Uprising Promo Thread

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits in his office with a smile on his face.



“Well, well… that was quite some show. We saw a wonderful Judgement Day II rematch, some excellent tag team action, including new Tag Team Champions, Aaron Williams risking life and limb inside a steel cage, a match spilling backstage and quite possibly the best moment- and maybe the best match- in FPW history. Jace Mason, allow me to offer you my congratulations on becoming the first ever two-time FPW Champion. I’m sure I echo the FPW fanbase when I offer you my sincerest hopes that your second reign is longer than your first. I believe that you can help to take this company forward and, if you continue to have matches like that, you’ll be a prized asset to us for many years to come.



“But now I must look to the future. Uprising will take place on Sunday April 19th right here in Chicago. We now know that Jace Mason will be defending the FPW Championship in the main event against the winner of our Wrestlemania weekend tournament. I’ll come to that in just a second. I feel like I must grant Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan their wish for a Tag Team Championship match too. They have shown in recent weeks that, while their methods are not always admirable, they possess the talent to get a chance to become FPW’s best tag team. At Uprising, The Guardians of Strong Style will defend the Tag Team Championships against The Queendom.



“But now, I will address our tournament. The reaction to my announcement two weeks ago was very positive, and for that I thank you all. Our first round of matches has been set for Friday April 4th, and I’m very excited to see each and every single one of them. The rest of the matches are yet to be determined. Unfortunately, I must make a change to our advertised line-up. Aaron Williams was due to face the loser of the Jace Mason versus Artemis Evans FPW Championship match, so he would have faced Evans in the tournament. However, I have been informed that Artemis Evans has sustained a knee injury, and will no longer be able to compete. Therefore, I have drafted in a suitable replacement. Making his return to Freedom Pro Wrestling after a long time away to face Aaron Williams in what I expect to be a very entertaining match will be… none other than James Saturn.



“With that said, I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Tampa. In addition to our scheduled shows, we will be running a number of additional meet and greet opportunities, as well as several seminars featuring FPW’s best and brightest for the aspiring young wrestlers out there. Thank you all for giving me your time. I hope you enjoy the shows.”



Friday April 4th:

Match 1: Clutch McCloud vs. Botiatus (Houston to Write)

Match 2: Liz Karlson vs. Ella Ripley (Houston to Write)

Match 3: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Russ Bolt (Houston to Write)

Match 4: MDE vs. Hiro Takahara (Houston to Write)

Match 5: Tommy Saxon vs. Bobby O (Houston to Write)

Match 6: Masa Tchyukiro vs Go Shihei (Houston to Write)

Match 7: Aaron Williams vs James Saturn (Houston to Write)

Match 8: Jerry Bishop vs. Berry Bishop
 (Houston to Write)



Saturday April 5th:

Match 1: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)

Match 2: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)

Match 3: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)

Match 4: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)



Sunday April 6th:

Match 1: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)

Match 2: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)

Match 3: Special Guest Appearance

Match 4: Number One Contender to the FPW Championship: ?? vs. ?? (Houston to Write)



Uprising: Sunday April 19th:



Match 1: Tag Team Championships: The Guardians of Strong Style vs. The Queendom (Mason to Write)
Match 2: MDE vs. Robert D. Jackson (Jackson to Write)
Match 3: Berry Bishop vs. Danica Jane (Match Writer Needed)
Match 4: Marcus Allen Jones vs. James Saturn (Houston to Write)
Match 5: Bobby O vs. Aaron Williams (Houston to Write)
Match 6: Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. Clutch McCloud  (Botiatus to Write)
Match 7: FPW Championship: Jace Mason vs. Jerry Bishop (Houston to Write)

[veggieleezy]

*Jerry Bishop staggers his way through the curtain to the backstage area with an enormous grin across his face. Thalia Colombina approaches him with a microphone and a warm towel. Bishop takes the towel and dabs it against his head and chest.*

TC: A truly impressive performance, and dare I say physique, here tonight, Mr. Bishop. While there were some misguided minds in the stands tonight, there was surely no doubt that you would not only win the match, but you would do so decisively.

JB: Oh, goodness me... You've only been here for a short while but you already know me so well, my dear.

TC: Any analyst worth their salt should be able to recognize the single brightest talent in their company's locker room. I just happen to be worth my salt and pepper.

*The two look at each other for a moment, Thalia smiles confidently.*

JB: Thalia, I approached this match with one goal in mind. Aaron had been whining for so long about "how I robbed the Freedom Fighters" or "how I didn't give him the match he wanted" or "I use generic obnoxious acoustic troubadour-twat music for my entrance because I'm apparently a man of the people". He wanted to bring back the fire of that "little clown that never could". I wanted to prove to him that that energy never went away. I wanted to show him that I only bring it out when I feel those Johnny-come-latelys in the stands deserve to see a real match. I wanted to show him that I only bring it out for an opponent who really needs to be taught a lesson. And tonight, I taught Aaron Williams a lesson he won't soon forget. He may have wanted that little purple loser, and he maybe could've beaten him. But I'm a whole new man now. I'm better than I've ever been. I'm in better shape, I'm better in the ring, I feel like a million dollars, I look like a million dollars-

TC: Indeed you do.

JB: And I've FINALLY found someone who can appreciate what I'm trying do here. I'm giving FPW what they deserve. What they deserve in the ring, what they deserve from a competitor. And when the time comes, what they deserve from a champion.

