Free-1 Promo Thread

[marileeg17]

Following Jerry's latest victory, once again, Bobby and MDE follow him back to the locker room. Bobby is pumped up while MDE retains his measured composure. Jerry meanwhile, seems to be a mixture of the two as he's slumped in exhaustion on the floor leaning his head against the wall. Bobby glances over at him and sighs heavily as he can tell the toll all of this is taking on his friend. MDE doesn't seem to notice or care.

MDE: I told you. I told you if you listened to me, this would be the outcome. But the road isn't about to get any easier and you and I still have a long way to go before I feel confident you'll be in a place to win this thing. We'll pick up again, first thing tomorrow, in the gym.

Bobby frowns as he looks back at Jerry.

BO: First thing tomorrow? He's got like, a week until his next match. Don't you think he's earned at least a day off to relax and recoup? I mean look at him. He's spent. A little time off will do him good if he wants to have enough left in the tank for the rest of this thing.

MDE chuckles dryly.

MDE: Oh, I'm sorry, do go on. After all, who better to listen to for advice than someone who has no idea what it takes to win a tournament of this caliber. And besides, what exactly do you know about "earning" Orton? You've spent your career with a silver spoon in your mouth, whether it was your father, your brother, or your mentor, William Graves...

MDE pauses, seeming to get a sick sense of satisfaction with how that name still affects Bobby.

MDE: So, the next time you earn your way into a tournament like this, then you can have an opinion. Until then, shut your mouth.

Bobby seethes as he looks at MDE and the cameras catch Jerry in the background looking conflicted but not saying a word. All of a sudden, Bobby's facial expression changes as he puts his hands up as MDE's phone starts to ring. Bobby smiles.

BO: You're right. I'll keep my opinions to myself.

MDE seems content with Bobby's response. Although a little suspicious, he turns to his phone.

MDE: Yes, this is he...I don't see why...No, of course...Yes, tell her I'll be there shortly...Goodbye.

MDE: Apparently Dasha Banks needs to interview me on Jim Houston's request.

Jerry perks up at hearing Dasha's name.

JB: Do I need to go?

MDE: While it makes more sense for you to be there, I was instructed to come alone.

BO: You better go then. Don't want to keep the boss waiting.

MDE eyes Bobby before turning back to Jerry.

MDE: I'll be back so you and I can further discuss our strategy.

MDE leaves with one last glance at Bobby who offers him a half-hearted wave goodbye. As soon as MDE is out the door, Bobby picks up his own phone.

BO: Yeah, he's gone...Tell her it worked and thanks...Excellent, see you in a few...

JB: Bobby, I--

BO: Trust me, you need this.

Bobby goes to the door, out of sight of Jerry, where he is greeted by Ted who is holding two milkshakes in his hands.

BO: Thanks man, I owe ya.

Ted shrugs him off.

TC: You know Dasha and I would do anything for the Jester. Speaking of, I should get back there. If the bastard sees her and no camera guy, he's gonna be on to what's going on. Catch ya later Bobby and good luck.

BO: Thanks Ted, appreciate it.

Ted leaves as Bobby locks the door behind him, turning to see Jerry standing just a few feet away from him.

JB: Bobby, what's going on?

Bobby smiles as he reveals the milkshakes, placing one in Jerry's hand and keeping the other. He raises his towards Jerry.

BO: A toast. Because after these last few weeks, you deserve one. So yeah, we're gonna celebrate. And I don't care how MDE feels about it.

Jerry looks apprehensively at the beverage at first before taking a sip, remembering how good it tastes. It only takes a few seconds for him to down the whole thing as Bobby just continues to sip his, a huge smile on his face.

JB: Man, that feels good. ...probably won’t feel good later, but worth it. Look, Bobby, what’s this all about, man?

BO: I needed a chance to get you one-on-one. For starters, to celebrate. But also...

Bobby pauses briefly as he recalls what Botiatus said to him earlier, something that only furthered his desire to want to have this conversation.

BO: Look, I'm thrilled you're winning. Don't get me wrong. But what I've seen out there, it's not you. Ignoring the fans, the little kids. You hear them out there though don't you? They are cheering for you 110 percent. They're booing him and booing what he's turning you into. A few months ago you promised me you wouldn't let my dark impulses take over but now I feel like he's bringing out yours. The Joker? That's not you Jer. It can't be.

