Free-1 III Promo Thread

[Johnny California]

The following comes from California’s Twitter.

Johnny California
JohnCalifornia

Morning.

I hope you haven’t missed me too much over the past two weeks. I felt as though finally tasting victory after what was an entire career of disappointment was worth a lengthy celebration.

Of course, qualifying for the Free-1 is only the first step of many. On Monday I’ll be meeting with @dashabanks to answer any further questions the Freedom Fighters may have. After that, my focus is entirely on my plans for Freedom Pro.

I’ll see you then.

[Jim Houston]

Jim Houston sits at his desk and faces the camera directly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to freedomprowrestling.com. Thank you to those of you who tuned in for tonight's show. First I must congratulate our new Tag Team Champions- The House of Berry and Bo. You've had quite the meteoric rise as a tag team and your performance tonight was nothing short of spectacular. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and I know you'll carry and defend those belts with pride. Secondly, congratulations to Kincaid, Aaron Williams, Danica Jane and MDE for qualifying for Free-1 III. I'm sure those of you who have been in the tournament will agree that the hard work starts now for anyone who is serious in their hope of winning this tournament.

"And it is Free-1 III which I would now like to address. In two weeks' time, we will know the sixteen participants. There are four more qualifiers plus one special announcement to come which will round out our field of sixteen. I shall then personally draw the two blocks at the conclusion of the Marcus Allen Jones vs. Braxton Cable match, revealing the blocks live in the ring as I make the draw. The full Free-1 III schedule will then be posted on Sunday 19th July, and there will be a full Free-1 III preview show hosted by Dasha Banks on Sunday 26th July, featuring interviews and predictions as we look ahead to one of the biggest months in FPW history. I am confident that everyone who has qualified for this tournament so far understands just how grueling it can be, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds from the group draw to the final on August 31st.

"Thank you for your time. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

[noname1525]

During the main event of Road to Free-1 III Night 2, Dasha Banks approached the Queendom as they stood gathered around a monitor, watching the tag title match play out.

"Excuse me Artemis, do you have a moment?" Dasha asked. Artemis rolled her eyes, but she and Thea turned to face Dasha, with Myra keeping an eye on the match. "What do you want?" she asked.

"Well, I have to admit, I was surprised to see the three of you here, considering that none of you have matches tonight."

Artemis nodded before she spoke. "You're absolutely right Dasha, we don't have matches tonight. But Thea and I, we do have matches two weeks from now. And they aren't just any matches, they're Free-1 qualifiers. Myra may have come up short in her match, but we're not going to let anything stop the Queendom from being in the Free-1. At the moment, the only thing standing in our way is that team right there," she said, gesturing to the screen. "So you're right Dasha, we don't have a match tonight, but it's in our best interest to keep a close eye on this match, see if there's some sort of weakness we can take advantage of in two weeks."

"Well, since you brought up your opponents, let's talk about them for a moment. The Guardians of Strong Style have faced off against the Queendom in the past, and they've always seem to be victorious in those encounters. How do you plan on ensuring that the same thing doesn't happen during your qualifying matches?"

Artemis opened her mouth to respond, but Thea stepped in front of her. "If you don't mind Artemis, I'll take this question." The two of them locked eyes for a moment, with Myra's gaze flicking between them, before Artrmis nodded and took a step back, gesturing for Thea to continue.

A wicked grin spread across Thea's face before she began speaking. "Dasha, you are correct that the Guardians of Strong Style have encountered the Queendom before. And you're also correct that during those encounters, the Guardians have come out on top. I have no problem admitting this. But do you know what hasn't happened? I'll tell you; Hiro Takahara has never encountered Artemis Evans, and Masa Tchyukiro has never encountered Thea Donovan. Don't get me wrong, when they're together, the Guardians might be the best tag team in FPW. But they're not going to be together in two weeks, are they? No, they won't, they'll be isolated and on their own, against opponents that don't have the same weakness. Because here in the Queendom, we're just as deadly on our own as we are in a team. And when the Guardians look into their corner and have no one to tag out to, no way to escape, they're going to realize exactly how deadly we can be. And when we defeat them, we move on to the Free-1, where we will dominate whichever block we're places in, against whichever opponents we have to face. Does that answer your question Dasha?"

Dasha seemd a little taken aback, but she just smiled and nodded.

"Good, then get out of here, we've got some opponents to study." Thea said. And with that, she turned her attention back to the monitor, with Artemis giving Dasha a smirk before she too turned away.

[noname1525]

A video was uploaded to the FPW website. The video, shot from a handheld camera, showed Jace Mason sitting in the front seat of his car, which was parked on the side of the road.

