Young Lions' Cup III

[Jim Houston]

The show opens with Steven Deville sitting on a throne with cape and crown, the Young Lions’ Cup in his hands. He stares at it before looking directly up at the camera.



“Tonight, we crown our third Young Lions’ Cup winner. But what does it mean to win this trophy? It means winning a tournament. It means a guaranteed FPW Championship match. It means history. But it means so much more. For the bright young stars of FPW, it means the chance to become immortalised. It means the chance to put your name right at the top of the list of FPW stars. It means an opportunity. But it’s by no means a guarantee.



“Two winners. One on his way to becoming a legend. The other all-but forgotten. Marcus Allen Jones. Young, brash, arrogant as a winner. He saw an opportunity and he took it. Using the guaranteed FPW Championship match, Marcus first got the belt away from Adam Thompson and then went on to claim it for his own. Now he stands almost unrivalled as FPW’s best. James Saturn. Equally brash and arrogant. Winning the tournament to get a title shot that many claimed he didn’t deserve, he failed. He couldn’t beat the man most people regard as FPW’s greatest champion and he’s yet to recover.



“So what will await the winner tonight? Will it be the eternal glory of becoming Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion? Will it be a step too far for someone so young? Tonight, one of FPW’s bright young stars wins the Young Lions’ Cup, but this isn’t the end. This is the beginning. This is the start of a journey that could see them rise to the top of FPW or that could see them fall by the wayside as a could-have-been.



“Myra Lopez. Young and confident with the back-up of a powerful unit. Berry Bishop. Talented and ready to break through, but haunted by demons. Jace Mason. A desperate man on his final chance to reclaim what he believes to be his. Ella Ripley. A young upstart who pulled off a huge shock to reach this far. Elizabeth Karlson. A technical master who is changing who she is. One of these five will raise this cup. One of these five will be given a great opportunity. One of these five will be the Young Lions’ Cup winner 2020.”



The video cuts to the arena where Mike Watson and Steven Deville welcome us to the show.



MW: Welcome to Young Lions’ Cup III. And Steven, I couldn’t have said any of better myself.

SD: You’re right about that, Watson. This is a huge opportunity for one of these five wrestlers and every single one of them will be confident of pulling off a victory that could catapult them into FPW’s elite.

MW: We’ll discuss each match as it comes, but do you have a pick for the tournament?

SD: I like Liz Karlson tonight. She overcame a very tough draw in beating Go Shihei and she probably has the easiest draw of all now against Ella Ripley. Whoever she faces in the final will have come through a very tough triple threat match, and I think she’ll have a bit more left in the tank come the final.

MW: Don’t forget that tonight we also have three championships on the line as well as Marcus Allen Jones in one-on-one action against Tommy Saxon.

SD: I think we could have at least one new champion tonight.

MW: Are you betting against Artemis Evans?

SD: Never. But I am betting against all three champions managing to retain their titles in tough competition. Botiatus faces the second Guardian of Strong Style while Russ Bolt and Danica Jane take on The Dogs of War for the Tag Team Championships. I think we might see either of those belts change hands before this night is over.

MW: And don’t forget our co-main event tonight. Bobby O finally gets a one-on-one FPW Championship match- the match he would have been expecting after becoming our first ever Dead Man’s Chest holder- against- perhaps a little ironically- the first person who won the FPW Championship by using the Dead Man’s Chest. Without Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan at ringside, can you see her defeating such a talented challenger?

SD: Yes, I can. She’s FPW Champion for a reason and she’ll be FPW Champion until someone can prove that they’re better than her. I don’t think that’ll be Bobby tonight.

MW: Well let’s get to it. Our first match is the first of the two Young Lions’ Cup semi-finals.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a triple threat match and it is the first of two semi-final matches in Young Lions’ Cup III. Introducing first, from Puebla, Mexico and being accompanied to the ring by Thea Donovan. She represents The Queendom… ‘The White Queen’… Myra Lopez!”



The fans boo as the now-familiar ‘Checkmate’ intro leads into ‘Hammer to Fall’. Lopez and Donovan walk out together with smirks on their faces before walking quickly down the ramp, ignoring the crowd on their way to the ring. After Lopez climbs the apron, Donovan yells at the fans to show her some respect, leading to more boos, which Lopez happily soaks in. She steps through the ropes and climbs to the top, mimicking Artemis Evans in her pose before dropping down and beckoning Donovan into the ring with her.



“And her first opponent, from New Haven, Connecticut, she is a former Young Lions’ Cup finalist and a former Freedom Champion… The Bombshell… Berry Bishop!”



‘The Entertainer’ begins to play and Berry emerges through the curtain, bouncing around before stopping and bowing deeply. She performs her usual entrance of playing along to the music and then hopscotching down the ramp, but she’s caught off balance when The Donovan charges at her from ringside and takes her down with a knee strike. The fans boo and her music cuts off as Donovan lifts her and throws her powerfully into the guardrail. Lopez comes out to join her and they put the boots into Berry before the boos turn to cheers as Jace Mason sprints down the ramp to engage with Lopez and Donovan. He takes Donovan down with a hard elbow strike before connecting with a superkick to Lopez’s gut. Mason grabs her by the back of the neck and brings her to the ring, throwing her in and following.



Match 1: Young Lions’ Cup III: Semi-Final I: Myra Lopez vs. Berry Bishop vs. Jace Mason:



Mason whips Lopez into the corner and follows her in with a knee strike. He then drops down and lays into her with hard chops before allowing her to stagger out of the corner. As she turns, he connects with a spinning gut kick, before kicking out her leg and hitting the ropes, connecting with a low dropkick. He then quickly grabs her leg and locks in a half-crab. The fans begin to buzz at the idea of a quick win for Mason, but he’s taken down from behind by Thea Donovan and the buzz turns to loud boos as she puts the boots into The Eternal Student.



MW: This is not what this match is supposed to be!

SD: Hey, Jace Mason was the one who wanted another chance. He’s the reason it’s a triple threat match. And you know what he forgot?

MW: What did he forget?

SD: There are no disqualifications in a triple threat match! Donovan can do whatever she likes. Mason doesn’t stand a chance!



The boos continue as Donovan turns and reacts to the crowd. Lopez pulls herself up on the ropes, a big grin on her face, and the two of them move into Mason. Lopez lifts Mason and Donovan slaps him hard across the face. Lopez then shoves her at Donovan who scoops him up and drops him with a Michinoku driver. Lopez makes a quick cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Mason kicks out. Lopez is quick to position herself with her feet either side of Mason’s neck and twist, causing him to cry out in pain. Donovan then lifts him and hoists him up for a vertical suplex. She keeps him lifted for longer than normal and shouts to the fans as she holds him, before dropping him hard on his back. Lopez swoops in again and begins to stomp hard at his left knee. As she does, Donovan stands and drops a leg on the back of Mason’s neck. Lopez quickly switches her focus and grabs Mason by the neck, bridging over and locking in the Last Chancery.



MW: This is just taunting Mason now. Using his old move against him.

SD: And listen to these fans. They’re hating every second of it.

MW: And I don’t blame them. This is a disgraceful to this tournament.

SD: No. This is an intelligent group of women making the most of the rules they’ve been given. You can’t blame them for trying to win this match.



With the hold still locked in, Donovan continues the attack on Mason’s left knee, stomping on it and driving her own knee down on it. Mason struggles and tries to get to the ropes, but Lopez doesn’t let up, keeping him in positon. As he looks closer to submitting, the fans suddenly buzz again as Berry Bishop slides into the ring. Donovan goes to engage with her but she takes her down with a sudden Checkmate! Lopez breaks her grip as soon as she sees this and she tries to engage with Berry, but Berry blocks her with a leg kick followed up by a mid-kick.



Lopez drops and Berry calls for the fans to get behind her, which they do with great energy. She coils herself and stalks Myra Lopez, who stands and turns right into a Checkmate! Berry makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Thea Donovan dived on top of Berry to break up the attempted cover, and the fans boo once again. The official tries in vain to tell Donovan to get out of the ring, but she stands and drives a knee into Berry’s gut as she also gets to her feet. Donovan then pulls Berry in and connects with a fisherman’s suplex, which she doesn’t hold onto. She then stands and hits the ropes, connecting with a penalty kick as Berry sits up. Lopez dives onto Berry for a cover of her own.



One…

Two…

T-



Berry kicks out. Lopez looks over to see Mason beginning to get to his feet, and she orders Donovan to deal with him. Donovan grabs his wrist and pulls him in for a short-arm lariat before rolling him under the bottom rope and out of the ring. The two members of The Queendom then turn to Berry as she stands, and they move in on her. Lopez pulls her in and sets her for a half-and-half suplex, assisted by a hard superkick from Donovan. Lopez makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry just gets a shoulder up. The fans do their best to get behind her after the kick out, but they’re cut off as Donovan pulls her up and Lopez takes her down with a chop block, followed up by another leg drop from Donovan, again to the back of the neck. Donovan then stomps hard on the back of Berry’s head before Lopez grabs her arms and looks for Cattle Mutilation. Berry tries to resist but she can’t stop Lopez from locking it in. She cries out in pain and Donovan moves towards the apron to block Mason from coming in. Donovan yells for Berry to tap as the fans beg her not to. Mason tries to pull himself back into the ring, but Donovan kicks him away from the apron. She then turns to see Berry looks very close to submitting, but Mason takes advantage of her loss of concentration, using the little energy he has to get onto the apron and perform a wrecking ball dropkick back into the ring, sending Donovan back onto Lopez and causing her to break the hold.



MW: Now we might be able to see some fairness in this match!

SD: But at most it’s two-on-two. And The Queendom are far fresher than Berry and Mason.

MW: But Jace Mason is up to his feet, and he looks ready to hand out some punishment to Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan!



