Season Four Launch Party Promo Thread

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits in his office looking down the lens of the camera.



“Well, that certainly was an unexpected end to 2019. If someone had told me after Judgement Day II that Jace Mason would not be walking into 2020 as FPW Champion, I wouldn’t have believed them. However, I’d like to offer my congratulations to Artemis Evans as our new FPW Champion and to express my hopes that she represents the company as well as I know Jace Mason would have done. While we come to the end of the decade and while tonight we spent time reflecting back on the best of 2019, I must now look forward to, if not the best, certainly the first, of 2020 as we set the agenda for the year with our Season Four Launch Party.



“After what we have just seen, I’m left in no doubt about the main event of Season Four Launch Party. While Jace Mason had it correct when he said that we do not give automatic rematches in FPW, I feel that this situation is very different to MDE’s situation when he lost the title to Jace. Therefore, the only possibly action I can take is to grant Jace Mason a rematch against Artemis Evans, with the FPW Championship on the line, at Season Four Launch Party on Sunday January 19th.



“But what about the rest of the card? Well, I’ve already granted Russ Bolt a match with either Ella Ripley or Tommy Saxon. Russ- you need to let me know which you’re choosing to face by January 12th. I’d also like to take Botiatus up on his promise to be a fighting Freedom Champion and to defend the belt whenever he can. So I’m going to leave it open to anyone who feels they deserve a match with Boatitus to plead their case. I’ll announce his opponent on Sunday January 12th, so I’d make sure my hat was in the ring by then if I were looking for that match.



“I’d also like to solve a particular problem I have. You see, after Judgement Day II, I feel that there are three men who stand above everyone else as potential number one contenders for the FPW Championship at Young Lions’ Cup III. Marcus Allen Jones, Bobby O and Jerry Bishop all picked up big victories at Judgement Day II and all could well be the most deserving of a title match. So we need to find out who is the most deserving of all. I plan to do that with something I haven’t done here in FPW before: a Beat the Clock challenge.



“At Season Four Launch Party, Marcus Allen Jones will face Masa Tchyukiro; Bobby O will face Berry Bishop and Jerry Bishop will face Aaron Williams. Of course, if one of them should lose, their conqueror will have their time entered into the mix. The fastest victor will face the FPW Champion for the FPW Championship at Young Lions’ Cup III.



“I’d also like to see some more of Kyle Ohio, so I’m going to insert him into the challenge set out by Sato- Ohio will face Hiro Takahara. For our final match, our Tag Team Champions will be in action against a team of their choosing. Should that team manage to defeat Archer and Cable, they will earn a future Tag Team Championship match. For now, that’s all I have to say.



“I wish everyone the Happiest of New Years. Have fun celebrating, stay safe, and we’ll see you back at Freedom Pro Wrestling for Season Four Launch Party on Sunday January 19th.”


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Season Four Launch Party: Sunday January 19th:



Match 1: Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. MDE vs. Clutch McCloud (Jerry to Write)

Match 2: Beat the Clock Challenge: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Masa Tchyukiro (Houston to Write)

Match 3: Russ Bolt vs. Tommy Saxon (Botiatus to Write)

Match 4: Beat the Clock Challenge: Bobby O vs. Berry Bishop (Houston to Write)

Match 5: Non-Title: The Dogs of War vs. Death Squad (Match Writer Needed)

Match 6: Beat the Clock Challenge: Jerry Bishop vs. Aaron Williams (Houston to Write)

Match 7: FPW Championship: Artemis Evans vs. Jace Mason (Mason to Write)



Please let me know if you’re able to write a match and which you’d like to write. I’d send finishes etc. out on Sunday January 12th.

[kingclutch]

Dasha Banks is backstage with Russ Bolt, who is uncharacteristically without Clutch and Danica.

DB: Ladies and gentlemen, my first at this time: Russ Bolt. Russ, you went to Jim Houston to get a singles match on our next show. Why is that?

RB: I love Clutch like he's my brother, but damn he has been hard to deal with as of late. It has taken everything I have to not take out my frustrations on HIM. So I need someone else to take them out on.

DB: Houston has given you the choice to take on Tommy Saxon or Ella Ripley of the Suplex Sweethearts. And I have it on good authority that you've made your decision?

RB: That's right. As much as I'm not seeing eye to eye with Clutch right now, I'll side with his principle. So I'll be facing Tommy Saxon. But I'll make two requests: 1) To Tommy: Ella stays backstage, as will Clutch and Danica. 2) To Jim Houston: make this a No Disqualification match.

