Season Four Launch Party

[Jim Houston]

The show opens with Steven Deville walking through a corridor lined with photographs.



“Season One… Adam Thompson… Marcus Allen Jones… Azazel’s undefeated streak… The Torneo Cibernetico… The Friendmigos… Edward Dessius versus Justice Legal.”



Deville walks on a little further.



“Season Two… The first Free-1… The rise of Graham Baker… TakeOver… The first Women’s Champion… The end of the Friendmigos… Marcus Allen Jones versus Graham Baker… The demise of Azazel.”



He continues.



“Season Three… Jace Mason’s steady climb… Graham Baker’s descent into madness… TakeOver 2.0 and Jack versus Bobby… Death Squad and The Guardians… Baker to Jones to MDE to Mason… Flaming Destroyers and Hell in a Cell… Wasted Chests… Brother versus sister… Unholy alliances… The rise of the next generation.”



He continues further to a series of empty frames, each labelled with the events of the Season Four schedule. Deville stops and lingers at Judgement Day III.



“Season Four… the story begins tonight.



The camera cuts to Mike Watson and Steven Deville sat at the announce table with cheering fans behind them.



MW: Welcome to Freedom Pro Wrestling’s Season Four Launch Party!

SD: Our first three years were incredible. We’re into our fourth year and I can feel something special growing.

MW: Of course we have to address the big FPW story from the outset. At the End of Year Awards Show Artemis Evans cashed in her Dead Man’s Chest and stole-

SD: Won.

MW: The FPW Championship from a broken Jace Mason. In the main event tonight, the two will square off again, fairly this time, as Evans looks to register her first successful title defence.

SD: Artemis Evans earned that title and earned the chance to sit atop FPW. Tonight she vanquishes the ghost of Jace Mason and resigns his title reign to the dust heap of history. His win at Judgement Day II becomes a footnote in what I’m sure will become the greatest FPW Championship reign of all time.

MW: Well let’s wait and see about that. Tonight we also see the Freedom Championship defended as well as the next challenger for the FPW Championship after tonight determined.

SD: A series of Beat the Clock matches involving some of FPW’s best and brightest will give Artemis Evans-

MW: Or Jace Mason.

SD: Will give Artemis Evans her next failed challenger.

MW: Our opening contest tonight is sure to be interesting, as our Freedom Champion is set to defend his title not only against two tough opponents, but also in a Falls Count Anywhere stipulation!



SD: Bo’s finally talked himself into a mess he can’t get out of this time! He doesn’t even have to be pinned or submitted to lose the title! And you add in Falls Count Anywhere, this is one situation where Bo’s put his foot just about anywhere!



MW: ...what?



SD: He’s put his foot in his mouth on this one, Michael.



MW: Then just say tha- never mind.



SD: Let’s get this show on the road!



Dasha Banks takes to the ring for the introductions.



DB: The following contest is a Falls-Count-Anywhere Triple Threat, and it is for the Freedom Championship!



”Dance of the Knights” hits the speakers as MDE takes the ramp to a chorus of boos. He sneers and smirks as he saunters towards the ring and takes his place in his corner.



DB: Introducing first the challengers, from Plymouth, England, he is “Simply Great...” M! D! E!



The crowd boos loudly with each letter, MDE gives Dasha a wink and a smirk. “The Joker sends his regards”, he says. She shudders.



MW: MDE is the only man in this match to have held the FPW Championship, can he repeat his success here tonight?



SD: Please, he’s the Great One! He’s already tasted FPW gold, and he wants more!



The music switches to “This Fire Burns” and as the lights dim, the crowd reaction shifts from solid boos to some scattered cheers. A spotlight hits Clutch McCloud at the top of the ramp with Danica Jane at his side. He bounces on his toes and shadowboxes for a moment. McCloud and Jane share a kiss, which gets a few hoots and whistles from the mixed crowd.



DB: And his opp- mhm his opponent, from the Gateway City, “King” Clutch McCloud!



Jane recedes backstage as McCloud jogs to the ring and slides under the ropes. He mounts the turnbuckle and makes the gesture for the championship around his waist before pointing at MDE, staring him down across the ring. MDE simply leans against the ropes, McCloud paces like a caged animal.



MW: McCloud clearly the hungriest competitor in this match, and saying he was overlooked for much of the last year, can he kick off the new year with a championship victory?



SD: I’ll give King Clutch his dues, he’s got the most to gain heading into this fight, and he and MDE have a long history together, it’s anyone’s guess which of those two will have the biggest impact tonight.



The lights go down as Botiatus’ entrance package plays, this time the crowd shifting even more favorably as the grandiosity unfolds. “THE HOUSE OF BOTIATUS” flashes on the screen and Bo emerges from the back. He swaggers to the ring, arms outstretched granting high fives and fist bumps to all who ask, but never makes eye contact, before he hops onto the ring apron and poses triumphantly on the turnbuckle



DB: And introducing the champion, from the Bay Area, BO-SHEE-ATE-US!



Bo turns to her with raised eyebrows, appreciating the correct pronunciation. He motions for her microphone, which she gives him.



BO: WHOOOOOSE HOUSE?!



The Freedom Fighters largely respond “BOOOOOO’S HOUSE!”



Before Bo can call for another, McCloud rushes Bo and knocks him from the turnbuckle to the floor with an enzuigiri. Dasha flees from the ring as the ref calls for the bell.



Match 1: Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. MDE vs. Clutch McCloud (written by Jerry):



MW: McCloud kicking things off here with an emphatic declaration of intent!



SD: Someone’s been eating their Alphabits.



McCloud slides out of the ring to continue the assault on Bo, MDE takes his time exiting the ring. McCloud grabs Bo by the hair and screams in his face “THIS IS MY TIME.” McCloud gives Bo the Garvin “head and shoulders and knees and toes” Stomp, emphasizing his point. Bo writhes on the floor in between McCloud and MDE. McCloud looks across at the British brawler, but MDE motions for McCloud to continue.



MW: Much like John Lennon, MDE has always specialized in playing those mind games.



SD: You put some respect on his name when you have it in your mouth.



McCloud pulls Bo up to his feet and hooks a leg for a fisherman’s suplex. MDE starts in to break up the move, but is forced to dodge as McCloud turns and tosses Bo towards MDE. McCloud takes advantage of the rare distraction on MDE to drop him with a dragon screw leg whip. McCloud roars with confidence against the barricades.



MW: And there’s that shared history of McCloud and MDE coming into play, McCloud was ready for the Englishman’s antics!



SD: Yes is the answer, but at what cost? Look!



Behind Clutch’s back, the referee slides out to the floor. McCloud turns to realize that he had whipped MDE onto Bo, and MDE goes for the cover!



ONE!



NO!



Clutch pulls the referee off the pin. McCloud pulls MDE up and hits him with discus lariat, followed by a jumping spin kick to force MDE against the barricade. The two trade blows driving each other into the barricades along the outside, McCloud getting the better of it with uppercuts and forearms. Bo regains his footing and watches his opponents toss each other around the ringside area. Bo climbs up onto the apron and waits as McCloud and MDE come back around to where they started, this time MDE positioned between Bo and McCloud. McCloud winds up for a Technical Foul. MDE has the wherewithal to duck under McCloud’s forearm, and Bo’s knee collides with McCloud’s face, dropping him hard to the floor. MDE mockingly claps for Bo, who returns an exaggerated bow. MDE then whips Bo’s leg from under him, flattening him on the apron. MDE then rolls Bo back into the ring and follows after.



MW: MDE looking to bring things back between the ropes.



SD: As he should! Falls Count Anywhere matches are so uncivilized. A classy competitor shouldn’t have to defend themselves in a dangerous environment like that!



MW: A lot of fans admired Bo’s bravery at making his own title defense a Falls Count Anywhere match.



SD: And those people probably go camping, too! THERE’S BEARS OUT THERE!



MDE looks to pull Bo up into a German suplex, but Bo slips out of the waistlock leading to the two trading holds.



SD: This is where MDE gets things back under control, keeping things at his pace.



MW: He is a masterful grappler, but can he keep Bo grounded and still win this match?



MDE cinches in a firm hammerlock on Bo’s arm, looking to revoke his House Rules, transitioning into an abdominal stretch. Bo struggles to break the hold, but MDE wrenches back harder. MDE senses Bo feeding off the crowd’s energy and pulls Bo out of the stretch and into a tiltawhirl backbreaker. He turns to the crowd and mocks Bo’s posturing as Bo writhes on the mat and the crowd boos. MDE then follows up by showing off his power advantage, first with a gutwrench powerbomb, then suplexing Bo into the corner turnbuckles. MDE then kneels and takes hold of Bo’s arms once more and wrenches them back in a variation of a surfboard stretch, MDE’s leg forced against Bo’s spine. Bo fights to his feet, throwing MDE off balance. With MDE still holding Bo’s arms, Bo works his way over to the ropes and springboards off, using the momentum to free his arms and connect with a blockbuster. McCloud rushes back into the ring looking for the TarHEEL, which Bo dodges and connects with a neckbreaker. McCloud and MDE lay side by side on the mat, Bo looks to the crowd once more, feeding off their energy. He motions to his prone opponents and climbs outside the ropes.



MW: Looking to reaffirm that this is the House Of Bo with the HOB Leg Drop!



SD: He’s taking too much time, though, this could cost him!