TC: As you mention it, Joker, you've recently expressed your respect and admiration for Artemis Evans and her Queendom. Seeing as she's lost the FPW Championship to the Eternal After-School-Student Jace Mason, has your opinion changed at all?

JB: Not in the slightest. Artemis, Myra, Thea, you ladies are the most dominant force in FPW. Apart from myself of course. Mason Jar just got lucky. I am sorry to see that you've lost the title that you so rightly have earned and defended honorably. But if I may make a suggestion? Thea and Myra are next in line for the FPW Tag Team Championships... Artie... If you take down that self-righteous "house-rules"-abiding jagoff Botiatus... I tear my way through the Championship tournament, as I most assuredly will... with Jokers being wild cards, we'd have four-of-a-kind holding all the gold. Just something I'd like you to consider.

TC: And as for the tournament itself, you're slated to face... well... I'm not sure how to address this point.

JB: Easy. I've beaten her once. I've always been the better wrestler, she's never even been close to my level. She'd need a miracle bigger than Herb Brooks against the Soviets at the 1980 Olympics to even get me down for a 2.5 count.

TC: Quite the fitting analogy, Mr. Bishop, but not to doubt your abilities, the United States did defeat the Soviets in that situation.

JB: Ever the journalist...

TC: Of course, that kind of luck only comes along once in a lifetime, if not once in a millennium.

JB: And the statistician to boot. Thalia, your resume grows by the minute.

TC: And I hope there's more growth in our future together, Mr. J.

*Bishop's eyes flash wildly as a smile grows across his face. Thalia cocks an eyebrow in return.*

JB: ...let's leave that particular sobriquet for the comic books, darling, it's a bit too on the nose.

TC: I serve at the Joker's pleasure.

JB: Don't give me too many ideas.

TC: It's my job to take notes, sir.

*The two look intensely into each other's eyes before they both smile broadly. Bishop starts to giggle, then chuckle, then cackle wildly before practically bouncing out of the frame. Thalia looks on after him.*

TC: The single most exciting, engaging, and enticing figure in Freedom Pro Wrestling today, Jerry Bishop, ladies and gentlemen.

[marileeg17]

FPW.com Exclusive

Cameras catch CJ following Bobby down the hallway. He's not walking fast, holding his back still feeling the lingering effects of the match. But CJ is keeping a distance waiting for him to acknowledge her.

CJ: Bobby...Bobby, will you please stop...Come on Bobby, please turn around and look at me...Bob-O…

Bobby pauses in his tracks, takes a deep breath and faces CJ, a mixture of anger, frustration and pain on his face. In her eyes, a mixture of tears and confusion.

BO: You said...you threw it out...the pipe…

CJ: I did. I swear.

BO: Then how...did he get it? How...did he have it?

CJ: I'm sure it wasn't the same one. He probably got it at a hardware store or something. But it doesn't matter...You didn't use it and I am so incredibly proud of you.

CJ goes to put her hand on Bobby's shoulder but he shrugs it away.

BO: Don't...Proud? I lost...Nothing to be proud of.

CJ: That's where you're wrong baby. You showed the world out there the kind of man you are. The kind of man I know you to be. You're not that guy anymore.

Bobby put his head down for a few moments before looking back up with desperation in his eyes.

BO: What kind of guy am I then? Honestly, CJ? Am I a loser? Because I sure as hell feel like it right now...I can't believe he fuckin' did it to me again!

Bobby's elevated tone causes a production tech to scurry down the hallway and a few other people stopping to see what was going on. Bobby glares and everyone goes back to what they were doing.

CJ: Bobby...it's gonna be okay.

BO: Not until he's gone once and for all. I thought I put him down once. He was supposed to retire. That son of a bitch has too many lives. But he doesn't just get to get away with it. I know he didn't swing the pipe the first time but his prints are all over that attack…

CJ bites her lip nervously.

CJ: Speaking of...speaking of that...your uh, your brother called. He wanted to see if you were okay…

BO: He can get bent.

CJ: Bobby...I thought you forgave him. Maybe one day you'll forgive Clu--

BO: I will never forgive him. Randy, yeah, we've moved on. We're on better terms...But Clutch...I've already dug that grave. Soon enough, I'm going to put him in it. He took 1.5 years of my career and doesn't just get to get away with that. So the next time I see him--

CJ: You know it scares me when you talk like that...Besides, Houston's never gonna give you two another match, not after tonight.

BO: That's fine. I have other ways to get my hands on him or his associates…

CJ looks terrified.

CJ: Bobby, no. You wouldn't. Accidentally hitting Danica is what got you into this mess and tonight--

BO: Tonight I would have won if you had just given me the pipe...Hell, I may not have seen it live but I've seen plenty of the gifs. A little hypocritical, no? You used the pipe but wouldn't let me…

CJ takes a deep breath.

CJ: Look Bobby. I used it to protect you. You just wanted to use it to destroy Clutch and you wouldn't have stopped. I stopped. I knew I could stop. I wasn't so sure if you would...and now, I know I made the right decision. You can't control yourself when it comes to him, when it comes to your past. You still harbor this rage and it's not healthy. Just leave this feud with Clutch and focus on what you told me your goal was. To win the world title. You can still do that.

