Road To Judgement Day II: Two

[Jim Houston]

The show begins with a short clip of Marcus Allen Jones challenging Graham Baker on the last show. It then goes on to show a history of the two men’s rivalry, picking out moments leading up to Judgement Day’s main event, followed by key moments of the match and then Baker picking up the win. It moves on to Marcus continuing to be a thorn in Baker’s side before their Hell in a Cell match and Marcus shaking Baker’s hand. It shows Baker losing his title and Marcus turning over a new leaf in the Free-1, before returning to the challenge, leaving it hanging in the air before cutting to Mike Watson and Steven Deville.



MW: “Welcome back to Freedom Pro Wrestling everybody! And welcome to the second and final stop on the road to our biggest show of the year, Judgement Day II.”



SD: “While slightly smaller than our last show, we still have an impressive card for you tonight, featuring MDE taking on Aaron Williams, the final match of the Tag Team Number One Contenders Gauntlet, and for me the biggest question- how will Graham Baker respond to the challenge laid out by Marcus Allen Jones?”



MW: “That to me is a no- brainer. Surely he’ll accept. Neither man has a match at Judgement Day II and they still detest one another. Tonight has to be a case of Baker simply saying ‘yes’.”



SD: “Maybe. I don’t know if Graham Baker will be willing to risk a loss against a man who has never beaten him. Baker could sit back and pick his spot. There are still others without a match and I’m sure they’d jump at the chance of facing Baker.”



MW: “Well I’m sure we’ll find out later tonight but let’s focus on the here and now and once again, we’re kicking off with the continuing saga of Bobby O vs TakeOver, as he takes on The Invaders in a two-on-one handicap match. Once again, if Bobby can come out victorious, the Invaders will be banned from ringside at Judgement day when Bobby meets the leader of TakeOver, Jack Sevren.”



SD: “I didn’t think Bobby could win the last match, and although he proved me wrong in rather impressive fashion, I feel like he has even less of a chance here tonight. He went through a war to defeat Hunter-Killer, and now he has to defeat the former FPW tag team champions. He has such a slim chance of victory, it’s hardly worth mentioning.”



‘Killing in the Name Of’ blared from the speakers as the lights went down. Unlike their usual entrance, Haych and Dario appeared at the top of the ramp, Jack Sevren and Hunter Killer with them. Jack and Sara exchanged words with the competitors, with Jack in particular seeming to have some harsh words at the end. He said one final thing and glared at both Haych and Dario, then led Hunter Killer backstage, leaving The Invaders to march to the ring.



“The following contest is a two-on-one handicap match scheduled for one fall!” Dasha announced. “Introducing first, representing TakeOver, Haych and Dario, the Invaders!” Both members stood on the turnbuckles and crossed their arms in an X before dropping into the ring and settling into a corner.



‘This Means War’ began to play as the lights came back on, and Bobby O emerged at the stage, the fans going wild at his arrival. He reached up to remove his jacket, but then lowered his arm and began his walk to the ring.



“And introducing their opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bobby O!”



Bobby reached the ringside area and glanced around at the cheering fans, then climbed onto the apron, stepping through the ropes and into the ring. He strode into the corner and turned to face the Invaders as his music finished playing. Only then did he take off his jacket, revealing the tape wrapped around his abdomen.



SD: “And that right there is precisely why Bobby O won’t win this match. He’s still wearing the wounds of his war with Hunter Killer. And as good as Hunter Killer are, the Invaders are even better, and they’re going to absolutely tear Bobby apart.”



Match 1: 2-on-1 handicap match: Bobby O vs The Invaders (written by Mason):



Dario stepped out of the ring as Haych advanced towards Bobby. Bobby stepped forward as well, and Haych raised his arms for a lockup. Bobby went to accept, but as he brought his arms up, Haych delivered a kick to the injured midsection. Bobby doubled over, and Haych delivered a clubbing blow, driving his forearm into Bobby’s ribs and sending Bobby collapsing to the floor. The crowd went quiet, and Haych spread his arms, taunting them as he casually placed a foot on top of Bobby’s ribs, preventing him from rising. But still, Bobby tried to crawl to the ropes, and with a smirk on his face, Haych removed his foot and allowed him to grab the ropes and use them to help him rise. Bobby stood up and turned to face Haych, who grabbed his wrist and pulled him into a massive shoulder tackle that knocked Bobby back to the floor. Haych’s smile returned as Dario cackled and the crowd started booing. As Bobby attempted to rise again, Dario extended his hand for Haych to make a tag. Haych obliged, lifting Bobby up and driving him into the Invaders’ corner before tagging out to Dario. Dario vaulted over the top rope and landing in the ring. He swept Bobby’s legs from under him, dropping him to a seated position. With Bobby down and his injured midsection exposed, Dario began stomping away, driving his boot into Bobby’s ribs again and again. The ref began the five-count, and as he reached four, Dario backed away, only to charge back in and deliver a cannonball. Bobby cried out as Dario tagged Haych back in to continue the punishment.



MW: “Things aren’t looking god for Bobby at the outset of this match. If this continues, he may have to deal with the Invaders at ringside when he faces Jack Sevren.”



SD: “And more than that, he’ll be facing Sevren at less than 100%! Oh this is too good!”



Haych had pulled Bobby to his feet and lifted him up to deliver a powerslam, but Bobby managed to squirm free, landing behind Haych and attempting a school boy roll up!



...1!..Kick-out!



Bobby stood up, his expression changing from pain to determination as he waited for Haych to rise as well. Haych rose, and Bobby grabbed his wrist and whipped him into the ropes. Haych rebounded and came back, and Bobby met him with a dropkick that sent him staggering to the ropes. But Bobby was slow to rise, clutching his ribs, and when he finally stood up, Haych ran at him and connected with a thunderous lariat to take him off his feet. And with Bobby down, Haych wasted no time in picking him back up and lifted him onto his shoulders, delivering a backbreaker to the damaged ribs before going into a cover!



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



Haych glared down at Bobby and delivered a hard forearm to the face before he pulled him back to his feet and whipped him back into his corner, then ran in and delivered a stinger splash. Dario tagged Haych and gave instructions to him before stepping into the ring. Haych whipped Bobby into the ropes as Dario ran to the side of the ring. Bobby rebounded, and Haych dropped him with the center of the ring with a big boot, then got out of the ring as Dario rebounded and delivered a jumping double stomp to Bobby’s chest, then went into the cover.



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



MW: “Bobby O still alive in this match.”



SD: “He won’t be for much longer, The Invaders are wearing him down.”



Dario pulled Bobby to his feet and tucked his head between his legs. He attempted to lift Bobby, but Bobby straightened and dumped Dario over his shoulder. Dario flipped over and landed on his feet, but then staggered, clutching at his knee. He stumbled into the corner, and waved the ref over.



SD: “This doesn’t look good.”



MW: “Dario landed awkwardly flipping out of that back body drop, and it appears he’s tweaked his knee. He’s talking with the ref, and it seems like he’s going to be able to continue, but this may severely affect the match moving forward.”



Dario shoved the ref aside and approached Bobby, who had knelt down to catch his breath when Dario retreated into the corner. But as he neared, Bobby exploded upwards and connected with a European uppercut. Dario staggered back, but quickly went on the offense again, only to be met with a double leg takedown from Bobby, who began raining down right hands on his opponent.



MW: “Bobby O seizing the opportunity here!”



Bobby stood up and pulled Dario up with him, whipping him into the corner farthest from his partner. He charged in and delivered a flying forearm to further stun him, then bent down and pulled his leg out from under him. Maintaining a grip on Dario’s leg, he went to the outside of the ring and pulled Dario close, tying up his legs into a figure four around the ring post! The ref gave him the five-count, and Bobby released Dario’s legs as soon as the count reached four. Bobby stood up and caught his breath for a moment, looking out into the cheering crowd.



MW: “If Dario’s knee wasn’t damaged before, it certainly is now!”



SD: “But Bobby has to be careful, Dario is crawling back towards his partner.”



On the outside of the ring, Bobby realized that Dario had made it to the center of the ring. He quickly made his move, sliding into the ring and then running up to Dario, delivering a curbstomp! Dario collapsed, and Bobby quickly rolled him over and made a cover.



