Post by Jim Houston on Jun 30, 2019 7:31:17 GMT
The show begins with the same Free-1 preview video as the last show, followed by a recap of the events of Road to Free-1 II Night One. It shows Artemis Evans and Clutch Mccloud qualifying and then highlights Davey Jones’s dominant victory over Graham Baker, before focussing on tonight’s matches as Mike Watson and Steven Deville narrate.
MW: Tonight we see three huge Free-1 qualification matches as Marcus Allen Jones opens the show, appearing for the first time since that hellacious Hell in a Cell match against Graham Baker. He faces the unpredictable Henry Harrison. We will also see former Freedom Champion Jace Mason face former Tag Team Champion Hiro Takahara, who is the only hope of a Guardians of Strong Style representative in the Free-1 and then… well, the current plan is Davey Jones versus Bobby O, but-
SD: But Davey Jones in our main event will dethrone Graham Baker as FPW Champion and won’t need to qualify!
MW: He may do that, but I don’t know what Jim Houston has in mind other than Davey competing twice to-
‘Bully’ plays and the fans quickly turn to the entrance ramp.
MW: Speaking of the devil.
SD: Devil? This guy is far more powerful than the devil. This is Davey Jones!
Davey raises his arms before beginning a slow march to the ring. He steps onto the apron before stepping over the ropes and yanking the microphone from the hands of Dasha Banks.
“My friend Jim has me in two matches tonight. But when I win the FPW Championship, I’ll be automatically entered into the Free-1. So let’s do this right now. Baker! Get out here. It’s time I sent you- and your title reign- to the looney bin.”
The fans stand stunned as Davey drops the microphone and, after a short pause, ‘DNA’ begins to play. Graham Baker steps out on the entrance ramp. He’s without his standard leather jacket, holding the FPW championship on one shoulder of his bare chest. He approaches the ring and looks at Jones, who looks ready to jump him out the gate, but security separates the two men before things can get hostile. Baker enters the ring, settling in his corner.
The two men lock eyes, deathly intense, and the referee enters to start the match, taking the FPW belt from Baker, who bows to it, before showing it to Jones, who chuckles.
Match 1: FPW Championship: Graham Baker v Davey Jones (written by Baker):
The referee holds the belt up one final time and-BAKER’S OFF WITH A DROPKICK JUST BEFORE THE BELL RINGS, SENDING JONES BACK INTO THE CORNER! Baker drills Davey Jones with hard chops, grabbing him with an Irish whip and launching him into the opposing corner before going for another massive leaping dropkick! Davey Jones looks rattled early, and Baker goes for one more whip combination, lining up for a set of shotgun knees-BUT JONES CATCHES HIM IN A POWERBOMB POSITION! SPIN-OUT POWERBOMB BY DAVEY JONES INTO A COVER!
ONE!
TW-NO! Baker kicks out!
Baker’s clearly stunned by the ability of Jones to reverse his signature knees midair, but Jones isn’t done yet, grabbing Baker in a headlock and repeatedly driving his massive elbow into the skull of Graham Baker! Baker’s bleeding like a stuck pig after a few elbows, and Jones clearly isn’t done yet, whipping Baker into the ropes with an Irish whip and catching him with an absolutely devastating lariat on the come-around! Baker flips head-over-heels and Jones lets out a brutal chuckle, going to grab Baker and pull him up for Psychosis to end the match.
He pulls Baker up onto his shoulders, but Baker fights against it with a series of elbows to the head of Davey Jones, who drops him after a few too many for Baker’s liking! Baker hits the ropes for a Handspring Enziguri and nails it, sending Jones stumbling into the ropes! He nails Jones with a series of stiff chops and strikes before he hits the ropes again, going-CLIPPED WINGS SPRINGBOARD LARIAT TO JONES! Davey Jones crashes over the top rope to the outside, but he’s back on his feet quickly as Baker hits the ropes, going for a suicide spear-AND JONES COUNTERS IT WITH A LIGHTNING FAST ELBOW TO THE SKULL OF GRAHAM BAKER! Baker hangs limp on the ropes, at the mercy of the Lunatic himself, who grabs Baker and pulls him inbetween his legs-ROPEHUNG PILEDRIVER TO GRAHAM BAKER! Jones rolls Baker back in and goes for a pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO! BAKER KICKS OUT AGAIN!
Davey Jones looks to waste no time laying into Baker again, going to yank him up for another series of elbows, but Baker manages to reverse this attempt and hit Jones with an armdrag! He hits the ropes for a running dropkick once again, but Jones manages to reverse it into another powerbomb, standing up with Baker in the powerbomb position-only for Baker to counter Jones into a spike Frankensteiner into a pin!
ONE!
TW-JONES KICKS OUT!
Baker wastes no time getting back to his feet, kipping up! He looks to Jones trying to get up and hits the ropes, going for a Mushroom Stomp and nailing Davey Jones! He rolls to his feet and goes for the top rope, drawing a line across his throat-LANDING GEAR DOUBLE STOMP TO THE ARM OF DAVEY JONES! Graham Baker looks to be in complete control here as he lines up for the Emergency Landing, but as he runs in to lock the hold in, Davey manages to somehow catch Baker in midair and turn his run into a Swinging Sidewalk Slam, flattening Graham Baker! He pulls Baker up onto his shoulders for Psychosis, only for Baker to counter it and land on his feet! He wraps his arms around Jones’ waist and tries to hit him with a German Suplex, but Jones nails Baker with two brutal back-elbows! Jones virtually throws Baker over the ropes and out onto the apron before he hits the ropes-MASSIVE SPEAR that sends Baker into the barricades on the outside! Jones heads up to the apron, getting a running start, going for a Cannonball-BUT BAKER MANAGES TO MOVE, SENDING JONES THROUGH THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE FIRST ROW OF SEATS!
Baker scrambles up onto the apron as Davey tries to get back to his feet, and goes for a running double stomp off the apron, but Jones catches him in another powerbomb position, only for Baker to attempt to reverse it into another Frankensteiner, only for Jones to counter again by tightening his grasp AND LAUNCHING BAKER BACK-FIRST into the apron! Jones rolls Baker back inside and, taunting the Aviator, goes to the top rope. He mimics Baker’s double-gun pose and leaps for a massive Frog Splash-BUT BAKER ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Davey crashes and burns, and as he gets back up, Baker displays immense strength despite the damage to his back, lifting Davey Jones for the Mustang Driver! He screams out-AND PLANTS DAVEY JONES! THIS ONE’S OVER!
ONE-DAVEY JONES KICKS OUT AT ONE!
Baker and the crowd both look stunned into silence as Davey Jones lays on the mat for a moment, having broken Baker’s finisher at a count of one. Baker looks to the referee to confirm, and the referee nods, leading to Baker, shaken, looking to Jones and trying to lock in the Emergency Landing-but Davey Jones is prepared and merely rolls through the attempt, popping Baker up onto his shoulders-POWERBOMB! He pulls Baker up from the ground for another Sit-out Powerbomb! Baker looks to be down for the count, but Jones whips him into the corner, nailing him with a Spear, before pulling Baker in for the Looney Bin! He spins around, disorienting the already heavily-damaged Graham Baker before nailing him with a brutal Chicken Wing Suplex into a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Winner, and NEW Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion: Davey Jones.
The crowd is shocked into a stunned silence as Davey Jones rolls off of Graham Baker, standing victoriously to a crowd that has no ovation for him. He looks furious at this, and screams out ‘Come on! Give me something!’, while the crowd watches as the ace of Freedom Pro Wrestling rolls out of the ring to collapse next to the apron. Baker watches as the referee takes his championship from its pedestal at the timekeeper, and hands it to Davey Jones, who holds it high to a rancorous booing from the crowd.
We close on one final shot of Baker looking up at Jones from the apron while Jones holds the championship high, laughing wickedly with a devilish smile on his face, looking down at Baker and screaming ‘I told you so!’
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Backstage, Jim Houston sits in his office, stunned as he watches the live feed. He runs a hand through his hair and lets out a big sigh. The sound of his phone vibrating can be heard repeatedly before there’s a knock on the door. Houston tells them to come in but is clearly distracted. Ted Crewmember pokes his head around the door.
TC: You saw that, right?
JH: ….. Yeah….. yeah, I saw it…
TC: I’m sure you’ve got a lot to do, but I’ve been asked to come in here to ask about the qualifier.
JH: Qualifier?
TC: Davey Jones versus Bobby O. With Davey as Champion, he’s automatically qualified, right?
JH: Yeah, I guess he has.
TC: So what do we do with the graphic for the match? Is it happening? Is Bobby automatically in? Is he out?
JH: Um… leave it with me, Ted. I’ll let you know.
Ted nods and backs out of the office, closing the door. Houston runs his hand through his hair again and picks up his phone.
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MW: Welcome back to ringside. These fans are in shock.
SD: But they shouldn’t be! They should have known what was going to happen. Graham Baker’s reign of terror is over and Davey Jones’ reign of terr… ific leadership has begun!
MW: I think we all knew it was a possibility but I don’t think any of us expected it to happen and nobody honestly expected it to end to quickly and in such dominant fashion. Graham Baker’s record-breaking reign is at an end.
SD: And who could possible take the FPW Championship from Davey Jones?
MW: That, Steven, is the right question.
‘Cult of Personality’ begins to play and there’s a muted reaction, mostly boos, as Marcus Allen Jones comes onto the ramp and performs his standard backflip, landing in his signature pose. He begins to walk down the ramp and The Invaders follow him. A few fans let out surprised cries as Haych and Dario walk behind Marcus after the three of them had been arguing so much in recent times. When Marcus reaches the bottom of the ramp, he pulls out his piece of paper which reads ‘#redemption’. He slides into the ring and poses next to the ropes as Haych and Dario stand on the turnbuckles next to him. They drop down and leave the ring, leaving Marcus limbering up as the music stops.
‘Narco’ takes over the speakers as Henry Harrison bursts through the curtain, receiving a similarly muted reaction from the fans as he runs to one side of the stage and extends his arms. He then runs to the other side and extends his arms again, once again receiving the muted reaction of a stunned crowd. Not to be deterred, Harrison walks down the ramp before rolling into the ring under the bottom rope. Marcus rests against the ropes while Harrison takes out the polar bear and black bear from inside his jacket and places them under the turnbuckle before removing his jacket completely.
Match 2: Free-1 Qualifier: Marcus Allen Jones v Henry Harrison:
The official calls for the bell and the two men come together quickly. They lock up and Harrison backs Marcus up into the corner with the bears. He forces Marcus back as far as he can and keeps driving with his legs as the official begins his count. At the count of 4, Harrison quickly breaks the hold and gives the black bear a look and a shrug of the shoulders. Marcus uses the distraction to get back into the match, rolling out of the corner and catching Harrison from behind, connecting with a wheelbarrow facebuster. He rolls Harrison over and makes a cover, 1-2-no. Harrson kicks out.
Marcus quickly making it back to his feet, connecting with a superkick to the gut as Harrison makes it to his feet. He then connects with a shotgun dropkick to send Harrison out of the ring. Marcus doesn’t waste any time as he backs away from the ropes before running at them and connecting with a perfect corkscrew moonsault plancha, taking Harrison down. Marcus swiftly gets back to his feet and holds out his arms, shaking his hair out of his eyes as he receives cheers from some of the fans. Marcus then pulls Harrison up to his feet and drives a knee into his gut before rolling him back into the ring.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones with an impressive start in this match.