JB: I know what you’re thinking, “Joker” like the Clown Prince of Crime, right? I’m a comic book nerd, it makes sense. But trust me, Bobby. That’s not what I’m thinking out there. I used to go out there and wing it with Che and Matty, it was a circus without a ringmaster. And after a while, that stopped working. I couldn’t wing it anymore. So while I’m not happy or proud of myself for accepting his offer, MDE has helped me become my own ringmaster. I’m still the same clown, buddy. I’ve just got more focus now. I’m a better Wild Card now because I know what I’m doing better, I know my opponents better. And the Joker’s the one thing you can never plan for.

Bobby takes in what Jerry says but still seems unconvinced.

BO: I suppose that makes sense but the Friendmigos were never a circus. And they weren't without a ringmaster. You used to be so proud of that stage of your career...Look, we've all had ebbs and flows and maybe when this is all said and done, you'll be able to take MDE's lessons but hopefully not him. I still don't trust him Jer. And the more I see him out there, skirting the rules, it just makes me trust him less. I know it's not my place to say, but him cheating to help you win when you don't need it, that just doesn't seem like something that aligns with everything you stand for, everything that mask...stands for.

Bishop blinks. His eyes drop from Bobby’s and he stares into the distance.

JB: ...you’ve got a point there.

Bishop absently raises his hand to his face and feels the mask around his eyes. He raises his other hand to his face and slumps backwards against the wall.

JB: Bobby, what the HELL IS HAPPENING TO ME.

Bobby puts his hand on Jerry's shoulder right as he hears banging on the door.

MDE: Open the damn door Bobby. Fun's over.

Bobby collects the milkshake containers and tosses them in his bag before turning back to Jerry and pointing at the door.

BO: Him. He's what is happening to you. But I know the old Jerry is still in there and is ready to take the Free-1 by storm. You just have to make a choice. No one is denying MDE has a lot to teach anyone when it comes to technical wrestling. Take that in. But don't let him change the rest. The best of you. It's not too late Jer. That oath, it lives inside you. Ya just gotta tap into it again. I promise you you'll be much happier for it.

MDE continues to bang loudly on the door demanding to be let in. Finally, Bobby obliges but not before one last word to Jerry.

BO: You don't have to let him destroy you. I won't let him.

Jerry simply nods.

MDE and Bobby stand face to face.

BO: Oh, was the door locked? Huh. How bout that.

MDE growls at Bobby before pushing past him. Bobby grins confidently.

BO: You're not going to win.

MDE turns around.

MDE: I already have.

With that, MDE slams the door in Bobby's face. From the outside, Bobby can hear MDE yelling. He sighs heavily but feels like he's done all he can and that at this point, it's up to Jerry.

[The_Aviator_GB]

Following his match against Go Shihei, Graham Baker stumbles to the backstage area with Liz Karlson helping him up. Karlson holds both of Baker's belts in addition to both of her own, and the two stumble to a chair at the press conference area backstage. Karlson helps Baker to a chair, and the two share a glance as she places both of Baker's World Heavyweight Titles down on the table. She chuckles and shakes her head. 

"Two belts, still eating the same amount of punishment. When are you gonna learn?" 

Baker shakes his head, and for a moment, a brief bit of levity breaks through. "Same time you learn not to try and catch up to me so fast, champ-champ." 

The two laugh for a moment, but Baker's brief respite from his intense focus seems to fade as soon as it came, granting a look of worry from Karlson as Baker stares into the camera. He grabs the ALPHA World Heavyweight Championship and slaps it on his right shoulder, before slapping the ICW World Heavyweight Championship on his other. He points to himself and begins speaking. 

"You see these? These belts, these championships, they mark a true competitor in this sport. I challenged for the ICW World Heavyweight Championship in Zakk Night's fifth defense, and, where everyone else failed, I succeeded. I put Zakk Night down, I ended his career and, despite the respect I have for the man...I put him down because he wasn't good enough to hang with me. The same can be said for Aaron Arkham, who made the mistake of challenging me for his first defense, who made the mistake of agreeing to a deathmatch, who made the mistake of giving me an environment to succeed in...and who paid the price when I drove him through glass and claimed his championship as my own. 

