Free-1 III Promo Thread

[Jim Houston]

The locker room is full to bursting. Even Jace Mason and Aaron Williams are there, trainers seeing to them after the attack. There’s a concerned murmur going round after the way All Star Tag Team Classic III went off the air. The door bursts open and Jim Houston walks in. He immediately hears a wall of questions. Holding his hands up, he calls loudly for quiet.



JH: Look, I understand you’re concerned.

James Saturn: Damn right. We don’t want to be threatened with four-on-one attacks wherever we go. What are you going to do about it, Houston?

JH: I'm working on security-

Tommy Saxon: You already worked on the security. You fucked that up again, didn’t you?

JH: Listen. I don’t like this any more than you do. I-

Myra Lopez: Oh, really? I don’t see you being attacked. We’re the ones going out there-

Marcus Allen Jones: Actually, I think you’ll find the three of us are the ones who’ve been attacked by these bastards. And I think you’ll also find the three of us are sat here wanting to hear what Jim Houston is going to do about it. So shut up and let the man talk.



Silence fills the room and Houston gives Marcus a slightly bemused look.



JH: Well I wouldn’t have expected that to come from you this time last year. But anyway, we do have a problem with these guys. They see us as a target to get some attention and they’re finding ways of getting around our security. I want to make one thing clear to you all. I will not give permission for these four to ever officially step into an FPW ring. The moment I sign these guys to any kind of contract is the moment FPW is under serious existential threat. You all know the reputation these guys have. They’ve killed more promotions than any of you have ever worked in… maybe with the exception of Aaron. All I ask is that you all trust me and our security to do the job we’re supposed to be doing. I will be working with our security company to ensure these guys cannot get in, and to make sure there is no… insider helping them to do so. Until then, we do not engage with them, we do not converse with them and we do not go after them. Clear?



There’s a murmur in the room again.



JH: To be clear, does anyone have a problem with what I’ve just said?



A few faces look ready to say something, but no one does.



JH: Good. Now let’s move on to the reason I’ve asked you all to stay behind tonight. By my count, there are thirty-two of you in here, and a few who may well be looking to earn their way back here. The Free-1 is, I believe, the biggest time of the FPW calendar and place where you all get the best opportunity to showcase yourselves. Who here feels they deserve to be in the Free-1 this year?



Houston looks around as at least twenty-five hands go up.



JH: Just as I thought. Well we all know that there are some automatic qualifiers for the Free-1. Last year’s winner and runner-up normally get spots, but, seeing as last year’s runner-up is no longer under contract here, he won’t be in. Jace Mason, however, as last year’s winner, will be in. Our FPW and Freedom Champions both get automatic spots, meaning Jerry Bishop and Clutch McCloud are in. Tonight Bobby O also qualified against Liz Karlson. Normally the Young Lions’ Cup winner also qualifies, but, seeing as Jace Mason is already in, I will make a change to that rule. As All Star Tag Team Classic winners, Berry Bishop and Botiatus will automatically qualify. That means-

Clutch McCloud: I have a question.

JH: Go ahead.

CM: How are you going to make sure that this tournament does not continue to promote senseless male violence against women-



The locker room fills with groans but Clutch carries on, speaking louder to be heard.



CM: How will you make sure of that given that you’ve already allowed one woman to enter and doubtlessly will allow others to do so as well?

JH: Clutch, you know what you’ve signed up for here-

Berry Bishop: Hey Clutch, you want to put your money where your mouth is and let me answer that challenge of yours? I may be just a woman but I can beat a big old meanie like you.

CM: This is a men’s division-

JH: Actually, it’s a title for everyone.

CM: And I refuse to defend-

Bobby O: You want to defend that title against a man? How about me? You and I have a bit of unfinished business and I would take great pleasure in taking that away from you.

CM: You want to lose another match to me, Bobby? Fine. You’re on. But my point stands. I will only enter the Free-1 if you can guarantee it will not promote man-on-woman violence.

JH: Clutch, I’m not making that guarantee. There will be inter-gender matches in the Free-1, like it or not.

CM: Then I refuse to participate. There’s another spot for you to fill.



The rest of the locker room look at Clutch in shock.



JH: Have it your way, Clutch. So that gives us five spots filled. I can see several deserving people in here. Marcus Allen Jones, Robert D. Jackson, MDE, Russ and Danica, Aaron Williams, James Saturn, Go Shihei, Artemis Evans when she returns, several members of prominent tag teams who would love a chance to show what they can do in singles competition. So here’s what I plan to do. This year, the Free-1 will be expanded. Two blocks, each with eight competitors. That means four more spots than we’ve had in the past. Aside from the five who have already qualified, the remaining eleven spots will be up for grabs in qualifying matches which will be held over the next three shows. That will give everyone who may be deserving of a spot the chance to earn one. I will announce the matches shortly. Upon the confirmation of the full field of sixteen, I will draw the blocks- at random as ever- and will announce the schedule. If anyone wishes to ask me any questions, I will be in my office for the next hour. Thank you all for your time.

[Jim Houston]

Dasha Banks stands with Jim Houston outside his office.

DB: Your announcement earlier of a sixteen-person Free-1 tournament has got the social media world buzzing. What led to that decision?
JH: The increased number of deserving wrestlers. I couldn’t cap this tournament at twelve as I have in the past two years. How would I justify some of our very best talents missing out on a great opportunity, either to them or to those who are invested in the numbers of fans we draw to our shows and our network? I promised the Free-1 would be bigger and better than ever, and this is how I intend to fulfill that promise.

DB: You’ve already announced four automatic qualifiers plus Bobby O, who qualified earlier tonight. How do you expect them to fare?
JH: It’s really too early to tell. The block draw is very important in the Free-1. Now there will be seven matches over the course of the same time as previously there were five. Being in a block with competitors who can be defeated in shorter matches is a big advantage compared to being in one with longer matches. Saying that, I expect each of those five to give a good showing. They represent our biggest tournament winners and our current top champion, and therefore they will all see themselves as possible Free-1 winners.

DB: Have you set the qualifying matches?
JH: Yes I have. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had a lot of interest and there will undoubtedly be some disappointed people. So here’s what I’ve done. Each night on the road to Free-1 III will see a number of qualifying matches as well as a championship match. No titles are defended during the Free-1, so I want to see them all defended in the lead up. I have also left an open spot. Last year we had a situation which I maybe didn’t deal with as well as I’d have liked to. That open spot will give me the freedom to respond flexibly to a situation if I feel I need to. Through the magic of editing, the shows should appear on the screen now.

Road to Free-1 III Night One:
Free-1 III Qualifier: Matt Dwyer vs. RJ Tudor
Free-1 III Qualifier: Myra Lopez vs. Russ Bolt
Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Bobby O
Number One Contender for the FPW Championship Open Battle Royal

Road to Free-1 III Night Two:
Free-1 III Qualifier: David Archer vs. Robert D. Jackson
Free-1 III Qualifier: Aaron Williams vs. Tommy Saxon
Free-1 III Qualifier: Hiro Takahara vs. Artemis Evans
Free-1 III Qualifier: MDE vs. Go Shihei
Tag Team Championships: The Guardians of Strong Style vs. The House of Berry and Bo

Road to Free-1 III Night Three:
Free-1 III Qualifier: Masa Tchyukiro vs. Thea Donovan
Free-1 III Qualifier: Aiden Balmer vs. Danica Jane
Free-1 III Qualifier: James Saturn vs. Jackson Banks
Free-1 III Qualifier: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Braxton Cable
FPW Championship: Jerry Bishop vs. Winner of Number One Contender Open Battle Royal

DB: Well, there’s a few things I can pick up on from there if you don’t mind?
JH: Fire away, Dasha. I didn’t expect this to go unquestioned!

DB: Let’s go night by night. The open battle royal. How can people enter?
JH: That one is very simple. All any wrestler needs to do is to ask me for a spot and they’ll get it. But they have to ask. I will not be granting anybody a spot in that match unless they personally request one. It’s time to see who really wants to step up.

DB: Also from night one, I see Matt Dwyer is there but Super Che Junior isn't. Why is that?
JH: Well each of them had the chance to extend their one-match contract to a longer contract if they wished to. It was Matt Dwyer's decision to stick around. Super Che Junior made the very understandable decision not to. I don't like the way that match ended any more than anyone else, but the contract has to be honored. Matt Dwyer will be back as a full-time FPW wrestler for the foreseeable future and I think a match with RJ Tudor will be a very interesting one.

