Free-1 III Shows

[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 one and all back to the Free-1. We’ve completed four rounds of matches and the blocks are starting to take something close to their final shape. The opening matches of the fifth round tonight will see an A Block contender severely tested and a clash between two people who will believe they can still catch the leader of the B Block.

SD: Johnny California is the new favourite for the B Block in my opinion, but Berry Bishop could put herself right back in the mix with a win later tonight. But before that we have a match I’m really looking forward to.

MW: Kincaid and The Silent Assassin are two new additions to the FPW roster. The Silent Assassin had a positive start to the tournament with a dominant win over Jackson Banks before falling to Jerry Bishop, Bobby O and Aaron Williams. Kincaid lost a very good match against Aaron Williams but with victories over Thea Donovan, Jackson Banks and Danica Jane, he’s second in the block and just two points behind leader Jerry Bishop.

SD: The block standings would have you thinking that this would be an easy win for Kincaid, but I don’t see it that way. He may have four more points, but his schedule so far has been a lot easier than The Silent Assassin’s. I think this match will be very close between these two.

MW: Kincaid will know that he needs to be on top of his game to keep chasing down Jerry Bishop ahead of their match in the next round of matches. What does he have to do to win this match?

SD: I think he’s got the size to negate some of The Silent Assassin’s power and he’s got the experience to not be flustered by The Silent Assassin’s presence. He’ll come into this one in a confident mood but he’ll know he has to perform tonight.

MW: And how about The Silent Assassin? He can’t win the block, but I doubt he’ll be taking a night off.

SD: I’d expect him to come out firing. He’s had three losses against three of the best that FPW has to offer, and he’ll want to prove that he’s not just here to make up the numbers. I think he’ll wrestle similarly to how he has in the previous matches: a deliberate pace, using his power but also stringing some moves together when he wants to up the pace. He’ll want to get on top of Kincaid early on, and to be mindful of Kincaid’s ability to fight from underneath.

MW: And do you have a prediction?

SD: I’m going for a surprise win for The Silent Assassin. This could be the round that Jerry really pulls away and I think it starts tonight.

MW: Well here’s someone whose performances are never a surprise. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an A Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in second place in the block with six points thanks to wins over Thea Donovan, Jackson Banks and Danica Jane, being accompanied to the ring by Alyssa Kincaid from Bearing, Alberta, Canada, ‘The King of the North’… Kincaid!”



The lights dim as ‘Storm Eagle’ fills the arena. As the song kicks into life, Kincaid walks out onto the middle of the stage to a fairly good reception. He stares down at the ring to where Thea Donovan waits. Alyssa walks out and stands next to him, waving to the crowd and presenting him to the audience, many of whom continue to politely cheer. Kincaid makes his way down the ramp, his eyes still focussed on the ring as he holds out his arms to brush hands with fans. As he reaches the ring, hops up onto the apron and shares a few last words with Alyssa before raising his arms and slipping into the ring. He climbs up onto the middle rope and calls out to the fans, pointing to himself and promising victory before dropping down and stretching out.



“And his opponent, in seventh place in the block with two points after a victory over Jackson Banks, from Santa Cruz, Mexico, ‘The Silent Assassin’.



The lights go out and a low thunderous rumble fills the arena. ‘Run’ begins to play and the stage fills up with smoke. The hush around the arena is palpable as The Silent Assassin emerges among the smoke and stares down at Kincaid in the ring who looks back at him with an unimpressed gaze. He begins his walk down the ramp at a deliberate pace, his eyes remaining on the ring. He reaches the ring and circles it, keeping his eyes on Kincaid, who looks away and stretches out his left leg. The Silent Assassin then steps up onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle, a red spotlight shining down as he spreads his arms before dropping down into the ring. He stares down Kincaid, raising an arm slowly and pointing a finger gun at him, firing the gun just as the line ‘Run’ plays. More red spotlights come down and move wildly around the arena before the song quickly cuts off, as do the lights, leaving the arena momentarily black before the lights come back up and the fans clap in appreciation of the spectacle.



A Block: The Silent Assassin (2) vs. Kincaid (6):



The official calls for the bell and the two men step out from the corner, circling one another before coming into a lock-up. The Silent Assassin pushes Kincaid back a couple of steps before Kincaid digs in and resists. They jockey for position and The Silent Assassin just starts to gain an advantage when Kincaid breaks off the lock-up and ducks down, locking in a waistlock and lifting The Silent Assassin before dropping him to the canvas. He goes for The Silent Assassin’s left leg straight away, but The Silent Assassin kicks out at him with his right foot and Kincaid is forced back a step, The Silent Assassin rolling away and getting to his feet.



He and Kincaid circle one another again before Kincaid comes in and looks for a single-leg. The Silent Assassin resists for a moment before Kincaid forces him down and immediately looks to manipulate the knee joint. The Silent Assassin puts a hand into Kincaid’s face to block him from doing too much damage, but Kincaid keeps his grip on the leg. The two remain at a stalemate for a moment before The Silent Assassin lifts his other leg and Kincaid instantly takes it, stepping through and setting up a variety of figure-four leg-lock.



MW: Well I think we can see Kincaid’s plan here.

SD: A wise plan. The Silent Assassin maybe isn’t quite as technically sound as he is with other areas in the ring, and Kincaid is looking to take advantage of that.



The Silent Assassin pushes himself up and slides his body back into the ropes, grabbing the bottom rope and forcing the break. Kincaid breaks the hold but keeps hold of the left leg, pulling The Silent Assassin back into the middle of the ring and dropping an elbow on the inside of the knee. The Silent Assassin rolls away and Kincaid stands, pulling The Silent Assassin up and into an inverted atomic drop. The Silent Assassin backs away and Kincaid looks for a dropkick to the knee, but The Silent Assassin withdraws his leg and connects with a boot into the face as Kincaid sits on the mat.



The Silent Assassin flexes his leg before connecting with a European uppercut to stagger Kincaid. He scoops him up into a spinebuster and then rolls away, pushing himself to his feet and waiting for Kincaid to get up. Kincaid stands and turns into another European uppercut before The Silent Assassin forces Kincaid into the corner. He whips him across the ring and runs in with a big boot, but Kincaid dodges to the side and lands a hard kick to the left leg. The Silent Assassin turns and Kincaid pulls him by the wrist into a short-arm lariat. He makes a cover.



One…

Tw-



The Silent Assassin kicks out but Kincaid takes his leg straight away and locks in an ankle lock. The Silent Assassin pushes up and looks to get to the ropes again, but Kincaid drops down and grapevines the leg. The Silent Assassin continues to try and force himself to the ropes, but he struggles to push forward with all of Kincaid’s weight on his leg. Kincaid uses the time to torque the ankle harder, and The Silent Assassin grimaces in pain before catching the bottom rope.



MW: This plan from Kincaid working nicely at the moment.

SD: It is. He’ll weaken the leg, set him up for The Finishing Touch and will take away some of that speed and power too. That’s important not just for winning this match but also for making sure The Silent Assassin can’t build up a head of speed and hand Kincaid a loss that he isn’t expecting.



Kincaid breaks his grip and stands, pulling The Silent Assassin up with him. He folds up his lower leg and lifts him into a shinbreaker, but The Silent Assassin drives an elbow down onto the top of Kincaid’s head, freeing himself and backing away to create some space. Kincaid moves in an The Silent Assassin catches him into an overhead belly-to-belly. The Silent Assassin takes a moment to flex his leg again before pushing up and moving over to where Kincaid pulls himself up on the ropes. The Silent Assassin pulls him off the ropes into a German suplex and Kincaid rolls towards the corner.



The Silent Assassin moves in and climbs up the ropes, taking a moment longer than normal due to the work Kincaid has done on his knee. He comes down with a Vader bomb, only for Kincaid to get his knees up and pull The Silent Assassin into a small package.



One…

Two…

T-



The Silent Assassin forces his way out. Kincaid stands and stretches his neck after the German suplex, reaching down and pulling The Silent Assassin to his feet, hooking an arm over his head and looking for a bulldog. However, The Silent Assassin counters, pulling Kincaid up and countering with a blue thunder bomb. The Silent Assassin rolls away and takes a moment to flex his leg again before standing. He pauses and waits for Kincaid to get to his feet before hitting the ropes and taking him down with Killshot. He drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Kincaid kicks out. The Silent Assassin kneels over him for a minute and tosses his hair back, before standing.



MW: The Silent Assassin looks like his knee is bothering him, but that high-impact offence is still doing its damage to Kincaid.

SD: I don’t think it’s possible to totally keep The Silent Assassin down, but Kincaid has still slowed him down. He’ll have an opening I’m sure to get to the knee and it’ll be a good way back into this match for Kincaid.



The Silent Assassin pulls Kincaid to his feet and connects with a couple of European uppercuts before sending Kincaid into the ropes and popping him up for Crossed Out, driving him hard into the mat and making another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Kincaid kicks out. The Silent Assassin stands and pulls Kincaid up quickly, hooking an arm over his head as he looks for Silencer. Kincaid, however, lands a hard kick to the inside of the left knee and slips out of The Silent Assassin’s grip, taking him down with a backstabber before rolling away and shaking off the damage done. Kincaid stands and pulls The Silent Assassin up, catching the leg and taking him down with a dragon screw leg whip. The Silent Assassin drops to the mat and Kincaid grabs the legs, looking to set up The Finishing Touch, but The Silent Assassin manages to pull him towards him and connect with a right hand.



The Silent Assassin pushes up to his feet but Kincaid comes in with a flying forearm to take The Silent Assassin back down again. He stalks The Silent Assassin before taking him down with a hard clothesline. The Silent Assassin quickly gets back to his feet and Kincaid takes him down with another. Kincaid pulls The Silent Assassin to his feet and sends him into the corner, coming in with a big leaping splash, only for The Silent Assassin to step aside and send Kincaid into the top turnbuckle.



MW: A big miss there from Kincaid.

SD: That’s the problem with well-known combinations. When you go to the well a few times, it becomes much easier to avoid it and counter and Kincaid has fallen victim there.



Kincaid reels away and The Silent Assassin lifts him into a hard urinage suplex. The Silent Assassin steps through the ropes and stalks Kincaid, who slowly pushes himself up to his feet. As he turns, The Silent Assassin leaps up for a springboard knee strike, but his leg almost gives out on the top rope and he hesitates before coming down, Kincaid able to step aside and pull The Silent Assassin onto his shoulders before dropping him with The Red River Crossing. He holds for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



The Silent Assassin just manages to kick out. Kincaid gets to his feet and drags The Silent Assassin up with him. He lands a couple of chops to the chest before kicking him in the gut and setting him up for a powerbomb. However, The Silent Assassin slips over Kincaid’s head and lands on the mat, his leg giving slightly, allowing Kincaid to quickly turn and pull The Silent Assassin into The Llewelyn Lift. He rolls aside and stalks The Silent Assassin, waiting for him to stand before taking him down with a lariat. The Silent Assassin gets to his feet and Kincaid takes him down with another before hoisting him up and sending him into the corner and following him in with a leaping splash. The Silent Assassin staggers out of the corner and Kincaid takes him down with The Flying Lariat. Kincaid then rolls under the bottom rope and climbs to the top, leaping down with From On High, only for The Silent Assassin to barely roll out of the way.



MW: That was a hard landing!

SD: Great ring awareness from The Silent Assassin to avoid From On High. But he’s been slowed down quite a big by the leg work from Kincaid and there has to be questions about whether he can string together enough offence on a bad leg.



The Silent Assassin and Kincaid both slowly push themselves to their feet and then turn to one another. The Silent Assassin connects with a European uppercut and Kincaid responds with a chop to the chest. The two exchange a few strikes before The Silent Assassin manages to duck under a chop and he lifts Kincaid into a spinning Samoan drop. He holds for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Kincaid gets a shoulder up, Alyssa banging the apron and calling out for Kincaid to get up. The Silent Assassin stands, tossing his hair back before pulling Kincaid to his feet and hooking an arm over him. He sets him up for Silencer, but staggers a step and Kincaid manages to come down behind The Silent Assassin. He kicks out the leg and then connects with a Big Fat Kill from behind. Kincaid rolls The Silent Assassin over and looks to set him up with The Finishing Touch. The Silent Assassin resists and manages to pull Kincaid down into a small package before rolling through and pushing up with some difficulty. He hoists Kincaid up and slingshots him off the top rope into Silencer. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: The Silent Assassin (17:31).



MW: What a win for The Silent Assassin!

SD: I called it! Kincaid pushed him hard and really tested his mettle with the work on the leg, but The Silent Assassin came through and managed to connect with Silencer- what a powerful move, by the way- to put Kincaid away and severely weaken his chances of winning the block.

MW: Kincaid could find himself four points off the leader with two matches remaining, although he would of course still have a match with Jerry, so a block win isn’t out of the question, but it is now highly unlikely.

SD: And The Silent Assassin does his chances of pushing up the block no harm at all with that win. He has two winnable matches coming up and I’m sure he’ll be confident of ending on eight points.



The Silent Assassin kneels over Kincaid for a moment before tossing his hair back and standing. The official raises his hand as a spotlight shines down on him. All of a sudden, it shuts off, and, when it comes back on, The Silent Assassin has left the ring.



MW: And now let’s shift our focus over to the B Block, where our two competitors tonight are still in the mix as we come to the last few matches.

SD: I’ve made clear that I think Johnny California is the favourite for the block. He’s a point behind an injured Marcus Allen Jones and level on points with a slightly-less-injured Jace Mason, who he’s still going to face. I think he can win this block. But Berry Bishop is just two points behind him and will level up with a win tonight. Berry may be three off Marcus, who has the tie-breaker over her, but a good run in her last three matches and she could be the one representing this block in the final.

MW: This match sees two afficionados of the kick facing off. How will one gain an advantage over the other?

SD: I think California will feel he has a slight advantage in that he perhaps has a slightly wider range of kicks. He’ll be looking to dominate with his kicks and not let Berry get into a rhythm. I don’t think we’ll see him try a quick win like he did so successfully against MDE and against Artemis Evans. Berry, however, I’d like to see some technical skills come to the fore. She knows she can out-wrestle Johnny California, and she has shown some of those skills in her earlier matches, so I think she might be looking to go that way.

MW: The fans will surely be behind Berry tonight, which will give her a boost, but how much of a difference do you think that will make to this match?

SD: I don’t think it makes much difference. Johnny California is used to being booed and it won’t bother him. If anything, it might have made it harder for him against Artemis Evans that the fans didn’t get behind either of them. Berry likes to get a good reaction, but I don’t think it’ll be a big advantage to her.

MW: Well, here’s someone who always gets a good reaction. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in fourth place in the block with four points after wins over Botiatus and Russ Bolt, from New Haven, Connecticut, it’s ‘The Bombshell’… Berry Bishop!”



‘The Entertainer’ begins to play and Berry comes through the curtain to a loud cheer. She drops into an exaggerated bow at the top of the ramp and plays along to the music as she stands and looks out at the crowd. She rearranges her Tag Team Championship at her waist before hopscotching down the ramp. She reaches the bottom of the ramp and slaps a few hands before playing the ring apron and somersaulting over the rope, landing with a bow and a wink before she stands and embraces Dasha Banks before stepping back and sharing a smile with her. The music dies down and a ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant breaks out. Berry nods and looks into a camera.



“This one’s for you, Friendmigo,” she calls out.



“And her opponent, in second place in the block with six points gained from victories over MDE, Russ Bolt and Artemis Evans, from The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, he wishes to be introduced as ‘The Influential, the Controversial and the Unforgettable’, ‘The Mould-Breaker’ and ‘The Man Behind the Mask’… this is Johnny California.”



‘Losing My Religion’ hits the speaks and the fans boo loudly. As the lyrics hit, California steps through the curtain, guitar resting on his shoulder, quietly singing along to himself. He looks around at the crowd as they continue to boo him, taking in the boos before making his way down the ramp. He stares straight ahead to the ring, continuing to sing along to the song and ignoring the fans as they boo him. He props his guitar against the steps and climbs onto the apron before stepping into the ring, singing along to himself as he wanders over to the corner. He adjusts his gear and rests against the ropes and, as the music fades out, he brings his eyes up to Berry, a look of focus on his face which she returns.



B Block: Berry Bishop (4) vs. Johnny California (6):



The bell rings and Berry moves forward quickly, calling California to join her. He rests in the corner and looks at her for a moment before holding up a hand. He opens his mouth to speak but Berry quickly moves in and kicks the hand away before landing a flurry of kicks to his legs which sit him down in the corner. She backs up a few steps and comes in with a running knee strike. She reels away and goes to come back in again only for California to roll under the bottom rope, holding his mouth as he tells the official to give him a minute.



MW: Berry Bishop clearly in no mood to play games with Johnny California.

SD: Which makes a change for someone like Berry, who, as we know, loves games.

MW: Be serious, Steven.

SD: Come on… that was funny. Anyway, she sees Johnny California as someone who took away a link to the Friendmigos when he kicked Super Che Junior in the face like he did. I doubt she thinks anyone has really got revenge for that yet- who else would try other than her? She wants to punish him for it.



California moves around the side of the ring as the fans boo him loudly. He turns to them and yells to give him time when Berry steps through the ropes and he snaps into a roundhouse kick before she can drop off the apron. He shoves her back into the ring and slides in after her, landing a few stomps before pulling her up and throwing her into the corner. He moves in and lands his own flurry of kicks to the legs before whipping her across to the opposite corner. He follows her in and connects with a step-up enzeguiri, and, when she staggers out and drops to her knees, he connects with a dropkick to the back of her head and rolls her into a cover.



One…

Two-



The fans cheer as Berry kicks out. California stands and waits for her to start getting up, landing a few kicks to the chest, back and legs as she does. As she stands, he hits the ropes and looks to come back with a Yakuza kick, but Berry ducks it. She pulls California into a waistlock and lifts him before dropping him to the mat. However, instead of dropping onto him, she unleashes a few kicks to the ribs and, as he pushes up, to his back. Berry then pulls him up and into an exploder suplex, rolling into a cover.



One…

Two-



California kicks out.



MW: This seems to be a very focussed Berry.

SD: She struggled with that in the Marcus match but she’s really snapped into focus here. I’m sure she and Botiatus will have been working on developing her killer instinct in training.



Berry stands and pulls California to his feet, sending him into the corner again. She follows him in with a high knee and then pulls him out, looking for a Northern Lights suplex, but California drives a knee up into her sternum and shoves her away. He catches an attempted kick to the gut and spins Berry around into a jumping DDT. He pauses for a moment before rolling her into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Berry kicks out. California stands and pulls Berry back to her feet, driving a knee into her gut and then taking her down with a fameasser. He rolls her over for another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Berry kicks out again. California pushes up and stomps repeatedly on Berry’s chest, forcing her to back up into the corner. He continues to stomp hard on her before landing a few facewashes and then backing away, connecting with a running facewash. Berry rolls out of the corner and raises a hand to her face, but California keeps on her, pulling her to her feet and throwing her into the corner. He comes in with a Yakuza kick and Berry drops down to the mat.



MW: Johnny California seems to be meeting Berry’s aggression with some of his own.

SD: This is a really intense match. Berry may be projecting a little here, I think, but that’s a separate issue. Johnny California is taking it to Berry here and we’ll see if she can deal with it.



California pushes up onto the top rope and stalks Berry for a moment before coming down with a double stomp, but Berry rolls out of the way. California hits the mat and rolls through, turning back as Berry pushes to her feet. He comes at her with a lariat, but Berry ducks it, leaping onto the middle rope for a disaster kick, but California performs a Matrix escape and Berry hits the mat. She also manages to roll through and push to her feet and she and California land simultaneous roundhouse kicks, each of them staggering and then dropping to the mat. The fans cheer and another ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant breaks out.



Berry and California each begin to push to their feet, Berry getting there just before California does. Berry aims a sudden Checkmate but California just dodges, stepping back and then dropping to the mat, holding his knee. Berry hesitates for a moment, her eyes full of uncertainty. The official moves in and she backs away, allowing him to check California over.



MW: I’m not sure if this is a legitimate injury or if Johnny California has seen Berry’s match with Marcus.

SD: If it’s a ploy, then it’s genius. He knows Berry doesn’t want to attack an injured man and he’s using this to catch his breath. Or he might be injured. We don’t know.



The official stands and moves away from California and Berry slowly moves towards him. He holds a hand out and shakes his head, clutching at the knee. Berry looks concerned and comes in closer, only for California to suddenly reach up and pull her into a small package, the fans booing loudly.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Berry just manages to kick out, and the fans cheer as she pushes to her feet alongside California. California runs at her for a Last Kiss, but Berry snaps into Checkmate to take him out of the air. She drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Berry Bishop (10:32).



Berry stands and has her arm raised, a serious look on her face as she looks down at Johnny California. She nods to herself before turning to the fans and thanking them, bowing deeply as they stand and cheer for her.



MW: Well, Berry Bishop closes things up once again in the B Block. She joins Johnny California and Jace Mason in moving one point away from Marcus Allen Jones at the top of the block.

SD: And this block is really living up to the billing. It was supposed to be tough to predict and it really is. Berry has two really tough matches to come against MDE and Artemis Evans, both of whom she has history with, and I can’t say she’s favourite for the block with those two matches to come, but she’s right up there now.

MW: Well, tomorrow Aaron Williams tries to draw level with Jerry Bishop as he faces Jackson Banks and Artemis Evans takes on MDE as she tries to draw level with Berry, California and Mason, while MDE looks for his first Fre-1 III points. Join us for what could be two very interesting matches.

[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 back to Free-1 III. We have another two big matches for you tonight as Aaron Williams looks to continue the pursuit of Jerry Bishop in the A Block and Artemis Evans looks to continue her pursuit of… well, a lot of people, in the B Block.

SD: It’s two matches with similar dynamics tonight. Two contenders and two guys who have no points at all so far. Jackson Banks maybe expectedly, but MDE not so much.

MW: We’ll get into Evans and MDE later tonight, but let’s focus on the A Block and on Aaron Williams. He’s won three matches so far, against Danica Jane, Kincaid and The Silent Assassin, with his only loss coming via a distraction and a low blow from Thea Donovan. How has Aaron Williams’ Free-1 been so far in your opinion?

SD: I think he’s done well. He hasn’t had quite the spectacular matches that he had last year, but this block isn’t set up for that. Saying that, his matches against Kincaid and The Silent Assassin were excellent matches. However, he’s picking up points in a way he didn’t do last year. A lot of people said he was the breakout star of Free-1 II, but he finished bottom of the block, albeit only two points off Jace Mason in first. This year, he’s mixed good matches with looking after himself a little more and with picking up points. A win tonight keeps him level with Jerry Bishop and means that, whatever Jerry does, defeating Bobby and Jerry in his last two matches would give Williams the block.

MW: So is tonight’s match with Jackson Banks a potential banana-skin?

SD: I don’t think so. Williams spoke after his last match and seemed very focussed. He knows that Jackson Banks will be desperate for a win, but he’ll be determined not to let that win come at his expense. I think Williams will just look to get the job done in this one and move onto Bobby and Jerry- probably his two biggest matches of the year.

MW: That Bobby match coming up could be huge given both could still be in position to win this block by the time it gets to them. But that’s not now. You say Williams will look to just ‘get the job done’. How will he do that tonight?

SD: I think he just has to wrestle a normal match. The fast-pace will suit them both, but Aaron Williams has been doing it for longer than Jackson Banks and he knows how to control the pace better than Banks does. We saw against Jerry that Banks put on a burst in the middle of the match but couldn’t capitalise and Jerry just slid back into control, winning fairly comfortably. I’d expect Banks to get a bit more offence in this match due to Williams’ pace, but I think Williams should be able to keep that under control and find plenty of openings.

MW: Here’s someone who’s always under control. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an A Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in last place in the block with zero points, being accompanied to the ring by RJ Tudor, from Brooklyn, New York, he is ‘The King of the Ropes’, Jackson Banks!”



‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ begins and the fans cheer as the usual fast-paced highlights of Revolution-X flash across the screen. As ‘Now I’m in Town’ hits, Banks bursts through the curtain and charges across the stage to both sides of the fans, pumping them up. RJ Tudor comes out behind him and watches, letting Banks take the attention. Banks turns to Tudor and nods before the two of them bounce down the ramp, slapping hands with fans and continuing to pump up the crowd, who respond well to them. Banks reaches the bottom of the ramp and climbs onto the apron before springboarding onto the top rope and walking to the turnbuckle, turning and continuing to walk the rope. He walks all four before bouncing down onto the middle rope and then back up again, backflipping back into the ring and pumping up the cheers of the crowd even further.



MW: Jackson Banks still popular despite the losses he’s suffered.

SD: These people always did like the lovable loser. Listen to your FPW Champion and you’ll be aware of that.



“And his opponent, in third place in the block with six points from wins over Danica Jane, Kincaid and The Silent Assassin, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



After a short pause to build the cheers from the fans, ‘I Still Believe’ kicks in and the fans sing along loudly. Williams comes straight through the curtain to a loud cheer and he leads the song from the stage, moving from one side to the other and pumping up the volume. He makes his way down the ramp, still singing along loudly, and slapping hands on both sides of the aisle. He reaches the bottom of the ramp and moves around the ring, continuing to slap hands until he gets to a young fan, for whom he pulls out a marker. The fan writes ‘Go easy on him!’ and Williams laughs, taking off his t-shirt and handing it to the fan before sliding into the ring. He shakes hands with Dasha and the official before settling in the corner.