SD: Of course it’s impressive, it’s my best friend Marcus!
MW: And it seems like some of the fans are starting to appreciate his talents.
SD: Well I wasn’t such a fan of him backing TakeOver off at the end of the Hell in a Cell match, but it seems like the fans respected that choice and that they’re finally starting to recognise Marcus for the talented wrestler that he is.
Marcus stands on the apron and waits for Harrison to get to his feet. As he does, Marcus leaps up onto the top rope and connects with a springboard shotgun dropkick to send Harrison across the ring. Marcus springs back up and then runs over to the ropes, climbing up to the top rope and connecting with a phoenix splash, sending a number of fans into loud cheers for the flurry of exciting offense. Marcus holds for the cover, 1-2-no! Harrison just manages to get a shoulder up. Marcus pulls Harrison up with him and setting him up for a Canadian destroyer. However, as he leaps, Harrison blocks him and shifts his position, connecting with a spinebuster.
Harrison staggers towards the ropes to recover before moving back towards Marcus, stomping on him repeatedly. He looks towards the bears before pausing, then looking just at the polar bear before stomping even harder. The official manages to pull him away and Harrison wheels towards the bears, crouching down for a moment. He listens to the polar bear and his face looks set to do some damage before he pauses, looking sheepishly to the black bear and hanging his head for a moment. He then stands and turns but Marcus once again has been given time to recover. Harrison aims a right hand at Marcus, but he blocks it and unleashes a combination of kicks, kicking both legs and then aiming a spin kick to the gut, but Harrison catches the leg and pulls it hard, sending Marcus face-first to the mat. Harrison then pulls Marcus up and whips him into the corner, running at him and driving a hard forearm into his head.
MW: There was some real venom behind that one!
SD: Marcus is in a bit of trouble here.
MW: Harrison is stalking him…
Marcus turns and Harrison dives at him, catching him with a very aggressive double leg before mounting him and connecting with a series of hard right hands. The official again begins a count and Harrison barely stops the volley of punches before the count reaches 5. Harrison stands and wheels away, looking to his bears and pumping himself up. Marcus slowly gets to his feet, shaking cobwebs from his head as Harrison darts back in, pulling him up onto his shoulders. All of a sudden, Haych and Dario climb onto the apron and each grab one of Harrison’s bears. Harrison drops Marcus immediately and goes after them, but they drop down and, mocking Harrison by pretending that the bears are talking in silly voices, they climb over the barricade and run away through the crowd with the bears.
The official counts as Harrison follows out of the ring:
1….
2….
3….
4….
Harrison looks torn as to whether he follows The Invaders or gets back into the ring.
5….
6….
7….
He begins to step over the barricade to chase Haych and Dario.
8….
9….
Suddenly, he changes his mind and dives back into the ring just before he’s counted out. He stands, only for Marcus to catch him with a step-up enzeguiri before he traps Harrison’s arm and connects with Six Stars. A number of fans boo as Marcus makes the cover, 1-2-3.
Winner: Marcus Allen Jones.
Marcus stands and looks down at Harrison, his face not showing the joy you’d expect after a big win. He shakes his head and then climbs through the ropes after the official raises his arm briefly. Henry Harrison struggles towards the ropes and begins to pull himself up once Marcus has gone through the curtain, only for Haych and Dario to return to the ring. They jump Harrison as the fans boo them. Laying into him, they stomp hard on him before throwing him out of the ring through the ropes. Following, Haych lifts Harrison and throws him into the guardrail as Dario tears apart the announce table.
MW: Come on! Your boy already won the match! Hey!
SD: This is more like it. This is what TakeOver is all about.
MW: This is despicable. Henry Harrison hasn’t done anything to deserve this.
Haych calls to Dario, who climbs onto the apron as Haych lifts Harrison into position for a powerbomb. Dario dives off the apron for the senton bomb as Haych completes the powerbomb, the two of them driving Harrison through the announce table. As Haych stands over Harrison, Dario grabs his polar bear and pretends to listen to it, before tearing its head off and throwing it down at Harrison. The fans boo even louder as Haych and Dario laugh, leaving the ringside area as medical personnel rush down to tend to Henry Harrison.
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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with James Saturn.
DB: I’m joined here by James Saturn, who-
JS: Say it properly.
DB: Sorry?
JS: You’re joined by The Paragon, James Saturn.
DB: Right… James-
JS: Say it properly.
DB: Fine… I’m joined here by The Paragon, James Saturn.
JS: Better.
DB: James-
JS: In fact, just give me that. Don’t bother talking.
Dasha hands over the microphone.
JS: Because I’ve already qualified for the Free-1, I’m getting some time to put my feet up at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still training, not that I need to, but I don’t have to stand in front of all of you people and perform and I’m more than happy about that. But don’t you dare forget about me. I’m the biggest name and the best wrestler in this Free-1 tournament and unlike last year when I just came along to make up the numbers, I plan to win it.
Saturn hands the mic back to Dasha and begins to walk away, only to turn back at the last minute.
JS: Oh… Graham Baker… karma, bitch.
Saturn walks off as Dasha stands and shakes her head.
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The intro to “Afterlife” began playing from the speakers, and the fans went quiet in anticipation of the now-former Freedom champion. The intro ended and Jace Mason emerged as the song properly began. The crowd began cheering as Jace looked out to the crowd, smiling at the positive reaction. He began making his way down the ramp, high-fiving any outstretched hands in the front row, as Dasha began to make the introductions for the match. “The following contest is a Free-1 qualifying match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Seattle, Washington, Jace Mason!” Jace raised his arm as he stood atop the turnbuckles, then dropped into the ring.
MW: “Jace has admitted that his bag has felt disturbingly lighter since losing the Freedom Championship, and that he hopes to make up that lost weight by claiming the Free-1 trophy. Tonight marks the beginning of that quest, as he faces Hiro Takahara to determine which of them will enter the Free-1”
Sato emerged at the top of the ramp as the Guardians of Strong Style’s music hit, bowing to the audience. Tchyukiro and Takahara emerged from behind him as he straightened up, and the two of them exchanged words before Tchyukrio turned and headed to the back. “And introducing his opponent, representing the Guardians of Strong Style, from Hiroshima, Japan, Hiro Takahara!”
Takahara strode purposefully down the ramp and into the ring. He bowed to the audience before turning to face Jace. Jace stepped forward and extended his hand to shake. Takahara stared at him before he dropped into a bow, ignoring the offered hand. Jace raised his hands and backed away into his corner.
Match 3: Free-1 Qualifier: Hiro Takahara v Jace Mason (written by Mason):
The referee called for the bell, and both men advanced into a tie-up. They shifted their weight against each other, jockeying for position until Jace took control, trapping Takahara in a wristlock. Takahara reached for the ropes, but Jace pulled him back, applying more pressure. As Takahara winced, Jace passed his arm over his head and began to set up a snapmare, only for Takahara to shove him away. Jace whirled around to face his opponent, and Takahara kicked him in the chest, driving him back. Jace put a hand to his chest, staring surprised at his opponent, before he advanced again and attempted another tie-up. Takahara refused the attempt and swung a roundhouse kick at Jace’s head. But Jace ducked under the kick and struck with his own kicks, connecting several times with Takahara’s legs. Takahara stepped out of range of Jace's kicks and eyed hum carefully.
SD: "I like what I'm seeing from Jace at the beginning of this match. He's testing the waters, attack both sets of limbs to gauge the reactions. Whenever he gets a good reaction, that will dictate the rest of his attacks as this match progresses."
The two competitors circled each other a few times before one of them made the next move. Jace quickly stepped forward, feinting another attempt at a tie-up, then going low and attempting a takedown. He successfully pulled one of Takahara's legs off the mat, but before he could use this to his advantage, Takahara used his other leg to connect with an enzuigiri. Jace collapsed to the mat, but quickly began standing back up. He was stopped however, as Takahara lightly kicked him in the head, causing him to tense up and cover his head. He slowly lowered his arms, and Takahara brushed him with his foot again, which caused Jace to tense again. After there was no continued attacks, Jace dropped his arms again, only to feel Takahara's foot connect with his head. But instead of tensing up, Jace straightened and turned to face Takahara, driving his hand into his chest with a knife-edge chop. Takahara winced, then struck back with a chop of his own. Jace took two steps back before he closed the gap and connected with a second chop. But Takahara was unfazed, and wasted no time in striking with another chop. Jace was staggered, but managed to regain his balance at the last moment. Instead of striking with another chop, Jace ended the exchange by pulling Takahara down with a snapmare, then running to the ropes and connecting with a penalty kick as he rebounded. But Takahara took the hit and didn’t collapse. Jace looked shocked, and based on the reaction from the crowd, they were too. Jace tried to keep his momentum going by pulling him down and leaping up for a knee drop, but Takahara rolled out of the way as he descended. Jace winced and grabbed his knee as Takahara stood up, and Takahara wasted no time in connecting with a powerful knee strike that left Jace rattled. Before he could recover, Takahara pulled him up and into a front facelock, then drove him to the mat with a snap suplex. As Takahara let go, Jace rolled out of the ring to catch his breath.
MW: “Hiro Takahara taking control of this match, as Jace finds himself in the unusual situation where he doesn’t have the striking advantage.”
Inside the ring, Takahara hit the ropes and rebounded, sliding underneath the bottom rope and driving both feet into Jace’s torso with a baseball slide dropkick. Jace went down hard, and Takahara paused to accept praise from Sato before he lifted Jace up and rolled him back into the ring. He then climbed onto the apron before he launched himself over the top rope, turning over in midair and landing with his back across Jace’s chest. He rolled over and pulled Jace away from the ropes before hooking his leg for a cover.
...1!.Kick-out!
Takahara pulled his opponent upright and sent him into the corner, then quickly closed the distance to prevent his escape. Jace swung a right hand, but Takahara blocked it, then drove his shin into Jace’s gut. He continued this assault, unleashing a flurry of kicks to Jace’s midsection as the ref began the count. As the count neared five, Takahara grabbed Jace by the wrist and made to whip him into the far corner. But Jace was able to reverse the attempt and sent Takahara into the corner. Takahara bounced out of the corner and ran at the charging Jace, leveling him with a dropkick! With Jace flat on his back, Takahara pressed his advantage by connecting with a double stomp, driving both of his feet into Jace’s chest. Jace gasped, and Takahara pulled him into a sitting position, holding him by the head and saying something at Japanese before running to the ropes and rebounding, connecting with a devastating penalty kick. Jace was utterly flattened, and Takahara dropped into a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
SD: “Takahara telling Jace he’d show him how it’s done properly, then delivering on that promise as he delivers a punishing penalty kick.”
Sato yelled some advice to Takahara from the outside, and Takahara obliged, lifting Jace up onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. But before he could connect with whatever he was told to hit, Jace squirmed free and landed on his feet behind his opponent. He quickly connected with a forearm to the back of the neck, stunning Takahara for just long enough for Jace to set up a backslide pin. But as he began to pull Takahara down, Takahara resisted, and the two of them were suddenly locked in a test of strength, each of them trying to pull their opponent into a pin attempt. Eventually, Takahara managed to power through and pull Jace down. But he let him go as Jace neared the mat, and Jace took advantage, rolling backwards to his knees, right into a brutal knee strike! Jace was dazed, and Takahara pulled him onto his shoulders again, this time connecting with a death valley driver! Sato barked a command, and Takahara dove into a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
MW: “Jace Mason keeping himself in this match, but we’ll see how much longer that can last, as Takahara moves to the corner to line up his next attack.”
