Post by Jim Houston on Feb 24, 2019 8:39:40 GMT
A video plays to open the show, the same video as the last show, before highlights of the previous two Young Lions’ Cup matches are shown. The focus shifts to tonight's matches, highlights of Artemis’ Evans rise in FPW playing, culminating in her FPW Women’s Championship win while Berry Bishop’s recent successes are celebrated. The Young Lions’ Cup then takes over, Elizabeth Karlson’s message to Kris Knight playing before James Saturn’s recent actions play opposite Jerry Bishop’s recent disappointments. Finally, a brief history of the Graham Baker and Marcus Allen Jones feud plays, before showing Marcus getting involved in the FPW Title match at Launch Party and ending with Baker standing with Hunter Killer calling out TakeOver.
MW: Ladies and-
‘The Entertainer’ cuts off Mike Watson and the fans rise to their feet as Berry Bishop stands at the top of the ramp, bowing deeply to the fans and miming that she's playing along with the music.
MW: With such a packed show tonight, it makes sense that we're getting started straight away.
SD: And what a way to begin. Our Women's Champion is about to grace us with her presence!
MW: But for how long will she be champion? Berry Bishop holds recent singles victories over Henry Harrison and our number one contender to the FPW Championship, her tormentor, MDE. She will give Artemis Evans a very stern challenge tonight.
Berry enters the ring and bows once again, giving the fans a wink and a smile before stretching out her legs on the top rope.
SD: Of course Berry comes out Jerry-less tonight as Jerry has his own big match later on to focus on.
MW: I'm sure Jerry will be focussed on that match, but let's not pretend that he won't have half an eye on his sister here. Jerry has never held gold in FPW, but his sister might by the end of this match.
A white queen appears on the screen as a voice declares ‘Checkmate’. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins as the fans boo, Artemis Evans walking onto the stage and holding out her arms, Women's Championship around her waist, as pyro goes off on either side of her. She walks down the ramp, exchanging barbs with fans who try to engage with her, until she reaches a young fan in a Berry Bishop t-shirt. Evans stops, points to the fan, who smiles and reaches out to touch the title. Evans pulls away and grabs the t-shirt, making a rip in it before moving away as the fans around the girl boo vociferously. Evans vaults into the ring and pushes Berry aside as she walks to the far corner and climbs to the second rope, raising her arms, title held aloft, as she holds the pose while the fans boo all around.
MW: This match is fascinating. Artemis Evans is a good technical wrestler- maybe not as good as she thinks, but she is good- and Berry is a natural striker. She has, however, really developed her technical skills recently. I think these two could be very evenly matched.
SD: I don't agree. Artemis Evans is the greatest women's wrestler in the history of the world.
MW: Not that you're biased.
SD: Never.
Match 1: FPW Women's Championship: Artemis Evans v Berry Bishop:
The referee calls for the bell and Evans and Berry circle one another before locking up strongly. They jockey for position for a few moments before Evans forces Berry back into the ropes. The official comes in for the break and Evans breaks quickly, turning her back on Berry and laughing and the ease at which she gained the advantage. Berry steps away from the ropes and stretches out her neck before Evans turns and they lock up again. They two jockey for a few moments again but Evans gains the advantage once more, forcing Berry back into the ropes. The official comes in for the break again and Evans again turns away with a smirk.
Berry gives Evans a look as the fans boo her arrogance. Evans turns and calls Berry forward for a third time. They go to lock up but Berry ducks under the lock up, positioning herself behind Evans and grabbing a waistlock. She forces Evans into the ropes and pulls her down into an O’Connor roll, 1-2-no. Evans shoves Berry away from her and gets to her feet, aiming a forearm at Berry. Berry ducks and rolls her up with a schoolboy, 1-2-no. Again Evans kicks out. Both women make it to their feet but Berry quickly pulls Evans into a small package, 1-2-no. Again Evans breaks the cover, this time rolling away to the outside.
MW: It's all on the line and Berry knows how important this match is.
SD: She knows she can't beat Evans so she's looking for a quick win.
MW: I think she'll be confident that she can win this match, but I like her approach. There's nothing wrong with looking for a quick win in a big match like this.
Berry moves over to the ropes and grasps the top rope, leaping into the air and then sending her feet through the ropes, aiming a dropkick at Evans. Evans catches the legs and pulls Berry down to the outside, sending her back crashing against the floor. Evans drops to one knee, crushing Berry’s threat with her leg as the official quickly moves to the outside and forces her to climb off Berry. Evans shouts abuse to a fan as she pulls Berry up and positions her against the guardrail, her head resting against the top. Evans then climbs onto the adjoining rail, leaping up and connecting with a double stomp to the back of Berry’s neck. Berry arches her back in pain and drops to the floor, holding her neck.
MW: Right across the neck!
SD: I think… I think she was going for the shoulder and missed. But this might work out better for the champ.
Evans stands, admires her work for a moment and then rolls Berry back into the ring. She rolls in after her and quickly applies a cravat, cranking the neck of her opponent. Berry shows the pain on her face and tries to get to her feet, but Evans keeps placing her foot begins Berry’s knee to block each attempt. Finally, Berry manages to block Evans’ attempts to stop her getting to her feet, but Evans transitions, turning the hold into a neckbreaker before dropping a knee across the back of Berry’s neck. She rolls her over and make a cover, not bothering to hook a leg, 1-2-no. Berry kicks out.
MW: A very cocky cover there from Evans.
SD: She's toying with Berry Bishop. Clown Junior can't match up to Artemis Evans’ skills.
MW: Evans is executing her plan well. Berry's certainly in trouble at the moment but I wouldn't say that she can't match up.
Evans pulls Berry into a seated position and backs away, hitting the ropes and then connecting with a sliding dropkick to the back of her neck. Berry rolls forward but Evans doesn't let her get to her feet, pulling her towards the ropes and choking on her on the middle rope as the official counts. Evans releases on four as the crowd boos before she backs away and runs at Berry, leaping up and landing all of her weight on Berry’s neck. Evans continues through the ropes to end up on the apron as Berry rolls back. Evans moves to the turnbuckles and climbs up to the top, standing with her back to the ring. She looks over her shoulder at Berry as she gets up before leaping off with a moonsault. She catches Berry and transitions perfectly into a reverse DDT. Evans makes a cover, 1-2-no. Berry just manages to kick out.
Evans smirks as she looks for another cravat, but Berry manages to catch her wrist, transitioning behind Evans and then floating over to connect with a desperation DDT as the fans cheer. Berry tries to get quickly to her feet but she staggers, holding her neck, allowing Evans to rolls over to the ropes and start to pull herself up. Berry regains control just as Evans turns towards her. Berry connects with a pump kick to the gut and then staggers Evans with a roundhouse kick before she sets up and connects with a disaster kick, covering Evans and hooking both legs, 1-2-no. Evans just kicks out.
MW: We were about half a second from a new Women's Champion right there.
SD: Half a second? Three seconds? Eight minutes? It's all the same because it's not going to happen.
MW: Bishop has Evans in her grasp here though.
Berry pulls Evans in for a running bulldog, which connects. Berry then rolls backwards and pushes herself up to her feet, taking a moment to crack her neck before connecting with a shining wizard. She makes a cover, 1-2-no. Again Evans manages to kick out. Berry then pulls Evans up and looks for an exploder, but Evans kicks Berry’s knee out and goes for a snap DDT, only for Berry to take Evans down with a single leg before she can connect. Berry then wraps an arm around the neck of Evans and rolls backwards, forcing Evans to roll back with her. Both end up on their feet before Berry instantly connects with an exploder.
The fans cheer Berry’s excellent transition as she stalks Evans. As Evans stands and turns towards Berry, Berry uncorks Checkmate, only for Evans to catch her foot. She pushes it away and then drives her knee into Berry’s gut before connecting with an immediate axe kick. Evans rolls Berry over and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Berry just kicks out. Evans bangs the mat with frustration before pulling Berry up and setting her into position for the Guillotine Strike. As she brings her arm down, Berry catches it, flips over it to a standing position and connects with a parallel snapmare. She hits the ropes and hits the penalty kick to complete the Touchstone Takedown, falling into a deep cover, 1-2-no! Evans barely gets a shoulder up.
MW: That was- no! Artemis Evans kicks out of the Touchstone Takedown. Berry Bishop was this close to dethroning our Women's Champion.
SD: But Evans was this close to hitting the Guillotine Strike, and I know for sure that Berry couldn't kick out of that.
MW: Now Berry is setting up once again.
Berry stalks Evans as she struggles to get to her feet. One hand cradles her neck as the other beckons Evans to get up. The fans cheer as Berry looks set to go for Checkmate for a second time. Evans turns and Berry aims the kick, only for Evans to duck. Evans kicks Berry in the gut and pulls her in for a butterfly suplex, which connects. Evans maintains her grasp of the arms and floats over, pulling Berry up for a second butterfly suplex, this time bridging for a cover, 1-2-no! Berry just gets a shoulder up. Evans maintains her grip again, pulling Berry up with her and looking for a third butterfly suplex. Berry, however, drops down and frees her arms, scuttling her way behind Evans and pulling her in for an inverted exploder. Evans, however, flips out and lands on her feet, running at Berry and connecting with the Silver Bullet knee strike to the back of her head. Berry crumples to the mat, 1-2-no! Again Berry barely manages to kick out.
Evans again bangs the mat in frustration. She looks down at Berry and aims a vicious stomp at the back of her neck. After four hard stomps, Evans pulls her up and locks in a dragon sleeper, quickly dropping to the mat and hooking her legs around Berry’s midsection. Berry writhes, trying to find a way out but struggling as Evans pulls back as hard as she can. The fans get louder and louder as it looks like Berry is about to tap, trying to urge her to keep going. Berry manages to push with her legs and rolls backwards, getting a kind of cover, 1-2-no. Evans breaks the hold to avoid being pinned.
