Post by Jim Houston on May 17, 2020 9:17:20 GMT
A video plays, highlighting previous All Star Tag Team Classics. It flashes through the participants in the first All Star Tag Team Classic and shows Bobby O and Jack Sevren’s route to the final, before cutting to them defeating The Invaders and holding up the Tag Team Championships. It then flashes through the All Star Tag Team Classic II participants and focusses on Death Squad’s victory over The Queendom and The Guardians of Strong Style, then their Tag Team Championship victory and finally their win over Jerry and Berry Bishop in the final. We then have a run through of this year’s participants, ending with a shot of the bracket.
The feed then cuts to Mike Watson and Steven Deville at the announce desk.
MW: Welcome one and all to the second stop-off on the road to the All Star Tag Team Classic.
SD: And if this is anything like our first stop, we’ve got a night to look forward to.
MW: Indeed we do Steven. We already have The Queendom, who defeated an impressive Russ Bolt and Danica Jane, versus Jace Mason and Aaron Williams, who gave it everything they had to defeat MDE and FPW Champion Jerry Bishop, meeting in the first semi-final. Tonight, we determine the second.
SD: The Dogs of War, former FPW Tag Team Champions who are desperate for another shot at the gold, go up against the bright young team of Revolution-X, while Botiatus and Berry Bishop team together for the first time to take on another set of former Tag Team Champions in Death Squad.
MW: Two matches which are very tough to call. But that’s not all. The Freedom Championship will be on the line as Clutch McCloud defends for the first time in a very interesting match with Aaron Williams, as well as Bobby O and Liz Karlson teaming for the first time to take on the Suplex Sweethearts. We also will see RDJ MDE II as Robert D Jackson looks to pick up a second victory on the spin after his impressive debut one month ago.
SD: This night should be something special, Watson.
MW: And so should our first match. Clutch McCloud has been on a hot streak of late which has culminated in a victory over Botiatus for the Freedom Championship, his first ever in FPW. And his first defence is a big one. Aaron Williams picked up a win over Clutch at our Wrestlemania weekend special, and will hope he can claim his first title here tonight.
SD: Both of these two are experienced wrestlers who are maybe on the older side of the average age of this roster, but both seem to be on the rise. This match is a real clash of two guys with momentum, and I’ll be fascinated to see who comes out on top.
MW: Who are you picking?
SD: You know, I’m not sure. Clutch has seemed more focused of late, but Williams has managed to capture the x-factor that made him such a big star several years ago. Either way, I expect this to be a great opener.
Dasha Banks: "The following contest scheduled for one fall is for the FPW Freedom Championship!"
"I Still Believe" plays and Aaron Williams makes his way down looking more somber.
DB: "Introducing first: the challenger from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Aaron! Williams!"
Aaron asks for the microphone from Dasha, which she hands him.
AW: "Normally I'm a little more interactive, but I would like to call attention to something disturbing. Now my opponent tonight prides himself on being a "real man", but the reality he's nothing but a coward. Any champion worth a damn in this business would accept ANY challenger. He's actively trying to deny opportunities to people who work hard for them. If I can win tonight, I will be-"
Before Aaron can say anything else, "Rise" by Skillet starts to play. (At the point where the music picks up) Clutch comes out, with the Freedom Championship over his shoulder. He slowly makes his way down the ramp. The look on his face communicates a clear "I’m not having any of this shit" attitude.
DB: "And his opponent: from The Gateway City. He is the current FPW Freedom Champion: Clutch! McCloud!"
Boos rain down from the crowd as Clutch stoically holds up the title before handing it to the official.
Match 1: Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Aaron Williams (written by Clutch):
The bell rings as the match begins. Clutch extends his hand out. Aaron Williams goes for the handshake, which Clutch responds with an emphatic elbow to the jaw of Williams. He goes for a quick cover.
1!... Williams kicks out.
MW: Nothing doing by Clutch to try and put Williams away early.
SD: He’s obviously scouted Aaron Williams.
MW: And he decided to use Williams’ sportsmanship against him. What a gentleman.
Clutch pulls back while Williams comes to, the latter rubbing his jaw.
.
The two meet in the middle of the ring for a collar and elbow tie up. Williams gets the initial advantage, switching a hammerlock. After a struggle, Clutch delivers a couple strong elbows to the head of Williams, forcing a break. Clutch bounces off the ropes to deliver a clothesline, but Williams ducks the first but isn't able to dodge the second.
Clutch hits a Garvin Stomp then climbs the turnbuckle while Williams is down. He simply makes a ghost belt gesture, much to the chagrin of the fans.
Aaron gets up unbeknownst to Clutch, running up and kicking Clutch's leg out from under him. Clutch hits the mat hard and Williams picks up Clutch, whipping him to the opposite corner. Williams does a taunt before hitting a running knee to Clutch. Williams goes for the cover.
One!
Two!
Thr-NO!
Clutch gets his foot on the bottom rope, forcing a break.
MW: That was extremely close!
SD: That’s not a move that Williams usually uses. Clutch must have been caught by surprise there.
MW: And it nearly cost him his title at the first opportunity.
Williams picks Clutch up, going for a whip. Clutch hits the ropes and eats a drop kick from Williams. Clutch is slow to get up, getting to his knees. Williams goes for a running knee, but Clutch catches the knee mid-air and springs up, hitting an emphatic lariat. Clutch goes for the cover.
1!
2!
NO! Williams gets the shoulder up.
At this point Clutch is getting frustrated at his inability to put Williams away quickly. Clutch turns Williams over on his stomach and lands an elbow drop straight on Williams's back. This is followed up by several stomps.
Clutch picks up Williams and throws him over the rope to the outside. The ref instructs Clutch to bring Williams back in the ring.
Clutch (to ref): "You don't tell me what to do you piece of shit!"
The crowd boos mercilessly. Clutch grabs Williams by the hair.
1!
CM: "You wanna boo me?!? I'll give you something to boo about!"
2!
Clutch picks up Williams and runs him back first into the ring post.
3!
Williams is writhing in pain on the ground.
4!
Clutch exchanges some unintelligible shouting with a fan in the stands.
5!
Clutch turns to Williams. Clutch picks him up again and runs him into the ring post a second time.
6!
CM (to Williams): HOW DOES IT FEEL?
7!
Clutch rolls under the rope and slips back out.
1!
Clutch goes over to a fan and steals his drink bringing on more boos.
2!
Williams struggles to pick himself up.
3!
Williams gets to his feet as Clutch turns his back to Williams.
4!
Williams: "Hey asshole!" Clutch turns around to eat a drop kick and goes flying over the barricade and into the crowd, who cheer as Williams slaps a couple of hands.
5!
Williams builds up some speed and is able to vault over the barricade to hit a forearm strike on Clutch.
MW: What athleticism!
SD: But I think he’s done some damage to himself as well there. Aaron Williams would have been better suited heading back into the ring.
MW: Anything to put on a show.
SD: But will it cost him a victory?
6!
The two men are on the ground as fans gather around. A small security team makes their way over.
7!
Clutch and Williams slowly get to their feet.
8!
Both men get to their feet. Clutch climbs over the barricade as Williams just slinks over it but is still standing.
9!
Both men lunge to the ring, getting back in in the nick of time. Clutch is raring to go on offense but the ref checks on Williams first. Aaron emphatically tells him not to stop the match.
MW: Great spirit from our challenger there.
SD: I told you that forearm was too risky. He clearly got the worst of the landing.
Williams gets back to his feet. The two come back into a collar and elbow tie up. Clutch gets the advantage, going to a snapmare takedown and into a sleeper hold. The ref asks Williams if he wants to submit, but he refuses. Williams tries to fight, but Clutch has the hold locked in. After another brief struggle, Williams gets a hand free and is able to break out of the hold. Clutch charges at Williams, but he catches Clutch's ankle, jerking him to the mat. Williams gets up and climbs to the top rope. He hits a Swanton Bomb. He briefly exclaims in pain prior to making a cover.
One!
Two!
Thr-NO! Clutch gets the shoulder up.
Williams is visibly frustrated. Williams gets to his feet as Clutch slowly tries to get up. Williams rushes over, delivers a kick that stuns Clutch long enough to hit a DDT. Williams goes for the cover.
One!
Two!
Clutch kicks out at 2 and a half!
Williams picks Clutch up, whipping him to the corner. Williams runs over to deliver a knee strike to Clutch. He runs back and delivers another.
The crowd repeatedly chants "ONE MORE TIME!"
Williams goes for another but Clutch gets out of the way and hits a Pele kick on Williams, sending him outside. Clutch hits the mat.
MW: A big time counter from Clutch McCloud.
SD: And crucially a chance to catch his breath.
MW: But would he be better going after Williams and looking to end this one?
SD: I think he needs to take the breather. Maybe sucker Williams back into the ring right into a Technical Foul.
1!
Williams is stirring.
2!
The fans are trying to will Williams up and back in the match.
3!
Williams is to his feet.
4!
Clutch goes for a baseball slide, but Williams takes Clutch's legs and pulls him outside. The two brawl at ringside. Williams gets a stunning blow on Clutch, sending him to the apron. Williams then rolls Clutch in the ring.
Williams runs over to slide in on the opposite side. He goes for a discus clothesline, but Clutch ducks it and lands a Technical Foul. Clutch goes for a cover.
One!
Two!
Thr- Williams kicks out!
MW: Listen to these fans! They did not expect that.
SD: Clutch showing that he can hit that Technical Foul from anywhere. Now he surely just needs one more.
MW: He’s stalking Williams here. Aaron needs to be careful.
Frustrated, Clutch gets up and yells for Williams to get to his feet. Williams is slow to get up. In frustration, Clutch goes over to Williams but is met with a snap DDT. The match has taken its toll as Williams is unable to make the cover. Clutch is visibly shaken as well, his eyes looking somewhat glazed over. Both men go into opposite corners. Williams gears up for another knee. Williams runs at clutch, but instinctively, Clutch explodes out of his corner hitting TarHEEL. Clutch falls into the cover.
1!
2!
3!
Winner and still Freedom Champion: Clutch McCloud (12:31).
MW: And there it is. A big title defence from Clutch McCloud.
SD: An impressive performance from Clutch. He’s established himself as a genuine Freedom Champion with this win tonight.
MW: And now he’ll doubtlessly look for his next challenger, although who that may be I don’t know.
SD: I’m sure they’ll be queuing up to get their shot.
Clutch stands and takes the belt from the official. He has his arm raised and calls for a mic.
MW: Oh no.
SD: I love watching him wrestle, but I must admit, I hate hearing him talk.
“Aaron Williams says I want to restrict the challengers for this title? Well he’s damn right. This Freedom Championship is a men’s division championship. I will not defend this title against a woman because I refuse to participate in the promotion of gratuitous man-on-woman violence like each and every single one of you here tonight.”
The fans boo loudly.
“But… I’m not going to stop any man from challenging me for this title. I know I’m not booked for All Star Tag Team Classic III, and that’s fine. But here’s what I have to say. On the first Road to Free-1 III show on Sunday June 14th, I will be offering an open challenge to any MAN who wishes to try and take this from me. I will be a fighting champion within the men’s division. Anyone who thinks they can step up and face me for this title… come and take your shot.”
Clutch drops the mic and leaves the ring, walking up the ramp as he’s booed loudly by the fans.
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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Russ Bolt.
DB: Russ, thank you for joining me tonight. You suffered a loss in the All Star Tag Team Classic last week. How did it feel to once again fall at an early hurdle?
RB: Well, as you kind of suggested there, it’s not as if I’m not used to it. Danica and me… we wanted to prove that we could match up to one of the best teams around here, and I think we did for the most part. Credit to The Queendom, they didn’t need to cheat to beat us. They were better than us. But even though we lost, I think we both proved that we deserve to be here by ourselves and not because of someone else.
DB: Of course that someone else you refer to being Clutch McCloud. Have you spoken-
RB: No. And I don’t plan to. He has his road and I have mine. I don’t have a problem with Steve as long as he doesn’t have a problem with me. I just don’t want to tread that path.
DB: Where do you see yourself going next?
RB: Well, I don’t have a match tonight and I very much doubt I’ll have one at the finals. I get that. I’m not the biggest name and I certainly don’t have the best win record. What I’d like is an opportunity. I know this place is somewhere I can get one as long as I work for it and that’s what I plan to do. I want to enter the Free-1. I know that a lot of guys around here will say that, and I know a lot who will deserve to get there ahead of me. I know for sure I won’t get an automatic spot, but a qualifying match is all I’m asking for. I want the chance to go up against the best around here and to be able to have five matches to show off my skills, maybe impress a few people and, who knows, maybe shock the world and head to Judgement Day to face the champ. The Free-1 is my chance to do that, and that’s where I want to go.
DB: Good luck with that.
RB: Thanks.
Bolts walks off as the camera returns to ringside.
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MW: “Our next match should be quite interesting, featuring some lingering animosity from our last show.”
SD: “Two weeks ago, the Suplex Sweethearts, Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley, had singles matches against Bobby O and Elizabeth Karlson respectively. Saxon came up short, but with a little bit of help, Ripley was able to score the victory over Karlson. However, Karlson and Bobby were, shall we say, displeased with this result, and that led to a brawl at the first Road to show, which set up this match tonight.”
MW: “Yes, Bobby and Elizabeth were not happy with the actions of the Suplex Sweethearts, and I agree with them, leading to this chance at retribution tonight.”
SD: “What’s the problem with what the Sweethearts did? And before you say that he distracted Karlson, let me remind you that he did nothing to her, Karlson let herself get distracted by his presence.”
MW: “Well, that’s not how I remember things, and I don’t think that’s how Bobby and Elizabeth interpreted them either.”
‘This Means War’ played from the arena speakers, and Bobby O appeared at the top of the ramp, where he was greeted by cheers from the crowd. He popped his collar and began his approach to the ring as Dasha began the introductions. “The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!” she said. “Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is Mr. FPW, Bobby O!” Bobby stood in the ring and leaned over the ropes before he dropped back into the center of the ring to await his partner.
‘This Means War’ faded out and was replaced with ‘Turn It On’ as Elizabeth Karlson appeared amidst the flickering lights. She stared down the ramp at her partner before she made her way towards the ring. “And introducing his partner,” Dasha continued. “Also from Philadelpiha, Pennsylvania, she is the Renegade, Elizabeth Karlson!” Karlson posed in the corner before rolling backwards to sit cross-legged in the center of the ring, ready to meet her opponents.
‘Turbo Killer’ began to play, and the Suplex Sweethearts strode onstage, ignoring the boos from the crowd as they embraced and shared a kiss before they stalked their way down the ramp to the ring. “And introducing their opponents, from London, England and Colby, Kansas respectively, Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley, the Suplex Sweethearts!” The Sweethearts posed in the middle of the ring before they settled into their corner, with Ripley stepping onto the apron as Saxon watched their opponents argue over who would start the match. After a tense discussion, Bobby raised his hands and left the ring, allowing Karlson to start the match.