Let's run down this Free-1 so far," Baker muses, counting on his fingers, "Botiatus, who challenged me after I'd taken the beating of a lifetime from Davey Jones, a man who's placed himself as my foil in Freedom Pro. Botiatus, a man who got lucky, who landed an elbow when he realized I wouldn't simply tap out, and who took what he could get-a scavenger, but victorious nonetheless. Next up, Artemis Evans-good hand, but she tried to get too cheeky, and she paid the price. Done as soon as she'd started, bip, bap, bam." Baker draws a line across his throat. "And finally...Go Shihei. The Japanese Monolith, a beast of flesh and muscle, a hard hitter, and, most importantly, the newest business associate of my old friend Kate Mustang." At this, Karlson looks offended-and slightly protective-of her trainer as she puts a hand on Baker's shoulder. "Mustang offered me an opportunity to have Shihei lay down for me and try to win me this tournament, but I didn't take it. I'm determined to repeat my run, to win this tournament a second time, to claim another shot at the Freedom Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship and win it back, take Jones to his fucking limit, and become a triple fucking champion. Clutch, Jerry...You're both old news, you're both bait, and you're both fucked. I'll see you when I see you." 

Baker stands up, grabbing his belts and limping off, leaving the table to Karlson for a moment before she shrugs and grabs her belts, walking off after Baker. 

[The_Aviator_GB]

Following her match with James Saturn, Elizabeth Karlson's helped to the back by Graham Baker, looking to return the favor that she paid to him. Baker carries both of her belts and his own, laying them down on the table. Both of them exchange a glance, and Baker makes a motion that he has to leave, causing Karlson to give him a nod as Baker walks off before the media can question him any further. Karlson cracks her neck and lays her head down on the table. 

"Three matches...two victories. Berry, you were a tough opponent, and I respect you, but you just weren't tough enough to put the Renegade down. Marcus...we'll get to you in a second. Saturn, you beat me months ago, now I beat you, in my mind that leaves us tied one and one. You want to finish this story? Come find me after this tournament and I promise you, we'll have an ending to things, and I'll tap you out one more fucking time. This leaves me on top of the A-Block, minutes ahead of my good friend Aaron Williams and heading into the next fight of a lifetime against the so-called Eternal Student and former Freedom Champion Jace Mason." 

Karlson scratches her neck and breathes out, laying her head down for a moment before she lifts it back up. 

"Mason, you and I have faced before, I beat you clean, and you beat me with inadvertent assistance from The Queendom. Rest assured, I'm going to come out on top this time around, regardless of if Artemis Evans, her flunkies, or God Himself comes down to break the ring in two while we're competing. Once I've beaten you, I'm laying claim to the Freedom Championship, having beaten both its champions since its inception, and I'm taking my shot at Berry. Infact, while I'm thinking of it..." Karlson chuckles. 

"Berry, assuming neither of us make it to the finals, I want a shot at your title come the Free-1 final. Title versus title, Women's Champion vs. Freedom Champion, let's leave this shit in the ring and see who stands out. Blow for blow, I've seen all you've got and now I want to see it again when you've got the goddamn title you love on the line. You want to be the best champion? Prove it, and beat me." 

Karlson cracks her neck and goes to stand up, grabbing her belts before she stops.

"Oh, and Marcus? I don't know if I buy this whole new leaf you've turned over...but if you want to give it a shot, you know where to find me. Let's chat." 

[kingclutch]

Clutch is in his locker room. The camera comes up fairly close on him.

CM: Graham Baker....the man who just doesn't know when or how to shut his damn mouth. Something that I hope is crystal fucking clear after Danica's match with Artemis: I'm a man with nothing to lose in this tournament. That makes me the most dangerous man in the block. When you back a beast against the wall, it lashes out and Graham my friend are putting me to the wall. And you know where that's gonna get ya? Flat on your back with a suddenly sore jaw and maybe some missing teeth. Make no mistake Baker, I will do to you what I did to Artemis and then some. So Graham...shut your mouth...or I'll do it for you.

[marileeg17]

Still able to hear the boos and chants of "this is bullshit," Marcus embarrassingly makes his way to the back where Ted and Dasha stand waiting to do the interview. Marcus once again tries to beckon Dasha off but this time it doesn't work. Her and Ted immediately come up to him as Marcus just has a blank look on his face.

DB: That was some win out there Marcus...

MAJ: I, I don't--

DB: For weeks you've been talking about how you wanted to do this the right way, to win the right way and yet tonight, we saw you go back to your old ways. Care to explain what caused the change in attitude after you were so determined to not cheat to win this time?

MAJ: I didn't, I don't--

DB: You're not denying it. Did you send Dario out there? Was this your plan all along?

