Free-1 III Promo Thread

[noname1525]

Jace Mason was backstage watching the conclusion of the Botiatus/MDE match. He nodded in satisfaction as MDE tapped out and then turned to face the camera.

"That felt good to watch. MDE isn't easy to tap, that's something I wish I'd been able to do during my victory over him."

There was a moment of silence before the cameraman coughed.

Jace sighed. "Do you guys want me to talk about my next match?"

"Well, your next couple of matches and how you expect them to impact your goals in the Free-1." The cameraman replied.

"Fine, I'll talk about my Free-1 goals and matches. I'm in a good place to achieve my goal for a better average right now, but I've got a rough patch coming up, going head to head with Artemis and Botiatus with just one day of rest between the two. Both of them are top-level athletes, and I expect both of them to give me quite the challenge. As I'm sure you know, Artemis and I have a checkered history, she's probably the opponent I'm most nervous about in this whole tournament. And as for Botiatus, while he is someone that I've defeated before, that was a match that could have gone either way. I'm going to have to be ready for anything in both of these matches, and I'll have to be at the absolute top of my game if I want to maintain my average. I just have to hope that top of my game is good enough."

[marileeg17]

Backstage after Marcus' match with Berry. Marcus is getting ready to leave the trainers area when he catches Dasha walking by. He grabs his crutches, shakes the doctor's hand and makes his way out to the hallway.

MAJ: Hey Dasha, wait up!

Dasha hears Marcus but doesn't turn around or stop. She does slow her pace slightly, but it still takes some extra effort on Marcus' part to catch up with her. When he does, he can tell she's somewhat upset and he knows why.

MAJ: You're mad at me.

Dasha bites her lip and takes a deep breath.

DB: I'm not 'mad' at you...It was a match. You did what you had to do.

Marcus sighs. MAJ: Yeah, I did. But I didn't have to do it that way. I know that's what you're thinking.

DB: What do you want me to say, Marcus? From the second I saw you limp down that ramp, I was concerned. But I know Berry, she's like a sister to me. She's not MDE, she's not California. She wasn't going to take advantage of your injury. She was concerned about you too. She didn't want to hurt you. Marcus, she even looked at me at one point, almost as if to ask what she should do. I was stuck in the middle of this whole thing, and then...

MAJ: And then I took advantage of her goodness and used it to bait her into a roll up. It's okay Dasha. You can say it. Berry was intentionally not targeting my knee and I used it against her. It wasn't my gameplan from the beginning. It's just, well, wrestling on one leg is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

A few seconds go by and then Dasha asks the million dollar question…

DB: Then why are you still wrestling at all? Look, I know why perse. I know what winning this tournament means to you, but I mean...look at you. You're walking around on crutches and taking cortisone shots before matches to inject some feeling back in your leg. You should just let it heal. Just drop out of the tournament. You've still got your title match and the rest of the year to look forward to. And your career. I heard the doctor last week...You have a whole career to think about. Don't waste it on this. Because, with Berry, yeah you were able to take advantage of her, and okay sure, maybe that bothers me a little...but not for the reason that you think…

Dasha walks over to a nearby production crate and sits down, with Marcus following suit.

MAJ: I'm not really sure what that means.

Dasha takes a deep breath and continues.

DB: I've watched you wrestle a lot of matches over the last two years, Marcus. I know the way you used to wrestle and the way you wrestle now. You've had to change just about everything about your style just to protect your knee. But before that, you changed as well. Because you stopped being the cunning, cheating wrestler you were. You were focused more on putting on a show with flashy moves and bravado. And you can't do that now...So, I guess I just, when I saw you trick Berry, it reminded me...Marcus, you told me a secret not that long ago about the real reason you haven't cashed in your golden ticket. Your fears, your apprehensions...And then you gave an interview before the Free-1 telling everyone there was nothing you wouldn't do to win this tournament...Nothing…

Marcus nodded his head, realizing Dasha's concerns.

MAJ: Oh…

DB: Yeah…

MAJ: I get it now. And maybe I hadn't really thought about that before. Look, I do feel bad for tricking Berry like that, but this tournament, it means everything to me and you more than most, know why. I'm not going to apologize for doing what it took to win. I am sorry you got caught in the middle though. And I will say this, the old Marcus, he's dead and buried. I've had a long time to think about everything and I know now that the choice is mine. It's up to me to rise above the desire to win at all costs. And I have…

But then, under his breath, MAJ: At least I hope I have…

DB: Marcus, you've worked so hard to get past the things you did last year and I'd hate to see you step back into old habits. I saw a little bit of that tonight and as your friend, I felt like I had to say something. But...there's something else I want to say too.

Marcus looks up at Dasha. MAJ: What's that?