DB: So night two. The all Star Tag Team Classic winners get their title match.
JH: And what a match it’ll be. I’ve been very impressed with Bo and Berry as a team. I didn’t know how well it would work, but I’m glad I took a chance and let them enter the tournament. That final was a work of art. The Guardians of Strong Style are probably the best tag team we’ve ever had in FPW, but I think Bo and Berry will give them a real run for their money. I can’t wait for that one.

DB: And Artemis Evans returns.
JH: She does. She picked up an injury in her loss to Jace Mason and I gave her time to go and get right. She’s been cleared and she wanted a Free-1 spot, so she’ll have the chance to earn one. I think she was expecting me to roll out the red carpet and put her straight in, but she needs to earn it just like everyone else.

DB: And we end with an FPW Championship match. Do you have anyone who you’d like to see in that match?
JH: I have a lot of people that I’d like to see in the match. But I won’t be determining the challenger, as you know. We’ll see who earns their chance. The Free-1 is a time for earning things- title matches, entry into the tournament itself and, ultimately, the main event at Judgement Day III. Whoever manages to come through this field will most definitely have earned the right to be in that match. Thank you Dasha.

[Jim Houston]

As always, please sign up to write whichever match(es) you’re interested in. I’ll be writing all the Free-1 tournament matches myself, so I’d appreciate being able to take a lighter workload through these shows.

Road to Free-1 III Night One (Sunday 14th June):
Free-1 III Qualifier: Johnny California vs. RJ Tudor (Mason  to Write)
Free-1 III Qualifier: Myra Lopez vs. Russ Bolt (Jerry to Write)
Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Bobby O (Houston to Write)
Number One Contender for the FPW Championship Open Battle Royal- Masa Tchyukiro vs. Hiro Takahara vs. MDE vs. RJ Tudor vs. Jackson Banks vs. Aaron Williams vs. Marcus Allen Jones vs. Matt Dwyer vs. David Archer vs. Braxton Cable vs. Clutch McCloud vs. Kincaid (Houston to Write)

Road to Free-1 III Night Two (Sunday 28th June):
Free-1 III Qualifier: David Archer vs. Robert D. Jackson (Houston to Write)
Free-1 III Qualifier: Aaron Williams vs. Tommy Saxon (Mason to Write)
Free-1 III Qualifier: Aiden Balmer vs. Danica Jane (Match Writer Needed)
Free-1 III Qualifier: MDE vs. Go Shihei (Jerry to Write)
Tag Team Championships: The Guardians of Strong Style vs. The House of Berry and Bo (Houston to Write)

Road to Free-1 III Night Three (Sunday 12th July):
Free-1 III Qualifier: Masa Tchyukiro vs. Thea Donovan (Mason to Write)
Free-1 III Qualifier: Hiro Takahara vs. Artemis Evans (Jerry to Write)
Free-1 III Qualifier: James Saturn vs. Jackson Banks (Houston to Write)
Free-1 III Qualifier: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Braxton Cable (Clutch to Write)
FPW Championship: Jerry Bishop vs. RJ Tudor (Houston to Write)

Free-1 III Qualifiers:
1, FPW Champion: Jerry Bishop
2, Free-1 II Winner: Jace Mason
3, All Star Tag Team Classic III Winner: Botiatus
4, All Star Tag Team Classic III Winner: Berry Bishop
5, Bobby O- Qualifying Match
6, Johnny California- Qualifying Match
7, Russ Bolt- Qualifying Match
8, Kincaid- Qualifying Match
9, Aaron Williams - Qualifying Match
10, Danica Jane - Qualifying Match
11, MDE - Qualifying Match
12, The Silent Assassin- Wildcard
13, Thea Dononvan- Qualifying Match
14, Artemis Evans- Qualifying Match
15, Jackson Banks- Qualifying Match
16, Marcus Allen Jones- Qualifying Match

Free-1 III Blocks:
A Block:
1, Aaron Williams
2, The Silent Assassin
3, Danica Jane
4, Bobby O
5, Jackson Banks
6, Jerry Bishop
7, Kincaid
8, Thea Donovan

B Block:
1, Russ Bolt
2, Jace Mason
3, Johnny California
4, Artemis Evans
5, Botiatus
6, Berry Bishop
7, MDE
8, Marcus Allen Jones

Free-1 III Schedule:
Saturday August 1st: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. The Silent Assassin
Saturday August 1st: A Block: Thea Donovan vs. Kincaid
Saturday August 1st: A Block: Danica Jane vs. Aaron Williams
Saturday August 1st: A Block: Jerry Bishop vs. Bobby O

Sunday August 2nd: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. Botiatus
Sunday August 2nd: B Block: Russ Bolt vs. Artemis Evans
Sunday August 2nd: B Block: Johnny California vs. MDE
Sunday August 2nd: B Block: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Jace Mason

Monday August 3rd: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. Kincaid
Monday August 3rd: B Block: Marcus Allen Jones vs. MDE

Tuesday August 4th: A Block: Thea Donovan vs. Aaron Williams
Tuesday August 4th: B Block: Botiatus vs. Artemis Evans

Wednesday August 5th: A Block: Jerry Bishop vs. Danica Jane
Wednesday August 5th: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. Jace Mason

Thursday August 6th: A Block: Bobby O vs. The Silent Assassin
Thursday August 6th: B Block: Russ Bolt vs. Johnny California

Friday August 7th: A Block: Kincaid vs. Aaron Williams
Friday August 7th: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. Russ Bolt

Saturday August 8th: A Block: Jerry Bishop vs. The Silent Assassin
Saturday August 8th: B Block: Johnny California vs. Marcus Allen Jones

Sunday August 9th: A Block: Thea Donovan vs. Danica Jane
Sunday August 9th: B Block: Botiatus vs. MDE

Monday August 10th: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. Bobby O
Monday August 10th: B Block: Artemis Evans vs. Jace Mason

Tuesday August 11th: A Block: Danica Jane vs. Kincaid
Tuesday August 11th: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. Marcus Allen Jones

Wednesday August 12th: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. Jerry Bishop
Wednesday August 12th: B Block: Botiatus vs. Jace Mason

Thursday August 13th: A Block: The Silent Assassin vs. Aaron Williams
Thursday August 13th: B Block: Johnny California vs. Artemis Evans

Friday August 14th: A Block: Thea Donovan vs. Bobby O
Friday August 14th: B Block: Russ Bolt vs. MDE

Saturday August 15th: A Block: Kincaid vs. The Silent Assassin
Saturday August 15th: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. Johnny California

Sunday August 16th: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. Aaron Williams
Sunday August 16th: B Block: Artemis Evans vs. MDE

Monday August 17th: A Block: Jerry Bishop vs. Thea Donovan
Monday August 17th: B Block: Botiatus vs. Marcus Allen Jones

Tuesday August 18th: A Block: Danica Jane vs. Bobby O
Tuesday August 18th: B Block: Russ Bolt vs. Jace Mason

Wednesday August 19th: A Block: Danica Jane vs. The Silent Assassin
Wednesday August 19th: B Block: Johnny California vs. Jace Mason

Thursday August 20th: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. Thea Donovan
Thursday August 20th: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. MDE

Friday August 21st: A Block: Jerry Bishop vs. Kincaid
Friday August 21st: B Block: Russ Bolt vs. Botiatus

Saturday August 22nd: A Block: Bobby O vs. Aaron Williams
Saturday August 22nd: B Block: Artemis Evans vs. Marcus Allen Jones

Thursday August 27th: A Block: Jackson Banks vs. Danica Jane
Thursday August 27th A Block: Thea Donovan vs. The Silent Assassin
Thursday August 27th: A Block: Kincaid vs. Bobby O
Thursday August 27th: A Block: Jerry Bishop vs. Aaron Williams

Friday August 28th: B Block: Russ Bolt vs. Marcus Allen Jones
Friday August 28th: B Block: Botiatus vs. Johnny California
Friday August 28th: B Block: Berry Bishop vs. Artemis Evans
Friday August 28th: B Block: Jace Mason vs. MDE

Free-1 III Finals Card (Monday 31st August):
Free-1 III Final: Jerry Bishop vs. B Block Winner (Houston to Write)
Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Kincaid (Match Writer Needed)
Freedom Championship Number One Contender Battle Royal (Match Writer Needed)
Reserved Match Slot (Houston to Write)

[Jim Houston]

Dasha Banks stands with Sato, with Hiro Takahara and Masa Tchyukiro behind him, Tag Team Championships around their waists.