There is a long silence before Marcus finally looks earnestly at Dasha.

MAJ: I won. I needed the points and I got them. Whatever it takes...Any means necessary...

Marcus pauses again as its clear his tone is not that of excitement that someone who just won a big match would have. He looks directly into the camera.

MAJ: I don't know who I am anymore.

Without another word, Marcus walks off, almost in a trance. The camera only sees the back of his head as its uncertain where he is going or the expression on his face as he is doing so.

[Davey Jones]

Split screen, Davey sitting at a table, writing, on the left. On the right, the paper, as it's being written

Mr. Crowley:

I hereby formally request your assistance with the Free-1 qualifying match incident that saw me be disqualified, in turn, granting Jerry Bishop entry into aforementioned tournament. Mr. Houston claims to have footage showing not just myself, but also Jack Sevren as the culprits behind the attack of Bobby O. While I cannot speak for Mr. Sevren, I have made attempts to acquire said footage; however, said footage has yet to revealed. Furthermore, I had a spot in the Free-1 be guaranteed to me by virtue of being the FPW Champion. However, Jerry Bishop had MDE mentoring him, and acquired a match for Jerry to attempt to qualify for the Tournament. Not only was I not told that my spot personally was up for grabs, had I known this to be the case, I would not have wrestled the match.

I have seen and followed a lot of what you have done for Mr. McCloud, and hope we can find a way to work together. You can reach me at any time, any place - I'm not that hard to find. Please follow up quickly.

-David Jones

[noname1525]

Ava McGuiness was being interviewed backstage, giving her thoughts on the Free-1.

"It's all been very exciting so far. We've had so many incredible matches, like Williams vs Mason, and Baker vs Shihei, and..."

She trailed off, staring at something off-camera. The cameraman turned and revealed Artemis Evans walking down the hall towards the interview. She stopped and stood in front of Ava, staring down at her. To her credit, Ava stood her ground, staring back into Artemis' eyes. A smile spread across Artemis' face, and Ava visibly relaxed. And then Artemis kicked her in the gut. Ava doubled over, and Artemis grabbed her head and slammed it into the wall. Artemis turned to the cameraman, and he began backing away as she approached. He wasn't fast enough though, and a moment later the video went still as the camera was dropped to the floor. But the sounds of Artemis beating down the cameraman were still audible, until they eventually went silent and footsteps were heard. The camera angle abruptly changed as Artemis picked up the camera and held it pointed at herself.

She shouted into the camera. "Clutch, I'm coming for you when this tournament is over. You've just cost me the Free-1, and I will have my revenge for this transgression. I don't give a rat's ass about whatever reasons you used to avoid facing me before, I will have a match with you, and I will punish you."

She paused for a moment and took a breath, and when she spoke again, it was in a calmer, but no less deadly voice.

"Jerry Bishop, I pity you. Tomorrow, we will meet in that ring, and you will be the victim of a fury unlike anything FPW has ever seen. And it isn't even your fault. I will give you one chance to save yourself from destruction: when that bell rings tomorrow, if you leave the ring and accept a count-out loss, then I shall spare you from what is coming." A smile slowly spread across her face. "But you and I both know that you're not going to accept this offer, and that pleases me. Because all this anger needs an outlet, and while I'd rather that outlet be named Clutch McCloud, you, Jerry Bishop, you will suffice."

Artemis tossed the camera down and walked away.

[botiatus]

A Wrestling Observer report from David Metzler on Facebook

"I can confirm from my sources that Botiatus had an MRI done on his injured arm earlier today. The results are still pending and doctors reportedly remain hopeful but as of now Bo's status for his final Free-1 match is up in the air"

[The_Aviator_GB]

For possibly the final time in the Free-1, Graham Baker carries Elizabeth Karlson to the back area, trying his best to keep her from dropping weight on her knee. He looks it over as she sits down, but she shakes her head, mouthing 'I'm fine.' to Baker. Baker nods, and holds both his and Karlsons' belts as she begins speaking on her match. 

"Well...fuck." 

The media chuckles slightly, and The Renegade shakes her head, a half-hearted smile on her face. 

