Road to Young Lions' Cup III: Night One

[Jim Houston]

The show opens with the sound of silence. The camera pans around an arena as the bell begins to toll, ringing ten times before a video opens with Clutch McCloud and Russ Bolt looking sombre.



Clutch: Last Sunday, a great man, his daughter and others boarded a helicopter not knowing that they would never see their families again.



Russ: A great man, great people were taken way too soon. The outpouring of emotion and the overwhelming tributes shown to Kobe Bryant were emblematic of the transcendent nature of sports, the power it has to bring together everyone. It didn't matter if you were white, black, gay, straight, Democrat or Republican. This day we shared in our grief.



Clutch: We would be remiss to mention his incredible work ethic and his example that was the motivation to so many. The "first one there, last one to leave" mentality. Knowing that you're the hardest worker in whatever room you walk into, that's what Russ and I have lived our basketball, wrestling, and personal lives by.



Russ: So Kobe, thank you for your example and your inspiration not only to us, but to countless others. Without you, there's no us. We miss you Kobe and we love you.



The video ends and the fans begin to applaud, before the video fades to black. It’s replaced by the Young Lions’ Cup before footage of Marcus Allen Jones and James Saturn winning it takes over. The video then shows each of the eight contenders hitting their finish and picking up a victory before ending on the Young Lions’ Cup III bracket. It then cuts to Mike Watson and Steven Deville.



MW: Welcome one and all to the first show on the Road To Young Lions’ Cup III. Tonight we begin a process which will end in one of our bright young stars facing off against the FPW Champion at Opening Day on March 29th.

SD: Tonight we get to see two quarter-final matches as Jace Mason faces Myra Lopez and Berry Bishop goes up against Tommy Saxon. We also have the Tag Team Championships and Freedom Championship on the line as well as our number one contender Bobby O facing off against Clutch McCloud.

MW: It’s a great-looking card and should prove very interesting as we progress towards a big show for the finals on March 1st, a show where we know we will crown the cup winner as well as seeing all three titles defended.

SD: And up first tonight we have our reigning Tag Team Champions The Dogs of War facing one of the most dangerous teams in all of FPW: Death Squad.

MW: Death Squad managed to get a victory over The Dogs of War at Season Four Launch Party and tonight they’re coming for those championships. The Dogs of War have made an impressive start here in FPW, but can they overcome the number game of Death Squad?

SD: I don’t know. I like both teams, but I think I’m picking Death Squad. They’ve held those belts before and they know what it takes to get the job done in whatever way necessary. The Dogs of War are clearly a strong team, but when the chips are down, I think I’d take Death Squad.

MW: Well, let’s get to the ring.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall, and it is for the FPW Tag Team Championships. Introducing first: they are the current FPW Tag Team Champions, hailing from Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado respectively… ‘The Vigilante’ David Archer, ‘The Battering Ram’ Braxton Cable… The Dogs of War!”



‘Justice’ begins to play but as soon as the Dogs of War emerge, the Death Squad members of Aiden Balmer and Mary Downing jump them from behind, laying into them with brutal overhead strikes while George Mercer taunts them from the front of the entrance ramp, having a chair in hand. He beckons them forward, and both Balmer and Downing throw the Dogs of War into the ring, before Balmer motions to Mercer to take the rungs. He and Downing lay into the Dogs of War with repeated fists to the head, before the bell rings, signalling the start of the match.



Match 1: FPW Tag Team Championships: The Dogs of War vs. Death Squad (written by Baker):



Downing starts off against Archer, running forward for a massive single leg dropkick!



ONE!

TW-NO! ARCHER KICKS OUT!



Archer manages to scramble back to his feet before Downing can go for Critical Mass, but it’s not fast enough as she manages to trap him for a Hammerlock Leg Sweep, only for him to throw Downing forward and lock in a snap sleeper! He drags her back to his corner, looking for an early tag to Cable, but Balmer on the outside takes Cable out with a leg cut-down, causing the referee to scream at him. Balmer shrugs, before grabbing Cable and throwing him into the waiting knee of George Mercer, distracting Archer long enough for Downing to escape the sleeper with repeated elbows to the head followed up by a low thrust kick and a Regal Knee to the head! Downing leaps for a cover!



ONE!

TW-NO! ARCHER KICKS OUT AGAIN!



Downing drags Archer back to his feet and forces him into the corner, blasting him with repeated elbows, but at one point, Archer manages to force Downing off and catches her with a wicked spinning roundhouse kick! Downing staggers, and Archer hops up to the middle rope, looking for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb, before flipping through it and into a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! He covers!



ONE!

TW-NO! DOWNING KICKS OUT!



Downing tries to recover quickly, but Archer keeps the heat on her now, blasting her with repeated chops and forearms and sending her into the corner as he previously did to her! He blasts her with machine gun chops into the corner, before sendign her into the opposing corner with an Irish Whip and looking for a massive Hesitation Dropkick, but Downing rolls out of the way, looking for a Regal Knee, only to get popped up into a powerbomb attempt from Archer, but she counters it into an Inverted Frankensteiner! Archer tries to pop back up quickly, but Downing throws her elbow pad aside and hits a SLIDING DISCUS LARIAT to David Archer! Archer crumples, and Downing looks for a springboard double knee drop, but Archer rolls out of the way, hitting the ropes as he gets back to his feet and SENDING HER TO THE OUTSIDE WITH A DROPKICK! He manages to recover, running the ropes as Balmer and Mercer, who’s left Cable in a pile on the outside, try to help downing recover-BUT ARCHER HITS A MASSIVE TOPE CON HILO TO THE OUTSIDE AND CRUSHES ALL THREE MEMBERS OF DEATH SQUAD! HOLY SHIT!



The crowd goes wild as Archer bounces back up to his feet, looking to Cable but instead deciding to keep the fight on Death Squad even if the circumstances put him at an obvious disadvantage. He drags Downing back up into the ring, laying her out on the apron before he goes for a knee drop, but Downing manages to roll back into the ring, trying to recover before Archer can put the heat on her again-BUT A SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY KEEPS HER DOWN LONG ENOUGH FOR ARCHER TO GO FOR A COVER!



ONE!

TWO!!

THR-NO! DOWNING KICKS OUT AGAIN!



Downing rolls to the ropes to escape Archer for the moment while George Mercer, who’s recovered, beckons her in for a tag. Archer, on the other hand, looks to his corner, but finds Cable still down and out. He sighs, pulling himself up to his feet and hitting the ropes BUT HE’S MET ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BY A ROARING ELBOW FROM GEORGE MERCER! Mercer tries to pull him up for the Dead Stop Drop, but Archer pushes off, taking Mercer out with a spinning back elbow followed up by a superkick and then by a front flip DDT! He goes for a cover, but Mercer manages to roll through and transition into a Crucifix w/ Elbows, looking for the end of the match-BUT ARCHER’S FOOT GRABS THE ROPES! Mercer breaks free and grabs Archer for one more Dead Stop Drop, but Archer overrotates, catching Mercer with a knee to the head and sending him into the ropes!



Archer heads to the top rope to look for a decapitating knee drop to Mercer, but Mercer escapes by rolling back out of the ropes, and instead following Archer up after nailing him with a leaping Enziguri! He goes to the top rope, looking for an Avalanche Brainbuster to Archer-BUT BRAXTON CABLE REJOINS THIS MATCH AND HAULS MERCER UP WITH A MASSIVE POWERBOMB FROM THE MIDDLE ROPE! HE POWERBOMBS BOTH ARCHER AND MERCER DOWN INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING-AND THEN TAKES DOWNING OUT WITH A MASSIVE CROSSBODY TO THE OUTSIDE!



