Opening Day Promo Thread

[Jim Houston]

Road to Opening Day- Sunday March 15th:
Berry Bishop vs. Danica Jane (Houston to Write)
The Queendom vs. Death Squad (Mason to Write)
Jim Houston makes an announcement about the Wrestlemania weekend shows (Houston to Write)
Jace Mason and Aaron Williams vs. Artemis Evans and Jerry Bishop (Houston to Write)

Opening Day- Sunday March 29th:
Marcus Allen Jones vs. The Suplex Sweethearts (Match Writer Needed)
Tag Team Championships: The Dogs of War vs. The Guardians of Strong Style (Jerry to Write)
Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. Elizabeth Karlson (Mason to Write)
Revolution-X vs. The Queendom (Match Writer Needed)
Clutch McCloud vs. Bobby O (Houston to Write)
Steel Cage Match: Aaron Williams vs. Jerry Bishop (Houston to Write)
FPW Championship: Artemis Evans vs. Jace Mason (Houston to Write)

Please let me know if you can write a match. Please only take a match if you're confident you'll be able to deliver it. We've been missing quite a few matches recently, and it will be limiting the enjoyment of some people, myself included.

[Jim Houston]

Sato stands outside Jim Houston’s office and knocks on the door. He enters and Houston looks up, smiling.

JH: Sato. Please, sit.

Sato bows to Houston and then sits.

JH: What brings you here?
S: I say thank you. Guardians of Strong Style given chances to have single matches. Guardians of Strong Style not win matches, but Guardians of Strong Style learn from matches. Wanted to get better as singles to get better as team. Takahara-San and Tchyukiro-San better. Ready for rematch. I here to request Dogs of War versus Guardians of Strong Style for Tag Team Championships.
JH: Hmmm... well, first of all I appreciate your thanks. Takahara and Tchyukiro may not have won much, but they’ve given us some good matches, especially against Botiatus. I hope you’ll consider allowing them to continue to compete in singles matches. As for your request... I’ll grant it. On one condition. If there’s another team which wishes to make a challenge, your Guardians of Strong Style first must beat them to earn their chance.
S: I accept. Guardians of Strong Style will be three-time champions. First ever.

Sato stands and bows to Houston, who nods in response before Sato walks out of his office. Houston makes a note on a pad of paper before his phone rings. He looks at the display, frowns and then answers it.

JH: I didn’t expect to be hearing from you. What can I do for you?

JH: Hmmm.... I doubt that will be a problem.

JH: I’m sure it wouldn’t preclude a special appearance. Strictly to talk to the fans of course. Nothing more than that, you understand? In this situation we can’t do a match.

JH: I’m sure you’re very much in demand for that weekend. But the Sunday would be perfect. I can give you a prime spot too. I have the perfect place on the card for a bit of something different.

JH: Then I’ll see you in Tampa. Good to hear from you.

Houston disconnects the call and then smiles before making another call.

JH: Hi. It’s Houston. My Mania weekend announcement just got a bit more interesting. I- hang on.

Houston stands up and ushers the cameraman out of the room, closing the door.

[marileeg17]

FPW.com Exclusive

Frustrated, Bobby makes his way to the back with CJ by his side. She hands him his jacket, which instinctively, Bobby puts his hands in the empty pockets before looking back at CJ inquisitively.

BO: I wish you had asked me before throwing out the Great Equalizer.

CJ at first looks confused but then frowns.

CJ: You named it?

Bobby doesn't say anything causing CJ to sigh.

CJ: Bobby, can you see now why I was right to be concerned that you still had that thing? Look, I know the history there, probably better than anybody. You carried that thing around as a reminder, as motivation. To never let it happen again. But look what did happen. Every single person in that locker room knows you carry it to the ring. That means it's as much a weapon for you to use as it is for them. And that's what Clutch did. So when I saw the pipe, with your blood fresh on it, I knew what I had to do.

A few seconds of silence pass before Bobby looks up at CJ, a mixture of emotions on his face.

BO: You had no right...What am I supposed to do now, huh? I've got a target on my back and the one thing I could always rely on was the pipe. Now it's gone. Maybe if I had it, today would have gone differently...

CJ: You're right Bobby. Maybe if you had it, I would have been walking you back here like I did two weeks ago, with blood dripping from your lip and your head totally swelled. Maybe you're right that I shouldn't have taken it upon myself to do what I did, but I don't regret it. I promised no one would ever get hurt with that thing again and I meant it.

Another few seconds pass before Bobby sighs and turns his attention back to CJ.

BO: I'm not mad at you...I mean, yeah, I wish you hadn't trashed my property but I know why you did it and I know that the pipe, I know it holds some bad memories for you.

Bobby cups CJ's face in his hands.

BO: I don't need an equalizer. Not when I have you. I just, I'm frustrated Cee Cee. I came to Freedom Pro to make amends. I came here to make things right. To get my career back on track. But I feel like all I've done here has been haunted by my past. First Jack, now Clutch. Why can't I just move forward without the past constantly hanging over my head? I mean, I know I would have won tonight if Clutch hadn't been ringside. He and I, we're supposed to be even. But now this stupid crusade which has nothing to do with me and we're right back there. I feel like I'm in WWE again, ready for the biggest moment of my career only for him to mastermind taking it away. Kinda like today. And yeah, honestly, my first inclination is to grab the pipe and break his kneecaps but that's not an option anymore and maybe it shouldn't be. I don't like flashing back to that time or what that does to me. I've gotten my life back on track. I'm not gonna let him take it away from me.

