Post by Jim Houston on Jun 16, 2019 8:22:52 GMT
The show begins with a highlights package from last year’s Free-1, picking out moments from some of the top matches before focussing on Jerry Bishop defeating MDE to win Block A and Graham Baker drawing with Adam Thompson to win Block B. It shows the biggest moments from the final, culminating in Graham Baker holding up the Free-1 trophy and shaking hands with Jerry Bishop, before jumping to Baker holding up the FPW Title.
The video ends with Jim Houston standing in the ring, the Free-1 trophy sat on a plinth next to him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Freedom Pro Wrestling fans of all ages, it's officially Free-1 season!”
The fans cheer loudly and a ‘Free-1, Free-1, Free-1 chant begins.
“Believe me when I say that I'm just as excited as you are but-“
A fan shouts ‘you're not as excited as me’ and Houston pauses, laughing.
“Maybe not. But anyway, it's very rare for me to start a show standing in the ring but there are a lot of things that have happened this week that I feel need addressing. First of all, tonight. We know three of tonight's matches already and I won't go over them now. However, one match remains up in the air. Two weeks ago I announced a battle royal for the right to face Graham Baker, with the FPW Championship on the line, in two weeks’ time. For a long time, only two men entered themselves, Davey Jones and Aaron Williams. Davey challenged Aaron to a one-on-one match and then, when Aaron accepted, Davey seemed to back down, assuring Aaron that I would find a way to fill the ring. I also heard from Death Squad, our current Tag Team Champions. After assaulting a member of my crew, they demanded entry into the match, among other things, which I will address in due course. Aiden Balmer and Evan Rorsche must learn one simple lesson if they are to survive here in FPW for very long. Opportunities are earned, not by attacks, assaults and generally asshollery, but on merit. Therefore, for attacking one of my valued employees, I decline to acquiesce to your request. Tonight, Aaron Williams and Davey Jones will go one-on-one in a number one contendership match.”
The fans cheer the announcement, and a quiet ‘Aa-ron Wi-lliams’ chant breaks out.
“I suppose now is the best time address the other demands of our Tag Team Champions. First of all, Ava Knight’s demand that Aiden Balmer be given a Free-1 qualifying match. Aiden Balmer is not the only person who has asked for this. In fact, many of you will have seen the video of the well known independent star from the West Coast, Botiatus, who made a special appearance at a show of ours in his home state this past week. Botiatus has also asked to be given a qualifying match for the Free-1. My response to both men is the same. I currently have no spaces available. However, should that change, I will assess each request on its merits. As for the final demand made by Ava Knight, that the Tag Team Championship match against The Guardians of Strong Style for our third night on the road to the Free-1 be changed to a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match, I decline that too. I believe that Ava Knight is correct when she says that a straight up match favours The Guardians of Strong Style because on two occasions Death Squad have been forced to cheat to defeat them. Therefore, I choose the opposite path. The match will be a straight tag team match. However, there will be no champions advantage. Ava Knight threatened to have Death Squad get themselves disqualified or to simply walk away. Should either of those eventualities occur, Death Squad will lose the FPW Tag Team Championships.”
The crowd cheers again.
“Several others things have crossed my desk this week. Perhaps the most intriguing of those things was a challenge sent from Go Shihei to Graham Baker for a Japanese Death Match on the final show before the Free-1. Now I'm not sure that one of, if not the, biggest attractions in FPW needs to be put in such a position just days before a gruelling Free-1 campaign, but I'm happy to make the match. In fact, I'll give Baker the choice. Either he accepts a regular singles match with Shihei or he agrees to take the risk and put himself through what will no doubt be a very painful experience.
“Now I think that's more than enough from me. Let's get straight on with the show.”
Houston leaves just as ‘The Entertainer’ begins to play. The fans cheer at the sight of Berry Bishop walking out onto the stage with a beaming smile on her face. She bows to the arena and mimes playing along to the song before hopscotching her way down the ramp. She stops to interact with a young girl in a ‘Bombshell’ t-shirt before climbing onto the apron, playing it as the music goes on. She somersaults into the ring and then bows deeply once again, rising with a more determined look as she calls for a title to go around her waist.
MW: There we have the challenger for Jace Mason’s Freedom Championship. Berry Bishop pinned Mason in the All Star Tag Team Classic semi-final two weeks ago and now she's here, competing for a singles championship for the third time in FPW.
SD: She sure is. And you know what? I think she'll give Mason one of his toughest defences yet. He'll have to be right on top of his game to beat Berry. I'll tell you that for sure.
MW: I completely agree. But this defence is different in other ways too. As most matches will be, this one has a big influence on the Free-1 as the winner will come out not just Freedom Champion but also a Free-1 participant, while the other will be titleless and will have a tough job next time out facing Masa Tchyukiro for the right to enter the tournament.
SD: I guarantee neither of them will want that.
After a few moments of waiting, the intro ‘Afterlife’ plays and, at its end, Jace Mason steps out through the curtain, standing in his signature pose with the Freedom belt around his waist. Pyro explodes around him as he looks around and smiles at the cheering crowd. He makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with fans and, when he reaches the young girl that Berry interacted with, he tries to do the same, only for her to pull away and boo him. He bursts out laughing and tussles her hair before climbing onto the apron and up onto the turnbuckles, posing with the Freedom Championship held in one hand above his head. He drops down and gives Berry a nod before handing his title to the official.
Match 1: Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Berry Bishop:
The official rings the bell and Mason and Berry circle one another. Mason comes forward and extends a hand, which Berry doesn't hesitate to shake. The fans cheer and a duelling ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’, ‘Let's go, Mason’ breaks out, rolling around the arena. Both of them soak up the chant, each of them smiling as they encourage their fans to out-sing their opponent’s fans. The chant goes on and on before they finally lock up, Mason looking for a headlock but Berry slipping behind him and locking in a hammerlock. She transitions into a headlock of her own but Mason quickly forces her into the ropes, shoving her across the ring. Berry hits the ropes and Mason catches her for the Extra Credit. Berry, however, manages to elbow her way free and she quickly coils up before uncoiling with a Checkmate, which Mason barely manages to scramble away from.
The two of them stare each other down, each signalling that they were mere inches away from having the match won. The fans cheer as both of them circle one another again before locking up for a second time. This time they stay locked up for longer, each trying to force the other back. Mason gets a couple of steps before Berry uses her lower centre of gravity to reverse the momentum. Mason finally manages to force Berry back towards the corner, but Berry turns at the last moment, gaining the advantage. The official calls for the break and Berry slowly pulls away from Mason cleanly. The fans applaud the clean break as Berry backs away and calls for Mason to join her in the middle of the ring.
MW: A very even start to this one.
SD: I can't call a winner. Both are good wrestlers with defined weaknesses but neither is clearly stronger than the other.
MW: There's something about the atmosphere in here tonight that suggests this match is shaping up to be something special.
SD: I feel it too, Watson. Why are we agreeing so much tonight? I'm concerned.
Mason comes at Berry at speed, aiming a lariat, but Berry ducks and connects with several lightning-quick kicks to Mason’s back. He arches it as she kicks out his leg and he drops to a knee. Berry hits the ropes and aims for a shining wizard, but Mason rolls to one side and avoids the impact. Berry scrambles to her feet only for Mason to connect with a spinning kick to her gut. He kicks out her leg and sends her down to all fours before hitting the ropes and aiming for a dropkick, only for Berry to roll away this time. For the second time in the match, both stare at one another as they're locked in a stalemate. The fans applaud once more and the same duelling chant breaks out as they circle one another again.
They move to lock up for a second time but Berry ducks and goes for a schoolboy roll-up, 1-2-no. Mason escapes. Both scramble to their feet and Berry looks for a kick to the gut but Mason catches it and he pulls Berry towards him before hitting her with a snap STO. He makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. Berry kicks out. Mason quickly gets to his feet and stalks Berry before hitting a second spin kick to the gut and looking for the same combination as before, this time connecting with the dropkick and sending Berry rolling to the outside. Mason stalks her, readying himself by the ropes before connecting with a wrecking ball dropkick which sends Berry into the guardrail. Mason drops to the outside and takes a few steps before connecting with a running forearm. Berry staggers away from the guardrail as Mason leaps up onto the apron and connects with a version of the disaster kick. Berry drops to the floor and the fans cheer as Mason pumps them up.
MW: Jace Mason starting to take control here.
SD: He's pulling out some offence that we haven't seen from him before. It seems like he's aware of the threat to his title- and Free-1 spot- tonight, and is stepping up.
MW: Just as we expected he would, of course.
SD: Just as many hoped he would. I personally wasn't so sure but he's started very well in this one.
Mason pulls Berry up and rolls her back into the ring, climbing up onto the turnbuckle and looking down as Berry lies beneath him. He launches himself off the top rope and connects with a perfect shooting star press, holding for the cover, 1-2-no. Berry gets a shoulder up. Mason catches the shoulder and uses it to transition into an attempt at the Last Chancery. Berry, however, manages to block Mason from clasping his hands and uses her feet to get to the ropes. Mason quickly abandons the attempt but instead pulls Berry to her feet, whipping her across the ring. He takes her down with a dropkick before pulling her up and into a suplex position. He lifts her, looking for a falcon arrow, but Berry drops down behind him and manages to transition into a running bulldog.
Berry rolls away from Mason and takes a few seconds to recover as her section of the crowd make themselves heard. Berry pulls herself up and watches as Mason does the same. She connects with a mid kick which forces Mason back into the corner. Berry then steps back before running at him and connecting with a knee strike which sends Mason to a seated position. Berry backs away again before running at him and connecting with another knee strike. Mason rolls out of the corner and tries to get to his feet but Berry runs at him one more time, connecting with a shining wizard before Mason can stand. He drops to the mat and Berry makes a cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Mason just gets a shoulder up and Berry holds her hands to her head as her fans make more noise.
The duelling chant rolls around the arena once again as Berry pulls Mason to his feet. She tries to set up for an exploder suplex, but Mason uses his elbows to create some separation and then connects with a superkick to the gut before hitting a quick DDT. He rolls into a cover, 1-2-no. Berry kicks out again. Mason looks once again to lock in the Last Chancery and manages to clasp his hands, but Berry blocks him from completing the bridge by driving her forearm into his back and forcing him back down. As he breaks the grip, she scrambles away and rolls out of the ring once again.
MW: Jace Mason seems to really want that submission victory today.
SD: Don't forget that Berry has beaten him recently. He wants this to be decisive.
MW: And now he looks like he's about to follow her to the outside.
