Opening Day

[Jim Houston]

A video plays, showing old-time footage of baseball. A voiceover plays as the footage continues.



“Opening Day… a tradition dating back years in baseball. March 29th is a tradition for millions of fans all across the world to sit down in front of their televisions, or at the ball park, and watch the opening to another season of America’s oldest tradition.”



The footage changes to Aaron Williams, Jerry Bishop, Jace Mason and Artemis Evans.



“But tonight is not about tradition. Tonight is about the future. Tonight is about what kind of place FPW will be. Inside a steel cage, two visions for wrestling will clash. In one corner, a jealous and bitter man, claiming the people have turned against him for wanting to give them what they want. In the other corner, an entertainer like his opponent used to be. In the aftermath, we may well know who FPW’s best is, but what will it mean for the future? With the biggest prize in FPW on the line, Artemis Evans and Jace Mason clash one more time. But who will emerge as the top dog? Will Mason finally reclaim the title that he believes he never should have lost? Will Evans keep her stranglehold on FPW? These two clash one more time tonight.”



The video comes to an end and Mike Watson and Steven Deville welcome everyone to the show.



MW: Welcome everyone to Freedom Pro Wrestling live from Chicago, Illinois. On this historical day in American sports, we bring you a show which could well go down in history.

SD: It most definitely will, Watson. Artemis Evans finally rids herself of Jace Mason stalking her. Jerry Bishop finally rids himself of Aaron Williams trying to say he’s better than him. After tonight, FPW will be a pretty awesome place to be.

MW: Well we’ll see about the results of those matches later. Tonight we also have the Freedom Championship and the Tag Team Championships on the line as well as a big match between Clutch McCloud and Bobby O as they look to finally settle the score that started even before FPW formed.

SD: This show promises to be something truly special. And don’t forget that we’re on course for a huge Wrestlemania weekend.

MW: Three shows. A sixteen-person tournament. The winner becoming the number one contender for the FPW Championship. And we’ve got some huge first round matches. Jerry Bishop versus Berry Bishop. Aaron Williams versus either Artemis Evans or Jace Mason. Masa Tchyukiro versus Go Shihei. Clutch McCloud versus Botiatus.

SD: And we have no idea of the next rounds as each round will be randomly drawn. Think of the matches we could see, Watson!

MW: I can’t wait. But let’s focus on tonight and our next match. It will be a most interesting one as the Suplex Sweethearts will be double-teaming Marcus Allen Jones.



SD: ...please tell me you know how that sounded. No, don’t, actually, I don’t want to think about you knowing things like that.



Dasha Banks stands ready to make her introductions



DB: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is a two-on-one handicap match!



The opening to ‘Hall of Fame’ hits the speakers and the crowd erupts into cheers. Marcus Allen Jones takes to the stage with a wide grin and does his signature standing backflip as his pyro erupts behind him.



DB: Introducing first, MARCUS! ALLEN! JONES!



He swaggers to the ring fist bumping fans along the ramp. He pauses as he reaches ringside and pulls out a piece of paper which reads “Ella and Tommy sittin’ in a tree” and slides into the ring. He stretches out in the corner as the audience chant “MAJ! MAJ!” Dasha gives Marcus a quick smile and turns back to the audience.



MW: Still not sure if I’ll get used to that.



SD: Well, you know who’s used to love and adoration?



DB: And his opponents, TOMMY SAXON and ELLA RIPLEY! THE SUPLEX SWEETHEARTS!



Carpenter Brut’s “Turbo Killer” hits the speakers and the arena goes dark and the crowd begins to boo. Two silhouetted figures take to the top of the stage, one propping their arm on the other. As the beat drops the lights come back up to show Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley, Ripley leaning affectionately on Saxon’s arm. The two saunter to the ring, Saxon swatting fans’ hands away and Ripley giving them a “talk to the hand” gesture. They climb onto the apron and walk around to their corner. The two deliberate for a moment before deciding Saxon will start the match for them. They share a quick peck and turn their attention towards Marcus. The referee makes the checks and calls for the bell.



MW: The Suplex Sweethearts have the numbers on their side, can they press that advantage tonight?



SD: Of course they can! MAJ’s run his mouth for too long without someone shutting him up.



MW: I always thought he was your best friend?



SD: Yeah, well, every now and then there needs to be some tough love.



Match 1: Marcus Allen Jones vs. The Suplex Sweethearts (written by Jerry):



Marcus and Saxon circle each other and lock up. Saxon gets Marcus into a waistlock and lifts him into a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging slightly for an early cover.



ON- NO!



Marcus kicks out, Saxon pulls him back up into a waistlock, ripcording him back into a lariat and dropping him to the mat. Saxon runs the ropes and connects with a penalty kick, driving the wind from Marcus. He picks him up and lifts him up onto his back into a Gory special, wrenching the arms back while also pulling on Marcus’ jaw over his head.



MW: Saxon certainly the larger man in this matchup, and he’s looking to use that size and power advantage to its fullest.



SD: As he should! Wrestling isn’t just flips, sometimes there needs to be some fists!



The ref checks with Marcus, who refuses to submit but is clearly being worn down from the vicious hold. Saxon lets go of Marcus’ head and drops him hard to the mat face first. Saxon runs the ropes and connects with a big penalty kick to Marcus’ chest. He goes for a cover.



ONE!

NO!



*Marcus kicks out in a daze. Saxon lifts Marcus back up to his feet and gives him his Tommy Gun strike combination, further dazing him. Saxon grabs Marcus into a Fisherman’s suplex position but as he lifts, Marcus flips through, lands on his feet purely on instinct, and leaps over into a Pele kick, dropping both men to the mat.



MW: Marcus must be running on autopilot, how did he manage that?



SD: He’s certainly out of his element here, Donnie, not getting to do all that flippy nonsense.



Both men get to their feet. Saxon looks to grab Marcus for a German suplex, but Marcus gets hold of Saxon’s head and plants him to the mat with a snapmare driver. Marcus starts to feed off of the crowd and as they fire him up he runs the ropes and connects with a Shining Wizard for a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

WHAT?



Ripley grabs Saxon’s leg and puts it on the ropes forcing the break.



MW: Oh, how can that be fair?



SD: Who said anything about fair? It’s legal, isn’t it?



The referee turns their attention to Ripley, telling her not to interfere as she’s not the legal person in the match. She bickers with him as Marcus gets to his feet, staring her down. Behind him, Saxon hits a massive Knuckler Superman punch to the back of Marcus’ head, Marcus drops down hard, clutching his neck. Ripley smiles at Saxon, who blows her a kiss, which she catches. Saxon goes for a cover, and Ripley turns the referee around commanding them to count the pin.



ONE!

TWO!

TH- NO!



Marcus flips his shoulder up just in time, but with far less power than before.



MW: Marcus just barely able to keep himself in this one, luckily for him Saxon didn’t go for the cover right away.



SD: Attention must be paid, Watson.



MW: Arthur Miller?



SD: Who?



As the referee checks if Marcus can continue, Ripley calls to Saxon that she wants a turn. He struts over to their corner and the two share a prolonged kiss, leading the crowd to boo and chant “GET A ROOM! GET A ROOM!” Their lips still locked, Saxon climbs over the top rope and Ripley does the same in the other direction. The two separate and Ripley turns her focus to Marcus, who is pulling himself up with the ropes in a corner. Ripley charges toward him and flips into the Colby Cannonball, forcing the breath out of Marcus. Ripley gets up and poses on the turnbuckle above Marcus. He crawls away from the ringpost and starts to get to his feet, but Ripley turns around and leaps from the turnbuckle with a diving leg drop bulldog. She tauntingly allows Marcus to stagger to his feet before flipping him back down to the mat with a Frankensteiner. She goes for a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THR- NO!



Marcus barely lifts the shoulder up to break the pin. Ripley slams the mat and argues with the referee, as does Saxon on the outside. The referee, backed into their corner, tells them both to lay off or be disqualified. Saxon drops off the apron and as the referee turns back to the match, he looks under the ring for something, finds it, and pockets it. Marcus takes the window to finally get to his feet and steady himself. Ripley whips him into the ropes and looks for the Rip-Roaring Elbow. Marcus ducks under and runs the ropes, bouncing back and into a Canadian Destroyer. Marcus starts to shake the cobwebs out, encouraged by the cheers of the fans, and feeds on their energy. Marcus pulls Ripley up and starts to whip her into the ropes. She reverses and throws Marcus, looking for a scoop slam, but Marcus rebounds, leaping up into a hurricanrana, throwing Ripley away from her corner. Marcus starts to show more signs of life as the crowd cheer him further. Ripley pulls herself up in the corner and Marcus charges for her, catching her head and mounting the turnbuckles into a tornado DDT. Marcus leaps to his feet with a howl as the crowd bursts into chants of “MAJ! MAJ!”



MW: Marcus finally finding his feet in this matchup! Those flips and that speed are what he needs to keep going!



SD: He’s running on adrenaline, the Sweethearts beat any sense out of him already!



MW: Sometimes that’s all you need!



SD: No, Watson, all you need is love! Love is all you need! Isn’t that right, Dasha?



Hearing this, at ringside Dasha Banks drops her eyes from the match for a moment. Marcus, fully fired up, mounts the turnbuckle above Ripley. He leaps off for a shooting star press, but there’s no water in the pool as Ripley has scrambled over to her corner and tagged in Saxon. She tells him to “go for it”. Marcus stalks towards the Sweethearts’ corner and Saxon leaps over the top rope looking for a Knuckler to Marcus’ face. Marcus is able to dodge and manages to catch Saxon’s wrist as he lands. He holds up Saxon’s hand which is holding a set of brass knuckles. Marcus gives Saxon a look of “is that so?”, pushing him into a corner as Ripley pleads with the referee.



MW: What a dirty trick!



SD: All’s fair in love and war, Watson, and often times, wrestling has both.



Saxon tries to beg off, tossing the knucks to the outside, playing like it was a joke. He suddenly boots Marcus in the gut and sets him up for the pump handle Hammer suplex. He lifts Marcus up into position, but Marcus is able to flip through and grab hold of Saxon’s waist from behind. He grabs Saxon’s wrist and ripcords him straight into the 6-Star Knee. Saxon drops hard to the mat, Marcus goes for the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



Winner: Marcus Allen Jones (11:42)



Dasha grabs her microphone and clears her voice.



DB: Here is your winner, MARCUS! ALLEN! JONES!



The crowd bursts into cheers as Marcus mounts the turnbuckle and celebrates to the tune of “Hall of Fame”. Ripley climbs through the ropes to check on Saxon, who starts to stir. Marcus dismounts and looks at the Sweethearts, blows them a kiss, and exits the ring.



MW: It may have been the adrenaline alone that saved Marcus here tonight, but it was enough to pick up the victory in a hard-fought battle!



SD: Despicable, mocking a couple who could be in serious pain right now!



DB: (Under her breath) Oh, shut up, Steven.



The commentators turn in surprise towards Dasha, who holds a hand to her mouth, not realizing her mic was still live. Watson chuckles to himself, Deville simply readjusts his papers on the desk with a look of “well, I never!”



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Backstage, Botiatus is stood with Dasha Banks.



DB: Botiatus, thank you for joining me. You’ve been very quiet in the lead-up to this big Freedom Championship match. What do you have to say ahead of this rematch?

B: House Rules dictate that I prepare properly for every match. This match is maybe my biggest so I’ve been in that gym non-stop. I know what Liz Karlson can do. Taking this title from her was one of the toughest things I’ve done here in FPW and I know that stopping her from getting her hands on it again will be tougher. She’s changed a lot and that means I needed to do a lot of work to be properly ready.

DB: And do you feel ready for this match?

B: One hundred percent. I feel in great condition and I’ve worked hard on Karlson. This title is my pride and joy and I’m not going to go into a title defence without being ready. I made a vow to make this title as prestigious as I can, and I’m ready to really step it up. No disrespect to Tchyukiro and Takahara, but Karlson is next-level. If I beat her, I’ll be ready for something even bigger.

DB: What are your thoughts on the number one contender tournament coming up?

B: I’m the Freedom Champion and I plan to still be the Freedom Champion when that tournament starts. If I win it and get a shot at being a double champion, great. But I’m focussed on making this title the best I possibly can so whatever happens in that tournament, I intend to still be focussed on the Freedom Championship.

DB: Good luck tonight.

B: Thank you.



Botiatus resettles the belt on his shoulder and walks away.



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We return once more to ringside with Watson and Deville.



MW: Up next, championship gold on the line as the tag team titles will be defended! Will the Dogs of War continue to bite their way through the division? Or will the Guardians of Strong Style bring the belts back to the Land of the Rising Sun?



SD: That... That was actually pretty compelling, Watson.



MW: Thanks, Steven.



SD: Don't get used to it.



Dasha Banks makes her introductions.



DB: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championships!



The lights dim as the Guardians of Strong Style's eerie music fills the arena. Their manager and mouthpiece Sato steps through the curtain and bows to the crowd. Tchyukiro and Takahara enter and stand on either side, also bowing to the crowd, who sit in almost respectful silence, apart from some scattered cheers and boos. Sato takes his leave and the Guardians march to the ring with a look of duty on their faces, climbing into the ring as Dasha introduces them.



DB: Introducing the challengers, from Hiroshima, Japan, HIRO! TAKAHARA! And MASA! TCHYUKIRO! THE GUARDIANS OF STRONG STYLE!



The two deliberate in their corner, motioning potential moves and strategies.



MW: These two are quite the team to be reckoned with, almost no mercy, no fear, and almost no stopping them once they get started.



