Uprising

[Jim Houston]

Uprising begins with a series of quick-cuts from the Wrestlemania weekend tournament. Clutch McCloud beating Botiatus and then agreeing the match for the Freedom Championship. Marcus Allen Jones beating Russ Bolt and giving him respect after the match. Masa Tchyukiro beating Go Shihei after their war. Aaron Williams beating James Saturn and having his arm raised while clutching his back. Jerry Bishop forcing Berry Bishop to tap to the Chelsea Smile. Jerry dropping Tchyukiro with the Last Laugh. Marcus taking Liz Karlson down with Six Stars. Williams rolling up Clutch. Bobby pinning MDE after the super-RKO.



It then pauses, showing cuts of Jerry and Williams facing off and then Marcus and Bobby facing off. It highlights big moments in both matches before The Punchline sends Jerry through and an RKO sends Bobby through. It then picks up the shock of the crowd when Graham Baker’s name appeared on the screen and the key moments from his farewell speech. It shows Saturn, Baker and Marcus’ confrontation, MDE and Robert D. Jackson meeting for the first time. It then picks up the final, showing Jerry and Bobby facing off before going through the key moments and ending with The Punchline, finishing with Jace Mason standing and holding up the FPW Championship as Jerry lets out his usual laugh.



MW: Welcome to Uprising, welcome to Freedom Pro Wrestling, welcome to Chicago, Illinois. On the heels of one of our biggest weekends in FPW history, we bring you another stacked FPW event from the home of Freedom Pro.

SD: Tonight we bring you one of the most hotly anticipated main events in FPW history. A beloved champion, a man who fought his way to the top, dropped off and fought even harder to get back again. A man who gave the best years of his life to entertaining the fans before realising he could finally fulfil his potential out on his own. Jace Mason. Jerry Bishop. I’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time.

MW: That main event could be be one of the best matches we’ve ever seen, but that’s not all. Tonight we see the return of James Saturn to the home of FPW as he faces off against Marcus Allen Jones- a man who he really disrespected two weeks ago. Aaron Williams and Bobby O, both who made it to the final four in Tampa, square off too. We also have a very interesting debut of Robert D. Jackson and the Freedom Championship on the line as Botiatus defends against the man who defeated him in Tampa in our very first match- Clutch McCloud.

SD: But we’re starting with a match I’m very excited about!

MW: “We’re starting tonight with an FPW Tag Team Championship match, where the only three-time Tag Team Champions in FPW history defend against a team that has shot to the top of the Tag Team division almost out of nowhere.”

SD: “You might say it’s out of nowhere, but I’d say it was inevitable. People, yourself included Watson, seemed to forget that while Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez began their FPW careers as Artemis’ enforcers, the two of them are a decorated tag team who have held gold from all across the U.S. And now they’re going to claim that gold in FPW.”



Dasha Banks stood in the middle of the ring. “The following contest is scheduled for one fall!” she announced. “And it is for the FPW Tag Team Championship!”



“Checkmate” sounded throughout the arena before the opening notes of ‘Hammer to Fall’ heralded the arrival of the Queendom. The crowd booed as Thea and Myra appeared, confidence oozing from their posture as they posed at the top of the ramp. They proceeded to make their way down the ramp as Dasha continued the introductions. “Introducing first, the challengers. Representing the Queendom, Thea Donovan and Myra Lopez!” Myra settled into her team’s corner, smirking as Thea continued to trade verbal barbs with the crowd.



‘Hammer to Fall’ faded out as Sato appeared at the top of the ramp, dropping into a deep bow that he held as the Guardians of Strong Style’s music began to play. Takahara and Tchyukiro strode into view and dropped into bows of their own before all three simultaneously straightened and began marching to the ring. “And introducing their opponents, the FPW Tag Team Champions. Being accompanied by Sato, Hiro Takahara and Masa Tchyukiro, the Guardians of Strong Style!” Takahara and Tchyukiro stood on turnbuckles across the ring from each other, with Sato standing on the apron between them. The three of them bowed again before Sato dropped to the floor and the Guardians dropped into the ring. They handed their belts to the referee, who held them up as both teams discussed who would start the match.



Match 1: Tag Team Championships: The Guardians of Strong Style vs. The Queendom (written by Mason):



Takahara and Thea were the two wrestlers in the ring, and they both advanced into the center, Takahara with confident strides, his eyes never leaving his opponent, while Thea was much more cautious, shifting her weight from side to side as she approached. Takahara looked her up and down and stopped advancing, gesturing for Thea to make the first move. Thea hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and stepped in for a lockup, only for Takahara to shove her away, shaking his head. “Hit me!” he yelled, gesturing for Thea to attack again. Thea hesitated again, frustrating Takahara enough that he raised his hands to challenge her again, only for Thea to interrupt him with a slap to the face. Takahara’s response was swift and violent, driving his forearm into Thea’s head with such force that she dropped to the mat, which elicited cheers from the crowd. Thea scrambled to the edge of the ring, clinging to the bottom rope as she glared up at Takahara, who stared impassively back and beckoned her back into the middle of the ring. She stood up, warily eying her opponent before darting in and connecting with a series of strikes, slowly driving Takahara back. But Takahara was unfazed, and when Thea opened her guard to add just a little more power to her next strike, he struck, driving her back with a kick to the chest and charging forward with a clothesline. Thea just managed to duck the attack and went to deliver a back elbow as Takahara turned around, but switched to a left armed lariat as Takahara tensed, only for him to catch her with a roundhouse kick before the strike could land. Thea was dazed, and Takahara pulled her into a snap suplex, driving her into the mat. He stood and dragged her closer to his corner, positioning himself so that Tchyukiro could tag himself in while he continued to hold Thea down. Tchyukiro stepped into the ring and delivered a kokeshi headbutt to Thea. He shifted into a cover as Takahara stepped back out onto the apron.



...!1!.Kick-out!



MW: “This match clearly hasn’t started off the way the Queendom would have wanted.”



SD: “Just you wait Watson, they’ll find a way to turn this around. They always do.”



Tchyukiro lifted Thea up to her feet and whipped her into the ropes, catching her with a powerful shoulder tackle that knocked her back to the mat, much to the delight of the crowd. Tchyukiro noticed the reaction and smiled, pulling Thea back upright and whipping her into the ropes again. Another shoulder tackle dropped Thea, and the crowd began chanting “One more time!” Tchyukiro obliged, lifting Thea once more and whipping her across the ring, but she held onto the ropes this time. Tchyukiro charged at her, but Thea sidestepped and dove into her corner, tagging in Myra. Myra stepped between the ropes and squared up to Tchyukiro, showing no fear for her larger opponent. Tchyukiro raised an eyebrow, then swung a punch, then followed up with a kick when Myra dodged, only for her to dodge that strike as well. Myra smirked at her opponent, and Tchyukiro responded with a smile before lunging forwards with a headbutt. Myra was clearly ready for this however, stepping back to avoid the blow and then catching him with a European uppercut, following up with a palm strike before he could recover. Myra pressed her advantage, kicking out Tchyukiro’s leg to drop him to one knee and applying a side headlock.



SD: “Brilliant move by the White Queen, bringing the larger opponent down to her level in order to apply the hold, a hold that exploits the historic injury that Tchyukiro has taken.”



On the outside, Takahara and Sato exchanged a worried look as Tchyukiro struggled to free himself from Myra’s grasp. But every time he’d begin to escape, Myra would wrench on his neck and adjust her grip, undoing any progress he’d made. Takahara began stomping on the apron to encourage his partner, and the crowd started clapping along. The encouragement seemed to work, as Tchyukiro started to power out of the hold, only for Myra to plant her foot in the back of his knee to bring him back down. She shook her head, smirking at Takahara as the crowd booed. “It’s going to take more than that,” she taunted, leading to more boos. “He doesn’t get to escape until I let him.” She switched her grip, turning Tchyukiro around and shoving his upper body through the ropes. She reached up and clasped her hands underneath his chin, pulling backwards and bending his spine over the top rope. Tchyukiro cried out in pain as the ref administered the five-count. Myra stared at the ref, almost daring him to disqualify her as she held on until the very last moment. She raised her hands as she backed off, but the referee continued to admonish her, leaving Thea free to deliver a kick to Tchyukiro’s face from the apron. She laughed as the crowd booed, telling them that they were too easy to mess with, which only made the hatred more palpable.



MW: “Thea Donovan clearly not trying to endear herself to the crowd tonight.”



SD: “And why should she? If they’re going to hate on successful strategies, then their opinions don’t deserve to be listened to.”



Myra pulled Tchyukiro back into the ring and dragged him into her corner, tagging in Thea before pulling Tchyukiro down with a snapmare and holding him in place. Thea entered and ran across the ring before coming off the ropes and delivering a penalty kick that flattened Tchyukiro, allowing her to drop into a cover.



...1!..Kick-out!



Tchyukiro tried to escape following his kick-out, rolling away into the corner and grabbing the ropes to pull himself upright. But Thea cut him off, kicking his arm away from the ropes. Tchyukiro sat up and turned, right into a knee to the face from Thea that dropped him into a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle. Thea pressed her boot into his throat, leaning back to apply pressure.



MW: “I’ll give the Queendom credit, they've done an excellent job sticking with their game plan tonight, they’ve remained focused on the neck and head of Masa Tchyukiro ever since he entered this match.”



Thea backed out of the corner just before the ref counted to five, giving Tchyukiro a moment to catch his breath before she grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him into the middle of the ring. She gave a smug smile to the crowd before she hauled him to his feet and pulled him in for a short-arm lariat. But Tchyukiro didn’t go down, instead straightening as he absorbed the blow. Thea did her best to look unconcerned as she took a step back and pulled him in for another attempt, only for her arm to bounce off his chest once again. Now there was a clear note of desperation as Thea stepped in to deliver a short-arm lariat that would have taken anyone else down. But Tchyukiro remained unfazed, yelling in Japanese as he shook off her grip and thrust his head forwards for a headbutt, only to be met with a jumping knee strike from Thea. Tchyukiro took a step back, shaking his head, only for Thea to grab him and pull him back in, reaching down and hooking one arm underneath him. The crowd went silent as they realized what she was going to try and do.”



SD: “No way. I support the Queendom in almost everything, but even I don’t think she’s going to be able to pick up Masa Tchyukiro.”



But Thea did just that, lifting Tchyukiro up and slamming him into the mat with a Michinoku driver that brought the crowd to their feet!



MW: “She did it! Michinoku driver on Tchyukiro, and she’s holding for the cover!



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



The crowd, which had uncharacteristically cheered Thea’s feat of strength, now cheered even louder as Tchyukiro kicked out. Thea sat up and glared at Tchyukiro, who, despite kicking out, still looked out of it. She stood up and ran to the ropes, coming off and going for a leg drop on her downed opponent, only for Tchyukiro to roll away. Both wrestlers stood up and advanced, with Tchyukiro swinging a right hand. Thea used both forearms to block, then set up a chop, only to catch Tchyukiro with a kick to the gut when he tensed up. Tchyukiro doubled over, and Thea unloaded with a series of clubbing forearm strikes. But they had no effect, as Tchyukiro exploded upwards, launching Thea into the air as he did so and catching her with a headbutt as she came back down! Thea somehow landed on her feet and staggered back to the ropes, bouncing off into a superkick before she collapsed! Tchyukiro fell to the mat just a moment later, and the crowd cheered the exchange.



MW: “Pivotal point in this match. With both competitors down, the outcome may depend on who can make the tag first.”



Tchyukiro and Thea were both crawling towards their respective corners, where their partners were both reaching for the tag. Thea dove into the corner and tagged out, just a moment before Tchyukiro did the same on the opposite side of the ring. Myra and Takahara stepped into the ring and charged towards each other. Takahara gained the upper hand, dropping Myra with a big boot before allowing his momentum to carry him into the corner, where he picked up Thea and drove her into the mat with a saito suplex. Returning his attention to Myra, Takahara waited until she stood up, then ran in and delivered an enzuigiri, driving his foot into Myra’s head. She collapsed, and Takahara stepped in to make the cover.



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



Takahara sat up, glancing over at Sato as he called out advice. Takahara nodded and stood up, connecting with a kick to Myra’s head to keep her dazed as he went to the corner and began to climb.



SD: “We don’t see either member of the Guardians go to the top rope often, this could be very interesting.”



Takahara finished his climb and sat, perched on the top turnbuckle as he waited for Myra to rise, then dove into a crossbody, holding her down for the cover!



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



MW: “The Queendom continue to show that they can withstand the Guardian’s offense, but it looks like that might not last much longer.”



