Road to Free-1 III: Night Three

[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: Welcome, Freedom Fighters, to the final Road To Free-1 III show. Tonight we finalise the Free-1 line-up and witness the two blocks-



Watson is interrupted by static, which is replaced by black and white highlights from a wrestling match, featuring two unfamiliar men, one of whom was wearing a mask. The clips mostly showed the masked wrestler in control, beginning with him overpowering his opponent during the initial lockup before cutting to a clip of him running into the corner to deliver a European uppercut. The next clip showed his opponent in control, connecting with a series of strikes before stepping back and turning for a discus forearm, only to be caught with a roundhouse kick that stopped him dead in his tracks. The masked wrestler then grabbed his wrist and whipped him into the ropes, turning him inside out with a lariat on the rebound.



The video then switched to full color, and showed the masked wrestler’s opponent sitting down and speaking to the camera. “He hit me harder than I could have possibly expected. I’d seen him before, I knew he was going to be a threat, but that match was still unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”



The video switched back to black and white, showing highlights from another match. The masked wrestler from before was in the ring again, this time going up against another luchador. The bell rang, and the masked wrestler immediately charged forward and planted his opponent with a big boot. The video cut to another clip, this one from later in the match, as the masked wrestler charged in, only for his opponent to sidestep and send him flying through the ropes. The luchador took a step back into the center of the ring, looking to catch his breath, but as soon as the masked wrestler landed on the floor, he was back to his feet and springing up onto the apron. Without a moment’s hesitation, he launched himself up into a springboard, flying into the ring to drive his knee into his opponent’s face. His opponent dropped to all fours, but rose to one knee as the masked wrestler rolled through on his landing and ran to the ropes, coming off into a shining wizard that connected solidly with his opponent.



The video switched to color again, now showing the luchador sitting and speaking to the camera. “People say that I’m fast, but this guy had me beat at every turn. I tried to slow him down,” the video switched back to the black and white highlights, showing the luchador connecting with a dragon screw and several kicks to the leg of the masked wrestler. “But nothing worked.” the luchador’s voice finished as the video showed the masked wrestler lifting him up and bouncing his legs off the ropes before planting him with a jackhammer.



The video switched to highlights from a third match, this one showing the masked wrestler in action against a Japanese wrestler. The highlights actually started with the masked wrestler on the defensive, being slammed to the mat by his opponent before cutting to a clip of him being driven into the corner with a series of forearms. His opponent backed into the center of the ring before charging in for another forearm, only to be caught, lifted and slammed into the ground with a uranage suplex. The video then switched to another point in the match, with both men on their feet and exchanging strikes. His opponent seemed to be getting the upper hand, until he went for a right hook that the masked wrestler ducked, lifting his opponent onto his shoulders and spinning to drive him into the mat.



The video switched to color again, showing the Japanese wrestler speaking into the camera, with subtitles appearing to translate his words. *It was incredible. Every time I thought I was in control, he found a way to turn it around. I wish I could have trained with him, learned some of his tricks.*



The video changed back to black and white, showing the Japanese wrestler coming off the top rope, only for the masked wrestler to catch him and slam him down with a powerslam.



The video switched back to color one final time, showing the first opponent again. “Where did you say this video was being shown?” he asked, and there was a slight pause before an offscreen producer said “Freedom Pro Wrestling.” The wrestler gave a dark chuckle. “FPW huh? That’s a shame, I’d heard good things about that place. They don’t deserve what’s coming to them.”



And on that note, the video cut to black, remaining that way for a moment before simple, white text faded into view.



The Silent Assassin arrives



8/1/2020



SD: We’ve been seeing these videos for some time now...

MW: And August 1st is the date of the first Free-1 show. Does that mean?

SD: It must. This Silent Assassin must be entering the Free-1.

MW: Well, we’ll wait for confirmation on that. Jim Houston may have given up that free spot that he was holding in reserve to a debuting Silent Assassin, which would be big news.

SD: It would be huge news. Think of the wrestlers who haven’t qualified for the Free-1. Liz Karlson, for example. I’m not sure I’d be too happy with The Silent Assassin being gifted a spot on his first night here in FPW.

MW: Well I guess we’ll find out more about that later tonight. We will of course see the final four qualifying matches tonight to fill out the rest of the Free-1 before the all-important block draw.

SD: It is maybe the most important thing in winning the Free-1. Look at those who have qualified. There are a lot of talented, experienced, high-level wrestlers in that list, but there are also several with less experience, a lesser record. If those last two names to be drawn are Danica Jane and Jerry Bishop, you’d be a fool not to be praying for Danica Jane to be the name drawn out.

MW: And that draw will follow the conclusion of our final qualifier and will precede an FPW Championship match that I’m not sure any of us would have expected to see.

SD: Jerry Bishop rolling through RJ Tudor on his way to winning the Free-1?

MW: Or RJ Tudor pulling off the biggest shock FPW has ever seen.

SD: Not likely. But that’s not our first match tonight so let’s get to it when we get to it. I’m very excited about what we’re about to see.

MW: "Our first match for this evening is exactly what you'd expect with this many Free-1 slots still available this close to the beginning of the tournament. We still have five slots to fill, and one of them will be filled by either of these two competitors coming up next. Steven, who do you think is going to be leaving tonight as a participant in the 2020 Free-1?"

SD: "Normally this is the part where I correct you and say that there's only one possible outcome, that this match is just a formality. And while I'm not going to betray the Queendom and vote against Thea Donovan just yet, I am far more cautious than I normally am in this situation."

MW: "Interesting, and is there a particular reason for this caution?"

SD: "Of course there is Watson, if you'd just let me finish. I'm more nervous than normal because we've never seen Thea Donovan on her own, we don't know what she's capable of. And while Tchyukiro is more of a tag team specialist, we have seen that he can still be quite deadly by himself. So yes, there is a fair amount of nervousness behind my choice to pick Thea tonight."

MW: "Well, although I disagree with your pick, you've certainly hit upon the main talking point of this match, and that's the singles debut of the Black Queen, Thea Donovan. She'll face stiff competition from one half of the best tag team in FPW history, who will also be looking for his first big break as a singles competitor."



The fans went quiet as the Guardians of Strong Style's music hit and Sato appeared at the top of the ramp, bowing to the crowd before he straightened up, Masa Tchyukiro emerging from the back as he did so. The two of them exchanged words before Tchyukiro began marching down the ramp, Sato trailing behind him.



"The following contest is a Free-1 qualifying match scheduled for one fall!" Dasha announced. "Introducing first, from Hiroshima, Japan, being accompanied by Sato and representing the Guardians of Strong Style, Masa Tchyukiro!"



Tchyukiro didn't acknowledge the cheering crowd, instead gazing up the ramp as he began stretching, awaiting his opponent.



"Checkmate" sounded throughout the arena before 'Hammer to Fall' replaced the Guardians' music, and the cheers for Tchyukiro were replaced by boos as Thea Donovan strode into view. She gave a mocking sad face at her reception before breaking into laughter and walking down the ramp, Myra Lopez emerging from the back to follow her to the ring.



"And introducing his opponent, from San Diego, California, being accompanied by Myra Lopez and representing the Queendom, Thea Donovan!"



Thea stepped through the ropes and immediately stepped up to Tchyukiro, doing her best to stare him down. Tchyukiro didn't budge, but Thea's face still bore a smirk as she backed into her corner and exchanged a few last words with Myra.