Match 2: The Suplex Sweethearts vs. Bobby O and Liz Karlson (written by Mason):
Karlson began to advance, but before Saxon could do the same, Ripley tagged herself into the match. Saxon looked somewhat surprised, but Ripley didn’t notice as she glared daggered at Karlson. As Saxon shrugged and stepped out of the ring, Ripley stepped in and approached Karlson saying “No one lays their hands on my man and gets away with it.” She got right up in Karlson’s face as she said this, but Karlson refused to be intimidated by her larger opponent and slapped her across the face! Ripley stared at her, shocked, as Karlson spread her arms and said “prove it.” Ripley lunged forwards with a forearm, but Karlson sidestepped and applied a waistlock, driving her into the ropes before pulling her down into an O’Connor roll!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Karlson shot to her feet as Ripley sat up, holding her finger and thumb just apart with a smirk on her face.
MW: “It seems that neither Karlson nor Ripley have forgotten what happened at their match two weeks ago.”
Karlson allowed Ripley to stand up before she lunged in for a lockup. She and Ripley jockeyed for position, and it looked at first like Ripley would gain the advantage due to her size, but then Karlson took control, grabbing Ripley with a side headlock and pulling her to the mat. She cranked on Ripley’s neck for a moment before Ripley wrapped her legs around Karlson’s neck and pulled her away, only for Karlson to quickly bridge out and escape. Both of them shot upright, and this time it would be Ripley who applied a side headlock and threw Karlson down before wrenching on her neck. But Karlson utilized the same technique to escape, wrapping her legs around Ripley’s neck and pulling her away with a headscissors, only for Ripley to also bridge out. The two of them both stood and faced off, waiting for the other to make the next move.
But the staredown was ended as Bobby reached into the ring and tagged Karlson on the shoulder, much to her surprise. She gave Bobby a questioning look as he climbed into the ring and the ref told her to do the opposite. She continued to stare at Bobby as he assured her that he could handle things. She shook her head and stepped onto the apron as Bobby and Ripley began to circle each other. They locked up, the two of them pushing against each other as they tried to take control. But neither could gain the advantage, and eventually Bobby drove RIpley back against the ropes to force the break. They had a clean break at first, but then Ripley lunged forwards and snapped on a side headlock with a confident smirk on her face. But she was surprised as Bobby broke her grip and transitioned into a wristlock. Instead of working to escape or counter, she scrambled to the ropes and grabbed hold, forcing Bobby to let her go. Bobby did so willingly, then raised his arms for another lockup. Ripley advanced, only to kick him in the midsection and connect with a knee to the face as he doubled over. She smiled and shook her head at Bobby as she backed into her corner and tagged in Tommy Saxon, who entered the ring with a malicious smile on his face. Bobby had recovered from Ripley’s strikes and motioned for Saxon to meet him with a lockup, only for Saxon to shake his head and raise his arms for a test of strength. Bobby flashed a smile and accepted, and the two clasped hands, pressing hard against each other. Saxon gained the initial advantage, pushing Bobby back several steps before beginning to drive him towards the mat. But then, accompanied by a wave of cheers from the crowd, Bobby began pushing back, first straightening upright and then driving Saxon back with a determined yell. But Saxon cut off his comeback with a knee to the gut and pulled him into a hip toss. Bobby winced as he crashed into the mat, but he was quick to begin working his way back to his feet. Saxon caught him while he was on his knees and pulled him upright, whipping him into the ropes and flattening him with a back elbow as he rebounded.
SD: “Tommy Saxon utilizing his strength advantage to take control of this match.”
Saxon gave a smile to Ella Ripley as she applauded, conveniently not hearing. the boos from the crowd.
MW: “Yes, he has the advantage for the moment, but he’s letting himself get distracted, he needs to remain focused on his opponent.”
SD: “Have you ever wrestled a match? Saxon’s a professional, I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
Saxon bent to lift Bobby up, but as he did so, Bobby grabbed him around the back of the head and dropped to his knees to connect with a jawbreaker. Saxon staggered back a step, allowing Bobby to stand and whip him into the corner. Bobby took just a moment to catch his breath before he ran in after him, only to be caught, lifted, and then brought back down with a uranage suplex out of the corner from Saxon, who then lifted himself onto the second turnbuckle before launching into a knee drop that landed hard across Bobby’s head. Saxon gave a grin to the camera before making a cover.
...1!.Kick-out!
“Still got some fight in ya Bobby Boy?” Saxon asked as he picked Bobby up and dragged him into his corner, where he tagged out to Ella Ripley, who stepped into the ring, where she applied a front facelock of her own on Bobby before they both lifted him up and brought him down with a double suplex. Saxon left the ring as Ripley made a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
Ripley kept Bobby grounded with a hammerlock, which she made worse with repeated knee strikes to the shoulder, causing Bobby to cry out with each impact. But Ripley couldn’t hold Bobby down forever, and he began working his way back to his feet, dragging Ripley upright with him. On the apron, Karlson extended her hand for a tag, expecting Bobby to break free of Ripley’s grasp, only for Ripley to redirect Bobby’s momentum and drive his shoulder into the turnbuckles. Bobby cried out and staggered back, right into a jumping neckbreaker from RIpley. Karlson sighed in frustration and began pacing back and forth along the apron as Ripley stood and stared down at Bobby, contemplating her next method of attack.
MW: “Bobby’s been in this match for a while, he needs to make the tag to Karlson.”
But Ripley wasn’t going to make it easy for him as she rolled to the outside and dragged him out with her. She pulled him over to the corner post, then walked to the other side and pulled hard on his arm, driving his shoulder into the post! Bobby collapsed, clutching at his shoulder, before he was yanked to his feet and tossed into the ring. Ripley made to follow him, but she was distracted by a sign in the front row that read ‘Saxon could do better.’ She ripped the sign away, and began to berate the fan, giving Bobby time to begin crawling towards Karlson on the apron. Saxon shouted at Ripley, directing her attention towards Bobby as he rose to his knees. SHe hurried into the ring and dove, aiming to deliver a forearm to the back of his head, but Bobby caught her on his shoulders and stood fully upright before dropping her with a fireman’s carry stunner. Ripley collapsed, and Karlson shouted for the tag.
But Bobby hesitated, his gaze switching from Karlson to Ripley for a few moments before he dropped into a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
SD: “That was crucial. Bobby had the choice to either make the tag or go for the cover, but he wasn’t decisive enough, and now he might not get the chance to do either.”
Bobby had rolled over and was trying to resume crawling into the corner, but Ripley had grabbed his leg, halting his progress. He desperately used his free leg to kick at Ripley, but she held on, dragging him into the center of the ring before she let go, only to grab him by the wrist and pull him up before whipping him into the corner. She charged in and delivered a step-up knee strike that dropped him to a seated position before she backed away to the center of the ring, charging back in to deliver a cannonball, only for Bobby to roll underneath the bottom rope, sending her crashing into the turnbuckles.
MW: “Bobby O evading the Colby Cannonball!”
Using the ropes to help him, Bobby quickly stood up, kicking Saxon’s leg out from under him as he charged in to knock him off the apron. Ripley stood and tried to swing at Bobby, but he ducked under her punch and drove his shoulder into her midsection through the ropes, doubling her over. He took a deep breath and launched over the ropes into a sunset flip, holding her shoulders down for the cover!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Ripley kicked out, and as she did so, Bobby stood up and dove into his corner, finally making the tag to Karlson!
The crowd cheered as Karlson entered the ring and darted forward and flattened Ripley with a clothesline as she stood up, running through her as she continued into the opposite corner and knocking Saxon off the apron with a European uppercut. She glared down at him before she began to climb the ropes, reaching the top turnbuckle before Ripley cut her off, leaping up to connect with a forearm to the face. She gave the crowd a smirk before she began climbing up to meet Karlson, applying a front facelock to set up a superplex. But Karlson held onto the top rope as Ripley tried to lift her, then began to connect with a series of shots to the midsection, weakening Ripley until she was able to send her tumbling back to the mat. She took a moment to recover her balance before launching into a Brick Shithouse Bomb, landing hard across Ripley’s chest and holding for the cover.
...1!...2!.Saxon grabbed her leg and pulled her out of the ring!
Karlson glared at Saxon and swung a punch, only for him to block and grab her by the throat. He set up to lift her, but then Bobby came sailing through the ropes with a wrecking ball dropkick that took both Saxon and Karlson off their feet!
SD: “Hold on, this could be interesting.”
Bobby bent down to help Karlson back to her feet, but she shoved him away and stood up on her own power. “What was that?” she demanded. Bobby started to explain, but then he shoved Karlson out of the way as Ripley flew to the outside with a suicide dive that wiped out Bobby. She stood up and glanced down, realized she’d hit Bobby and turned around right into a bicycle kick from Karlson! Karlson tossed her back into the ring and, after giving Bobby one last look, rolled in after her. Ripley had risen to her knees, and Karlson took advantage by scooping one of her legs and planting her with a fisherman’s driver that she held onto to make a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Karlson maintained her grip on Ripley as she kicked out and pulled her back to her feet, lifting her up into position for a powerbomb. But before she could bring her down, Ripley turned it into a hurricanrana where she hooked Karlson’s legs for a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Karlson launched Ripley off of her as she kicked out and then shot to her feet, where she was met with a roundhouse kick that dazed her, leaving her open for Ripley to hit the ropes and come back with a shotgun dropkick that sent Karlson staggering back to the ropes. Bobby reached over and tagged himself in as Karlson bounced off the ropes and connected with a step-up axe kick to the standing Ripley!
MW: “3XF from Elizabeth Karlson, but she’s not the legal competitor!”
Karlson was trying to make the cover, but the ref was shaking his head, pointing at Bobby as he stepped into the ring. Karlson looked at him in disbelief before she stood and raced across the ring to boot Saxon in the face as he entered the ring to prevent the pinfall attempt as Bobby dropped into a cover.
...1!...2!...3!
Winners: Elizabeth Karlson and Bobby O (20:51)
.
MW: An interesting match for sure. Karlson and Bobby had a few issues getting along as a team, but they managed to get along just well enough to pick up the win tonight.”
‘This Means War’ played as the ref raised the hands of Bobby and Karlson. The official let their hands go and checked on Ripley and Saxon as Bobby and Karlson eyed one another. Karlson extended her arms and asked Bobby why he was the one who had to get the cover. He replied that he was just helping to get the win and the two went forehead to forehead, exchanging views on the match. The official came back to them to separate them and Karlson shook her head despairingly, leaving the ring as Bobby shrugged and thanked the fans.
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Backstage, Dansha Banks stands with Marcus Allen Jones.
DB: I’m joined right now by Marcus Allen Jones. Marcus, you’ve been pretty quiet recently. What have you been up to?
MAJ: Dasha, it’s a pleasure as always. D’you know, I have been quiet. The All Star Tag Team Classic is the one tournament here in FPW that I’ve never been involved with. I’ve had pretty big matches at the finals, but I’ve never actually entered the tournament. I was never inclined to form a tag team back in the day. I guess I never thought that I had anything to gain from it. So I’ve always focussed on having a big singles match this time of year and I’ve got a pretty big one coming up. I’ve been preparing myself to make sure that Saturn can’t pick up another win over me, no matter how he does it.
DB: You had strong words for the group who jumped you at Uprising. Do you think that’s why we haven’t seen them since?
MAJ: I don’t know. I doubt they’d come and jump me and then be scared off by me saying I could take them down. If they are gone for good, then… well, that would be good, but I’m sure we’ll see them again sometime. If they want to come after me again, I’ll make sure they regret it.
DB: You also had some words for our FPW Champion. You referenced your so-called ‘golden ticket’. Are we going to see Marcus Allen Jones, FPW Champion any time soon?
MAJ: Maybe you will and maybe you won’t. As I said, I have my reasons for not jumping at the chance I was given straight away. Those reasons do still exist, even if they don’t hold me back quite as much as they did before. You know my views on Jerry Bishop and on who he’s turned into. I’ll be watching him. But it seems like I’m not the only one. He has a lot of people lining up to take their shot. He’s about to learn what it’s like being hunted down and I don’t know if his fragile sanity will be able to handle it for long. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a new FPW Champion in two weeks.
DB: The Free-1 is coming up. It’s a tournament that I guess some people would say you haven’t quite been at your best in before. Just missing winning the block in the first Free-1 and then doing the same last year. Is this the year that Marcus Allen Jones goes all the way?
MAJ: I’d like to think it will be. I heard what Russ Bolt had to say earlier and I agree. This year might be the toughest yet. There are so many potential Free-1 entrants that there will be some big names and big talents missing out. This year I’m sure we’ll have the absolute cream of the FPW crop in the Free-1. And if that’s the best in FPW, I’ll have to make sure that I continue to be the best of the best. And I’ll say one more thing. I’ve been in the ring with Russ Bolt recently. If he puts the work in that he says he will, then I hope my qualifying match isn’t again him because he looks ready to make an impact.
DB: One last thing. You match with James Saturn. It seems to be taking a back seat to a few different things at the moment. How much does this match mean to you?
MAJ: Every match I wrestle means the world to me. You know that this is my life and this is what I’ve always wanted. So whether I’m main-eventing Judgement Day or I’m second match on at Sixty Minutes of Freedom, I consider it a big match. While this match maybe isn’t getting the attention it deserves from everyone else, what with the return of the Friendmigos, the All Star Tag Team Classic and the threat of these thugs hanging over us, I assure you that I’m giving my full attention. Saturn stole a win from me at Uprising by taking advantage of an attack. I will put that right and I will show James Saturn for what he really is.
DB: Thank you, Marcus.
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Match 3: Robert D. Jackson vs. MDE (written by Jackson):
As MDE and RDJ circle up for their second-ever encounter, MDE immediately shoots for a takedown as Jackson looks for a lockup-but MDE’s on him with a waistlock! MDE tries to take him out with a two-leg takedown, but somehow RDJ escapes with a side headlock takeover! MDE skitters to the canvas as Jackson looks for a quick roll-up pin, but MDE kicks out before one! MDE looks for a butterfly pinning combination, but now Jackson escapes at one! The two trade holds back and forth with Jackson looking for another leverage pin on MDE, but MDE looks to have other ideas, transitioning into a snap headlock! He forces Jackson to the ground and presses his knee into Jackson’s back, locking in a choke! Jackson struggles for the ropes, and MDE rolls to get him away from them, but Jackson uses the roll to reverse leverage, forcing MDE’s shoulders down for a pin! MDE breaks the choke, and Jackson rolls to the ropes to take a breather. He coughs, and MDE wears a wicked smile as both men circle up once again.
They lunge forward, and Jackson launches MDE into the canvas with a big armdrag, but MDE rolls through this time and manages a waistlock into a German Suplex! Jackson is stunned as he rolls to try and get to his feet as MDE tries for a pin on him, but Jackson forces MDE back down onto his shoulders for another one count! MDE manages to counter this into a European Clutch, but Jackson escapes it within a two! He tries to get MDE in for a double underhook for a Butterfly Pinning Combination, but MDE counters this with a Butterfly Suplex! He tries to trap Jackson for a Gutwrench Suplex, but Jackson manages to evade it and roll MDE up with a crucifix, but MDE manages to get out within a moment of struggling, instead rolling Jackson up for another two! Jackson rolls to the ropes to look for a reprieve, but MDE locks in a Boston Crab with impressive speed and strength, and he drags Jackson out from the ropes! Jackson struggles, his back aching more and more, before he scrambles and grabs hold of the bottom rope! MDE breaks the submission!