CJ protectively and affectionately puts her arms around Bobby's shoulders and lightly rubs his back.

CJ: Have you talked to your brother? I know he reached out...

Bobby sighs.

BO: I texted him back but I can't call him. Not now. He knows I've forgiven him but it's still hard, especially now. I guess it helps this time though knowing he's got my back. I'm trying to trust that but it's not easy. Trusting people, it's never worked out in my favor.

CJ bites her lip almost afraid to ask.

CJ: Do you...do you trust me? Because if you trust me and trust that I have your back, don't worry about Clutch. We can handle him. We can handle anything.

BO: I trust you. I do. But I can't have you out there. He claims he'd never put a hand on a woman, but I don't buy it. This intergender crusade is a joke. He's wrestled women before but now all of a sudden, he's got a problem with it. Nah, this ain't about intergender wrestling. This is about him feeling he still owes me a receipt for 50/50. He may be talking the talk now but he's not above striking a woman and I refuse to have him use you to get to me.

CJ frowns.

CJ: You told me this week was my choice. That if I wanted to be ringside you wouldn't stop me. Are you saying you'd prevent me from coming out with you during the match if it happens?

BO: Oh it's going to happen. One way or the other, Clutch and I are settling this. I spent months with Jack affecting my every move. I'm not doing that again. The Free-1 will be here soon enough and I refuse to go into that tourney, to finally get into that tourney, with anything hanging over my head. Clutch is my past and if Houston doesn't make the match, I'll handle him my way. But to answer your question, I know I can't stop you. I'm just asking that you consider it, really consider it. At least before I could have given you the pipe to protect yourself but now...Well, anyway, I need to be able to focus on winning the match and I don't think I will be if I'm worried about you at ringside so please, think about it.

CJ nods.

CJ: Whatever you need me to do, I'll do.

BO: Thanks. Hey, I think I left my phone in my bag. Would you mind checking the locker room for it?

CJ: Of course. You're gonna go see the medic right?

BO: Promise.

CJ kisses Bobby on the forehead before making her way to the locker room area. As she's out of sight, we see Bobby flip a table in anger startling a few technicians.

BO: One way or another Clutch, our story is about to end...One way...or another.

[Jim Houston]

The video begins with Dasha Banks in close up. She has slightly gritted teeth and a seemingly forced smile.

DB: Welcome to my exclusive sit-down interview with former Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion, MDE. MDE, there’s a lot to discuss but I’d like to begin with what you consider to be your status at the moment. Are you an active wrestler? A manager? A trainer?

MDE: I’m a little of all of those things. When I first lost my focus after the FPW Championship match against Baker I questioned whether or not I was good enough to be a professional wrestler anymore. Obviously I was, and I could have floated around earning a half-decent living doing small-time shows in front of small audiences, but I didn’t want that for myself. If I wasn’t going to be the best, or competing with the best, then I didn’t want to wrestle anymore. So I decided to do two things. The first, as you well know, was to send my message to Jerry Bishop. I knew he was in a slump even worse than mine but I also knew how good he could be. That was around a year ago. So I started the journey towards becoming a manager-type figure for Jerry. I also set up my own wrestling school back in England. Wrestling is all I’ve done. In truth, it’s all I think I can do. So training others who I felt had the spark that I lacked seemed to be the natural next step once I decided to take a step back from in-ring competition. I spend some time there myself but most of my focus is here and is on Jerry. However, I do still consider myself to be an active wrestler. I may not have wrestled much since Judgement Day II, but when the time comes, I’ll be back in that ring.

DB: And what would you consider to be the right opportunity for you to get back in the ring?

MDE: I don’t have a set requirement. Maybe it’ll be in singles action or maybe a team with Jerry. We’ve worked a lot as a tag team in training and I expect us to enter the All Star Tag Team Classic this year. In fact, I expect us to win the All Star Tag Team Classic this year and I expect us to become the Tag Team Champions. That would get me back in the ring, and a chance to earn back the FPW Championship probably would too.

DB: What exactly do you get out of this relationship with Jerry? We’ve seen what he thinks he gets- we’ve seen his improvements, but what’s in it for you or do you consider yourself a Good Samaritan?

MDE: I wouldn’t have done this without having something to gain. Like I said, I did it when I felt at my lowest point as a wrestler. I was questioning whether or not wrestling was right for me. I did it because Jerry had the spark that I felt was lacking in me. He had the spark and he showed it sometimes but, as I know he will happily admit, he had no idea how to properly utilise it. I was the one who got his mindset right. I was the one who focussed him. I turned a hyperactive lovable loser into the man who goes into the ring and knows nobody can touch him. The Joker is as much down to me as it is to Jerry. Now, there are certain things that I can’t and won’t take credit for- I don’t care for the theatrics and Jerry knows that, but he has the right to make his own choices. But the question was what do I get out of it. I get several things- relevance being one. Another is the satisfaction of turning someone who seemed destined to never fulfil his potential into the wrestler I knew he could be. Another is the chance to improve myself by working alongside him. I don’t do anything if it won’t get me something in return and working with Jerry is already paying dividends.

DB: You took a man who was loved by the fans- and everyone else around here- and you turned him into... you changed him. Why is The Joker an improvement? How do you get to make that judgement?