Match 1: Free-1 III Qualifier: Masa Tchyukiro vs. Thea Donovan (written by Mason):



Myra dropped off the apron as the ref called for the bell, and the two competitors advanced towards each other. Thea circled her opponent with a smile on her face, remaining just out of reach as Tchyukiro tried to move into position for a lockup. Thea eventually nodded, her face becoming serious as she raised her arms, seemingly to oblige her opponent. But as Tchyukiro advanced, she ducked under his outstretched arms, breaking into laughter as she did so, and laughing even more as the crowd booed.



MW: "I'm not sure this is the wisest course of action for Thea to take here."



SD: "She's trying to rile him up, a reckless opponent makes mistakes after all."



Thea raised her arms again, and the two of them both advanced for a lockup once more. But as soon as she could reach, Thea feinted a jab, then booted Thcyukiro in the midsection when he covered up. It didn't do any real damage, just enough to knock him back a step, but it was enough that Tchyukiro gave up on the idea of a lockup and connected with a forearm that dropped Thea to the floor. Tchyukiro backed up and waited for Thea to scramble back to her feet before taking her back down by charging in and delivering a shoulder tackle. Thea went down and immediately rolled, grabbing the bottom rope with one hand and raising her other arm to ward off any further punishment. She shot Tchyukiro a sheepish grin as she stood up, then raised her arms for a lockup again. The crowd booed, but Tchyukiro reluctantly accepted, quickly trying to shove Thea back towards the ropes. But to his surprise, Thea held her ground, and actually drove him back a step before he adjusted his pressure, forcing her to give ground. He drove her into the ropes, prompting the ref to step in to begin the five-count, but Tchyukiro didn't let him get that far, grabbing Thea's wrist and whipping her across the ring. She rebounded, and Tchyukiro caught her with a knee to the gut that flipped her onto her back, then hit the ropes himself and delivered a kokeshi headbutt. He quickly rolled over and hooked Thea's leg for the cover.



...1!..Kick-out!



MW: "Tchyukiro remaining calm despite Thea's needling."



SD: "And he's punishing her for that needling with these quick, brutally efficient maneuvers."



Tchyukiro stood and pulled Thea up with him before whipping her into the corner. He stalked in after her and draped one of her arms over the top rope, exposing her chest for a powerful knife-edge chop that echoed throughout the arena. The crowd cheered, and Tchyukiro nodded to them before delivering another, and then another after that. Leaving Thea gasping for breath in the corner, Tchyukiro backed into the center of the ring, rolling his shoulder as he did so, before charging in to deliver a forearm strike. But as he neared, Thea sidestepped and redirected him, driving him face-first into the middle turnbuckle. Acting quickly while he was dazed, Thea shoved him into a seated position, then began laying into him with quick stomps, disregarding the ref as he began his five count. As his count reached three however, she dutifully stepped out of the corner. But before Tchyukiro could rise from the corner, Thea stepped back in, planting her foot against his throat and leaning into the ropes to add pressure to the choke. The ref once again began a five count, and this team Thea stayed on offense until the very last second before breaking off and backing into the center of the ring. With a smile on her face, she turned to where Sato watched on the outside of the ring and mockingly copied his bow. The crowd loudly voiced their displeasure, but Thea ignored them as she bent down and grabbed Tchyukiro by the wrist, pulling him from the corner and into a short-arm lariat. But Tchyukiro shrugged off the blow and beckoned for Thea to hit him again. Thea let go of his wrist and ran to the ropes, building momentum before connecting with another lariat, but Tchyukiro still didn’t budge, only beckoning her to try again. Thea made a big show of steeling herself and ran to the ropes, but instead of a lariat, she took Tchyukiro down to one knee with a basement dropkick. Before he could get back up, Thea rolled back to her feet and hit the ropes, rebounding into a knee strike that connected hard into the side of his head. Tchyukiro went down, and Thea rolled him into a cover.



...1!..Kick-out!



SD: "Thea stringing together some effective offense here."



MW: "If she keeps this up instead of resuming her previous antics, she might have a chance at getting into the Free-1."



SD: "Who are you to tell an accomplished competitor like the Black Queen how to wrestle a match? She can do whatever she wants in that ring."



And Thea did exactly that, repeatedly slapping Tchyukiro in the face as she pulled him up to his feet. But Tchyukiro withstood the attacks, and the moment Thea reached back further to add just a little more power to the next slap, he struck, lunging forward amd connecting with a headbutt that dropped Thea hard. She attempted to get back up, but stumbled, and the ref immediately stepped in to check on her and ensure that she could carry on.



MW: "This could be a bad situation. If Thea Donovan can't continue, then Masa Tchyukiro moves on to the Free-1, but no one wants to see a match end like this."



The ref was still bent down near Thea, checking her for signs of a concussion as Tchyukiro waited patiently behind him. With both of their attentions focused on Thea, Myra slid into the ring and brought Tchyukiro down to one knee with a chop block! She rolled out, smirking as the crowd roared in outrage, and as soon as she was clear, Thea shoved the ref aside and ran forwards, hooking an arm over Thcyukiro’s head and driving his face into the mat with a DDT!



MW: “That dirty cheater! It was all a ruse!”



SD: “Brilliant!”



Thea rolled Tchyukiro over and hooked his leg for a cover, a wide smile on her face.



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



Thea looked at the ref in surprise, but she quickly went back on the offense, grabbing Tchyukiro and pulling him up with her as she stood. She set up to lift him, but then let go, her attention distracted by Myra and Sato arguing on the outside. Sato was clearly outraged over the Queendom’s actions, jabbing his finger into Myra’s chest. Myra raised her hands, but a smirk still played across her lips. She began backing up, and Sato followed her up the ramp, ensuring that she fully left the ringside area.



MW: “An interesting development here, now neither competitor has their ally at ringside.”



SD: “We’ll have to see how that affects the match going forwards.”



As Thea watched Myra and Sato disappear backstage, Tchyukiro had mostly recovered from the DDT, and before she could turn around, he wrapped his arms around her waist, planting her into the mat with a German suplex. Thea crumpled, and Tchyukiro made a quick cover.



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



Thea kicked out and began crawling into the corner of the ring to recover, Tchyukiro doing the same in the opposite corner. The two of them locked eyes from across the ring, and Thea smirked, brushing off her shoulder as though she hadn’t taken any real damage.



And Tchyukiro finally snapped. With a bellow of rage, he charged across the ring toward Thea, who quickly pulled herself to her feet and met his charge with a superkick! Tchyukiro staggered, windmilling his arms to stay upright before Thea grabbed him and tucked his head between her legs, then lifted him into a powerbomb position.



SD: “The power of Thea Donovan on display here!”



And Thea wasn’t done, grabbing Tchyukiro’s arms and lifting him even higher before sending him crashing to the mat with a firebomb! Tchyukiro hit hard, and Thea dropped into a cover.



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



Winner: Thea Donovan (13:37).



‘Hammer to Fall’ played once again as Thea sat up, a smile spread wide across her face. She stood up and stepped over Tchyukiro, brushing her feet off on the mat next to him. She stood next to the referee and had him raise her arms, laughing as the crowd booed.



MW: “Thea Donovan advancing into the Free-1 after an impressive display of strength to close out that match.”