DB: You've still got to face Botiatus, Artemis Evans...They won't just let you hide your left leg. And especially now that everyone will have the tape on how you've wrestled the last few matches. They'll look to cripple you. You have to know that. And if you get past them, and win the block, Jer---, whoever wins will certainly target your knee as much if not worst than anyone else. So I just wanted to ask you again, are you sure this is all worth it? Is the progress you made, is the career you can still have...is it worth winning the Free-1 that badly that you'll take the chance even though the odds are stacked against us?

Marcus doesn't answer at first as he digests the information. Several moments pass before the next word is spoken.

DB: Think about it. You don't have to answer right no---

But then suddenly, MAJ: Yes… I know the odds aren't exactly in my favor and that's a position I'm not used to finding myself in. I'm one of the best wrestlers in this company and that's not bragging, it's an objective fact. But lately, I've been relying on luck as much as skill. But I won't pull out. So long as I'm cleared to compete, I'll be in that ring, doing whatever it takes to win. Because this Free-1, it means everything to me. And I know no one would think less of me if I did drop out, but I would...I need this to prove myself I am who I say I am. So, if my next match ends up being my last, at least I'll know I went out giving everything I possibly had. I'll go out as the wrestler I'm trying to be, the wrestler I want to be. Not the one I was. I know you were hoping for a different answer, but I just can't do it. I can't quit. I won't…

Dasha simply nods and forces a small smile. DB: It's not the answer I wanted to hear, but it's the one I knew I'd get anyway. Well, I guess I should just say, good luck then. You're gonna need it.

Dasha offers a slight nod as she rests her hand on Marcus' shoulder before walking away, leaving Marcus to sit with his decision and it's possible implications. He stands up, accidentally putting too much weight on his left leg and grimaces. But then Marcus hits his leg a few times and looks back with a stronger resolve than ever.

MAJ: Never give up...Never surrender.

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop in an art studio, wearing a long purple smock over his purple and black suit, purple gloves, a rakish purple beret, and holding a paintbrush and pallet. He lifts the brush and motions like a conductor. He looks to one side of the room.*

JB: On the downbeat, my dear.

*The camera cuts to Thalia Colombina, wearing a black jumpsuit with the alphabet specked across it in purple, also wearing a purple beret and holding a lit cigarette in one hand. She leans against a large record player and drops the needle. After some hiss we hear Charles Aznavour's "La Bohème". Bishop begins dancing his way across the warehouse towards two large wooden "L"s, both roughly the size of a person. He paints a few strokes on each in time with the vocals, emoting excessively.*

*After the first verse, Bishop tosses away the brush and pallet in a fit of mimed anger, burying his head in his arm. Thalia taps him on the shoulder and points to several large tins of paint in the same colors. Bishop pantomimes an expression of pure ecstasy and rushes to them. He rips the lid off of one and tosses the paint at the "L"s. He observes his subject and proceeds to do the same for the remaining tins, in time with the music, lining up his throws.*

*As the song fades into its final verse, Bishop marvels at his work. We now see that the "L"s are haphazardly, and somehow still tastefully, splattered in the colors of Revolution-X's ring gear. Thalia stamps each with a tag which reads "To Sirs, With Love, One For Each Of You", along with the address of the FPW arena, "care of Messrs RJ Tudor and Jackson Banks". Bishop gives an "artiste's kiss" of approval, Thalia nods to one side, and the "L"s are wheeled away by several burly men in purple and black jumpsuits. Thalia picks up the paintbrush and pallet and makes a few dabs along Bishop's smock.*

TC: That may be your best painting this year, Mr. Bishop.

JB: My *only* painting this year, darling, I haven't touched these old things in ages.

TC: Of course, sir, how silly of me. Which reminds me, the reservation at Matisse is at 6:00, you'd best get changed if you aren't to be late.

JB: Don't worry about me, my Mersey Muse.

TC: Must I remind you I'm not from Manchester?

JB: Only so we can enjoy our alliteration.

TC: Or in our instance, assonance.

*Bishop raises an eyebrow in appreciation, a smile playing on his face.*

JB: You run along, darling. I need a moment to unwind first. The arts really do get my blood flowing.

TC: And we wouldn't want that, at least not too early. In the day, I mean.

JB: Naturally.