Now if you'll excuse me Dasha, I have a match I need to prep for.

DB: Russ, thank you for joining me.

RB: My pleasure.

[marileeg17]

As Bobby sits looking at something on his laptop, CJ pops up from behind him to place party 2020 glasses on his face.

CJ: You always did say you wanted perfect vision.

Bobby laughs as he turns around and grabs CJ in his arms.

CJ: Whatcha looking at?

BO: Footage of some of Berry's matches. Trying to prep for the beat the clock.

CJ takes a closer look as footage of Berry's most recent match with Jerry comes on the screen. It's at the end where Jerry has Berry locked in his submission. CJ closes the screen.

CJ: Maybe you can watch this later. We're got New Year's plans today remember.

Bobby grabs CJ's hands.

BO: It's still tough for you to watch, I know. I don't like it either. But he made his choice. The match though, it was one of Berry's best. She pulled out some impressive stuff and I need to get on top of all of that before I face her. She's a great wrestler CJ so if it means having to watch that match to prepare for the beat the clock, I'm gonna do what I have to do. This is my first chance to be back in the title picture in 2020 and I'm going to make full use of it. This is what I rid FPW of TakeOver for. So that I could, and others could, wrestle without having to look over their shoulders.

CJ nods.

CJ: But...I know you. Berry is a friend. I know you're a little conflicted and--

BO: She's a good kid but I'm not conflicted. This is my chance Cee Cee. I'm not gonna blow it. 2019 was rough for me. I'd like to get this year off to a better note. When the match is over, I'll shake her hand and we'll go back to how things were. This isn't personal. It's just me doing what I need to do to get back to where I want to be.

CJ: I hope she's okay. I don't know her but if she's anything like how her brother was, I know she's a good person. This will be her first match after...ya know...

BO: Berry Bishop is resilient. I know she'll be okay and if she needs it, I'm happy to help her through this stuff with Jerry...After our match.

CJ half smiles.

CJ: Fair enough. But, we've had enough shop talk for tonight. Let's just go have a fun night out and celebrate this new beginning.

CJ kisses Bobby on the cheek before leaving. When she's gone, Bobby opens the laptop again and unpauses the match, watching as Jerry pulls back on the Chelsea Smile as Berry taps. Bobby turns a page in his notebook and jots something down. He turns back to the screen, shakes his head and sighs before closing the laptop.

[noname1525]

A video from after the 2019 Year End Awards shows Jace Mason staggering into the gorilla position, supported by a pair of ringside crew members. Everyone in the room immediately stood up, and several medical were called. But Jace shook his head and tried to pull free from the crew members that were supporting him, only to nearly fall to the floor. One of the medical staff managed to catch him and tried to guide him toward the exit, but Jace shook his head again and limped his away over to Jim Houston's desk, leaning against it to keep from collapsing. He looked up at Houston, who stood there with a concerned expression on his face.

"Mr Houston...I need...another shot." He said weakly, clearly struggling to get the words out.  "Please...give me... a rematch."

"You'll get a rematch, don't worry Jace. But before you get another shot, you need to sit down, get some treatment for that leg." Houston responded, and then he looked at the medical crew. "You take him to the trainer's room, and make sure he doesn't do anything to get himself hurt."

The medical crew nodded and assisted Jace in leaving the gorilla position as Houston looked on with his lips pursed, clearly thinking about something. He picked up a notepad from his desk and wrote something down as the video faded out.

[botiatus]

Berry Bishop is in the gym working on the heavy bag. Fozzie watches with a look of concern as Berry continuously throws a flurry of punches and kicks as sweat pours off of her. She lets out a roar as she finally collapses against the bag completely exhausted. She limply slides down the bag to her knees as tears begin to form in eyes and she bangs her head against the bag

*BANG*

Berry- "I couldn't do it"

*BANG*

Berry- "I couldn't do anything"

*BANG*

Berry- "I....I...AHH!"

She goes to bang her head again but Fozzie stops her. He growls a few words of encouragement that get Berry to soften a bit as she gives him a nuzzle

Berry- "Aww thanks buddy. The truth is though that I don't know how to make things ok now. I thought I could remind Jerry of who he really is. But the way he treated me in the ring. That look in his eyes... I couldn't recognize him at all. In that moment I truly realized that I wasn't in the ring with my brother. I was in the ring with THE JOKER (she spits out the name with venom) I know beating him is the only way that i'll ever have a chance to get the real Jerry back but after Judgment Day I don't know if..."