Berry and Evans both swiftly make it to their feet. Evans pulls Berry in and lifts her for a brainbuster, but Berry drops to her feet. She aims a roundhouse kick but Evans blocks it with an axe handle, spinning Berry around and allowing her to go for the dragon sleeper again. Berry, however, catches the wrist and transitions behind Evans. She ripcords her and connects with a roundhouse kick which sends Evans dropping. Berry then aims for a second disaster kick but Evans catches her in mid air with a jumping spin kick. Evans then climbs up to the top rope once again and looks down as Berry struggles to her feet. Evans aims for a moonsault one more time but, as she catches Berry for the reverse DDT, Berry wriggles free and Evans drops to a seated position. Berry takes a few steps forward before connecting with another shining wizard.
MW: Shining wizard! Cover her, Berry!
SD: But she isn't making a cover. She's… no… shes…
MW: Berry Bishop stalking Artemis Evans. Evans makes it to her feet… Checkmate! Berry makes the cover, one… two… thr- wait!
SD: Evans is saved!
Out of the crowd, Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez emerged to pull the official out of the ring. As the official remains stunned, they enter the ring and attack Berry Bishop. Lopez holds her as Donovan pulls Evans to her feet. Without hesitation, Artemis Evans, amidst a wall of boos from the crowd, pulls Berry into position and connects with the Guillotine Strike. Lopez and Donovan leave the ring and encourage the official back in as Evans makes the cover. Suddenly a cheer erupts from the fans.
MW: It's Jerry!
SD: But he's too late. One!
MW: Donovan and Lopez holding him back.
SD: Two!
MW: Jerry bursts through them.
SD: Three! He's too late! Evans retains!
Winner: Artemis Evans.
The fans boo as Lopez and Donovan pull Evans from the ring. The three members of The Queendom celebrate as they back up the ramp, Evans snatching her championship from the official.
Jerry Bishop holds his head in his hands as he kneels over Berry on the ring. He shakes his head as Evans holds up her title. Berry sits up and Jerry apologises, the two siblings embracing in the ring. Jerry helps Berry up as the fans chant her name, Artemis Evans looking on and laughing with the rest of The Queendom before heading back through the curtain.
Backstage, Jace Mason stands in front of Jim Houston’s desk.
JH: Jace. Thank you for coming in to see me today. I've been impressed with you recently. You came to us as a rookie with a lot to learn. There's still a lot to learn of course but you've made big strides in your time in FPW.
JM: Thank you, sir.
JH: Your win over Clutch… I was impressed with that in particular. And you've set out a challenge to Russ Bolt. I have a spare slot for the Young Lions’ Cup final show and I'd love for the Freedom Championship to be defended on that show. You've got your match.
JM: Thank you, sir. I want to make this title something really special. I won't let you down.
JH: I'm sure you won't, Jace.
Jace turns to leave.
JH: Jace, wait.
JM: Yes, sir?
JH: All of this business with TakeOver… be careful. You may think you're supporting a man you respect when you take Baker’s side but you're also putting a target on your back. I know first hand that Marcus and his cronies won't stop in their pursuit to get what they want and I don't intend to cave in. Don't get yourself mixed up in this.
JM: I know what they're capable of. If they want to get involved with me, I'll gladly rise to the challenge.
Houston looks at Jace for a few moments.
JH: And Jace… Marcus has been insinuating a few things recently about new members. Your name has come up… If this is a calculated ruse… there will be consequences.
Jace looks back at Houston quizzically.
JM: I don't-
JH: That's all. You can go.
Jace turns and walks out, a puzzled look on his face.
MW: Well here we go. We're back in Young Lions’ Cup action tonight with our third quarter-final. This one sees the debut of the promising young up-and-corner Kris Knight. What do you make of her, Steven?
SD: She's young and inexperienced. She's talented for sure but I'm not sure she's ready for someone like Elizabeth Karlson.
MW: Karlson of course is embarking on a new stage in her journey as John Grimm has been ruled out for some time with a very serious injury. She came into FPW as a singles wrestler but she's perhaps best known for her work with The Renegades. What do you expect from Karlson as we move forward in 2019?
SD: She's a scary girl, that's for sure. I think she has a lot to offer, but she's got to be careful, especially tonight. When she's focussed, there are few better, but she has to make sure that she takes Kris Knight seriously. If she doesn't then she could be on the end of a big shock.
‘Wannabe’ begins to play and the fans turn to the entranceway with bemused looks on their faces. Out comes a young, blonde-haired woman in flowery ring gear, bouncing around the ramp with a smile on her face. She comes down the ramp and slaps hands with SD many fans as she can, running around the outside of the ring to catch everyone. She then climbs onto the ring apron and stands facing the crowd, raising a finger before entering the ring and standing in one corner.
The atmosphere quickly changes as the arena goes dark. Sudden pulses of white light burst out as ‘Hardcore’ begins to play. Elizabeth Karlson emerges, crawling down the ramp towards the ring. Knight looks more than a little intimidated as Karlson, clad in a jet black mask, approaches the ring. The lights continue to intensify as she makes it down to ringside before a single spotlight picks her out in the ring. Karlson pulls off her mask and the rest of her ring gear before bowing to the fans, who mostly give her a positive reaction, with a few boos mixed in.
Match 2: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter Final 3: Elizabeth Karlson v Kris Knight:
The bell rings and Karlson and Knight move towards one another. Knight offers Karlson a hand which Karlson looks down at before reaching out for. As she's about to grasp her hand, Karlson switches and takes the wrist, pulling Knight in and connecting with a brutal knee strike. She makes an early cover, 1-2-no. Knight just manages to get her shoulder up. Karlson makes a quick transition into an arm bar as the arm comes up before another transition into a cross arm-breaker as she grapevines Knight’s arm and pulls back. Knight rolls over and links her hands to counter, but Karlson transitions again, unlocking her legs and looking for a rear-naked choke. Knight gets a hand up to block the hold from being fully locked in, so Karlson pulls her to her feet and connects with a backstabber. She makes another cover, 1-2-no. Knight barely kicks out.
MW: Elizabeth Karlson looking to make short work of Kris Knight here.
SD: Looking to? She is making short work of Kris Knight!
Karlson pauses for a moment which gives Knight the space to roll out of the ring. She shakes her arm out and takes a breather, but Karlson looks down at her and quickly climbs through the ropes. Karlson jumps up onto the second rope and leaps down, aiming for a back elbow to Knight, but Knight catches her into a snap German suplex. Karlson’s head bounces off the ramp and Knight springs up, lifting her and rolling her back into the ring, sliding in after her and making a quick cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Karlson manages to kick out. Knight pulls Karlson quickly to her feet and looks for a belly to belly, which connects, and she quickly goes back to her, pulling her to her feet and hitting a second German suplex, bridging for the pin, 1-2-no! Karlson barely gets a shoulder up again.
MW: The tables have turned so quickly here.
SD: Noe its Knight looking to out Karlson away. What a start to this match!
Knight lifts Karlson again and looks for a DDT, but Karlson twists away, catching the wrist and pulling Knight in for a short-arm lariat. Karlson takes a few moments to get her bearings, allowing Knight to make it to her feet. Karlson runs at her and connects with a running knee, sending Knight slumping into the corner. Karlson then backs up to the opposite corner and runs at Knight again, connecting with a double knee strike. Knight rolls away from the corner and Karlson swoops in, grabbing the ankle and locking in an ankle lock. Knight scrambles to make it to the ropes, but, as she gets closer, Karlson pulls her back towards the middle of the ring and drops down, her legs wrapping around Knight’s leg as she transitions to a knee bar. Knight writhes in pain and tries to drag herself away, but Karlson keeps countering her attempts to move and Knight finds herself stranded in the middle of the ring.
Knight realises she won't make it to the ropes and instead tries to kick her way free. Karlson absorbs two kicks before catching the foot and making a quick transition to a version of a figure-four leg lock. Knight, however, manages to use the transition to her advantage, forcing her way closer to the ropes before managing to catch the bottom rope. Karlson breaks the hold and stalks Knight before looking for the Full Blown Plague. Knight, however, manages to drop down and uses her legs to roll Karlson through for a pin, 1-2-no, Karlson manages to kick out, forcing Knight up into the air. Knight, however, uses the kick out to her advantage and comes down with a brutal double stomp to Karlson. She makes another cover, 1-2-no! Karlson just kick out.
MW: This match is swinging one way and then the other.
SD: It's a fantastic contest, but I think Karlson looks clearly the superior wrestler.
MW: She's dominated long periods, but Kris Knight has taken her chances when they've presented themselves. She could catch Karlson if she isn't careful.
Knight climbs up to the top rope and waits for Karlson to make it to her feet. She then leaps down and connects with a missile dropkick, taking Karlson down hard. Karlson rolls backwards onto her knees and Knight moves in, connecting with a series of hard kicks to the chest. After five, she pulls Karlson up and plants her into the mat with an X-factor, which she then transitions into a powerbomb set-up, connecting with a sit-out powerbomb and holding for the pin attempt, 1-2-no. Karlson manages to get her shoulder up. Like Karlson did earlier, Knight then catches the arm and tries to transition into an octopus hold. Karlson, however, is too good a technician and manages to roll her through into another cross arm-breaker. Knight finds herself close to the ropes and manages to grasp the bottom rope quickly, breaking the hold.
Karlson, however, takes her chance to get back on top. She handsprings and then takes Knight down with a handspring enzeguiri before she hits a codebreaker once Knight gets back to her feet. Karlson makes a cover, 1-2-no. Knight manages to kick out. Karlson is quick to grab a wrist, pulling Knight in for another big knee strike. She keeps hold of the wrist as Knight swings around due to the impact and pulls her in again for the Full Blown Plague. This time she locks it in fully and Knight struggles for a few moments before finally tapping out.
