me before Marcus got involved, he's delusional. His reaction to that loss was completely over the top and, if I may say so, completely out of character. But Saturn seems to think himself to be something new now- ‘The Paragon’- whatever that's supposed to mean. If he somehow manages to win the Young Lions’ Cup, I'll take great pleasure in beating him again. As for Marcus… well I beat him at Judgement Day and he doesn't like it. He doesn't get an immediate rematch just because. He needs to earn it. If he wins the Cup, I'll gladly beat him again too.
DB: Of course, all of this depends on victory over MDE at the Young Lions’ Cup finals show.
GB: It does. And I've consistently said that I will beat MDE. He was a tough opponent last year. He did beat me twice, albeit with an asterix next to the second loss. But last time we faced each other, I made him submit. Since then, I've been on the up and he's been going in the opposite direction. He says that he'd get a chance at this title even if I didn't offer him one, but I don't believe that. I offered him a chance so that I could finally put it to bed that he's on my level. I will beat MDE and I will face whoever wins this tournament.
DB: Do you expect TakeOver to get involved in that match?
GB: They can try. Marcus tried to stop me beating Saturn. Did it work? Hell no. Will it work against MDE. No again. If Marcus thinks he can get a chance at my title just by interfering in my matches, he's mistaken. I plan to prove that to him in two weeks time when I can get my hands on him the right way- in this ring.
DB: Right now, that match remains a three-on-one handicap match. Do you have any partners in mind? You already turned down Jace Mason’s offer of assistance.
GB: I did, and I'll explain why. TakeOver are a team. A team with an egomaniacal leader who will do whatever it takes to get his way, but they're a team nonetheless. Ideally, it would be me, Karlson and Grimm, but Grimm’s out for a long time and Liz has her own fish to fry in the Young Lions’ Cup. I need a team alongside me who know how to work together. I've made an offer but I'm waiting for a response. It may not be my first choice, but I think it's the right one.
DB: Thank you for joining me. Do you plan to stay out here for Marcus Allen Jones’ match?
GB: No. He may want to interfere in my matches, but until he earns a chance to face me, I have no interest in his.
Baker plays to the fans for a few moments before leaving the ring, allowing a couple of young fans to hold his belt as he walks back up the ramp.
MW: After what proved to be an excellent title defense for Jace Mason, we now return to the ring for the first of four Young Lions’ Cup quarter-finals that will be happening over this show and next.
SD: And what a way to start off! The defending Young Lions’ Cup winner, the man who will win this until he's no longer young enough, Marcus Allen Jones!
MW: Mmmmm, that's the same Marcus Allen Jones who tried to interrupt our FPW Championship match at Launch Party? The same Marcus Allen Jones who no-showed his own match with Jack Sevren? The same Marcus Allen Jones who lost his FP-
SD: Alright, alright, I get the point. Marcus may not have quite been at the top of his game recently, but this is how he gets back to the top. A win over Zachary Bates and then a win over whoever wins our next match and then a win over whoever makes it to the final and then a win over whoever is the champion and then wins over everyone, just like before.
MW: You mentioned his opponent there, Zachary Bates. Bates is an impressive young wrestler fresh to FPW. He made his debut a month or so ago when he faced, and beat, Jerry Bishop. I think Zachary Bates will give Marcus a very tough match tonight.
SD: Tough perhaps, but there's only one winner and that's the Marksman himself, my best friend, Marcus Allen Jones.
Cult of Personality begins to play and the fans boo vociferously. Marcus swaggers out onto the ramp, pausing for a moment before doing his standing back flip and landing with a pose as Haych and Dario join him. The boos get even louder as The Invaders walk out and this causes the three men of TakeOver to smile a little wider as they saunter down the ramp. As ‘I'm the smiling face on your TV’ hits, Marcus gives a big smile to the camera and pulls out a piece of paper, which simply says ‘Marcus, Haych, Dario and……’ before he slides into the ring and poses dramatically for the fans, who still boo him loudly.
After Marcus’ music fades out, ‘ProtoVision’ plays and Zachary Bates comes out to a fairly warm reception. He walks down the ramp, hood up, and slaps hands with some fans. He gets down to the ring and takes a big breath before leaping up onto the apron, flipping into the ring and climbing up to the top rope to pose. After a few seconds, he backflips down, landing perfectly in the same pose that Marcus landed in at the top of the entrance ramp. All the while, Marcus lies across the top rope, a la Shawn Michaels, flanked by Haych and Dario.
During the introductions, Bates looks a little restless but Marcus still lies across the top rope, head resting on his hand. As Dasha Banks leaves the ring, Marcus yawns, stretches and climbs down, walking up to Bates and looking him up and down before giving him a smirk.
Match 2: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final 1: Zachary Bates v Marcus Allen Jones:
The bell rings and Bates rushes in quickly, only for Marcus to roll underneath his attempted lock up. Bates turns as Marcus gives him another smirk. Bates rushes in again and Marcus again rolls away, this time ending up lying down with his head resting on his hand again. Bates looks down, frustrated, and he aims a kick at Marcus, but Marcus is too fast, rolling away and springing to his feet. Bates again rushes in but Marcus connects with a dropkick to take him down.