SD: And they're up against some mighty strong stopping power tonight, because- say it with me, Watson!



MW: Please don't make me. You do this almost every time...



SD: It's time to CRY HAVOC AND LET SLIP THE DOGS OF WAR!



The lights shift once more as "Bury Me With My Guns On" hits the speakers and the crowd shifts into a chorus of boos. David Archer and Braxton Cable saunter onto the stage with their championship belts in hand. As the song reaches its chorus, they lift their titles and take their signature poses, Archer holding his belt like a bow and drawing his free hand back, Cable holding his hands forward with his free hand held as a gun. They both "fire" at the Guardians and swagger down the ramp to the ring. Archer gets in the faces of some fans at ringside holding a sign that says "the Dogs of War are Pups That Bore", Cable pulls him back and growls at them. They climb into the ring and psych each other up.



DB: And introducing the champions, DAVID! ARCHER! And BRAXTON! CABLE! THE DOGS OF WAR!



MW: Certainly a dominant duo in their time here in FPW, and tonight they're looking to dominate their opposition with their explosive offense.



SD: That's a bit insensitive, don't you think? The Guardians are from Hiroshima for god's sake.



MW: Oh. Oh, no, I simply meant-



SD: Yeah, sure, you imperialist nitwit. Dig yourself out of that one.



The two legal men, Archer for the Dogs, Tchyukiro for the Guardians, enter the ring. The referee makes the checks and calls for the bell.



Match 2: Tag Team Championships: The Dogs of War vs. The Guardians of Strong Style (written by Jerry):



Before they can lock up, Tchyukiro pauses, places his fist against his palm, and bows to Archer. Archer raises an eyebrow at this. He places his fist to his palm, bows, and lifts his fist into a middle finger at Tchyukiro with a smirk. Tchyukiro stifles something and refocuses.



MW: How rude!



SD: Easy there, Michelle, it's just mind games.



The two men lock up with Archer getting the better of it, wrapping Tchyukiro in a headlock and applying pressure. Archer reaches an arm around Tchyukiro's shoulders, wraps the ankle, and swings him down with a Russian Leg Sweep. Archer leaps up and runs the ropes, jumping into the air and dropping a knee across Tchyukiro's face. As Tchyukiro lurches himself up, Archer kicks him stiffly across the jaw before spouting abuse at him. Tchyukiro stirs and shows some signs of anger, leaping forward with a forearm to Archer, staggering him. He then runs the ropes and connects with an lariat to his opponent's head. He catches Archer's wrist and whips him into the ropes, following up with a pop-up head butt laying him out. Tchyukiro stands over Archer and bows.



MW: Well, turnabout is fair play!



SD: Oh, sure, and he's just in there bowing like it's all polite and honorable!



Tchyukiro runs the ropes as Archer gets to his feet and lunges into him with a shoulder tackle. He looks for another but Archer sidesteps him. Tchyukiro bounces a third time off the ropes and into a spinning roundhouse kick from Archer square to the side of the head. Tchyukiro clutches at his head and neck as Archer yells "leave that shit to the part-timers" before putting the boots to him. Tchyukiro dodges away from a stomp and staggers to his feet still nursing his neck. Archer pulls him into a snap German suplex, tossing him across the ring and landing hard across the shoulders. Tchyukiro writhes on the mat. Archer makes a cover.



ONE!

TW- NO!



Tchyukiro gets the shoulder up with some effort. Archer scoffs and looks to his partner. He motions "you want in on this?" Cable smiles grimly and reaches his hand for a tag. Takahara shouts for his partner to do the same.



MW: The Dogs of War taking a bite out of the Guardians here in this hard-hitting contest.



SD: Don't do that, Watson, you're better than that. ...Actually, you're not.



Tagging in, Cable climbs through the ropes and grabs hold of Tchyukiro around the waist as he stretches towards Takahara. He deadlifts Tchyukiro and powers him over his head with a massive German suplex. Tchyukiro's hands shoot to the back of his head in agony. Cable stalks his prey, lifting him to his feet before delivering a flurry of chops across the chest, intentionally aiming near Tchyukiro's neck and throat. The referee warns him not to do anything potentially lethal. Cable laughs slightly and backs off only to charge back in with a big boot to Tchyukiro's jaw. He makes a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



MW: Looks like there's still some fighting spirit in Tchyukiro, but will it be enough to counteract all the damage he's taken so far? He desperately needs to tag in his partner if they look to succeed.



SD: The Dogs of War know exactly what they're doing, finding a weakness and picking apart their prey with ruthless efficiency.



As Tchyukiro pulls himself towards his partner, Cable grabs the foggy Tchyukiro around the knees and shoulders, lifting high above his head in a gorilla press. He carries his victim towards a corner looking to Snake Eyes him onto the top turnbuckle. Tchyukiro barely manages to scuttle free of the hold just as Cable tosses him, landing just in front of the ringpost. With shocking agility, Tchyukiro mounts the second rope and dives forward, connecting with a headbutt. Cable stumbles backwards and drops to one knee. Tchyukiro, seeing stars, dives for his corner and tags in Takahara.



MW: Tchyukiro finally getting some separation and time to make the tag!



SD: Lucky for him, I don't think he even knows his own name at this point.



Takahara rushes towards Cable and pulls him up into a massive chop. Cable recoils but retorts with his own chop. Takahara responds with a clubbing forearm, Cable replies. The two trade slow, hard, stiff forearms and chops back and forth, before steadily accelerating. As they crescendo the two proceed to dispense any specific offense and simply lay into each other with fists and forearms akin to a hockey fight.



MW: Two big brawlers doing what they do best!



SD: Nearly killing each other?



MW: Not how I would've put it, but you're not wrong.



SD: I'm never wrong, Watson, you'll learn that someday.



The referee struggles but eventually separates the bruisers. Takahara motions for Cable to bring more. Cable snarls and grabs Takahara by the wrist, whipping him hard into a corner. Cable bull rushes towards Takahara, who sidesteps, and crashes hard into the ringpost. As Cable stumbles out of the corner Takahara comes up behind and grabs him into a Saito suplex. Takahara bridges for a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



Cable kicks out. Takahara gets to his feet first starts to kick at Cable's head as he gets up, transitioning to penalty kicks once Cable reaches one knee. Cable sees red and lunges from his knees looking for a lariat. Takahara dodges aside and Cable runs the ropes. Takahara connects on the rebound with a running dropkick, driving Cable backwards into the ropes, catching him the second time with a snap suplex. Takahara bridges once more into a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

TH- NO!



Cable powers out, pushing Takahara off him.



MW: A very close contest, these two teams showing how much those tag team titles mean to them!



SD: And the Dogs of War will be keeping their collars around their necks!



MW: You mean belts around their waists?



SD: It's thematic, Watson, you wouldn't understand.



Cable is practically foaming at the mouth, Takahara equally fired up. The two start to lay into each other with strikes once more. Takahara ducks a lariat and catches Cable's wrist. He whips Cable into the ropes. Archer makes a blind tag. Takahara swings a forearm at Cable who slides underneath and out of the ring. Archer springboards himself over the top rope and catches Takahara's head, swinging him down for a DDT. Archer turns his attention back to Tchyukiro on the apron, telling him not to do anything else stupid. Archer unleashes a flurry of punches to Takahara's face before winding up and clocking him square on the jaw, spinning him around. Archer runs past Takahara and springboards off the second rope, catching Takahara with a Stunner, dropping him hard to the mat. Archer makes the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THRE- NO!



Tchyukiro dives in and breaks up the pin. Archer is furious and slams the mat. Cable grabs Tchyukiro's ankle and pulls him out of the ring. The two chop into each other viciously on the outside.



MW: Tensions are certainly running high between these two teams!



SD: You don't say.



Archer cusses out Tchyukiro and yells to his partner to finish him off. The referee forces Archer to get back into the match, which he eventually does. He turns around directly into a top rope crossbody from Takahara, having unwittingly given his opponent time to mount the turnbuckle. At the same time on the outside, Tchyukiro catches a charging Cable with a powerslam onto the floor, leaving him writhing. Takahara gets to his feet and shakes the remaining cobwebs. Tchyukiro hops back onto the apron and reaches for the tag. Takahara tags his partner just as Archer regains his footing. Takahara runs past Archer and rebounds off the ropes behind him. He launches himself up into a running dropkick to the back of Archer's head, sending him forward into a discus lariat from Tchyukiro. Archer drops to the mat, Tchyukiro makes the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



The crowd bursts into respectful applause as the Guardians of Strong Style stand together. They bow to each other and to their opponents who are starting to stir. The referee presents them with the tag team championship belts and they hold them reverently above their heads.



Winners and New Tag Team Champions: The Guardians of Strong Style (13:47)



DB: Here are your winners, and NEW! Freedom Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions, HIRO! TAKAHARA! And MASA! TCHYUKIRO! THE GUARDIANS OF STRONG STYLE!



MW: What an upset here tonight! The Guardians of Strong Style have broken the reign of the Dogs of War, and it looks like we may see a new era for the Empire of the Rising Sun!



SD: Inconceivable! Those two had nothing left in them, how the hell did they pull that off?



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Backstage, Bobby O stretches in his locker room as CJ Holmes walks in.



BO: Hey, CeeCee.

CJ: Hey, Bob-O. You feeling ready?

BO: I’ve been ready to face Clutch since Launch Party. He’s going to finally pay for everything he’s done since then.

CJ: Look… I just want you to be careful.



Bobby stands up and sighs.



BO: CeeCee… we’ve been over this…

CJ: I know, and I do trust you and I do believe you… but you know what I’m thinking. You’ve known Clutch for a long time and, more importantly, he’s known you for a long time too. He knows what buttons to press. And with a no DQ match, I’m sure he’ll want you to snap.

BO: I’m going into this match totally calm. I’m not going to lose it and I’m not going to do anything stupid. But I am going to prove to Clutch exactly why I’m Mr. FPW.

CJ: I’ll be there with you as always.



Bobby looks up.



BO: I don’t know-

CJ: I can defend myself if I need to. I know you don’t believe Clutch with everything he says about not hitting a woman, but I’m not sure if he would.

BO: But there’s nothing to say he wouldn’t use you to get the upper hand. I’m sure he would be able to talk himself into believing that throwing you in front of me and you getting hurt wasn’t his fault. I’m not sure you should be there.

CJ: I’m coming. Look, Bobby. I do trust you, but I need to be there. Just in case. Clutch might get under your skin, and you might just need a smile or a few words. I’m coming. End of story.



Bobby and CJ look at one another and CJ doesn’t break eye contact.



BO: Fine. But I’m not letting him use you to get what he wants. If he does… well, it’s no-DQ for a reason.



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MW: “Next up we have a Judgement Day rematch, as Freedom Champion Botiatus defends against the former champion Elizabeth Karlson.”



SD: “Karlson was injured during that match, but when she came back, she didn’t seek a rematch, instead choosing to seek a shot at the World Championship through the Young Lion’s Cup. She came up short in the final against Jace Mason however, and since Botiatus challenged the runner-up of the tournament to a Freedom Championship match, Karlson will get a rematch anyway.”



MW: “And if this match is anything like their clash at Judgement Day, then we’re in for an intense title match between two particularly capable wrestlers. Who do you see leaving tonight with the gold? Personally, I believe that Karlson has the skills that are necessary to defeat Botiatus and become FPW’s first-ever two-time Freedom Champion.”



SD: “I disagree, I think that Botiatus will be victorious tonight, simply because he wants it more. Karlson held no desire to win back this championship after losing it, and even when Botiatus announced that he’d put the title on the line against the loser of the YLC final, Karlson didn’t even consider it until after she’d lost. She wants the World Championship, and to her, this title is merely a secondary goal. Botiatus on the other hand, is proud of being the Freedom Champion, and he’ll want to continue to carry that belt.”



MW: “An interesting analysis as always, and now we take things to Dasha Banks in the ring for the introductions.”



Dasha smiled at the camera before she raised the mic and began. “The following contest is scheduled for one fall! And it is for the FPW Freedom championship!”



‘Turn it On’ began playing as the lights flickered. Elizabeth Karlson was revealed during one of the flashes, posing for the cheering crowd before she walked down to the ring, where Dasha continued the introductions. “Introducing first, from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, she is the Renegade, Elizabeth Kalrson!” Kalrson sat cross-legged in the center of the ring, giving a cocky smile up the ramp as she awaited her opponent.



There was a slight pause before ‘Famous’ began playing and Botiatus emerged, the Freedom Championship around his waist. He pointed out into the cheering crowd before he made his way down the ramp, playing to the crowd some more as he did so. “And introducing her opponent, from the Bay Area, California, he is the FPW Freedom Champion, this is Botiatus!” Botiatus posed with the title while standing on the apron before he stepped into the ring and handed his belt to the referee before taking off his shirt and settling into the corner across from Karlson, who had also shed her excess clothing.



Match 3: Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. Elizabeth Karlson (written by Mason):



The ref called for the bell, and Karlson immediately charged across the ring and delivered a shotgun dropkick, driving Botiatus into the turnbuckles. The crowd exploded as he bounced back and Karlson pulled him to the mat with an arm drag. Botiatus tried to roll away, but Karlson kept on top of him and began raining down right hands. She stood up, leaving Botiatus dazed as she hurried into the corner and climbed the turnbuckle. She glanced down as Botiatus began to stir, and then launched into a frog splash, driving her weight into him and holding him down for a cover!



MW: “Karlson trying to end this match early with the Brick Shithouse Bomb!”