Archer tries to scramble to recover, still struggling from the impact from the brainbuster as he stomps his foot in the corner repeatedly, looking for a running knee from the corner to take down Mercer for good! Mercer, however, manages to roll Archer through with a Schoolboy and pull him up into a Double Underhook DDT! He looks to pull Archer all the way through, but Archer breaks free and pulls him in for a ripcord knee to the jaw! Archer hauls Mercer up-BRAINBUSTER ONTO THE CROWN OF MERCER’S HEAD! He goes for a cover!



ONE!

TWO!!

THREE-NO!!! DOWNING SOMEHOW GETS INTO THE RING TO BREAK THE PIN UP!



Downing nails Archer with a running knee to the jaw, before looking to tag out to Mercer, but Braxton Cable drags her out by grabbing her by the legs and POWERBOMBING HER INTO THE APRON! Cable makes his way into the legal corner, holding his hand out for a tag from Archer-AND ARCHER MANAGES TO MAKE THE HOT TAG! Cable runs in and goes hog wild, nailing Mercer with a low-angle lariat before pulling him in for the Garotte! Mercer struggles, but Cable collapses and grapevines Mercer’s body with his legs, pulling him in close-AND MERCER TAPS OUT IN THE HOLD!



Winners, and STILL FPW Tag Team Champions: The Dogs of War! (9:43)



The Dogs of War hold up the belts as Balmer helps Mercer out of the ring and Death Squad make their way back up the ramp. Archer calls for a mic.



“Tonight, we avenged our only loss in Freedom Pro Wrestling. We’ve beaten the two greatest Tag Team Champions this company has ever had- The Guardians of Strong Style and Death Squad. We beat The Suplex Sweethearts. Who the fuck else is there? When we defend our titles at the finals, there better be a worthy challenger because honestly, we’re disappointed with what we’ve had to face so far.”



The crowd give them a mixed reaction, which is more negative than positive, as Archer drops the mic and he and Cable leave the ring.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with The Suplex Sweethearts, who stand arm in arm.



DB: I’m joined by Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley, both of whom are entering the Young Lions’ Cup. Why did you decide to enter?

ER: Why? Because we’re tired of waiting to be given opportunities. We know how good we are and we know how good everybody else isn’t.

TS: We’re not just a tag team and we’re not just the hottest couple in all of wrestling. We’re going to prove that we can do it together or we can do it alone. And when we meet in the final, we’re going to put on a show.

ER: Damn right.



The two of them giggle and kiss as Dasha looks on, a little bemused.



DB: Well… tonight, Tommy, you face Berry Bishop. That’s quite the challenge for your first match, don’t you think?

TS: Maybe. But she said it herself. I’m bigger and stronger than her and I know how to throw her around the ring like nobody else can. She might kick me a few times but that won’t make a difference. She’s more experienced than me, but I know I’m a better wrestler.

ER: And what the hell is with all of her batshit crazy stuff? A bear who cooks for her? Montages? What does she think this is? Tommy will punch the crazy right out of her tonight.



DB: How about you Ella? You face Marcus Allen Jones next week. That’s-

ER: Marcus Allen Jones. The guy who claims he turned down a move to the biggest company in the world because he loves this place so much? Yet more bullshit. When the call comes, you answer it. You certainly don’t stay in this dump. This place is where we came because we heard it was a place where the best wrestlers get the chances they deserve. But look at us. We ran that Tag Team Gauntlet whatever the fuck it was called and lost one match and bang. Nothing.

TS: If Marcus Allen Jones really did choose this place over WWE, Ella will show him why ripping up that contract was the worst decision of his life. He may think he’s the best in FPW because he beat some psycho at Judgement Day II, but he’s going to get a rude awakening against Ella.



DB: Finally, if you don’t make it through, would you consider a challenge for-

TS: If we don’t make it through?

ER: What kind of question is that?

TS: Of course we’re going to make it through these matches. Now get out of here, I need some luck before I go to the ring and there’s only one way I plan to get it.



Saxon begins to kiss Ripley as Dasha stands there for a moment before walking away as his hand slides down her back and onto her butt.



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MW: Well that was… enlightening.

SD: The Suplex Sweethearts want to show what they can do and Saxon gets the first chance later tonight.

MW: But before that the quarter-finals kick off with a match that I think we’re all excited to see. Jace Mason, the man who claims- quite rightly in my opinion- to have been screwed out of the FPW Championship twice now, faces the woman who screwed him the second time, Myra Lopez of The Queendom.

SD: Why don’t you face the facts, Watson? Mason won the title and he kept it for as long as Artemis Evans allowed him to. She decided it was her time and she took it, and she’s not about to lose it to Mason or to anyone. He had a great second half to 2019 but now he’s back in his place. This is Arty’s world and he’s lucky that she lets him stay.

MW: That’s one interpretation. But this match isn’t just about getting revenge. For Mason, it’s the only way back to a title match after Houston said he needed to earn it. A loss tonight and I’m not sure where he goes next. For Lopez, this is the chance to step out from the shade of The Queendom and prove herself as a more than capable wrestler. She’ll be motivated to get rid of Mason from the tournament because I’m not sure Evans wants to face him again, but she’ll also be desperate to advance herself and, who knows, maybe get the shot at Evans herself.



“The following contest is the first quarter-final match in Young Lions’ Cup III. Introducing first, from Seattle, Washington… he is a former Freedom Champion and a former FPW Champion, ‘The Eternal Student’… Jace Mason!”



‘Afterlife’ begins to play and the crowd build their anticipation for Mason’s arrival. As soon as the introduction ends, Mason steps through the curtain to loud cheers. He stands in his usual pose as pyro goes off around him, but he steps forward a little earlier than usual, making his way down the ramp and holding out a hand for the fans to slap. He quickly reaches the ring and climbs onto the apron before climbing the turnbuckles, raising his right fist and looking out to the crowd before jumping into the ring and settling in the corner, staring straight up the ramp.



“And his opponent-“



The cheers for Mason quickly turn to boos.



“Hailing from Puebla, Mexico and representing The Queendom, ‘The White Queen’… Myra Lopez.”



The familiar white queen logo appears on the screen along with the anonymous ‘Checkmate’ before ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins. Lopez steps out onto the ramp, alone, and surveys the scene before making her way down the ramp. Fans give her abuse as she walks, but she ignores them, merely smirking and giving Mason a wave as he stares at her from the ring. As she reaches the ring, she climbs onto the apron and steps straight through the ropes before pointing to Mason’s waist and asking if he’s lose something. Mason steps forward but the official holds him back while Lopez laughs.



Match 2: Young Lions’ Cup III Quarter-Final 1: Jace Mason vs. Myra Lopez:



The bell rings and Mason quickly comes forward to lock up, but Lopez drops down and rolls out of the ring. The fans boo but are quickly cut off as Mason follows her out. She runs around the ring and Mason follows, following her back under the ropes before she cuts him off with stomps to the back. With Mason down, Lopez looks to lock in Cattle Mutilation, but Mason fights her off and gets back to his feet, only to be cut off by a pump kick to the gut. Lopez then hits the ropes and takes him down with a chop block before trapping his leg between hers and performing a scissor twist.



SD: A great start for the White Queen.

MW: Impressive strategy. Going after the knee that can’t quite be fully healed.

SD: And where do you think that strategy came from? The Queendom are a tight unit. Lopez may not have Donovan or Evans out here tonight but she’s not alone in that ring.

MW: And I’d imagine they’re not too far away in case she needs them.

SD: She won’t.



Mason grabs the bottom rope and uses it to pull himself up, but Lopez grabs him and pulls him away into a half and half suplex. She rolls through and looks for Cattle Mutilation again, but Mason again fights his way away from the attempt. He pushes up to a vertical base and ducks under a spinning leg lariat from Lopez, connecting with a hard chop before whipping her into the corner and following up with a high knee. Lopez staggers out of the corner but Mason can’t follow up as quickly as he’d like. When he does, she’s prepared for him. She blocks the chop attempt and turns it into an arm-trapped neck breaker. Lopez makes the first cover of the match.