DB: I'm here with Sato, who I know was watching the All Star Tag Team Classic finals play out tonight. What did you make of the three matches you saw?
S: Excellent tag team wrestling. Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. Both very good individuals. Join to make good team. Guardians of Strong Style never face Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. But Guardians of Strong Style would like to. House of Berry and Bo. Defeat Dogs of War. Good team. Braxton Cable strong. David Archer fast. Good combination. Final. Long match. Lots of stamina. House of Berry and Bo with big win. Deserving winners. Deserving challengers for Guardians of Strong Style.

DB: And that match will happen in four weeks' time. What are your thoughts heading into it?
S: Botiatus. Good heart. Good striker. Has defeated Guardians of Strong Style one-on-one but never as team. Botiatus has been to Japan. Wrestled in Japan. Understands strong style. Understands how we fight. Understands Japanese honor. Very difficult challenge. Berry Bishop different. Good kicks. Good technique. Hard to predict. Hard to prepare for. Challenges as singles but as team? Guardians of Strong Style have been team for years. House of Berry and Bo for weeks. Good team, but young team. Guardians of Strong Style better together. How do you say... more than sum of parts. House of Berry and Bo? Maybe not. But. Maybe inexperienced. Maybe young team. Will be tough challenge. Maybe toughest challenge for Guardians of Strong Style yet. Guardians of Strong Style must train. Must prepare. Must be ready. Will be ready. House of Berry and Bo must also be ready for hardest match of lives.

DB: And both of your Guardians of Strong Style have been given Free-1 qualifying matches. Is that something you asked for or do you see it as a distraction?
S: Not distraction. Guardians of Strong Style focus on House of Berry and Bo. Focus on Tag Team Championships. But Guardians of Strong Style then have Free-1 matches. Maybe win. Maybe lose. Good opportunity. Takahara-San and Tchyukiro-San better than before. Free-1 make them even better. Maybe perform well. Maybe win. Only time can tell.

DB: And what about the number one contender battle royal for two weeks' time? Will Takahara and Tchyukiro enter?
MT: Batoruroiyaru ni hairimasu.
HT: Watashitachi no hitori ga shōri shimasu.
MT: Tsuyoi sutairu no gādian ga FPW senshuken o kaisai shimasu.
HT: Tsuyoi sutairu no hogo-sha ga watashitachi ga hontōni nanigadekiruka o shimesu toki ga kimashita.
S: Yes. Takahara-San and Tchyukiro-San will enter.

Sato leads Takahara and Tchyukiro away.

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits in his office when he hears a knock at his door.

JH: Come in.

The door opens and MDE walks in, a smug grin on his face.

JH: Ah, MDE. What can I do for you exactly?
MDE: I see you had to have your say on what happened out there tonight.
JH: What do you want?
MDE: I didn't know what Matt Dwyer was going to do out there but I'm not surprised. Anyone with half a brain can see the future here in FPW. You can keep throwing whatever you like at Jerry Bishop- a number contender battle royal to try and find someone to beat him, an expanded Free-1 to give as many people as possible the chance to face him at Judgement Day in the vain hope of finding someone who can defeat him- but Jerry won't be dethroned so easily. The future looks just like the present- Jerry Bishop as FPW Champion. You'll soon come to see things our way. You can throw an extra four people into the Free-1 in the hopes that Jerry won't walk through all of them and become the first FPW Champion to win the tournament, but you know he will. And you know when he does that he'll be able to choose his challenger for Judgement Day III and you'll hate every single second of it. But that's not enough for Jerry. Choosing his challenger after his inevitable Free-1 win isn't enough for our glorious champion. He wants to choose his next challenger too. And that's why I'm here.

Houston looks at MDE and shakes his head.

JH: Jerry's next challenger will come from the battle royal. I made that very clear. He won't have a say in who that is. This title match has to be earned.
MDE: And Jerry understands that, as do I. But make no mistake, he will be choosing his next challenger.
JH: If he gets involved in the battle royal, I will be forced to take action.
MDE: And I'm sure you'd take great pleasure in doing that. Jerry gets involved and you choose one of your golden boys who you foolishly believe can take that title away from him. Who would you choose? Marcus Allen Jones? Jace Mason? Aaron Williams? Jerry has beaten all of them.
JH: If you're here to taunt me on behalf-
MDE: No. I'm here to enter the battle royal.

Houston frowns at MDE.

JH: You? You want a shot at Jerry's title?
MDE: Whether or not I want a shot is immaterial. What I want is for Jerry to have his say- as he deserves to do- in who he faces. And that's where I come in. I won't be entering the battle royal to win. I'll be entering the battle royal to make sure certain people don't win and a chosen person does. Jerry will get his chance to choose his challenger, and I will be the reason why. And the beauty of it is this... you can't stop me.
JH: But I'm sure-
MDE: You said anyone who asks for a spot will get one. So, Mr. Houston, please can I have a spot in the number one contendership battle royal?
JH: Fine. But I can assure you-
MDE: I'm sure you can try to assure me of many things, but I don't care about what you have to say. I'll be watching closely to see who else enters and I will be sitting down with Jerry to discuss each and every entrant. Don't you worry about that.

MDE walks out and leaves Jim Houston staring after him, sighing and shaking his head.

[marileeg17]

Backstage after Jim Houston's announcement for the Free-1, Dasha Banks waits to interview some wrestlers about their thoughts and the first she finds is Bobby O.

DB: Bobby, a word?

Bobby nods. BO: Sure Dasha. I kinda owe you one since I bailed on our scheduled interview earlier. I hope you don't mind too much.

Dasha smiles. DB: I might have had you not sent such a great replacement. Honestly, I think I'll have her do your interviews more often.

Bobby just laughs as Dasha and Ted get the cameras rolling.

DB: Good evening Freedom Fighters! As you just heard, some huge announcements from Jim Houston on what to expect in the Free-1 and we're here with one of the men who just earned his spot in the tournament for unbelievably, the first time. Bobby, what are you feeling right now finally getting your shot at this prestigious event?

BO: Honestly Dasha, I'm not sure I've ever felt better. And I know that sounds crazy coming from a guy who's won a bunch of titles in a bunch of different companies. Someone who's been to the top of the mountain and tasted so much success. But all of it, it wasn't mine. At least not mine alone. We all know my story by now so I won't bore you all with the details but everything I've had, well, it's kinda come on a silver platter. I mean I've worked my ass off my whole life for these moments but looking back, there was always someone else there pulling the strings. It made me question if I was really as good as I thought I was or if I was just good at being manipulated and used for what someone else wanted to accomplish. That was all weighing on my mind these past two weeks. I knew, I knew I had to win this. And at first, I was kinda angry I was being made to earn my spot. I mean, it's no secret around the locker room how everyone feels about Marcus' so-called golden ticket, and it just seemed to me why was he getting this special treatment? I was the one who got rid of TakeOver. I was the one who was screwed out of my Free-1 chance last year. Part of me wondered where my golden ticket into the tourney was. But CJ, that girl is a lot more rational than I am and she made me realize I wouldn't have wanted to be given this and Jim knew that. After two years of missing out, I freakin' deserved this but now I also get to say, I earned it. And there's no greater feeling than to know you earned something that you've been working almost 3 years at. So yeah, this is definitely up there in my top career moments. Winning it all, that will be the highlight for sure.

DB: What are your thoughts on the expanded field this year? Who are you most looking forward to facing?

BO: Anyone, everyone. I don't care. There's a ton of great wrestlers left to qualify and of course you've got Mason and Jerry and Bo and Berry and of course my fellow Philly guy in Aaron. Hard to believe same city but we never really crossed paths. But anyway, I just want to wrestle. I want to show I'm as good as anyone else in this company in a tournament that measures exactly that. I'm done with these old grudges and feuds and enemies from years ago. I just want to wrestle talented wrestlers and I think that's what I'm most looking forward to in this tournament.

DB: I'm glad you brought that up. A few weeks ago, you stated your intent to hold an open challenge of sorts just to wrestle talented wrestlers. Is that taking a backseat to the Free-1?

BO: Everything takes a backseat to the Free-1...Well, almost everything. The beautiful thing about this tournament is I could be paired against anybody really. Guys I've faced before and others I haven't. Theres a real randomness there. It's not about who hates who and who wants revenge against who. These are just matches where the best wrestler will win. And after pretty much my entire FPW somehow being about the past, I honestly just can't wait to have matches without a backstory ya know. My present is simple. Wrestle whoever I'm drawn against, beat them, win the block, win the tourney, win the title.