Quickly, Marcus looks for a standing moonsault. Bates rolls away but Marcus lands on his feet. Bates leaps up and aims a roundhouse kick at Marcus, who ducks and leaps up for a hurricanrana. Bates cartwheels out of it and ducks as Marcus runs at him. He drops down but Marcus steps over him before Bates leapfrogs over Marcus. Marcus aims a lariat, but Bates ducks and hits the ropes himself, springboarding and looking for a back elbow. Marcus moves and Bates rolls backwards, pushing himself up to his feet. Marcus aims another dropkick at Bates but Bates steps aside and Marcus hits the mat. Bates aims for a standing moonsault this time and Marcus rolls away, but Bates lands on his feet. Marcus shoves Bates into the corner and follows him, but Bates steps up the turnbuckles and back flips away as Marcus connects with the turnbuckles. He staggers out and Bates leaps up, connecting with a reverse rana!
MW: By God, listen to this crowd!
SD: I haven't heard a ovation like this since… no, I don't want to think about that.
MW: These two might be the most athletic men here in FPW and they certainly showed it right there.
SD: Marcus is down but Bates can't capitalise. He's blown up from all of that flippy-do stuff.
Bates pulls himself up, breathing hard, but Marcus is already pulling himself up too. Bates connects with a spinning thrust kick to the gut to double Marcus over and then he pulls him into a front facelock, moving over to the ropes. He steps up and looks for a tornado DDT, but Marcus pushes him away when he lands. Bates comes in again and Marcus connects with a drop toe hold which sends Bates face first into the middle turnbuckle. Marcus steps back, taking a moment to slow things down and catch his breath. Before Bates can recover, Marcus grabs him by the legs and pulls him out of the corner, lifting him and planting him with the wheelbarrow facebuster. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Bates kicks out.
Marcus doesn't waste any time in pulling Bates up and setting him up for a suplex. He lifts him and then looks for the falcon arrow, but Bates lands on his feet and connects with a dropkick to the now-seated Marcus. He goes for a standing moonsault again and this time connects, holding for a cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out. Bates then pauses for a second, allowing Marcus to get to his feet, before running at the ropes and springboarding again, this time connecting with an enzeguiri which sends Marcus rolling out of the ring. Bates looks down at him and runs at the ropes, hitting a suicide dive to send Marcus to the ground. But Bates doesn't stop, heading straight back into the ring and running at the ropes again. Just as Marcus makes it to his feet, Bates connects with a suicide somersault senton. The fans cheer loudly as Bates springs back to his feet. He climbs into the ring again but Haych and Dario come over to check on Marcus. Bates looks down at the three TakeOver men and shrugs. He runs at the ropes leaping up onto the top rope catching his balance and taking all three down with a shooting star press.
MW: And TakeOver are down!
SD: Get up Marcus!
MW: Zachary Bates showcasing incredible athleticism all through this match. This is simply a joy to behold.
SD: No it isn't! Come on Marcus!
MW: Marcus Allen Jones may have met his match athletically tonight. Bates needs to get him into the ring though.
After taking a moment to recover, Bates pulls Marcus out of the TakeOver heap and rolls him back into the ring. He follows and quickly makes a cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Marcus just gets a shoulder up as the fans gasp. Bates waits for Marcus to get to his feet before connecting with a superkick which staggers him, he then pulls him in for a snap dragon suplex and backs into the corner, running at a kneeling Marcus and delivering a brutal bicycle knee strike. Marcus rolls backwards and Bates crouches in the corner again, waiting for him to make it to his feet. As he does, Bates runs at him and takes him down with a sling blade, making a quick cover, 1-2-no! Again Marcus just manages to get a shoulder up.
Bates holds his head in frustration but he doesn't let up for long. He rolls Marcus out of the ring and onto the apron, lifting him almost immediately and looking for a suplex. He lifts him and is about to drop him for a brainbuster onto the apron, but Marcus drills a knee into Bates’ head to block it. Marcus drops down and then connects with a Pele kick before shoving Bates off the apron and into the guardrail. Falling back into the ring, Marcus holds onto the official and distracts him as Haych and Dario lay into Bates on the outside. The fans boo loudly as The Invaders throw him into the guardrail and hit him with hard strikes before rolling him back in. Marcus makes a cover, 1-2-no. Bates gets a shoulder up as the fans cheer and begin a ‘Bates, Bates, Bates’ chant.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones almost stealing one there.
SD: He doesn't steal things; he simply takes what's his. Zachary Bates has the temerity to try and stop Marcus from winning his Young Lions’ Cup. Disgraceful.
MW: What's disgraceful is one of the longest tenured FPW wrestlers using his lackeys to try and beat someone who's been here for five minutes.
SD: Haych and Dario are not lackeys! They're associates.
MW: Whatever we're calling them, it's an embarrassment to Freedom Pro Wrestling.
Marcus stands and puts the boots to Bates as the crowd continues to boo. He smirks as he lifts Bates, who's bleeding from a small cut just above his eye after The Invaders opened him up. Marcus pulls him in for another falcon arrow and this time hits it, rolling away instead of making the cover. He climbs up to the top rope and poses for a moment before connecting with a phoenix splash. He makes the cover, 1-2-no! Bates barely manages to get a shoulder up as the fans cheer loudly. Marcus looks down at Bates with mild annoyance before pulling him up by the back of his shorts. He traps the wrist and looks for Six Stars, but Bates rolls under the bicycle knee, trapping Marcus’ wrist and going for a rainmaker. Marcus ducks and aims a superkick at Bates but Bates ducks and connects with a roundhouse kick to leave both men down on the canvas.