*Thalia leans back over the record player, places the pallet and brush down on the record player, picks up her notepad and pen, and leaves, waving and smiling to her employer as she exits. Bishop smiles and waves after her, but the camera stays on his face. His smile gradually fades, and he slowly walks over to the record player. He drops the needle back on the disc and slumps to the floor in front of it, staring into nothing as the song starts and the camera slowly fades.*

[botiatus]

It's afternoon at the FPW arena. Bo is seen exiting the Trainers room in a sweat suit. He rolls his neck as he rounds a corner and runs into Dasha. She's in street clothes with no microphone or camera in sight

DB- "Well fancy meeting you here. I couldn't find you after either of your last two matches but here you are roaming the hallways on an off day. You know if you keep skipping your post match interviews Mr. Houston is gonna fine you"

Bo gives a playful over-exaggerated groan

Bo- "Yeah well if I had done the post match interview for MDE I probably would've gotten fined twice as much for all the profanity I would've dropped"

Dasha can't help but giggle at the comment

DB- "Ok but that still doesn't explain Jace"

Bo- "I probably lost my chance at the Free-1 by not being able to put Jace away. So again, profanity"

Dasha rolls her eyes as she hears Bo utter "And even with bum ribs". The comment causes Dasha to drop her eyes and Bo notices

Bo- "What's wrong?"

Dasha quickly pulls herself back to normal

DB- "Oh nothing"

Bo- "Let me guess, you're worried about your boy Marcus right?"

Dasha's eyes light up and lower at the same time

Bo- "Yeah I figured. I was just in the Trainers room with him a minute ago. They were working on him on the other side of the partition so I'm not sure what they were doing but it didn't sound like he was having much fun. You're worried that I might make his injury worse, am I right?"

DB- "Well yeah. You did tell... him that you would do ANYTHING to win the Free-1. And it's not like taking advantage of an injury is against the rules. Plus after what he did to beat Berry..."

Dasha trails off as she sees she's hit a sore spot with Bo. The look of anger on his face fades after a second as it's replaced by a smirk and a chuckle

Bo- "You know something Dasha, you're right. If I were simply playing by the rules I'd be completely in my rights to wreck what's left of Marcus' knee after that stunt he pulled on Berry. But honestly the truth is that right now I can't feel anything towards Marcus above the disappointment that I currently feel. When I first came to FPW I told Houston that I wanted the best he had to offer. And Marcus is clearly one of the best. So I've been waiting to finally have a match with him but our paths simply never crossed until now. And here we are Marcus Allen Jones vs Botiatus! A match that honestly could headline any PPV. And I'm facing a broken Marcus. And it's not his fault but all the same it's just disappointing. I mean I get it because I was in his shoes last year"

Bo takes a deep breath as he instinctually flexes the arm that was damaged in last year's Free-1

Bo- "So yeah, if I was just playing by the rules like Marcus, his knee would be a bullseye that I'd pursue relentlessly like the Patriot Arrow in Robin Hood: Men In Tights. But I don't play by the rules, I play by House Rules. And House Rules clearly states that I should be able to beat a one legged Marcus straight up. So I'm not planning on targeting the knee with chop blocks or anything like that. But I'm not Berry either. I won't hesitate hitting or kicking the knee if it's the correct move. Basically I'm going to go out there and wrestle him as if that injury doesn't exist. How much punishment it takes will really be up to him"

DB- "I guess I have to respect that answer. But you're wrong about Marcus. He's not a bad guy and he's not trying to cheat to win"

Bo- "People show their true colors when pushed to the limit Dasha. Just like he who apparently shall not be named. Don't ever forget that"

Dasha looks uncomfortable and quickly changes the subject

DB- "So what were you doing in the trainers room? You don't have any injuries I'm aware of. I'm sure Berry would've talked to me non stop about home remedies for you if you were hurt"

Bo laughs hard at the thought of Berry using her Bishop magic to transform their gym into a film noir style hospital room as she tried desperatly in black and white colour to save him

Bo- "No I'm not hurt, I'm just down here for some physical therapy. I've got a really high match time which honestly isn't surprising but still it takes its toll. One leg or two, Marcus is gonna give me as much a fight as he can so I have to be ready. And I need to get my match time down if I'm gonna stand an outside chance of clawing my way back into this thing. So I gotta be ready to come out hot instead of slowly warming up"

DB- "Makes sense"

Bo- "Therapy actually helps in more ways than just physical. Lots of down time to just let your mind wander while the trainer does his job. I was replaying my Free-1 matches in my mind and I noticed something that I need to tighten up. And I know exactly the person to call. I'll see you later Dashie"

Bo gives Dasha a wink and walks away. The camera switches to a static shot of the hallway with Bo moving towards the camera as he pulls out his phone. A couple swipes and the dialtone is heard before he places the phone to his ear. Right as he reaches the camera itself and the entire shot fills to black Bo can be heard saying

"Howdy partner!"