Donovan stands and is met by a hard forearm from Mason. She staggers back and he lands a chop to her chest. Lopez stands too and Mason lands a forearm to her as well, before alternating between chops for Donovan and chops for Lopez. The fans cheer themselves into a frenzy during the series of chops before both members of The Queendom drop to the mat. Mason then turns to see Berry get to her feet and the two of them stare each other down for a moment. They then nod to one another and turn to Lopez and Donovan. Mason lifts Donovan while Berry lifts Lopez. They connect with stereo forearms before landing pump kicks to the gut and then Mason points to the ropes. They each leap onto the middle rope and come down with disaster kicks to take both members of The Queendom down.



Mason then pulls Donovan to her feet and whips her into the ropes while Berry pulls Lopez up and coils herself. The Extra Credit and Checkmate hit at the same time. As Mason rolls Donovan out of the ring, Berry makes a cover on Lopez.



One…

Two-



Mason grabs Berry by the ankle and pulls her off Lopez. She looks up at him and he smiles, shaking his head as he rolls Lopez under the bottom rope. Berry pulls herself to her feet and her and Mason stare each other down, the fans cheering as the two face-off in the ring. Mason offers a fist, which Berry bumps, before the two of them lock-up. They jockey for position for a moment before Mason drops down and grabs Berry by the leg, taking her down and gripping her knee straight away. He looks to turn her for the half-crab but Berry quickly pushes herself free and scrambles to her feet. She looks up at Mason and gives him a nod, before they lock up again. Mason locks in a headlock but Berry quickly forces him to the ropes and shoves him across the ring. As he hits the ropes, she aims Checkmate, but Mason catches himself and barely avoids it. He backs off and gives Berry a nod as the fans applaud the two of them. Mason steps forward and offers Berry a hand, which she shakes, leading to more cheers.



However, the cheers are quickly cut off as Donovan and Lopez enter the ring and take down Mason and Berry respectively. They stomp hard on them as the fans boo them both once again. Donovan breaks away from Mason and yells at the fans, but Lopez keeps on Berry, focussing on her upper body as she drives her boot into her again and again. Donovan joins Lopez, who pulls Berry up and shoves her between Donovan’s legs. Donovan lifts her and connects with the Firebomb as Lopez shoves Mason through the ropes. Myra Lopez scrambles back over to Berry and makes the cover.



One…

Two….

Thre-



No! Mason manages to grab Berry by the ankle and pull her from under Lopez and out of the ring. The fans react loudly as Donovan leaves the ring and aims a hard slap at Mason, who blocks it and pulls her up in a fireman’s carry, delivering a fireman’s carry on the outside. Lopez follows and she catches Mason with a hard low blow as he stands. The fans boo loudly again and Lopez smirks as she pulls Mason up and onto her shoulders. She then drops him with a version of the GTS over the guardrail, causing Mason to collapse to the floor with his chin still on the rail. Lopez quickly lifts him and rolls him back into the ring, following after him and making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! This time Berry saves Mason by pulling him out of the ring.



MW: Despite throwing everything at this, The Queendom aren’t getting their way tonight!

SD: There’s still time! And Berry and Mason must be running on empty by now.

MW: Maybe so. But I’ll bet they’ve still got some fight left in them.

SD: Not with Thea Donovan back in this match they don’t.



Donovan spins Berry round and aims a superkick, but Berry ducks. Berry leaps up onto the apron and jumps down with a disaster kick to take Donovan down. Lopez, however, exits the ring and grabs Berry before she can get back to her feet, throwing her into the guardrail. She then reaches down under the ring and pulls out a pair of handcuffs. The fans boo when they realise what she’s doing, seeing her grabs Berry’s wrist and trying to wrap the cuff around her. However, Jace Mason grabs Lopez from behind and takes the cuffs out of her hand. He lands a series of chops before Berry recovers and drives Lopez back into the ring apron.



Donovan stands but Mason cuts her off, taking her down with an STO after ducking another slap. He then calls to Berry, who turns to see Mason backing away from Donovan and calling for Berry to send her his way. Berry lifts her and shoves her towards him, Mason taking her down with Extra Credit. Berry follows up by charging at Donovan and connecting with a shining wizard after Mason pushes her up. The two of them nod at one another and turn as they see Lopez beginning to stand. Berry coils herself as Mason moves over to her and pushes her towards him. Berry uncoils with a powerful Checkmate which causes her to crumple to the mat.



MW: And now we’re surely down to just Jace Mason and Berry Bishop!

SD: No! I refuse to believe that Myra Lopez is out of this match.

MW: But Berry and Mason don’t. They’re back in the ring and ready to give us the match we should have had all along.



Berry and Mason eye one another from across the ring before coming together. Mason lands a forearm and Berry returns fire, the two of them exchanging for some time before Mason gets the upper hand. He drives Berry back into the corner and lands another forearm before whipping her across the ring. He charges at her and connects with a high knee before rolling her out of the corner and hitting the ropes, connecting with a hard penalty kick. Instead of making the cover, he climbs up to the top rope, the fans cheering loudly, and comes down with a shooting star press. Mason then makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry just gets her shoulder up. Mason then stands and takes a moment to catch his breath before pulling Berry to her feet. He whips her into the ropes and looks for Extra Credit, but Berry elbows her way free. Mason spins away before turning right into a Berry Buster! However, Berry can’t make the cover. She rolls onto her back as a portion of the crowd urge her on to make the cover. After a few moments, Berry manages to roll over and she drapes an arm over Mason.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Mason just gets a shoulder up and the arena is filled with loud cheers. Berry holds a hand to her forehead before crawling over to the ropes and trying to climb to her feet. She manages, but Mason is doing the same on the opposite side of the ring. Berry runs across the ring and leaps onto the second rope, looking for a disaster kick, only for Mason to duck it. Berry lands on her knees and Mason quickly moves in with a low dropkick. He grabs Berry’s leg and locks in the half-crab. A large percentage of the fans chant for Berry to tap, but she fights against it. She crawls her way over to the ropes, reaching out for the bottom rope. Mason turns, looking to drag Berry back into the middle of the ring, only to see Lopez getting back onto the apron. Without dropping Berry’s leg, Mason connects with a thrust kick to take her back down, and then he drags Berry back to the middle of the ring. He drops down as low as he can go and, finally, Berry taps out.



Winner: Jace Mason (23:52).



MW: Jace Mason has done it again!

SD: Damn it! The Queendom had this one.

MW: No they didn’t! Jace Mason has it. He and Berry had to work together to overcome Lopez and Donovan, but once they did, Mason bested Berry with an impressive display of guts and determination.

SD: I’ll give Jace Mason credit for this one, but how is he going to win this tournament after going through a match like that? Liz Karlson and Ella Ripley must be licking their lips at having to face the man who can barely stand up in that ring right now.



Mason forces himself to his feet and staggers a few steps before the official raises his arm. He looks down at Berry and nods at her, offering her a hand. She grasps it and he pulls her up, the two of them sharing an embrace as Berry raises Mason’s arm. She leaves the ring and limps her way up the ramp, leaving Mason to acknowledge the fans, who cheer him loudly as usual.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Botiatus.



DB: Botiatus, tonight you make your third defence of the Freedom Championship against Hiro Takahara. Having faced Masa Tchyukiro, do you feel better prepared for this match?

B: Yes and no. I tend to be well prepared for my matches so I don’t think facing Tchyukiro has helped me to prepare for Takahara’s moves and abilities. However, Tchyukiro gave me a real war, the likes of which I haven’t had for a while and maybe I needed. So I know just how much spirit The Guardians of Strong Style have and I know the kind of approach I need to take. I’ll be ready to take a lot of hard shots and to have to give just as many of my own. I expect to leave with my chest in tatters and my head ringing, but if I’m still carrying this at the end of all that, it’ll be worth it.

DB: How do you assess your reign so far? A win tonight will mean you’ll have had more successful defences than anyone other than Jace Mason.

B: That would be nice, but I’m not settling for second best. I want the longest reign, the most defences. I vowed to make the Freedom Championship the kind of belt that can challenge the FPW Championship for main event status, and I still have work to do. My reign so far? I’d go six out of ten. I’ve had two good matches and have beaten three good opponents, but not quite the quality of opponent I really want to face. After I win this match tonight, I intend to take on someone who knows what it takes to compete with the best FPW has to offer.

DB: Can you tell us who you have your eye on?

B: Let’s just say I’ll be watching the rest of the Young Lions’ Cup very closely. The winner gets an FPW Championship match, but the runner-up will still have won two matches. Maybe they deserve a reward for it.

DB: And finally, you seem to have cracked Berry Bishop’s resolve and have made her feel confident enough to work with you. I trust that your intentions are nothing but honourable?

B: You sound like her big sister.

DB: Well someone has to… sorry.

B: Someone does. I’ve been granted a favour by someone and House Rules dictates that I must return the favour. This is what I’ve been asked to do. I want to help Berry to learn from someone who’s been around the block a bit more than her. I don’t know where it will lead- if she wants to form a team, I wouldn’t be opposed, but if she wants to stick to a mentor-style relationship, I’m okay with that too. Either way, I intend to help her to become the wrestler she’s capable of being.



Dasha nods her head but doesn’t try to speak as Bo makes his way down the corridor.



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MW: Now it’s time to find out who will face Jace Mason in the final of Young Lions’ Cup III.

SD: Ella Ripley shocked the world by defeating Marcus Allen Jones while Elizabeth Karlson won a much more even match against Go Shihei. Karlson must be the favourite in this one, and I’m sure she’ll want to get it done fairly quickly to make sure she’s the fresher wrestler going into the final.

MW: What do you think Ella Ripley will need to do to win this match?

SD: She needs to get into a rhythm with her suplexes early on. They’re her best weapon and they’re her way of hurting Karlson. If she can get a few of them in early, she might get the second shock win of her tournament.

MW: Other than her experience, what makes Karlson the favourite?

SD: Her technical ability. Her power. At this stage of their careers, Karlson is better and we know that. If she wrestlers anywhere close to the top of her game, she’ll be facing Mason in another Free-1 rematch.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is the second semi-final match in Young Lions’ Cup III. Introducing first, from Colby, Kansas and representing The Suplex Sweethearts, ‘The Colby Kid’ … Ella Ripley.”