DB: Speaking of titles, while it's clear your focus is on the Free-1, you seem to have booked yourself into a different kind of title match against an old foe. What was going through your mind when you challenged Clutch to a match so shortly before the start of the tournament?

Bobby shrugs. BO: Going for a tune-up maybe? I don't know. Everyone knows I have history with Clutch and given what I just said about wanting to leave these old feuds behind it kinda feels hypocritical for me being in this match. But it's an opportunity. To win a belt I've never held and shut up a man I've never liked. Win, win as they say. Plus winning the Freedom title, well, it gives people a lot more incentive to want to wrestle me doesn't it? If I win, I'll make this the workhorse title once again. Anyone, man or woman, can have a shot. Clutch's crusade has been keeping our talented female wrestlers down for too long all in the name of calling it biole certainly against women? Let me tell you something. I wrestled Liz Karlson tonight and I've never been in the ring with, man or woman, someone who hits harder than her. So once I take Clutch's title, maybe Liz can take what's left of his dignity. Maybe he's afraid to lose to a woman. No shame in that though Clutch. The women here are every bit as good as the men.

DB: Final question Bobby and this is a bit of a personal one. You know the Friendmigos and their history better than most. There was a time when you almost were one. What is your reaction to the aftermath of tonight's match between Super Che Jr. and Jer--, the Joker.

Bobby notices Dasha's head fall ever so slightly for a moment before she regains her usual demeanor. He smiles weakly at her before answering.

BO: You're right. There was a time when those guys were like brothers to me. We fought in the trenches together. They had my back when everyone else was trying to stab it. So there will always be a special place in my heart for those guys. But that was then, this is now. I went from almost being one of them to distancing myself and I'm glad I did. Che's a great guy and he didn't deserve what happened out there. And Dwyer, I never fully trusted the prick. But that's not my battle anymore and maybe it never was. Everyone knows I tried. There's a ripped mask somewhere in Berry's possession evidence of that. But what happens between these guys is on them. The Messiah turned his own godlike persona to become a follower of a darker power. His choice. I'm not here to get involved in what comes next. That said, if any of them stand in my way, I'll gladly take care of things especially Jerry. Ya know, that guy owes me for practically giving him his spot in last year's Free-1. Would be all too fitting for him to return the favor by giving me the title. And by give I mean take. Because that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to win the Free-1 and take his championship no matter how many cronies are in his corner. I've won against the numbers game before and unlike last time with Jerry and MDE, this time I won't be blindsided. I know exactly what I'm up against.

[ticktock]

RJ Tudor and Jackson Banks sit in a simple living room watching Jim Houston's Free-1 announcement video on a laptop.

RJ: Man, I hope... I really hope...
JB: One of us in the Free-1? That could be our big fucking break, man.
RJ: Here we go... where am I?
JB: Right there, bro! Night One! Matt Dwyer.
RJ: Dwyer?
JB: That guy who used to be in that team with Bishop. He kicked the other guy in the head. People were pissed, man.
RJ: Where you at?
JB: Night One... no... Night Two... no... Night- yes! Saturn, bro. Me and Saturn!

Tudor and Banks turn and give each other a high five. Tudor stands up and starts pacing while Banks relaxed back in the couch.

RJ: Free-1 time, man. We're this close! This fucking close! I can feel it. One of us has got to make this, man. I don't care if we don't both get in but one of us getting in is like both of us getting in.
JB: Our hard work's paid off so far, bro. We're here. But we got a long way to go. Hard work begins tomorrow for this. Saturn's gonna be a tough draw to get past, but he's right up my street as a wrestler. I can just feel my speed rising to out-do him. And Dwyer... we don't know nothing about him, yet. Hell of a kick to the head though.
RJ: True that. But this ain't about Saturn or Dwyer. This is about me and you. This is our story. Let's focus on that. Let's focus on us. We get us right, they got no chance. I know we're young and I know we don't got lots of wins yet, but let's make this the summer of Revolution-X.
JB: Damn right. It's time we made our mark on this place and I feel it coming.

They pause for a moment, Banks getting the cards for each show up.

JB: Hey, yo, did you see this?
RJ: What?
JB: Night One... FPW Championship number one contender battle royal. Anyone can enter.
RJ: Anyone?
JB: Anyone. Just gotta ask.
RJ: That's a hell of way to make that mark.
JB: You in?
RJ: Hell to the motherfucking yes. You in?
JB: I couldn't have put it better myself. Jerry Bishop... your title reign is coming to an end, my man. It's time for the revolution. It's time for the Revolution-X!

[ticktock]

Some time after Jim Houston made his announcement, Aaron Williams is still in the locker room getting treatment from the medical team. They're working hard on his back, and he doesn't look comfortable. He's grunting and grimacing as they manipulate his body this way and that. A particularly loud crack draws a loud cry from Williams. He stretches his back out and then slowly begins to stand, still stretching.

AW: I think that's got it. Thanks guys.
Medic: Are you sure?
AW: Yeah. I know my back better than the back of my hand. There's nothing serious. It's good. It'll be fucking sore for a few days, but I'll live.
Medic: Well go easy. I know what you're like. But seriously, if you want to keep this up long-term, you need to go easy on it. No training for the next two days and only light training until Friday. No bumps. None. Stay out of the ring. Let it heal properly before you put it through the ringer like that again. You've got the Free-1 coming up. You know how you'll feel after that, especially with a tighter schedule. Be kind to yourself.
AW: Sure. I hear you.
Medic: You hear me or you'll do what I say?
AW: I hear you. And I'll try.
Medic: I don't know why I bother.
AW: Because you have to. And because you care. I appreciate it, man, believe me. There are some guys who would have me back in that ring tomorrow night on pain of being fired if I tried to take some time off to rehab. I'll take it easy. I promise.

The medics leave and Williams bends down to pick up his gear. He grimaces and a hand goes to his back. He picks up his bag and a shower bag falls out. He looks down at it and kicks it half-way across the locker room with a grunt. As he begins pulling things out of his bag, there's a knock on the door and Ted Crewmember pokes his head in.

TC: Hey, Aaron. Boss said you'd still be here.
AW: You know me. Last to leave the treatment table every night.
TC: Mr. Houston wants to see you. No need to worry.
AW: Sure. Thanks.

Williams pulls a t-shirt on and makes the short walk from the locker room to Houston's office. He knocks on the door and then enters when he heard Houston's voice. Houston stands as Williams enters and he comes around the desk to shake hands.

JH: Aaron. Thank you. Tonight was an outstanding show and you're a big reason for that. Both matches. Truly excellent. I can't express enough appreciation for how much you give our fans each and every time you get into that ring.
AW: It's all I know. I don't have any gear other than full speed ahead.

Houston beckons for Williams to sit and he moves around the other side of the desk.

JH: Listen, Aaron... I wanted to thank you but I also wanted to apologise. I've spoken to Mason and said the same thing. Those guys shouldn't have been able to get into the arena tonight, let alone the ring. You deserve better after what you gave and I want to give you every reassurance that I will do everything in my power to stop them from ruining any more shows. You have my word on that.
AW: I'm not going to pretend to be ok with it. But I know those guys. If they want to get in, you won't stop them. There's nothing that will keep them from getting what they want. They won't give in. There's only one way-
JH: And I refuse to do it.
AW: I understand your concerns, but if you allow-
JH: The answer is no. It will always be no. I'm going to speak with the police tomorrow-
AW: Come on. You know what they'll say. It's wrestling. They never take it seriously. They've been fooled by too many promoters trying to get publicity before that they won't want anything to do with it. These guys understand one language- violence. That's how it'll end. They've jumped me, Mason and Marcus now. Let us go and deal with them.

Houston takes off his glasses and sighs, rubbing his hand on his forehead.

JH: Aaron... if I do that, then I have to sign them to a contract. If I do that, they'll find a way to get more involved here and they will be the death of FPW. We both know that. And if I let you go after them outside of FPW, they'll sue us for more than we're worth and we'll be dead too. I will not risk this company over these bastards. I won't negotiate with you on that. My decision is made.
AW: Then they'll keep coming. They'll get what they want in the end. It's just a case of when. I've been on shows with them before and I know this type of person. Eventually, they'll paint you into a corner and you'll have to agree to sign them. Unless you let us deal with them. We're capable. I promise you.
JH: Aaron, you know I trust your judgement, but you have to trust me on this. I can keep them out of this arena and I will. I will root out anybody who is working with them and they'll be fired on the spot. I will take every possible measure to ensure that they have no power over FPW and nothing to hold over me or any of us. You just have to do it my way. Can you do that?
AW: Whatever you say, boss. But if you change your mind, I've been jumped twice. I owe them.