A Block: Jackson Banks (0) vs. Aaron Williams (6):



The official calls for the bell and Williams steps forward, offering Banks his hand. Banks comes in and shakes it before the two circle one another and lock-up. Williams quickly locks in a headlock but Banks forces him into the ropes and shoves him across the ring. Williams rebounds and Banks comes in with a running shoulder tackle to take Williams down. Williams, however, kips straight back up and hits the ropes, Banks ducking under a running clothesline and rolling through, springing up onto the middle rope for a quebrada, but Williams moves aside and Banks lands on his feet. Williams hits the ropes again and Banks leapfrogs him, before dropping onto his back. Williams leaps over him and rolls through as Banks kips up and the two of them each attempt dropkicks, landing on the mat and eyeing one another as the fans cheer loudly for the opening sequence.



MW: Well, you said it would be fast-paced.

SD: And I’m sure it’ll continue just like this!



They stand and nod to one another before locking-up again, Williams working Banks back towards the corner. As soon as Banks’ back touches the turnbuckles, Williams takes his wrist and sends him across the ring into the opposite corner, following in with a big splash, but Banks steps up onto the middle rope and then the top rope, walking away to avoid it. Williams stops himself but he’s caught as Banks comes down into a flying headscissors. Banks follows up with a standing shooting star press and he holds for a cover.



One…

Two-



Williams kicks out. Banks stands and pulls Williams with him. He wrings his arm and steps back onto the middle rope before stepping onto the top rope and walking across it. Williams, however, shakes his head and he steps up onto the middle and then the top rope as well. For a moment, both of them teeter but they manage to keep their balance, the fans cheering in awe. Williams connects with a forearm to rock Banks, who responds in kind, and the two of them exchange for a moment before Banks ducks one and leaps up into a hurricanrana! He rolls over to make another cover as the fans stand and applaud.



One…

Two…

Th-



Williams kicks out again. Banks scrambles up to his feet and steps through the ropes, stalking Williams as he pushes to his feet, shaking off the flurry of offence from Banks. Banks leaps up onto the top rope and looks to come down with a springboard senton, but Williams catches him. Banks looks panicked for a moment before Williams brings him down with a powerbomb backbreaker. Banks rolls away, holding his back, and Williams stands, the fans still cheering loudly.



MW: I’ve never seen a match start like this before!

SD: Me neither. These fans are loving it.

MW: So am I!



Williams moves over to Banks and pulls him to his feet, landing a mid-kick to send him back into the corner. Williams whips him across the ring again and comes in for another big splash, but Banks leaps up and over him. Williams stops himself before he can crash into the turnbuckles and Banks hits the ropes, running at Williams and leaping up for a flying headscissors. Williams catches him and pushes him over his shoulders, but Banks springs onto the middle rope, catching himself and stepping up onto the top rope before coming down with a DDT. He rolls Williams over for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams forces a shoulder up. Banks stands and the fans cheer him loudly. He steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top, stalking Williams. As Williams stands and turns, Banks comes down with a shooting star crossbody, but Williams somehow manages to counter into a DDT. Both men roll over and lie panting on the mat for a moment as the fans continue to cheer loudly. Williams forces himself to his feet as Banks gets to a knee and he begins to unleash a few kicks to the chest before pulling him up and into position for a suplex. He lifts him and then drives him down into a brainbuster to the knee. Williams makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Banks kicks out. Williams wastes little time in pulling him up and sending him into the corner, following with a big splash that this time connects. He charges back and comes in with another and another, the fans cheering loudly as Williams connects with more splashes. After the fifth, Banks drops to a seated position and Williams backs away before coming in with a hard cannonball. Banks rolls out of the corner and Williams steps up onto the top rope, coming down with a swan-ton bomb and holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Banks kicks out.



MW: These fans seem happy to see this match continuing.

SD: We’ve seen some fast-paced matches in the past- I’m thinking the likes of Graham Baker versus James Saturn in the first Young Lions’ Cup, Aaron Williams versus Marcus Allen Jones in Free-1 II- but this might be the fastest of them all. What a spectacle!



Williams stands and lifts Banks with him. He traps his head and looks to hook the arms around the legs for A Triple Plus, but Banks manages to free the arms and he shoves Williams away before landing a couple of forearms. Williams staggers back and Banks connects with a step-up enzeguiri before rolling under the bottom rope and connecting with a springboard blockbuster. He rolls under the rope again and climbs to the top rope, looking down at Williams before leaping up, turning in mid-air, and connecting with a split-legged corkscrew moonsault. He holds for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Williams kicks out. The fans gasp and RJ Tudor reels away with his hands on his head before coming back and banging the mat. Banks stands and pulls Aaron Williams to his feet. He wrings the arm and backs into the corner, stepping onto the middle rope again before walking onto the top rope and coming down with a Rope-KO, only for Williams to catch him, hold him up for a moment, and then take him down with a deadlift German suplex. Williams rolls away and takes a moment to get to his feet before coming back to Banks and helping him back up. He lifts him into a suplex position and dumps him over the top rope before backing into the corner and pushing up to the top. He looks down at Banks and comes down with a 450-splash to send them both crashing to the canvas. As they lie there, the fans stand and applaud once again.



MW: This really is a phenomenal match.

SD: I thought Jackson Banks might get some more offence in than he did against Jerry but I didn’t expect it to be like this. Aaron Williams is in the ascendency right now, but Jackson Banks has come close to putting him away more than once.



Williams rolls over and pushes up to his feet. He moves over to Banks and pulls his head into position, hooking his arms around his legs and lifting him, but Banks somehow continues to lift himself, freeing his legs as he does so and pulling Williams into a hurricanrana, hooking both legs for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams just kicks out. Both men scramble to their feet and Williams catches Banks with another mid-kick. Banks staggers back and Williams moves in, but Banks ducks the mid kick and springs onto middle rope, coming back at Williams with a springboard back-elbow. Williams staggers back into the ropes and Banks pushes up, coming at him for The Banks Job, which Williams just manages to duck under. Williams kicks Banks in the gut, trapping his head and hooking his arms and legs before finally connecting with A Triple Plus. He rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Aaron Williams (13:18).



MW: What a match!

SD: That type of match may not be for everyone, and I must admit I prefer to see a bit more mat wrestling in a match myself, but you can’t complain about the excitement levels. That might be the most I’ve heard this crowd cheer in this entire tournament.

MW: Well whatever people think of the match, they have to admire Aaron Williams. He moves onto eight points, level with Jerry Bishop who’s in action tomorrow, and he keeps up the charge for winning the A Block and the entire Free-1 tournament.



Williams stands and looks out at the cheering crowd with a smile. He reaches down and grabs Jackson Banks by the hand, helping him to his feet. He gives him a nod before raising his arm and pointing to him, the fans cheering him loudly. RJ Tudor enters the ring and Williams shakes his hand, patting the two men on the back before they step out of the ring. Williams steps up onto the top rope and celebrates for the fans, nodding his head as they chant ‘Free-1 Wi-nner’.



MW: That was a remarkable match, and now, as they say, for something completely different.

SD: This won’t be a fast-paced high-flying masterclass. This will be much grittier and much more technical.

MW: The last match was all about Aaron Williams’ pursuit of Jerry Bishop. This match is all about Artemis Evans chasing the top of the B Block.

SD: Yes and no. Jackson Banks losing all of those matches wasn’t really a surprise. MDE losing all of his has been. He’ll be desperate- and I mean absolutely desperate- to get a win. But he can’t win this block anymore. Artemis Evans can so in terms of the block, yes, it’s all about her.

MW: You’ve said this will be a more technical match. What do you expect to see?

SD: I think MDE will be looking to keep things grounded. Evans is a decent technician but she’s not in MDE’s league. Evans will be looking to avoid being drawn into prolonged technical exchanges and to just focus on staying on top of MDE.

MW: Artemis Evans has two tough matches coming up against Marcus Allen Jones and Berry Bishop, so she won’t want to let MDE soften up a joint tonight, I guess?

SD: Certainly not. She’ll see herself with an advantage over Marcus because of the knee and won’t want to give him anything to zero in on. Evans will need to avoid being caught in holds and letting MDE work over the shoulder like he did in his rather embarrassing loss to Russ Bolt.

MW: Let’s just talk about that loss a moment. How will that impact MDE in this match?

SD: I think it’s an embarrassing loss for a former FPW Champion like MDE. He’ll be desperate to prove that he’s as good as he says he is by ending this tournament with some strong performances. He can pick up six points from his next three matches, and I think he’ll push himself as hard as he can to make sure he does that.

MW: Someone else who always pushes herself is Dasha Banks. Let’s get to her now.



“The following contest is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in last place in the block with no points, zero points, after losses to Johnny California, Marcus Allen Jones, Botiatus and Russ Bolt, from Plymouth, England, he wishes to be known as Simply Great but… MDE.”



MW: She seems to be enjoying this.

SD: I’m not sure I’d keep poking the bear like she is. I know he’s been targeting-

MW: Some would say bullying.

SD: I know that’s been going on for quite a while now, but I don’t think it’s wise. Stay professional, Dasha.



‘Dance of the Knights’ begins and the fans boo once again. MDE steps onto the stage and looks out at the arena, giving a slight smirk before looking down at the ring and giving Dasha a stare. MDE then begins his usual deliberate walk down the ramp and the fans continue to boo him, some reaching out to grab at him while others poke fun at his Free-1 record, but he completely ignores them. He reaches the ring and steps up the steps, through the ropes and into the ring, where he moves threateningly over to Dasha, who gives him a look before stepping back out of the ring, MDE maintaining his stare down at her as the music stops.



“And… and his opponent, in fifth place in the block with four points after victories over Jace Mason and Johnny California, representing The Queendom, from Manchester, England, this is ‘The Glory Huntress’… Artemis Evans.”



Fans boo as the word ‘Checkmate’ rings out around the arena. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Evans walks through the curtain, smirking at the crowd as they continue to boo. She spreads her arms and tilts her head back as pyro explodes around her before walking down the ramp, trash talking the fans on her way. She reaches the bottom of the ramp and moves around to the side of the ring before she climbs onto the apron and jumps over the top rope. Evans moves across the ring, climbing to the second turnbuckle and tilting her head back, extending her arms again as the fans continue to boo her loudly. She drops down and MDE turns away from Dasha to face her, the fans continuing to boo both of them.



B Block: MDE (0) vs. Artemis Evans (4):



The bell rings and MDE and Evans move forward, locking-up quickly. MDE locks in a headlock and Evans drops down to a knee straight away. She drives her elbow into MDE’s gut and forces her way out of his grip, standing quickly and pulling him into a waistlock. MDE performs a standing switch and lifts Evans before dropping her to the mat. He looks to take her arm, but she pulls it under her body, so MDE shifts position and locks in a front facelock, putting all of his body weight down on Evans to keep her grounded. She tries to push up but can’t gain any ground , instead stretching out her foot towards the bottom rope, but she can’t reach that either. MDE maintains his grip as Evans continues to struggle to find a way to escape.



MW: Not the start Artemis Evans will have wanted.

SD: And you could see her desperation not to get into this kind of situation, but MDE managed to get there anyway. There’s nobody better at this stage of a match than he is.



Evans manages to work her left leg under her body and she uses it to help her push up a little, getting her other leg under and pushing up further onto her feet. MDE shifts into a gutwrench grip, but Evans elbows her way out again and drives a knee into his gut, backing away and taking MDE down with an axe kick. She quickly rolls him over for a cover.



One-



MDE is quick to kick out. He looks to get to his feet but Evans catches him with a forearm before pulling him into a snap DDT. She rolls him over for another cover.



One…

Two-



MDE kicks out again. Evans stands and pulls him to his feet, trapping his head and hooking his arms for a butterfly suplex, but MDE counters into a double leg and takes her to the mat. Evans manages to counter by wrapping her legs around him and hooking an arm over his head for a guillotine, which MDE resists by pushing up on the mat. He gets his legs under him and pushes to his feet, but Evans quickly switches her grip and pulls him up into a brainbuster. She makes a cover again.



One…

Two…

T-



MDE kicks out for the third time. Evans stands and stalks him, waiting for MDE to get to his feet. As he turns, she spins into a discus forearm, only for MDE to catch her around the waist and pull her in for a belly-to-belly. She rolls towards the ropes and he follows her, pulling her up and into a snap suplex before floating over into a cover, driving a forearm into her face.



One…

Two-



Evans kicks out.



MW: This is another match with a lot of covers.

SD: Evans knows that she needs to get out of this match without an injury and MDE wants to get some points. I can see why they’re looking for a quicker win in this one.



MDE tries to take Evans’ arm, but again she pulls it into her body. He looks to work it free but she refuses to let him take it, repositioning herself into the ropes and forcing him to move away. MDE instead pulls Evans to her feet and looks for a German suplex, but Evans lands a series of elbows to force him to break his grip. He reels away and Evans hits the ropes, taking him down with a spinning wheel kick. Evans then waits for MDE to get to his feet before handspringing and looking for a back elbow, but MDE catches her arm and leaps up, taking her into a cross arm-breaker. Evans scrambles towards the ropes but MDE switches his grip, stepping through into a more traditional armbar.



Evans grimaces and tries to walk her feet around to the ropes, but MDE shifts his position and blocks her legs from moving before taking them and bending them back, getting his knees behind Evans and rolling back, one hand under her chin and the other pulling back on her legs as his knees drive into her back. Evans grunts with the pain before feeling around with her hand and managing to find MDE’s eye, jamming a finger into it. His grip loosens and Evans rolls away under the bottom rope. MDE sits up and looks at her before standing and moving towards the ropes. Evans throws a couple of forearms at MDE to stagger him and then she pulls him through the ropes before dropping him with an inverted STO on the apron. Evans shoves MDE back into the ring and follows him, making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



MDE kicks out.



MW: That could have take out a couple of teeth.

SD: We all know that it’s the hardest part of the ring, blah, blah, blah, but that’s going to do a lot of damage.



Evans rolls away from MDE and pushes herself up, setting herself in the corner to stalk MDE. As he stands and turns, she comes in for a silver bullet knee strike, but he steps aside and she drops to the mat. He looks to move in quickly, but staggers a step and catch quite catch Evans before she rolls away. He ends up on a knee and Evans catches him with a hard kick to the back of the head. She then backs away as he stands before coming in with a discus forearm to the back of the head. MDE drops to the mat and Evans climbs up to the top rope. With MDE lying on his front, Evans comes down with a moonsault. She rolls him over for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



MDE kicks out. Evans pushes up to her knees, stretching out her back, and she pulls MDE up. She sets him in position for Guillotine Strike, but he drops down and pulls Evans to the mat with his legs. He then makes a quick transition into a Boston crab, sitting down as far as he can and bending Evans’ lower back at a harsh angle. Evans grimaces and reaches out for the ropes, but she’s quite a way away. MDE sits down further and Evans cries out, trying to push up towards the ropes but MDE doesn’t let her. She starts to wriggle herself between the legs but MDE merely steps forward, not allowing her to escape that way. However, this allows Evans to push up for a moment and she does reach back between MDE’s legs and just catches the bottom rope.



MW: Evans just escaping there.

SD: She forces MDE to move her nearer the ropes and she took advantage of that. Clever from Evans, although she’ll be a little worried about her lower back at the moment I’d think.



MDE breaks the hold but he pulls Evans up and drives a forearm into her back before grabbing a waistlock and pulling Evans towards the corner. He lifts her and drives her into the turnbuckles with a German suplex, Evans dropping to the mat and arching her back. MDE is quick to drag her out of the corner and he looks to lock her into a Boston crab again, but Evans reaches up and jams a thumb into his eye. MDE reels back and Evans pushes up to her feet, quickly sitting up onto the middle rope and then coming down with a missile dropkick.



Evans holds her back as she lands but she pushes through it, stalking MDE as he gets to his feet and coming in with a silver bullet knee strike. MDE collapses to the mat but Evans holds her back, unable to capitalise with an immediate cover. She rolls towards MDE but he uses the time to roll to the ropes, ensuring Evans can’t cover him. She pushes up to a knee and then to her feet, reaching down and pulling MDE up. She looks to set him in position for Guillotine Strike again but again he drops down and wraps his legs around her, trying to force her to the mat. Evans resists, leaping up and connecting with a vicious standing double stomp to MDE’s stomach before dropping into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



MDE gets a shoulder up.



MW: Evans is showing some aggression in this match.

SD: It’s the right thing to do. She knows she can’t just try and go hold-for-hold with MDE so she’s trying to slow her down and is making sure she gets her shots in. The inverted STO slowed him down because of a blow to the head and that double stomp will surely soften him up and give him something to worry about too.



Evans stands and pulls MDE up with her. She forces him into the corner and hauls him onto the top rope. She climbs after him and connects with a couple of forearms before setting him up for an avalanche butterfly suplex. However, MDE grabs her legs and forces her down almost into a Styles Clash position. He leaps off the top rope and lands on his feet, Evans automatically in a Boston crab. He sits down as low as he can, but he’s landed close enough to the ropes for Evans to reach out and break the hold. The official forces MDE to break and he releases his grip, staggering forward a couple of steps before turning back to Evans.



She rests against the turnbuckles and MDE moves in, pulling her out of the corner and gripping her around the waist. He lifts her and drops her over his knee for a gutbuster before transitioning immediately into a gutwrench suplex. He floats over and hauls her up into a gutwrench powerbomb, but Evans counters with a hurricanrana. She crawls towards the ropes as MDE scrambles to his feet and moves back in towards her. He reaches down to pull her out of the corner and she jams a finger up into his eye. He reels back and she quickly pulls him in, connecting with Guillotine Strike. She makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Artemis Evans (16:58).



MW: And Evans picks up a vital victory.

SD: It is a huge victory for Artemis Evans and brings her right back into the mix in the B Block.

MW: She suffered in that match, but she did enough to get the win.

SD: She did. MDE damaged her back and looked to have her in position for the Triple Gutwrench, but Evans used her intelligence to sucker him in and set him up for Guillotine Strike. And after that, it was all over.

MW: And now we have Marcus Allen Jones at the top of the B Block with seven points and Jace Mason, Johnny California, Berry Bishop and Artemis Evans just one point behind. Marcus faces Botiatus tomorrow, and a Botiatus win would set him up a point behind that chasing pack too.

SD: This block promised so much and it’s living up to that promise for sure.



Evans stands and has her arm raised before stepping up onto the middle turnbuckle, extending her arms and tilting her head back, the fans booing her. She looks down into the camera and points into it. “I’m coming for you and that knee, Jones.”



MW: Well, we see Marcus and that knee tomorrow against Botiatus as well as FPW Champion Jerry Bishop facing Artemis Evans’ teammate Thea Donovan. I cannot wait for those matches and I look forward to joining you all tomorrow.

[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 back to FPW and welcome back to Free-1 III. Tonight both block leaders are in action in crucial matches.

SD: Crucial is right. In the A Block, Jerry Bishop needs the win to pull back ahead of Aaron Williams after Williams’ victory over Jackson Banks last night drew him level. In the B Block, Marcus Allen Jones could go three points clear of several others if he defeats Botiatus or Botiatus could pull within two of Marcus.

MW: Of course the B Block comes a little later so let’s focus on the A Block for now. Jerry Bishop leads the block on tie-breaker against Aaron Williams, but a win tonight takes him back to the top by himself. He faces Thea Donovan, who has one victory. Is this a regulation win for Jerry Bishop?

SD: I’m not sure any Jerry Bishop match is regulation. Jerry should win this match, although Thea Donovan has her advantages. Her win came after she and Myra Lopez used the numbers game very well. If she can do the same tonight, then maybe she can catch Jerry by surprise.

MW: How do you think Jerry will approach this match?

SD: I think he’ll take it seriously. He respects The Queendom, I know that for a fact. Will he try to get into Donovan’s head? Maybe. But I think his respect for these three women will ensure that he wrestles this match with a focus on the wrestling rather than anything else.

MW: And how about Thea Donovan?

SD: Numbers game. She knows that Jerry Bishop is a better wrestler- he’s the best in FPW- and she’ll need to put him off his game somehow. Using Myra Lopez to do that will be the best way to do it, so I’d expect her to do what she can.

MW: Thinking big picture… Jerry faces Kincaid and Aaron Williams in his final two matches. I’m sure he’ll be confident of winning both, but if he were to lose those matches and end up in a three-way tie with Williams and Bobby O, or maybe with Kincaid as well, which is possible, the match time will be key. Right now, that’s close. We discussed last time that MDE will be on top of that number even if Jerry isn’t. Will Jerry be mindful of that?

SD: I think he’d be more mindful of trying to win the block outright, but, yes, I’m sure MDE will have that contingency in his head. If a chance comes to win the match quickly, I’m sure Jerry will take it, but not to if there’s a risk of losing the match by going for it. Jerry is the best wrestler in this company not just for his physical skills but his mental ones too. They’ve developed so much since he’s been working with MDE, and I’m sure they’ll see him through this tournament successfully.

MW: And someone else with great mental skills is Dasha Banks. Over to you, Dasha.



“The following contest is an A Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in seventh place in the block with two points thanks to a win over Aaron Williams,representing The Queendom and being accompanied to the ring by Myra Lopez, from San Diego, California, ‘The Black Queen’… Thea Donovan!”


‘Checkmate’ rings out around the arena as a black queen appears on the screen. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Myra Lopez steps through the curtain, pointing back to the curtain as Thea Donovan steps through. The fans cheer and Donovan pauses in confusion. Lopez eyes her and follows behind her down the ramp, Donovan eyeing the fans cautiously as they continue to cheer for her. As she reaches the ring, she climbs through the ropes and moves over to the turnbuckles. Just like Artemis Evans, she steps up onto the middle rope and extends her arms, dropping her head back as the fans continue to cheer. Donovan drops down and frowns before the cheers turn to loud boos as Thalia Columbina steps onto the ramp.



MW: It seems like these fans have decided which of these two is the lesser of two evils.

SD: The Queendom finally getting the reaction they deserve!

MW: I’m not sure it’ll continue after this match, Steven.



“Introducing THE soon-to-be sole leader of the A Block, THE man soon to have fourteen points, THE man soon to have beaten Bobby O, Danica Jane, The Silent Assassin, Jackson Banks, Thea Donovan, Kincaid and Aaron Williams, THE greatest man ever to come out of Kanas City, Missouri, THE current and greatest ever FPW Champion, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of professional sports, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Bishooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and Jerry Bishop walks out alongside Thalia, bowing deeply to her and kissing her hand as a ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant goes round the arena. He stands and looks out at the fans, laughing loudly before almost skipping down the ramp and conducting the chant. He reaches the ring and steps up the stairs and climbs up onto the middle rope, holding the FPW Championship aloft and looking down at Donovan in the ring. She gives him a look before Jerry drops down and hands his title to the official. He settles in the corner, the ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant still going strong.



A Block: Jerry Bishop (8) vs. Thea Donovan (2):



The official calls for the bell as the ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant continues going strong. He continues to conduct the chant as Donovan watches him coolly. The chant starts to morph slowly into a ‘Let’s Go, Donovan’ chant, and Jerry turns to look at Donovan, an intrigued look on his face. She gazes back at him before the two come forward and lock-up. Jerry locks in a headlock and the fans boo loudly as he forces Donovan down to a knee. The boos turn to cheers as she pushes back up again, but the cheers are cut off as Jerry takes her over and pushes his hips up to apply more pressure on the hold.



Jerry nods his head to the ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant that breaks out again as he continues to apply pressure to the hold. Donovan resists, pulling at Jerry’s grip and beginning to weaken it before Jerry repositions himself and starts to pull Donovan up, keeping the headlock locked in. When he gets her to her feet, he switches his grip and looks for a Russian leg sweep, but Donovan throws back a few elbows and, with the crowd cheering, forces Jerry to reel away. As he turns, she pulls him into a short-arm lariat and makes a cover.



One-



Jerry kicks out.



MW: These fans really want to see Thea Donovan win this match.

SD: I think they may be more interested in seeing Jerry lose.

MW: Of course. But for him to lose, Donovan has to win, and they’re really trying to help her pull through.



Donovan pulls Jerry up and whips him into the corner, coming in with a running lariat, but Jerry lifts his foot and catches Donovan in the face before pulling her in and pushing himself up onto the top turnbuckle, boos raining down as he connects with a tornado DDT. He rolls Donovan over and makes a cover.



One…

Two-



Donovan kicks out and the fans cheer loudly once again. Jerry stands, pulling her up with him and pulls her in for a bulldog, but Donovan shoves him away. He comes in with a clothesline but Donovan ducks it and shoves him back into the corner, extending a leg and choking him as the fans cheer loudly. The official comes in with a count and Donovan takes as long as she possibly can, the fans chanting, ‘One More Time’ as she removes her foot. Donovan scoffs and pulls Jerry out of the corner, lifting him onto her shoulders.



Jerry counters with a couple of elbows, the fans booing again, before he drops down and this time manages to connect with the running bulldog. The ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant goes up again and he sits on the mat for a moment with a chuckle before rolling under the bottom rope and stalking Donovan. She begins to stand and he vaults over the top rope for a slingshot DDT, but there are more cheers as Donovan grips the top rope and counters, refusing to be pulled down. She hooks an arm over Jerry and pulls him into a fisherman’s suplex, holding the leg for a cover.



One…

Tw-



Jerry kicks out again. Donovan grabs the middle rope and pulls herself to her feet, waiting for Jerry to pull himself up too. He turns and she scoops him up, quickly dropping him into a Michinoku driver. She makes another cover.