‘Gonna Get Mine’ plays as the fans begin to boo. Ella Ripley and Tommy Saxon come through the curtain and share a passionate kiss before smirking to the crowd. Ripley heads down to the ring while Saxon makes his way to the back to prepare for his own match. Ripley climbs into the ring and looks out at the fans, looking dismissively at some young men in the front row. She stretches out as her music stops.



“And her opponent, from Phaildelphia, Pennsylvania, she is a former Freedom Champion… ‘The Renegade’… Elizabeth Karlson.”



The lights flicker on and off as ‘Turn It On’ plays. Karlson enters the arena backwards, showcasing her Renegades logo before turning and accepting the cheers of the crowd. She makes her way down the ramp and slaps hands with some fans while keeping her eyes on Ella Ripley in the ring. As she reaches the ring, she steps in and climbs up to the top turnbuckle, looking out to the fans before doing the same on each of the three turnbuckles. She then drops down and rolls back into a cross-legged pose, smiling confidently as Ripley look on.



Match 2: Young Lions’ Cup III: Semi-Final II: Ella Ripley vs. Elizabeth Karlson:



As the bell rings, Karlson steps forward and beckons Ripley to come and lock-up. Ripley holds back and Karlson moves in eagerly, allowing Ripley to catch her with a knee to the gut followed by a snap suplex. She makes an early cover.



On-



Karlson kicks out before the count of one and is quick to get back to her feet. Ripley takes her wrist and looks to wring the arm, but Karlson twists with her and pulls her into a fireman’s carry before transitioning into a spinebuster. She then sits Ripley up and lands a hard kick to her chest, causing Ripley to drop down and show her pain across her face. Karlson pulls Ripley to her feet and whips her into the corner, following up with a big splash and then whipping Ripley across to the opposite corner. She follows her in with a running forearm and Ripley staggers out, allowing Karlson to grip her around the waist and take her down with a German suplex into the turnbuckles.



MW: A strong start from Liz Karlson.

SD: A very strong start. Ripley got a little bit of a lick in but Karlson soon took control.

MW: And now she’s got a big shot in, she might be looking to end this fairly quickly.



Karlson leaves Ripley sat in the corner and she backs away before running at her and looking for a cannonball, but Ripley manages to slide out of the way underneath the bottom rope. Karlson lands hard and Ripley takes advantage, landing a slingshot elbow as Karlson sits up. Ripley makes the cover.



One…

Tw-



Karlson kicks out and Ripley immediately looks for The Ripper, only for Karlson to scramble to grab the bottom rope. Ripley releases her but not for long, pulling Karlson to her feet and into a Saito suplex. She then pushes herself up onto the middle rope and stands, aiming at Karlson and landing a leg drop bulldog before making another cover.



One…

Two.-



Karlson kicks out again. Ripley pulls her to her feet and lands a hard kick to her gut before lifting her for a vertical suplex, only for Karlson to drop down behind her. Karlson pulls her in for a second German into the turnbuckles, but Ripley over-rotates and lands on her feet on the middle rope. Karlson turns and Ripley lands a seated senton, holding for another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Karlson kicks out once again. Ripley bangs the mat and looks to the official, who makes it clear that it was only a two-count.



MW: This one seems to have turned on its head.

SD: Ella Ripley with an impressive showing. She’s matching Karlson here, although she seems a little desperate. I’d be looking to attack the arm much more rather than the quickfire moves and pin attempts that she’s looking for at the moment.

MW: I think she knows that she’s not favourite for this one. She’s looking for the quick win.

SD: She hasn’t found it yet, but she’s getting closer.



Ripley stalks Karlson as she gets to her feet and she grabs her and whips her across the ring. She pops her up and looks for a Samoan drop, but Karlson lands behind her and smashes a forearm into the back of her head. She then pulls her in for a dragon suplex before taking a moment to get to her feet. Karlson then stalks Ripley before driving her into the corner and unleashing a barrage of machine gun chops before allowing her to stagger out of the corner. Karlson then hits the ropes and comes back with a hard lariat to take Ripley down. She makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Ripley gets her shoulder up. Karlson then rolls over, bringing Ripley with her and up into a fireman’s carry position before dropping her with a TKO. Karlson then rolls away and steps through the ropes, climbing up to the top. Ripley rolls onto her back and Karlson comes down with the Brick Shithouse Bomb. She holds for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Ripley again gets her shoulder up. Karlson looks to the official before turning back to see Ripley pushing up to her knees. She backs off and signals for Full Fuckin’ Force, only for Tommy Saxon to charge down the ramp and climb onto the apron. Karlson turns as the official remonstrates with Saxon, only for Karlson to step up on the middle rope and land 3xF to Saxon! He drops down on the outside and Karlson turns, only for Ripley to leap up and connect with Starstruck!



MW: No! Not again!

SD: She’s making the cover!

MW: One….. two….. thre-

SD: No way!

MW: Foot on the ropes! Liz Karlson survives the distraction.



Ripley screams at the official as he points at Karlson’s foot on the ropes. She looks down at Karlson before yanking her foot off the rope and looking for The Ripoff, only for Karlson to pull her down into a small package and roll through before taking Ripley down with a small package driver. Both Karlson and Ripley lie in the middle of the ring as the fans cheer for Karlson’s counter. Karlson is the first to begin to stir, pulling herself up as Ripley gets to one knee. Karlson moves to her and pulls her up before landing a flurry of leg kicks to force Ripley down to her knees. Karlson then backs away and delivers Full Fuckin’ Force before making a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Elizabeth Karlson (9:12).



Karlson stands, holding the top of her hand, and has her arm raised. As Ripley rolls from the ring and her and Saxon support each other to make it up the ramp, Karlson acknowledges the fans before she points at the cup on its plinth next to the announce table.



MW: A big win from Elizabeth Karlson.

SD: A fairly quick win in under ten minutes, but far from an easy one. She had to free herself after Starstruck followed the the distraction.

MW: And now we know our final. Jace Mason versus Liz Karlson.

SD: Mason is the desperate man, but Karlson is the fresher of the two. I’d make her favourite for this final after that.



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Backstage, Aaron Williams, wearing street clothes, knocks on Jim Houston’s door. He enters to see Houston smiling.



JH: Aaron. Have a seat.



Houston stands to shake Williams’ hand and they both sit.



JH: I appreciate your coming here without a match. I’m sure you turned down another booking to be here today.

AW: I did. But I wanted to talk to you face to face to make sure what I have to say comes across in the most respectful manner possible.

JH: Okay. What’s on your mind?

AW: My match with Jerry Bishop. To be frank, it was a joke. It was an embarrassment. I’ve not had a match which has been booed out of the building since my first six months of wrestling. I’ve not had a match with a ‘boring’ chant for even longer. I know that part of that is my responsibility for not keeping Jerry under my control, but Jerry Bishop took liberties with me, with the fans and with you by performing like that. And with the greatest of respect, if that’s the kind of performance you’re willing to accept, then I don’t want to wrestle here. I thought this company was a serious place where I could wrestle some of the best wrestlers in the world, with some of the best fans in the world and with some of the best management in the world. I hope I wasn’t wrong.

JH: Aaron, I fully understand. I appreciate your feelings about this. I was very displeased with that performance and I’m not taking that disrespectful performance lightly. You yourself said that if Kerry beat you in a proper match, you’d be the first to come to me and advise me to give him an FPW Title match. I can assure you that that won’t be happening.

AW: Good. But that’s not going to make this right. I’m a big believer in restorative justice. If someone does something wrong, locking them away and throwing away the key doesn’t help. A punishment which repairs harm with the affected parties is the way that crimes should be put right. The fans lost out on a spectacle and I lost out on a match I believe could have been one I could show my grandchildren one day. Both of these things need to be repaired and that’s what I’m here for.

JH: Ok. You make a fair point. How would you envisage that harm being repaired?

AW: I want a match where you can guarantee that Jerry Bishop has to face me like a proper wrestler. At Opening Day- I love the name by the way- I want him one-on-one. No bullshit. You can make that happen.

JH: I’d like to book that match, Aaron. I really would. The fact of the matter is that you’ve faced one another twice and you’re tied one-apiece with both matches ending in a count-out. Ok. Aaron Williams versus Jerry Bishop. One more time.

AW: Thank you. But how are you going to guarantee that Jerry won’t just leave the ring every time I get the upper hand. And I don’t just want a no count-out rule or that kind of bullshit. I want a cast-iron guarantee that he will have to stand in that ring with me and give these people the match they deserve- the match I deserve and the match you deserve to take credit for booking.

JH: So you want a match where Jerry Bishop can’t possibly leave the ring? A match where he’s forced to face you one-on-one to find out who the better man is? A match where the only way to win is pinfall or submission?

AW: Yes.

JH: I’m glad we understand each other. I think I have just the match. We’ve only done this kind of match once before and it housed one of the more violent rivalries FPW has ever seen. It’s about time we ran this a second time. At Opening Day it’ll be Jerry Bishop versus Aaron Williams for the third, and I will add, decisive time. And that match will take place inside a steel cage.



After a moment, Williams nods and smiles.



AW: That sounds perfect. I promise you that I will give you every ounce of effort that I have to right the wrongs that Jerry has caused in our last two matches. And I promise you this- if Jerry beats me without any bullshit, I’ll still come to you and tell you he deserves an FPW Championship match. But any bullshit- any at all- and I expect there to be serious consequences.

JH: If Jerry ducks this match in any way, there will be. I guarantee it.



Williams stands and shakes Houston’s hand.



JH: Like I said, thank you for coming in today. I appreciate your commitment and your professionalism. You’re a real asset to Freedom Pro Wrestling and this match could be the beginning of big things for you here.

AW: Thank you. I intend to make sure these people get a show they’ll never forget.



Williams turns and leaves the room as Houston sighs and picks up the phone. After a moment, he begins to speak.