One…

Two-



Mason kicks out. Lopez is quick again to grab hold of a limb, but Mason again manages to get free. He pushes up on the ropes and Lopez looks for another chop block, but he leaps to avoid the contact and comes down with a double stomp to the back. Mason is quick to try to capitalise, pulling Lopez to the middle of the ring and hooking an arm over her. He lifts her for a suplex which he turns into a falcon arrow, making cover of his own.



One…

Two-



MW: A kick out from Lopez, but Jace Mason is beginning to get a foothold in this match.

SD: He’s picking up, but Lopez has done some damage. She’s slowed him down, and she’s placed a bullseye on his knee that I’m sure she’ll be looking to come back to.

MW: Mason has to avoid being caught in holds for long. He needs to set the pace and do some damage of his own.



Mason stands and pulls Lopez with him. He whips her into the ropes and then cuts her off with a spinning back kick. He steps back before kicking out the leg and then he hits the ropes himself and lands a low dropkick to the head. He then looks to grab the leg, but Lopez continues to roll under the ropes, dropping to the outside. Mason follows her once again, lifting her and looking to send her straight back into the ring. Lopez blocks the attempt, elbowing Mason in the gut and whipping him into the guardrail. He hits hard and arches his back, but Lopez comes at him quickly with a spinning leg lariat. He drops to the floor.



Lopez reaches down and grabs the leg, before landing a few hard kicks to the back of the knee. She then pulls Mason to his feet and drapes the leg over the top of the guardrail before landing a forearm strike to the head. She drapes her own leg over his and forces the knee to flex over the top of the guardrail. Mason cries out in pain and the official is quick to make a count. Lopez breaks at the count of four. The official orders her to get the match back in the ring but she ignores him, instead kicking at the knee of Mason which still hands over the rail.



The official climbs back into the ring and begins his ten count.



1……….



Lopez frees the knee from the guardrail and performs another scissor twist.



2……….



She grabs Mason by the back of the neck and pulls him up, draping him over the side of the ring before hitting another chop block.



3………



Lopez backs away and hits another chop block as Mason drops down to the floor.



4……….



Lopez looks down and smirks before rolling back into the ring and watching as the official continues to count.



5……….

6……….

7……….



Mason struggles to put weight on his leg, but he manages to haul himself up using the edge of the ring.



8……….



With a push from his right leg, he gets back in to beat the count. However, Lopez doesn’t let up. She grabs him and pulls him to his feet, forcing him into the corner and draping his leg over the middle rope. She pulls hard on the ankle to torque the knee, and the official again quickly comes in for the five-count. Lopez breaks on four again as Mason clutches at the knee.



MW: Jace Mason looks in a bad way in this match.

SD: But how impressive is Myra Lopez! She’s in total control of a former FPW Champion.

MW: She seems to be. I’m not sure I approve of some of her methods, but she’s entirely focussed on her game plan.

SD: And Mason has no answer.



Lopez watches as Mason struggles to get himself up and out of the corner. As he stands, she comes forward with a well-placed kick to the knee before pulling Mason out of the corner and setting up for a Northern Lights suplex. Mason, however, blocks, driving elbows down onto the neck of Lopez and then dropping her with a DDT. The fans cheer for Mason but he can’t capitalise, and the two of them lie motionless for a few moments. Mason begins to stir, dragging himself over to the ropes as Lopez begins to get to her feet as well.



Lopez is up first, and she moves quickly into Mason, who snatches her up into a fireman’s carry position and drops her with a neckbreaker. He rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Lopez kicks out. Mason, adrenaline beginning to pump, pushes himself up to his feet and he catches Lopez with a snapmare before rolling through and hitting the ropes, connecting with a hard penalty kick. Lopez drops back and Mason, not making the cover, grabs her leg and looks to lock in the half-crab. Lopez resists, managing to hook an arm around his ankle and then land a strike to the back of his left knee, causing it to buckle and forcing Mason to release her leg. He staggers forward and she gets up quickly. She spins him round and tries to lift him onto her shoulders, but he counters and lands a single underhook suplex.



Mason quickly gets to his feet and pulls Lopez with him. He whips her into the ropes and looks for Extra Credit, but she catches the top rope. Mason charges at her, but Lopez pulls down the top rope and he falls to the outside. The fans begin to boo as they see a familiar face jump the guardrail. Lopez distracts the official while Thea Donovan lifts Mason and looks for the Firebomb. Mason, however, drops down and leaps up onto the apron, coming down with a modified disaster kick to Donovan. Mason then dives into the ring but Lopez pulls him into a schoolboy roll-up, grabbing the tights.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason kicks out to rapturous cheers from the fans! He and Lopez each get to their feet. Lopez aims a kick to the leg but Mason catches it and turns it into a dragonscrew leg whip. He quickly then grabs the leg and turns Lopez for the half-crab, sinking as low as he can with his bad knee. The fans chant for Lopez to tap, but, just as she looks about to, Donovan recovers and yanks the official out of the ring. Lopez taps but there’s no official to see it. Donovan comes into the ring and breaks up the hold with a superkick before she pulls Mason up and into a Firebomb, which connects this time. She quickly leaves the ring as Lopez lifts Mason onto her shoulders and takes him down with a GTS. She makes a cover as the official slides back into the ring.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Myra Lopez (14:37).



The fans boo loudly as Donovan enters the ring and raises Lopez’s arm. The Queendom stand over Mason, who remains motionless looking up at the lights. After the official raises Lopez’s arm as well, the two of them taunt the fans on the turnbuckles, Mason being helped out of the ring by a pair of Young Lions.



MW: That was classic Queendom.

SD: Classic Queendom because once again they defeated Jace Mason.

MW: No. Classic Queendom because one again they cheated to win a match that they shouldn’t have won. Myra Lopez tapped out. Jace Mason had overcome both of them before they stole that match.

SD: All I know is that Myra Lopez is our first semi-finalist in Young Lions’ Cup III. And she’s going to win the whole thing!

MW: Surely Jim Houston has to reverse that decision. Jace Mason doesn’t deserve to be screwed by The Queendom and Houston has to have some kind of consequences for this.



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Backstage, Aaron Williams is in street clothes with Dasha Banks.



DB: Thank you for joining me, Aaron. In two weeks’ time you’ve got your big rematch with Jerry Bishop. The two of you have been going back and forth quite a bit in the lead up.

AW: We have. When I first came here, Jerry was a guy I respected. He’d been here for a long time and, if I’m honest, was clearly one of the best this place had to offer. He was a great in-ring guy who really cared about the quality of what he had to offer for the fans. I couldn’t wait to get in the ring with him. But then that all changed. He decided to change. And the respect that I had for him disappeared. He decided to shun the fans and to totally change who he was. He did it because he wanted to start winning and expected the fans to still love him no matter how he approached things. I don’t respect a guy who turns on the very people who got him to where he was. If not for them, and the relationship he had with them, he wouldn’t be in FPW. I don’t like anyone who takes that for granted. So yeah, I want to beat him, I want to beat him properly, and I want to put on the best show this place has ever seen as I do it.



DB: He says that he’s been carrying this company and that you should appreciate the work he’s done to put it on the map. Do you?