BO: The #1 contendership tournament…

CJ: That's right. Focus on that.

Bobby gets a slight smile on his face that cause CJ to warm up as well. She puts her hands on his shoulders.

CJ: And then maybe we talk to Houston about taking some time off. Just you and me. Away from here for a while. How does that sound?

BO: Sounds great babe. And you're right. You're always right. Would you mind uh, grabbing my stuff from the locker room? I'll bring the car around.

CJ: Of course.

CJ kisses Bobby sweetly on the lips.

CJ: See you in a few.

As CJ walks away, Bobby walks over to where the bracket for the upcoming tournament is taped on the wall. He traces over Clutch's name, before finding his own, marking the road that would lead them to another match. Then, he pulls a thumbtack off a nearby bulletin board and stabs Clutch's name repeatedly.

BO: Houston may not give us another match but one can still happen. Because we're not done Steven. Not yet.

CJ: What ya looking at?

Bobby turns with a smile on his face as he wraps his arm around CJ.

BO: Just the bracket. Looking at the matchup. Tommy Saxon. Won't be easy. He's got Ella Ripley.

CJ: And you've got me. Tonight was rough...for both of us. But I'm still by your side and in your corner. 100 percent.

BO: I love you.

CJ: Feeling's mutual. Now come on, let's go home.

[Jim Houston]

Sato stands in front of a blank background with the FPW Tag Team Championships in his hands, while the sounds of flesh on flesh can be heard in the background.

"Guardians of Strong Style three time Tag Team Champions. Death Squad... tough match. Respect. Guardians of Strong Style return to tag division with great success. First defence... The Queendom. Myra Lopez. Thea Donovan. We face once before. All Star Tag Team Classic. Also with Death Squad. Guardians of Strong Style lose match. Not to Queendom. Still lose match. Guardians of Strong Style not forget. Guardians of Strong Style come to beat Queendom. Queendom improve since then. Wins over Death Squad and Revolution-X. Earn chance to challenge for Tag Team Championships. But... not earn chance to beat Guardians of Strong Style. Uprising... Guardians of Strong Style retain Tag Team Championships again.

"Before Uprising... number one contender tournament. Tchyukiro-San and Takahara-San enter. Takahara-San first against MDE. Technical wrestler. Try to keep Takahara-San down. Takahara-San respect danger. But Takahara-San kick MDE head off. Takahara-San confident. Tchyukiro-San against Go Shihei. Big match. Go Shihei tough. Go Shihei and Tchyukiro-San hit hard. Tchyukiro-San ready to take punishment. Ready to give punishment. Tchyukiro-San confident. Guardians of Strong Style may face each other. If so, great match. Great respect. MDE and Go Shihei... see you on Friday."

[Jim Houston]

Dasha Banks, looking uncomfortable, stands with MDE, who wears a slightly smug look on his face.

DB: MDE... you've entered the number one contender tournament after a couple of months of inactivity. Why are you coming out of the woodshed now?
MDE: I have many things that I focus on at the moment. I'm working with Jerry Bishop to help make him the best wrestler FPW has ever seen. That work is nearly complete. We train together but he doesn't need much guidance anymore. We work together for mutual benefit. Now that I have more time, I'm getting back to my own in-ring career. I've been FPW Champion. I haven't had the chance to get a second match with Jace Mason and I want one. When I win this tournament, I'll get that chance and I'll right the wrong that happened at Judgement Day II.

DB: What do you think of your first round opponent, Hiro Takahara?
MDE: He's an excellent tag team wrestler but he's not such a good singles wrestler. He's dangerous with his kicks but I can overcome that. If I'm careful and focussed, I expect a comfortable victory.

DB: Do you worry that you're underestimating him?
MDE: No. I don't underestimate people. I watch as many matches of their as I can and then I know exactly what they can do and exactly what I need to do to beat them.

DB: If you do get through to the quarter-finals and beyond, how will you prepare for an unknown opponent?
MDE: I've faced many of these people before. I know that I can put together a quick gameplan for almost everyone I'll face.

DB: And what if you face... your training partner?
MDE: Jerry Bishop. That's him name. If we face one another, it guarantees one of us will advance.

DB: Will you try to win that match or would you lay down for him?
MDE: I try to win all of my matches.

DB: But would you try to win that one?
MDE: I've already answered the question.

DB: There are already several teams declaring an interest in the upcoming All Star Tag Team Classic, including Jace Mason and Aaron Williams and Botiatus and Berry Bishop. Will we see you teaming up with... him?
MDE: With who?
DB: With your current training partner.
MDE: And who would that be?
DB: With... Jerry?
MDE: We're considering it. Three matches in a night for one of us will be a lot.
DB: Three matches?
MDE: The All Star Tag Team Classic semi-finals, final and an FPW Championship defence.
DB: You're very presumptuous. Neither of you have won-
MDE: I'm not presumptuous. I'm correct. One of us will be the FPW Champion by then.

DB: Thank you for your time.
MDE: My pleasure, Dasha. I'll talk to whenever you want me to.

MDE smirks as he walks off, leaving Dasha to shiver and shake her head.

[ticktock]

Aaron Williams lies on a trainer's table as his back is examined. The door opens and Dasha Banks comes in. Williams looks up and his face shows some surprise. He speaks but the pain is clear in his voice.