Bo motions to himself as the crowd chants “H! O! B!”. Bo slingshots himself over the top rope and drops his legs on both his opponents. Bo goes to cover McCloud.



ONE!

TW-!

NO!



Bo slides over to MDE for the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

T- NO!



McCloud and MDE both pull themselves to their feet in a corner as Bo sizes them up.



MW: Looks like the champion is finding his footing after a rough start to this match!



SD: He still has to be the one to pick up the pin to keep the title, and those two sharks he’s in there with are chomping away!



MW: And you think my analogies are bad?



SD: I just saw Finding Nemo again, okay? Sue me!



*Bo charges forward and hits MDE with a running dropkick sending him into the ropes. McCloud connects with a Shining Wizard to Bo. MDE comes back forward and pulls McCloud up and over with a snap suplex, tossing him towards the corner. Bo kips up and spins MDE into a snap DDT before turning his attention to McCloud. He pulls Clutch up and goes for a Tiger suplex, which Clutch counters into a Pele kick, sending Bo staggering backwards into MDE, who grabs Bo and plants him with a bridging German suplex.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



McCloud breaks up the pin. MDE and McCloud get in each other’s faces and trade blows once more.



MW: So much history of disrespect between these two, both looking to establish themselves as the apex veteran of the locker room and walk out of here as Freedom Champion!



SD:



MDE whips McCloud into the ropes, but Clutch counters the whip, sending MDE into the ropes and connecting with the TarHeel Kick, before making a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

TH- NO!



Bo breaks up the cover and pulls McCloud to his feet. Bo whips Clutch into the ropes to get some separation and runs the opposite ropes. Clutch comes back wound up for the Technical Foul. Bo ducks under and whips around to connect with the House Call elbow strike, dropping McCloud cold. MDE, dazed, bolts from his feet towards Bo, but Bo dodges aside and grabs MDE for the House Rules and makes the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



Winner and Still Freedom Champion: Botiatus (11:09).



Bo’s music hits the speakers as the crowd cheers. The referee hands him the Freedom Championship and raises his hand as Bo poses triumphantly.



DB: Here is your winner, and still Freedom Champion, BOTIATUS!



MW: An incredible display of ring awareness tonight from Bo here tonight, keeping his head on a swivel and thinking ahead to keep two tough opponents at bay and retain his championship!



SD: He got lucky! So what if he can dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge? Clutch and MDE especially outwrestled him tonight, Bo just managed to slip through by the skin of his teeth.



Bo makes his way back up the ramp, gladhanding the crowd, but still not looking at them directly. Clutch rolls to the outside and slams his fists against the apron in frustration. MDE sits in a corner, silently contemplating and eyeing up his opponents.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Aaron Williams.



DB: Aaron, tonight you have a big chance in a Beat the Clock match against an opponent who I know you’ve been wanting to face for a long time. Are you feeling ready for this match?

AW: First of all, I wanted to face The Jester. The Joker? Not so much. But that’s a separate issue. I know I’m in this match as ‘the opponent’. Jerry Bishop is the man who is expected to win and I think for many people he’s the favourite to get the next shot at the champion. But I want to thank Jim Houston for allowing me, and the other ‘opponents’ to be counted in the challenge and to potentially earn a chance to face the champion. I’m ready for what I need to do tonight.

DB: You’ve been very quiet for some time now. Usually you’re happy to face the Freedom Fighters. Why the absence?

AW: Simply because I’ve had a lot to do. I left Judgement Day II after a gutting loss to someone I thought I should have beaten. I’ve had quite a few similar losses since the Free-1. I’ve had to do a lot of reflecting. In fact, I went away to Montana into a log cabin in the woods for a week just after New Year so that I could begin to rebuild A Plus Aaron Williams into a man I can be proud of again. And you know what I decided to do?

DB: What?

AW: I didn’t decide to be Jerry Bishop. To reinvent myself by turning my back on the very people who helped me to get here in the first place, to abandon my friends and my family. I’m still the same Aaron Williams that I’ve always been except for one big thing. In the past I’ve had the match of the night, ended that match looking up at the lights, and walked back with a smile because I know I gave people a memory they’d remember for the rest of their lives. But now? I won’t be walking back with a smile when that happens. I’m sure it’ll still happen sometimes, but I’m going to work my fucking ass off to make sure it doesn’t happen as often. Do I still want to put on the match of the night everywhere I go and give people memories to tell their grandkids about? Hell yes I do. But the difference is that I won’t be satisfied with just that anymore. I’ll only be satisfied if I’m the man with my arm raised at the end. That begins tonight.

DB: Good luck, Aaron. I think you might need it.

AW: We’ll see…



Williams strides away with a purpose.



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MW: And we’ll see that match later on tonight but up next is the first of our Beat the Clock matches. It will feature Marcus Allen Jones, the man who ended Graham Baker’s FPW career, and Hiro Takahara, a tag team specialist who’s looking to improve himself by branching out into singles wrestling. This ought to be interesting, Steven.

SD: It sure will. Takahara will be a different type of test for Marcus. We all know how good Marcus Allen Jones is. For my money, he’s the best all-round wrestler in this company and one of the top high-flyers in the world. But I don’t remember him facing someone who can strike as hard as Takahara can. Marcus certainly doesn’t look to be a strong style wrestler and I can see him struggling to put Takahara away. I think he’ll find a way to win this match, but it won’t be easy.

MW: Hiro Takahara’s strength lies in his kicks. Can Marcus avoid the blows- of even absorb them- and still keep coming at him?

SD: The Marcus Allen Jones before Graham Baker… probably not, to be honest. But after those wars, Marcus has proven that he can take a lot more punishment than anybody expected. I think he’ll surprise us with what he can take tonight.

MW: Of course we’re focussed on Marcus as the man who everyone expects sooner or later to take back the title he lost so long ago, but what about Takahara? How will he go about winning this match?

SD: Takahara will need to show Marcus that he’s not afraid of him and to use some of that fighting spirit to show Marcus some of the high-impact moves that he does so well won’t phase him. If he can get inside Marcus’ head by showing that, then he has a chance, but he has to avoid getting carried away with proving how tough he is. He needs to win and he needs to win quickly to have a chance at getting the title shot that is at stake tonight. Puffing out his chest and beckoning Marcus to keep hitting him when he knows he could end the match with one strike is not the way that Takahara needs to go tonight.

MW: Well this one has my mouth watering already. Let’s get down to ringside.



“Ladies and gentlemen, this match is the first of three matches in tonight’s Beat the Clock Challenge to determine the number one contender for the FPW Championship at Young Lions’ Cup III. Introducing first, from Hiroshima, Japan… accompanied to the ring by Sato… he is one half of The Guardians of Strong Style… Hiro Takahara.”



The usual music begins to play, Sato standing bowed on the ramp for the entirety of the introduction, before Takahara emerges behind him as the music kicks in. He joins Sato in a bow before the two make their way down the ramp, Takahara striking himself on the head as he psyches himself up. As they reach the ring, Sato enters first before Takahara walks up the steps, wipes his feet on the apron and steps through the ropes. He moves towards one corner and aims a few kicks at the turnbuckle pads before settling into the corner, Sato standing in front of him. As the music stops, Takahara beckons Sato to begin slapping him across the face.



“And his opponent… from Chicago, Illinois… he is a former Young Lions’ Cup winner and Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion… The Marksman… Marcus Allen Jones!”



'Hall of Fame' plays and the crowd murmur for a few moments before Marcus steps through the curtain and performs his usual backflip and pose.

MW: Well, Marcus talked about a new start. This must be a part of it.
SD: I'm not sure I like it as much as his old music...
MW: He wants to be his own man.
SD: Let's just hope he doesn't lose too much of the man he used to be.

Marcus stands and makes his way down the ramp, slapping a few hands as he reaches the ring. As 'Be a Champion' repeats, he points to is waist and raises his eyebrows to the camera before smiling and rolling into the ring. He steps up onto the top rope and extends his arms before dropping down and appraising his opponent and letting the official check him over.


Match 2: Beat the Clock Challenge: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Hiro Takahara:



As the bell rings, the two men walk slowly to the centre of the ring. Takahara looks Marcus up and down and shakes his head before sticking out his chin and putting his hands behind his back. Marcus smirks and shakes his head, turning away for a moment before aiming a slap but pulling it just short of Takahara’s cheek. Takahara doesn’t flinch and Marcus gives him a respectful nod before a patronising pat on the side of the cheek. Marcus then backs away and beckons Takahara forward. The two begin circling one another before locking up. Takahra forces Marcus back for a moment but Marcus takes his arm and wrings it, wrenching on it, only for Takahara to roll through and take Marcus’ arm, wringing and wrenching it before landing a hard kick to the side of the head. He releases his grip and repeats Marcus’ patronising pat on the cheek with his boot.



MW: An enticing start from these two.

SD: We all know how cocky and confident Marcus Allen Jones is, but I don’t think he wanted to do that to Takahra. He’s already taken one very hard kick to the side of the head and I think Takahara is just warming up.

MW: I’m sure Marcus has thought this through, but I agree. It may not be the best strategy for this match.



Marcus shakes his head and stands, calling Takahara forward again. The two come forward and lock up but Takahara gets the upper hand, forcing Marcus back into the corner. The official calls for the break and Takahara respectfully steps back, holding up his hands. Marcus holds up his too, only for Takahra to come forward with a barrage of forearms. They force Marcus down to a seated position and Takahara steps back into the opposite corner before charging at Marcus and looking for a double knee strike, but Marcus manages to roll away from the corner and Takahara only connects with the turncukles.



