Post by Jim Houston on Apr 4, 2020 8:13:28 GMT
A video plays to open the show, highlighting each match from last night. It focusses on each of the quarter-finalists and how they picked up their victory in the first round, followed by interspersing Jim Houston drawing the quarter-final matches with clips of each person talking about the FPW Championship and showing their biggest moves. It ends with the same match card shot as last night’s video did, with Jace Mason, FPW Championship over his shoulder, and a blacked out figure and the Uprising logo in the background.
MW: Hello and welcome to night two of Freedom Pro Wrestling’s Wrestlemania weekend number one contendership tournament. Last night saw eight competitors take their spots in tonight’s quarter-finals, the winners of which will progress to tomorrow morning’s semi-finals, before our two remaining competitors will juke it out for the chance to become the number one contender to Jace Mason’s FPW Championship.
SD: And what a line-up we have for you tonight. Jerry Bishop versus Masa Tchyukiro, Marcus Allen Jones versus Liz Karlson, Aaron Williams versus Clutch McCloud and MDE versus Bobby O.
MW: Those are four mouth-watering quarter-finals. But let’s first hark back to last night. We’ve had a lot of feedback from fans about these matches. Which stood out to you?
SD: Four matches stick in the memory for me. The war between Masa Tchyukiro and Go Shihei had a level of intense violence that I haven’t seen for a long time. Aaron Williams and James Saturn put on a great show of athleticism and ended with Williams giving everything he had to pull off the victory. MDE and Hiro Takahara had a really interesting match that I couldn’t take my eyes off and then the main event. Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop.
MW: And that match gained a lot of traction from first-time fans of FPW. We’ve been inundated with messages across all of our social media and almost all of them have said the same thing. Don’t let Jerry Bishop win this tournament.
SD: Jerry was my pick from the very start and I honestly don’t know if there’s anyone I’d pick to beat him. Maybe Marcus, maybe Bobby. I don’t think Williams can after that brutal cage match and I doubt MDE will given how well Jerry knows him. Clutch is on a hot streak but I’m not sure he’s there yet, Karlson could surprise him but I don’t see it and Tchyukiro will give him a few bruises but I think Jerry will find a way to dispatch him.
MW: I have to say I’m with these fans. To me, defeating Jerry Bishop is just as big a prize as winning this tournament.
SD: You won’t have to wait long for the first attempt at it.
MW: Indeed we won’t. First up tonight is Jerry Bishop taking on Masa Tchyukiro. Tchyukiro survived a brutal war with Go Shihei and Jerry overcame his sister in heart-breaking fashion. What does Tchyukiro have to do to potentially pick up a victory in this match?
SD: He has to keep the same level of intensity as he had last night. He needs to keep that up all through the match and not allow Jerry to slip away. I can see Jerry approaching this match similarly to his second match with Williams. He knows Tchyukiro will want to get into striking battles, so he has to avoid them at all costs. Use his speed and his intelligence. If Tchyukiro can goad him into standing and trading shots, then maybe- and I mean maybe- Tchyukiro might be able to keep him down for three.
MW: Let’s find out. It’s time for our first quarter-final. I’ll hand it over to Dasha Banks to make the introductions.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for our first of tonight’s four quarter-final matches. Introducing first, from Hiroshima, Japan and being accompanied to the ring by Sato, he is one half of the three-time Tag Team Champions… Masa Tchyukiro!”
The familiar music begins as Sato stands at the top of the ramp with a bow. As the intro moves into the more upbeat music, Tchyukiro enters to a loud cheer. He bows with Sato before standing, looking around the arena for a brief moment before walking down the ramp. He reaches the ring and climbs the steps, wiping his feet on the apron before stepping through the ropes. He then walks over to the corner headbutts the turnbuckle a couple of times before stretching out.
There’s a pause as Dasha brings the mic to her lips, but she’s cut off before she can begin.
“There is no way that you’re butchering this introduction.”
The fans boo as they turn their heads to the entranceway and they see Thalia Columbina standing at the top. Dasha stares at her with hatred in her eyes as Thalia raises the mic again.
“Introducing THE reason that everybody is in this arena, THE winner of this tournament, THE next FPW Champion, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of wrestling… THE greatest man ever come out of Kansas City, Missouri, THE conqueror of Berry Bishop, THE Joker… Jerrrrrry! Bishoooooooooooooooooop!”
‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and the boos that are already echoing around the arena intensify. Jerry steps through the curtain and turns to Thalia, bowing deeply to her as she nods in appreciation. He sweeps an arm over to her and applauds as the fans boo even louder. He begins to laugh before making his way down the ramp, ignoring the booing of the fans and the couple of fans who are being held back by security with Berry Bishop t-shirts on. He reaches the ring and climbs the steps, stepping up onto the middle rope and looking down at Masa Tchyukiro before stepping over the rope and dropping into the ring.
Match 1: Masa Tchyukiro vs. Jerry Bishop:
The bell rings and Tchyukiro steps forward into the middle of the ring, sticking out his chin and pointing to it. Jerry looks at him and keeps hanging back, resting against the top rope. Tchyukiro growls at him in Japanese and points again, calling him forward. Jerry looks at him, sighs, and takes a step towards him. Tchyukiro calls him forward again, pointing to his chin a third time. Jerry steps forward again and raises his right fist, drawing it back dramatically before stopping and kicking Tchyukiro in the gut. The fans boo but Jerry quickly traps his arms and looks for the Last Laugh, only for Tchyukiro to free his arms and swing a lariat at Jerry, who ducks and quick ly drops down, leaving the ring.
The fans boo and a loud ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant begins. Jerry looks out at the crowd for a moment with a neutral expression before turning back to the ring. Tchyukiro calls him in again, and Jerry steps up onto the apron. The official tells him to get back into the ring and he begins to take a step in, but then steps back out again and the fans boo some more. The ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant rings out again and Jerry looks over his shoulder at the fans a second time. Tchyukiro, losing patience, moves over to the ropes and holds them open for Jerry, but he merely laughs and walks around to the other side of the ring.
MW: Looks like once again you’re spot on with the way this match is going.
SD: Tchyukiro immediately tried to Jerry to trade shots. Jerry- and MDE as the voice in his ear- are far too clever for that.
MW: But at some point he’ll need to get into that ring and the problem won’t have gone away.
SD: Unless he can find a quick win like he tried to at the beginning. That would be what he looks for I’d imagine.
Tchyukiro growls some more Japanese as he moves over to Jerry, who looks up at him and shrugs. Tchyukiro takes matters into his own hands and steps through the ropes, but Jerry seizes his chance, backing off and chop-blocking Tchyukiro’s leg. Tchyukiro drops to his knees on the apron and Jerry slides in the ring, vaulting over the top rope for a slingshot DDT onto the apron. Jerry lands on his feet on the outside and then shoves Tchyukiro’s limp body back into the ring. He follows and makes the cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Tchyukiro gets a shoulder up and the fans cheer loudly. Jerry looks at the official quizzically but the official reinforces that it was only two. Jerry then looks down at Tchyukiro, who holds his head. He sits him up and backs into the ropes, coming back with a penalty kick to the back of the head. Tchyukiro drops down again, holding his head still. Jerry then sits him up a second time, hitting the ropes again and landing a second penalty kick to the back of the head. This time, he then quickly pulls Tchyukiro to his feet and lands a parallel snapmare, hitting the ropes and looking to complete the Touchstone Takedown, but Tchyukiro catches his foot!
Tchyukiro, eyes wide, pushes himself up and pulls Jerry in for a lariat, but Jerry ducks it and rolls out of the ring again. Tchyukiro turns and looks as Jerry calls him to the outside. Tchyukiro wastes no time in following, but Jerry quickly slides back into the ring. Tchyukiro follows again, but Jerry puts the boots into him, targeting the back of his neck again. Jerry manages to keep Tchyukiro down and another ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant rings out. This time Jerry turns and begins to aggressive mock-conduct the chant. The fans boo once again but Jerry returns his focus to Tchyukiro, lifting him up and, with his head securely tucked under his arm, walking up the ropes to deliver a tornado DDT. He makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Again Tchyukiro gets a shoulder up. Jerry stands and looks down as Tchyukiro holds the back of his neck again, his face contorted in agony. Jerry slowly pulls him up again, trapping his arms and looking again for Last Laugh, but Tchyukiro refuses to allow Jerry to drop him. He uses all of his determination to force his arms free before driving Jerry back into the corner. He aims a hard forearm, but Jerry ducks underneath it and slaps Tchyukiro across the face before darting away from him. Tchyukiro charges after him, but Jerry drops down with a drop toe-hold, sending Tchyukiro into the middle rope. Jerry then backs off and runs at Tchyukiro, landing a hard knee to the back of his neck.
MW: As much as I don’t like the way he’s going about it, I must say that Jerry Bishop is showing the kind of targeted focus on that neck that I’ve never seen from him before.
SD: He and MDE will have cooked this up yesterday, or maybe even in preparation for this tournament as a whole. Jerry is suckering Tchyukiro in, pressing every button he can, and using it to his advantage.
MW: And now Jerry seems to be looking to bring this match to a close.
SD: Nobody gets up once Jerry hits them with The Punchline!
Tchyukiro slowly pushes himself up from the ropes and Jerry connects with a hard right hand, but Tchyukiro walks straight through it! He growls at Jerry once more, and Jerry’s eyes widen as Tchyukiro explodes with a huge lariat. Jerry drops to the mat but Tchyukiro doesn’t let him rest, bending down and lifting Jerry before landing a series of hard chops to his chest, the fans cheering louder and louder with each one. He forces Jerry into the corner and explodes with a barrage of forearms, forcing Jerry to slide further and further down until he’s in a seated position. Tchyukiro then backs away and connects with a sliding forearm. Jerry rolls out of the corner and Tchyukiro makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Jerry kicks out. Tchyukiro yanks him up by the hair and drives another forearm square into his face. Jerry hits the mat and Tchyukiro pulls him back to his feet. He hits the ropes and looks for a lariat, but Jerry has enough time to side-step and grab Tchyukiro’s arm, forcing him to the mat. He tries to lock in the Chelsea Smile, but Tchyukiro gets his feet under him and drives up, not letting Jerry lock his hands. Tchyukiro then lifts Jerry up onto his shoulders and charges at the turnbuckles, landing a Death Valley driver into the corner.
MW: Masa Tchyukiro with a desperation counter!
SD: And Jerry looks rattled. He doesn’t often go for that Chelsea Smile and I don’t think it would have been part of his gameplan for this match.
MW: Can Tchyukiro capitalise?
Tchyukiro lifts Jerry and lands another hard forearm before pushing him up onto the top rope. He follows, but Jerry lands a forearm to try and stop him. Tchyukiro merely stares at him and tells him to strike him again. Jerry lands another, but Tchyukiro doesn’t flinch. Jerry lands a couple more while the two are balanced on the ropes, but Tchyukiro merely laughs, shrugging them off. He responds with a hard headbutt which leaves Jerry drooping to one side. Tchyukiro then drapes an arm over Jerry and lifts him, holding him up for a moment before delivering a superplex. Tchyukiro holds the back of his neck as he lands, and it takes him a few moments before he can roll over and get an arm over Jerry.
One…
Two…
Th-
Jerry kicks out. Tchyukiro begins to stand, his legs wobbly, as the fans cheer loudly for him. He grabs Jerry from behind and pulls him up for the deadlift German that won the match again Shihei. As Tchyukiro brings Jerry down, Jerry manages to over-rotate and land on his feet. He delivers a hard kick right to the back of Tchyukiro’s neck and staggers back towards the corner, trying to shake off the cobwebs from all of the forearms. Tchyukiro begins to stand and Jerry pushes himself up to the middle rope, coming down with a blockbuster. He makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Tchyukiro gets a shoulder up, but it’s clear that his neck is really troubling him. Jerry looks down and laughs as he sees the pain in Tchyukiro’s eyes. He then grabs him and pulls him up, trapping his arms. Not giving Tchyukiro the time to resist, Jerry drops him with the Last Laugh and makes the cover as the fans boo.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Jerry Bishop (14:35).
MW: And there it is. Our first semi-finalist. Jerry Bishop.
SD: Say it with a bit more enthusiasm, Watson!
MW: I’m not sure I can be enthusiastic about that man.
SD: Then I’ll say it. Our first semi-finalist! Jerry Bishop! The Joker overcomes Masa Tchyukiro and books his place in tomorrow’s final four! What a victory.
Jerry stands and has his arm raised. Another loud ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant breaks out and again Jerry stands and conducts it. The chant doesn’t die away this time, so he climbs up to the top rope and conducts it more aggressively while Thalia Columbina emerges back onto the stage.
“Your winner, advancing to the semi-finals of a tournament he is destined to win on his way to FPW Championship glory, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of wrestling, THE greatest man to ever come out of Kansas City, Missouri, THE future FPW Champion, THE Joker, Jerrrrrrrrrry Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”
Jerry drops down and bows deeply to Thalia before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp. He offers her his arm and she gratefully takes it before they exit through the curtain.
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Backstage, Clutch McCloud and Danica Jane are getting prepared in the locker room. Russ Bolt walks in and Clutch pauses, looking up at him with suspicion.
RB: I know we haven’t exactly seen eye to eye in recent times with your crusade and all, but I wanted to wish you luck for tonight.
CM: You did well against Marcus.
RB: But not well enough.
CM: You showed him that he had to take you seriously. Condescending prick that he is.
RB: Whatever. Good luck for tonight.
Bolt turns to go but Clutch calls him back.
CM: Hey. I want you out there with me tonight.
RB: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
CM: No. I brought you into this company and I was supposed to be a mentor for you, to help you learn. I haven’t done much of that. I’ve focussed on me, me, me. I want you out there with me to get a first-hand look at this match. Williams is an experienced veteran and so am I. You could learn a lot.
RB: Look, man, I told you… being associated with this crusade isn’t good for me. I don’t even ag-
CM: Russ. You told me my win-loss record wasn’t great, but look at your own. You need to learn. I know I haven’t always done right by you, but let’s make that change. Come to the ring with me tonight and then we can really give you more of a focus.