AW: Is this where we're doing interviews now?
DB: No... I just... I just wanted to see if you were ok?
AW: I've been better. Aaaaah. Come on Steve, that hurt like hell.

The doctor apologises as Dasha looks unsure about whether or not she should stay with Williams.

DB: Maybe I should-
AW: No. It's fine. Stay if you like.
DB: I just... I know how much you wanted to beat him.
AW: Yeah... well, it turns out he is as good as he says he is. I'm glad that I dragged that kind of a performance out of him. I know he didn't want to give the fans what they came for and I'm glad I gave them a show at least.
DB: You really didn't need to jump off the cage that much.
AW: Didn't I?
DB: I don't know... maybe you should have been more careful.
AW: Maybe. But where's the fun in... ahhh... being careful?
DB: I guess.

There's an awkward pause as Dasha looks like she wants to say something.

AW: I'm sure I'll get to-
DB: Does Berry stand a chance?
AW: I'm sorry?
DB: Berry... does she stand a chance against him?
AW: I don't-
DB: Aaron... I need to know.
AW: I can't say for sure, but... I'm not sure if there's a wrestler here who can beat him right now. Maybe Marcus? Jace maybe. Not me, I know that for sure right now. Maybe I'll do it another time, but right now... she'll have to really be at the top of her game. I hope she does, for both of your sakes, but I'd prepare for another loss.

Dasha looks away from Williams.

AW: I know that's not what you wanted to hear. I'm sorry.
DB: No. It's fine. I just...
AW: I know you and him have... history. Just try to let it go. He's not worth the pain.
DB: I know...
AW: Look. I'm running a seminar in Tampa on Thursday as part of our publicity stuff. Why don't you come along? I promise you'll have fun.
DB: I don't know. I'll be pretty busy-
AW: It's cool if you can't. I just think maybe you could do with a bit of a laugh right now.
DB: Thanks Aaron. Look, I'd better...
AW: See you round.
DB: Yeah... see you.

Dasha walks out and Williams immediately grimaces in pain.

AW: Yep... you found it Steve... Goddamn.

[noname1525]

Dasha Banks met Jace Mason as he came backstage after the Opening Day main event, the FPW World Championship slung over his shoulder.

"Congratulations Jace!" Dasha said, a smile on her face. "Normally this is the part where I ask how you feel about the match you just finished, but after what we saw out there, I don't think that's even a question."

"You'd be right about that, because I don't think that anyone could miss the pure joy I'm feeling right now. I think even a blind person could see it."  Jace chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Ever since December 31st, 2019, when this title was stolen from me, everything has been about getting it back. Every single waking moment has been spent trying to find some way to become FPW World Champion once again. And you know that I try not to define myself by the matches or titles I've won, so that sort of single-minded obsession was more than a little unusual for me. Even I was able to recognize that I wasn't myself, but that wasn't enough to quell this obsession."

"And now, three months almost to the day, since I became a former World Champion, I've become a two time World Champion. And it feels great." He adjusts the title on his shoulder before continuing. "You know, when you say it out loud, three months doesn't really sound like that long. But it was long enough to be too long for me. For me, it was 90 days of mental and physical anguish. Physical, as I pushed myself to new limits to try and recapture what I'd lost; and mental, as I had to wonder, 'what if she's right?' 'what if I'm not fit to be champion?' I never fully believed her, but throughout the last 90 days, there was that little voice in the back of my mind. But now," he held up the title, "now I've silenced that little voice, and all the other voices that doubted me as I fought my way back to the top. I proved to myself that it didn't matter if other people didn't believe in me, all that mattered was that I believed in myself."

Dasha looked somewhat hurt. "Well, that might be the case, but for what it's worth, I always believed in you."

Jace laughed. "I know you did Dasha, and I know a lot of other people did as well. And that was a big help, but if I listened to that voice in the back of my head, if I didn't believe in myself, then this wouldn't be possible. It's kinda funny actually, my the road to my first title reign was all about convincing everyone else to believe in me, but to win it back, I had to convince me to believe in myself."

Dasha smiled at that. "Well I'm glad you accomplished that Jace, I don't think I'd have been able to do an interview with Artemis after everything else that's happened tonight. Congratulations on your victory, and I hope I'm able to do these post-main interviews for quite some time."

The two of them smile and nod at each other before the camera fades to black.

[kingclutch]

Russ is in the locker room, looking over a piece of paper that lists recently acquired records in FPW.

Clutch and Danica come in.

CM: Hey man, ready for this weekend? Big matches coming up between you facing Marcus Allen Jones and me facing Botiatus.

*Russ looks generally apathetic to what Clutch is saying*

RB: Yeah, man. Speaking of I wanted to talk you about that. If it's all the same to you, I don't want you out there.

CM: Everything okay bro?

RB: Frankly, no. Man...this fucking crusade of yours....Your shit is tainting mine. When I came back to FPW, I wanted to make a mark and be my own man. And you're making that really fucking difficult. Because do you see the shit that gets sent to me because of my association with you? Like do you ever venture off of your own platforms?

DJ: Russ....

RB: Stay out of this Danica. This is between me and Clutch.

CM: What the hell man? What is it? What's with this new change?

RB: Just after looking this over, taking a long hard look at the loss column and you know what name comes up the most?.....YOURS Clutch. At this point, I'm wondering who the REAL dead weight is.

