Post by Jim Houston on May 5, 2019 17:31:12 GMT
A promo package plays to begin the All Star Tag Team Classic. It shows highlights of last year’s tournament, culminating in Bobby O and Jack Sevren winning. It follows their journey to winning and holding the belts before screeching to a halt as The Guardians of Strong Style debut, earning the number one contendership. It shows them winning the belts and defending them, never showing them as anything less than dominant. It then lists the contenders for the tournament, punctuated by dominant showing from The Guardians of Strong Style. It then focuses on the two teams brought in from ALPHA Wrestling, questioning whether they can defeat the dominant champions.
MW: Ladies and gentlemen thank you so very much for joining us here tonight as we begin the All Star Tag Team Classic. I'm-
SD: Yeah, yeah, yeah, but we know what the main event is tonight, don't we? Marcus gets his rightful title match!
MW: That is of course if he and his TakeOver lackeys can defeat Graham Baker, Aaron Williams, Jace Mason's and both Bishops. But let's focus on that later. To begin the-
SD: They'll defeat them with ease. We all know Marcus is the rightful champion and tonight my best friend Marcus Allen Jones gets the chance to go one match away from officially regaining his belt.
MW: Be that as it may, we do begin tonight with two All Star Tag Team Classic matches. We'll get to the second match in a bit, but the first is an intriguing triple threat. Our reigning Tag Team Champions The Guardians of Strong Style face Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez, better known as The Queendom, and a team brought it from ALPHA Wrestling, who I believe are in talks to sign here on a more permanent basis, Death Squad. What do you know of these teams, Steven?
SD: Fine… The Queendom haven't wrestled much here but they're both very accomplished elsewhere. They started off as just-another-guy singles wrestlers in San Diego but their alliance turned them into something bigger than the sum of their parts, allowing them as The Queendom to break out across the USA. They came here with Artemis Evans and, to be honest, I think this is the start of something big for them.
MW: And what about Death Squad?
SD: Quite frankly, they're not nice people. And I love it. Evan Rorsche and Aiden Balmer will do anything it takes to not just win their matches but to eviscerate their opponents. They may be unknown here in FPW, but anyone who fails to take them seriously will live to regret it… or not live at all.
MW: Of course we know all about the third team in this one. Vegas has them as very clear favourites in this tournament, but triple threat rules could be to their disadvantage of course.
SD: Look, The Guardians of Strong Style may be the most dominant team we've seen here in FPW, but they're not unbeatable. Bobby and Jack could have had them a couple of times had things fallen slightly differently. Tonight they're up against two intelligent teams who aren't afraid to be underhanded. If The Guardians aren't careful, they could easily have their first defeat in this match.
The lights in the arena go down, a klaxon rings out, and the lights flash red like warning sirens. They cease, and smoke pours out of the stage as Ava Knight walks forward and lifts a microphone to her face.
"Rejoice, and be happy! Opportunity knocked...and Death has answered."
The klaxon ceases ringing as "Let's Go" by Run The Jewels rings out, and two men in balaclavas with skull designs on them emerge from behind Knight. One stands at around six-foot-three and looks to weigh somewhere in the ballpark of two-hundred and fifty pounds, while the other stands just shy of six feet and likely weighs around two-hundred and fifteen pounds. Both men wear skull masks, military-style tactical harnesses, and wrestling gear that varies-the taller one wears a pair of trunks that go midway down his thigh, kneepads and boots, while the shorter one wears a pair of striking shorts, wrapped fists, kneepads and boots that bridge the kneepads. They both pull their masks and vests off, dropping them to reveal Aiden Balmer and Evan Rorsche- Death Squad! Both men rush to the ring as they look to Knight, and slide, raising their arms and taking in the boos of the fans. Balmer abuses them back while Rorsche merely growls at them.
A white queen appears on the screen and an anonymised female voice rings out the word ‘Checkmate’ before ‘Hammer to Fall’ plays. All three members of The Queendom walk out onto the stage, Artemis Evans hanging back, Women's Title around her waist, as Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez take the spotlight. They too are booed as they walk down the ramp, and they give plenty of abuse back to the fans. They look to get into the ring but Evan Rorsche charges them, causing them to drop down off the apron and settle on the outside.
The fans turn to the entranceway as calm music begins to play. Sato emerges through the curtain and bows to the crowd. He holds the bow until the introduction to the music ends, at which point he rises and Hiro Takahara and Masa Tchyukiro join him, Tag Team Championships around their waist. All three men bow to the crowd before walking down the ramp. Death Squad stand ready on the ring while The Queendom huddle on the outside. The Guardians of Strong Style climb the steps and don't hesitate to get into the ring. Immediately Rorsche and anal er square up to them and the four men jostle with each other. The Guardians of Strong Style offer Rorsche and Balmer the chance to strike them but the official manages to hold them back and force them into the corner.
Match 1: All Star Tag Team Classic Quarter-Final I: The Guardians of Strong Style v The Queendom v Death Squad:
The official finally clears the ring to leave just Takahara and Balmer, with Donovan and Lopez dropping from the apron as soon as the match begins. As the bell rings, Takahara comes forward and sticks his chin out, pointing to it, offering Balmer the chance to land the first blow. Balmer comes forward and places a hand on Takahara’s shoulder before uncorking a forearm. Takahara doesn't move, brushing it off before pulling back his arm for one in exchange. But Balmer doesn't stand in place, ducking the shot and pulling Takahara in for a half-nelson backbreaker over his knee. Balmer makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. Takahara kicks out and looks to get quickly to his feet, but Balmer cuts him off with quick fire knee strikes to his gut and one to the head that knocks Takahara down.
Balmer then connects with a senton to Takahara’s back before rolling him over and hitting a second senton. With Takahara not going anywhere, Balmer makes the tag to Rorsche, who enters the ring with a burst of energy. He connects with a hard kick to the chest as Takahara sits up followed by a superkick when he sits back up. Takahara tries to power through and stand up but he's taken down with another quick kick which is followed by a sliding knee strike. Rorsche makes the cover, 1-2-no. Takahara managers to kick out. The kick out is followed by a quick burst to make it to his feet as he and Rorsche go nose to nose. Takahara beckons Rorsche forward to strike him and Rorsche steps back, aiming a kick at Takahara, which Takahara shrugs off, walking forward and beckoning him to strike him again. Rorsche aims another but Takahara walks through it a second time, forcing Rorsche back towards the ropes. Suddenly, Myra Lopez leaps up onto the apron and tags Rorsche, slipping into the ring as the two men stand nose to nose and rolling up Takahara, 1-2-no! Takahara barely kicks out.
MW: I thought! I thought that was it there.
SD: Genius from Myra Lopez. The Queendom proving why they're my favourites to be the next Tag Team Champions.
Takahara makes it to his feet and Lopez backs away, tagging in Balmer before he can react. Takahara takes the chance to tag in Tchyukiro and the two men enter the ring. Tchyukiro again beckons Balmer forwards to strike him, but Balmer stays back, calling Tchyukiro towards him instead. Tchyukiro runs at him and Balmer quickly catches him, delivering a belly to belly to the outside. Tchyukiro lands hard and Rorsche enters the ring, running the ropes and diving to the outside, connecting with a suicide cutter to Tchyukiro! The fans gasp and a few cheers are quickly cut off as Rorsche aims a strike at a fan. He rolls Tchyukiro back into the ring and Balmer stalks him before connecting with the Tailspin. He makes the cover, 1-2-no. Tchyukiro manages to kick out.
Balmer then tags in Rorsche, who mounts Tchyukiro and lays into him with strikes. After the official’s count reaches four, Rorsche dismounts and threatens the official, who jumps backwards. Rorsche then stalks Tchyukiro before connecting with a bicycle knee and following it up with another cutter. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Takahara breaks up the pin attempt. This leads Balmer into the ring and he and Takahara exchange strikes, each man laying into the other with forearms which get faster and faster as the crowd explode into a frenzy. Takahara gets the better of the exchange and forces Balmer into the corner but Rorsche recovers, spinning Takahara round and aiming a bicycle knee at him, but Takahara catches it and sweeps out the other leg. He then backs into the corner and runs at Balmer, connecting with a running big boot in the corner. He then manages to climb to the top rope and come down with a cross body to a recovering Rorsche.
MW: Hiro Takahara bringing the Tag Team Champions right back into this one.
SD: Impressive chaining together of moves from Takahara. We don't often see that from wrestlers of this style.
MW: He's realising he needs something a little different against Death Squad.
SD: But don't forget The Queendom.
Donovan makes a blind tag on Tchyukiro as he recovers in the corner before Lopez enters the ring and throws Takahara out from behind. She stalks Rorsche and connects with a superkick before pulling him in for a powerbomb. She lifts him and gets him into position for the Firebomb, which connects. She makes a cover as Lopez holds back Aiden Balmer, 1-2-no! Balmer managed to force Lopez back onto Donovan and the pinfall was broken up. Donovan gets to her feet just as Tchyukiro gets to his. The two of them stare each other down for a moment before Donovan backs away. She climbs out of the ring along with Lopez as Tchyukiro turns to Balmer.
He runs at Balmer and takes him down with a huge lariat. He then pulls him up and drives him back into the corner, unloading with a series of hard chops that are only broken up once Evan Rorsche makes it to his feet and leaps onto Tchyukiro, who staggers, allowing Rorsche to connect with a Pele kick before rolling the under the ropes and hitting Tchyukiro with the Dead Stop. As he goes to make the cover, Donovan comes in again and rolls up Rorsche, 1-2-no! Rorsche barely kicks out. Lopez enters and she and Donovan stomp on Rorsche before turning to Balmer. They pull him in for a double suplex, which they hit, before Lopez lifts him onto her shoulders and connects with the GTS. They roll him out of the ring before turning to Rorsche. Lopez lifts him for another GTS, but he's pulled down from her shoulders by Hiro Takahara. He connects with a huge mid kick to take down Lopez and follows up with another for Donovan. He turns to Rorsche, who looks for a step-up enzeguiri but Takahara doesn't even flinch!
Rorsche lands and stares up at him, eyes wide, before Takahara unleashes a series of hard kicks to his chest and head. Rorsche collapses in a heap as Tchyukiro calls for Takahara to send Rorsche into their corner. Tchyukiro tags himself in for Rorsche and the two of them lay into him in the corner, Takahara with kicks and Tchyukiro with forearms. Rorsche collapses and The Guardians of Strong Style turn their attention to Balmer, who pulls himself up only for them to force him back into the corner and lay into him with kicks and forearms as well. The two Japanese warriors allow him to stagger into the middle of the ring before hitting the ropes and crushing his skull between a pair of running forearms.
MW: Was there a tag there?
SD: I think so. It looked like Evan Rorsche managed to get the blind tag on Masa Tchyukiro when he hit the ropes.
MW: So its Rorsche and Donovan as the legal participants in this match.
Donovan and Lopez, neither of whom saw the tag, enter the ring and they shove Takahara out through the ropes. They look to double team Tchyukiro but he fights them, flattening Lopez with a huge headbutt before whipping Donovan into the ropes and connecting with a powerslam. As he gets to his feet, Rorsche strikes him with a bicycle knee from behind which sends him through the ropes and onto Takahara. Rorsche then lifts Donovan and wastes no time in pulling her in for a The Cycle, which he hits, covering her, 1-2-3.