"Jace, you got me this time-I've beaten you once, you've beaten me once, so I guess this is the end of that little rivalry. You've grown-guess there's a reason why they call you The Student, eh?" Karlson chuckles again, and looks down at the table. "Tonight, I had the chance to lock the block up and pull through to a win, but that just didn't happen. Tonight could have been my defining moment this Free-1, but honestly? I'm excited going forward. Game's all tied up, now it's just a matter of who beats who, and how fast they can do it all. My next match is against, of all people, Aaron Williams. Man's been having a bit of a breakout this tournament, and while I, like many, love to see some great in-ring action, well...I'm unfortunately going to need to bring that to an end when I tap poor Aaron out in the center of the ring. 

Game's over, I'm walking into the Free-1 final as the A Block challenger, and I'm winning the whole damn thing." 

Karlson grabs her belts from Baker and stumbles off as Baker settles at the table, looking into the camera. 

"Clutch...a man with nothing to lose, a bold claim for someone who seems to have everything in the world save for success inside this ring. You see, Clutch, you and I, we're very different people. In your first challenge to Marcus Allen Jones for his belt, you tapped out. What did I do? I won. When you challenged Jace Mason for the Freedom Championship, you lost again, but me? Just like Marcus, I won, and I didn't even have the stakes of the fucking belt on the line. You claim you have nothing to lose, everything to gain, that you're backed into a wall, that you and your little girlfriend and that old decrepit piece of shit Crowley are going to cost me my earned spot, my second Free-1 final, and, consequentially, my second championship reign, but guess what, Clutch? I'm backed into a corner as well, because if I don't win this match, if I don't win this tournament?

I have no fucking Plan B.

So I'm going to destroy you tomorrow. I'm going to rip every ligament in your arm into pieces, I'm going to fray your muscles and shatter your bones, I'm going to wrench your arm back and tap you the fuck out, maybe bash your skull in a bit, and then I'm going to head to the block finals and destroy Jerry Bishop, because I've done it once before, and he's going to realize that just having the guy who I beat twice with him won't be enough to beat me once. Then, I'll win the fucking finals, and then, I'll beat Davey Jones' sorry ass for the title one last fucking time. 

Then, and only then, will I get the respect that I deserve." 

Baker grabs his belts and leaves the scene, leaving the camera crew perplexed. 

[marileeg17]

Backstage, shortly after the Bishop/Evans match it seems the Free-1 is about to go off the air. Instead, cameras pick up on commotion backstage as Marcus is attempting to push past two men in front of Jim Houston's office.

MAJ: Will you just let go of me, I need to speak to him!

Man #1: The boss specifically said he did not want to be disturbed tonight.

MAJ: I don't care. He's going to want to hear what I have to say.

Man #2: Oh sure, like he cares for what a liar has to tell him. Go home Marcus.

Frustrated, Marcus pulls back.

MAJ: I'm not...

He pauses.

MAJ: I'm not a liar and if you'll just let me in...Like I said, I have a proposition Jim is going to want to hear. It affects the entire Free-1 and what comes next. So how about you get the fuck out of my way before I make you. I'm not leaving until I speak to him.

Almost if on cue, Jim Houston emerges from his office.

JH: You attacking my security guards won't be necessary. Come in Marcus.

The guards eye Marcus as he just walks past them and into Jim's office. He shuts the door.

JH: The last time you came to my office, you told me you didn't want anything to get in the way of a fair Free-1 and yet, there Dario was ensuring you got not only a much needed two points but a quick victory as well putting you very nearly in the driver's seat...

Marcus doesn't say anything so Jim continues.

JH: You lied to me Marcus. I was right not to trust your offer of sincerity. I knew you'd have something up your sleeve so congratulations. But mark my word, you won't be able to pull off the same game twice...

Still Marcus says nothing which annoys Houston a bit.

JH: What, you have nothing to say for yourself and your actions? You demanded to see me not the other way so speak, I don't have all day.

Marcus looks around before he takes a deep breath.

MAJ: I didn't come by this decision lightly...But I don't know who I am anymore. I used to be one step ahead but now, I'm not in control of anything. I can't do anything about the Invaders but I meant what I said. I'm done with TakeOver and I can prove it.

Jim raises his eyebrow curiously.

JH: I'm listening...

Marcus takes another deep breath.

MAJ; Nothing I say will change your mind about me. Will change anyone's mind about me. I won't earn respect if I don't...There's only one way...I'm putting what happens next in someone else's hands...There are variables I can't control...But I've made my decision and I refuse to change it...If I win the Free-1, I'll do it on my terms...If I lose, it will be on my terms...