Berry's words trail off as the tears she's been fighting back begin to well up again when suddenly a voice calls out

"Sure you can"

Berry looks over to see Bo leaning against the doorway. He takes a few steps into the gym and Fozzie let's out an intimidating growl while putting himself between Bo and Berry

Bo- "Woah, woah, easy there big fella. I just want to talk to the bombshell for a minute"

Fozzie let's out a low growl as he seems to still be on guard but Berry gives him a pet that calms him as she gets back to her feet

Berry- "What do you want? Actually, never mind. Whatever it is the answer is no. I'm not in any kind of mood to help you right now"

Bo- "Good, cause I'm not here to help me. I'm here to help YOU"

Berry- "What in Bozos name are you talking about? Help me with what exactly?"

Bo- "I'm going to help you train so that you can beat Jerry"

Berry winces at the mention of her brother's name as the end of their Judgment Day match plays in her mind for a second before she quickly returns to reality

Berry- "Oh yeah and who says I need your help. You think you're something special but lemme remind you buddy that I was Freedom Champion before too. So I don't see any reason to think that you're better than me"

Bo- "Well let's be honest I simply have a lot more experience than you do and i'm much more well traveled. Also, i'm not the one who was just losing to a heavy bag"

Berry looks completely unamused at Bo's attempt at humor

Berry- "No"

She turns and begins to walk away

Bo- "Excuse me"

Berry- "I said NO. I don't need your help. As far as I can tell the only thing you're better than me at is wisecracks"

Bo- "You do kinda draw a blank every now and then"

Bo smiles but Berry is clearly over the conversation as she simply rolls her eyes and walks away. She begins striking the heavy bag with renewed vigor at an incredible pace. Bo watches with interest for a few moments before heading for the door. He stops at the doorway

Bo- "That stubborn attitude, you're more like your brother than you think. I'll tell you something. Around here we all have enemies and friends. But you have something no one else does. You and Jerry are family. Even if you don't reconcile you shouldn't forget that"

Bo walks out as Berry comes to a complete stop. Fozzie growls something at her but she doesn't respond as she remains almost stuck in place while her thoughts run wild

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop in the FPW locker room, standing at his mirror in a tailored suit with his back turned. We see various pictures of famous clowns, harlequins, jesters, and face-painted figures taped along the sides of the mirror. While the camera angles change, Bishop's face is still obscured*

JB: This past year has been interesting for me, to say the least. I took advice from a scumbag who soiled my family in unforgivable ways. Now, don't get me wrong, I still don't like the slimy grimy Limey. And I'll never fully forgive him for what he did.

*Bishop snaps his fingers, and the camera snaps focus onto his hand*

JB: But. He gave me what I needed. And now, I'm better than I've ever been. I'm giving the Freedom Fighters the Jerry Bishop they deserve. They wanted the Jester, huh? The little "happy-go-lucky", "gawrsh, Mickey, it sure is great to be here, a-hyuck" clown? The guy who couldn't ever get it done?

*Bishop drops his hands to his sides, the camera taking focus on his clenched fists.*

JB: And once I start winning, giving them the Jerry Bishop they deserve, they turn their backs on me? After everything I gave them? After everything that I've done for them?

*Bishop turns around to reveal another facepaint design, this reminiscent of Goldust, with purple replacing gold.*

JB: I'm done trying to be the "Freedom Fighter's F-Champion" or whatever pathetic alliteration they'd come up with. I tried to be their "People's Champion" or whatever the hell Dwayne uses to brainwash people. And they turned their backs on me. I gave them EVERYTHING. I have fought for them for- No, hang on.

*Bishop shoves past the camera and past various FPW staffers until he reaches Ted Crewmember, who he grabs by the collar.*

JB: Take this mic.

TC: What the hell-

JB: Just take it, you idiot.