Jackson rolls to his feet and looks for a side headlock, but MDE’s quick to counter with a snap backbreaker onto Jackson! He tries to pull him in for the Triple Gutwrench, but Jackson counters into his Backslide Driver, only for MDE to escape and try for a Backslide of his own, but Jackson slides through his legs and rolls him up and over, laying over his legs and holding his shoulders down for two-and-a-half! He rolls to the corner as MDE tries to get back to his feet, and tries for an O’Connor Roll, but MDE breaks it almost instantly as he’s rolling and tries for a Simply Great Stretch, only for Jackson to guard against it and press his weight down onto MDE’s back for another pin attempt, but MDE kicks out at two! MDE hooks Jackson in a Full Nelson, but Jackson throws him over his shoulder and down to the mat! He locks in a headlock and looks for his Sleeper, but MDE’s able to get out of it before he can get it fully locked in! MDE shoves Jackson into the ropes and tries for a rebound German into a bridge, but Jackson kicks out at two!
MDE tries to set him up for another Triple Gutwrench, but Jackson keeps his wits about him and instead drives MDE into the mat with a side headlock takeover, before transitioning back into another Sleeper, but MDE manages to escape this by getting to the ropes! He shoves Jackson off, and looks for a Deadlift German as Jackson scrambles to recover, but Jackson fights back and rolls MDE through, trapping his leg and going for another Crucifix Pin, but now MDE has other ideas and escapes! We can see Jackson getting more and more flustered, looking for another Sleeper, and then breaking it to try for a pin, but MDE somehow manages to get a hold of Jackson’s arms! He forces them down-SIMPLY GREAT STRETCH! Jackson finds himself outwrestled, butted to the center of the ring! In agony, he grunts, and not willing to risk more damage-he taps out!
Winner: MDE (7:16)
.
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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jim Houston.
DB: Mr. Houston, earlier tonight we saw Bobby O and Liz Karlson pick up a victory but they seemed to have a lot of trouble co-existing. You wanted to address that?
JH: Yes I did, Dasha. Bobby O and Liz Karlson are both very strong-minded individuals who believe themselves to be among the top tier of wrestlers in this company. Well, I don’t disagree with either of them. I think both of them are among the top stars here. They definitely clashed, and I think that’s something the fans would like to see more of. But I don’t just want the two of them to have a match. I’m sure it would be a great match, don’t get me wrong, but I want to really give them a reason to go the extra mile. As you know and as our locker room certainly seems to know, the Free-1 is coming up very soon. In fact, four weeks from today we start our Road To Free-1 shows. But why not get started early. Bobby O and Liz Karlson will have a match at All Star Tag Team Classic III and it will be the first of our Free-1 qualifying matches.
DB: Wow. So one of them won’t make the Free-1 this year?
JH: That’s right, Dasha. That may be a poor decision on my part because I’m sure the Free-1 would be better with them both in it, but let’s take a risk. Bobby O has never been in a Free-1 after missing out somewhat cruelly last year, so I’m sure he’ll be extra motivated and Liz Karlson did enter and did do very well last year, so I’m sure she’ll be keen to use the Free-1 to re-establish herself at the top of the roster.
DB: Speaking of the Free-1, are we to assume that it’ll be the same format this year as last year?
JH: That’s something I’m looking at at the moment and will be hoping to finalise with the other partners in the next few days. I’ve called a locker room meeting for after the final of the All Star Tag Team Classic where I plan to lay out my plans to the locker room. I will make sure the cameras are in there and I will make sure you get the chance to question me afterwards.
DB: Can you speak briefly on the return of Super Che Junior and Matt Dwyer to FPW?
JH: I’d love to. Super Che Junior and Matt Dwyer were always guys I liked. They may have used my office a little more than I’d have expected them to, but… they were good people. And so was our FPW Champion while they were here. It was Missy who reached out to me and asked if I could bring them back to… well, they explained why they’re here. I re-signed them on the basis of this one match, but there’s an option for them to up that contract to a year if they so choose. I hope they do.
DB: Thank-
JH: Actually, there is one more thing. I’d like to publically address the act of vandalism that took place in my office this past week. Freedom Pro Wrestling is, despite our growth, still a fairly small wrestling company with an equally small budget. We operate within that budget but I push that budget to its limits with every show we produce and every talent I sign. I do not expect to have to use some of that budget to have my office painted because it was vandalised by someone who ought to be a representative of this company just because they disagree with a decision that I made. I intend to fine Jerry Bishop for the cost of the redecoration. And if Jerry decides that he doesn’t appreciate that decision and wants to take other, similar actions, I will continue to issue increasing fines until he falls in line. Anybody who has a legitimate grievance here is, and will always be, listened to. However, much like with Alan Lightbody and his band of marauders, I will not bow down to intimidation and I will not be bullied into changing decisions. That is all I will say on the matter.
Houston turns and walks back into his office, closing his door a little more forcefully than he usually would.
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MW: And now it’s time to determine our third semi-finalists.
SD: The Dogs of War are former FPW Tag Team Champions. Revolution-X have had two matches and have lost both. I don’t think it takes a genius to figure out how this one is going to go.
MW: But RJ Tudor and Jackson Banks have impressed in both matches. They’re two talented wrestlers with a lot to offer. I don’t think The Dogs of War are guaranteed to win this one.
SD: I disagree. I’m sure Revolution-X will have their moments, but I don’t doubt for a second that David Archer and Braxton Cable will get the better of them. They’re a more experienced team who know how to win big matches. They won the Tag Team Championships against The Guardians of Strong Style, FPW’s greatest ever tag team, at Judgement Day II, FPW’s biggest ever show, in just their second match in the company. They will win this match and I think they’ll be there in the final in two weeks’ time.
MW: Well let’s find out. It’s over to Dasha Banks to make the introductions.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is the third of our four quarter-finals in All Star Tag Team Classic III. Introducing first, from Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado respectively, ‘The Vigilante’ David Archer and ‘The Battering Ram’ Braxton Cable, they are the former FPW Tag Team Champions… The Dogs of War!”
The fans boo as ‘Justice’ rings out and The Dogs of War step onto the ramp. Cable surveys the crowd as Archer pretends to draw back his bow before punching forward and making his way down the ramp. Cable follows, both men ignoring the fans as they walk quickly down the ramp and step up into the ring. They settle in their corner and talk to one another behind their hands.
“And their opponents, from The Bronx and Brooklyn respectively, ‘The King of the Air’ RJ Tudor and ‘The King of the Ropes’ Jackson Banks, they are Revolution-X!”
‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ plays as the usual highlights flicker on the screen. The fans cheer as Tudor and Banks burst through the curtain, calling to the crowd and bouncing around the stage. The cheers get louder before they head down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans and continuing to pump up the crowd. Tudor slides into the ring and jumps up onto the top turnbuckle while Banks springboards onto the top rope and walks rope to his partner. The two smile for the camera before landing a backflip into the ring. The Dogs od War stare across at them as they continue playing to the crowd.
Match 4: All Star Tag Team Classic III: Quarter-Final 3: The Dogs of War vs. Revolution-X:
The match begins with Jackson Banks and Braxton Cable moving to the middle of the ring. They lock up and Cable dismissively shoves Banks backwards. Banks rolls back to his feet and comes forward again, the two locking up again and Cable again shoving him backwards. Banks rolls to his feet but holds back as Cable comes charging after him. Banks ducks under his running lariat and sends him charging into the turnbuckles. Cable reels back, momentarily stunned, as Banks leaps up onto the middle rope and connects with a crossbody, but Cable catches him. He hoists him up and drops him with a gorilla press. Banks hits the mat hard and can’t get back to his feet straight away.
Cable bends down and pulls him up, lifting him onto his shoulder and dropping him with snake eyes. Cable reaches up and tags in Archer, who quickly enters the ring and kicks Banks in the leg. Banks drops to a knee and Archer lands a hard kick to his chest. He then pulls him up and hoists him for a vertical suplex, only for Banks to use the momentum to carry on through, getting his feet onto the top rope and miraculously balancing there. Archer turns and swings at Banks, who leaps up and lands back on the rope before coming down into a flying headscissors.
MW: What incredible balance!
SD: That was impressive for sure. The things these young guys can do nowadays never ceases to amaze me.
MW: Were you not walking the ropes when you wrestled, Steven?
SD: Walking them? I was barely able to climb to the top!
Banks makes the tag to Tudor, who comes in with a lot of energy. He pulls Archer up and whips him into the ropes, taking him down with an arm drag. Archer scrambles up again and Tudor leaps up for an enzeguiri to send him staggering. Tudor then performs a handspring and comes back with a reverse DDT! He makes the cover.
One…
Two-
Archer kicks out as Tudor stands and pumps up the fans, who cheer loudly. Tudor then bends down and lifts Archer, dragging him over to the Revolution-X corner and tagging in Banks. Banks enters and kicks Archer hard in the gut before wringing his arm. He steps up the ropes and walks the top rope, coming down with a facebuster. He makes a cover.
One…
Two-
Archer again kicks out. Banks kips up and stalks Archer. As Archer pulls himself to his feet, Jackson leaps onto the top rope and looks for a springboard DDT, but Archer catches him and holds him up, transitioning into a snap suplex. Archer takes a moment to recover before reaching out to Cable and tagging him in.
MW: This could spell trouble for Jackson Banks.
SD: There’s a clear size difference between these two. Banks has the speed advantage for sure, but that doesn’t help if you’re already in the clutches of a man like Braxton Cable.
Cable pulls Banks from the canvas and drives him into the corner. He unleashes a series of hard lariats before allowing Banks to stagger out. He then tags in Archer, who enters the ring as Cable grabs a waistlock. He launches Banks into a German right into a hard kick to the top of the head from Archer, who drops into a cover as Cable leaves the ring.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Banks just gets a shoulder up. Archer stands and pulls Banks with him, kicking him hard in the left knee before pulling him down with a side Russian leg sweep. He reaches up and tags Cable back in, who sits on the top rope as Archer pulls Banks up and lays him across his knee. Cable comes down with a guillotine leg drop and Banks folds up as he slides off the knee of Archer. Tudor calls for the official to stop the double teams and the fans voice their displeasure. Cable makes another cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
The fans cheer as Jackson Banks again manages to get a shoulder up. Cable stands and then pulls Banks up again. He draws a thumb across his throat as he looks for The Garrote, but Banks manages to use his flexibility to get a foot up and kick Cable in the head. Banks then drops down and tries to get to his feet quickly, but Archer grabs his leg from the outside to trip him, the fans booing loudly again. Cable takes advantage, pulling Banks in for the Titan Killer. However, as he gets him up, RJ Tudor springboards onto the top rope and lands a springboard dropkick to his partner’s back, causing Cable to fall and Banks to land on top of him in a cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Braxton Cable shoves Banks off him.
MW: That was a little bit of genius from RJ Tudor.
SD: Genius? Some would call it cheating?
MW: And tripping Jackson Banks isn’t?
SD: Oh… is this a parallel world where Mike Watson believes that two wrongs make a right?
MW: Not as such, but if The Dogs of War are going to be allowed to get away with-
SD: You’re showing your true colours here, Watson. Quite frankly I’m disappointed in you.
David Archer climbs into the ring and all four men exchange right hands for a moment, before Archer and Cable get the better of Tudor and Banks, forcing them into the ropes. Archer lands kicks to both men’s midsections as Cable hits the ropes and comes at them with double lariats to send them over the top rope to the outside. Tudor and Banks somehow both manage to land on their feet, and they each leap up to land enzeguiris to Archer, causing him to fall back, his legs in the air. As Tudor and Banks look to head back into the ring, Braxton Cable comes flying with a suicide dive through Archer’s legs to take both of Revolution-X down on the outside.
All three men land hard and David Archer, seeing what has happened, leaves the ring and pulls Jackson Banks up. He rolls him back in and then rolls Braxton Cable after him. Archer stalks Banks as he tries to get to his feet. He’s about to leap onto the middle rope for the Gut Shot, but the official blocks him, ordering him out of the ring, to much aplomb from the fans. Archer can’t believe it, but he’s not left with much choice as Jackson Banks grabs him by the back of the neck and throws him over the top rope. Banks turns, but Cable cuts him off with a hard lariat.
Cable then reaches down to position Banks for the Titan Killer again. He lifts him, but Banks leaps off his shoulders and lands on the top rope. Cable swings at him, but Banks leaps up in the air and comes down on the rope. He then runs to the corner, with Cable in pursuit. He turns and runs along the rope, Cable still trying to catch him up, before turning again and running along the rope to RJ Tudor, who he tags in.
MW: Have you ever seen a tag made quite like that, Steven?
SD: These guys seem able to do a lot that I’ve never seen!
MW: And here comes RJ Tudor.
Tudor enters and ducks a lariat from Cable, knocking him into a seated position in the corner with a Pele kick. Tudor then hits the ropes and comes back with a hard dropkick before rolling Cable towards the middle of the ring. Tudor springs up onto the top rope and then comes down with a shooting star press, holding for a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Cable just kicks out. Tudor gets to his feet and pulls Cable up. He grabs him by the wrist and connects with a ripcord hook kick. Cable staggers and then turns into a drop toe hold, which leaves him resting on the middle rope. Tudor hits the opposite ropes and charges at him, leaping over the ropes and landing on his feet on the outside before connecting with a superkick. Cable lands back in the ring and Tudor gets onto the apron. He springboards up, then over to the adjacent set of ropes before performing the phoenix splash for the King’s Decree… only for Cable to roll out of the way at the last moment. Cable stretches over and manages to tag in Archer. Archer enters and immediately runs over to knock Banks off the apron. He then turns, springs off the ropes and connects with the Gut Shot to RJ Tudor. He covers him.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winners: The Dogs of War (14:30).
MW: What a match that was!
SD: Fantastic tag team action and as usual my pick got the victory.
MW: But Revolution-X really showed that they’re a team to be reckoned with.
SD: They’ve had three losses but they can take credit from each of them. They’re not just here to make up the numbers. These guys have real talent and they’ll be around for some time.
MW: But it’s The Dogs of War who advance to the semi-finals after an impressive victory. They’ll be a match for any of the teams left in this tournament, that’s for sure.
SD: I agree. We have five teams left and any of them could easily win this tournament. This is as exciting as it gets.
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MW: It’s been spoken about previously tonight, but last time we were here, we saw a very surprising turn of events. For the first time in well over a year, Missy, Matt Dwyer and Super Che Junior made their FPW return to address our FPW Champion, Super Che Junior issuing the challenge to Jerry Bishop for a match at All Star Tag Team Classic III. Earlier this week, Dasha Banks sat down with the trio to discuss their return and the big match.
Dasha Banks sits in a bean bag chair in a magnificent library, with Super Che Junior, Matt Dwyer and Missy, all dressed as if they were going to a very formal party, sat on similar chairs opposite her.
DB: Well, I’m here in… actually, where are we?
MD: You don’t recognise it?
DB: No.
M: Think back, Dasha. Back to the early days. Back to before Che and I first came to FPW.
DB: Wait… this isn’t… oh…
MD: Poetic, isn’t it? The place that used to be known as the Jester’s Court. Where we would see the real Jerry sit down in conversation with FPW’s best and brightest.
DB: You said the ‘real’… him. Is that why you’re here? To bring him back?