[noname1525]

In a dimly lit room, the sound of a door opening preceded the sound of footsteps drawing closer to the camera. Something was set down, and then buttons could be heard being pressed before the projector powered to life, the color image of Aaron Williams shining brightly on the wall. That image was left on display as some papers could be heard rustling. The color image was pulled aside, replaced with a black and white version of the same picture. That image was briefly left up before it was removed and replaced with a color image of Kincaid. The sound of rustling papers could be heard again before a few buttons were clicked, and then the footsteps receded from the camera. A door could be heard opening and closing, and then the projector turned off.

[noname1525]

The sound of a door opening interrupted the silence of the dimly lit room, and then footsteps were heard, drawing closer to the camera. Something could be heard getting set down, and then after a few clicks, the projector activated with a hum. There was a sound of shuffling papers, and then a color image of Kincaid was placed on the projector. That was left on display for a moment before it was slid off to the side and replaced by the same image in black and white. A red X was scrawled over his face before more shuffling papers were heard and the black and white image was also slid away. It was replaced with a color image of Danica Jane before more footsteps were heard, this time receding from the camera before a door opened and closed, leaving the image of Danica Jane on display before the projector abruptly cut out.

[noname1525]

The door opened in the now familiar dimly lit room. Footsteps neared the camera, and then the projector was powered on, revealing the color image of Danica Jane that was left on display last time. A few papers rustled, and then the image was pulled aside, replaced by the same image in black and white. This image was left up for a moment before a red X was drawn over Danica's face and then the image was pulled aside. There was more papers rustling, and then a color image of Thea Donovan was placed under the projector. A few buttons were pressed on the projector, and the the footsteps could be heard walking away from the camera. The door opened and closed, and a moment later, the projector powered off.

[noname1525]

Dasha Banks was waiting to interview Jace after his loss Johnny California. He stepped through the curtain and, upon seeing her, his face broke into a small smile.  Dasha waited for him to walk over before she began speaking.  

"Jace, a tough loss out there tonight, and unfortunately, that brings an end to your undefeated run through this year's tournament.  Where's your head at coming out of that match?"

Jace sighed. "You're right, it was a tough loss. That undefeated streak wasn't necessarily something that I was determined to maintain throughout the tournament, but it felt pretty nice to have that sort of achievement under my belt."

"Speaking of things that weren't necessarily part of your plan, you've made it clear that although it would be welcome, your goal isn't to win this tournament. You've been entirely focused on your winning average this year, and how does tonight's loss affect your goal of getting a better average than you did last year?"

"It puts the pressure on tremendously hard. I knew that with my average going into this match and with two matches to go, I could afford to lose one and still be in position to have a better average. I would have preferred to win tonight's match, that way I could go into my last match knowing that I'd already accomplished my goal. But clearly, that wasn't what happened, and now I absolutely need to win my last match if I want to improve my average from last year."

"Now, your last match is against MDE, who you've beaten in the past. What are your thoughts on having him as your last opponent this year?"

Jace chuckles. "MDE," he says, drawing out the pauses between letters. "Once again, it all comes down to me and MDE. Last year, he was the mountain I had to climb in order to win the FPW World Championship, this year, he's the mountain I have to climb in order to prove that I'm better than I was this time last year. Honestly, losing tonight was probably a bit of a blessing in disguise, because now I'm going into that match without worrying about an undefeated streak, all I'll be worried about is MDE. You've mentioned that I've beaten MDE before, and that's true, but that was a different MDE. That MDE was egotistical and overconfident, he didn't think I was on his level, so he underestimated me. And while that MDE may still be on the surface, underneath that is an MDE who is absolutely boiling with rage. His ego won't be satisfied with the fact that he's sitting on zero points right now, and that's going to be even more true if he loses to Berry tomorrow. That anger will make him deadly, and that will make him an even more challenging opponent than he was last year at Judgement Day. That match is  surely going to push me to my limits."

"Then here's the big question," Dasha said. "Do you think you'll be able to defeat MDE?"

Jace paused for  a long moment before he answered. "I don't know."

[botiatus]

Bo and Berry are in the gym during an intense training session. Bo is down on a knee with a headlock secured. Berry gets her feet under her and fights back to a standing position before shoving Bo off into the ropes. Berry has to shake her head from the damage done and Bo notices as he comes off the ropes loading up a House Call. He charges at Berry and she snaps into Checkmate. Bo has to slide on his knees as he performs a matrix dodge to just barely slip under the kick

Bo- "Whoa, whoa, ok time out. Sheesh you're even quicker with that move now"

Berry relaxes as Fozzie enters the ring bringing water for both of them

BB- "Well I may have been called an overachiever by a teacher or two in my lifetime"

Bo- "Yeah well you'd make a good teacher yourself ya know. You really helped me this last week tighten up my technical skills. I would've definitely lost to Marcus if not for your help"

BB- "We're partners. Helping each other is what we do"

Bo- "When you're right, you're right. Now it's my turn to help you like you helped me"

BB- "And how are you going to do that?"