Jace wearily stood up, and Takahara exploded out of the corner with an attempt at a bicycle kick that Jace was just able to dodge. Takahara recovered his balance and turned around, and Jace sent him to the mat with a quick STO. With his opponent down for a moment, Jace backed up to the ropes, leaning against them as he caught his breath. But his reprieve didn’t last long, as Takahara rose to his feet and charged at him, lashing out with a kick, only for Jace to sidestep and Takahara’s leg to get caught in the ropes. As Takahara struggled to free himself, Jace threw out a kick that connected with the back of Takahara’s base leg. Takahara nearly fell, and Jace quickly set up and connected with a back suplex, pulling him free from the ropes. Jace stood up and went on the attack, grabbing Takahara’s ankle to hold his leg in place and then repeatedly driving his foot into his opponent’s thigh. Takahara winced and was clearly in pain, but refused to cry out, withstanding Jace’s attack in silence. At least until Jace extended his leg and then connected with a knee drop, then he cried out in pain.
SD: “Jace has effectively capitalized on an opening and is now in complete control of this match.”
Jace had maintained his grip on Takahara’s ankle as he stood back up and began to set up a figure four, but as he bent down to tie up the other leg, Takahara used it to kick him in the face, then again in the chest, driving him back. Takahara then stood up and went to kick Jace in the midsection, only for Jace to catch his foot as it neared him. Undeterred, Takahara launched himself into an enzuigiri, but Jace ducked under, and Takahara went face-first to the mat. Jace moved quickly, lowering his leg and tying it up with his own, then dropping down and locking in a crossface.
MW: “STF from Jace Mason!”
Takahara began crawling, dragging Jace’s weight with him as he neared the ropes, reaching out in hopes of forcing a break. Jace held onto his submission, tightening his grip in the hopes of halting Takahara’s advance. Takahara temporarily ceased his attempts to reach the ropes as he grabbed at Jace’s arm, struggling to remove it from his face. But when that failed, he once again reached for the ropes. But this time, Jace watched as Takahara’s arm extended, then switched tactics, grabbing the arm and transitioning into a Fujiwara armbar! Takahara’s face flashed with surprise as Jace leaned all his weight into him, both to apply pressure to the shoulder and to slow him from reaching the ropes. But Takahara continued to inch his way closer to the ropes, to salvation. And eventually his attempts bore fruit as he grabbed the bottom rope. The ref called for the break, and Jace released his submission, backing into the center of the ring. Takahara used the ropes to pull himself upright, circling his arm to work the feeling back into it after the armbar. Jace waited for him in the middle of the ring, and as Takahara rose, he rushed at Jace, only to be met with a knee to the gut. Takahara doubled over, and Jace pulled him into a single underhook suplex. Before he could recover from the suplex, Jace pulled Takahara upright and dragged him into the corner. He made a motion to set up a knife-edge chop, but when Takahara moved to block, Jace grabbed his leg and placed it between the ropes, then drew back his leg and delivered a kick to the exposed back of the knee. Jace delivered three more kicks in quick succession before the ref’s count reached four and he implored Jace to back out of the corner. Jace willingly backed off to the middle of the ring, then ran back in and delivered a high knee to Takahara’s chin, snapping his head back. Jace remained perched on the middle turnbuckle and shoved Takahara from the corner, then repositioned himself to face him. Takahara shook his head, clearing the cobwebs from the knee strike then turned around. And as he did so, Jace launched himself into a crossbody, driving Takahara to the mat and holding for a cover.
...1!.Kick-out!
Jace rolled off Takahara as he kicked out and Takahara, sensing an opportunity, began rolling towards the ropes. Jace realized his mistake and dove to grab him, but he was too late, Takahara rolled out of the ring and stood up on the outside. Thinking quickly, Jace shot to his feet and ran to the far ropes, rebounding and charging back towards Takahara, jumping up and launching his feet through the ropes with a wrecking ball dropkick. But Takahara sidestepped, and as Jace slid through the ropes and landed on his feet, he connected with an enzuigiri that caused Jace to collapse.
MW: “Takahara now climbing onto the apron, possibly thinking about a count-put victory after that enzuigiri.”
Bu Mike was immediately proven wrong as Takahara leapt off the apron and drove his feet into Jace’s chest with a double stomp!
SD: “But look at the way he stumbled as he landed. Jace’s targeting of the legs is beginning to show results.”
Takahara shook his leg a few times, then lifted Jace up and rolled him back into the ring. But as he began to step through the ropes, Jace snapped up and grabbed his leg, pulling it out of position with a dragon screw leg whip. Takahara cried out, and Jace pulled him all the way into the ring and into a front facelock, then trapped the arm before connecting with a hammerlock DDT! Jace rolled him over and hooked a leg for a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Jace rose to his knees and adjusted one of knee pads before he straightened up and pulled Takahara up with him. He bent down to set up a fireman’s carry, but Takahara held his weight down and prevented Jace from lifting him. Jace tried again, but Takahara prevented the attempt again, this time by driving his elbow repeatedly into Jace’s head. Jace let go and staggered back, and Takahara drove him even further back with a kick to the chest. Jace wound up in the corner, and Takahara took advantage, charging forward and delivering a forearm smash. Jace dropped to a seated position, and Takahara laid into him with several stomps before the ref counted to four and backed him into the center of the ring. But when the ref backed off, Takahara charged in and delivered a double knee strike to Jace’s head. Jace slumped over, and Takahara pulled him from the corner before dropping into a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Takahara shouted in frustration before turning Jace over and wrapping his arms around his waist. He pulled Jace upright and draped one of his arms over his neck, then threw him overhead with a devastating saito suplex! Jace crumpled and Takahara rose to his feet, pounding his chest as he yelled in Japanese before beginning to climb the turnbuckles.
MW: Takahara punishing Jace with that Saito suplex, and that’s not something that fits in with this normal ‘hit harder than everyone else’ mentality.”
SD: “And this goes back to what I said during Tchyukiro’s match with Clutch McCloud two weeks ago. For as good a wrestler as Takahara is, he’s used to wrestling in a tag team setting. He’s used to someone else inflicting punishment on their opponent, but now it all comes down to him, and I think it’s getting under his skin a little bit.”
Takahara perched atop the top turnbuckle and waited for Jace to stand up and turn around, and when he did so, Takahara launched himself into a flying crossbody. Jace went down, and Takahara rolled off of him and back to his feet. He backed into the far corner, waiting for Jace to get in position. Jace sat up and shook his head, and Takahara charged out of the corner, delivering a shining wizard to the back of his head! Takahara turned Jace over to hook the leg for a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Takahara sat up abruptly, shocked, and didn’t go back on the offense right away. But then Sato shouted at him, and this seemed to shake him back to his senses. He grabbed Jace by the head and pulled him up with him as he stood up. He locked Jace into a front facelock and made a throat-slitting gesture before he lifted him up. Jace struggled, kicking his legs, and Takahara set him back down. He lifted Jace again, but again, Jace struggled and forced Takahara to set him down. Takahara freed one of his arms and struck Jace several times across the back. Jace went slightly limp, and Takahara re-applied the facelock. He lifted Jace up again, and was prepared to connect with a big move, but Jace drove his weight downwards and pulled his head free from the facelock, finding himself in the perfect position to deliver a DDT. He tensed, about to hit the move, but Takahara exploded out of the hold and caught Jace with a powerful forearm. Jace was rocked, and Takahara whipped him to the ropes. He prepared to connect with another strike as Jace rebounded, but Jace dropped down and connected with a basement dropkick, taking Takahara’s leg out from under him! Takahara flipped over and landed on his back, and when Jace saw where he’d landed, he suddenly ran into the corner and began climbing the turnbuckles. He reached the top, checked Takahara’s position, then launched into a shooting star press, bringing all his weight down on Takahara’s chest! He remained spread across his opponent and made a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
But as Takahara kicked out, Jace grabbed his leg and stood up, quickly turning him over and locking in the single leg Boston Crab! Takahara’s head rose as he cried out, reaching for the ropes. He dragged himself closer using his forearms, but he was still a long way from safety. He began to make more progress, but Jace, feeling his hold loosen, adjusted his grip on the leg and sat down deeper on the submission. Takahara cried out again, and held his hand just over the mat, prepared to tap out. But instead he managed to will himself forwards again, inch by inch, closer to the ropes. Jace once again felt the submission loosening and changed tactics, releasing Takahara’s leg and turning to face him. As Jace let go of his leg, Takahara immediately stood up, but as he did so, Jace ran past him and jumped onto the second rope, then launched himself off into a roundhouse kick that dropped Takahara hard. Jace landed and dove into a cover, hooking both legs and leaning into his opponent’s torso.
...1!...2!...3!
Winner: Jace Mason.
Jace thrust his arms into the air as the referee called for the bell. “Here is your winner, and advancing to enter the Free-1 tournement, Jace Mason!” Dasha Banks announced as the ref raised Jace’s arm. Jace threw his head back with a triumphant shout, then staggered forward, leaning into the ropes and catching his breath. He looked out at the cheering fans and pumped his fist, a massive smile on his face.
MW: “A great back and forth match from both men here tonight. Either one of them could have walked away with the win, and there were several moments that I thought it would be over, only to be proven wrong by the fighting spirit found within both competitors.”
SD: “Takahara used his superior striking ability to take control in the beginning of the match, and for a while it seemed improbable that Jace would be able to win. But he worked his way back into the match, negating his opponent’s best weapons and wrestling his style of match. And while Jace may not have picked up the submission victory he wanted, he softened Takahara enough to put him away with the springboard roundhouse. Certainly an impressive win from FPW’s Eternal Student.”
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MDE walks down a corridor backstage until he reaches a door with ‘Jim Houston’ on the front. He knocks and waits to be called in. He pushes the door open and we see Houston, looking rather stressed.
MDE: So, Graham Baker is no longer FPW Champion.
JH: Nope.
MDE: How do your partners feel about that?
JH: They’re… they’re a little… well…
MDE: Have you replaced Davey Jones in the qualification match tonight?
JH: Yes. I’ve found a replacement to face Bobby O.
MDE: And?
JH: I’ll leave him as a surprise for now.
MDE: It’s not Jerry though?
JH: It’s not Jerry. He’s already qualified.
MDE: Is it anyone who’s already qualified?
JH: No. Someone who’s qualified won’t need a qualification match. If you don’t mind, I’ve got a lot of my plate, right now…
MDE: Including one man too many for the Free-1.
JH: What do you mean?
MDE: Davey qualified automatically. You’re still having his qualification match. That means there’ll be 13 qualifiers. You only have 12 spots.
Houston stares at MDE for a few moments.
JH: Shit!
MDE: Luckily for you, I think I have a solution to your problem.
JH: And?
MDE: I asked for Jerry Bishop to have a qualifying match as I said that I want him to have really earned his spot. He hasn’t won a match this year, so does he deserve to be in? Not yet. Give him a match next week against someone who has already qualified. Cut the field down to the right number that way.
Houston thinks for a moment.
JH: Ok. I’ll do it. You’ve got your match.
MDE: Can I request an opponent?
JH: Who do you have in mind?
MDE: Jerry hasn’t won a match yet this year. He’s a long way down the pecking order in singles competition. So if Jerry Bishop is going to qualify for the Free-1, he needs to get an impressive victory. He needs to beat someone to really make a splash. I have the perfect person in mind. Next week… Jerry Bishop versus the new Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion Davey Jones. Jones still needs to earn a chance and if Jerry can beat the champion then he really deserves a spot. That’s your match.