The fans cheer as both men lie breathing heavily. The cheers quickly turn to boos as Dario climbs onto the apron and Haych gets into the ring. He pulls Bates up and throws him into the ropes, looking for a pop-up powerbomb. Bates, however, spins and connects with a hurricanrana, sending Haych into Dario, knocking Dario off the apron and sending Haych to the outside. Bates then looks down at them and hits the ropes, charging at the, before taking them both down with a somersault plancha. Bates quickly slides back into the ring only for Marcus to connects with a superkick before he can get off his knees.
Marcus then pulls Bates up and traps the arm again, looking for Six Stars as the crowd boos. He ripcords him and leaps up for the bicycle knee, but Bates sidesteps and connects with a lifting inverted DDT. He makes the cover, 1-2-no! Marcus manages to kick out again. Bates then stands, gaining energy from the fans who's noise goes up another level. He pulls Marcus up and lifting him onto his shoulders. Rolling forward, he plants Marcus and leaps up onto the second rope, coming down with a moonsault and making the cover, 1-2-no! Again Marcus just gets a shoulder up to silence the fans.
Bates, however, catches the arm, traps it and locks in a crossface! The fans cheer and a loud ‘tap, tap, tap’ chant breaks out. Marcus writhes in pain and tries frantically to make it to the ropes, but Bates keeps him under control. As Marcus scratches and claws his way to the ropes, Bates tries to resist and to pull him back towards the middle of the ring. For just a moment, Bates breaks the hold to drag Marcus back, but Marcus takes advantage, rolling Bates onto his back for a quick cover, 1-2-no! Bates barely gets a shoulder up. Marcus and Bates both scramble to their feet at the same time. Bates aims a superkick but Marcus ducks, leaping up for a hurricanrana, but Bates catches him and shoves him off. Bates then pulls Marcus in for a sit out powerbomb, which connects, and he holds for the pin, 1-2-no! Marcus again barely manages to get a shoulder up.
MW: Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing fifteen of the best minutes of wrestling I've seen in a long time.
SD: And it's not over! Marcus is still alive!
MW: Perhaps only thanks to the interference of The Invaders. But this match is still going. Zachary Bates has come so close, on multiple occasions. Can he finish the job and pull off the biggest shock we've seen in FPW in… perhaps ever?
Bates stands and the fans can sense the end is close. He stalks Marcus and, as soon as he's in position, he grabs the wrist and looks for the rainmaker. He pushes him out and then pulls him in for the clothesline, but Marcus ducks and connects with a reverse DDT. He follows it up quickly with a standing shooting star press and holds for the cover, 1-2-no! Bates gets a shoulder up. Marcus then pulls Bates up and sets him up for Six Stars once more. He ripcords him but, before he can pull him back in, Bates pulls Marcus in and connects with a rainmaker! Bates then stands and goes for the corkscrew senton, but Marcus gets his knees up and rolls Bates up into a schoolboy, 1-2-no! Bates barely pushes Marcus off.
Both men scramble to their feet and Bates connects with a superkick. Marcus staggers but he returns fire with a standing enzeguiri. Both men droop but Marcus drops to his knees. Bates looks down at him and connects with a hard kick to the chest, then another, then another. He repeats until he's kicked Marcus ten times before a stiff kick to the head ends the combination. Instead of covering him, Bates drags a motionless Marcus over to the turnbuckles. He sets him into position and climbs, looking down at Marcus for a few seconds before leaping down with a 630 senton.
However, Marcus isn't there and Bates crashes into the mat. Haych stands in the ring with the official trying to get him out, which allowed Dario to slide Marcus out of the ring. With Bates down, Dario helps Marcus back up and Haych exits the ring. Marcus climbs gingerly up to the top rope and, without his usual theatrics, leaps off for a Mark-Out Moment, the faintest hint of a ‘fuck you, Trevor’ being heard just before impact. Marcus holds for a cover with a back-press, 1-2-3.
Winner: Marcus Allen Jones.
SD: Yes! Yes! Yes! Marcus wins.
MW: That match was absolutely amazing but it will be tainted by the knowledge that, if not for Haych and Dario, surely Zachary Bates would have had it won.
SD: You'll never know. Bates was impressive. He's beaten Jerry and he gave Marcus a tough test, but he's not as good as the rightful FPW Champion.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones advances- barely- into the semi-finals.
Marcus is helped out of the ring by Haych and Dario. TakeOver stand and bask in the boos for a short period before The Invaders help Marcus up the ramp. At the top of the ramp Marcus turns and looks at Bates, who kneels against the ropes and stares back. Marcus flashes him a smile and motions to call him sometime.
SD: Marcus is right. Zachary Bates would make a great addition to TakeOver.
MW: You really think that Zachary Bates is going to want anything to do with Marcus Allen Jones and those two?
SD: And…
MW: And what?
SD: And… there's more to TakeOver than the three men we can see.
Bates pulls himself up and the fans begin a warm round of applause. He salutes each side of the ring before climbing out and staggering up the ramp, slapping a coupe of hands as he goes to the back.
A video plays showing a dark room, lit only by candlelight. Three shapes can be seen, mere shadows flickering with the lights. Two sit cross-legged on the floor while the other kneels in front of them. A chant begins, quietly, and the kneeling man slowly raises his arms. The chant gets louder and louder, the man's arms raising until they reach up to the ceiling, the voices reaching a crescendo as the third man lets out a great scream. The chant suddenly stops, and the man's arms drop limply to his sides, his body slumping forward. The smaller of the two points towards him, and the larger stands, pulling the body of the kneeling man up and over his shoulder. The two walk out of the room, the camera following behind them and lingering on a shot of the face of Azazel, eyes wide open in a demonic stare.
MW: I… I'm not sure what we've just seen.