Bolt stops to think for a moment.
RB: Fine. I’ll be there. But just… I can’t keep listening to the same old shit with this.
CM: I understand that. Thanks, man.
Bolt shakes his head and leaves as Clutch turns back to Danica.
DJ: Did you mean that?
CM: Mean what?
DJ: About giving Russ more of your time?
CM: Yeah I meant it.
DJ: And what about his… views?
CM: As long as he doesn’t go around hitting women, I can deal with it. You and I are all the crusaders we need.
Danica looks away a little awkwardly, but Clutch doesn’t notice.
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MW: Now we can refocus our attention to the second match of the night. Liz Karlson made it through this far with a win over Ella Ripley after a lot of interference from Tommy Saxon and ultimately a save from her former partner John Grimm. Marcus Allen Jones’ path was a little simpler, defeating a valiant effort from Russ Bolt along the way.
SD: And now they meet for a place in the final four.
MW: What are your key points for each of them in this match?
SD: For Karlson? Use her power and her technique to ground Marcus. She can’t let him build his momentum otherwise she’ll never be able to catch him. For Marcus… don’t let that happen. Stay out of Karlson’s submission holds and keep a fast pace.
MW: Prediction?
SD: Both are quite fresh. Both come into it with a win they would have expected to get. I don’t think there is any particular advantage coming over from yesterday. Marcus is the better wrestler, but Karlson could surprise us. I’m going Marcus with a caveat that, if the match ends via submission, Karlson wins it.
MW: Well, let’s find out. Over to Dasha, who I’m sure will be looking forward to introducing both competitors for the first time tonight.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is the second quarter-final of the night and is scheduled for one-fall. Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, a former Young Lions’ Cup winner, a former FPW Champion… ‘The Marksman’… Marcus Allen Jones!”
‘Hall of Fame’ begins and Marcus steps through the curtain, landing his usual backflip and holding his pose until the lyrics kick in. As they do, he leaps up and look out at the cheering fans before making his way down the ramp. He slaps hands and looks quizzically at a fan with a ‘Baker 2, Marcus 1’ sign and then laughs to himself. Reaching the ring, he slides in and climbs to the top rope, extending his arms skywards and then pointing out to all of his cheering fans. He drops down and nods to Dasha with a smile, which is returned, before settling in and waiting for Karlson.
“And his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she is a former Women’s and Freedom Champion… ‘The Renegade’… Liz Karlson!”
The flights flicker on and off as ‘Turn It On’ begins to play. Karlson backs into the arena in her Renegades vest, the fans giving her a much quieter reaction than they gave to Marcus. She then turns and looks out at the arena, shrugging her shoulders at the reaction she’s getting. She slaps hands with fans on her way to the ring and then slides in, looking over to Marcus for a minute before climbing onto the top rope and looking out at the crowd. She does the same on all four posts before dropping down and seeing Marcus offering her a hand. She shakes it before removing her vest and readying herself for the match.
Match 2: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Liz Karlson:
The official calls for the bell and the two of them come together and quickly lock-up. Karlson gains an advantage, locking in a headlock, but Marcus shoves her into the ropes, pushing her off. She hits the opposite ropes and comes back with a shoulder tackle, taking Marcus to the mat. She drops down and grabs his leg, but Marcus quickly scrambles to the ropes. Karlson releases her grip and lets Marcus get to his feet, but then she dives in again and takes a leg, dropping Marcus to the canvas and driving her knee into his, wrenching it to the side. Marcus reaches out for the ropes again and forces her to release him. She stands and looks down at Marcus as he recovers, the fans applauding the opening exchange.
Marcus pushes up to his feet and he and Karlson come together for another lock-up. He grabs a headlock this time, but Karlson lifts him off his feet and drops him with a back suplex. She goes back to the knee, grabbing his leg and driving her own knee into the side of his, wrenching on it hard. He reaches for the ropes but this time Karlson changes her angle of attack, grabbing his left arm and looking for a cross-arm breaker. Marcus links his fingers quickly and blocks her, forcing Karlson to go back to the leg and giving Marcus enough time to wriggle out of her reach.
MW: A strong start for Liz Karlson.
SD: I always thought she should focus on being a technician more than being a powerhouse.
MW: And she’s grounding Marcus at the moment, just like you said she ought to.
SD: What can I say? I know wrestling.
Marcus gets to his feet again, and Karlson darts in for his leg a third time, only for Marcus to leap to the side and hit the ropes. He comes at Karlson and takes her down with a flying headscissors. She gets quickly to her feet and comes back at Marcus, but he cuts her off with a superkick to the gut and a jumping DDT. Karlson rolls through and Marcus rolls with her, pulling her back up and into a falcon arrow, hooking a leg for a cover.
One…
Two-
Karlson kicks out. She scrambles away and leaves Marcus looking down at her, the fans applauding them once again.
Karlson stands and Marcus extends an arm, Karlson fist-bumping him. Then the two lock up again, this time Marcus gaining ad advantage as he whips Karlson into the ropes. He looks for a hip toss as she comes back, but she lands on her feet and looks to connect with a snap suplex, only for Marcus to float over and land on his feet. He kicks her in the gut and sets up for a Canadian destroyer, which she counters by grabbing his leg and grounding him again. She pulls him into a knee bar, and Marcus grimaces with pain. Karlson wrenches hard on the knee and Marcus reaches out for the ropes. He manages to rolls over onto his stomach, but Karlson switches up her grip to add even more pressure. Marcus reaches out for the ropes again, this time managing to catch the bottom one.
Karlson releases him and quickly pulls him off the ropes. She lifts him up onto her shoulders and looks for a TKO, but Marcus lands on his feet. However, he stumbles a little when his weight comes down on his knee, and Karlson is able to turn and jam a knee into his gut. She then pulls him in for an exploder suplex and makes a cover.
One…
Two-
Marcus kicks out, Karlson grabbing his leg again and hooking her own leg through his ankle and knee before dropping to the mat and wrenching on the knee. She looks to grab another knee bar, but Marcus kicks her away and rolls backwards to his feet. Karlson comes at him with a running lariat but Marcus ducks it and counters with a superkick which sends Karlson over the ropes. Marcus looks down at her and then hits the opposite side of the ring, running at her and flying over the top rope with a corkscrew moonsault plancha, leaving both of them down on the outside.
MW: Great athleticism from the former champion right there.
SD: As we expected, but I’m not sure he should be putting so much onto that knee.
MW: He did land a little awkwardly.
SD: He did, but it’s not just that. All of the spring needed to complete a move like that comes from the knees. If his left knee has been damaged, just jumping will cause it to be even worse. Marcus needs to look after his own body with Karlson clearly zeroing in on that knee.
Marcus is first to his feet but he comes up with a bit of a limp. He reaches down to pull Karlson up but she lands a blow to the knee that sends him reeling away. She then stands and kicks him hard in the leg before grabbing him and rolling him back into the ring. Karlson drags Marcus over towards the corner and wraps the knee around the post. The fans begin to boo as she uses her legs to apply pressure and the official calls for her to break. She breaks and Marcus scrambles away towards the middle of the ring.
Karlson then slides back in and stalks him as he pushes himself up. She lands another kick to the leg before grabbing the lower leg and lifting Marcus, looking to bring him down on her own knee, only for him to backflip out of it. He staggers back a few steps again, but he’s ready for it. As Karlson turns, he lands a step-up enzeguiri before hitting the ropes and connecting with a shining wizard. He rolls into a cover.
One…
Two-
Karlson kicks out. Marcus quickly gets to his feet and pulls Karlson with him. He drags her over to the corner and lands a forearm before whipping her hard into the opposite corner. She hits the turnbuckles and takes a few steps out of the corner before he hits her with a leaping forearm to take her down. Marcus then performs a standing shooting star press and holds for a cover again.
One…
Two…
Th-
Karlson gets a shoulder up.
MW: Marcus working his way back into this one.
SD: He’s as quick as anybody once he gets going, but Karlson will have slowed him down a little. The question is whether or not she’s slowed him down enough.
Marcus stands and stalks Karlson. As she gets to her feet, he grabs her from behind and lands a wheelbarrow facebuster. He then rolls her over and climbs up to the top rope, looking down at her and coming down with a phoenix splash, only for Karlson to roll out of the way. Marcus lands hard and Karlson comes straight in, grabbing the leg and pulling him into a knee bar again. Marcus writhes with the pain and desperately reaches for the rope, but Karlson keeps him as far from them as she possibly can. She wrenches on his knee more and more, leading to more cries of pain from Marcus, before he finally manages to get into position to drag himself over to the ropes.
Karlson breaks the hold again but the damage is done. She stands and drags Marcus up to his feet, only for him to drop to one knee after putting pressure on his left leg. She then reaches down and grabs Marcus around the waist, pulling him up and driving him into the mat with a deadlift powerbomb. She drops into a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Marcus gets a shoulder up and Karlson goes right back to the knee. Marcus, however, is ready, and he reaches up and pulls her into a small package.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Karlson just escapes. Marcus rolls onto the apron and uses the ropes to pull himself up. Karlson sees him on the apron and she hits the opposite ropes, looking to spear Marcus to the floor, but he manages to step aside and connect with a perfectly-times superkick. Karlson goes limp, half-hanging through the ropes. Marcus takes a moment to flex his leg and strike at his knee a little before stepping back through the ropes and into the ring. He pulls Karlson with him and traps her wrist, spinning her out for Six Stars, but she counters, dropping down and taking Marcus’ left leg again. He tries to fight her off, raining down strikes, but she maages to power through, lifting Marcus by the leg and dumping him down.
She then takes the leg and steps through, driving the knee into the canvas before wrenching on it as hard as she can. Karlson stands, stalking Marcus as he struggles to his knees. She then grabs him into a powerbomb position, lifting him and looking for Absolute Fuckery, but, as Karlson stops the spin, Marcus manages to counter into a Canadian destroyer! He makes a desperation cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Karlson kicks out! Marcus crawls over to the ropes and pulls himself to his feet, desperately trying to put weight on his left leg. As Karlson stands, he grits his teeth and moves towards her, trapping her wrist again. He tries to spin her out, but she resists, and she manages to perform a standing switch, ripcording Marcus instead and landing a hard forearm. He drops to his knees and she hits the ropes, looking for Full Fuckin’ Force, only for Marcus to withdraw his head at the last minute. Karlson lands on her feet but Marcus is up, grabbing her wrist and spinning her out, then connecting with the knee for Six Stars. He drops quickly into a cover.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Marcus Allen Jones (16:32).
MW: Marcus does what he has to do and survives to make it to the semi-finals.
SD: Imagine if this were a bracket? Jerry Bishop versus Marcus Allen Jones!
MW: Well we may well get that match but we’ll have to wait and see. How do you think Marcus’ knee will affect him in the next round?
SD: I honestly couldn’t say until we had a proper medical report, but it won’t help him, that’s for sure. Especially if he faces someone like MDE who can really exploit it.
MW: I’m sure he’ll want to think about that later, but for now Marcus can celebrate his victory as the second man through to the semi-finals.
Marcus stands, a little unsteadily, and has his arm raised. He steps gingerly up onto the turnbuckles to acknowledge the crowd before dropping down and leaving the ring, making his way up the ramp.
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Backstage, we see a shot of Jim Houston’s office. The door opens and Houston steps out, an unfamiliar man following him. Houston shakes the man’s hand.
JH: I’ve got to be honest, I’m surprised this didn’t happen sooner for you. I’m glad you agreed to come here.
??: Well you didn’t leave me much of a choice with that offer. I look forward to working with you.
JH: Enjoy the rest of the show. I’ll get a match set up for at Uprising.
The man walks away and the camera follows him. MDE comes around the corner and he stops, doing a double take.
MDE: Hey.
??: Hi.
MDE: I know you. Robert D. Jackson, right?
RDJ: Yeah, that’s me. Nice to meet you.
MDE: You were one of the best amateurs in the world a few years ago. The injury has all cleared up, huh?
RDJ: Yeah. It cleared a few years back but I kind of lost touch with wrestling and focussed on my studies.
MDE: Couldn’t resist a shot at the big time, huh?
RDJ: Not as such, no.
MDE: No?
RDJ: I was contacted by Mr. Houston. He made me a better offer than anything I’ve had for any other job, so I thought I’d give it a shot. It was a difficult decision. Pro wrestling was never my thing; you know?
MDE looks looks Jackson up and down and then smiles, extending his hand.
MDE: I think we’re going to get along very well.
Robert D. Jackson looks at MDE and smiles.
RDJ: Do you? I watched a little FPW to help me decide whether or not I wanted to come here. I’m not sure you’re the type of guy I want to be associated with.
MDE retracts his hand.
MDE: Is that so? How much pro wrestling training have you done?
RDJ: I’ve done some. I figure-
MDE: Did you see the first match tonight?
RDJ: Yeah.
MDE: Jerry Bishop. Impressive wrestler, right?
RDJ: He seemed to have that match under control.
MDE: You’re looking at the reason why. If I can turn him from lovable loser into the best guy here, imagine what I can do for you. Someone with your amateur pedigree… you could be a champion around here in a couple of months if you work with the right person. I can help you there.
MDE extends a hand again and Jackson looks at it and then runs a hand through his hair.
RDJ: I’m not sure you’re the person I want to associate with, as I said before. Now if you’ll excuse me…
Jackson walks on, leaving MDE looking back over his shoulder at him.
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MW: Robert D. Jackson? I remember that kid.
SD: He went a long way in the NCAA finals sophomore year. He was tipped for big things before that injury. If he’s come to FPW, we’re in for a treat.
MW: Well let’s return to the action. We have two semi-finalists already, so now we get the chance to add our third. But will it be Aaron Williams or will it be Clutch McCloud?
SD: This is a very difficult match to call. Clutch is on a hot streak at the moment with wins over Bobby O and Botiatus. Aaron Williams is maybe not on such a hot streak despite such a good victory over James Saturn last night but we can see how talented he is.