Winner: Elizabeth Karlson.
MW: Karlson wins a hard-fought contest against Kris Knight.
SD: Knight came close to pulling off a shock win but Elizabeth Karlson was just a little too good. The match turned on a dime when Knight tried to beat Karlson at her own game. I can count on one hand the number of people in FPW who can match Karlson in the technical game, and Kris Knight is not one of them.
MW: She may not be, but she showed a lot of potential tonight.
Karlson has her arm raised by the official as Knight pulls herself up. Karlson looks down at her before offering a hand. Knight takes it and the two shake hands, Knight pointing at Karlson to acknowledge the win. Knight rolls out of the ring as Karlson takes in the applause, pointing at the Young Lions’ Cup on the ramp and drawing a finger across her throat.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Berry Bishop:
DB: Berry, you performed well tonight and almost had that match won. How do you take a loss like that one?
BB: Actually, Dashy, I didn't almost have it won. I did have it won. I hit the Checkmate on the White Queen herself and was about to win when those two… those two… bi-
‘Whoa, whoa!’
Jerry Bishop appears.
JB: Whoa, little sis. Let's take a minute to breathe. In through the nose… out through the mouth. And repeat… oh… hey Dasha.
DB: Jerry… you tried to help Berry out tonight but didn't quite manage. I guess you weren't expecting The Queendom.
JB: No, not exactly. I didn't expect them to come out, but I didn't really even consider it. I was focussed on my match with James Saturn tonight and I took my eye off the ball for Berry. When I realised… well, it ended up the same as most of what I've done recently.
DB: Don't be too hard on yourself. You've got a big match yourself tonight. I'm sure Berry understands.
BB: I sure do, Dashy. Thanks Jerry, I feel much calmer now. But I want to say something. I'm in the Young Lions’ Cup semi-final against Marcus Allen Jones. If I beat him and if I go on to win this competition, I don't t want to challenge for the FPW Championship. I want a rematch with Evans. Just me and her, one on one.
DB: Of course, if you do make the final, you might be facing Jerry…
JB (quietly): Not likely…
DB: What was that, Jerry?
JB: Oh… nothing. If she and I make the final, it'll be a match for the ages. But I've got a tough match to get through first. If I beat Saturn, I face Karlson. Berry has to face Marcus. An all-Bishop final is a great thought, but we've got a lot to do to get there. Speaking of which, I'd better be going.
Berry gives Jerry a hug and a kiss on the cheek for good luck. Dasha watches awkwardly as Jerry walks away.
BB: Why didn't you hug him too?
DB: Oh… I…
BB: All he needs is a bit of good luck. Plus he's a really good hugger.
Berry walks away as Dasha is left looking embarrassed.
MW: And here is our final Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final and, to be honest, the one I've been most looking forward to.
SD: Jerry Bishop, the Jester, the heart and soul of Freedom Pro Wrestling. James Saturn, the Paragon, the man who recently decided he'd had enough of being passed over, patronised, treated like an after-thought and broke out onto a higher stage.
MW: Also known as the man who jumped Graham Baker after losing to him.
SD: The man who constantly looked down on by Graham Baker? The man who lost to Graham Baker after trying to stop Marcus Allen Jones taking his head off with the title belt? The man who Graham Baker constantly and consistently patronised before, during and after the match? He had every right to react the way that he did.
MW: However true that may be-
SD: It's a hundred percent true and you know it, Watson. Admit it!
MW: However true that may be, Saturn has to get past a very tough opponent tonight. Jim Houston has already told him that he's not getting a second shot unless he wins the Young Lions’ Cup. But let's shift the focus. Jerry Bishop has been on a poor run recently, losing to Bobby O, losing to Zachary Bates on debut and losing the one of biggest matches of his career to MDE. He needs this tournament to get his mojo back and to set up one of two potential rematches, either against Baker or MDE, both of which are mouth-watering prospects.
‘White Knuckles’ by Alter Bridge begins and James Saturn walks slowly out onto the ramp. The fans boo loudly as he stands and regards the crowd with an arrogant smirk on his face. He walks slowly down the ramp, a real contrast to his usual high-energy style, ignoring the fans and wearing a look on his face that suggests he's better than all of them. He slides into the ring and climbs up to the top turnbuckle, holding out his arms and looking across the crowd. Saturn then moonsaults off the top rope and lands perfectly in the ring, holding a crouched pose for a few moments before resting back into the corner.
A ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant begins as Saturn’s music ends. The chant goes on for a few moments before a loud cheer comes as ‘Comedian’s Gallop’ plays and Jerry emerges at the top of the ramp. Before his trademark bow, he takes a look around the arena and smiles, the hint of a tear coming to his eye. Jerry bows deeply before dance conducting all the way down to the ring and then climbing through the ropes. He bows once again before looking across at Saturn, who gives him a dismissive smirk. Jerry shakes his head at Saturn with a disappointed look on his face, before retreating back into the corner.
Match 3: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final Four: James Saturn v Jerry Bishop:
The bell rings and both men stand in their corners for a few moments. The ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant begins again and rolls around the arena. Jerry takes it in as Saturn leans against the ropes, hand-waving the fans before stepping out of the corner and moving towards Jerry, beckoning him forward. The two men move together and stand face to face in the middle of the ring. The Jerry chants continue to echo around the arena and Saturn trash talks him, telling him that he's nothing but a loser. Jerry stares back at Saturn before stepping back and offering him his hand. Saturn looks down dismissively before backing away and starting to circle Jerry.
The two men lock up, Saturn taking an early advantage and locking in a quick headlock. Jerry forces Saturn into the ropes and shoves him off him, sending Saturn across the ring. Jerry then moves to the centre and takes Saturn down with an arm drag, then another. Saturn then aims a clothesline at Jerry, who ducks, sending Saturn into the ropes. Jerry drops down and Saturn leaps over him, rebounding off the opposite ropes. Jerry leapfrogs Saturn and aims a dropkick at him as Saturn rebounds again. Saturn however pushes the dropkick away and grabs a front facelock.
MW: A fast paced start here.
SD: James Saturn wise to slow it down. Jerry has a lot of energy and Saturn needs to just put a cork in him for a while. It'll quieten the fans a bit too.
Saturn maintains his hold for a while, keeping Jerry grounded. Jerry fights his way up to a knee and Saturn then transitions into a snapmare. Saturn then locks in a reverse chinlock, grounding Jerry again as he pushes his hips up and puts more weight onto Jerry. Jerry tries to fight his way up but Saturn keeps him down, yelling to the fans as he asks them how they like his new approach. The fans boo and a Jerry chant breaks out again, giving Jerry the impetus to fight back once again. He fights up to a knee before elbowing his way free of Saturn. Saturn breaks the hold and then whips Jerry into the ropes. Jerry ducks a clothesline and leaps up onto the second rope, diving down and taking Saturn down with a blockbuster.
Jerry then pulls Saturn to his feet and whips him into the corner. He runs at Saturn and connects with a running forearm, grasping the head and coming out with a running bulldog. Jerry rolls Saturn into a cover, 1-no. Saturn quickly kicks out. Both men make it to their feet and Jerry aims a rolling elbow at Saturn, who ducks. Saturn connects with a standing dropkick before pulling Jerry to his feet and whipping him into the corner. He advances and connects with several cross chops before pulling Jerry in and connecting with a vertical suplex. Saturn then hits Jerry with a picture-perfect standing shooting star press, holding for a cover, 1-2-no. Jerry kicks out.
MW: It's certainly picked up here.
SD: Did you see that shooting star? Saturn makes everything look so crisp.
Saturn then grabs Jerry’s arm and kicks him in the upper arm. Jerry rolls away and clutches the arm as Saturn comes in again, stomping on the arm before extending it and holding the hand there with his foot. He then makes a quick leap and drops an elbow onto the extended arm. Jerry jerks the arm away and cries out as Saturn grabs it again, twisting the arm and wrenching it. He pulls Jerry up with the arm still gripped. He twists it again before pulling Jerry over towards the corner. Jerry tries to resist but Saturn wrenches the arm again and steps up the ropes. He walks along the top rope to the middle of the rope. Jerry swings an arm to take out Saturn’s legs, but Saturn leaps up and then lands perfectly back down on the top rope, smirking at Jerry, who looks up in amazement. Saturn then comes down with a chop and Jerry drops to the mat.
Saturn lifts Jerry to a seated position and backs into the ropes before running at Jerry and connecting with a dropkick. Saturn sits Jerry up again and backs away behind him, connecting with a second dropkick, this time to the back. Saturn follows up with a standing moonsault and makes the cover, 1-2-no. Jerry kicks out. Saturn looks down at him and smirks again before standing and giving Jerry some disrespectful kicks, daring him to get up. Jerry stands and faces down Saturn, aiming a forearm at him, but Saturn ducks and then whips Jerry into the ropes, taking him down with a calf kick and then kneeling over him with another smirk.
MW: James Saturn looks impressive tonight.
SD: That's because he is impressive, Watson.
MW: And nobody thinks so more than himself. Jerry has a lot to do to get back into this match.
Saturn drags Jerry over to the ropes and props him up with his head resting on the second rope. He aims a few kicks to Jerry’s back and then pulls Jerry through the ropes, trapping his arms behind the top rope. Saturn then backs away and connects with a standing dropkick to Jerry’s back which sends him down to the outside. Saturn looks down at him with another smirk before running at the opposite ropes and looking ready to dive at Jerry, only to stop short of the ropes and laugh as the fans boo him.