Takahara was gesturing for Tchyukiro to enter the ring, and when he did so, he whipped Myra into the ropes. Myra rebounded, but as she hit the ropes, Thea reached over and tagged herself in. Myra ran forwards, ducking under Takahara’s mid kick and tackling Tchyukiro, sending both of them tumbling through the ropes as Thea stepped into the ring. Takahara had turned to watch his partner, leaving him unprepared for Thea to sneak behind him and hook his arms, pulling him into a backslide!



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



MW: “The Queendom nearly stole this one right there!”



Both wrestlers scrambled to their feet, with Takahara making the first move by connecting with a roundhouse kick to the head. He grabbed Thea’s wrist and whipped her into the ropes. He went to deliver a dropkick, but Thea switched directions on the rebound, running to the parallel ropes and rebounding into a leg drop before Takahara could get back up. She went to continue her offense, pulling him in for a DDT. But before she could lift him, he struck, twisting his body to bring his leg up and connecting with a scorpion kick! With Thea dazed, Takahara was easily able to shove her away. He glanced to the outside, where Tchyukiro had gained the advantage over Myra, driving her into the barricade. He went to continue his assault, but Sato got his attention, pointing into the ring, where Takahara was holding Thea in place. Understanding flashed across Tchyukiro’s face and he hurried into the ring and delivered a running forearm to the back of Thea’s head at the same time that Takahara hit one to the face! Tchyukiro stepped back into his team’s corner as Takahara made the cover.



MW: “That has to be it!”



...1!...2!..Myra dove in to break up the cover!



She turned Takahara over and mounted him, delivering a series of quick elbows to the head before Tchyukiro ran over and lifted her off of his partner, planting her with a german suplex. He turned and watched as she rolled out of the ring, leaving him open to a massive forearm to the back of the head from Thea. But although he was dazed, he remained on his feet, leaving Thea to run to the ropes to build momentum for her next strike. But Tchyukiro recovered sooner than she expected, turning around and driving her to the mat with a powerslam! He hurried out of the ring to hold off Myra as Takahara rose and connected with a penalty kick before dropping into a cover.



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



Winners, and STILL FPW Tag Team Champions: The Guardians of Strong Style (21:54).


The Guardian’s music played as Sato took the belts from the timekeeper’s area and brought them into the ring as Tchyukiro climbed back in on the other side, still holding his neck with one hand. Sato handed the Guardians their belts, and the three of them watched as Thea rolled to the outside, where Myra helped her to walk to the back. The Guardians and their manager then turned to the audience, and all three of them dropped into a bow.



MW: “Now that was a match.”



SD: “Indeed. I’ve been a supporter of the Queendom since day one in FPW, and even I was surprised at the limits that they were able to push the tag team champions.”



MW: “They certainly gave them a fight, one that I don’t think the Guardians were expecting. I’m pretty sure I could count on one hand the number of teams who have withstood their double forearm finisher, but the Queendom did just that, and they gave as good as they got throughout this match.”



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



Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Aaron Williams.



DB: I’m here with Aaron Williams. Thank you for joining me.

AW: My pleasure, Dasha. As always.



DB: Tonight you face Bobby O in a match that I know a lot of people are excited about. Is this a chance for you to redeem yourself after your loss to… at Wrestlemania weekend?

AW: Yes and no. I’m approaching this match as a one-off match. It’s not linked to what happened in Tampa or what happened at Opening Day. Bobby isn’t Jerry and I won’t be approaching this match in the same way I would against Jerry. However, a win tonight would definitely help me to rebuild some of the momentum I built with my wins over James Saturn and Clutch McCloud.



DB: And if you do win tonight, what do you see in the future?

AW: It’s the All Star Tag Team Classic coming up soon, and I’ve already said that I’d love to team up with Jace to enter it again. We came up short last year and I’d like the chance to go all the way this year. That depends on Jace, of course, but I think we can make it happen. Other than that… a chance to face Botiatus for the Freedom Championship is something I’ve had my eye on for a while now and something that I’d like to do.



DB: And what if you don’t manage to get the job done today?

AW: I’d rather not think about losing, Dasha!



DB: You’ve said that you’ll approach this match differently to your… recent matches. What will you specifically do against Bobby?

AW: Bobby is a good all-rounder. He’s very powerful, so I know I need to avoid the big impact moves like the powerslams and the pop-up powerbombs. But he’s not all about power. He’s quicker than he looks too. I need to avoid that RKO obviously. I think I can get him with my tempo. If I can string a few moves together then I expect to be able to keep on top of him and hopefully keep the match at a pace which suits me.



DB: Can you keep up that tempo given your back issues?

AW: My back is pretty much healed up now. I’m sure Bobby will give it a good check-up, but I think it’ll hold up. I’ve worked it pretty hard and have really focussed on building the muscle strength over the past couple of weeks. I have enough endurance in my back to take whatever Bobby wants to work me over with and to keep up a good pace to the match.



DB: Good luck tonight, Aaron.

AW: Thanks, Dash.



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



As the lights go down for our next match at Uprising, ‘Needing/Getting’ begins to play out through the speakers as Robert D. Jackson emerges from backstage, a track jacket on and a water bottle in hand. He takes a long swig from it, but looks taken aback as the crowd cheers for him. He slaps a few hands on his way to the apron, looking surprised by the reception, before he places the water bottle onto the apron. He pulls himself up and onto the apron, turning around and bowing to the crowd before he slides into the ring through the middle rope. He kneels and takes in the admiration, before posting up in a corner.



Moments later, ‘Dance of the Knights’ blares out through the speakers as the crowd boos, MDE showing his face with a grimace. He keeps his eyes focused on RDJ as he enters the ring, rolling in under the bottom rope and keeping himself focused on the newcomer. RDJ shrugs as he lays on the middle rope, while the announcer goes through his proceedings. MDE leans against his corner, and, moments later, the bell rings.



Match 2: MDE vs. Robert D. Jackson (written by Jackson):



MDE and RDJ look to circle one another, Robert scouting his opponent while MDE does the same. The two rush forward for a collar-and-elbow, but MDE looks for a waistlock, only for Robert to suddenly snap back and get MDE in a headlock. He tries to shove MDE to the ground, but MDE forces Jackson down and gets him in a waistlock, looking for a German, only for Jackson to base himself and force MDE onto his back. He catches MDE with a gator-roll, before grabbing his legs and putting his weight down on MDE’s shoulders.



ONE-NO! MDE kicks out.



MDE gets out of the first pin with relative ease, but Jackson’s not willing to let FPW’s resident technician escape so easily. He grabs hold of MDE’s wrists, and looks for a straightjacket pin, but MDE manages to counter by rolling Jackson through with a Schoolboy before breaking the hold, trying for an Inverted Cattle Mutilation, but Jackson manages to bridge and roll himself over with impressive agility and strength! He presses his knees into MDE’s stomach and ribcage before rolling fully off of him, motioning for MDE to come at him. MDE shrugs, and offers up a test of strength, and Jackson accepts. He presses forward, and MDE quickly uses his size and strength advantage to begin shoving Jackson down, but he keeps his ground and looks for a way out, only for MDE to nearly shove him to the ground and try to go forward into a roll-through European Clutch!



ONE!



TW-NO! Jackson kicks out.



Both men get to their feet, and circle one another. MDE wears a grin, while Jackson’s face looks full of determination. Jackson invites MDE for another lockup, and MDE accepts, only for Jackson to immediately jockey for control and look for a waistlock! MDE counters into a waistlock of his own, and tries for a German Suplex, but Jackson somehow manages to land behind him before grabbing him with a waistlock into an O’Connor roll! He breaks the roll before the referee even has a chance to begin counting, and grabs MDE, pulling him up to his feet and throwing him down to the canvas with a big armdrag! MDE tries to scramble back to his feet, but Jackson hits him with another armdrag, before keeping his hold, rolling into position as MDE tries to get back to his feet and going for a Shoulder Breaker, but MDE shoves him into the ropes and sweeps his legs out as he rebounds, causing him to smash his face into the canvas. MDE looks for a roll-up!



ONE!



TWO!!-NO! Jackson kicks out again!



MDE looks like he’s had enough of this match early, and he grabs Jackson’s arms, looking for a Butterfly Suplex into a Cross Armbreaker, but Jackson counters and drops to his feet, grabbing MDE’s arm and hitting the shoulder breaker! MDE stumbles back, and Jackson grabs his damaged-arm and throws him to the canvas, looking for another armdrag, but MDE manages to catch himself and use his weight to shove Jackson back into the ropes. He looks for a Belly-to-Belly to Jackson-AND HE HITS IT! The Pacifist hits the canvas hard, and MDE looks to lock in his Simply Great Stretch as Jackson tries to recover, but Jackson scrambles for the ropes, causing MDE to once again adjust into a Cattle Mutilation! Jackson screams out in pain as the submission is locked, but he refuses to give in, scrambling with his feet-AND HE GETS THE ROPES! The referee forces MDE to break the submission at the count of four, and Jackson pulls himself up on the ropes while the referee checks on him.



Jackson confirms he’s still good to go after a moment, and MDE’s vicious smile shows he’s not quite done yet. He waits for Jackson to pull himself up, before he looks for another Belly-to-Belly, only for Jackson to counter into a Side Headlock Takeover! He slams MDE to the canvas and locks in the headlock, likely looking to prep for his sleeper hold. MDE looks surprised, but gets to the ropes, forcing Jackson to release his hold! MDE tries to go for a Kitchen Sink, but Jackson manages to dodge it with a surprising leapfrog, shocking MDE for a moment and giving Jackson just long enough to try for another O’Connor Roll out of nowhere!



ONE!



TWO!!



TH-NO! MDE kicks out again!



MDE tries to capitalize off of Jackson’s surprise and go for a Schoolboy of his own!



ONE!



TWO!!



TH-NO! Jackson kicks out!



Now it’s MDE’s turn to be surprised. Both men give themselves a bit of distance as they circle one another, Jackson motioning once again for MDE to come get some before MDE nods, looking for a lockup. However, as soon as they rush in for it, Jackson counters into an armdrag and sends MDE into the canvas! He follows up with another, and another, before looking for a Shoulder Break, only for MDE to spin him out and try for a Belly to Belly, but Jackson manages to base himself and force MDE to break the hold! Jackson shoves MDE off, and looks for a Small Package hold, but he rolls through instead of pinning MDE, who looks to the ropes for a moment as Jackson looks for a sliding shoulder-breaker to do some major damage to MDE’s already injured arm-BUT MDE BOOTS JACKSON IN THE FACE!



The sickening sound of boot on skull is enough to signal that this match has changed in intensity, as Jackson stops dead in his tracks as he rolls through the ropes. MDE slides under the bottom rope and grabs Jackson, shoving him into the barricade and chopping him repeatedly. He leaves heavy welts on Jackson’s chest, before motioning for Jackson to do the same, but The Pacifist refuses, leading to MDE snapping him with a heavy right hand! He drags Jackson off of the barricade and throws him back into the ring, before pulling Jackson up for a suplex into the turnbuckles-but Jackson overrotates! He grabs MDE in a waistlock-GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE BUCKLES FROM ROBERT JACKSON! MDE looks stunned as Jackson wipes blood from a busted nose off of his face, before pulling MDE out of the corner and rotating him around. He looks for an O’Connor Roll German, but MDE blasts him with a back elbow as he tries to get it going, once again staggering him, and allowing MDE all the time he needs to hit a SNAP SUPLEX INTO THE CENTER OF THE CANVAS! HE PINS!



ONE!



TWO!!



THR-NO! JACKSON KICKS OUT!



MDE wastes no time giving Jackson an opportunity to breathe, instead pulling him to his feet and slapping him hard. Jackson’s blood dots the canvas, and MDE looks to use this as a learning opportunity, shoving Jackson down and stepping on his back. He tries for a surfboard stretch on Jackson, before planting his foot into the back of Jackson’s neck. He pulls, and Jackson cries out in pain, multiple times, before MDE releases him when he realizes that this particular move won’t make him submit. He looks, once again, for the Simply Great Stretch, but Jackson rolls MDE over and into a modified pin!



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE-NO!!! MDE KICKS OUT AT THE LAST SECOND!



The FPW crowd begin booing as they realize MDE’s managed one more escape, clearly getting behind Jackson as the newcomer grabs MDE in a straightjacket hold, clearly looking for his straightjacket bridging German, but MDE has other ideas as he throws Jackson overhead and into a sleeper! He looks to utilize The Pacifist’s own finisher against him, but Jackson’s unwilling to die! He scrambles for the ropes, looking for salvation-AND HE GETS THEM!