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



Botiatus kicked out, but Karlson didn’t give him a chance to recover, turning him over and twisting his arm behind his back. Botiatus cried out as Karlson used her other limbs to hold him down as she applied more pressure to the hold.



SD: “Interesting choice from Karlson here, slowing the pace down after an explosive start. It’s a good move, keeps her opponent on the defensive.”



Botiatus eventually managed to maneuver himself into position to drape his foot over the bottom rope, forcing Karlson to break the hold. Botiatus rolled out of the ring before Karlson could go back on the offensive, rotating his shoulder to recover from the pain. Karlson waited in the ring, and Botiatus eventually climbed onto the apron and stepped into the ring, motioning for a lockup. Karlson raised an eyebrow, but accepted, jockeying for control for a moment before breaking through and lock in a wristlock. Karlson shrugged and said “you wanted this.” as Botiatus cried out again.



MW: “I’m not sure what Botiatus was thinking there; even I can recognize that challenging an accomplished technician like Elizabeth Karlson isn’t a good idea.”



Botiatus worked his way over to the edge of the ring and grabbed the top rope, using it as leverage to flip out of the wristlock. But as he turned, Karlson grabbed his other wrist and pulled him into a straightjacket hold. Botiatus gritted his teeth and fought his way free, catching Karlson with an elbow that bought him time to grab the rope, giving him a moment to recover. He was able to gain more time as Karlson charged at him, only for him to pull the top rope down and send her tumbling to the outside. Karlson recovered and shook her head angrily, then slid back into the ring, advancing towards Botiatus. He tried to meet her with a mid kick, only for her to catch his leg and turn it into a dragon screw. Botiatus went down, and Karlson held onto his leg, driving several kicks into his exposed thigh. Botiatus scrambled to the bottom rope and grabbed hold, forcing Karlson to break her grip, and then rolling to the outside again. But Karlson didn’t give him any time to recover, running the rope to gain momentum before flying to the outside with a suicide dive! She wiped out Botiatus with the collision before lifting him up and rolling him back into the ring, following him in to make a cover.

...1!..Kick-out!



Karlson pulled Botiatus up to his feet and whipped him into the corner and charged in after him to continue the offense, only for Botiatus to bring his knees up to block. Karlson took a few steps back as Botiatus lifted himself onto the middle turnbuckle, then launched himself into a flying knee strike that took Karlson off her feet.



MW: “Botiatus beginning to fight his way back into this match.”



Botiatus stood and ran to the ropes before leaping up and attempting to connect with a knee drop, only for Karlson to roll aside. She quickly stood and lashed out with a kick before Botiatus could stand up, but Botiatus caught her leg against his shoulder, then grabbed her other leg and stood upright while lifting her into position for a powerbomb. But Karlson fought back before he could bring her down, connecting with a series of elbows to the top of the head before pulling Botiatus to the mat with a hurricanrana. Botiatus escaped however, cartwheeling out of the hurricanrana and connecting with a dropkick as soon as Karlson turned around. Cheers sounded throughout the arena as Botiatus pulled Karlson to her feet and whipped her into the ropes, connecting with a scoop powerslam as she rebounded! Karlson’s back was driven into the mat, and Botiatus held her down to make the cover.



...1!..Kick-out!



SD: “An impressive comeback from the reigning champion, now he just needs to continue to push the pace and stay out of Karlson’s grasp.”



Botiatus rolled off of Karlson and lifted her to her feet, dragging her into the corner. He lifted her up, sitting her atop the top turnbuckle before climbing the turnbuckles behind her. He glanced out to the cheering crowd and took a deep breath before draping one of her arms across his neck. He grabbed her around the waist and lifted, setting up to deliver an avalanche back suplex. But as he brought her down, Karlson backflipped out of the suplex, somehow landing on her feet, and before Botiatus could get up, she leapt on him and locked in a dragon clutch! She tightened her grip around his neck, and Botiatus’ movements slowed, but Karlson wasn’t satisfied, growling in frustration and managing to lift Botiatus off the mat. The crowd let out an audible gasp of surprise, but Botiatus kicked his feet and squirmed, shifting his weight backwards to land on his feet behind Karlson. She whipped around with a spinning backfist that Botiatus ducked, and then he stepped in and set up a northern lights suplex that he quickly delivered before rolling into a second one, bridging to make the cover.



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



MW: “That’s the closest to ending this match either competitor has come so far, and now it looks like Botiatus is looking to end the match here.



In the ring, Botiatus was standing over Karlson and staring out at the crowd. He made a quick throat-slitting gesture before he lifted Karlson up and held her on his shoulder. He pointed into the corner before charging in and driving her head into the top turnbuckle with snake eyes. Botiatus ran to the ropes to set up the House Call as Karlson staggered back into the center of the ring, but she turned around as he rebounded and caught him with a monkey flip. But Karlson wasn’t done, maintaining her grip on his wrist, and as Botiatus tried to stand back up, she twisted her body, placing her legs over his and bridging into a European clutch!



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



MW: “That was close!”



SD: “Can we get a replay on that?”



The referee confirmed to Karlson that Botiatus had indeed kicked out, and she clenched her jaw, looking at her opponent with a new anger. She lifted him up to his feet and delivered a series of three quick forearms, leaving him dazed enough for her to run to the ropes. But as she rebounded back toward Botiatus, he leapfrogged over her, then dropped down as she hit the far ropes and rebounded again. Karlson rebounded once more, and Botiatus looked to meet her with a dropkick, but Karlson stopped and grabbed his ankles, and as Botiatus’ upper body fell to the mat, she stepped over and squatted down into a Boston Crab! Botiatus shouted in pain and began to claw his way towards the ropes, and despite Karlson’s best efforts, he began to make progress. So Karlson switched tactics, maintaining her hold on his legs while stepping out of the submission before turning and stepping back in, converting the hold into an inverted Boston Crab! Botiatus shouted again, louder than before, and Karlson smiled as she continued to apply pressure to his legs and spine. But Botiatus refused to quit, and Karlson was forced to tighten the hold even further. But when she adjusted her position, she put her leg into reach of Botiatus’ arm, which he quickly took advantage of, grabbing her ankle and pulling, causing Karlson to lose her grip as she fell off-balance. Botiatus pulled again,sending Karlson falling to the mat before he scrambled back to his feet.



SD: “A well executed escape there from Botiatus”



Karlson was already beginning to stand as Botiatus turned to face her, and he waited for her to fully stand before darting in and connecting with a pair of quick forearm strikes. He ducked under Karlson's retaliatory strike and connected with a sharp jab before whipping her into the ropes, catching her with a backbreaker on the rebound. The crowd cheered as Botiatus stepped through the ropes and onto the apron. He pointed at himself, leading the crowd in an ‘H.O.B.’ chant before launching into a slingshot leg drop directly across Karlson’s chest, quickly transitioning into a cover.



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



Botiatus nodded to the crowd as they cheered, a ‘this is awesome!’ chant breaking out. But Botiatus was just a little too focused on the crowd as he bent down to pull Karlson upright, and Karlson made him pay, grabbing the back of his head and pulling his face down into a hard knee strike. As Botiatus straightened and recoiled, Karlson delivered a spinning elbow before spinning back around and connecting with a kick to the chest that pushed Botiatus back into the ropes. He bounced back, and Karlson lifted him up into a fireman’s carry before hitting a Death Valley Bomb, then rolling off of him and leaping up to the middle rope before hitting a senton bomb! Her body weight crashed into Botiatus before she rolled over into a cover.



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



MW: “What a flurry of offense from Elizabeth Karlson, capping it off with the OTB, but still unable to put away Botiatus!”



SD: “But it looks like Karlson is undeterred, she’s already setting up her next attempt at the victory.”



Indeed, Karlson was waiting, leaning forward out of the corner as Botiatus stood up. She charged in to deliver the 3xf, but Botiatus ducked under the kick and then jumped up to deliver a House Rules Neckbreaker. He caught hold of Karlson’s neck and pulled her down, but in midair, Karlson flipped over and wound up on top of Botiatus as they crashed into the mat, holding him down for the cover!



...1!...2!..Botiatus put his leg over the bottom rope! Karlson didn’t realize and smiled as she rolled off of Botiatus, not realizing that the ref hadn’t counted to three. She was still smiling as she stood up, but that was when she began to get puzzled as to why the bell hadn’t rung. She turned accusingly to the ref, demanding he explain why he wasn’t raising her hand. The ref tried to explain that Botiatus had broken up the pinfall, but Karlson still didn’t believe him. Behind her though, Botiatus had began to rise to his knees, and when he saw Karlson with her back turned, he jumped up and connected with the House Rules Neckbreaker! Karlson went limp, and Botiatus quickly rolled her into a cover.



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



Winner, and STILL Freedom Champion: Botiatus [18:48]



The ref called for the bell, and Botiatus raised an arm in celebration. ‘Famous’ began to play as he stood up and had his arm raised by the referee.



MW: What a match. Karlson showed that she’d learned from the outcome of her previous match with Botiatus, but was still unable to pick up the victory.”



SD: “She went into this match with the right strategy though, to slow down Botiatus and trap him in one of her submissions. Unfortunately for her however, Botiatus also had the right strategy, to keep a quick pace and avoid being put into submissions as much as possible. In the end though, it was Karlson’s belief that she’d already won, combined with some good timing from Botiatus, that led to him retaining his title tonight.”



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Backstage, Jim Houston is sat in his office. He makes a few notes before taking a sip of water. His phone starts to buzz and he looks down, smiles and picks up.



JH: Hello again………….



JH: Yes we’re all sorted for you…………..



JH: It’s something I’m very excited about. Obviously Wrestlemania weekend is the biggest in the wrestling calendar and this tournament is going to be big for us………



JH: I’m sure you would, but you know I can’t let that happen………………



JH: I have someone lined up for that eventuality. I don’t expect there to be any withdrawals, but injuries happen as we know. If I need a replacement, I’m covered………………….



JH: Well the final show on the Sunday is when you’re here. I plan to bring you out between the semi-finals and the final. It’s a spot we need to fill and I think your appearance will fill it perfectly……………….



JH: Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that this doesn’t get out to anybody.



Houston disconnects the call and smiles, before returning to his notes.



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



We return to ringside with Watson and Deville



MW: Next up we have another tag team contest pitting FPW's femmes fatales, The Queendom, against the new kids on the block, Revolution-X!



SD: That's a bit demeaning, don't you think?



MW: I mean, they are new here, they're young guys, I'm surprised you're taking their side, Steven.



SD: Who said anything about them? I mean you calling this a contest when the Queendom will most certainly leave victorious!



MW: And there he is.



SD: Honestly, Watson. Get it together.



Dasha Banks takes her position and introduces the match.



DB: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall!



MW: How come she gets to say it?



SD: Shut up, Watson.



The lights dim and Ed Sheeran's "You Need Me, I Don't Need You" starts on the speakers. As the song begins, quick highlights of high-flying moves from Tudor and Banks play on the screen. Once the vocals kick in, the two burst through the curtain and call to the crowd, hyping them up. They get the crowd going before bouncing down the ramp, slapping hands with fans and amping them up. As they reach the ring, Tudor slides in and quickly jumps up to the top turnbuckle. Banks then springboards up onto the top rope and walks the rope over to him before the two of them each land a backflip back into the ring. They fall back to their corner and continue to rev up the audience, who give them an enthusiastic reception.



DB: Introducing first, RJ! TUDOR! And JACKSON! BANKS! REVOLUTION-X!



MW: These two already looking quite at home here in FPW, and we know they're looking to make a big impact here tonight.



SD: They'll make an impact alright when their backs hit the mat for the 1-2-3!



MW: Only one of them needs to be pinned, Steven.



SD: Doesn't matter!



"Sturm Und Drang" fills the air and the crowd shifts to a chorus of boos. Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez take the stage and stand on either side of the ramp, Donovan taunting the crowd with fire, Lopez coldly brushing off their ire. The two march to the ring with purpose. Donovan continues to mock the crowd, Lopez shoves fans' hands aside. She catches her partner's arm and the pair grab a sign from the crowd that says "Beat the Queenie Meanies" and tear it in half, throwing it back into the audience before sliding into the ring to vociferous boos.



DB: And their opponents, THEA! DONOVAN! And MYRA! LOPEZ! THE QUEENDOM!



MW: Certainly no doubt about who the fans favor in this matchup.



SD: And the fans are fools, FOOLS, I say, to doubt the power of the Queendom!



Match 4: Revolution-X vs. The Queendom (written by Jerry Bishop):



The two teams deliberate in their corners for a moment to decide their starting positions. Banks takes to the ring for Revolution-X, Donovan starts for the Queendom. The referee makes the checks and calls for the bell. Banks steps forward and offers a show of respect. Donovan looks him in the eye and says "Really?" She slaps his hand down and then slaps him across the face. Banks nods and shrugs it off before grabbing Donovan by the wrist and whipping her into the ropes. He looks for a back body drop as she comes back, but she drops down to one knee and uppercuts him across the face once more. Banks shakes it off as Donovan mimics a certain golden veteran's signature taunt. As she draws her hands up into the air, Banks catches her wrist and leaps to the top rope. He walks across the top holding her wrist before leaping off into a tornado DDT using the momentum to plant Donovan hard into the mat. She brings a hand up to her face in surprise as she tries to regain her bearings. In an instant, Banks is on the top turnbuckle. As Donovan turns over, Banks launches himself high into the air with a shooting star flip before driving his knees into Donovan's midsection. She writhes in pain on the mat as Banks hypes up the crowd, Tudor leading the audience.