JH: Jerry… it’s Jim Houston……….. no, Jim will do just fine. I’ve just been speaking to Aaron Williams………………………………………. Yes, that Aaron Williams…………………………………….. He wanted to right a wrong. A wrong I very much want to see righted as well……………………………………………………. Whatever your feelings on Williams or on that match, it was a blip that I don’t intend to see repeated. At Open-…………………………………………………………………………………………………. As I was saying, at Opening Day, you’ll face Williams again………………………………………………………………………………………. Oh I’ll make sure the match happens as planned……………………………………………………………. Because it’ll be inside a steel cage……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Be that as it may, Jerry, if you find a way to cheat us of what ought to be a classic match again, you will pay the price…………………………………………………………………………………………………… You’ll be fired from this company for breach of contract……………………………..



The camera fades out to the sound of maniacal laughter coming down the phone.



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Match 3: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Tommy Saxon (written by Clutch):



Match not received. Marcus gets the win in around eight minutes, Saxon getting some offense in but not able to overcome Marcus’ superior ability without Ripley at ringside to back him up.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Liz Karlson.



DB: Liz, earlier tonight you secured your spot in the Young Lions’ Cup final for the first time. You face Jace Mason, a man you most recently faced in a losing effort in the Free-1. How do you plan to ensure a different outcome this time?

LK: Different Karlson, different outcome. I went away after Judgement Day II and I rebuilt who I was. Yes I rehabbed my arm, but I also refocussed my offense- and my mind. I refocussed myself on using different strengths- keeping the old ones, but also adding new ones to my repertoire. I showed that against Go Shihei and I showed it tonight against Ella Ripley. I get a second chance shortly to show it against Jace Mason. The Liz Karlson who he defeated in the Free-1 is dead. The Liz Karlson he’ll face tonight is ready to take the final step to the top of FPW.

DB: Jace took a lot of punishment against The Queendom and Berry Bishop. Does that give you an advantage?

LK: Look, I won’t condone what The Queendom did in that match. I fully intend on winning tonight and, if I’m honest, I’d love Evans to retain against Bobby O because I’ve taken one belt from her and it gave me greater pleasure that almost any other victory I’ve ever had. Since then she’s become more of an evil fucking bitch and she needs to be taken down another peg or five. We all know I’m the woman to do it. But, to answer your question, yes, it does give me an advantage. Did I ask for it? No. Do I like it? No. Will I use it? Fuck yes I will. I’m here to win this tournament and to win the FPW Championship at Opening Day.

DB: Do you have any thoughts on Botiatus suggesting he’ll be challenging the finalist? The two of you have some history together.

LK: I don’t plan on losing.

DB: But would you welcome a match with Botiatus?

LK: Maybe sometime down the line, after I’ve taken the FPW Championship, he can try to take a second title from me. I can assure you he won’t succeed a second time. But there are bigger fish to fry. Mason- I’m going to put you out of your misery. Then I’m coming for the champion. And I’m leaving with a new belt around my waist.



Karlson nods to Dasha and walks away.



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Match 4: Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. Hiro Takahara (written by Botiatus):



Match not received. Botiatus retains in a fifteen-minute hard-hitting clash. He then gets on the mic and officially challenges the loser of the YLC final to a Freedom Championship match at Opening Day.



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Backstage, Jace Mason stands with Dasha Banks. He’s already got strapping on his shoulder.



DB: Jace, thank you for joining me. What’s your condition ahead of the final?

JM: I’m a little beat up, truth be told. But no excuses. I knew going into that match that I’d be up against it and I expected to take a few licks. Maybe not as many as I did, but I didn’t expect to be going into the final one hundred percent.

DB: Are you in a condition where you’re capable of beating Liz Karlson?

JM: I know how good Karlson is. I know she’s evolved as a wrestler since the last time we met and I know she’ll be fresher than me going into this one. But I have one big advantage that she doesn’t have.

DB: And what’s that?

JM: I have no other options. I’m backed into a corner. Lose this match, and I don’t get another chance at Evans or a shot at Bobby. My chances will be gone. That’s simply not an option. Before Judgement Day II, I said that I didn’t know if I could win and that I’d just do my best. But now I’ve tasted that FPW Championship. I know what it’s like to be at the top of the company, albeit for a much shorter time that I’d imagined. I have to get another shot. It’s as simple as that.

DB: People say that desperate men do desperate things. How will you approach this match?

JM: The same as I always do. I’ll do everything in my power to win. I was really focussed on Berry and on Lopez. I didn’t focus as much on Karlson or Ripley. So I guess I’ll be flying by the seat of my pants a little in this match, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m capable of winning this. I’m capable of getting back into the FPW Championship picture and I’m capable of becoming the first ever two-time FPW Champion. In fact, I’m not just capable. I have to do it. That’s all there is to it.

DB: And what do you make of Botiatus suggesting he’ll challenge the loser of this match to a match for the Freedom Championship at Opening Day?



Jace looks at Dasha, a hint of doubt in his face, before simply walking away.



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We return to ringside with Watson and Deville



MW: Our next contest two tandems tying and tussling for the tag team titles!



SD: Did you seriously just say "tussling?"



MW: Will the defending Dogs of War stave off the onslaught of the Dynastic Duo of Russ Bolt and Danica Jane? Or will we see new champions crowned tonight?



SD: I refuse to let you gloss over saying the word "tussling". You're a grown man, Michael.



Dasha Banks takes to the ring for her introductions.



DB: The following contest is for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championships!



Drake's "Jumpman" comes over the speakers to a fairly mixed reaction from the crowd. Russ Bolt and Danica Jane take to the top of the ramp, Bolt hitting his "fadeaway shot" when the lyrics pick up. The two psyche each other up, generally ignoring the crowd and walking toward the ring with purpose, before climbing into the ring and pacing like caged animals.



DB: Introducing the challengers, Russ Bolt and Danica Jane, Dynasty!



MW: These two have been somewhat at odds with their brother-in-arms Clutch McCloud as of late, winning the tag titles here could bring some much-needed unity to the group.



SD: And you think McCloud will want to Freebird those titles after his repeated statements about intergender matches?



The music shifts to "Bury Me With My Guns On", and the crowd lets loose with a chorus of boos. David Archer and Braxton Cable swagger onto the stage with the tag titles over their shoulders. Archer draws his "bow" and Cable lines up his "shot", both firing as the chorus hits. They walk straight to the ring, staring coldly at their opponents and climb into the ring.



DB: And introducing the champions, David Archer and Braxton Cable, The Dogs of War!



MW: The champs have been on a tear since picking up the titles, but can they keep their momentum here?



SD: This one will come down to who's hungriest, and those dogs have huge appetites.



Match 5: Tag Team Championships: The Dogs of War vs. Russ Bolt and Danica Jane (written by Jerry):



The two teams deliberate for a moment and decide their starters. Jane and Bolt bump their fists like boxers, Archer and Cable simply nod. The referee calls for the bell and Archer and Jane circle each other. They lock up with Archer getting the better of it, pulling Jane in with a waistlock before unleashing a snap German suplex, tossing her away from her corner. Jane shakes out the cobwebs from the surprise but as she gets to her feet Archer hooks her and connects with a Russian leg sweep dropping her back to the mat. Archer immediately follows by dropping a knee to Jane's head and a snap kick to the face as she recoils. The crowd boo him heavily, but he smirks and holds an ear towards them as if to say "what was that?"



MW: Archer's not letting Jane out of the starting gate so far.



SD: He's keeping this match at the pace he wants.



Archer notices Jane stirring behind him and whips around with a roundhouse kick. Jane is able to duck under the kick and use Archer's momentum against him, catching his head and spinning him into a swinging neckbreaker. She runs the ropes and connects with a shining wizard before laying the boots to him with a Garvin stomp assault. She gives him a few more stomps than usual and is forced to stop as Archer reaches the ropes.



MW: Looks like Danica's found the green flag in this match after all!



SD: A NASCAR joke too? What is wrong with you today?



Jane backs off from the referee but shoves past them as Archer gets to his feet and grabs him for a huge belly to belly suplex before making the cover.



ONE!

NO!



Archer powers out. Jane grabs hold of Archer's wrist and wrenches it, slamming it into the mat, and pulling him roughly back to his feet by the arm. She forces his arm behind his head and down to one knee, but Archer wills himself to his feet and punches Jane repeatedly in the midsection, freeing himself. Archer runs the ropes and connects with a bicycle kick to drop Jane hard to the mat. He looks to continue the attack, but Cable motions to be tagged in. Archer gives Cable a "one second" gesture and superkicks Jane as she tries to get back up. Archer then nods to Cable and tags him, shaking out his arm.



MW: Archer with some disrespect here, needlessly toying with his opponent.



SD: Who says he has to respect anyone? He's one of the tag team champions, and here comes the other half!



Cable comes in and unleashes a barrage of chops to Jane, driving her into a neutral corner before picking her up high over his head and snake-eyes-ing her onto the top turnbuckle. He goes for a cover.



ONE!

T- NO!



Jane kicks out. Cable looks to Archer, who motions "one more?" Cable nods. He hoists Jane over his head, but Jane is able to drop down behind and flip into a Pele kick, stunning Cable and dropping him to one knee. She props herself to her knees as Bolt reaches for the tag.



MW: Jane's taken a lot of abuse this match, this may be her best opportunity to save herself.



SD: Cable's just getting started, let Bolt get pummelled if he's so eager.



Jane dives into her corner behind Cable's back, and Bolt charges into the ring with an emphatic flying forearm. Bolt runs the ropes and hits a dropkick as Cable regains his footing. Bolt pulls Cable back to his feet and whips him into the ropes, catching him with a scoop slam and making the cover.



ONE!

T- NO!