CM: Russ, come on...

RB: You do what you gotta do to get ready for Bo, I'll do what I have to. *his voice turns a little more forceful* GOT IT?

CM: Yeah, man. Got it.

*Russ throws the piece of paper in the trash can before he leaves*

[kingclutch]

David Archer and Braxton Cable are in a backstage area, visibly frustrated.

DA (with every sentence, gets more and more angry): You know, every promotion is the same. There's always some scumbag at the top who can't see past his money and has his "golden boys". The thing my dad always told me: "You can print money and manufacture diamonds, but people are a dime a dozen." And Jim Houston is just like every other promoter out there. Houston simply handed the Guardians of Strong Style a tag title for OUR FPW Tag Team titles on a silver fucking platter. I don't care where, when, or whose dumb asses we have to take the fight to. We will once again be the kings of the mountain!

*At this point, Cable puts his hand on Archer's shoulder.*

BC: Calm down, brother. Let me handle this. Houston, you should carefully reconsider the tag title match. I suggest Jim,....that you take a good long look at what happened to the LAST promoter who chose favors over good business.

[botiatus]

Backstage at an episode of 60 MOF, Dasha Banks stands with a mic

DB- "Ladies and gentleman, please welcome my guest. He is the current Freedom Champion, Botiatus"

The shot widens as Bo steps into frame

Bo- "Thanks, Dashy"

DB- "Dashy?"

Bo- "I'm sorry Dasha. I've been back for a few days now and every other sentence out of Berry's mouth is Dashy this and Dashy that. Oh btw did you call her about that slumber party?"

DB- "I'll be sure to do that but sounds like the two of you working together is going well so far"

Bo- "It is going well but I'm here right now to talk about what's NOT going well. You see I've been Freedom Champion for a little over 3 months now. Not only that but I haven't lost a match in over 4 months and I'm currently riding the longest winning streak in the entire FPW locker room. But you damn sure wouldn't know it by the looks of things. Every card, my match is buried somewhere in the middle. Every PPV, they start off with a flashy video package highlighting the biggest matches of the night. You know who's match is never included in that video package? You guessed it, mine"

Bo pauses as he takes a breath and composes himself

Bo- "I told the world when I won this title that I planned to elevate it to height's it had never reached. Now I didn't expect to main event the big PPVs, at least not right away but how is it I can't get the main event at a Road To show? I don't understand it and I'm unwilling to simply wait around anymore. You see patience is not only a virtue, is a House Rule. But there's another House Rule for times like these when patience isn't enough. And that's bad news for Clutch because I plan on making a lot of noise in this tournament. In fact I plan on being deafening loud until everyone has no choice but to listen to me. I know now that wins alone won't get me anywhere and that's fine. I have to accept blame for the fact that I haven't been giving my best performances in that ring lately. I wanted bigger and better competition and I overlooked some of my opponents as a result. Try as I might, even I'm not immune to breaking a House Rule every now and then. But that's all done with now. Training with Berry hasn't just been beneficial for her you see, it's also been quite revitalizing for me as well. Having someone that talented to train with on a daily basis has made me sharper than ever. And seeing her hunger to get better has been exactly the kick in the pants I needed. So from now on, I don't care who the opponent is, they will get my absolute best. And me at my best, well even Jim Houston can only keep that out of the main event for so long. Thanks for your time, Dashy"

Dasha raises an eyebrow at Bo

Bo-"Oops, my bad Dashy, damnit I mean Dasha! I need to give that girl a day off for my own sake sheesh"

Bo chuckles to himself as he walks off while Dasha watches with an amused look on her face, happy that Berry's training with Bo seems to be going well so far

[ticktock]

Dasha Banks is stood in front of a small building in blinding sunshine.

"Ladies and gentlemen thank you very much for joining me here on freedomprowrestling.com. We are just one day away from the start of our number one contendership tournament and all of the FPW stars have now landed in Tampa Bay, Florida ahead of what will be an amazing event. But we're not just putting on our three shows. FPW is also hosting a series of meet and greets, q and a sessions, podcast appearances and even training seminars. I'm here at Lazy Lane Suite C-9 outside what is called the Legendary Wrestling Academy, who have kindly allowed us to use their facilities. Inside right now is Aaron Williams, who is leading a seminar for novice pro wrestlers. This seminar, by the way, sold out in just twenty-two minutes when places went on sale. Let's take a look."

Dasha steps through the door and sees Aaron Williams stood in the ring, fifteen trainees around the outside and one in the middle with him. Williams has a wristlock applied on the trainee.

AW: Right now he knows that I can do a lot of different things. That's why you often see wrestlers in wristlocks pause and wait for their opponent to make their move. Whatever he tries to do, I can tweak his wrist very painfully and in a way which helps me maintain control over him. If I just do this-

Williams torques the wrist and a grunt of pain comes from the trainee. Williams releases him straight away.

AW: It doesn't take much to cause pain if you use the proper technique. Now I want you to pair up, do what I showed you and- most importantly- if your partner calls for you to stop, cries out in pain, or taps their hand on your shoulder, you break your hold immediately. Understand?

Everyone calls out a 'yes' in response. They pair off and begins working on the wristlocks. Dasha steps into the ring and Wiliams turns and gives her a smile.

