Road to Free-1 III Night One

[Jim Houston]

“The Free-1… the biggest opportunity for any Freedom Pro Wrestling star. The Free-1 epitomises what Freedom Pro Wrestling is all about. Opportunity. The opportunity to earn the right to challenge for FPW Championship in the biggest match of the FPW year. The opportunity to showcase your skills in front of a huge audience. The opportunity to be noticed. Free-1 I… a man who was known as a hardcore icon stepped up to show his toughness, his skill, his potential. And he became FPW Champion. Free-1 II… an underdog on the rise picking up the biggest wins of his career to show who he could truly become. And he became FPW Champion. Free-1 III… the biggest yet. Sixteen wrestlers in two blocks of eight. Two winners facing off on August 31st to earn the biggest opportunity of their careers. But all sixteen will have an opportunity. An opportunity to make a name. An opportunity to showcase their true ability. For in the Free-1, each entrant controls their own destiny, their own narrative and their own future. Welcome to Free-1 III.”



MW: Indeed you are all welcomed here tonight, as we begin the long journey towards Free-1 III.

SD: We are forty-seven days away from the first night of the Free-1 and we will be adding two more entrants to the list tonight. Johnny California returns to FPW action against RJ Tudor and Myra Lopez faces off against Russ Bolt. Two will be in and two will be out.

MW: While these next three shows are all about the Free-1, don’t forget that tonight we see Bobby O step up to challenge Clutch McCloud for the Freedom Championship and a twelve-man battle royal for the right to face Jerry Bishop in four weeks’ time.

SD: This should be a great night of wrestling.

MW: “Our first match this evening should prove to be an enlightening one, as we see the man formerly known as Matt Dwyer for the first time since he shocked the world at the All-Star Tag Team finals.”

SD: “Johnny Califronia is looking to show off who he really was during his time as the Messiah, and I think that’s going to lead to a painful enlightenment for his opponent tonight, RJ Tudor.”

MW: Let’s talk about Tudor for a moment. We’ve seen him in a few matches with his Revolution-X partner Jackson Banks, but this will be the first time we’ve seen him in a singles setting. How do you think he’ll fare in this match?”

SD: “He and his partner both have styles very similar to the one that Johnny California used to employ, and although I’d say it’s more style than substance, it does get the job done on occasion. But I think that overall, with Johnny California freed from the shackles of his previous persona, is going to take this one tonight.



‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ begins to play before Watson can respond, as highlights from RJ’s career are shown on the tron, with him connecting with various high-flying moves. Tudor himself appeared a moment later, pumping his fist in the air before posing at the top of the ramp.



“The following contest is a Free-1 qualifying match scheduled for one fall!” Dasha announced from the ring. “Introducing first, from the Bronx, New York City, New York, he is the King of the Air, RJ Tudor!” Tudor slid into the ring and leapt up to the top turnbuckle as his name was announced, spreading his arms and basking in the cheers from the crowd.



Tudor dropped back into the ring as his music cut out, replaced with ‘Losing my Religion’ as the crowd’s noise changed as well, switching to loud boos as Johnny California sauntered into view, holding his guitar over his shoulder with a relaxed smirk on his face. He didn’t react to the crowd’s reaction, walking down the ramp and singing along with his entrance music. He didn’t even acknowledge Dasha as she began to introduce him. “And introducing his opponent, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, he is the Man Behind the Mask, Johnny California!” The crowd booed even louder, but California still paid them no heed, setting his guitar down and removing his shirt before turning to face his opponent.



Match 1: Free-1 Qualifier: RJ Tudor vs Johnny California (written by Mason):



The bell rang, and Tudor immediately charged in, delivering a leaping forearm smash that rocked California long enough for Tudor to spring back to his feet and wrap an arm around his head, charging forwards and planting California with a running bulldog. Tudor didn’t give his opponent a chance to recover, pulling him back up to his feet and setting up a ripcord before spinning him out into a jumping DDT!



MW: “What a start from RJ Tudor!”

SD: “But look at what California is doing, rolling to the outside to catch his breath and prevent the cover. That’s a veteran move right there, one that Tudor should have been ready for.”



California kept his eyes locked on Turdor as he recovered on the outside, rolling his neck to shake off the pain. He eventually stepped back onto the apron and then through the ropes, smirking when Tudor allowed him to do so without attacking. The two circled each other before Tudor advanced for a lockup, only for California to shove him down to the mat. Tudor looked up in surprise as California shook his head, saying “Oh no, none of that.” Carefully watching his opponent, Tudor began to rise, only for California to bend down and grab him, forcefully lifting him up onto his shoulder. Tudor was able to squirm free, sliding down the back and shoving California away, tensing apprehensively as he turned around.



SD: “Johnny California already setting himself apart from Matt Dwyer in this match, with much more of a focus on power so far.”



Tudor and California circled each other again, before California lost patience and went for a roundhouse kick that Tudor ducked under. California whipped around, and Tudor connected with a dropkick, driving both feet into his chest and driving him into the ropes. But as Tudor stood back up, California bounced off the ropes and came back with a thunderous lariat that wiped him out completely!



MW: “California proving your point with that lariat, and now going for an early cover!”



…1!...2!.Kick-out!



SD: “I don’t normally believe a cover this early could realistically end a match, but after that lariat, I would have believed anything.”



California stood and dragged Tudor up with him, whipping him into the corner. He charged in after him, stepping up to deliver an enzuigiri that dropped Tudor to a seated position against the bottom turnbuckle. With his opponent down, California began dragging his boot across Tudor’s face repeatedly as the ref administered the five-count and the crowd booed. AS the ref’s count reached four, California broke off the assault, running across the ring to rebound off the ropes and charge back towards Tudor, driving his boot into his face once again. Tudor went limp, but instead of dragging him into the middle of the ring for a cover, California used his boot to shove him under the bottom rope, sending him tumbling to the floor. “Take all the time you need, rookie.” he taunted as the ref began his ten-count.



...1!

...2!

...3!



The crowd booed as California relaxed in the corner, watching the ref continue his count. On the outside, Tudor reached up and grabbed the ring skirt, using it to pull himself into a kneeling position.



...4!

...5!

...6!



Tudor climbed onto the apron, but before he could enter the ring, California charged forward and shoved him back to the floor, ignoring the boos from the crowd as he confirmed with the ref that the count hadn’t been broken.



...7!

...8!

...9!



Tudor climbed up to the apron again, and California charged in to knock him back down, but Tudor was ready this time, grabbing him by the back of the neck and pulling him down throat-first over the top rope. California staggered back, and when he straightened up, Tudor took him down with a springboard seated senton. Tudor shot to his feet and positioned himself behind California, waiting for him to get back up. As he began to do so, Tudor ran past him, bouncing off the ropes with a handspring and launching into a flying back elbow, only to be caught by California and tossed overhead with a German suplex.



MW: “An impressive counter from Johnny California, grounding the high-flying RJ Tudor, and now it looks like he’s going to do a bit of flying of his own.”



California was climbing the turnbuckles, and despite themselves, the crowd began to get excited. Gazing down at his fallen opponent, California smirked before launching into a diving double stomp!



SD: “You said he grounded his opponent, Watson, and now Johnny California has driven RJ Tudor into the ground with that double stomp.”



California was still smirking as he hooked Tudor’s leg to make a cover.



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



MW: “Tudor showing great resiliency as he powers out of that cover.”



California’s smirk finally faded as Tudor kicked out, and he began shaking his head as he stood up, backing away from Tudor. “Time to end this.” California said as Tudor began to rise, waiting for him to turn around.

SD: “It looks like California is getting ready for the Last Kiss, he’s ready for this match to be over.”



Tudor eventually turned to face California, and California smiled before charging at him. But before he could connect with the knee strike, Tudor swept his legs out from under him with a drop toe hold, sending him crashing into the ropes. Tudor stood and ran to the ropes. Vaulting over them to land on the apron before delivering a superkick to California’s exposed head. California took the kick and fell back into the ring as Tudor stepped back between the ropes, lining him up for his next attack. California rose to all fours, and Tudor struck, launching into the air and twisting before delivering a Robinson Special to the back of California’s head! California went limp, and Tudor quickly rolled him over to make a cover!



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



The crowd groaned with disappointment as Tudor covered his mouth, shocked. He sat there for a moment, wondering what to do next, before his gaze settled upon the top rope. He stood and looked out into the crowd before raising his arm, pointing into the air. The crowd cheered, and Tudor began to climb. He reached the top turnbuckle and took a deep breath before launching into a phoenix splash, only to crash into California’s knee as he brought them up into his midsection. California rolled upright as Tudor staggered to his feet, clutching at his stomach. With his opponent doubled over, California ran in and delivered a leg drop bulldog, driving his head into the mat before rolling him over and hooking the leg.



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



MW: “RJ Tudor taking just a little too long before that phoenix splash, and now Johnny California has regained control.”



SD: “Between that moment of shock and the time he took playing to the crowd, Tudor gave his opponent plenty of time to recover and counter his attack.”



The crowd began rhythmically clapping, and an “R-J” chant rose as they encouraged Tudor to get back up. California stood up and backed into the corner, catching his breath for a moment. He looked out into the crowd and, seeing what they were doing, smiled and moved into position for a superkick. The crowd continued chanting, and Tudor pumped his fist, feeding off their energy as he slowly rose to his feet. He eventually stood upright and turned to face California, who shuffled out of the corner to deliver the Fatal Flashback! The crowd went silent as Tudor collapsed, with California falling on top of him and hooking both legs to seal the deal.