Marcus then pulls Takahara down into a schoolboy roll-up, 1-no. Takahara easily escapes. Both of them scramble to their feet and Marcus aims a superkick at Takahara’s gut, but Takahara absorbs the blow and looks at Marcus tauntingly. Marcus pauses for a second and Takahara unleashes a mid-kick which sends Marcus staggering backwards. Takahara comes forward and whips Marcus across the ring, landing a dropkick and then making a cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out. Takahara doesn’t waste time, pulling Marcus up and hooking an arm over his head before taking him down with a snap suplex and then bursting up, hitting the ropes, and coming back with a hard penalty kick. He makes a cover, 1-2-no. Again Marcus kicks out.



MW: Takahara really on top of Marcus here.

SD: I’m not sure Marcus Allen Jones realised just how hard those kicks were. He may have been taking this match a little lightly.

MW: And he’s paying the price here. We’re almost five minutes in by the way. Timing will be very important in this match of course.

SD: And Marcus needs to start to pick things up if he wants to get that shot.



Takahara pulls Marcus up and whips him into the corner, following up with a running big boot which doesn’t give Marcus any time to get out of the way. Marcus staggers out of the corner and Takahara hits the ropes again, landing a running lariat to take Marcus down. Takahara then looks down at Marcus before stepping through the ropes and climbing up to the top rope. Marcus slowly begins to stand and, as he turns, Takahara launches himself into a crossbody, but Marcus cuts him off with a superkick to take him out of the air. Takahara lands hard on the mat and Marcus takes a moment to catch his breath. He rests against the top rope for a moment, holding the side of his head where he’s absorbed so many blows.



With Takahara beginning to stand, Marcus moves back in and pulls him away from the ropes. He hooks an arm over his head and lifts him for a vertical suplex which he turns into a falcon arrow. Marcus rolls away and again doesn’t rush back in. After a moment, he pulls Takahara to his feet and kicks him in the gut before dropping him with a DDT. Marcus stands and looks to climb the turnbuckles, but Takahara is quick to the get to his feet and he moves over to the corner, pulling Marcus down and into a Saito suplex. Takahara stands and shakes off the dust before sitting Marcus up. He backs into the ropes again and looks for a penalty kick, but Marcus catches it! He stands, Takahara looking surprised. Still holding Takahara’s boot, Marcus slaps him across the face, but Talahara completely shrugs it off and lands a slap of his own which drops Marcus to his knees, allowing Takahara to fire off a barrage of kicks to the chest, ending with a brutal head kick.



MW: Ooooooh. Did you hear that?

SD: I’m wincing, Watson, just like you.

MW: Marcus might be out cold.

SD: The official is checking on him but he’s not stopping this match.

MW: But Takahara could be one move away now!



After the official has checked on Marcus, Takahara comes back in and pulls him up. He holds him in a front facelock and drives a knee into Marcus’ chest which causes him to back away into the corner again. Takahara comes in with a running forearm before launching another barrage in the corner which causes Marcus to drop to a seated position for a second time. Takahara continues to lay in the forearms before the official forces him to step back. Takahara backs away into the corner again and then charges at Marcus, landing a vicious double knee strike. Marcus rolls out of the corner and Takahara climbs to the top rope again. As Marcus staggers to his feet, Takahara leaps off the top rope and lands a crossbody. He holds for a cover, 1-2-no! Marcus just gets a shoulder up.



The fans cheer as they realise Marcus has got his shoulder up before an ‘M.A.J.’ chant fills the arena. Takahara pulls Marcus up to his feet and lands a forearm strike before calling Marcus to do the same. Marcus comes forward with one of his own but Takahara again shrugs it off and calls for him to hit him harder. Marcus rocks back a little and puts more onto it, but again Takahara shrugs it off and calls for him to hit it harder once again. Marcus takes another step back and aims a third forearm but again Takahara shrugs it off, and aims a hard forearm of his own, but Marcus holds as firm as he can as the crowd give an ‘ooooh’.



Takahara smiles and he and Marcus suddenly explode into a volley of traded forearms. Marcus keeps with him for a few moments but he can’t last for too long as Takahara forces him backwards before landing another hard forearm which sends Marcus into the ropes. Takahara backs away and comes forward for a big boot, only for Marcus to duck down, leaving Takahara draped over the top rope. Marcus comes forward quickly and launches a barrage of forearms before connecting with a Pele kick. Takahara drops down to the apron and Marcus quickly steps through the ropes after him. He positions himself behind Takahara and pulls him up the back of his trunks. He then lifts him into a wheelbarrow position and lands a wheelbarrow facebuster onto the apron!



MW: Even Hiro Takahara had to feel that one!

SD: Marcus Allen Jones might well have got his way to win this one!

MW: But he’s still got to be very sore from those forearms and all of the high impact kicks he’s taken.



Marcus pulls himself up and slaps a couple of hands in the crowd before turning to Takahara. He lifts him and rolls him back into the ring before climbing up to the top rope. He looks down at Takahara before landing a picture-perfect shooting star press. He holds for a cover, 1-2-no. Takahara kicks out. Marcus then stands and pulls Takahara with him, looking to trap his arm for Six Stars. He shoves him but Takahara comes back with a forearm before Marcus can leap for the knee strike. Marcus loses his grip and Takahara connects with a step-up enzeguiri. Marcus staggers and Takahara stands before pulling Marcus in for another snap suplex. He floats over for another cover, 1-2-no. Marcus kicks out.



Takahara stands and pulls Marcus up, looking to whip him into the corner, but Marcus reverses and sends him in instead. Marcus follows up with a high knee, but Takahara shrugs it off and walks through it before the two go forehead to forehead. Takahara aims a forearm but Marcus lands a slap, follows it up with a forearm and then lands a series of kicks to the leg, back and gut, ending with a superkick which floors Takahara. Marcus calls to the crowd before pulling him up again and grabbing the wrist. He shoves him forward and leaps up for the knee strike, but Takahara absorbs it and doesn’t fall. Marcus stares at him for a few moments before shaking his head and repositioning him for a second Six Stars, which drops Takahara. Marcus makes the cover, 1-2-3.



Winner: Marcus Allen Jones (15:46).



Marcus stands and has his hand raised before looking down at Takahara and nodding. He gives another nod to Sato before climbing the ropes and raising his arms, absorbing the applause from the crowd.



MW: Marcus Allen Jones sets the time for everyone else to beat.

SD: But will it be enough? It could maybe have been a little shorter, but it’s still a fairly strong time given the quality of the contenders to come.

MW: It won’t be easy for any of them to beat that time, but we’ll find out later tonight whether or not they can.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jace Mason.



DB: Jace, later tonight you get the chance to take back a title which you’d only just won before Artemis Evans shocked the world. Are you emotionally ready for this match?

JM: I think so. Last time I went into an FPW Championship match, I was the underdog hoping that I could pull off a huge victory. I didn’t know whether or not I could win the match. I took a lot of punishment, just as I thought I would, and I kept going, just as I knew I could. Finally, I managed to get the win that I was so desperately hoping for and that moment- when I stood with that belt in the air and the fans’ voices in my ears- was the best moment of my career. I couldn’t sleep that night because I wanted to go back out there and have that moment again and again and again. I was already looking forward to defending my title against Bobby, against Aaron, against Marcus and against Jerry- all guys who I thought would be lining up to get their shot. I beat Botiatus in a gruelling match and I was ready to absorb that glorious feeling again and then it all got taken away from me like that. I’m no longer FPW Champion. I know it was only for nine days, but my bag doesn’t feel right- it’s too light. My shoulder doesn’t feel right without that belt over it. I’m thankful that tonight I get the chance to rectify all of that and get back something that I think I can say I should still have.

DB: Clearly this match means a lot to you. Will Artemis Evans be able to exploit your desperation to win tonight?

JM: She’ll try. But I’ll be ready. Yes I’m desperate to win, but I’m desperate to win all of my matches. I was desperate to win the Free-1 against someone who I knew could use that against me, but I came through that. I was so desperate to win at Judgement Day II against someone who absolutely did try to use that against me and I came through that too. Tonight, Artemis Evans can do whatever she likes to try and get in my head but the fact of the matter is that she has the FPW Championship and I want it. That’s all I need to remember.

DB: Artemis of course is backed up by Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez. Do you have a plan to overcome their interference?

JM: It may be a mistake but I’m going out there alone. I can’t ask Aaron to support me as I know he has a big match just before mine, and I’m not sure I have much trust in anybody else. If The Queendom try to interfere, I’ll have to be ready for it. My head will be on the swivel for the whole match.

DB: Won’t that put you at quite the disadvantage?

JM: Maybe it will. But that’s what I have to deal with and deal with it I will. I’ve been the underdog my whole career here, just like Graham Baker was. I won the Free-1 and then the FPW Championship at the biggest show of the year, just like him. I thought I’d rise to become someone at his level, defending that belt whenever I got the chance, but it was taken away and now I’m back to being the underdog in a potential three-on-one situation. If I’m going to be the underdog for a little longer, that suits me just fine. I proved I could overcome the odds once and tonight I prove it again.