Houston pauses.

JH: I must admit... I was kind of routing for you tonight.
AW: I thought you had to stay impartial?

The two share a laugh.

JH: And I'm very pleased for Bo and Berry. But you took a real leap of faith when you came to us. You could have signed anywhere you wanted and you chose FPW to be your home. I appreciate that and I always will. Winning a big tournament after a match like that... it would have been a nice way to prove that your decision was correct.
AW: There is another big tournament coming up.
JH: And I hear you're talking up your chances.
AW: I'll give it everything I've got. I mean that. Another shot at the FPW Championship and the biggest match of the year. You know I'll produce in that spot. I'm not going to say I deserve it, because I don't deserve it yet. But when I win the Free-1, I will deserve it and I will give you the best performance you've ever seen. And if I get to do it against Jerry Bishop, more's the better.
JH: Speaking of Jerry Bishop... I'm looking for a number one contender and have a battle royal planned. I'll be announcing it after this conversation. You want to enter?
AW: Of course. That didn't exactly go well for me last year I recall, but I'm not the same Aaron Williams as I was back then. I'm back to my best and I'll happily take a spot in that match.
JH: Well, I'm about to announce the Free-1 qualifying matches. Want to know who I have lined up for you?
AW: I'd love to know.
JH: Tommy Saxon. Night Two.
AW: Good choice. He's an asshole, but I like watching him wrestle. He's got some talent hidden away behind all that assholery. I'd be happy to face him.

Houston stands and Williams copies, the two shaking hands again. Williams turns to go.

JH: Aaron.

Williams turns back.

JH: I know this has a been a tough week. Hana and all.
AW: Yeah.
JH: I wanted to thank you again. I couldn't ask for a better representative for what I see this company being all about. You keep lighting up FPW and I'll always have a spot for you here, no matter what.
AW: Thanks. I just do what I can to make a difference and to do what I love to do. I appreciate every opportunity you give me.
JH: Make sure you rest up that back. I don't want to have to announce any premature retirements. I want you to be here long-term.
AW: And I plan to be.

The two give one another a nod and Williams leaves the office. He sees Dasha Banks walking up the corridor to do her interview with Houston.

AW: Thanks for the great introductions tonight as always.
DB: I'm sorry it didn't go your way.
AW: Me too. But I'll bounce back. Free-1 season. My time to shine.

Williams walks off down the corridor with a slight strut as Dasha knocks on Houston's door.

[botiatus]

A black car pulls up to the passenger drop off zone at O'Hare. A back door opens and out steps Bo. He moves to the trunk which pops open and pulls out a large suitcase. He wheels it around to the sidewalk and the other back door opens with J stepping out. They come face to face with J holding out his hand for the briefcase

Bo- "You sure about this?"

J- "Nah actually I changed my mind on the way over here and forgot to tell you"

They look at each other and let out a light laugh

J- "It's time for me to go. You don't need my help anymore. You look better than you ever have and I think we both know that your problem was more mental than physical"

Bo lowers his eyes

J- "Hey man I'm not offended. We're still boys but it's different. You already had that guard up when I met you and I always knew that our relationship was pretty much about you only. And I don't mean that in a bad way, you've been a great friend to me honestly. But I'm your trainer. Everything we do is focused solely on you. That's just how it is. And I was fine with that because one you always made sure to let me share in your successes as if they were my own and two you can take a joke just as well as you can give one"

Bo smiles warmly at the compliment

Bo- "Well it's rare for me to find someone who can fire back quips like you can"

J- "Yeah well Berry may not be as quick with her words but she's quick with her feet so you better keep working on those dance moves for Tik Tok. Don't wanna be tripping all over yourself like you were the other night trying to practice that dance"

Bo- "You saw that? Man I thought no one was around"

J- "Oh I did more than just watch"

J pulls out his phone and shows Bo a video of himself tripping all over himself trying to do a complicated dance sequence. In the video, Bo trips especially hard knocking over his phone that was set up on a stool playing the dance he's trying to mimick and J can be heard laughing hysterically

Bo- "Tell me you didn't post that"

J- "Oh I posted it and it's trending"

Bo shakes his head with a laugh

Bo- "Well now this sucks even more cause I can't even fire you"

Both men laugh hard

J- "Well as a consolation prize I have one final piece of advice for you"

Bo raises an eyebrow

Bo- "Lemme guess you're worried about me balancing winning the Tag Team titles and preparing for the Free 1"

J- "As usual you're only half right. You were able to balance two promotions cross country for months before dedicating yourself here for time. I'm not worried at all about you multitasking. Besides I already know your plan. The Free-1 brackets aren't even set yet so you don't know who your facing. And there aren't any title matches during the Free-1. So you'll focus solely on winning the gold and once you do then you'll turn all your attention to the Free-1. And that's where my concern is. You see I went back and watched your matches from last year. You let your ego get the best of you. You went against the company's Ace night one and you tried to prove yourself by beating him at his own game. And you did but it cost you everything. He wrecked your arm and you were just a sitting duck after that. It was the same thing with your run as Freedom Champion. Your other issues aside, you let your ego get to you again. Complaining about your position on the card. Takimg shots at Houston even though he's actually been pretty damn nice to you..."

Bo cuts of J who's starting to get just a bit worked up

Bo- "Ok I get it. Normally I'd let you continue tearing me a new asshole but you got a plane to catch so skip to the advice and text me the rest later"

J cracks a smile

J- "All I'm saying is you don't have anything to prove. Your record here already speaks for itself. But you set a goal when you got here and it's time you get back to achieving it. After all isn't that the most important House Rule of all? Always finish what you start?"

Bo gives a knowing look

Bo- "When you're right you're right"

TThey exchange their custom handshake one last time and Bo watches as J walks inside the airport and the doors slide closed behind him

[marileeg17]

Dasha Banks and Ted Crewmember pull up to a small, worn down gym in the heart of Chicago. Ted looks skeptical as he surveys the building, which has boarded up windows and looks like an abandoned warehouse.

TC: Are you sure this is the right place?

Ted looks at Dasha who glances up at the building. She seems shocked but then looks back down at the piece of paper in her hands and shrugs.

DB: This is the address he gave me, I'm sure of it. Let's just go inside. Hopefully we have the right place.

Ted still looks uncertain as he notices the sign above the door is missing a few letters.

TC: Maybe you should call him first to make sure he didn't mess up the numbers. I want to make sure we're not walking into a trap here, unintentional or not. Because this place looks like a drug den or something and I wasn't planning on getting shot today.

Dasha rolls her eyes but she does know Ted has a point. When Marcus asked if they could meet him at his gym for the interview, admittedly, Dasha was expecting something...more. She had gotten to know Marcus pretty well over the last few months and knew that he was a much more simple guy than he let on but even so, he was a well paid wrestler with international fame. She never expected he'd be working out in what looked like a dilapidated warehouse. But Dasha had come to trust Marcus too and if this is where he wanted to meet, that's where they were going to meet.

DB: Come on Ted. If it makes you feel any better, I'll give him a call as we head in.

Ted looked at Dasha who was heading for the door without much of a sense of trepidation. He shook his head but chuckled softly before whispering to himself. TC: It doesn't.

Dasha opened the door and she was again shocked by what she saw. The inside largely matching the outside, Dasha walked in to see a few guys working out in a corner, another man working with a heavy bag, and some cardio equipment in the center of the room. As Ted made his way inside, he too had a similar reaction.

TC: So this is the house that Marcus built huh? Looks a little...

MAJ: Warm? Cozy?

Ted turns as he sees Marcus emerge from behind a back door, a towel over his neck and some sweat beading down his face. The two shake hands as Marcus smiles at Dasha.

TC: I was gonna say average, but yeah cozy works I guess. Gotta say Marcus, this is not at all what I was expecting.

Marcus just chuckled. MAJ: Can you guys keep a secret?

DB: Uh, yes!

Marcus smiles as he whispers in her ear causing her eyes to light up.

MAJ: How about you Teddy?

Ted looks on curiously as Dasha just nods her head excitedly.