MW: Revolution-X off to a strong start in their first match and it looks like the Freedom Fighters are warming up to them quite nicely!



SD: They're fickle, they get excited about anything new. And who uses Ed Sheeran for their music? He's the biggest tosser in the music industry since John Legend! Go into any shop in this town and you'll hear that ginger twat's ballads that take seven minutes each at least five times before you leave!



MW: Is there something you'd like to talk about, Steven?



SD: Let's just get on with it already.



Banks pulls Donovan up to her feet only to be met with a boot to the gut. She pulls him in and lifts him into a Michinoku driver, dropping him hard. Banks holds his hands to his neck as Donovan starts to talk trash. She runs the ropes and penalty kicks Banks stiffly across the chest. As he falls, Donovan leaps onto the second rope and springboards into a leg drop across Banks' throat. She goes for a cover.



ONE!

NO!



Banks kicks out. Donovan mimes walking on a tight rope, flailing her arms wildly to "keep her balance", before turning to Banks and shouting at him to "keep it in the ring, you idiot". In Revolution-X's corner, Tudor thrusts a hand forward looking for a tag, looking hard at Donovan, who puts the boots to Banks' upper body. Banks manages to dodge another leg drop and rolls to his corner, leaping forward to tag in his partner. Tudor enters the ring hot and strides directly to Donovan, getting face to face with her. The two exchange heated words, Tudor's face one of determination, Donovan with a smile of vicious glee. She backs off with her hands up only to whip forward with a superkick to Tudor's jaw. He spins around and Donovan catches him around the waist, ripcording him out into a short-arm lariat. Donovan stalks towards Tudor, but he manages to catch her feet in his legs, throwing her into the ropes with a drop toe hold and kipping up to his feet. He runs the far ropes before vaulting over the side where Donovan is hung up, landing on his feet, and superkicking her in return, sending her back into the ring. Tudor fires up the crowd as Banks starts to catch his breath.



MW: These two are certainly bringing the fight here tonight!



SD: The Queendom will pull things back, just you watch. See?



Tudor springboards himself back into the ring with a shooting star press off the top rope onto Donovan. He practically bounces off of her and runs to the opposing ropes, launching himself off the top with an enormous double rotation moonsault. He raises a finger to the audience to ask "One more?" They cheer him loudly as he runs the ropes once more, catapulting himself off the top into a 630 splash and making a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



Donovan manages to get a foot under the ropes, which Lopez calls out to the referee. Tudor looks frustrated but honors the rules as the ref points out the near fall.



MW: Looks like he may have given her a bit too much time to reposition before that last move, he almost had that one.



SD: The Queendom are just too wily to be caught off guard with flips and McTwists and Phoenix Wrights and whatever the kids are into these days.



Tudor runs the ropes and looks to handspring into a senton onto Donovan, but there's no one home. Donovan hurriedly shuffles over to her corner and tags in Lopez. Tudor steps up to her and gets into her face, looking to talk smack. Lopez simply stares him down icily and shakes her head with the slightest hint of a smile. She kicks Tudor in the midsection and follows up with a pump kick, dropping Tudor to the mat. She catches Tudor's leg and wraps it in her own, scissor twisting it painfully around. Tudor struggles against the hold, but Lopez cinches it in tighter.



MW: The Queendom looking to take the flight out of these two.



SD: Brilliant!



Tudor fights back against the pressure of the hold and turns himself over, dragging himself towards the ropes. He grabs the bottom rope to force the break, which Lopez does at the referee's count of 4.6. Tudor starts to pull himself to his feet only to be met with a chop block from behind from Lopez, taking his base out from under him. Tudor kips up but stumbles, nursing his injured leg. Lopez runs the ropes and leaps up into a spinning leg lariat to bring Tudor back down to the mat. Lopez makes the cover.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



Tudor gets the shoulder up. Lopez pulls Tudor back up to his feet and lifts him into a Falcon Arrow dropping him hard onto his back. Lopez keeps hold of Tudor's head and flips him over into a rear naked choke, and looks to lock it in on the mat. In the corners, Donovan shouts at Tudor to just give up already while Banks stamps on the mat and slams the turnbuckle to fire up the crowd. Tudor feeds off the audience and resists Lopez locking him down. She puts all her weight against him but he starts to get to his feet while still in the hold.



MW: Quite the show of perseverance from the newcomer.



SD: He'll fade, they always do in the presence of the Queendom.



Tudor drags himself and Lopez towards a corner. He lifts his feet onto the turnbuckles and manages to flip himself over and out of the hold. He springs up and dropkicks Lopez into the turnbuckle before dropping to one knee. Banks reaches forward for a tag, Tudor pushes himself up and throws himself into his corner to complete it. Banks hops onto the top rope and shoots himself across the ring towards Lopez with a corkscrew elbow, which connects. Banks comes up still nursing his neck before climbing back to the ropes. He mounts the top rope once more and as Lopez regains her footing Banks comes off the top with a hurricanrana. Lopez flips head over heels and Banks gets up once more holding his neck. He grabs Lopez' wrist and takes her to the ropes as Tudor stomps on the apron. Banks jumps over the ropes and bounces back and forth between the top and middle ropes several times, wrenching Lopez' arm. He bounces to the top rope and looks to fly but as he starts to flip over into a blockbuster Lopez catches Banks' legs and rolls through into a fireman's carry.



MW: What a show of strength from the White Queen!



SD: And here comes the Black Queen!



*Lopez hoists Banks off her shoulders and drives his head into her knee with a GTS before making a cover. Tudor rushes the ring to try and break up the pin only to be met with a running knee strike to the head from Donovan. *



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



Winners: The Queendom (14:10).



DB: Here are your winners, Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan, THE QUEENDOM!



Donovan helps Lopez to her feet and fires her up before mounting the turnbuckle and hurling abuse at the fans. Lopez coldly looks into the crowd with an assured expression. Banks and Tudor help each other to their feet and roll out of the ring, helping each other to the back.



MW: Revolution-X has nothing to be ashamed of here, an excellent debut but it looks like the Queendom had them scouted.



SD: Of course they did! They're smarter than the average tag team!



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



Backstage, Jace Mason sits in the locker room and Aaron Williams enters. Mason looks up and smiles. The two shake hands.



AW: You ready, Jace?

JM: I think so. I know the main event at Judgement Day should be the biggest match of my career, but… this one is bigger to me.

AW: I get it. Evans cheated you out of that title not once but twice. You can’t let it happen again.

JM: I don’t plan to. Plus, at Judgement Day, I’m not sure anybody expected me to win. I know a lot of people hoped I would, but I was the underdog. Now I’ve been FPW Champion, I feel like people expect me to win this one. That makes it bigger for me.

AW: You’ve got everything you need to win this match. I wish I could be out there with you, but I’m not sure I’ll be in any position to be ringside.

JM: No worries, Aaron. Are you ready for this?

AW: Absolutely. Jerry has run away from me for too long. Now that we’ll be locked inside a steel cage until one of us proves they’re the better man, I can’t wait. No offense, but this will be the match of the night.

JM: We’ll see about that. But that’s by the by. After I have my title back and you’ve overcome The Joker, in my mind, you’ll have earnt the first shot at the title. Whatever happens in this tournament, I want to make sure we main event the first show we can.

AW: Deal.



Williams extends a hand and they shake.



AW: Anyway, good luck, man.

JM: And you.

AW: And the All Star Tag Team Classic is coming up soon… I don’t know what this place will look like by then but… you wanna enter again?

JM: Of course. Even if it just means The Queendom don’t win it.

AW: Great. But let’s get tonight done first and then we can start thinking about the Tag Classic.



They shake hands again before Williams walks out of the room. Mason goes back to sitting on the bench, takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes.



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



MW: Well now we come to what I believe will be one of the most heated matches we have here tonight.

SD: Bobby O and Clutch McCloud face one another for what I expect will be the last time for a while. Clutch took exception to Bobby facing Berry Bishop and then jumped him after he earnt the chance to be the number one contender to the FPW Championship. Bobby tried to take revenge but the waters got muddied by the involvement of Danica Jane and CJ Holmes, leading to a disqualification for Clutch after Bobby’s attack on Danica caused him to snap. Clutch then jumped Bobby after his title match with Artemis Evans and now the two step into the ring and settle their score in a no disqualification match.

MW: Perfectly summed up. What do you expect from this match?

SD: I expect a fight. We’ll see some wrestling matches tonight- at the heart of their rivalry, Aaron Williams and Jerry Bishop want to prove that their wrestling style and their wrestling ability is superior to the other- but this won’t be one of those. This will be a fight, pure and simple.

MW: Who do you expect to come out on top?

SD: Whoever most wants to destroy the other. Clutch is a better striker while Bobby is more technically sound. Bobby has a mean streak- we know that for sure- but will he go to that place? We know that Clutch is willing to. And what difference will CJ and Danica make assuming they’re at ringside?

MW: Surely Clutch won’t bring Danica Jane out here. This is no DQ. He abhors violence against women and he knows that she would be in the lie of fire if she came out tonight.

SD: I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that one. We know that CJ Holmes has decided she’s coming out, even though Bobby doesn’t seem too keen on her doing so. I think this could be a brutal encounter between two men who truly hate one another. At the end, I doubt either will come out feeling like a winner, whether they get the three-count or not.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a singles match which is scheduled for one-fall with no disqualifications. Introducing first, from The Gateway City, and being accompanied to the ring by Danica Jane, he represents Dynasty… ‘The King’… Clutch McCloud!”



The fans begin to boo but their boos are cut off as unfamiliar music- ‘Rise’- begins to play. The boos arrive once again as Clutch steps through the curtain, one hand held behind his back and Danica Jane walking next to him. As the music goes on, Clutch reveals a lead pipe very similar to the one Bobby made famous, holding it up with a smile on his face. The fans continue to boo as he makes his way down to the ring. He reaches it and holds the ropes open for Danica before she does the same for him. The two of them stand in the middle of the ring and Clutch calls for a mic. The boos get even louder.



“Before this match begins, I’d like to take the opportunity to address-“



But Clutch is cut off by ‘This Means War’ and a loud cheer from the crowd. As the intro goes on, Dasha Banks takes the mic back and makes her introduction.



“And his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is a former FPW Tag Team Champion… Mr. FPW… Bobby O!”



Bobby emerges through the curtain just as his name is announced and CJ follows. He looks down to the ring to see Clutch holding up the lead pipe. Bobby turns to tell CJ to head backstage, but one look from CJ and Bobby shakes his head, sighs, and takes off his bomber jacket before beginning to make his way down the ramp. As he does, Clutch slides out of the ring and the bell rings.



Match 5: Clutch McCloud vs. Bobby O:



Clutch and Bobby meet on the ramp, Clutch swinging the pipe but Bobby ducking, shoving Clutch into the barricade. Clutch doubles over and Bobby reaches down to grab the pipe, wrenching it out of Clutch’s hand and brandishing it high in the air. Clutch turns and begins to beg off, only for Bobby to drop the pipe to the floor and land a hard right hand instead. Clutch reels away and Bobby follows him up the ramp, driving a knee into his gut and slamming his head into the guardrail. As Clutch drops against the rail, Bobby lays into him with stomps. Danica begins to get close but Bobby turns to her and she backs away with her hands in the air.



MW: Bobby O bringing the intensity tonight.

SD: As you’d expect. He’s been jumped by Clutch twice and now Clutch tried to make it a third time tonight.

MW: Bobby lifting Clutch and… he’s got him up onto the stage… This is dangerous.



Bobby kicks Clutch in the gut and looks to set him up for a DDT, but Clutch blocks it, freeing himself and landing a forearm to the gut. He then grabs Bobby and pulls him in for a fisherman’s suplex, which he delivers onto the stage. Bobby arches his back in pain as Clutch pushes himself up. He looks down at Bobby and tells him that it’s time he learns his lesson. Clutch pulls Bobby up and drags him over towards the video screen. He drives Bobby’s head into the steel girder that holds the screen in place before ramming him back-first into it too. Bobby arches his back again and Clutch connects with a forearm to the head which drops Bobby to his knees. Clutch then backs up and runs at Bobby, taking him down with a shining wizard.



Ignoring the official’s pleas to get the match to the ring, Clutch pulls Bobby to his feet and drags him to the curtain, throwing him through it. The camera follows Clutch as he heads backstage, kicking Bobby down the steps which lead to the entrance. Clutch follows and he kicks Bobby hard in the ribs before grabbing a metal case on wheels and pulling it over to him. He lifts Bobby up and places him on it, before pushing it with all of his strength towards a solid wall. Bobby, however, manages to drop off before the impact, and he tries to stand, only for Clutch to kick him hard in the gut and grab him by the back of the neck, dragging him further into the bowels of the arena.



MW: This match is getting further and further away from us.

SD: When I said it would be a fight, I didn’t imagine this. This match has to end in the ring. It can’t end backstage.

MW: But a lot of damage can be done in that area. It’s not set up for wrestling back there.



Clutch shoves a door open and throws Bobby into a corridor. He grabs a trash can and dumps the trash onto Bobby, who bristles in disgust, pushing himself up. Clutch tries to hit Bobby with the can but Bobby stops him with a kick to the gut and then he manages to DDT Clutch down onto the can. Bobby holds his back, which took some of the impact too, as Clutch rolls off and onto his back. Bobby pushes himself up, shoves the trash can aside, and grabs Clutch. He pulls him up to his feet and throws him into the wall, backing away to the opposite wall and running at Clutch, connecting with a running dropkick which sends Clutch sliding down to a seated position. Bobby then puts the boots to him for a moment before turning to see CJ and Danica watching from a distance.