"Greetings Freedom Fighters," he said. "I hope you've all been enjoying yourselves, and I hope you all enjoyed our show on Sunday. Once again, congratulations to everyone who qualified for the Free-1, I think we're all going to have a great time this year. And a huge congratulations to Botiatus and Berry Bishop for becoming the new FPW tag team Champions. That was a hell of a match you guys had, and now the two of you get to enter the Free-1 as champions. I'm sure that's a good feeling, just as long as you realize that everyone else is going to try that much harder to beat you now because of that."

"But who am I to be giving that sort of advice?" Jace asked with an incredulous laugh. "I've never entered the Free-1 with a title, what do I know about being both champion and competitor? And besides, you two just beat the Guardians of Strong Style, I think that proves that you know what you're doing." He sighed before continuing. "And as for what I'm doing, I'm continuing the journey I started the last time you saw me. During that time, I'd returned to my old gym and worked with my original trainer to re-establish some of my fundamentals. And today, we're outside another gym, going to see another trainer, see what kind of things he can teach me." he turns the camera to show out the car window, and sure enough, across the street is a building emblazoned with a 'Pro Wrestling Academy' logo. "My old tag partner worked a show in NYC a while back and got introduced to this guy. According to my partner, he's a bit of genius when it comes to in-ring work. Sounds like exactly what I need to get my FPW career back on track. I guess it's time for the Student to take some pointers from this genius."

[veggieleezy]

*We see Dasha Banks in gorilla position following the tag team championship match. Suddenly, a purple streak collides with her, and she disappears from the frame. Botiatus steps through the curtain just after with his title still in hand. He smiles and shakes his head.*

Bo: Easy there, Bombshell, she's still got to breathe.

*The camera pans over to show Dasha Banks pinned to the wall by Berry Bishop in a massive bear hug. Dasha taps Berry's arm, "submitting"*

DB: I give, I give!

*Berry lets Dasha go with a concerned expression. Dasha takes a few exaggerated breaths.*

BB: Oh no! I'm so sorry, Dashie! Sometimes I don't know my own strength! Fozzie found this new home gym online, and he helped me put it up during training, and it's really good, and I've been doin' lotsa weights, and-

*Dasha laughs warmly*

DB: I'm just kidding, Berry. Bring it in here, you!

*Dasha and Berry smile and share a cheerful hug, Berry still bouncing with energy. Berry turns to Bo with her arms outstretched and a "come on..." expression*

Bo: I'm a bit hugged out for the day, thanks.

BB: *in a perfect Jackie Gleason impression* One'a these days, Botiatus, one'a these days, POW, right in the hugger! It's a real body part. I looked it up during training.

Bo: I'll keep that in mind but for now put er there!

Bo extends a hand and Berry beams. They exchange their custom handshake and Dasha can't help but laugh as they "blow it up" at the end.

DB: Congratulations to you both. I'm really proud of how you two have grown. Shall we do our post-show interview?

Bo: You know he's already rolling, right?

*Dasha turns to Ted Crewmember behind the camera. She rolls her eyes, "of course he is".*

TC: It's a Crewmember House Rule.

*Bo gives him a fist bump behind the camera.*

DB: Alright, well, let's reset, then, shall we?

BB: Yup! OOH! WAIT! One sec!

*Berry shakes herself loose and takes a moment to get herself in position. She also rearranges how Bo is standing as well. He's confused but rolls with it. Berry gives Dasha a nod after she's satisfied. The camera zooms in on Dasha as she introduces the duo.*

DB: Freedom Fighters, please welcome my guests at this time, Freedom Pro Wrestling's new Tag Team Champions, the House of Berry & Bo.

*Dasha can hardly contain a giggle as the shot zooms out to show Berry Bishop with a toothpick in her mouth, a denim vest over her ring gear, and her hair somehow now slicked back into a ponytail. Bo discovers he's wearing a long blond wig, a blond beard, and biker gloves. He inspects them in a combination of surprise and awe.*

Bo: *under his breath* I had my arms crossed, how did my gloves get switched to these...

BB: *after a deep breath, and in an affected deep voice* Hey, yo.

*Bo decides to simply roll with the moment*

Bo: First off... *Bo pauses briefly as the expression on his face shows his surprise that he's also speaking in an affected tone. He side eyes Berry and chuckles before quickly regathering himself.* First off I want to say THE FPW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS MOST DEFINITELY IN THE HOUSE!

*Berry quickly chimes in with "Of Berry and Bo!"*

Bo smiles at his partner and then gives her a knowing look. Berry rolls her eyes but obliges and "gives" Bo back his regular voice.

Bo: Thanks Bombshell. No offense to The Outsiders but they didn't win these titles tonight, we did.