Instead, Saturn leaves the ring and pulls Jerry to his feet. He whips him into the barricade and Jerry reels away, holding back in pain. Saturn again pulls Jerry in and whips him into the barricade, with Jerry again holding his back with a grimace. Saturn kicks Jerry back into the barricade before forcing his arm through the bars and aiming a hard kick at it. Jerry pulls his arm through with a cry of pain as Saturn wrings the arm and steps up onto the guardrail. He walks along it with a smirk on his face and leaps down, but Jerry counters, leaping onto the guardrail himself before leaping down, twisting in mid-air and taking Saturn down with an arm drag. The fans cheer as Jerry pulls himself to his feet, holding his back and his arm.
Jerry then moves over to Saturn, whipping him into the guardrail and then connecting with a runnning dropkick. Saturn drops to the floor as Jerry lifts him and rolls him back into the ring. Jerry climbs the ropes and waits for Saturn to make it to his feet. He leaps off and connects with a second-rope blockbuster. Jerry makes a cover, 1-2-no. Saturn manages to kick out. Jerry doesn't slow down, instead rolling to the apron and stalking Saturn. He leaps up onto the top rope and connects with a springboard forearm. Saturn collapses to the mat and Jerry makes a cover again, 1-2-no. Saturn again kicks out.
MW: Jerry Bishop is right back into this match.
SD: But look at that- he's holding that lower back. He took some hard shots on those barricades. And let’s not forget his arm.
MW: But if anyone can fight through this, it's Jerry Bishop.
Bishop stands, holding his back as he stalks Saturn. He grabs Saturn with a front facelock and drags him over to the corner. Keeping his grip, Jerry pulls himself up onto the top turnbuckle and he leaps off, looking for a tornado DDT. Saturn, however, pushes Jerry away and connects with an enzeguiri. Jerry staggers back and Saturn takes him down with a double leg, looking for Saturn’s Walls. Jerry tries to resist but his back causes him problems, and Saturn turns him, locking in the hold. The official checks on Jerry as he frantically tries to resist. Saturn sits down lower and lower as Jerry’s face turns increasingly desperate.
Jerry tries to fight his way to the ropes and inches closer and closer, the fans egging him on all the way. Saturn, however, manages to drag Jerry back into the middle of the ring, sitting down even further as Jerry drops down to the mat. The official repeatedly asks him if he wants to quit, but Jerry won't give in. He pushes himself up to a big cheer from the fans, crawling closer and closer towards the ropes. He reaches out, getting closer and closer as the fans whip themselves up into a frenzy. Saturn, however, walks Jerry back once again to loud groans of despair. However, this allows Jerry a bit of wriggle room, and he drags himself from between the legs of Saturn and reaches up, pulling Saturn into a small package, 1-2-no! Saturn barely manages to escape.
Both men quickly get to their feet and Saturn aims a forearm at Jerry, but he ducks, connecting with a steel-up enzeguiri. Jerry then rolls to the apron again and pulls himself to his feet, struggling a little but managing to make it to his feet while Saturn recovers. Jerry then leaps up, planting Saturn with a slingshot DDT. He rolls Saturn onto his back and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Saturn just manages to get a foot on the ropes. Jerry holds his head in anguish as he uses the ropes to pull himself up. He stalks Saturn and connects with a parallel snapmare. He then hits the ropes and comes back with a penalty kick that takes him off his feet, completing the Touchstone Takedown. Jerry rolls into a back-press, hooking the leg, 1-2-no! Saturn just manages to kick out.
MW: I thought he had it!
SD: Jerry showing great resilience to still be in this match let alone to be so close to winning it. But James Saturn isn't finished yet.
MW: But he could soon be.
Jerry pulls Saturn towards him again and looks for a tornado DDT once more. Saturn, however, fights Jerry off. He pulls away from him and then connects with an enzeguiri to Jerry on the middle rope. Jerry drops down and Saturn climbs up to the top rope. He looks down at Jerry and, as the fans boo, Saturn connects with a perfect Saturnsault. He holds for the cover, 1-2-no! Jerry kicks out!
MW: Jerry Bishop just kicked out of the Saturnsault!
SD: I don't believe it!
MW: And neither can James Saturn! Look at his face!
Saturn gives Jerry a look of disbelief and then climbs up to the rope rope again. He checks that Jerry is still in position and leaps again, looking for a second Saturnsault. Jerry, however, barely manages to roll out of the way. Jerry pulls himself up to his feet as the fans cheer. He lifts Saturn and sets him up again, letting out his patented booming laugh before… Saturn pulls free. Jerry aims a rolling elbow at him at again but Saturn ducks and connects with a vicious superkick. Saturn falls into a cover, 1-2-3.
Winner: James Saturn.
MW: Saturn. Saturn wins.
SD: He did it! James Saturn makes it through to the semi-finals. What a victory for The Paragon.
MW: Jerry Bishop is beaten again. He came within inches of a victory.
SD: But he couldn't get it done. James Saturn proving his ability, proving his worth and proving that he deserves to be shown respect.
MW: And I'll give him that respect, but I won't deny that I wanted to see Jerry Bishop come good here. James Saturn goes on to face Elizabeth Karlson and the winner will face Marcus Allen Jones or-
SD: No or. Just Marcus.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones or Berry Bishop.
James Saturn stands in the ring with a smirk on his face as the official raises his arm. He points at the Young Lions’ Cup and leaves the ring, leaving Jerry to sit up with a disappointed look on his face. The fans cheer him but he doesn't cheer up. He rolls under the bottom rope and sits on the ring apron for a few moments looks devastated before walking up the ramp, not acknowledging the fans on his way to the back.
Backstage, Graham Baker walks through the corridor. He suddenly stops and the camera turns to show MDE, four title belts in his hands. MDE walks up to Baker and holds them up.
MDE: You wanted me to put these on the line against you? Okay. You got it.
GB: Good. But right now, I've got things to do. I don't have time for you until I've dealt with TakeOver.
Baker walks on, but MDE catches his arm.
MDE: Be careful out there, Graham. I don't want you getting hurt and having an excuse when I take that title from you. You know how dangerous TakeOver are and you know they've got people… everywhere. I'll be watching… very closely.
Baker squares up to MDE.
GB: You want to play mind games? You want to make me think about you during this match? Why don't you just come down to the ring and see what I do to TakeOver first hand? No bullshit. And then after the match, I'll focus entirely on you, just like you want. Oh, and I won't ever need excuses against you.
MDE laughs dismissively before walking away, leaving Baker to turn to walk to the ring.
The lights in the arena go down and static rings out as ‘Cult of Personality’ begins playing out through the arena, lights flashing on and off as MAJ and The Invaders step out on stage, lights shining down on them. Marcus pulls a piece of paper out and unrolls it, with it reading out as ‘FPW Heavyweight Chump Graham Baker!’ He drops it to the ground before walking over it and heading down to the ring, basking in the boos of the crowd as he does so.
SD: Here we have it, Watson-TakeOver comes to the ring in triumphant fashion, looking to teach Graham Baker and his two flunkies a lesson!
MW: I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Deville-Hunter Killer have proven to be more than just a green pair of names!
MAJ enters the ring as The Invaders hold the rope open for him, and basks in the ring as the crowd rains down shouts and abuse upon him. He simply stands while The Invaders hail abuse at the crowd, and they’re about to step out to step up to a few fans who come out to the barricade, but before they can, ‘DNA’ by Kendrick Lamar rings out through the arena.
Moments later, Graham Baker and Hunter-Killer step out, Hunter-Killer crossing their arms behind Baker. Baker leads the pack, and as MAJ steps forward to the ropes, Baker undoes the title belt from his waist and holds it up high for MAJ to see, screaming out at him ‘this is mine now! Come fucking get it!’ Hunter-Killer taunt the Invaders as they walk to the ring, as well, with the six men coming closer and closer to a confrontation.
SD: And here comes Graham Baker flanked by Hunter Killer in a losing effort to Marcus Allen Jones and The Invaders! TakeOver’s got this one in the bag, easy!
MW: Don’t count them out ye-wait, what?!
As Watson and Deville were talking, Daniels nods to Jackson, who grabs Baker from behind and throws him head-first into the corner ring-post on the ring. Marcus Allen Jones stands back and watches as Jackson yanks Baker up into a powerbomb position AND SLAMS HIM INTO THE APRON WITH A VICIOUS POWERBOMB, BEFORE SWINGING HIM AROUND AND SMASHING HIS HEAD BACK INTO THE SIDE OF THE RING! Baker’s already busted open, and Jackson shoves him back in the ring, rolling him inside before he rolls in after him. He kicks Baker over to MAJ, and he and Daniels stand across from Jones and The Invaders.
There’s a moment of tense hesitation between the five, before MAJ makes a ‘too-sweet’ gesture with his hands and cracks a smile. The Invaders do the same, and suddenly, Hunter-Killer join them. The crowd rains down boos upon them as the five begin laying into the grounded Graham Baker!
MAJ tears a turnbuckle pad off the corner, and has Jackson throw him into it with a massive Lawn Dart, before Dario goes high, talking shit as he does so and lands on Baker with a MASSIVE SENTON BOMB! He pulls Baker out, and both MAJ and Daniels put the boots to him one more time before they throw him into a corner! Daniels rushes and hits him with a pair of shotgun knees, before she drags him out to Haych, who picks him up and powerbombs him down into the center of the ring! Marcus grabs Baker’s title from him and holds it up over him while the other four pose around him!
At this moment, Jim Houston steps out on stage and security comes to enter the ring and pull Baker out, but Haych and Jackson put fists to them quickly before pulling both men up-DOUBLE POWERBOMB INTO BOTH SECURITY WORKERS! There’s another powerbomb, lariats, kicks, and the security men are sent out of the ring in a heap. Houston sends out more, including a couple Young Lions, but they meet the same fate as Dario and Daniels go to work tearing the ring apart….