Bo- "You'll see. Let's keep going for now"

They hand their bottles back to Fozzie who growls a word of advice to Berry before exiting the ring. They circle each other and lock up. Bo gets a headlock but Berry quickly shoves him off into the ropes. Bo rebounds and Berry catches him with a Monkey Flip but Bo counters flipping around and landing with Berry underneath him. He quickly hooks her arms and locks her into the Simply Great Stretch. Berry immediately panics as she's clearly uncomfortable in more ways than just physical

BB- "Hey what the heck!"

Bo- "Come on, fight your way out"

Berry grits her teeth and strains in the hold

BB- "Okay, you win, let me go"

Bo- "Not this time, Bombshell. You're the only one who's gonna break this hold"

She tries to wrench her arm free, but Bo has the stretch locked in tight

BB- "Why not?"

Bo- "Because you need to learn how to overcome this"

Berry growls as she digs down deep, still fighting against the hold

BB- "Please, just let me go..."

Bo- "You can do this. Feel. Don't think. Use your instincts"

Berry all but gives up in the hold, but she takes a deep breath and lets out a mighty roar. She swings her legs up behind her back in an incredible feat of flexibility, driving her foot into the back of Bo's head, shaking him a little. She kicks him several more times until the combination of the strikes and surprise forces him to release the hold. Berry kips to her feet and lets out another roar

BB- "NEVER AGAIN, YOU LIMEY BASTARD"

She runs the ropes and looks to drive Bo's head clear off his shoulders with a Shining Wizard. He drops down and rolls out of the ring to the outside holding his hand to the back of his neck. Berry stands in the ring, breathing heavily, regaining her senses

Bo- "Oooookay, we've learned some good stuff here today"

Berry climbs out of the ring and rushes to her partner, hugging him tightly, tears welling up, speeding through her words

BB- "I'm so sorry, Bo, I didn't want to hurt you, you know that I didn't want to hurt you, but it's that hold, and it's that English asshole's hold, and I couldn't control it, and it put me back into that place, and then I started thinking about everything he's done to me and to this company and to my family..."

Bo pats Berry on the head which gets her to finally stop and take a breath. He returns the hug as he speaks

Bo- "Don't be sorry. That was incredible. I'm ready proud of you. I'm just glad you're not angry with me. I knew this was gonna be really hard for you. You've been kinda dancing around this with me for a while now and I get it so I had to force the issue but I knew you had it in you"

They break and Fozzie is right on the spot with a handkerchief for Berry to wipe her eyes with. He then walks right up to Bo and let's out a roar before extending a paw. Bo chuckles as he gives Fozzie a fist bump

Bo- "Well I'm glad you approve as well buddy"

Bo then winces as he touches the back of his neck again

Bo- "I didn't even know it was possible to stretch like that"

BB- "I'll be sure to thank Mom and Dad for all those gymnastics lessons. And Fozzie for finding that Yoga studio"

Bo- "Alrighty then. Just one more thing"

BB- "What's that?"

Bo extends his hand

Bo- "Kick that assholes teeth down his throat tomorrow"

Berry simply smiles and they exchange their handshake

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on the Queendom discussing strategy in the women’s locker room. Thalia Colombina approaches wearing a quartered black and white pantsuit with a purple belt and neckerchief with a purple gift wrapped box behind her back. She taps Thea Donovan on the shoulder.*

TC: Pardon my interruption, ladies, but my employer wishes to extend his good wishes to his previous opponent. We would have delivered this to you earlier, Miss Donovan, but there was a great deal of custom work put into it.

*Artemis Evans scoffs at Thalia, while Myra quickly steps in between Thalia and Thea as the latter takes an aggressive step toward Jerry's assistant. Thea and Myra exchange a glance before Myra backs away a step. Thea brushes a lock of hair out of her face and glares down at Thalia.*

TD: Look here, Mary Poppins, we couldn’t care less what your pathetic Pierrot of an employer thinks of us. Just because he beat me doesn’t mean he’s any better than me. He’s a freak. He keeps carrying on about “you deserve this” and “I deserve that”. What he deserves is a kick right to the knackers, as you’d call them. And trust us, we’re all ready to give him one at the first opportunity.

*Thalia adjusts her neckerchief*

TC: Charming, as expected. Nonetheless, Mr. Bishop wanted to give you something as a token of his esteem.

