Young Lions' Cup

[Jim Houston]

A hype package plays to begin the show. It shows the key moments of each of the four Young Lions’ Cup quarter finals before focussing on each of the semi-finalists. It then progresses to highlight Jerry Bishop’s losing streak and Henry Harrison’s challenge before moving on to Jace Mason’s Freedom Championship reign and Russ Bolt’s highlights so far in FPW. It focuses on Jack Sevren and Bobby O’s reunion, the formation of their team and their big wins before The Guardians of Strong Style halted their run. It ends with a recap of the Graham Baker and MDE feud, which grinds to a halt with TakeOver attacking Baker and destroying the ring at the last show. 

MW: Hello and welcome to Young Lions’ Cup. Tonight will be an historic night for Freedom Pro Wrestling as we crown our second ever Young Lions’ Cup winner. One of Marcus Allen Jones, Berry Bishop, Elizabeth Karlson or James Saturn will take away both the Young Lions’ Cup and a title match at our upcoming show Resurrection.
SD: But we also see three championships defended and the culmination of one of the biggest feuds in FPW history as Graham Baker faces MDE one more time.
MW: I'm Mike Watson joined as ever by Steven Deville to call the action, and we're kicking off tonight with a big Young Lions’ Cup semi-final match up.
SD: It's big because it's an opportunity to witness greatness in action. Marcus Allen Jones, reigning, defending and soon-to-be back-to-back Young Lions’ Cup winner progresses on his quest to regain what is rightfully his.
MW: But he faces a tough challenge tonight. Berry Bishop has been on quite the run of late, defeating MDE, defeating Henry Harrison and I'd wager that she'd be Women's Champion right now had Artemis Evans’ Queendom not got involved after Berry had hit the Checkmate on the White Queen.
SD: Berry Bishop has made big improvements of late, but she's up against the best wrestler in the world, my best friend, Marcus Allen Jones. She'll give a good fight, but ultimately she'll fall. Just like everyone who steps up to face the Marksman.

‘Cult of Personality’ begins to play and suddenly the arena is filled with boos.

MW: These fans voicing their displeasure after the deplorable actions of Marcus Allen Jones and the rest of TakeOver two weeks ago. In fact, that ring you're seeing tonight is a brand new ring after they did so much damage to our old one it had to be put out to pasture.

The music continues to play but Marcus doesn't emerge. Neither do the rest of TakeOver.

MW: I'm getting a serious sense of deja vu here. Marcus didn't show for his match with Jack Sevren at Launch Party. Surely he's not no-showing his semi-final match too?
SD: He can't be. It must just be- wait a minute. What's this sleazeball doing here?

Jim Houston walks out onto the ramp, a serious look on his face and a microphone in his hand. The boos turn to confused murmurs as he approaches the ring and climbs between the ropes.

“Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don't know, my name is Jim Houston and I am the Freedom Pro Wrestling General Manager. This situation is eerily familiar to what happened at our last major show, but for very different reasons. You see, FPW has become the subject of viral social media attention over the past fortnight as the following footage was viewed and shared over a million times across multiple platforms.”

A video plays showing Hunter Killer turning on Graham Baker to join TakeOver. It shows TakeOver destroying the ring and continuing to beat up Baker and anyone else they can get their hands on.

The fans boo as the video stops.

“I announced minutes after this unacceptable conduct that there would be both an internal and a criminal investigation. As a result of our internal investigation, and with full backing of our attorneys, each of the members of TakeOver have been fined a significant percentage of their compensation in order for us to have a new ring made at very short notice. Each of the members of TakeOver have been suspended from Freedom Pro Wrestling events for one month beginning from February 24th, the date of Road To Young Lions’ Cup II. As a result of this suspension, it is with great reluctance that I announce that Marcus Allen Jones has been removed from the Young Lions’ Cup tournament. Please accept my sincerest apologies on behalf of Freedom Pro Wrestling that you will not be seeing Marcus Allen Jones versus Berry Bishop tonight. Instead, Berry will receive a bye into the final, where she will face the winner of the match between James Saturn and Elizabeth Karlson. I understand the frustration that this will cause and, once again, I apologise to each of you for this unavoidable change to the card.”

SD: No! He can't do that!
MW: He most certainly can and, while it may be regrettable, I believe he most certainly should.
SD: B-b-but… Marcus…

The fans give a mixed reaction, some cheering vociferously, others booing and many more talking with their friends.

“Before I go, I have this to say directly to each and every member of TakeOver. You are suspended from this show. If you appear in this building tonight, you will be forcibly removed and your FPW contracts made null and void. Do not test me on that for you will not find any flexibility. And Marcus Allen Jones. You have made it your business to make my life and the lives of others in this company as difficult as you possibly can over the past few months. You have demonstrated great arrogance and a total lack of respect in your actions. I will reiterate to you what I have said before. Until you earn it, through your actions within sanctioned appearances in an FPW ring, you will not be awarded a rematch with Graham Baker, or any FPW Champion. I invite you to do what you do best- wrestle, compete and impress within the ring. I give you my word that, when you deserve a title match because of matches you win, you will be given one. Until then, if you should continue to get involved where you don't belong, your status as a contracted roster member in Freedom Pro Wrestling will come into serious question.

“I hope that is the last we hear of TakeOver and Marcus Allen Jones tonight. Let's draw a line under it and get on with what promises to be an excellent show.”

MW: A huge announcement from our general manager. Our first match will now be to determine who faces Berry Bishop in the Young Lions’ Cup final!
SD: He can't do that. He can't do that!
MW: I think you'll find he can.
SD: Wait, wait, wait. I need a copy of the Freedom Pro Wrestling HR policy.
MW: Well good luck with that. While you wait, let's look ahead to this semi-final. Elizabeth Karlson made her way through by defeating FPW debutant Kris Knight. She faces James Saturn for the first time and has a chance to get some measure of revenge for her good friend Graham Baker after Saturn jumped him last month. Saturn, however, defeated Jerry Bishop with an admittedly excellent performance and must now be considered the favourite for this tournament.
SD: A tournament I personally consider null and void until Marcus Allen Jones is reinstated!

‘White Knuckles’ begins to play and James Saturn walks out onto the stage to be greeted by boos from the fans. He gives them a smug smile and holds out his arms, mockingly basking in their reaction. He moves down the ramp, offering a young fan a high five before jerking his hand away at the last minute. The fans continue to boo as Saturn talks trash to a group of teenage fans by the ring. He then climbs onto the apron and flips over the top rope, landing on one knee with his arms extended again as the fans continue to boo him. He walks over to the turnbuckle and climbs to the top rope, standing for a few moments before moonsaulting off the top rope.

The stage and entire arena then go dark as ‘Hardcore’ begins, with pulses of white light with the song’s beats, ranging in intensity and brightness as the Black Death crawls up the ring ramp toward the ring. As she gets closer and the lyrics continue, the lights intensify in number before a single spotlight highlights her in the ring. She pulls her mask off and the excess of her entrance gear before bowing to the crowd and soaking in their energy. The crowd cheers loudly for Karlson as she and Saturn eye each other from across the ring.

MW: These two used to respect one another but I think that's out of the window by now. They once teamed up to take down The Queendom but now they face one another for quite different reasons.
SD: They teamed up… Saturn jumped Baker… you buy Graham Baker’s shtick hook, line and sinker. Let me fill you in. That man right there is James Saturn. He's The Paragon.
MW: Do you even know what that means?
SD: It means he's great. That's what it means.
MW: I looked it up. A ‘paragon’ is a person who is determined to be a perfect example of a particular quality. What exactly is James Saturn a perfect example of?
SD: After tonight he'll be a perfect example of a Young Lions’ Cup winner.

Match 1: Young Lions’ Cup Semi-Final: Elizabeth Karlson v James Saturn:

The official calls for the bell and Karlson quickly moves to the centre of the ring. Saturn leans on the ropes and watches as she beckons him forward. He takes a few moments to keep stretching out before slowly ambling towards Karlson. She eagerly goes for a lock-up but Saturn moves aside, walking into the opposite corner and stretching out a bit more. The fans shout abuse at him as Karlson turns and gives him a death stare. She comes to the middle of the ring again and beckons him forward. Slowly, he comes towards her and they go to lock up again, but again he moves aside, running his hands through his hair. The fans boo him once more.

Karlson turns but this time she doesn't pause. She heads straight for Saturn and leaps up, looking for a backstabber. However, as Karlson drops down, Saturn rolls backwards and lands on his feet, pulling Karlson through and locking in a waistlock. He lifts her and tries a takedown, but she hooker her legs under his arms and rolls him through, grabbing his left leg and looking for an immediate knee bar. Saturn, however, rolls away and ends up on his feet again. Karlson runs at him, looking for a shotgun dropkick, but Saturn catches her legs and looks for Saturn’s Walls, only for Karlson to free herself quickly and pull Saturn in for a makeshift code breaker. He staggers backwards and Karlson takes him down with a single leg, this time locking in a knee bar.

MW: A fast-paced start here with Karlson and Saturn exchanging holds. But it's Elizabeth Karlson who gets the upper hand in the early stages.
SD: She's got the upper hand right now, but Saturn definitely got under her skin with the mind games early on.
MW: I must say his new attitude certainly exaggerates the arrogance that was perhaps endearing before.

Saturn quickly wriggles his way to the ropes but Karlson doesn't let him. She pulls him away by the leg and looks for an ankle lock. Saturn manages to roll through and send Karlson into the ropes, where she rests on her knees. Saturn quickly gets to his feet and connects with a dropkick to the back, followed up by jumping onto the middle rope and driving his body weight into the small of Karlson’s back. She drops down to the mat and he stomps on the back several times before pulling her up and connecting with a belly to back suplex. Karlson tries to roll away but Saturn grips her wrist and wrings her arm. He drives his shoulder into hers a few times before connecting with several kicks to the back while he still controls the wrist.

Karlson tries to fight him off but Saturn wrings the arm over and over until she drops to her knees. At which point, he drives a hard knee strike into her face before dragging her over to the corner. As he climbs backwards onto the top turnbuckle, Karlson holds her lower back and Saturn maintains his grip on the wrist. He begins to walk across the ropes but doesn't pause in the middle like normal. Instead, he keeps walking across to the next corner, where he aims a boot to Karlson’s face and then keeps walking. He continues around to the next corner, where another boot awaits for Karlson. He keeps walking but, this time, she aims a swipe at his legs. Saturn, however, leaps up and lands perfectly balanced back on the top rope. He then leaps off and connects with a chop, sending Karlson down. Saturn makes a cocky cover, 1-2-no. Karlson kicks out, only for Saturn to lie with his head propped up on his wrist.