SD: Whatever it was, I don't like it. I don't like these two creeps and I don't like this weird magic stuff.
MW: Well, after that incredible match- Zachary Bates’ second potential Match of the Year candidate already here in FPW by the way- we've got something entirely different.
SD: Clown Junior versus Bear Guy? This ought to be interesting.
MW: Berry Bishop, the number one contender for the FPW Women's Championship after a big win at Launch Party, takes on Henry Harrison, a man who's struggled to make much of an impact in his time in FPW and who, quite frankly, I think may be insane.
SD: He listens to two teddy bears which he thinks tell him what to do. What insane about that?
MW: What isn't? But he's also a dangerous man. He's a brawler be what lacks in technical ability he makes up for in striking ability. Berry Bishop could be in trouble in this one.
SD: And next she faces Artemis Evans. She'll be lucky if she's still in one piece after these two matches.
‘Narco’ begins to play and Henry Harrison emerges, running over to the right side of the stage and holding out his arms. The fans don't give him much of a reaction so he runs over to the leg side of the stage and does the same, to a similar reaction. He then marches down the ramp and rolls under the bottom rope, pulling his two teddy bears- a polar bear and a black bear- from his jacket and placing them carefully under the bottom turnbuckle. He makes them bow to him before crouching down and listening to them. He looks with disgust at the polar bear and shakes his head before turning away looking thoughtful.
The mood changes when ‘The Entertainer’ plays and Berry Bishop enters. She bows at the top of the ramp as the fans cheer loudly, giving her the strongest reaction she's had in FPW, before hopscotching down the ramp and playing the ring apron in time with the music. She bows in the middle of the ring and gives the fans a smile and a wink before looking over at the bears and saying how cute they are. She moves closer to them but Harrison blocks her and she moves away, holding her hands out to show she means no harm.
Match 3: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final 2: Henry Harrison v Berry Bishop:
The bell rings and Berry comes to the centre of the ring, extending her hand to Harrison. He looks to the bears for guidance and, looking at the black bear, moves forward to shake Berry’s hand. Berry tries to pull away after the handshake, but Harrison holds on and glances over his shoulder at the polar bear. With a sick smile, he pulls Berry back in and connects with a hard clothesline. He mounts Berry and starts laying into her with right hands before the official’s count reaches four and he suddenly stops, looking back at the black bear. He stands and moves back, allowing Berry a bit of time to recover. She looks up at him and checks her lip for blood.
Before she can stand, Harrison runs at her, aiming another clothesline. Berry, however, manages to duck and to take him down with a spinning heel kick. She then rolls through and locks in a chinlock, forcing Harrison to the mat and pushing up with her hips to apply more pressure. She pushes herself up into almost a headstand, applying even more pressure, before bringing her feet over into a bridge, applying even more. The official asks Harrison whether or not he wants to quit, but he won't, and Berry is forced to break the hold when she can't maintain her position.
MW: Impressive technique from Berry Bishop.
SD: She learnt a lot when she was training with-
MW: She probably doesn't want us to mention that.
SD: Look, what MDE did to her was as immoral as it comes, but she did learn a lot and she is a better wrestler as a result. One day, when she's over what happened, she might recognise that.
Berry stands and aims a kick at the seated Harrison, who drops to the mat and looks for a kip up. However, Berry catches him into a waist lock, pops her hips and takes him down, locking in a front face lock to keep him grounded. She maintains the hold for a few moments before transitioning, grasping the arm and twisting it behind Harrison’s back. She then stands, keeping one foot on the arm before driving the other into the upper arm to send Harrison rolling away into the corner in pain. Harrison rolls over to his bears and he tells the black bear that his advice did t work, before turning to the polar bear. He listens intently and then makes it to his feet, Berry watching with interest all the time.
The two of them come together in the middle of the ring, and Harrison offers a hand for a test of strength. Berry takes it but Harrison quickly kicks her in the gut and clubs her across the back. He then pulls her into a front facelock and connects with an implant DDT. Instead of making the cover, he looks to the polar bear and mounts Berry again, connecting with a series of right hands. Again the official makes his count and gets to four. This time, Harrison flinches and covers his ears, looking accusingly at the black bear before climbing off Berry and holding out his hands to tell the bear to calm down.
MW: This Henry Harrison can wrestle… but I'm not sure I'd say he's all there.
SD: Imagine what it must be like to face him. He's one of the least predictable wrestlers here in FPW. It can't be easy.
MW: It certainly can't. We've heard a lot about Graham Baker and MDE going back and forth talking about predictability and adaptability. I'd love to see what those two have to say about Henry Harrison and these two bears.
Harrison turns back to Berry, but he's met with a spinning thrust kick to the gut followed by a monkey flip. She makes a cover, 1-2-no. Harrison kicks out. Berry keeps a grip on him, locking in a headlock and pulling him up, only to connect with a running bulldog. Berry then pulls him up and whips him into the corner, connecting with a running knee which sends him staggering. She follows up with a disaster kick and makes another cover, 1-2-no. Again Harrison kicks out. Berry then goes back to the arm that she kicked earlier. She looks to lock in a double wrist lock but Harrison lands clubbing blows which force her away.
He climbs to his feet just in time to duck a roundhouse kick. As Berry spins back to face him, he pulls her in and plants her with a spinebuster. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Berry manages to kick out. Harrison then turns to the bears and, after a nod to the polar bear, he pulls Berry out of the ring. The official follows and tries to get them back into the ring, but Harrison whips Berry hard into the guardrail and then throws her into the ringpost shoulder first. He then steadies her against the post and runs at her, driving a forearm into her face and forcing the back of her head into the ringpost. Berry slumps to the ground.