TC: Alright, I'll bite. Yeah, I can keep a secret.

Marcus whispers the same thing in Ted's ear and he too seems really excited.

TC: Seriously? Oh man, I can visualize that in my head. Seems amazing.

Marcus nods. MAJ: Come back without the cameras next time and I'll let you guys see it. You can even step inside and take some of the stuff for a spin if you want.

Ted smiles ear to ear, looking like a kid at Christmass time. TC: Yes, the answer is yes.

Marcus just laughs. MAJ: I've got a room ready in the back where we can do this. If you guys will just follow me.

Marcus leads Dasha and Ted through a dark corridor, a seemingly broken light hanging from the ceiling. He finds the door handle and pulls out keys to unlock it. Turning the light on, Marcus reveals the small space. It's not much, just a desk and a few chairs but instantly Dasha's attention is brought to the bookcases full of wrestling paraphernalia and a series of binders labeled alphabetically.

DB: What are these?

Marcus walks over and takes the binder from Dasha's hands and begins paging through it until he finds the page he is looking for. He points to the entry and smiles.

MAJ: Research. Years and years of research.

Marcus notices Ted beginning to look around as well.

MAJ: Is the camera rolling?

TC: Oh sorry. I can shut it off if you want, it's just that--

MAJ: No, keep it on. It's about time I gave our FPW family a glimpse into who I am and where my inspirations have come from.

Ted nods, signaling for Dasha to begin the interview but instead it's Marcus who speaks first.

MAJ: You guys can edit this in post but to answer your question Dasha, these binders are my life's work. Inside of them you'll find information about every wrestler who ever stepped foot in a wrestling ring. And I mean every single one. Their pictures, movesets, accomplishments, career timelines. I've always been a wrestling historian, probably comes from the fact I was born on the day I was conceived. They don't call it the Marctreal Screwjob for nothing. But anyway, I only ever envisioned myself wrestling as a career. There was no backup plan. This was, is, and always will be my life. So I started putting together these binders with information I would need in order to beat every last wrestler. I wrote down their weaknesses and how to exploit them. And when I was old enough to start training, armed with all this info, I knew I had to get experience in everything from puro to lucha libre to high flying to brawling. I wrestled in high school, took classes at the local MMA school, practiced muy thai and jujitsu. I think in a lot of ways that's why I got signed to my FPW contract after just one professional wrestling match. Because I trained so hard, night and day, learning every style and how to counteract every style. And it all started here with these binders and inside his gym.

See, growing up, my parents didn't come from money. And when I was growing up, times weren't always easy. My parents came from simple means but my dad's pride and joy was right here, this very gym. He didn't have much money when he bought this place but he did it for me. He did it so my love of pro wrestling could be fostered into something bigger. I used to come here every day. There used to be this little ring and busted trampoline that I played with. I'd practice moves on my cousins and my friends making sure I was safe. My dad invested everything into this place but a few years ago, he decided to sell it when my parents moved away. The first time I ever made from a wrestling show I paid him as a deposit. I said I was going to buy the gym and give my parents a nest egg to retire on. When I got my FPW contract, I paid the place off using every last cent of that money. And I knew it was falling apart with my parents unable to keep up with the maintenance but this was home. And part of me thought that I liked it exactly the way it was. So I made a couple small modifications, like getting rid of the trampoline that caused me to bust up my leg when I was 10 attempting the move that would later become the Screw You Trevor spot, but for the most part kept it exactly the way it was as a reminder of where I came from and how hard I worked to get to where I am today. For the most part, the gym today is a place I let local wrestlers come in to work out as well as teach clinics to kids who train here for free. Had I told any of you this a year ago you probably wouldn't have believed me but even the ass leading TakeOver had a soft spot all along. I enjoy giving back to these kids and fostering their love of the business the way my parents always did for me.

Dasha looks at Marcus in awe before gesturing to Ted to turn off the camera.

DB: I'm not sure how you do it but you keep finding ways to surprise me. And honestly, that's better than any interview we could have done. We're gonna turn this into a huge video spotlight for sure. Maybe we can launch it in the lead up to your title match after you win the battle royal and beat Jerry.

Marcus arches his brow in slight confusion.

MAJ: Battle royal? Who says I'm entering the battle royal?

This time it was Dasha's turn to look confused.

DB: Why wouldn't you? It's the perfect opportunity. Everyone wants in.

Marcus just shrugs. MAJ: Guess I'm not everyone.

Marcus begins to walk over to one of his bookcases and thumbs through another binder as Dasha gives Ted a look that suggests to give them a minute. Ted nods and walks out of the room shutting the door behind him.

DB: Alright, its just the two of us so spill. Are you really not planning to enter the battle royal?

MAJ: Wasn't planning on it, no.

Dasha frowns. DB: But why? The last promo you recorded you talked about being ready to use your free title match. I thought that meant you were ready to get back in the title picture. Well, here's your opportunity to do that and not have to even use your--

Marcus interrupts. MAJ: Golden ticket? Yeah, I've heard what the boys and girls in the back call it. I'm starting to rethink things. I don't think I'm going to use it. I didn't earn it, not really. But the Free-1, I'm investing all of my energy into winning that and earning my shot at the title again. If not for me but for the good of the company. Plus if I'm being honest, being champion while going through the Free-1 just feels like it will steal my focus.

DB: Fair enough I guess...But I'm pretty sure Jim wants you to enter. I mean, he made your qualifier on night three so it leaves you fresh on night one. Maybe that was coincidence but I don't think so. And especially now that MDE is entering...

Marcus turns his head slightly and gives Dasha an interesting look.

MAJ: Trouble in paradise?

Dasha shakes her head. DB: Not exactly. Unfortunately. MDE claims he's in the match so that he can hand deliver Jerry his next challenger. He claims he's not in it so much to win himself but rather to keep certain others from winning.

Marcus frowns. MAJ: So basically his plan is to eliminate all but the man Jerry wants to face and then what, eliminate himself? There's no way. It will come down to two and he'll see the opportunity and taste blood in the water.

DB: That's exactly how I feel but Marcus, what if he doesn't? What if this pull he has on Jerry continues as MDE feeds him his next challenger? How much further will Jerry go before it becomes impossible to pull him out of the black hole? No, MDE can't be the one who keeps dictating things.

A few seconds pass before Marcus pulls out his phone and begins typing up a message. He shows Dasha the screen.

MAJ: I'll do it.

With that, Marcus sends his text to Jim Houston requesting entry into the match.

MAJ: If MDE wants to play games in this company so be it. But he's not the only one who can shake up the battle royal. If I win, I win, but more importantly, I'm going to make sure his little plan doesn't work. Jerry will face the winner of that match because the winner will have earned their spot by being the best. Not because he was chosen. Just like what I have, I'm going to earn. I'm winning the Free-1 this year, I'm winning the title at Judgment Day.

Dasha smiles as she wraps her arms around him for a quick hug. DB: Give them hell.

Marcus smiles as the two hear a knock on the door.

TC: Hey Dash, we gotta head to the next interview. You guys about wrapped up in here?

MAJ: All clear bud.

Ted opens the door and nods at Dasha who grabs her things.

DB: Next time we have questions to ask you I think I already know my first one.

MAJ: Oh yeah, and what would that be?

DB: How do you feel now that you've just won the #1 contendership battle royal?

Dasha winks as Marcus chuckles and shakes his head. Dasha and Ted say their goodbyes before leaving Marcus alone. He runs his fingers over the binders before he comes across one called, 'MTV: Wrestling Society X' and begins paging through it until he finds the photo of Tyler Black and Jimmy Jacobs.

MAJ: Doing it for her.

He says to himself before thinking of Dasha. MAJ: Yeah, I guess it's something like that.

[noname1525]

In his rush to leave the arena following the All-Star Tag Team Classic finals, Jace accidentally left some of his ring gear behind, and he'd gone in today to pick it up. On his way out the door, he bumped into Dasha, and the two of them struck up a conversation.

"Hey Jace, how's it going?" Dasha asked. "I didn't get to see you after the show on Sunday."

"Yeah, I finished up with the trainer, and he told me to get home and rest right away. I'm sorry I missed you but, you know, doctor's orders."

Dasha shrugged. "I get it. How are you feeling after Sunday?"

Jace chuckled. "Let's put it this way, I was already going to be sore even without that attack. Two matches in one day is no joke, especially against a pair of capable teams like we faced. And when you add the attack on top of that, it's like the definition of adding insult to injury. Although, given the circumstances, I guess it would be more accurate to say they were adding injury to insult."

