FPW Resurrection

[Jim Houston]

“He is risen. On today of all days, the day where the world stops to celebrate the resurrection, two men must also rise. Each man must rise, climbing rung after rung until one is fallen and the other is risen as Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion. Graham Baker and James Saturn will meet in their ultimate showdown here tonight at Resurrection. But also, one man has earned the right to resurrect his partnership with a former enemy for one last shot. Bobby O gives up his golden opportunity to chase tag team redemption with Jack Sevren against the unstoppable force that is The Guardians of Strong Style. FPW is also in the midst of a takeover. Will Marcus Allen Jones resurrect his championship dreams by taking Jace Mason’s Freedom Championship, or will Mason lead the fight against Marcus and his destructive group? Will Artemis Evans maintains her grip on the FPW Women's Championship or will Elizabeth Karlson be the woman to finally defeat the White Queen? We also see debuts as a former WWE superstar seeks to resurrect his love for professional wrestling and a Japanese powerhouse begins his journey of dominance; we see vengeance sought as Jerry Bishop looks to avenge the attack on Russ Bolt and we see Clutch McCloud looking to resurrect his status as an elite competitor in FPW. Tonight, several will rise, but only one will emerge FPW Champion.”
 
The video ends and the camera shows the crowd, who cheer enthusiastically before ‘ProtoVision’ plays and all attention turns to the entranceway. Zachary Bates emerges, hood covering his head, and looks around at the cheering crowd. He begins to make his way down to the ring, slapping hands with the fans on his way.

MW: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Freedom Pro Wrestling and welcome, on this Easter Sunday, to Resurrection. I am Mike Watson and I am joined as ever by Steven Deville. Looks like we're getting straight into the action tonight, Steven.
SD: It sure does, Watson. I can't pretend that I'm not excited to be calling Aaron Williams’ first match back on the independent scene, but I must say that I wish he didn't moan so much about his time with WWE. We get it!
MW: He's a man who loves wrestling. But so does his opponent, Zachary Bates. He's had several stand-out matches during his time here in FPW, and this promises to be something special tonight.
SD: Bates is good, that's for sure. I'll be very interested to see how he does against Williams tonight. I think this match was picked as a perfect way to showcase Aaron Williams’ exciting style, as Bates is similarly flashy. Both men will do all they can to entertain, but which will have the killer instinct to actually pull out a win?

Bates settles in the ring as a buzz starts to ripple through the crowd. An ‘Aaron Williams’ chant begins and quickly spreads. The lights go down and a cheer breaks through the chant. As soon as the words ‘Hear ye’ sing out, Williams stands on the stage, encouraging the fans to clap in rhythm and to sing along to the song. The volume picks up as the song goes on and Williams stands with his arms raised and his eyes closed, taking it all in. As the first verse ends, Williams explodes with energy while the instrumental plays. He makes his way down the ramp, still singing along to the song, putting his arm around fans in the front two who are singing with him. He makes his way all around the ring before pulling out a marker pen and handing it to a child in the front row, asking him to sign his kneepad. Williams then climbs into the ring and encourages the fans to echo back the ‘I still believe’ lines before jumping down into the ring at the line ‘we’re having fun’. As the song comes to an end, Williams shakes the hands of the official and Dasha Banks as she announces his name. He gives her a cheeky wink before bowing to each section of the crowd. Bates watches with a smile on his face and the crowd begins another loud ‘Aaron Williams’ chant.

Match 1: Zachary Bates v Aaron Williams:

The official calls for the bell and Williams and Bates eye each other across the ring. They come forward and Williams extends a hand, which Bates shakes, as the fans applaud. They circle each other before locking up, Williams quickly locking in a headlock and taking Bates over. He maintains the headlock for a few seconds before Bates gets his legs up for a headscissors. Williams, however, rolls towards the legs, springs up and catches Bates by his ankles, yanking him up for a pop-up piledriver. As he leaps into the air, Bates frees his legs and lands on his feet with Williams in a seated position. Bates hits the ropes and goes for a dropkick, but Williams rolls out of the way and aims a standing double stomp to Bates. Bates rolls away this time and he looks for a handspring enzeguiri, but Williams sidesteps and Bates lands on one knee. Williams aims a discus clothesline at him but Bates rolls through and springs to his feet using his neck strength. Bates then leaps up for a hurricanrana but Williams cartwheels through. Williams runs at Bates and aims a penalty kick at him, but Bates drops and rolls under the kick. Both men turn and share a look of respect as the crowd cheers loudly.

MW: What an athletic start to this one!
SD: These two styles are perfectly matched. They could go at each other all night without landing a single move.
MW: Looks like they're slowing it down a little now though.

Williams and Bates circle each other once again before Bates extends a fist, which Williams bumps. They lock up again, but Bates ducks underneath the lock up and grabs a waistlock on Williams. He lifts him for a German suplex but Williams hooks his legs under Bates’ arms and rolls him through for a pin attempt, 1-no. Bates is quick to escape. Both men make it to their feet quickly but waste no time. Bates aims a superkick at Williams, who ducks, hitting the ropes and connecting with a lariat. He follows up by hitting the ropes and connecting with a shining wizard as Bates sits up. Williams then pulls Bates to his feet and whips him into the corner. Running at him, he connects with a big splash, before hitting the opposite corner and connecting again and again and again. The fans cheer loudly as Williams veers away and gees them up. Bates slumps down into a seated position and Williams backs away, running at him and hitting him with a cannonball.

Bates rolls out of the corner and Williams looks to the top rope. He climbs through the ropes and up to the top, hitting a perfect swan-ton bomb and holding for the cover, 1-2-no. Bates kicks out on the count of two. Williams makes it quickly to his feet and slaps his knee a couple of times before pulling Bates up and hooking an arm over his head. He lifts him and looks to drop him with a brainbuster to the knee but Bates drops down behind Williams, who is left down on one knee. Bates connects with a hard superkick to the back of Williams’ head before hitting the ropes and connecting with a shotgun dropkick which sends Williams rolling halfway across the ring. Bates shoves Williams out of the ring to the outside and builds up the crowd, a lot of whom are still cheering for him as well as Williams. He waits for Williams to get to his feet before running at the ropes and connecting with a perfect somersault senton.

MW: These two men showed each other great respect before this match but there's no love between them now.
SD: What a start to the show. Zachary Bates showcasing his amazing aerial talent. But a move like that won't win him any matches. He needs to get Aaron Williams into the ring.
MW: Well, he's lifting him. Is he looking to get him back in here?

Bates lifts Williams onto his shoulders before connecting with a rolling fireman’s carry. Bates springs up and leaps onto the barricade before hitting a picture perfect moonsault onto Williams. Bates takes a moment to recover before lifting Williams again. He rolls him onto the ring apron but stops him from making it back into the ring. Bates climbs up too and pulls Williams up with him. He drops Williams’ arms over the top rope and explodes with a barrage of chops, each eliciting grimaces from the fans. Bates then pulls an arm free and drapes it over himself, lifting Williams onto his shoulders. The fans stand in anticipation as Bates connects with a cartwheel Death Valley driver onto the apron.

Williams drops, motionless, to the floor as Bates looks down at him for a second. With Williams still motionless, Bates climbs up to the top rope and points down at Williams on the floor. He leaps and connects with a diving double stomp as the fans gasp once more. This time, Bates lifts Williams and rolls him into the ring but he doesn't follow. Once again, Zachary Bates climbs to the top turnbuckle and looks down at his opponent before leaping off and connecting with a 630 senton. He rolls off Williams for a second before turning and covering him, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Aaron Williams barely gets a shoulder up. Bates wastes no time in dragging Williams towards the corner, where he sits him against the turnbuckles. Bates then backs away and runs at him, aiming for a cannonball, but Williams rolls away, leaving Bates to slam into the turnbuckles and drop down onto his head. Williams manages to stand, staggering, and he pulls Bates up, pointing to his kneepad once again. Williams drapes his arm over Bates’ head and lifts him before driving him down for a brainbuster to the knee. Williams makes a quick cover, hooking the leg, 1-2-no! It's Bates this time who barely manages to kick out. Williams rolls off Bates and lies in the ring, breathing deeply.

MW: This explosive match has certainly taken its toll on Aaron Williams.
SD: But his veteran experience and instincts told him to get out of the way of that cannonball and somehow he managed it. I'm just not sure how this match is still going on after that brainbuster to his knee.
MW: Zachary Bates is made of tough stuff. And now both men are making it to their feet.

Williams and Bates drag themselves up and advance towards one another. Bates throws another hard chop at Williams, who responds with a forearm. They exchange, slowly at first, but then with increasing speed as the fans give them more energy with their cheers. Bates gets the upper hand, letting off three consecutive chops before hitting a series of hard palm strikes. He then connects with a thrust kick to the gut and a roundhouse kick, which causes Williams to droop but stay standing. Bates then backs away before running at Williams and looking for a sling blade. Williams, however, manages to counter, hooking his arm over Bates’ head as he twists around and planting him with a desperation DDT.

Williams jumps up with a sudden burst of energy and calls on the fans to keep him going. He positions himself next to Bates and takes him down with a midkick. Williams looks to follow up with a double stomp, but Bates rolls towards him and rolls him through with a schoolboy, but not into a pin attempt. Instead, he rolls Williams into a kneeling position and rolls through for a kick to the head. Bates then stands and aims hard kicks to Williams’ chest over and over until Williams drops to the mat. Bates then turns and connects with a sudden standing moonsault, making the cover, 1-2-no. Williams gets a shoulder up, but Bates grabs the arm and looks to transition into a crossface.

Williams, out of desperation, scrambles towards the ropes. He just about reaches them before Bates, who has the hold applied, pushes off with his feet and rolls backwards in an attempt to keep the crossface locked in. Williams, however, halts the roll with Bates’ shoulders down, 1-2-no! Bates reverses into a crucifix pin, 1-2-no! Williams kicks out and rolls through. Both men make it to their feet as Bates aims a roundhouse kick at Williams, who ducks. Williams connects with a dropkick which sends Bates staggering into the ropes. Bates bounces back and aims a lariat at Williams, but he blocks it with an axe handle. Williams aims a lariat of his own, but Bates ducks and connects with a roundhouse. Williams staggers before exploding with a discus lariat.

Williams again pops up and lifts Bates. He hooks an arm over Bates’ head and lifts him for a suplex, but he doesn't go through with the move, instead dumping him on the top rope and leaving him hanging there. Williams climbs up to the top rope and walks gingerly out onto the rope away from the turnbuckle before leaping up and connecting with a remarkable 450 splash onto Bates’ back. Bates drops down and Williams makes the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Bates barely manages to get his shoulder up. Williams looks at the official in disbelief for a moment before refocusing on Bates. He pulls him up and looks to set up the A Triple Plus, but Bates rolls him up with a small package, 1-2-no! Williams just escapes. As he does, however, Bates makes it to his feet and connects with a vicious superkick to a kneeling Williams. He hits another before hitting a buzzsaw kick and falling into a cover, 1-2-no! Williams just kicks out.

MW: This is an absolute war between these two men!
SD: Zachary Bates will not allow Aaron Williams to beat him and Aaron Williams refuses to lose this match.
MW: But only one of these men can come away with a victory tonight.
SD: Both of them look exhausted. If we don't see a winner soon, we could be headed for a double count out.

The two men lie on the mat for a few seconds before Bates drags himself to his feet. He pulls Williams up by the back of his trunks and traps the arm, looking for the Get Fucked Combo. He spins Williams out and looks for the rainmaker, but Williams ducks it, grabbing a waistlock of his own. He looks for a German suplex but Bates lands on his feet and then explodes with a bicycle knee strike to the back of Aaron Williams’ head. He pulls Williams up again and looks for the same move, spinning Williams out, but Williams stands firm and won't allow Bates to pull him back. Bates tries to move in for the rainmaker lariat but Williams blocks with a leaping knee strike of his own. Bates staggers as Williams holds onto his wrist. Williams then pulls Bates towards him and takes him down with the rainmaker, before lifting him and pulling him in for the A Triple Plus. He hits it, driving Bates’ head down onto his knee, before making the cover, 1-2-3.

Winner: Aaron Williams

The fans stand and cheer as Williams gets carefully to his feet. The official raises his arm and he climbs to the top rope to celebrate with the fans, who chant his name loudly. He then drops down and turns to Zachary Bates, who sits up holding his head. Williams offers him his hand and he pulls Bates to his feet, embracing him and raising his arm as the fans applaud him. Bates down the same for Williams before rolling out of the ring to allow Aaron Williams to bask in his victory. Williams calls for a microphone.

“I know this is a long show and I don't want to take up too much time. I just want to thank you. I want to thank each and every one of you. This was my first match back and I just had to know… but now I do know. You all still believe. I still believe. And FPW? I guess FPW is my new home. I'll see you all very soon. Thank you so much!”