MW: That must have been the bad bear that did that.
SD: If I'm Henry Harrison, I'm throwing that black bear away. Everything that's gone well in this match for him has come from the polar bear’s influence.
MW: …… like almost getting disqualified twice?
SD: Like using the environment to incapacitate Berry Bishop. He just needs to roll her into the ring and he's got this one won.
Harrison looks at the bears again and looks ashamed when he looks at the black bear. Shaking his head, he pulls Berry up and rolls her into the ring. He follows and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Berry kicks out at the last second and the fans let out a cheer of relief. Harrison looks at the polar bear but then quickly turns away, looking at the black bear and nodding. He stands back, letting Berry pull herself to her feet using the ropes. As she does, he keeps glancing at the polar bear and then forcing himself to look away, but he can't resist. He sits up onto the top turnbuckle and stands before coming down with a meteora from the top rope. He covers Berry, 1-2-no! Again Berry barely kicks out.
Harrison then looks to the polar bear with a twisted smile again and pulls Berry to her feet. He lifts her onto his shoulders and looks about to deliver a devastating move before he looks down at the bears one more time. He looks at the black bear for a few seconds before shaking his head and putting Berry down. As he does, he aims a kick at her head, but she sidesteps and connects with a penalty kick as Harrison hits the mat. Berry makes the cover, 1-2-no. Harrison kicks out. Berry then stalks Harrison, looking set for Checkmate. She aims and spins, but Harrison blocks the kick with an axe handle and takes her down hard with a double leg. He then backs away before running at Berry, who sits in the middle of the ring, and connecting with a penalty kick. He makes a deep cover, 1-2-no! Berry just gets a shoulder up.
MW: This match was milliseconds away from being over!
SD: I'd rather Henry Harrison not face Marcus in the next round, thank you.
MW: Harrison looks frustrated that this one hasn't finished yet. He's looking to those bears and… wait, where's he going?
Henry Harrison rolls out of the ring and looks underneath it. He pulls out a steel chair and slides it into the ring. Following, he picks up the chair and, after checking with the polar bear, stands ready to strike Berry with it. The official tries to pull the chair away but Harrison shoves him away and, just as Berry is about to turn, he readies himself again. He brings the chair down hard but Berry swiftly grabs the black bear and holds it above her head. Harrison pauses, staring at her for a few seconds. She drops the bear and ducks under a second frenzied chairshot. Harrison lowers the chair and Berry connects with Checkmate, sending him slumping to the mat and the chair across the ring. Berry makes the cover, 1-2-3.
Winner: Berry Bishop.
MW: Berry wins! She almost had her head taken off with a steel chair but some quick thinking and a devastating Checkmate sealed her place in the Young Lions’ Cup semi-finals.
SD: Where she will face Marcus Allen Jones.
MW: She certainly will. Berry cele- wait a minute!
Henry Harrison grabs the chair again and swings it aggressively at Berry, who barely manages to get out of the way. She quickly gets out of the ring and leaves Harrison to reconcile with his bears, picking up the black bear that Berry tossed aside and seemingly mediating an argument between the pair of bears. Berry, meanwhile, backs up the ramp, keeping her eyes on her defeated opponent.
A video plays hyping the Tag Team Title match for Young Lions’ Cup. It showcases Bobby O and Jack Sevren, their title reign, their All Star Tag Team Classic win, and even some of their battles against one another from previous companies. It also show The Guardians of Strong Style, how they earned the chance to wrestle for the titles, how they defeated Jack and Bobby in an absolute classic and their victory over Hunter Killer, Sato narrating their victories with a speech about how no one else is ready to face them.
As the video ends, a camera follows Berry Bishop backstage, where she walks down a corridor and into the women’s locker room, only for the door to open before her and Artemis Evans to walk out. Berry holds her hands up as if to say she doesn't want any trouble, but Evans merely laughs.
AE: Impressive, Bishop. Two wins in a row… what's that now? Two wins in FPW? I don't see why Houston thinks you'll be the one to beat me. I'll chew you up and spit you out. You may have learned a bit of mat wrestling from that creep MDE but you're no match for me. Now get out of my way.
Evans shoulder barges Berry and walks on, leaving Berry staring at her. Berry mumbles something to herself.
BB: I learned a lot more than you think…
She gives Evans one last look before entering the locker room.
“The Comedian's Gallop” begins to play from the arena speakers, and Jerry Bishop emerges to a hero's welcome. He bowed to the crowd, then began walking down the ramp as Dasha Banks began the introductions for the match.
“The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Kansas City Missouri, the Jester, Jerry Bishop!”
By this point, Jerry was standing in the middle of the ring and waving to the crowd as his music began to fade out. He said something to the fans in the front row as “This Means War” began and the cameras refocused on the stage.
The intro finished, and Bobby O walked out onstage, Jack Sevren trailing behind him. He looked out into the cheering audience and nodded at the warm response.
“And introducing his opponent, from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Being accompanied by Jack Sevren, he is Mr FPW, Bobby O!”
Mike Watson(MW): “Bobby O has always been a fan favorite here in FPW, but this response is on another level compared to the ones he’s received in the past.”
Steven Deville(SD): “No one likes to see a wrestler get injured, but everyone loves to see them come back.”