MW: That man's arrogance certainly is out of control. Look at him, Steven.
SD: He's in total control of this match. He's only got Berry Bishop to get past before he gets the title shot that he wants. Why should he not be arrogant?
MW: Well for one thing he hasn't go this match under total control. For another-
SD: Uh oh.
MW: As I was saying!

Saturn tries to pull Karlson up to her feet but instead she takes him down with a fireman’s carry slam before looking for a cross arm-breaker. Saturn scrambles to the ropes and Karlson breaks the hold, but she quickly moves to the ankles, stamping hard on the ankle she tried to lock up earlier in the match. Saturn tries to roll out of the ring but Karlson traps him and pulls him back in, locking in the ankle lock. Saturn tries to get to the ropes but Karlson manages to control him and not allow him to move free. Saturn then tries to roll through again but Karlson rolls with him, keeping hold of the ankle before dropping down and grapevining the leg. Saturn cries out in pain as Karlson manipulates the ankle and the official asks him if he wants to give up.

Karlson keeps twisting and turning the ankle but Saturn inches closer and closer to the ropes. He finally grasps the bottom rope and Karlson breaks the hold. Saturn doesn't get a moment to breathe as Karlson pulls him up, aiming hard kicks to his midsection and then to his left knee. Saturn tries to create some separation but Karlson’s kicks force him into the corner. She continues to aim her kicks at him before she pulls back, backing into the opposite corner before sprinting at Saturn and connecting with a hard clothesline. He drops down to a seated position and Karlson backs away again. She hits the opposite corner before running at Saturn and driving both of her knees into his face. She holds her back for a moment after the jarring impact, but doesn't take long to pull him away from the corner and make a cover, 1-2-no. Saturn kicks out.

MW: Karlson close to making this our first ever All-female Young Lions’ Cup final.
SD: Close but no cigar, Watson. She's got a lot of work to do if she wants to beat James Saturn.
MW: She may well have a lot to do, but she's in a great position to do it.

Karlson again goes for the ankle, but Saturn quickly rolls onto his front, pulls her in and uses his leg strength to force her away. He rolls away and springs to his feet, taking Karlson down with a clothesline as she runs at him, but taking a few ginger steps afterwards as he tests out that ankle. Saturn then stalks Karlson as she gets up, before he connects with a hard knee to her midsection. With Karlson doubled over, Saturn springs up before driving both knees into her lower back. She drops down to the mat and Saturn quickly exits the ring, pulling himself up onto the top rope and measuring Karlson. He leaps off, driving his elbow into the small of her back before rolling her over and making the cover, 1-2-no. Karlson manages to get a shoulder up.

Saturn then rolls away and stalks Karlson before whipping her into a corner. He steps back and runs at her, connecting with a running spear which drives all of air out of her. She stagger forward and he connects with a calf kick before placing her, back facing outwards, into the corner again. He backs away and runs at her a second time, connecting with a second running spear, this time directly to her lower back. Karlson arches her back and cries out as Saturn rolls her up from behind with a schoolboy, 1-2-no. Karlson barely has the strength to push Saturn off. Saturn then grabs Karlson by the hair and pulls her up, driving his forearm into her lower back several times before hitting the ropes and connecting with a diving clothesline. He then points up to the top rope and calls for the Saturnsault as the fans boo. Smirking and talking trash with the same teen fans from before, Saturn pulls himself up, careful on his left leg, before aiming a Saturnsault… which Karlson manages to avoid.

MW: She moved! Elizabeth Karlson is still in this match.
SD: But for how long? Her back must be torn to shreds.
MW: Maybe so, but she's still got the wherewithal to be very dangerous to James Saturn, especially in this position.

Karlson takes a moment to rest her back as Saturn pulls himself up to his feet. She stalks him before leaping onto the ropes and aiming a springboard back elbow at him. Saturn, however, manages to roll underneath her and connects with an inverted atomic drop as she lands. He immediately looks for a standing enzeguiri, but Karlson ducks and grasps the ankle again. Saturn immediately realises the trouble that he's in and tries frantically to make it to the ropes, but Karlson pulls him away. Saturn then tries to kick out at her, but she positions herself perfectly, avoiding his flailing right leg. Finally, he tries to stand and manager to turn to face Karlson. Karlson, however, transitions into a dragon-screw leg-whip which sends Saturn down to the mat clutching his leg.

Karlson looks to lock in the ankle lock again but Saturn is ready. He rolls through and manages to grasp Karlson’s legs, locking in Saturn’s Walls once again. Karlson writhes in pain as Saturn wrenches on her back as much as he can. Slowly he sits lower and lower, contorting Karlson’d body at a more and more unnatural angle as he does. She cries out with pain and reaches towards the ropes, but Saturn is stopping her from moving at all. Just as she looks ready to pass out, Saturn lifts his left leg, unable to maintain the pressure on it, and Karlson seizes her opportunity. With a great cheer from the fans, she makes one final leap towards the ropes and grasps the bottom rope.

Saturn reluctantly breaks the hold and takes a few moments to nurse his injured ankle. Karlson, meanwhile, finds a burst of adrenaline, and manages to make it to her feet. Saturn turns and aims a clothesline at her, but she ducks under it and leaps up, connecting with a backstabber. Building momentum as the fans cheer, she hits the ropes and comes back with a sliding knee strike. She makes the cover, 1-2-no! Saturn barely kicks out. Karlson doesn't let up, pulling Saturn to his feet and connecting with a second codebreaker. She then stalks Saturn as he gets to his feet before connecting with a handspring enzeguiri. She makes another cover, 1-2-no! Again Saturn barely gets a shoulder up.

MW: Karlson may be just seconds away from victory.
SD: But Saturn could be too. She's had a burst of adrenaline, but that back can't hold out forever.
MW: Whichever of these two makes the final will not go into it fully healthy, that's for sure. They've takes chunks out of each other tonight.

Karlson pulls Saturn up to his feet and connects with a series of kicks to his left leg. She then tries to pull him in for the Full Blown Plague, but Saturn forces her back into the corner. She cries out in pain, but she doesn't relinquish the hold. Instead, she climbs the turnbuckles and hands Saturn in the hold. The fans cheer as the official counts and Karlson wrenches on Saturn before finally letting him go. He drops down to his knees and crawls away from the corner. Karlson stays on the top turnbuckle as she watches Saturn slowly get to his feet. She points two finger guns at him leaps, looking for another codebreaker, but Saturn takes her out of the air with a superkick! He falls into a cover, 1-2-3.

Winner: James Saturn.

MW: Saturn advances!
SD: He did it! What a great victory for The Paragon.
MW: He took a lot of damage from a very determined opponent, but James Saturn showed not just his ability but his resilience tonight. I don't like his attitude, but I can deny that I'm impressed.
SD: And there we have it. Our Young Lions’ Cup final: Berry Bishop versus James Saturn. *cough* tainted *cough*
MW: I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that.

Backstage, Jim Houston stands in his office with a man dressed in a suit.

Man: I'm just telling you what I've been told.
JH: But they're suspended. They're banned from the arena. Surely they wouldn't be stupid enough-
Man: Mr. Houston, you know what they're capable of. We've had nothing but trouble from them. If they want to come in, they'll do it no matter what you say. We've got most entrances covered but there's a small chance they may have got in earlier tonight.
JH: Well look for them! I will not have TakeOver ruining this show.
Man: Yes, sir.
JH: Have a cordon of security out there during the Baker v MDE match. I want the crowd watched and I want a line of security blocking the entrance ramp as soon as that bell rings. They will not interfere with Graham Baker’s match tonight.
Man: Yes, sir.
JH: If Marcus Allen Jones and his cronies try to get involved tonight, I swear they're done here in FPW. Finished.

MW: Up next we have a fascinating match-up as Henry Harrison has challenged Jerry Bishop to a match.
SD: Harrison hasn't had the greatest of starts here but I think he's picked the perfect opponent. Jerry is on a losing streak and is low on confidence right now. If Harrison is going to get a signature win, it has to be now.
MW: But for Jerry, this could be the match that sees him jump back to winning ways. Losses to established stars like MDE and James Saturn are one thing- they've both challenged for the FPW Title this year- but Harrison is a fairly unknown rookie. He's talented, that's for sure, but he's unproven and a loss here will really call Jerry, possibly his entire career, into question.

“Narco” hit the speakers and Henry Harrison ran onstage, his arms extended as though seeking praise. But the crowd would not appease him tonight, raining down boos on Henry. Undeterred, he turned around and ran to the other side of the stage, arms extended once again. This side of the arena was slightly more favorable, there were a few cheers mixed in with the boos.

MW: This crowd here tonight clearly remembers what Harrison tried to do to Berry Bishop four weeks ago during the Young Lion’s Cup quarter-finals, and they’re not treating him too kindly for it.”

Henry rolled underneath the bottom rope and unzipped his jacket as he walked over to the corner. He began reaching in and pulling out his teddy bears. First came the black bear, then the polar bear. And then he reached into his jacket a third time, and there was a clear pause in the crowd’s noise before he pulled out a brown bear.

SD: “Well this is interesting. That’s the brown bear that was given to Harrison by the Bishop siblings. Jerry said that he wished Harrison listened to it more, and now Harrison bring it out for his match against Jerry.”

As Henry’s theme faded out, the crowd grew quiet in anticipation of his opponent. And when “The Comedian’s Gallop” began to play, the audience welcomed it with an eruption of cheers. Jerry Bishop confidently emerged to see his waiting fans. He waved to them before dropping into a deep bow. He straightened up, a huge smile on his face, and began walking down the ramp, his arms extended to high-five the fans in the front rows. He climbed into the ring and gave one more bow before backing into his corner and removing his jacket.

Match 2: Henry Harrison v Jerry Bishop (written by Mason/Evans):

The ref called for the bell, and both men advanced into the center of the ring. They locked up, and Jerry quickly applied a wristlock. Henry tried to fight out, but Jerry held on and transitioned into a hammerlock, a look of determination on his face. Henry continued to attempt and squirm his arm free, but to no avail. So instead, he swung his free arm back and caught Jerry on the jaw with a back elbow. Jerry released his hold and took a step back. Henry kicked him in the gut and then paused, glancing over at his bears. A moment later, he nodded and made to whip Jerry into the ropes. But Jerry reversed and it was Harrison who found himself hitting the ropes. Jerry dropped him with a clothesline before running to the ropes. With his back turned, Henry rolled over onto his stomach, forcing Jerry to jump over him as he rebounded. He got to his feet as Jerry hit the far ropes, holding on to stop his momentum. The two looked at each other for a moment before Henry cocked his head, clearly listening to his bears again. They began to circle each other, before they locked up again. Henry muscled Jerry up against the ropes, but released cleanly at the referee’s urging. But as he backed into the center of the ring, he visibly shook his head, and took another glance to the corner where his bears laid.