*She extends the package, which Thea rips from her hands. Thalia takes a few steps back. Thea consults with the Queendom, who shrug and tell her to open it. Donovan opens the gift to reveal what appeared to be an ordinary chess set. But upon further inspection, some of the pieces have been modified; the black queen has been replaced with a small figure of Artemis Evans, while the white queen was replaced by one of Myra Lopez. Thea raises an eyebrow in confusion, and that confusion turns to fury as she saw that one of the black pawns had been replaced with her likeness.*

TC: He also told me to give you this.

*She reaches into her jacket pocket and pulls out an envelope that she hands to Thea. Thea rips open the envelope and reads the enclosed note aloud: “Chin up, Thea, at least you made it farther than your partner, now go on and cheer Artemis to the top of her Block like the good and faithful friend you are. PS- Isn’t Artemis at all upset that while she runs the Queendom, a certain someone else might put her in Checkmate?.”

*Thea slams the chessboard to the ground and shoves Thalia out of the locker room, leaving the Queendom in heated discussion. Thalia adjusts her neckerchief and smiles as she exits the scene.*

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop standing at a table with a collection of photographs sprawled across it. Thalia Colombina sidles up to him wearing a ruffled black jumper with purple coveralls and a camera around her neck. Jerry picks some of the photos and holds them up to inspect.*

TC: I trust these are to your satisfaction, sir.

JB: Oh, my dear girl, these are delightful, delicious, delectable, and decisively what we need now...

TC: Thank you, Mr. Bishop, your kindness is appreciated.

*Jerry turns his attention to Thalia and puts his hand under her chin.*

JB: Thalia, your talents have given me so much in so short a time, I ought to be thanking you.

TC: You already have, sir. But ought we not direct our attention to your next match?

JB: Indeed, indeed, we should regain our focus. Tell me, Thalia, I trust your intuition on these matters. Which of these do you feel would be our best show of good will towards Mr. Kincaid?

*Bishop holds up a set of photos for Thalia to inspect. She leans in, probably closer than she actually needs to, and chooses one.*

TC: I believe this photo would bring out the most desired reaction, Mr. Bishop.

JB: Oh, but of course you're right, my English Rose, your innate instincts always guide me in the right direction.

TC: The pleasure is entirely mine, sir, believe me.

*The two smile at each other as Jerry picks up an envelope. The camera turns to show a picture of Jerry Bishop with his arm cozily draped around Alyssa Kincaid as they clink glasses of champagne together. Bishop seals the envelope and hands it to Thalia, who tucks it under her arm.*

TC: Shall I drop this in the nearest postbox, sir?

JB: Let's do that on the way to dinner, I nearly missed the last reservation... I can't quite remember why...

[ticktock]

Just after the conclusion to Jerry Bishop's victory over Kincaid, Aaron Williams is jogging through the backstage area. He runs into a couple of the production crew.

AW: Hey! Have you guys seen Bobby anywhere?
PC: Yeah, I think he's leaving. He looks pretty pissed.
AW: Yeah, I'll bet. Thanks.

Williams jogs up the corridor and turns a corner, seeing Bobby marching towards the exit, CJ following a step behind.

AW: Hey! Hey, Bobby. Wait up.

Bobby turns and rolls his eyes before turning back again.

AW: Hey! I don't mean any trouble, man. Just hear me out.

Bobby turns and sighs.

BO: What do you want? I'm not exactly in the mood, you know?
AW: Yeah, I figured.

Williams shifts awkwardly from foot to foot.

AW: Look, this goes against every one of my principles, but... we both wanted to win this tournament but I know that you wanted to stop Jerry Bishop winning it just as much as I did. I can still do that and you can't. That sucks and I'm not trying to rub it in, I'm just...

Williams shifts again.

AW: I respect you, Bobby, and I know you're good enough to beat me. We've been in the ring before and I came out on top that time, but it could be different next time. But if you win... Jerry wins the block. If you beat me, my match with him becomes pointless. Everything I've worked for just... it becomes wasted. And I know you know how that feels because I know you've worked just as hard only to see it slip through your fingers.
BO: What's your point?

Williams shifts awkwardly again.

AW: My point is... neither of us wants Jerry to win the tournament, and the only way we can affect that now is if I beat you. So, and I can't believe I'm saying this, the best thing to do is for you to lay down. Look, I know how ridiculous that sounds and I know you won't want to do it and I don't even want to be asking you to do it, but if you beat me, neither of us will be happy with the outcome. If you do this, I'll be fully ready to take Jerry Bishop down, win the block and win the Free-1. And when I do, I'll give you a shot, first episode of Freedom Fighters on September 6th. If you beat me then, you take the Judgement Day title shot instead of me. That's your only hope of getting in that match now.

Williams looks away from Bobby for a moment, sighing again and running a hand through his hair.