Dasha cocked her head, puzzled by Jace's twisting of the expression and the grim look on his face. "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean? I mean I came up short. Again. I lost the FPW World Championship, and I poured all of my focus into the Tag Team Classic. I realized that maybe I wasn't ready to hold the biggest prize in the company, so I didn't pursue the championship. Even after Aaron and I defeated Jerry in the tournament, my focus didn't waver. And for a moment there, I thought it was going to pay off. I thought that I would enter the Free-1 season with gold around my waist. But no, I failed to do that. Somehow, seemingly overnight, I went from being the top star in the promotion to being the guy who just can't get the job done." He lets out a humorless chuckle. "I call myself the Eternal Student, but maybe Eternal Nearly-man would be more accurate."

Dasha shook her head. "Don't say that Jace. I'm sure you'll get things back on track soon enough. You're just in a bit of a slump right now; it happens to everyone, and they always get through it. So will you, and when you do, you'll be right back where you belong. And I'll be there cheering for you, alongside everyone else who believes in you, even when you don't believe in yourself."

Jace looked into the distance before he sighed and looked back at Dasha, a smile appearing on his face. "Thanks Dasha, I needed to hear that. And you know, it hasn't all been bad news. The one good thing I can say about this tournament is that I made it farther than I did last year. I've been clinging to that thought, because it means that I have improved, I am better than I was last year. And now, as we head into Free-1 season, I get a rare opportunity. Since I won last year, I've already qualified for this year's tournament. And while I'm not normally the kind of person who ignores our shows, even when I'm not booked, that's what I'm going to do. There's two months until the start of the Free-1, and I don't have a match during any of that time. So I'm going to use every second of that time to train, to improve myself, so that in this year's Free-1, I'll come out with a better record than last year. Last year I won three out of my five block matches, which works itself out to a sixty percent win average. So that's the number for me to beat this year, sixty percent. So I'll be spending the next two months training to do just that."

Dasha smiled. "Well, I wish you the best of luck, and I guess I'll see you again in August."

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits on the edge of his familiar training ring. The windows are dark and the only light comes from above the ring.

“Marcus Allen Jones. You really do think a lot of yourself, don’t you? Look at me, I have a place where I train. Look at me, I keep scouting reports. Look at me, I help train kids. Each and every point stolen from others. Of course you have a place to train. Everyone here does. Who started the focus on training in these pointless little contractually-obligated videos? I did. You keep scouting reports? Who talked all about scouting and gameplans before anyone else? I did. You train kids? I guess you saw how much people like Aaron Williams and thought that you’d try and get some of that goodwill. But there’s a difference. People can believe Aaron Williams wastes his time training kids because... well, look at him. But Marcus Allen Jones? At the height of his TakeOver antics? Bullshit. So I ask myself... why make it up?

“You’ve always been an attention-seeking whore. Whether it was boos and abuse or cheers and adulation, the one thing you’ve always wanted is a reaction. And you’re good at getting one. Right now the sheep that come to feed at the FPW trough seem to bleat in your favour, so I can see why you might be trying to paint over your past and help them to forget that you were once the most hated man in all of FPW... maybe in all of wrestling. You think this is the beginning of your final climb to the true summit of FPW. You’ve been FPW Champion before of course, but that was a reign which began controversially and the controversy kept flowing. You’d love to say you won the Free-1, fairly and squarely of course, and then went onto Judgement Day III to take the FPW Championship away from the new most hated man in all of FPW. Let’s face it, Jerry pulls off the hated-champion thing far better than you ever did. You want to control the narrative and make this fairly tale oh so perfect.

“But the problem, Marcus, is that it’s not going to end that way. Take a look at your past Free-1 record. For someone who calls themselves the ace of Freedom Pro Wrestling, you’d think you’d have at least made a final. But no. Your loss to Jerry- and let’s not forget that loss- cost you the block the first time round and then your loss to Jace Mason cost you the block the second time round. I wonder who’ll cost you the block this time? Because you’re not making it to the final. But let’s say you do. Let’s say your past record doesn’t indicate future failures and you do make it and you even win it. You go onto Judgement Day III in the main event, the biggest match in FPW history with the chance to finally take the belt away from Jerry Bishop... and you just can’t get it done. Because that’s the best ending for you, Marcus. You know it just as well as I do. You want to dispute that? Fine. But what will you do after your fairy tale ending turns into a crushing disappointment for you and for all of the Markamaniacs who so desperately want to see it? Jerry Bishop still FPW Champion and the one man who people truly believe can take it from him humiliated in the biggest match of his life? Let that thought sink in for a moment, Marcus.”

MDE pauses.

“But that’s in the future. Now you’ve decided to get involved in the number one contender battle royal. I don’t believe for a second, by the way, that you weren’t planning to enter. A chance to get some more attention? Of course you were going to take it. But that’s by the by. You think I won’t be able to execute our plan? You think I’ll taste blood in the water and go for the match myself? Don’t project yourself onto me, Marcus. You may renege on an agreement with a partner, although I’m not sure you know what a real partner is, but I won’t. Jerry and I will look at the list of entrants and we’ll decide the best possible outcome. I will work to ensure that outcome comes to fruition. You want to step into the ring and try to stop me? Go ahead. You do whatever you think you can do and you’ll still be the one sat on your ass on the outside of the ring while I make sure that Jerry gets what he wants, and gives the pondlife who pay to watch the title match that they deserve. I actually look forward to you trying. Seeing the rest of the names who have decided to enter this match, I was worried that I wouldn’t have anything to train for. At least you’ll give me a modicum of challenge.

“But hey, who knows, maybe Jerry will decide you’re the man he wants to face. Maybe he’ll decide to put you in your place earlier than you expected. He’s already put Mason so far in his place that he doesn’t even seem to want to enter this match. He’s already put Super Che Junior so far in his place that he doesn’t even seem to want to set foot in FPW again. I wonder how you’d feel if we decided it was time to put you in yours? A little something to think about.”

[Johnny California]

Matt Dwyer is laid out, unmoving - except for the blink of his eyelids and the expansion and then compression of his chest through slow breaths - on his sofa. His right leg crosses over his left, his hands are gripped in each other's clutch, and the look on his face is almost disturbingly neutral.

It's fair to say he has a lot on his mind.

The lyrics to INXS's "Don't Change", last track on "Shabooh Shoobah", surround the atmosphere in his sixth-floor, four-room apartment. The record player lies on the table placed in the centre of the room. The walls are lined with music memorabilia. A large poster of Dwyer - the picture appears to be from his wrestling debut in 50-50 - sits behind glass in a wooden frame in the middle of the wall. Matt's eyes don't move away from it.

As the song fades out, he continues to lay there, as though he wasn't aware the album had ended. His stare lingers behind the glass at himself from a time not too long ago. Suddenly, he stands up. He takes the record out of the player, and back into its sleeve. He glances back at the poster, and then to the tripod that sits on the floor just under it. The camera is already in place.

He sighs deeply, before picking up the camera and tripod.

He opens the door to a, although amateurly, sound-proofed room. It houses a variety of musical equipment that lines the walls. Dwyer switches on the lights, shuts the door, and sets the tripod down. He grabs a wooden stool from the left wall, and sets it down in the middle of the room. He returns to the tripod and fires up the camera. He takes a moment to fiddle with the settings and the frame of the shot, before coming to a view he find satisfactory. He takes a moment, but eventually presses the record button. The video starts.

---

Matt Dwyer enters the frame from the left with a demeanour that is somewhat casual. Uncharacteristically, he seems to be taking his time. He sits down, and the look on his face is one of deep contemplation. Despite planning this out in his head for a considerable amount of time beforehand, it seems like he's struggling to find the words to start with. Eventually he begins.

"First of all, I'd like to apologise for taking this long to comment. I have a lot to address, and I've spent most of my time since Sunday properly circulating my thoughts."

"What I did to Che wasn't planned. I've heard that people think I've been scheming this *plot* since we came back last month, or since my injury in 2018, or even back to when I first met the guy in 2017. But no, my actions were impulsive. It was completely on the spur of the moment."

"Why did I make that decision? At the time, I didn't really know. All I knew when I did it was that it felt right, and even better, it felt damn good. But that kind of reasoning is... lacking, so I've spent the past few days trying to find more. I reflected, and eventually I found an answer that I'm happy with. Let's start from the very beginning."