AW: I'm glad you came down.
DB: I'm just filming some pieces for the website. Houston wants people to see everything that we're doing while we're here.
AW: Smart move. How are you?
DB: I'm good. What are you doing with these guys today?
AW: Basic holds really. These are guys who have been training for a very short amount of time. A solid grasp of the fundamentals of wrestling is vital to success in the ring. If they can't do this, no amount of strength or athleticism will help them to fulfill whatever potential they may have.
DB: Any students you're eyeing as future FPW opponents for you?
AW: Haha, they're a long way away from that right now, but who knows? If they work hard enough and listen to the people who are helping them, they could easily make it and find their way up north sometime.
DB: And how about your own match tomorrow night with James Saturn. Is this all a distraction from that?
AW: Not really, no. I'm able to do what I need to do in my own time. I like to give back.
DB: Well, let's take a look around and see what the students make of the experience.

Williams leaves the ring to go and give some coaching while Dasha walks up to a pair of young women who are practising the wristlock.

DB: Hi. Do you mind if I talk to-

All of a sudden, the room goes quiet as the door bangs open. Four men enter, looking around. Dasha walks up on to them.

DB: I'm sorry, this is a private event.

The man dressed in a suit answers. He has an Irish accent.

"We've got tickets."

DB: Oh... well the seminar is more than half-way through-

The four men push past her and walk up to the ring. The three of them who are dressed in workout gear slide into it while the older man in the suit climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes. Aaron Williams looks up and his face falls. He quickly gets into the ring.

AW: What are you doing here?
Man in Suit: The great Aaron Williams... you remember us?
AW: Yeah I remember you. I wish I didn't.

One of the men in workout gear steps up to Williams, who doesn't back down. The man speaks with a rough English accent.

Main in Workout Gear 1: You better show us some fucking respect. You know what we can do.
AW: Yeah I know what you can do, Parker. I may have only been there for one show, but I saw enough.
Parker: Then step the fuck back.

A second man in workout gear steps forward, also speaking with an English accent.

Man in Workout Gear 2: Yeah, step the fuck back, motherfucker.
AW: Si, why are you all here?
Si: Mania weekend, baby.
Man in Suit: And we saw the name of Aaron Williams leading a seminar and we really felt we ought to come by and say hello.

Williams looks past Si and Parker and into the man's eyes.

AW: Well you've said hello, Lightbody. Now if you'll excuse me, I have trainees to work with.

Williams looks to turn away, but the third man in workout gear steps behind him and blocks him off.

Lightbody: It's Mr. Lightbody to you. Like Parker said, you need to show us some respect. You don't have that WWE security around you now. We could do anything we wanted- and we will do anything we want. Got that?
AW: I don't want trouble. Now, if you'll excuse me, all of these people paid for a training seminar and I intend to deliver it. The four of you need to leave or-

Williams is cut off by the third man from behind with a shot to the head. He stumbles forward and Parker drops him with a DDT. Two of the trainees step onto the apron but Si and the third man lay them out with right hands.

Dasha calls out to them from outside the ring.

DB: That's enough. Get out or I'm calling the cops.

Parker and Si begin to laugh.

Lightbody: You don't need to do that. We've made our point. We'll be leaving.

The four of them step down from the ring and Parker and Si get into the faces of some of the trainees while the other man walks up to Dasha. He also speaks with an Irish accent.

Man in Workout Gear 3: I'm sure I'll be seeing you again sometime soon. I certainly hope so...
Lightbody: Armondo. Time to leave these people in peace.

Si, Parker, Armondo and Lightbody walk out of the door as a couple of trainees go to help Williams, who is just getting to his feet. Dasha follows.

DB: Aaron, are you ok?
AW: I haven't felt that DDT in years. I'll be fine.
DB: Who were those guys?
AW: You don't want to know. Let's hope you don't have to find out.

[kingclutch]

Danica and Clutch are in a backstage area with Dasha Banks

DB: Clutch, tomorrow you face Botiatus. As it stands you are 0-2 against him.

CM: I'm not hearing a question.

DB: My question is what has changed this time?

CM: The difference now is that my vision is clear. I've made it my goal to end inter gender wrestling in FPW. And Botiatus has been a pretty bad offender, among others. And I will put Botiatus through the wringer, make no mistake. I don't care if it's House Rules or No Rules, the result will be the same.

DB: But there are women in this tournament as well, so what happens if you draw a female opponent?

CM: Much like the Free-1 most recently, Danica here will wrestle on my behalf. She's definitely a capable competitor.

DB (semi under her breath): Like she showed against the Dogs of War.

*Clutch acts as though he doesn't hear her, but you can see the remark struck a nerve*

CM: Point is, The Power Couple of FPW will run through this tournament and we will be the first co-FPW Champions.

*Russ Bolt is walking by*

DB: Just the man I was waiting for!

RB: ....shit. Look, I don't have a great deal of time, so please make it quick.

DB: You have Marcus Allen Jones in the first round. What are your thoughts going into the match?

RB: Everything I can to keep him grounded, but keeping my space so I can do my thing. Classic "paralysis though analysis".

DB: There's a strong possibility that if both you and Clutch make it through the first round, you could face each other. Are you prepared for that?