MW: This is a bit of a clash of styles isn’t it?
SD: I’d say so. Clutch has transitioned into becoming more of a striker in recent months, while Aaron Williams is more of a high-flyer. But they’re both fairly adaptable. I think this has the potential to be a real show-stealer.
MW: As any Aaron Williams match could be. Now, a question that I’m sure a lot of people will be asking is whether or not Aaron Williams can have so many matches in such a short time? He came into the Saturn match with a bad back and Saturn surely made it worse. Can he survive against Clutch with such a bullseye on him?
SD: I don’t know. So far tonight we’ve seen two matches where body parts have specifically been targeted and I’d expect we’ll be about to see another. But Aaron Williams, for all of his flaws- and he has a fair few- is tough. He’ll grit his teeth and fight through the pain. What it may do is slow him down enough so that when a TarHEEL or a Technical Foul comes his way, he wouldn’t be able to avoid it. That’s where the injury might come most strongly into play.
MW: And how about Williams? Clutch wants to target the back but what does Williams need to do to pick up a win tonight?
SD: Clutch doesn’t have a defined weakness like Williams does in this match. Williams will need to keep himself out of Clutch’s grasp so that he doesn’t get worn down too much and he’ll need to avoid Clutch’s strikes. If he can’t do that, I think he’ll bow out.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is the third of our four quarter-finals. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a former two-time Ring of Honor Champion and the holder of many championships from all over the world… ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”
Williams bursts through the curtain as ‘I Still Believe’ begins to play. He extends his arms and sings along to the song, leading the fans who join him in doing so. He then bursts up and moves to both sides of the stage, calling for the fans to get louder and louder as the song picks up. He makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with as many fans as he can before he gets to a fan wearing a Jace Mason shirt. He jokes about the kid having good taste and pulls out his usual marker pen. The kid writes ‘Williams and Mason 4 ever’ on his knee pad and Williams gives him a high five before climbing into the ring. He shakes hands with Dasha Banks and the official before settling in one corner.
“And his-“
Dasha is cut off as Clutch comes onto the stage.
“Dasha, I apologise, but I’m going to need a few minutes before my match to address the travesty that we’ve just seen.”
The fans boo as Clutch moves down the ramp, flanked by Danica Jane and Russ Bolt, both of whom look a little rattled as Clutch goes on talking.
“The last so-called match we’ve just seen was a criminal man-on-woman assault. Marcus Allen Jones should be arrested for abusing Liz Karlson. Once again this form of despicable violence is allowed- no, is encouraged- by FPW General Manager Jim Houston. Including women in this tournament guaranteed man-on-woman violence on this big stage.”
At this point, Bolt shakes his head and turns to go, but Danica grabs his arm and tells him to keep with it. He sighs and turns back, walking back down the ramp behind Clutch.
“I have rallied against this time and time again. Now it is clear to me that there is only one way that I will get through to the powers that be not just in Freedom Pro Wrestling, but also in the wrestling world in general, where such enabling behaviour goes unchecked. I must win this tournament and become FPW Champion. Only then will I be listened to and will women all over the world become safe from male aggression.”
Clutch enters the ring, Danica and Russ hanging back on the outside, Russ whispering in Danica’s ear as the two continue to have a quiet debate about Clutch’s words outside the ring. Clutch walks up to Aaron Williams and continues speaking.
“Aaron Williams… you’re a reasonable man. You must see what I’m trying to achieve. You must also see that the only way forward is for me to win this tournament. So I ask you- not for me, but for the safety of women everywhere- to do the honourable thing. Lay down. Allow me to advance in this tournament and be the spokesperson that women all over the world are silently crying out for, too scared to truly speak out because of the threat of violence from men.”
Clutch holds out the microphone to Williams, who regards him with an intrigued look and a cocked eyebrow.
“Actually, Clutch, one of my favourite matches was against Candice-“
Clutch cuts Williams off by hitting him over the head with the mic and he begins to lay into him.
Match 3: Aaron Williams vs. Clutch McCloud:
Clutch drives forearms into Williams as he kneels in the corner. Clutch then tears Williams t-shirt off, revealing even more kinesiology tape on his back than yesterday. Clutch kicks him hard in the ribs before lifting him and whipping him into the opposite corner. Williams hits hard and arches his back, but Clutch cuts him off with a running forearm to sandwich him in the corner. Williams drops to his knees and Clutch lands another forearm to the side of the head, dropping Williams to the canvas. Clutch rolls him over and makes a cover.
One…
Two-
Williams kicks out. Clutch then pulls him up and hits a European uppercut before whipping him into the ropes and looking for a discus lariat, which Williams ducks. Williams jumps up onto the middle rope and springs off into a tornado DDT. Williams arches his back again but then he reaches down and lifts Clutch. He whips him into the ropes and then takes him down with a dropkick. Williams makes a cover of his own.
One..
Tw-
Clutch kicks out. Williams pulls him up again and forces him into the corner, landing a forearm before whipping him across the ring. Williams follows him for a big splash, but Clutch gets a boot up and Williams reels away. Clutch then darts in with a hard forearm to the back. Clutch lands a kick to the back before spinning Williams around and pulling him in for a belly to belly.
MW: An aggressive start to this match from Clutch McCloud.
SD: He’s really going after that injury.
MW: Williams has managed to get a few shots in, but I don’t know if he’ll be able to last long against Clutch in this mood.
Clutch sees Williams getting to his feet and he stalks him before hitting the ropes and coming back with a flying forearm. Clutch then begins to stomp hard on the back, then the arm, then the leg, each time allowing Williams to protect one body part as he targets another. Clutch then pulls Williams up and hits a snap suplex, Williams again arching his back. He floats over for a cover.
One…
Two-
Again Williams has to kick out. Clutch grabs him by the head and drags him to his feet, landing a series of European uppercuts which force him into the corner. He turns Williams and begins to drive his shoulder into Williams’ lower back. Williams finally drops to his knees and Clutch backs away, hits the ropes and comes back with a sliding forearm right into the small of the back. Williams arches his back again and rolls under the bottom rope, landing hard on the outside.
Clutch steps through the ropes, lifting Williams and driving him back-first into the edge of the ring before landing another hard forearm shot to take Williams down again. He lands a few more hard stomps before pulling Williams up by the hair. He forces him over to the guardrail, drapes Williams’ over his shoulder and drives him back into the guardrail repeatedly. Williams cries out and arches his back again, but Clutch doesn’t stop until the official almost pulls him away. He orders Clutch to get back into the ring and checks on Williams.
MW: This could be very serious for Aaron Williams.
SD: I hate to see a match end like this, but if this is as bad as it looks, we’re not going to be continuing.
MW: Even if the official gives him the chance, Williams might not be able to make it back into the ring to answer the ten count.
SD: It looks like the official thinks he can continue.
The official climbs back into the ring and tells Clutch to stay back before beginning a ten count.
1……….
2……….
3……….
Williams holds his back on the outside and struggles to move.
4……….
5……….
6……….
Williams pushes himself up to all fours and begins crawling to the ring. Clutch looks at Bolt and Danica on the outside and, without the official seeing, tells them to head over to Williams.
7……….
Both Bolt and Danica slowly advance towards Williams, who pulls himself up on the ring apron.
8……….
The official pauses his count to tell Danica and Bolt to back off, and Clutch uses the distraction to land a hard boot to Williams, dropping him back down.
9…
Williams reaches up again.
…
Williams grabs the ring apron.
…
Williams just makes his way into the ring as the official begins to say the word ‘ten’. The fans cheer loudly but Clutch cuts off the cheers as he pulls Williams up and whips him into the corner again. He follows him in with a running forearm, but Williams dodges him, landing a series of hard mid-kicks before hitting the opposite corner and coming in with a big splash. The fans begin to get louder as he comes back for another and another and another. Clutch drops to a seated position and Williams backs away, calling for a cannonball.
MW: I don’t know if this is a good idea!
SD: He did this last night and it damaged his back enough… if he tries it now, it could be the end of this match- and not in a good way for Aaron Williams!
Williams charges at Clutch and launches himself into a cannonball, hitting Clutch with a lot of force. Clutch rolls out of the corner but Williams struggles to get up, his hand instinctively going to his back. He looks over at Clutch and then up to the top rope, and he begins to pull himself up. Trying to stick to his usual sequence, Williams steps between the ropes and drags himself up to the top. He steadies himself but Clutch climbs after him, clubbing him around the back. Clutch then drapes an arm over him and hooks a leg, taking him down with a fisherman’s superplex and holding on for a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
The fans cheer as Williams forces a shoulder off the canvas. Clutch bangs the mat in frustration and stands, stepping back and stalking Williams. Williams slowly struggles to his feet and turns, but he manages to duck under the Technical Foul and connect with a snap German suplex. Williams rolls away and helps himself up on the ropes, stalking Clutch and taking him back to the canvas with a hard mid-kick. He then pulls Clutch to his feet and drapes an arm over him, looking to lift him for a suplex, but his back won’t let him lift Clutch. Clutch breaks free and takes Williams down with a hard discus clothesline, covering him.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Williams again just gets a shoulder up.
MW: Clutch McCloud is very close to having this match in the bag.
SD: But Williams still has fight in him. It may be one move from being over, but Aaron Williams’ instincts are coming into play in delaying it for as long as he can.
Clutch steps back again and stalks Williams. He staggers to his feet and turns, Clutch aiming another Technical Foul, but Williams blocks it and connects with his own discus clothesline. Williams crawls to the ropes and pulls himself up, stalking Clutch this time. As Clutch stands, Williams kicks him in the gut and looks to trap his arms for A Triple Plus. He tries to lift Clutch but his back won’t let him take the weight. Clutch drops back down again and Williams drops his arms. Clutch counters with a backdrop, but Williams lands on his feet. As Clutch turns, Williams connects with a vicious superkick.
Williams then drags Clutch up and looks to set him up for A Triple Plus again, but Danica jumps onto the apron and distracts him. Williams pauses for a moment and Clutch frees himself, landing a hard forearm to stagger Williams. Clutch then looks for TarHEEL, but Williams ducks and Clutch has to stop himself from connecting with Danica. Williams takes advantage and pulls Clutch in for a schoolboy roll-up.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Aaron Williams (13:27).
MW: Aaron Williams! He did it!
SD: Somehow he managed to overcome Clutch McCloud and is into the semi-finals. But what condition will he be in for them?
MW: What condition indeed? His back is torn to ribbons and he’s going to have to face either Jerry Bishop, Marcus Allen Jones, MDE or Bobby O. I don’t see how he’ll be able to walk after whoever he faces next, let alone potentially wrestle another match.
SD: It wouldn’t surprise me if he has to pull out on medial grounds after that.
Williams has his arm raised as Clutch looks out at Danica and Russ accusingly. Danica apologises over and over, while Russ shrugs his shoulders. Clutch rolls out of the ring as the official helps Williams to acknowledge the crowd before he too leaves the ring and heads up the ramp.
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As Clutch steps through the curtain, he’s met by Botiatus. Clutch bristles but Bo holds out his hands.
B: I’m not here to jump you.
CM: Get out of my way. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.
B: In a minute. Before that, House Rules dictate that I offer you a chance at this championship. You beat me last night. The first person to do that in four months. Me and you at Uprising.
Clutch looks at Bo and then looks at the Freedom Championship slung over his shoulder.
B: You’re not going to turn this down, are you?
CM: I wanted to win this tournament and take the FPW Championship, but I guess the Freedom Championship is a step towards it and it’ll force Houston to listen me more.
B: Don’t be so sure about that.
CM: Fine. At Uprising, I’ll face you for that belt. Just like at Launch Party, except this time there’s no MDE in the ring for you to pin before I can beat you.
B: We’ll see about that. I haven’t come close to what I want to achieve with this title yet. There’s no way I’m letting you stop me on the way to reaching that goal.
CM: Your goal is nothing compared to what I’m trying to achieve-
B: Cut the bullshit, McCloud. Even your two lackeys behind you don’t agree with you.
Bolt steps forward past Clutch.
RB: Be careful who you’re calling a lackey, Botiatus.
B: Well what else are you? His friend? I don’t think so. You’re here because he finds you useful. No more than that. You don’t support his crusade. You don’t get anything from standing behind him-
CM: That’s enough. I’ll see you at Uprising.
Clutch walks past Bo and Danica, while Russ hangs back.
B: You know what I’m saying is true. Marcus showed you respect last night. You don’t need him.
Bolt looks at Bo before walking off and catching up with Clutch and Danica.
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MW: And now we come to our final quarter-final, and this one could be something special.
SD: We’ve seen three very enjoyable matches already tonight but I agree that this may well top every one of them.
MW: MDE and Bobby O have met once before with Jerry Bishop as the guest referee costing Bobby the match. Tonight is a chance for Bobby not just to win his way through to the semi-final but to get some measure of revenge for what MDE did to his one-time friend Jerry Bishop.
SD: But Bobby can’t spend the match focussing on that. He needs to be focussed on MDE and on winning this contest, because that won’t be easy.
MW: You’ve managed to predict the ways the other wrestlers have approached their matches tonight. How do you expect this one to pan out?
SD: I think MDE will target the upper body- arms, shoulders. His best hold works the upper body and he doesn’t need to take out the legs like he felt he did with Hiro Takahara. He’ll want to ground Bobby and tap him out, just like he did towards the end of last year.
MW: Bobby didn’t exactly tap out in that match.
SD: Bobby will look to keep on top of the match, use his power and his superior striking ability to wear MDE down. I’m sure he’d love to tap MDE out but he’ll take a victory however he can tonight.
MW: How much do you think MDE will try to get under Bobby’s skin and rile him up?
SD: I expect he’ll try it. He knows Bobby O as well as anybody else here. Bobby will need to make sure he maintains his cool if he wants to win this match and make it one step further.
MW: Well he’d be joining some pretty elite company in the final four if he does. Let’s get to the match.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final quarter-final match, which is scheduled for one-fall. Introducing first, from Plymouth, England, he is a former FPW Champion… he calls himself Simply Great… MDE.”