*Ted takes the mic and frightfully holds it to Bishop's lips. Bishop takes a deep breath and channels his best Hollywood Hogan.*

JB: For two years, brother, for two years I held my head high. I did everything for the charities. I did everything for the kids. And the reception I got when I came out here - you fans can stick it, brother. Because if it wasn't for Jerry Bishop you people wouldn't be here. If it wasn't for Jerry Bishop, Jim Houston would be still selling meat from a truck in Liverpool. And if it wasn't for Jerry Bishop, all these Johnny Come Lately's that you see out here wrestling wouldn't be here. I was selling out the world, brother, while they were pumping gas to put in their car to get to high school. So the way it is now, brother, with the Joker at his best, whatcha gonna do? When the Clown Prince of Combat RUNS. WILD. ON. YOU?!

*Bishop takes the mic from a cowered Ted and drops it on Ted's head before walking off.*

JB: *offscreen* Pathetic.

[noname1525]

A video is uploaded to the FPW website, opening on a black screen with no audio. Slowly, the sound of a cheering crowd fades in, and then the video changes to show a slightly greyed out version the closing moments of the Judgement Day II main event. Jace delivered the avalanche Extra Credit as suspenseful music rose in the background under the cheering, and as the ref counted three, the music changed to a triumphant track and color flooded into the video. The replay became slow motion as it cut to a shot of Jace holding the title above his head. But the music abruptly cut out as the image shattered like glass,  replaced by one of Artemis Evans posing with the FPW World championship wrapped around her waist, with Jace laying limp in the background.

The image changed once again, this time showing Artemis at a photo shoot. Various crew members were visible in the behind  her, setting up the lighting and bits of the set.

"Greetings to all the members of the FPW universe." Artemis said, clearly struggling to contain her amusement. "It seems to me that congratulations are in order. Now, I've been around wrestling long enough to know that all of you are expecting me to congratulate myself, but you'd be mistaken. This congratulations goes out to everyone who attended the FPW Year-End Awards Show, everyone who got to experience history as I became the first ever female FPW World Champion. Give yourselves a pat on the back, you paid to see a bunch of nobodies accept worthless trophies, and instead you got to see me etch my name in the history books yet again. As if I needed more proof to back me up when I say I'm the best wrestler in FPW. Hell, I'm more than that, I'm the best thing to happen to this bloody company. And now I've done what I was always destined to do, I've claimed my spot at the top of the mountain. All of FPW is my Queendom now, and this," she holds up the World Championship, "this is my crown." She snaps her fingers and someone steps in from out of frame with a rag, and she handed her the belt, clearly intending for him to polish it.

"Now, there's some unfinished business that needs clearing up. Jace, I understand that you've been granted a rematch for your-I'm sorry, my title at the Season 4 Launch Party. and before we get to that match, I wanted to clear the air between us. I've heard a lot of muttering from the fanbase about 'why would she do that to Jace?' 'why rob someone of their triumphant moment?' They all seem to think that what I did was somehow personal, that I had something against you in particular. But what I did to you at the Awards Show? That wasn't personal. I saw you and MDE absolutely batter each other at Judgement Day, and I knew that the following champion vs champion match would be the perfect time to cash in on the FPW Champion, whoever they happened to be. Whoever survived that title match would be in the perfect position for me to take advantage of. So, in a way, by winning that match, you cost yourself the FPW World Championship. So no, it wasn't personal, it was simply a matter of business, a changing of the guard. But at the Season 4 Launch Party? Well, it won't be personal, but I'm certainly going to enjoy keeping this title around my waist where it belongs."

Artemis receives word from someone behind the camera and smirks. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some champion's duties to attend to. Sorry you won't be able to experience that Jace." With one last laugh, she stands and walks offscreen. The video changes to an image from the shoot, with Artemis sitting in a ornately carved chair, the FPW championship around her waist, with Thea and Myra standing behind her, disdainful expressions on their faces as Artemis smirked at the camera.

[Jim Houston]

The camera follows from behind as Jerry Bishop, a bag slung over his shoulder, already dressed in purple and black workout gear, pushes through a door and makes his way down a corridor. Two men walk past Jerry, who turns his head towards them, but both look away and carry on walking. He pushes through another door and into a small room with a wrestling ring. He puts the bag down and walks up to the ring, stopping when he sees MDE running the ropes.

JB: You?

MDE stops and looks at Jerry. The sweat covering his body suggests he’s been running for some time.