RB: Absolutely. Sometimes teammates and even friends go a little too far. But the thing you gotta know Clutch....NO ONE in this place is afraid of you. And NO ONE sees you as the legend you do. And you know what Clutch, part of me hopes you get though and even win the title. Just so you can see whatever applause you still get will be out of nothing but pity. *turns to Dasha* I'm done here.

DB: Well there you have it. Clutch, do you have anything to add?

*Clutch has a confused expression but shakes his head*

DJ: I just know we're all excited about the tournament. Title gold has eluded The Dynasty long enough. The sooner we get what is ours, the sooner we can get back to business as usual.

[marileeg17]

I know there's no promo thread here but I couldn't resist given a very special matchup...

BO: I'm gonna make this real short and sweet. MDE, you and I. We've written this story. We've been down this road. And you did it. You finally got your win over me. Finally got the monkey off your back from the old days. And you took a lot more but you know what, he made his own choices. You made yours. Now it's time for me to make mine. I don't want to hurt you MDE. I just want to beat you. Time for me to get my win back. This isn't about me and you. It's about me winning this tournament. And it's about me getting my hands on a certain someone else. As far as I'm concerned, you and I, it's not personal anymore. Just business. And I'm making it my business to take you out of this tournament. You stand in my way of advancing MDE and it's just as simple as that.

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop and Thalia Colombina coming through the curtain following his match, her arm around his elbow. Bishop takes a moment to catch his breath. Thalia steps aside and grabs a microphone and stands at the ready.*

TC: As you’re ready, sir.

*Bishop leans back and stretches his shoulders and neck, shaking loose his arms. He nods to Thalia after he’s ready.*

TC: Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be joined by the single most exciting, engaging, and enticing figure in Freedom Pro Wrestling, The Joker, Jerry Bishop. Joker, you’ve once again affirmed your position as the greatest talent in the FPW locker room by dropping Tchyukiro in the quarterfinals. How do you feel after defeating one half of the FPW Tag Team Champions?

JB: Thalia, my Brixton beauty, to borrow from Eric Bischoff, IT IS *SO* GOOD TO BE ME! Not only have I definitively staked my claim towards the FPW Championship against Tchyukiro- By the way, Sato-san, you said it yourself, the Guardians are strong together, but they are pitiable on their own. I’ve drawn more fight out of a particularly difficult bag of chips. Those tag team titles may be on shakier ground than you think, Sato-san. And that Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship is all but in my hands at this point.

TC: And while we are all certain of this outcome, it never hurts to hear it from the source itself. Now, in the prior round, you utterly demolished an inferior competitor. How did that feel?

JB: It felt like I was filling in my driver’s license renewal forms. Sure, it was annoying, it took longer than it needed to, I had to spend time around people I’d rather ignore the existence of, but as always, I got it done, and it felt great. I got through something most people dread, but I smashed my way through any doubt as to who the better competitor ever was.

TC: While I’m stunned to think there were ever people who doubted you, Mr. Bishop, any of those ignorant casual “smarks” as they call themselves surely must believe in the power, the agility, the brilliance of the Joker.

JB: Keep talking like that and you might just get a raise, my dear.

TC: You say that as though I haven’t already risen to the occasion. Or that I haven’t helped you do the same.

*Bishop and Thalia lock eyes, both seemingly trying to draw the other to make a move. Smiling, Thalia continues the interview.*

TC: In closing, you are once more booked to face that blowhard, blackguard, braggart Aaron Williams, who you trounced quite soundly in a steel cage. Do you think you’ll put him away more quickly than your last match, or will you take your time and remind him why he lost last time around?

JB: Aaron got so wrapped up in thinking that if he drew a “great match” out of me, he’d win. And I’ve proven that is demonstrably false. I beat you several times over in matches you would consider disappointments. But I still won. Then you got your cage match, a match where I couldn’t “run away” as you’d call it. I said I had no intention of escaping, and I proved that. You locked yourself in with the most indomitable force in FPW. And you lost. But Aaron, I know you’re entering into this match thinking “I’m gonna shake hands, please the fans, and go home with broken plans and play with my-“

TC: This is still a family program, Mr. Bishop.

JB: Either way, I’m going to put him down and advance to the finals.

TC: And as for your potential stepping stones in the finals, Bobby O and Marcus Allan Jones. As you would assuredly defeat either man in swift fashion, which would you rather face in the final?

JB: At this stage, Thalia, it doesn’t matter. I can get into Bobby’s head better than anyone in this entire industry, and Marcus can get caught up in trying to please those idiots in the stands just like I used to. I can, if I’m inclined, draw a great match out of either man. But whoever I face in the finals, they’re going to be reminded that the Joker always gets the Last Laugh.

TC: And you always put a smile on my face when you do it, sir.

*Bishop lifts his hand under Thalia’s chin and looks into her eyes. They slowly smile at each other before Bishop starts chuckling, then bursts into full laughter, dashing off-shot. Thalia looks on with a raised eyebrow and a grin.*

TC: Ladies and gentlemen, I am Thalia Colombina, and I am honored to be the personal interviewer of the single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of wrestling, The Joker, Jerry Bishop.

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston is sat in his office, phone to his ear.

"Look, I understand your concerns, and you know that I share them, but.......... no, I can't change......... I know he does, but he doesn't want to......... no, I refuse to-............. we just have to let things play out.............. Yes I saw that............. a little concerned but nothing else has come of it............ if they want to make a play, we'll be prepared............... no, under no circumstances, we're agreed on that................... ok, I'll call you again once I've spoken to-...................... sure. Thank you."