One…

Two-



Jerry kicks out again. Donovan stands and pulls Jerry with her, sending him into the corner again and following in with a running clothesline, but Jerry again avoids it, dropping and rolling underneath it and then coming back at Donovan with a rolling elbow. She drops back into the corner and Jerry comes in with a few forearms before pulling her out into a float-over neckbreaker. Jerry stands and backs into the corner, pushing himself onto the middle turnbuckle and waiting for Donovan to get to her feet. As she does, Myra Lopez gets onto the apron and there are loud cheers as Jerry turns to her, allowing Donovan to step up onto the ropes and pull Jerry into a superplex.



MW: It’s something when these fans cheer cheating!

SD: They’re cheering someone who is using numbers to their advantage. It’s a sensible thing to do.

MW: I think they’re cheering someone just because they’re doing it to Jerry Bishop; against anyone else they’d be booing this for sure.



Donovan rolls away and pushes herself up to her feet, stalking Jerry as he gets up as well. He turns and she kicks him hard in the gut, looking for a lifting DDT, but Jerry takes her wrist and pulls it into a hammerlock he hooks an arm over her head and connects with a hammerlock DDT. She rolls onto her back and he moves into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Donovan just kicks out, the fans cheering her and a ‘Don-o-van, Don-o-van’ chant going up. Jerry looks around the crowd with clear amusement on his face before bending down and pulling Donovan up. He traps her arms and looks for Last Laugh, but Donovan resists, dropping down to a knee and freeing her arms. Jerry reaches down and pulls her up, but she cuts him off with a huge slap. The fans explode as Jerry reels away and Donovan takes him down with a hard superkick. She drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Jerry kicks out. Donovan stands and pulls Jerry quickly to his feet. She jams his head between her legs and pulls him up, hooking her hands under his arms for Firebomb, but he manages to drop down behind her and he takes her down with a Russian leg sweep. Loud boos fill the arena again and Jerry lets out a proper booming laugh before reaching down. As he does, Myra Lopez steps onto the apron and tries to get into the ring, the official moving over to block her. Donovan reaches up and lands a low blow, the fans standing in anticipation. She pulls Jerry in and lifts him into Firebomb, making the cover as Lopez drops down. The fans chant along with the official.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Jerry gets a foot on the ropes and the breath goes out of the arena as the fans collapse back into their seats. Thea Donovan stares open-mouthed at the official before bending down and pulling Jerry up. She lifts him onto her shoulder and points over to the corner. She runs towards it but he manages to slip off her shoulder, staggering a step as he lands. She turns and he kicks her in the gut, traps her arms and pulls her into Last Laugh. He drops down and makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Jerry Bishop (11:16).



The fans boo loudly as Jerry stands, a little shakily, and has his arm raised.



“Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, the first to reach ten points and regaining his sole A Block lead, THE future A Block winner, THE soon-to-be Free-1 III winner, THE FPW Champion, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



Jerry bows deeply to Thalia as a ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant fills the arena. He steps through the ropes and conducts the chant on his way up the ramp towards her before he leads her through the curtain.



MW: Jerry Bishop faced a tough challenge there but he came through intact.

SD: Thea Donovan will have thought that she had him after that Firebomb-

MW: Set up with yet another distraction and low-blow, let’s not forget that.

SD: She thought she had him but Jerry managed to do what Jerry does- find a way to survive and find a way to win.



In the ring, Myra Lopez helps Thea Donovan to her feet. Donovan looks out at the fans, who start booing her loudly. Donovan’s face flickers with anger, and she yells back to the booing fans, who continue to boo her as she leaves the ring and walks up the ramp.



MW: These fans showing their exasperation right there. I don’t think those boos are about Thea Donovan as much as they are about Jerry Bishop. He’s won all five matches that he’s had so far in Free-1 III and I think these fans want to see him lose.

SD: If they get behind Thea Donovan like that, I can’t wait to see how they get behind Kincaid and especially Aaron Williams.

MW: Both should be great matches but let’s not go into them right now. Up next is a match I’m very much looking forward to. It didn’t quite crack the top ten most-anticipated matches, but it easily could have. Marcus Allen Jones versus Botiatus.

SD: Marcus is top of the block at the moment but he’s top by one point to Johnny California, Jace Mason, Artemis Evans and Berry Bishop and his knee is a big question. Some say he’s the favourite to win this block because he’s on top of it at the moment; I say differently. I think his knee could well stop him from picking up another point in this tournament.

MW: Even thought Botiatus has clearly stated that he won’t be targeting it and with Marcus having had nine days to recover?

SD: Botiatus may have said that, but let’s wait and see what happens. If this match is coming to its last five minutes and Bo hasn’t put Marcus away yet, let’s see if he doesn’t decide to throw a couple of kicks to that leg.

MW: I don’t know. Botiatus is a man who lives by his House Rules and he doesn’t tend to waver from them. I think he’s a man of his word.

SD: Oh I’m sure he intends to be, but just because he wants to be a man of his word, it doesn’t mean he will. Botiatus knows that a loss will eliminate him from the tournament. We’ll see what happens as the match goes on.

MW: Bo has also made statements about his technical game not being where he wants it to be at the moment. He’s been working on that side of his wrestling; do you think we’ll see that come out more tonight?

SD: I think we might. Marcus is a pretty good technician himself, although he’s maybe let that side of things slide a little recently. Marcus may well be focussing on his technique too so as not to have too many hard landings on his left leg. This could be more of a mat battle than you might normally expect from these two.

MW: Do you think Marcus can find a way to win this match?

SD: It depends on his knee. If he’s recovered significantly- and I mean significantly- maybe he can pull of a win, but if he thinks he can do what he did against Berry Bishop, or even against Johnny California, I think he’ll be badly mistaken. He came through those two matches by the skin of his teeth, but Bo can knock those teeth out and Marcus needs to be very careful. Can he win? Yes. Will he win? I don’t think he will.

MW: Well here’s someone who’s rarely mistaken. It’s Dasha Banks.



“The following is a B Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, sitting in sixth place in the block with three points thanks to a victory over MDE and a draw with Jace Mason, from The Bay Area, California, this is Botiatus!”



The fans cheer as the lights go down and the screen displays the foot of wide stone steps. The shot pans up to show more steps and then the now-familiar Roman pillars in front of the villa. As the song really kicks in, the light flash back on and villa melts into ‘THE HOUSE OF BOTIATUS’. Bo emerges into the arena and walks straight down the ramp, blowing kisses out to the fans and slapping a few hands. He walks around the side of the ring and hops up onto the apron before climbing onto the turnbuckle, kneeling on the ringpost and pointing down to Watson and Deville. The lights cut out and a single spotlight shines down on Bo, who stands in his signature pose. As the lights come back on, he drops down, gives Dasha a nod and settles in his corner, a look of focus on his face as he stares back up the ramp.



“And his opponent, in first place in the block with seven points thanks to victories over MDE, Johnny California and Berry Bishop and a draw with Jace Mason, from Chicago, Illinois, ‘The Marksman’… Marcus Allen Jones!”



The opening piano notes to ‘Hall of Fame’ begin to play and the fans stand in anticipation. Marcus makes the fans wait as the song builds and, as the lyrics kick in, Marcus steps through the curtain to a loud cheer. An ‘M. A. J.’ chant fills the arena and he looks around it for a moment, before leaping up into a backflip and landing in his signature pose. The fans cheer loudly as he raises his head with a smile. He starts to walk down the ramp, a knee brace clearly evident beneath his tights. His gait is much more confident and normal than it was against Berry, although there is still a hint of a limp. Marcus takes a couple of quick steps and slides into the ring, bumping fists with Dasha and climbing up onto the top turnbuckle, calling for the fans to get louder, which they do. He steps down, one rope at a time, and looks over at Botiatus and giving him a nod.



B Block: Botiatus (3) vs. Marcus Allen Jones (7):



The bell rings and the two men come together, quickly locking up. They jockey for position for a few moments before Bo begins to drive Marcus back into the ropes. As they reach the ropes, the official comes in and calls for clean break, Bo responding by slowly releasing Marcus and backing away, the fans applauding the clean break. They circle one another before locking up again, Bo pulling Marcus into a headlock. Marcus is quick to send him into the ropes and look to shove him off, but Bo maintains his grip and skids down to a knee, forcing Marcus off his feet. Bo keeps the headlock locked in and forces Marcus down onto his back.



MW: An impressive start from Botiatus.

SD: Clearly we were right when we highlighted his desire to showcase his technical skills. It’ll be interesting to see how Marcus responds.



Marcus manages to get his legs up and lock Bo in a headscissors. Bo kicks his legs and escapes and the two of them get back to their feet, Marcus diving in to take Bo’s leg and taking him down before manipulating his ankle and stomping on the back of the knee. He looks to drop down to manipulate the knee but Bo gets his leg around him and lock in a body scissors, pulling Marcus back into a kind of dragon sleeper before freeing his legs and pushing up only to drop Marcus with a reverse DDT. He makes the first cover of the match.



One…

Tw-



Marcus kicks out. Bo takes Marcus’ wrist and pulls him up, wringing the arm and looking for an arm stunner, only for Marcus to release the pressure on the arm with a cartwheel and take Bo down with a dropkick. Bo scrambles back as Marcus comes in to look to work the leg again. Marcus moves in and takes the ankle, only for Bo to pull him in and connect with a hard palm strike to rock Marcus, who staggers backwards and allows Bo to get to his feet. Marcus comes back to Bo, and he gets caught with a kick to the gut before Bo connects with the arm stunner that he was looking for earlier.



MW: Botiatus still on top of this one. What have you learnt about Marcus’ approach to the match so far?

SD: He seems to be looking to get to Bo’s legs for the submission win, but Bo has definitely prepared for that. He’s shown that he can still take some impact on the knee with the backflip in the entrance and then the cartwheel, but it’ll be interesting to see if he includes some of his more impactful offence to risk his knee.



Bo forces Marcus into the corner and connects with a couple of forearms before sending him into the opposite corner and coming in with a running knee strike. Marcus staggers out of the corner and Bo connects with an inverted headlock backbreaker to drop Marcus to his knees. Bo pulls him up and lifts him for a twisting vertical suplex, making the cover.



One…

Two-



Marcus kicks out. Bo then takes his left arm and holds it down to the mat, dropping a knee onto the shoulder and pulling back on the arm. Marcus cries out in pain and works his feet towards the ropes, hooking onto the bottom rope to force Bo to break his grip. Bo releases Marcus and stands as Marcus rolls towards the ropes to avoid Bo pulling him back up again. Bo moves in and looks to lift Marcus, but Marcus blocks him, connecting with a jawbreaker to send Bo reeling backwards before he comes in with a dropkick to Bo’s knee. Marcus quickly gets down to lock in the kneeling cross-legged STF, setting the legs in position and reaching for the chin, but Bo catches Marcus’ arm and blocks him, jamming the left arm down onto his shoulder repeatedly until Marcus releases his hold on the legs and backs away.



Bo quickly rolls into the ropes to catch his breath and Marcus flexes his leg a little as he watches Bo pull himself to his feet. The two eye one another across the ring and circle each other again, neither wanting to make the first move. Marcus feints for the left leg and Bo pulls it away, reaching for Marcus’ left arm, but he skips to one side. They continue to circle one another for a few moments before Marcus makes his move, coming in to take the leg, only for Bo to catch him in a facelock and drop him with a snap DDT. Bo rolls into the cover.



One…

Two-



Marcus kicks out again.



MW: These two definitely more tentative than I’d have expected.

SD: This is great. It’s a meeting of two students of the game, two intellectual wrestling powerhouses, two men who know the danger that the other poses. What we saw from Jackson Banks and Aaron Williams yesterday was a game of snap- fun, but ultimately devoid of thought- whereas this is like watching two grandmasters on the chessboard- slow but enthrallingly strategic.



Bo stands and pulls Marcus with him, hooking an arm over his head and lifting him, but Marcus quickly drops back down. Marcus lands a couple of uppercuts to the ribs before he pulls Bo up, but Bo also manages to counter, dropping down behind Marcus and shoving him into the ropes. He looks set for a powerslam as Marcus comes back, but Marcus catches the top rope. Bo comes in to clothesline him over the top rope, but Marcus leaps onto the middle rope, springing over Bo as he comes in and catching him into a code red, holding for the cover.



One…

Two-



Bo kicks out. Marcus quickly moves back to the leg, lifting it and landing a couple of hard kicks to the inside of the knee before lifting the other leg and stepping through, looking for a sharpshooter. Bo, however, manages to turn a full rotation to stop Marcus from locking in the hold, and he reaches up to connect with a palm strike, but Marcus catches it, and he holds an arm and a leg for a moment before making a quick attempt at a paradise lock, but Bo kicks him hard in the chest and Marcus staggers back a couple of steps, allowing Bo to get to his feet. Marcus comes in again but Bo catches him with a knee to the gut, backs into the ropes and connects with a facebuster before making a cover.



One…

Two-



Marcus again kicks out.



MW: These two have both had enough time to scout one another and you can tell that they’ve used it well.

SD: Neither is allowing the other to get a real advantage in this match. They both seem to be stringing a few things together before the other is able to get back into it. Bo looked to have been working the shoulder over, but he seems to be moving away from that and becoming a little more instinctive, whereas Marcus clearly wants to work for the submission with the knee, but I’m not sure he can get it. I think he needs to adapt like Bo and just do what comes naturally rather than trying to force something which doesn’t seem to be working.



Bo pushes himself up to his feet and stalks Marcus as he too stands. He pulls him in for a belly-to-back suplex but Marcus overrotates and tries to land on his feet, his knee giving out for just a moment before he stands again, but it’s long enough for Bo to react and catch Marcus’ kick. Marcus jumps into an enzeguiri, but Bo ducks it, grabbing Marcus around the waist and shifting position slightly into a pendulum backbreaker. Marcus rolls away but Bo manages to grab him and pull him back into the middle of the ring, extending the arm again and pushing up, before dropping a knee onto Marcus’ shoulder. Bo then hooks the arms and looks to bridge over into ADT, but Marcus manages to free the arms as Bo bridges and he leaps up, connecting with a desperation standing shooting star press before rolling away.



The fans cheer Marcus and he tries to get quickly to his feet, but the pain in his shoulder and his knee takes its toll and he barely gets to his feet before Bo does. He moves over to Bo and grabs him from behind, looking to lift him into a wheelbarrow facebuster, but Bo rolls him through and sends Marcus tumbling between the top and middle rope. He catches himself on the apron but Bo comes at him with a sliding elbow drop and pulls Marcus’ head through the ropes. He looks for a rising knee strike, but Marcus catches the knee and pulls back, bringing Bo’s leg through the ropes and dropping down to drive the knee into the ring apron. Bo drops back into the ring and the fans wince.



MW: Marcus Allen Jones showing a ruthless side there.

SD: I like that. He’s never won this tournament- it’s the one thing in FPW that he hasn’t achieved- and he’s desperate to do it. Losing today could see him relinquish the block lead but a win would put him in a great position to go on and win this block, and he’s doing what needs to be done to win this match.



Marcus swiftly slides back into the ring as Bo backs away to the opposite side, but Marcus grabs him by the leg and drops an elbow onto the inside of the knee, torqueing the knee ligaments as Bo palms at him to try and relieve some pressure. Marcus then turns Bo over and drops down, locking the legs as he looks for the kneeling cross-legged STF again. He jabs Bo in the ribs to bring his hands back and then laces his fingers under the chin before Bo can block him, fully locking the hold in. Bo grimaces with the pain but he pushes up with his hands, slowly dragging himself and Marcus towards the ropes. Marcus keeps as much pressure on as he can, but he can’t stop Bo from reaching the ropes, and Marcus is forces to break the hold.



Marcus breaks and rolls away, flexing his leg for a moment before getting to his feet. He moves into Bo, who is pulling himself up on the ropes, and he pulls him away, tapping the wrist and ripcording him for Six Stars. However, Bo catches the knee and he flips Marcus backwards. Marcus lands on his feet but he drops to a knee as his leg buckles, Bo dropping into a second snap DDT. Bo rolls away to catch his breath before pushing himself up, taking a couple of ginger steps on his left leg and stalking Marcus. As Marcus turns, Bo kicks him hard in the gut and lifts him onto his shoulder. He runs at the corner, looking for snake eyes, but Marcus wriggles off his shoulder. As Bo turns, Marcus leaps into a Pele kick to send Bo back into the corner.



Marcus stands and runs in with a high knee. Bo staggers out and Marcus grabs him before dropping him with a snapmare driver. Marcus rolls him into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bo kicks out. Marcus moves back to the leg, but Bo anticipates it and kicks Marcus away, rolling backwards and pushing himself up to his feet. Marcus comes in with a wild lariat, which Bo ducks before leaping up for House Rules, but Marcus catches the rope and Bo slips off him, landing hard on the mat. Marcus looks down at him and then up to the top rope, the fans standing in anticipation as he climbs.



MW: I’m not sure if this is such a good idea!

SD: I think Marcus realises that he can’t put Botiatus away by limiting himself to half of his usual arsenal. This is a risk, but it could pay off big time!

MW: Obligatory over-twenty-minute-reminder before he comes down here.



Marcus comes down with a phoenix splash, his hands instantly going to his left knee as he lands before he covers Bo.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bo kicks out. Marcus rolls away and the fans applaud both men’s efforts loudly. Marcus slowly pushes up to a knee and forces his way back to his feet, turning to Bo as he pushes up to his knees. Marcus moves in and pulls Bo up the rest of the way before connecting with a spinning kick to the gut. Bo doubles over and Marcus secures his head before leaping into a jumping DDT. He rolls away again before slowly getting up and moving over to Bo, reaching down and trapping his wrist as he pulls him up. Bo, however, lands a few hard back elbows to for Marcus to release the wrist and to send him staggering back.



As Marcus turns, Bo kicks him hard in the gut and lifts him into a vertical suplex before dumping him over the top rope. Bo backs away and comes in with a sliding elbow drop, doubling Marcus over. With some effort, Bo pulls Marcus’ head through the ropes and he begins delivering rising knee strikes, reaching nine before backing into the ropes and coming back with a tenth. Marcus’ head drops to the mat as the rest of him dangles over the rope. Bo pulls him through and sets him in position before stepping through the ropes. He looks down at Marcus and then points to himself, leading a large section of fans in an ‘H. O. B.’ chant before connecting with the H. O. B. Leg Drop and holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Marcus gets a shoulder up. Without missing a beat, Bo uses the momentum of Marcus getting his shoulder up to turn him onto his stomach and hook his arms, bridging over into ADT. Marcus grunts with pain and tries to reach his right arm out to the ropes, but he can’t get there. The official checks on him but he refuses to give in, kicking his legs and trying to reach the ropes that way. Bo torques the shoulders as much as he can, forcing Marcus to cry out in pain more than once before he manages to get close enough to drape his right leg over the bottom rope.



MW: And Marcus escapes!

SD: A brave display from Marcus Allen Jones, but I must question why Bo is using this move- as much as he can do it very well- when Marcus has a clear knee injury.

MW: Because Botiatus has said he won’t go after the injury unless he would normally do it. It’s a question of integrity.

SD: Integrity or a lack of killer instinct? Just like his tag partner and it could cost him two points just like it did to Berry.



Bo breaks the hold and stands, flexing his left leg before pulling Marcus to his feet. He hauls him up onto his shoulder and runs at the ropes, taking Marcus down with snake eyes. Marcus staggers out of the corner and Bo sets himself for House Call, hitting the ropes and running at Marcus. However, before he can connect, Marcus’ leg buckles and he drops down. Bo stops himself before he reaches the ropes and Marcus reaches up, pulling Bo into a schoolboy roll-up.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Bo just manages to escape. Marcus rolls away and both men lie on their backs for a moment, catching their breath.



MW: This has been a phenomenal contest.

SD: And they’re up to… twenty-six and a half minutes. Both men have been involved in draws in this very Free-1. Surely we won’t see another one in this block!

MW: Neither man seems willing to lose this match, so a draw is very much on the cards.

SD: But Bo has to know that a draw does him no good. It wouldn’t be bad for Marcus, but for Bo it would realistically spell the end of his Free-1.



Both men slowly push themselves up to their feet and turn and face one another. Each of them limps towards the other, before Bo unleashes another palm strike. Marcus lands a forearm and the two exchange hard strikes, the fans cheering loudly, but Bo gets the upper hand, landing a couple of palm strikes before hoisting Marcus onto his shoulder again. He moves towards the corner but Marcus pushes up and swings his legs around, countering into a reverse rana. Marcus crawls to the ropes and pulls himself to his feet, stalking Bo.



MW: There’s two minutes left in this one!



Bo stands and Marcus comes in for a superkick, but Bo ducks it. Before Marcus can turn, Bo leaps up into House Rules, dropping Marcus. He covers him, hooking both legs.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Botiatus (28:21).



MW: What a match!

SD: And what a win for Botiatus!

MW: He’s right back in the mix for this block now.

SD: A win over Marcus Allen Jones is not something that comes too often. People might say that it came because Marcus had his knee injury, but Bo didn’t go after it. Bo beat Marcus on merit. That is arguably the biggest singles victory of Botiatus’ FPW career, and, as you say, he’s now only two points behind Marcus Allen Jones and has to be seen as a contender for this block now.



Bo stands and the official raises his hand. He smiles as he looks out to the fans, who stand and give him and Marcus a standing ovation after an excellent match. Bo looks down at Marcus, who sits against the bottom rope, and he gives him a nod. Marcus grabs the ropes and pulls himself up, taking a couple of unsteady steps before coming forward and offering Bo his hand. Bo shakes it and the fans stand and applaud loudly. Marcus shares a few words with Bo before limping across the ring and stepping through the ropes, leaving Bo in the ring to celebrate as he holds his Tag Team Championship over his head.



MW: What a match that was. Botiatus back in contention in the B Block and I’m sure he’ll be watching closely tomorrow as the fourth round comes to a close with Jace Mason facing Russ Bolt. We also have Bobby O taking on Danica Jane as Bobby looks to keep pace with Aaron Williams and remain two points off the top of the block. If tomorrow is half as good as this, you will not want to miss it.

[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 back to Free-1 III as we conclude the fifth round of Free-1 matches with two big matches. Later tonight, Russ Bolt will face one of the leading B Block contenders Jace Mason but before that Danica Jane steps up to face Bobby O as he looks to keep on the tail of Jerry Bishop.

SD: This A Block is Jerry Bishop and then chasing pack by now. Jerry leads by two points to Aaron Williams and four to Kincaid and Bobby O. Nobody else can win this block and, to be honest, it’s already looking like a two-way battle between Jerry Bishop and Bobby O.

MW: What if Bobby wins tonight. He joins Williams on two points behind Jerry.

SD: He does, but Jerry has the tie-breaker, meaning he would need to finish ahead of him. So Bobby would need three more points than Jerry essentially. A loss would mean he would need two wins and for Jerry to lose both of his matches, putting Bobby, Jerry and Williams in a three-way tie and leaving Bobby needing to have the lowest match-time.

MW: So whatever happens, it does seem unlikely that Bobby can win this block. Knowing Bobby, though, he won’t give up, will he?

SD: He won’t. He’ll be focussed on this match, I’m sure.

MW: Do you think Danica Jane can give him much trouble?

SD: I’d say not too much trouble. Bobby is clearly the better wrestler and if he focusses then I’d expect him to win fairly comfortably. Danica could possibly catch him off-guard, but I doubt Bobby will let that happen.

MW: We’ve talked a lot about Bobby but what do you make of Danica’s Free-1 run so far?

SD: She’s got better as it’s gone on. Actually, she’s impressed me a little. I thought she did okay against Aaron Williams after the initial distraction from Clutch McCloud. She seemed a little intimidated against Jerry before a good win over Thea Donovan and a strong losing effort against Kincaid. I’d say she’s FPW’s most improved wrestler over the past few months.

MW: But you don’t think she’ll trouble Bobby?

SD: I think she’ll be competitive but I’m hardly being controversial by saying that Bobby O is a better wrestler than Danica Jane. Bobby wins and we go into the final two matches and a scintillating match with Aaron Williams.

MW: And here’s someone who always scintillates. It’s Dasha Banks!



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is an A Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in sixth place in the block with two points thanks to a victory over Thea Donovan, from Las Vegas, Nevada, this is Danica Jane!”



‘This Fire Burns’ begins to play and the fans give her a positive reaction. Danica Jane steps through the curtain and looks around the arena before making her way down the ramp. She several hands on her way to the ring, showing a bit more of her personality than she has done in previous matches. She reaches the ring and climbs the steps, grabbing the top rope and somersaulting over it before stepping up onto the middle rope and looking around the arena once again as her music comes to a halt.



“And her opponent, in third place in the block with six points thanks to victories over The Silent Assassin, Jackson Banks and Thea Donovan, being accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”



‘This Means War’ begins and the fans begin their cheers, building as the intro plays. As the music pauses, Bobby steps out onto the stage with his usual jacket and looks around the arena. He has a look of determination on his face and he turns to CJ, who gives him a nod. He pops his collar and then marches down the ramp, hands held out to fans along the way, before climbing the steps and entering the ring. He moves to one side of the ring and grabs the top rope, leaning over it and pointing out some people in the crowd. He steps down and looks over at Danica Jane before turning his back on her and giving CJ a confident nod.



A Block: Danica Jane (2) vs. Bobby O (6):



The official calls for the bell and Danica and Bobby come forward quickly, locking up. Bobby drives Danica back into the corner with relative ease, and releases his grip as the official comes in. Danica comes forward again and the two lock up a second time, Bobby again driving her back fairly quickly. Bobby again breaks his grip and moves back and Danica comes in for a third time. This time, she ducks the lock-up and pulls Bobby into a waistlock. Bobby throws an elbow back and Danica staggers back, Bobby turning and pulling her towards him, connecting with a vertical suplex and floating over for a cover.