The crowd explodes as a disappointed MDE decides to end this, grabbing Jackson for the Triple Gutwrench. He hits him with a Gutbuster, then a Gutwrench Suplex, but as he floats over for the deadlift Gutwrench Powerbomb, Jackson manages to escape! MDE looks surprised, but Jackson wastes no time getting a hold locked in-BACKSLIDE DRIVER! Jackson’s signature pin! He leans into the pin and begins running in place to keep MDE down!



ONE!



TWO!!



THREE!!!



Winner: Robert D. Jackson (13:36)
.


Jackson rolls into the center of the ring as MDE looks flabbergasted as to how he lost. He looks around, confirming with the referee that it was, in fact, a three count. He looks frustrated as Jackson climbs back onto the ropes, celebrating with the crowd, before the referee holds his hand up. Jackson looks to MDE, and offers him a hand, but MDE rolls out of the ring, shaking his head as he walks up the ramp.


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



Backstage, Thalia Columbina stands by herself.



TC: Joining me now is the single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of professional wrestling, Jerry Bishop.



Jerry walks into shot and he and Thalia raise their eyebrows at one another and give each other a look.



TC: Jerry, tonight your carrying of Freedom Pro Wrestling for nearly four years has finally been rewarded by a one-on-one FPW Championship match. I’d ask if you believe you can win, but that question would be redundant. How can anyone believe you could lose?

JB: Oh, my dear Thalia, there will always be those who don’t believe in The Joker. Most of them do so because they don’t want to see what is in front of their eyes. And that is the next FPW Champion- soon to be the greatest FPW Champion of all time. Jace Mason is a nice fairytale, but I’m no handsome prince.



TC: Don’t be so sure…

JB: I may be handsome and I’m certainly the Crown Prince of Comedy, but I’m not coming to rescue Jace Mason. In this fairytale, the big bad Joker has a big bad Punchline, and it’s all the better to beat you with, Jace.



TC: A wonderful metaphor for your victory tonight, Joker. What do you make of The Eternal Student’s body of work?

JB: The student believes that he’s become the master, and yet tonight he’s going to find out what a true ringmaster can do. Jace may have found a way overcome my limey associate at Judgement Day and he may have overcome FPW’s resident Queen, but this test is the biggest yet and Jason Mason, you’re about to wake up and realise that all of your study has been for nothing. Because how can you study for The Joker? The answer for five points- you can’t.



Jerry begins to laugh as Thalia looks on approvingly.



TC: You certainly are impossible to prepare for.

JB: You seem very well prepared for me.

TC: I’m smarter than the average interviewer.

JB: You’re everything-er than the average interviewer…



TC: High praise indeed and greatly appreciated. If you’ll allow me to change tack for a moment, do you plan on entering the All Star Tag Team Classic along with the aforementioned limey associate?

JB: Why that would be telling, my dear.



TC: Once again The Joker holds his cards close to his chest.

JB: I hold many things close to my chest, Miss Columbina.

TC: As well you should.



Jerry and Thalia give each other another look.



TC: Well, Joker, I believe it’s time for us to part.

JB: I eagerly await your call at the end of my match.

TC: I have a very special call in mind. But I shall keep that one close to my chest.



Jerry begins to laugh and then leaves the shot.



TC: Ladies and gentlemen, the next FPW Champion.



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



MW: Up next we have an intriguing rematch. Danica Jane picked up the biggest singles victory of her career over Berry Bishop and now Berry is back to try and right what she feels is a wrong.

SD: It was this that caused Berry to accept the offer made by Botiatus to work together. We’re going to get a look at the results of that partnership tonight.

MW: What do you make of Danica Jane’s tension with the rest of Dynasty at the moment?

SD: I think Clutch McCloud is controversial. I don’t agree with his stance on women and his self-styled crusade against inter-gender wrestling. However, it’s seemingly propelling him to heights that he hasn’t reached for some time. Russ Bolt and Danica Jane have a difficult decision to make. If they stand alongside him then whether they say it or not, they’re endorsing his views. If they don’t, they’re losing a friend and, in Danica’s case, much more.

MW: Will it have taken away from Danica’s ability to prepare for this match?

SD: It’ll have gone one of two ways. Either she focusses entirely on Clutch and this problem and she loses her focus on Berry or she zones in on the match in order to block out the issues with Clutch and we find her in better ring shape than ever.

MW: How about Berry? We know about her distractions too. Will she be completely focussed on this match?

SD: I’m not sure if she’s ever completely focussed on anything. But Botiatus has put together plans to help her out. He’s been doing this a long time and knows a thing or two about training. I think Berry will be ready for this match and I think she’ll be eager to get herself back on track by winning a match that really she shouldn’t have to have.

MW: What do you mean?

SD: With all due respect to Danica Jane, she’s a very green rookie who has some talent for sure, but she’s nowhere close to being ready. Berry, while I do think she has some significant flaws, is a former Freedom Champion, and All Star Tag Team Classic and Young Lions’ Cup runner-up and has main evented shows before on merit. Berry should have beaten Danica Jane the first time around.

MW: Let’s get down to the ring to see if she can pull off a victory tonight or if Danica Jane’s star will continue to rise.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a single match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from New Haven, Connecticut, she is a former Freedom Champion… ‘The Bombshell’… Berry Bishop!”



‘The Entertainer’ begins and Berry bursts through the curtain to loud cheers from the fans. She bows deeply and plays along to the music before hopscotching her way to the bottom of the ramp. She climbs onto the apron, playing it as usual, before somersaulting into the ring. She bows deeply to the fans and rises with a wink and a smile before hugging Dasha tightly. The two exchange a few words before Dasha pulls away to introduce Danica.



“And her opponent, from Los Angeles, California, representing Dynasty… Danica Jane!”



‘This Fire Burns’ plays and Danica walks out onto the ramp, the fans giving a mostly negative reaction. She looks around and shakes her head before making her way down the ramp. She quickly gets to the ring and climbs in, looking at Berry and at Dasha before allowing the official to check her over.



Match 3: Berry Bishop vs. Danica Jane:



The bell rings and both women come forward, quickly locking up. Danica looks to grab a headlock but Berry takes her by the wrist and brings her into a hammerlock, transitioning into a headlock of her own and taking Danica over. Danica gets her legs up into a headscissors and Berry kicks her way out of it. Both women make to their feet and Berry quickly hits the ropes. Danica drops down but Berry leaps over her and keeps going. Danica leapfrogs Berry and then looks to take her down with a clothesline, but Berry ducks it and quickly unleashes Checmate, only for Danica to dive out of the way just in time.



MW: Wow!

SD: Botiatus wanted Berry to be able to connect quicker and that was quick.

MW: But Danica managed to avoid it.

SD: It was a good idea to head to the outside there. She’s collecting herself after that near miss. That would have been it for sure.



Danica climbs back into the ring and Berry gives her the space to enter. The two women come together again, locking up. Berry drives Danica back a few steps but Danica puts the breaks on, takes the wrist and wrings the arm. Berry grimaces as Danica wrenches it a couple of times before looking quickly to the Kimura lock, only for Berry to twist her way free and to pull Danica into a monkey flip. Both women make it back to their feet but Berry is quick to land a roundhouse kick. She drops into a cover.



One…

Two-



Danica kicks out. Berry stands and lifts Danica, whipping her into the corner. She comes in with a spinning wheel kick and Danica staggers free, but Berry grabs her into a running bulldog to take her down. Berry then stands and pulls Danica up again, landing a couple of forearms to forces her back into the ropes. She whips her across the ring and then takes her down with an arm drag before keeping control of the arm and locking in an arm bar.



MW: Berry Bishop starting to show some of her technical skills again.

SD: She was a fool to put them away for so long. She would be a lot better off embracing that side of herself.

MW: You know why she did it.

SD: I do. She needs to be mentally stronger. Put that stuff behind her. Accept what she can’t change.

MW: Well that’s easier said than done.

SD: She seems to be doing it now.



Berry wrenches on the arm and Danica grunts with pain before reaching out to the bottom rope. Berry tries to pull her away but Danica drapes a leg over the rope and Berry had to release the hold. She breaks it and then reaches down to lift Danica, but she’s met with a kick to the top of the head. Berry staggers back and Danica gets to her feet, shaking out her arm before landing an impressive spinning gut kick. Danica then takes Berry down with a swinging neckbreaker before making her first cover.



One…

Two-



Berry kicks out this time. Danica stands and pulls Berry up again, sending her into the corner and following up with a running forearm. She then snapmares her out of the corner and hits the ropes, connecting with a hard shining wizard. She makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Berry kicks out again. Danica stands and stalks Berry this time. Berry pushes herself to her feet and turns, only for Danica to land a step-up enzeguiri and to pull her into a belly to belly suplex. Berry rolls over towards the ropes and Danica moves in quickly to pull her to her feet. She kicks her hard in the left arm and then grabs it, pulling her to the middle of the ring and wringing it. She holds the wrist and then lands a Pele kick to the arm which sends Berry reeling. Danica darts in and looks to lock in the Kimura lock, but Berry withdraws the arm and lands a hard elbow strike to send Danica back a couple of steps.



MW: A good escape for Berry.

SD: There’s Danica’s inexperience coming through. She went for the Kimura lock too quickly again. She needs to weaken Berry a lot more than she has if she’s going to get it locked in.

MW: I’m sure that’s something she’ll learn from this experience.



Danica turns and Berry lands a roundhouse kick to stagger her. Berry then kicks her hard in the leg and Danica drops to her knees. Berry hits the ropes and then comes back with a shining wizard of her own. She makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Danica gets her shoulder up. Berry stands and calls for Danica to get to her feet too. She coils herself up and stalks her. Danica holds the side of her head as she forces herself to her feet. She turns and Berry unleashes Checkmate again, but Danica pulls off a Matrix escape and then comes up with an impressive Pele kick to send Berry over towards the ropes. Berry comes forward and Danica leaps up for Lights Out, but Berry manages to catch the kick and spin Danica round. As she turns back, Berry catches her into position for the Berry Buster. She hits it and makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Berry Bishop (9:00).



MW: A good win for Berry Bishop. Is she on her way back to the top of FPW?

SD: Maybe. That was a nice little match for both of them. Danica Jane is making god progress and, although she has a long way to go, she has potential.



Berry stands and has her arm raised. She looks down at Danica who is pushing herself to her feet and Berry offers her a hand. Danica looks up at her and slowly raises her hand and accepts Berry’s. The two of them shale hands a share a few words before Danica leaves the ring, a lot more fans applauding her than before. Berry stands up on the top turnbuckle and makes a heart gesture to the fans before dropping down. She turns and sees Dasha Banks behind her, and she launches into a big hug, the fans cheering as Danica raises Berry’s arm.



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



The FPW logo appeared on a brightly lit backdrop, with energetic music playing in the background. The music continued to build as the logo slowly began to expand outwards, taking up more and more of the screen. And then, right as the music was about to crescendo, it cut out, replaced with static. At the same moment, the background became dimly lit, and the FPW logo, once pristine and clean, became dirty and scratched. Suddenly, everything else began to fade to black as a sniper's scope appeared, targeting the dead center of the FPW logo. And after everything else had completely faded, the scope was replaced by a circular analogue stopwatch, ticking down the seconds...



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



MW: I’m not too sure what that was.

SD: Some kind of countdown clearly, but for what?

MW: I suppose that’s something we’ll have to find out. One man who I doubt will be happy to see that is James Saturn. He made his FPW return after a long time on the shelf at our recent Wrestlemania weekend tournament, but he didn’t feel like his return was as appreciated as he expected.

SD: In fact, he was- rightly, if you ask me- unhappy that Graham Baker’s return was so hyped and was turned into something which was almost considered bigger than the tournament itself and all he got was a quick mention by Jim Houston as a replacement for Artemis Evans.

MW: James Saturn made clear his displeasure with Graham Baker and Marcus Allen Jones while the two of them shared a moment backstage.

SD: I believe he called them the good old boys club of FPW. You can’t deny that they’re Houston’s favourites, Watson.

MW: Maybe Jim Houston has more respect for them than he does for James Saturn, and I’d imagine our fans do too. As they explained to him, they worked their asses off to become the best in FPW. Baker himself conceded that when he first came here he saw Saturn as being better than him. But the difference was the attitude. Saturn didn’t put the same amount of work in that Baker did. Saturn didn’t put the work in that Marcus did either. And now Marcus Allen Jones will face James Saturn as he tries to show Saturn that he’s got a lot of learning to do before they can be considered on a level.

SD: Marcus Allen Jones is possibly the most talented wrestler in this company- he’s one of the best in the world if you ask me- but if thinks he’s going to have it all his own way tonight, I think he might be mistaken.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a singles match. Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, he is a former Young Lions’ Cup winner and a former FPW Champion… ‘The Marksman’… Marcus Allen Jones!”