The fans cheer as Williams drops the mic and leaves the ring, slapping hands as he walks up the ramp.

Backstage, Dasha Banks is walking down a corridor with Ted Crewmember.

DB: He'll be down here somewhere, I'm sure.
TC: Dasha, you don't have to-
DB: Yes, Ted, I do. He needs positive people around him at the moment.
TC: But we've got three interviews we need to get tonight. He's not on our list.
DB: Well he's on-

Ted signals for Dasha to stop as they come to a door which stands ajar. Ted puts his finger to his lips and beckons the camera forward. It shows TakeOver standing together in a small, dark room.

Haych: Are you serious, boss?
MAJ: Deadly serious.
Dario: Boss, come on. It's a ladder match. Saturn must have chosen it knowing we-
MAJ: I promised I- we- wouldn't get involved during the match. And we won't.
GJ: Now we're doing what we're told? This fucking thing-
MAJ (aggressively): This fucking thing is my idea, my plan and I know what I'm doing. TakeOver doesn't do what we're told. We do what's right for us. We're close to this. That idiot has agreed to put both of our teams into the Tag Classic. So that means we're close to taking the Tag Titles. When I take the Freedom Title tonight and couple it with this piece of trash from that garbage promotion Baker loves so much, we have more leverage.
Dario: But what if Saturn wins? Then-
MAJ: What if? What if? It won't matter. With us controlling all of the titles bar that one, Houston will have to give me the rematch I deserve.
SD: And if he doesn't?
MAJ: Then we carry on fucking his shit up until he does.
Haych: What about tonight, boss? What if things don't go to-
MAJ (holding up a hand): Hush.

Marcus looks up for a moment and then turns to the door. He spots the camera and then marches to the door, yanking it open. He grabs Ted Crewmember by the scruff of the neck as Daniels grabs Dasha and The Invaders pull the camera free, which drops to the floor. We see their feet as the camera continues to record.

Dario: What did you see?
DB: Nothing incriminating.
Haych: Turn that camera off. Now!

The feed cuts out for a moment before we return to ringside to a concerned looking Mike Watson.

MW: We should… get somebody back there. Are they… are they ok?
SD: Typical Dasha. Snooping around like that. Marcus won't do her any harm. Nothing permanent anyway.
MW: TakeOver really are the most despicable-
SD: Whoa there, Watson. Be careful what you say around here. You never know who's listening…
MW: I don't care who's listening. If I were Jim Houston I'd have got rid of the lot of them. TakeOver have no place here.
SD: TakeOver have every place here. Later tonight Marcus will become Freedom Champion and will that much closer to taking his belt back from Baker or Saturn. Then The Invaders or Hunter Killer win the All Star Tag Team Classic and TakeOver take all the gold.
MW: We can only pray that doesn't happen. Well, I suppose we'd better get on with things here. Clutch McCloud has turned over a new leaf recently-
SD: A new leaf which has given him a new lease of life, may I add.
MW: That's one way to look at it. He jumped Russ Bolt both before and after their match at Road To Resurrection and would have made it even worse had Jerry Bishop not got involved.
SD: Jerry came down after the damage had been done. He's so far from himself that he can't even get that right. I fear for Jerry tonight. This match is no holds barred now. Jerry is in serious trouble facing Clutch McCloud 2.0


Dasha Banks stood in the ring, microphone ready. “The following is a No Holds Barred match!”

‘The Comedian's Gallop’ hit the speakers, and Jerry Bishop emerged at the top of the ramp. He smiled and waved to the crowd before bending into a bow.

“Introducing first, from Kansas City, Missouri, the Jester, Jerry Bishop!”

The crowd exploded into cheers, and Jerry waved to them once again before settling into the corner. Jerry's music cut out, and then there was a pause before it was replaced by 'This Fire Burns’. A spotlight shone on the stage, revealing Clutch McCloud, with Danica Jane and Richard Crowley just visible on the edges of the spotlight. He began walking to the ring as Dasha continued her introductions.

“And introducing his opponent; from the Gateway City, he's known as God's Gift to Wrestling, Clutch McCloud!”

Clutch had climbed onto the apron, and vaulted over the top rope as Dasha announced his name, posing in the middle of the ring, ignoring the crowd’s boos. He strode confidently into the corner opposite Jerry and exchanged a few words with Danica and Crowley before turning to face his opponent.

Match 2: No Holds Barred: Jerry Bishop v Clutch McCloud (written by Mason):

The ref called for the bell, and Clutch barely had time to take two steps forward before Jerry was on him, taking him off his feet with a flying forearm smash! Clutch scrambled back to his feet, and Jerry met him with another forearm. Clutch once again stood up, and this time Jerry connected with a kick to the midsection, then a roundhouse kick to the head as Clutch doubled over. Clutch fell onto his back, and Jerry quickly pulled him into a cover.

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

SD: “Bishop surprising Clutch with an instant flurry of offense, and it came close to giving him the victory. Now let’s see if he can maintain this control throughout the course of the match.”

Jerry looked to do just that, pulling Clutch to his feet and whipping him into the corner. Jerry followed him in and connected with a knife-edge chop that echoed throughout the arena, then pulled Clutch down to a seated position with a snapmare. He ran to Clutch, grabbing him by the back of the neck and flipping forward. Clutch' s head snapped back as Jerry let go, and Jerry went for another cover.

...1!..Kick-out!

SD: “We're seeing an uncharacteristic aggression from Bishop tonight. The match has barely begun and he's already forced Clutch to roll out of the ring.”

MW: “Jerry feels betrayed by Clutch. He thought he knew who Clutch was, but when Clutch turned his back on Russ Bolt-”

SD: “After he cut out the dead weight you mean.”

MW: “Jerry was crushed after realizing this was a man he'd called a friend. Add to that the negative feelings of Jerry's recent losing streak, and it makes sense why we’d be seeing a slightly different side of Jerry Bishop.”

Clutch rolled back into the ring and stood up. He attempted to tie up with Jerry, but he ducked under Clutch’s arm and lashed out, connecting with a kick to Clutch’s thigh that made him stumble. Jerry hit the ropes and ran back toward Clutch, only to be met with a big boot that took him off his feet. With Jerry flat on his back, Clutch moved in, grabbing him around the waist, lifting him up and turning him over for a gutwrench suplex. Jerry rose to all fours as Clutch turned around, but before he could stand up, Clutch kicked his arm out from under him, dropping him onto his face. He rolled Jerry over and settled into a mount position, then began raining down punches. After leaving Jerry battering Jerry for several moments, Clutch pulled his opponent to hsi feet and whipped him into the corner. Clutch charges in and connects with a running European uppercut, then used his foot to sweep Jerry’s leg out from under him, dropping him to a seated position. Clutch climbed to the second rope and, while still holding onto the top rope, launched his body backwards, using gravity to drive his legs into Jerry’s chest. He reached to pull Jerry into a cover, but Jerry rolled to the outside to regain his footing.

Clutch rose to his feet and stepped through the ropes and onto the apron. He backed up as far as he could go before running forwards and leaping off the apron, aiming a flying knee strike at Jerry’s head. Jerry ducked, and Clutch landed on his feet, turning around just in time to eat a rolling elbow from Jerry. Jerry bent down and pulled Clutch up, rolling him into the ring before he climbed to the top turnbuckle. He eyed Clutch getting back to his feet and then leaped into a crossbody, but Clutch caught him!

SD: “Despite Bishop’s fury, righteous or otherwise, there’s no way to compete with pure size and power.”

Clutch shifted Jerry’s body so that he was draped over Clutch’s shoulder and set up a bodyslam, but Jerry wriggled free, landing on his feet behind Clutch and pulling him into a school boy rollup!

...1!..Kick-out!

Both men rolled back to their feet, and as Clutch rushed at Jerry, Jerry utilized a drop toe hold to drape his upper body over the second rope. Jerry hit the ropes on the far side of the ring and, before Clutch could untangle himself, Jerry launched his body through the ropes, driving his knee into the back of Clutch’s head as he sailed past.

MW: “A slight modification on a shining wizard there from Jerry, now what’s this!?”

As Jerry had begun to climb into the ring, Richard Crowley had come around and grabbed his leg, pulling him back to the floor. As Jerry argued with Crowley, Danica Jane slowly began making her way around the ring behind Jerry, a kendo stick in her grasp.

SD: “This is called helping your friend, Mike. I see nothing wrong with it, especially as this is a No Holds Barred match.”

Something in Crowley's eye tipped Jerry off, and he turned around to see Danica, who tossed aside the stick and smiled at him. Jerry shook his head and climbed back into the ring and began walking to Clutch. But the exchange on the outside had bought Clutch just enough time to recover, he stood up and kicked Jerry in the gut before driving his head to the mat with a DDT! He rolled Jerry over and hooked the leg for a cover.

...1!.Kick-out!

Clutch rolled off of Jerry and stood up, grabbing Jerry’s leg as he did so. Extending Jerry’s leg, Clutch began repeatedly driving his boot into Jerry’s thigh.

SD: “This is smart wrestling by Clutch. Jerry’s main advantage throughout this match has been his speed, and by attacking the leg, Clutch is taking that speed away from him.”

Seeking to continue the offense, Clutch yanked Jerry upright and tossed him into the corner. Clutch followed him in and lifted the same leg he’d targeted, draping it over the second rope, leaving the thigh exposed to another round of strikes as Clutch goes after it again, this time with multiple knee strikes. This continued until Clutch decided he was satisfied with the damage he’d inflicted, and he lifted Jerry onto the top turnbuckle. He climbed up after, setting up a superplex. But as he began to lift Jerry over his head, Jerry shifted his weight downwards, sliding between Clutch’s legs and landing on his feet on the mat. Jerry quickly turns around and pulls one of Clutch’s legs out from under him, dropping him to the ring floor. But before he could turn himself around, Clutch launched himself and connected with a pele kick! Jerry was stunned and fell to the mat, allowing Clutch to slide out of the ring and begin searching under the apron. Finding what he was looking for, he reached in and pulled out a table. Danica and Crowley smiled as he slid the table into the ring. But as he climbed onto the apron, Jerry hit a dropkick that knocked him to the floor. Jerry stepped between the ropes and onto the apron, launching himself at Clutch with a crossbody. This time, Clutch went down, and Jerry wasted no time lifting him up and rolling him into the ring. Jerry quickly climbed in after him and went for a quick cover.

...1!..Kick-out!

Jerry stood up as Clutch kicked out, backing up a few steps as he waited for his opponent to rise. And as Clutch made it to his knees, Jerry ran across the ropes, rebounding and connecting with a sliding clothesline as he neared his opponent. Clutch fell to his back again, and Jerry dragged him closer to the corner before climbing to the top turnbuckle. He struck a pose for the audience before leaping off the turnbuckle, flying through the air and driving the point of his elbow into Clutch’s chest. But he didn’t stop there, he stood up and once again waited for Clutch to rise to his feet. Clutch did so, albeit unsteadily, and Jerry pulled him back down with a snapmare, then ran across the ring. He hit the ropes and rebounded, setting up a penalty kick to finish the Touchstone Takedown. But as Jerry closed the distance, Clutch extended his leg, driving it into the targeted leg from before. Jerry collapsed, and Clutch acted quickly, moving behind Jerry and wrapping an arm around his neck and wrapping his legs around Jerry’s waist, locking in a dragon sleeper! Jerry’s arms flew to his throat, trying to pull Clutch’s arm off. But he had no success, and so he shifted his focus, attempting to peel Clutch’s legs from around his midsection. But as time wore on, and Jerry made no progress against Clutch, it seemed like the match was about to end. But with a sudden surge of energy, Jerry grabbed one of Clutch’s legs with both arms and shoved, shedding it from around his body. He was then able to roll backwards, forcing Clutch’s shoulders down!

...1!.Kick-out!

Clutch was forced to release the submission upon kicking out, allowing Jerry to lean against the ropes to recover his breath. He turned as Clutch regained his footing and ran at him, driving Clutch back with a forearm smash. But Clutch merely rebounded off the ropes and came back towards Jerry, taking him down with a discus lariat! Clutch used his feet to push Jerry out to the floor before turning his attention to the table he’d slid into the ring. He lifted it before looking around the ring, trying to find the ideal place to set it. He eventually kicked open the legs set it up in the corner, leaning against the turnbuckles. He took a step back to admire his handiwork, then rolled out of the ring to continue his offense on Jerry, who was beginning to rise. Clutch grabbed Jerry and pulled him the rest of the way up, locking in a front facelock as well. He lifted Jerry up before bringing him down to the floor with a brainbuster! Jerry was splayed out on the ground, unmoving, before Clutch lifted him back up, rolling in to the ring. Clutch followed him, dragging a stumbling Jerry into the corner opposite the table. He drove his forearm into Jerry's throat to hold him in place as he said “You're going right there” pointing across the ring to the table. “But this can all be over as soon as you give up.” And with that, he grabbed Jerry by the wrist and whipped him across the ring, headed straight for the table.