DB: You most certainly did and my first question has to be how does it feel to be the new champions?

BB: OMG it feels soooo amazing! It's like every part of my body is tingling and my insides are bouncing uncontrollably and and..."

*She's cut off by Bo who places a hand on her shoulder to calm her down*

Bo: I don't think that's the kind of feeling she was talking about. But she's right Dasha, this truly does feel amazing. When I came here to FPW I expected to collect plenty of gold but this is honestly the last title I ever expected to win. My journey here has been a roller coaster of ups and downs that have tested me in ways I thought weren't possible. I certainly wasn't the cooperative type last year and now here I am as one half of the FPW Tag Team Champions! That feels really good to say and I have to give all the credit in the world to my partner for this. You said a minute ago Dasha that you were proud of both of us for how we've grown but I have to honestly give most of that credit to Berry. If I've been on a roller coaster this last year then she's been to the frickin moon and back. And not only has she come out of all of that stronger than ever but she's even somehow found the time to help me confront my own demons. I've helped her become a better wrestler sure but she's helped me become a better person. So right now there's no other title I'd rather have than this title and with this partner.

DB: Well said. Now going back to your match, you defeated what most believe to be the greatest tag team in FPW History. It looked like you had a strategy going in but it also appeared that things broke down as the match went on. With all of that, how were you able to get this victory and capture these belts?

BB: I think it's my turn to give my partner some credit. He knew both Takahara and Tchyukiro very well from having faced both of them and he came up with a great game plan for us. Not to mention helping me get quicker unleashing Checkmate, which turned out to be a great trump card tonight.

Bo: Thanks Bombshell but you deserve just as much credit. And so do the Guardians. I don't think there's any debate that they're not just the best Tag Team Champions this company has ever seen, they're the best champions this company has ever seen PERIOD. Not only are they the only three time champions but they've also been champions longer than anyone else. Nothing but respect for both of them and Saito as well.

DB: Indeed that was quite the showing of respect at the end. Now not to rain on your parade so to speak but with the Free-1 coming up in just a few short weeks and both of you having qualified, I do have to ask what you both think your prospects are for that tournament and the very real possibility that you may end up having to face each other?

Bo: Berry, what's House Rule number 16?

BB: Ummm, always use a coaster for your drink?

*Bo chuckles*

Bo: Close but not quite. Don't worry about what you can't control. The fact is that we have no idea what the brackets are or even who all the participants are for the Free-1. So for now we're not going to worry about any of that. I think we're just going to celebrate this victory and whatever lies ahead of us for the Free-1, well we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. You wanna add anything Bombshell?

BB: HEY FOZZIE, WE DID IT!!!

[botiatus]

Jerry Bishop is just finishing up inside his locker room after his title defense at Road To Free-1. He meticulously inspects every inch of his three piece suit while speaking to himself in the mirror

JB- "That fool. Who does he think he is? Coming in and ruining my moment of victory. How many times must I put Williams back in his place. He's nothing more than a novelty act..."

Bishop is cut off by a knock on his door. Having already worked himself up a bit he storms over and swings it open wildly, only to freeze in his tracks with a blank look on his face

JB- "Bo"

Bo- "Ahh, just the man I was looking for. What's up Triple E!"

The confusion on Jerry's face only grows

JB- "Triple E?"

Bo- "Oh you know..."

Bo clears his throat and his next words come out perfectly in the voice of Thalia Columbiana, only in a exaggerated and drawn out fashion

Bo- "Exxxcciittiiinnggg, Ennnnggaaaaggiiinnggg, Ennnnttiiiccciiinnnggg!"

Jerry is stunned as his jaw hangs sightly lower than seems physically possible

JB- "How... How did you..."

Bo chuckles as his voice returns to normal

Bo- "Oh come on now Jerry. You of all people should recognize some good old fashion Bishop magic when you see it! Borrowed a smidge of it from your sister. Still don't get how it works but I've learned to just roll with it"

Jerry clearly isn't amused

JB- "Why are you here?"

Bo- "Calm down champ, I'm just having a little fun. You know, it's that thing I hear you used to love. But since you asked, I'm here to give you an update. I think our deal is almost done. Berry's close now, really close"

Jerry raises an eyebrow

JB- "Is that so?"

Bo- "I'm a man of my word. But don't believe me. Just watch her for yourself. Watch her in the Free-1. You see Berry still has one final hurdle to clear and I've known all along what it is. I knew what it was from the moment we made this deal. To get to you she has to go through me. And now she's going to get that chance in the Free-1"

Jerry bursts into an uncontrollable fit of laughter

JB- "Oh wow, you really think that much of yourself huh? You think beating you is anything close to as difficult as beating me? Or wait, maybe you gift her a confidence boosting win only for her to face me and fail once again?"