‘Dance of the Knights’ begins and MDE walks onto the stage to be greeted with loud boos. He surveys the arena and then makes his way slowly down the ramp, his eyes remaining focussed on the ring. He steps up the stairs and along the apron before ducking through the ropes, heading straight over to the corner and stretching out. Dasha eyes him with distaste and takes a step away when he moves nearer to her.
“And… and his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, being accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, he is a former Tag Team Champion… ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”
‘This Means War’ begins to play its usual introduction as the crowd build their anticipation for Bobby. As the music pauses, Bobby steps through the curtain, CJ Holmes just behind him. He looks around the arena and then pops his collar, before heading down the ramp, high fiving fans but keeping his eyes on MDE as he approaches the ring. He steps up the steps and through the ropes, moving towards the opposite ropes before grabbing them and leaning over them, pointing out towards particularly loud fans in the crowd. He then steps back, nods at Dasha and removes his jacket.
Match 4: MDE vs. Bobby:
The bell rings and MDE and Bobby come forward into a strong lock-up. They jockey for position, Bobby forcing MDE back before he digs in a heel, dips his hips and forces Bobby back towards the corner. As Bobby feels his back touch the turnbuckles, he grabs MDE into a front facelock. MDE keeps forcing Bobby back and the official is forced to break them apart. MDE steps back, hands in the air, before calling Bobby forward again. They lock up again, the same jockeying happening as before, but this time Bobby forces MDE back. At the last second, MDE tries to spin Bobby, but Bobby dips and pulls MDE out of the ring.
The two land and break their grip, but Bobby quickly lands a kick to MDE’s gut and then whips him into the guardrail. He follows up with a ruing dropkick and MDE staggers away from the guardrail. Bobby grabs him and rolls him back into the ring, following and hitting the ropes, taking MDE down with a clothesline. He makes the first cover.
One…
Tw-
MDE kicks out. Bobby doesn’t waste any time, pulling MDE up and forcing him into the corner. He lands a couple of chops to MDE’s chest before dragging him out of the corner and wringing his arm. He kicks out MDE’s leg and forces him to kneel before backing away and aiming a superkick to his head. MDE’s however, ducks it and takes Bobby down with a double-leg. He scrambles to get a hold of Bobby’s arm, but Bobby resists, twisting free and landing a hard right hand. MDE staggers away as Bobby gets back to his feet. As MDE turns, Bobby kicks him in the gut and takes him down with a DDT, making the second cover of the match.
One…
Two-
MDE kicks out again. Bobby again pulls him up, not giving him any breathing space. He whips MDE into the ropes and looks for a powerslam, but MDE keeps his feet on the ground and takes Bobby’s arm, wringing it and wrenching hard. Bobby drops to one knee and MDE drives his shoulder into Bobby’s, dropping him to his back. MDE then wraps Bobby’s arm around a leg and twists sharply, causing Bobby to yank back his arm and cradle it to his chest. MDE doesn’t let up, dropping a knee on Bobby’s shoulder and then holding his head to the canvas with his other knee while he tries to prise Bobby’s hand away from his chest.
MW: MDE looking to control this one on the mat.
SD: Bobby started hot but now MDE is looking to really slow things down.
MW: It won’t be good for Bobby is MDE manages to do that. He can’t get into a long, protracted mat exchange; not with MDE.
Bobby manages to keep his arm away from MDE’s grip, so MDE instead moves to the leg, grabbing the ankle and torqueing it. Bobby instinctively reaches out a hand to loosen MDE’s grip, so MDE instantly takes the hand and bends the wrist in different directions. He places the hand palm-first onto the mat and keeps his foot on the fingers before stomping down hard on Bobby’s triceps. Bobby withdraws his hand quickly but MDE lifts him, hoisting him up onto his shoulder and then dropping him with a shoulder-breaker. MDE grabs the arm again and drives his knee into Bobby’s shoulder blade, pulling back hard on his arm.
Bobby tries to twist his way to the ropes, but MDE keeps him under total control. He transitions into a version of a Fujiwara arm bar, but he places most of his weight onto Bobby so that he can’t go anywhere. Bobby grits his teeth with the pain, but a chant of ‘Bobby… Bobby… Bobby’ seems to keep him going. He pushes up with his free arm and starts to drag both his and MDE’s weight towards the ropes. MDE realises what’s happening and he shifts his weight, transitioning to a front facelock but driving his knee repeatedly into the point of Bobby’s shoulder. After three such knees, Bobby manages to drive forward with his legs, forcing MDE up and driving both into the ropes.
MW: These fans recognising Bobby’s effort there.
SD: Their support might give Bobby a bit of an extra boost, but MDE has been faced with reactions like this every time he’s entered an arena. He doesn’t hear it anymore. It won’t affect him.
MW: But the boost to Bobby could make a big difference.
MDE releases his grip and Bobby reels away. MDE comes in again and tries to grab the arm, but Bobby lands a right hand to halt him in his tracks. MDE then comes back again but Bobby unleashes a series of jabs with his good arm, then finishes with quick-fire shots to the body. MDE staggers back towards the corner and Bobby backs away, running at MDE, who explodes out of the corner, catches Bobby and takes him down with a spear. MDE makes a cover.
One…
Two…
T-
Bobby kicks out. MDE then goes back to the left arm, forcing it out straight and driving his knee into the point of the elbow. Bobby cries out with pain with each impact, but MDE continues, not letting up. Bobby finally manages to free his arm from MDE’s grip and he tries to roll away, but MDE grabs him, taking his leg and forehead and driving a knee into his back, bending Bobby the wrong way. Bobby grits his teeth again and works his other leg to the bottom rope, forcing another break.
MDE releases him, but not for long. He grabs the left arm again and wrings it, pulling Bobby up. MDE wrings the arm again and then lifts it before dropping and driving Bobby’s shoulder into the mat. MDE drives his knee into the shoulder a few more times before looking to trap his right arm with his leg. Bobby, realising what MDE is looking to do, swivels his hips quickly and reaches the bottom rope.
MW: Good job Bobby had that one scouted.
SD: The Simply Great Stretch is the move that defeated Bobby last year. He knows he can’t last long if MDE gets it locked in.
MW: Especially now that MDE has damaged the shoulder.
SD: Especially.
MDE breaks his grip and Bobby quickly rolls to the outside. CJ moves over to him to check on him, but MDE leaves the ring and she scampers back. He lifts Bobby and wrings the arm again before looking to run him shoulder-first into the ringpost. Bobby, however, gets his foot up to block it and twists free. He lands a right and to MDE and then drives his head into the post. MDE staggers away and Bobby flexes his shoulder, CJ checking on him again. He moves quickly over to MDE and rams him head-first into the guardrail this time before rolling him back into the ring.
Bobby calls to the crowd to get louder for him, and they respond as he slides back into the ring. He pulls MDE up and whips him into the corner before running at him and connecting with a running dropkick. MDE staggers a step out of the corner and Bobby does the same again, running at him and sending him crashing back into the turnbuckles with another dropkick. MDE staggers out of the corner and Bobby explodes with a clothesline to the back of his head. He then pulls MDE up and whips him into the ropes, taking him down with a powerslam and holding for a cover.
One…
Two…
T-
MDE kicks out. Bobby then stand, still flexing his shoulder, and stalks MDE. As MDE gets to his hands and knees, Bobby takes a few steps towards him and leaps up for a curb stomp, but MDE counters, catching Bobby on his shoulders and dropping him with a powerbomb. MDE takes a couple of steps backwards before coming back in and dropping a knee on the shoulder again. He quickly tries to trap the right arm, but again Bobby fights against it. Bobby tries to get to the ropes with his legs again but MDE grabs them both and hauls them in. He then tries to hold them still with one hand while grabbing Bobby’s arm with the other, but Bobby uses his leg strength to free himself, get his legs under him and push up to one knee. MDE maintains his grip on the wrist, but Bobby unleashes a hard right hand to the gut to break it.
MW: Bobby O with the fight!
SD: He’s hurt but he’s not out of this one yet. MDE tried to bite off a bit more than he could chew in setting that submission up.
MW: But Bobby might be fighting with one arm for the rest of this match.
Bobby pushes up and, as MDE comes to him again, he manages to pull him in for a belly-to-belly suplex. Bobby rolls away from MDE and flexes the arm again, trying to get some of the feeling back. As MDE stands, Bobby returns his focus to him and kicks him hard in the gut. He grabs him by the head and looks for a jumping DDT, but MDE holds himself up and dumps Bobby over the top rope. Bobby lands on the apron. MDE turns and moves to grab the arm, but Bobby drives a shoulder into his gut. MDE doubles over and Bobby pulls him down for a DDT onto the apron. MDE drops to the outside with Bobby, who takes a while to get to his feet as the crowd once again chant his name.
Feeling the adrenaline start to take the pain away from his arm, he pulls MDE up and rolls him back into the ring. He drags MDE to his feet and then whips him into the ropes, popping him up and driving him into the mat with a hard pop-up powerbomb. Bobby drops and makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
MDE gets a shoulder up. Bobby looks up and points up to the top rope as the fans begin to buzz with excitement. He yanks MDE up and forces him back into the corner. He heaves him up onto the top rope and pulls himself up alongside him. Bobby clubs MDE across the back and drapes an arm over him, setting him up for a superplex, but MDE grabs the top rope and resists. Bobby tries to pull him up, but MDE refuses to budge. Bobby then releases him and looks for a right hand, but MDE seizes the opening, grabbing Bobby’s left arm into a Kimura lock. With Bobby in the ropes, the official makes his count, but MDE doesn’t release until four, at which point Bobby drops back down onto the mat.
MW: That’s a big momentum-shifter right there.
SD: It certainly was. Bobby gave MDE a slight opportunity and he snatched it right up.
MW: And further damage has been done to that arm. But MDE isn’t looking too sprightly either after that crunching DDT through the ropes.
MDE stands slowly and moves over to Bobby in the middle of the ring. He drops a knee on the left arm again and looks for an arm bar, but Bobby yanks it back just in time and rolls away. MDE turns but Bobby gets quickly to his feet, landing a hard superkick to the gut, followed by another to drop MDE to the mat. As MDE gets to all-fours, Bobby hits the ropes and comes back with a curb stomp, falling into a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
MDE gets a shoulder up. Bobby holds his head with his right arm and then pushes himself to his feet. He staggers a few steps and then watches as MDE gets to his feet. Bobby waits for him to turn and then he leaps for an RKO, but MDE shoves him away. Bobby comes back again and MDE kicks him hard in the gut before delivering a gutwrench. The fans go quiet as they see the Triple Gutwrench playing out, the suplex delivered and MDE floating over, lifting Bobby for the deadlift gutwrench powerbomb. He pulls him up onto his shoulders and drives him down into the mat before dropping down into a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Bobby gets a shoulder up! The fans cheer loudly but their cheers are cut off as MDE grabs the shoulder, wraps it around his leg, and yanks back on the left arm. Bobby cries out in pain as MDE drapes his leg over the arm to complete the Simply Great Stretch. Bobby screams loudly and CJ covers her face with her hands. He flails his legs to get to the ropes but he’s not close enough. The official bends down to check on him but Bobby grits his teeth and refuses to give in. The fans start to rally behind him, and he slowly wriggles his way towards the ropes. Panic spreads across MDE’s face as Bobby almost reaches the bottom rope. MDE pulls back even further on the left arm but Bobby manages to touch the rope with his toes.
MW: Yes! Bobby escapes the Simply Great Stretch!
SD: But how much will it have taken out of him. MDE must be one move away!
MDE breaks the hold but quickly pulls Bobby up and into a vertical suplex position. He pulls him down but Bobby manages to counter into a desperation DDT. Bobby rolls away from MDE as the fans chant his name once again. He breathes deeply on the mat before banging it with his right arm, the crowd clapping along in rhythm. Bobby uses the crowd to help him get to his feet, his left arm hanging useless by his side. MDE also pushes his way up but he turns right into an RKO attempt. MDE, however, blocks it, shoving Bobby away. MDE goes for the left arm but he’s caught by a hard right hand.
Bobby then drives him back into the corner and unleashes a barrage of rights until the official forces him back. Bobby drops down and, with every ounce of effort he has left, heaves MDE onto the top rope. He climbs after him and drapes his arm over MDE. He grips his singlet with his right arm and tries to lift him, but he has to drop him back down as his left arm drops away. MDE grabs the left arm and tries to lock in a Kimura again, but Bobby manages to wrench himself free and he leaps, twisting in mid-air, and delivers a top-rope RKO! Bobby quickly rolls MDE over and covers him, the fans chanting along.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Bobby O (24:40).
Bobby stands, somewhat unsteadily, and CJ enters the ring to congratulate him. The official raises his arm and the crowd stand and applaud him for his efforts.
MW: What a victory. Bobby O avenges his loss from last year and, more importantly than that, he secures the four and final spot in the semi-finals.
SD: And what a line-up we have. Jerry Bishop. Marcus Allen Jones. Aaron Williams. Bobby O.
MW: Is there a bad combination of matches we could have in there?
SD: I don’t think there is. I’d love to see those four go at it however they’re drawn. We know we’ll get three top quality matches tomorrow.
MW: Let’s get to Jim Houston for our semi-final draw.
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Jim Houston sits in his office with the same tombola from yesterday.
“What an amazing semi-final line-up we will have. It’s time to find out our two opening matches for tomorrow morning show. These matches will take place in the order in which they are drawn, before a short break where a very special guest will be making an FPW appearance. After that, the two winners from the semi-finals will meet to determine Jace Mason’s challenger at Uprising.”
Houston gives the tombola a spin and reaches inside.
“For the first semi-final, we will see… Jerry Bishop.”
He reaches inside again, swirling the names around. He picks one out and gives a little smile.
“A match we’re going to be treated to once again… Jerry will face Aaron Williams.”
Houston reaches in again.
“I’m not sure I need to draw these out, but I will just in case somehow a name has been snuck in. Our second semi-final will be… Marcus Allen Jones… versus Bobby O.”