Bobby removed his jacket and stepped forward with his hand extended. Jerry eagerly shook it, and the cameras could hear him saying “it’s good to have you back.” Bobby nodded before he let go of Jerry’s hand and backed into his corner. The ref called for the bell, and both Jerry and Bobby advanced.
Match 4: Jerry Bishop v Bobby O (written by Mason):
Both men were tentative at first, one would reach for one of their opponents’ arms, only for it to be pulled back. Then Bobby grabbed Jerry’s wrist and pulled him in, stepping behind him and attempting a waistlock. Jerry prevented him from locking his hands and grabbed one of his arms, turning his grip into a wristlock. But he didn’t have time to wrench on his grip before Bobby broke free and turned in, pulling Jerry to the mat with a snapmare and locking in a chinlock. He held Jerry there for a momently, gradually adding pressure, before Jerry managed to push his arm over his head and squirm free. Bobby stood up and backed away, allowing Jerry time to rise to his feet.
SD: “A nice technical exchange to begin this match.”
Jerry and Bobby once again stepped forward and tied up. Bobby once again took advantage, grabbing Jerry’s arm and bending it back behind his head. Jerry struggled to escape, and right when it looked like he was going to succeed, Bobby passed the arm over his head and snapped it over his shoulder, then utilized an arm wringer to send Jerry back down to the mat. With Jerry in a seated position, Bobby bent his arm back once again.
MW: “Bobby O has clearly not spent his time away doing nothing, this is a more technical Bobby than we’ve seen before.”
Jerry shifted his weight and was just able to get his foot on the bottom rope to force a break. Bobby let go and backed up as Jerry stood up. Bobby went right after Jerry’s arm again as he advanced, but it was Jerry who grabbed his wrist and whipped him into the ropes. Jerry tossed Bobby with an arm drag on the rebound, but Bobby didn’t stay down for long, scrambling right back to his feet. Jerry quickly closed the distance, but Bobby met him with a boot to the gut. Jerry doubled over, and Bobby wrapped his arm around his neck to set up a DDT, only for Jerry to shove him backwards into the ropes. Bobby released his hold and allowed Jerry to back into the center of the ring. Bobby took a few steps forward when Jerry dove for a double leg takedown. Bobby sprawled out to keep his legs out of reach, then turned around and attempted to lock in a rear-naked choke. In his panic, Jerry turned onto his back, but this only allowed Bobby to wrap his legs around his waist and tighten his hold.
SD: “We might see a quick ending to this match!”
But Jerry was able to pry Bobby’s legs from around his midsection and roll himself back, forcing Bobby’s shoulders to the mat.
...1!..Kick-out!
Both men scrambled to their feet, hoping to be the first to get to upright position. Jerry just managed to beat Bobby and locked in a side headlock. Bobby backed him to the ropes, but instead of holding him there to force the break, Bobby used it to pick up momentum and walked back into the center of the ring, pushing Jerry off of him towards the far ropes, then dropped down as Jerry rebounded. He shot to his feet as Jerry hit the ropes, then dropped Jerry with a clothesline as he ran back towards him. With Jerry flat on his back, Bobby resumed his earlier attack on the arm, connecting with a quick knee drop that landed across Jerry’s bicep before turning him over and locking in a hammerlock. Jerry cried out as Bobby increased the pressure.
MW: “Bobby is clearly looking at setting up for submission victory later in this match, and he’s working to soften up Jerry’s arm for the O Snap.”
Jerry drove his free elbow back, hoping to connect with Bobby’s head in order to force him to release the hold. Bobby withstood the first three, but when the fourth connected, his grip loosened, and when the fifth elbow strike landed, he let go entirely. Jerry rolled over and kipped up, then grabbed at his arm, clearly feeling the effects of Bobby’s targeted assault.
Bobby rose to his feet and ran at Jerry for another clothesline, but Jerry ducked underneath, causing Bobby to his the ropes and rebound. Jerry raised his leg and called out “Superkick!” causing Bobby to stop and cover his face. The crowd laughed as Jerry lowered his leg and took a look at Bobby, who was still ready to block an incoming superkick. But he began to realize what was going on, and slowly lowered his arms, a slightly bemused expression on his face. He said something to Jerry as they began to circle each other, to which Jerry responded with a shrug and a sheepish grin. Bobby suddenly reached out and grabbed Jerry’s wrist and whipped him into the corner. He ran in after him and appeared to set up a forearm smash, which caused Jerry to raise his arms and cover up. But Bobby stopped himself before making contact, which prompted another round of laughter from the audience. Jerry figured out what happened and lowered his arms as Bobby said “Two can play at that game.” Jerry nodded, slightly abashed that someone had pulled the same trick on him.
But on the outside of the ring, Jack Sevren wasn’t pleased with Bobby’s joking around. “You should have hit him Bobby.” Bobby just shrugged and backed out of the corner, motioning for Jerry to bring it.
The two tied up once more. This time, it was Jerry who scored the advantage, stepping around and trapping Bobby with a waistlock. He drove him into the ropes and attempted an O'Connor roll-up, but Bobby held onto the ropes, causing Jerry to merely roll backwards into the middle of the ring. Bobby turned around as Jerry stood up and met him with a quick forearm smash. Jerry was stunned momentarily, and Bobby capitalized, throwing on a front facelock and rotating so that he was facing the ropes again; then connected with a snap suplex. He floated over into a cover, holding Jerry's shoulders down.
...1!.Kick-out!