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



Bobby stood up and rolled Dario over, but while the ref was behind Bobby, Dario reached up and jabbed him in the eye! Bobby staggered back, and Dario rolled over and lunged back into his corner, tagging his partner. Haych stepped into the ring, and just as Bobby took his hands down from his face, Haych collided with him with a shoulder tackle. Bobby shot back up, only for Haych to rebound off the ropes and connect with another shoulder tackle. Bobby once again raced back to his feet, and this time he rushed Haych, only to be met with a knee to the midsection, and then pulled into an exploder suplex. Haych went for a deep cover, hooking both of Bobby’s legs.



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



Haych let out a growl of frustration as he stood up, and then lifted Bobby up, holding him across his chest before tossing him with a fallaway slam. He stood up and turned to Bobby’s fallen form, but before he could make a cover, Bobby rolled to the apron, preventing the cover and providing a chance to recover. But Haych didn’t give him much of a chance, reaching down and pulling him upright. But then Bobby grabbed Haych around the back of the neck and dropped down, pulling Haych’s throat across the top rope. Haych staggered back, but recovered quickly, and approached Bobby again. As he neared, Bobby launched himself over the ropes and into a slingshot DDT. But using his immense strength, Haych caught him, preventing him from delivering the DDTand dumping him into the center of the ring. Bobby landed on his feet and ran back in, but Haych lifted him up and brought him back down with a pop-up powerbomb! Haych held on to Bobby’s legs and stacked him hard, driving his shoulders to the mat as he laid his feet across the bottom rope for extra leverage!



SD: “That’s it!”



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



MW: “Bobby O escapes!”



Haych glared down at Bobby as he returned to his feet, then lifted Bobby up and off the ground, carrying him like a ragdoll into the corner, where he seated him on the top turnbuckle. Haych climbed up after him and applied a front facelock, looking to deliver a superplex, but Bobby held on, then began delivering shots to Haych’s midsection, until with a final push, he sent Haych tumbling to the floor. But Haych wasn’t down for long, quickly recovering and rising to his feet, only to have his face driven into the mat as Bobby came off the second rope with a diving DDT. Haych was down, but not for long, actually beating Bobby back to his feet. He approached the kneeling Bobby and pulled him to his feet, but then Bobby broke free of his grip and connected with a forearm, giving him just enough space to hit a superkick! Haych collapsed, but so did Bobby, catching his breath after the flurry of offense.



MW: “Bobby needs to make a cover!”



SD: “He can’t, he’s taken too much punishment, and Haych is crawling into his corner, where Dario is waiting.”



MW: “But Dario’s hardly at 100%...”



Haych made the tag anyway, and Dario stepped into the ring. He waited as Bobby rose to his feet, then ran across the ring and delivered a leg lariat, dropping Bobby back to the mat. Dario rose to one knee, smacking it a few times before he eyed the top rope. He rose to his feet and began to climb the turnbuckles, staggering slightly as he reached the top. But he regained his balance and launched into a 450, only to be caught with an RKO from Bobby!



MW: “Oh my god! An amazing counter from Bobby, and now he’s going for the cover!”



SD: “Sevren’s at the top of the ramp!”



And sure enough, Sevren was running down to the ring, arriving just as the ref counted one. He waited by the ropes, and when the ref bent down to count two, Sevren draped Dario’s leg over the bottom rope! The ref’s head came up, and Sevren pointed and shouted, drawing his attention to Dario’s leg. The ref saw Dario’s foot over the rope and stopped counting. Bobby looked up in shock and the ref pointed at Dario’s leg. Bobby looked over and saw, and then he saw Sevren standing there with a smile on his face. He slowly stood up, glaring at Sevren.



MW: “Bobby knows Dario’s leg was not over that rope, and he’s making it clear to Jack Sevren that he knows.”



Behind Bobby, Dario made his way back to his feet and gave Bobby a large shove, driving his midsection into the turnbuckles. Bobby cried out in pain and staggered back, right into a German suplex from Dario, who bridges for the pin!



...1!...2!..Kick-out! Dario didn’t waste time expressing his frustration, pulling Bobby up and tucking his head into position for a powerbomb. He made a throat-slitting gesture, but then Bobby grabbed both his legs and pulled them out from under him, then, while glaring at Jack Sevren, Bobby applied a figure-four leglock!



MW: “Bobby’s using his biggest rival’s finishing move!”



As Sevren shook his head on the outside, Dario struggled for a moment, but to no avail, and within moments, he tapped out.



Winner: Bobby O (18:17)



Jack Sevren kicked the ring steps as the bell was rung. Back in the ring, Bobby stood up, never taking his eyes off his former tag team partner.



MW: “What a match, and what an ending. Sevren tried to cost Bobby the match, and Bobby repaid the favor by using his best move. Sevren tried to get inside Bobby’s head, but he’s leaving tonight with Bobby taking up residence in his brain instead.”



Jack Sevren jumped up onto the apron and yelled at Bobby “this changes nothing!”, and the cameras faded to black as the two former friends glared at each other.



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Backstage, Liz Karlson, Freedom Championship over her shoulder, walks up to a locker room door and sighs before knocking. After a few moments, Kaste Mustang opens the door.



KM: Oh. It’s you. What do you want?

EK: Oh. It’s you. Get out of my way.



Karlson shoves past Mustang and walks into the room where Graham Baker sits in street clothes.



GB: Liz… what do you want?

EK: I don’t know if you’ve been following anything other than yourself recently, but if you have, you’ll know I’m going up against Botiatus and a partner tonight. I don’t have anyone else to ask to be my partner… not since Grimm had to retire. Will you help me out?



Baker looks at Karlson and then at Mustang, who stares at Karlson with disbelief on her face.



KM: There’s no way he’s teaming with you tonight. Graham has so many other things to focus on. He doesn’t even have his gear tonight. No way.



Karlson looks from Mustang to Baker.



EK: Fine. I did have another offer… I guess I’ll go and see Marcus and let him-



Baker stands up and squares up to Karlson.



GB: Marcus? No chance. Last year you and Grimm celebrated with me after I beat that piece of shit. Now you want to team with him? You’re just like all the others. No. I forbid it.

EK: You forbid it?

KM: Yes, he forbids it. Now get out of here.



Karlson goes forehead to forehead with Mustang who quickly backs down.



EK: It’s funny, Baker. There was a time when if you said you forbid something, I’d have listened. Now? Nah. I asked you because I know you’re good in the ring, but that seems the only time I could use the word ‘good’ to describe you nowadays. I’ll team with Marcus tonight. Fuck what you say.



Karlson goes to turn but Baker grabs her arm.



GB: I told you I forbid you from teaming with him. I made you. I brought you here. Have some respect. Either tell him you won’t team with him or it won’t end well… for either of you.



Karlson stares Baker down for a few moments before turning and walking away.



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*We return to ringside where Watson and Deville set up our next match.*



MW: Our next contest features two rising stars from our women’s locker room! Danica Jane, a mainstay of the McCloud entourage, will be squaring off against ALPHA and BSW rising star Vanessa Scott! Steven, your thoughts?



*Deville stares into space. Watson snaps in front of his eyes to bring him back.*



SD: Hm? Oh, sorry, Watson... My mind, uh... drifted, for a minute.



MW: So can we get your thoughts on the upcoming match? Who do you think will pull ahead here?



SD: Well, who’s to say? Both are strong, talented, athletic young women, and, uh...



MW: ...Good lord, Steven, I know you’ve been weird in women’s matches before, but at least *try* and stay professional?



SD: For once, Michael, I’m going to agree with you, I’m going to try.



*Dasha Banks takes center-ring to announce the match.*



DB: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!



*The arena lights drop as Tarheel Blue strobes follow the beat to Fozzy’s “Lights Go Out”. Danica Jane takes the top of the ramp, flanked by Russ Bolt and Clutch McCloud. The crowd largely boos, but there are a few cheers scattered among them. The stage lights come up to backlight the trio, Bolt and Clutch taunting the crowd, Jane bouncing on her toes, as Dasha makes the introduction.*



DB: Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, Danica Jane!



*Jane lets out a battlecry at the ramp before confidently marching toward the ring, Clutch and Bolt close at hand. She climbs into the ring and grabs the ropes before roaring down the hard camera. She lets go of the ropes and stretches out in her corner as Clutch and Bolt give advice.*



MW: Jane certainly has her comrades in her corner, but this is also the first big match she’s had in some time, Steven. Do you think she’ll have the upper hand here tonight?