Houston thinks for a moment.
JH: Ok. I’ll make the match. But you’d better be doing a damn good job training Jerry.
MDE: Don’t you worry about that. I’m doing a simply great job.
MDE smirks as he turns and walks out through the door.
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MW: Well, it’s time for our main event.
SD: Bobby O versus who?
MW: I don’t know who, but I have a few possible ideas. Whoever Bobby is facing, he’s sure to be in for a tough challenge if he wants to qualify for his first ever Free-1.
SD: Has he even recovered from being jumped by Davey Jones?
MW: I guess we’re about to find out.
The first fifteen seconds of ‘This Means War’ plays before the music pauses as Bobby makes his way onto the ramp. He pops his collar as the music begins again before walking down the ramp, his eyes focussed on the ring. For once he doesn’t high-five the fans before reaching the steps, which he walks up and climbs through the ropes. He leans over the opposite set of ropes and gives the fans an intense look before removing his jackets and crouching down, waiting for his mystery opponent to be revealed.
After half a minute of anticipation the lights drop and the fans cheer. A set of wide stone steps appear on the screen and sections of fans begin to cheer as they recognise the opening chords of ‘Famous’ and the shot panning up the steps to show an Ancient Roman-style villa. The song really begins to ramp up and the words ‘The House of Botiatus’ appear on the screen. The fans explode and Bobby O looks interested as he rests in the ring. The cheers get louder as Botiatus appears at the top of the ramp and walks down to the ring, playing to the crowd the entire way as he blows kisses and soaks in the adulation. He walks to the ring’s cameraside and hops onto the apron, walking over to the corner where he ascends until he's kneeling with one foot on the oversized ring post, the other is the top turnbuckle. He looks down to his left and points to where the announce table used to be. As the song kicks into its hook the arena goes black again and a spotlight comes on Botiatus now standing. He soaks in the crowd in his signature pose. The lights return once again after the hook ends.
MW: Botiatus was asking for a Free-1 qualification match. He was told to wait his turn. Well I guess this is now his turn.
SD: And all of a sudden this match has taken a very interesting and very unpredictable turn. Can Botiatus shock Bobby O on his FPW debut?
Match 4: Free-1 Qualifier: Botiatus v Bobby O:
The official calls for the bell and Bobby and Botiatus eye each other from across the ring. The fans cheer as the two of them begin to step forward and give each other approving nods. They circle one another for a time, neither man keen to be the first to commit to making a move. After a couple of laps of the ring, they come forward in unison, locking up strongly. Bobby takes the early advantage, locking in a headlock, but Botiatus manages to force him into the ropes and send him across the ring. Bobby charges back at Botiatus, who leapfrogs him and then drops to his back, catching Bobby with a drop toe hold as he comes back at him. Botiatus then floats over Bobby and locks in a front facelock to keep him grounded.
Bobby tries to resist but Botiatus uses his ground ability to keep Bobby under him, making him take all of his opponent’s weight. After a time, Bobby gets his feet under him and drives forward, forcing Botiatus to come up with him, but Botiatus counters, transitioning to a headlock and then taking Bobby over, keeping the headlock locked in. As Bobby fights him, Botiatus takes his wrist and transitions again, locking in an arm bar. The fans applaud Botiatus for his quality technical work but Bobby continues to fight back, forcing himself back to his feet, only for Botiatus to connect with an arm stunner that sends Bobby reeling. Bobby staggers back into the ropes and Botiatus rushes in after him, striking him with a hard forearm that sends Bobby through the ropes. Botiatus then places his hands on the top rope and connects with a slingshit plancha.
SD: Wow! This man is impressive in that ring.
MW: He certainly is. He’s well-known on the West Coast but this is the first time we’re seeing him in a major independent promotion outside of that area. He’s got a lot of tools for success.
SD: He certainly has. And Bobby O hasn’t had any answers for Botiatus thusfar.
Botiatus gets to his feet and plays to the crowd, pumping his fist as they chant ‘House of Bo’, ‘House of Bo’. He then pulls Bobby to his feet and sets him up for a suplex, pulling him up before connecting with a twisting vertical suplex on the outside. Botiatus then pulls Bobby up and slides him into the ring before climbing up onto the apron. He plays to the crowd again and calls out ‘H.. O… B’ before connecting with a slingshot leg drop. Botiatus makes the first cover of the match, 1-2-no. Bobby kicks out. Botiatus gets to his feet and stalks Bobby, waiting for him to pull himself up. He hooks an arm over his head and looks for a reverse suplex, but Bobby over-rotates and lands on his feet. Botiatus turns only to be met with a series of jabs which forces him back into the corner, where Bobby unleashes right hands to Botiatus’ mid-section.
The official calls for Bobby to fall back, which he does, before running back in and connecting with a hard running clothesline. Botiatus staggers out of the corner and Bobby connects with a superkick to the gut before hooking him for a DDT. He leaps into the air for a leaping DDT and makes a cover, hooking the far leg, 1-2-no. Botiatus kicks out. Bobby doesn’t waste any time in pulling Botiatus up and whipping him into the ropes, connecting with a powerslam and making another cover, 1-2-no. Botiatus again kicks out. Bobby bangs the mat with frustration before standing and stalking Botiatus.
MW: I think he’s… is he setting up for an RKO?
SD: Surely it’s too soon! Bobby has to make sure his head is right.
MW: He has a lot on his mind and has done for a while now.
Botiatus climbs to his feet and turns, only for Bobby to unleash… no. Botiatus blocks it and shoves Bobby into the ropes, charging in after him and connecting with a forearm shot to the kidneys. Botiatus then pulls Bobby in for a reverse suplex and Bobby rolls under the bottom rope. Botiatus sees where Bobby has ended up and he backs off, waiting for Bobby to get to his feet. As he does, Botiatus charges at him and connects with a sliding elbow strike which doubles Bobby over. Botiatus grips Bobby’s head and drives it down onto his knee, encouraging the fans to count along. After the ninth strike, Botiatus backs away before connecting with a crunching running knee strike. Bobby’s head drops to the mat but Botiatus grasps it and connects with a snapp draping DDT. Botiatus makes the cover, 1-2-no! Bobby just gets a shoulder up.
Botiatus looks a little frustrated that he didn’t get the win right there, but he keeps his focus, pulling Bobby up and forcing him into the corner. Botiatus connects with a series of forearms before whipping Bobby into the opposite corner. He then follows Bobby and connects with a running dropkick. Bobby staggers out of the corner and Botiatus springboards onto the middle rope, connecting with a springboard blockbuster. He makes the cover with a back press, 1-2-no! Bobby again just gets his shoulder up. Botiatus looks to make the transition into the ADT, but Bobby blocks it and rolls him onto his back for a cover, 1-2-no! Botiatus barely escapes.
Both men scramble up to their feet and advance on one another. Botiatus ducks a jab from Bobby and looks to pull Bobby up onto his shoulders, but Bobby drops down behind him and connects with a German suplex. Bobby stands, looking intense, as he stalks Botiatus. He lifts Botiatus onto his shoulders and then drops him down with a fireman’s carry stunner. Botiatus drops to the mat and Bobby makes the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Botiatus just manages to kick out once again. Bobby again bangs the mat in frustration. He sets up to stalk Botiatus again, looking like he’s ready for the RKO. Botiatus slowly makes it up to his feet and Bobby strikes, but Botiatus blocks it again. He shoves Bobby away and looks for his own version- House Rules- but Bobby grips the top rope and Botiatus falls to the mat.
MW: Both men looking to end this match.
SD: It’s been an intense… 11 minutes! It’s felt like so much more.
MW: They each know the value of a victory and the cost of a defeat. A Free-1 spot is like goldust around here.
SD: It sure is. And Bobby looks to be in the best positon.
This time Bobby doesn’t wait for Botiatus to make it to his feet. Instead, he pulls him up and forces him into the corner, lifting him and sitting him on the top rope. Bobby climbs the rope and drives a few clubbing blows into Botiatus’ back. He then hooks an arm over Botiatus’ head and looks for the superplex. Botiatus, however, grips the top rope and doesn’t let Bobby connect. Bobby unhooks his arm and aims a forearm at Botiatus, but Botiatus blocks it and drives his own forearm into Bobby’s head. Botiatus then drops down and quickly repositions himself, hooking his arms around Bobby’s waist and connecting with a super back suplex. Bobby crashes to the mat and Botiatus rolls over to him, draping an arm across his chest, 1-2-no! Bobby barely rolls his shoulder off the mat.
The fans gasp and Botiatus looks at Bobby in surprise before pulling himself up to his feet. He pulls Bobby up with him and hoists him up onto his shoulder before connecting with snake eyes. Bobby staggers out of the corner as Botiatus pulls himself into position for House Call. The fans cheer as he charges at Bobby and drives his right elbow into the back of Bobby’s head. Bobby crumples to the mat and Botiatus scrambles for a cover, but Bobby’s momentum has rolled him out of the ring. Botiatus reaches for him but he can’t hold on and he looks down at Bobby with a pained expression. Botiatus then follows Bobby to the outside, quickly lifting him up and rolling him back into the ring. He makes a delayed cover, 1-2-no! Bobby just manages to get a foot onto the bottom rope.
MW: I was sure that was it!
SD: The House Call has finished off so many great competitors but it wasn’t enough for Bobby O.
MW: But how much longer can Bobby go after getting his lights turned out with that vicious strike.
Botiatus pulls Bobby up and forces him into the corner. He aims a forearm strike at him, but Bobby drops and turns, driving his fists into Botiatus’ midsection. The official forces Bobby back but he keeps coming at Botiatus, lifting him up onto the top turnbuckle again. This time he doesn’t waste any time, climbing up and hooking his arm over Botiatus’ head before delivering a superplex. Botiatus lands hard but Bobby doesn’t make a cover, instead looking to lock in the O Snap. Botiatus cries out in pain and Bobby’s face turns red with intensity as he applies more and more force to the hold. Botiatus looks close to tapping out, but, out of nowhere, the official is pulled out of the ring. Seconds later, Botiatus taps. Bobby releases the hold immediately and raises his arms for a moment, Botiatus rolling away, before he realises that the official is nowhere to be seen.
Bobby turns to see a smirking Jack Sevren standing on the outside waving to him. As Bobby stares at Jack, the fans begin to shout. Bobby realises that something is wrong and turns to be hoisted up onto Davey Jones’ shoulders. Davey drops him down with Psychosis before leaving the ring as Sevren shoves the official back into the ring. Botiatus, who hasn’t seen any of this, slowly gets to his feet and stalks Bobby, who’s crawling towards the ropes to pull himself up. Botiatus stands in wait and, as soon as Bobby makes it to his feet, he leaps, connecting with House Rules. He makes the cover and the official counts unsteadily, 1-2-3.
Winner: Botiatus.
MW: Botiatus wins! He’s into the Free-1. But Bobby O just got screwed out of a Free-1 spot by Jack Sevren and Davey Jones.
SD: Brilliant from Sevren and Jones. And Botiatus took advantage perfectly.
MW: I don’t think he even knew that this was happening. He was holding his arm and was facing away from all of the action when Davey connected with Psychosis on Bobby O.
Botiatus stands and has him arm raised as the fans give him a mixed reaction. He looks down at Bobby and gives him a pat on the chest before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp. Bobby pulls himself into a kneel using the ropes and he stares out of the ring as Jack Sevren and Davey Jones lean against the guardrail. Sevren smirks at Bobby as Bobby breathes deeply and regards Sevren and Davey with a look of hatred while the show goes off the air.