But as he neared the corner, Jerry dropped into a baseball slide, just managing to slide past the table and under the bottom rope. Upon landing on the floor, he quickly turned around and leapt onto the apron. Clutch ran towards him to knock him to the floor once again, but Jerry leaned into the ropes and delivered a modified enzuigiri that rocked Clutch. Pressing his advantage, Jerry slung himself over the top rope and wrapping an arm around Clutch's neck and driving his head into the mat! Jerry quickly rolled Clutch over and hooked his leg for a cover.

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

MW: “Every time Clutch has tried to take advantage of the no disqualification stipulation, Jerry has managed to counter, and I think it's one of the things that's kept him alive in this match.”

Jerry had pulled Clutch to his feet and whipped him into an open corner. He charged in and connected with a clothesline, then turned Clutch around so that his chest was leaning against the top turnbuckle. He draped one of Clutch’s arms over his neck and lifted him up, seating him atop the top turnbuckle. Jerry climbed the turnbuckles behind him and draped the arm over his neck again. Then, with all his might, Jerry lifted Clutch from atop the turnbuckle, falling backwards for an avalanche back suplex!

But as he neared the height of his path, Clutch slipped free of Jerry’s grasp, backflipping out and landing on his feet. Jerry landed on the ground and shot back to his feet, just in time for Clutch to dropkick him in the chest, driving him into the turnbuckles. Jerry rebounded out of the corner from the impact, and Clutch pulled him in and lifted him for a suplex. But Jerry managed to turn himself over in midair, wrapping his legs around Clutch’s neck and pulling him down with a hurricanrana! Jerry didn’t get off Clutch as the move ended, instead sitting down hard and grabbing hold of both of Clutch’s legs.

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

Jerry popped to his feet as Clutch kicked out and waited for him to get back to his feet. Clutch stood up and swung a right hand. Jerry ducked under the punch and pulled Clutch down to the mat with a side Russian leg sweep. Before Clutch could get back up, Jerry rolled off him and onto the apron. Jerry stood up, grabbing hold of the top rope and once again waiting for Clutch to rise to a vertical base. Clutch stood up, and Jerry launched himself onto and the off of the top rope into a springboard forearm smash. But as he drew closer to Clutch, Clutch took a step back, causing Jerry to simply land on his feet in front of him. Clutch immediately struck, grabbing both of Jerry’s legs and pulling them out from under him, then stepping over into a Boston crab! Jerry’s head shot up as he cried out in pain, and he began working to drag himself to the bottom rope.

SD: “And this is another very tactical move from Clutch. This submission does damage to both the lower back and the legs of an opponent, which should really wear down Bishop. And because it’s a No Holds Barred match, even if Jerry does manage to get to the ropes, Clutch doesn’t have to release the submission.”

Despite this, Jerry continued to use his forearms to pull himself even closer to the ropes. But as he finally reached out to grab the bottom rope, Clutch turned him over once again, shoving him forward slightly, then falling back and slingshotting Jerry’s neck into the rope.

MW: “Clutch turning Jerry’s salvation into his damnation there.”

Jerry rolled off of the apron and began to rise to his feet. But Clutch followed him to the outside and dropped him with a brutal clothesline to the back of the neck. He eyed the ring apron, then lifted Jerry up and tucked his head between his legs. He lifted Jerry up before bringing him down with a powerbomb onto the apron! Jerry writhed in pain before Clutch lifted him into a fireman’s carry. Clutch turned around and draped Jerry over the barricade, leaving his head facing the ringside area. Clutch backed off to the side for several steps, then charged forwards and drove his knee into Jerry’s skull. Jerry flopped backwards into the crowd, and with him temporarily out of the way, Clutch turned his attention to the padding around the ringside area. He bent down and pulled it up, exposing the arena floor. He continued to rip up the padding, until there was none on that side of the ring.

He turned back towards the crowd, when Jerry Bishop suddenly reemerged, throwing himself over the barricade into a flying forearm smash! Clutch was knocked off his feet, and Jerry quickly lifted him up and rolled him into the ring. Jerry didn’t pause for a moment, climbing first onto the apron, and then to the top turnbuckle. He wasted no time, leaping from the top and driving both his feet into Clutch’s chest! Jerry dove into a cover, hooking both his opponent’s legs.

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

MW: “Jerry was about a half-second away from ending his losing streak!”

SD: “But despite everything Jerry’s thrown at Clutch, nothing has worked. Clutch is just on another level of skill.”

MW: “I have to agree with you this time Steven, Jerry’s going to have to reach deep into his bag of tricks to finish this one off. And I think that’s exactly what he’s intending to do.”

Jerry had turned Clutch over and stood up, placing one foot atop Clutch’s back to prevent him from escaping. With a few dramatic flicks of his thumb, Jerry mimed cutting his lips open, then dropped into a crossface!

MW: “The Chelsea Smile applied by Jerry Bishop!”

Clutch cried out, slightly muffled by Jerry’s hands clasped in front of his face, and held his hand over the mat, prepared to tap. But instead, he began dragging himself to the ropes on his left, pulling Jerry along with him. He managed to turn his body, and began dragging himself closer and closer. He reached out, just fingertips away from the bottom rope. But then Jerry kicked off the rope, rolling backwards and pulling Clutch back into the center of the ring! Clutch once again raised his hand, and the camera could see that it was shaking as he fought to not tap out. He reached for the ropes again, but he couldn’t muster the strength. His hand began to lower to the mat, and suddenly both he and Jerry’s weight suddenly shifted. The camera panned to the outside of the ring to reveal that Danica Jane had ahold of Clutch’s leg and was pulling him out of the submission!
MW: “Well that’s unfair!”

SD: “Unfair perhaps, but legal! This is what Jerry signed up for when he accepted the challenge for a No Holds Barred match!”

Jerry let go of his submission and stood up.He turned to face Danica, angrily shouting at her for interfering in the match. She yelled something back, and Jerry threw his arms up in exasperation. He turned to the ref and asked if there was any way she could be removed from ringside, but the ref shook his head. Jerry turned back to Danica and was about to say something else, when he was struck from behind with a Technical Foul to the back of his neck! Clutch stood over his downed opponent before making a motion with his hand. On the side of the ring, Richard Crowley slid a chair into the ring. Clutch lifted it up and began going to town, driving the chair repeatedly into Jerry’s back. Even amongst the onslaught of chair shots, Jerry was trying to rise, until Clutch turned the chair sideways and drove it into the back of his knee. Jerry fell, and didn’t get back up as Clutch continued to lay into him. Clutch tossed the chair aside and turned Jerry over dropping into a cover.

...1!...2!..Jerry somehow kicked out!

The crowd became unglued as Jerry proved that he wouldn’t give up that easily. But despite the fight remaining in Jerry, he was defenseless as Clutch pulled him back up. Clutch tucked Jerry’s head between his legs and lifted him up into a powerbomb position. He ran across the ring and brought Jerry down through the table in the corner. Jerry fell through the table and then bounced off the turnbuckle, staggering forward into a TarHEEL from Clutch, who proceed to place a foot atop his chest.

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

Winner: Clutch McCloud

Clutch delivered one last contemptuous kick to Jerry’s fallen form as he turned to leave the ring, not even allowing the ref time to raise his hand. He stepped between the ropes, then hesitated. He shook his head at the camera, then stepped back into the ring. He shoved the ref, who was making sure Jerry was alright, aside and knelt down, laying into Jerry with repeated right hands.

MW: “What the hell is this!? The match is over!”

SD: “Clutch feels offended that Jerry was able to take him nearly to his limit, and he’s putting Jerry back in his place.”

Clutch waved his entourage into the ring as he backed into the corner. Danica and Crowley grabbed Jerry by the wrists and pulled him up, exposing his head for a punt kick. Clutch began lining up the shot when Berry Bishop ran down the ramp! She slid into the ring and ran at Danica and Crowley, who quickly exited the ring. She turned to face Clutch, and a tense staredown began before Clutch stepped between the ropes as well. He began backing up the ramp, and Crowley and Danica rose both of his arm in the air as Berry held her unconscious brother’s head and waved the medics out.

Backstage, Bobby O and Jack Sevren get ready in the locker room. The Dead Man’s Chest sits in front of Bobby, who keeps looking down at it.

JS: Second thoughts, Bob-O?
BO: No just…
JS: What?
BO: When I won that… I didn't picture things going this way is all. I didn't think we'd lose these belts and I certainly didn't expect to be the reason we didn't win them back. I've thought a lot about this and I'm glad I said I'd use the Chest. I owe it to you. You didn't lose us that match. You're the one who got me back on the road to redemption here and I won't ever forget it. Tonight, we're truly showing that we are the best tag team in this company.
JS: I said it three weeks ago: I'm going to make sure that this is my career highlight, just like winning the Classic was for you. You're willing to sacrifice an almost guaranteed FPW Title reign for this team. I respect the hell out of you for it. I don't know if I could have made the same decision. Tonight, I'm going to make sure that we get exactly what we deserve.
BO: When we leave this building, Jack, we'll be champions again.
JS: When we leave this arena tonight, everyone will be talking about Jack Sevren and Bobby O.
BO: Too right, brother.

MW: Our challengers for the Tag Team Titles later tonight. They seem confident.
SD: I don't know why. They've lost twice to the Guardians of Strong Style and haven't looked like beating them. Bobby is just wasting something that he needs to hold onto.
MW: Perhaps he's not using it to help himself as much as he could, but he's doing something for a man he respects and a team he loves to be a part of. But talking of respect, I'm not sure about how much respect is involved in this match.
SD: Not as much as there should be. Jace Mason should show more respect for a former FPW Champion- for the rightful FPW Champion. Mason has been here all of five minutes and he thinks he can take on Marcus Allen Jones? Give me a break.
MW: I won't deny that Jace Mason may have bitten off more than he can chew tonight. But he's a fast-rising star here in this promotion. I think he could well surprise you tonight.
SD: He'll surprise me if he lasts more than five minutes against Marcus Allen Jones.
MW: And what if he wins? Will you show him some respect then?
SD: If Jace Mason wins, I'll show him all the respect in the world. But it isn't going to happen. Marcus is just plain better. You know, I know it, we all know it. Marcus Allen Jones is the best in the world and Jace Mason made the mistake of a lifetime by challenging him.

‘Cult of Personality’ begins to play and the fans immediately begin to boo. Marcus Allen Jones enters the arena with a smirk on his face and absorbs the boos for a moment before holding up the CZW Wired Championship. He then tosses it aside before performing a backflip and holding his pose for several seconds. Slowly he stands and, leaving the belt lying on the ramp, makes his way down the ring, holding up his paper right on cue. It reads ‘Finally…. Marcus Allen Jones has come back!’ Marcus slides into the ring and climbs onto the top turnbuckle, smirking still as the fans shower him with boos.

‘Afterlife’ begins and Jace Mason emerges after the intro plays. He poses at the top of the ramp, visibly nervous but pumped up as pyro goes off. He makes his way down to the ring, interacting much less than normal with the fans, eyes trained only on Marcus. Mason climbs the turnbuckle and poses, holding the Freedom Championship in the air before looking across as Marcus, who lies across the top rope pointing and laughing. Mason drops down and hands the belt to the official, signalling that he's ready straight away.

Match 3: Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Marcus Allen Jones:

The official calls for the start of the match but Marcus won't get down from the top rope. Mason impatiently storms across the ring and pushes the official aside, but Marcus jabs a finger in his eye and rolls to the apron before jumping down to the outside. Mason holds his eye for a few moments while Marcus mocks him on the outside. Mason then climbs out to go after Marcus but Marcus slides quickly into the ring. Mason slides in after him but Marcus calmly goes to the outside again. Mason, becoming visibly frustrated, follows again but Marcus cuts him off with a kick to the gut and a few blows across his back before sliding into the ring, hitting the ropes and running towards Mason. He leaps, but lands with his feet on the middle rope and stands there for a moment, looking dismissively down at Mason. Mason lunges at him but Marcus backflips off the ropes and stands with his arms outstretched in the ring as Mason looks on.

SD: He's playing with Jace Mason! This is brilliant.
MW: It's disrespectful. Jace Mason is a champion-
SD: Not for long.
MW: Be that as it may, Mason is a champion and he deserves a modicum of respect.
SD: Why? Marcus is ten times the wrestler Mason is. He's a cat playing with a mouse before he swallows it whole.
MW: Cats don't… never mind.