Mason climbs onto the apron and, as Berry turns, he looks for a cannonball but Berry aims a kick and catches him hard across the back, causing Mason to drop to the floor. The crowd let out a gasp as Mason crunches to the floor. Berry quickly pulls him up and rolls him back into the ring, following and making an immediate cover, 1-2-no! Mason just gets a shoulder up. Berry signals for the fans to get behind her, which many do, as she pulls Mason up and stands alongside him, hitting the parallel snapmare. She then hits the ropes and completes the Touchstone Takedown with a hard penalty kick. Mason absorbs the kick and rolls away towards the ropes as Berry scrambles for a cover, 1-2-no! Mason just manages to get his foot on the bottom rope.
MW: Jace Mason saves his championship!
SD: That was amazing ring awareness. He took the move and knew exactly where he was, allowing his body to roll with the force of the kick into position where he could get his foot on the ropes.
MW: They call Jace The Eternal Student, and against someone who employs so many kicks, studying how to use the momentum they create to his advantage really shows how he's progressing.
Berry holds her hands to her head again. She stands, coiling herself up in preparation for the final blow. Mason pulls himself up on the ropes, staggering as he turns towards Berry. She uncoils and aims the Checkmate at Mason, but he manages to catch the kick and make a quick transition, dropping Berry and turning her to lock in the single leg crab. Berry cries out in pain and tries to pull herself to the ropes, but Mason sits so deep that she can't move herself. Half of the crowd chants for her to tap while the other half urges her to reach the ropes. Mason’s face turns red with the intensity of his hold and he keeps sitting as low as he can. Berry seems closer and closer to tapping out before she manages to get her second wind, pushing up and dragging herself inch by inch towards the ropes.
Mason, however, senses the momentum that Berry is building and he releases the hold, pulling her to the middle of the ring and gripping her under the chin before bridging to finally fully lock in the Last Chancery. Berry cries out in pain again before using her feet to kick out Mason’s legs. As he drops, he breaks his grip on Berry and she manages to make a transition into a crucifix pin, 1-2-no! Mason barely manages to get a shoulder off the mat. Berry asks the official whether it was a three count before turning back to Mason. He gets to his feet but turns right into an exploder suplex before Berry rolls through to pull him up for a Northern Lights suplex, bridging for a pin, 1-2-no! Mason again barely manages to escape.
MW: How is this match still going?
SD: Both have been so close to winning and both have been fractions of seconds from losing. What a match!
MW: And now Berry is stalking Mason. She wants to end this right here.
Berry coils up once again as she looks for Checkmate. Mason pulls himself up and turns as Berry strikes. Mason, however, ducks, but Berry was ready for it, repositioning herself perfectly to pull Mason in for the Berry Buster. Berry tries to lift Mason but he resists, reversing with a backdrop. Berry lands and sits up as Mason hits the ropes, looking for a penalty kick of his own, only for Berry to reach up and pull him down into a small package, 1-2-no! Mason again barely manages to kick out. Both of them scramble up to their feet and each connect with roundhouse kicks at the same time. Mason and Berry stagger away from one another before aiming for one another once more, each connecting with simultaneous forearms and each staggering again.
Mason and Berry stagger towards each other and Berry aims a kick to the gut. Mason catches it and Berry looks for an enzeguiri, which Mason ducks again. He then leaps onto the middle rope and connects with a disaster kick which sends Berry into the ropes. Mason leaps up to his feet as Berry runs back to him and he catches her in position for Extre Credit, but again she elbows her way free. Mason takes a couple of steps away from Berry after absorbing the elbows before turning back to her, but Berry unleashes Checkmate, driving her foot into Mason’s face and causing him to fall to the mat with a thud. The fans stand as Berry makes a cover, 1-2-3!
Winner and new Freedom Champion: Berry Bishop.
The fans stand and cheer as Berry springs to her feet, her hands over her mouth as she realises what has just happened. The official passes her the Freedom Championship and she stares down at it before her arm is raised and she holds the belt up. The fans chant her name loudly as she climbs the turnbuckle and raises the belt to them, bowing deeply before raising it again. As she drops down, Jace Mason stands and looks at her. She stares at him for a few moments before he applauds her and offers his hand. Berry moves in and shakes it as Mason raises her arm. He lets go, applauds her again and leaves the ring, leaving Berry to soak up the adulation of the fans.
MW: Well I think it's safe to say that our new Freedom Champion is popular here in Chicago!
SD: She sure is. Jace Mason wrestled a great match tonight but the difference was that he couldn't find Extra Credit while Berry did find Checkmate. Now Berry is the Freedom Champion and she's in the Free-1, while Mason has lost the belt that held so dear and he's at risk of missing the Free-1 for the second year in a row.
MW: But what a sportsman he was. He shook Berry’s hand, raised her arm and recognised that she was the better wrestler today. I'm sure he'll be back for the rematch that he so clearly deserves, but on this day, Berry Bishop got the victory and is the new FPW Freedom Champion.
Backstage, Bobby O stands with Dasha Banks.
DB: Bobby, thank you very much for agreeing to speak with me tonight. Next week you face the monstrous Davey Jones for the spot in the Free-1 that I'm sure means a lot to you. Would you rather a slightly easier opponent for such an important match?
BO: Davey is a monster. But I've got a revelation for you: I'm a monster too. Right now, with how everything is with Jack and with the attack from Davey, I'm just as dangerous as he is. I have nothing left to lose in my pursuit of Davey Jones and Jack Sevren. I'd love to enter the Free-1. Of course I would. But the title I'm chasing right now isn't a belt. It isn't a trophy. It isn't a main event at Judgement Day. The title I'm chasing is redemption. And neither Jack nor Davey will take that from me.
DB: Are you concerned that Jack Sevren will involve himself in your match with Davey and cost you the Free-1 spot?
BO: You're not listening to me, Dasha. Nobody is listening. I'd love Jack to show his face. He was too scared to show it at the All Star Tag Team Classic so he sent out Davey Jones. If he's decided he wants to come for me in two weeks’ time, I'll welcome it.
Bobby stares down the camera for a moment before walking away.
A spotlight shone on the stage for a moment before "This Fire Burns" began to play. Clutch McCloud emerged on stage, flanked by Danica Jane and Richard Crowley. He walked towards the ring as Dasha began the introductions. "The following contest is a Free-1 qualifying match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Kansas City, Missouri, Clutch McCloud!" Clutch threw his arms in the air as his name echoed through the arena.
MW: "The Free-1 is one of the most exciting times here in FPW, and this match can seriously impact how the tournament goes."
SD: "Yes, the winner of this match will move on to occupy one of the six available spots in the Free-1. Personally, I think Clutch is going to claim the spot, but his opponent tonight should not be underestimated."
The Guardians of Strong Style's music hit and Sato appeared at the top of the ramp. He dropped into a bow, and when he stood up, both members of the team stood behind him. Takahara and Tchyukiro exchanged a few words before Takahara clapped his partner on the shoulder and walked to the back. Dasha introduced Tchyukiro as he strode down the ramp. "And introducing his opponent, from Hiroshima, Japan, representing the Guardians of Strong Style, Masa Tchyukiro!" Tchyukiro raised a single arm in salute to the crowd before settling into the corner.
Match 2: Free-1 Qualifier: Masa Tchyukiro vClutch McCloud (written by Mason/Evans):
The ref called for the bell, and both men strode forward until they were standing chest to chest, staring into their opponent's eyes. A smirk appeared on Clutch's face, and he took a step back, clearly dismissive of Tchyukiro, before he reached out and slapped him across the face. Tchyukiro turned his face back towards Clutch as Clutch spread his arms, and then blasted him with a powerful forearm! Clutch collapsed, and Tchyukiro dropped into an early cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
Clutch tried to roll to the ropes upon kicking out, but Tchyukiro grabbed his legs as he stood up, preventing Clutch’s escape. Thcyukiro pulled Clutch upright and whipped him into the turnbuckle. Thcyukiro then charged in and drove his knee into Clutch’s midsection. Clutch doubled over, only for Tchukiro to straighten him up and connect with a knife-edge chop that echoed across the arena. As Clutch grabbed at his chest, Tchyukiro pulled him from the corner and climbed to the middle turnbuckle. He waited for a moment for Clutch to turn around, and then leapt off, connecting with a flying shoulder tackle! Clutch went down hard, and Tchyukiro pulled him into another cover.
..Kick-out!
Clutch sat up, but Tchyukiro quickly applied a chinlock, preventing his escape.
MW: “Steven, you mentioned that you think Clutch is going to win this match, may I ask why you think that?”
SD: “It’s quite simple really. It’s not that I believe Clutch is a better wrestler than Masa Tchyukiro, I think Tchyukiro is an extremely talented wrestler. No, the reason I give the edge to Clutch McCloud comes down to experience. For all his skill, Tchyukiro is more used to wrestling in a tag team setting, with someone to watch his back. A one-on-one match like this is a little out of his comfort zone, whereas Clutch, a main-event level player in several promotions, has the experience in getting the job done on his own.”
Back in the ring, Clutch had made his way to his feet and grabbed the ropes. Tchyukiro released his hold and began backing away, but then Clutch rushed at him with a discus forearm! Tchyukiro sidestepped the attempt at the technical foul, then as Clutch turned around, he grabbed his wrist and made to whip him to the ropes. But Clutch was able to reverse, sending Tchyukiro to the ropes instead. Tchyukiro rebounded, then jumped over Clutch as he dropped down. Tchyukiro rebounded again, and Clutch leaped over him as he passed. Tchyukiro held on the next time he hit the ropes, prompting Clutch to charge at him. Tchyukiro sidestepped again, then used Clutch’s momentum to send him into the far ropes. He went for a forearm on the rebound, but Clutch ducked under and hit the far ropes. Tchyukiro attempted a back elbow strike on the next rebound, but again, Clutch ducked under the attack. Instead of rebounding, as he neared the ropes again, Clutch leapt onto the middle rope and then launched himself into a springboard moonsault! But as Clutch rotated, Tchyukiro positioned himself underneath and caught Clutch on his shoulder! The crowd erupted as he drove Clutch to the mat with a powerslam! Tchyukiro stood up and slapped his forehead, signaling for the kokeshi headbutt. He ran to the ropes and rebounded, but as he began to fall, Clutch rolled out of the way. Tchyukiro quickly made to stand up, but just as quickly, Clutch kicked out his leg, causing him to collapse.
MW: “Clutch McCloud reversing the kokeshi headbutt, and is now in full control of this match.”
Tchyukiro attempted to rise again, but Clutch quite literally stomped him down, driving his boot into Tchyukiro’s spine again and again. With Tchyukiro staggered, Clutch pulled him up to his feet. He slapped him in the face before he ran to hit the ropes, rebounding and trying to hit a TarHEEL on the still dazed Tchyukiro. But Tchyukiro caught the bicycle kick and roared in Clutch’s face. He tossed Clutch’s leg aside, but Clutch went with the rotation and connected with an enzuigiri as he spun around! Tchyukiro stumbled, and Clutch wasted little time kicking him in the gut and pulling him into a front facelock before driving his head into the mat with a DDT! Tchyukiro collapsed and didn’t move, while Clutch turned him over and dropped into a mounted position, then began laying into his opponent with hard forearms.