Winners: Death Squad
MW: Death Squad win! The Guardians of Strong Style have suffered their first defeat in Freedom Pro Wrestling and are eliminated from the All Star Tag Team Classic!
SD: What a performance. That match was at times brutal, at times a car crash, at times very tactical, but Death Squad survived it.
MW: Survived may be the word. They advance to the semi-finals and they'll face the winner of our quarter final coming up soon.
Death Squad have their arms raised in the middle of the ring by Ava Knight before she climbs out and grabs the FPW Tag Team Championships. She's about to take them into the ring but Sato stops her, pulling the belts away. Rorsche and Balmer quickly climb out of the ring and grab Sato but they back away once Tchyukiro and Takahara arrive on the scene. Knight motioned that they're coming for the belts as The Guardians of Strong Style stare them down.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Graham Baker.
DB: Graham, tonight you get the chance to face Marcus Allen Jones in the ring for the first time since Judgement Day. But can you really look forward to that with so much on the line?
GB: I can look forward to it a fucking lot. What's really on the line for me? If I lose, I face Marcus one on one. I want to face him one on one. On the other hand, if we beat him tonight, he never gets what he wants. This belt. I have nothing to lose in this match.
DB: Is it a little disconcerting that you don't yet know your opponent for your next title defense?
GB: I'm happy to take on anyone at any time. I don't need to prepare for six months before a match. Give me a few days and il be ready for anyone. Fuck, give me a few minutes and I'll make sure I'm ready. Marcus or not, this belt is on my shoulder for a reason and it'll be on my shoulder until someone proves they're better than me. I give my blood, my sweat, my tears and every ounce of energy I have to this company and this belt and nobody, especially Marcus Allen Jones, is taking it from me without killing me first.
DB: Ever since you've been champion you've liked to choose your own challengers. Do you have a challenger in mind if you win this match?
GB: I have a few in mind but here's what I want. If we win, anyone who survives with me gets a shot. If that means I defend against four other people, that's fine by me. If I defend against Mason or Jerry or Berry or Williams one-on-one, that's fine too. Houston wants Marcus to earn his shot and I respect that, but if anyone earns one in this match, I'll be making sure they get one.
MW: Well we already know our first semi-finalists, but who will Death Squad face on the night? We have The Baxter Brothers, an unknown quantity from a local school who are just getting started, facing Marcus and Tyler Morgan, an experienced championship-calibre team.
SD: Well this one is really hard to call.
MW: Do I sense some sarcasm there, Steven?
SD: Noooooo.
MW: Well we don't know much about either team. Marcus and Morgan certainly have the better track record but The Baxter Brothers are unknown to them. A surprise could certainly be on the cards.
SD: It could. But I have a feeling we're seeing the first appearance of a team that, if it wants to stay around here, will be a major force in the tag team division, and I don't mean those young twins.
MW: Well those young twins currently stand in the ring. Let's meet their opponents.
The lights dim and ‘Feed the Wolf’ begins to play. As the intro ends, Tyler Morgan and Marcus walk out side by side onto the ramp, ALPHA Tag Team Titles slung over their shoulders. They play to the crowd, who give them a positive, albeit not an over the top reaction. As they walk down the ramp, they slap hands with fans and give one another a nod before sliding into the ring. Once they make it into the ring they unstrap their belts and hold them aloft as they stand on the turnbuckles. When they jump down, they place the belts down in a corner and walk over to The Baxter Brothers, offering them their hands. The Baxter Brothers accept and the fans applaud the show of respect.
Match 2: All Star Tag Team Classic Quarter-Final II: The Baxter Brothers v Marcus n’ Morgan:
Marcus begins the match with Jordan Baxter. The two of them lock up and Marcus gains an early advantage, forcing Jordan back into the corner. He gives a clean break and beckons Jordan back to him. They lock up again and Marcus again forces Jordan back, this time into the ropes. He gives another clean break and backs away. Jordan rolls out of the ropes and then hits the opposite ropes, running at Marcus. He throws a shoulder block but Marcus stands strong and Jordan falls. Marcus then hits the ropes, jumping over Jordan’s attempt to trip him. Marcus comes back and Jordan leapfrogs him. Marcus comes back again and Jordan takes him down with an arm drag. Marcus gets up and comes in again but Jordan hits another arm drag and locks in an arm bar. Jordan uses his technique to drag Marcus into his corner and reaches up to tag in Billy.
Billy Baxter climbs up to the second rope and waits for Marcus to make it to his feet. He does so, shaking out his arm, and Billy leaps off for a cross-body. But Marcus catches him and connects with a swift power slam, leading to an impressed gasp from the fans. Marcus makes a cover, 1-2-no. Billy kicks out. Marcus looks down at him before gripping him around the waist and dragging him into the corner. He tags in Tyler Morgan, who enters the ring and connects with a pair of European uppercuts before hitting a swinging neckbreaker. He makes another cover, 1-2-no. Billy kicks out again.
MW: Marcus n’Morgan in control in the early stages.
SD: But Billy Baxter showing some resilience.
MW: He and his brother Jordan will be keen to put on a show tonight, even if they can't overcome the odds.
Tyler Morgan makes another tag to Marcus, who climbs to the top and hits a double axe handle on Billy Baxter. Marcus then picks him up and whips him into the ropes, connecting with a shotgun dropkicks which sends Billy back into the ropes. As Billy bounces back, Marcus rolls backwards and leaps up, connecting with a spinning wheel kick that the fans applaud enthusiastically. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Billy again manages to kick out. Marcus lifts Billy and pulls him into a bear hug as he backs into the corner and Morgan tags himself in. Morgan hits the ropes with Marcus still holding Billy up, and he connects with a diving clothesline. Morgan makes a cover, 1-2-no. Again Billy kicks out.
Morgan pulls Billy up into a suplex position and lifts him for a vertical suplex, but Billy drops down onto his feet behind Morgan. Morgan turns and Billy connects with a dropkick before scrambling over to the corner and tagging in Jordan. Jordan gets into the ring and takes down a running Morgan with a back elbow. He pumps up the crowd, some of whom come with him, as he pulls Morgan up. Jordan whips Morgan into the ropes and aims a dropkick at him, but Morgan catches the ropes and Jordan crashes and burns. Marcus tags himself in and Morgan charges at the opposite ropes, hitting a suicide dive to take Billy out on the outside. Marcus stalks Jordan before connecting with a superman punch which sends him staggering. Marcus then pulls him in and connects with a Marcus Bomb. He drops down to make the cover, 1-2-3.
Winners: Marcus n’Morgan.
MW: A very impressive win from the debuting Marcus n’Morgan.
SD: Impressive, but we didn't see much of what they can really do. Can they go all the way in this tournament?
MW: I really think that they can. They've tagged together for a long time. They're a true tag team. I think that semi final could be an incredible match.
SD: If they win this whole thing then they face The Guardians of Strong Style in what could be an incredible match.
Marcus and Tyler Morgan have their arms raised in the ring as the fans cheer them. Marcus holds up three fingers and Morgan calls out the ALPHA tag Team Titles, the ICW Tag Titles and the All Star Tag Team Classic. After the third finger goes down, they leave the ring and slap hands with fans on their way up the ramp.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jerry and Berry Bishop.
DB: Welcome to FPW’s newest tag team The Bishops.
JB: Its a long time since I've been called FPW’s newest anything.
BB: But isn't it exciting that we're finally teaming up? The ICW tournament and the All Star Tag Team Classic? We could be the next great team- The Bishop Foundation or The Bishop Bulldogs or The Bishop Boyz… well, maybe not that one.
DB: Do you think you can win the All Star Tag Team Classic?
JB: Maybe. It's the first time we're properly teaming together and we're facing some established teams so it won't be easy. But with Berry by my side, I feel a little revitalised and ready to be the Jerry I want to be-
DB: And the Jerry we all want you to be.
BB: Mmm-hmmm.
DB: How about tonight where…
Dasha trails off and both Bishops turn around, Jerry instinctively stepping forward ahead of Berry.
JB: What are you doing here?
The camera turns to reveal MDE, dressed in street clothes, walking up to Jerry, Berry and Dasha.
MDE: I made you an offer recently. I haven't heard from you.
JB: Why would I even respond to you?
MDE: Its interesting. You talked about being the Jerry you want to be and the Jerry everyone wants you to be. There's a lot of stories about crowd favourites who've been languishing in small-time matches getting their big break recently. But there aren't many of those stories which end with that person winning. I'm sure you'll get your chance. The current champion around here seems to respect you. The likely number one contender is a man you beat last year. Hey, all you apparently need to do tonight is not get pinned and you'll get a chance in a month’s time. But look at you. Do you really think you're in a position to take that chance? You have a lot of work to do. Maybe your little sister will pull you through a match or two of the Tag Classic, but when you make the mental mistake that I know you'll make, and you see the disappointment in her eyes, maybe then you'll think of accepting my offer. I guarantee you that if you do, you'll get to the top, just like they all want to see.
BB: Jerry doesn't need-
MDE: Just give it time. You'll get there sooner or later and I've got all the time in the world.
MDE turns and walks away, leaving Jerry looking pensive.
BB: You really don't need him.
DB: Definitely. I have a feeling you might even be the one to eliminate Marcus tonight.
Dasha reaches up and gives Jerry a peck on the cheek before walking away. He turns to watch her go before turning back to the direction MDE went in.
"This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will. Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain and a hundred percent reason to remember the name."
As Remember the Name begins to blare through the speakers, the crowd starts cheering loudly waiting for Bobby to emerge. After a few moments he does, and the crowd offer him a warm and supportive welcome.
SD: Oh joy, it's time for our "main event."
MW: Main event?
SD: Bobby's out here so of course he's going to make it about himself. As far as I'm concerned, he had it coming to him what Jack did. Might even say, he deserved it.
MW: And judging off this crowd reaction, you'd be the only one with that opinion. All week long, these fans have come out in support of Bobby, who, say what you will, is one of the most beloved superstars here.
SD: Sure, beloved. That's because these people can relate to him. He's a loser with failed potential just like them. In fact, the NFL Draft just took place. If we had a wrestling draft, Bobby would be a B-U-S-T with a capital B of course.
Forgoing his usual antics and playing to the crowd, Bobby makes his way down the ramp with a purpose, a blank stare almost, on his face. He grabs a mic and rolls into the ring. Before he can say anything, the crowd loudly chants "We love Bobby" which causes him to offer a small smile. He pauses.
BO: That means the world to me, it really does. When I first arrived here, let's just say my welcome wasn't quite that warm but you were right to boo me. Right to throw trash in the ring. I didn't exactly come here with a clean resume, but Jim gave me a chance anyway and I'd like to think I've made the most of it and earned your respect back and that of the guys in the back. Well, maybe not all of the guys in the back...I didn't get far on my apology tour before I found myself somewhere I never expected I'd be. Teaming with the one person who I'd gone to war with time and again. The one person I'd owed the biggest apology to. They say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend and while I wouldn't have called Jack and I friends at first, we had a common goal. And the next thing we knew that common goal turned into a shared bond. Turned into us riding together, rooming together, shooting the breeze, actually becoming friends...or so I thought...