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Match 3: Russ Bolt vs. Tommy Saxon: Not Received.



The match is a ten-minute back-and-forth encounter with both Ella Ripley and Danica Jane at ringside. Towards the end of the match, Ripley and Jane get physical with one another and Saxon gets distracted, leading to ‘From Downtown’ for the victory.



Winner: Russ Bolt (10:07).



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Backstage, Botiatus walks through the corridor with the Freedom Championship still over his shoulder. He pauses for a moment as the camera shows Sato and Masa Tchyukiro walking up to him.



B: Your friend had a decent match out there tonight.

S: Botiatus. Freedom Champion. Fighting Freedom Champion.

B: That’s right. I want to defend this belt on every show I can, just like it should be. Your boy here want a shot?

S: Takahara-San had first chance at singles match. Lost. But lost with honour. Tchyukiro-San next. Tchyukiro-San challenge you for Freedom Championship.

B: All he has to do is ask. I’ll tell Houston. See you there, little guy.



Bo walks off but Tchyukiro grabs his arm and spins him round. The two of them stand eye-to-eye for a few moments before the shot fades to black.



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MW: Well that ought to be a very hard-hitting match.

SD: Botiatus said he would be a fighting champion and he seems to be keen to live up to it. I’m not sure that I’d want to be stepping into a ring with Masa Tchyukiro though.

MW: Me neither. It seems as though that match will take place at some point in the Young Lions’ Cup tour. Also taking place at the finals will be an FPW Championship match and we’re in the process of finding the challenger in this Beat the Clock Challenge.

SD: Marcus Allen Jones has set the time to beat at 15:46 and now Bobby O and Berry Bishop will try to break it.

MW: This is an intriguing pairing; don’t you think?

SD: We know these two are… well, I don’t want to say friends but they did have a common interest in Jerry Bishop. Now that he seems to be beyond their reach, I doubt either will have a problem stepping into the ring with one another.

MW: And this will be Berry’s first outing since her defeat to her brother. What state of mind will she be in tonight?

SD: I honestly don’t know. She will absolutely have believed that she could have beaten Jerry at Judgement Day II and her confidence will have really taken a knock. I think she might find it difficult to get back into the groove that she was in for much of 2019 where she looked a genuine title contender.

MW: And for Bobby, he’s been very vocal about how he got rid of TakeOver 2.0 and saved FPW. I know he’ll feel that he deserves the FPW Championship opportunity, but can he overcome his comradeship with Berry and set a winning time?

SD: With CJ back at his side and the confidence he picked up from finally defeating Jack Sevren, I think Bobby can indeed set the time. He’ll need to be ruthless, just as you say, and beating Berry inside 15 minutes won’t be easy, but I think he’ll manage it and it’ll come down to him and Jerry.

MW: Well-



Watson is cut off by ‘This Fire Burns’, and the fans immediately begin to boo as Clutch McCloud walks out onto the stage.



MW: Oh, not again.

SD: Clutch has vowed to end the curse of intergender wrestling and he’s here to continue his crusade tonight.



Clutch walks down the ramp and around the ring, again taking a seat at the announce table and putting on a headset.



CM: I see my campaign to rid FPW of this institutionalised abuse of women has not yet succeeded. Once again we have to see a man face a woman in what can only be described as barbaric.

MW: I suppose you didn’t see the last match then?

CM: What is that supposed to mean?

MW: It’s okay for a woman to distract a man in the ring to allow your friend Russ Bolt to win a match but it’s not okay for a man and woman to have a fair wrestling match in the ring?

CM: A man and a woman will never be a fair match. It will be a disgraceful show of man-on-woman abuse and I will not stand for it.

SD: While I sympathise with your past, Clutch, Berry Bishop could have said no to this match. Why do you think it should be stopped when she agreed to it?

CM: Because she doesn’t know better. This type of match makes men all around the world- men just like my father- see man-on-woman violence as acceptable. It perpetuates the abuse of women and it must be banned to send a strong message that domestic violence and violence against women in all forms is unacceptable.

MW: These fans don’t seem to agree based on their reaction to you.

CM: These fans are as brainwashed as you are, Mike Watson. They’ll come to see the light one day.



“Ladies and gentlemen, this match is the second of three matches in tonight’s Beat the Clock Challenge to determine the number one contender for the FPW Championship at Young Lions’ Cup III. The time to beat has been set at fifteen minutes and forty-six seconds. Introducing first, from New Haven, Connesticut, a former Freedom Champion… The Bombshell, Berry Bishop!”



‘The Entertainer’ begins to play and Berry emerges through the curtain, bowing deeply at the top of the ramp. She mimes playing along before hopscotching down to the bottom of the ramp. She pauses to look out at the cheering crowd and makes a heart symbol with her hands before playing the ring apron and somersaulting over the top rope. She turns to each side of the arena and bows to the fans, ending with a wink and smile. As she stands, Dasha Banks comes forward and gives her a hug, whispering a few words into her ear before Berry stretches out in the corner.



“And her opponent, a former FPW Tag Team Champion, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and being accompanied to the ring by CJ… Mr. FPW… Bobby O!”



‘This Means War’ begins and builds up for fifteen seconds before a short pause heralds Bobby’s arrival. He steps into the arena to a good reaction from the crowd as he welcomes CJ into the arena. She too gets a good reaction and the two share a smile before making their way down the ramp at a fast pace. Bobby climbs the steps and enters the ring, leaning out over the top rope and pointing into the crowd. A lot of them respond really positively as Bobby acknowledges a small ‘Thank you, Bobby’ chant. He looks across to Berry and gives her a nod of recognition before removing his jacket, handing it to CJ and holding the ropes open for her to step between.



Match 4: Beat the Clock Challenge: Bobby O vs. Berry Bishop:



The bell rings and Berry quickly comes forward to shake Bobby’s hand. He accepts and the crowd applauds the sportsmanship they’ve shown. The two of them circle one another for a few moments before locking up. Bobby takes the upper hand, quickly locking in a headlock and taking Berry over, but she gets her legs up and locks in a headscissors, which Bobby forces his way out of. The two of them stand but don’t pause, Berry aiming a high kick which Bobby ducks and runs under, hitting the ropes and aiming a clothesline at Berry, who ducks and also runs under, hitting the ropes but getting caught with a powerslam.



CM: Now that’s just not something we need to see in FPW.

MW: What? A well-executed powerslam giving Bobby control of this match early on?

CM: No. A man using a strength advantage to hurt a young woman like Berry Bishop.

MW: Well whether or not we need to see it, Bobby does have control of this match now.



CJ applauds on the outside and Bobby pulls Berry to her feet and sends her into the corner, following up with a running clothesline. Berry staggers out of the corner and Bobby pulls her in for a German suplex. Berry, however, manages to elbow her way free, and she catches Bobby in a headlock, springing off the middle turnbuckle and landing a bulldog. She rolls him over and makes a cover, 1-2-no. Bobby kicks out. Berry pulls Bobby up and lands a hard leg kick before jumping up and looking for a monkey flip, only for Bobby to catch Berry and hold her in position for a moment. He manages to shift her weight and get her onto his shoulders before connecting with a fireman’s carry stunner.



CM: Another patently abusive moment which will stain FPW’s history books.

SD: What about when Berry was on the offense? Was that bulldog ok?

CM: A woman has the right to defend herself obviously but this match should not be taking place so no. If she did it to Evans or Karlson or Scott then sure, but not to a man. It’s wrong.

SD: I’ve got a lot of notes to make to be able to work out the rights and wrongs of this situation.



Bobby stands and flexes his leg after Berry’s hard kick. He waits for Berry to stand and then grabs her and whips her into the ropes before popping up her and looking for a pop-up powerbomb, but Berry counters with a hurricanrana, holding for another cover, 1-2-no. Bobby kicks out again. Both Bobby and Berry make it quickly to their feet and Berry ducks a clothesline attempt and follows up with a roundhouse kick before leaping onto the ropes and taking Bobby to the mat with a disaster kick. As he sits up, Berry hits the ropes and connects hard with a shining wizard. Berry makes another cover, 1-2-no! Bobby just gets a shoulder up.



MW: This match is progressing at a much faster pace than Marcus Allen Jones and Hiro Takahara. Berry and Bobby are each very much aware of the ticking clock.

SD: And that could lead to mistakes that the other could take advantage of.

CM: This whole match is taking advantage of the male desire for dominance over women that everyone cheering in this audience is feeling right now. It’s a disgrace and should be stopped.



Berry stands and coils herself, readying herself to strike as Bobby slowly pushes up to his feet. She looks for Checkmate, but Bobby ducks it and pulls her in for another German suplex. This time it connects and Bobby takes a moment to recover before pulling Berry back up to her feet. He forces her into the corner and lifts her, looking to position her for a superplex, but Berry kicks out at him and forces him back, giving her time to stand and connect with a missile dropkick. Berry stands and pulls Bobby back up, looking for a parallel snapmare. The fans come to lift as they see Bobby sitting in the middle of the ring, but Berry can’t bring herself to complete the move that she took from her brother.



MW: The ghosts of Judgement Day II coming to haunt Berry Bishop right now.

SD: She’s giving Bobby a chance to recover by wasting this time.

CM: Maybe she’s realising that she’s putting women everywhere in danger by being in the ring right now.

MW: I’m not sure that’s what it is.

CM: No, but I wish it would be.