SD: “It was more than just a show of strength, Thea had a great strategy throughout this entire match. She took advantage of the fact that Tchyukiro was out of his element in singles competition and constantly worked to get under his skin. Every taunting attack, every bit of bending the rules, worked to her advantage as it eventually proved too much for Tchyukiro to handle. And when he gave into that anger, Thea was ready for him, and ended this match soon after. Honestly, she made me look like a fool for doubting her at the start of this contest.”



MW: “And of course, conspicuous by their absence during that match were the competitors tag team partners, Hiro Takahara and Artemis Evans, who were no doubt getting ready for their own Free-1 qualifier coming up next.”



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Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Bobby O and CJ Holmes.



DB: Bobby, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you here. I believe congratulations are in order.

BO: Thank you. The news was... very much out of the blue, but it was an amazing surprise and I feel very lucky to be having a baby with this wonderful woman. It’s no secret that my own childhood was far from perfect but I’ve made a promise to this baby that I will give it the best start in life that I possibly can.

CJ: And thank you from me too, Dasha. I can’t think of a better dad for this baby.



DB: How does this affect you as you go into the Free-1?

BO: I’ve got to be honest, it’s given me a refreshed outlook on things. What’s important and what’s not. In the past, I’ve let myself be consumed by my own thoughts, my own needs. Now I’ve got more than myself to think about. But that doesn’t mean I’m taking it easy. Not many people know that winning the Free-1 doesn’t just give someone a shot at the biggest title in the biggest match of the biggest show. It’s a nice payday too. The life of an independent wrestler is hardly the most financially secure life I could have chosen, so that payday, and maybe an even bigger one, is a big motivator. Before, I may have wanted to win the Free-1 just to prove I was as good as I say I am. But now, I want to win the Free-1 for that, and for the future of my family.



DB: And today you find out who you’ll be facing in your block. Any hopes for opponents or for opponents you’d rather avoid?

BO: I think I’ve proven I can face anyone and be at least competitive. I’d love another shot at Jerry Bishop, as I think everybody would. But possible matches with Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason, Aaron Williams, Botiatus, Berry… I’d love to face all of them.

CJ: Maybe not all of them. That would be the block from hell.

BO: It wouldn’t be a walk in the park, but there will be sixteen deserving wrestlers in this tournament. No match will be easy. And I’ll make sure that anyone facing me knows they’re in the ring with someone dangerous to their chances.



DB: Thank you Bobby. Good luck for the block draw and for the exciting times to come.

BO: Thank you.

CJ: You’re definitely coming to my baby shower, by the way.

DB: I wouldn’t miss it for the world. We interviewers have to stick to together.



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



MW: Our next bout looks to be a hard-hitting affair as the Glory Huntress Artemis Evans returns to action against Hiro Takahara!

SD: And it's Former FPW Champion vs. Former FPW Tag Team Champion! Both of these competitors will be coming in with chips on their shoulders, but whose chip will remain by the end of the match?

MW: I don't think that's how that metaphor works.

SD: Oh really? Well, how does it work, Watson?

MW: Well, uh... It's kind of like... Let's get to the action, shall we?

SD: Yeah, that's what I thought.



Dasha Banks takes to the ring for her introductions.



DB: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!



The lights go down and the Queendom's chess piece emblem flashes on the screen with a voice whispering "Checkmate", followed immediately by Sturm Und Drang's "Hammer to Fall". Artemis Evans strides out to the stage followed by Myra Lopez. Lopez whispers something in Evans' ear, and the two share a wicked smile before making their way down the ramp. Evans stops partway down to spit on a sign which reads "What's it all about, Artie?", and tearing a sign that says "Not My Checkmate" from a fan wearing a House Of Berry & Bo shirt and shredding it. Lopez icily stares down the fans, keeping them from doing anything to retaliate, and the two continue to the ring.



MW: Evans clearly in a foul mood here tonight.

SD: Wouldn't you be? She's being forced to compete for an opportunity at a championship she never lost! It's insulting! She should be right there in the ring with the champion getting her rematch right now!

MW: And who would you rather see win that match, Steven?

SD: Shut up, Watson, she's not finished yet!



Evans climbs up onto the apron. She leaps over the top rope into the ring, smiling at Lopez as she takes a position in her corner on the outside. She turns to Dasha and gives her a "do your job already" motion. Evans stretches her arms out wide, leaning her head back as Dasha introduces her.



DB: Introducing first, accompanied by Myra Lopez, from Manchester, England, she is the Monarch, ARTEMIS! EVANS!



The crowd boos vociferously, but Evans shows no sign of them affecting her. She consults with Lopez as the music shifts, signalling the arrival of Hiro Takahara. Takahara calmly walks to the top of the ramp accompanied by the Guardians' manager and trainer, Sato, to respectful applause. Sato and Takahara bow to one another, then turn to the audience, bowing to them as well. They walk silently to the ring, staring unfazed at Lopez and Evans.



MW: The Guardians of Strong Style recently lost their tag team championships to the House of Berry & Bo, and tonight Takahara is here to see if he can further his chances of bringing some gold back home.

SD: He certainly is a strong competitor, but does he have the ferocity needed to put away the Executioner?



Takahara and Sato reach the ring, the older man remaining on the outside as his charge climbs between the ropes. Takahara gives a small bow of respect to Dasha as she makes her introductions.

DB: And her opponent, from Hiroshima Japan, HIRO! TAKAHARA!



Takahara quietly acknowledges the fans' applause before turning back to the ring. The referee makes their checks and calls for the bell.



Match 2: Free-1 III Qualifier: Hiro Takahara vs. Artemis Evans (written by Jerry):



The two circle each other, looking for an opening. They lock up, neither willing to give an inch. Evans pushes her arm free and elbows Takahara across the face. Takahara responds with a forearm to Evans' jaw. Evans wipes her lip and lays into Takahara with a series of forearms and elbows, driving Takahara back. She winds up and connects with a discus forearm pushing Takahara back into the ropes. He rebounds, and Evans leaps up into a hurricanrana, throwing Takahara towards the other side of the ring as he crashes to the mat. He starts to one knee, but Evans grabs him by the head and swings down into a snap DDT. She goes for a cover.



ONE!

NO!



Takahara powers out. Evans growls in frustration. Lopez slams on the apron, yelling at the ref.



MW: Evans looking to put this one in the books early, but it appears Takahara is in no mood to let this one end just yet!

SD: If he knew what was good for him he'd stay down!



Takahara gets to his feet and looks at Evans. With an almost imperceptible smile, he taps his jaw, almost "offering" it to Evans. She shakes her head and lunges forward with a knee to his midsection. She looks to follow with an axe kick to the back of Takahara's head, but he rolls backward, dodging Evans' leg. She turns around as Takahara leaps up with an enzuigiri. Evans stumbles to one knee. Takahara follows up with a penalty kick to Evans' chest, rocking her but not putting her down. Takahara runs the ropes and rushes forward with a running dropkick, putting Evans on her back. She starts to stir to her knees but Takahara delivers a massive kick to Evans' midsection, launching her towards her corner. She pulls herself upright with the ropes only to be met with Takahara leaping toward her, driving his knees into her head. Evans slumps to the mat, Takahara goes for a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



Evans gets her shoulder up. Takahara looks down at her and gives her a slight nod. Evans' face contorts in a combination of rage and pain. She looks to Lopez who pounds on the apron, shouting to her that Thea's waiting.



MW: Lopez, of course, referring to the third member of the Queendom, Thea Donovan, who was successful earlier tonight.