SCJ: I think he’s past that now. The real him, it is buried so deep beneath this new mask. Maybe it is too deep to recover. No. We are here to answer the call. Ever since we first formed, we Friendmigos have fought to ensure that the ring is a place of fun and enjoyment. A place where all are welcome and where all can perform to amaze and inspire. Whenever that is threatened, we know we are needed. Here we are certainly needed.
M: But we must be clear. Super Che Junior does not want to do this. Never did he imagine that he would be in a ring opposite the man who used to represent everything the Friendmigos stood for, even after the League drifted in separate currents. The Junior never wished to fight The Jester, but this is the duty of the League of Friendmigos. A duty that must be fulfilled, no matter the personal reservations.
MD: When you take the oath, it’s for life. The Friendmigos are more than just a group, we’re a band of brothers, united by a common philosophy. People used to look at us and see a masked luchador, a guy with a guitar and a comedian and wonder what united us. It was that philosophy. And it still stands to this day.
DB: It sounds like the three of you aren’t exactly taking pleasure in this.
M: No. No pleasure. But duty must be done.
SCJ: When I am honest, I do not want to have this match. I hope to stand across from him in the ring and for him to have a realisation, to cast aside The Joker, the man who has corrupted him and devil that sits on his shoulder. I hope he will relinquish the object which he has chased and which has driven him to the brink of insanity. I hope he will see the light. I hope all of these things. But I do not expect them.
MD: Don’t get us wrong, it rocks that we’re back here. We had some great moments in FPW and it was a hard decision leaving this place. The reception that we got when we came out was fucking awesome. I hope we can do the right thing and then that we choose to stay here. Whether that’s the three of us or four of us, I don’t know.
DB: As you say, you left here a long time ago. What have you been doing?
SCJ: Following and spreading the Friendmigo philosophy. There are so many places where it needs to be heard, so many people who need to change. We have wrestled all over the world, and it is my belief that we have left each of these places better than we found it. We will continue to do this.
MD: We’ve been to countries that I didn’t even know existed. Honestly, we’ve left little Friendmigos all over the world. We’re the originals, but there are Leagues in England, Japan, Germany, Ireland, Canada… even Kenya I think. It’s like we’re setting up franchises. The League of Friendmigos just keeps growing and just keeps spreading the message. In Germany, they used to say ‘Die Matte ist Hellig’ but now they say ‘Die Matte macht Spaß’. The ring is fun. It’s awesome.
DB: So now that you’re back… if Che does win the FPW Championship, what are you hoping for afterwards?
M: We said clearly when we made our return- the FPW Championship is a devil on the shoulder of a good man. It has been many times before. We will not allow this to happen to Che. He must succeed in exorcising the devil from Jerry Bishop and in bringing this devil back to the light.
SCJ: I have never collected championships. That has never been my purpose. If I am to succeed in our quest, then I do not know what comes next. There is one end that we are aiming for. A return to the Friendmigo philosophy for FPW. The return of fun, excitement and enjoyment no matter who is in the ring. If I am to be successful, that is what I hope for.
DB: And Matt, are you expecting to get in the ring as well?
MD: I don’t know. We decided that Che was the right man for this job. I supported that. Maybe I’ll get a chance to get back in there in the future. Honestly, I’m glad I’m not the one to face him. I think I’d struggle to face someone who was… for so long, he was a brother to me. I don’t know if I’d cope with stepping in the ring with him. But there are a lot of matches I’d love to have here. Maybe I’ll get to after this is all done.
M: We sincerely hope that the League of Friendmigos can re-establish a presence in FPW. There are several here who clearly follow the same philosophy as we do. After this match, we will look to speak with them and see if they wish to join forces with us. It has been some time since we awarded a new mask. We would love to do so again.
DB: May I ask who you have in mind?
SCJ: We were close with Berry Bishop before we departed. It may be too painful for her to join up with us given what she has been through, and that I understand. But she would make an excellent Friendmigo. I also believe Aaron Williams has the spirit which we seek out. There are others too. We see a large chapter of the League of Friendmigos which could be established here, but we have our own work to do first. Once that is done, then we look at this.
M: And now we must go. We thank you, Dasha, for agreeing to this. We are aware of the pain you have suffered. We hope to bring fun and enjoyment back to you as well.
DB: Thanks… I…
MD: You don’t have to talk about it. We understand. We know what a descent like his can do. We can only hope to help a little.
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MW: Interesting words from our returning Friendmigos. That match is sure to be emotional in two weeks’ time, but let’s refocus on our final quarter-final. This is an interesting one.
SD: It is. We have a very experienced, very effective team in Death Squad. They won the All Star Tag Team Classic last year and defeated The Guardians of Strong Style to become Tag Team Champions along the way. They stuck around and the two teams had a great series of matches. Since then, Death Squad have been on a bit of a downward slide, but they’ll be looking to reverse that for this tournament.
MW: And what do you make of The House of Berry and Bo?
SD: Are they really using that name?
MW: I believe so.
SD: Aside from the name, I find them interesting. They haven’t teamed together before but they’ve trained together. They’re a mismatch of a team but that can often work in that team’s favour. I think this will be an interesting clash and I think whoever wins will give us a good match with The Dogs of War.
MW: Who’s your pick?
SD: I have to go Death Squad because of the experience, but I could see it going either way. We’ll soon see how effective the training has been for Bo and Berry.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the fourth and final quarter-final match in All Star Tag Team Classic III. Introducing first, from The Bay Area, California and New Haven, Connecticut respectively, Botiatus and ‘The Bombshell’ Berry Bishop… The House of Berry and Bo!”
The fans cheer loudly as the lights drop and the screen displays the foot of a set of wide stone steps. It pans up as ‘Famous’ begins and shows Roman pillars in front of an Ancient Roman villa. The song kicks into gear and the words ‘The House of Botiatus’ appears on the screen for a few moments as Bo emerges from the back. However, the song shudders to a halt and Bo turns and looks up. The words transform in ‘The House of Berry and Bo’, ‘Berry’ written in Berry’s usual purple lettering instead of Bo’s electric blue. ‘Famous’ is replaced by ‘The Entertainer’ as Berry comes through the curtain to an even louder pop. The two of them nod to one another and make their way down the ramp, Berry making a big show of slapping hands with the fans while Bo remains more stoic, although he points out to a vocal ‘House of Bo’ section. They reach the ring and each hops onto the apron, Bo walking across as usual and posing on the top rope while Berry somersaults into the ring and lands with a bow and a wink.
“And their opponents, from Las Vegas, Nevada and Denver, Colorado respectively, ‘The End’ Aiden Balmer and ‘The Torment’ Mary Downing… the former FPW Tag Team Champions… Death Squad!”
The fans boo as ‘Broken Bones’ begins to play. Balmer and Downing step through the curtain immediately and both spit out at the fans nearest to them. The fans boo even louder and Balmer and Downing respond, Downing almost diving into the crowd as security staff step in front of her. They quickly make their way down the ramp, continuing to shout back in response to the fans’ abuse, before entering and making straight for Bo and Berry, who stand their ground. The official holds them back, but barely, before convincing them to back off into their corner.
Match 5: All Star Tag Team Classic III: Quarter-Final 4: The House of Berry and Bo vs. Death Squad:
Botiatus steps back through the ropes to allow Berry to start as Aiden Balmer looks across at her with a smirk on his face. The two lock up and Berry quickly locks in a headlock. Balmer lifts her off her feet but manages to shift her weight and take him down with a headlock takeover. She maintains her grip as Balmer tries to push her away before trying to stand. He forces his way to his feet and hits the ropes, shoving Berry, but she still keeps her grip. Balmer tries to lift her again, and she flips over his shoulder and lands on her feet, landing a hard kick to Balmer’s back and looking for a running bulldog. However, Balmer blocks it and this time drives Berry into the canvas with a back suplex.
Balmer quickly tags in Downing, who comes in ad delivers a series of knees to Berry’s ribs before lifting her and forcing her into the corner where she lets off more knees, this time into the gut. She reels away and hisses at the fans as they boo her before whipping Berry across to the opposite corner and following her in. She looks for a high knee, but Berry ducks down and rolls underneath her. Downing turns and comes at Berry but Berry leaps up and takes her down with a monkey flip before tagging in Botiatus.
MW: Mary Downing proving a tough question for Berry to answer, but she’s managed to get out of the way.
SD: Downing is a real wildcard for Death Squad. She can string things together like nobody else, but she’s volatile.
MW: That’s one word for it.
Bo comes in and pulls Downing to her feet. He wrings her arm and hits an arm stunner. She reels away but he pulls her back in and takes her down with a back suplex before kipping up and then dropping an elbow on her. He makes a cover.
One…
Tw-
Downing kicks out. Bo quickly pulls her up and forces her into the corner, where he lands a series of forearms before tagging Berry in. She comes in and delivers a couple of kicks to the chest before hooking Downing’s head and taking her down with a running bulldog. She rolls her over for another cover, but Balmer quickly enters and pulls Berry off Downing. He connects with a hard headbutt which drops Berry and Bo quickly enters to get him out of the ring. He throws him over the top rope and follows him out, driving him into the barricade and landing a few kicks to the gut.
Meanwhile, Downing recovers and pulls Berry up into a neckbreaker. She sits Berry up and hits the ropes before delivering a sliding knee strike and hooking the leg for a cover.
One…
Two-
Berry manages to kick out. Downing looks out at Balmer, who is down against the guardrail as Bo makes his way back to the corner, before pulling Berry up and trapping her arm. She ripcords her, but Berry ducks the lariat and hits the ropes, coming back at Downing with an adapted version of Bo’s House Call. Downing hits the mat and Berry crawls over to make the tag. Bo enters and pulls Downing up onto his shoulder. He carries hr over to the corner and drops her with snake eyes, before hitting the ropes for his own House Call, only for Balmer to grab him from behind and trip him. He turns to face Balmer and leans out of the ring, but Balmer leaps up with a headbutt and Bo staggers round into a stunner from Downing. She makes the cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Bo kicks out. Balmer calls for the tag and Downing duly obliges. Balmer enters the ring and taunts Bo with soft kicks to the head. As Bo starts to get to his feet, Balmer switches his attack, leaping up with a bicycle knee and then connecting with a half-nelson backbreaker to the knee. Balmer spits at Berry on the apron and the fans boo loudly, so he spits at them too, before turning back to Bo as he gets to his feet. Balmer stalks Bo and pulls him into a suplex position, connecting with a snap suplex before rolling out of the ring. Balmer climbs up to the top rope and waits for Bo to get to his feet. As Bo begins to turn, Balmer launches himself into a big crossbody, taking Bo down and holding for the cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Bo kicks out.
MW: As much as I dislike the man, I don’t think there’s anyone who impresses more with a crossbody than Aiden Balmer.
SD: He’s as good a wrestler as most of the guys in the back. A few tweaks and I think he could be a real star.
MW: Tweaks like focussing on the match and not spitting at people?
SD: Maybe the first, but the second is a useful tool. It riles up opponents and takes them off their game. It’s not nice, but there’s sound reasoning behind it.
Balmer quickly gets to his feet and lifts Bo, forcing him into the corner. He reaches out and tags in Downing, and the two of them go to work on Bo, Balmer landing hard chops and right hands while Downing lays in knees to the midsection. The official yanks Balmer away and forces him out of the ring but Downing maintains control of Bo. She drags him to the middle of the ring and kicks him in the gut before hooking him for a DDT. Bo, however, pushes up and lifts Downing, driving her back into the corner and tagging Berry into the match. Bo drops down and Downing comes at Berry, who ducks her roundhouse kick and takes her down with a snapmare. Berry then hits the ropes for the penalty kick but Balmer cuts her off, grabbing her around the waist. He looks to lift her over the ropes, but she catches him with a back elbow strike and frees herself. Berry then takes him off the apron with a roundhouse kick before turning back to Downing, who leaps up into a cutter, making a deep cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Berry just gets a shoulder up. The fans cheer as Downing argues with the official and Bo encourages Berry to get back to the corner. She begins to crawl, but Downing quickly cuts her off, grabbing her foot and dragging her back to Death Squad’s corner. Downing then drops an elbow on the back of Berry’s neck and grabs her arm, trapping it as she pulls her up. She shoves her out and connects with a ripcord knee before pulling Berry up onto her back and landing a backpack stunner. Berry drops down motionless and Downing makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
No! Berry again just manages to get her shoulder up. Bo bangs the turnbuckle madly and the fans clap along, encouraging Berry to come and make the tag to her partner. Downing however is the person to make the tag, Balmer coming in and pulling Berry up. He shoves her into a powerbomb position and lifts her, but she manages to leap off his shoulders and onto the middle rope, connecting with a disaster kick. With the fans fully behind her, she crawls over to the corner and reaches out to tag Bo, only for Bo to drop down.
MW: What the-
SD: It’s Downing. Perfect timing.
Downing manages to grab Bo’s foot and pull him off the apron, lifting a knee to turn the move into a version of the GTS. Bo lands in a heap and Downing spits at Berry as she looks down at her. Berry wipes the spit off her face and turns to see Balmer aiming a running forearm. She ducks it and Balmer crashes into the turnbuckles. As he turns, Berry grabs him for the Berry Buster! She connects and makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thre-
Downing dives in to make the save! The fans groan as she lays into Berry, the official having to grab her by the waist and yank her away to get her off. Berry rolls away but the flurry of strikes from Downing have taken their toll and she can’t capitalise on Balmer still being down. Balmer rolls over to the corner, where Downing reaches out for the tag. Berry reaches up but Bo is still struggling to recover on the outside. Balmer tags in Downing and she comes charging in. She grabs Berry and spin her round, leaping up for a cutter, but Berry shoves her away and turns just as Bo gets back onto the apron. He tags himself in and quickly enters the ring. He hooks an arm over Downing and pulls her up for a vertical suplex, dumping her over the top rope and shoving her onto the apron.
Bo then backs away before running at her and landing a sliding elbow drop, doubling Downing over. He grabs her by the head and begins his series of knee lifts, the fans counting along until he reaches nine, when he hits the opposite ropes, but he’s cut off again by Balmer, who jumps up into a rope-assisted enzeguiri. Bo drops to a knee but Berry quickly drops down and heads over to Balmer, grabbing his foot and pulling down off the apron. As soon as his feet hit the floor, she unleashes Checkmate and he crumples. In the ring, Bo pushes to his feet and, with Downing back in the ring and recovering, he stalks her before leaping and connecting with House Rules. He makes the cover.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winners: The House of Berry and Bo (16:11).
Berry slides into the ring and Bo stands, the official grabbing both of their hands and raising them as the fans cheer loudly. A ‘H. O. B. B.’ chant breaks out and Berry and Bo smile as they continue to acknowledge the fans.
MW: A big win on their tag team debut. These two didn’t have it all their own way, but I was impressed with them tonight.
SD: I thought Death Squad had the better of them for large periods of the match-
MW: Mostly due to double teams and cheating.
SD: Mostly due to their ability to work the rules to their advantage, but credit to Bo and Berry. They got it done when they needed to and they’ve made it to the semi-finals.
MW: And they will face The Dogs of War. The winners of that match will face either The Queendom or Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. I think those are two very difficult to predict matches and I think they- and the final to follow- will be excellent.