Mason climbs through the ropes again and this time Marcus holds his ground, beckoning him forward to lock up. The two of them lock up and Marcus gets the upper hand, locking in a headlock and then spinning to Mason’s other side, before transitioning into a front face lock and forcing Mason to the mat. Marcus then spins around and around on top of Mason before slapping him across the back of his head. The fans boo as Marcus backs away and Mason stares up at him. Marcus returns the stare with a cocky grin.

Mason makes it to his feet and calls Marcus forward again. Marcus comes forward and Mason tries to lock up a little too enthusiastically, allowing Marcus to take him down with a double leg and lock in a headlock. Marcus wrenches on the headlock before Mason fights his way up to his feet, forcing Marcus into the ropes and shoving him away. Marcus comes back at Mason and takes him down with a shoulder block. Mason, however, kips up and the fans cheer as he returns Marcus’ cocky grin. The cheers, however, soon turn to boos as Marcus connects with a cheap right hand before whipping Mason into the ropes. Marcus leapfrogs him as Mason comes back at him only to then take him down with a dropkick into a cover, 1-no. Mason kicks out, but Marcus grabs him by the hair and slaps him across the face.

MW: Marcus- listen to this reaction. These fans are telling Marcus Allen Jones exactly what they think of him.
SD: And Marcus Allen Jones simply isn't listening. Does the lion concern itself with the opinions of sheep? No it doesn't, and Marcus doesn't care what these sheep think about him.
MW: He may not care, and he's certainly showing very little care right now, but Jace Mason is going to teach him a thing or two if he's not careful.
SD: Are you watching this? Marcus is in total control of this match. Mason can't lay a finger on him.

Mason gets to his feet and charges at Marcus, who takes him down easily with a drop toe hold. Marcus then backs up and aims a dropkick at Mason, but Mason moves. As Marcus scrambles to make it to his feet, Mason kicks him in the knee and connects with a snap DDT. He lifts Marcus and whips him into a corner before running at him and driving a forearm into his face. Marcus staggers out of the corner and Mason stalks him. As soon as Marcus turns, Mason connects with a shotgun dropkick to send Marcus into the corner. Mason charges at him again and drives a forearm into his face before connecting with a series of knife edged chops which send the fans into a frenzy. After the tenth, Mason shoves Marcus aside and roars to the fans, who return his call. Mason then looks to the ropes and climbs up, standing on the second rope before diving down, aiming a double stomp at Marcus, who rolls away at the last minute. Mason rolls through and turns, runs at Marcus, but is cut off if a superkick that staggers him and a Pele kick which takes him down. Marcus then climbs the ropes and waits for Mason to make it to his feet. He leaps off with a perfect shooting star DDT before making a cover, 1-2-no. Mason kicks out.

Marcus looks down at Mason with a dismissive smile before pulling him to his feet. He unleashes a series of strikes, starting with a kick to the hamstring, a knee to the gut and several palm strikes before ending with a step-up enzeguiri. Mason staggers and Marcus pulls him into a suplex position. He lifts him and looks to switch position for a falcon arrow, but Mason drops down, lifting Marcus instead and planting him with his own version of the falcon arrow. Mason rolls away to catch his breath and both men climb to their feet at the same time. Mason aims a right hand at Marcus, who ducks, poking Mason in the eye once again and pulling him up for- and hitting- a falcon arrow. Marcus makes a cocky cover with a back press, 1-2-no. Mason kicks out again.

MW: Marcus Allen Jones using every dirty trick in the book.
SD: Have you read that book? There are a lot of dirty tricks he hasn't used yet.
MW: Could it be perhaps that Marcus isn't sure that he can beat Mason fair and square?
SD: Mar- wha- you- I- shut up, Watson.

Marcus stands behind Mason and quickly grabs his legs, pulling him up from behind before dropping him with a wheelbarrow facebuster. He then rolls Mason over before climbing up to the top rope and connecting with a perfect Phoenix splash. He covers Mason again, still not hooking the leg, 1-2-no. Mason again kicks out. Marcus sighs and looks down at Mason, who tries to get up. Marcus stands and watches him, giving him slaps around the head as he drags himself to his feet. Mason stands and squares up to Marcus, walking him backwards a few steps and staring him down intensely. Marcus responds with another slap to the face but Mason snaps, taking Marcus down with a double leg and mounting him, pounding him with right hands until the official’s count reaches four. Mason rolls away and pauses for a minute, composing himself, before standing.

As Marcus stands, Mason connects with a spinning thrust kick to the gut before kicking Marcus’ legs out and hitting him with a dropkick which sends Marcus rolling into the corner. Mason then takes a step back and runs at Marcus, driving his knees into his face and sending him rolling away from the corner. Mason climbs to the second rope again and leaps off, driving both feet into Marcus’ gut and dropping down for the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out this time. Mason doesn't waste time, instead sitting Marcus up and connecting with a penalty kick. He then lifts him and sets him up for the air raid crash neckbreaker, but Marcus wriggles his legs free and drops down, catching Mason’s wrist and looking for Six Stars. Mason grabs hold of the ropes with his free arm so Marcus can't spin him out.

Marcus looks to break Mason’s grip but Mason uses the momentary distraction to free himself, lifting Marcus up and dropping him with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out. Mason then stalks Marcus, waiting for him to make it to his feet before connecting with a disaster kick. Marcus drops to the mat and Mason climbs to the top rope again, coming down with a shooting star press, but Marcus wasn't there and Mason crashes and burns! The fans boo as they realise that George Jackson pulled Marcus out of the ring. The official demonstrates with him and Sara Daniels as The Invaders make it into the ring. Haych looks for a pop-up powerbomb on Mason, but Mason cuts him off with an Extra Credit out of nowhere. Dario aims a kick at Mason, who blocks it and takes him down with a superkick of his own.

MW: Jace Mason fighting off TakeOver all by himself!
SD: Look behind you Jace!
MW: Superkick from Marcus Allen Jones.

Marcus stands over Mason with his trademark cocky grin on his face. He looks down and lifts Mason’s legs. The fans book as Marcus sets up the Marktreal Screwjob. He locks in the spinebuster and sits almost impossibly deep. Mason grimaces with pain and tries to pull himself to the ropes, but Marcus stops him from moving. The official asks Mason if he wants to give up, but Mason refuses. He grasps the official’s shirt, but the official pulls away and Mason is left writhing as he attempts to make it to the ropes again. He slowly inches closer and closer as the fans cheer for him. He reaches out and cries out as he does. As his fingers get closer and closer, Daniels and Jackson move over to that side of the ring. Jackson pulls the rope further from Mason and Marcus grabs the top rope, distracting the official as Daniels drives her forearm into Mason’s face. Mason drops back down to the mat and the official checks on him once Marcus lets go of the rope.

SD: He's going to call for the bell! Jace Mason is out!
MW: Oh no he isn't!

The fans cheer as Mason pushes himself up, letting out a determined cry as he reaches one more time for the ropes and… is pulled away by Marcus. Marcus Allen Jones pulls Jace Mason back into the middle of the ring and the fans suddenly go silent. Marcus sits down even further than before as Mason looks barely able to move. The official hovers, close to calling for the bell, but Mason pleads with him not to. Mason pushes himself up again, starting another slow crawl to the ropes. He inches closer and closer once again, only for the same thing to happen once he gets close. He reaches out but Jackson pulls the rope back. Daniels reaches out to strike Mason but Mason catches her arm and uses it to drag himself onto the rope. The fans explode as the official nearly rips Marcus away from Mason.

Marcus stares down at Mason with anger in his eyes. He doesn't give him time to rest, instead picking him up and trapping his wrist. He spins him out for the Six Stars and looks for the bicycle knee, but Mason collapses under it and drops to the mat. Marcus looks at him with disgust, poking at him with the toe of his boot. The fans boo as Marcus tries to lift Mason and Mason grasps at his trunks. Marcus laughs at Mason’s attempts to get to his feet before slapping him hard across the face. Marcus then pulls Mason up and traps the wrist again. He spins him out and looks for the bicycle knee again, but Mason drops down again, this time rolling Marcus up with a schoolboy roll-up, 1-2-no! Marcus barely escapes with all of TakeOver sliding into the ring.

Both Marcus and Mason scramble to their feet. Marcus aims a superkick at Mason, who ducks underneath it and connects with another disaster kick. Mason then shoves Marcus into the ropes and catches him, aiming for, and connecting with, Extra Credit! Mason drops into a cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! The fans hold their heads in amazement as Marcus kicks out. Mason stares into the distance, a look of shock on his face, before shaking himself off and unsteadily making it back to his feet. He bends down for a chancery on Marcus, but Marcus rolls over and kicks Mason in the head. Marcus swiftly gets up and catches Mason, wasting no time this time in connecting with Six Stars.

SD: Six Stars! It's over!
MW: Marcus hooks the near leg- he's taking it seriously now. One….. two….. thr-
SD: Three! That's three!
MW: No it isn't! Jace Mason got his foot on the bottom rope! That man is so proud to be our Freedom Champion. Sheer desire and sheer hatred of everything Marcus Allen Jones stands for fuelled Jace Mason to lift a foot onto that rope.
SD: And look at Marcus! He can't believe this. I can't believe this.
MW: And neither can these fans. I've never heard such loud support for Jace Mason before.

Marcus looks down at Mason and slaps him across the face again before dragging him towards the corner. Marcus begins a slow climb to the top. The fans boo as he smiles, staring down at Mason. He starts a rhythmic clap and looks out at the fans. Suddenly, the boos turn to gasps as Mason springs up, catching Marcus by surprise and delivering Extra Credit from the top rope. He lands with an arm over Marcus, 1-2-no! The rest of TakeOver storm the ring and break up the cover. The official calls for the bell.

Winner (by disqualification): Jace Mason.

Daniels, Jackson, Haych and Dario pummel Mason with rights, lefts and boots for a few moments before the fans cheer as Aaron Williams sprints down the ramp. He slides into the ring, taking Haych and then Dario out with mid kicks. He fights off Daniels and Jackson, connecting with dropkicks to send both into opposite corners before running at each in turn to connect with big splashes. After a few, both members of Hunter Killer drop down to seated positions. Williams charges at Jackson and connects with a cannonball before looking for the same on Daniels. The Invaders, however, pull Sara Daniels out of the ring before Marcus and George Jackson also roll out. Williams stares at TakeOver as they all back away up the ramp. He checks on Mason and then calls for a mic:

“Houston. All Star Tag Team Classic. First round. Me and Mason against either you-“

He points at The Invaders.

“- or you.”

Williams points at Hunter Killer before dropping the mic and helping Mason up. The official hands Mason the Freedom Championship and the fans chant his name as he and Williams stare down TakeOver at the top of the ramp.

MW: TakeOver tried to make their presence felt tonight, but maybe this is the end of their ability to dominate our shows. Maybe there's enough fight to make it so that TakeOver doesn't have the numbers advantage. I don't know, but it feels different somehow. Anything to say, Steven?
SD: Aaron Williams needs to be careful what he wishes for. Whether it's The Invaders or Hunter Killer, he and Mason may well be taught a very difficult lesson.
MW: Don't be so sure. Jace Mason is one of the leaders of the fight against TakeOver. And he's rallying the troops in FPW!

Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Sato, with Masa Tchyukiro and Hiro Takahara flanking him.

DB: I'm joined by the Freedom Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions and their manager, Sato. Sato-san, a lot of the talk around this match is Bobby O cashing in his Dead Man’s Chest. How does that make you feel?
S: How I feel? I feel that talk not matter. Wrestling matter. Strong style matter. Guardians of Strong Style matter. Being undefeated matter. Being champions matter. Beating Jack Sevren and Bobby O again matter. Third time. We win again.
DB: Last time out, you won due to a mistake from Bobby O. It doesn't seem like that will happen tonight with Bobby O needing to make it up to Jack. How will you win this match?
S: How we win? We strong style. We best team in FPW. That how we win. No team beat us. Not before. Not now. Not ever.

Sato leads Tchyukiro and Takahara away.

MW: Sato said it well. The Guardians of Strong Style are undefeated in FPW. They've beaten Jack Sevren and Bobby O twice. But tonight is special for Double O Sevren.
SD: Bobby O using his Dead Man’s Chest to earn another chance? I wouldn't do it but I understand why he has. But Jack Sevren must be questioning Bobby after their last match. He's-
MW: It was a mistake. He couldn't see what he was doing. Bobby has vowed to make it up to Jack tonight.
SD: All of this talk is all well and good. But The Guardians of Strong Style are the best team in FPW. Bobby and Jack could be at their best tonight and still not win.
MW: I don't know about that, but I know they'll give us a hell of a fight. And I can't wait to see it.