One…

Tw-



Danica kicks out. CJ bangs the mat and Bobby stands, pulling Danica up with her. He whips her into the corner and comes in with a running clothesline. Danica staggers out of the corner and Bobby pulls her into a German suplex, but she overroates and catches her balance as she lands on the second turnbuckle. Bobby turns and she comes down with a missile dropkick. Danica rolls to her feet and stalks Bobby as he stands, before connecting with a few kicks to the back. Bobby arches it and she pulls him into a neckbreaker before rolling into a cover.



One…

Tw-



Bobby kicks out.



MW: Bobby isn’t having it all his own way here.

SD: I wouldn’t expect him to. He clearly demonstrated his power advantage earlier but Danica is probably the more athletic of the two. She flipped out nicely from that German suplex and she’s got some real snap on those kicks.



Bobby sits up and Danica connects with another kick to the back before pulling him up and looking for a belly to belly. Bobby, however, shoves her away and breaks her grip, taking her down with a hard clothesline. He arches his back again and bends down to pulls Danica up. He sends her into the corner and follows her in, looking for a running dropkick, but Danica moves aside and Bobby pulls out just in time. Danica lands a couple of forearms and then whips him into the ropes before taking him down with a dropkick. Bobby sits up and Danica backs into the ropes, looking for a shining wizard, but Bobby ducks under it and pushes up to his feet. As Danica stands, Bobby pulls her into a belly to back suplex and makes a cover.



One…

Two-



Danica kicks out. Bobby pulls her up and lifts her onto his shoulders, dropping her with a fireman’s carry stunner. She drops onto all fours and he backs into the ropes, coming back with a curbstomp. He rolls her over and makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Danica kicks out. Bobby gives CJ a glance and she bangs the mat and tells him to keep going. He stands and pulls Danica up with him, sending her towards the corner again, but she counters, pulling him in and driving a knee into his gut before whipping him into the corner herself. She comes in with a high knee and takes Bobby out of the corner with a snapmare. She hits the ropes and connects with a shining wizard before making a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bobby kicks out.



MW: Danica impressing at the moment.

SD: She is. I’ve said that she’s the most improved and I’ve said that she’ll got better as this tournament has gone on. She’s learning from each match and she’s matching up well with one of FPW’s best right now. I still think Bobby will take this one, but Danica can hold her head up.



Danica stands and pulls Bobby to his feet. She grabs a front facelock and looks to bring her knee up into Bobby’s face, but Bobby lifts her up and throws her off before coming in with a big lariat to fold Danica in half. Bobby shakes himself off and looks down at Danica with a little frustration before pulling her to her feet and sending her into the corner again. He follows her quickly in with a running lariat and holds her against the turnbuckles before backing up and running at her, connecting with a running dropkick. He backs away again and comes in for a second running dropkick before holding Danica up.



Bobby hoists Danica up onto the top rope and he follows her, landing a couple of jabs into her face and hooking an arm over her. He stands and sets Danica for a superplex, bringing her up, but somehow Danica manages to rotate in mid air and she lands on her feet facing the turnbuckle she just came from. The fans, impressed with the athleticism, applaud her. Danica steadies herself and pulls Bobby to his feet, wringing his arm and kicking his leg out to drop him to a knee. She lands a few kicks to the arm before looking for a Kimura lock, but Bobby manages to resist, lifting her up onto his shoulders and coming down with a second fireman’s carry stunner.



MW: Great counter by Bobby O.

SD: This is the thing with Danica Jane. She’s very inexperienced. With a few more matches under her belt, she’d have felt that Bobby wasn’t weak enough for her to lock that in and she’d have gone after the arm a bit more.



Bobby backs into the ropes before pushing himself to his feet. He moves over to Danica and lays in a few aggressive stomps before pulling her to her feet. He drives her into the corner again and lifts her onto the top rope. He follows, landing a couple of jabs just like before, and hooks an arm over her. He tries to pull her up, but she holds onto the top rope and refuses to let him. Bobby pulls hard and she loses her grip, being lifted into the air as Bobby brings her down with a superplex. He rolls backwards into position and locks in O Snap. CJ bangs the mat and the fans stand in anticipation as Danica’s face turns into a look of panic.



The official checks on Danica and she says she won’t quit, her eyes frantically looking to the ropes, but they’re too far away and she isn’t able to move over to them. Instead, she brings her foot up and lands a couple of kicks to Bobby’s head, weakening his grip enough for her to switch into a Kimura lock. Bobby cries out in pain, quickly pushing up as Danica tries to lock her legs around him. He manages to stand and struggle over to the ropes, grabbing the top rope and forcing Danica to break her hold.



MW: Danica Jane with an impressive counter there.

SD: And Bobby is starting to get a little frustrated. He just has the look of a man who has realised that this match is harder than he expected it to be and who was expecting not to have to expend quite this much energy.

MW: Do you think he was taking Danica lightly?

SD: Maybe. I think she’d surprise a few people to be honest. He needs to keep focussed or his whole tournament is dangling by a thread.



Danica lands a kick to Bobby’s thigh and he grimaces in pain. She lands another and he staggers forward. She lands a third and he snaps his head up, his eyes aflame. She aims a fourth kick but he catches it and pulls Danica in for another big clothesline. Bobby flexes his leg and then turns to stalks Danica. She slowly gets to her feet as Bobby positions himself behind her. She turns and he jumps up for an RKO, but Danica shoves him away. He turns and she looks for Lights Out, but Bobby ducks it and then takes her down with a superkick.



He looks down at her, the fire still in his eyes, and CJ calls out to him. He turns as she tells him to stay calm. He nods, turning back to Danica with a much more peaceful look on his face. He reaches down and pulls Danica to her feet, shoving her into the corner. He moves in and pushes her up onto the top rope, following her for a third time. He goes to hook an arm over her but Danica counters, grabbing the arm into a Kimura lock. Bobby cries out in pain and loses his footing, dropping back into the ring and forcing Danica to release her grip. He turns back to her and she comes down with a missile dropkick which sends Bobby staggering backwards. Danica quickly gets back to her feet as Bobby rebounds and she catches him with Lights Out. Danica drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Danica Jane (14:37).



MW: What a win for Danica Jane!

SD: Incredible. I talked about how much she’d improved but I never expected a win over Bobby.

MW: And he will be very disappointed.

SD: I think she caught him a little by surprise. It looked to me like Bobby was expecting a much easier match than that and it really cost him there.



Danica stands and holds her hands over her face in shock. The official raises her hand as CJ Holmes comes in the ring. Danica backs away but CJ holds her hands up and offers her a handshake, which Danica gladly accepts. CJ Helps Bobby to his feet and takes hold of his arm, but he shrugs her off and looks at Danica. He sighs and shakes his head before dropping down and leaving the ring. CJ follows, giving Danica a little wave of her hand as Danica stares after them before the applause of the fans brings her back into the moment and she climbs up onto the middle rope to celebrate.



MW: Well that was a huge win for Danica Jane and it really did turn the A Block into essentially a two-horse race. The B Block, however, is anything but.

SD: The B Block is as close as you could get. Marcus Allen Jones on seven points, Johnny California, Artemis Evans, Berry Bishop and Jace Mason all on six and Botiatus just one back on five.

MW: And Jace Mason gets the chance to take the block lead tonight after Marcus’ defeat yesterday.

SD: What a great chance it is. Russ Bolt has improved, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think Jace Mason will be taking him lightly and I don’t think he’ll slip up.

MW: A Mason win puts him top of the block before he faces Johnny California just tomorrow, and then MDE on the final day. A win would have to make him big favourite for the block, surely?

SD: Favourite? Probably. Big favourite? I don’t think so. I’m not sure there’ll be a big favourite in this block even as we go into the final match.

MW: So let’s look at this match then. The last time we saw Jace Mason, he drew with Botiatus, a great effort but he couldn’t finish the job because of the ribs that Artemis Evans did a job on. Will that play into this one?

SD: It certainly could. A number of moves that Russ Bolt will look for can affect the ribs and I doubt they’ll be healed yet. Ribs take a long time to get right because of the simple fact that they move every time you breathe. Bolt will be desperate for points and I think he might look to target the ribs and test them out.

MW: We know that a rib injury can really be problematic. How can Jace Mason mitigate the effects of that rib injury?

SD: I think he could take a leaf out of Marcus Allen Jones’ book. Either turn this match into a technical match and look for the submission, an area where he’s far superior to Russ Bolt, or he could look for as quick a victory as possible. A surprise Mason’s Hammer and a three count and he goes into his match tomorrow as fresh as he can be at this stage of the Free-1.

MW: Well, she’s always fresh and ready, even at this stage. It’s Dasha Banks.



“The following is a B Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in seventh place in the block with two points thanks to a win over MDE, from Miami, Florida… Russ ‘Thunder’ Bolt!”



‘Jumpman’ begins to play and Bolt walks through the curtain, his arms out to his sides, as the fans give him a moderately positive reaction. He dips to the sides and, as the song picks up, he motions as if he’s doing a face away before cupping a hand to his ear. His fans get louder and Bolt yells out, “There it is!” before making his way down the ramp and slapping a few hands. He reaches the ring and slides in, giving Dasha and the official a nod before stepping up onto the top turnbuckle and pumping up the crowd a little more.



“And his opponent, in fifth place in the block with six points after wins over Berry Bishop and Artemis Evans and draws against Marcus Allen Jones and Botiatus, from Seattle, Washington, ‘The Eternal Student’… Jace Mason!”



The introduction to ‘Afterlife’ begins to play and the anticipation of the fans again builds. As the intro ends, Jace Mason steps forward in his usual pose but with his ribs taped a little less heavily than they were against Botiatus, pyro exploding and the fans cheering loudly. Mason looks out at the crowd and nods, smiling as he hears the loud cheers. Mason makes his way down the ramp, holding out his hands but keeping his eyes locked on Botiatus, who stares right back at him. When he reaches the bottom of the ramp, he steps up onto the apron, walking along to the turnbuckles and stepping up onto the top and middle turnbuckles, raising his right fist and holding the pose for moment before dropping into the ring.



B Block: Russ Bolt (2) vs. Jace Mason (6):



The official calls for the bell and Bolt and Mason come forward into a strong lock-up. They jockey for position for a few moments before Bolt starts to edge Mason backwards. Mason digs his foot in and starts to regain some ground before Bolt takes his arm and looks to wring it, but Mason immediately twists himself free and lands a hard chop to Bolt’s chest. Bolt winces with pain and Mason pulls him into a headlock, taking him over. Bolt gets his legs up and locks in a head scissors, Mason kicking his way out before both men get to their feet and Mason moves in quickly, sending Bolt across the ring before taking him down with a back elbow.



MW: Jace Mason not messing around in this match.

SD: We talked about the time-limit tie-breaker in the last match. The B Block is fairly likely to come down to a tie-breaker one way or the other. Mason has been out there for longer than almost anyone and he knows he needs to significantly reduce that time. A quick victory will be on Jace Mason’s mind.



Mason sits Bolt up and hits the ropes, connecting with a penalty kick. Bolt rolls backwards and Mason pulls him to his feet, sending him into the corner and following in with a high knee before pulling him out of the corner and hooking an arm over him, pulling him up into a vertical suplex position, only for Bolt to drive a knee down into Mason’s head and drop down below him. Mason turns and Bolt lands a couple of forearms before sending Mason across the ring. Bolt aims a clothesline at him but Mason ducks it, leaps onto the middle rope and connects with a disaster kick, covering Bolt.



One…

Two-



Bolt kicks out. Mason quickly gets to his feet and pulls Bolt with him, landing a few more chops before connecting with a spinning gut kick, kicking Bolt’s leg out and backing into the ropes, coming back at Bolt with a low dropkick. Bolt rolls onto his back and Mason looks up to the top rope, the fans gasping that he’d be going up to so quickly in the match. He steps through the ropes and climbs, quickly setting himself before coming down with a shooting star press… right onto Russ Bolt’s raised knees. Mason rolls off Bolt and coughs and splutters, holding his ribs.



MW: Mason took a big risk there.

SD: And it really didn’t pay off. A quick victory may be important, but Mason can’t rush things. We’ve seen a few signs in this tournament that, although he’s had a great start to his career, his inexperience can still cost him and it certainly has done there.



Bolt rolls onto his front and pushes up as Mason grips the middle rope. He moves over to Mason and pulls him off the ropes, landing a knee to the gut before scooping him up and slamming him down to the mat, dropping an elbow into the ribs that elicits a grunt of pain from Mason. Bolt makes the cover.



One…

Two-



Mason kicks out. Bolt stands and pulls Mason with him, sending him into the corner and following him in with a running clothesline. Mason staggers out and Bolt grabs him for a German suplex, but Mason lands a few elbows and breaks Bolt’s grip. Mason turns and aims a chop at Bolt, but Bolt raises a knee into the ribs and Mason staggers away, doubled over. Bolt pulls him in and connects with the German suplex, bridging for the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Mason kicks out again. Bolt stands, pulling Mason to his feet again before lifting him over his head as he attempts an Alabama slam. Mason, however, manages to drop down, pulling Bolt down into a roll-up.



One…

Two-



Bolt kicks out. Both men scramble to their feet and Bolt throws a clothesline, which Mason ducks before leaping up into a gamengiri. Bolt staggers into the corner and Mason follows him in, landing several chops to the chest before pulling Bolt out and lifting him into an Irish curse backbreaker. Mason grimaces with the pain in his ribs before he covers Bolt.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bolt kicks out.



MW: Jace Mason looks like he’s suffering in there.

SD: He does. He needs to take a lesson from Marcus Allen Jones and adapt his offence much more. Moves like the shooting star press obviously need to be taken off the table, but moves that lift Russ Bolt like that and really stretch out the ribs need to be limited as well.



Mason stands and stalks Bolt. As he gets to his feet, Mason takes the wrist and pulls it into a hammerlock position, looking for a hammerlock lariat. However, Bolt manages to duck under it and he pulls Mason in for another German suplex. Mason lands hard and rolls onto his front but Bolt quickly pulls him up, lifting him into position and this time connecting with the Alabama slam. He drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Mason kicks out. Bolt kneels up and looks down at Mason before lifting him and sending him into the corner. He comes in with a running clothesline and then hauls Mason up onto the top rope. Bolt turns and backs up onto the middle rope, looking to lift Mason into position for From Downtown. Mason, however, fights back, driving his elbow repeatedly into the side of Bolt’s head. Bolt steps down and staggers out of the corner, turning to be met with a missile dropkick which sends him halfway across the ring.



Mason forces himself off the canvas and stalks Bolt, waiting for him to get to his feet. As Bolt stands and turns, Mason runs at him and unleashes Mason’s Hammer, only for Bolt to duck under it. Mason stops himself as he reaches the ropes and he turns, but Bolt kicks him hard in the gut and sets him in position for a powerbomb, driving Mason into the mat with force. Bolt then steps towards the ropes and goes through, climbing to the top rope. He looks down at Mason before coming off with Thunderbolt, but Mason just manages to roll out of the way.



MW: That would have ended it for sure!

SD: Jace Mason with the presence of mind to get out of the way of Thunderbolt. He needs to get on top of this match as soon as he can though or he’ll have used up a lot of energy before facing Johnny California tomorrow.



Mason pulls himself up on the ropes, a grimace on his face. He turns to Bolt, who is onto his knees, and he unleashes a powerful sole kick. Mason then pulls Bolt to his feet and hooks an arm over him, lifting him and dropping him with a falcon arrow. He hooks the leg.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bolt kicks out. Mason stands and stalks Bolt again. Bolt slowly pushes up to his feet and turns right into Mason’s Hammer. Bolt collapses to the mat and Mason makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Jace Mason (11:55).



MW: Mason fights through the pain to pick up a victory which sends him to the top of the block!

SD: But he’s got a match tomorrow and this could have taken a bit more out of him than he’d have wanted.

MW: We almost saw two big upsets tonight but Mason managed to come through a tough challenge.



Mason stands and holds his ribs as the official raises his arm. He looks around the arena as they cheer him and holds up one finger before climbing to the top rope to celebrate.



MW: We’ve reached the end of the fourth round of matches. The A Block really comes down to Jerry Bishop or Aaron Williams at this point. Both Bobby O and Kincaid can draw level with them and bring it down to match-time, each man needing Jerry to lose twice and for them to win both matches. However, Aaron Williams simply needs to win both of his matches and he’s won the block. Jerry needs to defeat Williams, or for Williams to lose to Bobby if he defeats Kincaid, and he’s won it.

SD: Those two matches- Jerry versus Kincaid and Bobby versus Williams- are the huge matches in the next round for the A Block. The Silent Assassin versus Danica Jane and Jackson Banks versus Thea Donovan will give those four the chance to add some points, but we have two of the biggest matches of the Free-1 so far coming up on Friday and Saturday.

MW: And the B Block now has Jace Mason on eight, Marcus Allen Jones on seven, Johnny California, Berry Bishop and Artemis Evans on six and Botiatus on five who can all win this block.

SD: This block is coming right down to the wire and we have some huge matches coming up next week. Johnny California and Jace Mason will be a huge match, and we could see California eliminated from contention with a Mason win. Berry Bishop has a very emotional match against MDE, who could also eliminate her depending on how other matches go. Botiatus faces Russ Bolt as he looks to claw his way up the standings and our final match before the last two nights is going to be great- Artemis Evans versus Marcus Allen Jones.

MW: Every single one of those matches has a direct impact on the top of the block and I cannot wait to see them. We join you tomorrow with The Silent Assassin versus Danica Jane and Johnny California versus Jace Mason. We’ll see you then!

[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 to the beginning of the penultimate round of Free-1 III. We are reaching the climax of possibly the most exciting Free-1 ever, and tonight we kick off the sixth round of matches in style.

SD: We certainly do, Watson. In the A Block, The Silent Assassin and Danica Jane clash with just pride on the line. In the B Block, two of the main contenders face off as Johnny California challenges the current block leader Jace Mason.

MW: As you say, Steven, The Silent Assassin and Danica Jane are meeting knowing that they can’t win the block and they’re wrestling for pride alone. How do you think that will affect each of them?

SD: I don’t expect we’ll see any loss of motivation. The Silent Assassin is still new to FPW and will still want to establish himself here. He lost to Jerry Bishop, Bobby O and Aaron Williams but gave each of them a tough challenge. He’ll be looking to re-establish some dominance as he faces Danica Jane and Thea Donovan in his final two matches.

MW: And how about Danica Jane? She’s coming off the biggest win of her career over Bobby O and surely will be keen to build on that.

SD: That win was huge for Danica and potentially devastating for Bobby. Danica Jane, as I said during that match, has been the most improved wrestler in this Free-1 and I think she’ll be pushing to end the Free-1 with some real momentum to take into the fall.

MW: Can she win this match against a much bigger and more powerful man?

SD: I think she can, but I don’t think she will. She’ll challenge him for sure, but I think The Silent Assassin’s power will come good and I doubt he’ll take Danica lightly like I suspect Bobby did. His presence could be a big factor in this match too. Danica’s inexperience will mean she hasn’t faced someone like The Silent Assassin before. The first time you come up against someone like him, it throws you off a little, no matter how prepared you think you are.

MW: Well let’s get to it. Here’s a woman who’s always prepared. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an A Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in fifth place in the block with four points after victories over Thea Donovan and Bobby O, from Las Vegas, Nevada, this is Danica Jane!”



‘This Fire Burns’ begins to play and the fans give her a positive reaction. Danica Jane steps through the curtain and looks around the arena before making her way down the ramp. She slaps several hands on her way to the ring, starting to look much more comfortable than she had previously. She reaches the ring and climbs the steps, grabbing the top rope and somersaulting over it before stepping up onto the middle rope and looking around the arena once again as her music comes to a halt.



“And her opponent, in sixth place in the block with four points from victories over Jackson Banks and Kincaid, from Santa Cruz, Mexico, ‘The Silent Assassin’.



The lights go out and a low thunderous rumble fills the arena. ‘Run’ begins to play and the stage fills up with smoke. The hush around the arena is palpable as The Silent Assassin emerges among the smoke and stares down at Danica in the ring who looks back at him with a determined focus on her face. He begins his walk down the ramp at a deliberate pace, his eyes remaining on the ring. He reaches the ring and circles it, keeping his eyes on Danica, who starts to get a little shifty on her feet as she turns to meet his stare. The Silent Assassin then steps up onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle, a red spotlight shining down as he spreads his arms before dropping down into the ring. He stares down Danica, raising an arm slowly and pointing a finger gun at her, firing the gun just as the line ‘Run’ plays. More red spotlights come down and move wildly around the arena before the song quickly cuts off, as do the lights, leaving the arena momentarily black before the lights come back up and the fans clap in appreciation of the spectacle.



A Block: The Silent Assassin (4) vs. Danica Jane (4):



The bell rings and the two of them stare at one another from across the ring for a moment. Danica nods and mutters a few words to herself before they come forward and lock-up. The Silent Assassin shoves Danica down and she looks up at him, her eyes wide. She pushes to her feet and comes in to lock-up again, but again The Silent Assassin shoves her back and she falls to the mat. Shaking her head, she stands and holds back for a moment before nodding to herself and coming in a third time. The Silent Assassin moves to lock-up again but Danica ducks under him and lands a kick to his leg before looking for a headlock. However, The Silent Assassin quickly lifts Danica into a belly to back suplex.



He stands and looks down at her as she stares back up at him. She slowly backs away into the ropes and pulls herself to her feet. She looks at The Silent Assassin who merely stands in place, eyeing her across the ring. She begins to circle him and he follows before they come together again, Danica again ducking the lock-up and locking in a waistlock. The Silent Assassin throws back and elbow but Danica ducks it, dropping down and rolling The Silent Assassin through with a schoolboy roll-up, but she rolls him all the way through and stands, looking for a shining wizard. The Silent Assassin ducks and Danica slides into the ropes.



MW: Danica Jane looking for the high-impact strike there.

SD: She seems unsettled by The Silent Assassin and I don’t blame her, but she can’t get thrown off her gameplan too much. She was always unlikely to connect there and it’s left her open and vulnerable.



The Silent Assassin stands, reaching down and pulling Danica up and into an overhead belly-to-belly. Danica rolls into the ropes on the other side of the ring as The Silent Assassin slowly moves towards her. He reaches down and pulls her up again, resting her against the ropes before connecting with a hard European uppercut. He holds her up and sends her across the ring before taking her down with a big boot. Grabbing her by the hand and foot, he drags her into the corner and steps up onto the middle rope, holding the top rope before coming down with a Vader bomb and holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Danica kicks out. The Silent Assassin looks down at her for a moment, tossing back his hair before standing and pulling her to her feet. He sends her into the ropes again and pops her up, looking for Crossed Out, only for Danica to flip herself over and land behind The Silent Assassin on her feet. She continues into the ropes and comes back with a running clothesline, but The Silent Assassin merely staggers. Danica then steps up on his thigh for an enzeguiri, taking him to a knee, before backing into the ropes and this time connecting with a shining wizard. She makes a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



The Silent Assassin kicks out.



MW: Close one for Danica Jane.

SD: And that was much better. She saw an opening and she connected with a string of offence that fitted together naturally. If she sticks to her gameplan, she might find a way to win this match.



Danica stands and pulls The Silent Assassin up with her, hooking his head and arm and connecting with a swinging neckbreaker. Danica then springs onto the middle rope for a springboard moonsault and holds for another cover.



One…

Two-



The Silent Assassin kicks out again. Danica quickly grabs the arm and looks to lock in a Kimura lock, but The Silent Assassin twists into a modified European uppercut and Danica staggers back. The Silent Assassin stands and Danica comes in with another clothesline, but he ducks under it and lifts her into a spinning Samoan drop. He sits up, sitting in place for a moment before pulling Danica to her feet and lifting her into a blue thunder bomb, holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Danica kicks out. The Silent Assassin looks down at her again and again tosses his hair back before standing. This time, he moves to the apron and stalks Danica. As she stands, he leaps up into a springboard knee strike and rolls through, hitting the ropes and completing Double Tap with a shining wizard as Danica sits up. He makes another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Danica kicks out again.



MW: Danica Jane definitely showing some heart in this match.

SD: She is. I think there was a time when that Double Tap might have put her away, but not anymore. Survival is one thing, however, and getting back into the match and winning it is a very different thing.



The Silent Assassin stands, pulling Danica up with him. He hooks an arm over her and lifts her, looking for Silencer. Danica, however, manages to push through and land behind The Silent Assassin. He turns and she quickly pulls him into a belly-to-belly suplex. She rolls away and catches her breath, a significant section of fans starting a ‘Da-ni-ca, Da-ni-ca’ chant. She pushes herself to her feet just as The Silent Assassin gets to his, and she moves in with a determined look. She throws a couple of kicks to his back before connecting with a Pele kick which sends The Silent Assassin staggering back into the ropes. He comes back to her and she takes him down with a big clothesline, dropping into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



The Silent Assassin kicks out. Danica stands and stalks him, wiggling her fingers in anticipation. He pushes up and turns into Lights Out- but he catches it. The Silent Assassin stares at Danica and she stares back for a moment, transfixed. The Silent Assassin raises a finger gun right at Danica and ‘shoots’ it before dropping the foot and connecting with Killshot. He then hauls Danica to her feet and hooks an arm over her head, lifting her, slingshotting her off the rope and hitting Silencer, hooking a leg for the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: The Silent Assassin (10:18).