MW: Tonight we see three huge Free-1 qualification matches as Marcus Allen Jones opens the show, appearing for the first time since that hellacious Hell in a Cell match against Graham Baker. He faces the unpredictable Henry Harrison. We will also see former Freedom Champion Jace Mason face former Tag Team Champion Hiro Takahara, who is the only hope of a Guardians of Strong Style representative in the Free-1 and then… well, the current plan is Davey Jones versus Bobby O, but-
SD: But Davey Jones in our main event will dethrone Graham Baker as FPW Champion and won’t need to qualify!
MW: He may do that, but I don’t know what Jim Houston has in mind other than Davey competing twice to-
‘Bully’ plays and the fans quickly turn to the entrance ramp.
MW: Speaking of the devil.
SD: Devil? This guy is far more powerful than the devil. This is Davey Jones!
Davey raises his arms before beginning a slow march to the ring. He steps onto the apron before stepping over the ropes and yanking the microphone from the hands of Dasha Banks.
“My friend Jim has me in two matches tonight. But when I win the FPW Championship, I’ll be automatically entered into the Free-1. So let’s do this right now. Baker! Get out here. It’s time I sent you- and your title reign- to the looney bin.”
The fans stand stunned as Davey drops the microphone and, after a short pause, ‘DNA’ begins to play. Graham Baker steps out on the entrance ramp. He’s without his standard leather jacket, holding the FPW championship on one shoulder of his bare chest. He approaches the ring and looks at Jones, who looks ready to jump him out the gate, but security separates the two men before things can get hostile. Baker enters the ring, settling in his corner.
The two men lock eyes, deathly intense, and the referee enters to start the match, taking the FPW belt from Baker, who bows to it, before showing it to Jones, who chuckles.
Match 1: FPW Championship: Graham Baker v Davey Jones (written by Baker):
The referee holds the belt up one final time and-BAKER’S OFF WITH A DROPKICK JUST BEFORE THE BELL RINGS, SENDING JONES BACK INTO THE CORNER! Baker drills Davey Jones with hard chops, grabbing him with an Irish whip and launching him into the opposing corner before going for another massive leaping dropkick! Davey Jones looks rattled early, and Baker goes for one more whip combination, lining up for a set of shotgun knees-BUT JONES CATCHES HIM IN A POWERBOMB POSITION! SPIN-OUT POWERBOMB BY DAVEY JONES INTO A COVER!
ONE!
TW-NO! Baker kicks out!
Baker’s clearly stunned by the ability of Jones to reverse his signature knees midair, but Jones isn’t done yet, grabbing Baker in a headlock and repeatedly driving his massive elbow into the skull of Graham Baker! Baker’s bleeding like a stuck pig after a few elbows, and Jones clearly isn’t done yet, whipping Baker into the ropes with an Irish whip and catching him with an absolutely devastating lariat on the come-around! Baker flips head-over-heels and Jones lets out a brutal chuckle, going to grab Baker and pull him up for Psychosis to end the match.
He pulls Baker up onto his shoulders, but Baker fights against it with a series of elbows to the head of Davey Jones, who drops him after a few too many for Baker’s liking! Baker hits the ropes for a Handspring Enziguri and nails it, sending Jones stumbling into the ropes! He nails Jones with a series of stiff chops and strikes before he hits the ropes again, going-CLIPPED WINGS SPRINGBOARD LARIAT TO JONES! Davey Jones crashes over the top rope to the outside, but he’s back on his feet quickly as Baker hits the ropes, going for a suicide spear-AND JONES COUNTERS IT WITH A LIGHTNING FAST ELBOW TO THE SKULL OF GRAHAM BAKER! Baker hangs limp on the ropes, at the mercy of the Lunatic himself, who grabs Baker and pulls him inbetween his legs-ROPEHUNG PILEDRIVER TO GRAHAM BAKER! Jones rolls Baker back in and goes for a pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-NO! BAKER KICKS OUT AGAIN!
Davey Jones looks to waste no time laying into Baker again, going to yank him up for another series of elbows, but Baker manages to reverse this attempt and hit Jones with an armdrag! He hits the ropes for a running dropkick once again, but Jones manages to reverse it into another powerbomb, standing up with Baker in the powerbomb position-only for Baker to counter Jones into a spike Frankensteiner into a pin!
ONE!
TW-JONES KICKS OUT!
Baker wastes no time getting back to his feet, kipping up! He looks to Jones trying to get up and hits the ropes, going for a Mushroom Stomp and nailing Davey Jones! He rolls to his feet and goes for the top rope, drawing a line across his throat-LANDING GEAR DOUBLE STOMP TO THE ARM OF DAVEY JONES! Graham Baker looks to be in complete control here as he lines up for the Emergency Landing, but as he runs in to lock the hold in, Davey manages to somehow catch Baker in midair and turn his run into a Swinging Sidewalk Slam, flattening Graham Baker! He pulls Baker up onto his shoulders for Psychosis, only for Baker to counter it and land on his feet! He wraps his arms around Jones’ waist and tries to hit him with a German Suplex, but Jones nails Baker with two brutal back-elbows! Jones virtually throws Baker over the ropes and out onto the apron before he hits the ropes-MASSIVE SPEAR that sends Baker into the barricades on the outside! Jones heads up to the apron, getting a running start, going for a Cannonball-BUT BAKER MANAGES TO MOVE, SENDING JONES THROUGH THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE FIRST ROW OF SEATS!
Baker scrambles up onto the apron as Davey tries to get back to his feet, and goes for a running double stomp off the apron, but Jones catches him in another powerbomb position, only for Baker to attempt to reverse it into another Frankensteiner, only for Jones to counter again by tightening his grasp AND LAUNCHING BAKER BACK-FIRST into the apron! Jones rolls Baker back inside and, taunting the Aviator, goes to the top rope. He mimics Baker’s double-gun pose and leaps for a massive Frog Splash-BUT BAKER ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! Davey crashes and burns, and as he gets back up, Baker displays immense strength despite the damage to his back, lifting Davey Jones for the Mustang Driver! He screams out-AND PLANTS DAVEY JONES! THIS ONE’S OVER!
ONE-DAVEY JONES KICKS OUT AT ONE!
Baker and the crowd both look stunned into silence as Davey Jones lays on the mat for a moment, having broken Baker’s finisher at a count of one. Baker looks to the referee to confirm, and the referee nods, leading to Baker, shaken, looking to Jones and trying to lock in the Emergency Landing-but Davey Jones is prepared and merely rolls through the attempt, popping Baker up onto his shoulders-POWERBOMB! He pulls Baker up from the ground for another Sit-out Powerbomb! Baker looks to be down for the count, but Jones whips him into the corner, nailing him with a Spear, before pulling Baker in for the Looney Bin! He spins around, disorienting the already heavily-damaged Graham Baker before nailing him with a brutal Chicken Wing Suplex into a pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Winner, and NEW Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion: Davey Jones.
The crowd is shocked into a stunned silence as Davey Jones rolls off of Graham Baker, standing victoriously to a crowd that has no ovation for him. He looks furious at this, and screams out ‘Come on! Give me something!’, while the crowd watches as the ace of Freedom Pro Wrestling rolls out of the ring to collapse next to the apron. Baker watches as the referee takes his championship from its pedestal at the timekeeper, and hands it to Davey Jones, who holds it high to a rancorous booing from the crowd.
We close on one final shot of Baker looking up at Jones from the apron while Jones holds the championship high, laughing wickedly with a devilish smile on his face, looking down at Baker and screaming ‘I told you so!’
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Backstage, Jim Houston sits in his office, stunned as he watches the live feed. He runs a hand through his hair and lets out a big sigh. The sound of his phone vibrating can be heard repeatedly before there’s a knock on the door. Houston tells them to come in but is clearly distracted. Ted Crewmember pokes his head around the door.
TC: You saw that, right?
JH: ….. Yeah….. yeah, I saw it…
TC: I’m sure you’ve got a lot to do, but I’ve been asked to come in here to ask about the qualifier.
JH: Qualifier?
TC: Davey Jones versus Bobby O. With Davey as Champion, he’s automatically qualified, right?
JH: Yeah, I guess he has.
TC: So what do we do with the graphic for the match? Is it happening? Is Bobby automatically in? Is he out?
JH: Um… leave it with me, Ted. I’ll let you know.
Ted nods and backs out of the office, closing the door. Houston runs his hand through his hair again and picks up his phone.
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MW: Welcome back to ringside. These fans are in shock.
SD: But they shouldn’t be! They should have known what was going to happen. Graham Baker’s reign of terror is over and Davey Jones’ reign of terr… ific leadership has begun!
MW: I think we all knew it was a possibility but I don’t think any of us expected it to happen and nobody honestly expected it to end to quickly and in such dominant fashion. Graham Baker’s record-breaking reign is at an end.
SD: And who could possible take the FPW Championship from Davey Jones?
MW: That, Steven, is the right question.
‘Cult of Personality’ begins to play and there’s a muted reaction, mostly boos, as Marcus Allen Jones comes onto the ramp and performs his standard backflip, landing in his signature pose. He begins to walk down the ramp and The Invaders follow him. A few fans let out surprised cries as Haych and Dario walk behind Marcus after the three of them had been arguing so much in recent times. When Marcus reaches the bottom of the ramp, he pulls out his piece of paper which reads ‘#redemption’. He slides into the ring and poses next to the ropes as Haych and Dario stand on the turnbuckles next to him. They drop down and leave the ring, leaving Marcus limbering up as the music stops.
‘Narco’ takes over the speakers as Henry Harrison bursts through the curtain, receiving a similarly muted reaction from the fans as he runs to one side of the stage and extends his arms. He then runs to the other side and extends his arms again, once again receiving the muted reaction of a stunned crowd. Not to be deterred, Harrison walks down the ramp before rolling into the ring under the bottom rope. Marcus rests against the ropes while Harrison takes out the polar bear and black bear from inside his jacket and places them under the turnbuckle before removing his jacket completely.
Match 2: Free-1 Qualifier: Marcus Allen Jones v Henry Harrison:
The official calls for the bell and the two men come together quickly. They lock up and Harrison backs Marcus up into the corner with the bears. He forces Marcus back as far as he can and keeps driving with his legs as the official begins his count. At the count of 4, Harrison quickly breaks the hold and gives the black bear a look and a shrug of the shoulders. Marcus uses the distraction to get back into the match, rolling out of the corner and catching Harrison from behind, connecting with a wheelbarrow facebuster. He rolls Harrison over and makes a cover, 1-2-no. Harrson kicks out.
Marcus quickly making it back to his feet, connecting with a superkick to the gut as Harrison makes it to his feet. He then connects with a shotgun dropkick to send Harrison out of the ring. Marcus doesn’t waste any time as he backs away from the ropes before running at them and connecting with a perfect corkscrew moonsault plancha, taking Harrison down. Marcus swiftly gets back to his feet and holds out his arms, shaking his hair out of his eyes as he receives cheers from some of the fans. Marcus then pulls Harrison up to his feet and drives a knee into his gut before rolling him back into the ring.
MW: Marcus Allen Jones with an impressive start in this match.
SD: Of course it’s impressive, it’s my best friend Marcus!
MW: And it seems like some of the fans are starting to appreciate his talents.