SD: Four teams who could all come away with a victory. Making a pick won’t be easy.
MW: And that’s all we have time for tonight. Join us live in two weeks’ time for All Star Tag Team Classic III!
The feed then cuts to Mike Watson and Steven Deville at the announce desk.
MW: Welcome one and all to the second stop-off on the road to the All Star Tag Team Classic.
SD: And if this is anything like our first stop, we’ve got a night to look forward to.
MW: Indeed we do Steven. We already have The Queendom, who defeated an impressive Russ Bolt and Danica Jane, versus Jace Mason and Aaron Williams, who gave it everything they had to defeat MDE and FPW Champion Jerry Bishop, meeting in the first semi-final. Tonight, we determine the second.
SD: The Dogs of War, former FPW Tag Team Champions who are desperate for another shot at the gold, go up against the bright young team of Revolution-X, while Botiatus and Berry Bishop team together for the first time to take on another set of former Tag Team Champions in Death Squad.
MW: Two matches which are very tough to call. But that’s not all. The Freedom Championship will be on the line as Clutch McCloud defends for the first time in a very interesting match with Aaron Williams, as well as Bobby O and Liz Karlson teaming for the first time to take on the Suplex Sweethearts. We also will see RDJ MDE II as Robert D Jackson looks to pick up a second victory on the spin after his impressive debut one month ago.
SD: This night should be something special, Watson.
MW: And so should our first match. Clutch McCloud has been on a hot streak of late which has culminated in a victory over Botiatus for the Freedom Championship, his first ever in FPW. And his first defence is a big one. Aaron Williams picked up a win over Clutch at our Wrestlemania weekend special, and will hope he can claim his first title here tonight.
SD: Both of these two are experienced wrestlers who are maybe on the older side of the average age of this roster, but both seem to be on the rise. This match is a real clash of two guys with momentum, and I’ll be fascinated to see who comes out on top.
MW: Who are you picking?
SD: You know, I’m not sure. Clutch has seemed more focused of late, but Williams has managed to capture the x-factor that made him such a big star several years ago. Either way, I expect this to be a great opener.
Dasha Banks: "The following contest scheduled for one fall is for the FPW Freedom Championship!"
"I Still Believe" plays and Aaron Williams makes his way down looking more somber.
DB: "Introducing first: the challenger from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Aaron! Williams!"
Aaron asks for the microphone from Dasha, which she hands him.
AW: "Normally I'm a little more interactive, but I would like to call attention to something disturbing. Now my opponent tonight prides himself on being a "real man", but the reality he's nothing but a coward. Any champion worth a damn in this business would accept ANY challenger. He's actively trying to deny opportunities to people who work hard for them. If I can win tonight, I will be-"
Before Aaron can say anything else, "Rise" by Skillet starts to play. (At the point where the music picks up) Clutch comes out, with the Freedom Championship over his shoulder. He slowly makes his way down the ramp. The look on his face communicates a clear "I’m not having any of this shit" attitude.
DB: "And his opponent: from The Gateway City. He is the current FPW Freedom Champion: Clutch! McCloud!"
Boos rain down from the crowd as Clutch stoically holds up the title before handing it to the official.
Match 1: Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Aaron Williams (written by Clutch):
The bell rings as the match begins. Clutch extends his hand out. Aaron Williams goes for the handshake, which Clutch responds with an emphatic elbow to the jaw of Williams. He goes for a quick cover.
1!... Williams kicks out.
MW: Nothing doing by Clutch to try and put Williams away early.
SD: He’s obviously scouted Aaron Williams.
MW: And he decided to use Williams’ sportsmanship against him. What a gentleman.
Clutch pulls back while Williams comes to, the latter rubbing his jaw.
.
The two meet in the middle of the ring for a collar and elbow tie up. Williams gets the initial advantage, switching a hammerlock. After a struggle, Clutch delivers a couple strong elbows to the head of Williams, forcing a break. Clutch bounces off the ropes to deliver a clothesline, but Williams ducks the first but isn't able to dodge the second.
Clutch hits a Garvin Stomp then climbs the turnbuckle while Williams is down. He simply makes a ghost belt gesture, much to the chagrin of the fans.
Aaron gets up unbeknownst to Clutch, running up and kicking Clutch's leg out from under him. Clutch hits the mat hard and Williams picks up Clutch, whipping him to the opposite corner. Williams does a taunt before hitting a running knee to Clutch. Williams goes for the cover.
One!
Two!
Thr-NO!
Clutch gets his foot on the bottom rope, forcing a break.
MW: That was extremely close!
SD: That’s not a move that Williams usually uses. Clutch must have been caught by surprise there.
MW: And it nearly cost him his title at the first opportunity.
Williams picks Clutch up, going for a whip. Clutch hits the ropes and eats a drop kick from Williams. Clutch is slow to get up, getting to his knees. Williams goes for a running knee, but Clutch catches the knee mid-air and springs up, hitting an emphatic lariat. Clutch goes for the cover.
1!
2!
NO! Williams gets the shoulder up.
At this point Clutch is getting frustrated at his inability to put Williams away quickly. Clutch turns Williams over on his stomach and lands an elbow drop straight on Williams's back. This is followed up by several stomps.
Clutch picks up Williams and throws him over the rope to the outside. The ref instructs Clutch to bring Williams back in the ring.
Clutch (to ref): "You don't tell me what to do you piece of shit!"
The crowd boos mercilessly. Clutch grabs Williams by the hair.
1!
CM: "You wanna boo me?!? I'll give you something to boo about!"
2!
Clutch picks up Williams and runs him back first into the ring post.
3!
Williams is writhing in pain on the ground.
4!
Clutch exchanges some unintelligible shouting with a fan in the stands.
5!
Clutch turns to Williams. Clutch picks him up again and runs him into the ring post a second time.
6!
CM (to Williams): HOW DOES IT FEEL?
7!
Clutch rolls under the rope and slips back out.
1!
Clutch goes over to a fan and steals his drink bringing on more boos.
2!
Williams struggles to pick himself up.
3!
Williams gets to his feet as Clutch turns his back to Williams.
4!
Williams: "Hey asshole!" Clutch turns around to eat a drop kick and goes flying over the barricade and into the crowd, who cheer as Williams slaps a couple of hands.
5!
Williams builds up some speed and is able to vault over the barricade to hit a forearm strike on Clutch.
MW: What athleticism!
SD: But I think he’s done some damage to himself as well there. Aaron Williams would have been better suited heading back into the ring.
MW: Anything to put on a show.
SD: But will it cost him a victory?
6!
The two men are on the ground as fans gather around. A small security team makes their way over.
7!
Clutch and Williams slowly get to their feet.
8!
Both men get to their feet. Clutch climbs over the barricade as Williams just slinks over it but is still standing.
9!
Both men lunge to the ring, getting back in in the nick of time. Clutch is raring to go on offense but the ref checks on Williams first. Aaron emphatically tells him not to stop the match.
MW: Great spirit from our challenger there.
SD: I told you that forearm was too risky. He clearly got the worst of the landing.
Williams gets back to his feet. The two come back into a collar and elbow tie up. Clutch gets the advantage, going to a snapmare takedown and into a sleeper hold. The ref asks Williams if he wants to submit, but he refuses. Williams tries to fight, but Clutch has the hold locked in. After another brief struggle, Williams gets a hand free and is able to break out of the hold. Clutch charges at Williams, but he catches Clutch's ankle, jerking him to the mat. Williams gets up and climbs to the top rope. He hits a Swanton Bomb. He briefly exclaims in pain prior to making a cover.
One!
Two!
Thr-NO! Clutch gets the shoulder up.
Williams is visibly frustrated. Williams gets to his feet as Clutch slowly tries to get up. Williams rushes over, delivers a kick that stuns Clutch long enough to hit a DDT. Williams goes for the cover.
One!
Two!
Clutch kicks out at 2 and a half!
Williams picks Clutch up, whipping him to the corner. Williams runs over to deliver a knee strike to Clutch. He runs back and delivers another.
The crowd repeatedly chants "ONE MORE TIME!"
Williams goes for another but Clutch gets out of the way and hits a Pele kick on Williams, sending him outside. Clutch hits the mat.
MW: A big time counter from Clutch McCloud.
SD: And crucially a chance to catch his breath.
MW: But would he be better going after Williams and looking to end this one?
SD: I think he needs to take the breather. Maybe sucker Williams back into the ring right into a Technical Foul.
1!
Williams is stirring.
2!
The fans are trying to will Williams up and back in the match.
3!
Williams is to his feet.
4!
Clutch goes for a baseball slide, but Williams takes Clutch's legs and pulls him outside. The two brawl at ringside. Williams gets a stunning blow on Clutch, sending him to the apron. Williams then rolls Clutch in the ring.
Williams runs over to slide in on the opposite side. He goes for a discus clothesline, but Clutch ducks it and lands a Technical Foul. Clutch goes for a cover.
One!
Two!
Thr- Williams kicks out!
MW: Listen to these fans! They did not expect that.
SD: Clutch showing that he can hit that Technical Foul from anywhere. Now he surely just needs one more.
MW: He’s stalking Williams here. Aaron needs to be careful.
Frustrated, Clutch gets up and yells for Williams to get to his feet. Williams is slow to get up. In frustration, Clutch goes over to Williams but is met with a snap DDT. The match has taken its toll as Williams is unable to make the cover. Clutch is visibly shaken as well, his eyes looking somewhat glazed over. Both men go into opposite corners. Williams gears up for another knee. Williams runs at clutch, but instinctively, Clutch explodes out of his corner hitting TarHEEL. Clutch falls into the cover.
1!
2!
3!
Winner and still Freedom Champion: Clutch McCloud (12:31).
MW: And there it is. A big title defence from Clutch McCloud.
SD: An impressive performance from Clutch. He’s established himself as a genuine Freedom Champion with this win tonight.
MW: And now he’ll doubtlessly look for his next challenger, although who that may be I don’t know.
SD: I’m sure they’ll be queuing up to get their shot.
Clutch stands and takes the belt from the official. He has his arm raised and calls for a mic.
MW: Oh no.
SD: I love watching him wrestle, but I must admit, I hate hearing him talk.
“Aaron Williams says I want to restrict the challengers for this title? Well he’s damn right. This Freedom Championship is a men’s division championship. I will not defend this title against a woman because I refuse to participate in the promotion of gratuitous man-on-woman violence like each and every single one of you here tonight.”
The fans boo loudly.
“But… I’m not going to stop any man from challenging me for this title. I know I’m not booked for All Star Tag Team Classic III, and that’s fine. But here’s what I have to say. On the first Road to Free-1 III show on Sunday June 14th, I will be offering an open challenge to any MAN who wishes to try and take this from me. I will be a fighting champion within the men’s division. Anyone who thinks they can step up and face me for this title… come and take your shot.”
Clutch drops the mic and leaves the ring, walking up the ramp as he’s booed loudly by the fans.
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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Russ Bolt.
DB: Russ, thank you for joining me tonight. You suffered a loss in the All Star Tag Team Classic last week. How did it feel to once again fall at an early hurdle?
RB: Well, as you kind of suggested there, it’s not as if I’m not used to it. Danica and me… we wanted to prove that we could match up to one of the best teams around here, and I think we did for the most part. Credit to The Queendom, they didn’t need to cheat to beat us. They were better than us. But even though we lost, I think we both proved that we deserve to be here by ourselves and not because of someone else.
DB: Of course that someone else you refer to being Clutch McCloud. Have you spoken-
RB: No. And I don’t plan to. He has his road and I have mine. I don’t have a problem with Steve as long as he doesn’t have a problem with me. I just don’t want to tread that path.
DB: Where do you see yourself going next?
RB: Well, I don’t have a match tonight and I very much doubt I’ll have one at the finals. I get that. I’m not the biggest name and I certainly don’t have the best win record. What I’d like is an opportunity. I know this place is somewhere I can get one as long as I work for it and that’s what I plan to do. I want to enter the Free-1. I know that a lot of guys around here will say that, and I know a lot who will deserve to get there ahead of me. I know for sure I won’t get an automatic spot, but a qualifying match is all I’m asking for. I want the chance to go up against the best around here and to be able to have five matches to show off my skills, maybe impress a few people and, who knows, maybe shock the world and head to Judgement Day to face the champ. The Free-1 is my chance to do that, and that’s where I want to go.
DB: Good luck with that.
RB: Thanks.
Bolts walks off as the camera returns to ringside.
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MW: “Our next match should be quite interesting, featuring some lingering animosity from our last show.”
SD: “Two weeks ago, the Suplex Sweethearts, Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley, had singles matches against Bobby O and Elizabeth Karlson respectively. Saxon came up short, but with a little bit of help, Ripley was able to score the victory over Karlson. However, Karlson and Bobby were, shall we say, displeased with this result, and that led to a brawl at the first Road to show, which set up this match tonight.”
MW: “Yes, Bobby and Elizabeth were not happy with the actions of the Suplex Sweethearts, and I agree with them, leading to this chance at retribution tonight.”
SD: “What’s the problem with what the Sweethearts did? And before you say that he distracted Karlson, let me remind you that he did nothing to her, Karlson let herself get distracted by his presence.”
MW: “Well, that’s not how I remember things, and I don’t think that’s how Bobby and Elizabeth interpreted them either.”
‘This Means War’ played from the arena speakers, and Bobby O appeared at the top of the ramp, where he was greeted by cheers from the crowd. He popped his collar and began his approach to the ring as Dasha began the introductions. “The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!” she said. “Introducing first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is Mr. FPW, Bobby O!” Bobby stood in the ring and leaned over the ropes before he dropped back into the center of the ring to await his partner.
‘This Means War’ faded out and was replaced with ‘Turn It On’ as Elizabeth Karlson appeared amidst the flickering lights. She stared down the ramp at her partner before she made her way towards the ring. “And introducing his partner,” Dasha continued. “Also from Philadelpiha, Pennsylvania, she is the Renegade, Elizabeth Karlson!” Karlson posed in the corner before rolling backwards to sit cross-legged in the center of the ring, ready to meet her opponents.
‘Turbo Killer’ began to play, and the Suplex Sweethearts strode onstage, ignoring the boos from the crowd as they embraced and shared a kiss before they stalked their way down the ramp to the ring. “And introducing their opponents, from London, England and Colby, Kansas respectively, Tommy Saxon and Ella Ripley, the Suplex Sweethearts!” The Sweethearts posed in the middle of the ring before they settled into their corner, with Ripley stepping onto the apron as Saxon watched their opponents argue over who would start the match. After a tense discussion, Bobby raised his hands and left the ring, allowing Karlson to start the match.
Match 2: The Suplex Sweethearts vs. Bobby O and Liz Karlson (written by Mason):
Karlson began to advance, but before Saxon could do the same, Ripley tagged herself into the match. Saxon looked somewhat surprised, but Ripley didn’t notice as she glared daggered at Karlson. As Saxon shrugged and stepped out of the ring, Ripley stepped in and approached Karlson saying “No one lays their hands on my man and gets away with it.” She got right up in Karlson’s face as she said this, but Karlson refused to be intimidated by her larger opponent and slapped her across the face! Ripley stared at her, shocked, as Karlson spread her arms and said “prove it.” Ripley lunged forwards with a forearm, but Karlson sidestepped and applied a waistlock, driving her into the ropes before pulling her down into an O’Connor roll!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Karlson shot to her feet as Ripley sat up, holding her finger and thumb just apart with a smirk on her face.