SD: A competitor like Danica doesn’t need help! Although she surely appreciates having her friends at ringside, she can pull this off on her own.



*The music shifts as “Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato hits the speakers. Dasha Banks cocks an eyebrow at the choice of music. Bright blue and white lights paint the arena with a siren pattern. We cut from a shot of the legion vast of FPW faithful to the entrance stage as it basks in deep pink lighting. As the screen over the stage displays a shot of a woman’s boot driving Justin Rattler’s skull into the canvas beneath her heel, none other than Vanessa Scott steps through the curtain and out onto the stage. Her entrance into the open air accompanies bright white and blue lights swirling from all corners of the arena to orient themselves toward the Queen of Snark Style on the stage. She adjusts her weight to one hip and cocks an eyebrow skyward with her lips pursed, completing her condescending scowl, before moving her weight to her other hip and flicking her head to the side in an arrogant manner. The camera then pans upward from the steel beneath her feet to show the world Your Boyfriend’s Favorite Wrestler’s attire: a pair of black knee pads, black boots with mixed-colored laces of dodger blue and deep pink, a pair of glistening, black hipsters with silver studs adorning dodger blue and deep pink accenting and trim, and a matching top where the studs adorn crossing secondary straps over the apex of her sternum. Above this top, she dons a black crop top with her official logo across the front.*



DB: And her opponent, from Miami, Ohio, she is the Queen of Snark Style, Vanessa Scott!



*Upon hearing her name, a smirk spreads across her sultry face and the lighting returns to Dodger Blue and white sirens all over the arena. With an extra pep in her step, Scott pops forward down the entrance ramp. Her hips with her slight skip as she tilts her chin up in an imperious fashion. When she reaches the bottom of the ramp and enters into ringside, she turns to her right and looks out upon the capacity crowd with a clenched jaw and furrowed brow. Sneering, she struts backward until she is in line with the bottom of the stairs. After a brief pause, she hastens up the stairs to the apron and struts forward to the middle of the apron, where she pauses once more. She flicks her hair back over her shoulder and emphasizes the facial expression that typically accompanies a scoff before swinging herself into the ring under the middle rope. Once in the ring, Vanessa takes her time to pull her crop top off in an alluring manner before tossing the shirt into the corner for a ringside attendant to retrieve. She turns her focus back toward the audience around the hard camera, gesturing downward to her body with both hands. "YOU’RE WELCOME!" shouts the Drop Dead Gorgeous competitor with an amused grin as she takes her place in her corner.*



MW: Quite the show of confidence from our relative newcomer.



SD: If you looked like that, Watson, you'd be confident enough to finally ask for a swivel chair!



MW: You got a swivel chair?



SD: That's beside the point!



Match 2: Vanessa Scott vs. Danica Jane (written by Jerry):



*The referee makes their checks and calls for the bell. Jane goes for a lockup but Scott blows her off, instead walking into Jane's corner and winking at Clutch and Bolt. Jane, Bolt, and Clutch give each other confused looks as the official tries to regain control.*



SD: Naughty Nessa playing the mind games tonight!



MW: I will give you all of the money in my wallet right now if you never say that sentence again.



SD: I'll take it!



MW: Of course you would...



*The referee calls for the competitors to begin the match. Jane once more goes for a lockup, Scott reluctantly ties up. Jane gains control with a headlock and follows through with a snapmare takedown. Scott sits dazed for a moment as Jane follows up with a Shining Wizard, dropping Scott flat. Jane proceeds to play "head and shoulders and knees and toes" on Scott with a Garvin Stomp, leaving Scott writhing on the mat. Jane motions to the crowd with a mixed reaction.*



MW: Jane not exactly winning any favors here.



SD: Of course not! After that attack on the Queen of Snark Style?



MW: You buy in quick, don't you?



SD: As if there were any other way?



*Scott rises to a knee and Jane goes to pull her up, but Scott catches hold of Jane's hair and uses it to plant her with a snap DDT. Scott jumps to her feet to celebrate in her cleverness before connecting with a trio of leg drops on Jane. Scott goes for a cover.*



ONE!



NO!



*Jane kicks out. Scott pouts for a moment before regaining her footing. She and Jane square up once again, this time with Scott gaining control with a side headlock. Scott grabs a hold of Jane's hair and snapmares her into a penalty kick followed with a sudden lungblower, driving the wind out of Danica Jane. Scott goes for a cover.*



ONE!



NO!



*Jane kicks out again. Scott poses for the crowd, which largely boos apart from some scattered woos and wolf whistles.*



MW: Scott once again concerned about the presence of Danica Jane's associates, Russ Bolt and Clutch McCloud, although they haven't done anything...



SD: It's a valid concern! Wouldn't you be worried if your opponent brought two of their friends to the ring for a match?



*Jane brushes her hand against her nose and lips to check for blood while Scott takes a moment and looks at Clutch. She sways her way towards the ropes with a "how *you* doin'?" expression. Clutch and Bolt exchanged confused looks. Jane lunges towards Scott and spins her around, grabs her around the waist, and connects with a belly to belly suplex, tossing her opponent across the ring. Jane stalks Scott as Scott begs off in the corner. As Jane approaches, Scott leaps forward grabbing Jane's hair and whipping her into the turnbuckle.*



SD: Brilliant!



MW: That's one way to put it.



*Jane shakes the cobwebs out but Scott keeps up the assault by putting her boot into Jane's throat. At the same time, Scott puts her other boot on the bottom rope, giving her added leverage. Leaning into the top rope, she winks at a fan in the front row while the referee starts the count to break the hold, which Scott breaks at 4.5. Jane rises to her feet clutching her neck. Scott runs the ropes and uses the momentum to jump over Jane and secure hold around Jane's neck for a float-over DDT. Scott goes for a cover.*



ONE!



TW- NO!



*Jane kicks out, Scott checks that it was a two-count. As Jane catches her breath, Scott turns her attention back to Clutch and Bolt at ringside. She leans against the top rope and blows a kiss to the two with a wink. Scott turns around into an enzuigiri from Jane driving Scott into the ropes. Jane follows up with a flurry of strikes and a roaring lariat dropping Scott to the mat. Jane leans into the ropes and shouts at Clutch and Bolt, who remain confused, but cheer their comrade on. Scott rises to her feet only to be met with a swinging neckbreaker from Jane for a cover.*



ONE!



TWO!



NO!



*Scott kicks out. Jane roars in frustration and pounds the mat.*



MW: Certainly some high emotions in the ring right now!



SD: Nessa's just too durable to put away! Jane can't handle the pressure!



*Jane turns to her friendly corner for advice as Scott stirs on the mat. Jane consults with Clutch and Bolt, but behind her back, Scott rises and looks to charge. Bolt and Clutch warn Jane with just enough time for her to connect with a Pele kick. Scott staggers as Jane looks to follow up with a wound-up lariat. Scott ducks the lariat and Jane's momentum drops her to her knees on the mat. Scott hastily climbs the turnbuckle and poses on the top rope with her hands under her chin before leaping into a moonsault on the dazed Jane. Scott hooks the leg for a cover.*



ONE!



TWO!



TH- NO!



*Jane kicks out. Scott argues with the official and pounds the mat to call for a three-count. Jane gets to her knees as Scott once again approaches Clutch and Bolt. She sways her hips and blows kisses to both Clutch and Bolt but before she can keep control of the match Jane bursts up with a lariat. Scott evades and catches Jane's arm, pulling her in for a DDT. Scott swings her leg back to add momentum to the move, but as she comes forward Jane grabs the leg and drops Scott onto her back. Jane rolls through, keeping hold of Scott's legs, and cradles her into a small package, Scott unable to break the hold.*



ONE!



TWO!



THREE!



Winner: Danica Jane (9:40)



*Jane breaks the pin and glares at Scott, who sits dumbfounded on the mat. The referee raises Jane's arm and the crowd gives a mixed reaction, albeit a few more cheers than initially.*



MW: Danica Jane's amateur background really gave her the upper hand here tonight against the mind games of Vanessa Scott!



SD: INCONCEIVABLE! She was robbed!



*Jane climbs out of the ring and fist bumps Clutch and Bolt before the trio head back up the ramp. As they go Scott calls after them "Hey Rusty, Mistah McCloud, call me!" Jane gives her a snarl, Bolt and Clutch turn her away and toward the back.*



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jim Houston outside his office.