MDE: Hello to you too.
JB: Sorry, I just... I didn’t know if you’d be back.
MDE: I went home for the holidays. People may not believe it but I’ve got family too. Now I’m here. Back to the grind.
JB: I thought maybe...
MDE: Maybe what?
JB: After you lost the belt...
MDE: What?
JB: I didn’t know if you’d come back. Last time you had a big loss you disappeared for months.
MDE: And then I came back. For you. I’m not disappearing again. I may not be FPW Champion anymore, but I’m here to make sure the right person is the next FPW Champion. And that person is you.
JB: You’re goddamn right.

Jerry steps into the ring and begins stretching out.

MDE: We haven’t spoken since Judgement Day II... good job.
JB: Thanks. Now that the final distraction is out of the way, it’s my time to shine. I don’t care what people think, I’m going to win that FPW Title just like they always wanted me to. The difference between now and then is that I’m finally good enough to do it.
MDE: Finally.

The two stretch out a bit more.

JB: I did what I had to do. And I’ll do it again against Williams.
MDE: I know. Williams won’t be easy to beat, and certainly not quickly. But the tough draw of him balances out with being in the last match. You’ll know what time you have to beat. We should start with specific timed drills to push you and keep you aware-
JB: I’m on it. You can be Williams. By the time we’re done, I’ll be ready to beat him no matter what time Bobby or Marcus set.
MDE: Or Tchyukiro or-
JB: Yeah. Or them. But what about you? What are we training you for?
MDE: I don’t know at the moment. I don’t have a match. From champion to nothing in weeks.
JB: Nobody has stepped up to Bow-tie-Atticus’ challenge yet. Take the Freedom belt. When I win the big one, we’ll have them both. Triple H and Stone Cold. No... more Okada and Nakamura given I'm the Clown Prince of Chaos.
MDE: Maybe. We’ll see. For now, let’s just focus on getting you ready.

The two of them tie-up aggressively, MDE looking for a headlock but Jerry shrugging off the arm and catching him in a hammerlock before forcing him down and driving a knee into his face. MDE reels up and shakes out his nose.

MDE: Whoa... let me ease in at least.

The two lock up again as the camera fades out.

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits on the edge of the ring where he’s been training with Jerry Bishop. He looks directly into the camera with a smirk.

“You know... when I first came here, I made a big song and dance about not caring for championships. And what I said was true at the time. But ever since winning the FPW Championship... I’ve come to enjoy the feeling of gold around my waist and now that it’s not there... I kind of miss it. So as Jerry Bishop advised me to do... I’m gong to step up to face Botiatus for the Freedom Championship. Maybe it’s a step down from the belt I used to carry around, but it’s time for Jerry to take that step now. I’m happy to stand alongside him with gold of a different sort. So Botiatus... you may say this is the House of Botiatus and we play by House Rules, but I’ve been here a lot longer than you have and the only rule I play by is the rule of the jungle- the strong dominate the weak. You may not be weak compared to some of the so-called wrestlers around here, but you’re damn sure weaker than me. At Season Four Launch Party, I’ll take that title. Enjoy it for the short time you’ve got left, because it seems like it’s only leased to the House of Bo, and that lease is about to run out.”

MDE hops down and wipes the sweat from his face.

[kingclutch]

*Video exclusive from FPW.com*

Clutch is centered without his usual entourage.

CM: In 2019, Clutch McCloud was written off as a joke. What should have been seen as a righteous fight was nothing but the subject of ridicule to the "Freedom Fighters". In 2020, I will prove that I am not a punchline. At Season Four Launch Party, I too am stepping up to challenge Botiatus for the FPW Freedom Championship. But it seems as though MDE has thrown his name into the conversation, but you know what? If I gotta take on MDE too....so be it.

[kingclutch]

*Video exclusive from FPW.com

David Archer and Braxton Cable are standing, FPW Tag Team Championships slung over their shoulders.

DA: The choice has been put on is as to who we face. And in the highly unlikely event that they lose, they'll be granted a match for these titles. Now certainly there are plenty of viable teams and just as many that would be grateful to step into battle with the DoW. Alas, we can only choose one. The choice is simple really. We want the Death Squad. And we want all three of them.

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits in his office.