AW: Like I said, I had a ton of respect for the guy. But respecting what he used to do doesn’t mean I have to respect who he is now. He’s turned into a cocky asshole who thinks everyone owes him something. I don’t owe him anything. When I came in here, I was a big name who had been to the big leagues. I’d wrestled in the biggest companies around the world. I could have come in here with a big ego expecting to be handed chance after chance, but I didn’t. I came in here willing to work to show what I could do- to the fans, to Jim Houston, to the rest of the locker room and, most of all, to myself. I’m still working my way up and I still don’t expect anything from anyone. Every time I go through that curtain, I expect to have to work to get those fans to cheer for me. Every time a chance comes up for a shot at a title or a big match, I expect to have to work to get it. I don’t want anything handed to me just because of what I’ve done in the past. Jerry Bishop may have been one of the foundations of FPW since its inception, but that doesn’t mean he’s owed shit. He’s never been FPW Champion- hell, he’s never even held a title here. He’s owed nothing. And if he thinks he’s going to get given chances, he’s going to have to prove that he deserves them by going through me. And I mean that by going through me properly. Step into the ring with me, wrestle the kind of match that Aaron Williams and The Jester would have had, and beat me one-two-three in the middle of the ring, and I’ll be the first to go into Houston’s office and recommend that Jerry Bishop get a title match. Until then, The Joker is just another bitter veteran who’s taking out his frustrations for not having the career he dreamed of when he was twenty-one.



DB: This is a very different side to you to normal. What happened to the fun, relaxed Aaron Williams that we all know and love?

AW: Honestly, I’m pissed off. I’ve been wrestling for a long time and I’ve seen dozens of Jerry Bishops. Jerry thinks he’s special because he’s been in FPW for a long time and the fans loved him? He’s not the only guy to be a big star in a company and expect to be treated differently to everyone else. He’s not the only guy who the fans started to move away from once fresh new talent came onto the radar who then decided that the fans had turned on them. That’s wrestling. Jerry Bishop is the long-time veteran who, if he’d stayed the way he was, would always have earned a cheer when he came through the curtain- first match, second match or main event. But now he’s just another cliché and that pisses me off because he should be so much more. But you know what really pisses me off about all of this? These fans, these wonderful people who give us their time, money and emotions… they did want to see Jerry as FPW Champion. They did want to see him on top of the company. And I think they’ll probably get it- he’s certainly good enough. But they won’t get what they want. They’ll get this Jerry. The thing they’ve wanted since day one… it’s not right. In two weeks’ time, I’m going out to the ring to give the absolute best of Aaron Williams and I hope that I’ll get the same from Jerry Bishop because ‘The Joker’… that won’t cut it.



Williams stares down the lens of the camera for a moment before walking away, leaving Dasha sighing after him.



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MW: Strong words from the usually laid-back Aaron Williams.

SD: Strong, but ultimately futile. Jerry Bishop had him beat at Launch Party but didn’t need to expend any more energy. Two weeks’ today will see Jerry get the victory as he marches closer to his destiny. The FPW Championship.

MW: We’ll find out in two weeks. But what we’re about to find out is whether or not Botiatus will manage to retain the Freedom Championship tonight. He faces Masa Tchyukiro.

SD: The Guardians of Strong Style are branching out, looking to improve as a team by improving as individuals. Tchyukiro will provide a tough challenge for Botiatus tonight, but I don’t know if he’ll provide enough of one to take that belt.

MW: There aren’t too many wrestlers here like Masa Tchyukiro. How does Botiatus win this match?

SD: Avoid taking too many hits. Bo is a tough guy who likes to strike. That House Call would put anyone down. But if he stands and trades with Tchyukiro, he’ll lose that battle and he might lose the match. If he’s going to strike, he needs to stick and move. Get his shot in and get out of range of those forearms and chops. For Tchyukiro to wrestle on the move. That’s how he wins this match.

MW: And for Tchyukiro? Is it as simple as forcing Botiatus to stand and exchange?

SD: I think that’s what Bo will look to do. Botiatus is a cocky son of a bitch. He wants to prove that he’s better than everyone at everything. For Tchyukiro, if Bo stands and strikes, it’s perfect. Tchyukiro will still have to wrestle a good match, but if he can get Bo to stand and trade, he’s halfway to a surprise win.

MW: Will the hardcore stipulation benefit either man?

SD: I’m not sure it was the best idea for Bo. If Tchyukiro gets him in the ropes and is laying into him, the official can’t call a halt to it with a five-count. However, it might equalise the striking power if Botiatus can strike with a weapon. I’ll bet Tchyukiro will lean his head in and try to prove that he can walk through being hit with something heavy and metal, and that won’t end well for the former Tag Team Champion.

MW: Botiatus wants to be a fighting champion and this is yet another example of him being just that. But will it be another defence on the way to a long reign or the end of his run as Freedom Champion?



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a hardcore match and it is for the Freedom Championship. Introducing first, from Hiroshima, Japan and being accompanied to the ring by Sato, he is a former Tag Team Champion and a member of The Guardians of Strong Style… Masa Tchyukiro!”



The familiar introduction to The Guardians’ of Strong Style’s music plays as Sato stands bowed on the entrance ramp. As the introduction ends, Sato rises and Tchyukiro emerges from behind the curtain. The two bow together before making their way to the ring. Sato climbs the steps first and holds the ropes open for Tchyukiro, who wipes his feet before entering the ring. With both of them in the ring, Tchyukiro stretches out and lands a couple of headbutts to the turnbuckle pad before the music comes to an end.



“And his opponent… the reigning and defending Freedom Champion from The Bay Area, California... Botiatus!”



Lights drop and the screen displays the foot of wide stone steps. As the opening chords play, the shot pans up to show several steps and then Roman pillars in front of a villa style home from ancient Rome. As the song kicks into high gear with a scream the lights flash back on in the arena and the home on the screen in replaced by the words THE HOUSE OF BOTIATUS in his signature electric blue lettering and he emerges from back. Bo acknowledges the fans on the way down to the ring, slapping hands with some and playfully jawjacking with others. He ascends onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckles, holding his signature pose under a spotlight before dropping down into the ring. He looks across at Tchyukiro and gives him a nod, which is returned.



Match 3: Freedom Championship: Hardcore Match: Botiatus vs. Masa Tchyukiro:



As the bell rings, the two men stand and stare at one another from across the ring. They slowly begin to move forward until they stand face to face, staring unblinkingly into one another’s eyes. After a few moments, Tchyukiro throws the first strike, landing a forearm which sparks Bo into life. Suddenly, the two of them are throwing forearms at lightning speed, neither man backing down. As the crowd builds into a frenzy, Tchyukiro gains the upper hand, forcing Botiatus back into the corner, where he continues to lay into him. He drives forearms into Bo’s head as Bo begins to sink down the turnbuckles, but Tchyukiro keeps lifting him back up and lay into him further. Finally, Tchyukiro allows Bo to drop to a seated position. He backs away before charging at the corner and looking for a sliding forearm, but Bo avoids it and Tchyukiro ends up on the outside.



Bo tries to shake off the impact of the forearms and waits for Tchyukiro in the ring. Tchyukiro looks up and quickly comes back in, but Bo moves to meet him, driving a knee into his gut and then dropping him with a DDT. Bo makes a cover.



One..-



Tchyukiro is quick to kick out and the two men each make it to their feet. Tchyukiro swings a forearm but Bo ducks, lifting Tchyukiro for a back suplex. Bo then rolls out of the ring and lifts up the apron, pulling out a trash can with a selection of weapons in it. He shoves it into the ring and follows, grabbing a kendo stick from the can and holding it ready to strike. As Tchyukiro stands, he brings the kendo stick down onto his back, but Tchyukiro simply stands and growls something in Japanese. Bo strikes him again but Tchyukiro turns and beckons him on for another. Bo lifts the stick and swings it hard into Tchyukiro’s stomach, but again Tchyukiro doesn’t show the pain.



MW: Tchyukiro has to be sore after those shots.

SD: But he’s not showing it. Botiatus might be regretting his match choice at the moment.

MW: I guess he’ll just have to hit him harder.