Cable powers out of the pin, tossing Bolt off of himself. Bolt pulls Cable up and looks to lift him into a powerbomb position. Cable counters Bolt's lift and hoists Bolt up and planting him with a running powerslam. Cable shows some frustration and sets himself up in the corner opposite where Bolt is recovering. Cable bull rushes him and connects hard to Bolt's midsection, giving him several shoulder checks to the gut before the referee pulls him away. Cable backs off and positions himself for another charge. Bolt gets to his feet and Cable surges looking for a big boot. Bolt sidesteps, leaving Cable to drive his leg into the turnbuckle.



MW: The Dogs of War may have the power, but Dynasty have the mental game locked down!



SD: He's lucky he's still standing, both of them are!



Cable hobbles a moment giving Bolt an opening. He grabs Cable around the waist and connects with a German suplex, inadvertently towards his own corner. As Bolt looks to follow up, Cable lunges forward and connects with a massive lariat, dropping Bolt hard to the mat. Cable nurses his leg and turns back to his corner, tagging Archer back into the match. Bolt gets back to his feet as Archer looks for a springboard maneuver. Bolt dodges aside leaving no one home. Bolt takes advantage and pulls Archer up. Archer slaps Bolt, who replies with a chop. The two trade strikes back and forth, devolving into a hockey fight situation, forcing the referee to separate them. Bolt feigns breaking apart before grabbing Archer's wrist and whipping him into the corner. Bolt looks for the Technical Foul, but Archer sidesteps and grabs Bolt into a sleeper hold and pulls him out of the corner. Bolt struggles for a moment before drawing Archer back towards the ropes and grabbing them. Archer takes the referee's full count of five to break the hold and separates, arguing with the ref to lay off of him. He turns around into a kick to the midsection from Bolt, doubling him over. Bolt wraps his arms around Archer's waist and mounts the second turnbuckle.



MW: Bolt looking end this one From Downtown!



SD: Well, if you're gonna do it, Bolt, don't wait a minute more! Everything's waiting for you!



Bolt powers Archer up and over his head. Archer frees his arms drops to the apron. Archer punches Bolt in the back of the head, dropping him hard to the mat to vociferous boos.



MW: What a cruel act! Bolt's neck can only take so much damage after all it's been through!



SD: Well, he shouldn't have hung around and let his problems surround him.



Archer climbs the top turnbuckle and looks to fly. Jane climbs through the ropes and dashes towards Archer, but Cable meets her halfway and snatches her up into the Titan Killer. Archer launches himself into the Star City Press and connects onto Bolt, making the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



Winners and Still FPW Tag Team Champions: The Dogs of War (11:10)



Rev Theory's "Justice" Archer and Cable let out growls of victory and stand tall over their opponents' prone bodies. The referee hands them their championships, which they rip away and climb out of the ring.



DB: Here are your winners, and still Freedom Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions, David Archer and Braxton Cable, the Dogs of War!



MW: It looks like the sheer forces of nature that are the Dogs of War were let slip once more tonight as they extend their championship reign even further.



SD: Nothing can stop these guys! I'll happily watch them cry havoc across the tag team division forever!



Archer and Cable stop at the top of the ramp and turn back towards the ring, where Bolt and Jane are helping each other up. The Dogs of War raise their championships into their signature poses, Archer using it as his bow, Cable holding his alongside his gun. Jane and Bolt sneer at the Dogs as they slip into the back.



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



Backstage, Marcus Allen Jones is walking through the corridor. He’s showered and has his bag over his shoulder. He walks past a security guy and the two bump fists before Marcus pushes open a door and exits into the parking lot. He fumbles in his pocket for his car keys and approaches a slick, silver BMW, but he stops when he sees Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley making out on the hood.



MAJ: What the f…. Get off my car.



Saxon and Ripley stop and they look at him. Saxon stands and squares up to Marcus, who doesn’t back down.



TS: You think you’re the big, bad motherfucking man in this company don’t you?

MAJ: I think I beat your ass tonight and I think I could do it again out here if you don’t get out of my face.



Saxon smiles and Ripley grabs him by the arm.



TS: You may have beaten me tonight, but you still lost to her. No Young Lions’ Cup for you little pretty boy. How does it feel to have the silver spoon yanked out of your mouth?

MAJ: What are you talking about, Saxon?

ER: He’s asking you what it’s like to not be handed whatever you want. FPW Champion, Young Lions’ Cup winner, Free-1 spot, big match at Judgement Day. You were given one of the biggest matches in FPW history and what did you do to earn it? Nothing. We’re the ones putting the work in and what do we get for it? Fuck all.

MAJ: I didn’t earn it? Maybe I wasn’t winning every match after I realised what a douche I’d been, but I was still putting up great performances and great matches. I had better matches last year than you two have ever had. I make money for this company and don’t you ever say I don’t earn my spot here because you don’t know how much work it takes to get to the top. You think you deserve better? Prove it. Get into the ring and let your wrestling do the talking. You may have got the better of me two weeks’ ago, but tonight I had my hand raised and deservedly so. So get out of my way and go and put the work in. When you do, I’ll be happy to take you on and see just how much work you’ve done.



Saxon and Ripley back off and let Marcus open the door to the car. But, before he can get in, they jump him. Saxon slams Marcus’ head into the car door and Ripley kicks him hard in the ribs as he goes down. The two continue to lay into him before Saxon rolls him over and mounts him, getting right into his face again.



TS: You entitled piece of shit. You took every shortcut there was when you were making your way here. Just because we weren’t here, it doesn’t mean we don’t know who you were. You tell us to put the work in when you hired others to do your dirty-work for you. We do all the dirty-work we need and we’re going make sure we step on you to get to where we deserve to be.



Saxon lays in another kick to the ribs before he and Ripley return to the hood of the car to make out some more.



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



MW: We need to get Marcus Allen Jones some help out there!

SD: It looks like Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley didn’t take too kindly to their losing efforts tonight.

MW: And they went about it entirely the wrong way. Speaking of which, we have a match tonight with an FPW Champion-

SD: I’m going to stop you right there. Artemis Evans doesn’t go about things in the wrong way. She earned the chance to get a title match whenever she wanted. She took that chance like anybody else would have done and now she stands as the FPW Champion. She’s facing someone who thinks he’s a big shot because he got rid of TakeOver 2.0, a group by the way that brought in the fans. Tonight, Bobby O has to prove that he can really be Mr. FPW.

MW: Bobby O has been on a tear recently. He ran through all of TakeOver 2.0, winning CJ Holmes back on his way. He then won the Beat the Clock Challenge to earn this match and worked with Jace Mason to make sure Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan won’t be the deciding factor in this one. Bobby O has earned a fair match against Artemis Evans, and we’re going to see whether or not Evans truly deserves to be FPW Champion.

SD: I’d like to point out that a truly fair match would mean neither of them had someone at ringside. Bobby O still has CJ Holmes with him. He had the chance to leave her in the back, but he didn’t take it. How is that fair?

MW: Well-



Watson is cut off by ‘This Fire Burns’, and a collective sigh goes around the arena as Clutch McCloud, dressed in a sharp suit, comes out from the back.



SD: And this is interesting. We know Clutch and Bobby have had their issues recently. Could Clutch be the equaliser to make sure this is a fair fight?

MW: We know why Clutch is coming out here. I’ll point out the irony of him being here when his own girlfriend decided to fight in an inter-gender match earlier tonight.

SD: That was her choice. I’m sure Clutch will support her.



Clutch walks around the ring and takes a seat at the announce table, picking up a headset.



CM: Watson. Deville. I’m sure I don’t need to explain why I’m out here tonight.

MW: To ruin another match with your preaching?

SD: Hey, hey, hey… show some respect, Watson.

CM: Yes, Watson. Show some respect. I’m here because once again we’ve seen a card stacked full of matches which normalise and encourage violence against women-

MW: One such match involving your own girlfriend.

CM: Danica took that match against my wishes. But seeing as this is 2020 and not 1920, she’s free to do that. I don’t have to agree with everything she does and she doesn’t have to do everything I’d like her to do. If management, Jim Houston specifically, weren’t such violent misogynists, the match would never have been booked and neither would this one. I’m here tonight to remind people that this kind of violence is not acceptable in any form.

MW: Does it also have anything to do with your ongoing issue with one Bobby O?

CM: I’ve already explained myself.

SD: Who do you have in this one, Clutch?

CM: I would like to see both of them listen to their conscience and decide to call the match off. But I doubt that’s how this one will go.



‘This Means War’ begins to play and the crowd begin to cheer before the music pauses and the cheers get louder for Bobby O, who walks onto the stage in his usual military jacket. CJ Holmes follows him and Bobby shakes out both of the arms to the jacket to show there’s no lead pipe. He then pops the collar and walks quickly down the ramp, holding a hand out for the fans to slap. Bobby climbs the steps and enters the ring, grabbing the ropes and leaning over them, pointing out to the crowd and smiling. He then turns to see Clutch at the announce desk and stares at him.



CM: You know what you’re doing is wrong, Bobby. You still have time to change.



Bobby shakes his head and turns back to whisper something in CJ’s ear before the music stops.



‘Checkmate’ rings out throughout the arena before ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Artemis Evans walks onto the stage, smirking as the fans boo loudly. She spreads her arms, FPW Championship displayed around her waist, and pyro explodes either side of her. She holds the pose a little longer than normal, allowing the boos of the fans to increase in intensity before making her way down the ramp, talking trash to the fans. As she reaches the ring, Evans walks around to the side before she climbs onto the apron and jumps over the top rope. Bobby steps forward but Evans shoos him away and steps onto the second turnbuckle, tilting her head back and spreading her arms, holding the pose as boos wash over her.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a singles match and it is for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship. Introducing first the challenger, in the corner to my left, accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, a former FPW Tag Team Champion from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… Mr. FPW… Bobby O!”



Bobby raises his arms to the fans as they cheer for him, Evans looking on with a disparaging expression.



“And in the corner to my right, the champion, a former FPW Women’s Champion, from Manchester, England and representing The Queendom… ‘The Glory Huntress’… Artemis Evans!”



Evans simply smirks as the fans boo her loudly. She then removes her title and hands it to the official, who shows it to Bobby and then to the crowd.