‘Hall of Fame’ begins to play and Marcus comes through the curtain. He surveys the cheering crowd for a few moments before performing his signature backflip and holding his usual pose as the intro goes on. He then bursts up to his feet and plays to the fans before making his way down the ramp. He slaps hands and then stops at a group of fans who are holding a series of signs. One shows a picture of Marcus and then the others form a speech bubble, one containing the word ‘You’, the next the word ‘stupid’ and then the final one contains ‘planet’. Marcus laughs and nods at them before sliding into the ring. He gives Dasha a smile and then climbs up onto the top rope, looking out to the fans and raising his arms before dropping down and settling in the ring.



“And his opponent, from Portland, Oregon, he is also a former Young Lions’ Cup winner… ‘The Paragon’… James Saturn.”



‘White Knuckles’ begins to play and Saturn swaggers through the curtain, a cocky smirk on his face. He looks down at Marcus in the ring and gives him a dismissive raise of the eyebrow before looking around the arena at the people booing him. He spits on the floor, leading to more boos, before strutting down the ramp. He looks at the same group of fans who are now starting a ‘Stu-pid Pla-net’ chant, which gets going. Saturn suddenly leaps up onto the guardrail and grabs the ‘Planet’ part of the sign. He tears it in half, throws it back into the crowd and then does a backflip down to the floor, landing in Marcus’ usual pose. The fans boo him even louder as he lifts his head and smirks. He slides into the ring and regards Marcus with disdain as the official checks him over.



Match 4: Marcus Allen Jones vs. James Saturn:



The bell rings and Marcus and Saturn eye one another from across the ring. Marcus steps forward and beckons Saturn to come to him. Saturn smirks and then comes forward into a strong lock-up. Marcus quickly grabs a headlock and forces Saturn to a knee. Saturn pushes back up again and runs Marcus into the ropes, shoving him off. Marcus hits the opposite ropes and comes back at Saturn, who bends for a backdrop. Marcus rolls over his back and hits the opposite ropes. Saturn drops down to flips him with his feet but Marcus leaps over him and rolls through. Marcus then looks for a handspring enzeguiri, but Saturn ducks it and rolls through, leaping up onto the middle rope and looking for a springboard crossbody, only for Marcus to superkick him out of the air! Marcus makes a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Saturn kicks out. Marcus gets to his feet and pulls Saturn with him, kicking him in the gut and hitting the ropes before landing a running swinging neckbreaker. He then hits the ropes and comes back with a running shooting star press. He makes another cover.



One…

Tw-



All of a sudden the official stops counting and the crowd gasps. Marcus looks around to see that the official has disappeared and four men are sliding into the ring, one carrying a pool cue.



MW: Are they… are they the same guys who attacked Aaron Williams in Tampa?

SD: Oh no. This isn’t good.



Three of the men jump Marcus as he stands, taking him down quickly and putting the boots to him. Armondo and Parker lift him up and Si breaks the pool cue across his back. Marcus drops to his knees and arches his back as Armondo lifts him into a powerbomb position and takes him down with a hard crucifix powerbomb. James Saturn backs away and rolls out of the ring as this is going on, checking on the official, who is still down on the outside. Si pulls Marcus up and throws him to Parker, who takes him under his arm and drops him with a fierce DDT. Mr. Lightbody looks up to see security running down the ramp, and he calls to the three men who quickly leave the ring with him. They jump the guardrail and run out through the shell-shocked crowd as the security chase after them.



MW: I don’t know what we’ve just seen. All I know is that these four men came into an Aaron Williams training seminar in Tampa and they attacked him there.

SD: If these men are targeting FPW…

MW: Who are they, Steven?

SD: I don’t know much about them. But I know their reputation. Wherever they go, they destroy the place. If they’re targeting FPW… we’re in big trouble.



With the men charging away and security chasing them, James Saturn looks up at Marcus in the ring. He quickly grabs the official and throws him back in before sliding in himself. The fans boo as he lifts Marcus to his feet in the corner. Marcus’s forehead has been busted open after the DDT. He rests on the turnbuckles and looks up at Saturn, who backs away. Marcus tries to come out of the corner at Saturn but Saturn drops him with a hard superkick. He then makes a cover and demands that the official makes the count.



One……….

Two……….

Three.



Winner: James Saturn (5:40).



The fans boo loudly as the official’s hand hits a third time. Saturn stands and smirks, looking down at Marcus, who isn’t moving. The official, clearly in pain, raises Saturn’s hand as some medical personnel come down and check on Marcus.



MW: Were those guys with James Sa-

SD: No. Those guys don’t work with others. They’re a unit. They always have been. Saturn may have benefitted from that attack, but he wasn’t a part of it.

MW: Are you sure?

SD: From everyone who I’ve spoken so, these guys only care about themselves. That’s what makes them so dangerous.

MW: But why Marcus? They seemed to know Aaron Williams but why Marcus Allen Jones?

SD: Who knows. I have nothing to do with them. I can’t explain this. Nobody can except for those four.

MW: I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting an explanation. Well, whatever may have caused it, James Saturn has a victory over Marcus Allen Jones tonight and I’m sure we’ll be hearing about that one for a while from Saturn.



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



Backstage, Jim Houston paces his office, shaking his head and flexing his fingers. A large man with ‘Security’ across the back of his jacket enters.



JH (angrily): What the hell was that? You’re going to just let anyone get over the barricade and into the ring?

Security Man: No-

JH: These guys are not FPW employees. They have no business being here. Why didn’t you get them out of the ring? Marcus could have been seriously hurt! I had to send your guys out myself from the back. What the hell were you doing while I was doing your fucking job?

Security Man: I thought-

JH: What? What did you think?

Security Man: I thought… this is a wrestling show… people come through crowds… they looked like wrestlers, so…

JH: They looked like… you have a list of everybody who has clearance to enter the ringside area. Show it to me.

Security Man: I know-

JH: No. Show it to me.



The security man takes a folded piece of paper from inside his jacket.



JH: Do you see their faces on there?

Security Man: No, but-

JH: Then you had no business letting them get into the ring. None. Your lack of thought put one of my wrestlers in serious danger tonight.

Security Man: If he’s a wrestler, he should be able to handle himself.

JH: Do you know who those guys are? They’re dangerous people. And you- and your team, who are a reflection of your leadership- let them get into the ring and put one of my biggest attractions in serious danger. I want you to search this whole building and if you find those four, get them out of here.

Security Man: Yes, sir.



He leaves, looking like he he’s holding back from saying what he really wants to say.



Houston keeps pacing the room when his phone buzzes.



JH: This is the last thing I need…



He answers it.



JH: I know what you’re-



JH: No, I can assure you that I have not signed them.



JH: As if I would take that risk.



JH: No, they’re not a part of FPW and they aren’t going to be.



JH: I’ve just spoken to him. I’ve told him to make sure they’re not in the building anymore.



JH: I’ll consider it, but they’re a good company. They-



JH: I know this could have been bad. I don’t know what they wanted but I don’t intend to speak to them and find out. They’re not coming anywhere near FPW.



JH: Yes, exactly like them. Those three were out of control, but even they weren’t as dangerous as these guys.



JH: I promise you, Phil, I would not unleash a cancer like them on this company, and if I was even considering doing so, I’d speak to you and the others first.



JH: Good. I’m glad you’re reassured. Now let me go and check on Marcus and hope to God he’s ok.



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



MW: Well let’s try to get back to normality now. We have a great match to do that with as our Mania weekend tournament runner-up Bobby O faces the man who lost to the winner in the semi-finals, Aaron Williams.

SD: These are two men who these fans love to watch, and I’m sure they’ll want to put on an impressive showing here tonight.

MW: Other than just having a good match, what would you say is on the line in this one?

SD: Bobby O has been around the top of the card here for most of this year. Aaron Williams is working his way there too. Both men will consider themselves to be contenders for an FPW Championship opportunity. The winner of this match may well be in prime position for the next title match.

MW: Let’s talk strategy. We know Aaron Williams has had to have treatment on his back coming into this one. Will Bobby be setting his target on that injury?

SD: A back injury is as bad an injury as any to try and work through. A knee injury impacts one leg. An arm impacts one arm. A back injury impacts every part of the body. It becomes hard to lift, hard to move, hard to land on the mat. Bobby will certainly look to exploit that, but a back injury in and of itself will hinder Williams. He says it’s not too bad, but he would say that. We’ll have to see just how hindered he is tonight.

MW: And how about Williams? Where would he see Bobby O’s weak points?

SD: Bobby doesn’t have many weak points. His biggest weak point is his temper and occasional lack of self-control, but Aaron Williams isn’t the type of person who will look to push Bobby’s buttons like that. I think Williams just wrestles the match and sees how things go. Bobby O is a real all-rounder and a guy like MDE would struggle with that, but I don’t think Williams will be too worried. He’ll feel he can adapt to any style, and he’ll be confident of finding a way to beat Bobby.

MW: This one ought to be a really enjoyable match, so let’s sit back and take a look.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a singles match which is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and being accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, a former All Star Tag Team Classic winner and a former FPW Tag Team Champion… ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”



‘This Means War’ begins, and the buzz of excitement for Bobby begins to rise. As the music pauses, Bobby enters the arena and looks around at the cheering fans. He pops his collar and looks back to CJ before making his way down the ramp at a fast pace, holding his hands out to slap with the fans. He climbs the steps and then steps through the ropes before grabbing onto the top rope and leaning out to the fans, pointing out to them in appreciation of their applause. As his music stops, he settles and whispers a few things in CJ’s ear.



“And his opponent, also from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is a two-time former Ring of Honor Champion and the winner of many championships from all over the world, this is ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



The fans start up immediately as ‘I Still Believe’ plays. Williams emerges and leads them in their singing, moving from the left side of the stage to the right, challenging the fans to get even louder. He declares the left side of the arena the winners before making his way down the ramp, slapping hands with as many fans as he can. He reaches ringside and sees a young fan sat in a wheelchair in the front row. Williams pulls out his marker pen and hands it to the child, who writes ‘A+++++++++’ on his kneepad. Williams pauses to take a picture with the fan before sliding into the ring, continuing to sing along. He shakes hands with the official and with Dasha before settling into his corner.



Match 5: Bobby O vs. Aaron Williams:



The bell rings and Williams wastes no time in coming forward and offering Bobby his hand. The two men shake hands before beginning to circle one another. A duelling chant of ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ and ‘Bo-bby O’ rolls around the arena, Williams’ chant being a little louder. He and Bobby come into a lock-up, the two men jockeying for position before Bobby snaps on a headlock. Williams is quick to push him into the ropes and shove him away, but Bobby maintains his grip and drops to a knee to keep Williams under control.



Bobby takes Williams over and tries to ground him in the headlock, but Williams looks to fight back. He gets his legs up for a headscissors and uses his leg strength to break the headlock and take hold of Bobby’s arm, looking for a cross-arm breaker. Bobby wriggles free and scrambles to his feet while Williams kips up. Bobby comes forward quickly and drives a knee into Williams’ gut and then whips him into the ropes. He aims a clothesline but Williams ducks, hitting the opposite ropes and coming back into a flying headscissors to take Bobby down. Williams kips up again and looks over at Bobby, who pauses on one knee. The fans applaud the opening exchange.



MW: Aaron Williams showing off his quickness in the early stages of this one.

SD: And taking Bobby by surprise a little, I think.

MW: I’m sure Bobby O is fully prepared for this one.



Bobby looks down at CJ, who wills him on, and he stands. The two men come together for a lock-up again, Bobby this time forcing Williams back into the corner. He releases him quickly and sends him across to the opposite corner, chasing him in for a running dropkick, only for Williams to roll up the turnbuckles and out onto the apron. Bobby checks himself and Williams springs up, looking for a springboard forearm, only for Bobby to catch him into a powerslam. He makes a quick cover.



One…

Two-



Williams kicks out but his hand instinctively goes to his back. Bobby quickly pulls him up and clubs him across the back before lifting him up with a gutwrench and dropping him over his knee back-first. Williams arches his back and Bobby stomps down on it before picking him up and forcing him over to the corner. Bobby then whips Williams hard into the opposite corner, causing Williams to hit the turnbuckles hard and then takes a few steps out of the corner. Bobby then explodes at him and takes him down hard with a clothesline. Bobby makes another cover.