Bo lifts the kendo stick again but Tchyukiro cuts him off with a huge overhand chop which sends Botiatus reeling and dropping the stick. Tchyukiro forces him into the corner, where he lays in some more overhand chops before pushing him up onto the top rope. He goes to follow, but Bo resists, hitting him with forearms and forcing Tchyukiro to drop down. Bo jumps and tries to catch Tchyukiro with a diving DDT, only for Tchyukiro to plant himself and refuse to be dropped. Bo’s face shows signs of panic as Tchyukiro pushes up and hooks an arm over him, reversing him into a vertical suplex. Tchyukiro makes his first cover.



One…

Tw-



Bp kicks out. Tchyukiro looks across to the garbage can and picks it up, looking through the items inside it before tossing it out of the ring. He pulls Bo up and growls something at him again, only for Bo to shove him away and connect with a sudden dropkick. Tchyukiro staggers and drops out of the ring through the ropes. Bo quickly moves to the ropes and lands a slingshot plancha to take Tchyukiro down. He reaches down into the can again and pulls out a second kendo stick, which he brings down quickly and repeatedly onto Tchyukiro’s back and stomach. With Tchyukiro lying and covering up, Bo raises the stick and gives a cry to the fans, who cheer loudly.



Bo tosses the kendo stick aside and pulls Tchyukiro up. He lifts him for a vertical suplex before dropping him over the guardrail and leaving him hanging there. Bo then grabs him by the head and lands a series of knee strikes. The crowd count along until Bo reaches his ninth, at which point he backs away and charges at Tchyukiro, landing a running knee strike for the tenth. Tchyukiro falls back down to the floor and Bo makes a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Tchyukiro kicks out. Bo reaches down under the ring again and this time pulls out a table. He sets it up next to the ring before turning back to Tchyukiro, who pulls himself up using the guardrail. Bo pulls him in for an inverted headlock backbreaker before lifting him again and rolling him onto the apron. Bo climbs after him, kendo stick in hand, and lands more hard blows to Tchyukiro’s back. He then tosses the stick aside before lifting Tchyukiro and hooking an arm over his head, looking down to check the position of the table. As Bo tries to lift him, Tchyukiro resists, driving his head into the side of Bo’s. Bo reels away and Tchyukiro lands a desperation enzeguiri before rolling back into the ring.



MW: Masa Tchyukiro fighting out of a situation which would probably have ended the match right there.

SD: Bo had him where he wanted him but he still had some fight left. It’ll take a lot to get rid of the fight from Masa Tchyukiro.

MW: And now Tchyukiro seems to have something in mind.



Tchyukiro reaches over the top rope and pulls Bo up, grasping him in a wasitlock. The fans begin to buzz as they can see what Tchyukiro is trying to do. He steps up onto the middle rope and hauls Bo up before landing a German suplex back into the ring, Bo landing right on his neck. Tchyukiro rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Botiatus just gets a shoulder up in time. Tchyukiro sits Bo up and hits the ropes before taking him down with a sliding lariat. He then hits the ropes and lands a kokeshi headbutt before making another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Again Bo just manages to kick out. Tchyukiro looks down at Bo in frustration before looking away and seeing the discarded trashcan. He rolls out of the ring and lifts the can before picking up a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire. The fans gasp as Tchyukiro rolls back into the ring and sizes up Bo. With Bo beginning to stand, Tchyukiro brings the bat down on his back and Bo collapses to the mat straight away. Tchyukiro then pulls Bo up by the head and holds the bat so that the barbs dig right into his forehead. Bo cries out in pain and blood can be seen beginning to flow down his face. Tchyukiro releases his grip as the fans begin to boo, but Tchyukiro doesn’t seem to notice. Tchyukiro tosses the bat aside before lifting Bo and whipping him into the ropes. He catches him with a powerslam and holds for another cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Bo barely gets a shoulder up again!



MW: I thought that was it!

SD: Masa Tchyukiro has realised that he does need the weapons to beat Botiatus, and he’s doing everything he can but Bo is able to hang on in there.

MW: Masa Tchyukiro isn’t the only person with fighting spirit in this match.

SD: Botiatus has a great heart. But Tchyukiro is so close to a win.



Tchyukiro lifts Bo and forces him into the corner. He lands a series of knife-edged chops before pushing Bo up onto the top turnbuckle. Tchyukiro climbs after him and lands a headbutt before hooking an arm over Bo. He pushes up and is set for the superplex when Bo manages to slide free, dropping Tchyukiro with a snap DDT onto the turnbuckle. Tchyukiro drops down and Bo drops to the apron, before leaping onto the top rope and landing a springboard blockbuster. He manages to drape an arm over Tchyukiro for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Tchyukiro kicks out! Bo wipes the blood from his eyes and tries to stand, but he’s shaky. Tchyukiro stands too, and the two eye one another before coming together. Tcnyukiro lands a forearm and Bo responds in kind, but Tchyukiro yells for him to hit him harder. Bo tries another, but Tchyukiro shrugs it off. Bo tries another, only for Tchyukiro to walk into it. Bo stares in horror as Tchyukiro before aiming another forearm, this one actually staggering him. With a renewed purpose, Bo lands a series of forearms which force Tchyukiro back into the corner. He then whips him across the ring and follows up with a running lariat. Tchyukiro staggers out of the corner and Bo scoops him up onto his shoulder, dropping him with snake eyes. Tchyukiro staggers again and Bo hits the ropes, looking for the House Call, only for Tchyukiro to pop him up and connect with a headbutt.



MW: My God what a counter!

SD: Masa Tchyukiro is throwing everything at Botiatus in this match!

MW: And that headbutt might be the turning point. If Tchyukiro can make a cover…

SD: But I don’t think he can. Botiatus landed too far away.

MW: Can Tchyukiro hit one more big move, or will Botiatus find a way past this machine?



Tchyukiro pulls himself up on the ropes and staggers a few steps as Bo gets to one knee. Tchyukiro turns and moves to Bo, who lands a forearm to Tchyukiro’s gut. After a second forearm, Bo pushes up and lifts Tchyukiro for a vertical suplex, but Tchyukiro drops down below Bo and looks for a German, only for Bo to overrotate and land on his feet. Bo hits the ropes and looks for House Call again, but Tchyukiro ducks it hits the opposite ropes and comes back with a massive shoulder tackle to send Bo half-way across the ring. Tchyukiro slowly advances, pulling Bo to his feet and lifting him onto the turnbuckles again. This time, Tchyukiro, looking down at the table, steps through the ropes and climbs on the outside.



MW: Surely not!

SD: A superplex to the outside through a table?! That could kill a man!

MW: And that may be what it takes for Masa Tchyukiro to put Botiatus away here.



Tchyukiro lands a series of headbutts to Bo before hooking an arm over him and lifting him. Bo comes off the turnbuckle before dropping back down again. He frees his head and lands a headbutt of his own, dazing Tchyukiro. Bo shoves him and Tchyukiro teeters above the table. Bo manages to set his elbow for a modified House Call, and Tchyukiro drops, but he catches the top rope and avoids falling through the table. Bo drops down to the apron and manages to position himself behind Tchyukiro. He leaps up and connects with House Rules, leaving Tchyukiro half on the table and half on the apron. Instead of making the cover, Bo rolls back into the ring and uses his foot to push Tchyukiro onto the table. He looks out to the fans before pointing to himself three times as the fans chant ‘H. O. B.’ and then connecting with the H. O. B. Leg Drop to the outside through the table! Bo lands on top of Tchyukiro for the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner and still Freedom Champion: Botiatus (18:29).



MW: What an incredible match!

SD: And what a defence for Botiatus. He went toe to toe with one of the best strikers in FPW and came out on top.