DB: Mr. Houston. Thank you for joining me. This week we saw a war of words between Aaron Williams and Artemis Evans which led to a challenge for Judgement Day II. Will you make the match official?

JH: Yes, I will. Artemis Evans and Aaron Williams are two of the best in-ring wrestlers we have in FPW and them not having a match at Judgement Day II would be wrong. This is a match that I think will be a contender for show-stealer on a very strong card already.

DB: You also announced the 2020 schedule earlier this week. Any comment on that?

JH: Well we’re adding more shows while maintaining our basic scheduling structure. We’ve added a series of Wrestlemania weekend shows in Tampa, Florida, meaning that FPW returns to the biggest weekend in professional wrestling with an exciting concept that I’m very much looking forward to unveiling nearer the time. We’re also adding a show on Halloween night, which I’m also very excited about. I can also officially announce an international expansion as FPW comes to London, England in October 2020 for Charge of the Light Brigade and the attached Road To show.

DB: Exciting announcements for sure. Returning to more immediate matters… two weeks’ ago, Marcus Allen Jones challenged Graham Baker for a match at Judgement Day II. Will you sanction that match?

JH: I’ll give Graham Baker the chance to answer the challenge before I make my decision.

DB: Thank you for your time.

JH: Pleasure as always.



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MW: Our next match looks very interesting. Botiatus won the right to face Elizabeth Karlson at Judgement Day II with the Freedom Championship on the line and now tonight he looks to win the right to choose the stipulation for that match.

SD: A right that Karlson hasn’t exactly agreed to grant by the way.

MW: She hasn’t, but I think she will do if Bo wins this match clean tonight.

SD: Of course, this match is scheduled to be a tag team match. It looks like Karlson’s partner will be Marcus Allen Jones but I don’t know who Botiatus has chosen yet.

MW: I’ll be fascinated to see who has agreed to team with Bo. I know he’s not exactly renowned for making friends and the last time he tried to find partners he didn’t choose especially wisely.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag-team contest is scheduled for one fall… introducing first….”



‘Turn It On’ begins to play as the lights flicker on and off. Karlson enters the arena, showing the Renegades logo on the back of her vest. She beckons to the back and Marcus Allen Jones walks out with her, his face looking somewhat focussed. As soon as Karlson turns, Marcus suddenly falls forward and the fans react with shock. Graham Baker, barbed wire bat in hand, lays into Marcus as he lies on the ramp. Karlson tries to pull Baker away but he drives a knee into her gut and strikes her with the bat across the back too. Baker yells down to Karlson that this is what she gets for crossing him before he turns back to Marcus, whose back is in tatters from the barbed wire.



Baker pulls Marcus up and lifts him onto his shoulders, dropping the bat onto the ground before performing a Mustang Driver onto the barbed wire bat. He the turns to Karlson as she gets to her feet, throwing her into the guardrail and then pulling her up to deliver another Mustang Driver. He looks down at both Marcus and Karlson as the fans yell abuse at him. As he picks up the bat again, Botiatus and Berry Bishop charge down the ramp and face down Baker. He smirks and holds up his hands, backing off as the two of them stare him down. Baker backs up the ramp, fans continuing to boo him vociferously as he disappears through the curtain.



MW: What a despicable attack from Graham Baker tonight.

SD: He did say that it wouldn’t end well. It turns out the match didn’t even start, but Graham Baker has made his point loud and clear tonight.

MW: He sure has. Marcus Allen Jones’ back is ripped to pieces and Liz Karlson can’t be much better.

SD: I don’t know why Botiatus came out at that point. The more Baker hurt Karlson, the better his chances of defeating her and taking that belt in two weeks’ time.

MW: Maybe he doesn’t want to do things that way? It seems that Berry Bishop had agreed to be his tag team partner tonight. What do you make of that?

SD: Berry teaming with someone other than Jerry is interesting but I guess it’s also a given seeing as they’re facing one another at Judgement Day II. With MDE training with Jerry, maybe Berry has decided to look for a sparring partner of her own.

MW: Maybe so. It’s a shame we didn’t get to see this match as I think it would have been something really special, but we’ll get to see Botiatus and Elizabeth Karlson facing one another at Judgement Day II. The real question now is was that an acceptance from Graham Baker? Or was that a rejection of Marcus Allen Jones’ challenge?



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Backstage, Graham Baker and Kate Mustang walk back through the corridor, barbed wire bat still in Baker’s hand. They stop as they see Jerry Bishop walking towards them.



GB: Well, well, well… if it isn’t The Joker himself. I like the new attitude.



Jerry walks on without saying anything.



GB: Hey… if you like, I could go back out there and take a few shots at your sister. You know, soften her up for you… just say the word.



Jerry turns and walks up to Baker. The two men stare each other down.



GB: Careful there, Joker. You know what happens when we step into a ring together.

JB: Threaten my sister again and you’ll…

GB: And I’ll what? I’m not the one about to wrestle her. You’re the one in a match with her. Bishop versus Bishop… who’d have thunk it, eh? I guess you’ll at least get to tick off someone on a list of people you’ve never beaten. Shame you’ll never scratch my name from that list. I gotta go. Good luck for Judgement Day II. I think you might need it.



Baker moves past Jerry, who turns his head and watches him walk away down the corridor. Jerry turns back to see Botiatus and Berry walking across the corridor. Berry turns and their eyes meet for a moment before Berry shakes her head and walks on. Jerry remains stood there, his eyes a mixture of conflicting emotions.



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MW: A powerful moment right there.

SD: That match… I thought we may see it in the Free-1 or somewhere like that, but I didn’t expect we’d ever get Jerry Bishop versus Berry Bishop like this.

MW: I’m not sure anybody expect it and I’m not sure if anybody really wants to see it. But that will be in the future. Let’s focus on the now. The Suplex Sweethearts have come through three matches, defeating first Hunter Killer, then The Invaders and lastly Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt on their way to this final match against The Dogs of War, who are about to make their first appearance as a tag team here in FPW.

SD: The Dogs of War have had three matches to study Saxon and Ripley. There’s not much information out there on David Archer or Braxton Cable. I think that gives them the advantage in this match.

MW: Of course the winners of this match face The Guardians of Strong Style, who will be defending their Tag Team Championships for the first time in a long time art Judgement Day II after demanding that Jim Houston find them a suitable opponent.

SD: I think whoever comes through this match will be more than suitable to be the challengers in that match.

MW: It’s time to finally end the Tag Team Number One Contender Gauntlet Series and this right here is the final match: The Suplex Sweethearts versus The Dogs of War.



“Ladies and gentlemen, this next match is the final of the Tag Team Number One Contender Gauntlet Series. Introducing first, with victories over Hunter Killer, The Invaders and Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt, from Hammersmith, England and Colby, Kansas respectively, they are known as ‘Dauntless’ and ‘The Colby Kid’ respectively… Tommy Saxon, Ella Ripley… The Suplex Sweethearts!”



‘Turbo Killer’ begins to play and Saxon and Ripley come through the curtain with a lot of energy. They come together with Saxon putting an arm around Ripley and kissing her passionately before peeling away and throwing a few shadow punches while Ripley stands and admires him. They move quickly down the ramp. Saxon looking very pumped up while Ripley moves with much more control. As they get to the ring, Saxon slides in while Ripley takes her time climbing the steps and stepping through the ropes. The two of them pose for the fans, who respond as they did before with a mixture of cheers and boos, before resting against the ropes and waiting for their opponents.



“And their opponents… making their Freedom Pro Wrestling debut as a tag team, hailing from Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado respectively… ‘The Vigilante’ David Archer and ‘The Battering Ram’ Braxton Cable… The Dogs of War!”



‘Justice’ begins to play as Archer and Cable emerge through the curtain. Archer makes a motion as if he’s shooting a bow while Cable produces a finger gun and shoots it at The Suplex Sweethearts. The two men make their way quickly down the ramp, Cable leading the way, before they climb straight into the ring. Archer and Cable march straight up to Saxon and Ripley and the two teams stand eye to eye and stare one another down. The official steps in to separate them but neither team back down.