SD: ...who needs that reminder? Even if someone's just tuning in now, they're surely already aware of who the Queendom are!



Evans gets to her feet and glares at Takahara. He meets her gaze and cracks his neck. Evans gestures for Takahara to bring it. He lunges forward, but as he approaches Evans leaps up onto the second rope and launches off into a springboard dropkick, catching Takahara off-guard. He staggers back into the ropes, catching himself and pushing off, only to run into a spinning wheel kick from Evans which knocks him off his feet towards his corner. As he pulls himself up with the ropes, Evans runs to her own corner, where Lopez motions to her elbow. Evans gives her a nod and pushes off the turnbuckle, using the momentum to cartwheel across the ring, connecting across Takahara's jaw with a handspring back elbow. Takahara slumps down against the turnbuckle. Evans leans pushes her knee across Takahara's face into the turnbuckle, all the while snarling over the top rope at Sato and the fans. The referee starts the count for Evans to let him out of the corner. She turns away at four and a half with a laugh and a last slap across Takahara's face. The referee scolds Evans as she backs away, hands in the air. She turns to Lopez who gives her a round of applause.



MW: Certainly no warm feelings for either party in this match.

SD: Are you kidding? Evans is warmer than she's been in months! She's got the FPW Championship in her sights, and when the Glory Huntress has her sights on you, you're going down.

MW: ...is that her next t-shirt or something?

SD: Leave the snark to me and call the match, Watson.

Evans sees Takahara starting to climb back to his feet. She kicks him in the midsection and hooks his arms, powering him up and over with a bridging butterfly suplex.



ONE!

TWO!

TH- NO!



Takahara lifts a shoulder. Evans' frustration shows as she gets in the referee's face about the pin. She brushes the ref aside and grabs Takahara as he starts to his feet. She slams him back to the mat with an inverted STO, then climbs to the top turnbuckle, looking across the ring to Lopez, who gives her a thumbs-up. Evans turns around for her moonsault. As she leaps from the top turnbuckle, Takahara maneuvers to one side and delivers a massive kick to Evans' abdomen on her way down. She crumples to the mat, grabbing her torso. Takahara leans over and shakes his head in her face.



SD: How utterly disrespectful!

MW: She was raking her knee across his face a moment ago!

SD: That's different! He's belittling her!

MW: At least you didn't say "besmirch", we'd have a lawsuit on our hands.



Evans sneers at Takahara as he picks her up by her head before wrapping her arm over his neck and connecting with a snap suplex. Takahara doesn't let up, letting Evans woozily get to her feet before ducking under one arm, wrapping her waist with his other, and sending her across the ring into his corner with a Saito suplex. Evans groggily grabs for the ropes and pulls herself to her feet, Takahara calmly stalking her. Evans gets to her feet and turns directly into a knife-edge chop from Takahara. Evans reels in pain, staggering her way across the ring, dragging herself along the rope into a neutral corner. Takahara strikes her with a knee to the torso and follows up with another knife-edge chop. Evans stumbles along the ropes once more, ending up in her own corner, Takahara still coolly looking for his next attack. Evans props herself in her corner against the turnbuckle. Lopez pounds against the apron, shouting to her partner. Takahara slides in behind her and delivers a dropkick to Evans' back, driving the wind from her as she collides with the turnbuckle, and she slumps flat to the mat. Takahara leans over the ropes and casually shrugs at Lopez. He starts to climb the turnbuckle, but Lopez leaps onto the apron beside him, getting in his face, hurling abuse at him. The referee calls for Lopez to get down or else Evans will be disqualified. Lopez gives Takahara a dirty look before dropping to the floor, crossing her arms in a huff.



MW: What's Lopez getting involved for? Takahara's done nothing wrong!

SD: And neither has Lopez! She's standing up for her friend, her ally, her leader, after the aggressive insults Takahara has committed!



Takahara returns his focus to the ring, where Evans has regained her footing, but she appears unsteady. Takahara leaps from the top rope looking for a crossbody, but Evans springs up, catching Takahara around the neck, planting him with a cutter. She scrambles for a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

NO!



Takahara kicks out. Evans rolls off him, her hands on her head, her face a mix of shock and fury. She begins seething as she gets to her feet, followed by a wobbly Takahara. Evans starts breathing heavily and gives Takahara a spinning kick to the gut followed by an axe kick. She immediately grabs him and hoists him up into the air, holding him there for a moment, before planting him with a brainbuster. Evans lets out a primal scream as she runs to a corner, lining up her shot.



MW: I think we know where this is headed!

SD: Move on over, Lone Ranger! You're an outdated and honestly more than a bit problematic! Because here comes the true SILVER BULLET!



As soon as the words are uttered, Evans surges from the corner, driving her knee straight into the side of Takahara's head. Surprisingly, she doesn't go for a cover, instead taking a similar position on the opposite corner as Takahara gets to one knee. She springs out of the corner once more, and collides once again with Takahara, her knee firmly colliding with his face. Evans then stands over Takahara, who is struggling to regain any footing. She grabs him by the head and tucks it between her legs before leaping forward with a Canadian Destroyer. Evans lifts Takahara slowly by the chin, before shouting "I hit it, didn't I?" She swiftly tucks his head under her arm and hits him with the Guillotine Strike, sending him to the mat cold. Evans makes a cover.



ONE!

TWO!

THREE!



Winner: Artemis Evans (14:39).



Evans rolls off Takahara, mocking him by shaking her head in his face as the arena floods with boos. Myra Lopez slides into the ring to raise Evans' hand, yelling at Dasha Banks to announce the victor.



DB: Here is your winner, ARTEMIS! EVANS!



Evans raises her arms in triumph, leaning her head back and basking in the boos from the crowd, seemingly laughing to herself a little.



MW: What a hard-hitting contest we have just witnessed.

SD: And what we've just witnessed is the long-awaited return of one of FPW's most dominant competitors, the Glory Huntress, Artemis Evans! Her path back to the FPW Championship looks all the more certain now!



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Backstage, Jace Mason stands with Dasha Banks.



DB: Jace, just like my previous guest, you haven’t been around much recently. I know you’ve been off preparing for the Free-1 during this time so my first question is: what can we expect to be different when you get back into the ring?

JM: There’s a lot of things I’ve been working on. I’ve wanted to sharpen up a few parts of my arsenal that have been blunted over the past seven months. This year has taken its toll on my mentally but it’s taken a physical toll as well. I wasn’t the wrestler that I knew I could be by the end of the All Star Tag Team Classic final. I was glad to have the time to go and sharpen up. I won’t reveal everything I’ve been working on, but there are a few things I think should work in my favour the next time I step into a ring.



DB: Tell me what the Free-1 means to you.

JM: What it means… wow. It means everything to me. The Free-1 last year took me from a promising mid-card prospect to a main eventer and the only man to ever hold the FPW Championship twice. Without the Free-1, I wouldn’t have got there. It means the opportunity to get back to where I want to be. I lost that title to Jerry Bishop fair and square. I didn’t demand a rematch or cry and complain because I knew deep down that I didn’t deserve one. I needed to earn it, just like I did when I won the Young Lions’ Cup. Throughout August, I plan to do just that: earn my rematch. Whether it’s Jerry Bishop or someone else, it doesn’t bother me. I don’t have a personal problem with Jerry like so many other people do. What I do have is a personal ambition to finally hold that title and have a proper title reign. Not a week. Not a month. If I can win the Free-1 and then work for three months like I have done for the last month and a half, I know I can achieve that goal and I know I can right the wrongs that I allowed to happen for the first half of this year.