Bobby shakes his head.
BO: Right. So, enough from me. Let's get to the real reason I asked for some time tonight. Jack, I've got questions and you've got answers so how about you get out here so we can sort this thing out? You said what you had to say might surprise me so let's have it.
After a few moments, Shattered Skies hits and the crowd begin to boo Jack Sevren's anticipated arrival. But he never comes through the curtain. The song reaches its end and still no Jack, until finally.
JS: Hey Bob-O, over here!
Bobby looks around the arena but doesn't see anything.
JS: Up here buddy.
Finally, Bobby looks up and Jack grins at him, waving from the overhead screen. Bobby looks annoyed.
BO: Can't face what you did like a man?
Jack shrugs.
JS: Look, I know you've got these fools buying into this reformed act but we both know better. That rage monster could come out at any moment especially if you're not taking your medicine. So, as much as I'd love to grace the fans with my presence, consider this my way of protecting myself in the event that you don't like or can't handle what I have to say.
Bobby just shakes his head.
BO: Fine, have it your way. Let's not waste time and just get to the point. We had a good thing going. Was it jealousy? Was it boredom? Was it not wanting to get your ass kicked by the Guardians? What was it man? If it's about the RKO, like I said, I'm sorry, it was an accident.
JS: Oh Bobby, sweet, simple, naive Bobby. Truth be told, I forgave you for that little mistake, even after what it cost us. And truth be told, you weren't wrong to say what started as a team of convenience turned into friendship. Believe it or not, I actually did like teaming with you.
BO: Then why did you do it? Why did you decide to cost me everything?
A dark smirk crosses Jack's face.
JS: Because that's exactly what you did to me when you invaded BOLA and took my moment.
Jack pauses for a second and just starts to laugh.
JS: Nah man, I'm over that. This wasn't some longterm plan of mine. It just kinda happened. I decided the whole tag team thing was getting pretty old and there I was, taking the backseat as you got all the singles opportunities. And all the while, I was the one carrying the team. So, it dawned on me. Why not just dissolve our little partnership and go back to where I tried to be when I first came here, on the road to a world championship.
BO: You could have just told me you wanted out. I wouldn't have stopped you.
JS: I know...Okay, so maybe costing you that chest was a little BOLA revenge. But ultimately, you didn't deserve it and had I been in the match, you wouldn't have won it. So really, I was just righting history, bringing balance to the force as it were. Starting us both on a clean slate. See Bobby, you and I, we're not all that different. We want the same things, have the same goals and us being a team, it wasn't helping either of us advance towards those goals. See, before I went to NXT, I'll always remember what Cee-Cee told me...
Jack pauses as he sees Bobby's demeanor change. Another smirk graces his face.
JS: Oh, I guess I never told you. You never did like to talk about your ex. See, Cee-Cee and I, let's just say we connected after she ended things with William. Funny enough, it was because she wanted advice about you because you were well, beating people with led pipes and not taking her calls. To think, the love of your life went to your sworn enemy for advice. Irony knows no bounds. Anyway, it's like I said Bobby. You and I have more in common then you might think. You want to be world champion, me too. You want to be a star, me too. You want to get back with CJ...
Jack pauses as he pulls out a piece of paper that he puts in front of the camera. It simply reads, "#MeToo."
The crowd go from booing into a stunned silence as cameras zoom in on Bobby's face. He puts his head down but when he raises it back up, pure anger graces his features and his fists, now balled, are shaking.
JS: Well, seems like that's all the time we have for this portion of the program. I'll be seeing you real soon, Baby O.
Just like that, the camera feed cuts out and the screen goes black.
MW: Looks like Jack Sevren is back to his slimy, disgusting ways. But even for him, this was a new, despicable low.
SD: Looks like he's not the only one back to old ways...
Cameras pan back to the ramp, where Bobby is running through the curtain looking for Jack. He grabs a PA by the shirt collar demanding to know where Jack is. The kid doesn't know and realizing what he did, Bobby letang him down gently. The kid scurries away and in frustration, Bobby slams his fist against an audio cart before tossing the cart on its side as people scurry down the hallway.
MW: We'll uh, we'll keep everyone posted on any developments. In the mean time, let's get to the ring.
Jim Houston stands in the ring.
“After two excellent quarter-final contests in the second All Star Tag Team Classic, we come to our main event. I'm here to make absolutely clear the full rules for this match. The two teams competing in this match are the team of Marcus Allen Jones, Haych, Dario, Sarah Daniels and George Jackson, collectively known as TakeOver, and Graham Baker, Jerry Bishop, Berry Bishop, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. Nobody other than these ten men has permission to involve themselves physically in this match, and, if they do, they will be fired from Freedom Pro Wrestling on the spot.
“If Graham Baker’s team wins, or loses but manages to eliminate Marcus Allen Jones along the way, Marcus Allen Jones will forfeit the right to ever receive an opportunity at the FPW Championship again. If TakeOver win and Marcus Allen Jones is not eliminated, then Marcus will earn a one on one FPW Championship match in the main event of All Star Tag Team Classic II. With that being said, I will now hand over to Ms Dasha Banks. Enjoy the match.”
Houston leaves the ring as Dasha Banks begins to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an elimination match.”
‘The Comedian’s Gallop’ begins to play and Jerry Bishop emerges at the top of the ramp, bowing deeply to the fans. He begins dance conducting his way down to the ring and is followed by Berry Bishop, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams, who each salute the fans and slap hands on their way to the ring.
MW: A Show of faith in Jerry Bishop as his sister, Aaron Williams and our longest reigning Freedom Champion Jace Mason follow him down to the ring.
SD: I bet they drew lots. No one wants to come out to this, surely?
MW: Like it or not, Steven, Jerry Bishop is a leader in that locker room. People like him. People respect him. He's in a funk right now, but his team mates are showing faith that he'll break out of it.
SD: His teammates… but not Graham Baker.
MW: Baker’s showing respect. He could have led them out with his own music but he let Jerry take the spotlight.
SD: But Baker is coming down separately. Letting Jerry have the spotlight or throwing him crumbs and taking it for himself?
With his team mates in the ring, Baker’s ‘DNA’ begins to play and he emerges onto the stage too. He stands with his jacket held open to reveal the FPW Championship but is suddenly jumped from behind as Marcus strikes him with a vicious chair shot. The Bishops, Mason and Williams charge out of the ring and up the ramp and The Invaders and Hunter Killer engage them, holding them back as Marcus unstraps the belt from Baker’s waist. He lays it onto the ramp and pulls Baker up, hitting him with a DDT onto the belt. Berry breaks through Sarah Daniels, but Marcus swings the chair at her and causes her to pull back, allowing Daniels to grab her and drive her into the barricade. Marcus then lifts the chair high above his head and, with the fans booing him loudly, swings it down to crush Baker’s head between the FPW Championship and the steel of the chair. Baker lays motionlessly as Marcus places a foot on his back and raises the chair. He then pulls the CZW Wired Championship from his waist and drapes it mockingly across Baker’s back.
Meanwhile, Haych throws Aaron Williams back first into the guardrail. As Williams bounces back, Haych pops him up and connects with a pop-up guardrail-bomb, leaving Williams in a heap as Haych supports Dario to double team Jerry. George Jackson lays into Jace Mason with hard knees against the edge of the ring and leaves him too crumpled in a heap after a hard head kick. Sarah Daniels struggles to contain Berry, who fights her off with forearms and, after creating some space, a hard mid-kick. Berry goes to pull Daniels to her feet only for Marcus to drive the point of the chair into her gut and then crack it over her back. She arches her back as Marcus drops the chair and DDTs her onto it, just like he did to Baker on the belt. Marcus then stomps on Jerry a few times before surveying the scene and calling the rest of TakeOver into the ring.
MW: What a despicable attack by TakeOver!
SD: A genius attack indeed. Baker is out cold. The rest of the team are severely weakened. Did you think my best friend was going to leave the biggest match on the year so far down to chance?
MW: How about earning a title match fairly? How about honour? How about pride? How about-
SD: All of that doesn't matter. Marcus is the rightful champion. He can't let things take that away from him. What if he does it your way and gets blindsided by an opportunistic Jace Mason or Berry Bishop who want to make a name for themselves? Marcus is making sure he gets what he deserves-
MW: I'm sure he'll get what he deserves very soon, Steven. Graham Baker will make sure of that.
The fans rain down boos on TakeOver as they stand in the ring. Marcus lays across the top rope as he tells the official to start the match. The outside refuses, leaving the ring to check on the Bishops, Mason and Williams. Berry is motionless. Jerry begins to pull himself up. Williams lies holding the small of his back. Mason kneels and stares into the ring, his face a picture of hatred. In the ring, Marcus sighs and points at Mason. Haych, Dario, Daniels and Jackson climb out of the ring and grab Mason, who fights them off for a time but can't resist all four of them for long. They throw him into the guardrail and they drive him head first into the ring post before rolling him into the ring. Marcus stays on the rope as Mason tries to pull himself up. The official asks him whether he can start the match and Mason forcefully says that he can. Reluctantly, the official calls for the bell.
Match 3: Elimination Match: Graham Baker, Jace Mason, Aaron Williams, Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop v TakeOver (Marcus Allen Jones, Haych, Dario, Sarah Daniels and George Jackson):
Marcus yawns and climbs down as Mason makes it to his feet. Mason charges at him but Marcus catches him with a step-up enzeguiri. Mason drops to the mat and can't make it back up very quickly. Marcus looks down at him and leans on the ropes, soaking in the boos. Outside the ring, Jerry Bishop makes it to his feet but Williams and Berry remain down. Jerry tries to charge into the ring but Haych and Jackson catch him and throw him into the barricade again. Once Mason is up, Marcus ducks at attempt at a running clothesline. Mason turns and Marcus connects with a dropkick which takes Mason down again. Marcus lies on his front and kicks up his heels for a moment, yawning once again.
MW: The disrespect of this man is just… I don't want to get in trouble.
SD: He knows this is in his hands. All of his opponents are hurt. Three of them may be unable to compete at all. He's toying with Mason.
MW: Could this have anything to do with the fact that Marcus couldn't beat Jace Mason at Resurrection?
SD: He didn't need to beat him. Marcus made his point and he got what he wanted. Tonight he signs it off properly, but why not have some fun first?
Mason pulls himself up on the ropes again and Marcus follows. He closes in and grabs Mason by the waist, trapping the wrist. He spins him out and- Mason connects with a huge right hand to stagger Marcus. Mason then dives at Marcus, laying into him with right hands as the official begins his count. Mason pulls himself away and the fans cheer as he psychs them up. He turns back to Marcus who rolls towards his corner and tags in George Jackson. Jackson comes into the ring but Mason meets him with a spin kick to the gut before kicking out his leg and then connecting with a running dropkick. Mason makes a cover, 1-2-no. Jackson kicks out.