"Well, it seems like we have two ambitious contenders for the Freedom Championship. Clutch McCloud and MDE have both thrown their hats in the ring for the right to face Botiatus. So I have a difficult decision to make. Let's take a run down of each man's credentials. Clutch... he's never been a champion here in FPW. He's been involved in a mildly successful tag team with Russ Bolt and has begun to develop a mildly interesting wrestler in Danica Jane. This would be his first chance to become a champion outside of the Rumble in quite some time, but has he earned it? I'm not sure he has. MDE... we know he was an FPW Champion, who won said Rumble and then had two successful defenses against two very talented opponents. But then he lost the FPW Championship and, let's be honest, his record in 2019 was hardly glowing until his return for the Rumble match. I can see why we might or might not give the shot to either man. If I'm honest, I don't like the idea of someone losing the FPW Championship and straight away getting a chance at the Freedom Championship, but I also can't say that I'd be happy to give Clutch McCloud a one-on-one match for a title when I don't thin he's earned that match. So it seems to me like I have only one option. Neither MDE nor Clutch are the ideal contender, so let's see how we go with both men in the match. It'll be a triple threat match. However, a triple threat match gives the champion a disadvantage, so I'll add this caveat. Botiatus can only lose the Freedom Championship if he is the man who is pinned or submits. Clutch and MDE can each win the match by pinning one another, but they cannot take the belt."

[botiatus]

The latest episode of 60 Minutes Of Freedom is in full swing with Jace Mason in the ring. He hits Extra Credit to pick up the victory and the fans are on their feet as Afterlife plays. Jace climbs the ropes as he mimes a belt around his waist to signal that he's fully focused on winning back The FPW Championship. The shot then changes to backstage where Dasha Banks stands in the interview area

Dasha- "An impressive victory for Jace Mason who looks ready for his title match at the Season Four Launch Party. My next guest will also be fighting for gold at that PPV. He is the current Freedom Champion, ladies and gentlemen, Botiatus!"

The shot widens as Bo steps in and a large pop can be heard from the crowd. He's dressed in his usual ring gear with the Freedom Championship slung over his left shoulder

Bo- "Dasha as always it is a pleasure to have you as a guest in THE HOUSE OF BOTIATUS!"

Dasha- "Thanks. Earlier tonight Jim Houston made it official that your first title defense will in fact be against both MDE and Clutch McCloud in a Triple Threat Match. He also added the stipulation that the title can only change hands if you are the one to be pinned or submitted. With all that in mind what are your thoughts on the match and your opponents?"

Bo- "Look Dasha I get what Houston is trying to do here and while I appreciate his efforts I think i'll handle the match stipulation myself. I mean maybe everyone around here forgot since past champions never seemed to use it but this belt does give me the ability to pick my match stipulation. Now as far as my opponents go i've beaten Clutch before but I have a feeling that with this little crusade he's on that he'll be a much tougher opponent this time. He's also a total hypocrite but that's a story for another day. Then we've got a man who i've never faced before that fancies himself a wrestling genius. While I appreciate his dedication to preparation i'm also more than an little amused by his reliance on it. He seems to think that he can prepare for every scenario that will occur in a match beforehand. And so to that I say let's put that theory to the test shall we?"

Bo turns now to face the camera as the shot tightens in on him

Bo- "I have no doubt that Clutch will have Danica lurking around ringside. For all his qualms about inter gender wrestling he certainly has no problems asking his girlfriend to ahem, shall we say get physical with other men. I can't do anything about that but I can even the playing field a bit and throw a curveball at MDE at the same time. So let's see what happens when they can't pin me down to one place. At Seaon Four Launch Party my Triple Threat Match will be Falls Count Anywhere!"

Bo pauses as the crowd can be heard popping loudly to the announcement

Bo- "Clutch, MDE, I look forward to having you as guests in the H.O.B. I look forward to beating the hell out of both of you all around the arena. And most importantly I look forward to retaining my Freedom Championship as I teach you the most important rule of all... THIS. IS. MYYYYYYY. HOUSE!"

Bo smiles into the camera as the shot remains on him briefly before fading to commercial

[Jim Houston]

Sato stands with Hiro Takahara while the sounds of Masa Tchyukiro training can be heard in the background.

“Next week, Takahara-San faces Marcus Allen Jones. Beat the Clock Challenge. Breaking new ground for Guardians of Strong Style. Marcus Allen Jones very talented wrestler. Fly very well. But all wrestlers talented until they kicked in head. Marcus Allen Jones. How hard kicks can you take? How many? Takahara-San test you like nobody else. You may have experience of singles match. You may have pedigree. You may have record in FPW. Takahara-San has none of that. But Takahara-San kick you harder than anyone. Takahara-San maybe lose, but Takahara-San learn respect. First step for Guardians of Strong Style to get better. Next... Tchyukiro-San show what he can do. Marcus Allen Jones. Practise get hit by heavy, heavy objects. Over and over again. Still not enough. See you at Season Four Launch Party.”