MW: He knew that he had to pull out something special to beat Masa Tchyukiro tonight and did that for sure. Botiatus is the fighting Freedom Champion that he claimed he would be. I don’t know who he faces next, but I’m not sure there will be too many wanting to step into the ring with him after a performance like that.

SD: Botiatus is as talented as anybody we have here. He might hold that belt for a long, long time.



Botiatus struggles to stand as the official hands him the belt. He looks across at Sato, who hovers nearby, and gives him a bow, which Sato returns, before staggering away towards the ramp, slapping hands with a few fans. He wipes the blood from his face again before leading the crowd in one more ‘H. O. B.’ chant before waving to the crowd and stepping back through the curtain.



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Backstage, Jace Mason is sat in the treatment room with an ice pack on his forehead. A doctor is shining a light into his eyes.



D: Mr. Mason, please stay still.

JM: I’m fine.

D: Mr. Mason, you took several kicks and knees to the head. We have to check for-

JM: I don’t have a concussion. I’m fine.

D: You need to settle down. If I don’t check you, I can’t clear you to wrestle.

JM: So what? I’m already out of the Young Lions’ Cup. I can’t get another shot at Evans unless-



Jace stops as Bobby O walks into the room. The doctor leaves.



JM: What do you want?

BO: Well, I heard you say you can’t get a shot at Evans, but she has to go through me first. When I win that belt, you’re on my list of challengers.

JM: I appreciate that. But it doesn’t change the fact that I got screwed tonight and that I’ve lost my chance-

BO: You’re right. It doesn’t change that. The kind of behaviour was exactly what I thought I was getting rid of here when I rid this place of TakeOver 2.0. The last thing we need is another group to step in and take their place. I’m facing Evans on March 1st and I’d appreciate your help in making sure the same thing doesn’t happen to me.

JM: My help? Maybe you should have come to me before the match tonight. We could have helped each other. Instead you let them screw me over- again- and then expect me to help you. I know you’ve always looked out for yourself first but come on.

BO: Jace, I-



Bobby stops as Jim Houston enters the room.



JM: Mr. Houston-

JH: Jace. Dr. Morgan informs me you’re not letting him do his job.

JM: I’m fine. I don’t have-

JH: I’m sure that’s true, but it’s our duty to be certain. You’ll let him test you.

JM: I don’t need-

JH: You’ll let him test you because you need to be cleared for your match in two weeks’ time.

JM: What match? I don’t have a match on the next show.

JH: You do now. What happened out there was wrong. I didn’t act before but I’m going to now. If you can beat Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez, you’ll get your spot in the semi-final. I’ll make it a triple threat.

JM: I have to face them in a handicap match?

JH: Well-

BO: No. I’ll team with you. But how about this, Mr. Houston? Bobby O and Jace Mason versus Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez. If we win, Jace gets back in the Young Lions’ Cup, like he wants, and I get a one-on-one match with Evans with no Queendom interference?

JH: I like the sound of that. It seems fair to me. However… if the two of you lose- and I mean lose fairly- The Queendom deserve to earn something for that. If you two lose, Lopez and Donovan get to be at ringside for the FPW Championship match at Young Lions’ Cup III and Jace doesn’t get any more chances at Evans as long as she holds the belt. Do you both agree?

BO: I agree.

JM: If it’s the only way I can get a fair match, I’ll take that risk.

JH: Excellent. Now let Dr. Morgan check you over and get some rest. It’s a big match to prepare for.



Houston leaves the room as Bobby gives Jace a nod. Jace nods back and Bobby leaves, leaving Jace to get properly checked.



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



MW: That is quite the match that has been set up for our next show.

SD: It sure is. And this should be very good too.

MW: A taste of singles action for Tommy Saxon as he enters the Young Lions’ Cup against last year’s losing finalist Berry Bishop. Can Berry go one better this year?

SD: I don’t think she can, actually. Last year this was the catalyst for Berry to step up and win the Freedom Championship as well as going on a run which saw her finish runner up in the FPW Rumble and get an FPW Championship match against MDE. But since then, the match against Jerry and everything that came with it seems to have set her back a little.

MW: She faces Tommy Saxon tonight who seems determined to show how good he is. How much of a threat will he be to Berry?

SD: Like Saxon himself said, he’s bigger than her and more powerful. Berry has more experience but not by much. She’s been here for longer but Saxon has wrestled elsewhere. If Saxon strings a few suplexes together and has a remedy for the kicks from Berry, he might pull off the upset tonight.

MW: It’s time to find out who will face Myra Lopez, and possibly Jace Mason as well, in the first semi-final.



“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the second quarter-final match in Young Lions’ Cup III. Introducing first, from London, England and representing The Suplex Sweethearts, he will be accompanied to the ring by Ella Ripley… ‘The Hammer’… Tommy Saxon!”



‘Turbo Killer’ begins to play and Saxon and Ripley come through the curtain to mostly boos. They survey the crowd before turning to one another and sharing a passionate kiss. Holding Ripley’s hand, Saxon leads the way down to the ring and he talks trash to the fans all the way down the ramp. One young girl holds up a cutesy Suplex Sweethearts sign which Ripley points out and the two of them walk over to her. She smiles until Ripley grabs the sign and tears it up. The girl begins to cry as Saxon tells the camera that the Suplex Sweethearts are X-rated and not for kids. He rolls into the ring, Ripley staying on the outside, and he paces around it as the song fades out.



A ’Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant breaks out as Dasha raises the mic to her lips. Dasha smiles before beginning her introduction.



“And his opponent… from New Haven, Connecticut… she is a former Freedom Champion… The Bombshell! Berry! Bishop!”



‘The Entertainer’ begins to play and Berry leaps through the curtain into a deep bow. She plays along to the music before hopscotching her way down to the ramp. As she reaches the ramp, Berry moves over to console the girl from before, taking a picture with her before playing the ring apron and somersaulting over the top rope. She bows to the camera and rises with a wink and a smile as Saxon looks down to Ripley with a smirk on his face. Ripley yells at Berry that the ring is no place for children as the official does his final checks.



Match 4: Young Lions’ Cup III Quarter-Final 2: Berry Bishop vs. Tommy Saxon:



The official calls for the bell and Berry moves forward to offer a handshake. Saxon looks down at her before aiming a right hand at her. Berry just pulls back in time and looks at him before they move into a powerful lock-up. Saxon forces Berry back into the corner and presses her against the turnbuckles before the official calls for the break. He breaks the lock-up but aims a right hand, which Berry manages to duck again, rolling away out of the corner. He turns and she calls him forward again. They lock up and Berry transitions into a headlock but Saxon quickly reverses into a backdrop suplex.



He rolls away and lifts Berry, driving knees into her gut and forcing her back into the corner where he lands a series of right hands to the gut which are stopped by the official. Berry stands doubled over as Saxon pulls her out of the corner and hooks an arm over her head before connecting with a snap suplex. He floats over to make the cover.



One…

Tw-



Berry kicks out. She tries to get to her feet quickly but Saxon cuts her off with another knee to the gut before whipping her into the ropes and taking her down with a hip toss. He pulls her up into a butterfly suplex and makes another cover.



One…

Tw-



Berry kicks out again.



MW: Berry Bishop really needs to find a way to get into this match.

SD: Tommy Saxon using his power and technique advantage early on and looking good doing it.

MW: Let’s see how she looks to counter this control.



Saxon pulls Berry up and hooks an arm over her again, connecting with another snap suplex before looking down at Ripley and calling her to come into the ring. The official tries to stop her but she brushes past him and, as the fans boo, the two of them share another passionate kiss. Ripley leaves the ring as Berry pulls herself up. Saxon turns to her and pulls her in for a German suplex, but she overrotates and lands on her feet. Saxon turns but Berry lands a roundhouse kick to stagger him before connecting with a disaster kick. Saxon drops to his knees and Berry lands a series of kicks to his chest before he drops to the mat.