MW: The Silent Assassin advances onto six points.

SD: A nice match and a good, solid win for him. Danica Jane did what she could but I think she was always fighting not just The Silent Assassin but also her own sense of unease.

MW: The Silent Assassin goes on to face Thea Donovan on the final day of block competition. After that, he could have a real impact on FPW.

SD: He certainly could. He’s got the presence, the power, a good burst of speed and clearly knows his way around the ring. He’s come up short against arguably the three best in the block though, so he’s got a bit of work to do if he wants to rise all the way to the peak of the FPW mountain.



The Silent Assassin stands and has his arm raised. As the official moves away, a red spotlight shines on him for a few seconds before the lights go out entirely. When they come back up, he’s gone.



MW: And now we get to a huge match in the B Block. First-placed Jace Mason facing third-placed Johnny California. Steven, run us through the possibilities here.

SD: A Johnny California win is fairly simple. He would go to the top of the block and everyone still in contention would remain in contention. A Jace Mason win would take him onto ten points and would eliminate Botiatus and Johnny California because neither could get to ten points. It would also eliminate Berry Bishop, because Jace Mason would have the tie-breaker over her and so would Marcus Allen Jones, who would be the only contender who could get into a three-way tie with the two of them. Artemis Evans would also be eliminated because the best she could hope for it to tie Mason, and he has the tie-breaker. So a Mason win would mean just he and Marcus Allen Jones would remain in contention for the block.

MW: So Johnny California is not just fighting for his own Free-1 tonight, but for Berry, Evans and Bo as well?

SD: Essentially, yes. I’m not sure we’d expect to be in a position where the three of them and their fans would be cheering on Johnny California, but the Free-1 makes for strange bed-fellows.

MW: So we know what could happen as a result of the match, but let’s look at how we get to that result. Jace Mason, much like Danica Jane just did, wrestled yesterday. How much will that impact him in this match tonight.

SD: Jace has been in the ring for almost two hours across his five matches. On average, that’s nearly twenty-five minutes per match, and that would be even higher if he hadn’t have won in under twelve minutes last night. He’s going to be tired and we know he’s got hurt ribs. I think anybody, no matter how good their conditioning, would be a little slowed-down after that.

MW: Johnny California, on the other hand, has the shortest total match time of anyone in the block by over ten minutes.

SD: He does. And he last wrestled six days ago. I think the schedule has been very kind to him for this match.

MW: But can he take advantage?

SD: He’s certainly capable. If I had to bet on one person in FPW to overcome the odds like this, it would be Jace Mason. The man can take pain like very few people I’ve ever seen and he’s got determination like nobody I’ve ever seen. But there comes a time where everyone reaches their limit, and Johnny California will need to take Jace Mason to his tonight. Jace faced Botiatus, who didn’t really go for the ribs much, and Russ Bolt, who isn’t likely to do Mason as much damage as others can. Johnny California, however, will have no problem with attacking the ribs. He tried to go after Marcus Allen Jones’ knee but struggled because he’s not a technician. Going after ribs is different. All it needs is a few well-placed kicks or punches and Jace Mason could be on the mat desperately trying to suck in air. This is a dangerous match for Jace Mason and he needs to be very careful.

MW: Well, with that warning in mind, let’s get to someone who’s not got a dangerous bone in her body. It’s Dasha Banks.



“The following is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in third place in the block with six points gained from wins over MDE, Russ Bolt and Artemis Evans, from The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, he wishes to be introduced as ‘The Influential, the Controversial and the Unforgettable’, ‘The Mould-Breaker’ and ‘The Man Behind the Mask’… this is Johnny California.”



‘Losing My Religion’ hits the speaks and the fans boo loudly. As the lyrics hit, California steps through the curtain, guitar resting on his shoulder, quietly singing along to himself. He looks around at the crowd as they continue to boo him, taking in the boos before making his way down the ramp. He stares straight ahead to the ring, continuing to sing along to the song and ignoring the fans as they boo him. He props his guitar against the steps and climbs onto the apron before stepping into the ring, singing along to himself as he wanders over to the corner. He adjusts his gear and rests against the ropes and, as the music fades out, he brings his eyes up to the ramp, a look of focus on his face.



“And his opponent, he is the A Block leader with eight points from wins over Berry Bishop, Artemis Evans and Russ Bolt as well as draws against Marcus Allen Jones and Botiatus, from Seattle, Washington, ‘The Eternal Student’… Jace Mason!”



The introduction to ‘Afterlife’ begins to play and the anticipation of the fans again builds. As the intro ends, Jace Mason steps forward in his usual pose with his ribs taped heavily again, pyro exploding and the fans cheering loudly. Mason looks out at the crowd and nods, smiling as he hears the loud cheers. Mason makes his way down the ramp, holding out his hands but keeping his eyes locked on Johnny California, who looks off into the half-distance. When he reaches the bottom of the ramp, he steps up onto the apron, walking along to the turnbuckles and stepping up onto the top and middle turnbuckles, raising his right fist and holding the pose for moment before dropping into the ring.



MW: This huge match between undefeated block leader Jace Mason and Johnny California may be the biggest B Block match of the tournament so far.

SD: And you can sense the anticipation from both men. Jace Mason knows that a win in this match puts him very close to a second consecutive Free-1 final but that a loss makes things a lot more complicated for him, while Johnny California knows that it’s very simple- win or go home.



B Block: Johnny California (6) vs. Jace Mason (8):



The official calls for the bell and the two men come forward, circling one another as a ‘Let’s Go, Mason’ chant fills the arena. They come into a lock-up and California quickly brings a knee up into the ribs. Mason doubles over and California clubs him across the back, driving knees up into the ribs again as the fans boo loudly. Mason drops to all-fours and California backs into the ropes before coming back with a low dropkick, again into the ribs. Mason rolls onto his back and California makes an early cover.



One…

Tw-



Mason kicks out. California quickly stands and puts the boots into Mason, targeting the ribs as Mason tries to cover up. California then lands a hard stomp to the head before pulling Mason to his feet and driving another knee into the ribs before taking him down with a fameasser. He rolls Mason into a cover again.



One…

Tw-



Again Mason kicks out.



MW: A very aggressive start from Johnny California.

SD: I really like this from California. He knows that he can’t get into a technical exchange with Mason and he knows the weak point. He’s just going straight for it. A lot of wrestlers would wait or be more tentative and would let some adrenaline build in Mason, but California is just going straight to it, and it’s working well early on in this one.



California pulls Mason to his feet and whips him into the corner. He comes in with a running knee but Mason quickly dodges out of the corner. California turns and Mason comes in with an explosion of chops, grimacing with each jarring connection. He pulls California out of the corner and sends him into the opposite ropes, taking him down with a hard back elbow before stalking him as he comes to stand. Mason takes a couple of steps and leaps up into Mason’s Hammer, but California brings up a knee right into the ribs and Mason collapses to the mat.



California rubs a hand across his chest to check for blood after the chops before turning to Mason, who is struggling to suck in air. He lands another stomp to the ribs before standing over Mason and leaping up, coming down on the ribs with a standing double stomp. Mason cries out and California reaches down, pulling him up with a smile on his face. The fans boo loudly as he sends him into the corner and comes in with a running knee to the ribs, Mason dropping to a seated position. California then performs a facewash, repeating it as the fans’ boos get louder and louder before backing into the perpendicular corner and coming in with a running facewash.



MW: This is getting dangerous for Jace Mason.

SD: I warned you that this match could look like this. I think this expanded Free-1 has been great, but we’ve seen injuries to Marcus and Mason, both of whom have been involved in long matches. Maybe it’s the extra matches in the same space of time or the imbalance between the block draws, I don’t know, but both men could end up being cost the block because of the injuries sustained after, ironically, they took so much out of one another in their very first Free-1 III match.



California pulls Mason out of the corner and lifts him to his feet. He hooks an arm over his head and jumps up for a jumping DDT, only for Mason to hold him up and drive him back into the corner, grunting at the pain of the impact with the turnbuckles but coming back at California, his eyes aflame, with another barrage of hard chops. The official comes in to break it off and Mason quickly pulls California out of the corner, hooking an arm over him and looking to lift him for a falcon arrow, but he can only lift him a few inches before he has to drop him back down again. California lands a couple of right hands to the ribs and Mason staggers away before California catches him with a roundhouse kick. Mason drops to his knees and California hits the ropes, coming back with a penalty kick before making another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Mason kicks out. California stands over him and lands a stomp to the ribs again, the fans continuing to boo as California almost taunts Mason. He lands a few more stomps before backing away into the corner and stalking him. Mason slowly pulls himself to his feet, one arm cradling his ribs all the way up and he turns. California charges at him for Last Kiss, but Mason leaps into a last-second gamengiri to counter it. He hits the mat and crawls over to the ropes, using them to help him up. He turns and looks over at California, who is just about standing, before running at him and connecting with a shotgun dropkick so hard that it sends California flying into the turnbuckles.



MW: The intensity from Jace Mason is off then charts right now!

SD: And that’ll be coming from a few places. He’s obviously angry that California has been targeting the injured ribs so much, but he’s also aware that he can’t use a lot of the offence that he’s used to using. Anything which involves lifting will be very hard to do right now, so he needs to be more intense with his strikes, and he’s doing that well. Whether it’ll be enough, I don’t know, but he’s giving himself the best possible opportunity.



Mason looks over at California and moves in as he rests in the corner. He lands a few more chops before sending him hard into the opposite corner. California staggers out and Mason leaps onto the middle rope, connecting with a disaster kick. California rolls under the bottom rope to the outside and Mason waits for him to stand before coming through the ropes with a wrecking ball dropkick. He pulls California to his feet and drives him head-first into the barricade before looking to send him back into the ring. However, California lands a hard elbow into the ribs and Mason staggers backwards. California then grabs Mason and drives him into the barricade so hard that it comes loose.



Mason slumps to the floor and California looks down at the barricade before moving it slightly and setting it parallel to the ring. He lifts Mason and rolls him onto the apron, carefully making sure that he doesn’t roll back into the ring. California then slides into the ring, ignoring the questions from the official about the barricade, and stalks Mason. Mason struggles to pull himself up on the ropes and California runs at him, leaping over the top rope into a sunset flip powerbomb which drives Mason down onto the barricade. He grunts in agony as his ribs strike the hard metal and California rolls over and pushes to his feet.



California looks down at Mason and then back into the ring, climbing onto the apron but not back through the ropes. The official orders him into the ring but California ignores him again, instead backing up onto the middle and then top rope. The official tells California to get down but California simply looks down at Mason, the fans quietly anticipating what’s about to happen. California leaps down and connects with a double stomp onto Mason’s ribs as he rests on the barricade.



MW: Oh my God!

SD: That could have snapped every rib in his chest. Johnny California is not messing around in this match.

MW: I thought Marcus’ knee injury was serious but it could be nothing compared to this. Jace Mason’s Free-1 could be over right here.

SD: The match almost certainly is over. I’ve not seen impact like that for a very long time.



The official checks on Mason and is about to wave the match off when Mason reaches up and grabs his shirt, refusing to let him. The official shrugs, shakes his head, and, after a cursory glance at Johnny California, rolls back into the ring, beginning a count.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



Johnny California pushes to his feet and looks down at Mason as he lies, barely moving. He walks past him and rolls back into the ring.



Four……….

Five……….



California stands by the ropes with his arms resting on the top one, looking down at Mason, who tries to sit up but has to drop back down again.



Six……….

Seven……….



Mason tries again to sit up and barely manages it, staring up at California in the ring.



Eight……….



With great effort, Mason pushes to all-fours and turns towards the ring. He begins to crawl, but drops down after a couple of steps, the pain too much.



Nine…



He pushes up again, getting slightly closer.



…



He reaches up to grab the ring apron but can’t quite grip it, dropping back down with his left arm across his ribs.



…



Mason makes one last effort at gripping the ring apron, reaching up and pulling, but again he drops back down, unable to overcome the rib injury.



10.



Winner: Johnny California (15: 13).



California stands and demands that the official raise his arm, which he reluctantly does. He looks down at Mason as a couple of the medical team come down the ramp to check on him. The fans boo loudly as California looks around the arena before stepping out of the ring, collecting his guitar and beginning the walk up the ramp.



MW: Jace Mason has suffered his first defeat of Free-1 III.

SD: And Johnny California has taken over at the top of the B Block. This is a huge result for everyone in that chasing pack and it will surely give Artemis Evans, Berry Bishop, Botiatus and even Marcus Allen Jones hope of still winning this block.

MW: But Jace Mason can still do it himself. The tie-breakers that we went over earlier are favourable, except for against Johnny California now.

SD: In his condition, I’d be amazed if he made it to that last match. Against MDE with an injury? Marcus managed to come out with a win but his leg was nearly snapped in two. Even if Mason does manage to win, what chance would he have in the Free-1 final?

MW: Well there’s eight days now for Jace Mason to recover from this. That may not be enough time if the injury is serious, but as we saw tonight, I’m sure he’ll go about preparing with the heart and the determination of a champion.



The medical team help Mason to his feet and the fans begin to applaud him. He grimaces with every step as they help him up the ramp, a ‘Mason, Mason, Mason’ chant echoing around him. As they reach the top of the ramp, he pauses and takes his arms away from the medics who are helping him. He slowly turns and looks out at the arena, which rises to give him a standing ovation. He gives them a pained smile and the camera just manages to catch him say, “I won’t let you down.” He turns and takes slow steps back to the curtain before leaving the arena.



MW: Well that match throws the B Block open even further and tomorrow, well, I’m not sure it’s about points as much as it’s about a lot of other things, but tomorrow we will see Berry Bishop facing up to her old tormentor MDE.

SD: And MDE has already been playing a lot of mind-games with Berry in the lead-up to this. He’ll have had this match circled ever since the block draw was released. He knows how desperate Berry will be to beat him. Of course, a win for her brings her level with the leaders on eight points too.

MW: A huge match for Berry Bishop but also an important one in the A Block for Jackson Banks and Thea Donovan.

SD: Jackson Banks won’t want to end this tournament with zero points and I’m sure he’ll see a chance for a victory over Donovan as a great way to avoid that. Donovan only has two points so far, so I’m sure she’ll want to take the chance to add two more. Another A Block match which is only for pride, but I think it should be a hard-fought and interesting one nevertheless.

MW: Well we’re about done here tonight, but I’m sure we’ll see you all tomorrow as Free-1 III continues on to what I am certain will be a thrilling finish.

[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 back to Free-1 III as we reach the final stages of this huge tournament.

SD: And tonight we see a big match between two up-and-comers in the A Block and a big B Block contest as Berry Bishop faces up to one of her demons in MDE.

MW: And we’ll get to that match later on, but let’s look at Jackson Banks and Thea Donovan first.

SD: Neither of them has had much to write home about in the Free-1, and both will see this match as a big chance to get some points on the board and build a bit of momentum as we move out of Free-1 season.

MW: Thea Donovan does have a win, and it came thanks to a distraction, but that’s unlikely to happen again with RJ Tudor at ringside. Where do you think she can find her advantage given that the numbers game might not work out?

SD: I’m not so sure that a distraction was the only reason that Thea Donovan got that win, but ignoring that point, I think she has the edge in experience, in power and in in-ring intelligence. Jackson Banks is quicker for sure, but Thea Donovan has enough to win this match.

MW: Jackson Banks has no wins yet, but he had one of the most exciting matches of Free-1 III against Aaron Williams. Can he turn that momentum into his first points in this match?

SD: I don’t think this is a match that he’ll win, but I do think it’s his best chance. If he can carry on that lightning-fast offence then I could see him keeping on top of Donovan in this match and picking up a win, but I think Thea Donovan has the smarts to break up Banks’ momentum when it builds and I think that will get her to four points tonight.

MW: Well here’s another woman with plenty of smarts. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an A Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in last place in the block with zero points, being accompanied to the ring by RJ Tudor, from Brooklyn, New York, he is ‘The King of the Ropes’, Jackson Banks!”



‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ begins and the fans cheer as the usual fast-paced highlights of Revolution-X flash across the screen. As ‘Now I’m in Town’ hits, Banks bursts through the curtain and charges across the stage to both sides of the fans, pumping them up. RJ Tudor comes out behind him and watches, letting Banks take the attention. Banks turns to Tudor and nods before the two of them bounce down the ramp, slapping hands with fans and continuing to pump up the crowd, who respond well to them. Banks reaches the bottom of the ramp and climbs onto the apron before springboarding onto the top rope and walking to the turnbuckle, turning and continuing to walk the rope. He walks all four before bouncing down onto the middle rope and then back up again, backflipping back into the ring and pumping up the cheers of the crowd even further.



“And his opponent, in seventh place with two points thanks to a victory over Aaron Williams, representing The Queendom and being accompanied to the ring by Myra Lopez, from San Diego, California, ‘The Black Queen’… Thea Donovan!”



‘Checkmate’ rings out around the arena as a black queen appears on the screen. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Myra Lopez steps through the curtain, pointing back to the curtain as Thea Donovan steps through. The fans return to the usual loud boos and Donovan smirks and cups a hand to her ear. Lopez eyes her and follows behind her down the ramp, Donovan trash talking the fans as they give her even more abuse than normal after she failed to defeat Jerry. As she reaches the ring, she climbs through the ropes and moves over to the turnbuckles. Just like Artemis Evans, she steps up onto the middle rope and extends her arms, dropping her head back as the fans continue to boo. Donovan drops down and gives Jackson Banks a dismissive look.



A Block: Jackson Banks (0) vs. Thea Donovan (2):



The official calls for the bell and Banks comes forward enthusiastically. Donovan hangs back and looks at him with one eyebrow raised before turning to Myra Lopez and asking if she knows who he is. The fans boo as Donovan yells to him that he’s a nobody and a failure. Banks stares back with a deadpan look before performing a standing backflip, rolling backwards and pushing himself up, jumping up onto the top rope and giving her a bow. The fans cheer and a ‘Jack-son Banks’ chant goes up as Thea Donovan asks if she’s supposed to be impressed.



Banks comes down and the two come into a lock-up, Donovan powering Banks into the corner and driving him into the turnbuckles. The official comes in as Donovan growls at Banks, telling him that he doesn’t deserve to be in the same ring as her. She breaks on four and Banks catches his breath before Donovan extends her leg and starts choking him in the corner. He grips the ankle but he can’t force her off his throat and the official begins another count, again reaching four before Donovan drops her foot and unleashes a vicious slap which leaves Banks on his knees.



MW: A statement made to start this match by Thea Donovan.

SD: Donovan is trying to put Jackson Banks in his place. She knows that her point total will give him confidence, so she’s making sure that he knows she’s superior. It’s a good approach.



Donovan pulls Banks to his feet and bring him out of the corner, driving a knee into his gut and hooking an arm over him before delivering a fisherman’s suplex, holding for the cover.



One…

Two-



Banks kicks out. She stands, lifting him with her, and drives another knee into his gut before lifting him onto her shoulders, looking for a Death Valley driver. However, Banks manages to flip out, landing on his feet and following through into the ropes, leaping up onto the middle rope and coming back with a springboard forearm before Donovan can react. She hits the mat and he pushes up, grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her to her feet before wringing the arm and backing into the corner. He steps up the ropes and walks to the middle of the top rope before coming down with a rope-walk hurricanrana.



Banks stands again and calls to the crowd, who cheer him loudly as he steps through the ropes. As Donovan stands, he goes to leap up by Myra Lopez grabs his foot and blocks him. The official moves over to warn her, but RJ Tudor is straight there, pulling her away from Banks and shoving her. Lopez raises her hands and backs off as Banks leaps up, looking for a springboard lariat, only for the distraction to have allowed Donovan to recover enough to connect with a superkick to take him out in mid-air. She drops into a cover and orders the official over.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Banks just gets a shoulder up.



MW: I thought that was it!

SD: And it almost was. That was a perfectly times superkick from Thea Donovan with nothing Jackson Banks could do to stop it. And Myra Lopez played her role perfectly as well.

MW: Played her role?

SD: That’s what I said, Watson. Try to keep up.



Donovan stands and hauls Banks up. He stands on unsteady legs before she sends him into the corner and comes in with a high knee. He staggers out of the corner and she hits the ropes, coming back with a running knee to take him down. She drops down into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Banks barely kicks out again. Donovan reaches down and pulls Banks back up, hooking an arm over him and lifting him into a vertical suplex position. She holds him up for a few moments before dropping to the mat. She stands and looks down at RJ Tudor, telling him that he won’t need to worry about his friend for much longer. She pulls Banks into position and lifts him, hooking her hands under his arms and looking for Firebomb, only for Banks to wriggle out of it and drop back down. He connects with a dropkick to send Donovan staggering forward into the ropes and then backs away, charging in and looking for The Banks Job, only for Lopez to call out to Donovan, who reels backwards just in time.



Donovan comes at Banks with another slap, but Banks ducks under it and rolls under her arm, hitting the ropes and leaping up, balancing on the top rope. Donovan comes running in and looks to knock him down, but he steps along the rope, and, as she cannons into the ropes, he leaps over the turnbuckle and lands on the perpendicular ropes, coming off with a dropkick. The fans cheer loudly as Banks rolls under the bottom rope. He goes to climb up to the top but Myra Lopez tries to cut him off again, only for RJ Tudor to pull her into a ripcord jumping DDT. Banks gets to the top and comes down with a shooting-star crossbody, holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Donovan manages to kick out.



MW: Jackson Banks so close to a first Free-1 victory.

SD: Close isn’t good enough though, Watson. He needs to find more from somewhere.



Banks stands and looks down at Donovan. He backs towards the ropes and steps up onto the middle and then the top, crouching there and balancing as Donovan gets to her feet. As she stands, he walks out along the rope and looks to come down with a Rope-KO, but Donovan steps aside and he lands on the canvas. Donovan moves in quickly and pulls Banks up, hooking an arm over his head and pulling him up into a lifting DDT. She rolls him over for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Banks gets his shoulder up again. Donovan stands and staggers a step before reaching down for Banks. She sets him in position with his head jammed between her legs. She lifts him up and hooks her hands under his arms, but again he manages to wriggle free. He runs to the ropes and steps up again onto the top rope and, as Donovan turns, he comes with a Rope-KO again, only for Donovan to turn and somehow catch her hands under his arms, pausing for a moment with Banks in position and then dropping him with Firebomb. RJ Tudor yells for Banks to kicks out as Donovan makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Thea Donovan (11:01).



MW: And Thea Donovan advances onto four points.

SD: What a counter that was for the win. To catch someone like that in that position… that takes some timing. Excellent victory for Thea Donovan who looks to end her Free-1 with a bit of momentum.

MW: She joins Danica Jane on four and faces The Silent Assassin in her final match, who she would join on six with a victory, while Jackson Banks remains on zero ahead of a match with the aforementioned Danica Jane.



Donovan stands and a recovered Myra Lopez comes into the ring to join the official in raising her hands. The two of them give Tudor and Banks a dismissive look as Tudor helps Banks out of the ring before Donovan does some more jaw-jacking with the fans.



MW: Well we’ve seen the less consequential of tonight’s two matches. Now for something crucial to Berry Bishop’s standings in the block as well as her well-being as an individual.

SD: First and foremost, she must remember that this is a Free-1 match. A win will bring her onto eight points, tied with Johnny California and Jace Mason at the top of the block. A loss will leave her back on six. She wouldn’t be eliminated, but she would need to beat Artemis Evans and for Johnny California and Jace Mason to both lose their final matches against Botiatus and MDE respectively, as well as Marcus Allen Jones to lose both of his matches against Artemis Evans and Russ Bolt. I’d say that a loss tonight effectively eliminates Berry even though there are still scenarios where she can win.

MW: But this match is about more than the Free-1. At the end of 2018, MDE returned following a three month absence and he turned his sights onto Jerry Bishop, who was a very different man to the man who currently holds the FPW Championship. MDE claimed that he wanted to get the best out of Jerry, and that he wanted to motivate him, so he targeted Berry. He took her over to England under the guise of training her and he manipulated her into…

SD: Into sleeping with him.

MW: Yes. He then left Berry to fend for herself as he returned to Chicago ahead of our first Judgement Day show, where he managed to defeat Jerry Bishop. Berry was damaged, although she redeemed some of that damage done by defeating MDE at Season Three Launch Party at the beginning of 2019. Berry then went on to have a great deal of success, making the final of the Young Lions’ Cup and the All Star Tag Team Classic, taking the Freedom Championship from Jace Mason and being the runner up in the FPW Rumble. Much of that success came down to the technical improvements she made after working with MDE. However, at the same time as Berry’s rise was Jerry’s fall from grace, a singles-match losing streak lasting from Judgement Day to the start of the Free-1, during which time he agreed to work with MDE, who still maintained that he wished to bring the best out of Jerry Bishop. After coming close to a Free-1 victory, Jerry showed signs of becoming a new man, an unpopular man, and that transition was complete when he turned his sights to his sister Berry. With MDE whispering in his ear, Jerry went into Judgement Day II and a match against her, forcing her to submit to the Chelsea Smile and tormenting her with that hold. Since then, Berry has been fragile to say the least. She’s faced her brother once again, with the exact same outcome. She’s lost several matches that she would normally have expected to win. However, since agreeing to let Botiatus into her circle of trust, she’s begun to show signs of the Berry Bishop of the first half of 2019, winning the All Star Tag Team Classic and later the Tag Team Championships, and picking up Free-1 victories over Botiatus, Russ Bolt and Johnny California. However, questions remain over her ability to take on her brother, and, by extension, the man who masterminded her brother’s transformation. This match is not just any other match for Berry. It’s a test. It’s a test of how far she’s come in the past few months. It’s a test of her renewed confidence. It’s a test of her wrestling ability and, perhaps most of all, it’s a test of whether or not she might be ready to once again step into the ring with her brother. A victory tonight would not just put her level with Johnny California and Jace Mason at the top of the block. It would be one of the final pieces of the puzzle that has been coming together since the beginning of this year. A loss and she goes right back to her darkest point. This match is more than just a match. This match is everything for Berry Bishop.