DB: And tonight you find out your opponents in your block. Any preferences?

JM: Honestly, yes. There are several people I’d like to face. Botiatus and Berry Bishop beat me and Aaron Williams and Berry holds a few wins against me. I want the chance to take another shot at both. I’d love a match with Bobby O. I’ve been impressed by what Russ Bolt and Danica Jane have done recently and would enjoy stepping into a ring with them. Not to mention Aaron Williams as I know we tear the house down every time we step into a ring together. Another chance to go up against Artemis Evans would be enjoyable too and, to be honest, I’d love another match with Marcus Allen Jones if he qualifies. I think it was my win over Marcus that really set me on my path towards Judgement Day II last year and I think we could do something very special together if we had the chance this year.



DB: Thank-

JM: Actually, can I just add something? Whatever the block draw is, I’ll work with it. I’m not getting caught up in draws and scheduling and anything like that. When I step through the curtain in the month of August, I’ll be laser-focussed on one thing: winning the Free-1. My message to all of my fans is this: I might not interact with you quite as much as I normally would; I might not play to you quite as much as I normally would, but know this: I still care about you just as much as before and I still need you just as much as before. You might be seeing a slightly different version of Jace Mason than you’re used to, but that fact hasn’t changed. I’m nothing without all of you standing behind me and I appreciate everything you’ve done to help me get to where I am today.



DB: Thank you, Jace. Best of luck for the upcoming block draw.



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MW: And now for our penultimate Free-1 III qualifier.

SD: Two high-fliers juking it out for a spot in the biggest tournament they can find. This one could be a show-stealer.

MW: Two similar styles but two very different characters. One the one hand we have James Saturn. No stranger to tournaments, he won the second Young Lions’ Cup and has entered both Free-1 tournaments in the past. He’s brash, he arrogant and he cares very little for anyone but himself. On the other hand, Jackson Banks is a young up-and-comer with a lot of potential but very little experience of singles matches, especially ones with such high stakes.

SD: For me, Jackson Banks and RJ Tudor are two of the brightest talents on the FPW landscape, but they may well have both bitten off a lot more than they can chew tonight. James Saturn has the edge in almost every way, and he will be very confident of joining an elite group who have qualified for all three Free-1 tournaments.

MW: That is a very small group. In fact, I believe only Jerry Bishop and Berry Bishop can say they’ve done that.

SD: Marcus Allen Jones may add himself to that list by the end of the night, but yes, it would be a real feather in James Saturn’s cap to add his name to that list.

MW: How about Jackson Banks. How does he stop Saturn from becoming the third to do it?

SD: I think James Saturn’s confidence is an asset, but it could also be his downfall. If Banks can out-do him with the aerial offense, Saturn may start to take a few risks to try and prove that he can match him, and then there might be an opening. But if Saturn can remain focussed on a game-plan, something which he has had problems with in the past, he’ll be too hard to beat tonight.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a qualifying match for Free-1 III. Introducing first, from Portland, Oregon, he is a former Young Lions’ Cup winner… ‘The Paragon’… James Saturn.”



‘White Knuckles’ begins to play and Saturn steps through the curtain to be met with loud boos from the fans. He raises an eyebrow and snorts with derision as he begins his swagger down the ramp, faking out a couple of fans with a high five. He reaches the ring and steps onto the apron before somersaulting over the top rope, landing perfectly on his feet. He gives Dasha and the official a dismissive look and then heads into the corner, resting on the ropes as his music comes to an end.



“And his opponent, representing Revolution-X, from Brooklyn, New York, ‘The King of the Ropes’… Jackson Banks!”



‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ plays and the fans cheer as quick highlights of Jackson Banks and RJ Tudor play on the screen. After ten seconds, Banks bursts through the curtain with a lot of energy, bouncing around the stage and playing to the crowd, who respond with louder cheers. He quickly heads down the ramp, slapping hands with fans on his way to the ring. When he reaches the ring, he leaps onto the apron and then up onto the top rope, walking the rope over to the turnbuckle and backflipping into the ring before pumping up the crowd some more.



Match 3: Free-1 III Qualifier: James Saturn vs. Jackson Banks:



The bell rings and Banks comes forward eagerly, but Saturn remains resting on the ropes. Banks beckons him forward and Saturn sighs before lazily pushing himself forward. He looks Banks up and down and smirks, shaking his head and pointing at him. Banks cocks his head to one side and calls Saturn forward again. Saturn shrugs and comes forward, the two men locking up. Saturn gets the advantage and forces Banks back into the corner, continuing to drive him back as the official counts. He breaks the hold and then backs away, shaking his head again. Banks comes forward and into another lock-up, but Saturn drives him back again and the same result happens.



MW: James Saturn very dismissive of Jackson Banks in this match so far.

SD: As you’d expect from Saturn. He’s the type to believe he should always be in the main event and wrestling the best on offer.

MW: And maybe he would be with a bit more application.

SD: The talent is certainly there. But he can’t totally dismiss Jackson Banks.

MW: Could this be a ruse to lure Banks in?

SD: I’m not sure. I think Saturn genuinely does feel like this match is beneath him.



Saturn looks across at Banks again, who comes forward for a lock-up again, but this time he ducks under it and runs at the ropes, leaping up onto the second rope and bouncing off, catching Saturn into a head-scissors, but Saturn cartwheels out of it. Saturn then hits the ropes and Banks drops down, Saturn rebounding into a leapfrog from Banks, who drops to his back looks to take Saturn down with his feet, but Saturn flips through it. Banks rolls back to his feet and, as Saturn comes back at him, looks for a dropkick, but Saturn brushes it aside. Saturn looks for a standing moonsault, but Banks moves and Saturn lands on his feet, only for Banks to sweep the leg. Saturn lands on his back but immediately kips up and the two stare one another down to loud applause.



They circle one another and come forward again, Saturn catching Banks in a waistlock. He lifts him and drops him to the mat, quickly looking for Saturn’s Walls, but Banks scrambles to the ropes. He gets to his feet and turns as Saturn looks to unleash a superkick, but Banks ducks it and charges over to the ropes. Saturn follows him in and Banks walks up the ropes and backflips over Saturn before leaping up and taking him down with a reverse rana. He jumps to his feet and steps through the ropes, stalking Saturn as he gets to his feet. Banks springboards and looks for a forearm, but Saturn catches him with a superkick to the gut and follows up with an inverted atomic drop into an enzeguiri. Saturn makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Banks just kicks out.



MW: That was very close!

SD: Saturn’s superkick is a hard move to recover from, wherever he hits you with it.

MW: And Banks needs to be careful. Saturn looks like he’s had quite enough of Banks’ speed and wants to end this now.