She backs away to recover for a moment before she sees Saxon beginning to get up. She watches him and lets him come at her before taking him down with an arm drag. Berry then holds the arm and bridges into a version of a Fujiwara arm bar. Saxon cries out in pain as Berry pulls back harder and harder on the arm. After a few moments, Saxon manages to fight his way to the ropes, but the damage is done to his arm. Berry releases the hold and pulls Saxon away from the ropes, wringing the arm before landing a series of kicks to his chest which see him drop to one knee. She then backs away and charges at him, connecting with a shining wizard and making a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Saxon kicks out.



MW: Close to an early victory for Berry Bishop there.

SD: But Saxon is still in it.

MW: What do you think of her approach with his arm?

SD: I like it. It takes away some of the impact of The Knuckler and will limit some of his suplexes too. She seems to have returned to her more kick-based style recently but she’s retaining some of the technical wrestling that she learnt just over a year ago.



Berry stands and stalks Saxon. He pushes up to one knee and Berry aims a buzzsaw kick but Saxon catches it and stands, pulling her in, leg trapped, for an overhead suplex. He takes a moment to shake off the impact of the kicks before pulling Berry up and grabbing a waistlock. He delivers a German suplex and holds on, pulling her up again. He traps the arm and then connects with a ripcord short-arm lariat before making a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Berry kicks out. Saxon doesn’t waste any time, pulling her up and setting up her up for a powerbomb. He lifts her but wriggles her down so her back is over her shoulder before gripping below her chin to lock in the Gory Special. The official check on Berry as she groans with the pain. The crowd begin to chant her name to give her the strength to fight it. She begins to struggle, freeing her legs and forcing Saxon to release his grip. She lands on her feet and connects with a hook kick before Saxon can recover. He staggers and Berry grabs a headlock, landing a running bulldog and rolling him over for a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Saxon kicks out. Ripley bangs the mat for him but Berry looks to be back in control. She lifts him up and whips him into the corner, landing a running high knee which she turns into a monkey flip. She then coils herself and stands stalking Saxon. He slowly stands as Ripley yells at him to avoid the kick. Berry unleashes Checkmate but Saxon does duck, pulling her down into a schoolboy roll-up.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry just manages to force her way out. The two of them stand. Saxon swings a right hand which Berry ducks, aiming a roundhouse kick. Saxon ducks and pulls Berry in for a snap German. As she rolls through, he charges at her and lands a hard penalty kick before dropping into another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry gets a shoulder up. Saxon doesn’t waste time arguing, instead standing and stalking Berry. As she stands, he moves in, leaping up and looking for The Knuckler, only for Berry to counter with a kick to the gut. She leaps up onto the middle rope and connects with a disaster kick before pulling Saxon in for a Berry Buster. However, Ella Ripley leaps onto the apron and grabs hold of him, not letting Berry land the move.



MW: The official has to get her down!

SD: Ella Ripley saving the match for her sweetheart.

MW: Wait a minute! What was that?

SD: What was what?

MW: The official is remonstrating with Ripley but she dropped some- it’s brass knuckles. Saxon has them on!



Saxon waits, hiding his fist from the official as he turns around. The fans boo as they notice what has happened, and Berry begins to stand. Saxon stalks her and looks for The Knuckler again, but Berry ducks it. The crowd cheers loudly as Berry lands a hard kick to the hand and the knux go flying out of the ring. Saxon reels around and Berry unleashes Checkmate before making the cover.



One…

Two…

Three!



Winner: Berry Bishop (11:25).



MW: Berry Bishop does it!

SD: And she’ll face Myra Lopez in an all-female semi-final.

MW: We’ll see about that next week, but tonight was a big win for Berry to make it to the semi-finals for the second year in a row.



Berry stands and has her arm raised by the official before she bows down to the crowd.



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



Backstage, The Dogs of War walk through the corridor before they’re stopped by Russ Bolt and Danica Jane.



DA: Look who it is…

BC: The man who couldn’t get a chance to face us because his friend doesn’t like girls.

DA: Get out of our way.



Bolt and Jane stand their ground.



DJ: Russ and Steve didn’t face you because Steve’s a man of principle. He won’t hit a woman on principle. That’s his choice but I support his reasoning.

RB: And, like you said, we didn’t get the chance to prove that we should face you.

DA: So what?

BC: If you don’t move, I’ll move you.



Bolt steps up to look Cable in the eyes.



RB: Well Clutch is a little busy with Bobby tonight… but there’s no reason he and I shouldn’t get a chance to face you.

DJ: I’ve got a better idea. Steve is busy… but I’m not. How about we team up to take on these two?



Archer laughs.



RB: Something funny about that?

DA: You two? How would your boyfriend feel about that, Dani?

DJ: Steve won’t fight a woman and he has a good reason for that. He’d probably try to talk me out of it, but he’ll support me just like I support him.

RB: So how about it? You need opponents for YLC3. So do we.



Archer and Cable share a look.



DA: I tell you what. You’ve proven nothing. So earn it. Next show, why don’t you face the only team that’s ever beaten us? Beat Death Squad and we’ll give you two a shot.

BC: If you beat Death Squad.



Bolt looks at Danica, who suddenly doesn’t look as sure as she was.



DJ: Well, Steve might-

RB: You’re on. We beat Death Squad on night two and then we get a shot at you. Deal.



Russ looks at Danica, who looks worried, as The Dogs of War walk by.



RB: What?

DJ: It’s just…

RB: What is it, Danica?

DJ: I know I said Steve will support me, but… maybe this is a bad idea.

RB: No way is he taking another chance from me. We’ll talk him round.

DJ: Will we? I don’t know…
Anyway, I'd better get out there for his match.


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



SD: “Watson, do you know what time it is?”



MW: “Er, it’s about-”



SD: “It’s main event time! And it’s time for Clutch McCloud to continue his quest against intergender wrestling.”



MW: “Yes, it is indeed time for our main event match between Clutch McCloud and the number one contender to the FPW World Championship, Bobby O. Clutch took exception to the manner in which Bobby became number one contender, defeating Berry Bishop to set the wining time in the Beat The Clock Challenge.”



SD: “Clutch McCloud believes that anyone could have set the best time facing a female opponent and that Bobby O doesn’t deserve to be the number one contender.”



MW: “Which is ridiculous. Berry Bishop is as skilled a competitor as we have here in FPW. Bobby was able to set a winning time while facing her, and there’s nothing wrong with that.



SD: “Perhaps Clutch is being a little narrow-minded, but his heart is in the right place. He believes there’s something wrong with FPW, and he’s taking a stand against it.”



MW: “I can’t believe you’d agree with him on any level.”



Steven’s response was cut off as ‘This Fire Burns’ began to play and the lights went out, leaving a single spotlight shining on the stage. Clutch McCloud was visible under the light, with the silhouette of Danica Jane behind him. The two of them share a kiss and exchange a few words before Clutch begins his walk to the ring.



Standing in the ring, Dasha began her introductions. “The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from St Louis Missouri and being accompanied by Danica Jane, Clutch McCloud!”



The crowd booed as Danica and Clutch embraced in the middle of the ring before Danica left the ring and Clutch turned to face up the ramp.



‘This Means War’ replaced ‘This Fire Burns, and cheers replaced the crowd’s boos. Bobby O emerged from backstage, pumping his fist at the positive reaction and nodding his head as the cheers only got louder. He glanced behind him, and CJ Holmes emerged from the back, slightly uncomfortable with all the attention. Bobby wrapped an arm through hers and gently led her down the ramp.



“And introducing his opponent, from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, being accompanied by CJ Holmes, Bobby O!”