SD: I must say, Watson, I couldn’t have summed that up any better myself. This match ought to be something special.

MW: And how does Berry win it? What must she do?

SD: I don’t think she can match MDE hold-for-hold, but I think she should believe in her technique. If she needs to get technical, I think she must believe that she can do it. Otherwise, use her strength. MDE is aware of her kicks and will have a plan to stop them, but since they stepped into the ring last, I think she’s added extra snap to those kicks that MDE won’t have felt before. If she can get them through his defences, they’ll be her key to victory.

MW: And MDE?

SD: Simple. Avoid the kicks, bring her into a technical match, and get into her head. MDE is one of the best there is at psychologically affecting his opponents. Since he came back in 2018, I don’t think anyone has been better at putting people off their game by making opponents dislike them. He needs to remind Berry of what this match means to her, of what happened in England in 2018 and also of what’s happened to her brother. If he break her down psychologically, this match will be his. If Berry can stay strong, she takes a big step towards a big victory.

MW: Well, I don’t think Dasha Banks will need any hype for this one. Let’s get to her.



Dasha stands in the ring with a mic and a very serious look on her face. She raises the mic to her lips and takes a deep breath.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in fourth place in the block with six points after victories over Botiatus, Russ Bolt and Johnny California, from New Haven, Connecticut, she is a former Freedom Champion, the All Star Tag Team Classic winner and one-half of the FPW Tag Team Champions… and, damnit, she’s a strong, inspirational woman who I’m proud to call my best friend… ‘The Bombshell’… Berrrrrrrrry! Bishooooooooooooooooooop!”



A loud cheer fills the arena as ‘The Entertainer’ plays. Berry steps through the curtain and gives the fans a deep bow, holding it for a long time before coming up with a tear in her eye. She holds out a heart symbol towards Dasha and then plays along to the music as she stands and looks out at the crowd. She rearranges her Tag Team Championship at her waist before hopscotching down the ramp. She reaches the bottom of the ramp and slaps a few hands before playing the ring apron and somersaulting over the rope, landing with a bow and a wink. She looks over at Dasha and the two share an extended hug, Dasha whispering some words into Berry’s ear and pulling away with a tear rolling down her cheek. Berry nods and then moves into a corner, barely seeming to hear the deafening ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant that fills the arena.



Dasha stands in the middle of the ring again and clears her throat before raising the mic. As she speaks, her disdain for MDE comes through in her every word.



“And her opponent, bottom of the block with no points, from Plymouth, England, a man who’s nickname I refuse to utter while this woman stands in the ring, a man who will still have no points after she kicks his head off, MDE.”



‘Dance of the Knights’ plays and the fans explode into boos. MDE steps through the curtain and looks around the arena before allowing his eyes to rest first on Dasha, to whom he gives an icy stare, and then on Berry, to whom he gives a smirk. Berry stares back at him without blinking. He makes his way down the ramp in his usual manner, taking his time and ignoring the abuse of the fans as they yell at him. He reaches the edge of the ring and walks up their steps before stepping through the ropes and moving towards Dasha, only for Berry to immediately step between them.



“Not tonight,” she says as she and MDE stare into one another’s eyes, neither of them willing to break contact. Finally, the official steps between them and forces them apart, the two of them still staring one another down. Dasha whispers a few more words into Berry’s ear before leaving the ring, standing at the edge of the ring rather than taking her usual seat.



B Block: Berry Bishop (6) vs. MDE (0):



The official calls for the bell and MDE gives Berry another smirk. She simply stares resolutely back at him and steps forward. He moves closer to her and looks her up and down before moving into lock-up. He drives her back a couple of steps initially but Berry fights back, driving her back foot into the mat and slowly pushing back, the fans cheering as she forces MDE to take one step back, then another. MDE pulls out of the lock-up and another loud ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant breaks out. He comes forward again and they lock-up, Berry taking him in a headlock and looking to take him over. MDE, however, lifts her into a belly-to-back suplex, but Berry absorbs it and repositions herself with the headlock still locked in.



She pushes up with her hips to really up the pressure but MDE gets his legs up, locking in a head scissors. Berry quickly kicks with her legs and frees herself, her and MDE scrambling to be first to their feet. MDE comes in and Berry snaps in Checkmate, MDE dropping back to the mat as he barely avoids it. Berry instead drops down into a dropkick and makes a quick cover.



One…

T-



MDE kicks out. Berry locks in the headlock again and pushes up just like she did before. MDE gets his legs up again but Berry counters, unlocking her hands and rolling down the leg, taking the ankle and looking for an ankle lock. MDE, however, won’t let her turn him onto his stomach and he pulls her in with his leg strength before forcing her back. He goes to stand and Berry comes in with a couple of powerful kicks to the chest, Dasha banging the mat each time. MDE drops down and quickly rolls under the bottom rope as the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant picks up steam once again.



MW: Do you think Berry has come prepared for this match, Steven?

SD: I’d say so. This might be the most focussed I’ve ever seen her, Watson. In three and a half minutes, she’s barely allowed MDE to do anything other than be on the back foot.



The official comes over and tells MDE to get back into the ring, but MDE simply stares up at Berry. She looks back down at him and gestures for him to come back in, but he remains where he is. The official begins a count.



One……….

Two……….



“You really want me to come in there, Berry?” MDE says in a low voice.



Three……….



“Without protection?” he continues, the hint of a smirk on his face. Berry’s mouth drops open.



Four……….



“I’m sure that’s not what you said last time,” he continues, the smirk out in full force. Dasha Banks comes charging around the side of the ring.



Five……….



Berry darts out of the ring and steps in front of Dasha before she can reach MDE. She holds her back for a moment as MDE even lets out a small laugh. Dasha calms down and steps back. Berry turns and MDE catches her right away, lifting her into a belly-to-belly suplex. The fans boo loudly and Dasha holds her hands to her face, realising what she’s done. MDE pulls Berry up and drives her back into the guardrail before hooking her arm over it and pulling her left hand through, yanking hard on it as he tries to dislocate her shoulder. Berry grimaces with pain and the official quickly comes out of the ring and orders MDE to release her, giving him a count. MDE drops her wrist and the official points him into the ring, but he ignores him.



He pulls Berry away from the guardrail and takes the wrist again, wringing the arm and driving Berry shoulder-first into the ring-post. She drops to a knee but MDE maintains his grip on her arm and drags her over to the guardrail again. He forces her arm through and pulls back on it, the official once again coming in as Berry screams with pain and the fans boo loudly. Security have to hold back a couple of the closest fans as they try to help Berry, MDE smirking as he sees them trying to break through to him. He drops her hand, allowing it to slide down between the bars of the guardrail, as the official warns him before he jumps up and brings a foot down on Berry’s elbow. She cries out in pain again and pulls her arm in to protect herself.



MW: This is hard to watch.

SD: This is what I said about MDE and psychological warfare. He didn’t anger Berry but he got under Dasha’s skin enough to force Berry to abandon a position of strength and crucially to turn her back on him. That’s something you can never do when you’re wrestling a man like MDE.



The official orders MDE back into the ring again but again he ignores him, and this time the official heads back into the ring and begins counting.



1……….



MDE pulls Berry up again and wrings her arm.



2……….



He drives his shoulder repeatedly into hers, dropping her to her knees.



3……….



He pulls her up and lifts her onto his shoulder, moving over to the guardrail again.



4……….



He then drops her, making sure she lands right on her shoulder, over the guardrail.



5……….



She flops down to the ground and MDE pulls her into a German suplex, rotating so her shoulder is driven into the floor.



6……….



The fans booing him loudly, MDE stands and pulls Berry up, shoving her into the ring and following. He moves straight into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry just gets a shoulder up and the fans explode, while Dasha Banks stands at the back of the shot with a look of relief etched across her face. MDE stands and pulls Berry up with him, lifting her up onto his shoulder before dropping her into a shoulderbreaker. She drops to the mat like a rag doll and he quickly drops down, trapping her right arm with his leg. Berry, sensing what’s coming, pulls her left arm into her body to protect it as best as she can. MDE reaches for it, but Berry manages to kick her feet up into his face and force him to back away. She rolls quickly into the ropes, and Dasha moves over to her.



MW: Dasha Banks looking to help Berry to fight back into this one.

SD: And fighting her own feelings of guilt for costing her the early advantage for sure.

MW: I’m not sure she needs to feel guilty for that. I was close enough to getting up and hitting him.

SD: Now that I’d like to see. Although, actually, if he’d carried on for much longer, I’d have considered stepping out of retirement.



MDE moves in but the official holds him back and checks on her. She flexes her arm but grimaces as she does. The official asks if she wants to give up but a steely glaze comes into her eyes and she says no, looking over at MDE and pulling herself up. As soon as she gets to her feet, he comes in and pulls her into another belly-to-belly, before grabbing the arm again and dragging her into the middle of the ring. He drops down and looks for a cross armbreaker, but Berry links her hands and refuses to let MDE fully lock in the hold. He works his leg in between her chest and her arms and forces her grip apart, quickly switching back to the cross armbreaker. However, this gives Berry just enough time to roll into a schoolboy roll-up.



One…

Two-



MDE kicks out just as the fans were getting a little excited. Berry scrambles to her feet and gets there just ahead of MDE. He moves in and she lands a kick to his leg, stopping him for a moment. She connects with another and then hits a spinning kick to the gut unleashing a few kicks to the leg and then leaping up into a monkey flip. MDE hits the mat and Berry backs into the ropes and comes in with a shining wizard as he sits up. Berry makes the cover again.



One…

Two-



MDE kicks out.



MW: Berry building some momentum now.

SD: She’s got to be in pain, but she’s desperate to win this match. She’s got to reach down into all of those memories and all of that hurt and use it to drive herself forward. Find that killer instinct that she was lacking against Marcus Allen Jones and unleash everything she can on this man who’s tormented her for so long and in so many ways.



Berry quickly gets to her feet and she sees MDE on his knees. She unleashes a hard kick to his chest and then another to the back. The fans cheer as she repeats them- chest, back, chest, back, chest, back, chest- but MDE catches the final kick and he pushes up to his feet, only for Berry to connect with an enzeguiri which sends him staggering backwards. As he comes back to her, she connects with a roundhouse kick that drops him to his knees before taking him down with a buzzsaw kick. Berry rolls him over as the fans begin to stan, counting along with the official.



One…

Two…

Thr-



MDE just manages to kick out. Berry quickly pushes up to her feet and she coils herself, the fans buzzing with anticipation and Dasha banging the mat. MDE stands, clearly a little dazed from all the kicks, and he turns as Berry unleashes Checkmate, but he drops down under it and dives in, taking her down with a single leg. He repositions himself and traps her right arm, driving an elbow into her ribs and taking the left arm before she can resist. He pulls back hard and finally traps it with his other leg to fully lock in the Simply Great Stretch. Berry cries out in pain as Dasha looks panicked on the outside.



MW: There’s no escape from this hold, Steven!

SD: I know. Berry is going to have to find the ropes or submit here. This could be the end of this match right here. There’s no telling how much pain that young woman is in right now.



Berry cries out as MDE continues to apply pressure to her shoulder, pulling the arm back at a horrific angle. She tries to pull herself around to the ropes, but MDE manages to catch her feet, pulling them in and hooking an arm over them to completely trap her. The official comes in and asks her if she wants to quit, but she cries out the word, “No!” over and over. The fans join in with her cries and Dasha bangs the mat in rhythm with them. Berry uses the energy from Dasha and the fans to give her a bit of extra fight, managing to free one of her legs and firing it backwards, missing MDE the first time but catching him flush on the head the second. She fires it back again and catches him a third time, this time weakening him for just long enough to free her arm.



MDE frantically reaches for Berry’s arm again but she throws her leg back even further and catches him harder this time, causing him to drop back and allowing her to roll away. She gets to the ropes and pulls herself up as quick as she can, but MDE comes in and pulls her away, locking his hands and pulling her into a German suplex, which Berry flips out of, landing on her feet but staggering backwards into the ropes. MDE turns and Berry pulls him into an exploder, but her arm gives out and she pulls away, MDE grabbing her for another attempt at a German suplex, driving her into the mat.



MW: That work on the arm paying off for MDE.

SD: That’s why you do it. First aim is to get the submission and the second is to limit your opponent. MDE will be looking to finish this off now.

MW: We’re around twenty minutes into this match, by the way.



MDE stands and looks down at Berry as she crawls to the bottom rope. He reaches down and locks his hands under her, pulling her up into a gutbuster. He then transitions into a gutwrench suplex before floating over and lifting her for the gutwrench powerbomb to complete the Triple Gutwrench. Berry, however, manages to drop down behind him and she hits the ropes and comes in with a House Call from behind!



MW: House Call!

SD: Borrowed from Botiatus. What a great move from Berry!



MDE drops to his knees and Berry moves around in front of him. She stares down at him and he looks back up at her, unable to move after the House Call. She nods to herself and spins into Checkmate, the fans leaping to their feet as he slowly falls to the mat. Berry dives into a cover, hooking both legs.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Berry Bishop (21:56).



MW: Yes!

SD: Berry did it! What a win for Berry Bishop.



The fans explode into cheers and Berry bursts up to her feet, a tear already rolling down her cheek. Dasha Banks springs into the ring and pulls her into a huge hug as a loud ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant fills the arena.



MW: What a moment this is.

SD: These fans know what Berry has been through this year and they’ve been suffering through it with her. They have every right to be delighted with this outcome.

MW: And Berry vanquishes her demon, going level with Johnny California and Jace Mason at the top of the B Block.

SD: With Artemis Evans to face in her final match, that match becomes huge for her. She would need a three-way tie if Jace Mason beats MDE as well as he holds the tie-breaker over her, but she’s got the tie-breaker over Johnny California if they end up level at the top of the block.

MW: Whatever happens, she has got to be proud of herself after this win, as well as somewhat avenging Super Che Junior by defeating Johnny California and proving herself at the start of the tournament with a victory over her tag team partner Botiatus. Speaking of Botiatus, who must be very proud backstage right now, he is in action tomorrow as he faces Russ Bolt, a match which could see him level with Marcus Allen Jones and just one point off the top of the block too. We also have a huge A Block contest. Kincaid must defeat Jerry Bishop or he and Bobby O are both eliminated from the Free-1. Nothing but a win will do for Kincaid. If Jerry Bishop wins, then the A Block comes down to a straight shot-out between him and Aaron Williams as so many thought it would. We’ll see you tomorrow for the penultimate matches of the penultimate round of this incredible tournament.

[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 to Free-1 III and welcome to another night of extremely high stakes action. Steven, last night saw one of the most emotional wins FPW has ever seen as Berry Bishop defeated MDE. Take a moment to reflect back on that moment.

SD: Watson, we all know I’m a fan of MDE in the ring. Out of the ring, not so much. Berry overcame a big demon last night and picked up a victory that will mean so much more for her than just gaining two points in the Free-1.

MW: And tonight we have two big matches which will go some way to determining the final standings for both blocks. The B Block sees Botiatus in a must-win match against Russ Bolt, but we’re starting out with the A Block. Jerry Bishop, block leader with ten points, faces Kincaid, currently on six. What are the scenarios here, Steven?

SD: They’re actually pretty simple. If Jerry wins, he can only lose the block to Aaron Williams, and Williams would need to defeat Bobby O tomorrow and then Jerry next Wednesday. A win for Kincaid keeps him and Bobby O alive. Bobby would need to defeat Williams tomorrow to remain in contention and then the winner of Kincaid v Bobby O would tie with Williams and Jerry if Williams defeats Jerry.

MW: So it’s win or go home for Kincaid tonight?

SD: Absolutely. This match is the biggest of Kincaid’s FPW career and it’s huge for Bobby O too. That loss to Danica Jane cost him a lot of ground and he’s relying on others to make it up for him.

MW: So what does Kincaid need to do to defeat the only undefeated man left in the tournament?

SD: It won’t be easy. Jerry is as close to unbeatable as anybody right now, and I think Jerry is a bad match-up for Kincaid. Kincaid is a good technician, but Jerry has made big improvements on that side of things since working with MDE. Kincaid is a good striker too, but Jerry is as good at countering strikes as there is. Kincaid will need to have come prepared for this match if he wants to defeat Jerry.

MW: And what will Jerry look to do? More mind games or just go out there and wrestle?

SD: The mind games might work given Kincaid’s protectiveness over Alyssa. I can see Jerry exploiting that, although Thea Donovan tried to and couldn’t manage. I think there may be an element of that, but I also think Jerry will be intrigued at the chance to prove himself against a veteran he hasn’t faced before. Jerry is still a competitor and he still considers himself- rightly in my opinion- the best in FPW. Kincaid comes in and claims he can threaten that position and Jerry will want to knock him down a peg.

MW: Someone else who’s the best in FPW is this lady. Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is an A Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in third place in the block with six points from victories over Thea Donovan, Jackson Banks and Danica Jane, being accompanied to the ring by Alyssa Kincaid from Bearing, Alberta, Canada, ‘The King of the North’… Kincaid!”



The lights dim as ‘Storm Eagle’ fills the arena. As the song kicks into life, Kincaid walks out onto the middle of the stage to a fairly good reception. He stares down at the ring to where Thea Donovan waits. Alyssa walks out and stands next to him, waving to the crowd and presenting him to the audience, many of whom continue to politely cheer. Kincaid makes his way down the ramp, his eyes still focussed on the ring as he holds out his arms to brush hands with fans. As he reaches the ring, hops up onto the apron and shares a few last words with Alyssa before raising his arms and slipping into the ring. He climbs up onto the middle rope and calls out to the fans, pointing to himself and promising victory before dropping down and stretching out. The cheers for Kincaid turn to deafening boos as Thalia Columbina strides onto the stage.



““Introducing THE leader of the A Block, THE man soon to have fourteen points, THE man soon to have beaten Bobby O, Danica Jane, The Silent Assassin, Jackson Banks, Thea Donovan, Kincaid and Aaron Williams, THE greatest man ever to come out of Kanas City, Missouri, THE current and greatest ever FPW Champion, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of professional sports, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Bishooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and Jerry Bishop walks out alongside Thalia, bowing deeply to her and kissing her hand as a ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant goes round the arena. He stands and looks out at the fans, laughing loudly before almost skipping down the ramp and conducting the chant. He reaches the ring and steps up the stairs and climbs up onto the middle rope, holding the FPW Championship aloft and looking down at Kincaid in the ring. He eyes Jerry with distaste before Jerry drops down, turns and gives Alyssa a wink and hands his title to the official. He settles in the corner, the ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant still going strong.



A Block: Jerry Bishop (10) vs. Kincaid (6):



The official calls for the bell and the two men quickly come forward to lock-up. Jerry locks in a headlock but Kincaid runs him into the ropes and shoves him off. Jerry hits the opposite ropes and Kincaid sets up for an arm drag before Jerry catches the top rope. Jerry then comes in again and they lock-up a second time, Kincaid forcing Jerry back a few steps before Jerry turns him and forces him into the corner. The official comes in, looking for a clean break, and Jerry slowly releases his grip, Kincaid eyeing him carefully but Jerry steps back cleanly. Kincaid rests in the corner for a moment and Jerry calls for him to come out.



MW: No tricks yet from The Joker.

SD: Like I told you, he wants to prove that Kincaid is no match for him. If he wants to play some mind games, I’m sure he’ll be ready to, but I think he just wants to out-wrestle a veteran right now.



Kincaid moves in and Jerry quickly takes his arm, wringing it and kicking the back of his leg to drop him to a knee. He pulls the arm around and takes the other, locking in a straightjacket and placing his knee in the centre of Kincaid’s back before pulling back. Kincaid grimaces but resists, trying to push up to his feet. Jerry, however, uses his standing leg to keep Kincaid from pushing up, so Kincaid instead forces himself to drop forwards, throwing Jerry into a forward roll and forcing him to break the hold.



Kincaid quickly stands and grabs Jerry by the wrist, sending him across the ring and taking him down with an arm drag. Jerry gets to his feet and Kincaid looks for another, only for Jerry to counter with an arm bar before wringing the arm, stepping onto the middle rope and coming off with a rebound arm drag of his own. He stands and stalks Kincaid, connecting with a rolling elbow which sends Kincaid staggering back into the corner. Jerry then comes in with a running dropkick and positions himself on the middle rope, waiting for Kincaid to stand before coming down into a blockbuster. He makes a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Kincaid kicks out.



MW: Dominant from Jerry Bishop.

SD: He’s a master of whatever ring he steps into. He’s not FPW Champion for no reason, Watson; he’s FPW Champion because he’s the best wrestler here, and he’s showing it right now.



Jerry sits up as the fans begin to boo and another ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant breaks out. He lets out a small laugh before pulling Kincaid to his feet. Jerry sets him in position for a running bulldog but Kincaid elbows him in the gut and forces a bit of distance. Jerry quickly comes back in but Kincaid catches him with a couple of chops before shoving him into the ropes and catching him with an inverted atomic drop. Jerry takes a couple of steps back and Kincaid grabs him by the wrist for a short-arm lariat, but Jerry ducks it, taking Kincaid down with a Russian leg sweep instead.



Jerry stands and pulls Kincaid with him, hooking an arm over his head and backing into the corner. He pushes up onto the top rope and looks for a tornado DDT, but Kincaid catches him as he pushes off and shoves him back onto the ropes. Kincaid climbs after Jerry, landing a few more chops before hooking an arm over his head and quickly lifting Jerry into a superplex. Jerry lands hard and Kincaid rolls into a cover.



One…

Two-



Jerry kicks out. Kincaid pushes himself up and stalks Jerry from behind. As Jerry stands, Kincaid grabs him by the lower leg and lifts him for a shinbreaker, but Jerry flips out and lands on his feet. Kincaid turns into a forearm and Jerry drops him with a quick DDT. Jerry then rolls under the bottom rope and stalks Kincaid. He slowly gets to his feet and Jerry leaps up, taking Kincaid down with a springboard forearm and holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Kincaid kicks out again.



MW: Jerry Bishop still in control of this one.

SD: Kincaid has had his moments but Jerry Bishop looks to be taking this match very seriously. I’d expect he’s looking forward to being able to say that he eliminated Bobby O. We know the history between those two and we know the dislike that exists between them now.



Jerry pushes to his feet and steps through the ropes, waiting for Kincaid to stand again. As Kincaid starts to get to his feet, Jerry launches himself into a slingshot DDT, but Kincaid lifts his head and Jerry lands on the mat, Kincaid backing into the ropes and connecting with a sliding forearm. He pushes up and stalks Jerry before pulling him in for a backstabber, pushing him back up to his feet and then coming up into a bulldog. Kincaid rolls Jerry over for another cover.



One…

Two-



Jerry kicks out once again. Kincaid stands and looks out to the fans as they start to get behind him. He crouches behind Jerry and stalks him, waiting for him to get to his feet. As Jerry turns, Kincaid pulls him in for The Llewelyn Lift, but Jerry again flips out and lands on his feet. Jerry hits the ropes and comes back at Kincaid with a penalty kick to his back before following through to the opposite ropes and coming back again with a penalty kick to the chest. He pulls Kincaid up and kicks him the gut, trapping his arms and looking to drop him with Last Laugh, but Kincaid frees himself and twists away. Jerry comes back in quickly but Kincaid catches him with a hard back elbow before hitting the ropes and taking Jerry down with a flying forearm.



Kincaid stands, calling to the fans, who respond to him. He stalks Jerry before taking him down with a clothesline. Jerry gets quickly to his feet and Kincaid connects with another. The fans build their excitement as Kincaid pulls Jerry up and throws him into the corner. He follows up with a flying splash, but Jerry manages to flow through the ropes and Kincaid connects with the turnbuckles before Jerry comes over the ropes into a slingshot DDT. He rolls Kincaid into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Kincaid kicks out, the fans cheering for him.



MW: Every time Kincaid builds some momentum, there’s Jerry Bishop with the counter.

SD: Jerry has always been a great counter-wrestler. He was never easy to string momentum together against because he could always find a way to avoid something or turn it to his advantage. And with MDE behind him making sure he’s got everyone properly scouted, he’s ten times harder to keep on top of.



Jerry stands, letting out a laugh as he sees the fans so strongly behind Kincaid. He reaches down to pull Kincaid to his feet and he sets him in position for Last Laugh once again, trapping the arms, but Kincaid again manages to counter, this time driving with his legs and sending Jerry back into the corner. The impact releases the arms and Kincaid backs away before coming in with a hard clothesline. Jerry reels out of the corner and Kincaid grabs him from behind, spinning him around and kicking him in the gut before pulling him up and delivering a sit-out powerbomb, holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Jerry kicks out. Kincaid rolls backwards and gets himself up to his feet, pulling Jerry up too and taking his leg. He looks to set Jerry for a dragon screw but Jerry quickly gets up into an enzeguiri and Kincaid drops to his knees. Jerry stands and pulls Kincaid up into a float-over neckbreaker before pulling him to his feet again and hooking an arm over his head. He moves towards the ropes and steps up them before delivering a tornado DDT. Kincaid rolls onto his back but Jerry doesn’t make the cover, instead moving away and stalking Kincaid.