Saturn pulls Banks to his feet and sends him hard into the corner. He follows up with a cross chop before whipping him into the opposite corner and following him in with a hard running knee. Banks staggers out of the corner and drops to his knees as Saturn hits the ropes and comes back with a running dropkick. Saturn then quickly heads to the top rope and sets himself before coming down with a Saturnsault, but Banks rolls out of the way. Saturn lands hard and Banks scrambles to his feet before taking a couple of steps and landing a standing shooting star press to the back. Banks stands and Saturn rolls over, Banks landing a second standing shooting star and holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Saturn just kicks out. Banks scrambles to his feet and steps through the ropes, stalking Saturn. He bounces up and down and builds up the fans as Saturn begins to get to his feet. Banks leaps up and comes down with a springboard lariat, but Saturn ducks and rolls to the outside. Banks rolls through and sees Saturn rolling out. He steps up onto the second rope and walks it to the corner before stepping up onto the top rope and moving quicker along it before coming off with a somersault senton. The fans cheer loudly as Banks gets to his feet and slaps a few hands before reaching down and sending him back into the ring. Banks climbs onto the apron and heads up to the top rope before coming down with a 450 splash and holding for another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Saturn again kicks out.



MW: An impressive burst from Jackson Banks!

SD: He’s really showing something in this match. I didn’t think he’d get this many shots in.

MW: But it’s not done yet.



Banks stands and pulls Saturn up with him. He whips him into the ropes and follows up with a running forearm, leaving Saturn draped on the top rope. Banks then backs away into the ropes and looks for the Banks Job, but Saturn avoids it again and, as Banks lands back in the ring, he grabs him by the arm and wrings it. He kicks Banks’ leg out and lands a couple of kicks to the shoulder before wringing it again and stepping up onto the top rope. He walks along the rope before coming down for the chop, but Banks blocks it and wrings Saturn’s arm himself, stepping up onto the top rope and walking much more confidently along the rope, turning at the turnbuckle and dropping down to the middle rope before bouncing back up and coming down with a knee strike. Saturn staggers and Banks grabs him by the arm again, wringing it and stepping back up onto the top rope. He walks a few paces before coming down with the Rope-KO. Banks makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three!



Winner: Jackson Banks (10:10).



The fans cheer loudly as Jackson Banks bounces back up and beams, the official raising his arm.



MW: Wow! I did not expect to see that!

SD: And not a controversy in site. James Saturn did not put in a good performance at all there, allowing Banks to have it his own way when he really should have been able to do more.

MW: But what does it matter to Jackson Banks? This young man has qualified for Free-1 III.

SD: I think that’ll be the only win that Revolution-X get tonight, but it’s a big moment for that young man. He’ll get the chance to learn a huge amount in the Free-1. As for James Saturn… I think he has a lot of thinking to do. This is not a match he’ll be proud of.



Banks stands on the top rope and celebrates as the fans cheer loudly for him.



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Backstage, Thalia Columbina stands with Jerry Bishop.



TC: Ladies and gentlemen of FPW, please join me in welcoming the single most exciting, engaging and enticing man in all of professional wrestling. Jerry Bishop.

JB (arching an eyebrow): Thalia.

TC (responding in kind): Joker.



The two eye one another for a fraction of a second longer than might be considered normal.



TC: Joker, tonight you defend your Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship against a tiny ant of a man. What is your message to RJ Tudor ahead of your match?

JB: RJ Tudor… I’m sorry that you’ve been put in this position. We both know you’re not fit to even shine my shoes, let alone to step into a ring with me. Your fortune in the battle royal will prove a misfortune in reality. Your name will be added to a growing list of men who have tried- and failed- to take this prize from my shoulder, from the place where it deserves to be, and you will be sent back to where you belong. The tag team division with your other excitable young friend. You are simply the doll with whom I will create my masterpiece and with whom I guarantee I will give the so-called Freedom Fighters exactly what they deserve.



TC: A fine and noble statement as we have all become accustomed to. And what of the Free-1? Your record in the Free-1 is second to none and you go in as overwhelming favourite.

JB: Thalia, my dear, for once I find you providing an untruth. My Free-1 record is in fact second to one man, but with him no longer being here and no longer spoken about, he cannot impede me in the inevitable march to Free-1 glory that awaits me. The people who pay my hard-earned salary may sit and speculate over who will manage to be victorious over me in the Free-1 and who will stop me from my triumph, but they know deep down, as will all of my opponents, that I am the one man who no one can overcome. The Free-1 is set up for me to be victorious and who I face is of little import.



TC: Of course, when you win the Free-1 as FPW Champion, a conundrum is created. A champion cannot defend a title against himself.

JB: Although, Miss Columbina, if anyone can, you know that I can.

TC: A match for the ages for sure. But what would happen in that inevitable outcome?

JB: The Joker must preserve some mystery, or else where is the fun? When I go through this tournament undefeated, as I surely will, I will reveal my intentions. Until then my dear, I must leave you. There are some preparations that even your capable hand cannot assist me with.



The two share another awkwardly long look as Jerry dissolves into fits of giggles and bounces out of the shot.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Match 4: Marcus Allen Jones vs. Braxton Cable (written by Clutch):



Match Not Received.



Summary:

- Braxton Cable comes out with David Archer.

- Archer distracts Marcus as the bell goes and Cable takes advantage with a big boot.

- Cable dominates the early going, impressing with his power and getting a near fall after a running power slam.

- Marcus starts to fight back, flipping through a big lariat and landing a few kicks.

- The two trade, Marcus getting a near fall from a shooting star DDT and Cable from a bridging German suplex.

- After his near-fall, Cable goes to the top for a guillotine leg drop, but Marcus cuts him off with a superkick and hits a phoenix splash for a near-fall.

- Marcus then pulls Cable to his feet and connects with Six Stars for the win.



Winner: Marcus Allen Jones (14:27).



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Jim Houston sits in his office, a large bowl on his desk.



JH: We now have the sixteen Free-1 III participants confirmed. They are: Jerry Bishop, Jace Mason, Botiatus, Berry Bishop, Bobby O, Johnny California, Russ Bolt, Kincaid, Aaron Williams, Danica Jane, MDE, The Silent Assassin, Thea Donovan, Artemis Evans, Jackson Banks and Marcus Allen Jones.



With each name, Houston shows a wooden ball and drops it into the bowl.



JH: I offer my congratulations to every one of you. Qualifying for the Free-1 is not an easy task. Each one of you will now be getting ready for the toughest month that FPW has to offer. But you will be doing so for one of its most prestigious prizes. A Free-1 victory guarantees you a spot in the main event of Judgement Day III and the chance to hold up the FPW Championship. It also sees your name go down in history as an FPW legend.



Houston reaches into the bowl and swills around the balls.



JH: With that in mind, the draw for the two blocks will now be made. Each block will consist of eight competitors who will face one another over the course of August, with each block winner moving forward to the Free-1 III final on August 31st. The A Block will open the Free-1 on August 1st, and the B Block will close it on August 28th. The first and last two nights will see each block have four matches, while all other nights will see one match from each block.



Houston reaches a hand into the bowl and swills it around again. Let’s begin the draw.



JH: The first name to be drawn into the A Block will be… Aaron Williams. And the first name for the B Block will be… Russ Bolt. Joining Williams in the A Block will be… The Silent Assassin. Alongside Bolt in the B Block will be… Jace Mason.



Houston places the ball with Mason’s name on it below Russ Bolt’s.



JH: Also in the A Block will be… Danica Jane. Joining Bolt and Mason in the B Block is… Johnny California. In the A Block, alongside Aaron Williams, The Silent Assassin and Danica Jane is… Bobby O. In the B Block, we have… Artemis Evans.



Houston glances at Jace Mason’s ball as he places Artemis Evans’ down underneath it.



JH: The A Block will also contain… Jackson Banks. In the B Block, we have… Botiatus. In the A Block, we have… current FPW Champion, Jerry Bishop. And in the B Block, we will see… Berry Bishop.