Marcus takes another breath and as he regains his composure, stands straight and stares Jim in the eyes.

MAJ: And if TakeOver interferes in my final match...I will remove myself from contention and officially forfeit the Free-1...

Jim seems genuinely surprised by Marcus' huge announcement.

JH: Well...I must say Marcus that was not at all what I was expecting. Perhaps you weren't lying after all...You really want to place the fate of your tournament in their hands? It's one hell of a risk.

Marcus nods.

MAJ: I came into this Free-1 to prove something but right now, I haven't proved shit. All I've proved is I lost control of everything. So why not lose control of one more thing, the one thing that means everything to me right now? I know it's a risk, but I've made my choice, the one thing I can still control. It's the only way I can prove to myself...

Marcus bites his lip not feeling comfortable opening up further. Instead he extends his hand.

MAJ: Do we have a deal?

Jim eyes Marcus for a few moments before extending his hand in return.

JH: If TakeOver interferes, you forfeit your chance to win the Free-1...Yes Marcus, since this is what you want, yes, we have a deal. I do hope it's one you don't end up regretting.

Marcus offers a half smile.

MAJ: Me too.

Marcus and Jim eye each other up a few more seconds before Marcus nods and leaves the office trying to push down the small but immediate regret of the decision he just made.

[Davey Jones]

Graham Baker vs Jerry Bishop. You two will fight for the right to win the block, and then possibly face me, for MY BELT. But if either of you think you’re going to beat me, you are sorely mistaken. I promise you, I will be watching ALL the matches to game plan, but I’ll be watching your match with keen interest. You see, I firmly believe that whichever one of you wins Sunday, will end up winning it all. But I want you both to know that even when you fight each other, even if I’m allowed to watch at ringside, not everything is as it appears to be....

Davey starts to laugh maniacally as the feed cuts out in the middle of the laugh

[marileeg17]

A video appears on FPW's Twitter with the caption:
"Heed my words: Stay the fuck away from the ring on Saturday.
Marcus put his Free-1 on the line and now he has a message for his former running mates, @invaderdario and @invaderhaych."

Marcus is seen in a room with a giant whiteboard that is full of scenarios and permutations. The video starts with him pacing in front of the board before suddenly he takes an eraser and wipes the entire thing clean. In the place where all of the A block possibilities was, is now written just one word: "TakeOver."

Marcus turns to the camera.

MAJ: Well boys, it all comes down to this. No matter what happens on Saturday, you won't be the cause of any of it. That is, if you've been telling the truth, if your motivation is really to get me that briefcase. See, I'll admit, there was a moment there where you outplayed me, outsmarted me. But not anymore. I am laying it all down on the fuckin' line. You want me to win, then you'll heed my words. Stay the fuck away from the ring on Saturday. I mean it. You do anything to steal me a victory then its over, its all over. My chance to win the Free-1 will be gone because I'll have forfeited it. Dario and Haych, you both know how I get when I'm determined, when I focus in on my goal. I take what I want and that hasn't changed. Just my way of doing it maybe has. Whatever comes next, after this Free-1, I don't know. I don't know what I'll do. But I know that you're both done impacting this tournament. Unless of course, I'm wrong. Unless, you want me to lose. Unless that was somehow your plan all along. Which in that case, I've got just one thing left to say to you boys: Fuckin' bring it.

With that, Marcus spins his board hard. It finally rests on the other side where a different message was written.

It's done.

[kingclutch]

@thunderbolt (Russ Bolt)

*included is a video of Artemis Evans calling out Clutch*

Damn hombre, you're just pissing EVERYONE off, aren't you?


A few minutes later, Russ sends another tweet

@kingclutchfpw I know you're about to have your hands full, but when you get the chance, let's talk....that is, whenever you're done hiding behind Mama's skirt. #Free1 #YourGirlGotYourOnlyPoints

[kingclutch]

Clutch is backstage. Two guys are casually getting food as Clutch is walking around. He can be heard mumbling, but all that can be clearly made out is multiple "Goddammit"s and "Fucking Baker".

Guy 1: Hey buddy, do you mind keeping it down?

At this, Clutch is incensed.

CM: And who the fuck are you?

G1: My name's Dan.

CM: Dan? *hits the TarHEEL on guy 1*

Guy 2 is stunned, unable to move after what just happened. Clutch grabs him, uses an Irish Whip into the wall. Clutch picks up and empty water jug and uses it as a blunt weapon, hitting the gut of guy 2. Clutch then unscrews the lid and puts the jug over the other guy's head then goes right to another Irish Whip into the wall.