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



Winner: Johnny California (12:47)
.


‘Losing My Religion’ played throughout the arena as Johnny California raised one fist in cocky celebration.



MW: “Well there you have it, Johnny California becomes the sixth man to qualify for the 2020 Free-1 tournament, joining such names as our World Champion Jerry Bishop and last year’s Free-1 winner Jace Mason.”



SD: “And this match ended exactly the way I thought it would, with Johnny California picking up the victory. But RJ Tudor impressed me in this match, he showed a lot of potential. If for whatever reason this Revolution-X team doesn’t work out, we could be looking at a future singles star.”



MW: “Yes, and after his showing tonight, I know that I’m looking forward to seeing how his partner Jackson Banks fares in singles competition against James Saturn.”



SD: “Those two go head-to-head in four weeks’ time to see which of them will advance into the Free-1, but as for tonight, it’s Johnny California that is standing tall with a place in the tournament under his belt.”



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with The House of Berry and Bo.



DB: I’m joined by our All Star Tag Team Classic winners and the number one contenders to the Tag Team Championships. That must be nice to hear!

B: It is. We worked hard to win this tournament and I’m glad the hard work has paid off. We’re continuing to work hard before our match next week against a team who I think will push us beyond anything we faced in the All Star Tag Team Classic- no disrespect to any of the teams we faced in that tournament obviously.

BB: They’re different from Mace Jason and Waron… no, wait, that one doesn’t work. Jace and Aaron gave us one of the hardest matches of our lives, but The Guardians of Strong Style are such a good team that they’ll test us really differently.



DB: How have you prepared for that test?

BB: I spent all day yesterday hitting my head against a block of wood.

DB: Seriously?

B: Yes, she did.

DB: That’s… that’s not good for you.

BB: But that’s what will happen in the match. I figure that if I toughen up my head enough, maybe it’ll wear them out and give us an advantage.

B: Berry’s right… in a roundabout way… we need to be able to take an absolute pounding and come through fighting. If we’re not ready to have our heads caved in, we’ll be beaten in seconds. But we also know that we can’t just stand there and trade with them. Yes, we need to make sure we’re tough enough to absorb blows, but we’ve also worked on avoiding blows wherever we can. Neither of us wants to stand and take forearm after forearm or kick after kick. It would be stupid to try.

BB: Remember the five ds! Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge!

DB: But that’s-

B: Dasha, just…



DB: Okay… why did the two of you choose not to enter the battle royal tonight?

BB: Oh… erm…

B: We wanted to remain focussed on the match next week. Preparing for a battle royal and preparing for a match against Tchyukiro and Takahara is very different. We didn’t think we could do both.





DB: But the Guardians of Strong Style seem to think they can prepare for the battle royal, for you and for Free-1 qualifiers. Does that give you an advantage?

B: Maybe. But they know themselves better than we know them. If they think they can prepare for all three, I’d imagine they can. But I know they’ll be most focussed on us. They’re a tag team above anything else. The Tag Team Championships are the biggest prize in the business for them and they won’t give them up without a fight.

BB: And if it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they’ll get!



DB: Well, thank you both for your time. I look forward to watching the match next week.

B: Thank you Da-

BB: Did you see when I got Bo to do the Beyonce dance this week?

DB: I’m working on my own version at the moment.

B: And let’s get going… we don’t need to discuss TikTok dances… again.



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*We return to ringside as Watson and Deville introduce the next match.*



MW: Our next bout pits two hungry competitors with similar backgrounds looking to punch their ticket into the Free-1 Tournament! Myra Lopez, making her singles debut and out to prove herself on her own merits, and Russ Bolt, eager to shed the shadow and influence of Clutch McCloud once and for all!

SD: That was surprisingly straightforward, Watson, no sense of favoritism or anything.

MW: Thanks, Steven, I've been trying t-

SD: But of course the natural choice for this match is Myra Lopez, she's got the Queendom standing behind her at full force!

MW: You know they won't be at ringside, right?

SD: I stand by my statement!



*The lights turn their focus to the center of the ring as Dasha Banks makes her introductions.*



DB: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and the winner will receive a place in the Free-1 Tournament!



*The lights shift as Drake's "Jumpman" hits the arena and Russ Bolt takes the stage. He makes his fadeaway shot into the crowd to a warm response, and high-fives fans along the ramp before sliding into the ring. He gives Dasha Banks a smile and a nod before taking his place in his corner, turning to the crowd and pointing out signs and shirts of support.*



DB: Introducing first, from Miami, Florida, RUSS! BOLT!



*Bolt steps out of his corner and raises his fists in the air before stretching out with the ropes.*



MW: Bolt's been trying to shake the shade of his association with Clutch McCloud for quite some time, and earning his spot in the Free-1 Tournament on his own would be a big step in that direction! Can he pull it off?

SD: He's been talking about ditching the Tarheel for ages, if he really wanted to he'd have done it by now. He didn't have the stones to challenge his patron for the Freedom Championship, so he's gambling at a much rougher playing field, the Free-1 Tournament. Idiot.



*The music shifts to "Hammer to Fall" and the crowd begins to boo as Myra Lopez walks out to the center of the ramp. Her partner and comrade Thea Donovan escorts her to the ramp, giving her a pep talk that isn't caught by the cameras. Lopez takes in her friend's advice and gives her a quick embrace and a fist bump. She shakes herself loose, takes a deep breath, and walks calmly to the ring, completely ignoring the crowd, climbs up the ring steps and between the ropes, all the while staring straight through Russ Bolt. She limbers up in her corner as Dasha makes her introduction.*



DB: And his opponent, from Puebla, Mexico, MYRA! LOPEZ!



*The crowd continue to boo, but Lopez doesn't even acknowledge it, keeping her eyes locked on Bolt.*



MW: This match also marks Myra Lopez's first match on her own without the shield of the Queendom, or even her longtime partner Thea Donovan. Will her desire to step out on her own outweigh Russ Bolt's?

SD: Myra's hungrier than Bolt. He's had his chances to break out and he's never properly taken them. Myra's fresh out of the barrel and raring to go!

MW: You're mixing a fair few metaphors.

SD: And you're mixing my interest with my obligation to sit next to you and deliver insight for every match!

MW: That... that was pretty hurtful, Steven.

SD: *almost under his breath* We'll talk about it later, okay?



Match 2: Free-1 Qualifier: Russ Bolt vs. Myra Lopez (written by Jerry):



*The referee calls for the bell. Bolt and Lopez circle the ring, swiping at each other while keeping their distance, sizing each other up. Lopez darts in and Bolt ties her up in a collar-and-elbow. Lopez gets the upper hand, working Bolt into a wristlock while also kicking out his knee, leaving him kneeling. Still keeping hold of his wrist, Lopez delivers a swift heel kick to the back of Bolt's head driving his head and shoulder into the mat. Bolt grabs at his shoulder as Lopez looks to wrap him into an armbar. She takes hold of Bolt's arm but before she can cinch in the hold he rolls over and stands above her, pulling her up to her feet. Taking control of her wrist, Bolt whips Lopez into the ropes and meets her with a dropkick, crashing her to the mat. Bolt flexes his arm out as Lopez starts to her feet.*



MW: Looks like Lopez wants to keep this match grounded, but Bolt's not going to let her slow him down that easily!



SD: It's the logical thing to do, Watson, she's looking to take away Bolt's finishers!



*Lopez gets to her feet and turns around into a flying forearm from Bolt, who lands on his bad shoulder. Lopez staggers back into the ropes but springs forward with a pump kick to Bolt's face as he gets to a knee. Bolt falls back to the mat. Lopez starts to lock in an armbar once again, but Bolt blocks it by locking his hands together. Keeping his hands tied around Lopez's arm, Bolt positions himself over Lopez and powers her up off the mat into a powerbomb position. Bolt drops her to the mat but reaches for his shoulder once more, taking his focus away from Lopez. Lopez finds an opening and swings her legs around, catching Bolt's feet in a drop toe hold, and crashing him into the turnbuckles. She springs to her feet as Bolt turns around from the impact, tucking her head under his arms, and hoisting him up and over into a Northern Lights suplex. She bridges into a cover.*



ONE!

T- NO!



*Bolt kicks out and Lopez breaks the bridge. Bolt tries to get some feeling into his shoulder as Lopez takes a moment to strategize.*



SD: Excellent strategy from the White Queen! Keep Bolt from using his power game!

MW: That may be a fine strategy, but is she giving him too much time to recover here?



*Lopez stands and calls for Bolt to get up, slapping him across the face. The ref tells her to back off, which she does slightly. Bolt starts to rise but Lopez grabs hold of his wrist and tangles him up in an Octopus stretch, wrenching his bad arm further back. Bolt cries in pain as the referee checks if he submits. Bolt says no as Lopez tries to wrench even further. Bolt wriggles his lower arm free from Lopez's ankle and throws her up over his head, catching her ankles with his hands behind his head and tossing her back down to the mat with an Alabama Slam. Bolt falls after her into a cover.*



ONE!

T- NO!



*Lopez gets a shoulder up.*



MW: An incredible burst of power from Bolt!

SD: But he didn't make the cover well enough to get the win, did he?