Slowly, Kincaid turns over and pushes up to all-fours and then to a knee. As he stands and turns, Jerry aims a big right hand, but Alyssa cries out for Kincaid to duck, and he manages to duck it just in time. Kincaid grabs Jerry but Jerry throws back and elbow and then takes him down with a rolling elbow before turning to Alyssa. He locks eyes with her and moves towards her as she takes a couple of steps back from the apron. The fans begin to boo loudly as Jerry steps towards the ropes.



“You had to get involved, didn’t you?” he calls to her, before letting out a big, booming laugh. He then steps through the ropes and follows her around the ring as she backs off. As he gets close, he pounces, grabbing her and turning her to face Kincaid, who is just recovering.



“Looks what I’ve got,” he calls to Kincaid, who turns and flies out of the ring, face reddening with rage. Jerry quickly releases Alyssa and dives back into the ring, Kincaid following right into a kick to the gut and a snap Last Laugh. Jerry rolls him over for a cover as the fans boo loudly.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Kincaid kicks out!



MW: What!

SD: Not many people can kick out of Last Laugh! Jerry must have thought that his trap had worked to perfection, but Kincaid is still fighting.

MW: What kind of a man uses another man’s wife as a trap?

SD: A successful one, Watson. You know what they say about successful women rarely being well-behaved? It’s true for successful men as well.



Jerry looks down at Kincaid for a moment as the fans cheer loudly. He lets out a small laugh before pulling Kincaid up and connecting with a hard right hand which spins Kincaid around. Jerry then traps the arm and looks to complete Punchline, but Kincaid ducks the ripcord lariat and pulls Jerry into The Llewelyn Lift. Kincaid gets to his feet, staggers a couple of steps, and then stalks Jerry as he gets to his knees. Kincaid comes in with a Big Fat Kill and Jerry slumps to the mat, Kincaid pouncing on him for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry kicks out. Not to be deterred, Kincaid stands, the effects of the Last Laugh showing much less as he pulls Jerry up and lifts him onto his shoulders. He drops him with The Red River Crossing and hooks the leg for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Jerry kicks out again, the fans groaning their disappointment. Kincaid is quickly up again, staggering a couple of steps but waiting for Jerry to stand before he comes in with a clothesline. Jerry pushes to his feet again and Kincaid connects with another before pulling Jerry to his feet and sending him into the corner, following in straight away with a flying splash. Jerry staggers out of the corner and Kincaid hits the ropes, coming at him with The Flying Lariat. Kincaid immediately rolls away onto the apron, the fans standing with anticipation as Kincaid climbs the ropes, stepping up to the top and coming down with From On High! He makes the cover, the fans counting along.



One…

Two…

Thre-



No! Jerry gets his shoulder up.



MW: Damnit!

SD: Jerry Bishop is invincible!

MW: It sure seems that way.

SD: Nobody in FPW has kicked out of From On High before.



Kincaid stares first at the official and then at Alyssa in disbelief. She bangs on the mat, telling him to go up again, and he snaps out of it. He stands and looks around the arena, the fans on their feet as he steps through the ropes and climbs to the top for a second time. He looks down at Jerry who has barely moved since kicking out and comes down with a second From On High, but Jerry gets his knees up and Kincaid rolls away with his hands on his ribs, the fans standing with their hands on their heads as they start to boo loudly.



MW: We’re over twenty minutes in this one.



Jerry rolls towards the ropes and begins to pull himself up, his foot slipping from under him once, but he gets to his feet as Kincaid does the same. Kincaid moves in first, pulling Jerry up and landing a hard chop to his chest. Jerry lets out a small laugh and Kincaid gives him a look before connecting with a second hard chop. Jerry lets out a slightly louder laugh and Kincaid connects with a third chop before Jerry explodes into a booming laugh and responds with a flurry of forearms, forcing Kincaid back into the ropes. Jerry sends him across the ring and aims a right hand at him as Kincaid comes back, but Kincaid ducks it, hits the opposite ropes and looks for a flying forearm, only for Jerry to take him out of midair with a right. The air seems to go out of the arena as Jerry pulls Kincaid to his feet, trapping the arm and connecting with Punchline. He drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Jerry Bishop (22:09).



MW: And Jerry Bishop wins it.

SD: Eliminating Kincaid and Bobby O.

MW: It looks like this block will come down to Aaron Williams and Jerry Bishop like so many people predicted.

SD: Aaron Williams now has to defeat Bobby O tomorrow and Jerry Bishop next Wednesday. That’s a hard ask.

MW: But if there is one man I’d back to do it to win this block, it would be him.



Jerry stands and takes in the boos of the fans as Thalia Columbina returns to the ramp.



“Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, the only man to ever reach twelve points, THE man who has now eliminated Kincaid and Bobby O, THE future A Block winner, THE soon-to-be Free-1 III winner, THE FPW Champion, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



Jerry performs a mock bow to the fans as they continue to hurl boos at him. He takes the FPW Championship and places it over his shoulder before leaving the ring and walking up the ramp, bowing to Thalia and offering her his arm before leaving through the curtain. A deep, booming laugh can be heard even after he leaves the arena.



MW: With that being done, we move onto the B Block. Tonight we see Botiatus going up against Russ Bolt. What scenarios are in play here, Steven?

SD: Nothing too much. Russ Bolt is out of the running, as we know. Botiatus has to win to remain in contention. A loss leaves him three points off the lead and a win brings him within one point of the leaders and, while he’d need a few results to go his way, keeps him in with a shot of winning the block.

MW: It would be quite the comeback after losing his first two matches.

SD: It would. We all know how good Bo is, and I think he just came up against two good wrestlers wrestling good matches in those first two, but he has a draw with Jace Mason and wins against Marcus Allen Jones and MDE under his belt. A win tonight and a strong performance against Johnny California and I’d say he’s had a good tournament.

MW: Do you expect a win tonight from Bo?

SD: I do. Russ Bolt did well to defeat MDE and he’s had his moments, but I don’t think he’ll be able to out-wrestle a focussed Botiatus. Botiatus will almost certainly make this into a more technical match as he knows that his biggest advantage against Russ Bolt. Bolt will need to find a way to counter that and to allow himself to utilise his athleticism.

MW: With nothing to wrestle for, is Russ Bolt really going to be motivated for this match?

SD: Of course. He could end this tournament with six points. That’s much better than ending it with two points and gives much more credibility to asking for things after the Free-1. Ending on two points isn’t what anyone wants to do.

MW: Well, let’s get to someone who always has credibility. It’s Dasha Banks.



“The following contest is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in seventh place in the block with two points after a victory over MDE, from Miami, Florida… Russ ‘Thunder’ Bolt!”



‘Jumpman’ begins to play and Bolt walks through the curtain, his arms out to his sides, as the fans give him a moderately positive reaction. He dips to the sides and, as the song picks up, he motions as if he’s doing a fade away before cupping a hand to his ear. His fans get louder and Bolt yells out, “There it is!” before making his way down the ramp and slapping a few hands. He reaches the ring and slides in, giving Dasha and the official a nod before stepping up onto the top turnbuckle and pumping up the crowd a little more.



“And his opponent, currently in sixth place in the block with five points from wins over MDE and Marcus Allen Jones and a draw against Jace Mason, from The Bay Area, California, this is Botiatus!”



The fans cheer as the lights go down and the screen displays the foot of wide stone steps. The shot pans up to show more steps and then the now-familiar Roman pillars in front of the villa. As the song really kicks in, the light flash back on and villa melts into ‘THE HOUSE OF BOTIATUS’. Bo emerges into the arena and walks straight down the ramp, blowing kisses out to the fans and slapping a few hands. He walks around the side of the ring and hops up onto the apron before climbing onto the turnbuckle, kneeling on the ringpost and pointing down to Watson and Deville. The lights cut out and a single spotlight shines down on Bo, who stands in his signature pose. As the lights come back on, he drops down, gives Dasha a nod and settles in his corner, a look of focus on his face as he stares back up the ramp.



B Block: Russ Bolt (2) vs. Botiatus (5):



The official calls for the bell and Bo comes forward, extending a fist to Bolt. Bolt bumps it and the fans applaud as they come into a lock-up. Bo drives Bolt back a few steps before Bolt digs in and counters. He starts to drive Bo back but Bo stop his momentum and locks in a headlock. He takes Bolt over and locks the headlock in tighter, keeping Bolt grounded. Bolt manages to get his legs up into a head scissors, but Bo quickly kicks himself free. The two men get to their feet and Bolt comes in a little too quickly, Bo taking him down with an arm drag and then locking in an arm bar to keep him grounded again.



Bolt grimaces but struggles to free himself. Bo hooks the arm behind his leg and then drives his right knee into Bolt’s shoulder, causing a grunt of pain. Bo then hooks his arm under Bolt’s chin and pulls back, really applying pressure to the shoulder. With his free arm, Bolt manages to force Bo off his chin and then manages to drag himself to the bottom rope, grabbing it and forcing Bo to release the hold, which he does immediately. Bo keeps on Bolt, though, lifting him and wringing the arm into an arm stunner. Bolt reels away and Bo leaps up into a dropkick to take him down, making the first cover.



One…

Two-



Bolt kicks out.



MW: You can definitely see the results of Bo’s improved technical work.

SD: Bo is the type of person who self-analyses very well. He sees something he doesn’t like and he addresses it immediately. This is a perfect example of that and he’s got Bolt tied up in knots right now.



Bo stands, pulling Bolt up and into a belly-to-back suplex. Bolt lands and rolls towards the ropes but Bo stops him, extends the left arm and drives a knee into the shoulder before pulling the arm back and driving the knee into the shoulder again. Bolt fights against him, pushing up to a knee and twisting away from the knee, but Bo maintains his grip on the arm and throws a forearm, which Bolt ducks before pulling Bo into a German suplex. Bolt takes a moment to get to his feet as he flexes his left arm. He turns, seeing Bo getting to a knee, and he pulls him up, sending him across the ring and then taking him down with a dropkick, making a cover of his own.



One…

Tw-



Bo kicks out. Bolt stands, reaching down and pulling Bo with him. He sends him into the corner and follows him in with a running clothesline, but Bo steps aside and Bolt just catches himself before crashing into the turnbuckles. He turns and Bo kicks him in the gut and lifts him into a twisting vertical suplex. Bo stretches his neck for a moment before standing and waiting for Bolt to get up. He lifts him into a pendulum backbreaker before rolling under the bottom rope and stalking Bolt. Bolt stands, arching his back, and turns right into a springboard blockbuster, Bo rolling quickly into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bolt kicks out. Bo stands, pulling Bo with him, and he hooks an arm over him again, lifting him before dumping him onto the middle rope and shoving him down onto the apron. Bolt backs away and then comes in with a sliding elbow drop to double Bolt over. He pulls him through the ropes and the fans count along with his rising knee lifts. He reaches nine and then backs away before coming in and delivering a tenth as a running knee. Bolt’s head drops to the canvas and Bo pulls him through the ropes before stepping through himself. He points to himself three times, leading a loud ‘H. O. B.’ chant before delivering the H. O. B. Leg Drop and making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Bolt gets his shoulder up.



MW: Impressive from Botiatus.

SD: Bo is really on his game tonight. That victory over Marcus will have given him a little boost for sure, and I can’t imagine that Berry’s win over MDE did him any harm in the confidence department either.



Bo lifts Bolt and hooks an arm under his head, looking for a neckbreaker drop, but Bolt manages to free himself and he creates a bit of separation. Bo turns and Bolt hits the ropes, coming at him with a flying forearm. Bolt rolls away from Bo but he struggles to get to his feet and take advantage, instead giving Bo the time to roll to the ropes and pulls himself up too. They meet in the middle of the ring, Bolt landing a couple of forearms before connects with a hard palm strike and he lifts Bolt onto his shoulder. He charges at the corner and drops Bolt with snake eyes. Bolt reels away and Bo sets himself for House Call, coming at Bolt only for Bolt to cut him off with a huge clothesline.



Bolt drops to the mat and tries to shake the haze from his head. He slowly pushes up and just gets there before Bo and scoops him up into a scoop slam before dropping an elbow down on his chest. Bolt points up to the top rope and forces himself to his feet before stepping through the ropes and climbing up. He looks down at Bo for a moment and then comes down with Thunderbolt, only for Bo to roll out of the way. Bolt lands hard and rolls onto his stomach, Bo coming quickly in and hooking his arms, bridging into ADT. Bolt cries out and resists for a moment as the official checks on him. He stretches out his legs as he attempts to reach the ropes, but he can’t get there, and he soon verbally submits.



Winner: Botiatus (9:50).



MW: A big win for Botiatus.

SD: A dominant win. He’s given himself a chance at the block on the final day, and that’s all anyone could ask for going into this tournament.

MW: Botiatus now goes on to face Johnny California, so he can overtake him with a victory, and he’ll be hoping for a few other results to go his way.

SD: His path to winning the block may not be as clear as certain others’, but I’m sure he won’t be taking it any less seriously because of that.



Bo stands and the official raises his arm. He acknowledges the crowd and nods to himself, looking down at Watson and Deville as they go through his chances at winning the block.



MW: Well, tomorrow we get down to the final matches in this round and both are huge.

SD: They certainly are. Bobby O faces Aaron Williams in a match that Williams has to win if he’s to have any chance of taking the A Block and then Marcus Allen Jones and Artemis Evans face one another in a match with huge ramifications. A Marcus win eliminates Evans and puts him one ahead of the rest with just Russ Bolt left for him on the final day. An Evans win means we have four people on eight points and two on seven going into the final matches.

MW: A Marcus win would make things easier for us to work out possibilities.

SD: It would, but an Evans win would give us the least predictable final day we’ve ever seen.

MW: Both matches have so much riding on them, I know we’ll see you all back here tomorrow.

[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 one and all to the final day of the sixth round of matches in Free-1 III. Tonight we have crucial matches in the A and B Blocks as we determine our contenders and our also-rans for the final nights of block action on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

SD: We can get to Evans versus Marcus later on, but the FPW fans will have been shocked by what we saw from Aaron Williams moments after the show ended last night.

MW: They certainly will be. Aaron Williams is a man who have been vowing to win the Free-1 from the start, and he finds himself in with a chance at doing so, but needing to defeat three of FPW’s best. Bobby O tonight, Jerry Bishop on Wednesday and then the B Block winner on the thirty-first. Last night he went to Bobby O with a proposition that I don’t think any of us would have ever expected of Williams. Showing just how desperate he is to win this tournament, he asked Bobby O to lay down to make sure his match with Jerry was meaningful and he offered him a shot at winning the Free-1 if Williams is able to make it all the way- a shot which Bobby otherwise would not have- on the very first episode of Freedom Fighters on Sunday September sixth.

SD: I was in shock watching that. And of course we don’t yet know Bobby’s answer!

MW: We don’t. He walked away after Williams made the offer, presumably as shocked as we were. Can you give us an insight into Aaron Williams’ thinking- is it just a case of being so desperate to win that he did something so out-of-character?

SD: I think it is. He’s been saying that this is his tournament for a long time. I think he was the first to mention the Free-1 this year. He’s also desperate to see Jerry beaten, and he wants to be the one to make sure Jerry can’t win this tournament. A loss tonight, which he admitted was possible given the quality of his opponent, and the block is Jerry’s before the two even lock-up. I don’t know if Williams will be regretting his offer, but I can see why he made it.

MW: And Bobby… will he accept? Will he lie down in the Free-1?

SD: I… I don’t think so. Bobby is a prideful man. But he’ll be conflicted. On the one hand, losing points risks him losing places in the final standings and therefore prize money too which, as a father-to-be, is important. But he knows he can’t win the block and he won’t want to see Jerry win this just as much as Aaron Williams and most of these fans don’t. Lying down in this match would also get him a shot at the Judgement Day title match, a shot that he won’t get otherwise. It’s a difficult decision, Watson.

MW: And would Aaron Williams really want him to accept the offer? Williams is riding a groundswell of support. He’s clearly the most popular man in the block, possibly the tournament, and the fans desperately want to see him win this thing. But a win like this leaves a bitter taste, and some of those fans- especially if they see him against someone like Jace Mason or Marcus Allen Jones in the final- they might turn against him. Would Williams risk losing his support to win this tournament?

SD: You’d have to ask him that. Aaron Williams is a man of the people and he loves being so. He’s what Jerry Bishop used to be. But he hasn’t won the big one, just like Jerry never did. Maybe he’s seen Jerry’s success and has realised that fan support may give a nice feeling, but nice feelings don’t win championships and they don’t pay the bills.

MW: So let’s assume that Bobby doesn’t lay down tonight. He’s bound to be in a volatile mood after the loss to Danica Jane cost him the chance to win this block. Will that temper spill over or will we see Bobby at his calm, composed best?

SD: I think it’ll be close to the surface. I think Aaron Williams’ offer might make his temper worse actually. Bobby is prideful- some might say arrogant- and someone asking him to lose a match on purpose might set him off. If Aaron Williams is smart, he’ll play off that and set Bobby off tonight.

MW: I’m not sure that’s how Aaron Williams operates. How will he look to win this one?

SD: With his usual style, I’d expect. Williams doesn’t really change things up. He’s not the type to gameplan for individual opponents. He’s more the type to believe in what he does and think that he can overcome others who gameplan for him. I’d expect to see a pretty standard Aaron Williams tonight, maybe a little more intense due to the stakes, but not much different to what we’ve seen so far.

MW: Well, it’s time to get down to it. The most important match of the A Block so far. Let’s get to a woman who always brings her A game. Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is an A Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in third place in the block with six points from victories over The Silent Assassin, Jackson Banks and Thea Donovan, being accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”



‘This Means War’ begins and the fans begin their cheers, building as the intro plays. As the music pauses, Bobby steps out onto the stage with his usual jacket and looks around the arena. He has a look of determination on his face and he turns to CJ, who gives him a nod. He pops his collar and then marches down the ramp, hands held out to fans along the way, before climbing the steps and entering the ring. He moves to one side of the ring and grabs the top rope, leaning over it and pointing out some people in the crowd. As he does this, CJ makes her way towards the announce desk and sits in a spare chair, but she doesn’t put on a headset. Bobby steps down and turns to the ramp, a look of cold focus on his face.



“And his opponent-“



Dasha is cut off by a loud ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant. It goes on for a while before she brings the mic back up again and tries a second time.



“And his opponent, in second place in the block with eight points from wins over Danica Jane, Kincaid, The Silent Assassin and Jackson Banks, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



After a short pause to build the cheers from the fans, ‘I Still Believe’ kicks in and the fans sing along loudly. Williams comes straight through the curtain to a loud cheer and he leads the song from the stage, moving from one side to the other and pumping up the volume. He pauses as he looks down to the ring at Bobby, their eyes meeting and Williams’ face becomes serious before he snaps back into his usual high-energy mode. He makes his way down the ramp, still singing along loudly, and slapping hands on both sides of the aisle. He reaches the bottom of the ramp and moves around the ring, continuing to slap hands until he gets to a young fan, for whom he pulls out a marker. The fan writes ‘#dreammatch’ and Williams nods in agreement, taking off his t-shirt and handing it to the fan before sliding into the ring. He shakes hands with Dasha and the official before settling in the corner.



MW: I think Bobby has given us the answer. This match is on.

SD: And you can sense the intensity from both men. Aaron Williams may have insulted Bobby’s pride with that offer, and that something that he won’t take well. Williams simply has to win this match, and he knows that more than anyone. I sense we’re in for a very special match tonight.



A Block: Bobby O (6) vs. Aaron Williams (8):



The official calls for the bell and Bobby and Williams eye one another from across the ring. A loud ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant goes up, with a quieter ‘Bo-bby O’ reply. Williams looks around the arena and nods before looking back at Bobby, who doesn’t take his eyes off Williams. Simultaneously, the two come forward into a strong lock-up, neither man gaining much of an advantage but neither breaking the lock-up. They grunt loudly as they try to force the other back, and a loud cry from Bobby accompanies a breakthrough for him as he drives Williams back into the corner. The official steps in but Bobby doesn’t stop pushing Williams back at first. The official starts a count and Bobby breaks off the lock-up, stepping back and eyeing Williams, who looks back at him resolutely.



MW: We said Aaron Williams would be extra intense, but look at Bobby.

SD: He’s disappointed that he can’t win the block and I think he sees this as a chance to regain some pride. I tell you, this is a very dangerous Bobby O tonight and Aaron Williams might have been right when he said he could well lose this match.



Williams steps forward and the two of them lock-up a second time. Bobby pushes Williams back a couple of steps before Williams digs in and begins I push Bobby back, driving him towards the corner and forcing him back against the turnbuckles. The official moves in and Williams breaks his grip, stepping back. Bobby comes straight out of the corner and lands a kick to the gut before clubbing Williams across the back. He mounts him and drives a few forearms into the back of Aaron Williams’ head before pulling him up into a deadlift German suplex and bridging for a cover.



One…

Tw-



Williams kicks out. Bobby stands and pulls Williams with him, driving him into the corner and unleashing a flurry of jabs and strikes to the upper body before whipping him hard into the opposite corner. He runs at Williams and is about to leap for a dropkick when Williams comes out of the corner with a discus lariat, taking both men off their feet. They each roll away and stand, eyeing one another across the ring as the fans cheer for their intensity.



MW: There’s an electric atmosphere inside this place tonight.

SD: We said this was the biggest match of the A Block so far, and the fans are playing their part in it. They know the stakes involved and the fans always respond when they can see how much a match means to the two men in that ring.



Williams and Bobby begin to circle one another before coming forward to lock-up again. However, Williams ducks under Bobby’s arms and he locks in a waistlock, lifting Bobby and then dropping him. He quickly traps Bobby’s knee and looks for a modified STF, but Bobby throws back hard elbows and Williams rolls away. Bobby scrambles to his feet and catches Williams with a few more jabs as he moves in again. He pulls Williams into a vertical suplex and floats over for the cover.



One…

Two-



Williams kicks out. Bobby stands and quickly brings Williams with him, kicking him in the gut and pulling him in for a DDT. Williams, however, drives Bobby back into the ropes and frees himself, whipping Bobby across the ring. Williams ducks a clothesline and Bobby follows through, coming back at Williams who takes him down with a dropkick. He makes a cover of his own.



One-



Bobby kicks out. Williams stands and stalks him as he gets to his feet before connecting with a hard mid-kick. He lands another and then a third before pulling Bobby in and draping an arm over him, pulling him up into position for a vertical suplex. However, Bobby drives a knee down into the skull and drops behind Williams, connecting with a belly-to-back suplex. Bobby stands and backs away as Williams rolls onto all-fours. Bobby comes in looking for a curb stomp but Williams pulls away. He springs up and connects with a couple of forearms as Bobby turns towards him before sending him over the top rope with a lariat.



MW: This match could be heading to the outside.

SD: And this is where intense matches like that can really spill over. If I’m Aaron Williams, I think I’d rather contain this match than give Bobby free reign on the outside.



Williams backs away and hits the opposite ropes before running at Bobby and coming over the top with a somersault plancha. He rolls through onto his feet and slaps a couple of fans’ hands before pulling Bobby up and whipping him into the guardrail. Bobby lands hard and arches his back and Williams takes a few steps back before coming in with a big splash, which Bobby just gets out of the way of. Williams lands hard against the rail and he reels away into a superkick from Bobby. Bobby then pulls Williams up and drives him head-first into the barricade. He repeats the move again and again, the official coming out to warn him before he releases Williams and turns away, an intense look on his face.



He reaches down and pulls Williams to his feet, rolling him into the ring and following. Williams pushes up onto all-fours and Bobby hits the ropes, running at him and taking him down with a curb stomp. He makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams manages to get his shoulder up.



MW: This match- and this block- was close to being over there.

SD: Bobby O has really tapped into that place to find this intensity. When he gets like this, he can be a dangerous man for any opponent.



The camera catches CJ giving Steven Deville a slightly concerned look before refocussing on the ring, where Bobby stands over Aaron Williams. Williams pushes up to his knees and Bobby connects with a forearm. Williams drops forward with his head resting on Bobby’s thigh, and Bobby pulls him up the rest of the way, lifting him onto his shoulders and then dropping him with a fireman’s carry stunner. Bobby makes the cover again.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Again Williams manages to get his shoulder up. Bobby rolls away and stands, reaching down and pulling Williams up too. He sends Williams into the corner and follows up with a running dropkick. Williams droops and Bobby backs away, coming in for a second, only for Williams to come out and catch him with a mid-kick. Bobby gets quickly to his feet but Williams catches him with another mid-kick to send him reeling and he leaps onto the middle rope, coming down with a springboard DDT. He rolls Bobby into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bobby kicks out. The fans cheer loudly as Williams forces himself to his feet, staggering a step or two before reaching down to lift Bobby.



MW: These fans are really enjoying this.

SD: And they’re giving Aaron Williams the shot of energy he needs given that his head must feel like it was attacked with a machete right now.