‘Fifteen Minutes’ begins to play and the fans cheer as Jack Sevren and Bobby O walk onto the stage. Bobby holds the Dead Man’s Chest aloft with one hand and places his other arm around his partner’s shoulders. He and Jack walk down to the ring, Bobby leading the charge with a huge amount of intensity as Jack comes down more in control. Jack slides into the ring as Bobby charges around the ring slapping hands with as many fans as he can. He then slides into the ring and pumps up the fans some more while Jack settles into their corner and checks his gear.

The Guardians of Strong Style’s music begins to play and, as the introduction to the song plays, Sato emerges through the curtain and bows to the fans. Once the introduction ends, Sato rises and Takahara and Tchyukiro stand either side of him and they bow to the crowd. They then both walk down the ramp with a purpose and climb into the ring. Both men walk straight over to Jack and Bobby and raise the belts aloft. Jack and Bobby come out from the corner and stare down the champions as the official holds them both back.

As The Guardians of Strong Style back up into their corner, Bobby O hands over the Dead Man’s Chest to the official. The fans cheer as the official holds it up and then hands it to the timekeeper. As the official comes to the middle of the ring, Jack Sevren catches him. Bobby watches on with confusion as Jack asks him if Bobby has officially cashed in the Chest. The official nods to confirm and Jack smirks. He turns to Bobby and gives him a wave. Bobby holds his arms out in confusion and Jack turns the wave into a middle finger before climbing through the ropes and walking away up the ramp. Bobby stares after him as the fans boo him. Jack ignores the fans completely before disappearing through the curtain.

Match 4: Tag Team Championships: The Guardians of Strong Style v Bobby O:

Bobby turns and tells the official to ring the bell as Takahara stands across the ring from him. Takahara rushes in as the bell rings and-

MW: RKO! Bobby O is going to win the titles by himself. One….. two….. th- no, he kicks out.
SD: And here comes Tychykiro.

Tchyukiro drives Bobby back into the corner and lays into him with forearms and chops. Bobby slides down but Tchyukiro keeps lifting him back up and laying into him further. The official half wrestles Tchyukiro out of the ring but Takahara recovers and he too lays into Bobby with a series of kicks in the corner. He tags in Tchyukiro, who lifts Bobby and whips him into the ropes, taking him down with a powerslam which Takahara follows up with a penalty kick. Tchyukiro makes the cover, 1-2-no. Bobby gets a shoulder up, and the fans cheer loudly for him.

Tchyukiro pulls Bobby up again and connects with a hard chop to the chest. Bobby responds with another, but Tchyukiro simply shrugs it off and chops Bobby again, who staggers backwards. Bobby comes forward again and aims another chop, but Tchyukiro again shrugs it off and chops Bobby back so hard that Bobby falls to the mat. Tchyukiro immediately follows up with a kokeshi headbutt before tagging in Takahara. The two of them stalk Bobby as he pulls himself up. Tchyukiro then connects with a discus clothesline and Takahara takes Bobby’s head off with a well-place kick as he drops to the mat. Takahara then makes a cover, 1-2-no! Bobby barely gets a shoulder up.

MW: Bobby O is fighting valiantly but how can he out wrestle these two men?
SD: They're no men. They're machines. Bobby O is a dead man.

Takahara pulls Bobby up and whips him into the corner. He then runs at him and connects with a boot to the face. Bobby drops to the mat and Takahara backs away before running at him and aiming a dropkick to his face. But Bobby slides under the bottom rope and avoids it. Bobby catches his breath before leaping over the top rope and taking Takahara out with a slingshot cutter. He makes a desperate cover, 1-2-no! Takahara just gets his shoulder up. Tchyukiro comes into the ring but Bobby ducks his attempted forearm before leaping up and connecting with a jumping DDT.

Bobby then turns to Takahara and unleashes a series of quick strikes to his upper body. Takahara aims a roundhouse kick at Bobby, but Bobby ducks it and sweeps out the standing leg. He then swoops in and instantly locks in the O Snap. The fans cheer loudly and call for Takahara to tap, which he looks close to doing before Tchyukiro connects with a sliding lariat to break the hold. The fans boo loudly as Tchyukiro then helps Takahara to his feet. They stalk Bobby before crunching him with running forearms to the front and back of his head. Tchyukiro leaves the ring and Takahara makes a cover, 1-2-3.

Winners: The Guardians of Strong Style.

Sato enters the ring and presents The Guardians of Strong Style with their belts. They hold them up before each of them helps Bobby to his feet. They both give him nods before he walks out of the ring. He looks back at the timekeeper’s area and his face drops as he sees the Dead Man’s Chest. He walks over to it and crouches down to run his hand over it before standing, a look of anger on his face. Holding his head, he marches up the ramp.

MW: A dastardly trick by Jack Sevren. He knew exactly what he was doing. Bobby doesn't have the Tag Team Titles and now he's lost his Dead Man’s Chest. That's the Jack Sevren we knew before Freedom Pro Wrestling.
SD: That's the Jack Sevren who can now go forward without a weight holding him down. He did what needed to be done.
MW: Bobby O gave everything he had for that team with Jack Sevren. Everything!
SD: He also cost them their rematch by RKOing his partner. Is that a person you'd want to team with? Sevren let Bobby share his spotlight for long enough. It was time to move on. Sevren knows he's a championship calibre wrestler and he doesn't want someone who could steal that title if he wins it. I'm sure it was nothing personal.
MW: Nothing personal? He left him to face our unbeaten Tag Team Champions by himself and he cost him his golden opportunity. It was despicable.

Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Clutch McCloud, Richard Crowley and Danica Jane.

DB: Clutch, you picked up another-
CM: Just shut up a minute, Dasha. I don't have to answer your questions or anyone else's. Tonight, I did exactly what I said I'd do. I beat- no. I destroyed Jerry Bishop. So that's Russ Bolt and Jerry Bishop. What next for Clutch McCloud? Honestly… I want some proper competition. I'm not sure anyone understands the kind of athlete I am. I was in the freaking NBA. There's nobody here who comes close to me. So, Houston, I don't care who it is. Just give me someone who'll make me get out of second gear.

Clutch walks away with Jane but Crowley waits.

RC: Clutch requests a written list of questions in advance ahead of all future interviews and he reserves the right not to answer any question not suitable for a man of his stature.

Crowley follows Clutch and Jane and leaves Dasha standing and staring.

MW: It's time to turn our attention to the Women's Championship.
SD: Yeah it is!
MW: Artemis Evans has held that belt since its inception. She defeated Berry Bishop, Lia Ness and tonight's opponent Elizabeth Karlson to win it, and she's retained it in dubious circumstances against Bishop. Tonight she faces Karlson, a very dangerous opponent, one on one.
SD: My girl Arty is walking out with that title. Just you wait.
MW: So much for unbiased announcers. What is Evans’ key to victory tonight.
SD: She's awesome.
MW: Can you be serious for a minute?
SD: Alright. Karlson is a grappler: a submission specialist. Evans can mix it up on the mat but she's not as good as Karlson. Very few are- man or woman. Evans has avoid being dragged into the ground game. If I'm Artemis Evans, I'm looking high impact and I'm looking for a quick finish. A long match will favour Karlson. That serious enough for you?
MW: Yes, thank-
SD: Now shut up a minute. I said ‘if I'm Artemis Evans’ just then… give me a minute to think about that.
MW: Let's get to the match.
SD: Shhhhhh!

The lights in the arena go out, and the fans begin to go wild as ‘Hardcore’ plays out through the arena. The lights flash on and off as Elizabeth Karlson begins crawling to the ring, her gear hidden in the dark before she gets to the ring, revealing that she’s wearing John Grimm’s old jacket and has his bandana wrapped around her wrist. She wears no mask, opting to face Artemis Evans with her true face. She runs to the four corners, eliciting cheers from the audience as she holds her wrapped wrist up to the crowd before settling into the corner.

Moments later, ‘Hammer to Fall’ rings out through the arena as Artemis Evans appears at the entrance ramp. She approaches the ring with her jacket open, revealing the Freedom Pro Wrestling Women’s Championship. She removes the belt as she climbs up on the ring apron, holding it out to Karlson, who, surprisingly, keeps her cool as Artemis taunts her. She gives the belt off to the referee before settling into the corner opposite Karlson.

The bell rings.

Match 5: Women's Championship: Artemis Evans v Elizabeth Karlson (written by Baker):

Without warning, Elizabeth Karlson runs forward with a massive double knee to Artemis Evans, but Evans gets out of the way with a shocking quickness! Evans rolls to recover, and goes to nail Karlson with a Silver Bullet Knee as Karlson tries to recover, but Karlson drops low, causing Evans to sail over her head! Karlson pumps up as Evans tries to recover, and goes for a Front Flip DDT onto Artemis Evans, but Artemis uses her insane strength to hold Karlson up, catching her in a Vertical Lift-and dropping her hard with a Vertical Lift Suplex! Evans goes to pull Karlson up for a Kneecap Brainbuster, but Karlson nails Evans with a brutal knee to the face, causing Evans to drop her!

Karlson whips Evans into the ropes, and as she comes back around, pops up and goes for Death Spi-EVANS CATCHES KARLSON AND HOLDS HER UP! SHE RUNS AND THROWS KARLSON OVER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE, SENDING KARLSON SAILING INTO THE CROWD BACK-FIRST! Evans climbs up on the ropes and cheers out as the crowd boos, but she returns their middle fingers as she settles for a rest, waiting for Karlson to lose via count-out.

At five, Karlson manages to rise from the barricade. At six, Karlson throws herself over, beaten but not done. At seven, Karlson gets to the apron, but Evans boots her back out, to the chagrin of the referee, only for Karlson to rush around, swinging around the turnbuckle to get back in the ring! She ducks a clothesline from Evans, hitting the ropes and hitting a massive Handspring Enziguri that knocks Evans back before she hits the ropes again, rolling through-SLINGSHOT NECKBREAKER TO ARTEMIS EVANS! Karlson goes for a pin!

ONE!

TW-NO!! EVANS KICKS OUT!

Karlson immediately grabs hold of Evans, yanking her up onto her shoulders with great strength-ROLLING FIREMAN’S CARRY TO ARTEMIS EVANS! Karlson goes high, aping Graham Baker’s movements for the Landing Gear, ROTATING DIVING DOUBLE STO-CUTTER FROM ARTEMIS EVANS! Karlson hits the ground hard, and Artemis Evans yanks her up in a Vertical Lift-BRAINBUSTER that spikes Karlson into the mat! Evans goes for a cover on Karlson!

ONE!

TW-NO!! KARLSON KICKS OUT!

Evans pulls Karlson to her feet and whips her into the ropes, but as she goes to intercept Karlson with a knee strike, Karlson leapfrogs her, catching her from behind with a ‘Rana, but Evans grabs hold of Karlson for another powerbomb, only for Karlson to counter by transitioning the powerbomb hold into a triangle choke!

She sinches more and more pressure in on Evans, giving Evans a pair of two middle fingers! Evans drops to her knees, and Karlson releases her, unsatisfied with winning through a choke! She rushes forward for a Codebreaker, but Evans drops low, sending Karlson soaring overhead and into the ropes! Evans, still shaken, rolls to recover, but Elizabeth’s back on her before she can get away, grabbing her by the leg and trapping her-CHRONIC ILLNESS!

KARLSON LOCKS IN THE ROLLING KNEEBAR AS EVANS SCRAMBLES FOR THE ROPES, JUST BARELY MAKING THE GRAB! Karlson breaks the hold as Evans tries to get back to her feet, but Elizabeth gives her no time to breathe-DOUBLE KNEE THAT RATTLES THE SKULL OF ARTEMIS EVANS AND SENDS HER CRASHING TO THE GROUND HARD! KARLSON SCRAMBLES TO GO FOR A PIN!

ONE!

TWO-EVANS KICKS OUT AT TWO!

Karlson roars and grabs Evans back up onto her shoulders, going for a Rolling Fireman’s Carry before she hits the ropes-RUNNING SENTON TO ARTEMIS EVANS! She goes high for a Body Splash to complete Three Deadly Letters, but Evans rolls out of the way at the last minute and sends Karlson crashing hard into the mat! Evans takes advantage as she locks in the Butterfly Suplex on Karlson-AND PLANTS HER WITH A BRIDGE!

ONE!

TWO-NO!!! KARLSON KICKS OUT!

Evans shakes her head and pulls herself up onto the ropes, looking at Karlson. She lines up for the Silver Bullet Knee, lining up and tapping her leg repeatedly before launching off and nailing Karlson as she tries to get back to her feet! Evans pulls Karlson up to her feet and goes for the Kneecap Brainbuster again, but Karlson manages to overrotate and shove Evans into the ropes! She goes for a short-arm lariat on Evans, but Evans avoids it, catching Karlson-SNAP DDT INTO THE CANVAS!