*Bolt slaps his arms to get the feeling going and letting out a roar. The crowd cheers as he turns back towards Lopez, who is pulling herself up in a corner. Bolt charges towards her and connects with a big clothesline, leaving her reeling. Feeling the energy of the crowd, Bolt gives her another and then runs to the opposite corner and uses the momentum to rush back in with a third enormous clothesline. Lopez ducks aside leaving no one in the pool and Bolt collides chest first into the turnbuckles. Lopez slides behind him and pulls him into a half and half suplex, launching Bolt across the ring to the mat. Both competitors lie on the mat catching their breath as the referee starts to count.*



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



MW: Both contenders in danger of being counted out here, I don't think either of them would want to lose their shot at the Free-1 Tournament that way!



SD: Get up, Myra! He's had his shots, it's your time now!



FOUR!



*Bolt drags himself slowly to his feet in one corner, Lopez does the same opposite him.*



FIVE!



*Lopez makes it to her feet.*



SIX!



*Bolt is almost to his full vertical base.*



SEVEN!



*Bolt plants himself to his feet and steps from his corner. Lopez darts toward him only to be caught into a scoop powerslam. Bolt hooks the leg.*



ONE!

TW- NO!



*Lopez powers out, swinging her legs up and wrapping them around Bolt's arm and twisting them. Bolt rolls onto his back in agony as Lopez wrenches and turns his arm. The referee checks if he submits, Bolt shouts that he doesn't. With his free arm, Bolt claws towards the bottom rope. Lopez tries to pull him back into the middle of the ring, but Bolt's longer arms allow him to reach the rope and break the hold. The referee calls for Lopez to let go.*



ONE!



*Lopez cinches the hold tighter*



TWO!



*She gives an extra twist, rolling over onto her stomach.*



THREE!



*She twists her legs sharply in the other direction.*



FOUR!



*She releases the hold and stares at Bolt as he pulls himself to his feet. She lunges and grabs his arm looking for an arm trap neckbreaker, but Bolt ducks behind Lopez and wraps his arms around her waist into a German suplex, tossing her towards the opposite corner and crashing her hard to the mat. Bolt slaps his arms and howls once more, this time the crowd responds even more loudly than before. Bolt sprints across the ring and mounts the second turnbuckle above Lopez. She looks up at him in a daze as he motions for a fadeaway.*



MW: Looks like Bolt's wanting to end this one From Downtown!

SD: No! He can't! He mustn't!

MW: Mustn't?

SD: I'm English, we still use that word, shut up.



*Bolt reaches down and looks to muscle Lopez up and over his head to go From Downtown. As he starts to lift her up, however, he can't quite power her all the way. He gets Lopez up to about his shoulder height, but can't get her into position for the move, dropping her as his arms give out. Lopez drops to her feet with a look of surprise. Seeing an opening, she reaches up to pull him off the turnbuckle, but Bolt elbows her away to get some separation. He then "winds up" his elbow and leaps from the turnbuckle, planting it on top of Lopez's head, stunning her.*



MW: Shades of the American Dream!

SD: If you will!



*Bolt jumps up and knocks Lopez to the ground with a dropkick before racing to the top turnbuckle, feeding off the crowd's energy. Lopez barely stirs as Bolt raises his hands in the air, fingers pointed to the sky before leaping off with a diving elbow drop across Lopez's chest, driving the wind from her.*



MW: And there's the Thunderbolt!

SD: Not like this!



*Bolt hooks the leg for the cover.*



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



*Bolt rolls off Lopez and onto his back as Dasha Banks makes the announcement.*



Winner: Russ Bolt (12:26)
.


DB: Here is your winner, RUSS! BOLT!



*The crowd cheer as Bolt starts to his knees. Lopez does the same. Bolt looks across the ring to her and extends a hand.*



MW: Will you look at that, after a hard-fought battle, Bolt still a good sport.

SD: Please, he's just playing to his own ego!



*Lopez keeps her eyes down, shaking her head. She rolls from the ring and walks up the ramp mumbling under her breath, completely ignoring the crowd's boos.*



MW: Now who's being unsportsmanlike?

SD: What are you talking about? She didn't see his hand, he was too far away! Surely if she did she'd have shaken it!



*Bolt shrugs his shoulders and poses on the turnbuckle as the crowd cheers and his music plays.*



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Danica Jane.



DB: Danica, you’ve just seen Russ Bolt qualify for the Free-1 for the first time. You get the same opportunity next show. What would qualifying for the Free-1 mean to you?

DJ: First of all, I’m really pleased for Russ. He’s gone through a lot here and I’m glad that he’s starting to give some in-ring performances like I know does when he trains. He started to show it at Mania weekend and now he’ll have the chance to step up in the Free-1. As for me, qualifying for the Free-1 would mean a chance to get better. I’m very early in my wrestling career and the chance to enter the Free-1, have seven matches and really demonstrate what I’m capable of would be a great opportunity.



DB: Your qualifying match is against Aiden Balmer. Do you feel ready to take on someone like Balmer?

DJ: I’ll take on whoever I have to. Aiden Balmer is an opponent I probably wouldn’t have chosen to face. I don’t feel like having someone spitting in my face all match, but he’ll be a good test for me. If I can beat someone like him, it’ll give me a good boost going into the Free-1.



DB: Have you spoken to Clutch McCloud about your ambition to enter the Free-1?

DJ: No. I know what he’ll see and he knows that I’ll do it anyway. I don’t want to argue with Steve. We have a difference of opinion and that’s not going to change until he recognises that women who choose to should be able to compete with the men. My views won’t change on that.



DB: If you do qualify for the Free-1, how would you feel about being in a block with Russ?

DJ: I’d rather not have to wrestle my friend, but if I have to, I will. I’d shake his hand before the match and after the match, whatever the outcome.



DB: Thank you for your time, Danica. Good luck for next week.

DJ: Sure.



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MW: Up next is a Freedom Championship match and I really don’t know how to call it.

SD: Essentially this is Clutch McCloud’s biggest match for the next couple of months. He’s refused to enter the Free-1-

MW: What do you think of that decision?

SD: I respect the man for sticking to his principles, but I think it’s a crazy decision. The chance to main event the biggest show of the year? The chance to get a shot at the FPW Championship? The chance to be in the single biggest match FPW puts on in 2020? I think he’s doing damage to his own career because of an issue- albeit a very serious one- which I don’t think is relevant here.

MW: How so?

SD: Well these women have agreed to be in this match. Clutch’s back-story is the kind of tragedy that affects far too many people in this world and I understand where his beliefs come from, but his story isn’t the same as Berry Bishop’s, Artemis Evans’, Elizabeth Karlson’s… they want to be here and they want to compete with the men. Hell, all three of them have held titles here and Evans has been FPW Champion for God’s sake. They’re not being exploited.

MW: Right you are, Steven. But Clutch has used that justification for his decision to step back from the Free-1. So tonight he faces the first man to qualify, Bobby O. These two had a few matches earlier this year with real bad blood between them. Bobby never really got his revenge on Clutch for being attacked. Will he take the Freedom Championship tonight?

SD: I don’t know. Bobby is on a roll. He’s qualified for the Free-1 for the first time and is very much motivated to go after our champion. But Clutch has been a different man recently. Ever since that win over Bobby, he’s gone up a gear. Without Danica Jane and Russ Bolt by his side, he seems to be sharper. I think this match is very difficult to call.

MW: What would a win mean for Bobby, do you think?

SD: For Bobby, a win would mean he’d won his first championship in FPW and it would really push him over the edge momentum-wise going into the Free-1. But it would also place a target on his back. Beating the Freedom Champion in the Free-1 will almost certainly earn you a title shot, so people will go a little harder against a champion. There are pros and cons.

MW: And a loss? Does it kill all of the momentum he’s built up?

SD: I wouldn’t say it kills it all, but it would certainly give him a bit of a shock. A loss would be tough to take at this point, but I think Bobby would have time to recover before the Free-1. It’s certainly not the ideal preparation for success though.

MW: Well let’s get to it. Our first title match of the Free-1 period and Dasha Banks stands ready to get it kicked off.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one-fall and it is for the Freedom Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”



‘This Means War’ begins and the crowd builds their anticipation. The music pauses and Bobby steps through the curtain in his usual military jacket. CJ Holmes steps out from behind him and calls for the crowd to cheer for him louder, which they do. Bobby pops his collard and heads down the ramp at a fast pace, reaching out to high five the fans on his way down. He walks up the steps and climbs through the ropes, before leaning over them and pointing out some fans in the crowd. As the music comes to a stop, he backs into a corner and he and CJ share a few words.



“And his opponent, the current Freedom Champion, from The Gateway City, this is ‘The King’… Clutch McCloud!”



Boos fill the arena as ‘Rise’ begins to play. A spotlight hits the stage and Clutch steps into it. He looks around the arena and takes in the boos before shaking his head and making his way to the edge of the stage. However, he then raises a finger and turns, walking back through the curtain as the boos turn to confused whispers.



MW: Clutch McCloud seems to be walking away from this-



Clutch steps back again with a microphone in his hand. A collective groan goes around the arena.



CM: Eight days ago, I tried- once again- to get you people to understand my point of view. I tried- once again- to get you to understand that, contrary to popular belief, I do respect the women of FPW.



The crowd boos once again.



CM: And now your booing out hard working women’s division? That shows me everything I need to know. The men in this crowd are nothing but a bunch of pigs. And the women? Enablers. Each and every one of you. Have a courage to stand up to the man who comes home every night and makes you tell all of your friends that you walked into another door. Have the courage to stand up, to stand with me, and tell the men of this world that their violence against women is immoral, is wrong, is unpalatable. Have the courage to agree with what I say.