MW: “I don’t think all of Harrison’s bears agreed with that idea.”

Both men made to lock up once more, but Jerry ducked under the attempt and pulled Henry down with a drop toe hold, then rolled him over and applied a grounded side headlock. Jerry wrenched on his neck, and nothing Henry did allowed him to escape. Eventually he began driving one of his elbows into Jerry’s head, and after enough of these strikes, Jerry let go and stood up. Henry took the opportunity to roll onto the apron and used the ropes to pull himself to his feet. Jerry waited for him in the ring, and Henry made to step between the ropes, but then glanced at his bears and stepped back onto the apron. He stared into their corner, before he abruptly straightened and stepped through the ropes, charging across the ring towards Jerry. Jerry sidestepped Harrison’s rush and caught him with a dropkick on the rebound.

SD: “I don’t think the crowd here are the only ones to remember Harrison’s actions from the quarter-finals, it looks like Jerry hasn’t forgotten what Harrison tried to do to his younger sister. this is a more aggressive Jerry Bishop than we’re used to seeing.”

As if to prove the point, Jerry pulled Henry to his feet and delivered a knife-edge chop, then whipped Henry into the corner. He followed him in and attempted a forearm smash, but Henry sidestepped. With Jerry now in the corner, Henry had an opening, but he hesitated for just a moment before running at Jerry. This hesitation gave Jerry enough time to get a leg up, causing Henry to run into his boot. Harrison took a few steps back, but Jerry closed the distance between them with a discus forearm, knocking Henry to the floor, then dropping into a cover.

...1!.Kick-out!

MW: “Your statement about Jerry seems to be true, and what about Henry? I've never seen him miss an opportunity like that.”

SD: “Well, we all know there's something wrong with Harrison. That doesn’t surprise me too much.”

Jerry pulled Henry upright once more and set up a front facelock. He made to lift Henry, but Henry kept his weight low and began landing punches into Jerry’s gut, forcing him to let go. Jerry took a few steps back, and Henry drove him back even further with a pump kick before he ran to the ropes. He rebounded and charged towards Jerry, leaving his feet and taking him down with a jumping clothesline. Jerry shot right back to his feet as Henry hit the ropes, and Henry connected with another jumping clothesline. They repeated this action one more time, but as Henry leaped into the air, Jerry caught him in the chest with a dropkick. Henry collapsed to the mat and Jerry dropped into another cover.

...1!...2!.Kick-out!

Jerry wasted no time in continuing his attack, rolling Henry over and locking in a fujiwara armbar. Henry arched his head back and cried out, reaching for the ropes. He began squirming, using his free arm to pull his body closer towards the safety of the bottom rope. But Jerry refused to let him escape, driving his weight downwards and continuing to apply pressure on Henry’s shoulder. Henry cried out and lowered his hand closer to the mat, about to tap. But instead, with a last gasp effort, he just managed to pull himself close enough and grabbed the bottom rope. Jerry respectfully let go and backed off, waiting for Henry to rise to his feet. Henry did so, pulling himself upright using the ropes. But as Jerry charged at him, Henry dropped his weight and pulled down the top rope and Jerry wound up flying over to the outside of the ring.

Henry glanced outside the ring to see Jerry, then glanced towards his bears before running across the ring. He hit the ropes and ran back towards Jerry, only to slow down as he neared the ropes. He turned and stalked into the corner with his bears, looking down at them and yelling “Well what do you want me to do?!”

MW: “Harrison suffering a bit of a breakdown in communication with his support team.”

SD: “Harrison suffered a breakdown in something else a long time ago. But right now he’d do better to pay attention to his opponent, Bishop is climbing back onto the apron, and we’ve seen that he can be deadly from that position.”

Henry backed up several steps, saying something to his bears before he turned around. And as he turned around, Jerry leapt onto the top rope and launched himself into the ring, prepared to deliver a forearm smash. But Henry put his head down and ran forwards, which took him underneath the attack. Both men turned around at the same moment, and Henry ran at Jerry, taking him down with a massive running forearm, then dropped into a mounted position and began raining down punches. Jerry kept his arms up to try and block the attacks, but Henry just kept punching, battering his way past Jerry’s defense. He only stopped when, after a few moments, Jerry went limp, at which point Henry repositioned himself into a cover.

...1!...2!.Kick-out!

Henry was surprised Jerry was able to kick out, and he wasn’t the only one, as a loud gasp rose from the crowd. Henry backed up as the ref bent down to make sure Jerry could compete, at least until he glanced over at his bears and, apparently hearing something, stalked back towards Jerry. He shoved the referee away and pulled Jerry up and into a front facelock. He lifts him up before bringing him back down on his head with an implant DDT! Any sign of consciousness left Jerry’s body as Henry rolled him over into a cover.

...1!...2!..Kick-out!

Henry raised his hands to his head, completely in shock that he hadn't finished the match. But despite kicking out, Jerry remained limp and lifeless. Henry began shoving him, rolling him outside the ring and off the apron. Jerry's form collapsed to the floor as Henry straightened up and called for the ref to count him out.

1!
2!
3!

SD: “This is easily the most intelligent thing I've seen Harrison do. Powered by pure instinct, Jerry continued to kick out, so Harrison has decided to take him somewhere those instincts can't help him.”

4!
5!

Jerry began to stir, slowly raising his head.

6!
7!

He reached up and grabbed the apron using it to pull himself somewhat upright.

8!
9!

With a final surge of effort, Jerry rolled himself into the ring! The crowd went nuts, and Henry, who was facing the other direction and thinking he'd won, threw his arms up in celebration. This celebration lasted until he turned around into a step-up enzuigiri from Jerry Bishop!

Jerry looked down at his fallen foe before retreating into the corner and climbing to the second rope. From there, he watched as Henry stood up, then flew through the air and connected with a blockbuster! With Henry flat on his back, Jerry floated over into a cover.

...1!...2!.Kick-out!

Henry struggled to rise following the kick out, and Jerry finished the job pulling him to his feet and then pulling him back down with a snapmare. He ran to the ropes before rebounding and delivering a powerful penalty kick. Henry was launched into a backwards roll and wound up slumped in the corner. Jerry momentum caused him to keep running until he hit the ropes. He bent down and pulled Henry upright once again, his arm trailing limply from the corner.

MW: “Hold on, Henry's holding something.”

SD: “What?”

MW: “He grabbed it before Jerry pulled him out of the corner.”

Jerry trapped Henry's arms in a straight jacket and began to set up for a DDT. He let out his signature laugh, but before he could hit The Last Laugh, Henry broke free and shoved Jerry away. And then he threw his arm forwards and released the item from his hand. It flew towards Jerry’s face, which causes to flinch, before it harmlessly bounces off and lands on the floor. Jerry looked down and saw the brown bear staring up at him. And then, before he knew it, Henry was lifting him into a fireman’s carry. He lifted him up, prepared to deliver a big move when he glance over at his bears one more time. He shrugged and set Jerry back on his feet, then delivered a powerful roundhouse kick! Jerry’s body crumpled, and Henry made a cover

…1!...2!...3!

Winner: Henry Harrison 

SD: “Oh my God, Harrison just beat Jerry Bishop!”

MW: “It was hardly a fair victory. Henry distracted Jerry with the brown bear, allowing him to take control there at the end.”

SD: “We won’t know which bear told Harrison to throw the brown bear, but either way, Bishop shouldn’t have encouraged Harrison to bring out the bear if this was what was going to happen to him.”

Henry Harrison picked up the bears and rolled out of the ring staring back at Jerry before looking at the black bear and smiling. A look at the polar bear caused him to swiftly stop smiling and go back to staring at Jerry, who only just sat up. Harrison left the arena with the two bears as Jerry simply sat and stared into space. The fans chanted his name but he didn't seem to notice, rolling out of the ring and walking with his head bowed back up the ramp.

Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with MDE.

DB: Im joined by our challenger for the FPW Championship tonight. MDE, are you fully prepared for the war you're bout to enter into?
MDE: I'm fully prepared for every match I go into, yes. I know Graham very well and I know how to react to everything he does. There's nothing that he can bring out that will surprise me. He'll soon find that he's in over his head, just like he was when we first stepped into the ring together.
DB: But Graham Baker has said you'll have to kill him to keep him down tonight. Are you capable of that?
MDE: Yes.
DB: Do you care to elaborate?
MDE: No.
DB: …… okay…… well, you agreed to Baker’s challenge to put all of the belts you've been collecting back in the UK on the line tonight. I don't see them with you.
MDE: Well, I'm confident of winning tonight. But I know that Graham has what it takes to pull out a surprise win. And if he does… well, I'm not prepared to give him the route that he wants into the British promotions that I rule. Instead of giving him that added motivation, I've decided to relinquish my titles.
DB: Does that not show a lack of confidence in your ability?
MDE: No it doesn't.
DB: But if you really believed you'd win tonight, you wouldn't have given up those titles?
MDE: You wouldn't understand.
DB: Perhaps not. What do you say to Graham Baker when he says that you don't have your spark anymore?
MDE: I say that he'll be able to find that out for himself tonight.

MDE turns and walks away, leaving Dasha shaking her head at him.

MW: Well tonight we'll see if Graham Baker is correct about MDE. But this next match isn't about the FPW Title. It is, however, about the Freedom Championship. Jace Mason has been on quite the run since winning what was known as the Hardcore Title at Judgement Day. And now he defends against Russ Bolt.
SD: Russ Bolt? Is this really a magic that should be on such a big show? What has Russ Bolt ever done?
MW: Well the challenge was laid down by Jace after he defeated Russ’ friend and, some would say, mentor, Clutch McCloud a couple of weeks ago. He wants to do the double, so to speak.
SD: Even Jace Mason won't have trouble tonight. It's about time he faced a real challenge.
MW: Let's not count Bolt out just yet. He's got the athleticism to make up for his lack of in-ring experience. Mason might find him a tricky customer tonight.

As the lights in the arena go down, “Jumpman” by Drake begins to ring out through the arena in a resounding fashion. He enters with his arms out to his sides, and makes a ‘fade-away’ gesture as Clutch and his manager join him. Russ slaps hands with Clutch, and the two head down to the ring, slapping hands with the crowd as they do so. Clutch holds the ropes open for Russ, who bounces through and poses in the middle of the ring, smiling to the fans. He jumps up to the four turnbuckles, playing to the fans before settling against the ropes and waiting for Mason to enter.