Bo's smile disappears as the tension begins to rise in the room

Bo- "If I were you I'd be more thoughtful before I spoke. MDE isn't here right now to save you like he was the last time I faced you. But I'm no idiot either Jerry. I recognize that you're far more dangerous now than you were a year ago. I see exactly how driven you are to hold onto that title. But you see I'm just as driven to win the Free-1. It's the one thing I want even more than my title or yours. It's the entire reason I joined this company. So to answer your other question, I won't be gifting Berry anything. If she beats me, it'll be because she's ready and no other reason. And if she doesn't then maybe I'll get a crack at your first in the Free-1 finale. Do you understand now Jerry? I will go through whoever I have to to win this tournament"

They stare at each other for a moment before Bo turns and leaves. Jerry stares after him for a few seconds before slamming the door as the shot ends on the name placard on his door

[Jim Houston]

MDE rests against the ropes in his usual training ring, a sheen of sweat covering the visible parts of his body.

"The Free-1 blocks have been drawn and look how they've come out. Just as we planned all along. Jerry Bishop in Block A and MDE in Block B. It looks like we're all set for... how would Jerry put it? The final that everyone deserves. But I don't care about what people deserve. I care about what I deserve and I care about what Jerry deserves. Jerry already has what he deserves- the FPW Championship and a recognition that he- alongside my tactical brilliance and training expertise- is the best wrestler in FPW. But what do I deserve? I deserve the recognition for making Jerry Bishop into what he is today. I deserve the recognition that, despite my step back from in-ring competition, I remain the best technician in FPW. And most of all, I deserve to be taken seriously in what looks to be a very interesting Free-1 block.

"But do I get those things? No. No one will predict MDE winning the B Block. No one will predict an MDE versus Jerry Bishop final purely because they don't want to see it. Their two least favourite wrestlers in all of FPW facing off in the final of FPW's biggest tournament? Of course they don't want to see it. But it's inevitable. Jerry will walk through his block. Bobby O? Aaron Williams? Jerry has dispatched with both of them already this year and he'll do so again. As for me... I may not walk it, but I fully intend to win the B Block.

"And that brings me to you... Botiatus. One of my competitors for the B Block. A competitor who went straight to Jerry, a man not in his block, and suggested that he would win the block and get the chance to face Jerry Bishop. First of all, to win the B Block, you have to go through me, and I have no intention of losing to you one-on-one. You may hold a tag team victory over myself and Jerry, but I'm a singles wrestler and that will always be my strong point. I look forward to showing that to you some time in the next few weeks. Secondly, you think Berry Bishop can win the B Block? Let me tell you a little bit about Berry... the reason she didn't trust you at first? You're looking at it. In December of 2018, when I was locked in a feud with the very man I now stand beside, I took Berry to England under the pretence of offering her training. I manipulated her to gain her trust and then, of her own free will, she took the walk up that staircase and knocked on that door. I'll spare you the blow by blow account of what happened next, but I think you can imagine.

"Why am I telling you this? To get under your skin? To make you mad? Because it's fun? Partly. But mostly I'm telling you this because it shows what I'll do to get what I want. If I have no problem taking a young, vulnerable woman, bringing her to another country and... using her like I did, do you really think that there's anything you can do to stop me from winning this block? Do you really think there's any obstacle you can put in my way so that you have a path to that final and I don't? Not a chance. As for Berry... well, I look forward to reacquainting myself with her whenever our match happens to be. You'll have a lot of work to do with her to get her mentally ready for that match because I intend to make sure she remembers every second that she spent with me. Every. Single. Second.

"Trust me, Botiatus. You can talk about facing Jerry, but it's not going to happen. When he wins the Free-1, and has the chance to choose his opponent for Judgement Day III, trust me when I say that it ain't gonna be you. I'll see you in the ring, although I'd imagine you'll be seeing plenty of me in your head before then. Try not to have the match lost before we get into the ring... I'd like some kind of challenge for this block."

[ticktock]

Aaron Williams walks back through the curtain at the conclusion of the Road to Free-1 III show. Dasha Banks greets him and Williams gives her a smile.