MDE: I’m not. The tape is and the results are. Jerry Bishop hasn’t been pinned and nor has he submitted since the match with Baker in the Free-1 last year and that was the fault of Bobby O. Jerry is better now than ever before. He dominated Berry at Judgement Day. He had Williams beaten at Launch Party. He’ll beat Williams at Opening Day and, when Houston finally gives Jerry what he deserves, he’ll take the FPW Championship and I can’t think of one person who will take it from him. Jerry Bishop is the best natural wrestler in FPW and now he’s the most focussed. He has the best gameplans and he knows how to execute them without getting distracted and starting to play to the crowd. What’s more is that he steps into the ring and he can do whatever he wants to whomever he wants and nobody can stop him. You saw his match with Williams. He was toying with him. That demonstrated to the whole world how good Jerry is now. You may not want to see it, but it’s staring you in the face and one day you’ll have to accept it.

DB: You mention Aaron Williams. He and... he will meet the man he most wants to beat inside a steel cage at Opening Day. He can’t play around in that match. Is Aaron Williams going to get his revenge?

MDE: No. and his name is Jerry Bishop. I’ll say it seeing as you don’t seem able to. Aaron Williams is a flashy performer who cares more about showmanship than victory. He can make a crowd go oooh and aaah but what exactly has he done here? Every single time he’s got an opportunity, he’s squandered it. He could have won the Beat The Clock Challenge but he didn’t. He could have won the Free-1 but he didn’t. He could have won the right to face me at Judgement Day II. But. He. Didn’t. Every time he gets a big chance, he doesn’t take it because he can’t. He’s not capable. He’s a lot like Jerry once was, except he doesn’t have someone like me to focus him. At Opening Day. Jerry will show just how far he’s come by dominating and finally vanquishing Aaron Williams. And then it’s on to better things.

DB: You keep talking about an FPW Championship match. How will he get one when Jim Houston doesn’t trust him after his last match?

MDE: I don’t know. But he’ll make sure it happens. One way or another, Jerry Bishop will get what he deserves- the FPW Championship. Maybe it’ll have to wait until after Jerry wins the Free-1. Maybe he’ll have to take it at Judgement Day. Maybe he’ll win the Dead Man’s Chest and get the title that way. Either way, Houston can’t keep him away from it forever. One day Jerry will get his match, and he’ll ascend to the very top. When he does, Jim Houston will see just how good Jerry has become as he tosses challenger after challenger at Jerry and Jerry keeps swatting them aside like the annoying insects they are.

DB: Let’s move on. My final question. You’ve faced a lot of the top guys here in FPW, twice in big matches at Judgement Day I and II. If you could choose an opponent for Judgement Day III, who would it be and why.

MDE: I’ll be cornering Jerry as he successfully defends the FPW Championship in the main event.

DB: That wasn’t the question.

MDE: But it was my answer.

DB: Fine. Thank you for joining me. I’ll bring you another long-form interview in the next week or so.

[noname1525]

A video was uploaded to the FPW website, showing the aftermath from the Young Lion's Cup final, with Jace Mason carrying the trophy backstage, with Aaron Williams right behind him. The two of them were exchanging words as they stepped through the curtain, but stopped as Dasha Banks stepped up. Aaron clapped Jace on the shoulder and walked off, leaving Jace to be interviewed.

"Jace, congratulations on defeating Elizabeth Karlson and winning the Young Lion's Cup. As you obviously know, the winner of the Young Lion's Cup will challenge the FPW World Champion at Opening Day, which means you'll get another chance at Artemis Evans. What are your thoughts on that match?"

"My thoughts? I'm looking forward to it. Artemis Evans stole something that was important to me, making an entire year's worth of fighting my way to the top completely irrelevant. But it didn't take me another year to get myself back into title contention, it only took me three months. I meant what I said the other day, second chances don't come around too often, and I'm going to take full advantage of the fact that I've earned one tonight. I'm not going to let anything stop me, I'm going to twin back that title. And when I do, I'm going to do what I was supposed to do the first time and give FPW the champion that they deserve. I'll defend that title against the very best we have, at every chance I get. I didn't have it for too long the first time, but I took it for granted just a little too much, and I won't make the same mistake again."

[ticktock]

Before the video kicks in, the sound of chattering children can be heard. Aaron Williams’ voice takes over the sound and the video kicks in, showing him stood at the front of an elementary school auditorium.

“So to sum up, whatever you want to do and whoever you want to be, a bit of hard work and positivity will get you a lot further than a lot of talent and a bad attitude. All of those aims you’ve told me today, keep them with you. One day you’ll be grown up and you’ll remember what you wanted to be at your age... apart from the few of you who keep that aim and you’ll be living the life you imagine right now. I did it, and if I can, so can you. Thank you for having me, it’s been an honour.”

The children applaud and Williams waves before stepping away from the podium and shaking hands with the principal. He then walks off stage and a camera catches him as he walks up to Dasha Banks.