SD: Well I wasn’t such a fan of him backing TakeOver off at the end of the Hell in a Cell match, but it seems like the fans respected that choice and that they’re finally starting to recognise Marcus for the talented wrestler that he is.
Marcus stands on the apron and waits for Harrison to get to his feet. As he does, Marcus leaps up onto the top rope and connects with a springboard shotgun dropkick to send Harrison across the ring. Marcus springs back up and then runs over to the ropes, climbing up to the top rope and connecting with a phoenix splash, sending a number of fans into loud cheers for the flurry of exciting offense. Marcus holds for the cover, 1-2-no! Harrison just manages to get a shoulder up. Marcus pulls Harrison up with him and setting him up for a Canadian destroyer. However, as he leaps, Harrison blocks him and shifts his position, connecting with a spinebuster.
Harrison staggers towards the ropes to recover before moving back towards Marcus, stomping on him repeatedly. He looks towards the bears before pausing, then looking just at the polar bear before stomping even harder. The official manages to pull him away and Harrison wheels towards the bears, crouching down for a moment. He listens to the polar bear and his face looks set to do some damage before he pauses, looking sheepishly to the black bear and hanging his head for a moment. He then stands and turns but Marcus once again has been given time to recover. Harrison aims a right hand at Marcus, but he blocks it and unleashes a combination of kicks, kicking both legs and then aiming a spin kick to the gut, but Harrison catches the leg and pulls it hard, sending Marcus face-first to the mat. Harrison then pulls Marcus up and whips him into the corner, running at him and driving a hard forearm into his head.
MW: There was some real venom behind that one!
SD: Marcus is in a bit of trouble here.
MW: Harrison is stalking him…
Marcus turns and Harrison dives at him, catching him with a very aggressive double leg before mounting him and connecting with a series of hard right hands. The official again begins a count and Harrison barely stops the volley of punches before the count reaches 5. Harrison stands and wheels away, looking to his bears and pumping himself up. Marcus slowly gets to his feet, shaking cobwebs from his head as Harrison darts back in, pulling him up onto his shoulders. All of a sudden, Haych and Dario climb onto the apron and each grab one of Harrison’s bears. Harrison drops Marcus immediately and goes after them, but they drop down and, mocking Harrison by pretending that the bears are talking in silly voices, they climb over the barricade and run away through the crowd with the bears.
The official counts as Harrison follows out of the ring:
1….
2….
3….
4….
Harrison looks torn as to whether he follows The Invaders or gets back into the ring.
5….
6….
7….
He begins to step over the barricade to chase Haych and Dario.
8….
9….
Suddenly, he changes his mind and dives back into the ring just before he’s counted out. He stands, only for Marcus to catch him with a step-up enzeguiri before he traps Harrison’s arm and connects with Six Stars. A number of fans boo as Marcus makes the cover, 1-2-3.
Winner: Marcus Allen Jones.
Marcus stands and looks down at Harrison, his face not showing the joy you’d expect after a big win. He shakes his head and then climbs through the ropes after the official raises his arm briefly. Henry Harrison struggles towards the ropes and begins to pull himself up once Marcus has gone through the curtain, only for Haych and Dario to return to the ring. They jump Harrison as the fans boo them. Laying into him, they stomp hard on him before throwing him out of the ring through the ropes. Following, Haych lifts Harrison and throws him into the guardrail as Dario tears apart the announce table.
MW: Come on! Your boy already won the match! Hey!
SD: This is more like it. This is what TakeOver is all about.
MW: This is despicable. Henry Harrison hasn’t done anything to deserve this.
Haych calls to Dario, who climbs onto the apron as Haych lifts Harrison into position for a powerbomb. Dario dives off the apron for the senton bomb as Haych completes the powerbomb, the two of them driving Harrison through the announce table. As Haych stands over Harrison, Dario grabs his polar bear and pretends to listen to it, before tearing its head off and throwing it down at Harrison. The fans boo even louder as Haych and Dario laugh, leaving the ringside area as medical personnel rush down to tend to Henry Harrison.
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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with James Saturn.
DB: I’m joined here by James Saturn, who-
JS: Say it properly.
DB: Sorry?
JS: You’re joined by The Paragon, James Saturn.
DB: Right… James-
JS: Say it properly.
DB: Fine… I’m joined here by The Paragon, James Saturn.
JS: Better.
DB: James-
JS: In fact, just give me that. Don’t bother talking.
Dasha hands over the microphone.
JS: Because I’ve already qualified for the Free-1, I’m getting some time to put my feet up at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still training, not that I need to, but I don’t have to stand in front of all of you people and perform and I’m more than happy about that. But don’t you dare forget about me. I’m the biggest name and the best wrestler in this Free-1 tournament and unlike last year when I just came along to make up the numbers, I plan to win it.
Saturn hands the mic back to Dasha and begins to walk away, only to turn back at the last minute.
JS: Oh… Graham Baker… karma, bitch.
Saturn walks off as Dasha stands and shakes her head.
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The intro to “Afterlife” began playing from the speakers, and the fans went quiet in anticipation of the now-former Freedom champion. The intro ended and Jace Mason emerged as the song properly began. The crowd began cheering as Jace looked out to the crowd, smiling at the positive reaction. He began making his way down the ramp, high-fiving any outstretched hands in the front row, as Dasha began to make the introductions for the match. “The following contest is a Free-1 qualifying match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Seattle, Washington, Jace Mason!” Jace raised his arm as he stood atop the turnbuckles, then dropped into the ring.
MW: “Jace has admitted that his bag has felt disturbingly lighter since losing the Freedom Championship, and that he hopes to make up that lost weight by claiming the Free-1 trophy. Tonight marks the beginning of that quest, as he faces Hiro Takahara to determine which of them will enter the Free-1”
Sato emerged at the top of the ramp as the Guardians of Strong Style’s music hit, bowing to the audience. Tchyukiro and Takahara emerged from behind him as he straightened up, and the two of them exchanged words before Tchyukrio turned and headed to the back. “And introducing his opponent, representing the Guardians of Strong Style, from Hiroshima, Japan, Hiro Takahara!”
Takahara strode purposefully down the ramp and into the ring. He bowed to the audience before turning to face Jace. Jace stepped forward and extended his hand to shake. Takahara stared at him before he dropped into a bow, ignoring the offered hand. Jace raised his hands and backed away into his corner.
Match 3: Free-1 Qualifier: Hiro Takahara v Jace Mason (written by Mason):
The referee called for the bell, and both men advanced into a tie-up. They shifted their weight against each other, jockeying for position until Jace took control, trapping Takahara in a wristlock. Takahara reached for the ropes, but Jace pulled him back, applying more pressure. As Takahara winced, Jace passed his arm over his head and began to set up a snapmare, only for Takahara to shove him away. Jace whirled around to face his opponent, and Takahara kicked him in the chest, driving him back. Jace put a hand to his chest, staring surprised at his opponent, before he advanced again and attempted another tie-up. Takahara refused the attempt and swung a roundhouse kick at Jace’s head. But Jace ducked under the kick and struck with his own kicks, connecting several times with Takahara’s legs. Takahara stepped out of range of Jace's kicks and eyed hum carefully.
SD: "I like what I'm seeing from Jace at the beginning of this match. He's testing the waters, attack both sets of limbs to gauge the reactions. Whenever he gets a good reaction, that will dictate the rest of his attacks as this match progresses."
The two competitors circled each other a few times before one of them made the next move. Jace quickly stepped forward, feinting another attempt at a tie-up, then going low and attempting a takedown. He successfully pulled one of Takahara's legs off the mat, but before he could use this to his advantage, Takahara used his other leg to connect with an enzuigiri. Jace collapsed to the mat, but quickly began standing back up. He was stopped however, as Takahara lightly kicked him in the head, causing him to tense up and cover his head. He slowly lowered his arms, and Takahara brushed him with his foot again, which caused Jace to tense again. After there was no continued attacks, Jace dropped his arms again, only to feel Takahara's foot connect with his head. But instead of tensing up, Jace straightened and turned to face Takahara, driving his hand into his chest with a knife-edge chop. Takahara winced, then struck back with a chop of his own. Jace took two steps back before he closed the gap and connected with a second chop. But Takahara was unfazed, and wasted no time in striking with another chop. Jace was staggered, but managed to regain his balance at the last moment. Instead of striking with another chop, Jace ended the exchange by pulling Takahara down with a snapmare, then running to the ropes and connecting with a penalty kick as he rebounded. But Takahara took the hit and didn’t collapse. Jace looked shocked, and based on the reaction from the crowd, they were too. Jace tried to keep his momentum going by pulling him down and leaping up for a knee drop, but Takahara rolled out of the way as he descended. Jace winced and grabbed his knee as Takahara stood up, and Takahara wasted no time in connecting with a powerful knee strike that left Jace rattled. Before he could recover, Takahara pulled him up and into a front facelock, then drove him to the mat with a snap suplex. As Takahara let go, Jace rolled out of the ring to catch his breath.
MW: “Hiro Takahara taking control of this match, as Jace finds himself in the unusual situation where he doesn’t have the striking advantage.”
Inside the ring, Takahara hit the ropes and rebounded, sliding underneath the bottom rope and driving both feet into Jace’s torso with a baseball slide dropkick. Jace went down hard, and Takahara paused to accept praise from Sato before he lifted Jace up and rolled him back into the ring. He then climbed onto the apron before he launched himself over the top rope, turning over in midair and landing with his back across Jace’s chest. He rolled over and pulled Jace away from the ropes before hooking his leg for a cover.
...1!.Kick-out!
Takahara pulled his opponent upright and sent him into the corner, then quickly closed the distance to prevent his escape. Jace swung a right hand, but Takahara blocked it, then drove his shin into Jace’s gut. He continued this assault, unleashing a flurry of kicks to Jace’s midsection as the ref began the count. As the count neared five, Takahara grabbed Jace by the wrist and made to whip him into the far corner. But Jace was able to reverse the attempt and sent Takahara into the corner. Takahara bounced out of the corner and ran at the charging Jace, leveling him with a dropkick! With Jace flat on his back, Takahara pressed his advantage by connecting with a double stomp, driving both of his feet into Jace’s chest. Jace gasped, and Takahara pulled him into a sitting position, holding him by the head and saying something at Japanese before running to the ropes and rebounding, connecting with a devastating penalty kick. Jace was utterly flattened, and Takahara dropped into a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
SD: “Takahara telling Jace he’d show him how it’s done properly, then delivering on that promise as he delivers a punishing penalty kick.”
Sato yelled some advice to Takahara from the outside, and Takahara obliged, lifting Jace up onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. But before he could connect with whatever he was told to hit, Jace squirmed free and landed on his feet behind his opponent. He quickly connected with a forearm to the back of the neck, stunning Takahara for just long enough for Jace to set up a backslide pin. But as he began to pull Takahara down, Takahara resisted, and the two of them were suddenly locked in a test of strength, each of them trying to pull their opponent into a pin attempt. Eventually, Takahara managed to power through and pull Jace down. But he let him go as Jace neared the mat, and Jace took advantage, rolling backwards to his knees, right into a brutal knee strike! Jace was dazed, and Takahara pulled him onto his shoulders again, this time connecting with a death valley driver! Sato barked a command, and Takahara dove into a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
MW: “Jace Mason keeping himself in this match, but we’ll see how much longer that can last, as Takahara moves to the corner to line up his next attack.”