Mere moments later, “Afterlife” by Avenged Sevenfold rings out through the arena as Jace Mason enters, holding the FPW Freedom Championship high in the air as he does so. The fans roar as he makes his entrance, walking down and slapping their hands as he does so before handing the title off to the referee as he does so. He rolls under the bottom rope and holds his hands high, screaming out loud as the crowd heaps cheers upon him. The referee enters the ring, holding Mason’s belt high, and shortly after the match begins.

Match 3: Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Russ Bolt (written by Baker):

Mason walks forward, and offers his hand to Bolt, and the two shake. Suddenly, the two lock up, and Bolt’s able to take advantage due to his size, but Mason’s able to quickly turn it around on him, sending Bolt into the ropes and going to snag him with a Superkick on the return, but Bolt ducks it and goes for a Technical Foul-only for Mason to duck the Foul and grab hold of Russ’s arm! Mason drills Russ’s arm with repeated kicks, pulling it down and trying to lock in an armbar, but Russ manages to heft him up for a Powerbomb-ONLY FOR MASON TO REVERSE WITH A NEARLY-IMMEDIATE HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN!

In the background, Crowley and Clutch speak to one another as they watch Russ try to struggle to get to his feet while Mason locks in a triangle choke on Bolt. Bolt struggles to try and escape while Mason locks the hold in tighter, seeming to take a page out of Baker’s playbook while he locks the hold in tighter, but it falters as Bolt makes the ropes! He manages to get some leverage as he knocks Jace Mason’s feet out from beneath him and goes high for the Thunderbolt, but Mason manages to roll out of the way, going high himself as Russ tries to roll to recover and eats a Shooting Star Press from Jace Mason! Mason goes for a pin!

ONE!

TW-Bolt kicks out! Crowley and Clutch nod to one another before Bolt tries to take advantage of Mason’s downed state! He drills Mason with repeated elbows, and throws him into the ropes, trying to catch him with a Technical Foul on the rebound, but Mason leapfrogs him before he can eat the impact! Bolt’s smart, however, and manages to turn it around into another Technical Foul on Jace Mason! Mason’s stunned from the hit, and Bolt goes high, swinging his arms out at his sides-THUNDERBOLT! Russ goes for a pin on Mason!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH-NO! MASON KICKS OUT! RUSS WAS SO CLOSE!

Russ rolls off of Mason, but decides to line up in the corner, stomping his foot and preparing for a TarHEEL in homage to his best friend, but as he launches forward, Mason manages to roll out of the way! Russ tries to recover into a technical foul, but Mason catches his arm once again and nails it with another series of kicks, doing more and more damage! He whips Russ into the ropes, and tries to catch him with a superkick on the rebound, but Russ ducks it! Russ goes for another Technical Foul, but Mason manages to catch him with one final Pele kick that sends him to the ground! Mason goes for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH-NO! RUSS KICKS OUT!

Mason handsprings back to his feet and nails Bolt with a massive Enziguri as he gets back to his own! He makes it to the top rope once again, hitting another SSP onto Russ Bolt, before pulling him up one final time, whipping him into the ropes and catching him-EXTRA CREDIT! Mason goes for a pin on Bolt!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Winner: Jace Mason

Mason rolls off of Bolt after making the cover, resting on his knees and keeping his head high as he’s handed the Freedom Championship once again. He looks to Bolt, and offers his hand, and Bolt, disappointed for a moment, hesitates...before shaking Mason’s hand. Mason rolls out of the ring to let Bolt soak in the moment, a good showing against the champion. Crowley and Clutch enter the ring to celebrate with Bolt...before Clutch lays Bolt out with a massive Technical Foul! The crowd rains boos down upon Clutch as Crowley yanks Bolt back to his feet, telling Clutch ‘again!’ and watching as Clutch nails Bolt in the skull with another massive TarHEEL! Bolt lays flat on his back, and Clutch spits on him before he and Crowley leave the ring, leaving the fans dumping down malice upon them.

Backstage, Jim Houston stands talking to the suited man again.

JH: You wanted to speak to me?
Man: Just an update, sir. We have all of the entrances covered now with no sightings. I've got the cordon ready to go for when you want it. Things are quiet at the moment. I think they've listened.
JH: Good. You're sure they're not here.
Man: I can't be certain, but we haven't sighted them. They may have entered the building earlier today when I just had a skeleton crew, but we've done a sweep and I haven't had any reports of suspicious activity. I think it's safe to say that TakeOver aren't in this building right now.
JH: Good. But remember. Constant vigilance. If they get in, I'll be making sure there's a full investigation into the security procedures.
Man: You have my word that we'll do everything we can.
JH: Everything you can isn't good enough. They don't get in. That's what I want. Nothing less will do.
Man: Yes, sir.

The man leaves and Jim Houston is left pacing his office, a look of concern on his face.

MW: Our next match has been brewing for a long time. Jack Sevren and Bobby O came together due to a shared dislike of Marcus Allen Jones but from that they've become like brothers, sharing moments like winning the first ever All Star Tag Team Classic and becoming FPW Tag Team Champions. At Judgement Day, the Guardians of Strong Style took away those titles and left Bobby and Jack directionless. But tonight, they finally claim their rematch, three months after losing the titles the first time round.
SD: But Tchyukiro and Takahara are no push-overs. Bobby and Jack may be looking for a fairy-tale victory tonight but they're facing two very real monsters who won't give up those titles without a very real fight.
MW: The Guardians of Strong Style have been a dominant team since entering FPW. In fact, they haven't lost once. Tonight will be a huge challenge for them, but it'll be just as much of a challenge for Jack and Bobby too.

*Jack Sevren and Bobby O’s music hits as the crowd erupts into cheers. The duo take the stage, Jack shaking like a leaf on a tree in anticipation, Bobby hyping up the crowd, Dead Man’s Chest in hand, before making their way down the ramp and high-fiving Freedom Fighters at ringside. They climb into the ring and pose on the turnbuckles. Bobby channels his half-brother’s “Legend Killer” pose before drawing the “air title” motion around his waist. Jack emphatically does the same before dropping down and consulting with his partner in their corner.*

MW: These two have the Guardians of Strong Style in their crosshairs, and now that Bobby’s got his groove back, he and Jack look to be more dominant than ever!

SD: Please, all Bobby’s done lately is beat the Clown and Jack would rather play with the Clown Family’s pet bear. How are they even allowed to have that? Isn’t that illegal?!

MW: He’s more housebroken than you are, I bet.

SD: I don’t break houses, Watson, that would be rude.

*The music shifts, as does the crowd. The Guardians of Strong Style’s manager Sato hits the stage and bows to the audience. As he rises his clients Tchyukiro and Takahara flank him and bow. Sato bows to each of the Guardians in turn and withdraws backstage as the Strong Style warriors coldly march to the ring.*

SD: Now these guys can break some houses!

MW: What- what does that even mean?

SD: They can headbutt a hole in your walls, they can kick down your doors, they can smash up your kitchen, think it through, Watson.

MW: Okay, that made more sense than I thought it would.

*The Guardians climb between the ropes and after a brief whisper decide that Tchyukiro will be starting the match for them. Bobby and Jack make their final checks and Jack starts for his team.*

Match 4: FPW Tag Team Championships: Guardians of Strong Style v Jack Sevren and Bobby O (written by Bishops):

*The bell sounds and the two lock up. Jack gets a wristlock on Tchyukiro and works it behind his back, trying to take away striking power. Tchyukiro counters by driving his head backward into Jack’s, breaking the hold. Tchyukiro pulls Jack in for a headbutt dropping him to the mat. Jack tries to get to his feet, but Tchyukiro runs the ropes and hits him with a lariat to the chest while Jack is on his knees. Jack tries once more to regain his footing but Tchyukiro comes back from the opposite ropes and shoulder tackles him to the mat. Tchyukiro goes for a cover.*

ON- NO!

*Jack kicks out. Tchyukiro chuckles and brings his opponent up by his jaw. He whips Jack into a neutral corner and lays into him with a seemingly endless barrage of knife-edge and overhand chops. The crowd “boos” with each chop, growing in volume. The referee counts to 4.9 and Tchyukiro lets Jack fall out of the corner to his knees. Tchyukiro flares up for a moment and berates the crowd in Japanese for booing him. Jack uses the opening to get to his feet and dropkick Tchyukiro towards the opposite corner. Before Tchyukiro can react Jack grabs him by the arm, climbs the turnbuckle, and plants him with a tornado DDT.*

MW: Sevren’s laying on the gas now!

SD: Tchyukiro was just teaching these fans about respect, Jack interrupted him!

*Feeling the crowd getting behind him, Jack hastily climbs to the top turnbuckle. Tchyukiro starts to recover, but Jack thinks quickly and connects with a top rope snapmare, dropping Tchyukiro and allowing Sevren to roll through to his feet. Jack climbs the turnbuckle once more and drops a knee onto Tchyukiro’s head before making a cover.*

ONE!
T- NO!

*Tchyukiro kicks out thanks to muscle memory more than anything. While his opponent is still dazed, Jack motions towards his corner as if to say “is it his turn now?” The crowd responds with chants of “BOB-BY-O! BOB-BY-O!” Jack playfully shrugs and tags in his partner.*

MW: Sevren and Bobby at no lack for confidence here tonight.

SD: How is that even a grammatically correct sentence?

*Bobby comes in hot and looks to bring the power of his team to play. He grabs Tchyukiro round the waist and hits a German suplex tossing Tchyukiro towards the ropes. As Bobby looks to continue the attack, Tchyukiro tags in Takahara who comes in off the turnbuckle with a top rope crossbody, which Bobby swiftly counters with a powerslam. Takahara is stunned, as is Tchyukiro who’s regaining composure on the apron. Bobby feeds off the crowd as Jack fires them up in their corner. Bobby continues by connecting with a schoolboy superkick and following up with a snap-DDT on Takahara. Bobby proceeds to channel his half-brother once more and utilizes the “head, shoulders, knees, and toes” stomp to keep his opponent grounded. However, as Bobby works his way around Takahara’s body, Takahara grabs hold of Bobby’s planted leg and tosses him off balance. Takahara regains his footing and hits a stiff penalty kick to Bobby’s torso.*

SD: Solid strategy there from Takahara! See an opening, take it!

MW: Sounds a bit like opportunism to me, but fair play.