AW: How did you get back here so fast?
DB: As soon as SHE came out I was gone. I can't stand that woman.
AW: No... it felt nice to snatch that mic from her hands.
DB: You went a little out of character tonight with that move. Why did you come out?
AW: As I've been saying for some time, my focus is on winning the Free-1. I want Jerry and I want that title. I need to face him. And I knew that I've lost to him so many times that I couldn't in good conscience ask for a title match. In fact, I think I'd have been laughed out of the office. So I had to earn it, and the Free-1 is the way to do it. The way I want to do it. Most people said that I was the one who broke out of the Free-1 last year. Sure, I didn't win the thing. I didn't even win the block. But my matches were must-see affairs. This time, I want to do better. Seven must-see matches, win the A Block and then go onto the final and win that too. I don't remember being this motivated since before I made my name, and even then... I came out because to win this block, I'm going to have to beat Jerry Bishop. I'm ready to do that.

DB: What do you make of the rest of the block?
AW: It's a good group. Bobby isn't a guy I know too well, but he's a guy I respect in the ring. I know he can beat anyone when his mind is right and I hope he gets his mind right. I'm looking forward to facing him. Kincaid is a veteran like me who's been around the block a little, like me. So he's someone I'm looking forward to facing. We've crossed paths before in various place, but not for some time. It's a rivalry I'm looking forward to revisiting. The Silent Assassin. Not someone I'm familiar with, but I know some people who know some people who are familiar with him and it looks like that's a match I'll need to put some real work in for, so facing him early would be handy. Then we have Thea Donovan- who I'm sure will be accompanied by Myra Lopez and therefore dangerous, Danica Jane- who has really improved of late- and Jackson Banks- a young man I have a lot of respect for. I can't wait to go up against him. We may not have Marcus, Jace, Bo and Berry, the kind of star power of the other block, but I'm excited to face each opponent and desperate to let me training pay off.

DB: And how about the B Block? If you're going to win the Free-1, you'll have to go through one of them. Who do you have your eye on?
AW: It's a block with a lot of big names. Jace is obviously a good friend of mine, and if I don't win the Free-1, I hope he does. A final with him would be fantastic. Marcus is the man who I think I had my best match against last year. That Free-1 match was incredible and I'd love another one in a final. Bo and Berry got one over me in the All Star Tag Team Classic final, so a chance to prove myself against either of them would be welcomed. MDE. The less said the better. But I'd love to wipe that smug grin off his face and trust me when I say I'd do just that. Artemis Evans has beaten me in the past but I've beaten her too. She would give me another great match. I don't know Johnny California too well, but I wouldn't mind getting to face him and then there's Russ Bolt. Improving, but I think he'll struggle in that block. There should be a lot of great matches from that block and I'd love to face any of them. But to do that, I have to do my job, and I fully intend to.

DB: How about the schedule? You'll find out on Sunday, but do you have a preference of who you face and when?
AW: Not really. I have to face them all anyway and I know I have to go into each match with a total focus on winning it, so whether it starts with the big names or ends with them, I'll approach the games the same. But I do have one request for Jim Houston. Mr. Houston, I made it clear out there that I wanted to face Jerry. I want him first night or last night. I know it't not my call, but I'm asking. Jerry Bishop versus Aaron Williams is a money match. With all due respect to everyone else in the block, I don't think there's a bigger match to be had in this block. This match opening the block would be huge and this match as a block decider- because I really think it will be- on the final night... that would be something special. Whenever the match is, I promise that Jerry Bishop will get the very best of Aaron Williams... because I need to beat you, Jerry. I need it more than you could possibly know.

Dasha takes a moment to process what Williams just said and, in the time that it takes her to start forming her next question, he slips away.

[botiatus]

Jim Houston is hard at work in his office when there's a knock it his door

"Come in"

The door opens and in walks Bo who closes the door behind him before taking a seat across the desk

Bo- "Hey boss I need to talk to you for a minute"

JH- "Wow, I think that's the first time I've ever heard you call me that"

Bo gives a sheepish look

Bo- "Yeah I know and I owe you an apology. I've been pretty critical of you since I got here and you've done nothing but continue to give me opportunities. I wouldn't be champion right now if you hadn't allowed us to enter the All Star Tag Team Classic. So I want to say that I'm sorry for constantly being combative towards you"

JH- "Well thank you for that apology and also thank you for proving me right. You and Berry clearly showed that I made the right decision in allowing you into the tournament. Now with all that aside, I'm assuming you didn't come here just to apologize"

Bo's demeanor changes as his entire body tenses up

Bo- "No, you're right. I know I have no right to ask you for anything else and I'll respect your decision if you say no. But I want to, no I NEED TO ask you for this. First night of the Free-1 B block...I want MDE in the main event"

Houston sighs deeply as he leans back into his chair

JH- "Look Bo, I know what this is about. Trust me when I say that I was just as disgusted as you were to listen to what MDE had to say. I know you want to protect Berry..."