More boos come from the crowd.



CM: I didn’t think so. But I don’t think the majority of the people of this great country are too different to me. I think I’m with the majority of people when I say that FPW must end the heinous encouragement of man-on-woman violence. FPW must end the tolerance- nay, the active support- of inter-gender wrestling. That’s why I proudly continue to hold the Freedom Championship- a true men’s division belt- and why I will continue to hold this championship until Jim Houston, all of his silent partners, and all of you people, stand beside me and stand united against the glorification of man-on-woman violence.



Clutch looks around at the still-booing crowd.



CM: Fine-



BO: Clutch, shut your freaking mouth.



The crowd cheers and the camera pans to Bobby, who holds Dasha Banks’ mic.



BO: We’ve heard this time and time again and I think I speak for everyone when I say we’ve had enough of it. I won’t dignify your bullshit with an argument. I’m here to take that title away from you and I’m fed up of waiting. So get into this ring and let me do what I came here to do.



A ‘Bo-bby O’ chant fills the arena as Clutch stares down at him. He shakes his head and drops the mic, walking down the ramp and climbing through the ropes.



Match 3: Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Bobby O:



As soon as the official calls for the bell, Clutch and Bobby come forward into a strong collar-and-elbow tie-up, the two jockeying for position and never being able to get the other totally under control. Bobby breaks the lock-up but Clutch doesn’t back-off, kicking him in the gut and whipping him into the ropes before connecting with a discus lariat which drops Bobby. Clutch makes a quick cover.



One…

Two-



Bobby kicks out. He quickly tries to get to his feet but Clutch sweeps the leg and hits the ropes, landing a low dropkick. Bobby rolls towards the ropes and Clutch quickly grabs him by the back of the tights and pulls him to his feet. He lands a few hard forearm shots to the back of Bobby’s head before hitting the ropes and taking him down with a running lariat.



MW: Impressive start to this match from Clutch McCloud.

SD: We said he’d gone up a gear and he most certainly has. His intensity in this one has caught Bobby by surprise.

MW: And he’s in control right now.



Clutch stomps hard on Bobby’s head, and then progresses around his body, stomping on his shoulder, his arm, his knee, his ankle and working his way back around the other side. He then sits Bobby up and hits the ropes, connecting with a shining wizard. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bobby kicks out again. Clutch pulls him to his feet and sends him into the corner, running in and connecting with a hard running forearm. Bobby staggers out and Clutch waits for him to turn before stepping up and looking for an enzeguiri, only for Bobby to duck under the kick. Clutch hits the mat hard and Bobby stomps hard on his back. He then pulls Clutch to his feet and drives him back into the corner, unloading with a flurry of jabs and uppercuts before whipping him into the ropes and taking him down with a hard powerslam. Bobby rolls away and takes a moment to recover from Clutch’s earlier onslaught.



MW: Bobby O right back into this match.

SD: You can’t keep a man like Bobby down for long. It’s obvious that these two men really don’t like one another, Watson. This is easily the most intense match we’ve seen so far tonight.

MW: And I think that intensity will keep rising the closer this one gets to its climax.



Bobby gets to his feet just as Clutch pushes up to a knee. Bobby helps him the rest of the way and then pulls him into a fireman’s carry position. Clutch lands a series of elbows and drops down, shoving Bobby into the ropes. Bobby catches himself on the top rope and Clutch charges in, clotheslining him over the top rope. Clutch quickly steps through the ropes and drops down, pulling Bobby up and driving him back-first into the edge of the ring. Bobby arches his back and Clutch lands a hard forearm to the head. Clutch then pulls Bobby away from the ring and whips him into the guardrail.



Bobby hits hard and staggers forward and a couple of steps and Clutch runs in and connects with a European uppercut. Bobby slumps down against the guardrail and Clutch backs up before running and Bobby and landing a kind of shining wizard against the guardrail. Bobby rolls away and holds his head as Clutch takes a moment to flex his knee.



MW: That could be a concussion right there.

SD: The official is already checking Bobby. That looked painful.

MW: It certainly did. Clutch has a big opportunity to put Bobby O away now.



Clutch stands and moves over to Bobby, shoving the official away from him and lifting him. He rolls Bobby back into the ring and follows him in. Clutch stomps hard on Bobby’s head before sitting him up. He hits the ropes and connects with a sliding forearm, quickly making a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bobby kicks out. Clutch quickly pulls Bobby up, draping an arm over him and hooking a leg, lifting him for a fisherman’s suplex, only for Bobby to resist and drop back down. He frees the leg and tries to pull away but Clutch drives a knee into Bobby’s gut and then repositions his grip, landing a belly to belly instead. Clutch then hits the ropes and looks for another sliding forearm as Bobby sits up, but Bobby manages to catch him into O Snap! The crowd cheers loudly as Clutch writhes with pain but he manages to quickly hook a leg over the bottom rope.



MW: Bobby didn’t quite have that locked in properly.

SD: It’s not his usual set-up. He goes for that superplex to set it up. He’s not like MDE where he can just catch someone in a hold from seemingly nowhere.

MW: But it did a bit of damage to Clutch, and it certainly shocked him.



Both men scramble to their feet. Bobby lands a hard right hand and Clutch responds with a forearm. Bobby comes back with a jab, but Clutch ducks under it and hits the ropes, looking for a flying forearm. Bobby, however, catches him, and, with impressive power, repositions him for a vertical suplex. Bobby rolls away and holds his head for a moment before getting to his feet. Clutch stands too and, as he turns, Bobby connects with a hard superkick. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Clutch kicks out. Bobby stands, pulling Clutch up with him, and lifting him onto his shoulders again. This time he connects with the fireman’s carry stunner and Clutch staggers backwards into the corner. Bobby looks around to the crowd and makes a snapping motion, leading to cheers. He hoists Clutch up onto the top rope and following him, landing a couple of right hands to soften him up. He hooks an arm over him and pulls him up, ready for the superplex, but Clutch fights back, landing a right of his own before freeing himself from Bobby’s grip and connecting with a hard forearm. Bobby staggers but Clutch holds him up. He lands another forearm before flipping over Bobby and pulling him down into a sunset flip powerbomb, holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



No! Bobby just gets his shoulder up. CJ Holmes bangs the mat on the outside and the fans chant ‘Bo-bby O’ along with her. Clutch bangs the mat and looks at the official, who holds up two fingers. He then stands and stalks Bobby, who pulls himself up slowly on the ropes.



MW: This could be bad for Bobby!

SD: Clutch looks like he’s readying himself for a Technical Foul!

MW: And with Bobby’s head being softened up by so many forearms, that could spell the end.

SD: It almost certainly will.



Bobby turns and Clutch goes for Technical Foul, only for Bobby to duck under it. Clutch manages to quickly set himself and go for a Pele kick, only for Bobby to catch him and counter into a German suplex! The fans cheer loudly as Bobby stands and hits the ropes, hitting a curbstomp and then dropping into a cover, hooking the near leg.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Clutch just gets a foot on the ropes. Bobby holds his hands to his head and rolls away as the fans let out a collective sigh of disappointment. Bobby bangs the mat and then pushes himself to his feet, looking across at Clutch as he uses the ropes to get up.



MW: And now it’s Bobby doing the stalking!

SD: And Clutch who will be done if Bobby does what I think he’s doing.



Clutch turns and Bobby leaps for an RKO, but Clutch shoves him away. Bobby turns and Clutch looks for TarHEEL, only for Bobby to duck and hit the ropes, coming back with a huge running clothesline which folds Clutch in half. Bobby pulls Clutch to his feet and whips him into the corner, following him in with a running dropkick and quickly backing into the opposite corner for another. Clutch staggers out of the corner but Bobby grabs him and lifts him up onto the top turnbuckle again. He follows- a little slower than he did before- and drapes an arm over Clutch, hooking his at the same time. He lifts him for the superplex, but Clutch grips the top rope and Bobby can’t get him up.



Bobby releases his grip for a moment and Clutch takes advantage, connecting with a hard forearm to stagger Bobby. He steps up and looks for the sunset flip powerbomb again, but Bobby grips the rope this time and Clutch can’t pull him down. Clutch’s grip slips off Bobby and he staggers forward, turning into a version of a superkick from Bobby. Clutch drops to his knees and Bobby repositions himself. He looks down at Clutch and then leaps off the top rope into another curb stomp. Instead of making the cover, Bobby pulls Clutch to his feet and whips him into the ropes, popping him up for a pop-up powerbomb, only for Clutch to come down with a hard forearm. Both men drop to the mat and the fans cheer loudly.



MW: The intensity continues to rise! Both men down!

SD: Desperation counters from each man have become the norm in this match. Technical Foul, TarHEEL, O Snap, RKO… all countered somehow.

MW: They know each other very well and they know what those moves feel like. They know they have to avoid them if they’re going to walk out of this match as the Freedom Champion.

SD: But to do that, they have to first get to their feet. Neither man seems to be finding that especially easy at the moment.