Houston places Berry’s ball directly underneath Botiatus’.



JH: We’re down to our final four. In the A Block, we have… Kincaid. And in the B Block… MDE. Also in the A Block, we will have… Thea Donovan. Meaning that our final name drawn and entering the B Block is… Marcus Allen Jones.



Houston places Marcus’ ball down and takes a moment to look at the two blocks before nodding and smiling.



JH: Quite the draw, I’m sure you’ll agree. To recap, the A Block will contain Aaron Williams, The Silent Assassin, Danica Jane, Bobby O, Jackson Banks, Jerry Bishop, Kincaid and Thea Donovan. In the B Block, we will see Russ Bolt, Jace Mason, Johnny California, Artemis Evans, Botiatus, Berry Bishop, MDE and Marcus Allen Jones. The full Free-1 III schedule will be released on Sunday 19th July, with a separate huge announcement regarding the future schedule of FPW, while a full preview show will be released on Sunday 26th July. Enjoy the main event.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



MW: Well, there’s a lot to unpick there and it will certainly take time to digest all of that. Steven, what are your first thoughts?

SD: The B Block seems tougher on paper with both Tag Team Champions, plus four former FPW Champions and the only former Free-1 winner in it, but the A Block is interesting to me. Jerry Bishop alongside Aaron Williams and Bobby O, who are both extremely motivated, as well as the experience of Kincaid and the unknown of The Silent Assassin, as well as the eagerness to prove themselves that Jackson Banks, Danica Jane and Thea Donovan will surely feel. Both blocks have some absolute top-tier matches too.

MW: I agree. The combinations you mentioned of Jerry and Williams and Bobby should be excellent, but that B Block. Bo versus Berry. Evans versus Mason. Mason versus Marcus again. There are so many enticing combinations there.

SD: And speaking of enticing, up next is the FPW Champion defending his title!

MW: Yes, the final match before Free-1 III is one of the most unlikely title matches in FPW history. FPW Champion Jerry Bishop defends his title against rookie sensation RJ Tudor.

SD: I’ll set the over/under for five minutes in this one.

MW: Well earlier tonight RJ Tudor’s partner managed to overcome James Saturn in a flurry of past-paced, high-flying offence and Tudor will see that as inspiration.

SD: Come on. James Saturn has half the talent of Jerry Bishop and about a tenth of the application. Jerry Bishop is the best champion FPW has ever seen and he’s going to sweep RJ Tudor aside.

MW: I guess most people will think the same, but tell me, what can RJ Tudor do tonight to give him a chance at winning this title?

SD: Inject Jerry with something to put him to sleep?

MW: Seriously, Steven.

SD: I don’t know. I don’t see any way that RJ Tudor wins this match. Not a single one.

MW: Well, with that optimistic assessment, let’s get to the match.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the FPW Championship. Introducing first, the challenger… representing Revolution-X and being accompanied to the ring by Jackson Banks, from The Bronx, New York, ‘The King of the Air’… RJ Tudor!”



A loud cheer goes up as ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ plays for the second time tonight. The same highlights package plays before Jackson Banks steps through the curtain and then points for RJ Tudor, who leaps through the curtain and sprints across to either side of the stage, building up the fans before bouncing down the ramp, Banks following behind him, both of them slapping hands. Tudor talks all the way down to the ring, where he somersaults over the top rope and heads straight for the top rope, where he continues to build up the fans before backflipping back into the ring.



The music stops and the cheers turn to immediate boos as Thalia Columbina steps through the curtain.



“And his opponent, here to wipe aside the least deserving challenger he has ever faced, THE conqueror of every single FPW wrestler, THE FPW Champion that every single one of you deserves, THE greatest man to ever come from Kanas City, Missouri, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of sports today, yesterday, forever and beyond, THE reigning, defending FPW Champion, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrry Bishooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and the fans continue their boos. Jerry steps through the curtain and looks out around the crowd, laughing as he does. He lifts the FPW Championship up and the boos transition to a loud ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant. He makes his way down the ramp, the fans shouting abuse at him all the way down. He climbs the steps and up onto the second turnbuckle, looking down at RJ Tudor in the ring and laughing again. Tudor stares up at him, but the camera catches him swallowing before cutting back to Jerry as he drops back down into the ring and raises the FPW Championship again. He hands it over to the official, who shows it to a more subdued RJ Tudor before raising it to the fans and passing it to the outside.



Match 5: FPW Championship: Jerry Bishop vs. RJ Tudor:



The bell rings and Jerry looks across at Tudor, who returns his gaze. The crowd are quiet as they come forward and lock up, Jerry immediately locking in a headlock and taking Tudor over. Jerry pushes up to apply more pressure and Tudor tries to force his head free, but Jerry maintains his grip, shifting his weight to continue to add pressure. Tudor tries to get his legs up into a headscissor, but Jerry expertly avoids it, continuing to apply pressure on the headlock. Tudor tries to push himself up, but Jerry positions himself perfectly to not allow Tudor to get his legs underneath him. Jerry looks out to the crowd and begins giggling. As the boos start to mount, the giggles turn into a proper laugh which rises with the volume of the crowd.



Jackson Banks bangs the mat for his partner and begins an ‘RJ… RJ… RJ’ chant which the crowd quickly picks up. Tudor finds a way to get a better position and begins to force his way to his feet. Jerry tries to regain control but he’s too late, and Tudor gets to his feet. He forces Jerry into the ropes and then pushes him off, but Jerry manages to maintain his grip. He drops Tudor back to one knee and then switches position into a front-facelock, forcing Tudor to the mat and keeping him grounded. He begins his laugh again as the fans turn back to booing him.



MW: This is a dominant start from the champion.

SD: Of course it is. RJ Tudor is great when he’s flying through the air, but he’s no technician. Jerry knows that as well as I do.

MW: And he’s clearly looking to ground RJ Tudor.

SD: As he should. He’s not FPW Champion for nothing. He and MDE will have worked on this gameplan, not that it will have taken long to put together.



Tudor keeps trying to force his way back to his feet, but Jerry doesn’t allow him to get close, maintaining a dominant position and keeping Tudor grounded. Banks does his best to get the fans going again, and another ‘RJ… RJ… RJ’ chant starts up, but Jerry quashes another attempt to get free and it subsides fairly quickly, leading to more laughter from Jerry, who slightly switches his position to apply more pressure and demands that the official check on Tudor.



SD: Now this would be an embarrassment.

MW: He’s not going to give in.

SD: If he can’t find a way out of this hold, he’ll have to.

MW: RJ Tudor won’t tap out to a front-facelock, Steven. Give the kid some more credit than that.

SD: I’ll give him credit when he shows me that he deserves it. He’s done nothing in this match to justify being here.



Jerry maintains his grip as Banks gives another big effort to raise a chant for Tudor on the outside. The fans go with him and another ‘RJ… RJ… RJ’ chant goes up. Tudor finally manages to get his leg underneath him and push up, but Jerry is lightning-fast as he switches his grip, trapping the arms and looking to drop Tudor the Last Laugh, only for Tudor to free himself at the last second and spiral away. He turns back to Jerry, who kicks him in the gut and then takes him down again with a Russian leg-sweep. Jerry He then pushes Tudor into a seated position and locks in a chin-lock, trapping Tudor’s head at an awkward angle. Jerry maintains his hold again as Tudor tries to resist, and he tries to force Tudor to the ground, but Tudor manages to push himself back with his legs and rolls on top of Jerry for a cover.