MW: This has a real big-match feel about it tonight.

SD: These fans seem to want to see Bobby O get the title match that he says he deserves. I think they’ll be disappointed.

CM: As they ought to be. Anyone who wants to see a man hit a woman deserves nothing but disappointment.



Match 6: FPW Championship: Artemis Evans vs. Bobby O:



As the bell rings, Bobby and Evans eye one another from across the ring. A ‘Let’s Go Bobby’ chant begins and Bobby encourages the fans to get louder. He motions to Evans with a confident raise of his eyebrow. She smirks and calls him forward, and the two explode into a powerful lock-up. Bobby gains an advantage, pushing Evans back, but Evans digs her back foot in and begins to force Bobby back towards the middle of the ring. After a few moments, they break their lock-up and back-up. The crowd break out another ‘Let’s Go Bobby’ chant as the two circle one another and then powerfully lock-up again. They jockey for position, neither able to gain a significant advantage, before breaking off again.



MW: A very even start here, neither able to gain the upper hand.

SD: Artemis Evans showing impressive technique to overcome Bobby’s slight strength advantage. A lock-up is about a lot more than just power.

MW: Evans hanging with Bobby. What do you make of that, Clutch?

CM: You don’t listen do you? She’s a better wrestler than Bobby, but Artemis Evans isn’t your typical woman. She can hold up to the violence of most men but a lot of women can’t. Showing men that hitting a woman is okay is wrong.



Bobby and Evans lock-up again, Bobby gaining an advantage this time and forcing Evans back towards the ropes. Evans performs a switch and backs Bobby up, but Bobby switches them again and pushes Evans back into the ropes. The official comes in to break them apart and Bobby breaks cleanly, backing up to applause from the fans. Evans comes off the ropes, shaking herself off and circling Bobby. She calls for a lock-up again and this time drives through the initial contact, forcing Bobby back into the ropes. The official comes in again and Evans begins a clean break before driving a knee into Bobby’s gut. The fans boo loudly but Evans pulls Bobby away from the ropes and takes him down with a snapmare before landing a hard kick to his back.



Bobby arches his back and Evans grabs him by the head to pull him up. She hooks an arm over his head and pulls him in for a snap suplex before floating over for the first cover of the match.



One-



Bobby kicks out. As he goes to stand, Evans catches him in a chinlock and grounds him again before pushing up and driving a knee into his back. Evans looks to transition into a Dragon sleeper, but Bobby wriggles free into the ropes. Evans stands and brushes off her shoulders as Bobby looks up at her. He pulls himself up and the two circle one another again. They go for a lock-up but Evans ducks in and grabs a waistlock. Bobby performs a quick standing switch and then takes Evans down with a belly to back suplex. He makes a cover of his own.



One..-



Evans kicks out this time. Bobby pulls her to her feet and drives her into the corner, landing a hard chop to her chest. Evans winces and staggers out, allowing Bobby to push up to the second rope and come down with a missile dropkick. The fans cheer as Bobby stands and plays to them for a moment before stalking Evans. As she stands, he grabs her in another waistlock and hits a German suplex, bridging for a cover.



One…

T-



Evans kicks out. Bobby maintains his grip around her waist and pulls her up, looking for another German, but Evans lands a series of hard elbows to break the grip. Bobby staggers away and Evans pushes him into the ropes. As he rebounds, she takes him down with a spinning wheel kick and takes a moment to recover.



MW: Evans with a good strike there to take Bobby O down.

SD: And now she can take control over this match. Bobby got his shots in, but this is Arty’s time to show Mr. FPW why he’s not all that.

CM: Mr. FPW. What a ridiculous nickname. He gave that to himself by the way. He hasn’t earned that name.



Evans stands and stalks Bobby. He turns and she drives a knee into his gut before taking him down with a well-aimed axe kick. She then pulls Bobby up and hooks both arms for a butterfly suplex. She floats over into a cover.



One…

Tw-



Bobby kicks out. Evans drags Bobby over to the ropes and places his head on the bottom rope before choking him with her boot. The official begins his count and Evans uses it all before backing away and extending her arms as the boos come down once again. Bobby struggles with his breathing and CJ comes over to him, but Evans moves threateningly towards her and she quickly backs away, her hand instinctively moving towards the back of her neck. Evans grabs Bobby by the back of his head and pulls him up, driving a knee into his gut again before hooking her arm over his head and lifting him, dropping him hard with a brainbuster. She makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bobby kicks out again.



SD: Arty is getting closer and closer to that decisive three-count!

CM: Bobby is struggling. Just like he should be. He’s still suffering from his disgraceful attack on Danica Jane.

MW: I’m not sure that links to this match. Evans is in control right now, there’s no doubting it. But it doesn’t mean that the match is over. Far from it in fact. We’re just over nine minutes into this one and it looks like there’s a long way to go yet.



Evans pulls Bobby to his knees and looks for a snap DDT, but Bobby lands a forearm to her gut to block it. She staggers back a step and Bobby pushes up, only to have Evans drive a thumb into his eye. The fans boo and the official forces Evans to get back. She moves back to Bobby and this time delivers the snap DDT before looking up to the top rope. Bobby lies on his back as Evans climbs the turnbuckles, extending her arms before she leaps for the moonsault, but Bobby gets his knees up and Evans rolls away. The fans cheer loudly as Bobby rolls over to the ropes and tries to get to his feet.



Bobby pulls himself up as Evans gets to one knee, and he is quick to close the distance. He grabs Evans by the head and pulls her towards the middle of the ring. He hooks an arm over her head and lifts her before planting her with a vertical suplex. He then pulls her up and whips her into the ropes before delivering an explosive powerslam and making the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Evans kicks out. Bobby doesn’t waste any time in getting up and pulling Evans with him again. He lifts her onto his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. He then looks for the fireman’s carry stunner, but Evans elbows her way free and she drops down behind him. She spins Bobby around and looks for the inverted STO, but Bobby elbows his way free this time before pulling Evans into a DDT. He rolls away and pushes up to his feet, moving back to Evans and pulling her up too. He whips her into the corner and follows her in with a running dropkick. She staggers as Bobby runs to the opposite corner and comes in for a second running dropkick.



Bobby then holds Evans up and pushes her up onto the top turnbuckle. He climbs and the fans begin to crackle with excitement as Bobby hooks an arm over her head. He hooks her arm to and tries to lift her, but Evans grips the top rope and blocks him. Bobby forcibly breaks her grip and looks to lift her again, but Evans lands hard right hands to Bobby’s midsection. He loosens his grip on her and she frees herself before shoving Bobby off the turnbuckle. He drops down but he lands on his feet and moves back towards Evans, only for her to kick him away. He staggers away and Evans comes down with a missile dropkick.



MW: A great counter from the champion.

SD: Did you expect anything less?

MW: Evans is showing that she can compete without The Queendom to back her up tonight. I don’t know why she leans so heavily on them.

CM: Maybe to protect her from the horrendous regime of violence against women that is so rampant here?

SD: Or because she can. Without them she could probably win most of her matches. With them she knows she will win most if not all of her matches. Evans is smart and she’s surrounded herself with likeminded women because it helps her career.



Both Evans and Bobby take some time to get up to their feet. The fans try to encourage Bobby to make it to his feet as quickly as he can, but he takes a second longer than Evans, allowing her to move in and drive a series of knees into his gut. Evans then steps back as Bobby recovers, before taking him down hard with a discus forearm. She makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bobby kicks out. Evans stares at the official for a moment before grabbing Bobby and lifting him. She drives him into the corner and lands a series of hard forearms before lifting him onto the top rope. Evans climbs and lands a few more forearms before leaping up and looking for a top rope hurricanrana, but Bobby catches her, pauses for a moment and lands a top-rope pop-up powerbomb!



MW: What a counter! This one could be over!

SD: No! Roll away Arty!

MW: Bobby coming down to make the cover!



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Evans just gets a shoulder up.



MW: I thought he had it!

SD: The champion is still alive in this match.

MW: But Evans tried something that we rarely see from her. She didn’t think that Bobby is a master of the pop-up powerbomb and she just gave him the opportunity to hit it in the hardest way possible.

CM: And he did so with glee. The man is a disgrace. And still they cheer for him.



Bobby puts his hands to his head and looks at CJ, who tells him to keep going. He stands and calls for the fans to get louder, which they do. Bobby slowly lifts Evans and pulls her up onto his shoulders. He pauses for a moment before this time delivering the fireman’s carry stunner. She drops to the mat and Bobby makes another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Evans gets a shoulder up again. Bobby takes a moment before rolling away from Evans. He lies low for a moment as he waits for her to get to her feet. The fans start to buzz again as they recognise what Bobby is looking to do. Evans slowly pulls herself up and Bobby positions himself, waiting for her to turn. As she does, he leaps up to grab her for the RKO, but Evans catches him, turning it into a desperation Guillotine Strike. The crowd are silenced immediately as Bobby drops and Evans rolls away from him, unable to make an immediate cover. Slowly but surely, Evans rolls towards Bobby and she manages to drape an arm across him.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! The crowd go wild as Bobby gets a shoulder up. CJ bangs the mat to lead the cheers as Evans looks up the official, barely able to argue.



MW: This crowd are coming unstuck after that kick-out!

SD: I’m sure it was a slow count. What do you think, Clutch?

CM: I don’t especially care. The official can count as fast or as slow as he likes. The match- and Bobby O especially- is still a disgrace.

MW: Be that as it may, the match is still going on as we hit the twenty-minute mark and both of these two have sustained significant damage, but both are still going in this one.