Houston places the names down on his desk.
“Those truly are two mouth-watering semi-finals. And whatever combination we come out with for the final, it should be something very special. Thank you all for your time. I will see all of you tomorrow.”
MW: Hello and welcome to night two of Freedom Pro Wrestling’s Wrestlemania weekend number one contendership tournament. Last night saw eight competitors take their spots in tonight’s quarter-finals, the winners of which will progress to tomorrow morning’s semi-finals, before our two remaining competitors will juke it out for the chance to become the number one contender to Jace Mason’s FPW Championship.
SD: And what a line-up we have for you tonight. Jerry Bishop versus Masa Tchyukiro, Marcus Allen Jones versus Liz Karlson, Aaron Williams versus Clutch McCloud and MDE versus Bobby O.
MW: Those are four mouth-watering quarter-finals. But let’s first hark back to last night. We’ve had a lot of feedback from fans about these matches. Which stood out to you?
SD: Four matches stick in the memory for me. The war between Masa Tchyukiro and Go Shihei had a level of intense violence that I haven’t seen for a long time. Aaron Williams and James Saturn put on a great show of athleticism and ended with Williams giving everything he had to pull off the victory. MDE and Hiro Takahara had a really interesting match that I couldn’t take my eyes off and then the main event. Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop.
MW: And that match gained a lot of traction from first-time fans of FPW. We’ve been inundated with messages across all of our social media and almost all of them have said the same thing. Don’t let Jerry Bishop win this tournament.
SD: Jerry was my pick from the very start and I honestly don’t know if there’s anyone I’d pick to beat him. Maybe Marcus, maybe Bobby. I don’t think Williams can after that brutal cage match and I doubt MDE will given how well Jerry knows him. Clutch is on a hot streak but I’m not sure he’s there yet, Karlson could surprise him but I don’t see it and Tchyukiro will give him a few bruises but I think Jerry will find a way to dispatch him.
MW: I have to say I’m with these fans. To me, defeating Jerry Bishop is just as big a prize as winning this tournament.
SD: You won’t have to wait long for the first attempt at it.
MW: Indeed we won’t. First up tonight is Jerry Bishop taking on Masa Tchyukiro. Tchyukiro survived a brutal war with Go Shihei and Jerry overcame his sister in heart-breaking fashion. What does Tchyukiro have to do to potentially pick up a victory in this match?
SD: He has to keep the same level of intensity as he had last night. He needs to keep that up all through the match and not allow Jerry to slip away. I can see Jerry approaching this match similarly to his second match with Williams. He knows Tchyukiro will want to get into striking battles, so he has to avoid them at all costs. Use his speed and his intelligence. If Tchyukiro can goad him into standing and trading shots, then maybe- and I mean maybe- Tchyukiro might be able to keep him down for three.
MW: Let’s find out. It’s time for our first quarter-final. I’ll hand it over to Dasha Banks to make the introductions.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for our first of tonight’s four quarter-final matches. Introducing first, from Hiroshima, Japan and being accompanied to the ring by Sato, he is one half of the three-time Tag Team Champions… Masa Tchyukiro!”
The familiar music begins as Sato stands at the top of the ramp with a bow. As the intro moves into the more upbeat music, Tchyukiro enters to a loud cheer. He bows with Sato before standing, looking around the arena for a brief moment before walking down the ramp. He reaches the ring and climbs the steps, wiping his feet on the apron before stepping through the ropes. He then walks over to the corner headbutts the turnbuckle a couple of times before stretching out.
There’s a pause as Dasha brings the mic to her lips, but she’s cut off before she can begin.
“There is no way that you’re butchering this introduction.”
The fans boo as they turn their heads to the entranceway and they see Thalia Columbina standing at the top. Dasha stares at her with hatred in her eyes as Thalia raises the mic again.
“Introducing THE reason that everybody is in this arena, THE winner of this tournament, THE next FPW Champion, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of wrestling… THE greatest man ever come out of Kansas City, Missouri, THE conqueror of Berry Bishop, THE Joker… Jerrrrrry! Bishoooooooooooooooooop!”
‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and the boos that are already echoing around the arena intensify. Jerry steps through the curtain and turns to Thalia, bowing deeply to her as she nods in appreciation. He sweeps an arm over to her and applauds as the fans boo even louder. He begins to laugh before making his way down the ramp, ignoring the booing of the fans and the couple of fans who are being held back by security with Berry Bishop t-shirts on. He reaches the ring and climbs the steps, stepping up onto the middle rope and looking down at Masa Tchyukiro before stepping over the rope and dropping into the ring.
Match 1: Masa Tchyukiro vs. Jerry Bishop:
The bell rings and Tchyukiro steps forward into the middle of the ring, sticking out his chin and pointing to it. Jerry looks at him and keeps hanging back, resting against the top rope. Tchyukiro growls at him in Japanese and points again, calling him forward. Jerry looks at him, sighs, and takes a step towards him. Tchyukiro calls him forward again, pointing to his chin a third time. Jerry steps forward again and raises his right fist, drawing it back dramatically before stopping and kicking Tchyukiro in the gut. The fans boo but Jerry quickly traps his arms and looks for the Last Laugh, only for Tchyukiro to free his arms and swing a lariat at Jerry, who ducks and quick ly drops down, leaving the ring.
The fans boo and a loud ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant begins. Jerry looks out at the crowd for a moment with a neutral expression before turning back to the ring. Tchyukiro calls him in again, and Jerry steps up onto the apron. The official tells him to get back into the ring and he begins to take a step in, but then steps back out again and the fans boo some more. The ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant rings out again and Jerry looks over his shoulder at the fans a second time. Tchyukiro, losing patience, moves over to the ropes and holds them open for Jerry, but he merely laughs and walks around to the other side of the ring.
MW: Looks like once again you’re spot on with the way this match is going.
SD: Tchyukiro immediately tried to Jerry to trade shots. Jerry- and MDE as the voice in his ear- are far too clever for that.
MW: But at some point he’ll need to get into that ring and the problem won’t have gone away.
SD: Unless he can find a quick win like he tried to at the beginning. That would be what he looks for I’d imagine.
Tchyukiro growls some more Japanese as he moves over to Jerry, who looks up at him and shrugs. Tchyukiro takes matters into his own hands and steps through the ropes, but Jerry seizes his chance, backing off and chop-blocking Tchyukiro’s leg. Tchyukiro drops to his knees on the apron and Jerry slides in the ring, vaulting over the top rope for a slingshot DDT onto the apron. Jerry lands on his feet on the outside and then shoves Tchyukiro’s limp body back into the ring. He follows and makes the cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Tchyukiro gets a shoulder up and the fans cheer loudly. Jerry looks at the official quizzically but the official reinforces that it was only two. Jerry then looks down at Tchyukiro, who holds his head. He sits him up and backs into the ropes, coming back with a penalty kick to the back of the head. Tchyukiro drops down again, holding his head still. Jerry then sits him up a second time, hitting the ropes again and landing a second penalty kick to the back of the head. This time, he then quickly pulls Tchyukiro to his feet and lands a parallel snapmare, hitting the ropes and looking to complete the Touchstone Takedown, but Tchyukiro catches his foot!
Tchyukiro, eyes wide, pushes himself up and pulls Jerry in for a lariat, but Jerry ducks it and rolls out of the ring again. Tchyukiro turns and looks as Jerry calls him to the outside. Tchyukiro wastes no time in following, but Jerry quickly slides back into the ring. Tchyukiro follows again, but Jerry puts the boots into him, targeting the back of his neck again. Jerry manages to keep Tchyukiro down and another ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant rings out. This time Jerry turns and begins to aggressive mock-conduct the chant. The fans boo once again but Jerry returns his focus to Tchyukiro, lifting him up and, with his head securely tucked under his arm, walking up the ropes to deliver a tornado DDT. He makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Again Tchyukiro gets a shoulder up. Jerry stands and looks down as Tchyukiro holds the back of his neck again, his face contorted in agony. Jerry slowly pulls him up again, trapping his arms and looking again for Last Laugh, but Tchyukiro refuses to allow Jerry to drop him. He uses all of his determination to force his arms free before driving Jerry back into the corner. He aims a hard forearm, but Jerry ducks underneath it and slaps Tchyukiro across the face before darting away from him. Tchyukiro charges after him, but Jerry drops down with a drop toe-hold, sending Tchyukiro into the middle rope. Jerry then backs off and runs at Tchyukiro, landing a hard knee to the back of his neck.
MW: As much as I don’t like the way he’s going about it, I must say that Jerry Bishop is showing the kind of targeted focus on that neck that I’ve never seen from him before.
SD: He and MDE will have cooked this up yesterday, or maybe even in preparation for this tournament as a whole. Jerry is suckering Tchyukiro in, pressing every button he can, and using it to his advantage.
MW: And now Jerry seems to be looking to bring this match to a close.
SD: Nobody gets up once Jerry hits them with The Punchline!
Tchyukiro slowly pushes himself up from the ropes and Jerry connects with a hard right hand, but Tchyukiro walks straight through it! He growls at Jerry once more, and Jerry’s eyes widen as Tchyukiro explodes with a huge lariat. Jerry drops to the mat but Tchyukiro doesn’t let him rest, bending down and lifting Jerry before landing a series of hard chops to his chest, the fans cheering louder and louder with each one. He forces Jerry into the corner and explodes with a barrage of forearms, forcing Jerry to slide further and further down until he’s in a seated position. Tchyukiro then backs away and connects with a sliding forearm. Jerry rolls out of the corner and Tchyukiro makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Jerry kicks out. Tchyukiro yanks him up by the hair and drives another forearm square into his face. Jerry hits the mat and Tchyukiro pulls him back to his feet. He hits the ropes and looks for a lariat, but Jerry has enough time to side-step and grab Tchyukiro’s arm, forcing him to the mat. He tries to lock in the Chelsea Smile, but Tchyukiro gets his feet under him and drives up, not letting Jerry lock his hands. Tchyukiro then lifts Jerry up onto his shoulders and charges at the turnbuckles, landing a Death Valley driver into the corner.
MW: Masa Tchyukiro with a desperation counter!
SD: And Jerry looks rattled. He doesn’t often go for that Chelsea Smile and I don’t think it would have been part of his gameplan for this match.
MW: Can Tchyukiro capitalise?
Tchyukiro lifts Jerry and lands another hard forearm before pushing him up onto the top rope. He follows, but Jerry lands a forearm to try and stop him. Tchyukiro merely stares at him and tells him to strike him again. Jerry lands another, but Tchyukiro doesn’t flinch. Jerry lands a couple more while the two are balanced on the ropes, but Tchyukiro merely laughs, shrugging them off. He responds with a hard headbutt which leaves Jerry drooping to one side. Tchyukiro then drapes an arm over Jerry and lifts him, holding him up for a moment before delivering a superplex. Tchyukiro holds the back of his neck as he lands, and it takes him a few moments before he can roll over and get an arm over Jerry.
One…
Two…
Th-
Jerry kicks out. Tchyukiro begins to stand, his legs wobbly, as the fans cheer loudly for him. He grabs Jerry from behind and pulls him up for the deadlift German that won the match again Shihei. As Tchyukiro brings Jerry down, Jerry manages to over-rotate and land on his feet. He delivers a hard kick right to the back of Tchyukiro’s neck and staggers back towards the corner, trying to shake off the cobwebs from all of the forearms. Tchyukiro begins to stand and Jerry pushes himself up to the middle rope, coming down with a blockbuster. He makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Tchyukiro gets a shoulder up, but it’s clear that his neck is really troubling him. Jerry looks down and laughs as he sees the pain in Tchyukiro’s eyes. He then grabs him and pulls him up, trapping his arms. Not giving Tchyukiro the time to resist, Jerry drops him with the Last Laugh and makes the cover as the fans boo.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Jerry Bishop (14:35).
MW: And there it is. Our first semi-finalist. Jerry Bishop.
SD: Say it with a bit more enthusiasm, Watson!
MW: I’m not sure I can be enthusiastic about that man.
SD: Then I’ll say it. Our first semi-finalist! Jerry Bishop! The Joker overcomes Masa Tchyukiro and books his place in tomorrow’s final four! What a victory.
Jerry stands and has his arm raised. Another loud ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant breaks out and again Jerry stands and conducts it. The chant doesn’t die away this time, so he climbs up to the top rope and conducts it more aggressively while Thalia Columbina emerges back onto the stage.
“Your winner, advancing to the semi-finals of a tournament he is destined to win on his way to FPW Championship glory, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of wrestling, THE greatest man to ever come out of Kansas City, Missouri, THE future FPW Champion, THE Joker, Jerrrrrrrrrry Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”
Jerry drops down and bows deeply to Thalia before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp. He offers her his arm and she gratefully takes it before they exit through the curtain.
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Backstage, Clutch McCloud and Danica Jane are getting prepared in the locker room. Russ Bolt walks in and Clutch pauses, looking up at him with suspicion.
RB: I know we haven’t exactly seen eye to eye in recent times with your crusade and all, but I wanted to wish you luck for tonight.
CM: You did well against Marcus.
RB: But not well enough.
CM: You showed him that he had to take you seriously. Condescending prick that he is.
RB: Whatever. Good luck for tonight.
Bolt turns to go but Clutch calls him back.
CM: Hey. I want you out there with me tonight.
RB: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
CM: No. I brought you into this company and I was supposed to be a mentor for you, to help you learn. I haven’t done much of that. I’ve focussed on me, me, me. I want you out there with me to get a first-hand look at this match. Williams is an experienced veteran and so am I. You could learn a lot.
RB: Look, man, I told you… being associated with this crusade isn’t good for me. I don’t even ag-
CM: Russ. You told me my win-loss record wasn’t great, but look at your own. You need to learn. I know I haven’t always done right by you, but let’s make that change. Come to the ring with me tonight and then we can really give you more of a focus.
Bolt stops to think for a moment.
RB: Fine. I’ll be there. But just… I can’t keep listening to the same old shit with this.
CM: I understand that. Thanks, man.