She goes high, looking to the top rope as the crowd begins to boo, but she responds with double-middle fingers and goes for the Moonsault-BUT KARLSON ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! KARLSON HITS THE ROPES-CHOP BLOCK TO EVANS, BEFORE-LOW ANGLE LARIAT! FALL OF GIANTS! EVANS IS DOWN AS KARLSON PULLS HER UP FOR THE BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA, BUT AS SHE SWINGS, EVANS SWINGS AROUND AND TURNS IT INTO A SWINGING BRAINBUSTER THAT DRILLS KARLSON INTO THE CANVAS! SHE GOES FOR A COVER!

ONE!

TWO!!

THR-NO!!! KARLSON KICKS OUT! Evans bangs on the canvas in anger and goes high for the Blockbuster, signalling for Karlson to get back to her feet! She goes for the Blockbuster, but Karlson manages to shove Evans out of the way at the last minute, sending Evans crashing into the canvas! Evans tries to pull herself up on the ropes, but as Karlson goes for a double knee, she ducks out of the way, sending her crashing into the ropes!

Evans nails Karlson with a close-ranged knee that stuns her as she climbs outside the ropes-TRIANGLE DROPKICK TO ELIZABETH KARLSON! She lines up for the Springboard and goes for a Springboard Moonsault to bring an end to the match BUT KARLSON CATCHES EVANS WITH THE CHRONIC ILLNESS ONCE AGAIN! Karlson breaks the hold as Evans goes for the ropes, and yanks Evans back with a roll before she drives Evans’ knee into the canvas and stomps her knee into the canvas, hard!

Evans screams out as Karlson rolls back and traps Evans in the center of the ring, locking in Chronic Illness once again while the referee scrambles to check and see if Evans will tap out! Evans raises her hand, more damage being sustained by her leg, but as she sees a flash, she spots The Queendom hopping the barricade! Karlson spots it as well, and breaks the hold for a moment, watching as Maya and Thea hop the ropes, but Karlson’s not letting this opportunity slip from her as she ‘accidentally’ nails the referee with a knee strike from behind that rattles his skull!

The Queendom begin laying into Karlson as the crowd boos, and Evans takes a moment to recover with a wry smile on her face...but Karlson manages to get the upper hand once again as she catches Maya and whips her into the ropes, grabbing Thea around the wrist and sending her crashing hard into Maya! Both women remain standing, but Karlson nails them both with a double clothesline that sends them both over the ropes and to the outside, and Karlson hits the ropes one final time-MASSIVE FLYING DOUBLE KNEE TO THE OUTSIDE THAT SENDS MAYA CRASHING HARD INTO THE GROUND!

Thea tries to recover, scrambling to Karlson, but Karlson recovers quicker and nails Thea with a massive BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA! Karlson celebrates as she climbs up onto the apron, keeping her back to the apron-but Artemis Evans takes advantage and yanks Karlson to the ground, slamming her headfirst into the apron!

The crowd boos heavily as Artemis climbs out onto the apron with a weak leg, yanking Karlson up to a vertical position-BRAINBUSTER TO THE APRON FROM ARTEMIS EVANS! She rolls Karlson back in the ring before she beats her knee back into place on the apron, burying the pain for the moment and cursing as she writes off her more high-flying offense. She grabs Karlson by her hair and nails her with a nearly point-blank knee strike before throwing her into the center of the ring and going for a cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

THR-NO!!! KARLSON KICKS OUT AGAIN!

Evans looks frustrated and bangs on the mat, watching as Karlson holds her hand up in the air, showing she’s still in the match. Artemis is quick to crush that fighting spirit, however, by stomping on Karlson’s elbow repeatedly before she grabs her and pulls her up for the Guillotine Strike. She lets out a wicked smile, but Karlson’s able to whip out of it, nailing Evans in the gut with a brutal knee before she pulls her up onto her shoulders for the Blunt Force Trauma, but Evans drops down, shoving Karlson off and nailing her with a discus elbow to the jaw before she goes up-SKYWALKER FROM EVANS TO KARLSON!

Karlson slams to the mat hard, but her resolve is still strong as she immediately scrambles for the ropes while Evans tries to lock in the Dragon Sleeper on Karlson! She cinches the hold in on her throat and locks it in tighter and tighter, but Karlson’s still struggling to escape! Karlson scrambles for the ropes, but Evans locks it in, and Karlson begins to fade. The official grabs Karlson’s hand, picks it up once...twice...and at the third, Karlson suddenly springs forward and escapes Evans’ grasp, nailing Evans with a brutal elbow to the skull as she does so! Karlson holds her throat and turns around, hitting the ropes-BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE TO THE SKULL OF ARTEMIS EVANS! KARLSON YANKS HER UP ONTO HER SHOULDERS-BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO ARTEMIS EVANS! KARLSON GOES FOR A PIN!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-NO!!! ARTEMIS EVANS KICKS OUT OF ELIZABETH KARLSON’S FINISHER! The crowd lets out a deflated noise, but Karlson’s not done yet as she yanks Artemis up to her feet and shoves her into the ropes. She pulls Grimm’s bandana off of her arm and wraps it around her throat before she begins laying into Evans with strikes, but Evans finally counters and throws Karlson into the turnbuckle as a counter, pressing her elbow into Karlson’s spinal column before she whips her into the opposing turnbuckle AND COUNTERS HER WITH A MASSIVE SPINNING JUMP KICK! She drags Karlson up from the ground, screaming out in fury-GUILLOTINE STRIKE TO ELIZABETH KARLSON! She goes for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE-WAIT! KARLSON’S FOOT TOUCHES THE ROPE! EVANS THINKS SHE’S WON, BUT THE REFEREE SAYS NO! Evans gets into it with the referee, but Karlson manages to get back to her feet, she hangs onto the ropes, waiting, wiping sweat off of her face as Evans turns around INTO A CODEBREAKER FROM KARLSON! Karlson pulls Evans up and yanks her to the turnbuckle! She lifts her up and climbs up after her, getting her in position for the Avalanche Code Red, the same move she finished Lia Ness with in their Last Woman Standing Match! She holds her hand high, ready to end the match-but just as she’s about to, Myra stands up on the apron, looking at Karlson! This distracts her just long enough for Evans to drop down and roll Karlson up off of the turnbuckle with a handfull of tights!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Winner, and STILL FPW Women’s Champion: Artemis Evans!

Evans rolls out of the ring quickly and grabs her FPW Women’s Championship, backing into the grasp of Thea and Myra before the referee can hold her hand up. Elizabeth Karlson looks up in shock as the crowd, deflated, begins raining boos down upon Evans and The Queendom. Evans falls back into the embrace of the Queendom, laughing loudly as she holds her title high, a wide smile on her face as Karlson looks lost, disappointed...furious.

Backstage, Marcus Allen Jones and the rest of TakeOver are changed and carrying their bags down a corridor. They walk for a few moments before they stop, Marcus and Aaron Williams locking eyes. Williams walks up to Marcus and The Invaders immediately step in front of him.

AW: Hiding behind these two? Seems about right from what I've heard.
MAJ: You'd think someone of your… experience… would have more sense about you. You've risen up through the ranks before. You must have seen what a group like this can do. You're much better with us than against us.
AW: You know why this place was the first place I signed for when my no compete was up? It was because I respect the people who run this company. I respect most of the people who wrestle for this company. And I damn well respect the people who pay their hard earned money to come out and watch what we do. You ought to show show more respect, kid. You're a future star, no doubt about it. If you want it, I'm sure you'll end up where I was in the near future. But remember this: the same people you see on your way up are the people you see on your way back down. When your attitude gets you kicked out up in Connecticut, you'll need the relationships you form before you get there. Think about that-
MAJ: Can you get out of my way? You're boring me.
AW: You know something, maybe you need a lesson in respect. I plan to enter- and win- the All Star Tag Team Classic with Jace Mason… so I guess I'll be busy for one of the Road To shows with our quarter final. But the other show… how about you and I step into a ring together? Maybe you can finally defend that title that you're shitting all over, too?
MAJ: If I have to earn the right to my rematch, you definitely have to earn the right to face me. Now get out of the way before we throw you head first into that wall.

Haych and Dario push Williams aside and TakeOver carry on past Williams, leaving the building at the end of the corridor. Williams simply shakes his head and carries on down the corridor.

MW: It looks like TakeOver are leaving us tonight.
SD: It certainly does, doesn't it, Watson.
MW: Perhaps it's because of the man we're about to see make his official debut. Go Shihei will be the second man to make his debut tonight and he couldn't be much more different to Aaron Williams.
SD: I don't know much about Shihei other than he's big and he hits hard.
MW: He certainly is and he most certainly does. Go Shihei, along with his manager Kate Mustang, have vowed to dominate FPW. We'll see if tonight if his first step towards doing just that.

The lights in the arena go down as ‘Narco’ plays out and Henry Harrison emerges from backstage, stretching his arms out to his sides and taking in the roar of the crowd as they’re unsure how to respond to Harrison, as per usual. He runs to the other side, stretching his arms out, before he rushes to the ring, rolling under and pulling his bears out. He sets them down in the corner of the ring before falling to his knees in the middle, confronting them and listening to what they have to say before he settles in the ring, waiting, a bit anxiously.

Suddenly, the lights go down as ‘Fury, Oh Fury’ plays out, and at the entrance, Go Shihei appears with a tanktop on. He presses his mouthguard in as Kate Mustang joins him, and the two walk to the ring, Shihei beating on his chest and slapping his head to wake himself up. He rushes forward, climbing up onto the apron as Henry Harrison leaves the ring. He climbs in between the ropes, cracking his neck as he pulls his tanktop off and settles into a corner.

The bell rings, and the match begins.

Match 6: Henry Harrison v Go Shihei (written by Baker):

Before the match can truly get going, Henry Harrison screams out and immediately rushes at Shihei, who’s taken off guard by Harrison’s wild striking. Harrison drills Shihei with a kick almost immediately, before hitting him with another kick to the jaw, and another to the throat, before he begins laying into Shihei with overhead strikes. The crowd seems shocked that this Japanese giant is going down so easily, but Mustang doesn’t react heavily, simply watching Shihei.

The two share a glance as Harrison mounts him and begins drilling him with elbow strikes to the head. Harrison tries to cut Shihei’s forehead open with glancing blows, but the massive man starts to get back to his feet, looking at Henry Harrison as he does so. Harrison backs off, and screams, going for a Jumping Clothesline, BUT SHIHEI CUTS HIM DOWN WITH A MASSIVE LARIAT! He yanks Harrison back to his feet, throwing him into the turnbuckle and NAILING him with a massive Big Boot! Harrison slumps to the ground next to his bears as Shihei picks him up and throws him into the opposing corner, pumping himself up before he runs forward-ANOTHER massive Lariat to the corner! Shihei yanks Harrison off and goes for a cover!

ONE!

TW-NO!! Harrison kicks out!

Shihei pulls Harrison up and slaps him hard in the face, knocking him straight back down. He stands away from him, motioning for him to get back to his feet, and Harrison does, albeit shakily. He looks at Shihei, who stomps his foot and yells ‘come on!’ before rushing forward-but Harrison manages to move out of the way! Shihei roars and charges Harrison again, but Harrison moves, and Shihei slams his entire body into the turnbuckle! He’s stunned for a moment, but Harrison takes advantage, rolling Shihei up!

ONE!

TWO-Shihei kicks out at two!

Harrison’s quick to respond, drilling Shihei with kicks and elbows as he tries to get back to his feet, stunning him. He nails Shihei with a knee to the face that seems to have knocked him loopy, and for a moment, Mustang looks concerned as Harrison tries to pull Shihei up with immense strength! He looks to his bears, and nods, solemnly, before he tosses Shihei off to the side AND NAILS HIM WITH AN ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE KICK! HE GOES FOR A COVER ON GO SHIHEI!

ONE!

TWO!!

THR-NO!!! SHIHEI KICKS OUT!

Harrison looks concerned and frustrated as he pulls Shihei up again, Shihei still looking knocked loopy, and goes high. He plans to end it with a top rope Meteora, but he wastes a moment talking to his bears as Shihei manages to get back to his feet! He goes for the Meteora regardless, but Shihei catches him! Shihei screams out loud before he rushes forward AND THROWS HARRISON HARD INTO THE CORNER WITH A MASSIVE BUCKLE BOMB! Harrison bounces off of the corner, and Shihei hits the ropes-HIGH IMPACT TO HENRY HARRISON! Harrison hits the ground hard, and Shihei goes for a cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

THRE-NO!!! HARRISON KICKS OUT!