Houston is cut off by Bo

Bo- "That has nothing to do with it. I haven't even had a chance to talk to Berry about this yet. But she's a big girl who made a big girl decision and the truth is at the end of the day she can protect herself. No, what I can't abide is that sick fuck using a traumatizing experience just to try and get under my damn skin. You see when he told me that story, all of a sudden everything became crystal clear. I've been telling Berry from the moment I began training her that she needed to open up more and be comfortable around me. Now I get why she rarely wanted to do technical work. Now I get why she'd freeze up whenever I called her out for being too stiff. I had no idea what demons she was dealing with. Berry's been fighting an uphill battle all year and now to have to deal with this... And it's all in the name of playing head games with me? Well I've got a head game for him. I'm going to hit him so hard with a House Call that he'll be lucky to remember anything ever again"

JH- "Look Bo I can't make any promises. The brackets were already complicated enough to figure out in the past and now I have the largest field ever this year"

Bo- "I understand and like I said I'll respect whatever decision you make. But I can promise you that if you do it you won't regret it. MDE vs Botiatus is already a big money match but after what that asshole just pulled... All I can say is that it'll definitely be a lights out affair"

JH- "You do have a point there. Ok Bo, I'll see what I can do. Again, no promises. I'm not the only one who makes the Free-1 brackets. But if there's a way to make it happen then I'll get it done"

Bo- "That's all I ask"

Both men stand and Bo extends a hand that Houston gladly shakes. Bo exits the office and Houston walks over to a board filled with the names of Free-1 competitors. He takes Bo and MDE's names off and flips them around in his hand as the shot fades to black

[noname1525]

Dasha Banks stood backstage in the FPW arena.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guests at this time, the Queendom."

Artemis Evans and Thea Donovan emerged from opposite ends of the hallway to stand on either side of Dasha. Myra Lopez also appeared behind Artemis, watching over the interview.

"Artemis, Thea, last Sunday the two of you qualified to be a part of this year's Free-1 tournament." Dasha said. "I'm sure the two of you are quite proud of this feat, can I get your thoughts on the tournament? Both on being a part of it and your competitors?"

"Well," Thea said, at the exact moment that Artemis said "I'm". There was a slight pause as the two Queendom members locked eyes before Thea gestured for Artemis to continue. "I'm pleased to be a part of the tournament of course, but I can't exactly say that I'm surprised." she said. "If I'm being completely honest, I didn't consider for even a moment that I might not be a part of the tournament. I've been the best wrestler in FPW for quite some time now, even if no one is willing to admit it. Not even our "esteemed" general manager, Jim Houston, who replaced me without a second thought when I was temporarily forced to step away with an injury. Make no mistake about it, my biggest opponent in this tournament isn't any of my fellow B block members, it's going to be Mr Houston himself. I'm going to prove that he made a serious mistake when he tried to replace me, and I'm going to do it at the expense of everyone else in the B block."

"You just mentioned that you're a part of B block, let's talk about that for a moment." Dasha replied. "Various analysts have described B block as the more athletically interesting block, with competitors like yourself, Marcus Allen Jones, and Botiatus all being involved. How do you plan on making sure you stand out during the tournament?"

Artemis looked at her incredulously. "What kind of a question is that Dasha?" she asked. "I'll 'stand out' as you say, the same way I always do, and that's simply being myself. I'm already the best wrestler in this whole tournament, never mind the block. Everyone else needs to be asking themselves how they're going to stand out next to Artemis Evans."

Dasha nodded and turned to face the camera. "Some strong words from the former FPW World Champion, as we've come to expect. And what about you Thea?" She asked, directing her attention to the Black Queen. "What are your thoughts at getting an opportunity in this tournament?"

"Before I answer that question, I want to take a step back and look at how I got this opportunity. I went head-to-head with one half of the record three-time FPW Tag Team Champions, and what did I do? I pinned his shoulders to the mat, one, two, three. I won't kid myself, I know that outside the tag team division, I have yet to make an impact here in FPW. But with that victory on Sunday, the winds of change have started blowing, and now that I'm in the Free-1, they're going to accelerate into a hurricane that's going to tear this place apart. I'm going to tear this place apart."

"Interesting," Dasha said. "And what do you think about the opponents in your block. It's generally accepted that while the A block doesn't have the athletic spectacle of the B block, there's still plenty of potential for great matches. What do you think?"

Thea laughed. "What's there to say? There's a couple world champions, sure, but everyone else should be no challenge."

Dasha faced the camera once again. "Both members of the Queendom that are in the Free-1 have extreme confidence headed into the tournament, we'll just have to see if their confidence pays off when the Free-1 starts in August."

The camera began to fade out, but before the audio cut out, all three Queendom members could be heard ridiculing Dasha for her closing remarks.