Bobby stood in the ring with both arms raised as CJ led the crowd’s applause. He turned around and found Clutch glaring down into his eyes. Bobby refused to flinch and glared right back, eventually forcing the referee to step between the two and separate them, pushing them back into opposite corners. After checking with both men to ensure they were ready to begin, the ref called for the bell.



Match 5: Bobby O vs. Clutch McCloud (written by Mason):



Both competitors advanced forward and began to circle each other, both of them faking a shot at the other a few times, but neither wanting to make the first move. Finally, Bobby stepped in for a lockup, but Clutch booted him in the chest, driving him to the ground. Bobby looked up in surprise and then had to roll out of the way as Clutch went to stomp on him.Shifting his weight, Bobby kicked upwards and caught Clutch on the side of the head, stunning him long enough for Bobby to rise to his feet. He grabbed Clutch’s wrist and whipped him into the ropes, then attempted to trip him with a drop-down. But Clutch leaped over him and ran to the opposite ropes, forcing Bobby to shoot back to his feet and run into the center of the ring. But instead of the expected leapfrog, Bobby dropped down and slid between Clutch’s legs. Clutch quickly turned around, right into a rising knee strike from Bobby as he leaped back to his feet. Clutch staggered back, but Bobby didn’t let him get far, pulling him into a front facelock and then driving his head into the mat with a DDT. CJ and the crowd cheered as Bobby hooked a leg or a cover, much to the annoyance of Danica on the outside.



...1!.Kick-out!



Clutch powered out of the cover, but he was unable to defend himself as Bobby grabbed his arm and bent it back over his shoulder.



SD: “Bobby slowing down the match after Clutch tried to push the pace in the beginning.”



Clutch tried to force his way out of Bobby’s hold, but Bobby’s grip would not be broken. So instead Clutch used his free arm to elbow Bobby in the midsection several times. This loosened Bobby’s grip just enough that Clutch was able to rise to his feet, dragging Bobby upright with him. Now the leverage favored Clutch as he tried to pull his arm free, so Bobby switched tactics, allowing Clutch to escape the current hold, but maintaining his grip and then twisting the arm and pulling Clutch into a hammerlock. Clutch grimaced as Bobby cranked on his arm, then let out a growl of frustration and swung his elbow back again. Bobby released Clutch’s arm and instead caught the elbow, passing it over his head and pulling Clutch to the mat with an arm wringer. But instead of applying another hold, Bobby instead drew back is leg and drove a kick directly into Clutch’s shoulder. Clutch cried out and arched his back as Bobby ran to the ropes and rebounded, connecting with a sliding clothesline. Clutch went down, and Bobby made another cover.



...1!..Kick-out!

Bobby stood and pulled Clutch up with him. He made to whip him into the corner, but Clutch planted his feet and reversed. Bobby hit the turnbuckles, then exploded back out, hoping to catch Clutch off guard as he shook out his shoulder. But Clutch was ready and launched Bobby into the air and allowed him to drop face-first back onto the mat. The crowd booed, but on the outside, Danica Jane applauded while standing obnoxiously close to CJ. Clutch took a step back and caught his breath, then stepped back in and grabbed Bobby as he began to stand up. He scooped up Bobby’s leg and drove him to the mat with a fisherman’s suplex, holding his shoulders to the mat.



...1!..Kick-out!



CJ shoved Danica away as Bobby kicked out, trying to focus on the match at hand. Bobby was slowly rising as Clutch waited for him to stand up, connecting with tauntingly light forearms as he did so. Clutch turned to the crowd and spread his arms, taunting them as they cheered for Bobby to recover. He shook his head as the crowd only got louder and returned his attention to Bobby, who suddenly exploded upwards and began driving repeated forearms into his face. Clutch was driven back into the ropes, and the ref administered the five count, quickly stepping in to pull Bobby off as he reached four. But Bobby brushed aside the ref and charged back in, clotheslining Clutch over the top rope and to the floor. Danica hurried to his side and helped him to her feet, her head down and speaking with him. Bobby grabbed the top rope and launched himself up and over, landing on the apron. He took a moment to line up his shot and then went to deliver a superkick, only for Danica to pull Clutch out of the way. She smirked at Bobby, but her attention was diverted as CJ called out, “What, he can’t get things done without you?” Danica whipped her head around to glare at her, but CJ just shrugged, as if to say ‘What are you going to do about it?’ and Danica began marching toward her. But as soon as she moved out of the way, Bobby leapt from the apron, taking Clutch down with a crossbody! Danica whirled around as Bobby lifted Clutch up and rolled him into the ring. Bobby climbed to the top turnbuckle and dove, driving the point of his elbow into Clutch’s chest before he transitioned into a cover.



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



Bobby grimaced as he stood up and pulled Clutch up with him, whipping him into the corner. He charged in and delivered a forearm smash, then lifted him onto the top turnbuckle.



SD: “It looks like Bobby is getting ready to end this match, setting up for the O Snap.”



Bobby began to climb the ropes up to Clutch, Grabbing his head and pulling him into a front facelock as he stood on the second rope. He made to step up onto the top rope, but Clutch began using his free arm to deliver clubbing forearms to his back. Bobby was shaken, and Clutch was able to pull his head free from Bobby’s facelock. He continued to strike at Bobby, doubling him over as he remained balanced on the middle rope. Clutch looked down at Bobby before he took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around his midsection and launching into a sunset flip powerbomb! Bobby’s head and shoulders were driven into the mat, and encouraged by cheering from Danica, Clutch placed his legs over Bobby’s shoulders to make the cover.



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



Clutch stared in disbelief as Bobby continued to hold his shoulder off of the mat, but then a new resolve came over his face and he rolled back to his feet, backing into a corner and waiting for Bobby to stand back up. Bobby eventually did so, slowly rising to his feet, as on the outside, Danica began cheering for Clutch to end the match. Finally having enough, CJ walked around the corner to confront Dancia, the two of them exchanging heated words. This confrontation distracted Clutch for just a moment before he charged out of the corner, spinning to deliver the Technical Foul, but as he turned around, Bobby met him with a superkick! Clutch collapsed, And Bobby began to make a cover, but his attention was captured as Danica levelled CJ with a forearm on the outside! Bobby abandoned his attempt at a cover and hurried to the outside, stepping between Danica and CJ. “What are you doing?” he yelled, getting more worked up by the moment. “She’s not even a wrestler!” Danica simply shrugged and said, “oops.” This only set Bobby off further. “Oops? I’ll show you oops!” he said as he leapt up and connected with an RKO!



MW: “No! Bobby don’t do that!”



Inside the ring, the ref spread his arms, protesting Bobby’s actions but powerless to stop them. Behind the ref, Clutch, who’d seen the whole thing, rolled out of the ring and reached for Bobby’s jacket, fishing around until he found the lead pipe. He held it up as the crowd booed, then began to work his way around the ring. Bobby was unaware of Clutch’s actions as he knelt down near CJ, who was beginning to rise. As such, Bobby was completely off guard when Clutch smashed his pipe into the back of Bobby’s head!



Winner: Bobby O (DQ) (13:34)



The ref called for the bell as Clutch continued to lay into Bobby with the pipe. CJ tried to pull Bobby away, but Clutch shoved her aside and continued to beat down Bobby until security rushed down the ramp and pulled him back. He struggled with them, trying to reach Bobby again as medical staff began attending to him. They helped Bobby to his feet and led him away through the crowd as the security pulled Clutch back up the ramp.



The camera switched to show Mike Watson and Steven Deville behind the commentary desk.



MW: “Well, this match descended into chaos very quickly, and right when it was picking up.”



SD: “Yes, that the best way to describe this match, but based on what we’ve seen from both competitors, as well as both associated parties, there are extremly personal issues that need to be settled. I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing Clutch McCloud and Bobby O square up again in the near future.”