Bobby and Clutch each roll to the ropes and use them to help themselves to their feet. They eye one another across the ring and slowly come forward. Bobby lands a jab to Clutch, who responds with a forearm. The two continue in this vein, Bobby’s jabs eliciting cheers while Clutch’s forearms bring boos. Bobby starts to gain the upper hand, forcing Clutch into the ropes. He grabs him by the wrist and whips him into the opposite ropes, looking again for the pop-up powerbomb, only for Clutch to counter into a hurricanrana, grabbing the legs for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Bobby kicks out. Clutch gets to his feet and pulls Bobby up, kicking him hard in the gut and sending him into the corner. He follows up with a running Eupropean uppercut and, as Bobby staggers out of the corner, he readies himself. Bobby turns and Clutch comes exploding out with TarHEEL, which Bobby manages to duck again, leaping up for an RKO as Clutch turns, but Clutch shoves him away again. The two eye one another for a moment before coming together in an explosion of straight right hands, which lead the crowd into a frenzy. Both men land right hand after right hand before each man’s last shot staggers the other.



Bobby reacts quickest, driving Clutch back into the corner and landing a series of jabs and body shots. He pushes him up onto the top turnbuckle again and follows him up for a third time, his teeth gritted with determination. The fans can sense the end of the match coming as Bobby hooks Clutch’s arm. He lifts him for the superplex but again Clutch manages to resist. Bobby releases him and slaps him hard in the face, crying out in frustration. He hooks the arm again but the slight delay allows Clutch to land a right hand to the ribs and Bobby drops down, doubled over. As he straightens up, Clutch dives off the top rope into a version of a Technical Foul. Bobby staggers back into the ropes and comes back into a proper Technical Foul. Clutch makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three!



Winner and Still Freedom Champion: Clutch McCloud (19:51).



MW: Clutch McCloud retains the Freedom Championship. What a match that was!

SD: It certainly was. That was an exhibition of intensity and striking. Bobby must have really believed he had the Freedom Championship in his grasp when he had Clutch on the top rope, but Clutch managed to get the crucial counter which led to the victory.

MW: And a little of the old Bobby O temper reared its head for a moment too.

SD: Just briefly, but I think it was crucial. If he’d have simply hooked the arm straight after that slap, maybe it would have been enough to get Clutch over and lock in the O Snap, but he let his frustration show and it gave Clutch enough time to counter. That top rope Technical Foul was something special though.

MW: Bobby showing that his issues with that temper may not be completely behind him. That’s an issue he’ll have to clear up during the Free-1 if he wants to go all the way. But our winner tonight will be happy in the knowledge that he’ll hold that belt throughout the Free-1. Clutch McCloud remains the Freedom Champion.



Clutch holds up the belt as the fans boo him. Bobby O rolls out of the ring and CJ tries to help him up the ramp, Bobby refusing her help as he shakes his head. She walks along beside him, her face a picture of concern.



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Jim Houston.



DB: Mr. Houston, how do you feel the Free-1 qualifiers have been going so far?

JH: I’ve been very impressed. Johnny California had a strong victory and Russ Bolt can be proud of qualifying for the Free-1 for the first time. He’s about to get an opportunity like no other and I know that he’ll work hard to justify his spot.



DB: I believe you’ve had some potentially disruptive news for the next show?

JH: I have. I’ve been informed that Robert D. Jackson is currently suffering with an injury and may need to pull out of his qualifier. If that is the case, I’ll need to find a replacement. An announcement will be made by next weekend. It would be a shame to lose Robert as I think the Free-1 would have been a great chance to him to show what he can do, but these things happen and we have to be prepared to adapt.



DB: You also wanted to give an update as to the security situation.

JH: I did. As most of our audience will be aware, we have been targeted by a group of thugs who are determined to bring FPW down. I don’t know why and, quite frankly, I don’t care. I will not engage with them and I will not speak with them. Security has, so far, been found wanting when they’ve tried to get into our buildings and disrupt our shows. I have worked with our security team to ensure that they will no longer be able to insert themselves into FPW programming. This will mean tighter security for our fans in attendance, and, for that, I apologise, however, I’m sure the fans will understand the need to protect our wrestlers. It will also mean tighter restrictions on who will be allowed access to backstage areas and tighter checks on passes. Doors will be manned at all times on the day of a show, from the moment the arena unlocks its doors to the moment they are locked again. Freedom Pro Wrestling will not be held to ransom by a group of thugs out only for themselves.



DB: You’ve been facing some calls to allow Marcus Allen Jones, Aaron Williams and Jace Mason to deal with the-

JH: And I’ve been rejecting those calls and will continue to do so. These four men are blacklisted from every major wrestling promotion in the world for damn good reason. If I allow Marcus, Aaron and Jace to get involved with them, then I will have to give them a contract. The moment I do that, I know exactly what will happen. Alan Lightbody will use his unscrupulous legal mind to find a way to keep them here and they will destroy everything we have built. If I sanction a match, it will be the end of FPW. We’ve worked too hard to allow that to happen. I understand that it’s a way some people would want to deal with it but I’ve asked everyone to work with me on this. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation so far and hope that it continues.



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MW: Now it is time for tonight’s main event and it seems to have become a bit of an annual tradition- an open-entry opportunity for a shot at the FPW Championship.

SD: Absolutely, it has. Remember this time last year when Davey Jones crushed Aaron Williams on his way to the FPW Championship? Tonight’s battle royal winner will see Davey’s title win as exactly what they’ll be looking to match. Of course, Jerry Bishop might have other ideas about that.

MW: Let’s not bring our current champion into the discussion just yet. This is a-



Watson is cut off as the crowd begins to boo. Thalia Columbina walks onto the stage.



MW: What’s she doing here?

SD: Jerry Bishop isn’t here tonight, so maybe he’s sent his… personal interviewer and… um…

MW: It’s a complicated relationship.

SD: Maybe he’s sent her to keep an eye on the competition.

MW: Well she seems to be making her way over here.

SD: Yes! Joined by Thalia Columbina! What an honour.



Thalia picks up a headset and sits down.



MW: Welcome to our humble announce desk, Miss Columbina.

TC: Thank you, Mr. Watson. I assure you I’ve heard your many comments on The Joker and his title reign and I find them entirely distasteful. I am here as a representative of Mr. Bishop after he turned down Mr. Houston’s offer to sit in this very chair.

SD: Well, we’re very lucky to have you here. What can you tell us about Jerry Bishop’s feelings towards this match?

TC: The champion sees this as a fair way to determine the next contender, but is disappointed that this is tonight’s main event. After all, the outcome of the resulting championship match will not be a positive one for whoever wins the match tonight.

MW: MDE has entered as a kind of insurance policy for Jerry. Insurance against who exactly?

TC: The Joker does not need protecting from any of the men entering this match. MDE has entered to ensure that the Joker’s wish is granted- a title match that the fans deserve.

SD: And who would our champion like to face?

TC: I will not be giving away any spoilers for this match. You’ll simply have to wait and watch in order to find out the next failed challenger to our great champion.



The Guardians’ of Strong Style’s music plays and Sato walks out onto the ramp as usual.



MW: Here come Masa Tchyukiro and Hiro Takahara. Our current Tag Team Champions, but with a big defence coming up. Do you think either of them can win this match, Steven?

SD: I think it’ll take a big effort to eliminate either one and I can imagine whoever does will have a few scars at the end. Should these men be in this match given their match next week is the question I’d be asking. Perhaps they’d be better served focussing on The House of Berry and Bo.

MW: Miss Columbina? Your thoughts on our current Tag Team Champions?

TC: Mr. Bishop has defeated Masa Tchyukiro before and there is no reason to suggest he would not do the same to Hiro Takahara. Neither man poses a significant threat.

MW: Does that mean MDE will be giving them a wide berth?

TC: That means The Joker is not concerned by the prospect of facing either of them. No more nor less than that.



With Tchyukiro and Takahara in the ring, ‘Dance of the Knights’ plays and the crowd boos as MDE walks onto the ramp.



MW: This one is interesting. MDE has entered in order to procure a certain unnamed outcome, but Marcus Allen Jones seemed to suggest he would be unable to refrain from trying to win the match himself. Is he really entering this match without trying to win it?

SD: Maybe. I have a sneaking feeling that maybe ‘the match the fans deserve’ is, in Jerry’s eyes, between the two people they most hate. Jerry Bishop and MDE are probably the two least liked wrestlers here, and I think Jerry would get a kick out of the fans having to watch them go at it.

MW: Is that the plan, Miss Columbina?

TC: I will not be drawn on details of the plan so I recommend stopping asking. MDE is an excellent wrestler, an excellent trainer and a brilliant strategist. Should he wish to win this match, he would be more than capable.



‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ replaces ‘Dance of the Knights’ and the boos for MDE turn to cheers as Jackson Banks and RJ Tudor burst through the curtain.



MW: Here we have two young and hungry wrestlers who have just started with us. They’ve got bags of potential, but are they biting off a bit more than they can chew with this match, Steven?

SD: Maybe. I don’t think anyone believes either of them could win the FPW Championship. And their style doesn’t tend to suit matches like this. Flying through the air, jumping off the ropes… it’s too easy to get them out of the ring. They’ll bring some excitement I’m sure, but I think that’s the limit.

MW: How would Jerry feel about facing either of these two?

TC: The champion sees the potential in both of these men but he refuses to countenance the idea of a match against either until they have proven themselves any more than gymnasts playing at wrestling.

MW: He doesn’t believe the fans deserve to see Tudor or Banks face him?

TC: Your interrogation technique needs work, Mr. Watson.



‘I Still Believe’ plays and the fans immediately sing along loudly as Aaron Williams comes through the curtain.



MW: Now this is a man that many fans would love to see face Jerry Bishop one more time.