Mason then makes a sudden dive at the TakeOver corner, taking Daniels and Dario off the apron. Haych climbs into the ring and blocks a right hand for Mason, connecting with a huge clothesline to take Mason down. Haych turns and is taken out by a springboard forearm from Jerry Bishop! The fans cheer loudly as Jerry pops up and he and Mason high five one another. Mason calls for Jerry to lift Jackson. Jerry performs a parallel snapmare and he and Mason each connect with simultaneous penalty kicks to complete a double-team Touchstone Takedown. Mason makes a cover, 1-2-no! Jackson just kicks out.
Dario and Daniels then try to slide into the ring but they're held back by a recovered Aaron Williams and Berry Bishop, who pull them from the ring. Berry whips Dario into the guardrail and Williams drives Daniels into the opposite guardrail. Williams then runs at Dario and hits a huge splash. He turns and does the same to Daniels, connecting with several splashes to each before both of them stagger away from the barricades. Berry stalks them and leaps onto the top of the barricade, jumping off and connecting with a double disaster kick to take both of them down. Berry and Williams then climb onto the apron as the fans cheer loudly.
MW: Now we're talking! TakeOver are being taken out by this team.
SD: But it's not in their favour yet. Baker is still out of this match. It's five on four.
MW: Maybe so, but not for long!
Mason tags in Berry, who stalks Jackson as he struggles to his feet. He turns straight into Checkmate. Berry makes the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: George Jackson.
The fans cheer loudly as the referee counts the three. Berry stands to celebrate but she's quickly rolled up from behind by Marcus, 1-2-no! Berry barely pushes him away to break the pin attempt. She scrambles to her feet and Marcus finds himself with Berry ahead of him and the rest of the team at his back. He looks around with a worried expression and Berry advances, smiling from ear to ear. Marcus backs up a few steps but quickly rushes forward as Haych grabs Berry from behind and lifts her up into a gorilla press position. He slams her down and Marcus makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. The cover is broken up by Aaron Williams. Marcus scrambles to his feet and he and Williams lock eyes for a few moments before Haych takes Williams out with a big boot. Haych then takes Jerry down from the apron before turning back to Berry.
Marcus calls Haych back to the corner and tags him in, taking a break on the apron as Haych stalks Berry. He pulls her up and throws her into the corner, backing up before running at her and connecting with a huge stinger splash. Berry staggers away and Haych grabs her by the hair. The fans boo as he pulls her in and connects with an exploder suplex. He makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. Berry manages to kick out. Haych maintains a grasp on her, pulling her to her feet and lifting her for another gorilla press slam. But this time Berry manages to free herself, dropping to her feet and connecting with a spinning kick to the gut. She then dives into the corner and tags in Jace Mason, who climbs to the top rope. As Haych turns, Mason leaps and connects with an STO. Mason immediately locks in the Last Chancery as Aaron Williams rushes in top stop Marcus from breaking it up. After a few moments of resistance, Haych taps out.
Eliminated: Haych.
MW: How are you feeling now, Steven?
SD: It's ok… Marcus is still there. As long as he's there, we'll be ok.
MW: But from four on five it's now four on three and the numbers game for once doesn't favour TakeOver. This can't have been in Marcus’ plan.
SD: No, it wasn't… but…
Mason points at Marcus and calls for him to step into the ring. Marcus stands on the outside and look up at the Freedom Champion. All of a sudden, Dario and Sarah Daniels take Jerry and Berry off the apron and Marcus grabs Aaron Williams and throws him into the ringpost. Marcus then jumps onto the apron and grabs the official as Dario, Freedom Championship in hand, slides into the ring and strikes Mason in the back of the head with the belt. Marcus quickly releases the official and enters the ring, pulling Mason up and trapping his wrist, spinning him out to connect with the Six Stars. He makes the cover, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Jace Mason.
SD: Couldn't beat Jace Mason, huh? That's what you said, right, Watson?
MW: Mason was hit in the head with a title belt when the official was distracted! That's hardly showing that Marcus can beat him, is it?
SD: Marcus pinned Jace Mason. That's all that matters.
MW: But it doesn't-
SD: That's all that matters!
Marcus and Dario stand together in the ring and Daniels joins them as Jerry, Berry and Williams gather on the outside. With a small nod, the three of them slide into the ring and begin to exchange strikes with TakeOver. Marcus and Jerry lay into one another, as do Dario and Williams. Berry gets the upper hand on Sarah Daniels and whips her into a corner. She runs at her and connects with a knee strike before grabbing a headlock and taking her down with a running bulldog. Meanwhile, Aaron Williams sends Dario out of the ring and Marcus gets the better of Jerry thanks to a thumb to the eye. Marcus turns and sees Berry and Williams advancing on him, escaping the ring before they have the chance to lay a hand on him. Marcus and Dario regroup on the outside and Williams and Berry look at one another and shrug. Williams sets hi self up by the ropes while Berry runs at him. Williams then connects with a back body drop to send Berry out of the ring and onto Marcus and Dario.
Williams then turns to Jerry and they pull Daniels up to her feet. Williams whips her into the corner and follows up with a big splash. Jerry then connects with a running dropkick which sends Daniels to a seated position. Williams quickly follows up with a cannonball and Daniels rolls away. She staggers to her feet as Jerry sits on the top turnbuckle. He jumps down and connects with a blockbuster. However, as Williams is about to make the cover, Marcus slides into the ring and connects with a DDT. Jerry climbs to his feet and kicks Marcus in the gut. He traps his arms and lets out a big booming laugh as the fans get to their feet in anticipation. Jerry connects with the Last Laugh and makes the cover, the fans counting along with the official, 1-2-no! Jerry is pulled off Marcus by Dario.
MW: I thought! I thought Marcus was done there!
SD: *choking noises*
MW: And so did my broadcast partner it would appear.
Dario aims a kick at Jerry but Jerry ducks it and connects with a parallel snapmare. He hits the ropes to complete the Touchstone Takedown and strikes Dario perfectly. Jerry turns and pumps up the crowd, who stand and cheer louder than they have at any other point in the match. Jerry points to the corner at Berry and the fans cheer once again. He tags her in and the two of them watch Sarah Daniels make her way to her feet. The Bishops connect with a double parallel snapmare and complete a double-team Touchstone Takedown before Marcus shoves Berry at the official. He catches her and is distracted for a moment and Marcus hits Jerry with a low blow. The fans boo as Marcus springs up to his feet and catches Berry in a waistlock, trapping her wrist. He spins her out and completes Six Stars again. He makes the cover and Dario blocks Aaron Williams, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Berry Bishop.
Williams overcomes Dario and quickly yanks Marcus up to his feet. He kicks him in the gut and pulls him into position for the A Triple Plus. Marcus, however, manages to escape and he drives an elbow into Williams’ gut before connecting with a Canadian destroyer. Marcus then rolls out of the ring and climbs to the top rope. He wastes no time in coming down with the Mark-Out Moment and making a cover, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Aaron Williams.
Marcus calls Daniels and Dario to his side and they stand together, looking at Jerry, who is pulling himself to his feet.
SD: Now who's laughing, Watson?
MW: Not Jerry Bishop, that's for sure. Two quick eliminations and this one is back in TakeOver’s hands.
SD: And it's just the man on the biggest losing streak in FPW to eliminate and TakeOver will-
MW: Oh but it's not just Jerry to beat! Here comes Graham Baker!
The fans cheer as Graham Baker staggers down the ramp, eyes fixated on Marcus Allen Jones. He drags himself into the ring and stands alongside Jerry Bishop, staring down TakeOver. As quick as a flash, the two men explode at Marcus, Daniels and Dario. Jerry takes Dario down as Baker connects with hard strikes to Daniels and Marcus in turn. Jerry throws Dario from the ring and follows as Baker does the same to Marcus, leaving Baker and Daniels in the ring. Daniels swings a clothesline at Baker and he ducks, lifting her onto his shoulders and connecting with a Mustang Driver. He makes a cover, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Sarah Daniels.
Baker then calls Jerry to send Dario into the ring. Dario is rolled in and Baker wastes no time in dropping down and locking in the Emergency Landing. Dario resists for the briefest of moments before succumbing and tapping out.
Eliminated: Dario.
MW: And we're down to one.
SD: It's still Marcus! It's still Marcus! He's still in the match.
MW: But he's up against two men who hold victories over him in their most recent matches. Marcus’ hopes of becoming FPW Champion are fading fast.
Jerry stands on the apron and calls Baker over to him, asking for the tag. Baker looks at him for a moment before nodding and making the tag. Jerry climbs into the ring as the fans chant his name and Baker goes over to where Marcus was lying on the outside. But Marcus is nowhere to be seen. Baker looks for a few moments but he's knocked out of the ring as Marcus, who had emerged from under the opposite side of the ring, throws Jerry into Baker. Marcus then rolls Jerry up as he bounces back at him, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Jerry Bishop.
SD: And here we go!
MW: It was always coming down to this! Marcus Allen Jones and Graham Baker. Possibly the greatest rivalry in the history of Freedom Pro Wrestling. Either Marcus gets a final shot at the title or Marcus will never get another shot.
SD: Marcus will eliminate Baker and then take what's rightfully his.
Marcus stares down at Baker, who pulls himself up on the outside and returns his stare. The fans bristle with anticipation as the stare down continues. Baker raises a hand to his forehead and winces in pain. He then touches the back of his head and winces again. Baker then glances to his right and slowly turns his head, his eyes locking onto the CZW Wired Championship. He looks from the title, back to Marcus, and then nods. Marcus watches in confusion as Baker moves around the outside and picks up the Wired belt. Baker strides to the ring and climbs in, Marcus not daring to charge him.
Baker then looks at Marcus with hatred in his eyes as his chest moves up and down powerfully. He points at Marcus and tells him: “Let's end this the only way we ever should.” Marcus looks confused before his face turns stunned as Baker comes forward and strikes him with the Wired Championship. The fans are suddenly silenced as the official looks at Marcus and then at Baker before reluctantly calling for the bell.
Eliminated via Disqualification: Graham Baker
Winners: TakeOver.
Baker drops the belt on Marcus and stares down at him. The fans slowly.realise what has happened and a buzz fills the arena.
MW: Baker… he got himself disqualified… that means…
SD: Marcus gets his chance! Marcus gets his chance!
MW: When those two locked eyes, Baker remembered everything. All of the beatings. All of the disrespect to the titles, the promotions, the friends that Baker loves and respects so much. And he realised… he realised he wanted to face Marcus. He wanted to do it one more time and put it to an end. And now these two- wait!
The rest of TakeOver suddenly storm the ring and lay into Baker. Just as quickly, the Bishops, Mason and Williams follow and a brawl ensues. The ten men spill onto the outside and up the ramp before Jim Houston comes onto the ramp with a team of security. The security manages to prise apart TakeOver and their opponents and Houston comes down to the ring and takes the microphone.
“Baker… you don't know what you've just done. You want this to come to an end? Well it will. All of this brawling, cheating and interference is going end. In the main event of All Star Tag Team Classic II, it will be Graham Baker defending the FPW Championship against Marcus Allen Jones in a match with no rules, a match where there will be no interference. I've been in touch with some old friends and they've done me a favour. They've lent me something. At All Star Tag Team Classic II, it will be Graham Baker versus Marcus Allen Jones… in a Hell in a Cell match!”