Dan is somewhat coming to, but Clutch sets up and jug next to Dan and semi-field goal kicks it into Dan's head.

Clutch walks away still seething with rage.

[Jim Houston]

Cameras follow Jerry and Bobby, who walk arm in arm down the corridor towards the locker room, MDE following behind. They enter the locker room and MDE orders a young wrestler out before bolting the door.

BO: What are you-
MDE: What the hell was that?

Bobby and Jerry look up at MDE in confusion.

JB: I... I won? Isn’t that good?
MDE: Yeah you won and yeah it’s good. But what the hell was that Last Laugh? I told you-
BO (standing): Hey. He won. That’s all that matters to you anyway so why be an asshole about it? C’mon Jerry, let’s get some shakes in.

Bobby walks over to the door but MDE stands in his way, hand on his chest. The two stare each other down for a few moments while Jerry sighs.

MDE: That Last Laugh almost cost Jerry the match. We have plans. I’ve got Jerry into this position and I’m not about to give it up because you’re trying to do things differently. The old way is done. If Evans had been a millisecond quicker we’re carrying him back here and I’m having to totally change the plan. So that’s why I’m being an asshole about it.
BO: Almost? It didn’t cost him anything. I’d say you’re the one costing him the most important thing. Did you see what Evans did to that kid? And yet you held him back. The most important thing to him is the connection he has with the fans. And you want to sever it to make him a robot like you. Jerry will never be a robot.
MDE: Jerry will be whatever he needs to be to win matches, tournaments and championships. I know what he needs to do to win this Block and once the winner of the A Block is set, I’ll know what he needs to do to overcome them as well.
BO: But is winning the Free-1 your way really a win for Jerry or a win for you? How long will the fans keep cheering someone who doesn’t pay attention to them? Jerry needs them more than he needs you.
MDE: Jerry needs-
JB: JERRY IS IN THE ROOM, YOU KNOW.

MDE and Bobby turn to see Jerry standing.

JB: Bobby- give the guy some credit. He’s making me a better wrestler. I wouldn’t be in this position if not for him. Sure it’s... different... but I’m getting back to where I want to be and the fans are still with me.

BO: But-

JB (turning to MDE): And... you. Like Bobby said, I won the match. Okay so maybe it wasn’t quite perfect, but we had a counter set up and I used it. It was fine. Winning is the most important thing; you make me say that every day when we train. Let’s just focus on Baker.

Jerry sits down, looking exhausted. MDE and Bobby look at him for a few moments, neither looking at the other.

BO: It’s just not who I thought you were.
MDE: Well it’s who he is now. As Jerry says, let’s focus on the next match.
BO: Come on. One milkshake can’t hurt. Right?
MDE: Fine. You go and get them meet us back here.

Bobby unbolts the door and leaves. MDE immediately bolts it again.

JB: So-
MDE: Listen. Winning is what matters. But it also matters to do things the right way. Sometimes you do everything right and you lose. It happens. But if you do everything right in the long term, you’ll win a lot more often than you lose. Sometimes you do things wrong and you win. Today you paused before hitting that Last Laugh like you always used to do. That was wrong. But you managed to win. That happens sometimes but it won’t keep happening. You came to me because you wanted to change. Bobby wants to keep you as the person you don’t want to be anymore. That's why you almost lost today. Keep listening to him against someone as dangerous as Graham Baker and you could be done. All of this. All of your hard work. Gone. All because of Bobby. He won’t be around for much longer anyway, but if you want to win this Block then you need to listen to me and not him.
JB: I guess...
MDE: Look, this situation... it’s 4th and 2 at the 20 yard line and you’re down by three. The sensible thing to do is to kick the certain field goal and play good defense. Bobby would have you taking the risk of going for the go-ahead touchdown. If you want to risk losing then go with what he wants. If you want to make the right decision then I guarantee you I’ll get you into that final for the second year running. I guarantee it. But you’re the one making the call.

MDE stands and unbolts the door, walking out. Bobby almost walks into him on the way in with three milkshakes.

BO: Hey... I got one for... what’s his problem, Jer?
JB: He just... nothing.

Bobby hands a Jerry a milkshake and sits down next to him, arm around his shoulders.

JB (absent-mindedly): Thanks...