SD: And lose one more time? He’s lost his last three matches against Jerry Bishop. Let someone else have a turn.

MW: But since those losses, he’s really taken off with some big performances. I firmly believe Aaron Williams has taken on Jerry‘s mantle of being the most beloved man in FPW and I firmly believe that he can take the FPW Championship from Jerry Bishop. He’s made clear that he wants to win the Free-1 this year and get the chance to do at Judgement Day III, but why not do it earlier if he gets the chance?

SD: Because he can’t beat Jerry Bishop. It’s not going to happen.

MW: And what does our esteemed champion feel about Aaron Williams?

TC: Pity. The Joker pities Aaron Williams. Aaron Williams is trapped, just like The Joker himself used to be, by a need to please the fans. If Aaron Williams frees himself from this trap, then he may become a threat, but not until then.



Williams settles in the increasingly crowded ring as ‘Hall of Fame’ comes over the speakers and the fans cheer for Marcus Allen Jones.



MW: This is a fascinating entry. Marcus Allen Jones isn’t in this to win it for himself, but to thwart MDE from engineering a chosen victor.

SD: I call BS on that, Watson. Marcus is an attention-seeker. He can’t go five minutes without validation from someone. He wouldn’t have been able to avoid entering this match and there’s no way he doesn’t try to win it.

MW: But he knows he can call out Jerry any time he likes. He’s more than earned a title match. Why bother entering this match in that case?

SD: I told you. He craves the attention.

MW: Is Marcus Allen Jones the one man that Jerry Bishop fears? Jerry hasn’t exactly been keen to call Marcus out.

TC: The Joker fears no one. Marcus Allen Jones can ask for a title match whenever he chooses, and yet he hasn’t done so. But still you say The Joker fears Jones? No. Jones fears The Joker and he is right to do so.



Marcus eyes MDE across the ring as ‘Losing My Religion’ plays and the fans boo. Johnny California steps back into the arena.



MW: Johnny California picked up a big win to enter his first ever Free-1 earlier tonight. Will he get the chance to go in as FPW Champion?

SD: Maybe. He’s come back with a bang and the win over RJ Tudor was a good one. Whether or not he can also win this match I don’t know, but I think he’s up there as a contender

MW: What exactly is the relationship between California and Jerry Bishop, Miss Columbina?

TC: Johnny California recognised the power of The Joker. He recognised the futility of resisting it. Johnny California is aligned with The Joker’s beliefs and with The Joker’s desires. The Joker would like nothing more than a match with his old friend.

MW: So that’s it! He’s the man MDE will be trying to get to win this match?

TC: That remains unsaid. Should California earn the chance to face The Joker, The Joker would be willing.



With the ring already pretty full, ‘Justice’ plays and David Archer walks out alone.



MW: David Archer hasn’t been involved in many singles matches in FPW, but The Dogs of War have been a successful tag team. How do you expect him to fare tonight?

SD: He’s a bit of an unknown, much like Tudor and Banks. I think he’ll have a plan and I think he could go under the radar, but I doubt he wins this match.

MW: Perhaps he’s seen as an easy target for Jerry Bishop?

TC: The Joker knows there are no easy targets. Do the fans deserve to see David Archer face Jerry Bishop? Maybe they do. But maybe they don’t. We will see.



‘Bury Me With My Guns On’ replaces ‘Justice’ and out comes Braxton Cable.



MW: Now Braxton Cable is an interesting entrant into this match. He’s a big powerful man who can throw people over the top rope with ease. He has to be seen as a threat.

SD: I’m sure the other entrants will be rightfully wary of that power. Cable is an interesting wrestler with a real chance at winning this match.

MW: And maybe a bit of an issue with his tag team partner after what we saw a few days ago.

SD: I don’t think there’s an issue there. That’s just them. I expect they’ll work together in this match just fine.

MW: And Cable? Does Jerry want to face him?

TC: The champion will face anyone and will defeat anyone. You know that just as well as I do, Mr. Watson. Should Braxton Cable win this match, he will not take the FPW Championship from Jerry Bishop.



‘Rise’ takes over the speakers and the fans boo as Clutch McCloud walks back into the arena, the Freedom Championship still slung over his shoulder.



MW: Clutch McCloud went through a tough match just minutes ago. There’s no way he’s one hundred percent going into this battle royal.

SD: But that wouldn’t work against him as much as it would it this were a regular match. If he can keep low to the ground, he’ll be able to rest and he’ll be able to make himself difficult to eliminate. I think Clutch McCloud has a big chance in this one. He’s on a roll and he’d love to become the first man to ever hold the Freedom and the FPW Championships at once.

MW: Does Jerry fear Clutch McCloud?

TC: The Joker fears no one. The Joker knows Clutch McCloud better than most and The Joker has defeated Clutch McCloud as much as anyone else. He is not concerned at facing him again.



Finally, the lights in the arena dim as the rising opening strings to “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” hit the speakers. When the horns kick in, Alex Kincaid steps through the curtain and heads out into the middle of the stage. He stands and locks his eyes on the ring, His wife, Alyssa, stands next to him and waives to the crowd. She turns and holds a hand up toward him, presenting him to the audience. For as passionate as she is about putting on a show, Alex seems as uncomfortable as ever with the pomp and circumstance before he gets in the ring. He walks the aisle with his eyes still locked on the ring. The people reach out for him and he holds up his hands to brush fingers with a few of them as he’s announced.



MW: This man is making his debut tonight and has a chance that few receive in their very first match in a company. What are we to expect from Kincaid?

SD: Kincaid is an experienced veteran. He knows what it takes to win matches and championships and I can guarantee he’ll have been in more battle royals than most of these guys put together. He’s got to be considered a threat tonight.

MW: Being an unknown quantity may well give him an advantage in this match.

SD: I’m not so sure. Kincaid is fairly well-known among independent circles and those who like to study tape will have had the chance to do so.

MW: What are the champion’s thoughts on a possible match-up with Kincaid?

TC: The Joker spoke clearly on this matter. I will allow his words to speak for themselves.



Kincaid gives an appreciative nod toward Dasha as he hops up onto the apron. Alyssa takes her place on the outside, and they exchange a few words before he bows his head and slowly raises his arms high in the air. The crowd cheers again and he nods at them, seemingly finally growing comfortable with their pre-match support before he slips into the ring. He climbs up to the middle buckle and shouts out at the audience, pointing at himself and promising victory before he hops down and eyes the rest of the competitors.



Match 4: Number One Contender for the FPW Championship Battle Royal: Masa Tchyukiro vs. Hiro Takahara vs. MDE vs. RJ Tudor vs. Jackson Banks vs. Aaron Williams vs. Marcus Allen Jones vs. Johnny California vs. David Archer vs. Braxton Cable vs. Clutch McCloud vs. Kincaid:



The bell rings and all twelve men eye one another for a few moments, before MDE, who has managed to slowly move behind Aaron Williams, grabs Williams and tries to toss him over the top rope. Williams manages to counter and land a back elbow to MDE, before Marcus, Tudor and Banks all move over to target MDE. Both Dogs of War make a beeline for Takahara and Tchyukiro and the four men begin exchanging hard strikes. Kincaid and Clutch McCloud find their way to one another as Johnny California pulls Aaron Williams away from MDE.



Marcus and Revolution-X hold MDE on the ropes and try to heave him over the top, but MDE manages to keep his weight low and not allow them to lift him. He manages to stomp down on Tudor’s foot and force him to step back before diving at Marcus and taking him down with a double leg. He grabs the arm and looks to lock in the Simply Great Stretch, but Marcus frees himself fairly quickly and springs to his feet, only for Jackson Banks to land a kick to the gut and a facebuster.



Meanwhile, The Guardians of Strong Style get the upper hand in the strike battle with The Dogs of War. Tchyukiro pounds on Archer in the corner, laying in chops and forearms and holding Archer up to stop him from sliding down the turnbuckles. Takahara lands hard kicks to Cable’s leg, but Cable manages to keep swiping at him, catching him with a hard palm strike before exploding with a lariat which takes Takahara down. Cable then grabs Tchyukiro and pulls him away from David Archer, dropping him with a German suplex, only for Tchyukiro to roll through and get straight back to his feet. The two of them charge at each other and aim lariats, but both men stay on their feet. As Tchyukiro aims another at Cable, he’s cut off by David Archer, who takes him down with a pinning roundhouse kick.



As this is happening, Kincaid gets the better of Clutch McCloud, forcing him into the ropes and looking to lift him over the top. Clutch, however, manages to land a hard elbow strike to force some separation before aiming a Technical Foul, which Kincaid ducks. Kincaid grabs hold of the wrist and takes Clutch down with a short arm lariat. He then lifts him and looks to get him over the top rope again, forcing him up against the ropes and landing a few knife-edged chops to wear Clutch down. He hooks an arm under his leg and lifts him, Clutch beginning to go over the rope, but Clutch manages to connect with a kick to the back of the head and Kincaid drops to a knee. Clutch hits the opposite ropes and lands a shining wizard to the back of Kincaid’s head.



On the opposite side of the ring, Aaron Williams exchanges forearms with Johnny California, who forces Williams back into a corner. He lands a couple of hard kicks before pulling him out and looking to send him over the top rope. However, Williams quickly switches position and has California on the ropes before unleashing a volley of chops and then a mid-kick. California drops to one knee and Williams lands more kicks to the chest before California drops to the mat.



MW: This is mayhem!