[Jim Houston]

Dasha Banks stands looking very awkward as MDE stares down at her.

DB: I'm here with... MDE for some live reaction to announcement of the schedule for Free-1 III. What do you make of it?
MDE: I'm happy to see you too, Dasha. It's been a while since we've spoken, hasn't it? How's Berry?

Dasha stares resolutely at MDE and refuses to answer the question. MDE lets out a grunt of a laugh.

MDE: Not playing? At least it seems I got Botiatus' attention. Well, Bo, you know who really wields the power around here. You wanted me in the first round of block matches, but it didn't happen. I wonder why that might be? Maybe your criticisms of Jim Houston were warranted after all. We all know that the FPW Champion has a lot of sway, and Jerry and I make better use of that sway than anyone else possibly could. But I'm not here to taunt Botiatus. I'm here for some live reaction to the Free-1 schedule announcement. My reaction, Dasha, is that it's not that important. I'll be prepared for every match, just like I normally am, and I'll have more than enough to come through this block.

DB: First up for you is Johnny California. Some have speculated that he's working with you and the rest of your team. Is that true?
MDE: With me and Jerry? And Thalia? You'd have to ask Johnny that. Or maybe speak to Jerry or Thalia. I'm sure they'd love to catch up with you.

DB: And you face Marcus Allen Jones the very next day.
MDE: The day after he goes through a war with Jace Mason. I like that a lot. Marcus seems to think he can work against me and Jerry and that he can take me down in the Free-1, but he'll be coming into a match with me very sore. Whatever Mason does, I know I can exploit an injury anywhere on the body. Marcus' draw didn't pan out too well there, much like Botiatus'. What a coincidence.

DB: Then you face Botiatus.
MDE: After a nice, long break to recharge my batteries and focus on one half of the tag team champions. Wins over Bo and Berry will certainly give Jerry and myself the chance to take the Tag Team Championships.

DB: After Bo you've got Russ Bolt.
MDE: Bolt. A man who lucked into the tournament but whose luck won't possibly continue into it. Five minutes. That's how long it'll take me to dispose of him.

DB: Then Artemis Evans.
MDE: Another time when they schedule is kind to me. A day off against Russ Bolt two days before facing Evans. Evans is a very talented wrestler, and I look forward to the challenge. I expect us both to be at the top of the block when we face one another.

DB: Then you face Berry.
MDE: Ah yes, the match I've been looking forward to most of all. A chance to reunite with Berry Bishop. I'm sure Berry will have this one circled on the calendar just as much as I will. I believe Berry and I are one for one in our series. It's a chance to reassert my dominance over her, to show her who's in control. If she's still in with a chance by this point in the tournament, I'll be sure to snuff it out. I think Berry and her new boyfriend will be sick of the sight of me by the time this is all over. But at least I'll get to take another belt off Berry by the time all's said and done.

DB: You're...
Dasha composes herself while MDE smirks.

DB: You finish up with Jace Mason.
MDE: I do. The man who took the FPW Championship from me. I haven't had the pleasure of facing Mason again since then and it's a match I'm looking forward to. Mason is so desperate to win this tournament, that I'm sure he'll throw everything he has at every match. He'll probably win quite a few of them as well, but he'll be coming up against someone who actually knows how to pace himself, how to make sure he's in peak condition for each and every match. While Jace Mason enters this match dead on his feet, I'll be coming in totally ready to seal the block. Maybe it'll be done by then, who knows? Either way, Jace Mason won't be in a position to beat me.

DB: You really believe you can win this block? A block with Marcus Allen Jones, Botiatus, Berry Bishop, Artemis Evans and Jace Mason in it?
MDE: I know you don't believe I can, Dasha, and I'm sure a lot of people who pay their money to watch me every show don't believe I can, but do you know what your and their belief is worth? Nothing. I don't need anyone to believe I can win the block. I just need to do it. And trust me- hah, I think I'm a bit beyond your trust by now- I will win this block. And I will face Jerry Bishop in the Free-1 final. And I'll take great pleasure in you announcing my name as the B Block winner. I'll see you August second, Dasha and remember- it's ok to cry.

MDE walks off with a smirk as Dasha stares daggers at the back of his head. Ted Crewmember speaks from behind the camera.

TC: You really don't have to-
DB: One day I'm going to slap that man so hard... but not now. For now, I'll stay professional. I'll bide my time. But when his downfall comes... I'll be there to see it.

[noname1525]

[OOC: I'm imagining this video as being similar to WWE's Pop Question videos, where the question is posed once at the start of the video, and various different wrestlers give their reactions. In this case, the question is about the Free-1 preview show. Obviously, I'm only posting the reactions from my characters, but if anyone else wants to add their characters, they can send me what they want to have them say, and I'll add it in to make it a more complete video.]