[marileeg17]

Cameras come up on a small cafeteria where we see Marcus sitting pensively, picking apart the role on his plate, distracted in his thoughts. Suddenly, a second figure approaches. At first we can only see the silhouette from behind.

??: Mind if I sit?

Marcus looks up and manages a brief smile as he notices Dasha with a smoothie in her hand.

MAJ: Of course.

Dasha nods and the two sit in silence for an uncomfortable period of time before both try to speak up at once.

DB: So, how bout the NFL--
MAJ: Did you see those Oscar--

Both stop mid sentence but again end up talking over one another. Finally, the two laugh breaking somewhat of the awkward tension from before.

MAJ: This is weird. It's weird right?

DB: What's weird?

MAJ: This...Us...I mean, we're not friends, we're just like colleagues. I'm not used to this dynamic. Sorry.

Dasha chuckles sweetly.

DB: No need to apologize...Hey, I think I've got an idea to make this less weird.

Dasha gets up and returns a few moments later, a spoon in her hand. Marcus raises his eyebrow in confusion.

DB: I'm here with Marcus Allen Jones. Marcus, what is that you're eating for lunch today?

Marcus rolls his eyes and smiles.

MAJ: We're really doing this right now?

Dasha nods happily.

DB: Just go with it. The FPW Universe needs to know.

Marcus shakes his head and pauses a few moments before getting into character.

MAJ: I have to hand it to you Dasha, you really know how to ask the hard-hitting questions. What you see here is a buttered roll. It complements the Wedge Salad nicely.

DB: Salad huh? And what kind of dressing might there be on that salad?

MAJ: No dressing. Just a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar mixed with a dash of red vine vinegar...Oh no, I've said too much. Damn you Dasha for revealing my secret to the world!

Marcus and Dasha both laugh genuinely before Dasha takes a sip of her smoothie.

DB: Less weird right?

Marcus smirks.

MAJ: To anyone else in this cafeteria, that was probably the weirdest thing they'll see all week...But yeah, less weird.

DB: Good. Can't promise I'll be interview-ready everytime we hang out though.

MAJ: Everytime we hang out huh? So is this gonna become a regular thing? You gonna bring Ted next time too? Maybe that loaf of bread over there can be the camera.

Marcus chuckles as Dasha rolls her eyes and then slaps him across the arm.

DB: So funny...And I don't know. You never know when we're gonna run into each other. Best to be prepared...Plus, you make me laugh. It's a, uh, good distraction from, well, real life stuff.

Marcus nods softly.

MAJ: I don't want to pry but...do you want to talk about it? Here, I'll use the spoon.

Dasha shakes her head but offers him a small smile.

DB: Thanks but, not right now.

MAJ: Understandable. Well, if you ever want to like, talk to a total stranger about it, you know where to find me.

DB: Oh come on Marcus, we're not strangers. We're frie--

MAJ: Colleagues, right. Well, if you ever need a colleague/interview subject, I can do that.

Dasha looks confused but shrugs it off. The two then go back to eating their lunches in silence before Dasha breaks the quiet, muttering under her breath:

DB: I told ya so.

MAJ: What did you say?

Dasha shrugs her shoulders.

DB: Oh nothing...Just that, I told you so. I told you by the end of the year you'd be back in the title picture. Who knew the end of the year would be the first show of 2020.

Dasha laughs but Marcus seems uncharacteristically quiet.

DB: I was expecting a little more enthusiasm...

MAJ: Right. It's not that...I mean, it's great...I feel pretty confident, but...

DB: But what? You offered me your ear so the least I can do is offer mine. That's what...colleagues are for.

Marcus considers it for a moment.

MAJ: It's stupid but I've got it in my head...I mean, I'm not afraid of failure...Maybe I am...I worked so hard this past year to kinda like, get to this place...What if I can't get back there...I mean, yeah I beat Baker and all but what if...

Marcus pauses for a few seconds before looking back at Dasha with a different expression.

MAJ: Like I said, stupid. Of course I'm excited. Beat the Clock. I got this. One step closer to the goal...Back in the title picture. Just what I've wanted this past year...Right.

Dasha doesn't entirely seem convinced but she doesn't press the issue. The cameras stop rolling as the two finish their lunch in silence.