Bolt shakes his head and leaves as Clutch turns back to Danica.
DJ: Did you mean that?
CM: Mean what?
DJ: About giving Russ more of your time?
CM: Yeah I meant it.
DJ: And what about his… views?
CM: As long as he doesn’t go around hitting women, I can deal with it. You and I are all the crusaders we need.
Danica looks away a little awkwardly, but Clutch doesn’t notice.
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MW: Now we can refocus our attention to the second match of the night. Liz Karlson made it through this far with a win over Ella Ripley after a lot of interference from Tommy Saxon and ultimately a save from her former partner John Grimm. Marcus Allen Jones’ path was a little simpler, defeating a valiant effort from Russ Bolt along the way.
SD: And now they meet for a place in the final four.
MW: What are your key points for each of them in this match?
SD: For Karlson? Use her power and her technique to ground Marcus. She can’t let him build his momentum otherwise she’ll never be able to catch him. For Marcus… don’t let that happen. Stay out of Karlson’s submission holds and keep a fast pace.
MW: Prediction?
SD: Both are quite fresh. Both come into it with a win they would have expected to get. I don’t think there is any particular advantage coming over from yesterday. Marcus is the better wrestler, but Karlson could surprise us. I’m going Marcus with a caveat that, if the match ends via submission, Karlson wins it.
MW: Well, let’s find out. Over to Dasha, who I’m sure will be looking forward to introducing both competitors for the first time tonight.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is the second quarter-final of the night and is scheduled for one-fall. Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, a former Young Lions’ Cup winner, a former FPW Champion… ‘The Marksman’… Marcus Allen Jones!”
‘Hall of Fame’ begins and Marcus steps through the curtain, landing his usual backflip and holding his pose until the lyrics kick in. As they do, he leaps up and look out at the cheering fans before making his way down the ramp. He slaps hands and looks quizzically at a fan with a ‘Baker 2, Marcus 1’ sign and then laughs to himself. Reaching the ring, he slides in and climbs to the top rope, extending his arms skywards and then pointing out to all of his cheering fans. He drops down and nods to Dasha with a smile, which is returned, before settling in and waiting for Karlson.
“And his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she is a former Women’s and Freedom Champion… ‘The Renegade’… Liz Karlson!”
The flights flicker on and off as ‘Turn It On’ begins to play. Karlson backs into the arena in her Renegades vest, the fans giving her a much quieter reaction than they gave to Marcus. She then turns and looks out at the arena, shrugging her shoulders at the reaction she’s getting. She slaps hands with fans on her way to the ring and then slides in, looking over to Marcus for a minute before climbing onto the top rope and looking out at the crowd. She does the same on all four posts before dropping down and seeing Marcus offering her a hand. She shakes it before removing her vest and readying herself for the match.
Match 2: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Liz Karlson:
The official calls for the bell and the two of them come together and quickly lock-up. Karlson gains an advantage, locking in a headlock, but Marcus shoves her into the ropes, pushing her off. She hits the opposite ropes and comes back with a shoulder tackle, taking Marcus to the mat. She drops down and grabs his leg, but Marcus quickly scrambles to the ropes. Karlson releases her grip and lets Marcus get to his feet, but then she dives in again and takes a leg, dropping Marcus to the canvas and driving her knee into his, wrenching it to the side. Marcus reaches out for the ropes again and forces her to release him. She stands and looks down at Marcus as he recovers, the fans applauding the opening exchange.
Marcus pushes up to his feet and he and Karlson come together for another lock-up. He grabs a headlock this time, but Karlson lifts him off his feet and drops him with a back suplex. She goes back to the knee, grabbing his leg and driving her own knee into the side of his, wrenching on it hard. He reaches for the ropes but this time Karlson changes her angle of attack, grabbing his left arm and looking for a cross-arm breaker. Marcus links his fingers quickly and blocks her, forcing Karlson to go back to the leg and giving Marcus enough time to wriggle out of her reach.
MW: A strong start for Liz Karlson.
SD: I always thought she should focus on being a technician more than being a powerhouse.
MW: And she’s grounding Marcus at the moment, just like you said she ought to.
SD: What can I say? I know wrestling.
Marcus gets to his feet again, and Karlson darts in for his leg a third time, only for Marcus to leap to the side and hit the ropes. He comes at Karlson and takes her down with a flying headscissors. She gets quickly to her feet and comes back at Marcus, but he cuts her off with a superkick to the gut and a jumping DDT. Karlson rolls through and Marcus rolls with her, pulling her back up and into a falcon arrow, hooking a leg for a cover.
One…
Two-
Karlson kicks out. She scrambles away and leaves Marcus looking down at her, the fans applauding them once again.
Karlson stands and Marcus extends an arm, Karlson fist-bumping him. Then the two lock up again, this time Marcus gaining ad advantage as he whips Karlson into the ropes. He looks for a hip toss as she comes back, but she lands on her feet and looks to connect with a snap suplex, only for Marcus to float over and land on his feet. He kicks her in the gut and sets up for a Canadian destroyer, which she counters by grabbing his leg and grounding him again. She pulls him into a knee bar, and Marcus grimaces with pain. Karlson wrenches hard on the knee and Marcus reaches out for the ropes. He manages to rolls over onto his stomach, but Karlson switches up her grip to add even more pressure. Marcus reaches out for the ropes again, this time managing to catch the bottom one.
Karlson releases him and quickly pulls him off the ropes. She lifts him up onto her shoulders and looks for a TKO, but Marcus lands on his feet. However, he stumbles a little when his weight comes down on his knee, and Karlson is able to turn and jam a knee into his gut. She then pulls him in for an exploder suplex and makes a cover.
One…
Two-
Marcus kicks out, Karlson grabbing his leg again and hooking her own leg through his ankle and knee before dropping to the mat and wrenching on the knee. She looks to grab another knee bar, but Marcus kicks her away and rolls backwards to his feet. Karlson comes at him with a running lariat but Marcus ducks it and counters with a superkick which sends Karlson over the ropes. Marcus looks down at her and then hits the opposite side of the ring, running at her and flying over the top rope with a corkscrew moonsault plancha, leaving both of them down on the outside.
MW: Great athleticism from the former champion right there.
SD: As we expected, but I’m not sure he should be putting so much onto that knee.
MW: He did land a little awkwardly.
SD: He did, but it’s not just that. All of the spring needed to complete a move like that comes from the knees. If his left knee has been damaged, just jumping will cause it to be even worse. Marcus needs to look after his own body with Karlson clearly zeroing in on that knee.
Marcus is first to his feet but he comes up with a bit of a limp. He reaches down to pull Karlson up but she lands a blow to the knee that sends him reeling away. She then stands and kicks him hard in the leg before grabbing him and rolling him back into the ring. Karlson drags Marcus over towards the corner and wraps the knee around the post. The fans begin to boo as she uses her legs to apply pressure and the official calls for her to break. She breaks and Marcus scrambles away towards the middle of the ring.
Karlson then slides back in and stalks him as he pushes himself up. She lands another kick to the leg before grabbing the lower leg and lifting Marcus, looking to bring him down on her own knee, only for him to backflip out of it. He staggers back a few steps again, but he’s ready for it. As Karlson turns, he lands a step-up enzeguiri before hitting the ropes and connecting with a shining wizard. He rolls into a cover.
One…
Two-
Karlson kicks out. Marcus quickly gets to his feet and pulls Karlson with him. He drags her over to the corner and lands a forearm before whipping her hard into the opposite corner. She hits the turnbuckles and takes a few steps out of the corner before he hits her with a leaping forearm to take her down. Marcus then performs a standing shooting star press and holds for a cover again.
One…
Two…
Th-
Karlson gets a shoulder up.
MW: Marcus working his way back into this one.
SD: He’s as quick as anybody once he gets going, but Karlson will have slowed him down a little. The question is whether or not she’s slowed him down enough.
Marcus stands and stalks Karlson. As she gets to her feet, he grabs her from behind and lands a wheelbarrow facebuster. He then rolls her over and climbs up to the top rope, looking down at her and coming down with a phoenix splash, only for Karlson to roll out of the way. Marcus lands hard and Karlson comes straight in, grabbing the leg and pulling him into a knee bar again. Marcus writhes with the pain and desperately reaches for the rope, but Karlson keeps him as far from them as she possibly can. She wrenches on his knee more and more, leading to more cries of pain from Marcus, before he finally manages to get into position to drag himself over to the ropes.
Karlson breaks the hold again but the damage is done. She stands and drags Marcus up to his feet, only for him to drop to one knee after putting pressure on his left leg. She then reaches down and grabs Marcus around the waist, pulling him up and driving him into the mat with a deadlift powerbomb. She drops into a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Marcus gets a shoulder up and Karlson goes right back to the knee. Marcus, however, is ready, and he reaches up and pulls her into a small package.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Karlson just escapes. Marcus rolls onto the apron and uses the ropes to pull himself up. Karlson sees him on the apron and she hits the opposite ropes, looking to spear Marcus to the floor, but he manages to step aside and connect with a perfectly-times superkick. Karlson goes limp, half-hanging through the ropes. Marcus takes a moment to flex his leg and strike at his knee a little before stepping back through the ropes and into the ring. He pulls Karlson with him and traps her wrist, spinning her out for Six Stars, but she counters, dropping down and taking Marcus’ left leg again. He tries to fight her off, raining down strikes, but she maages to power through, lifting Marcus by the leg and dumping him down.
She then takes the leg and steps through, driving the knee into the canvas before wrenching on it as hard as she can. Karlson stands, stalking Marcus as he struggles to his knees. She then grabs him into a powerbomb position, lifting him and looking for Absolute Fuckery, but, as Karlson stops the spin, Marcus manages to counter into a Canadian destroyer! He makes a desperation cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Karlson kicks out! Marcus crawls over to the ropes and pulls himself to his feet, desperately trying to put weight on his left leg. As Karlson stands, he grits his teeth and moves towards her, trapping her wrist again. He tries to spin her out, but she resists, and she manages to perform a standing switch, ripcording Marcus instead and landing a hard forearm. He drops to his knees and she hits the ropes, looking for Full Fuckin’ Force, only for Marcus to withdraw his head at the last minute. Karlson lands on her feet but Marcus is up, grabbing her wrist and spinning her out, then connecting with the knee for Six Stars. He drops quickly into a cover.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Marcus Allen Jones (16:32).
MW: Marcus does what he has to do and survives to make it to the semi-finals.
SD: Imagine if this were a bracket? Jerry Bishop versus Marcus Allen Jones!
MW: Well we may well get that match but we’ll have to wait and see. How do you think Marcus’ knee will affect him in the next round?
SD: I honestly couldn’t say until we had a proper medical report, but it won’t help him, that’s for sure. Especially if he faces someone like MDE who can really exploit it.
MW: I’m sure he’ll want to think about that later, but for now Marcus can celebrate his victory as the second man through to the semi-finals.
Marcus stands, a little unsteadily, and has his arm raised. He steps gingerly up onto the turnbuckles to acknowledge the crowd before dropping down and leaving the ring, making his way up the ramp.
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Backstage, we see a shot of Jim Houston’s office. The door opens and Houston steps out, an unfamiliar man following him. Houston shakes the man’s hand.
JH: I’ve got to be honest, I’m surprised this didn’t happen sooner for you. I’m glad you agreed to come here.
??: Well you didn’t leave me much of a choice with that offer. I look forward to working with you.
JH: Enjoy the rest of the show. I’ll get a match set up for at Uprising.
The man walks away and the camera follows him. MDE comes around the corner and he stops, doing a double take.
MDE: Hey.
??: Hi.
MDE: I know you. Robert D. Jackson, right?
RDJ: Yeah, that’s me. Nice to meet you.
MDE: You were one of the best amateurs in the world a few years ago. The injury has all cleared up, huh?
RDJ: Yeah. It cleared a few years back but I kind of lost touch with wrestling and focussed on my studies.
MDE: Couldn’t resist a shot at the big time, huh?
RDJ: Not as such, no.
MDE: No?
RDJ: I was contacted by Mr. Houston. He made me a better offer than anything I’ve had for any other job, so I thought I’d give it a shot. It was a difficult decision. Pro wrestling was never my thing; you know?
MDE looks looks Jackson up and down and then smiles, extending his hand.
MDE: I think we’re going to get along very well.
Robert D. Jackson looks at MDE and smiles.
RDJ: Do you? I watched a little FPW to help me decide whether or not I wanted to come here. I’m not sure you’re the type of guy I want to be associated with.
MDE retracts his hand.
MDE: Is that so? How much pro wrestling training have you done?
RDJ: I’ve done some. I figure-
MDE: Did you see the first match tonight?
RDJ: Yeah.
MDE: Jerry Bishop. Impressive wrestler, right?
RDJ: He seemed to have that match under control.
MDE: You’re looking at the reason why. If I can turn him from lovable loser into the best guy here, imagine what I can do for you. Someone with your amateur pedigree… you could be a champion around here in a couple of months if you work with the right person. I can help you there.
MDE extends a hand again and Jackson looks at it and then runs a hand through his hair.
RDJ: I’m not sure you’re the person I want to associate with, as I said before. Now if you’ll excuse me…
Jackson walks on, leaving MDE looking back over his shoulder at him.
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MW: Robert D. Jackson? I remember that kid.
SD: He went a long way in the NCAA finals sophomore year. He was tipped for big things before that injury. If he’s come to FPW, we’re in for a treat.
MW: Well let’s return to the action. We have two semi-finalists already, so now we get the chance to add our third. But will it be Aaron Williams or will it be Clutch McCloud?
SD: This is a very difficult match to call. Clutch is on a hot streak at the moment with wins over Bobby O and Botiatus. Aaron Williams is maybe not on such a hot streak despite such a good victory over James Saturn last night but we can see how talented he is.
MW: This is a bit of a clash of styles isn’t it?
SD: I’d say so. Clutch has transitioned into becoming more of a striker in recent months, while Aaron Williams is more of a high-flyer. But they’re both fairly adaptable. I think this has the potential to be a real show-stealer.