Jace Mason

"It was humbling to watch. Both Mr. Houston and Mike Watson have me coming in first place in my block. That's a lot of faith to place in me, certainly more than I'd place in myself right about now."

Thea Donovan

"It looks like most people aren't expecting me to do well in this tournament, and I look forward to proving all of them wrong. I'm going into this tournament to prove that I can stand on my own, and by association, prove that the Queendom is just as deadly as we say we are."

Artemis Evans

"Well, after watching that, I have to say that everyone except Steven has forgotten exactly what I'm capable of, and what I've promised to do in this tournament. And all I have to say about that is that they're making a serious mistake."

[marileeg17]

You have 5 new messages.

July 12th - Hey Marcus, its Dasha! I just wanted to be the first to congratulate you on making the Free-1. Not that it was ever in doubt but I know how much this means to you. I'm happy for you. Anyway, now that you're the last man in, you're also my last interview. So give me a call back this week and we can set up some time to get your thoughts on this year's tourney.

July 17th - Hey Marcus, Dasha again. Sorry to bother you but Jim was really hoping to get these interviews in before the draw comes out in a few days. So...call me. I've got tomorrow freed up for this so we can do it whenever. Just let me know where to meet you. Talk soon.

July 20th - Marcus, its Dasha. We really need to do this interview as soon as possible. Please, call me back. I'm starting to get worried. Call me. Thanks.

July 30th - Okay, this is really starting to freak me out. It's been 18 days. No one's heard from you. I know you've been busy. I've seen the clips. I get it. But, you really need to call me back like, yesterday. It's in your contract to do this and Jim's not gonna be happy if his video package has everyone's thoughts but yours...And, more than that. I need to hear from you. You're going 100 miles a minute and I'm worried you're gonna overwork yourself. I get what you're trying to do, but...Well, you know. I miss you, Marcus. Just call me back. Please.

Cameras capture Marcus from behind as he finishes listening to his voicemails. His arm is wrapped in a bag of ice and his ribs are taped up. There is a cut on the back of his neck. He sighs as his finger hovers over the "delete" button. Marcus puts his phone down, but not before sending a quick text message. He then takes the last few sips of his water bottle before crushing it and throwing it in the recycling can by the door. He shuts the door behind him, the camera never landing on his face. What is seen however is a backdrop of flyers sitting on a desk:

July 13th - Jones vs Dickinson, GCW
July 14th - Jones vs Allin, Beyond
July 16th - Jones vs Anthony, CZW
July 18th - Jones vs Gresham, ROH
July 19th - Jones vs ACH vs Rush, NEW
July 20th - Jones vs Page, BLP
July 22nd - Jones vs Grace, Freelance
July 23rd - Jones vs Bey, CWFH
July 25th - Jones vs Takagi, DDT
July 26th - Jones vs Marafuji, NOAH

To be continued...

[noname1525]

A video was uploaded to the FPW website, showing Thea Donovan walking across a bridge at twilight. She stopped halfway across the bridge and gazed off into the sunset for a moment before turning her attention to the camera.

"The Free-1 tournament begins tomorrow, and with it, the biggest test of my singles career." She flashes a grin. "And I'm looking forward to every second of it"

She paused for a moment and glanced at the sunset for a moment before continuing. "And I've gotten an interesting first draw in this tournament, a man who's new to FPW, but hardly new to the wrestling world. Some people look at Alex Kincaid and they see a veteran, some would even say a legend. But that's not what I see when I look at Alex Kincaid, no, I see a relic. I see a washed up has-been trying to craft himself the perfect final act to his career. Well, I'm sorry Alex, but that's not going to happen. You may have the experience advantage, but I'm younger, I'm hungrier, and I'm simply willing to do whatever it takes to win. If you'll allow me to get metaphorical for a moment, your career is like this sunset; it's pretty to look at, but soon to fade. If I were you, I'd have ridden off into such a sunset quite some time ago. But you chose not to, and now our careers have intersected. And as the sun sets on your career tonight, it begins to rise on mine tomorrow."

[noname1525]

In a dimly lit room, a projector activated with a hum. The stark white screen was almost overwhelmingly bright before it was dimmed as a black and white picture of Jackson Banks was slid into view. The picture remained there for a moment before a red X was scrawled over Banks' face. That image remained in place for another moment before it was pulled aside. The sound of shuffling papers could be heard before another picture was slid into frame, this one a color image of Bobby O. This picture stayed visible, slowly growing larger as footsyeps were heard, and then the sound of a door opening and closing, before the projector powered off.