Evans slowly pulls herself up using the ropes as Bobby struggles to push himself up. She staggers for a moment before smiling and looking down at Bobby. She looks out to the crowd, who boo her loudly, before pulling Bobby up. She sets him up for a second Guillotine Strike, but Bobby manages to twist out of it. He leaps up for an RKO, but Evans pushes him away. He turns to find Evans aiming another discus forearm, which he ducks, leaping up and connecting with a jumping DDT. Bobby rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Evans gets a shoulder up. Bobby bangs the mat in frustration and slowly pulls himself up, hand on the back of his neck. He moves over to Evans and grabs her by the head to pull her up. He forces her into the corner and lands a series of jabs to the head and to the body. He then pushes her up and calls for the fans to get behind him again, which they do. He slowly climbs up to the top rope to join her, hooking an arm over her head. He sets her up and begins to lift her, but Evans again lands right hands to the body to block him. He releases his grip and Evans tries to shove him off the turnbuckle, but he holds on and lands a hard right hand before hooking the arm over her again.



This time, Bobby manages to deliver the superplex, holding on and locking in the O Snap! The fans begin a loud ‘tap… tap… tap’ chant as Evans writhes in pain. Bobby wrenches on the hold as much as he can, but Evans begins to drag herself over towards the ropes. Bobby tries to get as much from it as he can, but he can’t stop her from stretching out a leg and finding the bottom rope. The fans boo as the official forces the break, Bobby releasing fairly quickly. He then pulls Evans up and drives her into the corner. He lifts her onto the top turnbuckle again, looking to set up the O Snap once again. Evans however manages to stop him hooking the arm with a series of hard forearms. She manages to kick out his knee and then shoves him away over the top rope. Bobby drops to the apron and Evans kicks him hard in the chest, Bobby dropping down to the floor. Evans then stands and looks back before delivering a spaceman plancha!



MW: Oh wow!

SD: And that’s what Artemis Evans is capable of. That’s one of the reasons why she is our FPW Champion. Like it or not!

MW: But now both of them are down on the outside. The official left with little choice but to start a count. This match doesn’t deserve to end like this.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



MW: Artemis Evans is starting to get to her feet but there’s no sign of life from Bobby O.



Four……….

Five……….



SD: Yes! Arty gets back into the ring.



Six……….

Seven……….



SD: Oh how is this fair? CJ Holmes getting involved in the match.

MW: She’s trying to help Bobby O to make it back. She knows these fans don’t deserve this to end via count-out.

SD: After The Queendom were banned, she shouldn’t be out here.



Eight……….



Bobby starts to drag himself over towards the apron.



Nine…



Bobby manages to grab the edge of the apron and forces himself into the ring. The fans cheer loudly but Evans quickly grabs him and pulls him into position for a Guillotine Strike. Bobby again manages to twist free and leaps for an RKO, Evans pushing him away again. He turns into a cutter from Evans. She quickly scrambles to the ropes and climbs to the top rope, not pausing before leaping down to hit a moonsault. She holds the cover, hooking a leg.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Bobby gets a shoulder up again. Evans bangs the mat and screams at the official before turning back to Bobby. She backs away from him as he begins to pull himself up to his feet. She crouches in the corner as he stands, before running at him and looking for a silver bullet knee strike. She connects with Bobby and he drops to the mat, Evans quickly covering him again.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Bobby manages to get a shoulder up at the last millisecond again. Evans doesn’t bother to argue with the official this time. Instead, she pulls Bobby up and hooks an arm over his head. She pulls him up and it about to drop him with a kneecap brainbuster as Bobby drops down behind her. He shoves her into the ropes and, as she comes back, manages to connect with a pop-up powerbomb out of desperation. Bobby drops back but CJ bangs the mat and he quickly scrambles to his feet, staggering as he moves over to Evans. He pulls her up to her feet and drives her into the corner before lifting her onto the top rope. Bobby climbs after her and looks once again for the superplex which sets up the O Snap.



Bobby hooks his arm over her but Evans raises a knee into his gut. He pauses and Evans connects with a snap DDT onto the ringpost. Bobby slowly drops down and lands on his feet, but he’s out of it. Evans leaps off the ropes into a Canadian destroyer! She takes a moment before standing and lifting Bobby, pulling him in for another Guillotine Strike. She makes a cover, eyes looking out to see the fans’ disappointment.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner and Still FPW Champion: Artemis Evans (29:43)



The fans groan as the referee completes the three-count and they collapse back into their seats. Evans rolls off Bobby and raises an arm while she kneels on the mat, the official handing her the title.



MW: And there you have it. Artemis Evans retains in what I think might be the best match of the year so far here in FPW.

SD: It was an amazing effort from Arty. She proved tonight why she is the rightful FPW Champion.

MW: She did show just how good she really is tonight. No Queendom at ringside and she pulled out possibly her biggest victory to date here in FPW.

SD: And now these fans have to accept it. Artemis Evans is the FPW Champion.



Evans tells the official to put the belt around her waist before ascending to the second turnbuckle and extending her arms, drinking in the boos just like she did in her entrance. She drops down and then leaves the ring, leaving Bobby slowly to sit up as she makes hr way back up the entrance ramp. As CJ enters the ring and helps Bobby get to his feet, the fans begin to stand and applaud for him. He holds the back of his neck but raises one arm to thank the fans for their applause. As he and CJ stagger towards the ropes, Clutch rolls into the ring. Bobby turns but Clutch holds his hands up and walks past them, sitting on the middle rope and holding the top one open.



The fans cheer and Bobby nods as Clutch beckons him and CJ through. They both steps through the ropes and gingerly drop down from the ring. Clutch follows and stands in front of Bobby for a moment, offering him his hand. The fans cheer as Bobby extends a hand, but the cheers are cut off as Clutch quickly withdraws his, hitting Bobby with a low-blow. Bobby doubles over and Clutch backs away, waiting for Bobby to stand before delivering a vicious TarHEEL. The fans boo as Clutch bends over Bobby. “I’ll never shake your hand. Not after you used it to strike a woman. You’re a disgusting piece of shit.”



Clutch walks back up the ramp as CJ bends over Bobby and trainers come down the ramp. The fans boo loudly as they surround Bobby.



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



Backstage, a clearly-worse-for-wear Marcus Allen Jones limps out of the trainer’s room and is met by Jim Houston.



JH: Marcus. I came to see if you were ok.

MAJ: I’ve got a pounding headache and my ribs are sore as hell, but I’ll recover.

JH: Good. That attack wasn’t acceptable. I can’t let relatively new signees think that attacking people in the parking lot is how we do things here. I’m prepared to suspend Ella Ripley and Tommy Saxon-

MAJ: No.

JH: No?

MAJ: What Saxon said was right. I did take shortcuts. I did do things that way to get to the top. And you know why? Because it worked. Nobody could stand up to me. That’s the example they’ve seen and that’s the example they and others will follow if nobody stands up to them. It’s my fault. They won’t learn by being suspended. They’ll learn by someone standing up to them. Let me do what I said they ought to. Let me let my wrestling do my talking and prove my point. Let me prove to them, and to anyone else who thinks my example is the one to follow, that there will be people to stand up to them now. I’ll take them both on. A handicap match is fine. I’ll show them exactly where they are and exactly how much work they have to do before they can claim to be on my level.

JH: Marcus, I can’t-

MAJ: You can. You know my ability. You know that I can beat them, even with the numbers advantage.

JH: I’ll find you a partner. We’ll make it a tag-

MAJ: No. I want to do this myself. They followed my example in their actions so let me set the right example to others. I’ll face them both and I’ll beat them both. I can do this.

JH: Alright. I’ll let you know when we’ll do it, but I’ll make the match. But if they do manage to beat you, it’ll prove exactly the thing I want to discourage.

MAJ: They won’t. Trust me.

JH: Oh I trust you… I think.



Marcus nods to Houston and limps away back towards the parking lot.



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MW: Well it looks like tonight is not just a great night of wrestling but a night where certain people want to make a statement.

SD: Clutch McCloud did it and so did The Suplex Sweethearts. We’ve got their match with Marcus coming up and I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of Clutch and Bobby either.

MW: But that’s for a future show. Tonight we’re going to see our main event. The final of the Young Lions’ Cup. Jace Mason taking on Liz Karlson.

SD: Mason got here the hard way. A loss to Myra Lopez and he seemed out of it, but Jim Houston decided to give The Eternal Student a second chance at glory. I don’t necessarily agree with that decision but that’s what he did. Mason had to come through a tag match against Lopez and Thea Donovan and then a triple threat match which will have taken a lot out of him.

MW: Because Lopez and Donovan decided to add an extra person into the match.

SD: They did what the rules allowed them to do. Donovan came to help her stablemate and they did a lot of damage to Mason. But he came through it and now he’ll be in the final for the very first time.

MW: And he faces Liz Karlson, a woman who came through a tough battle with Go Shihei before out-classing Ella Ripley earlier tonight. She has to be the fresher of the two.

SD: Undoubtedly. She’s a big favourite for this one because of that.

MW: But you can’t count out the spirit of Jace Mason.

SD: Spirit will only get you so far. Mason will push through for a while but Karlson will have a lot more in the bank. She will want to take the match long and will pick off Mason. He needs to get this one done quickly but I don’t think Karlson will let him. My money is on Liz Karlson picking up the victory.

MW: And just remember: the winner of this match will face Artemis Evans for the FPW Championship at Opening Day. Artemis Evans has previous with both of these two. Her and Mason have tangled recently for that very belt while her and Liz Karlson met many times for the FPW Women’s Championship early last year. Who would Evans rather face?

SD: I don’t know. She’s beaten both. I think Arty would take Mason. She’s in his head. This is a new Karlson with some different things to what Arty faced before. I’d take Arty over either of them, but I think either would give us a very interesting main event at Opening Day.

MW: Well, let’s get to it. Ladies and gentlemen, the final of Young Lions’ Cup III: Jace Mason and Liz Karlson.



‘Afterlife’ begins and the crowd immediately get to their feet in anticipation of Jace Mason’s arrival. As the intro ends, Mason steps through the curtain, pyro and crowd exploding as he stands with one foot forward, although he grimaces as he plants his foot. He surveys the crowd and smiles, before stepping forward and coming down the ramp. He moves with a slight limp and only slaps hands with his right arm as he protects his strapped left shoulder. Mason climbs the ring apron and steps up on the turnbuckles, one foot on the top and the other on the middle turnbuckle, raising his right fist before he drops into the ring. ‘Afterlife’ ends and the arena is filled with a ‘Let’s Go Mason’ chant, which continues for a few rounds before it’s cut off.