Shihei looks frustrated by Harrison’s resilience, and as Harrison gets back to his feet, Shihei nails him with another massive Big Boot! He grunts, yanking Harrison up-DEAD MAN’S BOMB TO HENRY HARRISON! Shihei doesn’t relent, however, and as Harrison seems to be down for the count, he climbs to the top rope. He signals for the end-YEAR OF THE TOAD TO HENRY HARRISON INTO A PIN!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

Winner: Go Shihei

Shihei batters his chest like a drum as he stands over Henry Harrison, and Kate Mustang joins him in the ring, holding his hand up. He grabs a microphone from a Young Lion before the referee can get to him, and holds it up.

“Henry Harrison...deceivingly strong opponent...but still down. Next show...more competition.”

Shihei drops the microphone and looks to the referee, exhaling through his nostrils before he leaves the ring...

As Shihei walks up the ramp, Jim Houston emerges at the top. Shihei walks up to him and Houston extends his hand, congratulating him on his victory. Houston then walks down the ramp with a microphone in his hand a clipboard under his arm. He climbs into the ring and acknowledges the fans before speaking.

“Before our main event tonight, allow me to take up just a moment of your time with a very exciting announcement. Our next cycle sees our second All Star Tag Team Classic. I promised that tonight I would announce the participants and the bracket and plan to do so now. The only thing I can't announce as of yet is the final team. The reason for that is fairly obvious. I had assumed Jack Sevren and Bobby O would be participating, but after events from earlier tonight, it's safe to assume otherwise. So, without further ado, our already confirmed entrants are The Invaders and Hunter Killer, both of TakeOver. The Guardians of Strong Style, our current Tag Team Champions, have made it clear that they to plan to enter the tournament. I also have received confirmation from Aaron Williams and Jace Mason that they will be entering. I am very pleased to also confirm that Jerry and Berry Bishop will be continuing to team together and will be entering the All Star Tag Team Classic. The next two teams are making debuts here in Freedom Pro Wrestling.”

A gasp comes from the fans.

“The first are a young, Chicago-based team. As twins, they are natural pairing and they've been impressing me on various local shows recently. The Baxter Brothers are a welcome addition to the All Star Tag Team Classic. As for team number seven, well…”

Houston motions towards the screen, and a video plays.

It shows two attractive male wrestlers holding up Tag Team Title belts with ALPHA Wrestling on them. One of the two men is shown hitting a series of jackknife powerbombs before the other is shown hitting a series of backpack stunners. Highlights of the two of them hitting various moves- superkicks, frog splashes, different diving strikes from the top rope, spears. Finally it ends with a close shot of the two of them smiling down the lens of a camera.

The fans cheer and a buzz fills the arena.

“Oh yes, ALPHA wrestling Tag Team Champions Marcus n’ Morgan are coming to the All Star Tag Team Classic. But that's not all I promised you. I can now reveal the full bracket for All Star Tag Team Classic II.”

The follows graphic appears on the screen:

Road To All Star Tag Team Classic I:
Team Eight (TBC) v The Guardians of Strong Style
The Baxter Brothers v Marcus n’ Morgan

Road To All Star Tag Team Classic II:
The Invaders v Aaron Williams and Jace Mason
Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop v Hunter Killer

All Star Tag Team Classic II:
Semi Final I: Team Eight/The Guardians of Strong Style v The Baxter Brothers/Marcus n’ Morgan
Semi Final II: The Invaders/Aaron Williams and Jace Mason v Hunter Killer/Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop
Final

“And there it is. All Star Tag Team Classic II. And I can now officially announce that the winners will receive a Tag Team Championship match at the Free-1 final show on August 31st. Of course, should our current Tag Team Champions win the tournament themselves, I'll have to find a creative solution to their next challenge. Enjoy the main event.”

Houston hands the microphone to Dasha Banks and leaves the ring.

MW: And with that exciting announcement, it's time for our main event.
SD: The FPW Championship defended in the first one-on-one ladder match in Freedom Pro Wrestling history.
MW: We have James Saturn, a man who calls himself The Paragon, a man who feels that he's been disrespected and looked down upon by the champion for the whole time he's been in FPW, facing Graham Baker, a man many are calling the ace of Freedom Pro Wrestling.
SD: Saturn earned this match by winning the Young Lions’ Cup and it was he who chose a ladder match. It'll be a match which suits James Saturn’s speed, his high-flying ability.
MW: But it will also play in Baker’s hardcore background. Remember that Graham Baker made his name as a death at his wrestler, both in CZW and ultimately here too. James Saturn chose a match that might normally have given him the advantage, but has he bitten off more than he can chew against the champion?

A video plays…

An unknown voice begins: “December 29th 2017…”

“We've just gotten word that Graham Baker, former CZW Wired Champion, has signed a deal with a Chicago-based promotion Freedom Pro Wrestling.”

“New Japan sensation James Saturn will be bringing his talents to FPW.”

“The Young Lions’ Cup will give our young stars the chance to take centre stage. We will see the future of Freedom Pro Wrestling in action tonight.”

“Our next quarter-final match will be… Graham Baker… facing… James Saturn.”

Highlights from their match play with lines of commentary linking them together.

“I like this man's confidence.”

“Fast-paced start to this one.”

“That had to hurt!”

“James Saturn showing his athleticism there as well as his quick thinking.”

“James Saturn did it! What an effort!”

The video flashes forward to Baker and Saturn teaming together against Jameson and Johnson.

“James- let's do this together.”

“Those bastards are going to pay.”

“Jeremiah Johnson- the master of submission wrestling- has tapped out. Graham Baker continues his winning streak.”

The voice from earlier takes over again: “But from there, the paths diverged.”

“Saturn rolls up Dessius… yes, he's got him.”

“Graham Baker has outplayed Nick Jameson for the final time. Graham Baker is your new FPW Hardcore Champion!”

The voice returns: “Both men entered the Free-1, but this is where one would truly outshine the other.”

“Saturn with an impressive victory over one of the most hyped competitors coming into this tournament.”

“A great effort there by James Saturn, but he couldn't quite pull off the victory.”

“Saturn fought bravely but he couldn't out-do Marcus.”

“Saturn gets the win but Clown Senior was the cause of his own downfall in this one.”

“Tommy Storm draws level with Saturn as both end on four points.”

“A brutal victory from Graham Baker.”

“A solid victory for Graham Baker taking him up to four points.”

“Graham Baker has taken Azazel all the way to a draw!”

“What a win for The Aviator!”

“Graham Baker and Adam Thompson have drawn! Now it's Adam Thompson who holds off Graham Baker!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, your winner and first ever Free-1 champion…… Graham Baker!”

“Marcus stands on the top rope readying himself… no… Baker caught him! Emergency Landing! Marcus has to tap… and he taps! We have a new Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion!”

“James Saturn… I want you as my first challenger for this belt.”

“Mustang Driver! Baker retains!”

“But it was far from decisive!”

“Wait… what the hell is this? Saturn's attacking Baker!”

“That slimy sack of shit deserved every bit of pain I gave him.”

“I'm going to take what's rightfully mine.”

“Some people are finally figuring out how much of a conceited shit our champion is.”

“I am the better man than Baker.”

“There won't be a damn thing Graham can do about it.”

“James… smashing you down from a twenty foot ladder will knock some sense into you.”

“I don't respect you.”

“Bring your game face, James. I'll see you soon.”

The video ends with short clips of their matches set to music.

The fans cheer as the camera pans over them but the cheers soon turn to boos as ‘White Knuckles’ plays. James Saturn strides onto the ramp and cups his hands to his ears. He walks down the ramp, talking trash to the crowd. “You'll all see by the end of tonight. Baker’s a hypocrite. He's not worthy of being champion here. When I get that belt, FPW will have the champion it des- no, needs.” Saturn slides into the ring and absorbs the boos with a confident look on his face. He looks around the ring at the ladders leaning against the guardrail and then looks up to where the belt will soon hang down from.

The fans explode with cheers as staccato machine gun fire begins and ‘DNA’ begins to play. Baker emerges from the backstage and stands for a few moments taking in the atmosphere before he holds the front of his jacket open, displaying his FPW Championship. As the song plays, Baker steps down the ramp and slaps hands with a few fans, all the while keeping his eyes ahead on James Saturn . At the second stanza of the song, Baker climbs up on the ropes with his back to the crowd, holding his fingers out like guns before springboarding into the ring and dropping to both knees and aiming his 'guns' at Saturn, who rushes forward and aims a kick at Baker. Baker backs off as Saturn smirks, the official holding him back.

Baker removes the belt and looks at it for a couple of seconds before handing it over. The official places it carefully onto the hook and calls for it to be raised. Both Baker and Saturn follow the belt with their eyes as it ascends and the fans buzz with excitement. The official looks at both men and calls for the bell.

Match 7: FPW Championship: Ladder Match: Graham Baker v James Saturn:

The two men move towards one another until they're staring each other down forehead to forehead. They talk trash back and forth before Baker unleashes a right hand, causing both men to unload on one another. Baker starts to get the upper hand but Saturn takes him to his knees with a low blow, causing the fans to boo relentlessly. He then backs into the ropes and hits a running boot to take Baker down. Instantly, Saturn goes to the outside for a ladder and looks to send it back into the ring, but he's cut off as Baker connects with a wrecking ball dropkick, sending the ladder crashing into Saturn’s face and sending Saturn sprawling into the barricade. Baker looks down at Saturn, draped on the barricade still clutching the ladder, and runs at the opposite ropes before exploding out of the ring with a suicide dive, crushing Saturn between a ladder and the guardrail. Baker rolls away and clutches his shoulder in pain while Saturn slides down the barricade.

Baker makes it up to his feet and then lays into Saturn with repeated kicks to his chest before pulling him up and dragging him over to the barricade near the ramp. He drives Saturn head first into it and then turns him, wrapping his arms behind the barricade to hold him in place. Baker then grabs a ladder and holds it over his shoulder, running at Saturn and driving it straight into his face. Saturn again slides down the barricade as Baker drops the ladder and shakes out his arm. He looks down at Saturn and props the ladder up against him again before backing away to the opposite barricade. The fans cheer as Baker runs at Saturn and aims a double knee strike into the ladder, but Saturn rolls away and Baker’s knees connect with the ladder while the rest of him is thrown over the barricade.

MW: Graham Baker crashes and burns!
SD: James Saturn started the match with a low blow. Was that a calculated attempt to get under Baker’s skin and make him make this kind of mistake?
MW: I don't know how good an idea that would have been, Steven. Saturn is already cut from that ladder to the face.

Saturn stands and a trickle of blood runs down his left cheek. He follows Baker over the barricade and grabs a fan who he shoves out of their seat. The fans boo as Saturn picks up the fan’s chair, which he drives down on Baker’s back. Baker arches his back in pain and Saturn drills him again with the chair. Baker drops to the floor and rolls onto his back, but Saturn drives the point of the chair repeatedly into his ribs. The fans around them gasp at Saturn’s violent outburst but their gasps turn to boos as he poses with his foot on top of Baker and the chair held in the air. Saturn then pulls Baker up by the hair and positions the chair under his throat. He grabs the back of Baker’s neck and drives him down, the chair forced up into his throat as soon as it hits the concrete floor. Baker coughs and splutters on the floor, and streaks of red can be seen in the spit that comes from the champion’s mouth.

Saturn looks down and then climbs back over the barricade, lifting one of the ladders and sliding it into the ring. He quickly picks it up again and sets it up under the belt. He takes a look to make sure it's set up properly and then begins to climb quickly. However, he's cut off by Baker, who swings the same steel chair that Saturn used into Saturn’s lower back. Saturn pauses and Baker drives the chair into him again. Saturn drops down and staggers, but Baker doesn't relent. He drives the chair into Saturn’s skull and drops him to the mat. Baker looks up at the belt for a moment but doesn't climb. Instead, he goes back to Saturn.

MW: Baker should be climbing the ladder right now.
SD: I told you, Saturn is under his skin. He wants to make Baker make bad decisions and it's already starting to pay off for him.
MW: What does Graham Baker have in mind here? He's rolling Saturn to the outside again.

Baker kicks Saturn out of the ring and follows. He places Saturn’s left arm between the bars on the barricade and backs away a couple of paces before driving his boot into the arm. Saturn pulls it away and cries out in pain, but Baker swoops in and tries to lock in the Emergency Landing. Saturn fights against him but Baker, a look of fury on his face, won't let him clasp his hands and he fully extends the arm. Saturn cries out with pain and aims strikes at Baker with his right hand, but Baker won't break the hold. After a few more moments, Saturn’s resistance drops to a minimum and, a few more moments later, he goes limp. Baker quickly breaks the hold and then he slides back into the ring.