Berry shakes her head and pulls Bobby up, looking to set him up for the Berry Buster, but Bobby drives a knee up into her gut and hooks an arm over her head before delivering a vertical suplex. He pulls here up again and sends her into the corner, following up with a running dropkick. Berry remains standing so Bobby drops back and comes in with a second running dropkick. Berry staggers from the corner and drops to one knee, Bobby connecting hard with a superkick to the side of the head as CJ cheers him on. Sensing victory, he positions himself and waits for Berry to get to her feet. She pushes up and turns as Bobby leaps up for an RKO, but Berry counters, catching Bobby with an inverted exploder instead.



The Berry fans begin to cheer as she stands and calls for their support. She sees Bobby getting to one knee and charges at him, connecting with a hard penalty kick before falling into a cover, 1-2-no! Bobby just gets a shoulder up. Berry doesn’t waste time, lifting Bobby and setting up the Berry Buster again. She lifts him and spins, but he drops her with a DDT to counter the impact. Both of them lie on the canvas for a few minutes as the fans cheer for each of them to get to their feet. Slowly, both of them push up and eye one another across the ring. They look up and see the timer on the screen ticking over to just over ten minutes and then they move to one another. Berry aims a roundhouse kick but Bobby ducks it. He looks for a superkick which Berry catches, spinning him round and landing a roundhouse kick. Bobby staggers and Berry goes for Checkmate, but he ducks and takes her down hard with a clothesline. Both of them hit the mat and the fans cheer loudly.



MW: An explosive moment in this match!

CM: An explosive attack from a man on a woman and these people are cheering it. It’s like seeing a man stagger home after ten beers and being cheered on by all of his friends as he breaks his wife’s nose.

MW: That’s ridiculous. You’re talking-

SD: Whoa there, Watson. Let’s focus on the match in the ring and not set up one with you and Clutch. Both Berry and Bobby are down and the seconds continue to tick on. The first to get up will have a big advantage here.



The fans cheer Berry and Bobby as they begin to pull themselves up from the canvas. Each of them turns to look at the other just like before. CJ whispers something to Bobby in the ropes before the two come forward. Berry rushes in but Bobby holds back for a moment, ducking the attempted forearm and shoving Berry into the ropes before popping her up. He drives her down with a pop-up powerbomb and makes the cover, 1-2-no! Berry just gets a shoulder up. Bobby wastes no time in lifting her and forcing her into the corner. He Lifts her up onto the top rope and climbs after her. With Berry still suffering from the pop-up powerbomb, she’s unable to resist as he lifts her and drives her down to the mat with a superplex.



Instead of making a cover, however, Bobby immediately locks in O Snap. He looks up at the screen to see that the match is approaching thirteen and a half minutes, and applies as much pressure as he can. Berry tries to resist, looking to drag her way to the ropes, but Bobby’s positioning and strength is too much for her. She tries to fight her way out, but he manages to keep her at bay, absorbing the strikes that she can manage and avoiding many of the others. Berry tries one last frantic effort before finally having to tap out.



Winner: Bobby O (14:10).



MW: Bobby O does it. He shaves off a minute and a half from Marcus Allen Jones’ time and his is now the time to beat for our final match.

SD: A great win for Bobby. He looked really good tonight-

CM: Against a woman? Anybody could look good throwing a woman around the ring. It’s a disgrace.

MW: I’d like to see you wrestle Berry, Clutch. I’d wager- wait… where’s he going.



As the official raises Bobby’s arm, Clutch rolls into the ring with a mic.



CM: Hey! Bobby O. That was an absolute disgrace. You think beating up a woman makes you worthy of the FPW Championship? What you just did was heinous. If you’re Mr. FPW, then FPW is in a pretty sorry state.



Bobby stares at Clutch and calls for a mic of his own.



BO: Clutch… we go a long way back. It didn’t surprise me to see you out here tonight. You lost in the opener and then you felt you needed to get some credibility back? Well you’re not going to do that at my expense. Berry is a great wrestler. How about you find out first hand against her?



Clutch frowns and gives Bobby a look of disgust.



CM: I will never wrestle a woman. Never.



BO: Well, if you don’t want to find out how good Berry is by facing her, how about you face me? She gave me a great match and she almost had me a few times. Why don’t you see if you can prove to everyone, and prove to me, that you’re better than her? How about it? One of the Young Lions’ Cup Road To shows… Bobby O and Clutch McCloud go one-on-one, just like in the good old days in England?



Clutch gives Bobby another look before suddenly dropping him with a Technical Foul. The fans boo as Clutch raises the mic to his lips.



CM: You got it.



MW: Well it seems like we’re going to see Bobby and Clutch in that ring very soon, but right now Bobby is the man to beat after that big win over Berry Bishop.

SD: As impressive as the win was, I’m not sure he’ll be beating Clutch. Clutch seems really motivated with this crusade and I think he might surprise a few people in that match with Bobby.



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Jim Houston is sat in his office looking straight into the camera.



“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to take a small amount of your time on what is proving to be an excellent night of wrestling. Coming up next for FPW is the Young Lions’ Cup tour. Our first winner, Marcus Allen Jones, went on to win the FPW Championship while our second winner, James Saturn, couldn’t quite beat Graham Baker in a ladder match for that same belt. For the winner of the Young Lions’ Cup, an FPW Championship match will beckon at Opening Day. To qualify for the Young Lions’ Cup, a wrestler must be no older than twenty-seven years of age on Sunday February 2nd, the first day of the tournament. Eight wrestlers will qualify and the quarter-finals will take place on our Road To shows, before the semi-finals and the final occur on the final show on Sunday March 1st. This tournament is a great opportunity for the young stars of FPW, and I hope to receive a number of entries. I’ll be announcing the full list of participants- as well as the full bracket- on Sunday January 26th. In addition, all championships will be defended on the final show, and we’ve already seen one title match set between Botiatus and Masa Tchyukiro, which will take place on the first Road To Young Lions’ Cup show, as well as Bobby O versus Clutch McCloud. Thank you for your time. Back to the show.”



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Match 5: 3-on-2 Non-Title Handicap Match: The Dogs of War vs. Death Squad (No Writer Volunteered):



This match was a hard-hitting tag match where the Dogs of War managed to fight off the numbers advantage that Death Squad had for quite a time before Death Squad’s ability to fight dirty and use their numbers saw them come through. At the end of the match, a Mary Dowling distraction on the official led to a low blow on David Archer and a Fisherman Brainbuster/European Uppercut for the victory.



Winners: Death Squad (14:06).



After the match, Death Squad announced that they would claim their title match on the first Road To Young Lions’ Cup show before putting the boots to both members of The Dogs of War.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Russ Bolt.



DB: Russ, you picked up a big win tonight. Will that be the catalyst for some success for you?

RB: I hope so. It’s no secret that I haven’t been happy with how things have gone for me in my short career so far. But I’m here for the long haul and that means fighting every second to get better. Tonight was a big win for me, and I plan to start to string a few together and then who knows.

DB: You’ve had your issues with your friend-

RB: Clutch and I are tight. Sometimes we have disagreements but I have his back and he has mine. That’s all there is to it.

DB: Where do you stand on his crusade on intergen-

RB: We’re here to talk about me. Clutch has his reasons for his beliefs and I understand why he’s doing what he’s doing. It’s his choice.

DB: If you were told your next match was against, say, Berry Bishop, would you accept the match?

RB: I… I’m not going to answer that.

DB: You’re not eligible for the Young Lions’ Cup. What are you hoping for for the next few shows?

RB: Just to get some time in the ring. I don’t care how. I’d happily tag with Clutch or even Danica or getting some more singles action would be great. I want to be in the ring and I want to show what I can do.

DB: And finally, you said earlier this week that you had chances to go back to the NBA. Would you consider doing so if things didn’t work out here?

RB: This interview is a joke. What do you think I am? I’m not some sideshow. You ask me three questions about Clutch and the rest of the time you seem to treat me like I’m second-rate? Go back to the NBA? I made my decision and I chose wrestling. I’ve been in the ring with guys with so much more experience than I have. I’m not going to win every match from the outset. I’m getting better with everything I do. So no, I’m not going back to the NBA. I’m a wrestler and I’m going prove that I can become every bit as good a wrestler as I was a baller. I’m done here.



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MW: So it comes down to this. The final match in our Beat the Clock Challenge and we know that the number one contender for the FPW Championship will be either Bobby O, Jerry Bishop or Aaron Williams.

SD: Jerry Bishop versus Aaron Williams… That’s a match made in heaven. Two of the smoothest wrestlers in all of FPW and a match we’ve never seen before. These two could be about to give us a Match of the Year contender right here and I can’t wait to see it.

MW: So the time to beat is 14:10. Do you see either of them beating it?

SD: I don’t. Aaron Williams likes to go long. For him to win in under forteen minutes against someone as good as The Joker is nearly impossible. Equally, for him to lose in that time is highly unlikely. I see Bobby O taking it.

MW: Do you expect Williams to change up his style in this one?

SD: If he wants to win in less than 14:10, he’ll need to. He’ll need to be explosive from the very start and to really go for the knockout blow.

MW: And Jerry?

SD: Jerry and MDE will have a gameplan. I expect they’ve trained for as many different times as possible. This may be a little shorter than they expected, but they’ll have prepared for a sub-ten-minute time. I expect Jerry to play on Williams’ lack of confidence after all of his losses, try to get into his head. If he does that and forces the mistake, he’s one Last Laugh away from an FPW Championship match.