MW: As any Aaron Williams match could be. Now, a question that I’m sure a lot of people will be asking is whether or not Aaron Williams can have so many matches in such a short time? He came into the Saturn match with a bad back and Saturn surely made it worse. Can he survive against Clutch with such a bullseye on him?
SD: I don’t know. So far tonight we’ve seen two matches where body parts have specifically been targeted and I’d expect we’ll be about to see another. But Aaron Williams, for all of his flaws- and he has a fair few- is tough. He’ll grit his teeth and fight through the pain. What it may do is slow him down enough so that when a TarHEEL or a Technical Foul comes his way, he wouldn’t be able to avoid it. That’s where the injury might come most strongly into play.
MW: And how about Williams? Clutch wants to target the back but what does Williams need to do to pick up a win tonight?
SD: Clutch doesn’t have a defined weakness like Williams does in this match. Williams will need to keep himself out of Clutch’s grasp so that he doesn’t get worn down too much and he’ll need to avoid Clutch’s strikes. If he can’t do that, I think he’ll bow out.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is the third of our four quarter-finals. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a former two-time Ring of Honor Champion and the holder of many championships from all over the world… ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”
Williams bursts through the curtain as ‘I Still Believe’ begins to play. He extends his arms and sings along to the song, leading the fans who join him in doing so. He then bursts up and moves to both sides of the stage, calling for the fans to get louder and louder as the song picks up. He makes his way down the ramp, slapping hands with as many fans as he can before he gets to a fan wearing a Jace Mason shirt. He jokes about the kid having good taste and pulls out his usual marker pen. The kid writes ‘Williams and Mason 4 ever’ on his knee pad and Williams gives him a high five before climbing into the ring. He shakes hands with Dasha Banks and the official before settling in one corner.
“And his-“
Dasha is cut off as Clutch comes onto the stage.
“Dasha, I apologise, but I’m going to need a few minutes before my match to address the travesty that we’ve just seen.”
The fans boo as Clutch moves down the ramp, flanked by Danica Jane and Russ Bolt, both of whom look a little rattled as Clutch goes on talking.
“The last so-called match we’ve just seen was a criminal man-on-woman assault. Marcus Allen Jones should be arrested for abusing Liz Karlson. Once again this form of despicable violence is allowed- no, is encouraged- by FPW General Manager Jim Houston. Including women in this tournament guaranteed man-on-woman violence on this big stage.”
At this point, Bolt shakes his head and turns to go, but Danica grabs his arm and tells him to keep with it. He sighs and turns back, walking back down the ramp behind Clutch.
“I have rallied against this time and time again. Now it is clear to me that there is only one way that I will get through to the powers that be not just in Freedom Pro Wrestling, but also in the wrestling world in general, where such enabling behaviour goes unchecked. I must win this tournament and become FPW Champion. Only then will I be listened to and will women all over the world become safe from male aggression.”
Clutch enters the ring, Danica and Russ hanging back on the outside, Russ whispering in Danica’s ear as the two continue to have a quiet debate about Clutch’s words outside the ring. Clutch walks up to Aaron Williams and continues speaking.
“Aaron Williams… you’re a reasonable man. You must see what I’m trying to achieve. You must also see that the only way forward is for me to win this tournament. So I ask you- not for me, but for the safety of women everywhere- to do the honourable thing. Lay down. Allow me to advance in this tournament and be the spokesperson that women all over the world are silently crying out for, too scared to truly speak out because of the threat of violence from men.”
Clutch holds out the microphone to Williams, who regards him with an intrigued look and a cocked eyebrow.
“Actually, Clutch, one of my favourite matches was against Candice-“
Clutch cuts Williams off by hitting him over the head with the mic and he begins to lay into him.
Match 3: Aaron Williams vs. Clutch McCloud:
Clutch drives forearms into Williams as he kneels in the corner. Clutch then tears Williams t-shirt off, revealing even more kinesiology tape on his back than yesterday. Clutch kicks him hard in the ribs before lifting him and whipping him into the opposite corner. Williams hits hard and arches his back, but Clutch cuts him off with a running forearm to sandwich him in the corner. Williams drops to his knees and Clutch lands another forearm to the side of the head, dropping Williams to the canvas. Clutch rolls him over and makes a cover.
One…
Two-
Williams kicks out. Clutch then pulls him up and hits a European uppercut before whipping him into the ropes and looking for a discus lariat, which Williams ducks. Williams jumps up onto the middle rope and springs off into a tornado DDT. Williams arches his back again but then he reaches down and lifts Clutch. He whips him into the ropes and then takes him down with a dropkick. Williams makes a cover of his own.
One..
Tw-
Clutch kicks out. Williams pulls him up again and forces him into the corner, landing a forearm before whipping him across the ring. Williams follows him for a big splash, but Clutch gets a boot up and Williams reels away. Clutch then darts in with a hard forearm to the back. Clutch lands a kick to the back before spinning Williams around and pulling him in for a belly to belly.
MW: An aggressive start to this match from Clutch McCloud.
SD: He’s really going after that injury.
MW: Williams has managed to get a few shots in, but I don’t know if he’ll be able to last long against Clutch in this mood.
Clutch sees Williams getting to his feet and he stalks him before hitting the ropes and coming back with a flying forearm. Clutch then begins to stomp hard on the back, then the arm, then the leg, each time allowing Williams to protect one body part as he targets another. Clutch then pulls Williams up and hits a snap suplex, Williams again arching his back. He floats over for a cover.
One…
Two-
Again Williams has to kick out. Clutch grabs him by the head and drags him to his feet, landing a series of European uppercuts which force him into the corner. He turns Williams and begins to drive his shoulder into Williams’ lower back. Williams finally drops to his knees and Clutch backs away, hits the ropes and comes back with a sliding forearm right into the small of the back. Williams arches his back again and rolls under the bottom rope, landing hard on the outside.
Clutch steps through the ropes, lifting Williams and driving him back-first into the edge of the ring before landing another hard forearm shot to take Williams down again. He lands a few more hard stomps before pulling Williams up by the hair. He forces him over to the guardrail, drapes Williams’ over his shoulder and drives him back into the guardrail repeatedly. Williams cries out and arches his back again, but Clutch doesn’t stop until the official almost pulls him away. He orders Clutch to get back into the ring and checks on Williams.
MW: This could be very serious for Aaron Williams.
SD: I hate to see a match end like this, but if this is as bad as it looks, we’re not going to be continuing.
MW: Even if the official gives him the chance, Williams might not be able to make it back into the ring to answer the ten count.
SD: It looks like the official thinks he can continue.
The official climbs back into the ring and tells Clutch to stay back before beginning a ten count.
1……….
2……….
3……….
Williams holds his back on the outside and struggles to move.
4……….
5……….
6……….
Williams pushes himself up to all fours and begins crawling to the ring. Clutch looks at Bolt and Danica on the outside and, without the official seeing, tells them to head over to Williams.
7……….
Both Bolt and Danica slowly advance towards Williams, who pulls himself up on the ring apron.
8……….
The official pauses his count to tell Danica and Bolt to back off, and Clutch uses the distraction to land a hard boot to Williams, dropping him back down.
9…
Williams reaches up again.
…
Williams grabs the ring apron.
…
Williams just makes his way into the ring as the official begins to say the word ‘ten’. The fans cheer loudly but Clutch cuts off the cheers as he pulls Williams up and whips him into the corner again. He follows him in with a running forearm, but Williams dodges him, landing a series of hard mid-kicks before hitting the opposite corner and coming in with a big splash. The fans begin to get louder as he comes back for another and another and another. Clutch drops to a seated position and Williams backs away, calling for a cannonball.
MW: I don’t know if this is a good idea!
SD: He did this last night and it damaged his back enough… if he tries it now, it could be the end of this match- and not in a good way for Aaron Williams!
Williams charges at Clutch and launches himself into a cannonball, hitting Clutch with a lot of force. Clutch rolls out of the corner but Williams struggles to get up, his hand instinctively going to his back. He looks over at Clutch and then up to the top rope, and he begins to pull himself up. Trying to stick to his usual sequence, Williams steps between the ropes and drags himself up to the top. He steadies himself but Clutch climbs after him, clubbing him around the back. Clutch then drapes an arm over him and hooks a leg, taking him down with a fisherman’s superplex and holding on for a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
The fans cheer as Williams forces a shoulder off the canvas. Clutch bangs the mat in frustration and stands, stepping back and stalking Williams. Williams slowly struggles to his feet and turns, but he manages to duck under the Technical Foul and connect with a snap German suplex. Williams rolls away and helps himself up on the ropes, stalking Clutch and taking him back to the canvas with a hard mid-kick. He then pulls Clutch to his feet and drapes an arm over him, looking to lift him for a suplex, but his back won’t let him lift Clutch. Clutch breaks free and takes Williams down with a hard discus clothesline, covering him.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Williams again just gets a shoulder up.
MW: Clutch McCloud is very close to having this match in the bag.
SD: But Williams still has fight in him. It may be one move from being over, but Aaron Williams’ instincts are coming into play in delaying it for as long as he can.
Clutch steps back again and stalks Williams. He staggers to his feet and turns, Clutch aiming another Technical Foul, but Williams blocks it and connects with his own discus clothesline. Williams crawls to the ropes and pulls himself up, stalking Clutch this time. As Clutch stands, Williams kicks him in the gut and looks to trap his arms for A Triple Plus. He tries to lift Clutch but his back won’t let him take the weight. Clutch drops back down again and Williams drops his arms. Clutch counters with a backdrop, but Williams lands on his feet. As Clutch turns, Williams connects with a vicious superkick.
Williams then drags Clutch up and looks to set him up for A Triple Plus again, but Danica jumps onto the apron and distracts him. Williams pauses for a moment and Clutch frees himself, landing a hard forearm to stagger Williams. Clutch then looks for TarHEEL, but Williams ducks and Clutch has to stop himself from connecting with Danica. Williams takes advantage and pulls Clutch in for a schoolboy roll-up.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Aaron Williams (13:27).
MW: Aaron Williams! He did it!
SD: Somehow he managed to overcome Clutch McCloud and is into the semi-finals. But what condition will he be in for them?
MW: What condition indeed? His back is torn to ribbons and he’s going to have to face either Jerry Bishop, Marcus Allen Jones, MDE or Bobby O. I don’t see how he’ll be able to walk after whoever he faces next, let alone potentially wrestle another match.
SD: It wouldn’t surprise me if he has to pull out on medial grounds after that.
Williams has his arm raised as Clutch looks out at Danica and Russ accusingly. Danica apologises over and over, while Russ shrugs his shoulders. Clutch rolls out of the ring as the official helps Williams to acknowledge the crowd before he too leaves the ring and heads up the ramp.
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As Clutch steps through the curtain, he’s met by Botiatus. Clutch bristles but Bo holds out his hands.
B: I’m not here to jump you.
CM: Get out of my way. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.
B: In a minute. Before that, House Rules dictate that I offer you a chance at this championship. You beat me last night. The first person to do that in four months. Me and you at Uprising.
Clutch looks at Bo and then looks at the Freedom Championship slung over his shoulder.
B: You’re not going to turn this down, are you?
CM: I wanted to win this tournament and take the FPW Championship, but I guess the Freedom Championship is a step towards it and it’ll force Houston to listen me more.
B: Don’t be so sure about that.
CM: Fine. At Uprising, I’ll face you for that belt. Just like at Launch Party, except this time there’s no MDE in the ring for you to pin before I can beat you.
B: We’ll see about that. I haven’t come close to what I want to achieve with this title yet. There’s no way I’m letting you stop me on the way to reaching that goal.
CM: Your goal is nothing compared to what I’m trying to achieve-
B: Cut the bullshit, McCloud. Even your two lackeys behind you don’t agree with you.
Bolt steps forward past Clutch.
RB: Be careful who you’re calling a lackey, Botiatus.
B: Well what else are you? His friend? I don’t think so. You’re here because he finds you useful. No more than that. You don’t support his crusade. You don’t get anything from standing behind him-
CM: That’s enough. I’ll see you at Uprising.
Clutch walks past Bo and Danica, while Russ hangs back.
B: You know what I’m saying is true. Marcus showed you respect last night. You don’t need him.
Bolt looks at Bo before walking off and catching up with Clutch and Danica.
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MW: And now we come to our final quarter-final, and this one could be something special.
SD: We’ve seen three very enjoyable matches already tonight but I agree that this may well top every one of them.
MW: MDE and Bobby O have met once before with Jerry Bishop as the guest referee costing Bobby the match. Tonight is a chance for Bobby not just to win his way through to the semi-final but to get some measure of revenge for what MDE did to his one-time friend Jerry Bishop.
SD: But Bobby can’t spend the match focussing on that. He needs to be focussed on MDE and on winning this contest, because that won’t be easy.
MW: You’ve managed to predict the ways the other wrestlers have approached their matches tonight. How do you expect this one to pan out?
SD: I think MDE will target the upper body- arms, shoulders. His best hold works the upper body and he doesn’t need to take out the legs like he felt he did with Hiro Takahara. He’ll want to ground Bobby and tap him out, just like he did towards the end of last year.
MW: Bobby didn’t exactly tap out in that match.
SD: Bobby will look to keep on top of the match, use his power and his superior striking ability to wear MDE down. I’m sure he’d love to tap MDE out but he’ll take a victory however he can tonight.
MW: How much do you think MDE will try to get under Bobby’s skin and rile him up?
SD: I expect he’ll try it. He knows Bobby O as well as anybody else here. Bobby will need to make sure he maintains his cool if he wants to win this match and make it one step further.
MW: Well he’d be joining some pretty elite company in the final four if he does. Let’s get to the match.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final quarter-final match, which is scheduled for one-fall. Introducing first, from Plymouth, England, he is a former FPW Champion… he calls himself Simply Great… MDE.”
‘Dance of the Knights’ begins and MDE walks onto the stage to be greeted with loud boos. He surveys the arena and then makes his way slowly down the ramp, his eyes remaining focussed on the ring. He steps up the stairs and along the apron before ducking through the ropes, heading straight over to the corner and stretching out. Dasha eyes him with distaste and takes a step away when he moves nearer to her.