‘Turn It On’ takes over the arena and the lights flicker on and off. Karlson enters the arena backwards, showcasing her Renegades vest, but she turns when she realises she’s being booed by the fans. She looks around the arena and gives a shrug before making her way down the ramp. She offers both hands to the fans and some reach out to slap her hands, but most hold back. Karlson reaches the ring and slides in, climbing up onto the top turnbuckle and being booed by a large percentage of the fans. She drops down and shrugs again before settling in the ring.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is the final of Young Lions’ Cup III. Introducing first, in the corner to my left, a former Freedom Champion, Free-1 winner and FPW Champion, from Seattle, Washington… The Eternal Student! Jace! Mason!”



The fans cheer loudly and Mason steps forward, raises an arm and recognises the fans. Karlson looks at him and nods to herself.



“And his opponent, a former Women’s Champion and Freedom Champion, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… she is known as ‘The Renegade’- boooo-, ‘The Brick Shithouse’- booooo-, ‘The Mistress of Fuckery’- booooo- Elizabeth Karlson!”



The fans boo Karlson once again as her expression remains neutral, her eyes focussed on Mason.



MW: These fans are clearly showing their favourite for this one.

SD: They may want a Mason victory, but they’re not going to get it. Liz Karlson sees the bullseye on the shoulder and she’ll soon work out that Mason has a bit of a limp.

MW: Karlson is well-prepared to exploit those injuries. But Jace Mason needs this win more than I think Karlson understands. He’ll be giving every last drop of effort he can muster, and that’s a lot of effort.



Match 7: Young Lions’ Cup III: Final: Jace Mason vs. Elizabeth Karlson:



As the bell rings, Mason and Karlson come forward quickly, Mason offering a hand. Karlson shakes it, but maintains her grip and wrings the arm, she brings it up behind Mason and quickly transitions to grab a wristlock on the left arm. Mason rolls through but Karlson rolls with him, wrings the arm and lays in a kick to the shoulder. Mason drops to a knee and Karlson grapevines the arm, bending it painfully around her legs. She grabs a crossface on Mason and applies pressure to the shoulder. He pushes with a leg and rolls over, covering Karlson.



One-



Karlson breaks her grip to escape the pin attempt. Mason quickly get to his feet but Karlson sweeps his leg and tries to apply a heel hook. Mason quickly twists away and pushes up to his feet, along with Karlson. He connects with a superkick to the gut, and Karlson doubles over, allowing Mason to take her down with a DDT. He makes a cover.



One…

Two-



Karlson kicks out. She scrambles to her feet again but Mason cuts her off with a knee to the gut. He whips her into the ropes and looks to catch her with Extra Credit, but Karlson grabs the arm and brings Mason down, locking in a Fujiwara arm bar. She wrenches back and drives her right elbow into his shoulder. Mason grimaces with pain and quickly scrambles over to the ropes, forcing the break. Karlson releases her hold but she quickly stands and lands a couple of kicks to the shoulder. Mason slides under the bottom rope to try and take a breather, but Karlson follows, grabbing the arm again. Mason, however, lands a couple of hard kicks to the leg and frees his arm.



He then leaps up with a gamegiri to stagger Karlson before whipping her towards the guardrail. Karlson, however, manages to stop herself and, as Mason follows her in, she lifts him onto her shoulders and delivers a Death Valley driver into the guardrail. Mason crumples to the floor and Karlson stomps on his shoulder again.



SD: This is exactly what I expected to see from Karlson. She knows Mason can’t go as long as she can in this match so she’s waiting for him to make mistakes and she’s punishing him, while targeting his injuries.

MW: And Mason is in trouble with Karlson on the outside. She’s a dangerous woman at the best of time, but out here she’ll be looking to cause some serious damage.

SD: She will indeed. And here we go.



Karlson pulls Mason to his feet and lands an exploder into the guardrail. She then rolls Mason towards her and pulls him into a deadlift German, before rolling him back into the ring. Karlson climbs the turnbuckles and points down at Mason before landing a Brick Shithouse Bomb. She holds for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason gets a shoulder up. Karlson then lifts him into a seated position and hits the ropes, looking for a sliding lariat, only for Mason to duck down to avoid it. He pushes up to his feet and pulls Karlson in, lifting her and delivering a falcon arrow. Mason rolls backwards and stalks Karlson before running at the ropes. He leaps up and then comes off with a disaster kick. He then quickly grabs Karlson’s leg and looks for the half-crab, but Karlson wriggles free and pulls herself onto the apron. Mason moves in, but Karlson drives a shoulder into his gut. He doubles over and she looks for the Full Fuckin’ Force, only for Mason to avoid the axe kick and set himself before slingshotting over the rope and landing a slingshot DDT to the apron!



MW: That was some impact!

SD: Karlson is in big trouble!

MW: But Mason is holding his right leg… it looks like he’s tweaked it further.

SD: With Karlson down like she is, it might not make a difference. Mason might have this one won now.



Mason pushes Karlson back under the bottom rope and he then climbs the top turnbuckles. He comes down with a shooting star press and holds for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Karlson get her shoulder up and the fans groan. Mason stands, shakes off his right leg and his left arm, and stalks Karlson. As she pulls herself up on the ropes, he grabs her and whips her across the ring, looking again for Extra Credit. Karlson, however, ducks under his grip and hits the opposite ropes, rebounding with a powerful lariat to the back of Mason’s head. Mason hits the mat hard and Karlson takes a moment before pulling him up. She clutches the wrist and lifts Mason onto her shoulders, delivering the Baker Buster and then holding on for a cross-arm breaker to the left arm.



Mason desperately looks to clasp his wrists to prevent the full extension, but Karlson rips at them and forces him to break his grip, yanking back on the arm. Mason cries out in pain but is quite quickly able to wriggle his legs over to the ropes. Karlson releases her grip and then she rolls Mason to the apron. Karlson follows and she pulls him up. Karlson lands a hard elbow strike and she pulls Mason in to lift him for a powerbomb. He resists, but Karlson powers him up, only for Mason to drop down behind her, his leg buckling a little as he lands.



Karlson turns and lands a hard kick to the mid-section. Mason doubles over and Karlson grabs him for a German suplex. She lifts him and then drops him right on the back of his neck on the apron. He rolls off the apron to the floor and Karlson follows up with a mushroom stomp. She quickly pulls him up and rolls him back into the ring, making a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Mason just gets a shoulder up and the fans cheer loudly. Karlson grabs his left arm and looks for another cross arm-breaker, only for Mason to roll over into a roll-up.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Karlson just escapes, much to the crowd’s disappointment. Karlson is first to her feet as Mason kneels, and she looks for a kick to the chest, but Mason catches it, standing up and countering with a dragon screw leg whip. Mason drops down to the mat and calls for the fans to help him build his momentum again. They begin another ‘Let’s Go Mason’ chant and he uses it to help him push up. As Karlson turns, Mason lands a kick to the gut and then he whips her into the corner. Mason follows up with a high knee and then pulls her out into an STO. Mason makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Karlson kicks out. Mason then stands and calls to the fans again, who are coming alive as he builds his momentum. Mason then pulls Karlson up and connects with a snapmare, hitting the ropes and landing a hard penalty kick before grabbing her left leg and quickly stepping over to lock in the half-crab. A loud chant of ‘tap… tap… tap’ fills the arena and Mason squats as low as he can. Karlson tries to wriggle her way towards the ropes but Mason resists. Karlson switches her focus to Mason’s right leg, and she lays into it, forcing Mason to break the hold and drop to the mat.



MW: An intelligent escape from Karlson.

SD: This match has been all over the place. I’d say Karlson has an advantage now, but I have no idea what’s going to happen next.

MW: Well it’s Karlson getting to her feet here.



Karlson sees Mason down in all fours and she runs at him, stepping up and connecting with Full Fuckin’ Force. The fans go deathly quiet as she makes the cover.



One…

Two….

Thre-



No! Mason just gets a shoulder up. The fans leap to their feet and Karlson stares at the official in disbelief. He shrugs his shoulders and tells her it was just two. Karlson looks down at Mason and then stands, reaching down and pulling him up between her legs. She pulls him up for Absolute Fuckery, but Mason drops down behind her. He grabs her and whips her into the ropes. Karlson comes off the ropes and steps up, looking for 3xF, only for Mason to avoid the axe kick and catch her as she comes down, connecting with Extra Credit! Mason makes a quick cover.



One…

Two…

Three!



Young Lions’ Cup III Winner: Jace Mason (14:13)



MW: Jace Mason! Jace Mason has won the Young Lions’ Cup!

SD: And he will-



Deville is cut off by The Queendom as all three of them rush the ring. They take Mason down from behind and begin to lay into him as the fans boo loudly. Evans orders Lopez to grab the Young Lions’ Cup from the outside and bring it into the ring. They hand it to Evans and she lifts it over her head, about to bring it down on Mason when it’s grabbed from out of her hands by Aaron Williams. The fans cheer as Williams takes Lopez down with a superkick and then Donovan with a mid-kick. Evans grabs the Cup from him and looks to strike him with it, but he ducks, kicks her in the gut and takes her down with a DDT. As Donovan and Lopez come back at him, Mason stands and lands a superkick to Lopez’s gut before taking a charging Donovan down with an Extra Credit.



Lopez leaves the ring and takes Evans with her, Donovan rolling away too. Mason stands and points out to Evans, yelling that he’s coming to take his title back. As Evans scrambles away up the ramp, Mason turns to see Aaron Williams holding the Young Lions’ Cup. Mason moves to him and Williams shakes his hand before handing over the trophy. Mason steps up onto the top rope and holds it up, the fans cheering loudly.