The fans gasp as Baker and Marcus lock eyes from opposite sides of the ring behind the security. Baker holds up the FPW Championship and points a finger gun at Marcus, who smiles and licks his lips, breathing heavily.
MW: Ladies and gentlemen thank you so very much for joining us here tonight as we begin the All Star Tag Team Classic. I'm-
SD: Yeah, yeah, yeah, but we know what the main event is tonight, don't we? Marcus gets his rightful title match!
MW: That is of course if he and his TakeOver lackeys can defeat Graham Baker, Aaron Williams, Jace Mason's and both Bishops. But let's focus on that later. To begin the-
SD: They'll defeat them with ease. We all know Marcus is the rightful champion and tonight my best friend Marcus Allen Jones gets the chance to go one match away from officially regaining his belt.
MW: Be that as it may, we do begin tonight with two All Star Tag Team Classic matches. We'll get to the second match in a bit, but the first is an intriguing triple threat. Our reigning Tag Team Champions The Guardians of Strong Style face Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez, better known as The Queendom, and a team brought it from ALPHA Wrestling, who I believe are in talks to sign here on a more permanent basis, Death Squad. What do you know of these teams, Steven?
SD: Fine… The Queendom haven't wrestled much here but they're both very accomplished elsewhere. They started off as just-another-guy singles wrestlers in San Diego but their alliance turned them into something bigger than the sum of their parts, allowing them as The Queendom to break out across the USA. They came here with Artemis Evans and, to be honest, I think this is the start of something big for them.
MW: And what about Death Squad?
SD: Quite frankly, they're not nice people. And I love it. Evan Rorsche and Aiden Balmer will do anything it takes to not just win their matches but to eviscerate their opponents. They may be unknown here in FPW, but anyone who fails to take them seriously will live to regret it… or not live at all.
MW: Of course we know all about the third team in this one. Vegas has them as very clear favourites in this tournament, but triple threat rules could be to their disadvantage of course.
SD: Look, The Guardians of Strong Style may be the most dominant team we've seen here in FPW, but they're not unbeatable. Bobby and Jack could have had them a couple of times had things fallen slightly differently. Tonight they're up against two intelligent teams who aren't afraid to be underhanded. If The Guardians aren't careful, they could easily have their first defeat in this match.
The lights in the arena go down, a klaxon rings out, and the lights flash red like warning sirens. They cease, and smoke pours out of the stage as Ava Knight walks forward and lifts a microphone to her face.
"Rejoice, and be happy! Opportunity knocked...and Death has answered."
The klaxon ceases ringing as "Let's Go" by Run The Jewels rings out, and two men in balaclavas with skull designs on them emerge from behind Knight. One stands at around six-foot-three and looks to weigh somewhere in the ballpark of two-hundred and fifty pounds, while the other stands just shy of six feet and likely weighs around two-hundred and fifteen pounds. Both men wear skull masks, military-style tactical harnesses, and wrestling gear that varies-the taller one wears a pair of trunks that go midway down his thigh, kneepads and boots, while the shorter one wears a pair of striking shorts, wrapped fists, kneepads and boots that bridge the kneepads. They both pull their masks and vests off, dropping them to reveal Aiden Balmer and Evan Rorsche- Death Squad! Both men rush to the ring as they look to Knight, and slide, raising their arms and taking in the boos of the fans. Balmer abuses them back while Rorsche merely growls at them.
A white queen appears on the screen and an anonymised female voice rings out the word ‘Checkmate’ before ‘Hammer to Fall’ plays. All three members of The Queendom walk out onto the stage, Artemis Evans hanging back, Women's Title around her waist, as Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez take the spotlight. They too are booed as they walk down the ramp, and they give plenty of abuse back to the fans. They look to get into the ring but Evan Rorsche charges them, causing them to drop down off the apron and settle on the outside.
The fans turn to the entranceway as calm music begins to play. Sato emerges through the curtain and bows to the crowd. He holds the bow until the introduction to the music ends, at which point he rises and Hiro Takahara and Masa Tchyukiro join him, Tag Team Championships around their waist. All three men bow to the crowd before walking down the ramp. Death Squad stand ready on the ring while The Queendom huddle on the outside. The Guardians of Strong Style climb the steps and don't hesitate to get into the ring. Immediately Rorsche and anal er square up to them and the four men jostle with each other. The Guardians of Strong Style offer Rorsche and Balmer the chance to strike them but the official manages to hold them back and force them into the corner.
Match 1: All Star Tag Team Classic Quarter-Final I: The Guardians of Strong Style v The Queendom v Death Squad:
The official finally clears the ring to leave just Takahara and Balmer, with Donovan and Lopez dropping from the apron as soon as the match begins. As the bell rings, Takahara comes forward and sticks his chin out, pointing to it, offering Balmer the chance to land the first blow. Balmer comes forward and places a hand on Takahara’s shoulder before uncorking a forearm. Takahara doesn't move, brushing it off before pulling back his arm for one in exchange. But Balmer doesn't stand in place, ducking the shot and pulling Takahara in for a half-nelson backbreaker over his knee. Balmer makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. Takahara kicks out and looks to get quickly to his feet, but Balmer cuts him off with quick fire knee strikes to his gut and one to the head that knocks Takahara down.
Balmer then connects with a senton to Takahara’s back before rolling him over and hitting a second senton. With Takahara not going anywhere, Balmer makes the tag to Rorsche, who enters the ring with a burst of energy. He connects with a hard kick to the chest as Takahara sits up followed by a superkick when he sits back up. Takahara tries to power through and stand up but he's taken down with another quick kick which is followed by a sliding knee strike. Rorsche makes the cover, 1-2-no. Takahara managers to kick out. The kick out is followed by a quick burst to make it to his feet as he and Rorsche go nose to nose. Takahara beckons Rorsche forward to strike him and Rorsche steps back, aiming a kick at Takahara, which Takahara shrugs off, walking forward and beckoning him to strike him again. Rorsche aims another but Takahara walks through it a second time, forcing Rorsche back towards the ropes. Suddenly, Myra Lopez leaps up onto the apron and tags Rorsche, slipping into the ring as the two men stand nose to nose and rolling up Takahara, 1-2-no! Takahara barely kicks out.
MW: I thought! I thought that was it there.
SD: Genius from Myra Lopez. The Queendom proving why they're my favourites to be the next Tag Team Champions.
Takahara makes it to his feet and Lopez backs away, tagging in Balmer before he can react. Takahara takes the chance to tag in Tchyukiro and the two men enter the ring. Tchyukiro again beckons Balmer forwards to strike him, but Balmer stays back, calling Tchyukiro towards him instead. Tchyukiro runs at him and Balmer quickly catches him, delivering a belly to belly to the outside. Tchyukiro lands hard and Rorsche enters the ring, running the ropes and diving to the outside, connecting with a suicide cutter to Tchyukiro! The fans gasp and a few cheers are quickly cut off as Rorsche aims a strike at a fan. He rolls Tchyukiro back into the ring and Balmer stalks him before connecting with the Tailspin. He makes the cover, 1-2-no. Tchyukiro manages to kick out.
Balmer then tags in Rorsche, who mounts Tchyukiro and lays into him with strikes. After the official’s count reaches four, Rorsche dismounts and threatens the official, who jumps backwards. Rorsche then stalks Tchyukiro before connecting with a bicycle knee and following it up with another cutter. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Takahara breaks up the pin attempt. This leads Balmer into the ring and he and Takahara exchange strikes, each man laying into the other with forearms which get faster and faster as the crowd explode into a frenzy. Takahara gets the better of the exchange and forces Balmer into the corner but Rorsche recovers, spinning Takahara round and aiming a bicycle knee at him, but Takahara catches it and sweeps out the other leg. He then backs into the corner and runs at Balmer, connecting with a running big boot in the corner. He then manages to climb to the top rope and come down with a cross body to a recovering Rorsche.
MW: Hiro Takahara bringing the Tag Team Champions right back into this one.
SD: Impressive chaining together of moves from Takahara. We don't often see that from wrestlers of this style.
MW: He's realising he needs something a little different against Death Squad.
SD: But don't forget The Queendom.
Donovan makes a blind tag on Tchyukiro as he recovers in the corner before Lopez enters the ring and throws Takahara out from behind. She stalks Rorsche and connects with a superkick before pulling him in for a powerbomb. She lifts him and gets him into position for the Firebomb, which connects. She makes a cover as Lopez holds back Aiden Balmer, 1-2-no! Balmer managed to force Lopez back onto Donovan and the pinfall was broken up. Donovan gets to her feet just as Tchyukiro gets to his. The two of them stare each other down for a moment before Donovan backs away. She climbs out of the ring along with Lopez as Tchyukiro turns to Balmer.
He runs at Balmer and takes him down with a huge lariat. He then pulls him up and drives him back into the corner, unloading with a series of hard chops that are only broken up once Evan Rorsche makes it to his feet and leaps onto Tchyukiro, who staggers, allowing Rorsche to connect with a Pele kick before rolling the under the ropes and hitting Tchyukiro with the Dead Stop. As he goes to make the cover, Donovan comes in again and rolls up Rorsche, 1-2-no! Rorsche barely kicks out. Lopez enters and she and Donovan stomp on Rorsche before turning to Balmer. They pull him in for a double suplex, which they hit, before Lopez lifts him onto her shoulders and connects with the GTS. They roll him out of the ring before turning to Rorsche. Lopez lifts him for another GTS, but he's pulled down from her shoulders by Hiro Takahara. He connects with a huge mid kick to take down Lopez and follows up with another for Donovan. He turns to Rorsche, who looks for a step-up enzeguiri but Takahara doesn't even flinch!
Rorsche lands and stares up at him, eyes wide, before Takahara unleashes a series of hard kicks to his chest and head. Rorsche collapses in a heap as Tchyukiro calls for Takahara to send Rorsche into their corner. Tchyukiro tags himself in for Rorsche and the two of them lay into him in the corner, Takahara with kicks and Tchyukiro with forearms. Rorsche collapses and The Guardians of Strong Style turn their attention to Balmer, who pulls himself up only for them to force him back into the corner and lay into him with kicks and forearms as well. The two Japanese warriors allow him to stagger into the middle of the ring before hitting the ropes and crushing his skull between a pair of running forearms.
MW: Was there a tag there?
SD: I think so. It looked like Evan Rorsche managed to get the blind tag on Masa Tchyukiro when he hit the ropes.
MW: So its Rorsche and Donovan as the legal participants in this match.
Donovan and Lopez, neither of whom saw the tag, enter the ring and they shove Takahara out through the ropes. They look to double team Tchyukiro but he fights them, flattening Lopez with a huge headbutt before whipping Donovan into the ropes and connecting with a powerslam. As he gets to his feet, Rorsche strikes him with a bicycle knee from behind which sends him through the ropes and onto Takahara. Rorsche then lifts Donovan and wastes no time in pulling her in for a The Cycle, which he hits, covering her, 1-2-3.
Winners: Death Squad
MW: Death Squad win! The Guardians of Strong Style have suffered their first defeat in Freedom Pro Wrestling and are eliminated from the All Star Tag Team Classic!