MW: “Clutch going after the historically fragile forehead of Masa Tchyukiro.”
SD: “Too many headbutts can do that to a person. That’s why you see most wrestlers use such a move as a more of a last resort than a signature maneuver.”
Clutch decided he’d had enough of battering Tchyukiro and stood up, pulling Tchyukiro with him. He dragged Tchyukiro into the corner and began to drive his head into the top turnbuckle! The ref began administering a five-count, but Clutch gave no sign of stopping, even as the ref reached a count of four. Rather than counting five and ending the match in a disqualification, the ref grabbed Clutch around the waist and pulled him from the corner. The two of them exchanged harsh words before Clutch shoved the ref aside and pulled Tchyukiro out of the corner. He stood him in the center of the ring, then ran to the ropes and rebounded. He ran back toward Tchyukiro, but as he neared him, Tchyukiro launched Clutch into the air, catching him with a headbutt as he fell back down! Clutch collapsed, and Tchyukiro shook his head, where a trickle of blood was visible before falling into a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
MW: "And now the momentum swings back into Mass Tchyukiro's favor."
Tchyukiro stood up and beckoned Clutch to do the same. Clutch rose to his feet, eyeing Tchyukiro wearily. As Clutch fully straightened, Tchyukiro suddenly chopped him across the chest. Clutch stumbled, but didn't fall, and when he turned to face his opponent, he saw Tchyukiro motioning him to return the strike. Clutch looked confused, but didn't waste the opportunity, lashing out with a chop to Tchyukiro's chest. Tchyukiro gave a slight wince, but then nodded at Clutch before he connected with another chop. Clutch took a step back, then shook his head and chopped at Tchyukiro again. Tchyukiro paused to massage his chest for a moment before connecting with another thunderous chop. Clutch took two steps back, then yelled and closed the distance, chopping his opponent once again. Tchyukiro took a full step back, winded, before he released the most powerful chop yet! Clutch dropped to a knee, grimacing in pain, before he stood back up and locked eyes with Tchyukiro, who braced for the next chop. But it never came. Instead, Clutch launched himself into another enzuigiri, and Tchyukiro was only just able to duck under the kick! Clutch landed on his feet, but before he could turn around, Tchyukiro wrapped his arms around his waist and planted him with a German suplex. Now it was Tchyukiro who dropped into a mounted positing and began hammering Clutch. Holding his head with one hand, Tchyukiro used his other arm to pound merciless forearms into Clutch’s forehead, all the while shouting at Clutch in Japanese. Eventually, he threw Clutch’s head back and stood up.
SD: “My Japanese isn’t the greatest, but I clearly caught the words for ‘disrespect’ and ‘strong style’ in that tirade.”
Tchyukiro stood up and paced the ring a few times, regaining control of his temper before he returned his attention to his grounded opponent.
MW: “I guess Tchyukiro wasn’t happy with Clutch ending their strike exchange, but this is a good strategy. Far too often I’ve seen good wrestlers take an embarrassing defeat because they let their emotions control them. Tchyukiro is clearly aware of this and is taking a moment to compose himself.”
Tchyukiro pulled Clutch upright and tossed him into the corner. He ran in after him and connected with a forearm that snapped Clutch’s head back, then lifted him up onto the top rope. Tchyukiro climbed up after him and locked in a front facelock, pulling Clutch upright, then lifting him off the turnbuckle and bringing him crashing down to the mat with a earth-shaking superplex.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Tchyukiro stood up, and ran to the ropes, setting up the kokeshi headbutt once again. But as he rebounded towards the still grounded Clutch, Clutch suddenly kipped up! Tchyukiro came to a shocked start, leaving him open to a series of quick strikes from Clutch, who capped the series off with a European uppercut that rocked Tchyukiro. Clutch ran to the ropes to build momentum, then rebounded back towards his opponent, but as he got close, Tchyukiro connected with another devastating pop-up headbutt! Clutch staggered back to the ropes and limply rebounded, then somehow connected with a discus clothesline! Tchyukiro was taken off his feet, and Clutch dove for a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
MW: “Clutch McCloud with an incredible reversal from the pop-up headbutt!”
Clutch didn’t let up on the offense, pulling Tchyukiro into a sitting position, then running to the ropes, rebounding and connecting with a sliding forearm smash. Before getting back up, he trapped Tchyukiro in a headlock and unloaded with a number of punches to the top of the head. Leaving his opponent dazed, Clutch stood up and retreated into the corner, keeping his gaze locked on Tchyukiro. Clutch waited as Tchyukiro rose to all fours, then accelerated out of the corner, lining up a punt kick. Tchyukiro rolled over to take himself out of position, but this didn’t save him from attack. Clutch jumped over him and brought himself to a halt, then launched into a standing moonsault, over-rotating in order to drive his knees into Tchyukiro’s chest! Tchyukiro gasped for breath, and Clutch rolled over to make a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
On the outside, Danica and Crowley praised Clutch for his athleticism, and Clutch paused to soak up their appreciation. But this praise was interrupted by a fan in the front row yelling something at Clutch. Clutch quickly turned around, yelling "who said that?" Presumably the same fan yelled something else, and Clutch was able to figure out where he sat, marching over to the corner and pointing into the crowd, yelling at the fan that he was an idiot to have ruined what could have been an immortal moment. Behind Clutch however, Tchyukiro was rising to his feet and angrily staring at Clutch's back. Clutch finished exchanging abuse with the fan and returned his attention to his opponent, only to see Tchyukiro running at him to attempt a shoulder tackle. Clutch dove out of the way just in time and used a drop toe hold to drive Tchyukiro’s face into the middle turnbuckle. He stood up as Tchyukiro staggered back and pulled him into a front facelock, then lifted him up and drove him down with a brainbuster! Thcyukiro went limp, and Clutch turned him over and hooked a leg.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
SD: “Clutch McCloud also demonstrating good strategy as he continues to focus his offense on Tchyukiro’s forehead.”
MW: “I’m all for people utilizing good strategy, but this is starting to get uncomfortable. We’re talking about a man’s career here, this isn’t something that should be taken lightly.”
Clutch dragged Tchyukiro so that he was standing in the middle of the ring, then ran to the ropes, shouting “TarHEEL!” as he rebounded. But then Tchyukiro hit a third pop-up headbutt as he got close! Clutch once again bounced off the ropes and went for a discus clothesline, but was met with another headbutt! Clutch was staggered, and Tchyukiro acted quickly, tucking his head between his legs before lifting Clutch onto his shoulders. Tchyukiro spun around before driving Clutch to the mat with a sit-out powerbomb! He placed his feet over Clutch’s shoulders to turn the landing into a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Sato shouted something in Japanese as Clutch kicked out, and Steven quickly provided a translation. “Sato telling Tchyukiro to finish this.”
Tchyukiro pulled Clutch up and locked his arms into a full nelson. He lifted Clutch and bent backwards for a dragon suplex, but Clutch flipped out and landed on his feet! Unaware, Tchyukiro stood up, then suddenly found Clutch’s arms wrapped around his waist! Clutch grabbed Tchyukiro’s wrist and spun him out, then connected with a discus forearm smash! Tchyukiro fell hard, and Clutch dropped into a cover.
...1!...2!...3!
Winner: Clutch McCloud
“Here is your winner,” Dasha Banks announced. “And advancing to enter the Free-1, Clutch McCloud!”
MW: “Well, it seems that my partner’s initial prediction came true, as Clutch McCloud uses a ripcord Technical Foul to secure the victory and a spot in the Free-1 tournement.”
SD: “But I was also right that Masa Tchyukiro shouldn’t be underestimated, he wrestled a great match tonight, and proved that the Guardians of Strong Style are more than just an accomplished tag team, they’re both extremely gifted singles competitors as well.”
MW: “Masa Tchyukiro did his part to prove that tonight, and Hiro Takahara will have the chance to finish that assertion in two weeks time when he faces the loser of tonight’s title match for another spot in the Free-1.”
Backstage, MDE stands outside Jim Houston’s office. He knocks and is called in.
JH: Well I didn't expect to see you tonight. What are you looking for?
MDE: I want a match.
JH: I though you might. Look, I'll say the same to you as I said to Botiatus and Balmer. Right now, I don't have any Free-1 spots open. If-
MDE: It's not a match for me. Jerry Bishop has been training with me. I want to test him. But I don't want it to be a run of the mill match that doesn't mean anything. I want Jerry in a high stakes match. He already has a guaranteed Free-1 spot because of what he did last year, but I don't feel that he deserves that based on this year. I want him to defend that spot. I want Jerry to have the toughest possible opponent and I want that opponent to take that spot if Jerry can't beat them.
JH: So you want Jerry, who hasn't won a match all year, to risk throwing away a big opportunity and a big pay day?
MDE: I want him to go into the Free-1 with some self-belief. He doesn't have much of it, probably quite rightly, after what has happened this year. Jerry needs a win before the Free-1 or he's going to go through with no points and he may be unsalvageable. Think of this as a chance to give Botiatus or Balmer what they want and a chance to draw a bigger audience with one of your big attractions on the card. Night Three. Make it happen.
MDE turns and leaves and Houston makes a motion as if to say ‘why not?’ before making a note on his laptop.
MW: Well this next match was finalised earlier today and it has just a high a stakes as any other we'll see in these shows leading up to the Free-1. Davey Jones, one of the most dangerous men in FPW history goes up against Aaron Williams, possibly the biggest signing in FPW’s history. The prize? An FPW Title match against Graham Baker.
SD: A huge opportunity but let's be honest. It's a huge opportunity for one man only. Davey Jones is bigger, stronger and simply better than Aaron Williams. Maybe he's unbeatable, even for Graham Baker at the peak of his powers. Baker will surely be rooting for Aaron Williams in this one,
MW: Perhaps he will. But I'm-
‘DNA’ begins to play and the fans leap to their feet. Graham Baker walks out onto the stage dressed in a simple tshirt and ripped jeans. The FPW Title sits around his waist as he acknowledges the applause from the fans. He walks with a pronounced limp down the aisle and slaps hands with the fans all the way down. He stops to pose for selfies and even signs a couple of autographs. He makes his way round the ring until he reaches the announce table, where Baker takes a seat and is handed a headset.
MW: It seems like our FPW Champion Graham Baker is joining us for this next match.
SD: Welcome champ!
GB: I know I'm not the man you wanted to walk out with this belt Steven but I appreciate the welcome. I'm here for a first hand look at my next challenger. And I never tire of coming out to a reaction like that one.
MW: Well, before we welcome your potential opponents to the ring, what are your thoughts on this match?
GB: I'll face either one.
SD: But you'd rather face Aaron Williams, right?
GB: I'll face either one. Davey Jones is big and powerful and Aaron Williams is just a fucking great wrestler, but I'll face either of them and I'll have my hand raised at the end of the match.