MW: “It seems that neither Karlson nor Ripley have forgotten what happened at their match two weeks ago.”
Karlson allowed Ripley to stand up before she lunged in for a lockup. She and Ripley jockeyed for position, and it looked at first like Ripley would gain the advantage due to her size, but then Karlson took control, grabbing Ripley with a side headlock and pulling her to the mat. She cranked on Ripley’s neck for a moment before Ripley wrapped her legs around Karlson’s neck and pulled her away, only for Karlson to quickly bridge out and escape. Both of them shot upright, and this time it would be Ripley who applied a side headlock and threw Karlson down before wrenching on her neck. But Karlson utilized the same technique to escape, wrapping her legs around Ripley’s neck and pulling her away with a headscissors, only for Ripley to also bridge out. The two of them both stood and faced off, waiting for the other to make the next move.
But the staredown was ended as Bobby reached into the ring and tagged Karlson on the shoulder, much to her surprise. She gave Bobby a questioning look as he climbed into the ring and the ref told her to do the opposite. She continued to stare at Bobby as he assured her that he could handle things. She shook her head and stepped onto the apron as Bobby and Ripley began to circle each other. They locked up, the two of them pushing against each other as they tried to take control. But neither could gain the advantage, and eventually Bobby drove RIpley back against the ropes to force the break. They had a clean break at first, but then Ripley lunged forwards and snapped on a side headlock with a confident smirk on her face. But she was surprised as Bobby broke her grip and transitioned into a wristlock. Instead of working to escape or counter, she scrambled to the ropes and grabbed hold, forcing Bobby to let her go. Bobby did so willingly, then raised his arms for another lockup. Ripley advanced, only to kick him in the midsection and connect with a knee to the face as he doubled over. She smiled and shook her head at Bobby as she backed into her corner and tagged in Tommy Saxon, who entered the ring with a malicious smile on his face. Bobby had recovered from Ripley’s strikes and motioned for Saxon to meet him with a lockup, only for Saxon to shake his head and raise his arms for a test of strength. Bobby flashed a smile and accepted, and the two clasped hands, pressing hard against each other. Saxon gained the initial advantage, pushing Bobby back several steps before beginning to drive him towards the mat. But then, accompanied by a wave of cheers from the crowd, Bobby began pushing back, first straightening upright and then driving Saxon back with a determined yell. But Saxon cut off his comeback with a knee to the gut and pulled him into a hip toss. Bobby winced as he crashed into the mat, but he was quick to begin working his way back to his feet. Saxon caught him while he was on his knees and pulled him upright, whipping him into the ropes and flattening him with a back elbow as he rebounded.
SD: “Tommy Saxon utilizing his strength advantage to take control of this match.”
Saxon gave a smile to Ella Ripley as she applauded, conveniently not hearing. the boos from the crowd.
MW: “Yes, he has the advantage for the moment, but he’s letting himself get distracted, he needs to remain focused on his opponent.”
SD: “Have you ever wrestled a match? Saxon’s a professional, I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
Saxon bent to lift Bobby up, but as he did so, Bobby grabbed him around the back of the head and dropped to his knees to connect with a jawbreaker. Saxon staggered back a step, allowing Bobby to stand and whip him into the corner. Bobby took just a moment to catch his breath before he ran in after him, only to be caught, lifted, and then brought back down with a uranage suplex out of the corner from Saxon, who then lifted himself onto the second turnbuckle before launching into a knee drop that landed hard across Bobby’s head. Saxon gave a grin to the camera before making a cover.
...1!.Kick-out!
“Still got some fight in ya Bobby Boy?” Saxon asked as he picked Bobby up and dragged him into his corner, where he tagged out to Ella Ripley, who stepped into the ring, where she applied a front facelock of her own on Bobby before they both lifted him up and brought him down with a double suplex. Saxon left the ring as Ripley made a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
Ripley kept Bobby grounded with a hammerlock, which she made worse with repeated knee strikes to the shoulder, causing Bobby to cry out with each impact. But Ripley couldn’t hold Bobby down forever, and he began working his way back to his feet, dragging Ripley upright with him. On the apron, Karlson extended her hand for a tag, expecting Bobby to break free of Ripley’s grasp, only for Ripley to redirect Bobby’s momentum and drive his shoulder into the turnbuckles. Bobby cried out and staggered back, right into a jumping neckbreaker from RIpley. Karlson sighed in frustration and began pacing back and forth along the apron as Ripley stood and stared down at Bobby, contemplating her next method of attack.
MW: “Bobby’s been in this match for a while, he needs to make the tag to Karlson.”
But Ripley wasn’t going to make it easy for him as she rolled to the outside and dragged him out with her. She pulled him over to the corner post, then walked to the other side and pulled hard on his arm, driving his shoulder into the post! Bobby collapsed, clutching at his shoulder, before he was yanked to his feet and tossed into the ring. Ripley made to follow him, but she was distracted by a sign in the front row that read ‘Saxon could do better.’ She ripped the sign away, and began to berate the fan, giving Bobby time to begin crawling towards Karlson on the apron. Saxon shouted at Ripley, directing her attention towards Bobby as he rose to his knees. SHe hurried into the ring and dove, aiming to deliver a forearm to the back of his head, but Bobby caught her on his shoulders and stood fully upright before dropping her with a fireman’s carry stunner. Ripley collapsed, and Karlson shouted for the tag.
But Bobby hesitated, his gaze switching from Karlson to Ripley for a few moments before he dropped into a cover.
...1!..Kick-out!
SD: “That was crucial. Bobby had the choice to either make the tag or go for the cover, but he wasn’t decisive enough, and now he might not get the chance to do either.”
Bobby had rolled over and was trying to resume crawling into the corner, but Ripley had grabbed his leg, halting his progress. He desperately used his free leg to kick at Ripley, but she held on, dragging him into the center of the ring before she let go, only to grab him by the wrist and pull him up before whipping him into the corner. She charged in and delivered a step-up knee strike that dropped him to a seated position before she backed away to the center of the ring, charging back in to deliver a cannonball, only for Bobby to roll underneath the bottom rope, sending her crashing into the turnbuckles.
MW: “Bobby O evading the Colby Cannonball!”
Using the ropes to help him, Bobby quickly stood up, kicking Saxon’s leg out from under him as he charged in to knock him off the apron. Ripley stood and tried to swing at Bobby, but he ducked under her punch and drove his shoulder into her midsection through the ropes, doubling her over. He took a deep breath and launched over the ropes into a sunset flip, holding her shoulders down for the cover!
...1!...2!.Kick-out!
Ripley kicked out, and as she did so, Bobby stood up and dove into his corner, finally making the tag to Karlson!
The crowd cheered as Karlson entered the ring and darted forward and flattened Ripley with a clothesline as she stood up, running through her as she continued into the opposite corner and knocking Saxon off the apron with a European uppercut. She glared down at him before she began to climb the ropes, reaching the top turnbuckle before Ripley cut her off, leaping up to connect with a forearm to the face. She gave the crowd a smirk before she began climbing up to meet Karlson, applying a front facelock to set up a superplex. But Karlson held onto the top rope as Ripley tried to lift her, then began to connect with a series of shots to the midsection, weakening Ripley until she was able to send her tumbling back to the mat. She took a moment to recover her balance before launching into a Brick Shithouse Bomb, landing hard across Ripley’s chest and holding for the cover.
...1!...2!.Saxon grabbed her leg and pulled her out of the ring!
Karlson glared at Saxon and swung a punch, only for him to block and grab her by the throat. He set up to lift her, but then Bobby came sailing through the ropes with a wrecking ball dropkick that took both Saxon and Karlson off their feet!
SD: “Hold on, this could be interesting.”
Bobby bent down to help Karlson back to her feet, but she shoved him away and stood up on her own power. “What was that?” she demanded. Bobby started to explain, but then he shoved Karlson out of the way as Ripley flew to the outside with a suicide dive that wiped out Bobby. She stood up and glanced down, realized she’d hit Bobby and turned around right into a bicycle kick from Karlson! Karlson tossed her back into the ring and, after giving Bobby one last look, rolled in after her. Ripley had risen to her knees, and Karlson took advantage by scooping one of her legs and planting her with a fisherman’s driver that she held onto to make a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Karlson maintained her grip on Ripley as she kicked out and pulled her back to her feet, lifting her up into position for a powerbomb. But before she could bring her down, Ripley turned it into a hurricanrana where she hooked Karlson’s legs for a cover.
...1!...2!..Kick-out!
Karlson launched Ripley off of her as she kicked out and then shot to her feet, where she was met with a roundhouse kick that dazed her, leaving her open for Ripley to hit the ropes and come back with a shotgun dropkick that sent Karlson staggering back to the ropes. Bobby reached over and tagged himself in as Karlson bounced off the ropes and connected with a step-up axe kick to the standing Ripley!
MW: “3XF from Elizabeth Karlson, but she’s not the legal competitor!”
Karlson was trying to make the cover, but the ref was shaking his head, pointing at Bobby as he stepped into the ring. Karlson looked at him in disbelief before she stood and raced across the ring to boot Saxon in the face as he entered the ring to prevent the pinfall attempt as Bobby dropped into a cover.
...1!...2!...3!
Winners: Elizabeth Karlson and Bobby O (20:51)
.
MW: An interesting match for sure. Karlson and Bobby had a few issues getting along as a team, but they managed to get along just well enough to pick up the win tonight.”
‘This Means War’ played as the ref raised the hands of Bobby and Karlson. The official let their hands go and checked on Ripley and Saxon as Bobby and Karlson eyed one another. Karlson extended her arms and asked Bobby why he was the one who had to get the cover. He replied that he was just helping to get the win and the two went forehead to forehead, exchanging views on the match. The official came back to them to separate them and Karlson shook her head despairingly, leaving the ring as Bobby shrugged and thanked the fans.
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Backstage, Dansha Banks stands with Marcus Allen Jones.
DB: I’m joined right now by Marcus Allen Jones. Marcus, you’ve been pretty quiet recently. What have you been up to?
MAJ: Dasha, it’s a pleasure as always. D’you know, I have been quiet. The All Star Tag Team Classic is the one tournament here in FPW that I’ve never been involved with. I’ve had pretty big matches at the finals, but I’ve never actually entered the tournament. I was never inclined to form a tag team back in the day. I guess I never thought that I had anything to gain from it. So I’ve always focussed on having a big singles match this time of year and I’ve got a pretty big one coming up. I’ve been preparing myself to make sure that Saturn can’t pick up another win over me, no matter how he does it.
DB: You had strong words for the group who jumped you at Uprising. Do you think that’s why we haven’t seen them since?
MAJ: I don’t know. I doubt they’d come and jump me and then be scared off by me saying I could take them down. If they are gone for good, then… well, that would be good, but I’m sure we’ll see them again sometime. If they want to come after me again, I’ll make sure they regret it.
DB: You also had some words for our FPW Champion. You referenced your so-called ‘golden ticket’. Are we going to see Marcus Allen Jones, FPW Champion any time soon?
MAJ: Maybe you will and maybe you won’t. As I said, I have my reasons for not jumping at the chance I was given straight away. Those reasons do still exist, even if they don’t hold me back quite as much as they did before. You know my views on Jerry Bishop and on who he’s turned into. I’ll be watching him. But it seems like I’m not the only one. He has a lot of people lining up to take their shot. He’s about to learn what it’s like being hunted down and I don’t know if his fragile sanity will be able to handle it for long. I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a new FPW Champion in two weeks.
DB: The Free-1 is coming up. It’s a tournament that I guess some people would say you haven’t quite been at your best in before. Just missing winning the block in the first Free-1 and then doing the same last year. Is this the year that Marcus Allen Jones goes all the way?
MAJ: I’d like to think it will be. I heard what Russ Bolt had to say earlier and I agree. This year might be the toughest yet. There are so many potential Free-1 entrants that there will be some big names and big talents missing out. This year I’m sure we’ll have the absolute cream of the FPW crop in the Free-1. And if that’s the best in FPW, I’ll have to make sure that I continue to be the best of the best. And I’ll say one more thing. I’ve been in the ring with Russ Bolt recently. If he puts the work in that he says he will, then I hope my qualifying match isn’t again him because he looks ready to make an impact.
DB: One last thing. You match with James Saturn. It seems to be taking a back seat to a few different things at the moment. How much does this match mean to you?
MAJ: Every match I wrestle means the world to me. You know that this is my life and this is what I’ve always wanted. So whether I’m main-eventing Judgement Day or I’m second match on at Sixty Minutes of Freedom, I consider it a big match. While this match maybe isn’t getting the attention it deserves from everyone else, what with the return of the Friendmigos, the All Star Tag Team Classic and the threat of these thugs hanging over us, I assure you that I’m giving my full attention. Saturn stole a win from me at Uprising by taking advantage of an attack. I will put that right and I will show James Saturn for what he really is.
DB: Thank you, Marcus.
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Match 3: Robert D. Jackson vs. MDE (written by Jackson):
As MDE and RDJ circle up for their second-ever encounter, MDE immediately shoots for a takedown as Jackson looks for a lockup-but MDE’s on him with a waistlock! MDE tries to take him out with a two-leg takedown, but somehow RDJ escapes with a side headlock takeover! MDE skitters to the canvas as Jackson looks for a quick roll-up pin, but MDE kicks out before one! MDE looks for a butterfly pinning combination, but now Jackson escapes at one! The two trade holds back and forth with Jackson looking for another leverage pin on MDE, but MDE looks to have other ideas, transitioning into a snap headlock! He forces Jackson to the ground and presses his knee into Jackson’s back, locking in a choke! Jackson struggles for the ropes, and MDE rolls to get him away from them, but Jackson uses the roll to reverse leverage, forcing MDE’s shoulders down for a pin! MDE breaks the choke, and Jackson rolls to the ropes to take a breather. He coughs, and MDE wears a wicked smile as both men circle up once again.
They lunge forward, and Jackson launches MDE into the canvas with a big armdrag, but MDE rolls through this time and manages a waistlock into a German Suplex! Jackson is stunned as he rolls to try and get to his feet as MDE tries for a pin on him, but Jackson forces MDE back down onto his shoulders for another one count! MDE manages to counter this into a European Clutch, but Jackson escapes it within a two! He tries to get MDE in for a double underhook for a Butterfly Pinning Combination, but MDE counters this with a Butterfly Suplex! He tries to trap Jackson for a Gutwrench Suplex, but Jackson manages to evade it and roll MDE up with a crucifix, but MDE manages to get out within a moment of struggling, instead rolling Jackson up for another two! Jackson rolls to the ropes to look for a reprieve, but MDE locks in a Boston Crab with impressive speed and strength, and he drags Jackson out from the ropes! Jackson struggles, his back aching more and more, before he scrambles and grabs hold of the bottom rope! MDE breaks the submission!