SD: The early stages of a battle royal always are. It’s vital that you simply don’t get eliminated. Lay low and make sure you keep your head on a swivel or you’ll find yourself out of the match before you can even get started.

MW: But no one has been eliminated just yet.



As Williams bends down to lift California, he’s grabbed from behind by MDE, who pulls him in for a German suplex. MDE maintains his grip and pulls Williams up again, backing into the ropes and looking to eliminate him with another German! He hoists Williams up and dumps him over the top rope, but Williams manages to catch his balance on the apron. MDE gets to his feet and Williams leaps onto the top rope, taking him down with a springboard forearm.



Meanwhile, The Dogs of War grab Hiro Takahara and Cable lifts him onto his shoulder. He drops him onto the top turnbuckle with snake eyes and Archer then takes him down with a snap German. They turn, only for RJ Tudor to come at them with a handspring double back elbow. The two of them stagger towards the ropes and Jackson Banks runs at them, looking to eliminate them both with a double clothesline. Instead, Cable intercepts him and sends him half-way across the ring with a bull rush. Archer looks to quickly pick him up but Tudor grabs him from behind and connects with a ripcord hook kick. Cable takes Tudor down hard with a huge running lariat and then pulls Jackson Banks in. He lifts him into a gorilla press position before walking him over to the ropes and dropping him to the outside.



Eliminated: Jackson Banks (by Braxton Cable).



MW: And there goes Jackson Banks!

SD: We talked about the power of Braxton Cable and I can guarantee Jackson Banks will be feeling every bit of that power right now!

MW: Miss Columbina, how does that elimination make you feel.

TC: The Joker did not anticipate such an inexperienced and unworthy challenger. The elimination is not a surprise.



Across the ring, Masa Tchyukiro stands and grabs Clutch McCloud, whipping him across the ring and taking him down with a scoop powerslam. He sits him up and hits the ropes, but he’s intercepted by a Fatal Flashback from Johnny California. He hits the mat, motionless, as California turns to Clutch, who is pushing his way to his feet. He grabs him and wrings his arm before leaping up onto the middle ropes and coming down with a springboard roundhouse kick. Clutch drops to his knees and California pulls him up, looking to toss him over the top rope. Clutch manages to fight back, elbowing California in the stomach and connecting with a discus lariat.



Meanwhile, Marcus Allen Jones and Kincaid stand and eye one another across the ring. There’s a slight buzz in the air as they come together, Kincaid landing a knee to the gut and whipping Marcus into the ropes. Kincaid takes Marcus down with an arm drag before ducking a clothesline attempt and taking him down again, this time with a backstabber. Kincaid pulls Marcus up and forces him into the ropes, backing away and looking to eliminate him with a clothesline, which Marcus ducks before landing a Pele kick. Kincaid rests against the ropes now and Marcus looks to send him to the outside, but Kincaid fights Marcus off him and connects with an inverted atomic drop.



As Kincaid backs away from Marcus, looking to set up his next move, he’s cut off with a hard mid-kick from Aaron Williams. Kincaid hits the mat and tries to get to his feet quickly, but Williams catches him with a knee to the gut and whips him into the ropes. Williams follows him in with a big splash and then turns to find RJ Tudor in the opposite corner. Williams lands a huge splash on him too and then turns back to Kincaid, landing another, then another to Tudor and another to Kincaid and another to Tudor. The fans cheer loudly as both Kincaid and Tudor slump to a seated position. Williams charges at Kincaid and connects with a cannonball before kipping up and charging at Tudor, only to be cut off by a hard mid-kick from Takahara which takes him to the mat.



Takahara turns to see Braxton Cable trying to power Masa Tchyukiro over the top rope. He moves over to him and kicks him hard in the small of the back. Cable turns and Tchyukiro unleashes a volley of kicks- to the leg, the back and the chest before finishing off with a roundhouse kick which sends him crashing to the mat. Takahara turns to see David Archer getting to his feet and he runs at him and takes him down with a dropkick. Tchyukiro follows Takahara towards Archer, but Aaron Williams recovers, connecting with a forearm and beckoning Tchyukiro to hit one of his own. He does, which staggers Williams, and Tchyukiro growls at him, forcing him into the ropes. Tchyukiro grabs Williams and looks to send him over the top, but Williams drives a knee up into the gut and repositions himself, lifting Tchyukiro and dumping him to the floor.



Eliminated: Masa Tchyukiro (by Aaron Williams).



MW: And there goes Tchyukiro!

SD: That Fatal Flashback really knocked him loopy.

MW: Another expected elimination, Miss Columbina?

TC: Of course. Masa Tchyukiro was no challenge to The Joker before and he wouldn’t have been again.



As all of this is going on, Johnny California grabs Marcus and sends him into the corner. He comes in with a running step-up enzeguiri and Marcus staggers away. California rests on the middle rope and comes down with a leg drop bulldog. With Marcus on the mat, California reaches down and pulls him to his feet, looking over at the ropes. He forces him towards them and kicks him hard in the gut before backing away. He then goes for a Fatal Flashback to send Marcus over the ropes, but Marcus ducks it and California’s leg gets tangled over the top rope. He loses his balance and Marcus is about to send him over the top when MDE grabs Marcus from behind and pulls him in for a German. MDE then turns to lift Marcus but he’s taken down with a TarHEEL from nowhere by Clutch McCloud.



Clutch turns and Aaron Williams grabs him, whipping him into the ropes. He takes him down with a dropkick before stalking him. As Clutch gets to his feet, Williams hooks an arm over him and lifts him for a suplex, but Clutch drops down behind Williams and lands a heavy forearm to the back of his head. Clutch then whips Williams around and connects with a European uppercut, whipping him into the ropes and looking for another TarHEEL, but Williams ducks it and follows through, leaping onto the middle rope and coming down with a cross-body. He stands and looks to grab Clutch, but Kincaid comes out of the corner with a bulldog to take Williams down.



Kincaid turns to RJ Tudor, who is just recovering from the splashes from Williams. He grabs him and drags him towards the middle of the ring before lifting him for a vertical suplex, but Tudor wriggles free and drops down. Kincaid turns and Tudor connects with a spinning gut kick before performing a handspring and coming back with a reverse DDT. Tudor springs to his feet and turns to David Archer, who charges at him. Tudor ducks Archer’s right hand and grabs him by the wrist, ripcording him and landing a jumping DDT.



Tudor springs back to his feet but Braxton Cable grabs him by the hair. Tudor turns and aims a kick but Cable catches it and he lifts him with ease into a Titan Killer. Cable quickly stands and pulls Tudor with him, lifting him over his head just like he did with Tudor’s partner. He walks him over to the ropes but he’s cut off by a hard kick to the back from Hiro Takahara. Cable drops Tudor, who lands hard onto the mat, and turns. Takahara lands another hard kick to the head and Cable staggers before Takahara clotheslines him over the top rope.



Eliminated: Braxton Cable (by Hiro Takahara).



MW: Just when it looked like Cable was going to score his second elimination, he’s out of here!

SD: Those kicks from Takahara are absolutely lethal.

MW: They are indeed, Steven. We’re now down to nine men in the battle for the right to face Jerry Bishop. Who do you want to win from here, Miss Columbina?

TC: You think I’ll give up my secrets that easily, Mr. Watson? Think again.



As Takahara turns away, he’s met by Johnny California, who has free himself from the ropes. California looks for a roundhouse kick, but Takahara merely staggers, calling for California to try him a second time. He lands another, but again Takahara just staggers. California gets to his feet and Takahara connects with a hard mid-kick, causing California to clutch at his chest as he reels away. Takahara comes in again and grabs California into a Saito suplex, driving him hard into the mat. Takahara stands and Marcus Allen Jones pulls him in from behind, lifting him and then driving him into the mat with a wheelbarrow facebuster.



Marcus stands but he’s met by MDE, who looks for a double leg takedown again, only for Marcus to catch him and counter into a Canadian destroyer. Marcus stands quickly and grabs MDE, lifting him and driving him towards the ropes. He hooks an arm under MDE’s leg and tries to force him over the top rope, but MDE resists, and Marcus can’t quite manage to get him over. Instead, he hooks an arm over MDE and looks to lift him for a suplex, but MDE quickly counters, lifting Marcus and trying to dump him out of the ring, However, Marcus drops down behind MDE and jumps up into a reverse rana.



Marcus stands and bends down to pull MDE up for the elimination, but he’s intercepted by a Pele kick from Clutch, catching him in the back of the head as he bends over MDE. Marcus drops to a knee and Clutch hits the ropes, taking him down with a hard shining wizard. Clutch then pulls Marcus to his feet and connects with a belly to belly before turning to see Kincaid getting to his feet. He stalks him and aims a Technical Foul at the debutant, but Kincaid ducks it and catches Clutch for another short-arm lariat. He then stands and looks down at Clutch, pointing with two fingers at his chest and yelling “Right!” before leaping up and driving an elbow into Clutch’s chest, letting out a cry of “There!” as he connects.



Kincaid stands and reaches down to grab Clutch and Hiro Takahara comes over to pull Clutch up as well. The two of them force Clutch over to the ropes and then back away, coming in with a double clothesline, which Clutch ducks. Clutch hits the opposite ropes but Takahara cuts him off with a running dropkick. He then stands, only for Kincaid to grab him from behind. He connects with a Big Fat Kill before lifting Takahara into The Llewellyn Lift. He then backs away and stalks Takahara before connecting with a Flying Lariat. Takahara hits the mat hard and Kincaid pulls him up and quickly throws him over the top rope.