SD: But if you could only choose one?
GB: I'll face either one. I know you think Davey Jones is unstoppable but he doesn't have this belt. I have it and it means that I'm the best here. I beat Marcus Allen Jones to win it and I beat him to solidify the fact that I am the ace of FPW. Davey Jones and Aaron Williams may well try, but I'm not giving this belt up, not to them, not to anyone.
‘Bully’ begins to play and the fans boo as Davey Jones enters the arena. He raises his arms and lets out a big roar before slowly walking down the aisle.
SD: The most intimidating man in FPW is coming to the ring!
GB: Look at him trying to stare me down. Focus on Williams, big man.
MW: Davey Jones certainly does seem to have his eyes on Graham Baker as he comes around- whoa there.
Davey walks right up to the announce table and Watson and Deville both move out of the way. Baker, however, puts both feet up on the announce table and stares back up at Davey. Davey turns away and climbs over the top rope to get into the ring, raising his hands and letting out another roar before the music switches.
‘I Still Believe’ begins to play as Aaron Williams stands on the stage. He sings along to the song and the fans join him before he starts bouncing around on the stage and calling for them to get louder and louder. He keeps singing as he struts down the ramp, slapping hands with fans. He moves around the ring and picks out a young fan to sign his elbow pad, but, just as he gives the fan the marker pen, Davey rams him into the guardrail. Williams collapses to the floor but Davey lifts him and throws him into the side of the ring. Davey then pulls Williams up and rolls him into the ring, following him and yelling for the official to ring the bell.
Match 3: Number One Contendership for the FPW Championship: Aaron Williams v Davey Jones:
Davey pulls Williams up and throws him into a corner, running in and connecting with a splash. Williams drops to his knees and Davey rips his shirt off him before lifting him for a huge pump handle slam. Williams grimaces in pain and Davey looks across at Baker.
MW: Davey Jones is really looking to send a message in this match.
GB: There's a long way to go yet. He'd better focus on Williams.
SD: If Aaron Williams has any sense he'll tap out right now!
GB: Don't be a dick, Steven.
SD: Ouch.
Davey then pulls Williams up with a hand around his threat before lifting him up one handed and holding him there, the fans silent, before driving him down with a huge choke slam. Davey makes a cover, 1-2-no! Williams gets a shoulder up. Davey looks down at him and pulls him up again before taking him down with a thunderous clothesline. Williams hits the mat and lies motionless.
MW: Maybe tapping out wouldn't be such a bad idea.
SD: He tried to extend the match and now Davey Jones is going to punish him.
GB: Williams can take a lot worse than this. I don't think this is over yet.
SD: We’ll see…
Davey pulls Williams to his feet again before throwing him back into the corner once again. He runs at him and connects with another splash which drops Williams to a seated position. Davey then backs off and signals with his hands for a cannonball. The fans gasp.
MW: No way! Nobody could take this move and not be turned into a 2D shape!
SD: Davey’s going to kill him!
Davey runs at the corner and launches himself for a cannonball but Williams moves and Davey crashes and burns. The fans cheer as Williams forces himself to his feet. He sees Davey down and climbs to the top rope, coming down with a double stomp. Williams falls into a cover, 1-2-no. Davey kicks out powerfully. Both men climb to their feet but Williams is up quicker, driving Davey into the corner with a shotgun dropkick. Williams rolls backwards and runs at Davey, connecting with a big splash. He runs back and hits another, then another, then another and three more before Davey finally drops to a seated position. Williams backs away, catching his breath, before running at Davey and connecting with a cannonball of his own. Davey rolls out of the corner and Williams springs up to the top rope. The fans are in a frenzy as he comes down with a 450 splash, making another cover, 1-2-no! Davey kicks out at the last minute.
MW: I thought he had him!
SD: No way! Williams can't beat Davey.
GB: He can.
SD: I… I don't like it when there's someone else here.
MW: What would you do next if you were Aaron Williams?
GB: Look to finish him now. Can he hit the A Triple Plus on a man Davey’s size? I don't know, but I'd be trying right now.
Williams pops up and waits for Davey. He watches as Davey stands and aims a mid kick but Davey doesn't move. Williams stares at him and goes for another, but Davey doesn't even stagger. Williams goes for a third but catches him up into a powerbomb. Williams is driven hard into the canvas but doesn't get time to rest as Davey pulls him up and hoists him onto his shoulders, delivering Psychosis. Davey makes the cover, his eyes on Baker all the time, 1-2-3
Winner: Davey Jones
MW: Well that was quite the display of dominance from our new number one contender. Graham Baker, what do-
Baker takes off his headset and stands. He walks straight to the ring and climbs between the ropes, walking up to Davey immediately and looking up to stare straight into his eyes. Davey stares down at Baker as Baker holds up the FPW Championship and both men maintain their gaze until the official forces them back in order to raise Davey’s arm.
MW: Well next week we're going to have quite the FPW Championship match.
SD: I… I don't like to say this but next week could be a massacre. Davey Jones is surely unbeatable. You saw what he did to Aaron Williams… and that's Aaron Williams. He's hardly a green kid.
MW: You could well be correct, but Graham Baker won't fear Davey Jones. I bet he'll be relishing this challenge.
Backstage, Artemis Evans is on her way to the ring and Dasha Banks catches up to her.
DB: Artemis… can I have a few thoughts on the opportunity you have in just a few moments.
AE: I plan to win this match and then go and win the Free-1. I lost to Karlson because I knew I'd already done everything I could have done with that belt in that pathetic division. Bigger things await me.
DB: What about Zachary Bates.
AE: Who I face doesn't matter. This is my Queendom, and I will rule over the Free-1.
Evans walks away, an arrogant look on her face.
MW: Coming up next, we have another Free-1 qualifier: Artemis Evans faces off against Zachary Bates.
SD: And you better believe that Evans is coming with a vengeance after losing her championship.
ProtoVision by Kavinsky hits. Zachary Bates comes out, slapping hands on his way down to the ring. He enters the ring, and just as he takes off his hood on the top rope, we hear “checkmate”. Camera cuts to the entrance ramp, where we see her smirking as “Hammer to Fall” starts. Boos can be heard, and she gets into a verbal altercation with a fan before focusing on the man in the ring.
MW: Artemis definitely still has the loss on her mind, did you see how quickly the fans got to her on her way to the ring?
SD: That’s only cause a simpleton like you believes what he sees instead of having the insider information. She’s letting the fans think they’re getting in her head. She knows EXACTLY what she’s doing.
Match 4: Free-1 Qualifier: Artemis Evans v Zachary Bates (written by Davey Jones):
The bell rings, and the two lock up. Bates is almost reluctant, but after being taunted by Artemis, the two start to grapple. Artemis shoots Bates off and looks for a clothesline, but Bates ducks and runs through, leaping onto the middle rope and going for a springboard crossbody, but Evans ducks and rolls out of the ring. Bates lands and Evans laughs, turning to the fans and pointing to her head to show that she's more intelligent. However, Bates is back up and is looking for a dive.
MW: Artemis better focus, otherwise she’ll lose her chance at winning the Free-1 before she even gets into the tournament!
SD: Here comes Bates through the ropes… YES! She saw it coming! See! The Queen controls all within F-P-Dub!
Artemis quickly throws Bates back in the ring.
MW: Going for the quick victory after the distraction!
One…
Tw – NO! Bates kicks out!
MW: Bates will not be put away that easily today!
SD: It’s just a matter of TIME. Artemis WILL WIN this match, and will win this tournament! Just you wait and see!
MW (mutters quietly): We’ll see about that…
Bates gets up, and once again locks up with Artemis. She shoots him off, and as he comes off the ropes, he hits a flying forearm. This stuns Artemis, but she does not go down. He shoots her off this time, and she hits a lariat as they meet.
MW: What power she has! He’s rocked, and he decides to take the smart move and rolls out of the ring.
SD: No rest for the weary, Mike, as Artemis is following her prey out. But she better heed the count
1…. 2….
Artemis shouts at Bates, who shrugs it off.
3… 4…. 5… 6…
Bates tries to get in the ring, but is cut off at the steps by Artemis. She spins him around, and hits a discus forearm.
MW: Is this how it’s going to end? By a count out??
SD: Her Royal Highness will win by any means she deems appropriate!
7…
Artemis gets back in the ring. Bates gets up, and starts to shake the cobwebs loose.
8… 9….
Just before the count of 10, Bates gets in the ring and stops the count. He staggers towards Artemis, who smirks. Keeping the smirk, she gets around to Bates’ back and does a chop block, which drops him to the mat.
SD: Here we go! The queen wins the match!
One….
Two…
Thr—NO! Bates kicks out!
MW: You were saying, Steven? Bates may have absorbed a lot of punishment, but he’s still got some fight left in him! He’s living up to his reputation of giving it his all! At the same time, one must wonder if Artemis has underestimated Bates?
Artemis looks for another pin, but gets schoolboy’d.
One….
Two….
Th – NO! Artemis kicks out
SD: It’s going to take more than just some trickery if Bates wants move on in the tournament.
Bates gets a second wind, and picks up Artemis, who’s dazed. He hits a superkick, and Artemis staggers towards a corner before dropping down. The crowd starts to pop, and Bates notices, who points towards the top of the turnbuckle. The crowd cheers even more.
SD: Stop pandering to the crowd! These peons aren’t going to win the match for you!
MW: I bet he’s thinking 630 or the shooting star press!
SD: No no no no no NOOOO!
MW: Up he goes… Shooting star press! This is it! Game, Set, Match for Bates!
SD: This isn’t tennis, Watson!
One….
Two……..
Thre – NO! Artemis kicks out!
SD: She’s still in it? That has put away many people for others in the past!
Bates chops Artemis, to a chorus of “Yays”. Artemis responds in kind, to a chorus of “boos”. They go back and forth, eventually leading to both staggering backwards after the chops. After a couple of minutes of this back and forth, Bates blocks Artemis by ducking, then sweeping out the legs. Quickly, he gets down to the mat.
MW: Could he be going for the Crossface?
SD: The Queen should NEVER be subjected to such punishment! This is…. WAIT – SHE’S BAITED HIM!
Just as he attempted to start applying the crossface, she slips out and stands up. He also gets up, but she grasps him, setting up for the Guillotine Strike.
SD: See Mikey! I told you she was setting him up! All about of Her Royal Highness’s plan! GUILLOTINE STRIKE! CONNECTS! Bates is OUT! COLD!
One…
Two……
Three!
Winner: Artemis Evans.
The bell rings, the referee holds up the hand of Artemis Evans, who looks down at Bates and smirks.
MW: Artemis Evans has won this match and advances into the Free-1.
SD: As we knew would happen! Evans is about to win the big one and go onto Judgement Day II to take her rightful place as the one true Queen of Freedom Pro Wrestling.