DB: Impressive speech. Thanks for asking me to come along.
AW: No problem. You’ve had enough shit thrown at you recently. That MDE interview... Houston must have been really pissed off to assign you that.
DB: Well, it wasn’t easy,
AW: I get it. But I did have my own motives to invite you here.
DB: Um.... I don’t-
AW: No no, nothing like that. I wanted to get a camera on what my day to day is like. I can tell people about how Jerry Bishop and I are different, but it’s more powerful if they see it. I’ve done three of these talks so far this year. I run wrestling classes five nights a week when I’m in Chicago, and I run junior wrestling classes too. That’s in between the bookings I get for myself and my own training. I’m the man Jerry Bishop used to wish he could be. I took the platform that wrestling gave me and I’m making a difference with it. Three of the kids I train have come out of gangs and are on the straight and narrow. Maybe I’m getting a bit carried away here, but I’m fucking proud of what I do. I’m not a big time charity guy or whatever. I’m not going to make headlines for my philanthropy, but I do what I can. And I fucking appreciate that the people I stand in front of every time I’m in the ring come to a show after working far harder than I ever have and being more stressed than I could ever understand and want to see some fucking good wrestling. Look, I’ll calm down, but I’m still pissed off about what happened with Jerry.
DB: He has a way of getting under your skin... for good and bad reasons.
AW: Yeah. He’s gotten under mine. But I get the chance to be locked inside a steel cage with the guy and I cannot fucking wait.
DB: Just be careful. He’s right about how good he is,
AW: I know. Maybe I’ll lose the match. I doubt I’ll go in as favourite. But I’ll count it as a win if I can stagger back through that curtain, having given everything I have, and I hear the cheers of people who know they’ve seen something special. Inside a cage, there’s nowhere to run, there’s no powder to take, there’s no avoiding having a match with me. Jerry Bishop finally has to step up to me one on one and I’ll make sure that he has to give me- and them- his best. That’s all I need.
DB: Good luck. I hate to say it, but I think you might need it.

Dasha turns and walks away as Williams steps through a door into a hall lined with lockers. Some kids rush up to him and he turns on the charm, speaking to them, shaking their hands and signing whatever they thrust at him.

[noname1525]

Artemis was in the locker room with the other members of the Queendom, preparing for an appearance on an episode of Sixty Minutes of Freedom. The three of them were silent as they unloaded their bags, until Thea broke the silence by slamming her locker shut. "So, what does Houston think he's doing, what's his reason for putting us in this match with Death Squad? We're some of the best wrestlers he has on his roster, and he's going to put us in a match with those savages? He must have something in mind."

Artemis spoke up. "I think he's taking matters into his own hands, being more proactive rather than reactive. He still holds the opinion that, despite everything I've proven otherwise, I need you two with me in order to retain my title. Last time he made sure that you were banned from ringside during my title match, and he knows he can't do the same thing twice in a row without being rightfully accused of abusing his power and allowing his personal opinion influence his decisions. So he's using a new strategy and putting you in a match with two extremely dangerous and violent opponents, clearly hoping that you'll be taken out so that there's no way you can assist me."

Myra nodded "I was thinking something similar."

There was a slight pause before Thea spoke again. "If that's true, then he's definitely taking things one step too far." A smile spread across her face. "But we don't have to play his game, do we? If he wants a team to get injured, we can give him an injured team-"

Artemis raised a hand, silencing Thea. "No, we'll play his game, and we'll win at his game. Think about who you're going to be facing. If you hold a victory over a pair of former FPW Tag Team Champions, even Houston will have no choice but to acknowledge that you're deserving of a shot at the Tag Team Championships. He intended to reduce our strength, but all he's doing is giving us even more power. Just imagine, a Queendom that holds all the gold in FPW, we'd be more unstoppable than ever. Death Squad don't have a chance against you, like you said Thea, they're savages, they don't posses the skill that the two of you have as a team. If Houston wants to put the two of you in the tag division, then he has to be prepared for the consequences."

"Those consequences being a Queendom draped in gold," Thea said with a grin. "You know what? I think I'm starting to look forward to this match.

"I thought you might." Artemis replied. "Meanwhile, I've essentially got the month off. I've beaten Jace before, and I'll have no trouble doing it again. And as for his partner at the 'Road to' show, Aaron Williams? Wouldn't you know it, but I've beaten him before too. It's almost as though no one in FPW is on my level, just like I've said from the beginning. And I'm looking forward to proving that once again."

All three members of the Queendom smirked as the camera pulled back before fading to black.

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop, dressed to kill as usual, looking over Thalia Colombina's CV at his desk.*

JB: Who could be better? Who could be better qualified? Nobody. She's perfect. The Platonic ideal of an interviewer.

*Bishop notices the camera*

JB: Oh, hi, I didn't see you there. I was reviewing some important paperwork regarding the Bishop Brand- ooh, that's good... I might keep that... But I did have something to say as well. Jace, I'm sorry. I know you and Aaron are close and trust me, Williams, I'll get to you in a minute. You two are exciting run-and-gunners, spray-and-prayers, get the crowd's trousers a bit tight with your nimbleness and death-defying stunts. But I'm sorry. That's not going to cut the mustard. How do you even cut a condiment? Anyway. You two are two of the brightest stars in this company. And I'm sorry. All of that promise, all of that hope, all of that potential, all of that Freedom Fighter support? All of it's going to be meaningless when you step into the ring against me because I'm going to show you why none of that matters.

*Bishop gets up from his desk and walks to his record collection. He begins leafing through, occasionally pulling out a disc to inspect*

JB: Jace, the Eternal Student. The Honor Roller. The Dean's Lister. The Apple Shiner. Please. You've griped and moaned about how you deserve a Championship match even more than I have. And that's saying something because I've never even held the title before. You think that begging and pleading with dear old Jimmy will get you what you want? No. All you need to do is prove yourself in our match.

*Bishop finds a record he's happy with and spins it in his fingers, the tracklist obscured from the camera. He walks over to his record player.*

JB: Which leads me to my partner for our match. Artemis Evans. You and your Queendom are a force to be reckoned with. It's a shame we can't all play together at Road To Opening Day, I think we could all have a lot of fun together. And don't worry, I know you want to take things easy leading into your match at Opening Day, and I don't mind doing the heavy lifting. A champion deserves to be well-rested going into a title defense, after all. But I still think we can have some laughs while we're at it, wouldn't you agree?