“And… and his opponent, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, being accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, he is a former Tag Team Champion… ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”
‘This Means War’ begins to play its usual introduction as the crowd build their anticipation for Bobby. As the music pauses, Bobby steps through the curtain, CJ Holmes just behind him. He looks around the arena and then pops his collar, before heading down the ramp, high fiving fans but keeping his eyes on MDE as he approaches the ring. He steps up the steps and through the ropes, moving towards the opposite ropes before grabbing them and leaning over them, pointing out towards particularly loud fans in the crowd. He then steps back, nods at Dasha and removes his jacket.
Match 4: MDE vs. Bobby:
The bell rings and MDE and Bobby come forward into a strong lock-up. They jockey for position, Bobby forcing MDE back before he digs in a heel, dips his hips and forces Bobby back towards the corner. As Bobby feels his back touch the turnbuckles, he grabs MDE into a front facelock. MDE keeps forcing Bobby back and the official is forced to break them apart. MDE steps back, hands in the air, before calling Bobby forward again. They lock up again, the same jockeying happening as before, but this time Bobby forces MDE back. At the last second, MDE tries to spin Bobby, but Bobby dips and pulls MDE out of the ring.
The two land and break their grip, but Bobby quickly lands a kick to MDE’s gut and then whips him into the guardrail. He follows up with a ruing dropkick and MDE staggers away from the guardrail. Bobby grabs him and rolls him back into the ring, following and hitting the ropes, taking MDE down with a clothesline. He makes the first cover.
One…
Tw-
MDE kicks out. Bobby doesn’t waste any time, pulling MDE up and forcing him into the corner. He lands a couple of chops to MDE’s chest before dragging him out of the corner and wringing his arm. He kicks out MDE’s leg and forces him to kneel before backing away and aiming a superkick to his head. MDE’s however, ducks it and takes Bobby down with a double-leg. He scrambles to get a hold of Bobby’s arm, but Bobby resists, twisting free and landing a hard right hand. MDE staggers away as Bobby gets back to his feet. As MDE turns, Bobby kicks him in the gut and takes him down with a DDT, making the second cover of the match.
One…
Two-
MDE kicks out again. Bobby again pulls him up, not giving him any breathing space. He whips MDE into the ropes and looks for a powerslam, but MDE keeps his feet on the ground and takes Bobby’s arm, wringing it and wrenching hard. Bobby drops to one knee and MDE drives his shoulder into Bobby’s, dropping him to his back. MDE then wraps Bobby’s arm around a leg and twists sharply, causing Bobby to yank back his arm and cradle it to his chest. MDE doesn’t let up, dropping a knee on Bobby’s shoulder and then holding his head to the canvas with his other knee while he tries to prise Bobby’s hand away from his chest.
MW: MDE looking to control this one on the mat.
SD: Bobby started hot but now MDE is looking to really slow things down.
MW: It won’t be good for Bobby is MDE manages to do that. He can’t get into a long, protracted mat exchange; not with MDE.
Bobby manages to keep his arm away from MDE’s grip, so MDE instead moves to the leg, grabbing the ankle and torqueing it. Bobby instinctively reaches out a hand to loosen MDE’s grip, so MDE instantly takes the hand and bends the wrist in different directions. He places the hand palm-first onto the mat and keeps his foot on the fingers before stomping down hard on Bobby’s triceps. Bobby withdraws his hand quickly but MDE lifts him, hoisting him up onto his shoulder and then dropping him with a shoulder-breaker. MDE grabs the arm again and drives his knee into Bobby’s shoulder blade, pulling back hard on his arm.
Bobby tries to twist his way to the ropes, but MDE keeps him under total control. He transitions into a version of a Fujiwara arm bar, but he places most of his weight onto Bobby so that he can’t go anywhere. Bobby grits his teeth with the pain, but a chant of ‘Bobby… Bobby… Bobby’ seems to keep him going. He pushes up with his free arm and starts to drag both his and MDE’s weight towards the ropes. MDE realises what’s happening and he shifts his weight, transitioning to a front facelock but driving his knee repeatedly into the point of Bobby’s shoulder. After three such knees, Bobby manages to drive forward with his legs, forcing MDE up and driving both into the ropes.
MW: These fans recognising Bobby’s effort there.
SD: Their support might give Bobby a bit of an extra boost, but MDE has been faced with reactions like this every time he’s entered an arena. He doesn’t hear it anymore. It won’t affect him.
MW: But the boost to Bobby could make a big difference.
MDE releases his grip and Bobby reels away. MDE comes in again and tries to grab the arm, but Bobby lands a right hand to halt him in his tracks. MDE then comes back again but Bobby unleashes a series of jabs with his good arm, then finishes with quick-fire shots to the body. MDE staggers back towards the corner and Bobby backs away, running at MDE, who explodes out of the corner, catches Bobby and takes him down with a spear. MDE makes a cover.
One…
Two…
T-
Bobby kicks out. MDE then goes back to the left arm, forcing it out straight and driving his knee into the point of the elbow. Bobby cries out with pain with each impact, but MDE continues, not letting up. Bobby finally manages to free his arm from MDE’s grip and he tries to roll away, but MDE grabs him, taking his leg and forehead and driving a knee into his back, bending Bobby the wrong way. Bobby grits his teeth again and works his other leg to the bottom rope, forcing another break.
MDE releases him, but not for long. He grabs the left arm again and wrings it, pulling Bobby up. MDE wrings the arm again and then lifts it before dropping and driving Bobby’s shoulder into the mat. MDE drives his knee into the shoulder a few more times before looking to trap his right arm with his leg. Bobby, realising what MDE is looking to do, swivels his hips quickly and reaches the bottom rope.
MW: Good job Bobby had that one scouted.
SD: The Simply Great Stretch is the move that defeated Bobby last year. He knows he can’t last long if MDE gets it locked in.
MW: Especially now that MDE has damaged the shoulder.
SD: Especially.
MDE breaks his grip and Bobby quickly rolls to the outside. CJ moves over to him to check on him, but MDE leaves the ring and she scampers back. He lifts Bobby and wrings the arm again before looking to run him shoulder-first into the ringpost. Bobby, however, gets his foot up to block it and twists free. He lands a right and to MDE and then drives his head into the post. MDE staggers away and Bobby flexes his shoulder, CJ checking on him again. He moves quickly over to MDE and rams him head-first into the guardrail this time before rolling him back into the ring.
Bobby calls to the crowd to get louder for him, and they respond as he slides back into the ring. He pulls MDE up and whips him into the corner before running at him and connecting with a running dropkick. MDE staggers a step out of the corner and Bobby does the same again, running at him and sending him crashing back into the turnbuckles with another dropkick. MDE staggers out of the corner and Bobby explodes with a clothesline to the back of his head. He then pulls MDE up and whips him into the ropes, taking him down with a powerslam and holding for a cover.
One…
Two…
T-
MDE kicks out. Bobby then stand, still flexing his shoulder, and stalks MDE. As MDE gets to his hands and knees, Bobby takes a few steps towards him and leaps up for a curb stomp, but MDE counters, catching Bobby on his shoulders and dropping him with a powerbomb. MDE takes a couple of steps backwards before coming back in and dropping a knee on the shoulder again. He quickly tries to trap the right arm, but again Bobby fights against it. Bobby tries to get to the ropes with his legs again but MDE grabs them both and hauls them in. He then tries to hold them still with one hand while grabbing Bobby’s arm with the other, but Bobby uses his leg strength to free himself, get his legs under him and push up to one knee. MDE maintains his grip on the wrist, but Bobby unleashes a hard right hand to the gut to break it.
MW: Bobby O with the fight!
SD: He’s hurt but he’s not out of this one yet. MDE tried to bite off a bit more than he could chew in setting that submission up.
MW: But Bobby might be fighting with one arm for the rest of this match.
Bobby pushes up and, as MDE comes to him again, he manages to pull him in for a belly-to-belly suplex. Bobby rolls away from MDE and flexes the arm again, trying to get some of the feeling back. As MDE stands, Bobby returns his focus to him and kicks him hard in the gut. He grabs him by the head and looks for a jumping DDT, but MDE holds himself up and dumps Bobby over the top rope. Bobby lands on the apron. MDE turns and moves to grab the arm, but Bobby drives a shoulder into his gut. MDE doubles over and Bobby pulls him down for a DDT onto the apron. MDE drops to the outside with Bobby, who takes a while to get to his feet as the crowd once again chant his name.
Feeling the adrenaline start to take the pain away from his arm, he pulls MDE up and rolls him back into the ring. He drags MDE to his feet and then whips him into the ropes, popping him up and driving him into the mat with a hard pop-up powerbomb. Bobby drops and makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
MDE gets a shoulder up. Bobby looks up and points up to the top rope as the fans begin to buzz with excitement. He yanks MDE up and forces him back into the corner. He heaves him up onto the top rope and pulls himself up alongside him. Bobby clubs MDE across the back and drapes an arm over him, setting him up for a superplex, but MDE grabs the top rope and resists. Bobby tries to pull him up, but MDE refuses to budge. Bobby then releases him and looks for a right hand, but MDE seizes the opening, grabbing Bobby’s left arm into a Kimura lock. With Bobby in the ropes, the official makes his count, but MDE doesn’t release until four, at which point Bobby drops back down onto the mat.
MW: That’s a big momentum-shifter right there.
SD: It certainly was. Bobby gave MDE a slight opportunity and he snatched it right up.
MW: And further damage has been done to that arm. But MDE isn’t looking too sprightly either after that crunching DDT through the ropes.
MDE stands slowly and moves over to Bobby in the middle of the ring. He drops a knee on the left arm again and looks for an arm bar, but Bobby yanks it back just in time and rolls away. MDE turns but Bobby gets quickly to his feet, landing a hard superkick to the gut, followed by another to drop MDE to the mat. As MDE gets to all-fours, Bobby hits the ropes and comes back with a curb stomp, falling into a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
MDE gets a shoulder up. Bobby holds his head with his right arm and then pushes himself to his feet. He staggers a few steps and then watches as MDE gets to his feet. Bobby waits for him to turn and then he leaps for an RKO, but MDE shoves him away. Bobby comes back again and MDE kicks him hard in the gut before delivering a gutwrench. The fans go quiet as they see the Triple Gutwrench playing out, the suplex delivered and MDE floating over, lifting Bobby for the deadlift gutwrench powerbomb. He pulls him up onto his shoulders and drives him down into the mat before dropping down into a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Bobby gets a shoulder up! The fans cheer loudly but their cheers are cut off as MDE grabs the shoulder, wraps it around his leg, and yanks back on the left arm. Bobby cries out in pain as MDE drapes his leg over the arm to complete the Simply Great Stretch. Bobby screams loudly and CJ covers her face with her hands. He flails his legs to get to the ropes but he’s not close enough. The official bends down to check on him but Bobby grits his teeth and refuses to give in. The fans start to rally behind him, and he slowly wriggles his way towards the ropes. Panic spreads across MDE’s face as Bobby almost reaches the bottom rope. MDE pulls back even further on the left arm but Bobby manages to touch the rope with his toes.
MW: Yes! Bobby escapes the Simply Great Stretch!
SD: But how much will it have taken out of him. MDE must be one move away!
MDE breaks the hold but quickly pulls Bobby up and into a vertical suplex position. He pulls him down but Bobby manages to counter into a desperation DDT. Bobby rolls away from MDE as the fans chant his name once again. He breathes deeply on the mat before banging it with his right arm, the crowd clapping along in rhythm. Bobby uses the crowd to help him get to his feet, his left arm hanging useless by his side. MDE also pushes his way up but he turns right into an RKO attempt. MDE, however, blocks it, shoving Bobby away. MDE goes for the left arm but he’s caught by a hard right hand.
Bobby then drives him back into the corner and unleashes a barrage of rights until the official forces him back. Bobby drops down and, with every ounce of effort he has left, heaves MDE onto the top rope. He climbs after him and drapes his arm over MDE. He grips his singlet with his right arm and tries to lift him, but he has to drop him back down as his left arm drops away. MDE grabs the left arm and tries to lock in a Kimura again, but Bobby manages to wrench himself free and he leaps, twisting in mid-air, and delivers a top-rope RKO! Bobby quickly rolls MDE over and covers him, the fans chanting along.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winner: Bobby O (24:40).
Bobby stands, somewhat unsteadily, and CJ enters the ring to congratulate him. The official raises his arm and the crowd stand and applaud him for his efforts.
MW: What a victory. Bobby O avenges his loss from last year and, more importantly than that, he secures the four and final spot in the semi-finals.
SD: And what a line-up we have. Jerry Bishop. Marcus Allen Jones. Aaron Williams. Bobby O.
MW: Is there a bad combination of matches we could have in there?
SD: I don’t think there is. I’d love to see those four go at it however they’re drawn. We know we’ll get three top quality matches tomorrow.
MW: Let’s get to Jim Houston for our semi-final draw.
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Jim Houston sits in his office with the same tombola from yesterday.
“What an amazing semi-final line-up we will have. It’s time to find out our two opening matches for tomorrow morning show. These matches will take place in the order in which they are drawn, before a short break where a very special guest will be making an FPW appearance. After that, the two winners from the semi-finals will meet to determine Jace Mason’s challenger at Uprising.”
Houston gives the tombola a spin and reaches inside.
“For the first semi-final, we will see… Jerry Bishop.”
He reaches inside again, swirling the names around. He picks one out and gives a little smile.
“A match we’re going to be treated to once again… Jerry will face Aaron Williams.”
Houston reaches in again.
“I’m not sure I need to draw these out, but I will just in case somehow a name has been snuck in. Our second semi-final will be… Marcus Allen Jones… versus Bobby O.”
Houston places the names down on his desk.
“Those truly are two mouth-watering semi-finals. And whatever combination we come out with for the final, it should be something very special. Thank you all for your time. I will see all of you tomorrow.”