MW: We’ll see about that. Next time we'll see three more qualifiers for the Free-1 as well as that huge FPW Title match between Graham Baker and Davey Jones. This is can't-miss season here in FPW and you'd better make sure to see it!
The video ends with Jim Houston standing in the ring, the Free-1 trophy sat on a plinth next to him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Freedom Pro Wrestling fans of all ages, it's officially Free-1 season!”
The fans cheer loudly and a ‘Free-1, Free-1, Free-1 chant begins.
“Believe me when I say that I'm just as excited as you are but-“
A fan shouts ‘you're not as excited as me’ and Houston pauses, laughing.
“Maybe not. But anyway, it's very rare for me to start a show standing in the ring but there are a lot of things that have happened this week that I feel need addressing. First of all, tonight. We know three of tonight's matches already and I won't go over them now. However, one match remains up in the air. Two weeks ago I announced a battle royal for the right to face Graham Baker, with the FPW Championship on the line, in two weeks’ time. For a long time, only two men entered themselves, Davey Jones and Aaron Williams. Davey challenged Aaron to a one-on-one match and then, when Aaron accepted, Davey seemed to back down, assuring Aaron that I would find a way to fill the ring. I also heard from Death Squad, our current Tag Team Champions. After assaulting a member of my crew, they demanded entry into the match, among other things, which I will address in due course. Aiden Balmer and Evan Rorsche must learn one simple lesson if they are to survive here in FPW for very long. Opportunities are earned, not by attacks, assaults and generally asshollery, but on merit. Therefore, for attacking one of my valued employees, I decline to acquiesce to your request. Tonight, Aaron Williams and Davey Jones will go one-on-one in a number one contendership match.”
The fans cheer the announcement, and a quiet ‘Aa-ron Wi-lliams’ chant breaks out.
“I suppose now is the best time address the other demands of our Tag Team Champions. First of all, Ava Knight’s demand that Aiden Balmer be given a Free-1 qualifying match. Aiden Balmer is not the only person who has asked for this. In fact, many of you will have seen the video of the well known independent star from the West Coast, Botiatus, who made a special appearance at a show of ours in his home state this past week. Botiatus has also asked to be given a qualifying match for the Free-1. My response to both men is the same. I currently have no spaces available. However, should that change, I will assess each request on its merits. As for the final demand made by Ava Knight, that the Tag Team Championship match against The Guardians of Strong Style for our third night on the road to the Free-1 be changed to a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match, I decline that too. I believe that Ava Knight is correct when she says that a straight up match favours The Guardians of Strong Style because on two occasions Death Squad have been forced to cheat to defeat them. Therefore, I choose the opposite path. The match will be a straight tag team match. However, there will be no champions advantage. Ava Knight threatened to have Death Squad get themselves disqualified or to simply walk away. Should either of those eventualities occur, Death Squad will lose the FPW Tag Team Championships.”
The crowd cheers again.
“Several others things have crossed my desk this week. Perhaps the most intriguing of those things was a challenge sent from Go Shihei to Graham Baker for a Japanese Death Match on the final show before the Free-1. Now I'm not sure that one of, if not the, biggest attractions in FPW needs to be put in such a position just days before a gruelling Free-1 campaign, but I'm happy to make the match. In fact, I'll give Baker the choice. Either he accepts a regular singles match with Shihei or he agrees to take the risk and put himself through what will no doubt be a very painful experience.
“Now I think that's more than enough from me. Let's get straight on with the show.”
Houston leaves just as ‘The Entertainer’ begins to play. The fans cheer at the sight of Berry Bishop walking out onto the stage with a beaming smile on her face. She bows to the arena and mimes playing along to the song before hopscotching her way down the ramp. She stops to interact with a young girl in a ‘Bombshell’ t-shirt before climbing onto the apron, playing it as the music goes on. She somersaults into the ring and then bows deeply once again, rising with a more determined look as she calls for a title to go around her waist.
MW: There we have the challenger for Jace Mason’s Freedom Championship. Berry Bishop pinned Mason in the All Star Tag Team Classic semi-final two weeks ago and now she's here, competing for a singles championship for the third time in FPW.
SD: She sure is. And you know what? I think she'll give Mason one of his toughest defences yet. He'll have to be right on top of his game to beat Berry. I'll tell you that for sure.
MW: I completely agree. But this defence is different in other ways too. As most matches will be, this one has a big influence on the Free-1 as the winner will come out not just Freedom Champion but also a Free-1 participant, while the other will be titleless and will have a tough job next time out facing Masa Tchyukiro for the right to enter the tournament.
SD: I guarantee neither of them will want that.
After a few moments of waiting, the intro ‘Afterlife’ plays and, at its end, Jace Mason steps out through the curtain, standing in his signature pose with the Freedom belt around his waist. Pyro explodes around him as he looks around and smiles at the cheering crowd. He makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with fans and, when he reaches the young girl that Berry interacted with, he tries to do the same, only for her to pull away and boo him. He bursts out laughing and tussles her hair before climbing onto the apron and up onto the turnbuckles, posing with the Freedom Championship held in one hand above his head. He drops down and gives Berry a nod before handing his title to the official.
Match 1: Freedom Championship: Jace Mason v Berry Bishop:
The official rings the bell and Mason and Berry circle one another. Mason comes forward and extends a hand, which Berry doesn't hesitate to shake. The fans cheer and a duelling ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’, ‘Let's go, Mason’ breaks out, rolling around the arena. Both of them soak up the chant, each of them smiling as they encourage their fans to out-sing their opponent’s fans. The chant goes on and on before they finally lock up, Mason looking for a headlock but Berry slipping behind him and locking in a hammerlock. She transitions into a headlock of her own but Mason quickly forces her into the ropes, shoving her across the ring. Berry hits the ropes and Mason catches her for the Extra Credit. Berry, however, manages to elbow her way free and she quickly coils up before uncoiling with a Checkmate, which Mason barely manages to scramble away from.
The two of them stare each other down, each signalling that they were mere inches away from having the match won. The fans cheer as both of them circle one another again before locking up for a second time. This time they stay locked up for longer, each trying to force the other back. Mason gets a couple of steps before Berry uses her lower centre of gravity to reverse the momentum. Mason finally manages to force Berry back towards the corner, but Berry turns at the last moment, gaining the advantage. The official calls for the break and Berry slowly pulls away from Mason cleanly. The fans applaud the clean break as Berry backs away and calls for Mason to join her in the middle of the ring.
MW: A very even start to this one.
SD: I can't call a winner. Both are good wrestlers with defined weaknesses but neither is clearly stronger than the other.
MW: There's something about the atmosphere in here tonight that suggests this match is shaping up to be something special.
SD: I feel it too, Watson. Why are we agreeing so much tonight? I'm concerned.
Mason comes at Berry at speed, aiming a lariat, but Berry ducks and connects with several lightning-quick kicks to Mason’s back. He arches it as she kicks out his leg and he drops to a knee. Berry hits the ropes and aims for a shining wizard, but Mason rolls to one side and avoids the impact. Berry scrambles to her feet only for Mason to connect with a spinning kick to her gut. He kicks out her leg and sends her down to all fours before hitting the ropes and aiming for a dropkick, only for Berry to roll away this time. For the second time in the match, both stare at one another as they're locked in a stalemate. The fans applaud once more and the same duelling chant breaks out as they circle one another again.
They move to lock up for a second time but Berry ducks and goes for a schoolboy roll-up, 1-2-no. Mason escapes. Both scramble to their feet and Berry looks for a kick to the gut but Mason catches it and he pulls Berry towards him before hitting her with a snap STO. He makes a quick cover, 1-2-no. Berry kicks out. Mason quickly gets to his feet and stalks Berry before hitting a second spin kick to the gut and looking for the same combination as before, this time connecting with the dropkick and sending Berry rolling to the outside. Mason stalks her, readying himself by the ropes before connecting with a wrecking ball dropkick which sends Berry into the guardrail. Mason drops to the outside and takes a few steps before connecting with a running forearm. Berry staggers away from the guardrail as Mason leaps up onto the apron and connects with a version of the disaster kick. Berry drops to the floor and the fans cheer as Mason pumps them up.
MW: Jace Mason starting to take control here.
SD: He's pulling out some offence that we haven't seen from him before. It seems like he's aware of the threat to his title- and Free-1 spot- tonight, and is stepping up.
MW: Just as we expected he would, of course.
SD: Just as many hoped he would. I personally wasn't so sure but he's started very well in this one.
Mason pulls Berry up and rolls her back into the ring, climbing up onto the turnbuckle and looking down as Berry lies beneath him. He launches himself off the top rope and connects with a perfect shooting star press, holding for the cover, 1-2-no. Berry gets a shoulder up. Mason catches the shoulder and uses it to transition into an attempt at the Last Chancery. Berry, however, manages to block Mason from clasping his hands and uses her feet to get to the ropes. Mason quickly abandons the attempt but instead pulls Berry to her feet, whipping her across the ring. He takes her down with a dropkick before pulling her up and into a suplex position. He lifts her, looking for a falcon arrow, but Berry drops down behind him and manages to transition into a running bulldog.
Berry rolls away from Mason and takes a few seconds to recover as her section of the crowd make themselves heard. Berry pulls herself up and watches as Mason does the same. She connects with a mid kick which forces Mason back into the corner. Berry then steps back before running at him and connecting with a knee strike which sends Mason to a seated position. Berry backs away again before running at him and connecting with another knee strike. Mason rolls out of the corner and tries to get to his feet but Berry runs at him one more time, connecting with a shining wizard before Mason can stand. He drops to the mat and Berry makes a cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Mason just gets a shoulder up and Berry holds her hands to her head as her fans make more noise.
The duelling chant rolls around the arena once again as Berry pulls Mason to his feet. She tries to set up for an exploder suplex, but Mason uses his elbows to create some separation and then connects with a superkick to the gut before hitting a quick DDT. He rolls into a cover, 1-2-no. Berry kicks out again. Mason looks once again to lock in the Last Chancery and manages to clasp his hands, but Berry blocks him from completing the bridge by driving her forearm into his back and forcing him back down. As he breaks the grip, she scrambles away and rolls out of the ring once again.
MW: Jace Mason seems to really want that submission victory today.
SD: Don't forget that Berry has beaten him recently. He wants this to be decisive.
MW: And now he looks like he's about to follow her to the outside.
Mason climbs onto the apron and, as Berry turns, he looks for a cannonball but Berry aims a kick and catches him hard across the back, causing Mason to drop to the floor. The crowd let out a gasp as Mason crunches to the floor. Berry quickly pulls him up and rolls him back into the ring, following and making an immediate cover, 1-2-no! Mason just gets a shoulder up. Berry signals for the fans to get behind her, which many do, as she pulls Mason up and stands alongside him, hitting the parallel snapmare. She then hits the ropes and completes the Touchstone Takedown with a hard penalty kick. Mason absorbs the kick and rolls away towards the ropes as Berry scrambles for a cover, 1-2-no! Mason just manages to get his foot on the bottom rope.