Houston watches, mouth agape, as Dario snips the cords holding the mat down. He pulls it back to reveal the wooden planks beneath. The rest of TakeOver unhook the ropes from each corner and begin to take the planks out one by one. Marcus positions himself on top of the announce table, watching the chaos unfold as FPW officials scatter into the crowd. The show closes with shots of Marcus, grinning, and Houston, staring deadpan at the leader of TakeOver.
MW: Ladies and-
‘The Entertainer’ cuts off Mike Watson and the fans rise to their feet as Berry Bishop stands at the top of the ramp, bowing deeply to the fans and miming that she's playing along with the music.
MW: With such a packed show tonight, it makes sense that we're getting started straight away.
SD: And what a way to begin. Our Women's Champion is about to grace us with her presence!
MW: But for how long will she be champion? Berry Bishop holds recent singles victories over Henry Harrison and our number one contender to the FPW Championship, her tormentor, MDE. She will give Artemis Evans a very stern challenge tonight.
Berry enters the ring and bows once again, giving the fans a wink and a smile before stretching out her legs on the top rope.
SD: Of course Berry comes out Jerry-less tonight as Jerry has his own big match later on to focus on.
MW: I'm sure Jerry will be focussed on that match, but let's not pretend that he won't have half an eye on his sister here. Jerry has never held gold in FPW, but his sister might by the end of this match.
A white queen appears on the screen as a voice declares ‘Checkmate’. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins as the fans boo, Artemis Evans walking onto the stage and holding out her arms, Women's Championship around her waist, as pyro goes off on either side of her. She walks down the ramp, exchanging barbs with fans who try to engage with her, until she reaches a young fan in a Berry Bishop t-shirt. Evans stops, points to the fan, who smiles and reaches out to touch the title. Evans pulls away and grabs the t-shirt, making a rip in it before moving away as the fans around the girl boo vociferously. Evans vaults into the ring and pushes Berry aside as she walks to the far corner and climbs to the second rope, raising her arms, title held aloft, as she holds the pose while the fans boo all around.
MW: This match is fascinating. Artemis Evans is a good technical wrestler- maybe not as good as she thinks, but she is good- and Berry is a natural striker. She has, however, really developed her technical skills recently. I think these two could be very evenly matched.
SD: I don't agree. Artemis Evans is the greatest women's wrestler in the history of the world.
MW: Not that you're biased.
SD: Never.
Match 1: FPW Women's Championship: Artemis Evans v Berry Bishop:
The referee calls for the bell and Evans and Berry circle one another before locking up strongly. They jockey for position for a few moments before Evans forces Berry back into the ropes. The official comes in for the break and Evans breaks quickly, turning her back on Berry and laughing and the ease at which she gained the advantage. Berry steps away from the ropes and stretches out her neck before Evans turns and they lock up again. They two jockey for a few moments again but Evans gains the advantage once more, forcing Berry back into the ropes. The official comes in for the break again and Evans again turns away with a smirk.
Berry gives Evans a look as the fans boo her arrogance. Evans turns and calls Berry forward for a third time. They go to lock up but Berry ducks under the lock up, positioning herself behind Evans and grabbing a waistlock. She forces Evans into the ropes and pulls her down into an O’Connor roll, 1-2-no. Evans shoves Berry away from her and gets to her feet, aiming a forearm at Berry. Berry ducks and rolls her up with a schoolboy, 1-2-no. Again Evans kicks out. Both women make it to their feet but Berry quickly pulls Evans into a small package, 1-2-no. Again Evans breaks the cover, this time rolling away to the outside.
MW: It's all on the line and Berry knows how important this match is.
SD: She knows she can't beat Evans so she's looking for a quick win.
MW: I think she'll be confident that she can win this match, but I like her approach. There's nothing wrong with looking for a quick win in a big match like this.
Berry moves over to the ropes and grasps the top rope, leaping into the air and then sending her feet through the ropes, aiming a dropkick at Evans. Evans catches the legs and pulls Berry down to the outside, sending her back crashing against the floor. Evans drops to one knee, crushing Berry’s threat with her leg as the official quickly moves to the outside and forces her to climb off Berry. Evans shouts abuse to a fan as she pulls Berry up and positions her against the guardrail, her head resting against the top. Evans then climbs onto the adjoining rail, leaping up and connecting with a double stomp to the back of Berry’s neck. Berry arches her back in pain and drops to the floor, holding her neck.
MW: Right across the neck!
SD: I think… I think she was going for the shoulder and missed. But this might work out better for the champ.
Evans stands, admires her work for a moment and then rolls Berry back into the ring. She rolls in after her and quickly applies a cravat, cranking the neck of her opponent. Berry shows the pain on her face and tries to get to her feet, but Evans keeps placing her foot begins Berry’s knee to block each attempt. Finally, Berry manages to block Evans’ attempts to stop her getting to her feet, but Evans transitions, turning the hold into a neckbreaker before dropping a knee across the back of Berry’s neck. She rolls her over and make a cover, not bothering to hook a leg, 1-2-no. Berry kicks out.
MW: A very cocky cover there from Evans.
SD: She's toying with Berry Bishop. Clown Junior can't match up to Artemis Evans’ skills.
MW: Evans is executing her plan well. Berry's certainly in trouble at the moment but I wouldn't say that she can't match up.
Evans pulls Berry into a seated position and backs away, hitting the ropes and then connecting with a sliding dropkick to the back of her neck. Berry rolls forward but Evans doesn't let her get to her feet, pulling her towards the ropes and choking on her on the middle rope as the official counts. Evans releases on four as the crowd boos before she backs away and runs at Berry, leaping up and landing all of her weight on Berry’s neck. Evans continues through the ropes to end up on the apron as Berry rolls back. Evans moves to the turnbuckles and climbs up to the top, standing with her back to the ring. She looks over her shoulder at Berry as she gets up before leaping off with a moonsault. She catches Berry and transitions perfectly into a reverse DDT. Evans makes a cover, 1-2-no. Berry just manages to kick out.
Evans smirks as she looks for another cravat, but Berry manages to catch her wrist, transitioning behind Evans and then floating over to connect with a desperation DDT as the fans cheer. Berry tries to get quickly to her feet but she staggers, holding her neck, allowing Evans to rolls over to the ropes and start to pull herself up. Berry regains control just as Evans turns towards her. Berry connects with a pump kick to the gut and then staggers Evans with a roundhouse kick before she sets up and connects with a disaster kick, covering Evans and hooking both legs, 1-2-no. Evans just kicks out.
MW: We were about half a second from a new Women's Champion right there.
SD: Half a second? Three seconds? Eight minutes? It's all the same because it's not going to happen.
MW: Bishop has Evans in her grasp here though.
Berry pulls Evans in for a running bulldog, which connects. Berry then rolls backwards and pushes herself up to her feet, taking a moment to crack her neck before connecting with a shining wizard. She makes a cover, 1-2-no. Again Evans manages to kick out. Berry then pulls Evans up and looks for an exploder, but Evans kicks Berry’s knee out and goes for a snap DDT, only for Berry to take Evans down with a single leg before she can connect. Berry then wraps an arm around the neck of Evans and rolls backwards, forcing Evans to roll back with her. Both end up on their feet before Berry instantly connects with an exploder.
The fans cheer Berry’s excellent transition as she stalks Evans. As Evans stands and turns towards Berry, Berry uncorks Checkmate, only for Evans to catch her foot. She pushes it away and then drives her knee into Berry’s gut before connecting with an immediate axe kick. Evans rolls Berry over and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Berry just kicks out. Evans bangs the mat with frustration before pulling Berry up and setting her into position for the Guillotine Strike. As she brings her arm down, Berry catches it, flips over it to a standing position and connects with a parallel snapmare. She hits the ropes and hits the penalty kick to complete the Touchstone Takedown, falling into a deep cover, 1-2-no! Evans barely gets a shoulder up.
MW: That was- no! Artemis Evans kicks out of the Touchstone Takedown. Berry Bishop was this close to dethroning our Women's Champion.
SD: But Evans was this close to hitting the Guillotine Strike, and I know for sure that Berry couldn't kick out of that.
MW: Now Berry is setting up once again.
Berry stalks Evans as she struggles to get to her feet. One hand cradles her neck as the other beckons Evans to get up. The fans cheer as Berry looks set to go for Checkmate for a second time. Evans turns and Berry aims the kick, only for Evans to duck. Evans kicks Berry in the gut and pulls her in for a butterfly suplex, which connects. Evans maintains her grasp of the arms and floats over, pulling Berry up for a second butterfly suplex, this time bridging for a cover, 1-2-no! Berry just gets a shoulder up. Evans maintains her grip again, pulling Berry up with her and looking for a third butterfly suplex. Berry, however, drops down and frees her arms, scuttling her way behind Evans and pulling her in for an inverted exploder. Evans, however, flips out and lands on her feet, running at Berry and connecting with the Silver Bullet knee strike to the back of her head. Berry crumples to the mat, 1-2-no! Again Berry barely manages to kick out.
Evans again bangs the mat in frustration. She looks down at Berry and aims a vicious stomp at the back of her neck. After four hard stomps, Evans pulls her up and locks in a dragon sleeper, quickly dropping to the mat and hooking her legs around Berry’s midsection. Berry writhes, trying to find a way out but struggling as Evans pulls back as hard as she can. The fans get louder and louder as it looks like Berry is about to tap, trying to urge her to keep going. Berry manages to push with her legs and rolls backwards, getting a kind of cover, 1-2-no. Evans breaks the hold to avoid being pinned.