*Bishop slides the record from the sleeve and places it onto the player, but doesn't drop the needle yet.*

JB: Which brings me to... Aaron Williams... this next match is simply a taste of what's to come for the two you. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to beat you twelve ways from Sunday, laughing all the way to the bank, until you're begging to tag in the Eternal Sucker Jace Mason, and then the Glory Huntress, the Monarch, the Executioner, the goddess Artemis Evans herself will simply tag in and remind Mason why he's never taking that Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship away. The two of you will be flat on your backs, counting the lights, just like I used to do. Artemis and I, we're going to put you two back in your place at Road to Opening Day. And then, come Opening Day itself... Aaron, you and I...

*Bishop drops the needle on the record and we hear this as Bishop dances into the background and the camera fades.*

[marileeg17]

FPW.com Exclusive:

Cameras focus in on Dasha and Marcus seemingly having an intimate moment. However as the audio comes on, we realize the conversation is entirely innocent.

DB: Will you just sit still and let me help you?

MAJ: I would if I thought I needed help. I'm fine seriously, I'm good.

Dasha rolls her eyes.

DB: The gash above your head says otherwise.

Marcus feigns shock.

MAJ: Gash, what gash?

Marcus puts his hand up to touch his forehead and continues to play along.

MAJ: When did that get there? I didn't know I had that Doctor Banks!

Marcus chuckles as Dasha cracks a smile.

DB: Good to know your head injury hasn't messed with your sense of wit.

MAJ: Good to know after a few months of friendship you haven't gotten tired of it yet.

Dasha laughs.

DB: You're about the only thing I'm not tired of these days but you're on thin ice. So just sit still and let me clean you up a bit before you make my list.

MAJ: Oh your list huh? You have a list? Bet I can guess who's on it.

Dasha bites her lip before looking back at Marcus, both instantly realizing this isn't a topic to broach.

MAJ: Actually, let's not. I'm a really bad guesser and I don't want to embarrass myself here. Because obviously, the list is like Ted Crewmember for that time he took the last cupcake in catering.

DB: I'm still not over that and never will be!

Dasha laughs before turning back to Marcus.

DB: How do you do that?

MAJ: Do what?

DB: Change things around so you don't have to talk about yourself. You're really good at that. But not this time. Are you gonna tell me what you were thinking when you asked Houston for a 2 on 1 handicap match after you got your head slammed into a car by those goons?

Marcus just shrugs.

MAJ: What else was I supposed to do?

DB: I don't know, maybe not ask for a match moments after being attacked? Maybe give yourself a chance to consider it? I mean Marcus, you have what everyone else around here would kill to have. A title match whenever you want it. Just say the word. You don't need to bother with the Suplex Sweethearts.

Marcus pauses for a moment before looking at Dasha earnestly.

MAJ: If I took that title match now, I'd be doing everything those two are accusing me of. Using my favored nations status as it were. Look, Saxon's whole thing is that I don't deserve to be propped up when I haven't earned it and maybe he's right. What have I done to earn a title match anyway? After all, I lost in the YLC. Nah, right now Jace has earned the right to be first in line. And in the meantime, if I can shut up Saxon and Ripley, all the better.

Dasha doesn't seem to fully believe the answer so she pushes on.

DB: It's just, the last time we had this conversation, it felt like you were running from something. I mean, I get it, Sato was a tough out, but when I talked to you, that normal confident swagger wasn't exactly there and now, it just seems...I don't know but if I didn't know any better I'd say you're scared.

Marcus frowns.

MAJ: Scared of the Suplex Sweethearts? Surely you don't think---

DB: No. I mean scared of something else. Almost like you're afraid to fail or afraid to succeed.

A few moments of silence pass before Marcus speaks up.

MAJ: Fear is a funny thing. And when you let it in the driver's seat, it kinda takes over doesn't it?

Dasha raises her eyebrow in confusion.

DB: That's not really an answer to my question...

MAJ: Not sure you actually asked one.

Dasha considers it for a moment coming to the same conclusion Marcus did earlier about this being a topic not to be addressed. But before she can continue...

MAJ: I'm not afraid Dasha. It's like what you said, I just got my head bashed in. Now doesn't seem like the best time to go for a title. I need to be focused. Winning the title here is gonna be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm not afraid of that, not running from that. I just want to be 100 percent prepared and I won't be with Saxon running his mouth off and attacking me blindly. So yeah, Saxon first and then---

DB: Whatever comes next is totally up to you.

Marcus just nods, appreciating having moved on from the topic.

[ticktock]

As Sixty Minutes of Freedom rolls on, 'You Need Me, I Don't Need You' begins and a short montage of high-flying action plays. The fans react with interest as two men burst out through the curtain wearing street clothes. They pump up the crowd, who respond fairly well, before charging down the ramp, slapping hands with fans on their way. One of them slides into the ring and jumps up onto the top turnbuckle as another springboards onto the top rope and walks a few steps over to his partner, before both of them backflip into the ring. The fans applaud warmly as one of them takes a mic.

JB: My name is Jackson Banks. This man is RJ Tudor. Together, we are Revolution-X! You see, RJ and I have been looking for a new pasture and it seems like Freedom Pro Wrestling is the perfect place for us.

RJT: Hell yeah!

JB: We may be young and we may be raw but- if you don't mind me saying it- we know we're talented too. We're here to bring a little something to the tag team division in FPW. We've been keeping a close eye on how things have been going, but we think there's a real hole in this division. Let's take a look at the teams you're being forced to watch every time you come to an FPW show... Death Squad...