Match 3: Tag Team Number One Contender Gauntlet Series Final: The Suplex Sweethearts vs. The Dogs of War:



Tommy Saxon steps forward to start the match as Braxton Cable does the same for The Dogs of War. The two men circle one another for a moment before they lock up, Cable driving Saxon back into a neutral corner. He breaks the lock up and drives a shoulder into Saxon’s gut before pulling him out of the corner and landing a clubbing blow across his back. Saxon drops to the mat and Cable places boot on the back of his neck. Saxon shoves the boot off and begins to make his way to his feet but Cable lands a hard kick to his ribs before lifting him onto his shoulder and performing a running powerslam. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Saxon kicks out.



Archer calls for the tag and Cable obliges, dragging Saxon to the corner. Archer comes in and lands a flurry of jabs and uppercuts before allowing Saxon to stagger out of the corner and then planting him with a side Russian leg sweep. He taunts Ella Ripley as he kneels and twists Saxon’s neck. Ripley bangs on the turnbuckle and the fans join her, trying to help Saxon make it to his feet. Saxon starts to resist, getting to one knee and then driving elbows into Archer’s gut. Archer breaks the hold and Saxon looks to turn to Ripley, but Archer quickly pulls Saxon in for a snap German suplex. Archer springs up to his feet and lifts Saxon, whipping him into the ropes and taking him down with a dropkick before making another cover, 1-2-no. Again Saxon kicks out.



MW: Impressive showing from The Dogs of War in the early stages.

SD: They’re wrestling a much more controlled style than I expected so far. We know their desire for destruction but they’re reigning it in in the early stages.

MW: They certainly are. Braxton Cable about to tag back in now.

SD: I like the look of Cable. He’s a big, throwback powerhouse. With Archer seemingly the brains behind the team, Cable is very capable brawn.



Cable tags in and enters as Archer holds Saxon down. Cable stomps hard on the midsection before pulling him up and lifting him onto his shoulder again. He charges towards the turnbuckle, looking for snake eyes, but Saxon manages to wriggle free. As Cable turns, Saxon unleashes Tommy Gun, taking Cable down. Saxon turns and dives to the corner, tagging in Ella Ripley. Ripley climbs immediately to the top rope and watches as Cable starts to get to his feet. Ripley leaps off to take him back down with a diving leg drop bulldog. She rolls him over for a cover, 1-no. Cable powers out and sends Ripley across the ring.



Ripley isn’t disheartened, and she quickly gets to her feet. Cable also stands, but Ripley kicks him in the gut and looks for a snap suplex, only for Cable to resist. He manages to switch his position and lifts Ripley up over his head for a gorilla press, but she drops back down and connects with a snap German suplex. She then hits the ropes and, with Cable on one knee, lands a step up knee strike which she follows up with a cover, 1-2-no. Cable kicks out. Ripley springs up, the fans mostly behind her, and she whips Cable across to her corner. She tags in Saxon before charging at Archer and taking him off the apron. Saxon comes in and lands a series of strikes to Cable, forcing him to a seated position and then stepping aside as Ripley connects with the Colby Cannonball. She then steps through the ropes and Saxon tags her back in. She climbs to the top rope and lands the Lucky Star Press, holding for a cover, 1-2-no! David Archer just makes it in to break up the cover.



MW: I think that would have been this match done and dusted right there!

SD: We’ll never know. But Saxon and Ripley have all the momentum in the world right now. Can they use it to get that big Judgement Day II match?

MW: Saxon into the ring now. All four competitors are in the ring at the same time here.



Saxon comes in and engages with Archer, forcing him back into the ropes before whipping him across the ring. As Archer comes back to him, he connects with a perfect overhead belly to belly suplex to send Archer rolling under the bottom rope. The official forces him back out of the ring as Ripley pulls Cable to his knees. As she does, she lands a series of push-up facebusters before transitioning into a triangle choke. The official checks on Cable as Archer comes into the ring, but Saxon takes him down with a running lariat. Cable starts to fade as Ripley sinks the triangle choke in even deeper. Saxon rolls Archer out of the ring but he looks on as Cable begins to fight back, pushing himself up and then lifting Ripley onto his shoulders. Saxon charges at him but he takes him down with a big boot and then follows up with Titan Killer! Cable holds on for the cover, 1-2-no! Saxon recovers just in time to break up the cover.



Saxon stands and then turns but he’s dropped by Archer who connects with a springboard DDT. Archer then shakes Cable and moves back to the corner, where Cable manages to make the tag. Archer comes quickly into the ring and pulls Ripley up, driving a knee into her cut and then looking for Gut Shot, only for Ripley to counter with a German suplex! She bridges for the cover, 1-2-no! Archer just kicks out. Both of them then scramble to their feet, Ripley aiming a right hand but Archer ducking and connecting with a spinning roundhouse kick. He then climbs up to the top rope and calls for the Star City Press, but Saxon grabs hold of his leg. He tries to kick him away but can’t, and Ripley recovers, climbing up to the top rope and taking Archer down with a big time superplex.



MW: This match has been extremely fast-paced.

SD: Both teams seem very evenly-matched. I’m not sure how either one will ultimately pick up the win tonight.

MW: It’ll take a moment of magic, that’s for sure. With Ripley and Archer both down and Cable and Saxon ready to go, we could be able to see a big moment in determining the outcome of this one.



Both Archer and Ripley make it to their corners and make simultaneous tags, sending Cable and Saxon into the ring. Cable aims a lariat at Saxon, but he ducks and pulls Cable in for a belly to back suplex. He then hits the ropes and connects with a soccer kick before stalking Cable. As Cable begins to get to his feet, Saxon connects with a DDT and makes a cover, 1-2-no. Cable manages to power out. Saxon quickly gets back to his feet and stalks Cable before coming forward and looking for The Knuckler, only for Cable to catch him and lift him into a gorilla press before dropping him to the mat. Cable then wastes no time in lifting Saxon and throwing him into the corner before charging after him and crushing him against the turnbuckles. As Saxon staggers out, Cable hits the ropes and connects with a huge running lariat before making a cover, 1-2-no! Saxon just kicks out.



Cable then looks over to Archer, who calls for the Titan Killer. Cable lifts Saxon and sets him up, lifting him into position, but Saxon fights him off and drops down behind him. He pulls Cable in for a snap Dragon suplex before rolling over to the corner and reaching out to Ella Ripley. She makes the tag and comes into the ring, stalking Cable. As he stands, she leaps up and looking for Starstruck, only for Cable to catch her into a German suplex of his own. He reaches over and makes the tag to Archer, who slingshots over the top rope into a knee drop and, as Ripley sits up, follows up with a kick to the face. Ripley drops back to the mat and Archer looks to the top rope again. He climbs up but Saxon quickly enters the ring, only for Cable to come to cut him off.



MW: This looks about to break down again here.

SD: This match has been absolutely phenomenal so far and I sense that it’s about to get even better.



Saxon flies at Cable, but Cable catches him and drives a knee into his gut. He lifts him for Titan Killer again, but Saxon forces him backwards into the corner where Archer stands. Saxon grabs hold of David Archer as Cable to tries to pull him away, but Saxon frees his legs and stands on the ropes, in position for a superplex. Cable staggers away but moves back towards the two of them, clubbing Saxon across the back and climbing after him. He locks his arms around Saxon’s waist and tries to pull him down for a German suplex, but Saxon doesn’t let go of Archer, who yells for Cable to stop. Ripley, in the meantime, manages to recover and pulls herself up, seeing the three of them on the ropes. She quickly moves to them and locks her hands around Cable’s waist, pulling him down into a German suplex, which pulls Saxon into a German suplex, which pulls Archer into a superplex.



The fans cheer with appreciation as Ripley stands above all three of them. She looks down at Cable and shoves him under the bottom rope before pulling Archer to his feet and connecting with a Colby Crusher. As he rests in the corner, she backs up and connects with a second Colby Cannonball of the match. Again she looks to go to the top rope for a Lucky Star Press but this time Braxton Cable rolls back into the ring just as she leaps and he catches her, blocking her from landing on Archer. He shifts her position and charges at the ropes, connecting with snake eyes. As Ripley staggers out of the corner, he hits the ropes and takes her down with a vicious lariat, only to be taken down himself with The Kuckler from a recovered Tommy Saxon.