*Takahara then gestures for the grounded Bobby to “bring it” before kicking him in the head to stay down. Bobby tries a few times to get up but Takahara keeps kicking him back down. Takahara then backs away, giving Bobby a wide berth. Bobby tentatively starts to his feet only to be met with a harsh chop. Takahara follows up with a flurry knee strikes to Bobby’s head finishing with a running dropkick driving Bobby back into his own corner. Before Jack can tag in, Takahara connects with a forearm dropping him to the floor on the outside. Takahara then runs to the middle of the ring and charges Bobby driving both knees into Bobby’s head as he sits in the corner. Bobby looks to be in a bad way as blood begins to pour from his nose and lip. Sevren reaches over the ropes and tags himself in as Bobby rolls to the outside, leaning against the apron.*

MW: Looks like Jack might be on his own for a while, can he outlast the Guardians?

SD: Not when his partner looks like he just made out with a brick wall!

*Sevren comes in aggressively, swinging for a clothesline which Takahara dodges and counters with a roundhouse kick square to Sevren’s jaw. Jack miraculously manages to stay on his feet, but Takahara quickly follows up with a Saito suplex and goes for a cover.*

ONE!
TWO!
TH- NO!

*Jack kicks out. Takahara scoffs, grabs Jack by the head, and pulls him into the Guardians’ corner, looking to tag in Tchyukiro. Tchyukiro motions for Takahara to place Jack on the top turnbuckle. Takahara smirks and places the dazed Jack atop the corner before tagging in his partner. Tchyukiro climbs between the ropes and mounts the turnbuckle. He hooks Jack’s arm and lifts him up and over for the superplex, hitting him hard to the mat. Tchyukiro covers*

ONE!
TWO!
THR- NO!

*Jack kicks out once more. Tchyukiro looks somewhat concerned that the move didn’t put Jack away, but gets back to his feet to continue the assault. However, before he can get too far, Jack grabs hold of Tchyukiro’s ankle and whips him down to the mat. Tchyukiro starts to sit up but Jack chops him back to the mat and locks in an armbar, digging down deep as the crowd chants “FIGHT BACK JACK! FIGHT BACK JACK!” Tchyukiro struggles against the hold, but Jack locks it in tighter. Tchyukiro scrambles and barely reaches the ropes, forcing Jack to break the hold. As Tchyukiro regains his footing, though, Jack grabs his arm and locks the armbar again. Tchyukiro fights against the pain, this time managing to push himself onto his back and powering himself to his feet while Jack still holds onto his other arm.*

MW: What a show of will from the challenger here!

SD: It’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity, Watson!

*Tchyukiro starts swinging his locked arm up and down like a clock pendulum before tossing Jack high into the air and hitting him with a headbutt on the way back down. Tchyukiro covers.*

ONE!
TWO!
THRE- NO!

*Jack gets the shoulder up once more. Tchyukiro is shocked. Jack sputters but starts back to his feet as blood forms around his mouth. Tchyukiro tags in Takahara who looks to take advantage with an enzuigiri, but Jack manages to dodge, catches the leg and locks in a kneebar. Takahara tries to fight the hold but Jack keeps cinching it in tighter. As Takahara starts to counter the hold, Jack transitions into the Figure-Four leglock. The crowd’s cheers start to get even louder as Bobby O gets back up on the apron and looks to get back into the match, blood covering the lower half of his face.*

MW: INCREDIBLE! Bobby wants to keep going!

SD: I DON’T BELIEVE IT!

*Jack sees his partner has recovered, which gives him a moment’s pause as he looks between his opponent and his corner. This hesitation allows Takahara to escape the Figure-Four and get some separation. Jack makes a snap decision and dives for Bobby to make the hot tag. Bobby, still somewhat dazed, climbs slowly between the ropes as Takahara tags Tchyukiro back in. Both competitors warily circle each other before Bobby wings a lariat at Tchyukiro which Tchyukiro counters with a bridging German suplex for a cover.*

ONE!
TWO!
THRE- NO!

*Bobby kicks out. Tchyukiro grabs Bobby and lays into him with forearm after forearm as he lies grounded, cutting him open even further on his forehead. The referee’s count reaches 4 and Tchyukiro barely moves away. Bobby struggles to his feet while Jack barely recovers on the outside, both partners looking like something out of a Tarantino wet dream.*

MW: These two don’t know the meaning of the word quit! They’ll do whatever it takes to win the tag team championships!

SD: How are either of those idiots still standing? Just let it go, you’ve lost!

*Tchyukiro winds up for a discus lariat, but Bobby has just enough wherewithal to duck and counter into a fireman’s carry. He looks for the stunner, but Takahara rushes the ring to break up the move. Jack charges in to meet him. As Takahara and Jack collide with forearms, Bobby connects with the stunner, dropping Tchyukiro to one side. Blood pouring into his eyes, Bobby reaches out and grabs Takahara for an RKO. As he hits the mat, the arena lets out a collective gasp of horror.*

MW: BOBBY JUST HIT JACK WITH THE RKO! HE COULDN’T SEE WHO HE WAS GRABBING!

SD: He should’ve given up when he had the chance!

*Bobby kneels in stunned agony as he looks at his motionless partner lies on the mat. Before he can help Jack up, Takahara has helped Tchyukiro to his feet. The Guardians grab hold of Bobby and bring him to his feet. Takahara charges from the front, Tchyukiro from behind, and the two slam forearms into Bobby’s head, crumpling him to the mat. Tchyukiro makes the cover.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

*Winners- Guardians of Strong Style*

The crowd briefly cheers the champions as Bobby just sits with his head in his hands, lamenting the mistake that cost his team the match. He looks over at Jack, whose expression is one of frustration and anger before looking back at the announce table and spotting his Dead Man’s Chest. Holding his ribs, Bobby rolls out and grabs it before getting back in the ring, chest in one hand and mic in the other. He places the chest on the mat.

BO3: Hey Guardians. You might not want to leave yet. I have an announcement to make.

GOSS turned around as did Jack, who was starting to climb through the ropes.

BO3: In my life, I’ve been through a lot of shit, some of it my own making. And through the ups and downs, I never had one person I could count on. I thought I did many times, but it didn’t work out. But then I came here and Jim Houston gave me a chance when no one else would. He reached out a hand and said if I kept my head out of trouble, if I meant it about being a changed man, there was a job for me here. I promised him, I promised all of you I had changed and I meant it. And I feel I’ve proven it but tonight, right now, I think I can prove it one more time. When I came here to FPW, I never expected to end up in a tag team with Jack Sevren of all people. He and I go way back with history that was mostly bad, but here we were fighting for a common cause and it brought us together in a way I never fathomed. Like I said earlier, I never had one person I could count on but now, I feel like I do. Jack, I let us down tonight and I’m so sorry but it’s not over.

Bobby reaches down and pulls the contract out of the chest. He takes a slow, deep breath, his ribs still in pain.

BO3: Three months ago, I defeated six other talented competitors, climbed the ladder and retrieved this chest. In it, a contract for any FPW title match I wanted, to be used from now until the next Dead Man’s Chest in October. For three months, I’ve been fantasizing about when and how I’d cash this in with one match always on my mind, an FPW world title shot. I wanted Marcus like you wouldn’t believe but he lost the title and while a world championship opportunity is something I’d still take in a heartbeat against Graham Baker, for now, it’s going to have to wait. It’s like I said a few weeks ago, my mind was only focused on tonight, on the tag team titles and that’s still the case.

Bobby walks over to Jack and pulls out a pen as the camera zooms in on four check boxes: FPW World Championship, FPW Women’s Championship, FPW Freedom Championship, FPW Tag Team Championships. With Jack watching, Bobby nods his head and checks the box for a tag team championship opportunity before signing his name on the bottom. Jack almost can’t believe it.

BO3: This isn’t about me anymore. Jack, you’ve had my back inexplicably since we got here and now is my chance to have yours. I’m the reason we lost tonight, but I’m going to make it right. As of this moment, I’m cashing in my Dead Man’s Chest for a Tag Team Championship match against Guardians of Strong Style at Resurrection!

The crowd begins to cheer wildly as Jack looks stunned. Bobby extends his hand and Jack accepts it. The two embrace briefly as GOSS just looks on and shrugs, having no worries about another rematch with the duo.

MW: What an announcement!
SD: What's he thinking? That could have given him a guaranteed shot at the FPW Title. He could take it while Baker sleeps and take that title! But he uses it on a Tag Team Championship match?
MW: He's showing his commitment to this team. Jack Sevren and Bobby O have become like brothers, just as I said before the match, and Bobby is putting their brotherhood before his own personal ambitions. He'll earn a world title match one day, but he and Jack need that Chest to get one last shot at the Guardians of Strong Style.
SD: I don't get it.
MW: I wouldn't expect you to. But speaking of getting it, our FPW Champion certainly gets it. He came into FPW against his opponent for tonight and now he's the master, he's the champion, he's the favourite, and he's the man with everything to lose.

A highlights package plays, showing MDE and Graham Baker’s feud. It shows their first match, MDE controlling it for much of the time but Baker getting a series of hope spots before MDE put him down. It shows the reaction Baker got at the end. It then shows Baker facing Saturn and impressing again, even thought he came up short, before showing brutal extracts from the Bourbon Street Street Fight between Baker and MDE. It shows the final challenge being laid down and Baker finally forcing MDE to quit. It then highlights Baker’s rise through the Free-1 to finally taking the FPW Title from Marcus Allen Jones. It shows Baker setting the challenge to MDE and MDE accepting, as well as TakeOver harassing Baker, hinting at MDE possibly being a member. As the video ends with a shot of MDE holding the FPW Title, crouched over Baker after TakeOver destroyed the arena, a loud ‘Gra-ham Ba-ker’ chant fills the arena.

The lights in the arena go down, and ‘Dance of the Knights’ begins to play out loudly as the letters ‘MDE’ appear on the Titantron, and MDE steps out from the backstage area. He pays little attention to the crowd, seemingly focused only on the match ahead as he walks to the ring. He rolls under the bottom rope to get in, stepping past the referee and immediately settling in a corner before he stares toward the entrance. He makes a ‘come here’ motion with two fingers toward the ramp, steeled for a fight.

Moments later, ‘DNA’ by Kendrick Lamar starts blaring out through the arena, and a focused Graham Baker emerges from the backstage, his belt displayed through his bomber jacket. He looks to MDE, and slowly walks toward the ring, slapping the hands of fans but staying focused directly ahead as he does so. He approaches the ring, climbing up onto the apron and slipping in under the top rope. He pulls his jacket off, dropping it into his corner, and undoes the FPW Heavyweight Championship, climbing up to the top turnbuckle of his corner to display it. The crowd cheers and goes wild, while MDE waits with a confident smirk on his face.

Immediately, a line of security comes down the ramp and waits part way down, their backs to the ring, a reminder that TakeOver could appear at any time. Baker eyes them with a shifty look while MDE maintains his smirk. Baker gives him a look before heading into his corner.