One…

Two-



Williams kicks out again and Bobby grabs both of his wrists, placing a knee into his back while pulling the arms back. Williams grimaces and bangs his foot on the mat to try and get the crowd behind him. They clap along with him and help him to get his legs underneath him. He pushes up to a standing position and manages to free an arm, turning and pulling Bobby in for a short-arm lariat. Williams stretches his back before turning back to Bobby, who is just getting to his feet. Bobby turns and Williams lands a hard mid-kick before whipping him into the ropes and connecting with a dropkick.



MW: We’ve already seen Bobby target that back, but Williams is forcing his way back into this one.

SD: He is. Aaron Williams is very resilient. He’ll give everything he has and then some more that you didn’t think was left in the locker.

MW: How would you assess the injury at this point?

SD: Williams is clearly not back to a hundred percent yet. I think he’s hurting but it doesn’t seem to be having too much of an impact on his mobility at this point.



Williams stands and pulls Bobby up with him. He brings him into the corner and chops him hard in the chest. He then whips him across the ring into the opposite corner and looks to follow up with a big splash, but Bobby avoids it. Williams rebounds off the turnbuckles and Bobby reaches up into an inverted headlock backbreaker. Williams drops to his knees and Bobby connects with a snap DDT. He makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Williams kicks out. Bobby reaches down and pulls him up again, but Williams breaks his grip and kicks him hard in the gut. He drapes an arm over him and looks to pull Bobby up for a vertical suplex, but he struggles, arching his back and giving Bobby the time to reach around and land a clubbing blow to his lower back. Williams releases his grip and Bobby pulls him in for a German suplex. Williams rolls onto the apron and Bobby follows, pulling Williams to his feet. He drapes an arm over Williams and looks to lift him for a suplex onto the apron, but Williams drops down and grabs the rope to not allow Bobby to pull him up. Instead, Bobby kicks him hard in the chest and drops off the apron.



Bobby pulls Williams down to the outside with him and lands a hard forearm shot to his lower back. Williams arches it and takes a few steps forward before turning into a superkick from Bobby. Williams staggers and Bobby leaps up to connect with an RKO, only for Williams to somehow catch him and shove him away. Bobby takes a few steps before turning, only to be taken down with a hard mid-kick from Williams. Williams lifts Bobby and tries to get him back into the ring, but Bobby rushes him into the edge of the ring, Williams again arching his back.



MW: That must have hurt!

SD: Bobby O looks motivated to win this match. I think that loss to Jerry hurt him more than he let on, and this is a chance to make up for it.

MW: Is that not an overly emotional way to look at this match for Bobby?

SD: Maybe so, but it seems to be working for now.

MW: Well we’ll see what happens when Williams manages to frustrate Bobby. If he’s taking that approach to the match, can he maintain control over his emotions?



Bobby rolls Williams back into the ring and follows, stomping hard on Williams’ back before pulling him up and lifting him onto his shoulders. He looks for the fireman’s carry stunner, but Williams manages to free himself as Bobby spins him. He shoves Bobby forward into the ropes and pulls him in for an O’Connor roll.



One…

Two-



Bobby shoves Williams off him and scrambles to his feet, but Williams cuts him off with a shotgun dropkick which sends him crashing into the corner. Williams backs away and charges at Bobby, landing a big splash. He then backs away and hits another, the crowd building into a frenzy as he lands another and another. Bobby drops down to a seated position as CJ calls for him to watch out. Williams hits the opposite corner again and charges at Bobby, crashing into him with a hard cannonball. Williams arches his back as Bobby rolls out of the corner, but he powers through, climbing up to the top and connecting with a swan-ton bomb. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bobby kicks out. Williams quickly gets to his feet and reaches down to pull Bobby up. He drapes an arm over him again and this time manages to haul him up before dumping him down over the top rope. Williams looks skywards and the fans cheer as he climbs back up to the top rope. He takes a breath before connecting with a 450-splash to Bobby as he’s resting on the top rope. Both men land hard in the ring and Williams struggles to crawl over to Bobby for the cover. He finally gets there, draping an arm over him before half-heartedly hooking a leg.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Bobby gets a shoulder up. Williams rolls away and reaches up to the ropes to pull himself to his feet. When he gets up, he looks at Bobby, who is sitting in the middle of the ring. Williams moves over to him and helps him back to his feet. He drapes an arm over him again and looks to pull him up again, getting him off the ground but he struggles to go any further. As Williams sets Bobby down again, Bobby manages to drop him with a DDT.



MW: Great counter from Bobby O!

SD: And that’s the bad back. That’s the impact of it. It may not stop him from walking but it’ll stop him from doing a lot of things and it’ll slow him down with others. It gave Bobby an opening and now Bobby has a big chance to take control of this match.

MW: He’s forcing himself to his feet. It’s hard to resist the flurries of Williams’ offense, so a chance to breathe here will be greatly valued I’m sure.



Bobby stands and reaches down to grab Williams. He pulls him to his feet and then sends him into the ropes. Williams bounces back and Bobby pops him up for the pop-up powerbomb, but Williams leaps over him and jumps up onto the middle rope, springboarding and connecting with a forearm. Bobby staggers back and Williams quickly gets to his feet, kicking Bobby in the gut and setting him up for a powerbomb. He pulls him up, but he can’t maintain control, and Bobby slips free. Williams staggers backwards and Bobby lands another superkick. Williams bounces off the ropes and this time Bobby pops him up and hits the pop-up powerbomb. He drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams gets a shoulder up. Bobby bangs the mat and looks to CJ, who tells him to get him up for a superplex. Bobby nods and pulls Williams to his feet, forcing back into the corner. He lands a couple of jabs before unleashing a flurry of strikes to the midsection. He then hauls Williams up to the top rope and drapes an arm over him. He pulls him up and they land hard from the superplex. Bobby rolls through to look for O Snap, but, in the brief moment that he loses his grip on Williams, Williams kips up and staggers away. Bobby looks up at him in shock and his pause costs him. Williams connects hard with a buzzsaw kick and then makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bobby forces a shoulder up. Williams gets to his feet, staggers a couple of steps, and then pulls Bobby up. He kicks him in the gut and looks to trap the arms for A Triple Plus. Bobby, however, drives him back into the corner and frees himself. He quickly looks to lift Williams up for a second superplex, but Williams manages to counter into a tornado DDT. Williams forces himzself to his feet again and he reaches down, pulling Bobby into position for A Triple Plus again. He lifts him, but Bobby manages to drop down and free his arms. He shoves Williams away and then leaps up for an RKO. But Williams blocks it, shoving him forward. Bobby turns back at him but Williams takes him down with a discus clothesline.



MW: A fast-paced exchange as both men look to end this match!

SD: I’ve been impressed with the pace of this one all the way through. They’ve clearly scouted one another for this one.

MW: There have been some impressive counters.

SD: I can’t stress enough how hard it was for Aaron Williams to kip up after that superplex. A superplex really jars your back and your whole body, and Bobby uses it to give him enough time to set up O Snap. Williams knew that and manages to time that kip up perfectly. A second too early or late and Bobby pulls him right back in for O Snap.



Williams stands and looks down at Bobby before grabbing him by the head and pulling him up. He hooks an arm over his head and lifts him again, but Bobby drops down behind him. Bobby shoves him into the ropes and pops him up, but this time he looks for a pop-up RKO. Williams, however, lands on his feet and holds Bobby up before dropping the back of his neck across his knee. Bobby rolls away and Williams quickly moves over to him, trapping his head and grabbing both arms before lifting Bobby and dropping him with A Triple Plus. He makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Aaron Williams (21:00).



MW: What a win for Aaron Williams!

SD: Both men put on a really good match there. I don’t think either of them is perfect, but I can see that they’re at the top level in FPW.

MW: And now Aaron Williams will go into the All Star Tag Team Classic with a big win under his belt.

SD: He seems to have found some of his mojo recently. A confident Aaron Williams is someone who could go great things here.



Williams stands and has his arm raised before looking down at Bobby. He extends a hand to help Bobby up. Bobby looks up at him with an unreadable look for a few moments before reaching up and taking his hand. Williams pulls him up and raises his arm before Bobby nods to him and leaves the ring. Williams climbs up onto the top rope and acknowledges the fans before dropping down and stepping through the ropes. He walks around to the announce table and the mic picks him up saying that he’ll be watching the next match very carefully.



MW: Aaron Williams declaring an interest in the Freedom Championship by the sounds of it.

SD: And I think whoever wins the next match would find him to be a formidable opponent.

MW: Bobby O certainly found him formidable tonight.



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



Backstage, Jace Mason stands alongside Dasha Banks.



DB: I’m joined by FPW Champion, Jace Mason. Jace, just how big is this match?

JM: It’s as big as any other I’ve had recently. Luckily I’ve had a lot of practise with wrestling under pressure in the past year or so. The final match of the A Block last year against Marcus. The Free-1 final against Baker. The FPW Championship matches against MDE and Evans. And now this one. This might be my first title defence of this reign, but I’m not underestimating how important this match is to so many people. Jerry earlier tonight compared this to a fairytale and called himself the big bad wolf. Well, Jerry, you may be the big bad wolf, but I’m not Little Red Riding Hood. I’m the huntsman and I’m coming to put you down.



DB: You say that you recognise how much this match means… you’ve been so well received winning the title. Will the fans help you through this tonight?

JM: I hope so. I thrive on the kind of atmosphere that these fans create not just for me, but for so many others. They’re amazing. Every single match I’ve had, they’ve been right behind me. These people have seen me grow from a rookie to a champion. They saw me come in and go on a losing run, refuse to enter the Free-1 because I didn’t think I was ready, and then take the Freedom Championship and make it my own. They saw me battle my way to a Free-1 victory and then take my place at the top of this company, only to be knocked off that pedestal much earlier than I’d planned. They saw me scratch and claw my way back to the top spot and they’ll see me give everything I have to stay there. Tonight is the first defence of many and I’ll do everything I can to make sure I send these people home happy.



DB: How do you prepare for an opponent like… this one?

JM: He’s right. He is hard to prepare for. I’ve not wrestled against him before, but I know from watching him that Jerry is someone you can’t keep on top of for long. He’s got an uncanny ability to find a way to counter something and keep from taking too much damage. He can string things together in very flexible and creative ways and he showed in the recent tournament that he can pick on a weakness and take you apart. He’s an asshole, but he’s a talented asshole. I know that I’ll need to be at the very top of my game, and I full intend to be.



DB: Jace, I know the entirety of the Freedom Fighters will be behind you tonight and I wish you the very best with this match.

JM: Thank you Dasha… I won’t let you down.



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



SD- Our next match is for the Freedom Championship!



MW- And what an intriguing matchup it is. Bo has been a proud Freedom Champion but by his own admission he's been struggling lately



SD- Indeed and let's not forget that Clutch beat him cleanly in the Number 1 Contenders tournament to earn this opportunity



MW- That's true but let's also not forget that Bo defeated Clutch in his first title defense



SD- A mere technicality. It was a Triple Threat and Clutch wasn't pinned in that match. Tonight, Clutch gets the fair shot he deserved the first time



MW- And with that lets send it to someone who assists gives us a fair shot, Dasha Banks



SD- (Under his breath) Speak for yourself



DB- The following contest is set for one fall and is for the Freedom Championship!



Match 6: Freedom Championship: Botiatus vs. Clutch McCloud (written by Botiatus):



The match starts and an H.O.B chant immediately begins ringing out around the arena. Clutch looks dismissively at the crowd while Bo encourages them to get louder as both men circle each other before locking up strongly. Bo gets a wrist lock that he transitions into a hammerlock that Clutch quickly slips out of, getting a hammerlock of his own. He transitions into a headlock that forces Bo down to one knee. Bo fights back to a standing base but Clutch quickly takes him down with a side headlock sweep. Bo tries to fight out but Clutch has the hold locked in tight and Bo is forced to use his legs to drag himself towards the ropes, hooking the bottom rope with his foot to force the break. As the ref forces the break, Clutch takes a moment to hush the crowd which only draws more boos. Bo gets back to his feet and the two men circle each other as another H.O.B chant starts up. Bo goes for another lock up but Clutch ducks under trying a single leg takedown. Bo attempts to twist out of the maneuver and Clutch transitions into a rear waist lock but Bo responds with a hip toss landing Clutch on his back. He gets a headlock but Clutch is able to quickly get his feet under him as he lifts Bo into a back suplex. Bo quickly retreats to a corner with a frustrated look on his face



MW- Clutch in control here early



SD- This one might be over before it even gets started. Bo seems to still be struggling while Clutch has been hitting his stride lately



MW- Let's not forget though that Bo holds the edge in their head to head record



SD- Remind me again Watson, who won their last match?



MW- Well Clutch of course



SD- Exactly!