MW: Jace Mason saves his championship!
SD: That was amazing ring awareness. He took the move and knew exactly where he was, allowing his body to roll with the force of the kick into position where he could get his foot on the ropes.
MW: They call Jace The Eternal Student, and against someone who employs so many kicks, studying how to use the momentum they create to his advantage really shows how he's progressing.
Berry holds her hands to her head again. She stands, coiling herself up in preparation for the final blow. Mason pulls himself up on the ropes, staggering as he turns towards Berry. She uncoils and aims the Checkmate at Mason, but he manages to catch the kick and make a quick transition, dropping Berry and turning her to lock in the single leg crab. Berry cries out in pain and tries to pull herself to the ropes, but Mason sits so deep that she can't move herself. Half of the crowd chants for her to tap while the other half urges her to reach the ropes. Mason’s face turns red with the intensity of his hold and he keeps sitting as low as he can. Berry seems closer and closer to tapping out before she manages to get her second wind, pushing up and dragging herself inch by inch towards the ropes.
Mason, however, senses the momentum that Berry is building and he releases the hold, pulling her to the middle of the ring and gripping her under the chin before bridging to finally fully lock in the Last Chancery. Berry cries out in pain again before using her feet to kick out Mason’s legs. As he drops, he breaks his grip on Berry and she manages to make a transition into a crucifix pin, 1-2-no! Mason barely manages to get a shoulder off the mat. Berry asks the official whether it was a three count before turning back to Mason. He gets to his feet but turns right into an exploder suplex before Berry rolls through to pull him up for a Northern Lights suplex, bridging for a pin, 1-2-no! Mason again barely manages to escape.
MW: How is this match still going?
SD: Both have been so close to winning and both have been fractions of seconds from losing. What a match!
MW: And now Berry is stalking Mason. She wants to end this right here.
Berry coils up once again as she looks for Checkmate. Mason pulls himself up and turns as Berry strikes. Mason, however, ducks, but Berry was ready for it, repositioning herself perfectly to pull Mason in for the Berry Buster. Berry tries to lift Mason but he resists, reversing with a backdrop. Berry lands and sits up as Mason hits the ropes, looking for a penalty kick of his own, only for Berry to reach up and pull him down into a small package, 1-2-no! Mason again barely manages to kick out. Both of them scramble up to their feet and each connect with roundhouse kicks at the same time. Mason and Berry stagger away from one another before aiming for one another once more, each connecting with simultaneous forearms and each staggering again.
Mason and Berry stagger towards each other and Berry aims a kick to the gut. Mason catches it and Berry looks for an enzeguiri, which Mason ducks again. He then leaps onto the middle rope and connects with a disaster kick which sends Berry into the ropes. Mason leaps up to his feet as Berry runs back to him and he catches her in position for Extre Credit, but again she elbows her way free. Mason takes a couple of steps away from Berry after absorbing the elbows before turning back to her, but Berry unleashes Checkmate, driving her foot into Mason’s face and causing him to fall to the mat with a thud. The fans stand as Berry makes a cover, 1-2-3!
Winner and new Freedom Champion: Berry Bishop.
The fans stand and cheer as Berry springs to her feet, her hands over her mouth as she realises what has just happened. The official passes her the Freedom Championship and she stares down at it before her arm is raised and she holds the belt up. The fans chant her name loudly as she climbs the turnbuckle and raises the belt to them, bowing deeply before raising it again. As she drops down, Jace Mason stands and looks at her. She stares at him for a few moments before he applauds her and offers his hand. Berry moves in and shakes it as Mason raises her arm. He lets go, applauds her again and leaves the ring, leaving Berry to soak up the adulation of the fans.
MW: Well I think it's safe to say that our new Freedom Champion is popular here in Chicago!
SD: She sure is. Jace Mason wrestled a great match tonight but the difference was that he couldn't find Extra Credit while Berry did find Checkmate. Now Berry is the Freedom Champion and she's in the Free-1, while Mason has lost the belt that held so dear and he's at risk of missing the Free-1 for the second year in a row.
MW: But what a sportsman he was. He shook Berry’s hand, raised her arm and recognised that she was the better wrestler today. I'm sure he'll be back for the rematch that he so clearly deserves, but on this day, Berry Bishop got the victory and is the new FPW Freedom Champion.
Backstage, Bobby O stands with Dasha Banks.
DB: Bobby, thank you very much for agreeing to speak with me tonight. Next week you face the monstrous Davey Jones for the spot in the Free-1 that I'm sure means a lot to you. Would you rather a slightly easier opponent for such an important match?
BO: Davey is a monster. But I've got a revelation for you: I'm a monster too. Right now, with how everything is with Jack and with the attack from Davey, I'm just as dangerous as he is. I have nothing left to lose in my pursuit of Davey Jones and Jack Sevren. I'd love to enter the Free-1. Of course I would. But the title I'm chasing right now isn't a belt. It isn't a trophy. It isn't a main event at Judgement Day. The title I'm chasing is redemption. And neither Jack nor Davey will take that from me.
DB: Are you concerned that Jack Sevren will involve himself in your match with Davey and cost you the Free-1 spot?
BO: You're not listening to me, Dasha. Nobody is listening. I'd love Jack to show his face. He was too scared to show it at the All Star Tag Team Classic so he sent out Davey Jones. If he's decided he wants to come for me in two weeks’ time, I'll welcome it.
Bobby stares down the camera for a moment before walking away.
A spotlight shone on the stage for a moment before "This Fire Burns" began to play. Clutch McCloud emerged on stage, flanked by Danica Jane and Richard Crowley. He walked towards the ring as Dasha began the introductions. "The following contest is a Free-1 qualifying match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Kansas City, Missouri, Clutch McCloud!" Clutch threw his arms in the air as his name echoed through the arena.
MW: "The Free-1 is one of the most exciting times here in FPW, and this match can seriously impact how the tournament goes."
SD: "Yes, the winner of this match will move on to occupy one of the six available spots in the Free-1. Personally, I think Clutch is going to claim the spot, but his opponent tonight should not be underestimated."
The Guardians of Strong Style's music hit and Sato appeared at the top of the ramp. He dropped into a bow, and when he stood up, both members of the team stood behind him. Takahara and Tchyukiro exchanged a few words before Takahara clapped his partner on the shoulder and walked to the back. Dasha introduced Tchyukiro as he strode down the ramp. "And introducing his opponent, from Hiroshima, Japan, representing the Guardians of Strong Style, Masa Tchyukiro!" Tchyukiro raised a single arm in salute to the crowd before settling into the corner.
Match 2: Free-1 Qualifier: Masa Tchyukiro vClutch McCloud (written by Mason/Evans):
The ref called for the bell, and both men strode forward until they were standing chest to chest, staring into their opponent's eyes. A smirk appeared on Clutch's face, and he took a step back, clearly dismissive of Tchyukiro, before he reached out and slapped him across the face. Tchyukiro turned his face back towards Clutch as Clutch spread his arms, and then blasted him with a powerful forearm! Clutch collapsed, and Tchyukiro dropped into an early cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
Clutch tried to roll to the ropes upon kicking out, but Tchyukiro grabbed his legs as he stood up, preventing Clutch’s escape. Thcyukiro pulled Clutch upright and whipped him into the turnbuckle. Thcyukiro then charged in and drove his knee into Clutch’s midsection. Clutch doubled over, only for Tchukiro to straighten him up and connect with a knife-edge chop that echoed across the arena. As Clutch grabbed at his chest, Tchyukiro pulled him from the corner and climbed to the middle turnbuckle. He waited for a moment for Clutch to turn around, and then leapt off, connecting with a flying shoulder tackle! Clutch went down hard, and Tchyukiro pulled him into another cover.
..Kick-out!
Clutch sat up, but Tchyukiro quickly applied a chinlock, preventing his escape.
MW: “Steven, you mentioned that you think Clutch is going to win this match, may I ask why you think that?”
SD: “It’s quite simple really. It’s not that I believe Clutch is a better wrestler than Masa Tchyukiro, I think Tchyukiro is an extremely talented wrestler. No, the reason I give the edge to Clutch McCloud comes down to experience. For all his skill, Tchyukiro is more used to wrestling in a tag team setting, with someone to watch his back. A one-on-one match like this is a little out of his comfort zone, whereas Clutch, a main-event level player in several promotions, has the experience in getting the job done on his own.”
Back in the ring, Clutch had made his way to his feet and grabbed the ropes. Tchyukiro released his hold and began backing away, but then Clutch rushed at him with a discus forearm! Tchyukiro sidestepped the attempt at the technical foul, then as Clutch turned around, he grabbed his wrist and made to whip him to the ropes. But Clutch was able to reverse, sending Tchyukiro to the ropes instead. Tchyukiro rebounded, then jumped over Clutch as he dropped down. Tchyukiro rebounded again, and Clutch leaped over him as he passed. Tchyukiro held on the next time he hit the ropes, prompting Clutch to charge at him. Tchyukiro sidestepped again, then used Clutch’s momentum to send him into the far ropes. He went for a forearm on the rebound, but Clutch ducked under and hit the far ropes. Tchyukiro attempted a back elbow strike on the next rebound, but again, Clutch ducked under the attack. Instead of rebounding, as he neared the ropes again, Clutch leapt onto the middle rope and then launched himself into a springboard moonsault! But as Clutch rotated, Tchyukiro positioned himself underneath and caught Clutch on his shoulder! The crowd erupted as he drove Clutch to the mat with a powerslam! Tchyukiro stood up and slapped his forehead, signaling for the kokeshi headbutt. He ran to the ropes and rebounded, but as he began to fall, Clutch rolled out of the way. Tchyukiro quickly made to stand up, but just as quickly, Clutch kicked out his leg, causing him to collapse.
MW: “Clutch McCloud reversing the kokeshi headbutt, and is now in full control of this match.”
Tchyukiro attempted to rise again, but Clutch quite literally stomped him down, driving his boot into Tchyukiro’s spine again and again. With Tchyukiro staggered, Clutch pulled him up to his feet. He slapped him in the face before he ran to hit the ropes, rebounding and trying to hit a TarHEEL on the still dazed Tchyukiro. But Tchyukiro caught the bicycle kick and roared in Clutch’s face. He tossed Clutch’s leg aside, but Clutch went with the rotation and connected with an enzuigiri as he spun around! Tchyukiro stumbled, and Clutch wasted little time kicking him in the gut and pulling him into a front facelock before driving his head into the mat with a DDT! Tchyukiro collapsed and didn’t move, while Clutch turned him over and dropped into a mounted position, then began laying into his opponent with hard forearms.
MW: “Clutch going after the historically fragile forehead of Masa Tchyukiro.”