SD: What a performance. That match was at times brutal, at times a car crash, at times very tactical, but Death Squad survived it.
MW: Survived may be the word. They advance to the semi-finals and they'll face the winner of our quarter final coming up soon.
Death Squad have their arms raised in the middle of the ring by Ava Knight before she climbs out and grabs the FPW Tag Team Championships. She's about to take them into the ring but Sato stops her, pulling the belts away. Rorsche and Balmer quickly climb out of the ring and grab Sato but they back away once Tchyukiro and Takahara arrive on the scene. Knight motioned that they're coming for the belts as The Guardians of Strong Style stare them down.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Graham Baker.
DB: Graham, tonight you get the chance to face Marcus Allen Jones in the ring for the first time since Judgement Day. But can you really look forward to that with so much on the line?
GB: I can look forward to it a fucking lot. What's really on the line for me? If I lose, I face Marcus one on one. I want to face him one on one. On the other hand, if we beat him tonight, he never gets what he wants. This belt. I have nothing to lose in this match.
DB: Is it a little disconcerting that you don't yet know your opponent for your next title defense?
GB: I'm happy to take on anyone at any time. I don't need to prepare for six months before a match. Give me a few days and il be ready for anyone. Fuck, give me a few minutes and I'll make sure I'm ready. Marcus or not, this belt is on my shoulder for a reason and it'll be on my shoulder until someone proves they're better than me. I give my blood, my sweat, my tears and every ounce of energy I have to this company and this belt and nobody, especially Marcus Allen Jones, is taking it from me without killing me first.
DB: Ever since you've been champion you've liked to choose your own challengers. Do you have a challenger in mind if you win this match?
GB: I have a few in mind but here's what I want. If we win, anyone who survives with me gets a shot. If that means I defend against four other people, that's fine by me. If I defend against Mason or Jerry or Berry or Williams one-on-one, that's fine too. Houston wants Marcus to earn his shot and I respect that, but if anyone earns one in this match, I'll be making sure they get one.
MW: Well we already know our first semi-finalists, but who will Death Squad face on the night? We have The Baxter Brothers, an unknown quantity from a local school who are just getting started, facing Marcus and Tyler Morgan, an experienced championship-calibre team.
SD: Well this one is really hard to call.
MW: Do I sense some sarcasm there, Steven?
SD: Noooooo.
MW: Well we don't know much about either team. Marcus and Morgan certainly have the better track record but The Baxter Brothers are unknown to them. A surprise could certainly be on the cards.
SD: It could. But I have a feeling we're seeing the first appearance of a team that, if it wants to stay around here, will be a major force in the tag team division, and I don't mean those young twins.
MW: Well those young twins currently stand in the ring. Let's meet their opponents.
The lights dim and ‘Feed the Wolf’ begins to play. As the intro ends, Tyler Morgan and Marcus walk out side by side onto the ramp, ALPHA Tag Team Titles slung over their shoulders. They play to the crowd, who give them a positive, albeit not an over the top reaction. As they walk down the ramp, they slap hands with fans and give one another a nod before sliding into the ring. Once they make it into the ring they unstrap their belts and hold them aloft as they stand on the turnbuckles. When they jump down, they place the belts down in a corner and walk over to The Baxter Brothers, offering them their hands. The Baxter Brothers accept and the fans applaud the show of respect.
Match 2: All Star Tag Team Classic Quarter-Final II: The Baxter Brothers v Marcus n’ Morgan:
Marcus begins the match with Jordan Baxter. The two of them lock up and Marcus gains an early advantage, forcing Jordan back into the corner. He gives a clean break and beckons Jordan back to him. They lock up again and Marcus again forces Jordan back, this time into the ropes. He gives another clean break and backs away. Jordan rolls out of the ropes and then hits the opposite ropes, running at Marcus. He throws a shoulder block but Marcus stands strong and Jordan falls. Marcus then hits the ropes, jumping over Jordan’s attempt to trip him. Marcus comes back and Jordan leapfrogs him. Marcus comes back again and Jordan takes him down with an arm drag. Marcus gets up and comes in again but Jordan hits another arm drag and locks in an arm bar. Jordan uses his technique to drag Marcus into his corner and reaches up to tag in Billy.
Billy Baxter climbs up to the second rope and waits for Marcus to make it to his feet. He does so, shaking out his arm, and Billy leaps off for a cross-body. But Marcus catches him and connects with a swift power slam, leading to an impressed gasp from the fans. Marcus makes a cover, 1-2-no. Billy kicks out. Marcus looks down at him before gripping him around the waist and dragging him into the corner. He tags in Tyler Morgan, who enters the ring and connects with a pair of European uppercuts before hitting a swinging neckbreaker. He makes another cover, 1-2-no. Billy kicks out again.
MW: Marcus n’Morgan in control in the early stages.
SD: But Billy Baxter showing some resilience.
MW: He and his brother Jordan will be keen to put on a show tonight, even if they can't overcome the odds.
Tyler Morgan makes another tag to Marcus, who climbs to the top and hits a double axe handle on Billy Baxter. Marcus then picks him up and whips him into the ropes, connecting with a shotgun dropkicks which sends Billy back into the ropes. As Billy bounces back, Marcus rolls backwards and leaps up, connecting with a spinning wheel kick that the fans applaud enthusiastically. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Billy again manages to kick out. Marcus lifts Billy and pulls him into a bear hug as he backs into the corner and Morgan tags himself in. Morgan hits the ropes with Marcus still holding Billy up, and he connects with a diving clothesline. Morgan makes a cover, 1-2-no. Again Billy kicks out.
Morgan pulls Billy up into a suplex position and lifts him for a vertical suplex, but Billy drops down onto his feet behind Morgan. Morgan turns and Billy connects with a dropkick before scrambling over to the corner and tagging in Jordan. Jordan gets into the ring and takes down a running Morgan with a back elbow. He pumps up the crowd, some of whom come with him, as he pulls Morgan up. Jordan whips Morgan into the ropes and aims a dropkick at him, but Morgan catches the ropes and Jordan crashes and burns. Marcus tags himself in and Morgan charges at the opposite ropes, hitting a suicide dive to take Billy out on the outside. Marcus stalks Jordan before connecting with a superman punch which sends him staggering. Marcus then pulls him in and connects with a Marcus Bomb. He drops down to make the cover, 1-2-3.
Winners: Marcus n’Morgan.
MW: A very impressive win from the debuting Marcus n’Morgan.
SD: Impressive, but we didn't see much of what they can really do. Can they go all the way in this tournament?
MW: I really think that they can. They've tagged together for a long time. They're a true tag team. I think that semi final could be an incredible match.
SD: If they win this whole thing then they face The Guardians of Strong Style in what could be an incredible match.
Marcus and Tyler Morgan have their arms raised in the ring as the fans cheer them. Marcus holds up three fingers and Morgan calls out the ALPHA tag Team Titles, the ICW Tag Titles and the All Star Tag Team Classic. After the third finger goes down, they leave the ring and slap hands with fans on their way up the ramp.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jerry and Berry Bishop.
DB: Welcome to FPW’s newest tag team The Bishops.
JB: Its a long time since I've been called FPW’s newest anything.
BB: But isn't it exciting that we're finally teaming up? The ICW tournament and the All Star Tag Team Classic? We could be the next great team- The Bishop Foundation or The Bishop Bulldogs or The Bishop Boyz… well, maybe not that one.
DB: Do you think you can win the All Star Tag Team Classic?
JB: Maybe. It's the first time we're properly teaming together and we're facing some established teams so it won't be easy. But with Berry by my side, I feel a little revitalised and ready to be the Jerry I want to be-
DB: And the Jerry we all want you to be.
BB: Mmm-hmmm.
DB: How about tonight where…
Dasha trails off and both Bishops turn around, Jerry instinctively stepping forward ahead of Berry.
JB: What are you doing here?
The camera turns to reveal MDE, dressed in street clothes, walking up to Jerry, Berry and Dasha.
MDE: I made you an offer recently. I haven't heard from you.
JB: Why would I even respond to you?
MDE: Its interesting. You talked about being the Jerry you want to be and the Jerry everyone wants you to be. There's a lot of stories about crowd favourites who've been languishing in small-time matches getting their big break recently. But there aren't many of those stories which end with that person winning. I'm sure you'll get your chance. The current champion around here seems to respect you. The likely number one contender is a man you beat last year. Hey, all you apparently need to do tonight is not get pinned and you'll get a chance in a month’s time. But look at you. Do you really think you're in a position to take that chance? You have a lot of work to do. Maybe your little sister will pull you through a match or two of the Tag Classic, but when you make the mental mistake that I know you'll make, and you see the disappointment in her eyes, maybe then you'll think of accepting my offer. I guarantee you that if you do, you'll get to the top, just like they all want to see.
BB: Jerry doesn't need-
MDE: Just give it time. You'll get there sooner or later and I've got all the time in the world.
MDE turns and walks away, leaving Jerry looking pensive.
BB: You really don't need him.
DB: Definitely. I have a feeling you might even be the one to eliminate Marcus tonight.
Dasha reaches up and gives Jerry a peck on the cheek before walking away. He turns to watch her go before turning back to the direction MDE went in.
"This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will. Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain and a hundred percent reason to remember the name."
As Remember the Name begins to blare through the speakers, the crowd starts cheering loudly waiting for Bobby to emerge. After a few moments he does, and the crowd offer him a warm and supportive welcome.
SD: Oh joy, it's time for our "main event."
MW: Main event?
SD: Bobby's out here so of course he's going to make it about himself. As far as I'm concerned, he had it coming to him what Jack did. Might even say, he deserved it.
MW: And judging off this crowd reaction, you'd be the only one with that opinion. All week long, these fans have come out in support of Bobby, who, say what you will, is one of the most beloved superstars here.
SD: Sure, beloved. That's because these people can relate to him. He's a loser with failed potential just like them. In fact, the NFL Draft just took place. If we had a wrestling draft, Bobby would be a B-U-S-T with a capital B of course.
Forgoing his usual antics and playing to the crowd, Bobby makes his way down the ramp with a purpose, a blank stare almost, on his face. He grabs a mic and rolls into the ring. Before he can say anything, the crowd loudly chants "We love Bobby" which causes him to offer a small smile. He pauses.
BO: That means the world to me, it really does. When I first arrived here, let's just say my welcome wasn't quite that warm but you were right to boo me. Right to throw trash in the ring. I didn't exactly come here with a clean resume, but Jim gave me a chance anyway and I'd like to think I've made the most of it and earned your respect back and that of the guys in the back. Well, maybe not all of the guys in the back...I didn't get far on my apology tour before I found myself somewhere I never expected I'd be. Teaming with the one person who I'd gone to war with time and again. The one person I'd owed the biggest apology to. They say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend and while I wouldn't have called Jack and I friends at first, we had a common goal. And the next thing we knew that common goal turned into a shared bond. Turned into us riding together, rooming together, shooting the breeze, actually becoming friends...or so I thought...
Bobby shakes his head.