Matt Dwyer sits forward just a bit, but enough to clearly see a great amount of focus in his eyes.

"Matt "Messiah" Dwyer is my stage name. My real name is Johnny California."

He lets his reveal sit for a moment, allowing the potential viewer a moment to process this new, perception-changing information.

"It sounds cheesy, I know. Still, it's what I got."

"I was born on the sixth of November in 1995, not the twenty-fourth of May, and grew up on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. I've never even been to Arizona, let alone Phoenix."

He leans back.

"Matt Dwyer is a character, initially modelled off of myself, but gradually adapted to relate to and meet the expectations of the audience I performed for. I changed my name to seem more down-to-earth in a way to earn your favor, and eventually changed most of my personality. Matt Dwyer is an ideal, who embodies the values and beliefs that resonate with the highest percentage of the crowd. And it worked. For the time I spent with you in 50-50, Rising Phoenix and Freedom Pro Wrestling, I was your hero. But it took its toll. The high-speed, high-risk style of wrestling that excited you left me battered every night, and eventually broke me in injury. The constant tweaking and perfecting of a heart, brain and soul that didn't belong to me but appealed to you beared mental and emotional consequences."

He slips his hand into his pocket, retrieving a letter. He unfolds it, and shows the content on the paper to the camera. The text discloses his medical clearance for returning to in-ring competition.

"April 22nd. 2019. After four months of recovery from injury, re-injury, and then five months of more recovery, I could have returned to wrestling by then."

The paper scrunches in his hand as he balls it into a fist. He throws the scrunched up paper over his head, hitting the back wall before dropping to the ground with an audible "thup".

"But I didn't. For fear of my health, I had to get out. I tried to return to music hoping that the exposure could lead me to my big break, but all that people recognised me from was wrestling. They disregarded my talent, and only seemed to care that I was a wrestler who could sing and play a tune. People wanted me to write a song all about wrestling, like I didn't have anything meaningful I wanted to write about. I was nothing more than a spectacle, not on the merit of my ability, but on the absurdity of my circumstance."

"I worked the occasional match at local indies, mainly to pay my rent more than anything. I kept my schedule relaxed to minimise the effects on my wellbeing. I focused away from FPW, so I never saw Jerry become the Joker. Eventually Che got into contact with me about going back. He told me the specifics of the situation, and I agreed to help him - because if we could beat Jerry and *bring him back from the dark side* or whatever, it would legitimise everything we had worked towards."

"You saw the match."

"We lost."

"I watched the Joker, Jerry Bishop, defeat Super Che Junior right in front of my eyes. In three seconds, he proved that what Matt Dwyer stood for was a farce and what I sacrificed in forming that persona was for nothing."

"Che and I agreed that if we won, we would stay in FPW, but if we lost, we would leave. I didn't even think about losing, because I wanted to avoid the thought. In truth, I didn't know what I'd do if we lost. I could go back to being Dwyer again if it meant something, but it doesn't."

"He lost, and Jerry proved once again to the whole world the thing we struggled to for years - that he belonged at the top. I've never seen a more powerful man in my life than the Joker on Sunday. This heart-wrenching moment of pure despair left me with one question..."

"What do I do with my life now?"

"Everything I've ever worked for is up in smoke. All my windows of opportunity are slammed shut. I have no options left."

"I saw Jerry and the power he held. I saw Che, looking half-dead. I knew that when we got to the back, we would leave forever, and I would go back to my dead-end life of barely wrestling enough to make ends meet while being the laughing-stock of the music industry."

"Fuck that."

"I kicked Che so hard I think his teeth went down his throat. In that moment, an entire arena stood still, including the other men in it. I had created a masterpiece of a memory that etched itself into the back of the heads of everyone watching. Suddenly, I felt as though I had that same power I saw Jerry possess too."

"I acted entirely out of my own self-interest. What I did was disgustingly selfish, and I own that. But I had a choice between your enjoyment and the rest of my fucking life. I don't regret my decision."

"So I'm back in Freedom Pro, and you know the story of how it's come to be like this. But how will it be in the future?"

"I am sick and tired of pandering to your unrealistic expectations of what makes someone worth cheering. I am sick and tired of being Matt "Messiah" Dwyer. My name is Johnny California. I haven't changed. This is who I've always been. It's just that now, I play by my rules and MY FUCKING RULES ALONE."

California takes a moment to compose himself.

"You don't have to like it, and I don't care anymore if you do. This is just the way it is now, and it's the way it will always be going forward."

He takes a breath, before moving on.

"Speaking of going forward, I'd *love* to talk about the road to the Free-1."

"The Number One Contendership Battle Royal - I'm in. I want every opportunity to stake my claim in FPW, and a ring with most of the roster in it is as good a chance as any. I like MDE's approach to the match, so if I won, I'd do likewise - I'd make sure the Joker would want me as his opponent, and if not, I'd leave it up to him as to who he chooses."

"Now, the match that can get me into the Free-1. It seems I'm on equal footing with my opponent in the qualifiers - we don't know much about each other. But I trust by now that at the very least you know that I am a bad, bad man - well that and I can kick a man's head off his neck. I feel like we both have something to prove on Night One, Tudor - but I promise you, I will do ANYTHING to keep you from making your moment out of my misfortune. So I want you to give me your best - it'll mean more when I prove to you that fan favourites aren't cut out for this line of work."

"My name is Johnny California. Until next time, *Freedom Fighters.*"

---

Those sarcastic last two words escaped his mouth, and he ends the video. He breathes a deep, definitive sigh of relief - as though he got everything he wanted to say off his chest.

The newly-dubbed-yet-always-was Johnny California exits the room. He glances back at the poster of "Matt Dwyer" - the mask he used to wear.

Glass shatters as the poster in its wooden frame is thrown out the window from the sixth floor. In an open window we see a smiling Johnny California, looking at the broken shards below. He shuts the window, and we fade to black.

[veggieleezy]

*We see Jerry Bishop in the FPW arena parking lot late at night, a fire burning in a metal bin to one side of him, a record player on the other. He's sporting his old Friendmigo-era bomber jacket with his initials and theater masks over a purple hoodie and jeans. He holds a finger to his lips with a smile spreading across his painted face. He takes a sign from behind his back which reads "This one's for you, Johnny Boy" and tosses it over his shoulder. Bishop then leans over to the record player and drops the needle. We hear John Sebastian's "Welcome Back". Bishop starts to dance around the parking lot, performing almost a sort of striptease, slowly removing the jacket and playing to the camera and mouthing along to the lyrics. Once the jacket is fully taken off, he twirls it around his fingers before dropping it into the fire with a flourish. He dances out of shot as the song ends on a shot of the jacket burning in the bin.*

[kingclutch]

*Misc. 60 Minutes of Freedom Segment*

“Justice” by Rev Theory plays and David Archer and Braxton Cable emerge. They make their way down to the ring, largely ignoring the fans. Archer grabs a microphone before he goes into the ring joining Cable.

DA: You know, I thought I’d be disappointed, not going to the finals of the tag team classic, but we had a hell of a match with The House of Berry and Bo. A performance that I don’t think we should be ashamed of. But my sights are set on a much more worthy target. A match that ANYONE can get in on. The chance to face The Joker, Jerry Bishop for the FPW Championship. And what is The Joker with out a Batman? The foil? The order to his anarchy? The answer of course is nothing. Nothing but a two-bit clown with cheap makeup. So that’s why I’m entering the #1 Contender’s Battle Royal. Because I want to expose you. ...

BC: *interrupting* Hey Arch..

DA: Not now, man.

BC: I just wanna say...

DA: Can’t it WAIT?

BC: As a matter of fact......*throws Archer outside of the ring* it CAN’T!

Archer has a look of confusion.

BC: You see, I’m tired of getting the scraps in this business. Tired of all the people who said, “Just wait Brax, your time will come”. My time has come because *I* am entering the #1 Contenders Battle Royal. Make no mistake, I am the strongest, hungriest dog in FPW and when everyone else is in that ring, it’s feeding time!

*Archer gets back in the ring*

Archer: Don’t take this personally, buddy

But before Archer can do anything Cable punches Archer in the face and gets him into the Dragon Sleeper.

BC: This isn’t personal Arch. It’s just business. Hell, we’re still friends. We’re still brothers. Just stay out of my way in that match.

*Cable picks Archer back up and hits Titan Killer on him*

As Archer lays on the mat, Cable lets out a bloodcurdling howl.