SD: “Too many headbutts can do that to a person. That’s why you see most wrestlers use such a move as a more of a last resort than a signature maneuver.”
Clutch decided he’d had enough of battering Tchyukiro and stood up, pulling Tchyukiro with him. He dragged Tchyukiro into the corner and began to drive his head into the top turnbuckle! The ref began administering a five-count, but Clutch gave no sign of stopping, even as the ref reached a count of four. Rather than counting five and ending the match in a disqualification, the ref grabbed Clutch around the waist and pulled him from the corner. The two of them exchanged harsh words before Clutch shoved the ref aside and pulled Tchyukiro out of the corner. He stood him in the center of the ring, then ran to the ropes and rebounded. He ran back toward Tchyukiro, but as he neared him, Tchyukiro launched Clutch into the air, catching him with a headbutt as he fell back down! Clutch collapsed, and Tchyukiro shook his head, where a trickle of blood was visible before falling into a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
MW: "And now the momentum swings back into Mass Tchyukiro's favor."
Tchyukiro stood up and beckoned Clutch to do the same. Clutch rose to his feet, eyeing Tchyukiro wearily. As Clutch fully straightened, Tchyukiro suddenly chopped him across the chest. Clutch stumbled, but didn't fall, and when he turned to face his opponent, he saw Tchyukiro motioning him to return the strike. Clutch looked confused, but didn't waste the opportunity, lashing out with a chop to Tchyukiro's chest. Tchyukiro gave a slight wince, but then nodded at Clutch before he connected with another chop. Clutch took a step back, then shook his head and chopped at Tchyukiro again. Tchyukiro paused to massage his chest for a moment before connecting with another thunderous chop. Clutch took two steps back, then yelled and closed the distance, chopping his opponent once again. Tchyukiro took a full step back, winded, before he released the most powerful chop yet! Clutch dropped to a knee, grimacing in pain, before he stood back up and locked eyes with Tchyukiro, who braced for the next chop. But it never came. Instead, Clutch launched himself into another enzuigiri, and Tchyukiro was only just able to duck under the kick! Clutch landed on his feet, but before he could turn around, Tchyukiro wrapped his arms around his waist and planted him with a German suplex. Now it was Tchyukiro who dropped into a mounted positing and began hammering Clutch. Holding his head with one hand, Tchyukiro used his other arm to pound merciless forearms into Clutch’s forehead, all the while shouting at Clutch in Japanese. Eventually, he threw Clutch’s head back and stood up.
SD: “My Japanese isn’t the greatest, but I clearly caught the words for ‘disrespect’ and ‘strong style’ in that tirade.”
Tchyukiro stood up and paced the ring a few times, regaining control of his temper before he returned his attention to his grounded opponent.
MW: “I guess Tchyukiro wasn’t happy with Clutch ending their strike exchange, but this is a good strategy. Far too often I’ve seen good wrestlers take an embarrassing defeat because they let their emotions control them. Tchyukiro is clearly aware of this and is taking a moment to compose himself.”
Tchyukiro pulled Clutch upright and tossed him into the corner. He ran in after him and connected with a forearm that snapped Clutch’s head back, then lifted him up onto the top rope. Tchyukiro climbed up after him and locked in a front facelock, pulling Clutch upright, then lifting him off the turnbuckle and bringing him crashing down to the mat with a earth-shaking superplex.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Tchyukiro stood up, and ran to the ropes, setting up the kokeshi headbutt once again. But as he rebounded towards the still grounded Clutch, Clutch suddenly kipped up! Tchyukiro came to a shocked start, leaving him open to a series of quick strikes from Clutch, who capped the series off with a European uppercut that rocked Tchyukiro. Clutch ran to the ropes to build momentum, then rebounded back towards his opponent, but as he got close, Tchyukiro connected with another devastating pop-up headbutt! Clutch staggered back to the ropes and limply rebounded, then somehow connected with a discus clothesline! Tchyukiro was taken off his feet, and Clutch dove for a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
MW: “Clutch McCloud with an incredible reversal from the pop-up headbutt!”
Clutch didn’t let up on the offense, pulling Tchyukiro into a sitting position, then running to the ropes, rebounding and connecting with a sliding forearm smash. Before getting back up, he trapped Tchyukiro in a headlock and unloaded with a number of punches to the top of the head. Leaving his opponent dazed, Clutch stood up and retreated into the corner, keeping his gaze locked on Tchyukiro. Clutch waited as Tchyukiro rose to all fours, then accelerated out of the corner, lining up a punt kick. Tchyukiro rolled over to take himself out of position, but this didn’t save him from attack. Clutch jumped over him and brought himself to a halt, then launched into a standing moonsault, over-rotating in order to drive his knees into Tchyukiro’s chest! Tchyukiro gasped for breath, and Clutch rolled over to make a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
On the outside, Danica and Crowley praised Clutch for his athleticism, and Clutch paused to soak up their appreciation. But this praise was interrupted by a fan in the front row yelling something at Clutch. Clutch quickly turned around, yelling "who said that?" Presumably the same fan yelled something else, and Clutch was able to figure out where he sat, marching over to the corner and pointing into the crowd, yelling at the fan that he was an idiot to have ruined what could have been an immortal moment. Behind Clutch however, Tchyukiro was rising to his feet and angrily staring at Clutch's back. Clutch finished exchanging abuse with the fan and returned his attention to his opponent, only to see Tchyukiro running at him to attempt a shoulder tackle. Clutch dove out of the way just in time and used a drop toe hold to drive Tchyukiro’s face into the middle turnbuckle. He stood up as Tchyukiro staggered back and pulled him into a front facelock, then lifted him up and drove him down with a brainbuster! Thcyukiro went limp, and Clutch turned him over and hooked a leg.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
SD: “Clutch McCloud also demonstrating good strategy as he continues to focus his offense on Tchyukiro’s forehead.”
MW: “I’m all for people utilizing good strategy, but this is starting to get uncomfortable. We’re talking about a man’s career here, this isn’t something that should be taken lightly.”
Clutch dragged Tchyukiro so that he was standing in the middle of the ring, then ran to the ropes, shouting “TarHEEL!” as he rebounded. But then Tchyukiro hit a third pop-up headbutt as he got close! Clutch once again bounced off the ropes and went for a discus clothesline, but was met with another headbutt! Clutch was staggered, and Tchyukiro acted quickly, tucking his head between his legs before lifting Clutch onto his shoulders. Tchyukiro spun around before driving Clutch to the mat with a sit-out powerbomb! He placed his feet over Clutch’s shoulders to turn the landing into a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Sato shouted something in Japanese as Clutch kicked out, and Steven quickly provided a translation. “Sato telling Tchyukiro to finish this.”
Tchyukiro pulled Clutch up and locked his arms into a full nelson. He lifted Clutch and bent backwards for a dragon suplex, but Clutch flipped out and landed on his feet! Unaware, Tchyukiro stood up, then suddenly found Clutch’s arms wrapped around his waist! Clutch grabbed Tchyukiro’s wrist and spun him out, then connected with a discus forearm smash! Tchyukiro fell hard, and Clutch dropped into a cover.
...1!...2!...3!
Winner: Clutch McCloud
“Here is your winner,” Dasha Banks announced. “And advancing to enter the Free-1, Clutch McCloud!”
MW: “Well, it seems that my partner’s initial prediction came true, as Clutch McCloud uses a ripcord Technical Foul to secure the victory and a spot in the Free-1 tournement.”
SD: “But I was also right that Masa Tchyukiro shouldn’t be underestimated, he wrestled a great match tonight, and proved that the Guardians of Strong Style are more than just an accomplished tag team, they’re both extremely gifted singles competitors as well.”
MW: “Masa Tchyukiro did his part to prove that tonight, and Hiro Takahara will have the chance to finish that assertion in two weeks time when he faces the loser of tonight’s title match for another spot in the Free-1.”
Backstage, MDE stands outside Jim Houston’s office. He knocks and is called in.
JH: Well I didn't expect to see you tonight. What are you looking for?
MDE: I want a match.
JH: I though you might. Look, I'll say the same to you as I said to Botiatus and Balmer. Right now, I don't have any Free-1 spots open. If-
MDE: It's not a match for me. Jerry Bishop has been training with me. I want to test him. But I don't want it to be a run of the mill match that doesn't mean anything. I want Jerry in a high stakes match. He already has a guaranteed Free-1 spot because of what he did last year, but I don't feel that he deserves that based on this year. I want him to defend that spot. I want Jerry to have the toughest possible opponent and I want that opponent to take that spot if Jerry can't beat them.
JH: So you want Jerry, who hasn't won a match all year, to risk throwing away a big opportunity and a big pay day?
MDE: I want him to go into the Free-1 with some self-belief. He doesn't have much of it, probably quite rightly, after what has happened this year. Jerry needs a win before the Free-1 or he's going to go through with no points and he may be unsalvageable. Think of this as a chance to give Botiatus or Balmer what they want and a chance to draw a bigger audience with one of your big attractions on the card. Night Three. Make it happen.
MDE turns and leaves and Houston makes a motion as if to say ‘why not?’ before making a note on his laptop.
MW: Well this next match was finalised earlier today and it has just a high a stakes as any other we'll see in these shows leading up to the Free-1. Davey Jones, one of the most dangerous men in FPW history goes up against Aaron Williams, possibly the biggest signing in FPW’s history. The prize? An FPW Title match against Graham Baker.
SD: A huge opportunity but let's be honest. It's a huge opportunity for one man only. Davey Jones is bigger, stronger and simply better than Aaron Williams. Maybe he's unbeatable, even for Graham Baker at the peak of his powers. Baker will surely be rooting for Aaron Williams in this one,
MW: Perhaps he will. But I'm-
‘DNA’ begins to play and the fans leap to their feet. Graham Baker walks out onto the stage dressed in a simple tshirt and ripped jeans. The FPW Title sits around his waist as he acknowledges the applause from the fans. He walks with a pronounced limp down the aisle and slaps hands with the fans all the way down. He stops to pose for selfies and even signs a couple of autographs. He makes his way round the ring until he reaches the announce table, where Baker takes a seat and is handed a headset.
MW: It seems like our FPW Champion Graham Baker is joining us for this next match.
SD: Welcome champ!
GB: I know I'm not the man you wanted to walk out with this belt Steven but I appreciate the welcome. I'm here for a first hand look at my next challenger. And I never tire of coming out to a reaction like that one.
MW: Well, before we welcome your potential opponents to the ring, what are your thoughts on this match?
GB: I'll face either one.
SD: But you'd rather face Aaron Williams, right?
GB: I'll face either one. Davey Jones is big and powerful and Aaron Williams is just a fucking great wrestler, but I'll face either of them and I'll have my hand raised at the end of the match.
SD: But if you could only choose one?