BO: Right. So, enough from me. Let's get to the real reason I asked for some time tonight. Jack, I've got questions and you've got answers so how about you get out here so we can sort this thing out? You said what you had to say might surprise me so let's have it.
After a few moments, Shattered Skies hits and the crowd begin to boo Jack Sevren's anticipated arrival. But he never comes through the curtain. The song reaches its end and still no Jack, until finally.
JS: Hey Bob-O, over here!
Bobby looks around the arena but doesn't see anything.
JS: Up here buddy.
Finally, Bobby looks up and Jack grins at him, waving from the overhead screen. Bobby looks annoyed.
BO: Can't face what you did like a man?
Jack shrugs.
JS: Look, I know you've got these fools buying into this reformed act but we both know better. That rage monster could come out at any moment especially if you're not taking your medicine. So, as much as I'd love to grace the fans with my presence, consider this my way of protecting myself in the event that you don't like or can't handle what I have to say.
Bobby just shakes his head.
BO: Fine, have it your way. Let's not waste time and just get to the point. We had a good thing going. Was it jealousy? Was it boredom? Was it not wanting to get your ass kicked by the Guardians? What was it man? If it's about the RKO, like I said, I'm sorry, it was an accident.
JS: Oh Bobby, sweet, simple, naive Bobby. Truth be told, I forgave you for that little mistake, even after what it cost us. And truth be told, you weren't wrong to say what started as a team of convenience turned into friendship. Believe it or not, I actually did like teaming with you.
BO: Then why did you do it? Why did you decide to cost me everything?
A dark smirk crosses Jack's face.
JS: Because that's exactly what you did to me when you invaded BOLA and took my moment.
Jack pauses for a second and just starts to laugh.
JS: Nah man, I'm over that. This wasn't some longterm plan of mine. It just kinda happened. I decided the whole tag team thing was getting pretty old and there I was, taking the backseat as you got all the singles opportunities. And all the while, I was the one carrying the team. So, it dawned on me. Why not just dissolve our little partnership and go back to where I tried to be when I first came here, on the road to a world championship.
BO: You could have just told me you wanted out. I wouldn't have stopped you.
JS: I know...Okay, so maybe costing you that chest was a little BOLA revenge. But ultimately, you didn't deserve it and had I been in the match, you wouldn't have won it. So really, I was just righting history, bringing balance to the force as it were. Starting us both on a clean slate. See Bobby, you and I, we're not all that different. We want the same things, have the same goals and us being a team, it wasn't helping either of us advance towards those goals. See, before I went to NXT, I'll always remember what Cee-Cee told me...
Jack pauses as he sees Bobby's demeanor change. Another smirk graces his face.
JS: Oh, I guess I never told you. You never did like to talk about your ex. See, Cee-Cee and I, let's just say we connected after she ended things with William. Funny enough, it was because she wanted advice about you because you were well, beating people with led pipes and not taking her calls. To think, the love of your life went to your sworn enemy for advice. Irony knows no bounds. Anyway, it's like I said Bobby. You and I have more in common then you might think. You want to be world champion, me too. You want to be a star, me too. You want to get back with CJ...
Jack pauses as he pulls out a piece of paper that he puts in front of the camera. It simply reads, "#MeToo."
The crowd go from booing into a stunned silence as cameras zoom in on Bobby's face. He puts his head down but when he raises it back up, pure anger graces his features and his fists, now balled, are shaking.
JS: Well, seems like that's all the time we have for this portion of the program. I'll be seeing you real soon, Baby O.
Just like that, the camera feed cuts out and the screen goes black.
MW: Looks like Jack Sevren is back to his slimy, disgusting ways. But even for him, this was a new, despicable low.
SD: Looks like he's not the only one back to old ways...
Cameras pan back to the ramp, where Bobby is running through the curtain looking for Jack. He grabs a PA by the shirt collar demanding to know where Jack is. The kid doesn't know and realizing what he did, Bobby letang him down gently. The kid scurries away and in frustration, Bobby slams his fist against an audio cart before tossing the cart on its side as people scurry down the hallway.
MW: We'll uh, we'll keep everyone posted on any developments. In the mean time, let's get to the ring.
Jim Houston stands in the ring.
“After two excellent quarter-final contests in the second All Star Tag Team Classic, we come to our main event. I'm here to make absolutely clear the full rules for this match. The two teams competing in this match are the team of Marcus Allen Jones, Haych, Dario, Sarah Daniels and George Jackson, collectively known as TakeOver, and Graham Baker, Jerry Bishop, Berry Bishop, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. Nobody other than these ten men has permission to involve themselves physically in this match, and, if they do, they will be fired from Freedom Pro Wrestling on the spot.
“If Graham Baker’s team wins, or loses but manages to eliminate Marcus Allen Jones along the way, Marcus Allen Jones will forfeit the right to ever receive an opportunity at the FPW Championship again. If TakeOver win and Marcus Allen Jones is not eliminated, then Marcus will earn a one on one FPW Championship match in the main event of All Star Tag Team Classic II. With that being said, I will now hand over to Ms Dasha Banks. Enjoy the match.”
Houston leaves the ring as Dasha Banks begins to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an elimination match.”
‘The Comedian’s Gallop’ begins to play and Jerry Bishop emerges at the top of the ramp, bowing deeply to the fans. He begins dance conducting his way down to the ring and is followed by Berry Bishop, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams, who each salute the fans and slap hands on their way to the ring.
MW: A Show of faith in Jerry Bishop as his sister, Aaron Williams and our longest reigning Freedom Champion Jace Mason follow him down to the ring.
SD: I bet they drew lots. No one wants to come out to this, surely?
MW: Like it or not, Steven, Jerry Bishop is a leader in that locker room. People like him. People respect him. He's in a funk right now, but his team mates are showing faith that he'll break out of it.
SD: His teammates… but not Graham Baker.
MW: Baker’s showing respect. He could have led them out with his own music but he let Jerry take the spotlight.
SD: But Baker is coming down separately. Letting Jerry have the spotlight or throwing him crumbs and taking it for himself?
With his team mates in the ring, Baker’s ‘DNA’ begins to play and he emerges onto the stage too. He stands with his jacket held open to reveal the FPW Championship but is suddenly jumped from behind as Marcus strikes him with a vicious chair shot. The Bishops, Mason and Williams charge out of the ring and up the ramp and The Invaders and Hunter Killer engage them, holding them back as Marcus unstraps the belt from Baker’s waist. He lays it onto the ramp and pulls Baker up, hitting him with a DDT onto the belt. Berry breaks through Sarah Daniels, but Marcus swings the chair at her and causes her to pull back, allowing Daniels to grab her and drive her into the barricade. Marcus then lifts the chair high above his head and, with the fans booing him loudly, swings it down to crush Baker’s head between the FPW Championship and the steel of the chair. Baker lays motionlessly as Marcus places a foot on his back and raises the chair. He then pulls the CZW Wired Championship from his waist and drapes it mockingly across Baker’s back.
Meanwhile, Haych throws Aaron Williams back first into the guardrail. As Williams bounces back, Haych pops him up and connects with a pop-up guardrail-bomb, leaving Williams in a heap as Haych supports Dario to double team Jerry. George Jackson lays into Jace Mason with hard knees against the edge of the ring and leaves him too crumpled in a heap after a hard head kick. Sarah Daniels struggles to contain Berry, who fights her off with forearms and, after creating some space, a hard mid-kick. Berry goes to pull Daniels to her feet only for Marcus to drive the point of the chair into her gut and then crack it over her back. She arches her back as Marcus drops the chair and DDTs her onto it, just like he did to Baker on the belt. Marcus then stomps on Jerry a few times before surveying the scene and calling the rest of TakeOver into the ring.
MW: What a despicable attack by TakeOver!
SD: A genius attack indeed. Baker is out cold. The rest of the team are severely weakened. Did you think my best friend was going to leave the biggest match on the year so far down to chance?
MW: How about earning a title match fairly? How about honour? How about pride? How about-
SD: All of that doesn't matter. Marcus is the rightful champion. He can't let things take that away from him. What if he does it your way and gets blindsided by an opportunistic Jace Mason or Berry Bishop who want to make a name for themselves? Marcus is making sure he gets what he deserves-
MW: I'm sure he'll get what he deserves very soon, Steven. Graham Baker will make sure of that.
The fans rain down boos on TakeOver as they stand in the ring. Marcus lays across the top rope as he tells the official to start the match. The outside refuses, leaving the ring to check on the Bishops, Mason and Williams. Berry is motionless. Jerry begins to pull himself up. Williams lies holding the small of his back. Mason kneels and stares into the ring, his face a picture of hatred. In the ring, Marcus sighs and points at Mason. Haych, Dario, Daniels and Jackson climb out of the ring and grab Mason, who fights them off for a time but can't resist all four of them for long. They throw him into the guardrail and they drive him head first into the ring post before rolling him into the ring. Marcus stays on the rope as Mason tries to pull himself up. The official asks him whether he can start the match and Mason forcefully says that he can. Reluctantly, the official calls for the bell.
Match 3: Elimination Match: Graham Baker, Jace Mason, Aaron Williams, Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop v TakeOver (Marcus Allen Jones, Haych, Dario, Sarah Daniels and George Jackson):
Marcus yawns and climbs down as Mason makes it to his feet. Mason charges at him but Marcus catches him with a step-up enzeguiri. Mason drops to the mat and can't make it back up very quickly. Marcus looks down at him and leans on the ropes, soaking in the boos. Outside the ring, Jerry Bishop makes it to his feet but Williams and Berry remain down. Jerry tries to charge into the ring but Haych and Jackson catch him and throw him into the barricade again. Once Mason is up, Marcus ducks at attempt at a running clothesline. Mason turns and Marcus connects with a dropkick which takes Mason down again. Marcus lies on his front and kicks up his heels for a moment, yawning once again.
MW: The disrespect of this man is just… I don't want to get in trouble.
SD: He knows this is in his hands. All of his opponents are hurt. Three of them may be unable to compete at all. He's toying with Mason.
MW: Could this have anything to do with the fact that Marcus couldn't beat Jace Mason at Resurrection?
SD: He didn't need to beat him. Marcus made his point and he got what he wanted. Tonight he signs it off properly, but why not have some fun first?
Mason pulls himself up on the ropes again and Marcus follows. He closes in and grabs Mason by the waist, trapping the wrist. He spins him out and- Mason connects with a huge right hand to stagger Marcus. Mason then dives at Marcus, laying into him with right hands as the official begins his count. Mason pulls himself away and the fans cheer as he psychs them up. He turns back to Marcus who rolls towards his corner and tags in George Jackson. Jackson comes into the ring but Mason meets him with a spin kick to the gut before kicking out his leg and then connecting with a running dropkick. Mason makes a cover, 1-2-no. Jackson kicks out.
Mason then makes a sudden dive at the TakeOver corner, taking Daniels and Dario off the apron. Haych climbs into the ring and blocks a right hand for Mason, connecting with a huge clothesline to take Mason down. Haych turns and is taken out by a springboard forearm from Jerry Bishop! The fans cheer loudly as Jerry pops up and he and Mason high five one another. Mason calls for Jerry to lift Jackson. Jerry performs a parallel snapmare and he and Mason each connect with simultaneous penalty kicks to complete a double-team Touchstone Takedown. Mason makes a cover, 1-2-no! Jackson just kicks out.