Baker begins to climb the ladder that Saturn set up earlier, pausing after a couple of steps to shake out his injured arm. He keeps climbing and reaches up, placing a finger on the belt, but Saturn cuts him off. He grabs Baker by the legs and pulls him down from the ladder, driving his face into one of the rungs and then simply throwing him at it, causing the ladder to crash down to the canvas and Baker to stagger into an inverted atomic drop. Saturn then connects with an enzeguiri to stagger Baker before hitting the ropes and taking him down with a diving clothesline. He looks to the top rope but then turns, his eyes on the ladder. Saturn lays the ladder on the mat near the corner and picks up Baker. He scoops him up and slams him awkwardly not the ladder before climbing out of the ring and retrieving a second ladder. He brings it into the ring with him and picks up that ladder, slamming it too onto Baker. Saturn then begins to climb.

MW: No! Don't do this! If he's thinking Saturnsault it could be the end of Graham Baker!
SD: I had no idea that James Saturn was this sadistic. You're right, it could be the end of Baker. Do it James!
MW: Saturn leaps… Saturnsault! But no! Baker moved! Saturn crashes sternum first into a ladder.
SD: He did… but Baker didn't completely escape. Look at his arm.
MW: It's… my God… Saturn’s legs caught the ladder that Baker was underneath. His arm is trapped at an ungodly angle.
SD: It's got to be broken. Baker tried to snap Saturn’s arm in two and now it's an even playing field.

Baker pulls his arm free with some difficulty and cradles it while Saturn stays down, arms across his chest. Baker tries to pull himself up but his left arm can barely support any weight on the ropes. He pulls himself up with his right arm and looks down at the ladder, lifting it momentarily but dropping it when he feels the pain coursing through his arm. He looks at Saturn, who's using the ropes in the corner to help himself to his feet. Baker runs at him, connecting with a corner dropkick which sends Saturn staggering towards the middle of the ring. Baker then moves towards him and wraps his arms around Saturn’s waist. It's a great cry of pain, Baker lifts him and hits him with a release German suplex, sending Saturn’s head and neck into the ladder he'd already landed on previously.

Baker cradles his arm again before using his right arm to lift the second ladder. He struggles to set it up, almost dropping it once, before getting it under his title. He begins to climb, but can only do so with one arm. As he makes it closer to the top, Saturn spots him and starts to get to his feet. Saturn tries to pull Baker down by his legs again, but Baker kicks out at him and catches him above his cut, causing Saturn to reel back. Baker reaches up and gets a finger on the belt again but Saturn this time tries to shove the ladder over. Baker looks down, watching as it slowly begins to fall. However, just at the last moment, Baker drops down and wraps his legs around Saturn’s head, connecting a hurricanrana!

MW: What an amazing counter by Baker.
SD: How did he do that? I'm not sure I've ever seen something like before!
MW: He knew he was falling so he turned it to his advantage. And now Baker is up!
SD: But Saturn is pulling himself up too.

Baker sees Saturn pulling himself up by the ropes and runs at him, connecting with a clothesline to send both men out of the ring to the floor. Baker is first to his feet, pulling Saturn up and connecting with a forearm. Saturn staggers away and Baker looks under the ring, pulling out a bat wrapped in barbed wire. The fans cheer as Baker lifts it in the air. Saturn sees him and begins to back away, his hands held up, pleading with Baker not to use it. Baker advances, lifts the bat and- Saturn kicks him low. Baker doubles over and drops the bat. Saturn quickly picks it up and brings it down across Baker’s back. Baker cries out in pain as Saturn wrenches it away, leaving several cuts which immediately begin to shed blood. Saturn looks down at Baker on all fours before mounting him and pressing the barbed wire into his forehead. Baker cries out in pain but Saturn forces it deeper and deeper before finally pulling it away. Baker drops down to the floor and Saturn, taking the bat with him, slides into the ring.

He sets up a ladder and looks to begin his climb, checking that Baker hasn't moved. He keeps the bat in one hand and climbs, pulling himself up with his bad arm one rung at a time. As he comes close to the top, there's an audible gasp from the fans. Baker has risen on the outside and his face is a bloody mess. He wastes little time in pulling himself into the ring and striking at Saturn. Saturn looks down and swings the bat at Baker, but Baker catches it! His hands grasp the barbed wire and his face twists into a look of agonised determination. Saturn looks down like he's seen a ghost as Baker wrenches the bat out of his hands. Baker takes aim, but Saturn manages to leap up one more ring and get a hand on the belt. Baker, out of desperation, begins to tip the ladder, but Saturn releases his legs, letting the ladder fall into the corner as he takes hold of the cable holding the hook.

Baker looks up as Saturn desperately tries to undo the belt. He quickly unleashes a series of strikes to Saturn's lower back with the barbed wire bat. Saturn cries out in pain and stops trying to unhook the belt, merely trying to hold on as Baker strikes him like piñata. Baker, seeing Saturn going limp, takes a look at the ladder which has fallen against the turnbuckles in the corner and then takes a look across the ring. He quickly climbs through the ropes and drags himself up to the top rope, aiming two finger guns at Saturn. Saturn gives him a pleading look but Baker jumps and connects with a vicious shotgun dropkick sending Saturn all the way into the ladder in the corner, which buckles with the impact.

SD: Aaaaah! Aaaah!
MW: This is one of most brutal matches… Graham Baker just took James Saturn at least twelve feet down and sent him flying into a ladder. These ladders are the same type that you see workmen climbing on a daily basis. That must have broken James Saturn’s back.
SD: I… I don't know what to say.

Both men lie motionless in the ring, Saturn making pained grunts as a ‘Gra-ham Ba-ker’ chant gains momentum. As it reaches its peak, Baker lifts a hand in acknowledgement. The hand turns into a fist and Baker forces himself to sit up. His face is covered in blood and his left arm is now hanging lifelessly at his side, but he's slowly making it back to his feet. Breathing heavily, Baker looks down at Saturn and points a finger gun at him one more time. He slowly moves over to Saturn and bends down to pull the ladder out from behind him, but Saturn grabs Baker’s trunks and pulls him down, catching his face on one of the misshapen rings of the ladder.

Saturn then rolls away and drags himself up. Baker too tries to make it up in the corner, but Saturn lifts the ladder and drives it into Baker’s gut, then again into Baker’s left arm. Baker falls face first to the floor and Saturn drops the ladder on its narrow side on Baker’s back and makes sure it balances. Saturn then stands and reaches down with his right arm, pulling Baker’s leg into a single leg crab. He reaches down with his left to complete the Walls of Saturn but his left arm is too weak and he drops the leg. Realising he can only apply the half-crab, Saturn sits back so far that he's driving the ladder into Baker’s lower back. Baker screams in agony but Saturn doesn't break the hold.

MW: The official has to step in here.
SD: He can't do anything. There's only one way to win.
MW: But Graham Baker could never walk again after this. Something must be possible. This needs to be stopped.

Saturn keeps applying the pressure until his own back gives out, causing him to fall backwards and release the leg. He uses the ladder to help him stand and then slowly lifts it, setting it up once again. He looks down at Baker, who hasn't moved a muscle since the hold was broken. Smiling, Saturn slowly climbs, stopping regularly to hold onto his back. As he gets closer to the belt, he reaches up, but the pain of reaching causes him to pause. Baker begins to stir as Saturn grits his teeth and wills himself upwards. He takes another step as the fans try to help Baker by making as much noise as they can. Baker slowly gets to his feet but is almost doubled over in pain due to his back.

Slowly, Baker drags himself up the ladder and strikes at Saturn with a forearm to the midsection. Saturn looks down and aims a right hand at Baker’s bloody face. Baker climbs through the right hand, much to the amazement of the fans. Saturn aims another strike but Baker keeps climbing again, meeting him forehead to forehead. The two of them exchange strikes and Baker gets the upper hand. He strikes with his right forearm before driving Saturn’s face into the top of the ladder. Baker then takes a look down behind him and smiles, pointing down. He takes another step up the ladder and places both hands on Saturn’s head.

MW: He can't be thinking…
SD: Ejection Seat off the top of the ladder!
MW: Baker did this to Jerry Bishop in the Free-1 final.

Baker leaps up and wraps his legs around Saturn’s head, but Saturn grips the ladder with one hand and uses his bad arm to catch Baker. Baker dangles in mid-air for a moment, a look of panic on his face. Saturn tries to dump Baker to the canvas, but Baker somehow manages to maintain his grip. He strikes down with his heel and stuns Saturn for a moment before he rearranges his leg position and grips Saturn’s left arm. Baker drops himself down, forcing Saturn’s arm to take all of his weight and he locks in a version of the Emergency Landing on top of the ladder. Saturn screams in pain as his arm feels about to snap, but Baker can't maintain his hold for long. As Baker’s grip weakens, both men drop down and lie on the canvas, Baker’s face a bloody mess while Saturn’s back also stains the canvas red.

Both men lie there for what feel like an age before they begin to stir. Finally, they both begin to drag themselves to their feet. They see one another from across the ring before staggering towards each other. Each man aims strikes, albeit fairly weak strikes, at the other. Baker looks to get the upper hand but Saturn goes for a third low blow. This one, however, Baker catches, and he looks for a Mustang Driver, but his back gives out. Saturn drops off his shoulders and rolls to the outside as Baker collapses, his right arm grasping the ladder. Saturn pulls himself up as he watches Baker’s slow attempt to climb. He grabs a ladder of his own and sets it up so that it rests on the guardrail and the apron.

Saturn then climbs back into the ring and grabs Baker, pulling him down from the ladder. Baker aims a weak forearm strike at Saturn but Saturn ducks and he connects with a superkick, which sends Baker stumbling out of the ring and lying prone on the ladder. Saturn drops to his knees before smirking at Baker. He drags himself to his feet and slowly climbs the turnbuckles. Once he gets to the top rope, he points two finger guns at Baker and turns round, steadying himself before looking for a Saturnsault… but Baker rolls off the ladder just in time and Saturn crashes into- and through- it!

MW: Saturn just… he just… he went through the ladder!
SD: He's not getting up from that!
MW: All Baker needs to do is… yes he's made it into the ring. Climb the ladder Graham and end this war!

Graham Baker drags himself on hand and knees towards the ladder, which still stands beneath the FPW Championship. He uses his right arm and the ladder to pull himself to his feet before starting his slow climb, one rung at a time. He gets closer and closer, checking on Saturn, who still hasn't moved, before finally reaching a high enough point that the belt is within his grasp. Baker reaches up, gets a hand to the belt and unhooks it, holding it aloft as he sits atop the ladder, beaten and bloodied.

Winner: Graham Baker

The fans stand and cheer for Baker as he allows hi,self to fall from the ladder, landing on the canvas with the FPW Championship draped over his chest. ‘DNA’ begins to play but its soon cut off…

‘LOOK IN MY EYES…’

MW: No! Not now!
SD: Marcus Allen Jones said that TakeOver wouldn't interfere in this match and they didn't.
MW: I thought… I thought they'd left the building.
SD: Once again Marcus out-thinks you all.

TakeOver come down to the ring and Marcus directs traffic as they attack Graham Baker. The Invaders and Hunter Killer put the boots to him while Marcus grabs a steel chair from the outside of the ring, sliding it in. He orders Haych and Dario to hold out Baker’s injured left arm and he holds the chair aloft, about to bring it down…

But he's distracted as Jace Mason, Aaron Williams and Jerry and Berry Bishop charge down the ramp. Marcus hides behind The Invaders and Hunter Killer, but they're soon sent out of the ring. Marcus aims a chair shot at Jerry, who ducks, allowing Berry to connect with Checkmate. Marcus drops down and George Jackson pulls him from the ring, holding him up as TakeOver back away up the ramp. The Bishops, Williams and Mason check on Baker, who lies in a pool of blood, as Jim Houston charges onto the ramp.

“That's it! That's it! That's enough. Marcus… it's time to end this! I said you had to earn your shot and you will have to earn it because you damn well haven't earned anything with this kind of behaviour. Two weeks today at Road To All Star Tag Team Classic I… All five of TakeOver versus Graham Baker and those two teams in the ring who will face you in the Tag Classic. Five on five… elimination match!”

The fans cheer but Houston holds the mic to his mouth again.

“If you win- and only if you, Marcus, are not eliminated- you get one shot. One! At Graham Baker’s FPW Championship. If Baker beats you in that match, you'll never get another shot at him for that belt. And if you do get that shot… I choose the match type. But if you're eliminated from the match next week… you will never get another shot at that belt, no matter who the champion is. I wouldn't be able to give you a title match if I wanted to. There's your chance, Marcus. You're fucking lucky to get it.”

Houston drops the mic and stares, rage all over his face, at Marcus, who returns his stare with a victorious smile.