“Ladies and gentlemen, this match is the second of three matches in tonight’s Beat the Clock Challenge to determine the number one contender for the FPW Championship at Young Lions’ Cup III. The time to beat has been set at fourteen minutes and ten seconds. Introducing first, from… from Kansas City, Missouri… this is The J… Th- Jerry Bishop.”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and Jerry Bishop walks onto stage in the same gear as he wore against Berry at Judgement Day II. The fans boo him loudly and Jerry looks around at them and points to himself, yelling to the fans that this is the start of what they’ve been waiting for. The fans continue to boo as Jerry begins to make his way down the ramp. He reaches the ring and slides in quickly before stepping up onto the top turnbuckle and signalling that he’s the next FPW Champion, yelling to the crowd that this is what they always wanted. He drops down and eyes Dasha, who won’t meet his gaze, and Jerry shakes his head again.



“And his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a two-time former Ring of Honor Champion and the holder of many championships all around the world, he is known as ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



‘I Still Believe’ begins as Aaron emerges onto the stage, arms out-stretched as he calls for the fans to sing along with him. After the opening verse, Williams explodes down the ramp and slaps hands with as many fans as he possibly can, reaching the bottom of the ramp and pulling out his marker pen to hand to a kid in the crowd. The kids writes ‘<14:10’ on his knee pad and Williams smiles before running around the ring slapping all of the hands. Williams rolls into the ring and shakes hands with the official and with Dasha, before looking across at Jerry, who is frowning at him. Williams shrugs his shoulders and tells Jerry that this could have been the most electric duelling support ever seen.



Match 6: Beat the Clock Challenge Match 3: Jerry Bishop versus Aaron Williams:



The bell rings and both men are quick to come together and lock up. Jerry locks in a headlock but Williams lifts him and looks for a backdrop suplex, only for Jerry to flip out and pull Williams in for a running bulldog. Williams shoves Jerry off towards the turnbuckles but Jerry steps up onto the bottom one before leaping onto the middle rope and jumping down to avoid a running forearm aimed at the back of his head. Jerry then pulls Williams in for a schoolboy roll-up.



One…

Tw-



No. Williams kicks out. Both of them are quick to get to their feet. Williams aims a leg kick but Jerry catches it. Williams then goes for an enzeguiri, but Jerry ducks it, pulling Williams into a waistlock and lifting him, but Williams drops and uses his momentum to roll Jerry through.



One…

T-



No. Jerry kicks out this time. Both men stand and pause for a moment, eyes locked on one another.



MW: A fast-paced start to this match just like Bobby and Berry.

SD: It has to be fast. They don’t have time for chain wrestling and working a body part. They need to land damaging blows and they need to do it quickly. We’re already two minutes in!



Williams comes forward but Jerry explodes into a rolling elbow, which staggers Williams. Jerry then lands a step-up enzeguiri which sends Williams backing into the corner. Jerry follows up with a running dropkick and catches Williams with a running bulldog as he escapes from the corner. He makes a cover.



One…

Two.-



No. Williams kicks out, but Jerry quickly looks to catch his arm and turn him for a Chelsea Smile. Williams instinctively fights it, kicking his legs up and catching Jerry in a head-scissors, only for Jerry to kick his way out. Both of them scramble to their feet again and Williams connects with a hard mid-kick to take Jerry down. Williams pulls Jerry off the canvas and forces him into the corner, landing another mid-kick before whipping him across the ring. He follows up with a big splash and backs away to hit another, and another, before Jerry drops down to a seated position. Williams comes charging in and aims for a cannonball, but Jerry rolls away and Williams crashes hard into the turnbuckles. Jerry quickly pushes up onto the middle rope and stalks Williams before he leaps off and takes him down with a blockbuster. He makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



No. Williams gets a shoulder off the canvas. Jerry stands and pulls Williams with him, dragging him towards the corner, where he pushes himself up onto the middle turnbuckle again. He looks for a tornado DDT, but Williams counters, holding Jerry up in the air and then depositing him back onto the turnbuckles after a full rotation. Williams then leaps up and lands a dropkick which sends Jerry onto the apron and then onto the floor. Williams pauses as Jerry fights his way to his feet and then he takes him back down again with a suicide dive. Williams stands and calls for the fans to come alive, which they do.



MW: These fans certainly behind Aaron Williams tonight.

SD: Despite the fact that Jerry Bishop is just inches away from what they’ve always wanted to see.

MW: But they didn’t want to see him get there like this.

SD: Like what? By being good at wrestling? Nooooo. How could they possibly want to see that?

MW: You know what I mean. By selling out to a man who violated his sister and has turned him into a seething, resentful man who has turned on the fans and yet claims that they’ve turned on him.

SD: They did turn on him. They chose Berry over him.



Williams pulls Jerry up and lands a series of forearms to force him back against the guardrail. He then drapes an arm over Jerry and lifts him as he would for a vertical suplex, before dropping him down on top of the guardrail and leaving him hanging there. He looks to the ring and quickly hops onto the apron before pushing up onto the top rope. The fans gasp as Williams steadies himself and then comes down with a 450-splash… but Jerry manages to move out of the way just in time. Williams lands hard, part of his upper body catching the guardrail as he drops and lies motionless on the floor. Jerry rolls back into the ring and yells at the official to come back with him and begin a count.



1……….

2……….

3……….



Jerry looks down with a smirk as Williams remains motionless on the floor.



4……….

5……….

6……….



An ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant fills the arena as Williams begins to stir, but Jerry maintains his confident smirk.



7……….



Jerry turns away and raises his arms to the fans, who begin to boo him.



8……….



Williams pushes himself up and looks to the ring, beginning a slow crawl towards the edge. The boos for Jerry turn to cheers as Williams climbs in, Jerry turning too late to prevent it.



Jerry moves quickly over to Williams and pulls him up, trapping his arms as he looks for the Last Laugh, only for Williams to block it again and to force him back into the corner, freeing his arms as Jerry’s back hits the turnbuckles. Williams lands another few forearms before three mid-kicks send Jerry to a seated position. Williams backs away and looks for a cannonball, which actually connects this time, before climbing up onto the top rope and connecting with a swan-ton bomb. He holds for cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry kicks out. Williams doesn’t waste any time, pulling Jerry up and hooking an arm over his head. He lifts him before dropping him with a brainbuster to the knee. He makes another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Again Jerry manages to kick out. Williams stands and looks over at the top rope. He moves over to pull Jerry up, but Jerry cuts him off with a small package.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Williams just manages to break out. The two men stand, Williams connecting with a forearm and Jerry countering with a second rolling elbow. Williams staggers and Jerry moves in, but Williams connects with a discus clothesline which leaves both men down. The loud ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant breaks out again and Williams responds, getting to his feet slightly quicker than Jerry manages to.



MW: We’re almost eleven minutes into this one folks.

SD: There’s not much time left to find a way to win. Bobby O must be enjoying this in the back.

MW: I think we’re all enjoying this!



Williams moves over to Jerry as he pushes up from one knee. He kicks him in the gut and forces his head down to lift him for a powerbomb, but Jerry drops down behind Williams and counters with a side Russian leg-sweep. Jerry rolls away onto the apron and pushes up to his feet, holding the top rope and stalking Williams. As Williams stands, Jerry leaps up for a springboard forearm, but Williams catches him on his shoulders and lands a powerbomb backbreaker! He rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Jerry just gets a shoulder up and the fans gasp with disappointment. Williams quickly pulls Jerry up, glancing up at the clock on the screen which ticks over to 12:22. Knowing there’s not much time left, he forces his head down again and hooks the arms, looking for A Triple Plus, only for Jerry to free one arm and jam a straight right hand right up into the throat. Williams staggers away and Jerry takes advantage, kicking him in the gut and leaping over the top rope only to come straight back with a slingshot DDT. He rolls Williams over into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Williams is the one to just escape this time, leading to a loud cheer from the fans with 13:18 gone. Jerry pulls Williams up and traps his arms, looking to snap him down for a Last Laugh, but Williams frees and arm and stands, ripcording Jerry and looking for a ripcord mid-kick. He connects but he maintains his grip on the wrist and pulls Jerry in for the A-Triple Plus. He lifts him, but Jerry twists free and catches the arm, dropping Williams and locking in the Chelsea Smile. Williams fights hard but can’t escape. He looks up as the clock ticks over 14:10. Jerry looks up too and releases the hold straight away. He looks down at Williams and then out at the fans, who sense his anger and begin to jeer him. Jerry puts the boots to Williams before turning away and stepping out of the ring.



MW: This match isn’t over just because the time has ticked down.

SD: But why should Jerry continue? He can’t get the FPW Championship match. He may as well save himself for another time.

MW: He’s in danger of being counted out here. The official is already up to seven.



Eight……….

Nine……….

Ten.



Winner by count out: Aaron Williams (15:10).



Jerry is already through the curtain as the official tries to raise Williams’ hand, but Aaron Williams refuses to let him, shaking his head and stepping through the ropes. He makes his way up the ramp with a sigh.



MW: Aaron Williams wins the match but it’s Bobby O who earns the FPW Championship shot at the Young Lions’ Cup finals.

SD: I predicted it at the start of the match. Bobby will get the match.