Eliminated: Hiro Takahara (by Kincaid).



MW: And there goes our second Guardian!

SD: What a combo to render Takahara incapable of countering. I’ve been impressed by Kincaid so far.

MW: He does look good. How do you feel about him as a challenger now, Miss Columbina?

TC: I will concede that he has performed admirably so far. But the truth remains the truth no matter how you look at it. He won’t be the man to defeat Jerry Bishop.



Kincaid turns into a kick to the gut from Aaron Williams. Williams then pulls him in, lifts him up and drops him with a powerbomb backbreaker. Williams turn to see David Archer coming him. He blocks a right hand and quickly hooks an arm over him and delivers a kneecap barinbuster. He turns as RJ Tudor comes at him, but he catches him with a quick kick the leg followed by a discus clothesline. Williams then ducks under a Fatal Flashback before pulling Johnny California in for a jumping DDT. He stands and brings the crowd noise up before turning right into MDE, who grabs him by the back of the neck and throws him out over the top rope.



Eliminated: Aaron Williams (by MDE).



MDE looks down at Williams and gives him a little wave as Williams stares up at him.



MW: Aaron Williams is gone from this match.

SD: And the crowd are not happy about it!

MW: But I bet Jerry Bishop is! Be honest, Miss Columbina. He didn’t want to face Aaron Williams again, did he? Not this Aaron Williams. Not an Aaron Williams with so much momentum on his side.

TC: I refuse to dignify that with an answer.



MDE turns but he’s met with a superkick from Marcus, which staggers him back into the corner. Marcus follows him in with a knee and then pushes himself up onto the middle rope. As MDE turns, Marcus comes off and plants him with a shooting star DDT. Marcus stands and Johnny California grabs him from behind, running him into the ropes and looking to dump him over the top. Marcus, however, resists, switching behind California and looking to get him over the top instead. Both men tussle but neither manages to get the elimination, California landing a hard elbow to send Marcus back a step.



California looks for a roundhouse kick, but Marcus ducks it and rolls through into a handspring enzeguiri. California lands on his hands and knees and RJ Tudor comes in with a Robinson special. Together, he and Marcus pull California to his feet and they move him towards the ropes. They look to throw him out, but Kincaid comes in from behind and tries to throw Tudor out at the same time. Tudor lands a gut kick to send Kincaid back a step and Marcus gives one last effort and sends Johnny California over the top rope.



Eliminated: Johnny California (by Marcus Allen Jones).



MW: Johnny California is gone!

SD: And we’re down to the final six.

MW: One of these men- MDE, RJ Tudor, Marcus Allen Jones, David Archer, Clutch McCloud or Kincaid will be facing Jerry Bishop for the FPW Championship in four weeks’ time. But which will it be? Thalia? Which will MDE try to make it be?

TC: The Joker has his wishes. The people will get the match that they deserve.



As California’s feet hit the floor, Kincaid turns the tables on Tudor, trying to hoist him over the rope too. From behind, Clutch McCloud comes in and sends Kincaid over the top and out of the match.



Eliminated: Kincaid (by Clutch McCloud).



Marcus turns to Clutch, but he’s blindsided by David Archer. Archer takes Clutch down with a Russian leg sweep and then he grabs Marcus for a snap German, only for Marcus to elbows his way out and clothesline Archer over the top rope.



Eliminated: David Archer (by Marcus Allen Jones).



MW: And with that, we’re down to four!

SD: Marcus Allen Jones, MDE, RJ Tudor and Clutch McCloud.

MW: And the four of them are eyeing one another from across this ring.

SD: RJ Tudor must be in shock that he’s in the ring with two former FPW Champions and the current Freedom Champion.

MW: And he deserves to be.

SD: But I don’t think he can match up to these three.

MW: Maybe not. My question is whether Marcus Allen Jones will simply try to eliminate MDE or whether he sees the chance to get a shot at a title which he hasn’t wrestled for in a very long time. Miss Columbina, who is your pick?

TC: My pick… the only man left who gives the fans the match they deserve, of course.

MW: And that would be?

TC: Telling.



With all four men on their feet, Marcus and MDE start to move towards one another. Clutch and Tudor watch as they go forehead to forehead. Marcus tells MDE that he’s not going to be the one to choose the winner of this match, while MDE asks Marcus exactly how he’s planning on stopping him. Then Marcus starts to unload on MDE with a barrage of forearms to send him towards the ropes. Marcus forces MDE back and reaches down, desperate to try and get him over the rope. MDE keeps his weight as low as he can, but he’s struggling against Marcus’ intensity. Marcus pushes up with all his might and MDE starts to teeter. Marcus gives him one final push and MDE tips over the top rope, but he manages to land on the apron. Marcus tries desperately to forces MDE off the apron, but MDE holds on for dear life. Marcus then backs away and charges at MDE, going for a baseball slide, only for MDE to just get out of the firing line and back into the ring as Marcus crashes and burns on the outside.



Meanwhile, as Marcus forces MDE back, Clutch and Tudor come together. Tudor aims a spinning gut kick to Clutch, but Clutch catches him with a hard forearm to the back of the head as he turns. He then grabs Tudor in a dragon sleeper, looking to make him pass out. Tudor resists, but Clutch won’t let his grip be broken. As Tudor begins to fade, Clutch pulls back on the hold as hard as he can, and Tudor fades faster and faster. When he finally goes limp, just as Marcus hits the ropes to go for the baseball slide, Clutch releases him and pulls him up onto his shoulder. He carries him over to the ropes and tries to send him out, but Tudor, just in time, flails his legs and wriggles his way down. Tudor grabs his wrist and ripcords Clutch, connecting with a hook kick to leave Clutch on his knees.



Tudor stares at Clutch and then handsprings, but MDE catches him in mid-air and drops him with a German suplex. MDE then turns to Tudor and lifts him up, carrying him towards the ropes and throwing him out of the match. But Marcus Allen Jones catches him! MDE stars down in disbelief as Marcus rolls Tudor underneath the bottom rope and follows him back into the ring. Marcus tells MDE that he’s not going to let him eliminate anyone else before the two unleash a flurry of right hands at one another. Marcus gets the better of MDE, forcing him back into the ropes. Clutch stands and moves towards them but Marcus takes him down with a hard superkick before turning back to MDE. MDE looks to come at Marcus with a double leg again, but Marcus vaults over the top of him. As MDE stands, Marcus traps the wrist and connects with Six Stars! Marcus maintains wrist control and pulls MDE back to his feet, bringing him over to the ropes and dumping him over the top!



Eliminated: MDE (by Marcus Allen Jones).



MW: Wow!

SD: I’ve not seen that much fire in Marcus Allen Jones for a long time!

MW: And MDE is gone!

TC: NO!

MW: And now we see the plan. How does it feel Thalia Columbina? MDE was always the plan to win this match, wasn’t he? Listen to these people! Do you think they deserve Jerry Bishop versus MDE? Finally, Marcus Allen Jones is going to come for Jerry Bishop! Finally, Marcus Allen Jones is going to stop The Joker from terrorising these people!



Thalia Columbina rips the headset off and stands. Marcus stares down at her with a smirk on his face just as Clutch McCloud recovers. The cheers that still go around the arena after the elimination die down as the fans realise what is about to happen. Clutch McCloud grabs Marcus by the leg and hoists him over the top rope.



Eliminated: Marcus Allen Jones (by Clutch McCloud).



MW: No!

SD: What opportunism! Clutch McCloud eliminates Marcus Allen Jones!

MW: With a big help from Thalia Columbina. What have we learnt tonight, folks? Jerry Bishop is most definitely scared of Marcus Allen Jones!

SD: The Joker isn’t scared of anybody! Marcus is the one who hasn’t taken up Houston’s offer of a title match whenever he asks for it.

MW: But I feel like it could be coming. It may not happen now, but I think we’ll see a Marcus Allen Jones who is more motivated that ever to win the Free-1 this year. I think we’ll see a Marcus Allen Jones absolutely desperate to earn the chance to be the one who dethrones Jerry Bishop.

SD: But he won’t get it yet. One of these two men will.

MW: Clutch McCloud and RJ Tudor are the final two men left in this battle royal. I’m not sure anyone would have given those two as a final two at the beginning of the night, but there we have it. Which one of these two men will go on to face Jerry Bishop?



The fans continue to boo as Clutch turns and looks at Tudor with a smile on his face. He dusts off his hands and stalks Tudor as he gets to his feet. Clutch moves in with a Technical Foul, but Tudor ducks it. Clutch rolls onto the ropes and Tudor dives at him with a clothesline to send him over the top rope!



Eliminated: Clutch McCloud (by RJ Tudor).



Winner: RJ Tudor.



The fans erupt as RJ Tudor drops to his knees, staring open-mouthed at Clutch on the outside. The official comes over to him to raise his hand and he holds his other over his mouth. Jackson Banks comes charging down the ramp and he slides in the ring, both members of Revolution-X embracing as the fans continue to applaud.



The applause soon changes to boos as Thalia Columbina yanks the mic out of Dasha Banks’ hands:



“Congratulations, RJ. You’ve pulled off quite the unexpected victory, but I can promise you that the result will not be the same when you face the single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of professional wrestling. It may not be the match that these fans deserve, but The Joker is the champion they deserve and you have no chance of changing that.”



RJ Tudor looks down at Thalia Columbina, the disbelief still etched on his face, as the show comes to an end.