Jackson rolls to his feet and looks for a side headlock, but MDE’s quick to counter with a snap backbreaker onto Jackson! He tries to pull him in for the Triple Gutwrench, but Jackson counters into his Backslide Driver, only for MDE to escape and try for a Backslide of his own, but Jackson slides through his legs and rolls him up and over, laying over his legs and holding his shoulders down for two-and-a-half! He rolls to the corner as MDE tries to get back to his feet, and tries for an O’Connor Roll, but MDE breaks it almost instantly as he’s rolling and tries for a Simply Great Stretch, only for Jackson to guard against it and press his weight down onto MDE’s back for another pin attempt, but MDE kicks out at two! MDE hooks Jackson in a Full Nelson, but Jackson throws him over his shoulder and down to the mat! He locks in a headlock and looks for his Sleeper, but MDE’s able to get out of it before he can get it fully locked in! MDE shoves Jackson into the ropes and tries for a rebound German into a bridge, but Jackson kicks out at two!
MDE tries to set him up for another Triple Gutwrench, but Jackson keeps his wits about him and instead drives MDE into the mat with a side headlock takeover, before transitioning back into another Sleeper, but MDE manages to escape this by getting to the ropes! He shoves Jackson off, and looks for a Deadlift German as Jackson scrambles to recover, but Jackson fights back and rolls MDE through, trapping his leg and going for another Crucifix Pin, but now MDE has other ideas and escapes! We can see Jackson getting more and more flustered, looking for another Sleeper, and then breaking it to try for a pin, but MDE somehow manages to get a hold of Jackson’s arms! He forces them down-SIMPLY GREAT STRETCH! Jackson finds himself outwrestled, butted to the center of the ring! In agony, he grunts, and not willing to risk more damage-he taps out!
Winner: MDE (7:16)
.
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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jim Houston.
DB: Mr. Houston, earlier tonight we saw Bobby O and Liz Karlson pick up a victory but they seemed to have a lot of trouble co-existing. You wanted to address that?
JH: Yes I did, Dasha. Bobby O and Liz Karlson are both very strong-minded individuals who believe themselves to be among the top tier of wrestlers in this company. Well, I don’t disagree with either of them. I think both of them are among the top stars here. They definitely clashed, and I think that’s something the fans would like to see more of. But I don’t just want the two of them to have a match. I’m sure it would be a great match, don’t get me wrong, but I want to really give them a reason to go the extra mile. As you know and as our locker room certainly seems to know, the Free-1 is coming up very soon. In fact, four weeks from today we start our Road To Free-1 shows. But why not get started early. Bobby O and Liz Karlson will have a match at All Star Tag Team Classic III and it will be the first of our Free-1 qualifying matches.
DB: Wow. So one of them won’t make the Free-1 this year?
JH: That’s right, Dasha. That may be a poor decision on my part because I’m sure the Free-1 would be better with them both in it, but let’s take a risk. Bobby O has never been in a Free-1 after missing out somewhat cruelly last year, so I’m sure he’ll be extra motivated and Liz Karlson did enter and did do very well last year, so I’m sure she’ll be keen to use the Free-1 to re-establish herself at the top of the roster.
DB: Speaking of the Free-1, are we to assume that it’ll be the same format this year as last year?
JH: That’s something I’m looking at at the moment and will be hoping to finalise with the other partners in the next few days. I’ve called a locker room meeting for after the final of the All Star Tag Team Classic where I plan to lay out my plans to the locker room. I will make sure the cameras are in there and I will make sure you get the chance to question me afterwards.
DB: Can you speak briefly on the return of Super Che Junior and Matt Dwyer to FPW?
JH: I’d love to. Super Che Junior and Matt Dwyer were always guys I liked. They may have used my office a little more than I’d have expected them to, but… they were good people. And so was our FPW Champion while they were here. It was Missy who reached out to me and asked if I could bring them back to… well, they explained why they’re here. I re-signed them on the basis of this one match, but there’s an option for them to up that contract to a year if they so choose. I hope they do.
DB: Thank-
JH: Actually, there is one more thing. I’d like to publically address the act of vandalism that took place in my office this past week. Freedom Pro Wrestling is, despite our growth, still a fairly small wrestling company with an equally small budget. We operate within that budget but I push that budget to its limits with every show we produce and every talent I sign. I do not expect to have to use some of that budget to have my office painted because it was vandalised by someone who ought to be a representative of this company just because they disagree with a decision that I made. I intend to fine Jerry Bishop for the cost of the redecoration. And if Jerry decides that he doesn’t appreciate that decision and wants to take other, similar actions, I will continue to issue increasing fines until he falls in line. Anybody who has a legitimate grievance here is, and will always be, listened to. However, much like with Alan Lightbody and his band of marauders, I will not bow down to intimidation and I will not be bullied into changing decisions. That is all I will say on the matter.
Houston turns and walks back into his office, closing his door a little more forcefully than he usually would.
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MW: And now it’s time to determine our third semi-finalists.
SD: The Dogs of War are former FPW Tag Team Champions. Revolution-X have had two matches and have lost both. I don’t think it takes a genius to figure out how this one is going to go.
MW: But RJ Tudor and Jackson Banks have impressed in both matches. They’re two talented wrestlers with a lot to offer. I don’t think The Dogs of War are guaranteed to win this one.
SD: I disagree. I’m sure Revolution-X will have their moments, but I don’t doubt for a second that David Archer and Braxton Cable will get the better of them. They’re a more experienced team who know how to win big matches. They won the Tag Team Championships against The Guardians of Strong Style, FPW’s greatest ever tag team, at Judgement Day II, FPW’s biggest ever show, in just their second match in the company. They will win this match and I think they’ll be there in the final in two weeks’ time.
MW: Well let’s find out. It’s over to Dasha Banks to make the introductions.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is the third of our four quarter-finals in All Star Tag Team Classic III. Introducing first, from Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado respectively, ‘The Vigilante’ David Archer and ‘The Battering Ram’ Braxton Cable, they are the former FPW Tag Team Champions… The Dogs of War!”
The fans boo as ‘Justice’ rings out and The Dogs of War step onto the ramp. Cable surveys the crowd as Archer pretends to draw back his bow before punching forward and making his way down the ramp. Cable follows, both men ignoring the fans as they walk quickly down the ramp and step up into the ring. They settle in their corner and talk to one another behind their hands.
“And their opponents, from The Bronx and Brooklyn respectively, ‘The King of the Air’ RJ Tudor and ‘The King of the Ropes’ Jackson Banks, they are Revolution-X!”
‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ plays as the usual highlights flicker on the screen. The fans cheer as Tudor and Banks burst through the curtain, calling to the crowd and bouncing around the stage. The cheers get louder before they head down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans and continuing to pump up the crowd. Tudor slides into the ring and jumps up onto the top turnbuckle while Banks springboards onto the top rope and walks rope to his partner. The two smile for the camera before landing a backflip into the ring. The Dogs od War stare across at them as they continue playing to the crowd.
Match 4: All Star Tag Team Classic III: Quarter-Final 3: The Dogs of War vs. Revolution-X:
The match begins with Jackson Banks and Braxton Cable moving to the middle of the ring. They lock up and Cable dismissively shoves Banks backwards. Banks rolls back to his feet and comes forward again, the two locking up again and Cable again shoving him backwards. Banks rolls to his feet but holds back as Cable comes charging after him. Banks ducks under his running lariat and sends him charging into the turnbuckles. Cable reels back, momentarily stunned, as Banks leaps up onto the middle rope and connects with a crossbody, but Cable catches him. He hoists him up and drops him with a gorilla press. Banks hits the mat hard and can’t get back to his feet straight away.
Cable bends down and pulls him up, lifting him onto his shoulder and dropping him with snake eyes. Cable reaches up and tags in Archer, who quickly enters the ring and kicks Banks in the leg. Banks drops to a knee and Archer lands a hard kick to his chest. He then pulls him up and hoists him for a vertical suplex, only for Banks to use the momentum to carry on through, getting his feet onto the top rope and miraculously balancing there. Archer turns and swings at Banks, who leaps up and lands back on the rope before coming down into a flying headscissors.
MW: What incredible balance!
SD: That was impressive for sure. The things these young guys can do nowadays never ceases to amaze me.
MW: Were you not walking the ropes when you wrestled, Steven?
SD: Walking them? I was barely able to climb to the top!
Banks makes the tag to Tudor, who comes in with a lot of energy. He pulls Archer up and whips him into the ropes, taking him down with an arm drag. Archer scrambles up again and Tudor leaps up for an enzeguiri to send him staggering. Tudor then performs a handspring and comes back with a reverse DDT! He makes the cover.
One…
Two-
Archer kicks out as Tudor stands and pumps up the fans, who cheer loudly. Tudor then bends down and lifts Archer, dragging him over to the Revolution-X corner and tagging in Banks. Banks enters and kicks Archer hard in the gut before wringing his arm. He steps up the ropes and walks the top rope, coming down with a facebuster. He makes a cover.
One…
Two-
Archer again kicks out. Banks kips up and stalks Archer. As Archer pulls himself to his feet, Jackson leaps onto the top rope and looks for a springboard DDT, but Archer catches him and holds him up, transitioning into a snap suplex. Archer takes a moment to recover before reaching out to Cable and tagging him in.
MW: This could spell trouble for Jackson Banks.
SD: There’s a clear size difference between these two. Banks has the speed advantage for sure, but that doesn’t help if you’re already in the clutches of a man like Braxton Cable.
Cable pulls Banks from the canvas and drives him into the corner. He unleashes a series of hard lariats before allowing Banks to stagger out. He then tags in Archer, who enters the ring as Cable grabs a waistlock. He launches Banks into a German right into a hard kick to the top of the head from Archer, who drops into a cover as Cable leaves the ring.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Banks just gets a shoulder up. Archer stands and pulls Banks with him, kicking him hard in the left knee before pulling him down with a side Russian leg sweep. He reaches up and tags Cable back in, who sits on the top rope as Archer pulls Banks up and lays him across his knee. Cable comes down with a guillotine leg drop and Banks folds up as he slides off the knee of Archer. Tudor calls for the official to stop the double teams and the fans voice their displeasure. Cable makes another cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
The fans cheer as Jackson Banks again manages to get a shoulder up. Cable stands and then pulls Banks up again. He draws a thumb across his throat as he looks for The Garrote, but Banks manages to use his flexibility to get a foot up and kick Cable in the head. Banks then drops down and tries to get to his feet quickly, but Archer grabs his leg from the outside to trip him, the fans booing loudly again. Cable takes advantage, pulling Banks in for the Titan Killer. However, as he gets him up, RJ Tudor springboards onto the top rope and lands a springboard dropkick to his partner’s back, causing Cable to fall and Banks to land on top of him in a cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Braxton Cable shoves Banks off him.
MW: That was a little bit of genius from RJ Tudor.
SD: Genius? Some would call it cheating?
MW: And tripping Jackson Banks isn’t?
SD: Oh… is this a parallel world where Mike Watson believes that two wrongs make a right?
MW: Not as such, but if The Dogs of War are going to be allowed to get away with-
SD: You’re showing your true colours here, Watson. Quite frankly I’m disappointed in you.
David Archer climbs into the ring and all four men exchange right hands for a moment, before Archer and Cable get the better of Tudor and Banks, forcing them into the ropes. Archer lands kicks to both men’s midsections as Cable hits the ropes and comes at them with double lariats to send them over the top rope to the outside. Tudor and Banks somehow both manage to land on their feet, and they each leap up to land enzeguiris to Archer, causing him to fall back, his legs in the air. As Tudor and Banks look to head back into the ring, Braxton Cable comes flying with a suicide dive through Archer’s legs to take both of Revolution-X down on the outside.
All three men land hard and David Archer, seeing what has happened, leaves the ring and pulls Jackson Banks up. He rolls him back in and then rolls Braxton Cable after him. Archer stalks Banks as he tries to get to his feet. He’s about to leap onto the middle rope for the Gut Shot, but the official blocks him, ordering him out of the ring, to much aplomb from the fans. Archer can’t believe it, but he’s not left with much choice as Jackson Banks grabs him by the back of the neck and throws him over the top rope. Banks turns, but Cable cuts him off with a hard lariat.
Cable then reaches down to position Banks for the Titan Killer again. He lifts him, but Banks leaps off his shoulders and lands on the top rope. Cable swings at him, but Banks leaps up in the air and comes down on the rope. He then runs to the corner, with Cable in pursuit. He turns and runs along the rope, Cable still trying to catch him up, before turning again and running along the rope to RJ Tudor, who he tags in.
MW: Have you ever seen a tag made quite like that, Steven?
SD: These guys seem able to do a lot that I’ve never seen!
MW: And here comes RJ Tudor.
Tudor enters and ducks a lariat from Cable, knocking him into a seated position in the corner with a Pele kick. Tudor then hits the ropes and comes back with a hard dropkick before rolling Cable towards the middle of the ring. Tudor springs up onto the top rope and then comes down with a shooting star press, holding for a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Cable just kicks out. Tudor gets to his feet and pulls Cable up. He grabs him by the wrist and connects with a ripcord hook kick. Cable staggers and then turns into a drop toe hold, which leaves him resting on the middle rope. Tudor hits the opposite ropes and charges at him, leaping over the ropes and landing on his feet on the outside before connecting with a superkick. Cable lands back in the ring and Tudor gets onto the apron. He springboards up, then over to the adjacent set of ropes before performing the phoenix splash for the King’s Decree… only for Cable to roll out of the way at the last moment. Cable stretches over and manages to tag in Archer. Archer enters and immediately runs over to knock Banks off the apron. He then turns, springs off the ropes and connects with the Gut Shot to RJ Tudor. He covers him.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winners: The Dogs of War (14:30).
MW: What a match that was!
SD: Fantastic tag team action and as usual my pick got the victory.
MW: But Revolution-X really showed that they’re a team to be reckoned with.
SD: They’ve had three losses but they can take credit from each of them. They’re not just here to make up the numbers. These guys have real talent and they’ll be around for some time.
MW: But it’s The Dogs of War who advance to the semi-finals after an impressive victory. They’ll be a match for any of the teams left in this tournament, that’s for sure.
SD: I agree. We have five teams left and any of them could easily win this tournament. This is as exciting as it gets.
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MW: It’s been spoken about previously tonight, but last time we were here, we saw a very surprising turn of events. For the first time in well over a year, Missy, Matt Dwyer and Super Che Junior made their FPW return to address our FPW Champion, Super Che Junior issuing the challenge to Jerry Bishop for a match at All Star Tag Team Classic III. Earlier this week, Dasha Banks sat down with the trio to discuss their return and the big match.
Dasha Banks sits in a bean bag chair in a magnificent library, with Super Che Junior, Matt Dwyer and Missy, all dressed as if they were going to a very formal party, sat on similar chairs opposite her.
DB: Well, I’m here in… actually, where are we?
MD: You don’t recognise it?
DB: No.
M: Think back, Dasha. Back to the early days. Back to before Che and I first came to FPW.
DB: Wait… this isn’t… oh…
MD: Poetic, isn’t it? The place that used to be known as the Jester’s Court. Where we would see the real Jerry sit down in conversation with FPW’s best and brightest.
DB: You said the ‘real’… him. Is that why you’re here? To bring him back?
SCJ: I think he’s past that now. The real him, it is buried so deep beneath this new mask. Maybe it is too deep to recover. No. We are here to answer the call. Ever since we first formed, we Friendmigos have fought to ensure that the ring is a place of fun and enjoyment. A place where all are welcome and where all can perform to amaze and inspire. Whenever that is threatened, we know we are needed. Here we are certainly needed.