RJT: Psychos!

JB: The Dogs of War...

RJT: Big, dumb bastards.

JB: Clutch Mc-

RJT: Say no more.

JB: The Queendom...

RJT: Mean Girl wannabes.

JB: The Guardians of Strong Style...

RJT: Chop, chop, chop, chop, chop, chop, chop... and repeat.

JB: I don't want to do these teams down too much... they've been here longer than us and they're more experienced than we are, but aren't they all... a bit samey? How many of them can fly around the ring? How many of them can entertain you like I promise we can. But don't just take my word for it. I want to get us booked in our very first match in FPW. So... any teams want to face us? Say... on the Road To Opening Day? There must be a team out there that want to take up this challenge. We're both chomping at the bit to show what we bring to FPW and to prove to all of these amazing fans- not just tell you, but prove to you- why you should be getting behind us whenever we step into this ring. So, who'll it be?

[noname1525]

Dasha Banks was standing backstage to interview Jace Mason.

"Jace, we've already talked about your upcoming title match against Artemis Evans, but before that match, you have a tag team match this Sunday against Artemis Evans and Jerry Bishop. I know you're looking forward to your title match, but can I get your opinion on this match?"

"Well, it's another one that I'm excited for, but for different reasons than the title match." Jace replied. "I'm excited for this match because I'll be teaming with Aaron Williams again. We were put together during last year's All Star Tag Team classic, and the two of us absolutely hit it off. We actually made it to the finals of that tournament, despite having never teamed before. It was an experience that both of enjoyed. But we've only teamed once since that tournament. Although we both have our own personal issues with our opponents on Sunday, I'm looking forward to teaming with Aaron again."

Jace couldn't help but smile as he talked, and his energy was causing Dasha to smile as well. She was therefore surprised when he raised a hand to stop her as she looked to continue the interview.

"Actually Dasha, can I say something else? I don't know what questions you have lined up, but I'd like to address my opponents in that tag match." Dasha obliged and held the microphone out for him to speak.  

"Let's start with Jerry Bishop. Jerry, you've certainly had a lot to say. And that's nothing new, you've always been quite the talker. But I don't think I've ever heard you use so many words to say so little. You claim that I've done nothing but complain, and that that's the only reason I've been given another shot at the title. But that's just not who I am. Is it true that I may have complained a little after losing that title? Yes, I'm only slightly embarrassed to say that I may have lost my head a little bit and done some things that I wouldn't normally do. But that isn't the reason I've gotten another title shot. The reason I've gotten another title shot is that I've earned it. I bounced back, I pushed myself harder than I ever have before to win the Young Lion's Cup and get this title match. No, I've rarely complained when I take a loss, I just see where I came up short and work to improve that area. So what you said doesn't really sound like me, but do you know who it does sound like? To me it sounds an awful lot like you Jerry. You're the one who couldn't handle losing, not me."

"And then we have his partner, the FPW World Champion, Artemis Evans. Artemis, I don't have much to say to you I just hope you're holding onto that belt tightly, enjoying every little bit of being champion while you still can. Because on March 29th, I'm taking back what's mine."

There was a slight pause before Jace spoke again, this time addressing Dasha. "Now, I think you had some more questions for me?"

Dasha shook her head. "No, I think you've just said everything we wanted to hear. Thank you for your time Jace, and good luck on Sunday."

[veggieleezy]

*Dasha Banks concludes her interview with Jace Mason. She spots someone down the hall ahead of her and approaches them, ignoring the camera.*

DB: Hey, Berry. You doing okay?

*The camera pans over to show Berry Bishop sitting on an equipment case, furiously scribbling in a notebook. We can make out rough images of several games of Tic-Tac-Toe (all draws), something resembling an NFL play, imaginary numbers in equations, "imaginary numbers" like "eleventy", "fortoon-eight", or "threeve", and at least six caricatures of President Theodore Roosevelt. Berry slams her marker down on the page and puts her hands up in frustration.*

BB: I just don't get it, Dashy. Every match, every match I've had since 2019 started, I've gone back and I've watched the tapes. I made sure Fozzie recorded them while I was wrestling, and he spooled 'em up and we watched 'em back. And I'm still not getting it done out there! The Freedom Fighters love me just as much as I love them, but something still isn't quite clicking for me to put 'em away, ya know? And I've been fightin', Dashy, you've seen me out there. With an up, an' an up, an' a down, an' a down, an' a left-right-left-right, an' a B-A start to every match!

DB: Konami jokes?

BB: You ARE learning!

DB: Please, I've had my fair share of practice with Bishop humor.

BB: Oh, I'm not bothering you with it, am I? I do try my best not to be annoying! I know I can be a lot for some people to handle sometimes. Heck, it's hard enough handling myself these days.

*Dasha laughs warmly.*

DB: Berry, I promise you. The day you become too annoying for me to tolerate, I will give you my two weeks' notice before I even give it in to Mr. H. Deal?

*Berry smiles graciously*

BB: Deal.

*The two share a hug, Dasha keeping her hand on Berry's shoulder as they separate.*

DB: Wanna do an interview while we're here?

BB: Oh, I figured we were already doing one since Ted still had the red light on?

*Berry gestures toward the camera. Dasha notices the camera is indeed rolling.*

DB: TED!

TC: *from behind the camera* I didn't say nothin'. And trust me, we all need this. Just keep going, we can edit around it later.