Match 5: FPW Championship: Graham Baker v MDE (written by Baker):

The pleasantries finished, the referee pats both men down and then collects the belt from Baker. He holds it high, and the bell rings to signal the start of the match. Baker and MDE refuse to give each-other an inch as they step, almost nose to nose, and stare one another down. There’s little motion between the two, the void in their size filled with what can only be described as pure hatred, before the referee forces them apart. The two begin circling one another, before Baker invites MDE in for a collar-and-elbow lockup.

Almost immediately, they launch to action and begin jockeying for control, with MDE using his size, strength, and superior technical expertise to take control of the lockup. He tries to transition into a Hammerlock with Baker’s arm, but Baker manages to evade the hold, rolling and keeping his arm wrung out in its proper position while not giving MDE anything. Baker wrings his arm out and rolls low, attempting to cause MDE to break the hold with an armdrag, but MDE counters this by stomping on Baker’s arm as he goes low! Baker writhes in pain, and this motion gives MDE enough motion to get Baker in position for a Hammerlock Armbreaker, but Baker’s quick to scramble for the ropes, doing moderate damage to his arm as he grabs them! The referee forces MDE to break the hold, who does so at the count of three.

As Baker manages to get back to his feet, holding his aching arm, MDE refuses to give him an inch as he grabs Baker around the waist and tries for a German Suplex, one that Baker manages to reverse out of. As Baker goes for the ropes to hit a Springboard Lariat, however, MDE manages to cut him off by grabbing his legs and pulling him down, causing him to rebound off the ropes and fall flat to the ground! MDE looks to neutralize the Emergency Landing and most of Baker’s offense by repeatedly targetting his leg leg, stomping it multiple times before locking in a calf crusher! Baker looks to be in pain as MDE wrenches on the leg repeatedly, but Baker scrambles for the ropes once again! He grabs them, and MDE’s forced to break the hold at three, causing more anguish to Baker! Baker pulls himself up, and wrings his leg out, watching as MDE prowls around him like a lion stalking his prey.

MDE attempts to coerce Baker into a second lockup, and Baker cautiously accepts, but this time he immediately pulls MDE’s arm down and drives his knee into it repeatedly, attempting to soften it up for the Emergency Landing! MDE counters by shoving Baker back-first into the turnbuckles, before hammering Baker hard in the chest and repeatedly shoving him back! Baker looks to be in a great deal of pain as MDE whips him into the opposing turnbuckle, but Baker runs up it as he hits it, going for a Moonsault off the buckle-ONLY FOR MDE TO COUNTER BY CATCHING BAKER WITH A TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER ONTO HIS KNEE! Baker cries out in pain as MDE rolls him over and goes for an early pin, a crude smile on his face.

ONE!

T-Baker kicks out before the two-count, causing MDE little distress as he loops his arms around Baker’s waist, pulling him up to his feet. He looks prepared to go for the Triple Gutwrench, but as Baker goes up onto MDE’s back, he locks in a choke with his good arm! MDE looks to be taken aback, but not struggling as he slams Baker back-first into the turnbuckles once again! Baker falls off of MDE’s back after the third slam, and tries to roll out of the ring to get his bearings, but MDE grabs him by the injured leg and once again locks in the calf-crusher! Baker writhes in pain, but he manages to get a hold of the ropes early as MDE can’t pull him away fast enough. MDE looks furious as the official breaks the submission one more time, and Baker rolls back to the ropes, pulling himself up and holding his injured leg. MDE rolls back to his feet as well, and the two men have a vicious staredown as the crowd boos MDE relentlessly.

Baker wrings his leg out, unsteady, and MDE prowls again before he ducks low, going for a shoulderblock on Baker, but Baker manages to reverse it into a Schoolboy roll-up, rolling through instead of going for the pin. Baker goes for a single-leg dropkick to the downed MDE, bouncing off the ropes, but MDE manages to avoid it, and in a nearly flawless transition, catches Baker with a vicious German and slams him into the mat! He bridges for a pin!

ONE!

TW-NO! Baker kicks out! MDE’s not done as he pulls Baker up and goes for the Gutbuster again, but Baker elbows MDE hard in the skull, causing him to drop Baker. This time, Baker leaps up at MDE’s back and hits him with a vicious Backstabber, but it does further damage to his already-ailing leg! Baker rolls off of MDE as he hits the ground, trying to recover before MDE can. MDE slowly gets back to his feet, and Baker hits the ropes, going for a sliding dropkick to MDE’s ribs! He lands it, and MDE rolls over in pain as Baker goes high, going for the Landing Gear double-stomp to MDE’s chest! He hits it, and rolls over to cover MDE!

ONE!

T-NO! MDE KICKS OUT BEFORE TWO! MDE clearly has a lot of gas left in the tank as he quickly gets on top of Baker, grabbing him around the waist for another German, this time sending Baker into the turnbuckles! Baker hits them like a fly into a windshield, and MDE’s quick to prowl on him once again, taking Baker’s injured leg and looping it around the buckle. He goes out of the ring to lock in a sharpshooter on the outside a’la Bret Hart, but Baker manages to avoid this by untwisting his legs before MDE can get there. He hits the ropes and goes for a suicide dive to MDE, but MDE GETS BACK IN THE RING BEFORE BAKER CAN EXECUTE THE DIVE AND LAYS BAKER OUT WITH A VICIOUS FOREARM! Baker hits the ground like a sack of bricks as MDE goes for a cover.

ONE!

TW-NO! Baker kicks out again, just barely getting the shoulder up! MDE rolls off of Baker, furious, and stomps his left arm a few times before attempting to lock in the Simply Great Stretch. Baker struggles against it, trying to squirm away, and manages to rotate himself enough to get his foot on the rope before MDE can lock the hold in! The referee breaks the hold, and MDE looks to be furious, pounding his hands into the mat while Baker says a short-lived prayer. He looks to go to the outside once again, but MDE grabs his leg for another Calf Crusher, only for Baker to break it immediately with a series of well placed kicks to MDE’s already-damaged chest!

Baker manages to get back to his feet, rolling into position. He yanks MDE up and whips him into the turnbuckles, following it up with a back-splash forearm to the head of MDE. Baker’s leg injuries starting to wear on him, he looks primed to bring an end to the match as he pulls MDE up to the top rope. He climbs up, going for an Ejection Seat, but he’s a tad too slow, causing MDE to catch him! MDE’s clearly watched the tape of Mason vs. Baker from the Awards Show, as he follows up by adjusting his grasp, AND HITTING BAKER WITH A MASSIVE AVALANCHE GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB TO THE CENTER OF THE RING! Baker looks to be out of it as MDE goes for a cover. He finally hooks Baker’s leg, and covers him.

ONE!

TWO!!

THR-NO! BAKER GETS A SHOULDER UP! MDE IS FURIOUS! He looks to lock in the Simply Great Stretch once again, but as soon as he gets on the ground, Baker manages to force himself up into a roll-up on MDE, forcing his shoulders down and forcing his body weight on MDE! MDE STRUGGLES!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-NO!!! MDE KICKS OUT! MDE looks to be furious, and he yanks Baker up, throwing him into a corner! He begins laying into Baker with repeated chops and strikes, before throwing him into the opposite corner! MDE rams Baker with strikes and chops, but Baker starts striking back, both men forcing eachother out from the corner as they lay into each-other with repeated strikes. Baker weathers a few severe chops from MDE as his chest blisters red while he throws elbows and strikes himself, finally laying into MDE enough to get him to slow. Baker whips MDE up and throws him into the ropes before springboarding on the ropes and going for a Springboard Lariat-BUT MDE INTERCEPTS BAKER WITH A MASSIVE SPEAR INTO THE CORNER! Baker slumps down, but MDE yanks him back up before pulling him up.

He launches himself at Baker with a shoulder-block to Baker’s ribs, but Baker throws himself out of the way, sending MDE crashing shoulder-first into the turnbuckles! Baker looks to capitalize despite his injures to his leg and the rest of his body, rolling MDE through with an O’Connor roll...before capitalizing with a GERMAN SUPLEX TO MDE WITH ALL OF HIS STRENGTH! HE PLANTS MDE WITH A BRIDGE!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH-NO! MDE KICKS OUT! Baker’s quick to capitalize, struggling as he settles in a corner and MDE gets back to his feet, but he points two fingers and hits MDE in the skull with a MASSIVE rebound dropkick! Baker writhes in pain from his damaged leg while MDE slumps over on the canvas, and Baker calls for an ending as he signals for the Ground Zero, picking MDE up from the canvas and throwing him into the corner with a Buckle Bomb! He prepares to go for the Tiger Bomb to bring it to an end, but his leg crumples and MDE capitalizes as he stumbles off the turnbuckle, levelling Baker with a massive forearm strike! He grabs Baker for a German Suplex, and plants him before he has a chance to rotate out of it, going for another pin off of a bridge!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH-NO!!! BAKER GETS A SHOULDER UP AGAIN! MDE looks to be furious as he yanks Baker up for the Triple Gutwrench for a third time, managing to hit the Gutbuster on Baker. As he goes for the Gutwrench Suplex, however, Baker manages to reverse it by getting a hold on MDE’s head in the release-STANDING SHIRANUI! Baker lands weakly on his leg, and picks MDE up onto his shoulders for the Mustang Driver, but his leg crumples and MDE capitalizes by elbowing Baker in the skull repeatedly! Baker drops MDE, and goes low, but Baker capitalizes with an immediate Mustang Driver! He rushes the ropes, hitting them a bit slower than normal and going for a Lionsault-BUT MDE GETS TWO KNEES UP INTO THE ABDOMEN OF GRAHAM BAKER! BAKER GOES DOWN HARD, CRASHING AND BURNING! MDE CAPITALIZES AND PUTS BAKER IN HIS OWN VERSION OF THE EMERGENCY LANDING!

Baker looks to be close to tapping, struggling against the hold as MDE applies it to his already-injured arm! MDE wears a vicious smile, the FPW World Heavyweight Championship in his grasp! He tries to pull Baker in, readjusting and trying to fully bridge the Emergency Landing to ape the hold that Baker beat Jeremiah Johnson with, but in his attempt Baker grabs hold of the ropes! He refuses to let go as the referee makes MDE break his hold! Baker moves his grasp to the top ropes, and MDE grabs Baker to try and plant him with one final massive Gutwrench Suplex, but Baker’s will powers through as he holds onto the ropes! MDE’s strength is almost too much, and BAKER’S ABLE TO GET HIS TEETH ON THE TOP ROPE! HE HOLDS ON AND MDE’S FORCED TO ADJUST HIS HOLD, GIVING BAKER A CHANCE TO PULL HIMSELF OVER ONTO THE APRON!