Bo gets to his feet and Clutch begins to circle when Bo tries to surprise him by instead stepping straight forward. He aims a kick to the gut but Clutch catches the foot. He tosses it aside and Bo spins into a dragon whip but Clutch ducks under and Bo falls hard on his back, popping up into a seated position. Clutch looks to take advantage with a penalty kick but Bo lays back to avoid it and then spins on his back, sweeping out Clutch's leg. Both men scramble to their feet but Bo is first. He aims a palm strike but Clutch blocks and lands a right hand. A series of right hands backs Bo against the ropes and Clutch looks for a lariat to send Bo over the ropes but Bo counters with a desperation belly to belly suplex that dumps Clutch over his head and onto the floor below



MW- Bo finally able to get some breathing room



SD- Bo certainly needs a moment to recover but that doesn't seem to be his plan



MW- SLINGSHOT PALANCHE!


Both men lay breathing heavy on the ground as the ref begins his count



1...

2...

3...

4...

5- Both men use the ring apron to pull themselves up

6- Clutch aims a foreman but Bo is about to block it and land a palm strike

7- Bo lands a second strike and attempts a third but Clutch is able to grab the arm and whips Bo into the steel steps

8- Bo is out cold and Clutch scrambles to get him back into the ring

9- Clutch is able to roll Bo back in and quickly follows. He makes the first cover of the night 1, 2, No! Bo gets a shoulder up. Clutch quickly get back to his feet and begins stomping away at every body part of Bo. He then pulls Bo up into position for a fisherman's suplex but Bo blocks being lifted. Clutch responds with a pair of clubbing blows to the back before whipping Bo into the corner. He charges after him but Bo is able to dodge at the last second and Clutch goes shoulder first into the ring post. Bo is still moving gingerly due to the pain in his back which buys Clutch time to pull himself out of the corner. He charges at Bo again but gets caught with a scoop powerslam! Bo makes his first cover 1, 2eh No! Clutch gets a shoulder up



MW- Bo finally able to string a couple of moves together



SD- He still had a long way to go to get back into this match



Both men slowly get to their feet. Clutch aims a right but Bo blocks and lands a right of his own. He land a second and a third backing Clutch into the ropes. He tries to whip Clutch but Clutch is able to reverse and whips Bo into the ropes only for Bo to explode off them with a double foramen strike. Clutch scrambles back to his feet and is taken down by a second double forearm strike. Clutch gets back to his feet again and misses with a wild swing and Bo lifts him into a tilt a whirl backbreaker. He whips Clutch into the corner and charges after him but Clutch catches him with a back elbow. He then quickly lifts him to the second ropes before leaping over Bo and connecting a sunset flip powerbomb! He holds for the cover 1, 2, No! Bo kicks out and the crowd let's out a sigh of relief



MW- This crowd is anxious and I can't blame them. Every time Bo is finally able to mount some offense Clutch snuffs it out quickly



Clutch stalks Bo, waiting for him to get to his feet. Bo gets up and Clutch unleashes a Technical Foul but Bo is able to duck under it and he goes for a House Rules but Clutch spins around and catches Bo into a standing dragon sleeper! The crowd tries to cheer Bo on as he struggles and Clutch drops Bo onto his knee for several backbreakers all while maintaining the hold. He leaves Bo bent over his knee as he cranks the hold even tighter and the crowd goes quiet as Bo quickly fades. Clutch screams at the ref to check on Bo and he lifts Bo's arm but it doesn't drop when the ref let's go and the fans explode as they renew their efforts to cheer Bo on. Clutch attempts another backbreaker but Bo resists and then catches Clutch with a kick. Clutch looseness the hold and Bo is able to free his trapped arm before he elbows his way out of the hold. Clutch quickly advances but Bo lifts him into a stun gun! Bo goes for the cover 1, 2, No! The crowd let's out a groan and Bo looks frustrated. He shakes it off and steps through the ropes, climbing the nearby corner



MW- We don't usually see Bo go up there often but it's always something special when he does



SD- He's taking a bit long right now though



Bo takes his time as he makes sure his footing is correct. Clutch takes advantage as he quickly gets to his feet and charges over to the corner, leaping to the second ropes and delivering a belly to belly superplex! He scrambles over to make the cover 1...2...No! Bo just gets a shoulder up!



MW- Another close call for Bo their



SD- He seems to have made a living off of course calls as Freedom Champion but how long can anyone last like that?



Clutch is seething as he checks with the ref to make sure it was two. He then grabs Bo and pulls him up but Bo kicks out Clutch's leg before delivering a snap DDT. With Clutch down Bo steps through the ropes and works the crowd into a frenzy. He then points at himself as the arena booms H.O.B. before delivering a slingshot leg drop! He goes for a cover 1...2... No! Clutch gets a shoulder up and the crowd let's out a collective groan. Bo bangs the mat in frustration and he gets combative with the ref for the first time



MW- Bo needs to keep a cool head here. Arguing with the ref isn't like him



SD- That HAS to be a violation of House Rules. Or do the rules not apply to him?



MW- Don't be ridiculous Steven. Bo has said on numbers occasions that he isn't above House Rules



SD- Well then you explain it to me



Bo pulls up Clutch and lifts him onto his shoulder before rushing to the corner to deliver snake eyes. Clutch is dazed and Bo hits the ropes as he loads up the House Call Elbow but Clutch is able to dodge under it. Bo rebounds and Clutch unleashes TarHEEL but Bo ducks under and immediately leaps up connecting with House Rules! He makes a cover 1...2...NO! Clutch gets a foot on the nearby ropes and the arena explodes with shock



MW- Oh my GOODNESS! I'm pretty sure that's the first time we've ever seen anyone survive that move



SD- Bo can't believe it either!



Bo sits for a second shaking his head. He then looks over at Clutch and nods his head vigorously several times before getting back to his feet. He walks over to the far side ropes stepping through them



MW- Oh my



SD- Is he thinking what I think he is?



MW- We've only seen this once before



Bo hypes up the crowd into a frenzy once again as they boom H.O.B. Bo goes for a springboard and fully commits. He falls to see Clutch quickly pulling himself up and Bo launches himself right into TarHEEL! Bo is knocked out cold and the arena goes silent as Clutch makes the cover 1...2...3!



Winner and New Freedom Champion: Clutch McCloud (16:18).



MW: And there we have it! A new Freedom Champion.

SD: Bo had a good run, but it ends now! Clutch McCloud has finally won his first championship here in FPW.



Clutch stands and has his arm raised. He snatches the title and calls for a mic as Botiatus leaves the ring.



“Ladies and gentlemen, your new Freedom Champion! Me!”



The fans boo as Clutch raises the belt again.



“Before I address my title reign, I want to ask my good friend Russ Bolt and my sweetheart Danica Jane to come and join me.”



Clutch looks up at the ramp and, after a few moments, Bolt and Jane come through the curtain. They both look somewhat unsure, Bolt especially. They come down to the ring and step through the ropes. Clutch reaches out a hand to Bolt but Bolt just looks at him. He turns to Jane, who huge him briefly.



“I wouldn’t be here today without you two. This belt is going around my waist, but I want to thank you both for helping me to rediscover my mojo to get it there. And it’s because of the two of you that this Freedom Championship will now be exclusively for the men’s division in Freedom Pro Wrestling.”



The fans boo again and Russ Bolt looks at Clutch and shakes his head. Danica Jane grabs him by the arm and they exchange a look.



“This belt was once merged with the FPW Women’s Championship. Now that I’m Freedom Champion, I want to unmerge those belts. Mr. Houston, I officially declare that this championship will not be defended against women, and therefore I request that-“



Clutch pauses as Russ Bolt walks out of the ring and up the ramp.



“Hey! What’s going-“



Danica puts her hand on Clutch’s arm and he pauses again. The two share a look before Danica shakes her head. The fans then cheer as she turns and walks out of the ring as well, following Russ Bolt up the ramp.



“Bolt! Dani! Are you really siding with them? Are you really going to participate in the glorification of violence against women? Is that what you want? Is that who you are?”



Bolt and Jane turn at the top of the ramp and look back at Clutch before walking through the curtain. Clutch stares after them in shock as the fans boo him.



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



Backstage, Marcus Allen Jones walks down the corridor and knocks on Jim Houston’s door. Houston calls him in and Marcus sits down.



JH: Marcus-

MAJ: I know I told you I was okay earlier, but I’ve had time to think now. Those guys-

JH: No.

MAJ: You don’t know what I’m asking you yet.

JH: I do. You want to wrestle them. I understand. I would want to do the same, but there’s no chance I’m letting that happen. They will not be coming to FPW.

MAJ: But they already have. They-

JH: They came in and jumped the guardrail when they had no right to. If they ever step into an FPW arena again, they will be arrested for trespassing. I’m not giving you this one. I give you a lot, but I’m not budging on this. They’re too dangerous.



Marcus sighs and sits forward.



MAJ: Fine. If you won’t give me that, there’s something else I want.

JH: Name it.

MAJ: Saturn. Those guys jumped me and then he pinned me afterwards? He thinks he earned that win? I’m not letting that be the last thing on our record. One more time. All Star Tag Team Classic.

JH: Okay. I understand that. Remember that you’ve still got-

MAJ: I want Saturn. Make the match.

JH: Okay then. All Star Tag Team Classic. Marcus Allen Jones versus James Saturn. One more time.

MAJ: Thank you.



Marcus stands and goes to the door, but then he turns.



MAJ: But if those guys show up again, I’m going after them.

JH: They won’t be showing up again.

MAJ: You’d better hope they don’t.



Marcus walks out of the door as Houston runs a hand through his hair.



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



MW: Well, here we go.

SD: The moment has finally arrived. The match we’ve all been waiting for and the moment most people have been dreading.

MW: Jerry Bishop arrived in Freedom Pro Wrestling before anybody else. He was Jim Houston’s first signing and he was the first man we were introduced to at ‘Ride the Lightning’.



A video plays, with ‘One Foot Before the Other’ by Frank Turner backing it. It shows a younger-looking Jim Houston standing in the ring at Ride the Lightning.



“Welcome to the very first episode of Freedom Pro Wrestling!”



‘Comedian’s Gallop’ plays and Jerry Bishop walks down the ramp to a huge pop, taking a deep bow in the ring with a beaming grin on his face. He hits a Last Laugh on Davey Jones and covers him for a victory. It cuts to ‘Enter Sandman’, Jerry teaming with Friendmigo allies Matt Dwyer and Davey Jones, showing Jerry forcing Sabre to submit and then celebrating another big win. It fast forwards to ‘All Star Tag Team Classic Night One, where Super Che Junior returns and he, Dwyer and Jerry stand tall, before advancing to ‘The Lost World’ where Jerry forces TJ Cole to tap before a close-up shows a tear rolling down Jerry’s cheek and he, Dwyer and Che celebrate to a loud ‘Friend-mi-gos’ chant. It does a quick jump through the Free-1, with Jerry picking up wins over Marcus Allen Jones, Tommy Storm and MDE to make the final. It cuts to the final, the footage slightly distorting from this point, as Graham Baker hits Ground Zero to defeat Jerry. It moves through the Dead Man’s Chest match and MDE pulling Jerry off the ladder before showing MDE planting Jerry with the Triple Gutwrench and pinning him at Judgement Day. It lingers on Jerry standing, the music fading as the sound of the arena standing and applauding for Jerry takes over. He looks around at the arena, nodding his appreciation but there’s a shadow creeping over his face.



MW: Jerry Bishop didn’t win tonight but he may have done something more important. Jerry didn’t compromise his values. He didn’t compromise who he truly is. He didn’t sell his soul like MDE did. Jerry came into this match as the heart and soul of FPW and he leaves as FPW’s heart and soul…



The last word echoes as the video flashes through Jerry’s losses- Zachary Bates, Bobby O, Henry Harrison, Clutch McCloud. It shows Jerry trying to get the win in the All Star Tag Team Classic and costing him and Berry the final. It then passes through a number of MDE’s quotes:



“You’re nothing but a pathetic shell of what you could be.”

“You know you could be as good as I am but you can’t bring yourself to flip that switch.”

“One day, you’ll have a chance to make that decision again.”

“Maybe you’ll choose a different path.”

“Maybe you’ll even find someone to guide you to that path.”

“You’re in the middle of a losing streak that seems endless where you seem to find new ways to lose every match.”

“All you need is a bit of a spark to get you back on the right track.”

“You could do great things here. All you need to do is find your spark.”



The video cuts to Jerry’s wins in Free-1 II- Clutch McCloud, Go Shihei, Botiatus, Artemis Evans. It then shows him with Baker in the Chelsea Smile and the time ticking down before Bobby convinces him to go for the win and costs him. It snaps to Jerry calling for the bell with Bobby trapped in the Simply Great Stretch. It shows Bobby picking up Jerry’s old mask.