Jace wearily stood up, and Takahara exploded out of the corner with an attempt at a bicycle kick that Jace was just able to dodge. Takahara recovered his balance and turned around, and Jace sent him to the mat with a quick STO. With his opponent down for a moment, Jace backed up to the ropes, leaning against them as he caught his breath. But his reprieve didn’t last long, as Takahara rose to his feet and charged at him, lashing out with a kick, only for Jace to sidestep and Takahara’s leg to get caught in the ropes. As Takahara struggled to free himself, Jace threw out a kick that connected with the back of Takahara’s base leg. Takahara nearly fell, and Jace quickly set up and connected with a back suplex, pulling him free from the ropes. Jace stood up and went on the attack, grabbing Takahara’s ankle to hold his leg in place and then repeatedly driving his foot into his opponent’s thigh. Takahara winced and was clearly in pain, but refused to cry out, withstanding Jace’s attack in silence. At least until Jace extended his leg and then connected with a knee drop, then he cried out in pain.
SD: “Jace has effectively capitalized on an opening and is now in complete control of this match.”
Jace had maintained his grip on Takahara’s ankle as he stood back up and began to set up a figure four, but as he bent down to tie up the other leg, Takahara used it to kick him in the face, then again in the chest, driving him back. Takahara then stood up and went to kick Jace in the midsection, only for Jace to catch his foot as it neared him. Undeterred, Takahara launched himself into an enzuigiri, but Jace ducked under, and Takahara went face-first to the mat. Jace moved quickly, lowering his leg and tying it up with his own, then dropping down and locking in a crossface.
MW: “STF from Jace Mason!”
Takahara began crawling, dragging Jace’s weight with him as he neared the ropes, reaching out in hopes of forcing a break. Jace held onto his submission, tightening his grip in the hopes of halting Takahara’s advance. Takahara temporarily ceased his attempts to reach the ropes as he grabbed at Jace’s arm, struggling to remove it from his face. But when that failed, he once again reached for the ropes. But this time, Jace watched as Takahara’s arm extended, then switched tactics, grabbing the arm and transitioning into a Fujiwara armbar! Takahara’s face flashed with surprise as Jace leaned all his weight into him, both to apply pressure to the shoulder and to slow him from reaching the ropes. But Takahara continued to inch his way closer to the ropes, to salvation. And eventually his attempts bore fruit as he grabbed the bottom rope. The ref called for the break, and Jace released his submission, backing into the center of the ring. Takahara used the ropes to pull himself upright, circling his arm to work the feeling back into it after the armbar. Jace waited for him in the middle of the ring, and as Takahara rose, he rushed at Jace, only to be met with a knee to the gut. Takahara doubled over, and Jace pulled him into a single underhook suplex. Before he could recover from the suplex, Jace pulled Takahara upright and dragged him into the corner. He made a motion to set up a knife-edge chop, but when Takahara moved to block, Jace grabbed his leg and placed it between the ropes, then drew back his leg and delivered a kick to the exposed back of the knee. Jace delivered three more kicks in quick succession before the ref’s count reached four and he implored Jace to back out of the corner. Jace willingly backed off to the middle of the ring, then ran back in and delivered a high knee to Takahara’s chin, snapping his head back. Jace remained perched on the middle turnbuckle and shoved Takahara from the corner, then repositioned himself to face him. Takahara shook his head, clearing the cobwebs from the knee strike then turned around. And as he did so, Jace launched himself into a crossbody, driving Takahara to the mat and holding for a cover.
...1!.Kick-out!
Jace rolled off Takahara as he kicked out and Takahara, sensing an opportunity, began rolling towards the ropes. Jace realized his mistake and dove to grab him, but he was too late, Takahara rolled out of the ring and stood up on the outside. Thinking quickly, Jace shot to his feet and ran to the far ropes, rebounding and charging back towards Takahara, jumping up and launching his feet through the ropes with a wrecking ball dropkick. But Takahara sidestepped, and as Jace slid through the ropes and landed on his feet, he connected with an enzuigiri that caused Jace to collapse.
MW: “Takahara now climbing onto the apron, possibly thinking about a count-put victory after that enzuigiri.”
Bu Mike was immediately proven wrong as Takahara leapt off the apron and drove his feet into Jace’s chest with a double stomp!
SD: “But look at the way he stumbled as he landed. Jace’s targeting of the legs is beginning to show results.”
Takahara shook his leg a few times, then lifted Jace up and rolled him back into the ring. But as he began to step through the ropes, Jace snapped up and grabbed his leg, pulling it out of position with a dragon screw leg whip. Takahara cried out, and Jace pulled him all the way into the ring and into a front facelock, then trapped the arm before connecting with a hammerlock DDT! Jace rolled him over and hooked a leg for a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Jace rose to his knees and adjusted one of knee pads before he straightened up and pulled Takahara up with him. He bent down to set up a fireman’s carry, but Takahara held his weight down and prevented Jace from lifting him. Jace tried again, but Takahara prevented the attempt again, this time by driving his elbow repeatedly into Jace’s head. Jace let go and staggered back, and Takahara drove him even further back with a kick to the chest. Jace wound up in the corner, and Takahara took advantage, charging forward and delivering a forearm smash. Jace dropped to a seated position, and Takahara laid into him with several stomps before the ref counted to four and backed him into the center of the ring. But when the ref backed off, Takahara charged in and delivered a double knee strike to Jace’s head. Jace slumped over, and Takahara pulled him from the corner before dropping into a cover.
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Takahara shouted in frustration before turning Jace over and wrapping his arms around his waist. He pulled Jace upright and draped one of his arms over his neck, then threw him overhead with a devastating saito suplex! Jace crumpled and Takahara rose to his feet, pounding his chest as he yelled in Japanese before beginning to climb the turnbuckles.
MW: Takahara punishing Jace with that Saito suplex, and that’s not something that fits in with this normal ‘hit harder than everyone else’ mentality.”
SD: “And this goes back to what I said during Tchyukiro’s match with Clutch McCloud two weeks ago. For as good a wrestler as Takahara is, he’s used to wrestling in a tag team setting. He’s used to someone else inflicting punishment on their opponent, but now it all comes down to him, and I think it’s getting under his skin a little bit.”
Takahara perched atop the top turnbuckle and waited for Jace to stand up and turn around, and when he did so, Takahara launched himself into a flying crossbody. Jace went down, and Takahara rolled off of him and back to his feet. He backed into the far corner, waiting for Jace to get in position. Jace sat up and shook his head, and Takahara charged out of the corner, delivering a shining wizard to the back of his head! Takahara turned Jace over to hook the leg for a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Takahara sat up abruptly, shocked, and didn’t go back on the offense right away. But then Sato shouted at him, and this seemed to shake him back to his senses. He grabbed Jace by the head and pulled him up with him as he stood up. He locked Jace into a front facelock and made a throat-slitting gesture before he lifted him up. Jace struggled, kicking his legs, and Takahara set him back down. He lifted Jace again, but again, Jace struggled and forced Takahara to set him down. Takahara freed one of his arms and struck Jace several times across the back. Jace went slightly limp, and Takahara re-applied the facelock. He lifted Jace up again, and was prepared to connect with a big move, but Jace drove his weight downwards and pulled his head free from the facelock, finding himself in the perfect position to deliver a DDT. He tensed, about to hit the move, but Takahara exploded out of the hold and caught Jace with a powerful forearm. Jace was rocked, and Takahara whipped him to the ropes. He prepared to connect with another strike as Jace rebounded, but Jace dropped down and connected with a basement dropkick, taking Takahara’s leg out from under him! Takahara flipped over and landed on his back, and when Jace saw where he’d landed, he suddenly ran into the corner and began climbing the turnbuckles. He reached the top, checked Takahara’s position, then launched into a shooting star press, bringing all his weight down on Takahara’s chest! He remained spread across his opponent and made a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
But as Takahara kicked out, Jace grabbed his leg and stood up, quickly turning him over and locking in the single leg Boston Crab! Takahara’s head rose as he cried out, reaching for the ropes. He dragged himself closer using his forearms, but he was still a long way from safety. He began to make more progress, but Jace, feeling his hold loosen, adjusted his grip on the leg and sat down deeper on the submission. Takahara cried out again, and held his hand just over the mat, prepared to tap out. But instead he managed to will himself forwards again, inch by inch, closer to the ropes. Jace once again felt the submission loosening and changed tactics, releasing Takahara’s leg and turning to face him. As Jace let go of his leg, Takahara immediately stood up, but as he did so, Jace ran past him and jumped onto the second rope, then launched himself off into a roundhouse kick that dropped Takahara hard. Jace landed and dove into a cover, hooking both legs and leaning into his opponent’s torso.
...1!...2!...3!
Winner: Jace Mason.
Jace thrust his arms into the air as the referee called for the bell. “Here is your winner, and advancing to enter the Free-1 tournement, Jace Mason!” Dasha Banks announced as the ref raised Jace’s arm. Jace threw his head back with a triumphant shout, then staggered forward, leaning into the ropes and catching his breath. He looked out at the cheering fans and pumped his fist, a massive smile on his face.
MW: “A great back and forth match from both men here tonight. Either one of them could have walked away with the win, and there were several moments that I thought it would be over, only to be proven wrong by the fighting spirit found within both competitors.”
SD: “Takahara used his superior striking ability to take control in the beginning of the match, and for a while it seemed improbable that Jace would be able to win. But he worked his way back into the match, negating his opponent’s best weapons and wrestling his style of match. And while Jace may not have picked up the submission victory he wanted, he softened Takahara enough to put him away with the springboard roundhouse. Certainly an impressive win from FPW’s Eternal Student.”
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MDE walks down a corridor backstage until he reaches a door with ‘Jim Houston’ on the front. He knocks and waits to be called in. He pushes the door open and we see Houston, looking rather stressed.
MDE: So, Graham Baker is no longer FPW Champion.
JH: Nope.
MDE: How do your partners feel about that?
JH: They’re… they’re a little… well…
MDE: Have you replaced Davey Jones in the qualification match tonight?
JH: Yes. I’ve found a replacement to face Bobby O.
MDE: And?
JH: I’ll leave him as a surprise for now.
MDE: It’s not Jerry though?
JH: It’s not Jerry. He’s already qualified.
MDE: Is it anyone who’s already qualified?
JH: No. Someone who’s qualified won’t need a qualification match. If you don’t mind, I’ve got a lot of my plate, right now…
MDE: Including one man too many for the Free-1.
JH: What do you mean?
MDE: Davey qualified automatically. You’re still having his qualification match. That means there’ll be 13 qualifiers. You only have 12 spots.
Houston stares at MDE for a few moments.
JH: Shit!
MDE: Luckily for you, I think I have a solution to your problem.
JH: And?
MDE: I asked for Jerry Bishop to have a qualifying match as I said that I want him to have really earned his spot. He hasn’t won a match this year, so does he deserve to be in? Not yet. Give him a match next week against someone who has already qualified. Cut the field down to the right number that way.
Houston thinks for a moment.
JH: Ok. I’ll do it. You’ve got your match.
MDE: Can I request an opponent?
JH: Who do you have in mind?
MDE: Jerry hasn’t won a match yet this year. He’s a long way down the pecking order in singles competition. So if Jerry Bishop is going to qualify for the Free-1, he needs to get an impressive victory. He needs to beat someone to really make a splash. I have the perfect person in mind. Next week… Jerry Bishop versus the new Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion Davey Jones. Jones still needs to earn a chance and if Jerry can beat the champion then he really deserves a spot. That’s your match.
Houston thinks for a moment.
JH: Ok. I’ll make the match. But you’d better be doing a damn good job training Jerry.