Saxon then pulls Ripley to her feet and motions to Archer, who is just pulling himself up on the ropes. He grabs Archer and pulls him in for a ripcord short-arm lariat, with Ripley ready for a German suplex. Saxon connects with the lariat but Archer lands on his feet from the German. Still slightly groggy, he ducks an attempt at The Knuckler and leaps onto the ropes, connecting with Gut Shot to Ripley. Saxon tries to pull him up but he sprays mist in his face as the official checks on Ripley. Saxon staggers away and Archer clotheslines him over the top rope before climbing to the top himself. He looks down at Ripley before connecting with Star City Press and holding for the cover, 1-2-3!



Winners: The Dogs of War (18:31)



MW: The Dogs of War have won this match and they will face The Guardians of Strong Style at Judgement Day II with the FPW Tag Team Championships on the line!

SD: What a performance and what a match from these two teams.

MW: This team have certainly impr-



Watson is cut off by ‘Legend Has It’ and Ava Knight leads Death Squad onto the entrance ramp.



AK: Cut the music. This is really simple. Dogs of War. You never beat Death Squad to get your shot so you’re not the true number one contenders. Put your spot on the line against us right now or we’ll beat you so badly that you won’t get to Judgement Day.



Death Squad begin to advance on the ring but they pause as ‘This Fire Burns’ blares out and Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt make their way onto the ramp.



CM: Not so fast. They never beat us either. We demand the chance to take that match too.



Clutch and Russ square up to Death Squad as ‘6/8’ begins to play and George Jackson and Sara Daniels emerge.



SD: They didn’t beat us either. If anyone is going to get a chance to face The Guardians of Strong Style, it’s going to be Hunter Killer.



Hunter Killer join the argument as ‘Killing in the Name Of’ plays and Haych and Dario join the fray.



D: Nobody is getting that shot before we do.



The four tag teams on the ramp push and shove one another, but, before a brawl can break out, Jim Houston charges onto the ramp.



JH: Hey! Hey! That’s enough. Stop this right now. Braxton Cable and David Archer will face The Guardians of Strong Style at Judgement Day II and that’s the last I have to say on the matter. However… seeing as you’re all so desperate to get the chance to be the number one contenders, how about this… Death Squad versus Hunter Killer versus The Invaders versus Clutch and Russ… versus The Suplex Sweethearts. A five-way tag team match with the winners facing the Tag Team Champions, whoever they may be, at the FPW Awards Show on New Year’s Eve.



MW: Well that’s some addition to the card!

SD: A five-way tag-team match between these teams could be total carnage.

MW: And it almost certainly will be. That’ll be an exciting addition for sure, and a Tag Team Championship match to go alongside the traditional FPW Champion versus Freedom Champion main event of the FPW Awards Show.

SD: I can’t wait!



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MW: Well it is now time for our main event.

SD: The FPW Champion in one final warm-up match before he takes on Jace Mason at Judgement Day II. Before he beats-



‘Afterlife’ cuts Deville off and the fans cheer loudly. Jace Mason walks out onto the stage in street clothes before walking down the ramp and slapping hands with the fans. He smiles and looks relaxed while also looking in good physical condition. He walks around the ring and joins Watson and Deville on commentary.



MW: Speak of the devil and he shall come. Jace Mason, Free-1 winner and number one contender for the FPW Championship at Judgement Day II. Welcome.

JM: Thanks, Mike. I wanted to get a look at MDE in the flesh before we face one another at Judgement Day II and who better to watch him against than my good friend Aaron Williams.

SD: Now, Jace… you’ve said in the past week that you’re not sure whether or not you’re ready to face MDE for the FPW Championship. Surely you can’t think that?

JM: Well I think you never truly know until you get into the ring. Am I ready to give everything I have in the biggest match of my life? Absolutely I am. Am I ready to defeat MDE and win the FPW Championship? I don’t know. I hope I am but until we step into the ring, who knows for sure? What I know is that I’ll prepare as best I can and do everything in my power to achieve my dream in two weeks’ time.

MW: Any thoughts on this match, Jace?

JM: I think MDE is in for a really tough match tonight. Aaron will want to give him everything he can. I know he feels that he needs to prove himself. Artemis Evans said that he’d achieved everything elsewhere but nothing here and, while I don’t think he’s achieved nothing, he’s not achieved what he wanted to. Tonight he could get a huge win and shoot himself into position for a massive 2020.

MW: And if you do win the belt, will-

JM: I’m not going to talk about anything beyond Judgement Day II. What happens after that will happen, whether I win or lose. I’m 100% focussed on that match and I don’t want to distract myself with thinking about anything else.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a singles match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is a former two-time Ring of Honour World Champion and the holder of many championships all over the world, this is ‘A-Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



‘I Still Believe’ begins and Williams charges out through the curtain, belting out the lyrics as he gets the crowd going. The sound of the song bounces around the arena and Williams makes his way down the ramp, interacting with fans all the way down. As he reaches the edge of the ring, he pulls out a Sharpie and hands it to a fan, who etches ‘Do It For Jace!’ into his knee pad. Williams looks down at it for a moment before smiling and ruffling the kid’s hair. He then slides into the ring and continues to pump up the crowd from the top rope before dropping down and shaking hands with the official and the ring announcer.



“And his opponent-“



The cheers previously heard for Aaron Williams turn to boos as MDE is announced.



“- from Plymouth, England, he is the Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion… he refers to himself as ‘Simply Great’… MDE.”



‘Dance of the Knights’ begins to play and MDE walks slowly through the curtain, FPW Championship sitting around his waist as he slowly surveys the arena. He smirks as he looks at Williams waiting for him in the ring and then slowly makes his way down the ramp, refusing to acknowledge any of the fans as he keeps his gaze on Aaron Williams.



MW: This man is incredibly focussed. In many ways he’s a wrestling machine, dedicating every hour of every day to making sure he wins his matches no matter what. You can see that focus in his eyes as he stares down Aaron Williams all the way to the ramp.

JM: He says that he wins by out-working people. He’s not going to out-work me. I’m dedicating every hour of every day to figuring out how I can beat him, just like he will be for me. But unlike him, I’m not taking my opponent lightly. That’s where-



Mason stops talking as MDE rounds the corner and switches his gaze to his future challenger for the first time. Mason stands and the two men lock eyes for a few moments, before MDE looking him up and down, smirks and climbs the steps into the ring.



JM: As I say… I’m not underestimating him.

SD: And nor should you. Since his return to the ring, MDE has been in imperious form. I’m not sure there’s anyone in this company who can beat him at the moment.

MW: Well tonight we’ll test that assertion, at least for Aaron Williams. And then in two weeks’ time at Judgement Day II, he will face what I’m sure will be one of the toughest tests of his career.



MDE stares down Aaron Williams as the official removes the FPW Championship from him and passes it to the timekeeper on the outside right in front of Jace Mason, who the camera catches following its progress all the way to the table.



Match 4: MDE vs. Aaron Williams:



As soon as the bell rings, MDE and Williams come forward into a strong lock-up. MDE takes the advantage, forcing Williams backs a few steps and then taking the arm and locking in a wrist-lock. Williams rolls through but MDE rolls with him, maintaining his grip and wrenching on the arm. Williams feigns to roll again but instead tries to twist his way out, but MDE switches expertly into a headlock. He takes Williams over and grounds him, pushing up with his hips to exert as much pressure as he can. Williams tries to bring his legs up, but MDE doesn’t allow him to, keeping his head out of the way and maintaining his hold.



After a few moments in the headlock, Williams kicks his legs in an attempt to get closer to the ropes. When he does it a second time, MDE releases the headlock and immediately takes the leg, pulling Williams over into a knee bar. Williams reaches for the ropes but MDE jams his heel into Williams’ back and forces him to bring back and arm, which MDE takes again, turning the knee bar into a version of a surfboard. Williams tries to resist but MDE stands and leaps, driving Williams’ knees into the mat. MDE stands back, looking down as Williams rolls away towards the ropes. MDE then turns to quickly look at Mason on the outside.



MW: A strong start from the FPW Champion.

SD: And a message that he seems to want to send to you, Jace.

JM: I’m sure he’ll try to send me a lot of messages. He ought to focus on Aaron.

MW: What can you learn from that exchange?

JM: Not much. I know how good he is technically. Luckily I’d say that’s my strength too, more so than it is Aaron’s. I think I’ll have a few tricks that he isn’t expecting and hopefully I can catch him by surprise a few times.