Bobby nodded as he stood up, unsurprised that Jerry had escaped. He grabbed a wrist and pulled Jerry up, then dragged him to the ropes. Bobby draped the previously targeted arm over the top rope, exposing Jerry's chest for a knife-edge chop. As always, the crowd reacted with a loud “WOO”, which prompted Bobby to do it again, driving his hand into Jerry's chest. He went for it one more time, but Jerry countered, leaning back into the ropes and bringing his knees up into Bobby's chin. Bobby staggered back from the impact, buying Jerry time to rotate his shoulder a few times, trying to work the feeling back into it. Bobby ran forward again, this time running into a back elbow from Jerry. Then it was Jerry who was running forward, pulling Bobby down with a headscissors takedown. Bobby didn't stay down for long, and was already rising as Jerry ran to the ropes. Jerry knocked Bobby back down with a clothesline, then continued to run and hit the ropes behind Bobby. As Bobby began to rise again, Jerry approached and attempted a tilt-a-whirl DDT. But as he swung around to drive Bobby's head down, Bobby shoved him away, causing Jerry to drop face-first onto the mat. Jerry quickly rose to a kneeling position, only to be struck with a roundhouse kick from Bobby. Leaving Jerry dazed, Bobby backed into the corner. Grabbing the top rope, he pushed himself up until he was standing on the middle turnbuckle. The crowd grew quiet as he waited for Jerry to rise to his feet. And then as Jerry stood up, Bobby leaped from the turnbuckle and hit a missile dropkick. Jerry was knocked off his feet and as Bobby landed, he quickly made a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
MW: “It looked like Jerry was taking control of the match, but Bobby was still one step ahead. Now Bobby taking a moment to catch his breath and plan his next move.”
Jerry had rolled over several times until he was resting on the apron and began using the ropes to pull himself upright. Bobby looks over and sees Jerry rising. He stands up and runs over, attempting to grab him, but Jerry sidesteps. Bobby tried a clothesline next, but Jerry ducked under that and leaned over the ropes to deliver a forearm smash. Bobby took a few steps back, and Jerry quickly climbed between the ropes and back into the ring. He ran towards Bobby and connected with a dropkick. Bobby went down, but Jerry quickly pulled him back up and into a front facelock. He lifted Bobby up before bringing him down with a suplex. Jerry maintained his hold, and after swinging his hips around, pulled Bobby up for a second suplex. He lifted his opponent, but before he could bring him back down, Bobby shifted his weight and landed behind him. He quickly grabbed Jerry’s wrist and set up for a ripcord lariat, spinning him out. But as he pulled him back for the lariat, Jerry left his feet and pulled him to the ground with a slingblade! Jerry quickly stood back up and then leaped into an elbow drop onto Bobby’s chest. He transitioned his landing into a cover, hooking Bobby’s leg.
...1!..Kick-out!
Leaving Bobby laying flat on his back, Jerry ran into the corner and climbed to the second rope. He pumped his arms up and down a few times, getting the crowd ready for his next move as Bobby stood up. Jerry launched into the air, attempting a blockbuster, but Bobby ducked and ran forwards to avoid the attack. Jerry rolled through and came up standing. He turned around as Bobby ran at him and blocked his attempted punch. The two began exchanging right hands, the pauses between each punch slowly growing more and more prolonged.
MW: “Bobby O best be careful here, he’s found himself in a similar situation to the one he was in when he was injured.”
After Jerry’s latest punch, Bobby had no response, so Jerry continued his offensive. He caught Bobby with a kick to the leg, then swung a quick left jab. But Bobby caught Jerry’s fist and used it to pull him in for a clothesline. Jerry just managed to duck underneath and stand up behind Bobby, who quickly turned around. Jerry went for a hook, but this time it was Bobby who ducked down, connecting with two swift punches to the midsection, then with a European uppercut as he straightened up. Jerry was staggered. And Bobby wasted no time in pressing his advantage, pulling him in for a DDT. Jerry was planted into the mat, but instead of going for a cover, Bobby pulled him back up and began to drag him into the corner.
SD: “What’s Bobby got in mind now? After getting the better of that striking exchange, he was in prime position to try and finish the match. But instead he’s decided to go for more offense instead.”
Bobby left Jerry leaning in the corner and connected with a single punch to keep him dazed as he took a deep breath. He then lifted Jerry up, seating him atop the highest turnbuckle. He then began climbing the turnbuckles himself. He now stood on the top rope, locking in a front facelock on Jerry, who he pulled into a standing position. He pulled upwards, but Jerry managed to hold on. Bobby tried again, but Jerry would not be budged. Bobby’s attempts to lift Jerry abated for just a moment, but Jerry made it count, landing several strikes to Bobby’s midsection. Bobby released his facelock, and Jerry shoved with all his might, sending Bobby crashing to the mat below. Jerry repositioned himself on the top rope, staring down at Bobby's prone body. And then he flew, driving his body into Bobby with a frog splash!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Jerry stood up, an intense expression on his face. He motioned for Bobby to stand back up, nodding repeatedly as he did. Bobby unsteadily rose, and as he did so, Jerry hit a snapmare and sent him down into a seated position. Jerry ran to the ropes and rebounded, attempting a penalty kick as he neared Bobby. But Bobby threw his body back to avoid the kick, and as Jerry was slightly off-balance, Bobby pulled him down with a school boy roll-up!
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Jerry rolled backwards back to his feet, only to run into a superkick from Bobby! Jerry tried to stay upright, but was failing until Bobby lifted him into a fireman's carry. He rotated Jerry off of his shoulders and pulled him down with a stunner! Jerry flopped onto his back and Bobby dove into a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
MW: “Unbelievable! Jerry Bishop is still alive in this match!”