He looks back at Clutch and then opens a door next to him, seeing a room set up with catering. Bobby grabs Clutch and drags him in there, sliding all of the food off one of the tables. Bobby places Clutch onto the table and he looks around, seeing a metal plate which he smashes over Clutch’s head. Clutch drops down and Bobby looks around again and then sweeps the food off the next table before climbing onto the table and lifting Clutch up. He wraps his hands around Clutch’s waist and looks to lift him for a German suplex through the second table, but Clutch flicks his leg up and low-blows Bobby. He releases his grip and Clutch turns, repositions himself, and then flips over Bobby, connecting with a sunset flip powerbomb onto the hard ground.



MW: His back could be broken!

SD: It’s already been damaged in this match. That impact won’t have helped one bit.

MW: Not at all. And now Clutch is right back in this one after looking like he was close to being seriously hurt just moments ago.



Clutch shakes off his sore head and pulls Bobby back up. He drags him back through the door and into the area which leads onto the entrance ramp. However, he grabs Bobby and throws him through a different door, this time leading into the crowd. People rush to surround them as Clutch clubs Bobby across the back and kicks him hard in the ribs again. Bobby rolls over and Clutch looks down at him with a smile Clutch then turns to Danica and tells her to go and get the lead pipe. She disappears back to the ramp as Clutch mounts Bobby and lands several right hands.



Danica grabs the pipe and climbs over the guardrail, making her way through the crowd and back to Clutch. She is about to ha d it to him when she’s stopped in her tracks by CJ Holmes. Danica laughs at her and goes to shove her out of the way, but CJ instead grabs the pipe and pulls it out of Danica’s hand. Danica goes to strike CJ, but CJ instinctively raises the pipe and lays Danica out with it. Clutch, seeing this, immediately dismounts from Bobby and grabs the pipe from CJ’s hand. The two lock eyes for a moment and Clutch breathes deeply. A section of the fans urges him to use the pipe, but he lowers it and turns… right into an RKO!



MW: Clutch stuck to his principles and it backfired massively!

SD: An RKO onto the concrete. There’s nothing to protect his head from splitting in two out there.

MW: But Bobby also landed on his back, which still has to be seriously sore.

SD: If this were in the ring, we’d be calling this one over.

MW: I don’t doubt that, but it’s not. Bobby needs to get Clutch back into the ring and then cover him before he can claim victory in this match.



Bobby slowly pushes himself to his feet while Clutch lies motionless. He reaches down and pulls him up, bit by bit, before dragging him through the crowd. When he reaches the guardrail, he urges Clutch over it and half climbs, half falls over it himself, stretching out his back as he stands up again. Bobby heaves Clutch down to ringside and rolls him into the ring, sliding in after him and making a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Clutch kicks out. Bobby bangs the canvas hard as CJ tells him to keep his focus. He looks down at Clutch and slowly lifts him, forcing him over to the corner. As he shoves him up onto the top rope, the fans begin to buzz, realising what Bobby is trying to do. He climbs after him and hooks an arm over Clutch’s head, but Clutch fights back, landing straight right hands to Bobby’s ribs before shoving him off the top. Bobby lands on his feet but staggers back a few steps, and Clutch comes off the top with a diving European uppercut. Both of them lie in the ring for a few moments before Clutch pushes himself to his feet, staggering groggily before regaining his balance.



He looks down at Bobby with a look of pure hatred on his face and he steps through the ropes. Dropping down from the apron, he reaches under the ring and pulls out a table, which he shoves into the ring. He is about to follow, when he notices that CJ is carrying the lead pipe. He looks at her and calls for her to give it him, but she doesn’t. He then walks towards her and she runs to the other side of the ring, Clutch following. She slides into the ring and Clutch follows, right into Bobby. The two of them exchange a flurry of right hands, the fans building to a frenzy before Bobby forces Clutch back into the corner. He continues to lay into him with jabs and rights before whipping Clutch into the opposite corner.



Bobby follows with a running dropkick and then forces himself to his feet. Clutch staggers a couple of steps out of the corner but Bobby lands a second running dropkick and Clutch hits the turnbuckles hard. Clutch drops to his knees and Bobby hits the ropes, delivering a curb stomp before dropping down into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Clutch just gets a shoulder up. Bobby looks down at Clutch and then he sees the table lying on the mat. He stands shakily and lifts it up, placing it in one corner. He then lifts Clutch and rests him against the table before backing away. Bobby looks to hit another running dropkick, but Clutch drops down and rolls out of the ring. Bobby pulls out just in time. He follows Clutch and the two exchange right hands again. Clutch looks to land a second low-blow, but Bobby catches it and shakes his head. The two lock eyes for a moment before Bobby shoves Clutch’s leg backwards and catches him in a DDT as his head drops.



MW: That could be the match right there!

SD: But Bobby needs to get Clutch into the ring. He had him with RKO but the time it took to get him into the ring cost Bobby.

MW: I don’t know if Bobby is looking to make a cover though. I think he might be looking to do more damage.



Bobby’s eyes light up and his chest rises and falls heavily. He turns to CJ, who still holds the lead pipe. Bobby holds his hand out but CJ shakes her head.



“You’re not that man anymore,” she tells him as he continues to ask for the pipe. “You’re stronger now. You don’t need this.”



Bobby looks at her for a few more moments before nodding his head. He apologises and then turns… right into TarHEEL. Clutch looks at CJ, whose mouth opens wide in shock, before he lifts Bobby and rolls him into the ring. Clutch then pulls Bobby up and rests him against the table set up in the corner. Clutch looks out to CJ and mouths ‘thanks’, before unleashing a Technical Foul to send Bobby through the table. Bobby crumples down and Clutch grabs him by the leg, dragging him out of the corner. He makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Clutch McCloud (18:44).



The fans sit stunned as Clutch stands, holding the back of his head. As the official goes to raise his arm, Danica carefully rolls into the ring and Clutch pushes him away. He moves over to Danica and helps her up before she raises his arm. Clutch looks down at Bobby and then at CJ, whose face still wears a look of horror. He smiles and takes in the boos of the crowd.



MW: We have just witnessed one of- if not the- biggest wins in Clutch McCloud’s FPW career.

SD: It turned out to be a momentary slip from Bobby that cost him. Clutch had wormed his way into Bobby’s head and Bobby’s desire to punish Clutch cost him this match. Clutch took his licks for sure, but that’s a huge deal.

MW: Bobby O will look back on that moment when he asked for the lead pipe and will curse himself. Reuniting with CJ Holmes was the big moment for Bobby that seemed to signal the end of the Bastard. Defeating Jack Sevren was his ultimate redemption, but Mr. FPW was out-foxed tonight by a man who has known him for long enough to really push his buttons.

SD: And that’s exactly what Clutch did. He went after CJ for that pipe when he’d already shown he wasn’t going to lay a finger on her. He must have known the impact that would have had on Bobby. Clutch McCloud now goes into the number one contender tournament- and a match against the Freedom Champion- with a big win under his belt.

MW: While Bobby will enter into it with more questions about his temperament. Questions that he didn’t think would be raised again.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Mrya Lopez and Thea Donovan.



DB: Tonight, you picked up a win over the impressive debutants, Revolution-X. What-

TD: Why don’t you focus on how impressive we were? These guys get all of the plaudits for the match but who won? The Queendom. Again. The Guardians of Strong Style might be the new Tag Team Champions, but we’re the best team in Freedom Pro Wrestling. We demand our rightful shot at the titles.

ML: And we will become the Tag Team Champions. Guaranteed.

DB: Of course, Artemis-

TD: Just stop there, Banks. You don’t deserve to talk to us and you certainly shouldn’t be talking about The FPW Champion. Tonight, Artemis destroys Jace Mason once and for all. And then she moves on to whoever it is that wins this tournament. After that… it doesn’t matter. Whoever challenges The Queendom will soon be bowing at our feet. That FPW Championship is never going to leave us, and once we take the Tag Team Championships too… we’ll be decked out in the gold that we deserve.

ML: And hey, if Botiatus wants to find a worthy challenger, maybe we can take the Freedom Championship away from him too.

DB: Can I just-

TD: Shut it. We’re done with you.



Lopez and Donovan walk away and Dasha shakes her head.



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MW: And now we’re headed for what I think is one of the biggest matches in recent FPW history.

SD: For once we agree, Watson. Jerry Bishop’s transformation into The Joker has taken him to new heights, and Aaron Williams is latching onto him to desperately try and stay relevant. But tonight Jerry will finally shrug off Williams and take his place at the very top of the company.

MW: Alternatively, Aaron Williams will finally get a chance to face Jerry Bishop in an environment where Jerry can’t run away or avoid him. Jerry may win tonight, but if he does, it won’t be without a fight from Williams.

SD: Jerry hasn’t ever run away from Aaron Williams-

MW: In the Beat The Clock Challenge?

SD: Jerry knew there was no need to continue. He couldn’t beat the clock so why carry on and risk getting hurt?

MW: It’s pathetic. And how about the rematch? Jerry ran away whenever Williams built momentum and he did everything he could to make the match boring for all of the fans he used to love.

SD: He did what he needed to do to frustrate Aaron Williams and win the match. As for the fans, they turned on The Joker. It’s not the other way round.

MW: Well I don’t think we’re ever going to agree on that one. Let’s talk strategy. How does Williams beat Jerry tonight?

SD: I don’t think he will because Jerry is better than he is. However, if Williams is going to have a chance of winning this match, he needs to start fast and keep up the pace. If he lets Jerry get on top, he’ll dictate the pace of the match and keep Williams grounded. Williams needs to avoid that.

MW: What about Jerry. Can he stand toe-to-toe with Aaron Williams?

SD: Yes. Yes he can. If he dictates the pace and frustrates Williams, he’ll win.

MW: Let’s remember. If Jerry tries to run away or get out of the cage, he’s done in FPW. How will that impact the match?

SD: He won’t try to escape. End of story.

MW: Well after this it might well be the end of the story, but I have a feeling that these two will always look to clash with one another one way or another.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall and it is a steel cage match! Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is a former two-time Ring of Honor Champion and the holder of many championships from all over the world, ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



‘I Still Believe’ begins and Aaron Williams bursts through the curtain, already singing along and calling on the fans to do the same. The song rings out around the arena as Williams comes down the ramp with a greater intensity than usual. He slaps as many hands as he possibly can and then pauses at the bottom of the ramp where he looks up at the cage. After a brief examination, he moves around the ring and finds a young fan, to whom he hands a marker pen. The fan writes ‘nowhere to hide’ on Williams’ need pad and Williams then continues to make his way around the ring, slapping as many hands as possible. He then reaches the door to the cage and steps up the stairs before entering the ring and shaking hands with the official and the ring announcer.



“And his opponent, from Kansas City, Missouri… ‘The J… Joker’… Jerry… Bishop.”



‘Shine My Shoes’ begins and Jerry steps through the curtain. He pauses, looking down at Williams and laughing before looking at all of the fans who boo him loudly. Jerry frowns slightly before heading down the middle of the ramp, pointedly ignoring the fans on either side of him. He reaches the ring and climbs the steps straight away, but doesn’t enter the cage through the door. Instead, Jerry begins to climb the side of the cage. Williams watches as Jerry reaches the top of the cage and, after reaching the top, he extends his arms and lets out another laugh, staring down at Williams as Williams stares back up at him. Jerry steps over and climbs down the side and he and Williams immediately stare one another down as the official forces them apart.



Match 6: Steel Cage Match: Aaron Williams vs. Jerry Bishop:



As soon as the bell rings, Williams runs at Jerry and aims a kick, but Jerry ducks it and runs through, hitting the ropes and coming back at Williams. He aims a clothesline but Williams ducks. Jerry follows through and hits the ropes, Williams dropping down but Jerry stepping over. Jerry hits the ropes again and Williams leapfrogs him. Jerry hits the ropes again but catches onto them as Williams aims a dropkick. Jerry quickly slides in and tries to grab a chinlock, but Williams catches his wrist and twists free. Williams pulls him into a hammerlock and lands a hard kick to Jerry’s gut. Williams releases the wrist and pulls Jerry in for a suplex. He lifts him but Jerry twists free and drops down behind Williams.



Jerry grabs Williams by the back of the head and looks to drive him head-first into the cage, but Williams blocks him and drives an elbow into Jerry’s gut. He grabs Jerry and looks to ram his head into the cage instead, but Jerry blocks it as well, stepping up onto the middle rope and coming down with a tornado DDT. He makes a quick cover.



One…

T-



Williams kicks out and Jerry immediately looks to lock in a chinlock again, but Williams twists free easily. Both men make it to their feet and they stare one another down, allowing an ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant to roll around the arena.



MW: It seems like Williams isn’t going to let Jerry grind him down like he has in the past.

SD: Perhaps not, but it’s early days yet. Jerry will have a lot in his locker for this.

MW: I’m sure he will, but don’t discount Aaron Williams. Jerry may be working with MDE, who will have him as well prepared as can be, but Williams is a real student of the game.



Jerry and Williams circle one another and move in for a lock-up. They jockey for position, each managing to drive the other back a couple of steps before the momentum gets reversed. After jockeying for a while, Jerry looks to pull Williams into a headlock, but Williams slips free and grabs Jerry in a waistlock. Jerry frees himself with elbows and grabs Williams by the wrist, whipping him into the ropes. Jerry looks to catch Williams in a sleeper hold but Williams drops down and forces Jerry to the mat with his legs, leaping up and landing a standing double stomp. Williams makes the cover.