MDE: Don’t you worry about that. I’m doing a simply great job.
MDE smirks as he turns and walks out through the door.
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MW: Well, it’s time for our main event.
SD: Bobby O versus who?
MW: I don’t know who, but I have a few possible ideas. Whoever Bobby is facing, he’s sure to be in for a tough challenge if he wants to qualify for his first ever Free-1.
SD: Has he even recovered from being jumped by Davey Jones?
MW: I guess we’re about to find out.
The first fifteen seconds of ‘This Means War’ plays before the music pauses as Bobby makes his way onto the ramp. He pops his collar as the music begins again before walking down the ramp, his eyes focussed on the ring. For once he doesn’t high-five the fans before reaching the steps, which he walks up and climbs through the ropes. He leans over the opposite set of ropes and gives the fans an intense look before removing his jackets and crouching down, waiting for his mystery opponent to be revealed.
After half a minute of anticipation the lights drop and the fans cheer. A set of wide stone steps appear on the screen and sections of fans begin to cheer as they recognise the opening chords of ‘Famous’ and the shot panning up the steps to show an Ancient Roman-style villa. The song really begins to ramp up and the words ‘The House of Botiatus’ appear on the screen. The fans explode and Bobby O looks interested as he rests in the ring. The cheers get louder as Botiatus appears at the top of the ramp and walks down to the ring, playing to the crowd the entire way as he blows kisses and soaks in the adulation. He walks to the ring’s cameraside and hops onto the apron, walking over to the corner where he ascends until he's kneeling with one foot on the oversized ring post, the other is the top turnbuckle. He looks down to his left and points to where the announce table used to be. As the song kicks into its hook the arena goes black again and a spotlight comes on Botiatus now standing. He soaks in the crowd in his signature pose. The lights return once again after the hook ends.
MW: Botiatus was asking for a Free-1 qualification match. He was told to wait his turn. Well I guess this is now his turn.
SD: And all of a sudden this match has taken a very interesting and very unpredictable turn. Can Botiatus shock Bobby O on his FPW debut?
Match 4: Free-1 Qualifier: Botiatus v Bobby O:
The official calls for the bell and Bobby and Botiatus eye each other from across the ring. The fans cheer as the two of them begin to step forward and give each other approving nods. They circle one another for a time, neither man keen to be the first to commit to making a move. After a couple of laps of the ring, they come forward in unison, locking up strongly. Bobby takes the early advantage, locking in a headlock, but Botiatus manages to force him into the ropes and send him across the ring. Bobby charges back at Botiatus, who leapfrogs him and then drops to his back, catching Bobby with a drop toe hold as he comes back at him. Botiatus then floats over Bobby and locks in a front facelock to keep him grounded.
Bobby tries to resist but Botiatus uses his ground ability to keep Bobby under him, making him take all of his opponent’s weight. After a time, Bobby gets his feet under him and drives forward, forcing Botiatus to come up with him, but Botiatus counters, transitioning to a headlock and then taking Bobby over, keeping the headlock locked in. As Bobby fights him, Botiatus takes his wrist and transitions again, locking in an arm bar. The fans applaud Botiatus for his quality technical work but Bobby continues to fight back, forcing himself back to his feet, only for Botiatus to connect with an arm stunner that sends Bobby reeling. Bobby staggers back into the ropes and Botiatus rushes in after him, striking him with a hard forearm that sends Bobby through the ropes. Botiatus then places his hands on the top rope and connects with a slingshit plancha.
SD: Wow! This man is impressive in that ring.
MW: He certainly is. He’s well-known on the West Coast but this is the first time we’re seeing him in a major independent promotion outside of that area. He’s got a lot of tools for success.
SD: He certainly has. And Bobby O hasn’t had any answers for Botiatus thusfar.
Botiatus gets to his feet and plays to the crowd, pumping his fist as they chant ‘House of Bo’, ‘House of Bo’. He then pulls Bobby to his feet and sets him up for a suplex, pulling him up before connecting with a twisting vertical suplex on the outside. Botiatus then pulls Bobby up and slides him into the ring before climbing up onto the apron. He plays to the crowd again and calls out ‘H.. O… B’ before connecting with a slingshot leg drop. Botiatus makes the first cover of the match, 1-2-no. Bobby kicks out. Botiatus gets to his feet and stalks Bobby, waiting for him to pull himself up. He hooks an arm over his head and looks for a reverse suplex, but Bobby over-rotates and lands on his feet. Botiatus turns only to be met with a series of jabs which forces him back into the corner, where Bobby unleashes right hands to Botiatus’ mid-section.
The official calls for Bobby to fall back, which he does, before running back in and connecting with a hard running clothesline. Botiatus staggers out of the corner and Bobby connects with a superkick to the gut before hooking him for a DDT. He leaps into the air for a leaping DDT and makes a cover, hooking the far leg, 1-2-no. Botiatus kicks out. Bobby doesn’t waste any time in pulling Botiatus up and whipping him into the ropes, connecting with a powerslam and making another cover, 1-2-no. Botiatus again kicks out. Bobby bangs the mat with frustration before standing and stalking Botiatus.
MW: I think he’s… is he setting up for an RKO?
SD: Surely it’s too soon! Bobby has to make sure his head is right.
MW: He has a lot on his mind and has done for a while now.
Botiatus climbs to his feet and turns, only for Bobby to unleash… no. Botiatus blocks it and shoves Bobby into the ropes, charging in after him and connecting with a forearm shot to the kidneys. Botiatus then pulls Bobby in for a reverse suplex and Bobby rolls under the bottom rope. Botiatus sees where Bobby has ended up and he backs off, waiting for Bobby to get to his feet. As he does, Botiatus charges at him and connects with a sliding elbow strike which doubles Bobby over. Botiatus grips Bobby’s head and drives it down onto his knee, encouraging the fans to count along. After the ninth strike, Botiatus backs away before connecting with a crunching running knee strike. Bobby’s head drops to the mat but Botiatus grasps it and connects with a snapp draping DDT. Botiatus makes the cover, 1-2-no! Bobby just gets a shoulder up.
Botiatus looks a little frustrated that he didn’t get the win right there, but he keeps his focus, pulling Bobby up and forcing him into the corner. Botiatus connects with a series of forearms before whipping Bobby into the opposite corner. He then follows Bobby and connects with a running dropkick. Bobby staggers out of the corner and Botiatus springboards onto the middle rope, connecting with a springboard blockbuster. He makes the cover with a back press, 1-2-no! Bobby again just gets his shoulder up. Botiatus looks to make the transition into the ADT, but Bobby blocks it and rolls him onto his back for a cover, 1-2-no! Botiatus barely escapes.
Both men scramble up to their feet and advance on one another. Botiatus ducks a jab from Bobby and looks to pull Bobby up onto his shoulders, but Bobby drops down behind him and connects with a German suplex. Bobby stands, looking intense, as he stalks Botiatus. He lifts Botiatus onto his shoulders and then drops him down with a fireman’s carry stunner. Botiatus drops to the mat and Bobby makes the cover, hooking both legs, 1-2-no! Botiatus just manages to kick out once again. Bobby again bangs the mat in frustration. He sets up to stalk Botiatus again, looking like he’s ready for the RKO. Botiatus slowly makes it up to his feet and Bobby strikes, but Botiatus blocks it again. He shoves Bobby away and looks for his own version- House Rules- but Bobby grips the top rope and Botiatus falls to the mat.
MW: Both men looking to end this match.
SD: It’s been an intense… 11 minutes! It’s felt like so much more.
MW: They each know the value of a victory and the cost of a defeat. A Free-1 spot is like goldust around here.
SD: It sure is. And Bobby looks to be in the best positon.
This time Bobby doesn’t wait for Botiatus to make it to his feet. Instead, he pulls him up and forces him into the corner, lifting him and sitting him on the top rope. Bobby climbs the rope and drives a few clubbing blows into Botiatus’ back. He then hooks an arm over Botiatus’ head and looks for the superplex. Botiatus, however, grips the top rope and doesn’t let Bobby connect. Bobby unhooks his arm and aims a forearm at Botiatus, but Botiatus blocks it and drives his own forearm into Bobby’s head. Botiatus then drops down and quickly repositions himself, hooking his arms around Bobby’s waist and connecting with a super back suplex. Bobby crashes to the mat and Botiatus rolls over to him, draping an arm across his chest, 1-2-no! Bobby barely rolls his shoulder off the mat.
The fans gasp and Botiatus looks at Bobby in surprise before pulling himself up to his feet. He pulls Bobby up with him and hoists him up onto his shoulder before connecting with snake eyes. Bobby staggers out of the corner as Botiatus pulls himself into position for House Call. The fans cheer as he charges at Bobby and drives his right elbow into the back of Bobby’s head. Bobby crumples to the mat and Botiatus scrambles for a cover, but Bobby’s momentum has rolled him out of the ring. Botiatus reaches for him but he can’t hold on and he looks down at Bobby with a pained expression. Botiatus then follows Bobby to the outside, quickly lifting him up and rolling him back into the ring. He makes a delayed cover, 1-2-no! Bobby just manages to get a foot onto the bottom rope.
MW: I was sure that was it!
SD: The House Call has finished off so many great competitors but it wasn’t enough for Bobby O.
MW: But how much longer can Bobby go after getting his lights turned out with that vicious strike.
Botiatus pulls Bobby up and forces him into the corner. He aims a forearm strike at him, but Bobby drops and turns, driving his fists into Botiatus’ midsection. The official forces Bobby back but he keeps coming at Botiatus, lifting him up onto the top turnbuckle again. This time he doesn’t waste any time, climbing up and hooking his arm over Botiatus’ head before delivering a superplex. Botiatus lands hard but Bobby doesn’t make a cover, instead looking to lock in the O Snap. Botiatus cries out in pain and Bobby’s face turns red with intensity as he applies more and more force to the hold. Botiatus looks close to tapping out, but, out of nowhere, the official is pulled out of the ring. Seconds later, Botiatus taps. Bobby releases the hold immediately and raises his arms for a moment, Botiatus rolling away, before he realises that the official is nowhere to be seen.
Bobby turns to see a smirking Jack Sevren standing on the outside waving to him. As Bobby stares at Jack, the fans begin to shout. Bobby realises that something is wrong and turns to be hoisted up onto Davey Jones’ shoulders. Davey drops him down with Psychosis before leaving the ring as Sevren shoves the official back into the ring. Botiatus, who hasn’t seen any of this, slowly gets to his feet and stalks Bobby, who’s crawling towards the ropes to pull himself up. Botiatus stands in wait and, as soon as Bobby makes it to his feet, he leaps, connecting with House Rules. He makes the cover and the official counts unsteadily, 1-2-3.
Winner: Botiatus.
MW: Botiatus wins! He’s into the Free-1. But Bobby O just got screwed out of a Free-1 spot by Jack Sevren and Davey Jones.
SD: Brilliant from Sevren and Jones. And Botiatus took advantage perfectly.
MW: I don’t think he even knew that this was happening. He was holding his arm and was facing away from all of the action when Davey connected with Psychosis on Bobby O.
Botiatus stands and has him arm raised as the fans give him a mixed reaction. He looks down at Bobby and gives him a pat on the chest before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp. Bobby pulls himself into a kneel using the ropes and he stares out of the ring as Jack Sevren and Davey Jones lean against the guardrail. Sevren smirks at Bobby as Bobby breathes deeply and regards Sevren and Davey with a look of hatred while the show goes off the air.