As Williams gets to his feet, MDE comes in low, looking to take the legs. Williams, however, leaps over him and comes down with a double stomp to MDE’s back. MDE grunts in pain and rolls under the bottom rope, but Williams gives him no time as he grabs the top rope and vaults over the top right onto MDE. Williams stands and the fans cheer for him. He grabs MDE and drives his head into the edge of the ring before trying to whip him across into the guardrail, but MDE reverses and sends Williams into it. Williams, however, leaps over the guardrail and lands in an aisle. MDE tries to follow him in but Williams leaps up onto the rail and connects with a springboard forearm.



Williams kips up and grabs MDE, pulling him up with him. He rolls him back into the ring and then gets onto the apron, waiting for MDE to make it to his feet. As he does, Williams leaps up onto the top rope and goes for a springboard crossbody, but MDE absorbs the blow, catching Williams and rolling backwards, lifting Williams with him before delivering a shoulder-breaker right onto the point of his knee. Williams tries to roll away but MDE catches him, locking in a front facelock and combining it with a series of knee strikes to both shoulders. MDE then releases Williams and grabs his arm, wrapping it around MDE’s leg and dropping backwards, jarring the arm and tearing at the shoulder joint.



MW: That must have been painful for Aaron Williams.

SD: MDE zoning in on that shoulder straight away.

JM: I know that’s his prime area to attack. That Simply Great Stretch is deadly and it’s a lot worse with a bad shoulder. But Graham Baker managed to withstand it two weeks ago so I know it can be done.

MW: Do you have a counter for it?

JM: I do, but I know I’ll need multiple counters. If I use one once and then MDE gets the chance, he won’t let me use the same counter when he goes for the move a second time.



MDE looks down at Mason before pulling Williams up, but Williams counters with a few forearms to the gut followed by a modified DDT. Williams pushes up to his feet and stretches out his arm before stalking MDE as he tries to make it to his feet. Williams connects with a mid-kick to stagger MDE before grabbing him by the wrist and whipping him into the corner. Williams follows up with a huge splash and then charges back across the ring to deliver another, then another, then another. He delivers eight huge splashes before MDE drops to a seated position and Williams pauses a moment to catch his breath before making one final journey to the opposite corner. He charges in again and delivers a cannonball, sending MDE rolling out away from the corner. Williams flexes his arm again before climbing up to the top rope and delivering a swan-ton bomb, where he holds for a cover, 1-2-no.



MDE gets a shoulder up while also turning the pin into a crucifix pin of his own, 1-2-no. Williams kicks out but MDE maintains his grip on the left arm with his legs. MDE rolls over and turns the kick-out into a version of a Fujiwara arm bar. Williams cries out in pain as MDE wrenches back on the arm, but he’s close enough to get to the ropes to force the break. MDE breaks the hold but he doesn’t let up, stomping hard on the shoulder joint before pulling Williams away from the ropes and up into a snap suplex. MDE makes a cover, 1-2-no. Williams kicks out again.



MW: MDE has controlled large portions of this match. Can you stop him from doing the same with you, Jace?

JM: I don’t need to stop him being in control. I need to limit the damage from the times he is in control. He’ll control the match more than me, but if I can keep him from harming my joints while getting a few of my own shots in when he lets up, I’ll do enough damage to get more of a foothold later in the match. One thing I’ve noticed is that MDE doesn’t really have short matches. He enjoys picking an opponent apart, but he’ll tire the longer a match goes on. I know I can exploit that.

SD: Interesting observation. We are more than ten minutes into this one and there’s no end in sight, so I think I agree. MDE does enjoy picking people apart, but it’s easier said than done trying to stop him.

JM: And that’s why I’m working so hard on doing it.



MDE pulls Williams off the canvas again drives the point of his elbow into the left shoulder, holding it there for a few moments and trying to grind it into the joint. Williams cries out and manages to break away, landing a desperation hook kick as MDE comes in again. Williams shakes out the arm and, as MDE moves in again, he ducks under him and hits the ropes, leaping up and connecting with a springboard crossbody. Williams stands and pumps up the fans as he stalks MDE, landing another mid-kick before whipping MDE across the ring and taking him down with a dropkick. Williams stands again, shaking out his arm once again, before pulling MDE up and looking for a suplex. He lifts MDE and dumps him over the top rope as the fans cheer what they know is coming next.



Williams climbs to the top rope and looks down at MDE before launching himself with a 450-splash… but MDE pushes himself back and gets his legs up, catching Williams’ left arm over the top rope and pulling back with all of his strength. The official is quick to call for the break, but MDE uses as much of the five-count as he can before releasing the hold. Williams drops to the mat as MDE lands on his feet on the outside. MDE looks out at Mason before smirking again. He slides into the ring and grabs Williams’ left arm, but Williams pulls him in for a small package, 1-2-no! MDE just manages to kick out.



JM: He wasn’t expecting that one!

MW: Aaron Williams maybe playing a little possum there.

SD: But his left arm will be very, very sore at the moment. I think MDE may have taken several moves out of Williams’ arsenal with his targeted attacks so far in this match.

JM: That’s another thing I need to be careful of. He can do damage but he’ll also look to take things away. He could really limit the effectiveness of the half-crab or the Extra Credit and I have to avoid that.

MW: Another astute observation from the number one contender.



Williams and MDE both make it to their feet. Williams aims a kick to the midsection, but MDE catches it. He spins Williams around but is met with a spinning heel kick. MDE hits the ropes and bounces back right into a Spanish fly! Williams makes the cover, 1-2-no! MDE just kicks out as Williams points over to Mason. Williams then gets to his feet, staggering a couple of steps before he pulls MDE up and into a powerbomb position. Williams tries to lift him but has to stop and shake out the arm. He tries again but MDE frees himself and grips the left arm, forcing Williams to the mat. He traps the arm between his legs and locks in a crossface, ripping at the shoulder joint once again.



Williams cries out in pain and tries to fight his way to the ropes. MDE, however, doesn’t let him get close, positioning his body perfectly to restrict Williams’ movement whenever he needs to. Williams adapts, getting his feet underneath him and pushing backwards, rolling MDE onto his back for a cover, 1-2-no. MDE rolls back again to maintain his hold, but Williams uses the momentum to hook a foot over the bottom rope. MDE reluctantly breaks the hold but he doesn’t let up. He drags Williams towards the middle of the ring and traps his right arm with his leg. He then drops down and tries to pull back on the left one, looking to initiate the Simply Great Stretch. Williams, however, walks his legs around and then pushes them up, hooking MDE’s legs for a cover, 1-2-no. MDE manages to kick out.



MW: Another close one for Aaron Williams with the roll-up. Something to think about Jace?

JM: I don’t want to beat MDE and win the FPW Championship with a roll-up.

SD: Surely any win will do?

JM: Maybe, but not for me. I want to win the match with no excuses. A roll-up is a win but not a convincing one.



Williams gets to his feet just ahead of MDE and he lands a series of kicks to the leg that force MDE down to one knee. Williams then backs up and runs at MDE, landing a bicycle knee to take him down. Williams stands and pumps up the fans, hooking an arm over MDE’s head and fighting through the pain in his left shoulder to pull him up and deliver a brainbuster to the knee. Williams makes a cover, 1-2-no! MDE just gets a shoulder up. Williams doesn’t waste any time, pulling MDE up and setting him into a powerbomb position. This time he does manage to lift him before driving him down with a powerbomb backbreaker. Williams doesn’t make the cover this time, instead pulling MDE up and setting him in position for the A Triple Plus. He hooks the arms and goes to lift MDE, but MDE forces a leg up and kicks Williams hard in the chin, forcing him to release his grip as he staggers back.



Williams staggers towards the corner and MDE darts in, gripping him around the waist and throwing him across the ring with a belly to belly. He comes in again and looks to set up the Simply Great Stretch, but Williams has it scouted, twisting and taking MDE down with a single leg takedown which he transitions into a half-crab. Williams looks out at Mason as the fans cheer loudly. MDE writhes in pain as he tries to get to the ropes but Williams fights against his movement, keeping him in the middle of the ring. A loud chant of ‘tap, tap, tap’ echoes around the arena, but MDE manages to scramble to the ropes and force the break.



MW: So close to a huge victory for Aaron Williams!

SD: But not to be. I don’t think MDE will tap out to a half-crab, even to Jace Mason’s. It’s not a difficult move to counter.

JM: It can be when it’s done by an expert. Maybe not as difficult as some, but he won’t be able to escape when I get him locked in.