AW: I know it's a lot to ask, and I really don't like hearing myself say it, but it works for me and it works for you. We still get the match and you still get the chance to beat me, but with something on the line for you. Otherwise, you beat me tomorrow and you won't be happy with what you've done. I know it's a lot to ask. Just think about it, okay? Look, you've got my number, call me or see me before the show tomorrow or whatever.

Williams looks at Bobby for a moment and Bobby looks back at him, looking him up and down before turning and walking away, CJ trailing behind with a worried look on her face.

[noname1525]

A video was uploaded to the FPW website. It began on the stage in a dark arena, the only lighting coming from the one spotlight that shone on the ring. The camera began to slowly move down the ramp as Artemis Evan's voice could be heard in voice-over.

"August 22nd, 2020. Artemis Evans vs Marcus Allen Jones in a Free-1 tournament match. For most people, this match is relatively unimportant, as unimportant as a Free-1 match can be anyway. But for me, I've been looking forward to this match for weeks."

*The voice-over continued, but now it was overplayed with clips of the Queendom's early months in FPW, attacking James Saturn, Elizabeth Karlson, and John Grimm*

"Marcus, when I first came to FPW two years ago, you were the one person in this locker room that I respected. I thought that we had a lot in common, we only cared about being the best, and we didn't care about anyone who stood in the way of that goal. And we both surrounded ourselves with like-minded individuals who would help us reach the heights we were destined to ascend to, you with TakeOver, and me with the Queendom."

*The video smash-cut from a shot of the Queendom standing over John Grimm to one of TakeOver standing over the fallen form of Azazel, before transitioning into footage from TakeOver's invasion of ROH*

"I'll let you in on a little secret, I thought of you as a potential ally, the one person in this entire locker room who would have my back if I asked. But I look at you know, and I'm ashamed of that idea. I see how far you've fallen, and I'm disgusted. The old Marcus was a mastermind, not one person could have ever outsmarted you. You made other people, from the audience to your opponents, play your game instead of playing theirs. And most importantly, the old Marcus was a champion. even when you didn't hold the belt, everyone knew you were the top dog here."

*More shots of Marcus' old ways were shown*

"But then you turned over a new leaf, and everything changed. But tell me Marcus, what good has that transformation done for you? Sure, everyone loves you now, but that's only because you're just like them: a loser. You've gone from being the top dog to being the runt of the litter."

*A small montage of Marcus laying in defeat after several losses*

"At the end of the day though, I really should be thanking you. Because when you turned your back on the methods that made you a star, you left a hole in FPW, a hole that I've filled as the new top dog. I've already held the World Championship once, and once I win this Free-1, I'll do it again. And with the rest of the Queendom at my side, I'll be unstoppable, just as you were with TakeOver.

*A shot of Artemis winning the Dead Man's Chest, smash-cut into a clip of her using the chest to win the FPW World Championship.*

*Highlights from Thea and Myra's matches against Revolution X, Death Squad, and the Guardians of Strong Style.*

"It's clear to me that as you've fallen, I've risen, and now our paths intersect, and I prove that I'm the future of FPW by killing it's past."

*We finally return to the original camera shot, which has now finished moving down the ramp and is now standing on the ring apron, revealing Artemis standing in the center of the ring, directly under the spotlight.*

"The king is dead, long live the queen." she says before the video cuts to black.

[Jim Houston]

The following has been posted to freedomprowrestling.com.

Jim Houston sits in his office looking directly into the camera.

"Welcome to freedomprowrestling.com. As many of you know, but I'm willing to bet some of you don't, my name is Jim Houston and I am the Freedom Pro Wrestling General Manager. I'd first of all like to thank you all for being so engaged with the Free-1. We wanted to make Free-1 III the biggest yet, and I believe we've done so. The list of top-class matches is long and the list of individuals who have furthered themselves as a result of their efforts is long as well. I'd like to welcome all of the new fans who have found FPW as a result of this tournament. Each August for the past three years our fanbase has grown, and the majority of those fans continue to engage with FPW beyond the Free-1. This year, with our new Freedom Fighters weekly televised show, I believe that people will have an even greater opportunity to engage with the content we provide.

"I'd like to address a couple of things. First of all, over the past few weeks there have been several fans reaching out to me who are desperate for me to overturn certain outcomes. While I fully understand, appreciate and sympathise with those views, I'm afraid that is something I cannot do. While I believe that doing so would be fair for those wrestlers who were cruelly denied victories by outside interference, my overturning results leads down a path that I do not wish to go down. I have never, and will never, overturn the result of a match. What I would rather do, is to give those who feel wronged the opportunity to rectify those wrongs in the ring, and I am always open to hearing from anyone who feels they have a score to settle with another member of our roster.