One…

T-



Jerry kicks out. Williams quickly gets to his feet and hits the ropes, looking for a penalty kick, but Jerry drops down and pulls Williams down into a schoolboy roll-up. Jerry, however, rolls Williams through further and then leaps up into a snap DDT. Jerry stands and catches his breath as Williams holds his head. Jerry then reaches down and pulls Williams to his feet before whipping him into the corner. Jerry follows him in with a running forearm and then he whips him into the opposite corner. He follows him in with a running dropkick this time and Williams drops down to the mat. Jerry hoists himself onto the second turnbuckle, stalking Williams as the fans boo him.



MW: Jerry Bishop building the momentum after an even start to this match.

SD: Just as I expected, Jerry is the man to take control.

MW: But this is still going at quite a pace. Is this going to suit Jerry?

SD: Just because Williams is associated with the fast pace, it doesn’t make Jerry slow. He can keep up.



As Williams stands, Jerry looks to come down with a middle rope blockbuster, but Williams counters with a kick to the back of the neck and Jerry lands hard on the mat. Williams quickly pulls Jerry up and into a powerbomb position, connecting with a powerbomb backbreaker and making the cover.



One…

Two-



Jerry kicks out. Williams lifts Jerry again and whips him into the ropes, taking him down with a dropkick before leaping onto the middle rope for a springboard moonsault. Williams pulls Jerry up again and forces him into the corner, landing a series of forearms before backing away and coming back with a big splash, but Jerry counters with a rolling elbow! Williams staggers and Jerry connects with a step-up enzeguiri before kneeling over him and laughing as the fans boo.



Jerry then stands and grabs Williams by the back of the head, hauling him up and forcing him towards the ropes. He looks to drive Williams’ head into the cage, but Williams blocks again and elbows Jerry away. Jerry reels back and then turns into a hard mid kick. Williams shakes the dust out of his head before reaching down and pulling Jerry up. He looks to set him up for a suplex, but again Jerry drops down behind him and this time he runs him into the corner, rolling away. As Williams turns, Jerry connects with a kick to the gut and, grabbing him by the head, this time manages to ram his head into the wall of the cage. Williams drops to the mat and Jerry looks around as he hears a chorus of boos.



MW: Both men were trying to avoid having their heads shoved into that steel.

SD: And now Jerry Bishop has a major advantage over his opponent.

MW: Neither man has really been able to gain a significant advantage in this match. This could be it.

SD: Bot are very hard to keep down but Jerry has a golden opportunity now to take control and impose his will on Aaron Williams.



Jerry looks down at Williams and then pulls him up slowly. He whips him into the corner. Jerry connects with a second running dropkick and then hits a running bulldog as Williams staggers out of the corner. Jerry looks about to make a cover, but then he has a better idea. Instead, he pulls Williams up and sends him into the corner again. Jerry then backs away and runs at Williams, landing a big splash. Jerry backs up and hits another. The fans boo loudly as Jerry copies one of Williams’ signature spots, hitting five big splashes before Williams drops to a seated position.



Jerry then backs up and signals for a cannonball, the fans booing loudly once again. Jerry charges at Williams but he stops short, grabs Williams’ ankle and pulls him out of the corner, dropping down and locking in a chinlock while letting out a big laugh. The boos intensify further as the official checks on Williams, who is struggling to offer much fight against the hold. Jerry keeps Williams grounded, countering any attempt to gain some leverage and constantly asking the official to check on him. Williams refuses to give up, but Jerry doesn’t give him a chance to escape from his grip.



MW: This is reminiscent of their last encounter.

SD: And Jerry is revelling in the boos here. These fans are hating what they’re seeing.

MW: You were certainly right about Jerry getting the upper hand. He may want to try to use it now to win the match rather than bore the crowd.



Williams tries to get some kind of fight going, but Jerry continues to cut him off, stopping him from getting his legs underneath him and standing, avoiding any attempts to strike at Jerry and not allowing Williams to get a hand in under the grip and force his way out that way. Every time Williams tries to get free, Jerry is there to counter. After a while, Williams begins to lose his fight again, and Jerry orders the official to check on him. It takes a couple of questions before Williams can respond, and Jerry begins another round of laughter as he can sense the match going his way.



The fans try desperately to get some support for Williams, an ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant filling the arena once again. This gives Williams a bit of energy, and he fights his way to one knee before Jerry releases the hold and drops him with a neckbreaker. Jerry makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Williams kicks out. Jerry stands and pulls Williams with him, dragging him over to the cage wall once again and driving his face into it. This time, Jerry doesn’t stop there. Instead, he forces Williams’ face into the mesh and rakes it along the length of the wall. Williams cries out in pain but Jerry simply laughs once again. The fans boo as Jerry allows Williams to drop, blood now dripping from his forehead. Jerry reaches to the turnbuckle and begins to undo the turnbuckle pad, ignoring the official’s cries to stop. After untying the pad, Jerry throws it up and over the top of the cage and to the outside. He then pulls Williams up and grabs him by the back of the head and drives his head into the exposed turnbuckle.



MW: Oh my God that’s the end of the match!

SD: Jerry Bishop doing what needs to be done.

MW: Look at that cocky cover. These fans telling Jerry what they think of him.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams gets a shoulder up and the fans cheer loudly. Jerry shakes his head and pulls Williams up again, dragging him over to the corner and looking to ram his head into the turnbuckle again. However, Williams gets a foot up and blocks Jerry from driving his head into the exposed metal again. Jerry looks to go again but Williams blocks it again, and he elbows Jerry hard in the gut. Jerry reels away and Williams then comes at him with a hard mid-kick. Jerry drops to the mat but Williams quickly pulls him up and forces his head repeatedly into the side of the cage. The fans cheer louder and louder with each shot and, after Williams allows Jerry to drop to the mat, he leaps onto the second turnbuckle and pumps them up ever further.



Williams pulls Jerry up and whips him into the corner, charging after him and landing a big splash. Williams backs into the corner and the crowd builds again with every splash. He lands five, six, seven, before Jerry staggers a few steps and then drops to a seated position. Williams calls for a cannonball and backs up before charging in and hitting Jerry full force. Jerry rolls out of the corner and Williams climbs to the top turnbuckle. He looks down and Jerry and then leaps off with a swan-ton bomb, holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry kicks out. Williams takes a moment to shake off the damage to his head before standing and reaching down, pulling Jerry up with him. He hooks an arm over Jerry and lifts him again into a suplex position, this time finally connecting with the kneecap brainbuster. Jerry flops to the mat and Williams stands, calling for the fans to come with him again. He looks down at Jerry before lifting him and setting him into position for the A Triple Plus. He hooks the arms and begins to lift him, but Jerry drops and drives Williams back, freeing himself in the process.



Williams comes at Jerry with a clothesline, but Jerry ducks. Williams follows through and steps up onto the second rope, looking for a springboard cross-body, only for Jerry to take him out of the air with a rolling elbow. Jerry drops to his knees to take a moment to recover, but manages to get to his feet before Williams can. Jerry pulls Williams up and kicks him in the gut before trapping his arms and looking for Last Laugh. Williams resists, dropping to his knees so Jerry can’t connect. As Jerry releases his grip, Williams leaps up and lands a knee to Jerry’s head which causes him to stagger back a few steps.



Williams then grabs Jerry by the wrist and whips him into the ropes, running after him and landing a big splash which sends Jerry into the wall of the cage. Williams doesn’t let him drop, instead whipping him across to the other side and landing another big splash. Williams repeats the move again and again and again before he finally allows Jerry to drop, sliding down the ropes into a seated position against the wall of the cage. Williams looks down at Jerry and out to the fans, who seem to be on the same wavelength. As Williams signals for the cannonball, a loud cheer goes out around the arena. He backs away and then charges at Jerry, connecting hard with a cannonball which crushes Jerry against the cage. Jerry drops down and Williams pushes him into the middle of the ring before making a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Jerry gets a shoulder up. Williams holds a hand to his head before standing. He looks down at Jerry, who isn’t moving, and then out to the fans before pointing up to the top of the cage.



MW: What’s… What’s Aaron Williams thinking here?

SD: This could be a terrible decision, Watson.

MW: And Williams is climbing the cage.

SD: Unless he’s trying to get out because he knows he can’t win, this will be a huge mistake.

MW: Williams at the top of the cage! Swan-ton bomb!

SD: Jerry moved!

MW: Aaron Williams crashing down to the mat and that may well cost him this match.

SD: May well? Of course it will. That’s fifteen feet!



Jerry rolls over and drapes an arm over Williams as the fans watch on in stunned silence.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! The fans scream in relief as Williams forces his shoulder up at the last moment. Jerry stares at the official in disbelief before dropping down and letting out a loud laugh. Jerry then rolls over to the ropes and begins to pull himself up. Williams tries to make it to his feet but Jerry gets there first and grabs him. Jerry lands a hard forearm which staggers Williams and then Jerry takes him down with a snapmare. He lets out another laugh and the fans boo as he hits the ropes and connects with the penalty kick which completes the Touchstone Takedown. Jerry then looks down at Williams and slowly raises his thumb to his lips, cutting them into a smile before reaching down and locking Williams in The Chelsea Smile.



The official quickly comes down to check on Williams, who reists with what little energy he has left. Williams raises his arm and tries to force himself into a better position, but Jerry wrenches back on the hold and Williams struggles to move anywhere. After a few moments, Williams’ hand drops and he seems to go limp. The official quickly tends to him and is about to call the match when Williams grabs him by the shirt and pushes up again. The crowd cheer loudly as Williams drags his way over to the ropes, grabbing the bottom rope before gripping onto the mesh of the cage wall. Jerry keeps the hold locked in as best as he can, but Williams starts to pull himself up the cage wall and forces the break.



Jerry releases him but he doesn’t give him breathing space. He moves in and pulls Williams in for a Russian leg sweep, only for Williams to elbow Jerry in the head and buy himself a little bit of time. Jerry reels away but he quickly turns back, only to be met by a discus clothesline. Both men lie motionless in the ring for a few moments as the fans begin another loud ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant. Both of them roll over to opposite ropes and begin to pull themselves up, each man making it to their feet at the same time.



They eye one another from across the ring before coming together and unleashing a flurry of forearms to one another. The fans build the cheers into a frenzy as Williams forces Jerry backwards. He grabs Jerry by the wrist and whips him into the ropes, taking him down on the way back with a mid-kick. Williams then connects with a standing double stomp and rolls through into a second-rope moonsault. He grabs Jerry by the legs and pops him up for a pop-up piledriver to end the Quick-Fire Combo. The fans cheer loudly as Williams makes the cover, hooking both legs.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Jerry gets a shoulder up as the fans gasp in shock again. Williams looks up, his eyes wide, before calling for the fans to come with him again. He stands, pointing out to all of them as he lifts Jerry. He drags him over to the ropes before draping an arm over him and pulling him into a suplex position. Williams hauls Jerry up and then dumps him over the top rope, trapping his legs against the wall of the cage. Williams then climbs up to the top rope and looks at Jerry as he lies prone on the ropes. Williams then shakes his head and points up. The fans gasp again but the gasps soon turn to cheers as Williams climbs all the way to the top of the cage. He steadies himself on the top of the cage and then comes down with a 450-splash, which connects and sends them both crashing hard onto the mat.



MW: I don’t believe what I’ve just seen!

SD: Aaron Williams might just have killed himself and Jerry Bishop!

MW: The official has a call to make here. One or both of these men might be totally incapacitated after that.

SD: I’m not sure this match can continue. Not after something like that.



The fans cheer loudly as Williams raises and arm and slowly crawls towards Jerry, who lies prone on his back. Williams slowly but surely reaches Jerry and drapes his arm over him, making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Again Jerry gets a shoulder up. The fans are stunned into silence once more. Williams holds his head as Jerry slowly rolls away from him. Both men take their time before they begin the painstaking process of getting to their feet. It’s Williams who manages to do so first, but only just, as he and Jerry close in on one another on jelly legs. They begin to exchange forearms again, this time only slower. Williams begins to gain the upper hand once again, and he kicks Jerry in the gut, looking again for A Triple Plus. He hooks the arms and begins to lift Jerry, but he can’t lift him all the way. He drops him and Jerry frees his arms, shoving Williams away. Williams aims a forearm but Jerry ducks it and pulls Williams in for a Russian leg sweep.



Jerry slowly gets back to his feet and then looks down at Williams. He lets out a laugh before pulling Williams to his feet and trapping his arms. The entire arena goes silent as Jerry plants Williams with Last Laugh. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Williams gets his shoulder up at the last possible moment and the entire arena comes unglued. Jerry holds his head this time and rolls away as fans cheer loudly. Jerry slowly gets to his feet and he grabs Williams by the head to pull him up with him. He lifts him and looks to trap his arms again, but Williams resists. Williams pushes Jerry away and Jerry looks to come back with a forearm, but Williams absorbs it, shaking his head at Jerry. Jerry aims another but Williams absorbs it again. Jerry backs away as Williams moves in, landing forearms of his own. He then whips Jerry into the corner with the exposed turnbuckle and takes a moment before charging in with a big splash. He then backs up and connects with a second and a third.



MW: Aaron Williams looking for number four!

SD: No!

MW: Jerry got out of the way.

SD: Did you hear that sound as Williams’ head connected with the exposed steel?

MW: And a huge right hand from Jerry.

SD: He calls this The Punchline!