GB: I'll face either one. I know you think Davey Jones is unstoppable but he doesn't have this belt. I have it and it means that I'm the best here. I beat Marcus Allen Jones to win it and I beat him to solidify the fact that I am the ace of FPW. Davey Jones and Aaron Williams may well try, but I'm not giving this belt up, not to them, not to anyone.
‘Bully’ begins to play and the fans boo as Davey Jones enters the arena. He raises his arms and lets out a big roar before slowly walking down the aisle.
SD: The most intimidating man in FPW is coming to the ring!
GB: Look at him trying to stare me down. Focus on Williams, big man.
MW: Davey Jones certainly does seem to have his eyes on Graham Baker as he comes around- whoa there.
Davey walks right up to the announce table and Watson and Deville both move out of the way. Baker, however, puts both feet up on the announce table and stares back up at Davey. Davey turns away and climbs over the top rope to get into the ring, raising his hands and letting out another roar before the music switches.
‘I Still Believe’ begins to play as Aaron Williams stands on the stage. He sings along to the song and the fans join him before he starts bouncing around on the stage and calling for them to get louder and louder. He keeps singing as he struts down the ramp, slapping hands with fans. He moves around the ring and picks out a young fan to sign his elbow pad, but, just as he gives the fan the marker pen, Davey rams him into the guardrail. Williams collapses to the floor but Davey lifts him and throws him into the side of the ring. Davey then pulls Williams up and rolls him into the ring, following him and yelling for the official to ring the bell.
Match 3: Number One Contendership for the FPW Championship: Aaron Williams v Davey Jones:
Davey pulls Williams up and throws him into a corner, running in and connecting with a splash. Williams drops to his knees and Davey rips his shirt off him before lifting him for a huge pump handle slam. Williams grimaces in pain and Davey looks across at Baker.
MW: Davey Jones is really looking to send a message in this match.
GB: There's a long way to go yet. He'd better focus on Williams.
SD: If Aaron Williams has any sense he'll tap out right now!
GB: Don't be a dick, Steven.
SD: Ouch.
Davey then pulls Williams up with a hand around his threat before lifting him up one handed and holding him there, the fans silent, before driving him down with a huge choke slam. Davey makes a cover, 1-2-no! Williams gets a shoulder up. Davey looks down at him and pulls him up again before taking him down with a thunderous clothesline. Williams hits the mat and lies motionless.
MW: Maybe tapping out wouldn't be such a bad idea.
SD: He tried to extend the match and now Davey Jones is going to punish him.
GB: Williams can take a lot worse than this. I don't think this is over yet.
SD: We’ll see…
Davey pulls Williams to his feet again before throwing him back into the corner once again. He runs at him and connects with another splash which drops Williams to a seated position. Davey then backs off and signals with his hands for a cannonball. The fans gasp.
MW: No way! Nobody could take this move and not be turned into a 2D shape!
SD: Davey’s going to kill him!
Davey runs at the corner and launches himself for a cannonball but Williams moves and Davey crashes and burns. The fans cheer as Williams forces himself to his feet. He sees Davey down and climbs to the top rope, coming down with a double stomp. Williams falls into a cover, 1-2-no. Davey kicks out powerfully. Both men climb to their feet but Williams is up quicker, driving Davey into the corner with a shotgun dropkick. Williams rolls backwards and runs at Davey, connecting with a big splash. He runs back and hits another, then another, then another and three more before Davey finally drops to a seated position. Williams backs away, catching his breath, before running at Davey and connecting with a cannonball of his own. Davey rolls out of the corner and Williams springs up to the top rope. The fans are in a frenzy as he comes down with a 450 splash, making another cover, 1-2-no! Davey kicks out at the last minute.
MW: I thought he had him!
SD: No way! Williams can't beat Davey.
GB: He can.
SD: I… I don't like it when there's someone else here.
MW: What would you do next if you were Aaron Williams?
GB: Look to finish him now. Can he hit the A Triple Plus on a man Davey’s size? I don't know, but I'd be trying right now.
Williams pops up and waits for Davey. He watches as Davey stands and aims a mid kick but Davey doesn't move. Williams stares at him and goes for another, but Davey doesn't even stagger. Williams goes for a third but catches him up into a powerbomb. Williams is driven hard into the canvas but doesn't get time to rest as Davey pulls him up and hoists him onto his shoulders, delivering Psychosis. Davey makes the cover, his eyes on Baker all the time, 1-2-3
Winner: Davey Jones
MW: Well that was quite the display of dominance from our new number one contender. Graham Baker, what do-
Baker takes off his headset and stands. He walks straight to the ring and climbs between the ropes, walking up to Davey immediately and looking up to stare straight into his eyes. Davey stares down at Baker as Baker holds up the FPW Championship and both men maintain their gaze until the official forces them back in order to raise Davey’s arm.
MW: Well next week we're going to have quite the FPW Championship match.
SD: I… I don't like to say this but next week could be a massacre. Davey Jones is surely unbeatable. You saw what he did to Aaron Williams… and that's Aaron Williams. He's hardly a green kid.
MW: You could well be correct, but Graham Baker won't fear Davey Jones. I bet he'll be relishing this challenge.
Backstage, Artemis Evans is on her way to the ring and Dasha Banks catches up to her.
DB: Artemis… can I have a few thoughts on the opportunity you have in just a few moments.
AE: I plan to win this match and then go and win the Free-1. I lost to Karlson because I knew I'd already done everything I could have done with that belt in that pathetic division. Bigger things await me.
DB: What about Zachary Bates.
AE: Who I face doesn't matter. This is my Queendom, and I will rule over the Free-1.
Evans walks away, an arrogant look on her face.
MW: Coming up next, we have another Free-1 qualifier: Artemis Evans faces off against Zachary Bates.
SD: And you better believe that Evans is coming with a vengeance after losing her championship.
ProtoVision by Kavinsky hits. Zachary Bates comes out, slapping hands on his way down to the ring. He enters the ring, and just as he takes off his hood on the top rope, we hear “checkmate”. Camera cuts to the entrance ramp, where we see her smirking as “Hammer to Fall” starts. Boos can be heard, and she gets into a verbal altercation with a fan before focusing on the man in the ring.
MW: Artemis definitely still has the loss on her mind, did you see how quickly the fans got to her on her way to the ring?
SD: That’s only cause a simpleton like you believes what he sees instead of having the insider information. She’s letting the fans think they’re getting in her head. She knows EXACTLY what she’s doing.
Match 4: Free-1 Qualifier: Artemis Evans v Zachary Bates (written by Davey Jones):
The bell rings, and the two lock up. Bates is almost reluctant, but after being taunted by Artemis, the two start to grapple. Artemis shoots Bates off and looks for a clothesline, but Bates ducks and runs through, leaping onto the middle rope and going for a springboard crossbody, but Evans ducks and rolls out of the ring. Bates lands and Evans laughs, turning to the fans and pointing to her head to show that she's more intelligent. However, Bates is back up and is looking for a dive.
MW: Artemis better focus, otherwise she’ll lose her chance at winning the Free-1 before she even gets into the tournament!
SD: Here comes Bates through the ropes… YES! She saw it coming! See! The Queen controls all within F-P-Dub!
Artemis quickly throws Bates back in the ring.
MW: Going for the quick victory after the distraction!
One…
Tw – NO! Bates kicks out!
MW: Bates will not be put away that easily today!
SD: It’s just a matter of TIME. Artemis WILL WIN this match, and will win this tournament! Just you wait and see!
MW (mutters quietly): We’ll see about that…
Bates gets up, and once again locks up with Artemis. She shoots him off, and as he comes off the ropes, he hits a flying forearm. This stuns Artemis, but she does not go down. He shoots her off this time, and she hits a lariat as they meet.
MW: What power she has! He’s rocked, and he decides to take the smart move and rolls out of the ring.
SD: No rest for the weary, Mike, as Artemis is following her prey out. But she better heed the count
1…. 2….
Artemis shouts at Bates, who shrugs it off.
3… 4…. 5… 6…
Bates tries to get in the ring, but is cut off at the steps by Artemis. She spins him around, and hits a discus forearm.
MW: Is this how it’s going to end? By a count out??
SD: Her Royal Highness will win by any means she deems appropriate!
7…
Artemis gets back in the ring. Bates gets up, and starts to shake the cobwebs loose.
8… 9….
Just before the count of 10, Bates gets in the ring and stops the count. He staggers towards Artemis, who smirks. Keeping the smirk, she gets around to Bates’ back and does a chop block, which drops him to the mat.
SD: Here we go! The queen wins the match!
One….
Two…
Thr—NO! Bates kicks out!
MW: You were saying, Steven? Bates may have absorbed a lot of punishment, but he’s still got some fight left in him! He’s living up to his reputation of giving it his all! At the same time, one must wonder if Artemis has underestimated Bates?
Artemis looks for another pin, but gets schoolboy’d.
One….
Two….
Th – NO! Artemis kicks out
SD: It’s going to take more than just some trickery if Bates wants move on in the tournament.
Bates gets a second wind, and picks up Artemis, who’s dazed. He hits a superkick, and Artemis staggers towards a corner before dropping down. The crowd starts to pop, and Bates notices, who points towards the top of the turnbuckle. The crowd cheers even more.
SD: Stop pandering to the crowd! These peons aren’t going to win the match for you!
MW: I bet he’s thinking 630 or the shooting star press!
SD: No no no no no NOOOO!
MW: Up he goes… Shooting star press! This is it! Game, Set, Match for Bates!
SD: This isn’t tennis, Watson!
One….
Two……..
Thre – NO! Artemis kicks out!
SD: She’s still in it? That has put away many people for others in the past!
Bates chops Artemis, to a chorus of “Yays”. Artemis responds in kind, to a chorus of “boos”. They go back and forth, eventually leading to both staggering backwards after the chops. After a couple of minutes of this back and forth, Bates blocks Artemis by ducking, then sweeping out the legs. Quickly, he gets down to the mat.
MW: Could he be going for the Crossface?
SD: The Queen should NEVER be subjected to such punishment! This is…. WAIT – SHE’S BAITED HIM!
Just as he attempted to start applying the crossface, she slips out and stands up. He also gets up, but she grasps him, setting up for the Guillotine Strike.
SD: See Mikey! I told you she was setting him up! All about of Her Royal Highness’s plan! GUILLOTINE STRIKE! CONNECTS! Bates is OUT! COLD!
One…
Two……
Three!
Winner: Artemis Evans.
The bell rings, the referee holds up the hand of Artemis Evans, who looks down at Bates and smirks.
MW: Artemis Evans has won this match and advances into the Free-1.
SD: As we knew would happen! Evans is about to win the big one and go onto Judgement Day II to take her rightful place as the one true Queen of Freedom Pro Wrestling.
MW: We’ll see about that. Next time we'll see three more qualifiers for the Free-1 as well as that huge FPW Title match between Graham Baker and Davey Jones. This is can't-miss season here in FPW and you'd better make sure to see it!