Houston sits back in his chair and runs a hand through his hair. There's a knock on the door. He sighs and then calls them in. Dasha Banks walks in.

JH: Dasha. Hi.
DB: Bad time?
JH: No. I've just got a lot on my plate. Some concerned people that's all. What can I do for you?
DB: We're scheduled for an update on the Uprising card...
JH: Of course. Of course. Come in. Have a seat.

Dasha sits down and readies herself before turning to the camera

DB: I'm here with Jim Houston to discuss Uprising. But before we do, how would you reflect on this Wrestlemania weekend special?
JH: I thought it went very well. We drew big numbers, a lot of whom I know were first-time FPW attendees, and we've already seen a big spike in visits to freedomprowrestling.com as well as in FPW TV subscriptions. I thought there were some truly outstanding matches, all three matches earlier today, the Bobby and MDE quarter-final, several first-round matches. And of course Graham Baker's return.

DB: That was a big moment and the energy out there was electric. How did you pull it off?
JH: Well Graham came to me a few weeks ago. At first I was wary but he started with an apology, much like he did tonight. He told me he'd be in Tampa. Wrestlemania weekend always has that one guy who is everywhere. Orange Cassidy was that guy last year and Graham Baker seems to have been that guy this weekend. Luckily he had a free slot which coincided with when I was planning this show and it fitted in perfectly. I needed something for this slot and a Baker return to say a proper goodbye to the fans was just the ticket.

DB: There's speculation that this isn't really a goodbye...
JH: It was most definitely a goodbye. Graham Baker lost a match which meant he had to leave FPW. I don't want to go back on that. I respect the integrity of our rules because, if I don't, how can I expect anyone else to follow them?

DB: So now the match is set for Uprising. How do you think the main event will go?
JH: Well, Dasha, I must say I have my concerns. We both know that Jerry Bishop is one of the best wrestlers in this company but the changes he's undergone in the past few months have been very concerning to me. I still have flashbacks to the Williams match where he just refused to wrestle in the manner we've come to expect. As long as Jerry Bishop approaches this match with an understanding of what is expected in a big main event such as this, I expect it to  challenge for Match of the Year on New Year's Eve. If not, then discussions will need to be had about his future with this company.

DB: You've come under criticism recently from Botiatus and the Dogs of War for how you've been handling things in FPW. Would you care to respond?
JH: I welcome criticism. Botiatus wants his Freedom Championship matches to be as big as they can be. To main event shows. To get promotion on an almost equal footing with the FPW Championship matches. I respect him for that. I also respect the fact that he's admitted that he could up his performance levels too. When I signed Bo to FPW, I did so with the full expectation of him being a major asset. I still think that he will be, but it takes time for anyone to settle and he's taken a bit more than some people might. However, Jace Mason took a year and a half to work his way to a position where he was considered a big draw and look at him now. Botiatus will get there. As for the Dogs of War, they came into FPW and won one match, got a Tag Team Championship match at Judgement Day II and won that match too. Many people accused me of giving them an opportunity too soon, but they didn't seem too unhappy about it. The Guardians of Strong Style have been one of the top teams here for a lonng time now, and I respect the fact that they went into singles competition to better themselves. They didn't get a rematch for the Tag Team Championships, but I made clear that they would get one when they were ready. The Dogs of War knew that. If they want to get their titles back, I suggest they prove they deserve them. The All Star Tag Team Classic is just around the corner. Win that, and they'll get their title match.

DB: Before the All Star Tag Team Classic of course is Uprising. We now know that the main event will be... we know what it will be. Can you give us a run down of the card?
JH: Certainly. We already know that The Guardians of Strong Style will defend the Tag Team Championships against The Queendom. We now know that the main event will see Jace Mason defending the FPW Championship against Jerry Bishop. We also saw on these recent shows two matches be set up: Berry Bishop getting a rematch with Danica Jane and Botiatus agreeing to defend his Freedom Championship against Clutch McCloud after Clutch's victory over him in the tournament. I would like to add two more matches to the card. The first comes from a conversation that our cameras witnessed with our newest signing. Robert D. Jackson comes here with an amateur record which rivals the greatest NCAA wrestlers in history. It's only fitting that he meets our own technical wizard MDE in his first match here. We also witnessed another conversation between Marcus Allen Jones and James Saturn. That is a match I'm more than happy to agree to. I'd also like to set up a match which comes from a conversation I had yesterday with Bobby O after the draw for the semi-finals was made. He was telling me that he had never faced Aaron Williams and that he really wanted that match to happen sometime. So, seeing as neither of them has a match yet, let's make that happen too.

DB: That sounds like quite the card. I won't take up any more-
JH: Before you go, Dasha... how are you holding up? This has been quite the weekend for you.
DB: I'm okay. Every night I pray that I have the wisdom to know what I can and can't control and the courage to turn my back on the things I can't control. I'm not there yet, but it's getting a little easier.
JH: If you ever need anything, you let me know. I hate that this has had an impact on you, and I don't want one of my best, most valuable employees, and, if I may, friends, to be hurt like this.
DB: Thank you, Mr. Houston. Thanks for your time.