Dario and Daniels then try to slide into the ring but they're held back by a recovered Aaron Williams and Berry Bishop, who pull them from the ring. Berry whips Dario into the guardrail and Williams drives Daniels into the opposite guardrail. Williams then runs at Dario and hits a huge splash. He turns and does the same to Daniels, connecting with several splashes to each before both of them stagger away from the barricades. Berry stalks them and leaps onto the top of the barricade, jumping off and connecting with a double disaster kick to take both of them down. Berry and Williams then climb onto the apron as the fans cheer loudly.
MW: Now we're talking! TakeOver are being taken out by this team.
SD: But it's not in their favour yet. Baker is still out of this match. It's five on four.
MW: Maybe so, but not for long!
Mason tags in Berry, who stalks Jackson as he struggles to his feet. He turns straight into Checkmate. Berry makes the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: George Jackson.
The fans cheer loudly as the referee counts the three. Berry stands to celebrate but she's quickly rolled up from behind by Marcus, 1-2-no! Berry barely pushes him away to break the pin attempt. She scrambles to her feet and Marcus finds himself with Berry ahead of him and the rest of the team at his back. He looks around with a worried expression and Berry advances, smiling from ear to ear. Marcus backs up a few steps but quickly rushes forward as Haych grabs Berry from behind and lifts her up into a gorilla press position. He slams her down and Marcus makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. The cover is broken up by Aaron Williams. Marcus scrambles to his feet and he and Williams lock eyes for a few moments before Haych takes Williams out with a big boot. Haych then takes Jerry down from the apron before turning back to Berry.
Marcus calls Haych back to the corner and tags him in, taking a break on the apron as Haych stalks Berry. He pulls her up and throws her into the corner, backing up before running at her and connecting with a huge stinger splash. Berry staggers away and Haych grabs her by the hair. The fans boo as he pulls her in and connects with an exploder suplex. He makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. Berry manages to kick out. Haych maintains a grasp on her, pulling her to her feet and lifting her for another gorilla press slam. But this time Berry manages to free herself, dropping to her feet and connecting with a spinning kick to the gut. She then dives into the corner and tags in Jace Mason, who climbs to the top rope. As Haych turns, Mason leaps and connects with an STO. Mason immediately locks in the Last Chancery as Aaron Williams rushes in top stop Marcus from breaking it up. After a few moments of resistance, Haych taps out.
Eliminated: Haych.
MW: How are you feeling now, Steven?
SD: It's ok… Marcus is still there. As long as he's there, we'll be ok.
MW: But from four on five it's now four on three and the numbers game for once doesn't favour TakeOver. This can't have been in Marcus’ plan.
SD: No, it wasn't… but…
Mason points at Marcus and calls for him to step into the ring. Marcus stands on the outside and look up at the Freedom Champion. All of a sudden, Dario and Sarah Daniels take Jerry and Berry off the apron and Marcus grabs Aaron Williams and throws him into the ringpost. Marcus then jumps onto the apron and grabs the official as Dario, Freedom Championship in hand, slides into the ring and strikes Mason in the back of the head with the belt. Marcus quickly releases the official and enters the ring, pulling Mason up and trapping his wrist, spinning him out to connect with the Six Stars. He makes the cover, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Jace Mason.
SD: Couldn't beat Jace Mason, huh? That's what you said, right, Watson?
MW: Mason was hit in the head with a title belt when the official was distracted! That's hardly showing that Marcus can beat him, is it?
SD: Marcus pinned Jace Mason. That's all that matters.
MW: But it doesn't-
SD: That's all that matters!
Marcus and Dario stand together in the ring and Daniels joins them as Jerry, Berry and Williams gather on the outside. With a small nod, the three of them slide into the ring and begin to exchange strikes with TakeOver. Marcus and Jerry lay into one another, as do Dario and Williams. Berry gets the upper hand on Sarah Daniels and whips her into a corner. She runs at her and connects with a knee strike before grabbing a headlock and taking her down with a running bulldog. Meanwhile, Aaron Williams sends Dario out of the ring and Marcus gets the better of Jerry thanks to a thumb to the eye. Marcus turns and sees Berry and Williams advancing on him, escaping the ring before they have the chance to lay a hand on him. Marcus and Dario regroup on the outside and Williams and Berry look at one another and shrug. Williams sets hi self up by the ropes while Berry runs at him. Williams then connects with a back body drop to send Berry out of the ring and onto Marcus and Dario.
Williams then turns to Jerry and they pull Daniels up to her feet. Williams whips her into the corner and follows up with a big splash. Jerry then connects with a running dropkick which sends Daniels to a seated position. Williams quickly follows up with a cannonball and Daniels rolls away. She staggers to her feet as Jerry sits on the top turnbuckle. He jumps down and connects with a blockbuster. However, as Williams is about to make the cover, Marcus slides into the ring and connects with a DDT. Jerry climbs to his feet and kicks Marcus in the gut. He traps his arms and lets out a big booming laugh as the fans get to their feet in anticipation. Jerry connects with the Last Laugh and makes the cover, the fans counting along with the official, 1-2-no! Jerry is pulled off Marcus by Dario.
MW: I thought! I thought Marcus was done there!
SD: *choking noises*
MW: And so did my broadcast partner it would appear.
Dario aims a kick at Jerry but Jerry ducks it and connects with a parallel snapmare. He hits the ropes to complete the Touchstone Takedown and strikes Dario perfectly. Jerry turns and pumps up the crowd, who stand and cheer louder than they have at any other point in the match. Jerry points to the corner at Berry and the fans cheer once again. He tags her in and the two of them watch Sarah Daniels make her way to her feet. The Bishops connect with a double parallel snapmare and complete a double-team Touchstone Takedown before Marcus shoves Berry at the official. He catches her and is distracted for a moment and Marcus hits Jerry with a low blow. The fans boo as Marcus springs up to his feet and catches Berry in a waistlock, trapping her wrist. He spins her out and completes Six Stars again. He makes the cover and Dario blocks Aaron Williams, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Berry Bishop.
Williams overcomes Dario and quickly yanks Marcus up to his feet. He kicks him in the gut and pulls him into position for the A Triple Plus. Marcus, however, manages to escape and he drives an elbow into Williams’ gut before connecting with a Canadian destroyer. Marcus then rolls out of the ring and climbs to the top rope. He wastes no time in coming down with the Mark-Out Moment and making a cover, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Aaron Williams.
Marcus calls Daniels and Dario to his side and they stand together, looking at Jerry, who is pulling himself to his feet.
SD: Now who's laughing, Watson?
MW: Not Jerry Bishop, that's for sure. Two quick eliminations and this one is back in TakeOver’s hands.
SD: And it's just the man on the biggest losing streak in FPW to eliminate and TakeOver will-
MW: Oh but it's not just Jerry to beat! Here comes Graham Baker!
The fans cheer as Graham Baker staggers down the ramp, eyes fixated on Marcus Allen Jones. He drags himself into the ring and stands alongside Jerry Bishop, staring down TakeOver. As quick as a flash, the two men explode at Marcus, Daniels and Dario. Jerry takes Dario down as Baker connects with hard strikes to Daniels and Marcus in turn. Jerry throws Dario from the ring and follows as Baker does the same to Marcus, leaving Baker and Daniels in the ring. Daniels swings a clothesline at Baker and he ducks, lifting her onto his shoulders and connecting with a Mustang Driver. He makes a cover, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Sarah Daniels.
Baker then calls Jerry to send Dario into the ring. Dario is rolled in and Baker wastes no time in dropping down and locking in the Emergency Landing. Dario resists for the briefest of moments before succumbing and tapping out.
Eliminated: Dario.
MW: And we're down to one.
SD: It's still Marcus! It's still Marcus! He's still in the match.
MW: But he's up against two men who hold victories over him in their most recent matches. Marcus’ hopes of becoming FPW Champion are fading fast.
Jerry stands on the apron and calls Baker over to him, asking for the tag. Baker looks at him for a moment before nodding and making the tag. Jerry climbs into the ring as the fans chant his name and Baker goes over to where Marcus was lying on the outside. But Marcus is nowhere to be seen. Baker looks for a few moments but he's knocked out of the ring as Marcus, who had emerged from under the opposite side of the ring, throws Jerry into Baker. Marcus then rolls Jerry up as he bounces back at him, 1-2-3.
Eliminated: Jerry Bishop.
SD: And here we go!
MW: It was always coming down to this! Marcus Allen Jones and Graham Baker. Possibly the greatest rivalry in the history of Freedom Pro Wrestling. Either Marcus gets a final shot at the title or Marcus will never get another shot.
SD: Marcus will eliminate Baker and then take what's rightfully his.
Marcus stares down at Baker, who pulls himself up on the outside and returns his stare. The fans bristle with anticipation as the stare down continues. Baker raises a hand to his forehead and winces in pain. He then touches the back of his head and winces again. Baker then glances to his right and slowly turns his head, his eyes locking onto the CZW Wired Championship. He looks from the title, back to Marcus, and then nods. Marcus watches in confusion as Baker moves around the outside and picks up the Wired belt. Baker strides to the ring and climbs in, Marcus not daring to charge him.
Baker then looks at Marcus with hatred in his eyes as his chest moves up and down powerfully. He points at Marcus and tells him: “Let's end this the only way we ever should.” Marcus looks confused before his face turns stunned as Baker comes forward and strikes him with the Wired Championship. The fans are suddenly silenced as the official looks at Marcus and then at Baker before reluctantly calling for the bell.
Eliminated via Disqualification: Graham Baker
Winners: TakeOver.
Baker drops the belt on Marcus and stares down at him. The fans slowly.realise what has happened and a buzz fills the arena.
MW: Baker… he got himself disqualified… that means…
SD: Marcus gets his chance! Marcus gets his chance!
MW: When those two locked eyes, Baker remembered everything. All of the beatings. All of the disrespect to the titles, the promotions, the friends that Baker loves and respects so much. And he realised… he realised he wanted to face Marcus. He wanted to do it one more time and put it to an end. And now these two- wait!
The rest of TakeOver suddenly storm the ring and lay into Baker. Just as quickly, the Bishops, Mason and Williams follow and a brawl ensues. The ten men spill onto the outside and up the ramp before Jim Houston comes onto the ramp with a team of security. The security manages to prise apart TakeOver and their opponents and Houston comes down to the ring and takes the microphone.
“Baker… you don't know what you've just done. You want this to come to an end? Well it will. All of this brawling, cheating and interference is going end. In the main event of All Star Tag Team Classic II, it will be Graham Baker defending the FPW Championship against Marcus Allen Jones in a match with no rules, a match where there will be no interference. I've been in touch with some old friends and they've done me a favour. They've lent me something. At All Star Tag Team Classic II, it will be Graham Baker versus Marcus Allen Jones… in a Hell in a Cell match!”
The fans gasp as Baker and Marcus lock eyes from opposite sides of the ring behind the security. Baker holds up the FPW Championship and points a finger gun at Marcus, who smiles and licks his lips, breathing heavily.