“Doesn’t this mean anything to you anymore? Anything?”



He then tears the mask in two before Jerry pulls him into a parallel snapmare and completes a Touchstone Takedown. The music fades again to emphasise the silence in the arena.



SD: Jerry Bishop has finally made his choice. Jerry is going to be the man he always had the potential to be. The Jester is dead.



The video cuts to Judgement Day II and there’s a split screen. On the left, we see Jace Mason walking through the curtain and we can hear rapturous cheers.



MW: Jace Mason has had an excellent year. He may doubt himself, but Jace Mason unquestionably deserves to be here.



The left side pauses as the right side picks up on Jerry, coming through the curtain to his new music, in his new gear and being roundly booed.



MW: Maybe a better wrestler, but he’s not a better person. He’s become jealous. He’s become insular and has lost his connection with the very people who once sustained him. This ‘Joker’ personality is not the Jerry Bishop they all loved.



The right side pauses again as the left side shows Jace Mason climbing up to the top rope, chopping MDE hard in the chest and looking around the arena before landing a top rope Extra Credit and covering MDE. 1-2-3!



MW: Jace Mason’s dream has come true. He has climbed the mountain in Freedom Pro Wrestling, and boy does he deserve this moment.



The left side pauses and the right side picks up again. It shows Jerry and Berry looking into one another’s eyes, Berry smiling for a moment before Jerry cuts his lips into a smile which wipes Berry’s off her face. The fans boo loudly as Jerry locks in the Chelsea Smile, pulling back harder than ever before before Berry taps out.



MW: And now we know who the real Jerry Bishop seems to be. The man who tells these fans to shine his shoes and who made his sister tap out when he could have just pinned her.



The two sides pause with Jerry and Mason each celebrating their win, before cutting forward to a quick cut of Jerry Bishop evading Aaron Williams, conducting the fans in their ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant and going through Williams, Berry, Tchyukiro, Williams again and finally Bobby. It then cuts to Mason, quickly going through his losses to Artemis Evans and Myra Lopez before fighting back to win the Young Lions’ Cup and taking the FPW Championship from Artemis Evans.



It ends with the final lyrics of the song… ‘We remain’, as Jerry Bishop and Jace Mason stare one another down after Jerry’s tournament victory.



The video ends with a shot of Thalia Columbina standing on the entrance ramp, boos reigning down on her like never before. She stands and absorbs them, showing no emotion.



“Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to witness THE single greatest wrestler Freedom Pro Wrestling has ever seen, THE winner of the number one contender tournament, THE next Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion, THE man who will crush Jace Mason’s dreams, THE greatest man to ever come out of Kansas City, Missouri, THE Joker, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of professional sports today, yesterday and forever, THE challenger, Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays to yet more deafening boos. Jerry walks out of the curtain to a loud ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant. He begins to laugh loudly before bowing to Thalia Columbina. As ‘I know you can’t stand me…’ rings out, he rises and mockingly conducts the crowd on his way down the ramp while they continue their chant. He reaches the ring and walks up the steps before stepping through the ropes. He looks out at the crowd all around the ring and lets out another long, loud laugh, before settling into the corner, still laughing away as his music stops and the only sound in the arena is the chant which slowly transforms into ‘Let’s Go, Mason’.



“And his opponent… from Seattle, Washington, he is a former Freedom Champion, a former Free-1 winner and the first and only two-time Freedom Pro Wrestling Champion. He enters this match as the reigning and defending FPW Champion, ‘The Eternal Student’… Jace! Mason!”



‘Afterlife’ hits the speakers and anticipation builds as the intro plays. As soon as Mason steps out, the fans explode with cheers. He stands with one foot forward as pyro goes off around him before stepping forward and taking a look around the arena, ending with a pointed stare at Jerry Bishop in the ring. He finally steps forward, FPW Championship over his shoulder, and slaps hands with the fans on his way down to the ring. As he reaches the bottom of the ramp, three children grab his arm and he pauses, looking at them. They plead with him to win the match and Mason’s face turns very serious. He turns back to Jerry in the ring and the two lock eyes as Mason makes his way up the steps. He continues to stare down at Jerry as he steps up onto the turnbuckle, raising the FPW Championship up high and telling Jerry to look at what he’s become and to look at what he’s done to those young fans. He then drops down, hands his title over to the official and readies himself.



Match 7: FPW Championship: Jace Mason vs. Jerry Bishop:



The bell rings and the two men stand in their positions, the noise of a duelling ‘Let’s go, Mason’ and ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant filling the arena. Mason and Jerry each look around at the fans as Mason raises a finger to encourage the ‘Let’s Go, Mason’ chant. Jerry laughs and, in return, begins to conduct the ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant. Mason shakes his head and comes forward, calling Jerry to the middle of the ring. Jerry slowly comes forward and they go to lock-up, but Jerry steps to the side and quickly drops down, rolling out of the ring, to a great many boos.



“We do this when I’m ready, Mason. Not when you’re ready.”



Mason stands in the ring with his arms outstretched before taking a deep breath and calling Jerry back in. Jerry merely laughs at him.



MW: Jace Mason trying to remain cool here.

SD: I’m sure he’ll have trained with Aaron Williams, or at least spoken to him. That man has more experience with The Joker than anyone. The one thing he’ll have tried to press home- don’t let Jerry Bishop get into your head.

MW: And if Mason can show Jerry that this kind of tactic won’t frustrate him, he’ll get an advantage.

SD: Maybe. He certainly won’t give Jerry the advantage that he’s looking to get anyway.



Jerry nods to Mason and slowly climbs up onto the apron in his corner. He steps through the ropes briefly before stepping across to the opposite ropes and climbing back out of the ring. Mason looks down at him and then asks the official to begin a count.



1……….

2……….

3……….



Jerry laughs at Mason’s attempt to get him back into the ring, and begins again to conduct the ‘Fuck you, Jerry’ chant that breaks out.



4……….

5……….

6……….



Jerry still shows no interest in getting back into the ring. Mason begins to show s a few signs of frustration.



7……….



MW: Surely Jerry won’t get himself counted-out?

SD: No, but I bet he wants to plant that seed of doubt into Mason’s mind. The less predictable he is, the more of an advantage he has.



8……….



Mason shakes his head and moves over to the ropes, but Jerry darts forward and grabs his foot, dropping him down and pulling him out of the ring. The official climbs out as Jerry grabs Mason and throws him head-first into the guardrail. He puts the boots to him before lifting him and rolling him back into the ring. He slides in after him and makes a quick cover.



One-



Mason easily kicks out, but Jerry maintains his control. He grabs Mason into a chinlock and drives a knee into his back. He transitions into a modified dragon sleeper, keeping the knee in Mason’s back while he bends his head back. Mason flails an arm to try and get Jerry to break the hold, but Jerry catches the arm and transitions into a modified chicken wing, still keeping the knee driven into Mason’s back.



MW: Jerry seemingly in total control here.

SD: It’s a very impressive start. Trick Mason into the error and then capitalise. He’s softening up the upper back and the back of the neck right now, and we know why.

MW: A tactic that I can guess the origin of.

SD: With Jerry’s talent and MDE’s gameplanning, I don’t see how he can possibly lose tonight.



Mason manages to fight his way to one knee and begins to get to his feet, so Jerry releases the hold and turns him, hooking him into a vertical suplex and making a cover.



One…

Tw-



Mason kicks out again. Jerry maintains his control once again, holding Mason down and lifting a knee before driving it into the back of the neck. He then places both knees into Mason’s back and grabs him by the forehead and the shins, lifting him and stretching him over the knees. Mason cries out and tries to free his legs, freeing one and using it to help him flip free of Jerry’s grip. Mason scrambles to his feet but Jerry is there first, driving a knee into his gut and forcing him into the corner. Jerry lands a few forearms before whipping Mason across into the opposite corner. He comes in for a running dropkick but Mason explodes out of the corner with a running elbow. The fans cheer loudly as Mason staggers a couple of steps before reaching down to pull Jerry up.



Mason hooks an arm over his head and looks for a falcon arrow, but Jerry drives a knee into the top of Mason’s head and then drops down behind him. Mason turns and Jerry connects with a step-up enzeguiri to send Mason to his knees. Jerry then hits the ropes and comes back with a hard penalty kick to drop Mason to the mat. He makes a cover.



One…

Two-



Mason kicks out. Immediately Jerry grabs him into a chinlock again with his knee driven into the back of the neck.



MW: Jace Mason has a sliver of an opportunity there but Jerry cut it off quickly.

SD: He’s so good at that. You just can’t keep him down.

MW: And now it’s Jerry looking to keep Mason down.

SD: This seems to be his approach. He knows that Mason can offer a quick counter for most moves, so he appears to want to keep him grounded and wear him down as much as he can. He’s hit a few big moves, but only when he’s needed to, and one cost him an elbow to the face when he didn’t need to go for it. That might act as a reminder for Jerry to stick to his gameplan.



Mason grimaces as Jerry pulls back as he as he can to manipulate the neck. Mason manages to get his feet under him and push himself up, Jerry trying to transition into a DDT, but Mason frees himself before Jerry can fully turn. He chops Jerry hard in the chest, and follows it up with another hard chop and then another, forcing Jerry back into the corner. He continues to land chops before backing away and then connecting with a running knee. Jerry staggers out of the corner and then turns into a spinning gut kick. Mason then kicks out Jerry’s leg and hits the ropes before connecting with a low dropkick to the head. He makes a quick cover.



One…

Tw-



Jerry kicks out. Mason then stands, one hand going to the back of his neck, and stalks Jerry. As Jerry pushes himself to his feet, Mason grabs him by the arm and kicks him hard in the gut. He then hooks an arm over him and pulls him up before dropping him with a falcon arrow. Mason then rolls away, pointing up to the top rope. The fans cheer as he steps through the ropes and climbs to the top. He looks down at Jerry and launches himself into a shooting star press, but Jerry rolls out of the way. Mason manages to adjust and land on his feet, but Jerry quickly grabs him and drops him with a Russian leg sweep.



Jerry backs away into the corner to recover for a moment before pulling himself to his feet and dropping a knee across the back of Mason’s neck. He then grabs him into that chinlock again, pulling back with his knee driven into the neck. The official checks on Mason, but he refuses to give in. The crowd help him to resist, pushing up on one knee again. However, once again Jerry anticipates the counter and changes position, grabbing the head and walking up the ropes for a tornado DDT. Mason, however, counters too, shoving Jerry on the top rope and freeing his head, landing some hard blows to the back and pulling him down into a tree of woe position. Mason then backs up and runs at Jerry, connecting hard with a low dropkick which leaves Jerry crumpled in a heap in the corner.



MW: A great counter from Mason!

SD: Jerry took a risk and it didn’t pay off. Mason once again fighting from beneath and once again doing it very effectively.

MW: I’m not sure there’s anyone better at mounting a comeback than Jace Mason.

SD: But when you rely on comebacks you slow yourself down. He couldn’t capitalise straight away there because of the damage done to his neck, so Jerry got an extra second to recover.



Jerry begins to pull himself up as Mason comes over to him. Jerry lands a couple of forearms to the gut and Mason staggers back a couple of steps. Jerry pushes up but its straight into a hard kick to the side of the knee. Jerry tries to push through it, but Mason lands another and then another. Jerry looks to counter with a kick of his own, but Mason catches it. He twists Jerry into a dragon screw leg whip and then looks to grab the leg, but Jerry uses the momentum to roll through to the outside. The fans boo as they see Jerry avoid Mason’s grip, but Mason doesn’t waste any time. He follows Jerry and rolls him straight back into the ring.



Mason follows and he grabs Jerry by the left boot, but the added time gave Jerry time to recover once again, and he manages to pull Mason down into a small package.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Mason just manages to escape. The two men scramble to be first to their feet and Jerry cuts Mason off with a kick to the gut. He drives the point of his elbow down into Mason’s neck and then sends him into the corner. He follows up with a running dropkick and Mason drops to his knees. Jerry flexes his left leg before climbing to the second rope. Mason stands and turns but he’s taken down by Jerry’s second rope blockbuster. Jerry makes a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Mason kicks out.



MW: Another close kick-out from Jace Mason.

SD: They’re getting closer. The work on his neck must be really hindering him, especially after that blockbuster.

MW: But Jerry isn’t without his wounds. That dragon screw seemed to damage the knee.

SD: But Mason hasn’t been able to capitalise yet. He needs to work on that knee and do so quickly if he’s going to keep himself alive and keep up his hopes of retaining the FPW Championship. One move isn’t enough. He needs to string some together but Jerry isn’t letting him do it.