One…

T-



Jerry releases his grip and Tudor springs up to his feet. As Jerry stands, Tudor looks for a spinning gut kick, but Jerry catches it and then lands a step-up enzeguiri. Tudor staggers into the corner and Jerry follows him in with a running dropkick, causing Tudor to steps out of the corner and allowing Jerry to grab a headlock and connect with a running bulldog. He makes a cover of his own.



One…

Two-



Tudor kicks out.



MW: RJ Tudor had a small hint of an opening there, but Jerry Bishop closed it off immediately.

SD: RJ Tudor has been in this ring for seven minutes and he hasn’t managed to land one single blow on our champion.

MW: But he hasn’t been pinned or submitted yet, so he still has time.

SD: Not much of it, I’d say.



Jerry pulls Tudor up and whips him into the corner. He takes a moment and then follows him in for a running dropkick, but Tudor just manages to get out of the way. Jerry lands on his back and Tudor handsprings off the ropes into a standing moonsault. He hooks the leg for the cover.



One…

Tw-



Jerry kicks out again. The fans begin to buzz as Tudor gets quickly to his feet and stalks Jerry, looking again for that spinning gut kick, only for Jerry to catch it again and force Tudor to the mat, stepping through the leg and dropping down into an STF. Tudor grimaces and reaches out for the ropes, which are close, as Jerry applies as much pressure as he can. After a few moments, Tudor reaches the bottom rope and the official forces Jerry to break the hold. Jerry pulls Tudor to his feet and towards the corner, where he steps up before delivering a tornado DDT and making a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Tudor kick out. Jerry stands and pushes himself up onto the middle turnbuckle as Tudor struggles to his feet. Tudor turns right into a second rope blockbuster. Jerry rolls away and then stands on the outside of the ring, waiting for Tudor to get to his feet again. As Tudor stands, Jerry springs up to the top rope and comes down, looking for a springboard forearm, only for Tudor to connect with a desperation dropkick to take Jerry out of mid-air!



MW: What a counter!

SD: That came from nowhere and even Jerry wasn’t expecting it.

MW: This could be the opening that RJ Tudor needs.

SD: Don’t be so sure. He’s got to be pretty worn down at this stage and Jerry is totally fresh. It gets him a breather, but that could be about all.

MW: Don’t count him out yet. We saw what Jackson Banks was capable of earlier tonight; could we be about to see what RJ Tudor has in his locker?



Tudor forces himself to his feet just before Jerry makes it to his. Tudor grabs Jerry from behind and traps his wrist, ripcording him. Jerry’s hands to go to his head, having seen Tudor’s ripcord hook kick, but Tudor instead lands a superkick to the gut and follows up with a famouser. He makes a cover, hooking both legs.



One…

Two…

T-



Jerry kicks out! Jackson Banks spins away on the outside and the fans begin to cheer as Tudor stands and stalks Jerry. Jerry gets to his feet as Tudor handsprings past him and comes back with a reverse DDT. He makes another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry kicks out again. Banks puts his hands to his head and the fans begin to really believe RJ Tudor could win this match. Another ‘RJ… RJ… RJ’ chant goes up and Tudor calls for it to get louder as he stalks Jerry again. He grabs Jerry from behind and looks to ripcord him again, but Jerry is ready, and he catches Tudor’s arm and wrings it before walking up the ropes and coming off with a rebound arm drag. Tudor gets shakily to his feet on the other side of the ring and Jerry runs at him, but Tudor manages to drop down and connect with a drop toe hold to leave Jerry hung up on the middle rope. Tudor then hits the opposite ropes and charges at Jerry before vaulting over the top rope landing on his feet and connecting with a superkick. Jerry drops back and Tudor steps up onto the apron. The fans cheer him on loudly as he springboards up and looks for the King’s Decree, but Jerry gets his knees up to block it. The air deflates out of Tudor as well as the arena.



MW: Damn it! I really thought he might have had him there.

SD: An impressive flurry from RJ Tudor, but not enough. Jerry Bishop is the champion for a reason and a kid like Tudor isn’t going to change that.

MW: But Jerry was hurt by that superkick, for sure. If RJ Tudor can capitalise-

SD: He won’t. Jerry is getting to his feet and I sense the end may be near for Tudor.



Both Tudor and Jerry make it to their feet and turn to one another. Tudor comes in quickly and aims a superkick at Jerry, but he ducks it easily and lands a rolling elbow to send Tudor into the corner. Jerry backs away and this time connects with a running dropkick, leaving Tudor on his knees. Jerry rolls under the bottom rope and connects with a slingshot DDT, making a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Tudor kicks out and the fans cheer loudly! Jerry gets to his feet, a hand on his head after that hard superkick, and he looks down at Tudor, who is crawling to the ropes to pull himself up. Jerry shakes his head and reaches down, only for Tudor to pull him into a small package.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Jerry just manages to escape as the fans hold their heads again. Both men scramble to their feet. Jerry looks for a step-up enzeguiri, but Tudor ducks it and, as Jerry gets back to his feet, he connects with a Pele kick. Jerry staggers backwards and Tudor hits the ropes, connecting with a dropkick to the knee. Jerry lands on all-fours and Tudor backs away before landing a Robinson special. He rolls under the ropes and stands on the apron, building up the noise of the fans as he stalks Jerry. With Jerry getting to his feet, Tudor leaps up onto the top rope and looks for Off With His Head, but Jerry dives forward at the last moment and knocks Tudor off balance. He lands hard in the ring.



MW: Jerry just managing to keep his title reign alive!

SD: Just? He knew what he was doing. He’s got this match under control, Watson.

MW: Don’t be so sure. A desperation move-

SD: Desperation? That was simply a counter. Do you think someone like RJ Tudor can disguise moves at his age and with his experience? Do you think Jerry isn’t ready to counter any big move Tudor possesses?

MW: Maybe-

SD: Maybe nothing. RJ Tudor is not winning this match. End of story.



Jerry stands and sees Tudor pushing himself up to his feet. Jerry waits behind him as Tudor turns. Jerry then kicks him in the gut and looks to trap his arms, but Tudor counters, positioning himself behind Jerry and ripcording him, leaping up and looking for a spike hurricanrana, only for Jerry to hold him up. Jerry then throws Tudor’s legs down to the mat and catches his upper body, trapping the arms and dropping him with Last Laugh. He rolls Tudor over for the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner and Still FPW Champion: Jerry Bishop (19:07).



SD: What did I say?

MW: Jerry Bishop does indeed retain the FPW Championship.

SD: As he always was going to do.



Jerry stands as Thalia Columbina emerges again at the top of the ramp, more boos greeting her.



“And your winner, and still THE FPW Champion… Jerrrrrrr-“



Thalia is cut off as ‘I Still Believe’ plays, leading to loud cheers from the fans and a look of shock and disgust from Jerry as he stands with the belt in his hands.



Aaron Williams steps through the curtain and yanks the mic from Thalia’s hands.



AW: Jerry… our years have been entwined. You’ve got the better of me for much of this year, but now that’s all about to change. We’re in the same Free-1 block and my message is simple… I’m coming for the block. I’m coming for the title. And most of all… I’m coming for you!”



Williams and Jerry stare one another down as the show fades to black.