*Dasha rolls her eyes and brings her microphone up to her lips as Berry shakes herself out vigorously to get in the zone. This takes at least 15 seconds. Berry signals Dasha when she's ready. The camera zooms in close on Dasha's face, Ted gives Dasha the cue, and she drops right into the groove.*

DB: Please welcome my guest at this time, Berry Bishop.

*Dasha takes a deep breath and shakes her head with a smile as the camera pans over to Berry's face, which now inexplicably sports a pair of pince-nez glasses and a bushy mustache resembling Teddy Roosevelt.*

BB: *takes a deep breath and bellows* WHAT'S UP, DASHYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!

*Dasha decides to lean into the silliness, grabbing Berry's marker and rapidly drawing on a toothbrush mustache of her own, and channels her best Gene Okerlund.*

DB: Now, Berry, you're scheduled to face an imposing adversary this Sunday at Road To Opening Day in the form of Danica Jane, someone who herself has been part of a controversial confrontation between Clutch McCloud, Bobby O, and your nemeses, Artemis Evans and the Queendom, could we get a few words from you on this subject?

*Berry smiles as Dasha speaks, grabbing the marker once again and scribbling on a beard, trading her glasses for opulent shades, channeling Macho Man Randy Savage*

BB: WELL, lemme tell ya somethin', Boss Banks, I'm not entirely sure what ol' Clutch is gettin' so worked up about, yeah, since Dani's a big girl who can fight her own battles, yeah, and if those fights happen to be against the ladies, or the fellas, or whatever else anyone in that locker room i-denti-fies as, then that's for her to square up and sort out, YEAH. Dani and I have had our differences, but I still hold her in high esteem, yeah, since she and Bolt were willing to step-in-to the ring and face the Dogs of War, YEAH. She's a tough egg, yeah,  like an egg you intended to softboil but ended up hardboiling harder than a Dash-iell Hammet character, YEAH. I also don't entirely understand the process of boiling eggs, yeah, but I know that Danica Jane is lookin' for a FIGHT, yeah. So I'm here to tell her that Danica Jane, you're gonna get the Bombshell at her BEST, yeah, and she's gonna give you ev-ery lit-tle trick in my little purple bag, YEAH. And you had best bring everything you've got in your tar-heel-blue bag-a-tricks just to keep up, YEAH.

*Berry spins herself out of the frame as Dasha wraps things up as Mean Gene always would by looking down the camera.*

DB: Thank you very much, Berry "The Bombshell", always a unique experience, and good luck in your match this Sunday.

*Dasha and Berry both drop out of their impersonations and double over in laughter, hugging each other and gleefully cavorting as the camera fades out.*

[noname1525]

A video was uploaded to the FPW website, showing Artemis in a dimly-lit room, the FPW World Championship around her waist.

"Really Jace?" she asked incredulously. "You're going to take back what's yours?" Artemis paused for a second to get her laughter under control. She took a breath and composed her face before speaking again, this time in a much more measured tone. "I think it's time that the Eternal Student had a bit of a history lesson. Let's cast our minds back to the beginning of the year, the Season Four Launch Party. You and I had a match, and do you remember how that match ended? It ended with you flat on the mat and with me raising this title high. And if we go a little bit further back, we have the 2019 End of Year Awards Show. Do you remember how that night ended for you? It ended with you flat on the mat and me raising this title high. Every time you and I cross paths, it ends the same exact way, what makes you think that our match at Opening Day, or even the tag match this Sunday, are going to be any different?" She holds her belt up to the camera. "You claim that this is yours, and that you're taking it back? This was never yours, you were never a champion. You were merely a placeholder, the sacrificial lamb that was necessary to crown me FPW World Champion. I honestly didn't expect you to hold this belt at all, I expected MDE to defeat you, that he would be the injured champion I cashed in on last year. But no, you somehow managed to overcome MDE and take his place as the victim of my ascension. Your destiny was written the moment that the referee's hand counted three. And that destiny wasn't to hold this belt for months, to take it to new heights, no. That's my destiny. I'm the one who's going to set records with this belt, to carry it to heights that were previously unheard of in FPW. And nothing is going to stop me. You've managed to win yourself another title shot, congratulations, you've put yourself back on the road to glory. But you've done it as a simple paving stone on my road to glory."

Artemis turned and went to leave, but then changed her mind, coming back into frame. "Oh, and Jerry? I appreciate the respect you've shown me, it made for a welcome change. It's about time someone realized that as the World Champion, I'm the best wrestler in this place, and that I should be treated like it. But let me assure you, I have no problem getting my hands dirty in our tag match, and as you said, I think we'll have a lot of fun together." 

[veggieleezy]

*Jerry Bishop returns through the curtain at Gorilla/Dusty Position with a smile on his face wider than we've seen from him in quite some time, laughing as he towels off. Thalia Colombina approaches for an interview.*

TC: Joker, you and Artemis Evans have decisively succeeded here tonight at Road to Opening Day. How does this victory fuel you as you head towards Opening Day itself?

JB: Oh, Miss Colombina, this is the best I've felt in AGES! Partnering with *THE* Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion, the Glory Huntress, the Executioner, the Monarch, the Queen of FPW, the Goddess herself, ARTEMIS EVANS! That was very special indeed, and I've had some talented tag team partners in my time, ask Bobby-boy or Clutch-on-McCloud-Nine. BUT! Oh, but, we were blessed to have the full force of the Queendom on our side, it's nothing short of invigorating! Oh, I've never felt so ALIVE! I get to be in the ring with one of FPW's greatest talents, and not only that, we were on the same team! It was magNIFICENT!