Jerry stands and looks down at Mason as he gets onto all-fours. He reaches down and pulls Mason into position for the tornado DDT again, walking up the ropes, only for Mason to dive forward with a version of a chop block as the left leg steps onto the middle rope. Jerry hits the mat hard and grabs at the knee before trying to roll away. Mason, however, doesn’t let him, a loud cheer going up as he grabs the left boot. He lands a few more hard kicks to the inside of the knee before connecting with a second dragon screw leg whip, this time with Jerry lying on the mat.



Mason then stands and grabs the left leg again. He looks out to the crowd, who chant ‘Mason… Mason… Mason…’ in response. Mason hooks the leg and looks to turn Jerry for the half-crab, but Jerry resists, twisting his body the opposite way each time Mason tries to turn him. Mason reaches down to try and stop him but Jerry grabs him by his hair and lands a hard elbow strike to the head before pulling him down into a makeshift DDT. Mason rolls away and the crowd go quiet as Jerry rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Mason kicks out. The crowd cheer in relief as they watch Jerry roll to the ropes and use them to help himself to his feet. He flexes his left leg again and limps slightly as he moves back over to Mason. He drags him up to his feet and lands a couple more forearms to the head before taking him down with a parallel snapmare. The fans boo again as Jerry hits the ropes to complete the Touchstone Takedown, only for Mason to catch the kick and rolls through onto his feet, locking in the half-crab. The fans cheer loudly and a ‘tap… tap… tap’ chant rolls around the arena. Jerry, however, scrambles over to the ropes, getting there before Mason can really sit down on the hold.



MW: Jerry Bishop was worried for a moment there.

SD: Maybe a little, but he had the awareness not to panic. He got to the ropes as quickly as he could and he didn’t let Mason settle into the hold.

MW: But Jerry’s knee has become a target now. Mason knows that Jerry is hurt and he knows if he can fully lock in that half-crab, it could be the end of the match.

SD: But fully locking in a move on Jerry Bishop is easier said than done. Do you know how many hours he and MDE will have been working on countering it? I doubt Mason will get it locked in fully.



Mason releases the hold and takes a few steps away from Jerry. He turns to see Jerry still down, hand still over the bottom rope. He moves in and grabs Jerry by the waist, looking to pull him up, but Jerry grabs Mason’s head and pulls it down, forcing Mason through the ropes and out of the ring. Jerry quickly follows and lands a kick to the gut. He grabs Mason by the head and steps up the apron, onto the steps and then delivers a tornado DDT to the floor. Jerry rolls away and flexes his leg a little more as Mason lies motionless on the outside. Jerry then pushes himself up, hopping a little with his first step on the left leg, and pulls Mason to his knees before heaving him up and forcing him into the ring.



Jerry climbs up onto the apron and stalks Mason. Mason slowly forces himself to get to his feet and Jerry leaps up onto the top rope and looks for a springboard forearm, only for Mason to catch him in mid-air into Extra Credit! The fans go wild as Mason hooks the leg, making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Jerry just gets a shoulder up. The fans stand with hands on their heads as Mason does the exact same thing in the ring. He looks at the official, who raises an eyebrow, before dropping down and rolling away. With both men down, the fans begin to make some noise again, another loud ‘Let’s go, Mason’ chant breaking out. Mason uses it to help him get to his feet and he staggers over to Jerry. He pulls him up by the head and then lifts him into a fireman’s carry position. He drops him into a fireman’s carry neckbreaker before stepping over to the ropes again. With the fans cheering loudly, he steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top, looking down at Jerry and coming down again with a shooting star press- but Jerry manages to spring to his feet and he turns it into a DDT! Jerry rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Mason just bets a shoulder up this time. The fans go wild with more relief as Jerry rolls away, letting out a loud laugh as he rests on his back. Both men slowly begin to roll to the ropes, each man pulling themselves up and eyeing the other from across the ring. They stagger towards one another, Mason landing a hard chop to the chest again. Jerry responds with a forearm. The two exchange chops and forearms for a moment before Mason begins to get the advantage. He lands another big chop before reaching down to grab the leg. He holds it for a split-second but Jerry drives a forearm into the face again. Mason looks for a kick to the knee but Jerry catches it. He spins Mason around and lands a rolling elbow.



Mason staggers into the ropes and bounces back, Jerry connecting hard with a right hand. Mason staggers again and Jerry pulls him in to complete The Punchline. Mason, however, ducks the clothesline and forces Jerry down, grabbing the left leg. He turns Jerry for the half-crab, but Jerry turns again and Mason loses his grip. Jerry hooks his legs under Mason’s arms and forces him into the ropes. Mason steps over Jerry as he drops down to trip him, and then Jerry springs up, hitting the ropes himself but being caught into position for Extra Credit. But Jerry blocks it, landing a hard elbow to the back of the neck before trapping Mason’s arms and dropping him with a snap Last Laugh. The air is sucked out of the building as Jerry rolls him over and makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Mason forces a shoulder up! The crowd explodes as Jerry rolls away with his hands on his head.



MW: I don’t believe that Jace Mason is still going here!

SD: These two men might be the most resilient that FPW has to offer. Jace Mason is not willing to let go of that title without the biggest fight Jerry Bishop has ever given.

MW: But how much longer can he fight on? We’ve been going for thirty minutes and both men must be tired, but Mason has taken more punishment in this match. His neck must be causing him a lot of pain as well as inhibiting the rest of his body.

SD: And Jerry’s knee will be sore too. Both men have taken their licks in this match. I think it’ll take one Punchline from Jerry and this could be done, but one half crab properly applied… Mason needs to find a way to get it locked in.



Jerry forces himself to stand and he looks down at Mason. Mason is crawling over to the ropes, but he drops down and holds the back of his neck. Jerry begins to laugh, the arena filling with a mixture of his loud, disturbed laughter and the boos of the fans. He reaches down and grabs Mason by the back of the trunks. He traps the arm again to look to complete The Punchline, but Mason grabs Jerry’s wrist and drops down. Jerry tries to haul him back up to his feet but Mason won’t budge. Jerry releases him and backs away, but he comes back with a hard penalty kick to the back of the neck. Mason drops face-first to the mat.



Jerry reaches down and pulls him up again, trapping the arms and looking for a second- and surely final- Last Laugh. He traps the arms but Mason manages to come forward, jamming an elbow into Jerry’s leg. Jerry’s grip loosens and Mason frees his arms. He drives Jerry into the ropes and sends him across the ring. Mason stands and takes Jerry down with a dropkick to the left knee as he comes back at him. Jerry flips over and grabs at the leg, but Mason darts in, gripping Jerry by the left boot and, as quick as a flash, turning him into the half crab. He sits down deep and another loud ‘tap… tap… tap’ chant fills the arena.



MW: This could be it! This could be the moment!

SD: Jerry is a long way from the ropes.

MW: That left knee will be shrieking at him to tap out. Much like this crowd!

SD: But this is Jerry’s moment. His time. He won’t tap out. I’m sure he’d rather die than tap out.

MW: Mason is sat as deep as he possibly can. The official is checking on Jerry, pleading with him to give in.

SD: But Jerry Bishop will not tap. And look! He’s inching his way to the ropes!

MW: Surely he can’t resist for much longer.

SD: These fans can sense it. Listen. They’re going quiet.

MW: Mason pulling back with everything he has!

SD: Jerry is just inches from the ropes now.

MW: Mason wrenching at the knee!

SD: And he’s there!



Jerry grabs the bottom rope and the official orders Mason to break the hold. Mason drops to his knees and releases Jerry, hands going to his head. He looks back at Jerry, who hasn’t moved since Mason broke the hold. Mason then stands, looking around at everyone in the arena and calling for them to give him the energy he needs. He reaches down and hauls Jerry up to his feet, driving him into the corner. Mason then takes a moment to breathe before hoisting Jerry up to a seated position on the top turnbuckle. Mason drags himself up the turnbuckles and stands alongside Jerry. He lands a chop to his chest and then looks out to the fans. He then pulls Jerry in for a top rope Extra Credit, but Jerry lands a series of hard elbows to the back of Mason’s head to block it. Jerry then hook him behind the head and drops him with a DDT onto the ring post. Mason slides back down into the ring.



Jerry drops down, the fans going quiet as they recognise that this is exactly how Jerry managed to beat Bobby to earn this match. He lands a hard right hand to Mason and quickly grabs him by the trunks before he can drop to the mat. He traps the wrist and spins him out to complete The Punchline, but Mason collapses and Jerry misses with the clothesline. Jerry drops to his knees as well and looks back at Mason, who is trying to drag himself away to the ropes. Jerry quickly turns and grabs Mason’s boot, pulling him back towards him. He looks up at the fans and slowly cuts his lips into a smile. There’s a clear sound of a sharp intake of breath as Jerry locks in Chelsea Smile.



MW: No! This move has done for Sabre, TJ Cole, Berry Bishop… all of Jerry’s biggest matches….

SD: And Mason has nothing left. Nothing. He has to tap.

MW: Not if these fans have anything to do with it. Listen to the noise they’re making to get behind their champion right now.

SD: But it won’t be any use!

MW: It will be. It is. I said it at Judgement Day II and I’ll say it again now. Jace Mason truly is the people’s champion. Look! He’s pushing up!

SD: How is he resisting this!

MW: And he’s trying to reach for the ropes.

SD: Jerry is pulling back… almost as much as he did against Berry at Judgement Day II.

MW: And Mason is still fighting through it. He’s going to get to the ropes! He’s going to break this hold.

SD: Jerry pulling back even harder! He’s desperate to finish his story.

MW: Mason with one last effort! He’s-

SD: Jerry dragging him back! There will be no fairytale ending. This match is-

MW: He’s pulled him too far, Mason has a cover!



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Jerry just gets a shoulder up and the fans collapse back into their seats.



MW: But he had to break the hold to avoid being pinned.

SD: And now both men lie exhausted in the middle of the ring.

MW: What a match this has been. What an emotional ride.

SD: We’re not at the end just yet. But which way will it go. Will it be agony or ecstasy?



Jerry and Mason each grab the bottom rope and try to haul themselves to their feet. Jerry pulls himself up but Mason drops back down. He grabs for the rope again but he’s got absolutely nothing left. Jerry turns and looks at him, letting out another loud laugh. The fans boo as Jerry slowly makes his way over to Mason. He pulls him up by the trunks. Mason swings a wild right hand at Jerry but Jerry easily ducks and connects with one of his own. Mason’s knees buckle and falls right into Jerry. Jerry catches him and traps his wrist, spinning him out and connecting with The Punchline. The arena falls silent. Jerry looks down at Mason and then out at the FPW Championship. He looks all around the arena and then drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry pulls Mason off the canvas, a laugh bursting from his lungs. The fans murmur in confusion but they soon realise what Jerry is thinking. He cuts his lips into a smile once again and, as the official berates him, he turns Mason over and locks in the Chelsea Smile for a second time. The fans urge Mason to fight it, but he’s motionless in the hold. The official checks on him and shakes his head. He grabs his arm and holds it up, letting it come back down to- no! Mason holds it up. The fans explode with cheers as Mason pushes himself up for one final effort, but he’s met with Jerry pulling back harder than he even did on Berry. Mason’s arms go limp again and the official comes in for a second time, lifting a hand and letting it drop. As it comes down, the only sound that can be heard in the arena is the sound of Jace Mason’s limp hand hitting the canvas. The official calls for the bell.



Winner and New FPW Champion: Jerry Bishop (42:42).



The fans sit down, stunned. The official, a grimace of pain on his face, reaches out and takes the FPW Championship, turning to look at Jerry, who kneels and looks at him, laughing louder than ever before. As the official goes to hand the title to Jerry, MDE comes down the ramp, enters the ring and grabs it instead. He turns to Jerry, smiles and hands it to him, the fans finding their voices and raining boos down on the two men in the ring. MDE raises Jerry’s arm as Thalia Columbina enters through the curtain to yet more boos.



“Ladies and gentlemen, THE new FPW Champion… Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop.”



MW: Well there it is. This moment seems to be sinking in here. I’ve never heard such a quiet arena after an FPW Championship changing hands.

SD: These people finally get what they wanted and look at them! For two years they were desperate for this moment. They were desperate to see their hero holding that title in his hands and now… now he’s done it!

MW: But…

SD: This was the only way he could have ever had this moment. You know that’s true just as much as I do.

MW: Maybe it was but-

SD: These people can’t stand it. Be careful what you wish for. Jerry granted their wish, but it wasn’t at all what they imagined it would be.

MW: However it’s happened, it has happened. Your new FPW Champion… Jerry Bishop.