MW: Aaron Williams calling for one more move here. He could be about to put away the FPW Champion!



Williams pulls MDE up once again into position for the A Triple Plus, but MDE doesn’t let him hook the arm, instead driving forward and forcing him down, transitioning quickly to trap the right arm and pull back hard on the left one. Williams cries out but doesn’t give in. MDE finally manages to hook his leg over the left arm and Williams, after a few moments of resistance, is left with no choice but to verbally submit.


Winner: MDE (22:36)



MDE releases the hold and stares out at Jace Mason, who stands and stares right back. MDE stands up and beckons Mason into the ring. Mason obliges and, as MDE holds up the FPW Championship, he and Mason stand eye to eye.



MW: Well there it is. The final image before Judgement Day II. Which of these two will walk out FPW Champion? This match is absolutely not to be missed!

SD: And now MDE is the one to back away and head up the ramp. He holds that FPW Championship now and, while I expect him to retain at Judgement Day II, I’m sure he’ll be facing a fully prepared Jace Mason.

MW: The ring emptying now as we can confirm the full card-



Watson pauses as “Cult of Personality” hits and the crowd begin to stir.



Steven Deville: Marcus Allen Jones? What is he doing here? After what happened earlier tonight I thought he’d be in a hospital bed right now.



Mike Watson: I think we’re about to find out. Marcus is making his way to the ring with a look of determination on his face.



Steven Deville: And it looks like he’s got a mic. Seems our show isn’t over just yet. It may just be getting started.



Mike Watson: We never did get a clear answer from Graham Baker. Marcus looks like he wants to know for sure whether or not he’ll be getting the match that he wants- nay- needs.



Foregoing his usual theatrics and clearly showing the effects of the beating bestowed to him earlier at the hands of Graham Baker, Marcus makes his way to the ring. Standing in the center, he pulls the mic to his lips.



MAJ: I’ve waited long enough. Graham Baker, get your fuckin’ ass out here. Oh and Jim Houston, you too. See, I laid down a challenge that has since been ignored. Maybe you lost my phone number, or my Twitter account. I waited for an answer but I’ve been dealing with two cowards. One who prefers to deal behind closed doors and the other who’d rather attack me behind my back. If that’s your way of saying “yes,” Graham, I accept. I more than accept. Actions speak louder than words after all. But see, unfortunately in this business, I’m going to need to hear the words. So, let’s hear them.



A few seconds pass before Jim Houston makes his way to the apron with security detail. He whispers something in one of the guy’s ears as they remain standing at the bottom of the ramp, letting Houston, with his own mic in hand, pass through.



JH: I don’t appreciate being summoned.



MAJ: And I don’t appreciate being ignored, but here we are.



Houston nods before walking to the center of the ring.



JH: You haven’t been ignored. See Marcus, I’ve had a lot to consider. Judgment Day is our biggest show of the year and to that extent, everyone wants a piece of that pay day. You’re not the only one who requested a match. But I will say, your request is the most intriguing. As you pointed out, Marcus Allen Jones vs Graham Baker main evented our first Judgment Day and it brought the house down. So why not do it again?



The crowd cheer loudly and begin a “Yes” chant.



JH: But…as much as that match would be a fitting addition to the card, I have to consider the facts. Marcus, you’ve been struggling lately. It would be hard for me to justify giving you a huge spot on the biggest show of the year given your record. And I know that some of that is a result of what you’ve tried to do regarding TakeOver. Make no mistake, I do appreciate that Marcus, truly. But I can’t ignore that there are many wrestlers here deserving of a spot on the Judgment Day card and you’re not one of them.



The crowd begin to boo as Houston starts to make his way out of the ring. Marcus brings the mic back to his lips.



MAJ: I understand. But I’ll justify the match right now. See, you’re right. I have been struggling. I’ve been struggling to figure out what my identity is, the kind of wrestler I want to be. And I’ve figured it out. But figuring it out isn’t enough. Because if my talent and ability doesn’t match my goals in this industry, then maybe…maybe I don’t belong in this industry. So let me make it simple for you. If you give me this match at Judgment Day II, and I lose, you might as well hand me my pink slip.



Houston turns around to face Marcus, who just nods.



MAJ: That’s right. I’m willing to put my career on the line. You want a big match worthy of Judgment Day, there it is. If I lose, I’m done.



Before Houston can respond, the familiar staccato shots are heard as Graham Baker, alongside Kate Mustang, makes his way to the top of the ramp. As Baker goes to advance, Houston’s security stops him to which Baker just laughs. He puts his hands up.



GB: I see how it is Jim. Worried I’m gonna get my hands on your precious Marcus…again. Nah, let me assure you, if I wanted to hurt him, I wouldn’t have held back earlier tonight. That was just me sending a message, a message that as Marcus said, would speak louder than words. That was gonna be it because yeah, I’m not on the Judgment Day card, but I sure as hell didn’t need Marcus to do so. I had other ideas…But then I heard those words that were music to my ears, “If I lose, I’m done.” And I couldn’t ignore that. Oh Marcus, getting rid of you would be the joy of all joys. And that’s exactly what would happen. You haven’t beaten me, because you can’t beat me. The sky is blue and Graham Baker is fuckin’ better than Marcus Allen Jones. That’s a clear fact. But I get it. You need to beat me. You need me to be relevant again. And I want to give that to you. I want to give you one last marquee match to hang your short career on. Because the thing is, whether your career was on the line or not, this would still be your last match. I’m going to destroy you so bad, you’ll wish you never asked for this. But I’m nothing if not reasonable so you want to die at my hands? You’ve got it.



MAJ: So why not make it interesting then? If you’re so confident, so convinced that you can beat me one last time, put your money where your mouth is. Loser leaves town.



Kate Mustang looks at Graham Baker concerned as the crowd seem shocked and unsure how to react. Jim Houston turns to Marcus Allen Jones with a look of uncertainty on his face as well. Graham Baker brings the mic to his lips but before he can answer, Jim Houston speaks up.



JH: ENOUGH! You’ve both said your piece, now allow me to say mine. Tantalizing. From the earliest days of this company, you two have been at each other’s throats nonstop. The final match of this saga. It’s only fitting that it happen at the biggest show of the year. But to rise to the occasion of a loser leaves town match…You both are incredibly valuable to this company and I can’t in good conscience sanction a match that would result in one of you needing to leave. So I’m sorry Marcus, but my answer is –



Marcus interrupts.



MAJ: Before you answer, let me make this easy for you. You can worry about losing one of us, or you can guarantee you’ll lose me. If you don’t sanction this match, my contract is just about up…If you don’t sanction this match, I will officially be quitting Freedom Pro Wrestling.



Mike Watson: Did we just hear that correctly?



Steven Deville: Marcus Allen Jones may have some balls left in him yet. Perhaps I doubted my best friend too soon. What a bold move indeed!



The crowd begin a “No” chant as Graham Baker looks smug. Jim Houston looks shocked but as he looks at Marcus, the younger man holds his ground.



JH: Quite the ultimatum. And while this may set a bad precedent, I refuse to leave a match on the table under these circumstances. So Marcus, I suppose you’ve tied my hands here.



A few moments of silence pass before Jim Houston speaks again.



JH: I cannot force Mr. Baker to put his job here on the line. I will allow him that decision on his own to be made once he’s had a chance to consider the ramifications. But, Marcus, you clearly seem to have considered your decision before coming out here. So, I’ll grant it to you. At Judgment Day II it will be Marcus Allen Jones vs Graham Baker, and if Marcus loses, he will retire as an in-ring competitor for FPW.



Marcus smiles as he shakes Jim’s hand, who still seems unsure of what he just sanctioned. As the two go to leave the ring, Graham Baker has the final word.



GB: I don’t need time to think. I’ve beaten you before you bitch and I’ll beat you again…And again…and again…and again. In fact, I want to do just that. So you’ve made your terms, now I’m going to make mine. Marcus Allen Jones vs Graham Baker, loser leaves town… in a sixty-minute IRONMAN match!



The crowd begin to cheer wildly at the match stipulation as Marcus nods his acceptance and he and Baker exchange words that the camera doesn’t pick up. All attention turns to Jim Houston.



JH: At Judgment Day II, it will be Marcus Allen Jones vs Graham Baker in a loser leaves town sixty-minute ironman match…I hope you both know what you’re doing.