MW: And it’s a shame that we didn’t finish this one properly. I’d have loved to have seen these two go at it for a full match to find out who the better man is- well, we know that already I think, but we’d find out who the better wrestler is anyway.



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The camera follows Aaron Williams backstage. He marches through the corridors until he reaches a door, which he pushes open. Jim Houston sits behind his desk tapping away at a laptop.



JH: Aaron. Great match. Well done on the win.

AW: That wasn’t a win. He walked out when the time expired. So what if he couldn’t get the title match. Jerry Bishop used to be all about putting on a show, just like me. And now he walks out just as a match is really getting going? It’s bullshit. Those fans were robbed tonight. That was a great match for fifteen minutes but it had more time in it. I want a proper match with him.

JH: I understand. Seeing as neither of you will be entering the Young Lions’ Cup, I’m sure we can fit it in.

AW: Thank you. I felt good out there today. The time-pressure helped me. Thanks for the opportunity.

JH: No problem. Win or lose, you put on a hell of a show. I’ll make sure you get the chance against Jerry.

AW: And I’ll make sure I put on the match that the fans deserved- and that I win it.



Williams leaves and walks back through the corridor, where he runs into Bobby O.



BO: Great match out there.

AW: It wasn’t a proper match.

BO: I suppose I should thank you. He’d have beaten a lot of people in less than 14:10. But he didn’t beat you in that time. You know I respect you.

AW: And I you.

BO: So if you do get a rematch against him, and I win the belt… how about you and I get in the ring together.

AW: You’ve got a deal. Hell, even if you don’t win the belt, you and I could tear the place down.

BO: There’s no ‘if’. That FPW Championship is what I deserve after I rid this place of TakeOver 2.0. Mr. FPW as FPW Champion? It’s got a good ring to it, don’t you think?

AW: Maybe. Don’t get too cocky. I know how good Evans is and I certainly know how good Mason is. Whoever you face won’t be easy win for you. You’d better put the work in.

BO: Don’t you worry. I put the work in to overcome TakeOver. How much harder can it be?



Bobby gives Williams a nod before walking past him, leaving Williams to smile and walk on.



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



MW: “And now we turn our attention to the main event.”



SD: “While the rest of the card has been fantastic, I think it’s safe for me to say that this next match is the reason most people tuned in tonight.”



MW: “Indeed. Tonight, Jace Mason sets out to right the final, and quite possibly the biggest, wrong of 2019, and reclaim the FPW World Championship from Artemis Evans.”



SD: “I wouldn’t necessarily refer to what Artemis did as wrong-”



MW: “Of course you wouldn’t.”



SD: “She just did what no one else had been able to do and successfully cashed in the Dead Man’s Chest. It may have come at a bad time for Jace, but there was nothing wrong with what she did. All she did was put her career in front of everything else, and that’s a strategy I can commend.”



MW: “Even as a former wrestler yourself, you would commend a strategy that creates division rather than unity in the locker room?”



SD: “Well when you put it that way it sounds bad, but working for locker room unity only works if everyone is working towards the same goal. All it takes is one person to put their career first and they’re suddenly in front of everyone. And it’s better to be the only person at the front of the line instead of one of many at the back.”



MW: “Wrestling philosophy aside, it’s time to see if Jace can do what he said and reclaim the FPW World Championship.”



The video opens with Jace. "Twenty-eight days ago, I was on top of the world. I had done what many people had considered impossible and defeated MDE, becoming the new FPW World Champion in the process. I didn't come out unscathed, but I came out on top, and that was what mattered. But then it all came crashing down, just nine days later."



[Cut to Artemis] "December 31, 2019. A date that will live in the FPW history books forever. The date that the Monarch fulfilled her destiny and ascended to her throne."



[Jace] "I had everything I'd dreamed of since coming to FPW, and then it was all taken away. Emotionally, I went from the heights of cloud nine to the depths of the ninth circle of hell, and I wasn't much better physically."



[Artemis] "I find the date rather fitting to begin a title reign as historic as this one. The end of one decade and the beginning of another, a time for change, for a sign of things to come. For both FPW and the wrestling world as a whole."



[Jace] "I left the Year-End Awards show in even worse shape than I'd left Judgement Day. The attack I suffered set my recovery back by weeks. Things looked pretty bad for the start of the new year."



[Artemis] "If you think that I'm going to stop here, with just this title, you couldn't be more wrong. The 2020s are going to be a decade of Queendom dominance, promotions all over the world will have our flag raised above their champions, we will be unstoppable."



[Jace] "But there's a light at the end of this dark tunnel."



[Artemis] "But there's one thing standing in the way of this vision."



[Jace] "I've been granted an opportunity that not many others have been granted, I've been given a second chance. A chance to make things right, to begin 2020 the way 2019 should have ended. All I have to do is unseat another dangerous champion from the top spot of FPW. Basically, I have to do the impossible once again."



[Artemis] "Some people, and apparently I should count the FPW management among them, seem to believe that I didn't defeat Jace Mason properly. They think that because I haven't faced him in a traditional match, I haven't proven myself worthy of carrying this championship. And so, I will be facing the former champion once again."



[Jace] "But despite the odds, I'm looking forward to my second chance."



[Artemis] "I told Jace that there was nothing personal between us, and there isn't. But despite that, I'm looking forward to defeating him again and silencing all the doubters."



[Jace] "Artemis, everyone knows by now that I'm known for doubting myself, but for once, I have no doubts about my next match. I know that in a fair, one-on-one contest, I can defeat you, and once again become FPW World-"



[Artemis] "Jace, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. The last time we met, you could barely walk, and that was after just a few short minutes. You're going to be facing me for an entire match, are you sure you can handle it? Because I don't think you can, and I think I'll be walking out the same way I'm walking in:"



The video switches to a split screen, showing both Jace and Artemis as they each deliver the final word of their interview.



[Both] "Champion."



‘Afterlife’ played from the speakers, and the fans grew quiet, then exploded into cheers as the intro concluded as Jace emerged at the top of the ramp. Jace stared out into the cheering crowd, but without the usual smile on his face. Instead, he wore an expressionless, determined mask, one that only grew more determined as his gaze fell upon the ring. He began striding to the ring, uncharacteristically ignoring the crowd members in the front row, leading to a few disappointed faces. The differences in Jace’s mood continued to become apparent as he simply stepped between the ropes and settled into a corner rather than playing to the crowd. The ref asked him a question, an inquisitive look on his face, and Jace responded, although the cameras were unable to hear what was said.



‘Afterlife’ cut out as the White Queen logo appeared on the titantron and an anonymized voice announced “Checkmate” and ‘Hammer to Fall’ began to play. The crowd changed their response on a dime, going from cheering Jace to booing Artemis before she even appeared. And they grew even louder when she did appear, Thea and Myra behind her. The Queendom shared smiles as Artemis unzipped her jacket, opening it to reveal the FPW championship as the pyro went off on both sides of her. She led the Queedom down to the ring, ignoring the blatant negative reaction, which only caused the audience in the front row to get even louder. But nothing they yelled at her garnered any reaction as she began to climb into the ring, although Mrya had to drag Thea away from a verbal altercation with a fan in the front row. Artemis posed on the corner turnbuckles as the crowd continued to boo before she dropped into the ring and settling into the corner across from Jace.



‘Hammer to Fall’ faded out, and Dasha raised the microphone to begin the introductions. “The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the FPW World Championship!” The camera got a shot of Jace as he nodded and one of Artemis’ relaxed smirk. “Introducing first, from Seattle, Washington, he is the Eternal Student, Jace Mason!” The crowd cheered again, and Jace acknowledged them by nodding and raising a fist.



“And introducing his opponent, from Manchester, England, she is the FPW World Champion, the Monarch, Artemis Evans!” Artemis unstrapped the title as she strode across the ring, raising the title over her head as she got in Jace’s face. Jace stared her down, his expression never changing. The ref forced the two apart and back into their corners. He took the title belt from Artemis and showed it to Jace as she removed her jacket, and then called for the bell.



Match 7: FPW World Championship: Artemis Evans vs. Jace Mason (written by Mason):



Jace immediately ran across the ring and connected with a basement dropkick, rolled over as Artemis fell down and then quickly locked in a Last Chancery! As one, the fans rose to their feet as Artemis struggled against the submission.



MW: “Jace Mason wasting no time in trying to win back his title!”



But Artemis was able to squirm free enough to drape a foot over the bottom rope, and the referee quickly stepped in to force the break. Artemis leaned against the ropes as she caught her breath, but Jace didn’t give her time to recover, standing up and coming in for more offense. Artemis bought herself some time by kicking his leg out and driving his throat into the ropes. Jace staggered back, and now both champion and challenger were coughing as they recovered.



SD: “A hot start from the former champion as we begin this match, now let’s see if he can continue to push the pace.”