"Finally, I'd like to address the Free-1 III final show. As we already know, we will see the Free-1 III final between Jerry Bishop and the winner of the B Block. We will also have a Freedom Championship match between Clutch McCloud and the man who recently challenged him, Kincaid. I would also like to determine the main event of the first Freedom Fighters show. In that main event, the Freedom Championship will be defended by the winner of that match against the winner of a battle royal, which is free for any and every FPW wrestler who does not have a match on the Free-1 III final show. Following the conclusion of the final show of Free-1 III, I will announce the first Freedom Fighters card, including what I expect to be a fascinating main event.

I would like to thank you for giving up your time and for your continued support throughout Free-1 III."

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Jerry Bishop and Thalia Colombina in a sports memorabilia store. Jerry, inexplicably still in his facepaint and dressed as a baseball manager, sifts through a collection of trading cards. Thalia, dressed in a purple and black baseball jersey, purple cap turned backward, stands next to him, blowing bubblegum.*

JB: Which one of these do you think is the most appropriate, my dear?

*Thalia produces an oversized magnifying glass and inspects the cards. The shot shifts to her point of view, and it pans between blown-up images of Bill Buckner letting the ball through his legs and the Cubs' Moises Alou being intercepted by Steve Bartman during the 2003 NLCS.*

TC: Hmm... I'm sorry, Mr. Bishop, but unfortunately, I can't be of much help in this instance. We don't have baseball in England, or at least my family never watched it.

JB: A fair point, Miss Colombina, I understand. Perhaps we can have the shopkeep provide you with some context?

TC: If you feel it would help, sir.

JB: Very well. Excuse me, my good man!

*The shop owner approaches, a large man with salt-and-pepper hair, a bushy mustache, and an unlit cigar in his mouth.*

Shoppie: How can I help ya?

JB: My associate and I are in search of a gift for a colleague of mine. We're looking to encourage him after missing out on a big opportunity.

Shoppie: Wit' dese? How's dat gonna help?

JB: Well, we'd like to remind him that there's always someone worse off, so to speak.

Shoppie: Is dis some kind of a joke? I don't think eider of dese're particularly motivating.

TC: He's a collector, sir.

Shoppie: If ya say so. Buckner, dat's a big one, prob'ly da biggest missed play in baseball history, kept da Bambino Curse fer anudder 20 years or so. Dat one stung Sox fans fer decades, but at least Ol' Bill got ta see da Curse broken. On de udder hand, da Cubbies gettin' robbed has a lot more baggage. Dey hadn't even made it ta da World Series in 60 years, so dem losin' dat shot stung all da more. Poor bastard had ta be escorted outta da stadium by da cops, don't think he's ever gone back, even after da Cubs broke da Billy Goat Curse.

*Thalia leans close to Bishop's ear and speaks sotto voce*

TC: *How can you possibly understand this man?*

JB: *I'll translate for you later.*

JB: So you're saying that while Buckner is the more iconic image, the Cubs shot has more emotional impact?

Shoppie: At least fer da locals, it does. Sox even broke der curse before da Cubbies did, and that was a year later, so it put some salt on da wound after dat.

JB: I see. In that case, could we purchase a life-size blowup of this?

Shoppie: ...I mean, I can give ya da card dere, but dis ain't a Kinko's, pal.

JB: Of course, my mistake. How many of these do you have in the store?

Shoppie: Well, I tink it's just da one, but I might have anudder angle somewhere in da back.

JB: If you manage to find it, please ship it to me as soon as you can. For now, we'll take this card.

Shoppie: Pretty weird choice, mister, but it ain't my place ta judge.

*The shopkeeper rings up their purchase as Thalia takes out her Ledger and fills in the transaction.*

TC: You mentioned curses, is there some sort of voodoo or black magic involved in this sport?

*The shopkeeper looks astonished at Thalia, Bishop laughs it off with a chuckle.*

JB: You'll have to excuse her, she's from Barcelona.

Shoppie: What?

*Thalia uncharacteristically stomps her foot onto Jerry's.*

JB: OW- I mean, London.

Shoppie: I kinda thought so with that voice.

JB: Of course, I simply misspoke. Good day, sir, and thank you for your help.

Shoppie: Ya take care, now!

*As they leave, Bishop questions Thalia.*

JB: What was that about? I thought you'd appreciate the Fawlty Towers reference?

TC: I do, but Doctor Who used the same line to make Donna Noble look silly.

*A glint flashes across Bishop's eyes as he smiles and bows deeply.*

JB: Of course, my dear, how could I have forgotten, I would never put you in a position to look silly.

TC: *raising an eyebrow* Not unless I give you permission, of course.

JB: *putting on a Scottish accent* Yes, ma'am, of course, ma'am.