MW: Ripcord lariat.

SD: He’s been saving that move for a special occasion and here it is.

MW: Jerry makes the cover. One………. Two………. Three.



Winner: Jerry Bishop (33:47)



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays as the fans drop to their seats with disappointment and surprise. Jerry lies on his back, his laughter audible over the sound of his music. The cage begins to rise up as Jerry slowly sits up and pulls himself to his feet. The official raises his arm as he continues to laugh, the fans booing loudly as they process the result of the match.



MW: These fans voicing their opinion of Jerry’s victory.

SD: Beautiful isn’t it? Just as they thought Aaron Williams was building the momentum for his big win, Jerry snatches it away.

MW: But let’s not take away from Williams’ performance in this match. That 450 off the cage was something else.

SD: Sure he provided some moments, but focus on the big picture. Jerry Bishop won this match and he’s truly shown that The Joker is now the man to beat in FPW.

MW: He may well be the man to beat, but he’s certainly not the fans’ favourite.

SD: He doesn’t need to be. That’s the point. He’s learnt that if they don’t want him, he doesn’t need them. I think you’re looking at the next FPW Champion right there, like it or not.

MW: Well I most certainly don’t like but I have to give it to him. It’s one of the biggest victories of Jerry Bishop’s career.



Williams is helped away up the ramp as Jerry continues his laugh in the ring.



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Backstage, Botiatus walks out of the trainer’s room and Berry Bishop walks up to him.



BB: You did great tonight, Bo. I know how tough Lizzie is.

B: Thanks. I refuse to let anyone take this belt from me without giving me the fight of my life. Speaking of which, now that this is done, we can focus on your match with Jerry. How are you feeling about it?

BB: With J… I don’t want to fight him again. But I have to, so I have to be prepared. I’ve got a few ideas for what we can do.

B: You’ve faced him more recently than me. Let’s get together tomorrow and put a training plan together. The most important thing to remember is that you are absolutely good enough to beat your brother. He’s good. He’s very good. But you are too. We’re going to approach this match as if it were against anyone else. Imagine that Jerry isn’t your brother for this match.

BB: That won’t be hard…



The two stand in silence for a moment before Dasha Banks sees them and walks up to them.



BB: Dashy!

DB: Hey.



The two hug. When they pull away, a tear rolls down Berry’s cheek.



DB: Hey. What’s up? Has he-

BB: No. He’s helping me. It’s just…

B: We’re getting ready for the tournament.

DB: Oh. God. Of course. Look, I know how you feel. I know how hard this will be for you, but…

BB: When I faced him before, I just thought I could get him back. But I don’t think I can now. Now I just don’t know… I just…

B: We’ll train for the match because you want to win the tournament. That’s all there is to it. House Rule number seven. You can win any match you’re in as long as you prepare.

DB: This isn’t just any-

B: No, but let’s treat it like one. The more normal it can be, the easier it will be.

DB: I get it. Listen, Mason and Williams talked earlier about entering the Tag Classic. I know it’s a way away, but…

BB: I don’t know…

B: I’d be open to it. But let’s see how things go. We don’t know where we’ll be by then or how this will go. Let’s get this training thing going and then we’ll see how we feel.

DB: Whatever happens, I’m sure you’ll come out stronger. You always will, Berry.

BB: I love you, Dashy.



The two hug again.



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



MW: Well that last match will take some beating, but after such a disappointing end, these fans will be even more desperate to see Jace Mason walk out with the gold that he worked so hard to earn only for it to be snatched away just ten days later by Artemis Evans’ opportunism.

SD: Alternatively, Watson, Evans got what she earnt by winning the Dead Man’s Chest and has already successfully defended the FPW Championship against Mason once. Tonight she will prove once and for all that she is the better of the two.

MW: Well we’ll see what’s going to happen there. How do you think Evans will go about this match and what role do you expect Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan to play?

SD: I expect Evans to look to get on top early on and to wear Mason down. She’s not an Aaron Williams-type flashy wrestler, although she can pull out the big moves when she needs to. She’ll look to break down Mason over the course of the match and then finally put him out of his misery.

MW: And what about the rest of The Queendom?

SD: They may have a role to play. I don’t think they need to be directly involved in this match, but I think their mere presence will put a little distraction in Mason’s mind. If that gives Evans even more of an edge, she’s not going to say no.

MW: And how about The Eternal Student? What does he need to do to win?

SD: He can’t w-

MW: I know that’s your opinion. But what will he be focussing on?

SD: I think he needs to take Lopez and Donovan out of the equation in his mind. If he can focus entirely on Artemis Evans and try to set her up for that half-crab, that’s how I think he’ll look to win this one. But it’s a lot to ask for him to do and I’d be surprised if he manages to keep his emotions in check well enough to execute the gameplan.

MW: This will certainly be an emotional match for Jace Mason. Is that somewhere where Evans can take another advantage?

SD: I’d say so. She won’t be wrapped up in trying to get something back. She won’t be trying to right what she sees as a wrong like Mason will be. She will be cold, calm and calculated, and it will see her to another successful title defence.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, from Seattle, Washington… he is a former Freedom Champion, a Free-1 winner, a Young Lions’ Cup winner and a former FPW Champion… ‘The Eternal Student’… Jace! Mason!”



‘Afterlife’ begins and the noise builds into a huge pop when Mason steps through the curtain following the end to the intro. He stands in his familiar pose as pyro explodes around him, and his eyes remain focussed on the ring for the entire time. As the pyro ends, Mason looks around the arena, breathing it all in, before stepping forward and heading down the ramp. He holds out both arms for the fans to slap hands with him before reaching the ring, climbing onto the ring apron and ascending to the top turnbuckle, posing once again with his right fist raised, and then dropping down into the ring. A loud ‘Let’s Go Mason’ chant fills the arena and Jace nods to all four sides of the ring.



“And his opponent… from Manchester, England and being accompanied to the ring by Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez, she was the first ever FPW Women’s Champion and is the current reigning and defending FPW Champion, representing The Queendom… ‘The Glory Huntress’… Artemis Evans!”



‘Checkmate’ fills the arena and then ‘Hammer to Fall’ is met with a chorus of boos. The boos intensify as the fans see Lopez and Donovan coming through the curtain holding up a throne, upon which sits Artemis Evans, FPW Championship slung over her shoulder. The fans yell abuse at her as she travels down the ramp, but she stares straight ahead at Jace Mason with a smirk on her face. As they reach the ring, Lopez and Donovan crouch down, allowing Evans to step straight onto the ring apron and jump over the top rope. She walks up to Jace, belt held aloft, as the two lock eyes, before she brushes past him and climbs the turnbuckles. She stands on the second turnbuckle and tilts her head back, spreading her arms wide to drink in the boos. After she climbs down, the official checks her over and calls for the bell.



Match 7: FPW Championship: Artemis Evans vs. Jace Mason:



A loud ‘Let’s Go Mason’ chant fills the arena as the match begins, and Mason and Evans simply stare at one another from across the ring. On the outside, Lopez and Donovan yell at Mason that he doesn’t deserve another chance and that he’ll never be the FPW Champion again, but he simply ignores them, instead staring straight ahead at Evans. She nods at him and tells him that they’re right before the two come forward into a powerful lock-up. Mason drives Evans back into the corner and the official calls for the clean break. Mason breaks, stepping back and calling Evans forward again. Evans comes forward, this time forcing Mason back into the ropes. Again the official comes in and calls for the break, and Evans steps back, but then she aims a forearm at Mason, who ducks, pulling her into a schoolboy roll-up.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Evans just escapes. Mason stands and looks down at her, holding his finger and thumb close together as she holds up two fingers. She quickly gets to her feet and the two lock-up again, this time with neither getting an early advantage. Evans looks to lock in a headlock, but Mason quickly slips out and grabs a waistlock. He lifts Evans and then drops her to the mat, looking to grab the half-crab early. Evans scrambles away and rests against the ropes as Mason stands over her and beckons her to get back up.



MW: A strong start in this one for Jace Mason.

SD: But what damage has he done?

MW: Nothing physical. Not really. But he has the upper hand psychologically right now. He knows Evans well and he knows how to work against her style.

SD: But Evans has barely got started. He won’t have the upper hand for long.



Evans slowly gets to her feet and moves towards Mason again. He looks to lock-up but she jams a thumb into his eye. She quickly then kicks out his knee and drops an elbow on the back of his neck, grabbing a headlock and keeping Mason down. Mason gets his knees under him and begins to push up, so Evans looks to quickly switch her grip for a DDT, but Mason counters with a leg sweep and again goes for a half-crab. The fans get loud as Mason turn Evans, but she scrambles quickly to the ropes and Mason is forced to break the hold. He looks to pull her away from the ropes but Lopez and Donovan grab hold of her arms and drag her out of the ring.



The fans boo loudly as Mason looks down at them, hands on hips. However, he doesn’t go after them, instead staying in the ring and biding his time. After a few moments of recovery on the outside, Evans steps onto the ring apron and climbs through the ropes. Mason hangs back before moving in and locking-up again. This time, he gains the upper hand, grabbing a headlock of his own and taking Evans over. He looks to switch positions quickly and take her leg again, but she reaches up and jams another thumb into his eye. Mason reels backwards and Evans springs to her feet, moving in and driving a knee into his gut before taking him down with an axe kick. She makes a cover.



One…

Tw-



Mason kicks out.



MW: Evans with her first pin attempt of this match.

SD: And now she’s the one in control.

MW: Thanks to a thumb to the eye.

SD: Well the official isn’t disqualifying her. And so what if he did. She’d retain her title anyway.

MW: That’s the last thing we need. Another retention due to shenanigans.

SD: Due to intelligence and the desire to do whatever needs to be done.



As Mason begins to get to his feet, Evans kicks him in the ribs and then drops a knee onto the back of his neck. She locks him in a cravat and wrenches on his neck as hard as she can. Mason grimaces in pain as Evans twists, but he manages to get his legs under him again and he pushes up to a standing position. He drives elbows in Evans’ gut and then whips her into the ropes, aiming a superkick to the gut as she comes back, but she catches it and forces him down. Evans then stomps hard on the back of his knee before dropping another knee on the back of his neck.



The fans boo as Evans holds him down with her knee and she smirks to taunt the crowd. Evans then pulls Mason up and drags him into the corner before whipping him across the ring into the opposite corner. She follows up with a spinning wheel kick into the corner and lands on the apron as Mason drops to a knee. Evans then vaults over the ropes and connects with natural selection before making another cover.



One…

Two-



Mason kicks out again. Evans doesn’t let him catch his breath, instead sitting him up and driving a few hard kicks into the back of his neck again. She then hits the ropes and connects with a dropkick to the same area before pulls him up again. She hooks an arm over the back of his head and lifts him for a vertical suplex, but Mason drives a knee into her skull to counter and he drops down and turns it into a DDT. Mason rolls away and holds the back of his neck as the fans cheer the potential change of momentum in the match.



MW: Jace Mason may have just turned the tide there.

SD: It was a great counter, but the work Evans has done to soften him up for the Guillotine Strike has paid off.

MW: He can’t capitalise on the opening at the moment, but here comes Mason.



He pulls himself up just before Evans gets to her own feet. Mason moves in and drives a few forearms into her face before whipping her into the corner. He follows up with a running knee and then shoves Evans down to the mat. He climbs to the top rope and leaps for a shooting star press, but the fans immediately boo as Donovan pulls Evans out of the way and Mason crashes and burns. The official admonishes Donovan as Lopez climbs into the ring and pulls Mason up. She pulls him into a Northern Lights suplex before performing a scissor twist to his neck and scrambling out of the ring. Evans rolls back in and shoots the half, making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason kicks out. Evans doesn’t waste time arguing, instead pulling Mason to his feet and hooking an arm over him again. She lifts him up and this time delivers a brainbuster. She rolls into another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason kicks out again. This time Evans sows some of her frustration, but not for long. She turns back to Mason and, as he sits up, lands another hard kick to the back of the neck. She then pulls him up and pulls him in for an inverted STO, but Mason lands several elbows to escape, sending Evans reeling. As she turns back to him, he connects with a spinning kick to the gut, then kicks out her leg and then hits the ropes, coming back with a low dropkick. Mason then stand and responds to the crowd’s cheers before stalking Evans. As she stands, he leaps onto the middle rope, only for Donovan to climb onto the apron and momentarily distract him. The fans boo as Mason pauses, allowing Evans to stand and counter the disaster kick into a cutter. She makes another cover.



One…

Two….

Thr-



Again Mason manages to kick out. The official admonishes Donovan again as Evans chokes Mason in the ring, leading to more angry yells from fans. As the official turns back, Evans releases him and calls for the Guillotine Strike. She lifts him and gets him into position, but Mason twists free and lands a hard forearm to knock Evans backwards. She runs at him, but he ducks her clothesline and connects with a superkick to the gut before connecting with a hammerlock DDT.



MW: A possible chance for a three-count here!

SD: But he’s not going for it. Mason wants to do more damage.

MW: Is he looking for that half-crab again?

SD: This is what I meant by getting too emotionally invested. I guarantee that Evans would be making a cover here. Even if it didn’t get the three-count, she’d have taken some of his energy forcing him to kick out.