M: But we must be clear. Super Che Junior does not want to do this. Never did he imagine that he would be in a ring opposite the man who used to represent everything the Friendmigos stood for, even after the League drifted in separate currents. The Junior never wished to fight The Jester, but this is the duty of the League of Friendmigos. A duty that must be fulfilled, no matter the personal reservations.
MD: When you take the oath, it’s for life. The Friendmigos are more than just a group, we’re a band of brothers, united by a common philosophy. People used to look at us and see a masked luchador, a guy with a guitar and a comedian and wonder what united us. It was that philosophy. And it still stands to this day.
DB: It sounds like the three of you aren’t exactly taking pleasure in this.
M: No. No pleasure. But duty must be done.
SCJ: When I am honest, I do not want to have this match. I hope to stand across from him in the ring and for him to have a realisation, to cast aside The Joker, the man who has corrupted him and devil that sits on his shoulder. I hope he will relinquish the object which he has chased and which has driven him to the brink of insanity. I hope he will see the light. I hope all of these things. But I do not expect them.
MD: Don’t get us wrong, it rocks that we’re back here. We had some great moments in FPW and it was a hard decision leaving this place. The reception that we got when we came out was fucking awesome. I hope we can do the right thing and then that we choose to stay here. Whether that’s the three of us or four of us, I don’t know.
DB: As you say, you left here a long time ago. What have you been doing?
SCJ: Following and spreading the Friendmigo philosophy. There are so many places where it needs to be heard, so many people who need to change. We have wrestled all over the world, and it is my belief that we have left each of these places better than we found it. We will continue to do this.
MD: We’ve been to countries that I didn’t even know existed. Honestly, we’ve left little Friendmigos all over the world. We’re the originals, but there are Leagues in England, Japan, Germany, Ireland, Canada… even Kenya I think. It’s like we’re setting up franchises. The League of Friendmigos just keeps growing and just keeps spreading the message. In Germany, they used to say ‘Die Matte ist Hellig’ but now they say ‘Die Matte macht Spaß’. The ring is fun. It’s awesome.
DB: So now that you’re back… if Che does win the FPW Championship, what are you hoping for afterwards?
M: We said clearly when we made our return- the FPW Championship is a devil on the shoulder of a good man. It has been many times before. We will not allow this to happen to Che. He must succeed in exorcising the devil from Jerry Bishop and in bringing this devil back to the light.
SCJ: I have never collected championships. That has never been my purpose. If I am to succeed in our quest, then I do not know what comes next. There is one end that we are aiming for. A return to the Friendmigo philosophy for FPW. The return of fun, excitement and enjoyment no matter who is in the ring. If I am to be successful, that is what I hope for.
DB: And Matt, are you expecting to get in the ring as well?
MD: I don’t know. We decided that Che was the right man for this job. I supported that. Maybe I’ll get a chance to get back in there in the future. Honestly, I’m glad I’m not the one to face him. I think I’d struggle to face someone who was… for so long, he was a brother to me. I don’t know if I’d cope with stepping in the ring with him. But there are a lot of matches I’d love to have here. Maybe I’ll get to after this is all done.
M: We sincerely hope that the League of Friendmigos can re-establish a presence in FPW. There are several here who clearly follow the same philosophy as we do. After this match, we will look to speak with them and see if they wish to join forces with us. It has been some time since we awarded a new mask. We would love to do so again.
DB: May I ask who you have in mind?
SCJ: We were close with Berry Bishop before we departed. It may be too painful for her to join up with us given what she has been through, and that I understand. But she would make an excellent Friendmigo. I also believe Aaron Williams has the spirit which we seek out. There are others too. We see a large chapter of the League of Friendmigos which could be established here, but we have our own work to do first. Once that is done, then we look at this.
M: And now we must go. We thank you, Dasha, for agreeing to this. We are aware of the pain you have suffered. We hope to bring fun and enjoyment back to you as well.
DB: Thanks… I…
MD: You don’t have to talk about it. We understand. We know what a descent like his can do. We can only hope to help a little.
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MW: Interesting words from our returning Friendmigos. That match is sure to be emotional in two weeks’ time, but let’s refocus on our final quarter-final. This is an interesting one.
SD: It is. We have a very experienced, very effective team in Death Squad. They won the All Star Tag Team Classic last year and defeated The Guardians of Strong Style to become Tag Team Champions along the way. They stuck around and the two teams had a great series of matches. Since then, Death Squad have been on a bit of a downward slide, but they’ll be looking to reverse that for this tournament.
MW: And what do you make of The House of Berry and Bo?
SD: Are they really using that name?
MW: I believe so.
SD: Aside from the name, I find them interesting. They haven’t teamed together before but they’ve trained together. They’re a mismatch of a team but that can often work in that team’s favour. I think this will be an interesting clash and I think whoever wins will give us a good match with The Dogs of War.
MW: Who’s your pick?
SD: I have to go Death Squad because of the experience, but I could see it going either way. We’ll soon see how effective the training has been for Bo and Berry.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the fourth and final quarter-final match in All Star Tag Team Classic III. Introducing first, from The Bay Area, California and New Haven, Connecticut respectively, Botiatus and ‘The Bombshell’ Berry Bishop… The House of Berry and Bo!”
The fans cheer loudly as the lights drop and the screen displays the foot of a set of wide stone steps. It pans up as ‘Famous’ begins and shows Roman pillars in front of an Ancient Roman villa. The song kicks into gear and the words ‘The House of Botiatus’ appears on the screen for a few moments as Bo emerges from the back. However, the song shudders to a halt and Bo turns and looks up. The words transform in ‘The House of Berry and Bo’, ‘Berry’ written in Berry’s usual purple lettering instead of Bo’s electric blue. ‘Famous’ is replaced by ‘The Entertainer’ as Berry comes through the curtain to an even louder pop. The two of them nod to one another and make their way down the ramp, Berry making a big show of slapping hands with the fans while Bo remains more stoic, although he points out to a vocal ‘House of Bo’ section. They reach the ring and each hops onto the apron, Bo walking across as usual and posing on the top rope while Berry somersaults into the ring and lands with a bow and a wink.
“And their opponents, from Las Vegas, Nevada and Denver, Colorado respectively, ‘The End’ Aiden Balmer and ‘The Torment’ Mary Downing… the former FPW Tag Team Champions… Death Squad!”
The fans boo as ‘Broken Bones’ begins to play. Balmer and Downing step through the curtain immediately and both spit out at the fans nearest to them. The fans boo even louder and Balmer and Downing respond, Downing almost diving into the crowd as security staff step in front of her. They quickly make their way down the ramp, continuing to shout back in response to the fans’ abuse, before entering and making straight for Bo and Berry, who stand their ground. The official holds them back, but barely, before convincing them to back off into their corner.
Match 5: All Star Tag Team Classic III: Quarter-Final 4: The House of Berry and Bo vs. Death Squad:
Botiatus steps back through the ropes to allow Berry to start as Aiden Balmer looks across at her with a smirk on his face. The two lock up and Berry quickly locks in a headlock. Balmer lifts her off her feet but manages to shift her weight and take him down with a headlock takeover. She maintains her grip as Balmer tries to push her away before trying to stand. He forces his way to his feet and hits the ropes, shoving Berry, but she still keeps her grip. Balmer tries to lift her again, and she flips over his shoulder and lands on her feet, landing a hard kick to Balmer’s back and looking for a running bulldog. However, Balmer blocks it and this time drives Berry into the canvas with a back suplex.
Balmer quickly tags in Downing, who comes in ad delivers a series of knees to Berry’s ribs before lifting her and forcing her into the corner where she lets off more knees, this time into the gut. She reels away and hisses at the fans as they boo her before whipping Berry across to the opposite corner and following her in. She looks for a high knee, but Berry ducks down and rolls underneath her. Downing turns and comes at Berry but Berry leaps up and takes her down with a monkey flip before tagging in Botiatus.
MW: Mary Downing proving a tough question for Berry to answer, but she’s managed to get out of the way.
SD: Downing is a real wildcard for Death Squad. She can string things together like nobody else, but she’s volatile.
MW: That’s one word for it.
Bo comes in and pulls Downing to her feet. He wrings her arm and hits an arm stunner. She reels away but he pulls her back in and takes her down with a back suplex before kipping up and then dropping an elbow on her. He makes a cover.
One…
Tw-
Downing kicks out. Bo quickly pulls her up and forces her into the corner, where he lands a series of forearms before tagging Berry in. She comes in and delivers a couple of kicks to the chest before hooking Downing’s head and taking her down with a running bulldog. She rolls her over for another cover, but Balmer quickly enters and pulls Berry off Downing. He connects with a hard headbutt which drops Berry and Bo quickly enters to get him out of the ring. He throws him over the top rope and follows him out, driving him into the barricade and landing a few kicks to the gut.
Meanwhile, Downing recovers and pulls Berry up into a neckbreaker. She sits Berry up and hits the ropes before delivering a sliding knee strike and hooking the leg for a cover.
One…
Two-
Berry manages to kick out. Downing looks out at Balmer, who is down against the guardrail as Bo makes his way back to the corner, before pulling Berry up and trapping her arm. She ripcords her, but Berry ducks the lariat and hits the ropes, coming back at Downing with an adapted version of Bo’s House Call. Downing hits the mat and Berry crawls over to make the tag. Bo enters and pulls Downing up onto his shoulder. He carries hr over to the corner and drops her with snake eyes, before hitting the ropes for his own House Call, only for Balmer to grab him from behind and trip him. He turns to face Balmer and leans out of the ring, but Balmer leaps up with a headbutt and Bo staggers round into a stunner from Downing. She makes the cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Bo kicks out. Balmer calls for the tag and Downing duly obliges. Balmer enters the ring and taunts Bo with soft kicks to the head. As Bo starts to get to his feet, Balmer switches his attack, leaping up with a bicycle knee and then connecting with a half-nelson backbreaker to the knee. Balmer spits at Berry on the apron and the fans boo loudly, so he spits at them too, before turning back to Bo as he gets to his feet. Balmer stalks Bo and pulls him into a suplex position, connecting with a snap suplex before rolling out of the ring. Balmer climbs up to the top rope and waits for Bo to get to his feet. As Bo begins to turn, Balmer launches himself into a big crossbody, taking Bo down and holding for the cover.
One…
Two…
Th-
Bo kicks out.
MW: As much as I dislike the man, I don’t think there’s anyone who impresses more with a crossbody than Aiden Balmer.
SD: He’s as good a wrestler as most of the guys in the back. A few tweaks and I think he could be a real star.
MW: Tweaks like focussing on the match and not spitting at people?
SD: Maybe the first, but the second is a useful tool. It riles up opponents and takes them off their game. It’s not nice, but there’s sound reasoning behind it.
Balmer quickly gets to his feet and lifts Bo, forcing him into the corner. He reaches out and tags in Downing, and the two of them go to work on Bo, Balmer landing hard chops and right hands while Downing lays in knees to the midsection. The official yanks Balmer away and forces him out of the ring but Downing maintains control of Bo. She drags him to the middle of the ring and kicks him in the gut before hooking him for a DDT. Bo, however, pushes up and lifts Downing, driving her back into the corner and tagging Berry into the match. Bo drops down and Downing comes at Berry, who ducks her roundhouse kick and takes her down with a snapmare. Berry then hits the ropes for the penalty kick but Balmer cuts her off, grabbing her around the waist. He looks to lift her over the ropes, but she catches him with a back elbow strike and frees herself. Berry then takes him off the apron with a roundhouse kick before turning back to Downing, who leaps up into a cutter, making a deep cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
Berry just gets a shoulder up. The fans cheer as Downing argues with the official and Bo encourages Berry to get back to the corner. She begins to crawl, but Downing quickly cuts her off, grabbing her foot and dragging her back to Death Squad’s corner. Downing then drops an elbow on the back of Berry’s neck and grabs her arm, trapping it as she pulls her up. She shoves her out and connects with a ripcord knee before pulling Berry up onto her back and landing a backpack stunner. Berry drops down motionless and Downing makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thr-
No! Berry again just manages to get her shoulder up. Bo bangs the turnbuckle madly and the fans clap along, encouraging Berry to come and make the tag to her partner. Downing however is the person to make the tag, Balmer coming in and pulling Berry up. He shoves her into a powerbomb position and lifts her, but she manages to leap off his shoulders and onto the middle rope, connecting with a disaster kick. With the fans fully behind her, she crawls over to the corner and reaches out to tag Bo, only for Bo to drop down.
MW: What the-
SD: It’s Downing. Perfect timing.
Downing manages to grab Bo’s foot and pull him off the apron, lifting a knee to turn the move into a version of the GTS. Bo lands in a heap and Downing spits at Berry as she looks down at her. Berry wipes the spit off her face and turns to see Balmer aiming a running forearm. She ducks it and Balmer crashes into the turnbuckles. As he turns, Berry grabs him for the Berry Buster! She connects and makes a cover.
One…
Two…
Thre-
Downing dives in to make the save! The fans groan as she lays into Berry, the official having to grab her by the waist and yank her away to get her off. Berry rolls away but the flurry of strikes from Downing have taken their toll and she can’t capitalise on Balmer still being down. Balmer rolls over to the corner, where Downing reaches out for the tag. Berry reaches up but Bo is still struggling to recover on the outside. Balmer tags in Downing and she comes charging in. She grabs Berry and spin her round, leaping up for a cutter, but Berry shoves her away and turns just as Bo gets back onto the apron. He tags himself in and quickly enters the ring. He hooks an arm over Downing and pulls her up for a vertical suplex, dumping her over the top rope and shoving her onto the apron.
Bo then backs away before running at her and landing a sliding elbow drop, doubling Downing over. He grabs her by the head and begins his series of knee lifts, the fans counting along until he reaches nine, when he hits the opposite ropes, but he’s cut off again by Balmer, who jumps up into a rope-assisted enzeguiri. Bo drops to a knee but Berry quickly drops down and heads over to Balmer, grabbing his foot and pulling down off the apron. As soon as his feet hit the floor, she unleashes Checkmate and he crumples. In the ring, Bo pushes to his feet and, with Downing back in the ring and recovering, he stalks her before leaping and connecting with House Rules. He makes the cover.
One…
Two…
Three.
Winners: The House of Berry and Bo (16:11).
Berry slides into the ring and Bo stands, the official grabbing both of their hands and raising them as the fans cheer loudly. A ‘H. O. B. B.’ chant breaks out and Berry and Bo smile as they continue to acknowledge the fans.
MW: A big win on their tag team debut. These two didn’t have it all their own way, but I was impressed with them tonight.
SD: I thought Death Squad had the better of them for large periods of the match-
MW: Mostly due to double teams and cheating.
SD: Mostly due to their ability to work the rules to their advantage, but credit to Bo and Berry. They got it done when they needed to and they’ve made it to the semi-finals.
MW: And they will face The Dogs of War. The winners of that match will face either The Queendom or Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. I think those are two very difficult to predict matches and I think they- and the final to follow- will be excellent.
SD: Four teams who could all come away with a victory. Making a pick won’t be easy.
MW: And that’s all we have time for tonight. Join us live in two weeks’ time for All Star Tag Team Classic III!