Berry and Evans both swiftly make it to their feet. Evans pulls Berry in and lifts her for a brainbuster, but Berry drops to her feet. She aims a roundhouse kick but Evans blocks it with an axe handle, spinning Berry around and allowing her to go for the dragon sleeper again. Berry, however, catches the wrist and transitions behind Evans. She ripcords her and connects with a roundhouse kick which sends Evans dropping. Berry then aims for a second disaster kick but Evans catches her in mid air with a jumping spin kick. Evans then climbs up to the top rope once again and looks down as Berry struggles to her feet. Evans aims for a moonsault one more time but, as she catches Berry for the reverse DDT, Berry wriggles free and Evans drops to a seated position. Berry takes a few steps forward before connecting with another shining wizard.
MW: Shining wizard! Cover her, Berry!
SD: But she isn't making a cover. She's… no… shes…
MW: Berry Bishop stalking Artemis Evans. Evans makes it to her feet… Checkmate! Berry makes the cover, one… two… thr- wait!
SD: Evans is saved!
Out of the crowd, Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez emerged to pull the official out of the ring. As the official remains stunned, they enter the ring and attack Berry Bishop. Lopez holds her as Donovan pulls Evans to her feet. Without hesitation, Artemis Evans, amidst a wall of boos from the crowd, pulls Berry into position and connects with the Guillotine Strike. Lopez and Donovan leave the ring and encourage the official back in as Evans makes the cover. Suddenly a cheer erupts from the fans.
MW: It's Jerry!
SD: But he's too late. One!
MW: Donovan and Lopez holding him back.
SD: Two!
MW: Jerry bursts through them.
SD: Three! He's too late! Evans retains!
Winner: Artemis Evans.
The fans boo as Lopez and Donovan pull Evans from the ring. The three members of The Queendom celebrate as they back up the ramp, Evans snatching her championship from the official.
Jerry Bishop holds his head in his hands as he kneels over Berry on the ring. He shakes his head as Evans holds up her title. Berry sits up and Jerry apologises, the two siblings embracing in the ring. Jerry helps Berry up as the fans chant her name, Artemis Evans looking on and laughing with the rest of The Queendom before heading back through the curtain.
Backstage, Jace Mason stands in front of Jim Houston’s desk.
JH: Jace. Thank you for coming in to see me today. I've been impressed with you recently. You came to us as a rookie with a lot to learn. There's still a lot to learn of course but you've made big strides in your time in FPW.
JM: Thank you, sir.
JH: Your win over Clutch… I was impressed with that in particular. And you've set out a challenge to Russ Bolt. I have a spare slot for the Young Lions’ Cup final show and I'd love for the Freedom Championship to be defended on that show. You've got your match.
JM: Thank you, sir. I want to make this title something really special. I won't let you down.
JH: I'm sure you won't, Jace.
Jace turns to leave.
JH: Jace, wait.
JM: Yes, sir?
JH: All of this business with TakeOver… be careful. You may think you're supporting a man you respect when you take Baker’s side but you're also putting a target on your back. I know first hand that Marcus and his cronies won't stop in their pursuit to get what they want and I don't intend to cave in. Don't get yourself mixed up in this.
JM: I know what they're capable of. If they want to get involved with me, I'll gladly rise to the challenge.
Houston looks at Jace for a few moments.
JH: And Jace… Marcus has been insinuating a few things recently about new members. Your name has come up… If this is a calculated ruse… there will be consequences.
Jace looks back at Houston quizzically.
JM: I don't-
JH: That's all. You can go.
Jace turns and walks out, a puzzled look on his face.
MW: Well here we go. We're back in Young Lions’ Cup action tonight with our third quarter-final. This one sees the debut of the promising young up-and-corner Kris Knight. What do you make of her, Steven?
SD: She's young and inexperienced. She's talented for sure but I'm not sure she's ready for someone like Elizabeth Karlson.
MW: Karlson of course is embarking on a new stage in her journey as John Grimm has been ruled out for some time with a very serious injury. She came into FPW as a singles wrestler but she's perhaps best known for her work with The Renegades. What do you expect from Karlson as we move forward in 2019?
SD: She's a scary girl, that's for sure. I think she has a lot to offer, but she's got to be careful, especially tonight. When she's focussed, there are few better, but she has to make sure that she takes Kris Knight seriously. If she doesn't then she could be on the end of a big shock.
‘Wannabe’ begins to play and the fans turn to the entranceway with bemused looks on their faces. Out comes a young, blonde-haired woman in flowery ring gear, bouncing around the ramp with a smile on her face. She comes down the ramp and slaps hands with SD many fans as she can, running around the outside of the ring to catch everyone. She then climbs onto the ring apron and stands facing the crowd, raising a finger before entering the ring and standing in one corner.
The atmosphere quickly changes as the arena goes dark. Sudden pulses of white light burst out as ‘Hardcore’ begins to play. Elizabeth Karlson emerges, crawling down the ramp towards the ring. Knight looks more than a little intimidated as Karlson, clad in a jet black mask, approaches the ring. The lights continue to intensify as she makes it down to ringside before a single spotlight picks her out in the ring. Karlson pulls off her mask and the rest of her ring gear before bowing to the fans, who mostly give her a positive reaction, with a few boos mixed in.
Match 2: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter Final 3: Elizabeth Karlson v Kris Knight:
The bell rings and Karlson and Knight move towards one another. Knight offers Karlson a hand which Karlson looks down at before reaching out for. As she's about to grasp her hand, Karlson switches and takes the wrist, pulling Knight in and connecting with a brutal knee strike. She makes an early cover, 1-2-no. Knight just manages to get her shoulder up. Karlson makes a quick transition into an arm bar as the arm comes up before another transition into a cross arm-breaker as she grapevines Knight’s arm and pulls back. Knight rolls over and links her hands to counter, but Karlson transitions again, unlocking her legs and looking for a rear-naked choke. Knight gets a hand up to block the hold from being fully locked in, so Karlson pulls her to her feet and connects with a backstabber. She makes another cover, 1-2-no. Knight barely kicks out.
MW: Elizabeth Karlson looking to make short work of Kris Knight here.
SD: Looking to? She is making short work of Kris Knight!
Karlson pauses for a moment which gives Knight the space to roll out of the ring. She shakes her arm out and takes a breather, but Karlson looks down at her and quickly climbs through the ropes. Karlson jumps up onto the second rope and leaps down, aiming for a back elbow to Knight, but Knight catches her into a snap German suplex. Karlson’s head bounces off the ramp and Knight springs up, lifting her and rolling her back into the ring, sliding in after her and making a quick cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Karlson manages to kick out. Knight pulls Karlson quickly to her feet and looks for a belly to belly, which connects, and she quickly goes back to her, pulling her to her feet and hitting a second German suplex, bridging for the pin, 1-2-no! Karlson barely gets a shoulder up again.
MW: The tables have turned so quickly here.
SD: Noe its Knight looking to out Karlson away. What a start to this match!
Knight lifts Karlson again and looks for a DDT, but Karlson twists away, catching the wrist and pulling Knight in for a short-arm lariat. Karlson takes a few moments to get her bearings, allowing Knight to make it to her feet. Karlson runs at her and connects with a running knee, sending Knight slumping into the corner. Karlson then backs up to the opposite corner and runs at Knight again, connecting with a double knee strike. Knight rolls away from the corner and Karlson swoops in, grabbing the ankle and locking in an ankle lock. Knight scrambles to make it to the ropes, but, as she gets closer, Karlson pulls her back towards the middle of the ring and drops down, her legs wrapping around Knight’s leg as she transitions to a knee bar. Knight writhes in pain and tries to drag herself away, but Karlson keeps countering her attempts to move and Knight finds herself stranded in the middle of the ring.
Knight realises she won't make it to the ropes and instead tries to kick her way free. Karlson absorbs two kicks before catching the foot and making a quick transition to a version of a figure-four leg lock. Knight, however, manages to use the transition to her advantage, forcing her way closer to the ropes before managing to catch the bottom rope. Karlson breaks the hold and stalks Knight before looking for the Full Blown Plague. Knight, however, manages to drop down and uses her legs to roll Karlson through for a pin, 1-2-no, Karlson manages to kick out, forcing Knight up into the air. Knight, however, uses the kick out to her advantage and comes down with a brutal double stomp to Karlson. She makes another cover, 1-2-no! Karlson just kick out.
MW: This match is swinging one way and then the other.
SD: It's a fantastic contest, but I think Karlson looks clearly the superior wrestler.
MW: She's dominated long periods, but Kris Knight has taken her chances when they've presented themselves. She could catch Karlson if she isn't careful.
Knight climbs up to the top rope and waits for Karlson to make it to her feet. She then leaps down and connects with a missile dropkick, taking Karlson down hard. Karlson rolls backwards onto her knees and Knight moves in, connecting with a series of hard kicks to the chest. After five, she pulls Karlson up and plants her into the mat with an X-factor, which she then transitions into a powerbomb set-up, connecting with a sit-out powerbomb and holding for the pin attempt, 1-2-no. Karlson manages to get her shoulder up. Like Karlson did earlier, Knight then catches the arm and tries to transition into an octopus hold. Karlson, however, is too good a technician and manages to roll her through into another cross arm-breaker. Knight finds herself close to the ropes and manages to grasp the bottom rope quickly, breaking the hold.
Karlson, however, takes her chance to get back on top. She handsprings and then takes Knight down with a handspring enzeguiri before she hits a codebreaker once Knight gets back to her feet. Karlson makes a cover, 1-2-no. Knight manages to kick out. Karlson is quick to grab a wrist, pulling Knight in for another big knee strike. She keeps hold of the wrist as Knight swings around due to the impact and pulls her in again for the Full Blown Plague. This time she locks it in fully and Knight struggles for a few moments before finally tapping out.
Winner: Elizabeth Karlson.
MW: Karlson wins a hard-fought contest against Kris Knight.
SD: Knight came close to pulling off a shock win but Elizabeth Karlson was just a little too good. The match turned on a dime when Knight tried to beat Karlson at her own game. I can count on one hand the number of people in FPW who can match Karlson in the technical game, and Kris Knight is not one of them.