Baker rests on the apron for a moment, and MDE tries to go for an overhead belly to belly to throw Baker back into the ring, but Baker lands a brutal elbow to the skull of MDE that rattles him just long enough for Baker to take advantage! Baker pulls MDE through the ropes, getting him in a vertical lift! He favors his strong leg-AND HITS MDE WITH AN ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL BRAINBUSTER ONTO THE APRON! For the first time in this match, BOTH MEN have headed to the outside of the ring! Baker rolls back inside, looking to MDE as he, stunned, tries to get back to his feet. Baker hits the ropes and prepares to go for another suicide dive, but as he sees MDE gearing up to reverse it, he changes gears-CLIPPED WINGS SPRINGBOARD LARIAT TO MDE ON THE OUTSIDE SENDING BOTH MEN INTO THE BARRICADE!

The official looks concerned for the health of both men, who seem to be giving this match all they have left in their careers to try and take the top prize in FPW. Baker gets to his feet first, grabbing MDE around the waist while MDE tries to struggle against him, causing him to adjust his form-ONLY FOR BAKER TO HIT MDE WITH A VERTICAL SUPLEX INTO THE APRON! The referee continues to count, hitting the count of three while Baker continues to batter MDE around the arena, gaining a second wind similar to the fighting spirit displayed in Baker’s match against Azazel. Baker throws MDE into the corner barricade, and lines up, hitting a brutal single-leg dropkick to MDE’s ribs against the barricade! He yanks MDE down to the ground, about to lay into him with punches...before he gets an idea, looking back to the barricades.

Baker drags MDE up onto the barricade, placing him ribs-down on the top of it. He looks to the top rope as the crowd begins to cheer louder and louder, ascending to the top rope. He looks at MDE, his injured leg shaky, before he LEAPS AND DRILLS MDE WITH A MASSIVE DIVING DOUBLE LEG STOMP TO MDE’S CHEST! MDE screams out in pain as he falls off the barricade, and Baker holds his leg as he struggles to get back to his feet. He pulls himself up on the apron while MDE writhes in pain on the ground, struggling to get back to his feet himself. Baker yanks him up, unsatisfied to win via count-out, and throws him back in the ring. MDE looks to be in great pain in his chest, and coughs a few times as he finds himself at Baker’s mercy.

Baker stalks MDE, the roles now reversed, and MDE pulls himself back to his feet, unsatisfied to go down without a fight. The two go for one final lockup, and MDE manages to almost gain control before Baker rolls under him, getting him in a waistlock-and delivering a brutal Exploder suplex that sends MDE into the turnbuckles, chest first! MDE struggles as Baker pulls him up and lays him against the turnbuckle, laying into him with brutal chops that cause MDE more and more pain to his already brutalized chest. Baker throws him into the ropes, rebounds-and cuts him off with a massive dropkick! He goes for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

TH-NO! MDE still manages to kick out! Baker considers his options, his leg beginning to fail him, and sets MDE up on the ground, hitting the ropes-SLIDING DROPKICK TO MDE’S DAMAGED CHEST! MDE cries out in pain, and Baker goes to lock in the Emergency Landing! MDE struggles as Baker tries to bring his hands together to lock the hold in, but MDE manages to get up to a topside position, and NAILS Baker with a series of stiff punches to the face, busting Graham Baker open! Having loosed the hold enough, MDE manages to get Baker up, almost in desperation, picking him up in a Gutwrench! MDE screams out as he runs toward the ropes, before SLAMMING BAKER TO THE MAT WITH AN ABSOLUTELY VICIOUS SIT-OUT GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-NO!!! BAKER’S GOT HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES! MDE’s face, for once, shows a hint of disappointment alongside fury. He yanks Baker up to his feet, pulling him up to his shoulders for the Gutbuster to begin the triple Gutwrench, but as he’s about to hit it, Baker nails MDE in the skull with a brutal elbow, and another, and another! He loops his arm around MDE’s neck, driving his good knee into the back of MDE’s leg and dropping him to a knee! Baker adjusts himself, locking in a choke on MDE! He traps MDE’s torso and midsection with his legs, dropping MDE fully to the ground as his airway is cut off, driving his knees into MDE’s ribs and torso and twisting-BODY SCISSORS! Baker has trapped MDE in an entirely new submission! Baker nails MDE in the head with a few spare elbows from his free arm, before pointing his fingers like a gun, blood running down his face as he screams out!

With nowhere left to go, and his air running out, MDE struggles, his eyes darting toward the ropes but Baker’s got him almost completely immobile. He cries out in agony as Baker twists his body more and more against his damaged ribs, tightening his guillotine and screaming out while MDE’s free hand begins rapidly tapping! MDE TAPS OUT!!!

Winner: Graham Baker (43:52)

Baker leans against the ropes as the belt’s handed down to him, and he holds the belt high in the air, his leg brutalized and his body aching. He screams out loudly, before looking to MDE laying in the center of the ring. He shakes his head as he looks at MDE, before placing the belt up on his shoulder and holding his hand high in the air in victory! Baker steps over MDE and is about to leave the ring when-

“LOOK IN MY EYES… WHAT DO YOU SEE?”

The line of security all perk up and Baker stands facing the entranceway. The crowd begins to boo but Baker doesn't see anyone until- superkick! James Saturn had made his way through the crowd and took Baker down with a vicious superkick. He crouches down and takes the belt which has fallen to the mat, holding it up as Marcus Allen Jones appears on the ramp, applauding Saturn. Saturn stares at him with a frown but Marcus swiftly disappears, the security chasing after him.

MW:Marcus provided the distraction, but Saturn didn't seem too pleased to see him. I don't understand what happened there.
SD: Let me tell you what happened. Marcus was playing mind games with Baker and Saturn saw his opportunity to strike. Brilliant from The Paragon. If he wins this match, he's guaranteed a shot against Baker but if he loses, Berry has already said she's taking a match against Evans. Saturn has just made sure that Baker will want to face him even if he loses!
MW: Graham Baker hasn't moved and here come the medical team. Our champion just went through a war with one of his greatest rivals and James Saturn jumped him from behind.
SD: A genius strategy by the way.
MW: Whatever it may have been, it looks like Saturn is ready for the Young Lions’ Cup final right away.
SD: Once Baker gets peeled off the mat, we can get Berry Bishop out here and determine who will be the second ever Young Lions’ Cup winner, and the first with an asterix by their name!
MW: Did you ever find that rule book by the way?
SD: Yes.
MW: And…
SD: I decided not to look for a loophole.
MW: Not to look or you didn't find one?
SD: In the end, is there any difference?

After Baker is carried out, ‘The Entertainer’ begins to play and Berry Bishop enters the arena for the first time tonight with a big bow. She hopscotches her way down the ramp and runs around the ring slapping hands with fans, giving a hug to a young fan in a ‘Bombshell’ t-shirt. She climbs onto the apron, playing it along with the music, before entering the ring and bowing with a wink and a smile to the fans.

The official brings the Young Lions’ Cup into the ring and shows it to both finalists, holding it up for the fans. Berry looks incredibly focussed while Saturn rests on the ropes, waiting for the official to ring the bell. He deliberately doesn't put too much weight on his left ankle after the Karlson match.

Match 6: Young Lions’ Cup Final: Berry Bishop v James Saturn:

The official calls for the bell and the two finalists come forward. They move to lock up but Saturn side steps like he did with Karlson, only this time he aims a vicious superkick at Berry, who barely manages to duck out of the way. She grabs a waistlock but Saturn performs a quick standing switch, lifting Berry, only for her to drop down and grapevine the leg, taking him down and looking for an ankle lock just like Karlson. Saturn scrambles free and ends up in the corner, the two of them staring each other down.

Saturn pulls himself up using the ropes and cautiously moves towards Berry, who aims a couple of loose kicks to keep him at bay. They slowly lock up, Saturn driving Berry back into the corner. The official calls for the break and Saturn pulls back before aiming a slap at Berry, which he just pulls out of, giving her a wink and tapping his hand on her cheek a couple of times to rub it in. Berry shoves him away and the two lock up again, Berry transitioning into a headlock before trying to fake Saturn over. Saturn, however, resists, transitioning into a wristlock and wringing the arm. Berry quickly rolls through, kips up and connects with a hard leg kick that causes Saturn to release his grip.

Berry then comes in for a waistlock again, this time performing an O’Connor roll for a pin attempt, 1-2-no, Saturn shoves her away. He rolls backwards and quickly moves into Berry, looking for an O’Connor roll of his own, but Berry holds onto the ropes and Saturn rolls by himself. Berry turns and quickly connects with a shining wizard, making a quick cover, 1-2-no, Saturn kicks out again. Berry then pulls him up and aims a kick at his leg, then drives a knee into his gut and finally connects with a roundhouse kick to send Saturn down to the mat.

MW: A great start to this match by Berry Bishop.
SD: Of course she's started well. She's fresh. Saturn had to have a match already tonight and yet Berry was given a free pass.
MW: And who's fault was that.
SD: Jim Houston’s!
MW: I think a lot of people would disagree with that, Steven.

Berry climbs through the ropes and heads up to the top turnbuckle, the fans murmuring as this isn't something they often see from her. Saturn climbs to his feet and Berry leaps off, connecting with a missile dropkick. She then stalks Saturn and he climbs to his knees and she connects with a flurry of kicks, one to the chest, one to the back and then a third and final kick to the side of the head. Saturn falls to the mat again and Berry makes a cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no. Saturn kicks out.

Berry then stalks Saturn again, waiting for him to make it to his feet and then running at him, connecting with a dropkick directly to his left ankle. His leg gives out and he ends up seated on the mat. Berry backs away and runs at him again, aiming for a double knee strike, but Saturn drops and Berry hits the ropes, Saturn connecting with a snap German as she rebounds. He takes a few moments to regroup before kicking out Berry’s left arm as she recovers on all fours. Berry clutches the arm and Saturn quickly moves in, wringing it and then driving the point of his elbow down into her biceps.

Saturn maintains his grip on the arm and backs into the ropes, climbing to the top turnbuckle and looking to walk the ropes, but Berry frees herself and connects with a kick to Saturn’s leg. He drops to a seated position on the top turnbuckle and Berry climbs after him. She aims a few knee strikes to Saturn as he sits on the top rope and then turns herself, locking Saturn in a headlock and leaping off the top, connecting with a top rope bulldog! She makes another cover, 1-2-no! Saturn gets a shoulder up.

SD: Great escape from The Paragon!
MW: Berry really looks motivated here. I hate to make comparisons, but it seems that she gets stronger as her brother gets weaker.