*Jerry laughs gleefully and skips around the backstage area, stamping his feet and slapping his knees giddily as Thalia smiles appreciatively. Jerry regains his composure.*

JB: Goodness me. Excuse me, I'm still a bit excited. Please, carry on, my dear.

TC: Of course. Prior to your match, you eluded to your desire for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship. And in the closing moments of your match, there was some tension between yourself and Artemis Evans. While we all know you would be a worthy and fighting champion, Joker, did that moment have any particular significance for you?

JB: Ah, yes, ever the astute and alluring observer. Artemis, I sincerely hope that you don't interpret any hostility towards yourself and your Queendom. Quite the contrary, I would quite like to combine our forces to show this company and what tried and true talent can do! There was no ill intent meant, no, simply that I see you as the only palpable peer in this entire active roster!

TC: Insightful opinions as always, Mr. Bishop. I would also be remiss to ignore your so-called competition in this match, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. Might the public hear your thoughts on them in regards to your match tonight, as well as your horrendously unfair stipulation match against Williams at Opening Day?

*Bishop smiles wickedly before launching himself around the backstage area, giggling wildly. Thalia looks on admiringly as Bishop sorts himself.*

JB: Ohhhh... Oh, my goodness...

TC: Please, take your time.

JB: Ohohohooooo...

TC: Whenever you're ready, Joker.

JB: Jace... Jace, you Eternal Idiot... You think that just because you "study the tapes" and "study your opponents" and "study for your next exam to make your mom and dad proud of you", you have an advantage. Jace, you may study more than anyone I've ever seen, but you know what you've never been able to do? Improvise. Adapt. Change your gameplan in the moment. You only plan for what you're walking into. You never plan for what happens next. I'm the one person in FPW you can NEVER plan for, the Wild Card, the Joker, and Artemis? She beat you for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship, on several occasions, might I add, because she can change the landscape of any match with or without the Queendom. She can ADAPT. I can IMPROVISE. While you, Jace, you're left with an opening attack and nothing else. On Opening Day, you're going to be studying the canvas and how many lights it takes to illuminate this arena because the only illuminating you're going to get is a sorry little spotlight when you walk to the back as the Huntress holds the FPW Championship high, with her Queendom in full glory holding the FPW Tag Team Championships as well.

TC: Quite the prediction, but not at all unfounded, Mr. Bishop.

JB: Thank you, my dear.

TC: And what of your own opponent for Opening Day, Aaron Williams, a self-righteous bombast who shows off his charitable works in order to force sympathy, a braggart who hoists his successes in other promotions as though they hold any significance in the company where he now works, and a blackguard who dares to insult your own integrity as the backbone, the spine, the primary pillar around which this entire company has been constructed?

JB: He's always been a bit too wrapped up in his own perceived significance. He thinks that just because he's had matches with big names all over the globe, that matters everywhere. I won't deny that he's had big matches everywhere he's ever been. Against big names, to boot. But. He's never been the foundation of a promotion. He's always been an added attraction, a featured player who shows off his stuff for a few months and then moves on, someone who's brought in to have a few good matches to raise ratings and add to the buy-rate, but a tangential player, never a pillar. And what have I been doing? Anchoring this company since before it even had a locker room. As you insightfully stated, my dear Thalia, Aaron Williams is a serious competitor. And, admittedly, I've ruffled his feathers quite a bit, to the point that he wants to face off with me in a cage. A stipulation that we've rarely seen in FPW before. The last time I can think of was between a guy who's now on the "will he ever come back" list, and a guy who got chased out of the company because Jimmy was too scared to have someone who could challenge him.

*Bishop giggles wildly for a moment.*

JB: But Jimmy can't get rid of me. I was his first signee. He built this company around me. Jimmy knows that he would have to fold this company if he fired me. But Aaron. I LIKE you... I think you and I are going to share this dance for quite a while. But as for right now, you need to realize that this isn't your time. You're good. REALLY good. One of the best to step into FPW. But I will always, ALWAYS, be a sharper mind than you. You think just because you've asked for a cage match, you have some sort of advantage. And you're expecting me to have a Rorschach moment about how "I'm not locked in with you" and all of that. No. We're locked in there together. And I have no intention of escaping. And I imagine you don't either. You and me, we're gonna have some FUN. And what makes it better, it's just the two of us. The guy who flaunts his charity to promote his own image, the guy who aligns himself with the Eternal Jobber out of some misguided sense of respect, the guy who prides himself on work done elsewhere which has no significance here other than to promote his own ego. Everything I have ever done, whether you agree with it or not, has been for the Freedom Fighters, to give them what they deserve. We both want to finish this match with an exclamation mark. A declarative statement. ...a Last Laugh... Aaron... Opening Day... Let's play.

*Bishop chuckles for a moment before taking a deep breath and turning his attention towards Thalia. He takes her hand and kisses it tenderly before cackling wildly and walking away.*

TC: Quite the competitor, quite the wrestler, and quite the man. The Joker, ladies and gentlemen.

[noname1525]

BREAKING NEWS: SUNDAY'S EPISODE OF SIXTY MINUTES OF FREEDOM TO FEATURE WORLD TITLE CONTRACT SIGNING!

    

    After winning the 2020 Young Lion's Cup, Jace Mason has reignited his rivalry with the FPW Champion, Artemis Evans. Jace, a former FPW World Champion himself, lost the title when Artemis Evans cashed in her Dead Man's Chest contract at the 2019 End of Year Awards Show. He'll look to settle the score on March 29th at Opening Day, but seven days before the match, he'll share the ring with his opponent as they sign the contract for their highly anticipated title match.