SD: “I don’t think it will be that way much longer, Bobby O is closing in on the end of this fight.”
And sure enough, Bobby was eyeing the slowly rising Bishop in a way that was all too familiar to the crowd, who began an “RKO!” chant. Jerry fully straightened, and Booby leaped for the RKO. But as he wrapped his arms around Jerry’s neck to bring him down, Jerry caught him, holding him in place! Somewhat awkwardly, Jerry shifted his grip and planted Bobby with an inverted DDT. Jerry rolled onto the apron, standing up while keeping an eye on Bobby, who also rose to his feet. The crowd knew what was coming, and they started clapping in anticipation. As Bobby turned to face him, Jerry pulled himself onto the top rope, then used that to launch himself for a springboard forearm. He connected, driving his arm into Bobby’s face, but as he landed, he winced, grabbing at the arm he’d used to strike Bobby.
MW: “Oh!”
SD: “Well this is interesting Bobby’s attack on the arm from before paying off now, buying him time to roll out of the ring before Jerry could make a cover.”
Bobby was currently leaning against the barricade, recovering after the springboard forearm. Jerry looked over and saw him, the ran towards the ropes, launching himself over them and onto the apron without losing momentum. Then he launched himself, and Bobby turned around and stepped away from the barricade just in time to get knocked down with a crossbody! Jerry quickly lifted him up and tossed him into the ring, then rolled in after him and made a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Jerry paused for a moment, taking a few deep breaths and rotating his arm a few times before standing up, pulling Bobby upright with him. He whipped Bobby to the ropes, but as Bobby neared him on the rebound, he suddenly left his feet. He caught Jerry with a headscissors, turning him around and around before bringing him down and immediately transitioning into an arm trapped crossface! Jerry cried out in sudden pain, clearly not expecting the submission. He did his best to reach the ropes, scrambling to get just a little closer. But Bobby didn't let him move a inch.
SD: “It's not the O Snap, Bobby’s signature submission, but he's once again applying pressure to that shoulder. And judging by the expression on Jerry's face, it may lead to the end of this match all the same.”
Jerry's free arm was reaching for the ropes, but he soon lowered it closer to the mat, prepared to tap out. But he clenched his fist. He began rocking back and forth slightly. This upset Bobby's grip, and as he re-adjusted his hold, Jerry turned into him, driving his shoulders into the mat!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Both men scrambled to their feet, and Bobby delivered a quick boot to Jerry's gut before throwing him into the ropes. Jerry rebounded back towards him, and Bobby lifted him for a pop-up powerbomb, but Jerry managed to keep his momentum and land behind Bobby. Both men turned around, and Jerry took advantage with a step-up enzuigiri. Bobby was staggered, and Jerry utilized a quick snapmare to pull him to the mat.
MW: “Are we going to see it?”
Jerry hit the ropes and charged back towards Bobby, connecting with a devastating penalty kick!
MW: “Yes we are! Jerry Bishop hitting the Touchstone Takedown; and now dropping into a cover!”
...1!...2!..Bobby kicked out!
SD: “But it still wasn’t enough to put Bobby away!”
Jerry grabbed both of Bobby wrists and simultaneously pulled him to his feet and into a straightjacket hold. He tucked Bobby’s head and let out a laugh, preparing for the Last Laugh. But before he could hit his finishing move, Bobby attempted to straighten up, raising Jerry’s feet off the ground. He couldn’t quite throw Jerry over his head as he was clearly trying to do, and was forced to set Jerry back down. But he had managed to loosen Jerry’s grip, and was able to break out of the straightjacket. He quickly shoved Jerry away and straightened up, then was forced to duck as Jerry attempted a clothesline. Bobby followed Jerry to the ropes, and as Jerry turned around, Bobby clotheslined him over the top. But as Bobby turned around, Jerry landed on the apron. He waved to the crowd before he ran to the corner post and began climbing the turnbuckles. Bobby heard the crowd’s response to Jerry’s wave and turned around to see him perched on the top turnbuckle. He ran forward and leaped, connecting with a dropkick directly to Jerry’s chest! Jerry dropped into a seated position on the top turnbuckle, and Bobby quickly climbed up to meet him. He slapped on a front facelock and wasted no time, lifting Jerry up and bringing him to the mat so far below with a superplex! And he wasn’t finished there, transitioning his grip into an anaconda vice!
MW: “The O Snap is locked in, and Jerry has nowhere to go!”
SD: “And Bobby’s been targeting that arm and shoulder throughout the entire match, Jerry is in no shape to fight free.”
Jerry was reaching for the ropes with his free arm, but the superplex and taken him far enough away that they were just out of reach. He then began using his free arm to land several forearm strikes to Bobby’s head, but the angle prevented him from doing much damage. Bobby increased the pressure on the hold, and Jerry let out a loud cry of pain and tapped out! Bobby released his hold and stood up as “This Means War” began to play once more.
Winner: Bobby O.
MW: “What a match we just witnessed. I’d say it’s just about the perfect comeback for the returning Bobby O.”
Jack Sevren climbed into the ring and raised Bobby’s hand in victory, joining him in soaking in the crowd’s adulation.
SD: “Both competitors gave it their all tonight, there’s no doubt about that. But Bobby’s technical prowess was too much for Jerry to overcome this time. Bobby has clearly improved that part of his wrestling game while injured, and I think that he and Jack Severn have a good chance to regain their tag team championships from the Guardians of Strong Style when they get their rematch in four weeks at the Young Lion's cup event.”