Berry stands, stalking Saturn as he struggles up to his feet. She coils herself before aiming a Checkmate at him, but he catches her foot and connects with an inverted atomic drop. As Berry staggers backwards, Saturn hits her with a dropkick which sends her tumbling between the middle and the bottom ropes to the outside. Saturn again takes a few moments to gather himself before following. He pulls Berry to her feet before driving her face-first into the edge of the ring and then throwing her back-first into the guardrail.

Berry slumps to the floor as Saturn backs away. He takes a running start and connects with a leaping dropkick which leaves Berry motionless, her head having been driven into the guardrail. Saturn looks down at Berry with a dismissive smile before pulling her to her feet and rolling her back into the ring. He slides in and makes a cover, not hooking the legs, 1-2-no. Berry manages to kick out.

Saturn looks down at her and stands before dropping an elbow onto her chest. She rolls over with the pain and he drops another elbow, this time to her back. Immediately, he locks in a cross-face and yanks back, but Berry is quick to roll backwards and leave Saturn with his shoulders down, 1-2-no. Saturn breaks the hold to escape the pinfall. Both make their way to their feet and Berry aims a kick at the midsection, but Saturn catches it, spins Berry around and connects with a vicious chop. She staggers backwards into the corner and Saturn runs at her, connecting with a cross chop.

MW: James Saturn seems to have taken control of this match now.
SD: Of course he has. He's The Paragon, Watson. He's a perfect example of everything he does. Berry started well but Saturn’s ability is shining through now.

Saturn grabs Berry’s left arm, wrapping it around the top rope and pulling back as hard as he can. She cries out in pain as the official counts, Saturn only breaking the hold once he's landed a hard kick to the arm. Berry reels away but Saturn grips the arm again and wrings it, wrenching on it before stepping up to the top rope and walking out across it. He comes down with a chop, sending Berry to the mat. Instead of making a cover, Saturn runs over to the ropes and quickly aims a Saturnsault at Berry, but she somehow manages to counter by wriggling her body away and catching Saturn’s leg, grapevining it and locking in an ankle lock!

Saturn writhes in pain but manages to drag himself over to the bottom rope fairly quickly. Berry breaks the hold but takes a moment to get to her feet, giving Saturn enough time to get to his and to connect with a kick to the gut as she moves in. Saturn then pulls her in for a vertical suplex, but drops her gut-first onto the top rope. Berry hangs there for a few moments as Saturn climbs up to the top again. With Berry hung up on the rope, he leaps off, connecting with a Saturnsault in mid-air! Berry slumps to the mat and Saturn makes a cover, 1-2-no! Berry managed to get a foot on the rope.

Saturn remonstrates with the official before pulling Berry to her feet and slapping her across the face. The fans boo as he backs away before coming with a superkick, which Berry ducks. She connects with a roundhouse kick before leaping onto the middle rope and taking Saturn down with a disaster kick. Berry then pulls herself up using the ropes and stalks Saturn before running at him and hitting with with a running knee. He collapses back into a seated position in the corner and Berry backs away, connecting with a double knee strike. Berry then pulls Saturn to his feet in the corner and lays in several mid kicks before leaping up and connecting with a monkey flip. She makes the cover, 1-2-no! Saturn gets a shoulder up.

Berry then pulls Saturn to his feet and takes him down with a parallel snapmare. The fans cheer as Berry hits the ropes, aiming for the penalty kick to complete the Touchstone Takedown, but Saturn drops down to his back. Berry turns and coils herself as Saturn makes it back to his feet, aiming Checkmate at him. He ducks and aims another superkick at her, but she ducks for a third time. She then pulls Saturn in for the Berry Buster, only for Saturn o drive the point of his elbow into the top of her head. Berry staggers away and Saturn hits the ropes, looking for a diving clothesline. Berry ducks and he misses, ending up seated on the mat. Berry runs at him and connects hard with a penalty kick, covering him, 1-2-no! Saturn barely gets a shoulder up as the fans were already celebrating Berry’s victory.

Berry, her head in her hands, takes a moment before making it to her feet again. She stalks Saturn and looks poised to go for the Checkmate once again. Saturn, however, rolls out of the ring as the fans boo. Berry looks dow at him before hitting the ropes, running at Saturn and diving through the top and middle ropes with a suicide dive. But Saturn moved and Berry crashes into the guardrail. There's a deathly silence in the arena as Berry lies motionless on the floor.

MW: By God! She's got to be seriously hurt after that.
SD: Berry had a real flurry but she's in big trouble now. All Saturn needs to do is to get back into the ring and he'll surely win via count out.
MW: Berry almost had this match won but there can't be any comeback from this.

Saturn pulls himself into the ring and lies on the canvas, breathing hard, as the official begins to count.

1……….
2……….
3……….

Berry still hasn't moved. The fans try to rally behind her but she doesn't stir.

4……….
5……….
6……….

Saturn rolls towards the ropes to look down at Berry, a big smile on his face. She still hasn't moved.

7……….

Berry’s hands twitch.

8……….

She begins to stir. The fans, noticing that she's responsive, begins to cheer loudly.

9……..

Berry somehow manages to spring up and into the ring just as the official is raising his arms for the ten count. Saturn looks angry but quickly grasps both of her legs and locks in Saturn’s Walls. Berry is barely able to resist and she looks close to passing out. Saturn sits down as much as he can, but his ankle still causes him pain, just like it did against Karlson. He keeps having to adjust his stance and it allows Berry just enough freedom to begin to slide her way closer to the ropes. After a long, drawn out, effort, Berry finally makes it close enough to grip the bottom rope, but the fans gasp in fear as Saturn drags Berry back into the middle of the ring. She drops down and the official asks her if she can continue. Berry doesn't respond. The official grabs her hand to check if she's out and, just as he drops it, Saturn lifts his left leg, the pressure on his ankle too much to bear. Berry’s hand quickly shoots to his right ankle, pulling it out from under him and causing him to drop, releasing the hold.

MW: Desperation escape from Berry!
SD: She's got Elizabeth Karlson to thank for that one. If not for Black Death, this one would be over.

Saturn takes a moment to recover before he looks to Berry, dragging herself up via the ropes. He stalks her and steps in, again aiming the superkick at her, but again she ducks, finding herself behind Saturn. She rolls him up with a schoolboy, 1-2-no! Saturn barely manages to escape. The two scramble to their feet and Saturn aims a wild clothesline at Berry, who ducks before connecting with Checkmate! Berry drops to the mat at the same time as Saturn, and can't make a cover.

After a few seconds, Berry begins to drag herself over to Saturn, the fans willing her on. She drapes an arm across his chest, 1-2-no! Saturn just gets a shoulder up. Berry’s face is etched with pain and disappointment, but it soon turns to determination. She fights up to her feet and hits the ropes, running at Saturn and again connecting with a vicious penalty kick. She makes another cover, 1-2-no! Again Saturn barely manages to kick out.

Berry crawls to the ropes and pulls herself back to her feet as Saturn does the same on the opposite side of the ring. The two of them stare at each other for a few moments before coming together. They exchange right hands, slowly at first, each one from Berry greeted by a loud cheer while each one from Saturn receives an equally loud boo. The pace quickens and the fans cheer themselves into a frenzy. Berry drives Saturn back into the corner, where she connects one again with a series of mid kicks. She then lifts Saturn up to the top turnbuckle.

Berry climbs after him, connecting with a couple of forearms. She then hooks an arm under his leg and hook his arm behind her head. She stands, lifting him for a moment before spinning and leaping off the top, connecting with a Berry Buster from the top rope! The impact causes Berry to roll away from Saturn and, even though she reaches out, she can't make an immediate cover. Just like before, she slowly crawls over to him before managing to drape an arm across his chest. 1-2-no! Again Saturn manages to get to the ropes, this time before grasping the bottom rope with his hand.

MW: I don't believe it! Berry surely had this match won. How did James Saturn manage to get to the ropes?
SD: It's all about the rest of the match, Watson. He's made sure that Berry can't cover him straight away. Those extra few seconds gave him enough time to stay in this one.
MW: These two are showing just how much of an honour it is to win the Young Lions’ Cup. One of these two competitors will be in the main event at Resurrection. But which will it be?

Both Berry and Saturn lie on the mat, breathing hard as they try to recover. Both stir at the same time, pulling themselves up via the opposite ropes once more. They eye one another across the ring before staggering towards each other. Saturn aims a clothesline again which Berry ducks again. Berry aims a roundhouse kick with Saturn ducks. He shoves Berry into the ropes and then drives a forearm into the back of her head before pulling her backwards, hitting the ropes himself and connecting with a diving clothesline. He then looks down at her and smiles, coiling himself up. As Berry stands, he readies himself, and then aims his own version of a Checkmate at Berry.

Berry ducks, hits the ropes and dives at Saturn, connecting with her own diving clothesline. He hits the mat hard and Berry rolls towards him before looking at him and them up to the top rope. The fans cal for her to cover him but she doesn't. Instead she climbs up, facing out of the ring. After setting herself, she leaps down, looking for her own version of the Saturnsault. However, Saturn is up and he connects with a hellacious superkick to Berry, causing her to hit the mat with a sickening thud. Saturn makes the cover, 1-2-3.

Winner: James Saturn.

Saturn rolls off Berry and the fans boo as he's announced as the winner. The Young Lions’ Cup is brought into the ring and handed to Saturn as he's on his knees. He smirks and then calls for a microphone.

“I have a message… for the FPW Champion… Graham… Baker… At-“

Saturn is interrupted by ‘DNA’ as Baker limps out onto the stage, an ice pack held to his head and the FPW Championship over his shoulder. He walks down the ramp with his eyes focussed on his next challenger and climbs into the ring. He snatches the mic from Saturn.

“If you have a message for me, deliver it to my fucking face.”

He pushes the mic back into Saturn’s chest with an intense look. Saturn takes it and smiles.

“Alright… I looked at the contract… for the Young Lions’ Cup… it said the winner would get… a match for the FPW Championship… at Resurrection… but it didn't… say what type of match.”

The fans gasp as they realise the implication of what Saturn just said.

“So… Baker… you may have the advantage… with your technique… and your submissions… but there's one area… where everyone knows… I'm better than you… so our match… will have that title… hung… above this ring… with the only way to win… being to climb a ladder… and retrieve it.”

The fans cheer as Saturn announces the ladder match. Baker snatches the mic back again.

“You think that scares me? You've made it your business to get involved with me in these last two months. I gave you a chance when not many others would and you couldn't hang with me, so you've attacked me from behind. Not once but twice. Now you want to face me in a match with no disqualifications? No count outs? This is my type of match Saturn. You're on.”

Baker drops the mic and he and Saturn stare each other down as the show goes off the air.