Mason grabs Evans’ left leg and lifts it, but he doesn’t look for the half-crab. Instead, he lands a series of kicks to the back and inside of the knee. He then drops a knee onto it and wrenches it, tearing at the ligaments. Evans tries to wriggle free, but Mason keeps her there and only when she reaches up and grabs his right eye does he let her go. He has to pause for a moment, allowing Evans to scramble away towards the ropes, but he turns back quickly. He moves over to her too quickly, and she pulls down the top rope, sending Mason all the way to the outside. Evans then distracts the official as she plays up the pain in her knee, allowing Donovan and Lopez the chance to stomp on Mason. Donovan lifts him as Lopez aims a pump kick, but Mason ducks, Lopez taking Donovan down. Mason then connects with a superkick to the gut and a hammerlock DDT before turning to see Evans connect with a discus forearm.



Mason drops to the floor and Evans stands over him. She lifts him, rolling him back into the ring as she climbs up to the top turnbuckle. As he lies prone, she launches herself into a moonsault, holding for another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason kicks out again. Evans bangs the mat and looks accusingly at the official, who confirms that it was only two. She then looks down at Mason and grabs the back of his head before laying into him with forearms as the crowd boo her loudly. She stands and pulls Mason up again, whipping him into the corner. He connects hard with the turnbuckles and staggers out as Evans runs up and connects with a silver bullet knee strike. Mason hits the ground hard and the arena goes quiet as Evans covers him again.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Mason gets a shoulder up and the crowd cheer with relief. Evans looks at the official again but again he confirms it was only two. She then pulls Mason up and looks to hook in a dragon sleeper. He fights it, but she manages to lock it in, jumping up and hooking her legs around his waist to force him to the mat. Mason struggles to free himself, but Evans keeps her grip tight and he soon begins to droop. The official checks him over but he refuses to give up. Mason works to break Evans’ leg grip, and he manages to free himself enough to slip out of the hold.



MW: That was a close one.

SD: Artemis Evans is in total control. She’s weakened the neck of Jace Mason and she has to be moments away from retaining that FPW Championship one more time on her road to glory.

MW: But this match isn’t over yet. Mason has taken a lot of damage, but Evans still has to hit the killer blow. I don’t think that will be as easy as you seem to believe.



Evans stands and looks down at Mason as he pulls himself up on the ropes. As he reaches one knee, she moves over to him, but he aims a couple of forearms into her gut. She steps back a couple of paces and he stands. She comes in a little too quickly, Mason ducking her clothesline and hitting the opposite ropes, only for Evans to jump up and take him down with a hurricanrana. Mason rolls towards the ropes and Evans moves over to him, lifting him quickly and whipping him across the ring. As he comes back to her, she connects with another discus forearm which sends him crumpling first to his knees and then onto his front.



Evans extends her arms again and Donovan and Lopez clap for her in a sea of boos. She looks down at Mason and reaches down, pulls him up and then lands another hard forearm into his face. She then positions him for the Guillotine Strike again, but again Mason won’t stay in her grip, wriggling his way free. Evans grabs him by the hair and lands a hard forearm to the back of his neck, but Mason takes it and turns, leaping up and driving his knee into her face. She staggers backwards and Mason then jumps onto the middle rope and connects with a disaster kick. Evans drops to the mat.



Mason stands, holding the back of his neck, and looks out to the fans. He points up to the top rope and steps through onto the apron, beginning to climb as Lopez gets onto the apron and grabs his leg. He kicks her free but then Donovan does the same. As Mason kicks her free too, the official comes in and orders them off the apron. They refuse to get down so, to a loud cheer from the crowd, he orders them to the back. They protest, but the official stands firm, and Donovan and Lopez are left with no choice but to drops off the apron and slink away up the ramp. Mason watches with a smile on his face, but this allows Evans the time to recover. Before Mason can react, Evans gets up onto the ropes and pulls him in for an avalanche butterfly suplex.



SD: Yes Arty!

MW: And that could well spell the end for Mason.

SD: He allowed himself to get distracted and the calmness of Artemis Evans prevailed. It wouldn’t surprise me if it was her plan all along to have Lopez and Donovan ejected.

MW: Whatever it was, it’s called cheating. Plain and simple.

SD: I disagree. She hasn’t been disqualified so it’s not cheating.



Evans makes a cover, hooking both legs.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Mason just gets a shoulder up. The fans leap to their feet as Evans bangs the mat in frustration. She stands and looks down at Mason as he tries to reach up to help himself up. He grabs her right knee pad and uses it to help himself get to his knees. Evans smirks before pulling him in for a snap DDT. Mason lies motionless on the mat as Evans stands, looking out to the concerned faces around her. She then reaches down, pulling Mason up and into position for a Guillotine Strike. She holds him in position, savouring the moment, before bringing down her arm, but Mason twists free again and connects with a desperation back suplex!



The fans cheer loudly as they find renewed hope. Mason rolls over towards the ropes and grabs hold of them, fighting to get himself back to his feet. As he pulls himself up, Evans begins to stand. Mason slowly moves over to her and grabs her head. He pulls her up and lands another forearm before kicking her in the gut and lifting her onto her shoulders. He pauses for a moment before bringing her down with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. Mason then stands and staggers for a few steps before coming back to Evans. He grabs her by the left leg and looks to turn her for a half-crab. However, Evans reaches up and pulls him down into a small package.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason just manages to escape. Both of them manage to scramble to their feet, Mason connecting with a forearm, which Evans turns into a discus forearm of her own. Mason staggers before connecting with a superkick to the gut, which forces Evans into a seated position. Mason then falls back against the ropes and manages to connect with a penalty kick before dropping into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Evans kicks out. The fans chant loudly for Mason as he lies on his back with a hand on the back of his neck. Slowly but surely, both of them roll over to the ropes and begin to drag themselves to their feet. The two of them eye one another from across the ring and slowly come together. Mason connects with a forearm and Evans looks like she’s about to fire back with one of her own, only to switch at the last minute, jamming a thumb into Mason’s eye. Mason, however, forces her thumb out of his eye and reaches down, taking her leg and forcing her onto her back. Mason turns her and locks in the half-crab. A chant of ‘tap… tap… tap’ rings out around the arena as Mason wrenches as hard as he possibly can on Evans’ leg.



MW: Do you feel that buzz, right now?

SD: Get to the ropes!

MW: These fans are sensing it. It’s Jace Mason’s time once again!

SD: Get to the ropes!

MW: Evans looks like she can’t take much more. She’s going to tap! She’s going to tap!

SD: No! She’s crawling. She’s crawling.



Evans slowly begins to crawl to the ropes, but Mason reaches down and pulls her back into the middle of the ring. The fans begin to cheer loudly, but Evans uses the momentum to force her way back through Mason’s legs and she reaches up and jams a thumb into his eye again. Mason drops her leg and reels back and Evans scrambles to the outside. Mason drops to a knee and shakes the pain out of his eye before standing and looking for Evans. He sees her on her knees on the outside and then moves towards the ropes. As Evans gingerly stands, Mason grabs the top rope and comes down with a wrecking ball dropkick.



Mason lands on his feet and slaps a fan’s hand hard before turning back to Evans. He pulls her up and looks to roll her back into the ring, but she blocks it, elbowing him in the gut and then driving his head down on the ring apron. Mason reels back and then Evans grabs him and performs an inverted STO, driving Mason down on the edge of the ring. He crumples to the floor and Evans hauls herself back into the ring, ordering the official to count. The official quickly checks on Mason and hen reluctantly comes back into the ring to begin his count.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



Evans lies on her back as Mason remains motionless on the outside.



Four……….

Five……….

Six……….



Security on the guardrail nearest to Mason have to hold back a fan who tries to climb over to help his hero. Evans watches and smirks as Mason remains motionless.



Seven……….



Mason slowly reaches up, his right hand grasping the edge of the ring apron.



Eight……….



He pushes up to one knee, looking into the ring to see Evans laughing at his fans.



Nine…..



Mason pushes up with his last gasp and rolls back into the ring to a huge cheer. Evans, however, quickly moves over to him and pulls him up and right into a Guillotine Strike. The arena goes silent. She makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Mason somehow got his shoulder up! Evans looks like she’s seen a ghost as the arena comes unstuck once again. She looks down at Mason and then at the official before shaking her head before standing and dragging Mason up again. She holds him in position for a second Guillotine Strike, but he collapses before she can connect with the move. The cheers die down and Evans looks down as Mason looks broken. She slowly reaches down and pulls him up again, this time hooking an arm over his head and lifting him for a vertical suplex, only for Mason to drop down behind her. He staggers a couple of steps backwards and Evans turns, charging at him, but Mason catches her into Extra Credit!



MW: Extra Credit! He’s done it!

SD: But he can’t make the cover.

MW: These fans are urging Mason to cover Evans.

SD: Move Arty!

MW: Mason… yes! He’s made the cover! One………. Two………. Thre- No!

SD: Yes!

MW: Evans kicks out.

SD: She’s still in this match.



Mason holds his hands to his head as the official confirms it was only two. The fans sit back in their seats before a spontaneous round of applause is coupled with a banging of feet on the ground, filling the arena with appreciative sound. Mason uses it to help him push himself back to his feet, as Evans reaches one knee. Mason moves over to her and lifts her, picking her up into a scoop slam. Mason then looks to climb the ropes. He reaches the top and steadies himself before leaping and connecting with a shooting star press. He holds for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Evans just kicks out and again the cheers of the fans turn to gasps of disappointment. Mason holds the back of his neck as he slowly crawls away and looks to push up to his feet again. He stands and looks down at Evans before reaching down and pulling her to her feet. He lands a series of forearms to force her into the corner. He unleashes a flurry of forearms as the crowd works themselves into a frenzy. Mason then lifts Evans up onto the top turnbuckle and climbs. He looks to set up for a top-rope Extra Credit, but Evans lands a series of elbows to stop him from getting the grip he needs. Mason looks to come back with a forearm, but Evans blocks it with another thumb to the eye before shoving him off the top rope. Mason lands on his feet and staggers backwards before Evans leaps off the top rope and connects with a top rope blockbuster.



Evans lands a few feet away from Mason before slowly rolling over to him. The fans urge him to move but he doesn’t as Evans drapes an arm over his chest to make a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Mason again manages to get his shoulder up!



MW: This man is giving us everything. Every ounce of effort in his body!

SD: But how much more does he have left to give?

MW: I don’t know. Whatever happens at the end of this match, you’ve got to give that man all of the credit in the world for what he’s put into this match.

SD: But soon enough he won’t have anything left. Mason has been running on fumes for the last ten minutes. If Evans can get one more big move, that will be it for sure.



Evans slowly rolls away from Mason towards the ropes. She grasps the bottom rope and hauls herself up, pushing up to her feet and turning to see Mason trying to pull himself up too. However, his legs give out and he drops back down again. Evans slowly staggers over to him and pulls him away from the ropes. She looks to pull him in for another Guillotine Strike, but Mason blocks it, dropping down and hooking his legs under her arms, rolling her up for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! The fans hold their heads in their hands as Evans just manages to free herself. Mason rolls away and slowly pulls himself to her feet. Evans does the same and the two of them eye one another once again from across the ring. They move forward and Evans lands a forearm. Mason lands one too. Evans then goes for another before pulling out and looking to jam a thumb to the eye again, only for Mason to block it and counter by jamming his own thumb into Evans’ eye. The fans cheer loudly but the official moves in and admonishes him. Evans drops to her knees and, without the official noticing, she hits Mason with a low blow.



MW: No!

SD: Yes! Jace Mason got too emotionally involved. Evans is a genius.

MW: Evans is a cheat.

SD: How dare you say that about our FPW Champion? She’s about to retain again!



Evans backs away as Mason doubles over. She pushes herself up onto the middle rope before extending her arms and allowing the boos to resonate even louder. Evans leaps down and looks for a Canadian destroyer, but Mason blocks it, grabbing her left leg and pulling her into a half-crab again. The fans cheer loudly and stand, a ‘tap… tap… tap’ chant filling the arena like never before. Mason wrenches back as far as he can as Evans reaches out for the bottom rope. As she gets closer, Mason pushes up and walks her back into the middle of the ring, quickly dropping down again to avoid being countered. The chant gets louder and louder as Evans tries to resist for longer and longer. She raises an arm but, after a long period of resistance, she finally taps her hand on the mat.



Winner and New FPW Champion: Jace Mason (42:18).



A huge cheer fills the arena as Mason breaks the hold and drops to the mat. The announcement of his victory is made as the official takes the FPW Championship, handing it over to Mason, who hugs it to his chest with all of his remaining energy.



MW: That man has given the performance of a lifetime. I’ve never seen someone dig so deep. Ladies and gentlemen, your new FPW Champion: Jace Mason!

SD: I don’t believe it…

MW: Even you have to recognise that performance, Steven.

SD: He did everything he possibly could. So did Evans. She gave all that she had but it wasn’t enough. Jace Mason is the first ever two-time FPW Champion… and he deserves it.

MW: Damn right. Take the credit, young man. Take the applause. You’ve earned every single second of this moment. Treasure it for the rest of your life, Jace Mason.



Mason stands unsteadily as the official raises his arm. He slowly makes his way over to the corner and steps up, one hand holding the FPW Championship and the other the back of his neck. He stands on the middle rope and holds up the FPW Championship, pointing out to the fans with a huge smile on his face.



MW: This moment… I’ll never forget how it feels to be in this arena right now.

SD: Even I’ve got goosebumps.

MW: We’ll see you at Wrestlemania weekend where we find out who Jace Mason’s first challenger will be. Whoever wins that tournament… good luck taking that belt from that man. He won’t be giving it up without the fight of a lifetime. That’s all we have time for tonight. Thank you so much for joining us and for witnessing a special moment in Freedom Pro Wrestling- and wrestling in general- history.