Both competitors recovered at about the same time and locked eyes from across the ring. Both of them rose to their full height and began circling each other, a smile slowly coming over Artemis’ face while Jace kept his expression neutral. They eventually locked up, and Artemis took the initial advantage, pulling Jace into a headlock. But Jace quickly found an escape, pulling Artemis’ arm away from his head and applying a wristlock. Artemis tried to pull free, but Jace’s grip was too tight, so she dropped down and rotated, hoping to relieve pressure as she stood back up. But Jace caught her other arm and pulled her into a straight jacket hold. Artemis struggled to find an escape, trying in vain to pull her head free. Jace maintained his hold however, and Artemis was forced to switch tactics, stomping on his foot and then dropping to a knee as she pulled down hard, tossing Jace over her shoulder and pulling her arms free. She stood up as Jace rolled through to his feet and rebounded off the ropes. He attempted a discus clothesline as he charged at Artemis, but Artemis dropped down to avoid the strike and then popped right back up to her feet, then dropped down again to connect with a pele kick as Jace turned around. Jace remained stunned long enough for Artemis to stand back up and pull him into a front facelock. She went to lift him for a vertical suplex, but Jace drove his weight downwards and prevented the attempt. Pulling his head free, Jace went to deliver a DDT, but Artemis grabbed the rope and kept herself upright, causing Jace to fall to his back. Artemis went to deliver a double stomp, but Jace rolled out of the way and shot back to his feet, running to the ropes and rebounding back towards Artemis, only to be caught and planted with an inverted STO. Artemis rolled him over and went for a quick cover.



...1!.Kick-out!



Jace kicked out and began working his way back to his feet, but Artemis staggered him with a kick to the midsection, allowing her to whip him into the corner. She charged in and delivered a European uppercut, then began slowly raking her forearm across his face. The referee began the five-count, but as soon as he reached four, Artemis grabbed Jace by the wrist and whipped him across into the other corner and repeated the process, stunning him with a running uppercut and then grinding her arm into his face as the crowd booed, until the count once again reached four, when she whipped him back across the ring. She repeated this one more time, to an even louder reaction but as she ran in to do it a fourth time, Jace lifted his knees to block the uppercut, and stand on the middle turnbuckle, then took to the air with a dropkick that knocked Artemis off her feet. The crowd cheered as Jace rose to his feet, and they got louder when he positioned himself behind Artemis, signalling for the disaster kick.



SD: “This is interesting, Jace doesn’t usually go for this move this early.”



MW: “He’s clearly desperate to get this over with and become FPW Champion once again.”



Jace ran past Artemis and jumped onto the middle rope, leaping off to attempt a disaster kick, but Artemis ducked under his leg and hit the ropes, rebounding to connect with a discus forearm on Jace as he landed and turned around. Jace nearly collapsed, but Artemis caught his wrist and pulled him into a butterfly suplex. But she wasn’t done there, floating over and connecting with a second butterfly suplex, bridging into the pin.



...1!.Kick-out!



Jace and Artemis both shot to their feet at the same time and paused, staring at each other as the crowd cheered, sensing that the intensity was about to spike. And it did just that, as Jace faked an attempt at a takedown, but then drove Artemis back with a series of hard forearms. He drove her into the ropes, and continued to pummel her even as the ref stepped in to make the break. Jace didn’t let up, instead pulling her off of the ropes and connecting with a single underhook suplex, driving her into the mat. He pressed his advantage while he had it, lifting her upright and whipping her into the ropes. He attempted a clothesline as she rebounded, but Artemis ducked and bounced off the far ropes, connecting with a handspring back elbow, knocking Jace flat on his back! The crowd booed at the sudden change of momentum, causing Evans to laugh as she lifted Jace up and drove him to the mat with a brainbuster! She went for a cover, casually placing her weight on top of Jace.



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



Artemis smiled as as Jace kicked out “So there’s still some fight in you, good.” she said as she stood up and landed a contemptuous kick to his head, ensuring he stayed down as she began to climb the turnbuckles. She posed on the top rope, prompting another wave of boos from the crowd before she launched into a moonsault. A moonsault that Jace dodged by rolling to the side! Artemis landed and didn’t even have time to wince before Jace was on top of her, locking in a Fujiwara armbar! The crowd cheered Jace’s reversal as Artemis reached for the ropes, her expression of cocky assurance shattering for the first time in the match. Thea and Myra positioned themselves in front of her outside the ring, cheering her on as she continued to reach out, shifting her body weight to get just a little bit closer. But Jace didn’t let her force the break, using his grip on her arm to pull her upright as he stands up, pulling her into a falcon’s arrow and hooking a leg for the cover.



...1!..Kick-out!



Artemis tries to roll to the outside, but Jace stops her, leaping into the air and driving his knee into her midsection. Artemis cried out, and Jace grabbed an arm and pulled her to her feet whipping her into the corner. Jace ran in after her, stepping onto the ropes with his left leg and driving his right knee into Artemis’ chin. Artemis was dazed, and Jace pushed her out of the corner, where she staggered forward a few steps. Jace switched his position on the middle turnbuckle and then leapt off as Artemis turned around, taking her down with a crossbody and holding for the cover.



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



Jace rolled off Artemis as she kicked out and back to his feet, waiting for her to rise. Artemis stood up, and Jace met her with a spinning gut kick, then kicked her leg out from under her. The crowd grew loud as he ran to the ropes, rebounding and connecting with a basement dropkick to finish the combination.



MW: “Jace Mason showing why he should never be underestimated as he fights his way back into this match.”



Keeping his eyes locked on Artemis’ fallen form to ensure she didn’t begin to rise, Jace began to climb the turnbuckles, ascending to the top where he gazed down at his opponent. Jace paused, taking a deep breath, and then launched into a shooting star press, only to crash into Artemis' knees as she brought them up. Jace rolled off Artemis, gasping for breath and allowing her to rise to her feet behind him. She ran to the ropes and rebounded, leaving her feet to attempt a Silver Bullet, to the back of his neck, only for Jace to spin out of the way. Artemis awkwardly collapsed, but was quick to stand back up. Jace was ready though, and met her with a gamengiri. He grabbed her before she could fall and lifted her onto his shoulders before driving her down with an ushigoroshi! Artemis went limp, and Jace hooked both legs for a cover.



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



MW: "That's as close to over as we've seen this match get!"



SD: "If I were Jace, I'd start looking for the finisher before Artemis has too much time to recover. And it looks like that's exactly what Jace is doing."



Jace had grabbed hold of Artemis' ankle and was looking out to the crowd, nodding as they cheered. He turned her over, but before he could fully sit into the Single Leg Crab, Artemis lunged forward and grabbed the bottom rope. Jace let out a growl of frustration as the ref forced the break. He went to grab Artemis again, but she kicked him away and pulled herself to the outside of the ring. Thea and Myra were immediately by her side, the Queendom talking strategy. Jace didn't give them time to give the champion much advice, running across the ring and sailing through the ropes with a wrecking ball dropkick that knocked all three aside like bowling pins. He lifted Artemis from the pile of bodies and rolled her back in the ring, then paused to accept the cheers from the audience for taking out the Queendom. He climbed onto the apron and began to step through the ropes, but Artemis shot to her feet and wrapped an arm around his neck, planting him with a draping DDT! She pulled him off the ropes and made the cover.



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



Artemis was the first to her feet, much to the displeasure of the crowd. She smiled as she grabbed a handful of Jace's hair, ignoring the ref's admonishment as she pulled him into a front facelock. Signaling for the end, she lifted him up, but before she could bring him down, Jace shifted his weight, setting himself down behind her. He grabbed her wrist from behind and spun her out, pulling her into a knife-edge chop that knocked her off her feet. Jace maintained his grip on her wrist, and now it was his turn to signal for the end as he hauled her to her feet and whipped her into the ropes. Artemis rebounded, and Jace made ready to catch her as she got close, but Artemis spoiled these plans by leaving her feet, launching into a hurricanrana. She kept close as she flipped Jace and then sat down hard, hooking both legs to make a cover.



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



Jace popped his hips and drove his legs up and out, reversing the pinfall attempt!



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



Artemis executed the same action and once again forced Jace's shoulders down!



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



Jace kicked out and reversed the pinfall again!



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



Artemis escaped the pin and rolled back to her feet as Jace stood up as well. Artemis swung a right hand, only for Jace to duck and apply a waistline. He drove Artemis forward into the ropes and then pulled her down to the mat with an O'Connor roll into another pin attempt.



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



Jace was driven forward into the ropes as Artemis kicked out, and from the outside, Myra Lopez took advantage, driving the FPW title belt into his face! Jace staggered back, and Artemis pulled him into position before connecting with a Guillotine Strike! The crowd went crazy with boos as Artemis rolled into a cover.



...1!...2!...3!



Winner, and Still FPW World Champion: Artemis Evans (20:16).



MW: "No! Not like this!"



SD: "Why not?"



MW: "Jace was screwed, how did the ref miss that!"



A slo-mo replay of the final moments is shown, with the ref glancing at Artemis as she held a hand to her head, completely oblivious to Myra's actions on the outside.



MW: "I can't believe this."



SD: "What's so hard to believe? The ref was doing his job and ensuring that both competitors would be able to finish the match, and some quick thinking by Myra Lopez was able to shift the scales, which were more even than I expected, in the champion's favor."



Amidst a torrent of boos from the crowd, Artemis had her hand raised by the referee as 'Hammer to Fall' began to play throughout the arena. The other two Queendom members entered the ring, Myra with a self-satisfied smirk on her face while Thea struggled to contain her laughter. Myra handed the belt to Artemis, who raised it above her head as the boos grew even louder.



Flat on the canvas, Jace began to stir, and Artemis motioned towards him. Myra stepped forward and used her foot to push him from the ring as Thea mimed crying. With Jace removed from the scene, the Queendom shared one last smile as they posed together before the show went off the air.