MW: She may not be, but she showed a lot of potential tonight.
Karlson has her arm raised by the official as Knight pulls herself up. Karlson looks down at her before offering a hand. Knight takes it and the two shake hands, Knight pointing at Karlson to acknowledge the win. Knight rolls out of the ring as Karlson takes in the applause, pointing at the Young Lions’ Cup on the ramp and drawing a finger across her throat.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Berry Bishop:
DB: Berry, you performed well tonight and almost had that match won. How do you take a loss like that one?
BB: Actually, Dashy, I didn't almost have it won. I did have it won. I hit the Checkmate on the White Queen herself and was about to win when those two… those two… bi-
‘Whoa, whoa!’
Jerry Bishop appears.
JB: Whoa, little sis. Let's take a minute to breathe. In through the nose… out through the mouth. And repeat… oh… hey Dasha.
DB: Jerry… you tried to help Berry out tonight but didn't quite manage. I guess you weren't expecting The Queendom.
JB: No, not exactly. I didn't expect them to come out, but I didn't really even consider it. I was focussed on my match with James Saturn tonight and I took my eye off the ball for Berry. When I realised… well, it ended up the same as most of what I've done recently.
DB: Don't be too hard on yourself. You've got a big match yourself tonight. I'm sure Berry understands.
BB: I sure do, Dashy. Thanks Jerry, I feel much calmer now. But I want to say something. I'm in the Young Lions’ Cup semi-final against Marcus Allen Jones. If I beat him and if I go on to win this competition, I don't t want to challenge for the FPW Championship. I want a rematch with Evans. Just me and her, one on one.
DB: Of course, if you do make the final, you might be facing Jerry…
JB (quietly): Not likely…
DB: What was that, Jerry?
JB: Oh… nothing. If she and I make the final, it'll be a match for the ages. But I've got a tough match to get through first. If I beat Saturn, I face Karlson. Berry has to face Marcus. An all-Bishop final is a great thought, but we've got a lot to do to get there. Speaking of which, I'd better be going.
Berry gives Jerry a hug and a kiss on the cheek for good luck. Dasha watches awkwardly as Jerry walks away.
BB: Why didn't you hug him too?
DB: Oh… I…
BB: All he needs is a bit of good luck. Plus he's a really good hugger.
Berry walks away as Dasha is left looking embarrassed.
MW: And here is our final Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final and, to be honest, the one I've been most looking forward to.
SD: Jerry Bishop, the Jester, the heart and soul of Freedom Pro Wrestling. James Saturn, the Paragon, the man who recently decided he'd had enough of being passed over, patronised, treated like an after-thought and broke out onto a higher stage.
MW: Also known as the man who jumped Graham Baker after losing to him.
SD: The man who constantly looked down on by Graham Baker? The man who lost to Graham Baker after trying to stop Marcus Allen Jones taking his head off with the title belt? The man who Graham Baker constantly and consistently patronised before, during and after the match? He had every right to react the way that he did.
MW: However true that may be-
SD: It's a hundred percent true and you know it, Watson. Admit it!
MW: However true that may be, Saturn has to get past a very tough opponent tonight. Jim Houston has already told him that he's not getting a second shot unless he wins the Young Lions’ Cup. But let's shift the focus. Jerry Bishop has been on a poor run recently, losing to Bobby O, losing to Zachary Bates on debut and losing the one of biggest matches of his career to MDE. He needs this tournament to get his mojo back and to set up one of two potential rematches, either against Baker or MDE, both of which are mouth-watering prospects.
‘White Knuckles’ by Alter Bridge begins and James Saturn walks slowly out onto the ramp. The fans boo loudly as he stands and regards the crowd with an arrogant smirk on his face. He walks slowly down the ramp, a real contrast to his usual high-energy style, ignoring the fans and wearing a look on his face that suggests he's better than all of them. He slides into the ring and climbs up to the top turnbuckle, holding out his arms and looking across the crowd. Saturn then moonsaults off the top rope and lands perfectly in the ring, holding a crouched pose for a few moments before resting back into the corner.
A ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant begins as Saturn’s music ends. The chant goes on for a few moments before a loud cheer comes as ‘Comedian’s Gallop’ plays and Jerry emerges at the top of the ramp. Before his trademark bow, he takes a look around the arena and smiles, the hint of a tear coming to his eye. Jerry bows deeply before dance conducting all the way down to the ring and then climbing through the ropes. He bows once again before looking across at Saturn, who gives him a dismissive smirk. Jerry shakes his head at Saturn with a disappointed look on his face, before retreating back into the corner.
Match 3: Young Lions’ Cup Quarter-Final Four: James Saturn v Jerry Bishop:
The bell rings and both men stand in their corners for a few moments. The ‘Je-rry Bi-shop’ chant begins again and rolls around the arena. Jerry takes it in as Saturn leans against the ropes, hand-waving the fans before stepping out of the corner and moving towards Jerry, beckoning him forward. The two men move together and stand face to face in the middle of the ring. The Jerry chants continue to echo around the arena and Saturn trash talks him, telling him that he's nothing but a loser. Jerry stares back at Saturn before stepping back and offering him his hand. Saturn looks down dismissively before backing away and starting to circle Jerry.
The two men lock up, Saturn taking an early advantage and locking in a quick headlock. Jerry forces Saturn into the ropes and shoves him off him, sending Saturn across the ring. Jerry then moves to the centre and takes Saturn down with an arm drag, then another. Saturn then aims a clothesline at Jerry, who ducks, sending Saturn into the ropes. Jerry drops down and Saturn leaps over him, rebounding off the opposite ropes. Jerry leapfrogs Saturn and aims a dropkick at him as Saturn rebounds again. Saturn however pushes the dropkick away and grabs a front facelock.
MW: A fast paced start here.
SD: James Saturn wise to slow it down. Jerry has a lot of energy and Saturn needs to just put a cork in him for a while. It'll quieten the fans a bit too.
Saturn maintains his hold for a while, keeping Jerry grounded. Jerry fights his way up to a knee and Saturn then transitions into a snapmare. Saturn then locks in a reverse chinlock, grounding Jerry again as he pushes his hips up and puts more weight onto Jerry. Jerry tries to fight his way up but Saturn keeps him down, yelling to the fans as he asks them how they like his new approach. The fans boo and a Jerry chant breaks out again, giving Jerry the impetus to fight back once again. He fights up to a knee before elbowing his way free of Saturn. Saturn breaks the hold and then whips Jerry into the ropes. Jerry ducks a clothesline and leaps up onto the second rope, diving down and taking Saturn down with a blockbuster.
Jerry then pulls Saturn to his feet and whips him into the corner. He runs at Saturn and connects with a running forearm, grasping the head and coming out with a running bulldog. Jerry rolls Saturn into a cover, 1-no. Saturn quickly kicks out. Both men make it to their feet and Jerry aims a rolling elbow at Saturn, who ducks. Saturn connects with a standing dropkick before pulling Jerry to his feet and whipping him into the corner. He advances and connects with several cross chops before pulling Jerry in and connecting with a vertical suplex. Saturn then hits Jerry with a picture-perfect standing shooting star press, holding for a cover, 1-2-no. Jerry kicks out.
MW: It's certainly picked up here.
SD: Did you see that shooting star? Saturn makes everything look so crisp.
Saturn then grabs Jerry’s arm and kicks him in the upper arm. Jerry rolls away and clutches the arm as Saturn comes in again, stomping on the arm before extending it and holding the hand there with his foot. He then makes a quick leap and drops an elbow onto the extended arm. Jerry jerks the arm away and cries out as Saturn grabs it again, twisting the arm and wrenching it. He pulls Jerry up with the arm still gripped. He twists it again before pulling Jerry over towards the corner. Jerry tries to resist but Saturn wrenches the arm again and steps up the ropes. He walks along the top rope to the middle of the rope. Jerry swings an arm to take out Saturn’s legs, but Saturn leaps up and then lands perfectly back down on the top rope, smirking at Jerry, who looks up in amazement. Saturn then comes down with a chop and Jerry drops to the mat.
Saturn lifts Jerry to a seated position and backs into the ropes before running at Jerry and connecting with a dropkick. Saturn sits Jerry up again and backs away behind him, connecting with a second dropkick, this time to the back. Saturn follows up with a standing moonsault and makes the cover, 1-2-no. Jerry kicks out. Saturn looks down at him and smirks again before standing and giving Jerry some disrespectful kicks, daring him to get up. Jerry stands and faces down Saturn, aiming a forearm at him, but Saturn ducks and then whips Jerry into the ropes, taking him down with a calf kick and then kneeling over him with another smirk.
MW: James Saturn looks impressive tonight.
SD: That's because he is impressive, Watson.
MW: And nobody thinks so more than himself. Jerry has a lot to do to get back into this match.
Saturn drags Jerry over to the ropes and props him up with his head resting on the second rope. He aims a few kicks to Jerry’s back and then pulls Jerry through the ropes, trapping his arms behind the top rope. Saturn then backs away and connects with a standing dropkick to Jerry’s back which sends him down to the outside. Saturn looks down at him with another smirk before running at the opposite ropes and looking ready to dive at Jerry, only to stop short of the ropes and laugh as the fans boo him.
Instead, Saturn leaves the ring and pulls Jerry to his feet. He whips him into the barricade and Jerry reels away, holding back in pain. Saturn again pulls Jerry in and whips him into the barricade, with Jerry again holding his back with a grimace. Saturn kicks Jerry back into the barricade before forcing his arm through the bars and aiming a hard kick at it. Jerry pulls his arm through with a cry of pain as Saturn wrings the arm and steps up onto the guardrail. He walks along it with a smirk on his face and leaps down, but Jerry counters, leaping onto the guardrail himself before leaping down, twisting in mid-air and taking Saturn down with an arm drag. The fans cheer as Jerry pulls himself to his feet, holding his back and his arm.
Jerry then moves over to Saturn, whipping him into the guardrail and then connecting with a runnning dropkick. Saturn drops to the floor as Jerry lifts him and rolls him back into the ring. Jerry climbs the ropes and waits for Saturn to make it to his feet. He leaps off and connects with a second-rope blockbuster. Jerry makes a cover, 1-2-no. Saturn manages to kick out. Jerry doesn't slow down, instead rolling to the apron and stalking Saturn. He leaps up onto the top rope and connects with a springboard forearm. Saturn collapses to the mat and Jerry makes a cover again, 1-2-no. Saturn again kicks out.
MW: Jerry Bishop is right back into this match.
SD: But look at that- he's holding that lower back. He took some hard shots on those barricades. And let’s not forget his arm.
MW: But if anyone can fight through this, it's Jerry Bishop.
Bishop stands, holding his back as he stalks Saturn. He grabs Saturn with a front facelock and drags him over to the corner. Keeping his grip, Jerry pulls himself up onto the top turnbuckle and he leaps off, looking for a tornado DDT. Saturn, however, pushes Jerry away and connects with an enzeguiri. Jerry staggers back and Saturn takes him down with a double leg, looking for Saturn’s Walls. Jerry tries to resist but his back causes him problems, and Saturn turns him, locking in the hold. The official checks on Jerry as he frantically tries to resist. Saturn sits down lower and lower as Jerry’s face turns increasingly desperate.
Jerry tries to fight his way to the ropes and inches closer and closer, the fans egging him on all the way. Saturn, however, manages to drag Jerry back into the middle of the ring, sitting down even further as Jerry drops down to the mat. The official repeatedly asks him if he wants to quit, but Jerry won't give in. He pushes himself up to a big cheer from the fans, crawling closer and closer towards the ropes. He reaches out, getting closer and closer as the fans whip themselves up into a frenzy. Saturn, however, walks Jerry back once again to loud groans of despair. However, this allows Jerry a bit of wriggle room, and he drags himself from between the legs of Saturn and reaches up, pulling Saturn into a small package, 1-2-no! Saturn barely manages to escape.
Both men quickly get to their feet and Saturn aims a forearm at Jerry, but he ducks, connecting with a steel-up enzeguiri. Jerry then rolls to the apron again and pulls himself to his feet, struggling a little but managing to make it to his feet while Saturn recovers. Jerry then leaps up, planting Saturn with a slingshot DDT. He rolls Saturn onto his back and makes a cover, 1-2-no! Saturn just manages to get a foot on the ropes. Jerry holds his head in anguish as he uses the ropes to pull himself up. He stalks Saturn and connects with a parallel snapmare. He then hits the ropes and comes back with a penalty kick that takes him off his feet, completing the Touchstone Takedown. Jerry rolls into a back-press, hooking the leg, 1-2-no! Saturn just manages to kick out.
MW: I thought he had it!
SD: Jerry showing great resilience to still be in this match let alone to be so close to winning it. But James Saturn isn't finished yet.
MW: But he could soon be.
Jerry pulls Saturn towards him again and looks for a tornado DDT once more. Saturn, however, fights Jerry off. He pulls away from him and then connects with an enzeguiri to Jerry on the middle rope. Jerry drops down and Saturn climbs up to the top rope. He looks down at Jerry and, as the fans boo, Saturn connects with a perfect Saturnsault. He holds for the cover, 1-2-no! Jerry kicks out!
MW: Jerry Bishop just kicked out of the Saturnsault!
SD: I don't believe it!
MW: And neither can James Saturn! Look at his face!
Saturn gives Jerry a look of disbelief and then climbs up to the rope rope again. He checks that Jerry is still in position and leaps again, looking for a second Saturnsault. Jerry, however, barely manages to roll out of the way. Jerry pulls himself up to his feet as the fans cheer. He lifts Saturn and sets him up again, letting out his patented booming laugh before… Saturn pulls free. Jerry aims a rolling elbow at him at again but Saturn ducks and connects with a vicious superkick. Saturn falls into a cover, 1-2-3.
Winner: James Saturn.
MW: Saturn. Saturn wins.
SD: He did it! James Saturn makes it through to the semi-finals. What a victory for The Paragon.
MW: Jerry Bishop is beaten again. He came within inches of a victory.
SD: But he couldn't get it done. James Saturn proving his ability, proving his worth and proving that he deserves to be shown respect.
MW: And I'll give him that respect, but I won't deny that I wanted to see Jerry Bishop come good here. James Saturn goes on to face Elizabeth Karlson and the winner will face Marcus Allen Jones or-
SD: No or. Just Marcus.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones or Berry Bishop.
James Saturn stands in the ring with a smirk on his face as the official raises his arm. He points at the Young Lions’ Cup and leaves the ring, leaving Jerry to sit up with a disappointed look on his face. The fans cheer him but he doesn't cheer up. He rolls under the bottom rope and sits on the ring apron for a few moments looks devastated before walking up the ramp, not acknowledging the fans on his way to the back.
Backstage, Graham Baker walks through the corridor. He suddenly stops and the camera turns to show MDE, four title belts in his hands. MDE walks up to Baker and holds them up.
MDE: You wanted me to put these on the line against you? Okay. You got it.
GB: Good. But right now, I've got things to do. I don't have time for you until I've dealt with TakeOver.
Baker walks on, but MDE catches his arm.
MDE: Be careful out there, Graham. I don't want you getting hurt and having an excuse when I take that title from you. You know how dangerous TakeOver are and you know they've got people… everywhere. I'll be watching… very closely.
Baker squares up to MDE.
GB: You want to play mind games? You want to make me think about you during this match? Why don't you just come down to the ring and see what I do to TakeOver first hand? No bullshit. And then after the match, I'll focus entirely on you, just like you want. Oh, and I won't ever need excuses against you.
MDE laughs dismissively before walking away, leaving Baker to turn to walk to the ring.
The lights in the arena go down and static rings out as ‘Cult of Personality’ begins playing out through the arena, lights flashing on and off as MAJ and The Invaders step out on stage, lights shining down on them. Marcus pulls a piece of paper out and unrolls it, with it reading out as ‘FPW Heavyweight Chump Graham Baker!’ He drops it to the ground before walking over it and heading down to the ring, basking in the boos of the crowd as he does so.
SD: Here we have it, Watson-TakeOver comes to the ring in triumphant fashion, looking to teach Graham Baker and his two flunkies a lesson!
MW: I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Deville-Hunter Killer have proven to be more than just a green pair of names!
MAJ enters the ring as The Invaders hold the rope open for him, and basks in the ring as the crowd rains down shouts and abuse upon him. He simply stands while The Invaders hail abuse at the crowd, and they’re about to step out to step up to a few fans who come out to the barricade, but before they can, ‘DNA’ by Kendrick Lamar rings out through the arena.
Moments later, Graham Baker and Hunter-Killer step out, Hunter-Killer crossing their arms behind Baker. Baker leads the pack, and as MAJ steps forward to the ropes, Baker undoes the title belt from his waist and holds it up high for MAJ to see, screaming out at him ‘this is mine now! Come fucking get it!’ Hunter-Killer taunt the Invaders as they walk to the ring, as well, with the six men coming closer and closer to a confrontation.
SD: And here comes Graham Baker flanked by Hunter Killer in a losing effort to Marcus Allen Jones and The Invaders! TakeOver’s got this one in the bag, easy!
MW: Don’t count them out ye-wait, what?!
As Watson and Deville were talking, Daniels nods to Jackson, who grabs Baker from behind and throws him head-first into the corner ring-post on the ring. Marcus Allen Jones stands back and watches as Jackson yanks Baker up into a powerbomb position AND SLAMS HIM INTO THE APRON WITH A VICIOUS POWERBOMB, BEFORE SWINGING HIM AROUND AND SMASHING HIS HEAD BACK INTO THE SIDE OF THE RING! Baker’s already busted open, and Jackson shoves him back in the ring, rolling him inside before he rolls in after him. He kicks Baker over to MAJ, and he and Daniels stand across from Jones and The Invaders.
There’s a moment of tense hesitation between the five, before MAJ makes a ‘too-sweet’ gesture with his hands and cracks a smile. The Invaders do the same, and suddenly, Hunter-Killer join them. The crowd rains down boos upon them as the five begin laying into the grounded Graham Baker!
MAJ tears a turnbuckle pad off the corner, and has Jackson throw him into it with a massive Lawn Dart, before Dario goes high, talking shit as he does so and lands on Baker with a MASSIVE SENTON BOMB! He pulls Baker out, and both MAJ and Daniels put the boots to him one more time before they throw him into a corner! Daniels rushes and hits him with a pair of shotgun knees, before she drags him out to Haych, who picks him up and powerbombs him down into the center of the ring! Marcus grabs Baker’s title from him and holds it up over him while the other four pose around him!
At this moment, Jim Houston steps out on stage and security comes to enter the ring and pull Baker out, but Haych and Jackson put fists to them quickly before pulling both men up-DOUBLE POWERBOMB INTO BOTH SECURITY WORKERS! There’s another powerbomb, lariats, kicks, and the security men are sent out of the ring in a heap. Houston sends out more, including a couple Young Lions, but they meet the same fate as Dario and Daniels go to work tearing the ring apart….
Houston watches, mouth agape, as Dario snips the cords holding the mat down. He pulls it back to reveal the wooden planks beneath. The rest of TakeOver unhook the ropes from each corner and begin to take the planks out one by one. Marcus positions himself on top of the announce table, watching the chaos unfold as FPW officials scatter into the crowd. The show closes with shots of Marcus, grinning, and Houston, staring deadpan at the leader of TakeOver.