Williams pulls Bobby in and lifts him up, delivering a powerbomb backbreaker. He then rolls away under the bottom rope and climbs up to the top rope. He looks down at Bobby and comes off the top rope with a shooting star press, holding for the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Bobby kicks out as the crowd sighs. Williams crawls over to the ropes and pulls himself to his feet before stalking Bobby. As Bobby turns, Williams connects with a thrust kick to the gut and he whips Bobby into the corner. He follows up with a running splash and then charges to the opposite corner, coming in with a second splash. He hits the opposite corner again and comes in a third time, but Bobby catches him with a superkick to take him out in mid-air. Bobby drops into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams gets a shoulder up, leading to another sigh from the crowd. Bobby forces himself to his feet and he looks down at Williams, who blinks repeatedly after the shots to the head. Bobby reaches down and pulls him up, sending him into the corner and coming in with hard jabs. He hauls Williams up onto the top rope and follows, landing a few more jabs before hooking an arm over him and lifting him, sending him crashing down into the ring with a superplex. Bobby rolls back for O Snap, but Williams manages to roll away, leaving Bobby staring after him in frustration.



MW: Amazing ring awareness from Aaron Williams!

SD: Incredible. He’s got Bobby well-scouted and he managed to apply that knowledge even after the superplex. It’s very impressive and you can tell Bobby is even more frustrated than he seemed to be when he was walking out to the ring.



Again the camera catches CJ looking over at Steven, but it comes back to Bobby pulling Williams to his feet. He sends him into the ropes and pops him up, looking for a pop-up powerbomb, but Williams drops into a DDT! The fans cheer at the impressive counter as Williams rolls Bobby over and covers him.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Bobby just kicks out. Williams rolls away, holding his head for a moment before pushing himself to his feet. He stalks Bobby and then grabs him as he stands, whirling him round and kicking him in the gut before draping an arm over his head and lifting him, dropping him over the top rope. Bobby hangs there as Williams backs into the ropes and steps up onto the top rope. He sets himself and comes down with a 450 splash to send both men crashing down to the canvas. Each of them lays there for a moment as the fans applaud loudly, before Williams begins to roll towards Bobby, who lies just under the bottom rope.



Williams joins Bobby on the apron and pulls him to his feet. He connects with a mid-kick which rests Bobby against the ropes. Williams then connects with a second mid-kick before backing away a couple of steps. He runs at Bobby, but Bobby catches him and scoops him up into a powerslam on the apron. The fans wince as Williams lands hard and rolls to the outside. Bobby drops down too and the two of them rest there for a moment as the official comes and checks on Williams.



MW: That could have broken Aaron Williams’ back!

SD: Bobby O is utterly ruthless tonight. He’s wrestling as if his own Free-1 depended on it, not Aaron Williams’. All of the frustration is coming out, and this aggression is helping Bobby to really threaten Aaron Williams’ chances.



Again the camera catches CJ as she looks conflicted, before it returns to Bobby. He reaches down and pulls Aaron Williams to his feet, landing a couple of jabs and then shoving him back a couple of steps. Williams comes back at Bobby and Bobby pops him up, catches him and turns towards the barricade, looking for a powerbomb into the guardrail. Williams manages to slip free and drop down in front of Bobby and he connects with a hard forearm, asking Bobby what he’s trying to do. Bobby turns back to him and lands a straight right hand, and suddenly the two of them are going at it with rights, the fans building into a frenzy as the official comes out of the ring to separate them.



MW: Both of these two men have absolutely lost it!

SD: Bobby O looked like he was trying to powerbomb Aaron Williams into that guardrail and I think Williams felt that would be too much, that Bobby might be trying to injure him. These two maybe aren’t friends, but I know they respect one another. I worry that Bobby is losing control in this match.



CJ suddenly grabs a headset and puts it on.



CJ: Why are you just blaming Bobby? Aaron threw the first shot. Bobby is frustrated- of course he is- but he’d never intentionally try to injure someone.

SD: Well it looked like-

CJ: Bobby is a good man.

MW: Even good men can lose their cool and Bobby has history-

CJ: Bobby’s temper was a problem but he’s in control now. He’s just intense in this match. It means a lot to him to win it. He’s not losing control again.



The official separates Bobby and Williams for a moment, warning them about the closed fists. He orders them back into the ring but both of them move towards one another, standing foreheads together and staring daggers into one another’s eyes. Williams lands a forearm and Bobby responds with one of his own, and soon they’re back to riling up the fans with a flurry of forearms. Williams gets the better of it and he drives Bobby back against the guardrail before delivering a couple of mid-kicks and then backing up, coming in with a big splash. The fans cheer as Williams comes in with a couple more and Bobby drops to a seated position. Williams backs away and takes a deep breath before charging into a cannonball. The official quickly comes out again and checks on both men before stepping into the ring and beginning a count.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



SD: Aaron Williams could get the victory here. I’m not sure Bobby can recover from this.

CJ: Come on Bobby…



Four……….



Williams stirs, a hand going to his head after all of the blows he’s taken. Bobby remains slumped against the guardrail.



Five……….



Williams pushes up to a knee but hangs his head, still clearly feeling the pain.



CJ: Come on Bobby!



Six……….



Williams pushes up to his feet and looks up into the ring, then back down to Bobby, who still isn’t moving.



Seven……….



Williams reaches down and lifts Bobby, the fans cheering as he pulls him up.



MW: Aaron Williams doesn’t want to take the count-out win.

SD: He should!

MW: It’s not the way he wants to do this. And I think he wants to win decisively after the way Bobby has gone about this match. By the way, we’re almost up to twenty-four minutes and a draw would eliminate Aaron Williams.



Eight……….



Williams rolls Bobby back into the ring and he steps in himself before backing into the corner and pushing up onto the top rope. He looks down at Bobby and comes down with a swan-ton bomb, making the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Bobby just gets a shoulder up.



CJ: Yes! Come on Bobby!



Williams holds his hands to his head and then asks the official how much time is left. When he hears that he’s got barely over five minutes, he hurries to his feet and grabs Bobby by the head, shoving it between his legs. He reaches down to trap the arms and legs and tries to lift Bobby for A Triple Plus, but Bobby drops down to a knee and shoves Williams away. Williams staggers and comes back to Bobby, but Bobby kicks him in the gut. He throws him into the ropes and pops him up, but Williams jumps over Bobby’s head. Bobby turns and Williams aims a mid-kick, but Bobby ducks it and hen throws a superkick. Williams catches it and spins Bobby round but Bobby leaps up into an RKO. The fans stand with anticipation as Bobby makes the cover.



One-



MW: Aaron Williams just kicked out of the RKO at one!

SD: I’ve never seen anything like it.



Williams gets to his feet and Bobby aims a jab, but Williams ducks it and pulls Bobby in, lifting him and dropping him with a brainbuster to the knee. Williams rolls away and both men lie in the ring, the fans giving them a standing ovation.



MW: This is an incredible display of heart and intensity on the part of both of these men.

SD: How long left, Watson?

MW: Just over three minutes.

CJ: Come on, Bobby! Get up.

SD: What a cruel way it would be to bow out of the Free-1- a draw. I don’t see how either man will let themselves lose this match from here.



Williams and Bobby each get to their feet at the same time and very shakily move towards one another. Once again they stand forehead to forehead before landing forearms, albeit without the same kind of pace as they did before. Bobby gets the better of them this time and he drives Williams back into the corner. He lands a series of jabs and then pushes Williams up onto the top rope. Bobby follows, landing a few more jabs and then hooking an arm over Williams again. For a second time, he brings him down hard with a superplex and then rolls backwards, this time managing to lock in O Snap.



MW: This could be it. Aaron Williams’ Free-1 dreams are dying in front of our eyes.

SD: He has to escape from this hold and fast.

MW: He has one a half minutes.

CJ: Tap! Tap!



Williams cries out in pain as Bobby wrenches as hard as he can on O Snap. Williams stretches out to the ropes but he can’t reach them, and Bobby refuses to let himself be dragged over to them. Williams cries out in pain and Bobby cries out with intensity as he locks the hold on as tight as he possibly can. The fans go quiet, most of them willing Aaron Williams to find a way out.



SD: How long left, Watson?

MW: Thirty seconds.

SD: He has to escape now.

CJ: Make him tap.



Williams turns to Bobby and stares into his eyes, both men looking at one another with intensity. All of a sudden, Bobby releases Williams. Williams’ eyes flash with shock and he stands, turning right into an RKO. Bobby makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Bobby O (29:59).



A lot of fans sit in stunned silence, while some stand and cheer for Bobby. He pushes up to his knees and turns his head to CJ, who claps him from the announce table. Slowly, the fans start to join her, and, after a few moments, they’re all on their feet applauding Bobby and the match they’ve just seen.



MW: These fans are rightly applauding this match; it was one of the greatest FPW matches I’ve ever seen.

SD: It was incredible. And what a time for Bobby to pick up one of the biggest wins of his FPW career.

MW: And the irony… the very way that Jerry Bishop lost the B Block last year- Bobby telling him to break the Chelsea Smile and go for the win- Bobby does exactly that and it hands Jerry the A Block this year.

SD: Aaron Williams did all he could, but you’re right, Watson. Jerry Bishop is into his second Free-1 final and he surely cements the title of the greatest Free-1 wrestler in FPW history.



A graphic flashes up on the screen showing the block table, with Jerry Bishop highlighted as the block winner. The applause from around the arena starts to die off as people see it and they turn to Bobby as he looks up at the screen. His intense look turns to something much more introspective and he turns to CJ, his eyes widening and his mouth opening. Aaron Williams climbs to a knee and looks up at Bobby, who returns his gaze for a moment. Williams pushes up the rest of the way and drops his head, sighing with disappointment before raising it and offering Bobby a hand. Bobby looks at Williams and then turns to look at the graphic still on display. He walks away, stepping through the ropes and dropping off the apron. One hand held to his head, he walks away up the ramp, CJ following in his wake and Aaron Williams stood in the ring, his hand still extended as he watches Bobby walk through the curtain.



Williams turns to the fans and looks out at them. As one, they stand and applaud him, a loud ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant filling the arena. He drops his head again before raising it and applauding the fans, bowing to each side of the arena and stepping through the ropes by the announce table. He stops as he sees Dasha Banks, her face a picture of concern, and he shakes his head, taking the mic from in front of her and rolling back into the ring. As he raises the mic, the fans go quiet.



“For months now, I’ve been promising myself that I was going to win Free-1 III. For me and for all of you who make me feel so great whenever I step into this ring. For months, I’ve worked towards it, I’ve trained for it, and now I’ve failed to do it. I couldn’t win the Free-1… I couldn’t even win the block.”



Williams runs a hand through his hair before lifting his head again and looking more intense.



“But you know something… ever since I found I was in a block with Jerry Bishop, I felt a sense of duty. A sense of moral obligation to every single person who has been affected by who he has become, wrestlers, fans and… others. I wanted to win the block, stop him from making the final, win the Free-1 and take the FPW Championship from him at Judgement Day II Maybe I couldn’t stop him from winning the block and maybe I can’t stop him from winning the Free-1. But there’s one thing I can do. When I beat Jerry Bishop on Wednesday, I earn an FPW Championship match. And when I beat Jerry Bishop on Wednesday I guaran-fucking-tee that he won’t be walking out of that FPW Championship match as champion.”



Williams drops the mic and leaves the ring, the fans cheering loudly as he walks away.



MW: Wow. That’s some statement.

SD: It is a big statement from Aaron Williams, but he’s dealing in ‘ifs’. Let’s deal in facts. Jerry Bishop has won the A Block with a match to spare. Jerry Bishop is into the Free-1 final against whoever wins the B Block and Jerry Bishop has a chance to become the first ever FPW Champion to win the Free-1. We all need to recognise- like him or not- that this is a very big achievement.

MW: I’ll give him that. I don’t like him, but I’ll give him that. And you know what? I think the B Block contenders have just been given a bit of a boost with that news. You think Jace Mason doesn’t want to get his hands on Jerry Bishop? That Marcus Allen Jones wouldn’t want that match? That Botiatus, that Berry- well… that one maybe not so much, but if you think that won’t give them an extra slice of motivation, then you’re surely wrong.

SD: And two who might get that bit of extra motivation are about to clash right now- Marcus Allen Jones versus Artemis Evans.

MW: Indeed we transition from a big match in the A Block to a big one in the B Block. Marcus has seven points and sits one off the leading trio while Evans has six and is two off those leaders.

SD: And questions remain over Marcus Allen Jones’ knee. It did seem improved against Botiatus, but he still came up short in that match and still had to limit himself. Artemis Evans, however, comes into this match fairly healthy and ready to pick up the two wins she needs to make it through to her first ever Free-1 final.

MW: How would you expect Evans to approach this match?

SD: I think she’ll look to test the knee for sure. Botiatus claimed that he didn’t want to, and that’s up to him, but I don’t see any reason not to exploit an injury. The aim when you wrestle is to win, not to play nice. Evans doesn’t play nice and her record clearly shows that she wins. Weaken the knee, limit Marcus further, and pick up the two points that make her match against Berry on Thursday a real mouth-watering clash.

MW: How limited do you think Marcus will be in this match?

SD: At first, maybe he’ll be around seventy to eighty percent. By the end, who knows? I’d say he’ll be looking to compete on the mat where he can and to limit anything that involves a hard landing on his knee or on his left foot to jar his knee.

MW: Let’s take a minute to go over the scenarios in this match. How crucial is it?

SD: It’s absolutely vital. I’ve been pouring over these numbers and I’ve managed to work out exactly what happens with each result. A Marcus win takes him to nine points and eliminates Artemis Evans. An Evans win however, takes her to eight points and actually would eliminate both Marcus Allen Jones and Botiatus. They’d only be one point behind, but because of Berry Bishop and Artemis Evans facing one another, it would mean the tie-breakers would not be able to work out in Marcus’ or Bo’s favour no matter the combination of results. Oddly enough, Bo would still be alive in this tournament if Marcus wins, despite being two points behind him, due to having defeated Marcus and having lost to Evans.

MW: Wow. We knew this would be must-win for both of these two, but implications for Botiatus are interesting. And speaking of interesting, let’s welcome Dasha Banks.



“The following contest is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in sixth position in the block with six points from wins over Russ Bolt, Botiatus and MDE, representing The Queendom, from Manchester, England, this is ‘The Glory Huntress’… Artemis Evans.”



Fans boo as the word ‘Checkmate’ rings out around the arena. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Evans walks through the curtain, smirking at the crowd as they continue to boo. She spreads her arms and tilts her head back as pyro explodes around her before walking down the ramp, trash talking the fans on her way. She reaches the bottom of the ramp and moves around to the side of the ring before she climbs onto the apron and jumps over the top rope. Evans moves across the ring, climbing to the second turnbuckle and tilting her head back, extending her arms again as the fans continue to boo her loudly.



“And her opponent, currently fifth in the block with seven points from wins over MDE, Johnny California and Berry Bishop along with a draw against Jace Mason, from Chicago, Illinois, ‘The Marksman’… Marcus Allen Jones!”



The opening piano notes to ‘Hall of Fame’ begin to play and the fans stand in anticipation. Marcus makes the fans wait as the song builds and, as the lyrics kick in, Marcus steps through the curtain to a loud cheer. An ‘M. A. J.’ chant fills the arena and he looks around it for a moment, before leaping up into a backflip and landing in his signature pose. The fans cheer loudly as he raises his head with a smile. He starts to walk down the ramp, a knee brace clearly evident beneath his tights once again. His gait is again more confident although there is still a hint of a limp. Marcus takes a couple of quick steps and slides into the ring, bumping fists with Dasha and climbing up onto the top turnbuckle, calling for the fans to get louder, which they do. He steps down, one rope at a time, and looks over at Evans, who gives him a dismissive stare.



MW: Artemis Evans had some strong words for Marcus Allen Jones before this match and you can see her thoughts plastered on her face.

SD: She agrees with what I’ve been saying for some time; this change for Marcus is all well and good and I’m sure he’s selling more merch now, but what has he won? Artemis Evans will be out to prove her point while Marcus will want to demonstrate that Evans is totally wrong.



B Block: Artemis Evans (6) vs. Marcus Allen Jones (7):



The official calls for the bell and Marcus and Evans are quick to move in, locking-up strongly and jockeying back and forth. Marcus grabs a headlock and takes Evans over, synching in the hold as much as he can. Evans gets her hands up and tries to force Marcus off her, but he resists, maintaining his grip. Evans tries to get her legs up but Marcus quickly releases his grip and takes the left leg, dropping a knee down onto Evans’ knee and wrenching at it, stretching the ligaments. Evans grunts and gets her right leg up, kicking at Marcus’ chest and forcing him back. He backs into the ropes and Evans rolls to trip him, but he leaps over her. He follows through and she leap frogs him before he follows through again, leaping up into a flying head scissors.



Evans rolls away towards the ropes and Marcus comes in, pulling her up and connecting with a forearm before sending her across the ring. He takes her down with a dropkick and then moves back to the left leg, dropping an elbow on the inside of the knee and manipulating the leg again as Evans grimaces in pain. She gets her hands up to block Marcus from pulling too far, and then feels around to jam a finger into his eye, but he quickly releases his grip and avoids it, pulling Evans to her feet and lifting her into a falcon arrow, hooking the leg.



One…

Two-



Evans kicks out.



MW: A very strong start here from Marcus Allen Jones.

SD: He knows that he needs a victory in this match and he’s clearly got a game plan. He’s also clearly scouted Evans and knows not to let her hands get anywhere near his eyes.



Marcus stands and pulls Evans up to her feet. He connects with a pump kick to the gut and hooks an arm over her head before leaping up for a jumping DDT. Evans pushes him away before he can come down and he lands on his feet. Evans aims a discus forearm but Marcus ducks it and then turns into a Pele kick. Evans staggers back and hits the ropes, coming back at Marcus as he pulls her into a snapmare driver. Marcus makes another cover.



One…

Two-



Evans kicks out again. Marcus stands, the fans chanting his name again, and he pulls Evans up again. He connects with a couple of forearms and then a kick to the gut, backing into the ropes and looking for a running swinging neckbreaker, but Evans twists free and kicks Marcus hard in the back of the left leg. The ‘M. A. J.’ chants go quiet as she kicks him hard again, Marcus dropping to a knee. Evans lands another hard kick and then hits the ropes, taking Marcus down with a sliding forearm. She makes her first cover.



One…

Two-



Marcus kicks out this time.



MW: Well you did say that Evans would test out that knee.

SD: She had to break Marcus’ momentum somehow. This will be the biggest test of this match. Marcus Allen Jones must find a way to push through this and get back on top.



Evans takes Marcus’ foot and lifts the leg, driving the knee down into the canvas and then stomping on the back of it. Marcus grunts and pushes up, crawling towards the ropes. Evans, however, cuts him off, stomping on his back and then pulling him to his feet, kicking at the knee again to drop Marcus to his knees and then connecting with a snap DDT. Evans looks down at Marcus and stands with her arms extended, the fans booing her loudly. She then reaches down and lifts him by the hair, the official admonishing her.



Evans connects with a knee to the gut and then backs away for an axe kick, but Marcus lifts him head and grabs Evans into a wheelbarrow facebuster. He rolls away and flexes his knee before pushing to his feet. Evans grabs the bottom rope and stands too, turning as Marcus comes at her and connects with a clothesline to send her over the top rope. Marcus looks down at Evans and backs away, running at the ropes and then coming over the top with a corkscrew moonsault plancha. Both Marcus and Evans land on the floor and Marcus grabs his knee straight away, the fans nearest showing some concern.



MW: That may not have been the best decision from Marcus.

SD: He has to balance the risk and the reward. If that move took more out of Artemis Evans than it did out of Marcus himself, it was worth the risk. If not, then it wasn’t.



Marcus crawls over to the guardrail to pull himself up, but Evans manages to get there first, driving her foot into Marcus’ leg and then jamming it into the back of his head and forcing his head into the guardrail. The official quickly comes out and makes a count, Evans taking until four before releasing the pressure. Marcus splutters and tries to roll away, but Evans quickly pulls him up and drives him back-first into the guardrail. She pulls him out and turns him, driving him into the guardrail frontwards and doubling him over it before she steps over the rail, security holding the fans back. Evans takes a step and comes in for an axe kick, Marcus falling into the fans as Evans stands with her arms extended again, the fans booing loudly.



Evans then reaches down and grabs Marcus, pulling him to his feet and throwing him back over the guardrail. She climbs over it herself and then rolls him into the ring, following and making an immediate cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Marcus kicks out. Evans stands and grabs Marcus’ left leg, kicking at the inside of the knee repeatedly before driving it down into the canvas. She then pulls him up and hooks an arm over his head, pulling him up before dropping him with a brainbuster and making another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Marcus kicks out again. Evans kneels up and then drives a couple of forearms into his face, pulling him up with her as she stands and looking for an inverted STO. However, Marcus throws a couple of elbows and Evans reels away. Marcus turns and takes a step towards Evans, but his leg buckles and he stumbles, letting her take him down with a discus forearm. She looks down at him and shakes her head before moving over to the corner and climbing to the top rope. She pauses before coming down with a moonsault and holding for another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Marcus kicks out again.



MW: This is hard to watch if you’re a Marcus Allen Jones fan.

SD: But great if you’re an Artemis Evans fan. She’s doing exactly what she needs to do in this match and it’s paying off perfectly. Evans is dominating Marcus.



Evans stands and grabs Marcus again, pulling him to his feet and looking to set him in position for Guillotine Strike. Marcus fights against it, managing to pull his head free and standing. Evans aims a forearm and Marcus ducks it, springing up and taking Evans down with a jumping DDT. The fans cheer loudly as Marcus rolls away, unable to capitalise. He holds his knee for a moment, a grimace of pain on his face, before flexing the leg and rolling into the ropes, pulling himself to his feet.



He looks over at Evans as she pushes up to a knee and he comes with a shining wizard. Again he rolls away and takes a moment before managing to push up to his feet, the fans starting to raise the noise level as he works his way back into the match. Marcus moves towards Evans and pulls her back to her feet, landing a couple of forearms and then kicking her hard into the gut. He positions her head between his legs and looks to push up, but his knee causes him trouble and he can’t push up into the Canadian destroyer, Evans taking advantage by landing a couple of blows to the knee. Marcus staggers backwards and Evans follows him, driving a knee into his gut and setting him up for a butterfly suplex, taking him over and then rolling into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Marcus kicks out again. Evans rolls away and pushes up, standing as Marcus pushes to a knee. She holds off, stalking him for a moment as he stands and turns. She comes in for a silver bullet knee strike, taking Marcus down hard. She moves into another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Marcus kicks out once again. Evans stands and lands a few stomps to the knee before dragging Marcus towards the ropes. She rests the leg on the bottom rope and then pushes onto the middle rope, bringing all of her weight down. Marcus cries out and tries to roll away, but Evans pulls him back again, lifting his foot onto the ropes yet again and pushing up a second time, coming down hard again. She grabs his foot and drags him off the ropes, lifting his leg and stepping through as she looks to set up the a figure-four. Marcus kicks at her as she tries to turn and manages to forces her away, but Evans quickly comes back in again and lands another stomp to the knee to stop Marcus from getting to his feet.



MW: Artemis Evans is in total control here.

SD: Marcus Allen Jones made a big recovery from the knee injury and he’s come into this match in much better shape than he was against Berry or California, but he’s not a hundred percent and Artemis Evans is exposing that perfectly.

MW: Can Marcus come back into this?

SD: I don’t think so. Artemis Evans is ruthless. She’s not Botiatus who won’t go after an injury and who will give his opponent a chance to get back into it. She’s here to win a match. That’s all she wants to do.



Evans pulls Marcus up and sets him for an inverted STO, dropping him and then rolling away. She doesn’t make the cover; instead she moves back to the corner and pushes up onto the second rope. She waits as Marcus struggles up, pushing to his knees and barely further as Evans leaps down into a Canadian destroyer. This time she covers Marcus.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Marcus gets a shoulder up. Evans looks at the official and then down at Marcus.



“Just give in, Marcus. You can’t beat me. You can’t beat The Queendom. You’re no longer on my level.”



The fans boo as Evans pulls Marcus up and sets him in position for Guillotine Strike. Marcus again fights again it, getting his arms up and blocking Evans from bringing her arm down. He locks eyes with her and forces her arm up, standing and turning before laying in a series of forearms and driving Evans back into the corner. He forces her up onto the top rope and climbs, taking a couple of steps to get his left leg up, before landing a few more forearms and leaping into a frankensteiner. Marcus rolls into the ropes and catches his breath, the fans chanting a loud ‘M. A. J.’ chant.



Marcus grabs the middle rope and hauls himself to a knee before pushing up to his feet. Evans rolls towards the ropes and Marcus slaps at his knee a few times before taking a couple of quick steps and coming into a Canadian destroyer. He drags himself into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Evans kicks out.



MW: We’re just reaching the twenty-minute mark here.

SD: And Marcus is showing a lot of fight here. It may not be the best thing for him long-term, but this is the time that I do think he should. If he loses this match, he’s out of the Free-1. This is do-or-die time and he’s showing that in his attitude tonight.



Marcus rolls off and grabs his knee again before forcing himself into the ropes. He forces himself to his feet and turns as Evans sits up. Marcus limps over to her and pulls her up, trapping her wrist and looking for Six Stars, but Evans ducks the knee and moves behind Marcus, pulling him into position again for Guillotine Strike, but again Marcus manages to fight to get free. He turns and faces Evans and the two stare at one another for a few moments. Evans looks to kick at Marcus’ knee, but he catches her leg and lifts it for a moment before forcing it down and catching her into a DDT. He makes another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Evans gets her shoulder up. Marcus bangs on the mat and gives himself a growl of encouragement before pushing himself up to his feet. He grabs Evans and pulls her up, trapping the wrist, but the buzz of excitement soon turns to boos as Myra Lopez comes charging down the ramp. She steps onto the apron and the official turns to stop her from coming into the ring. At the same time, Thea Donovan comes through the crowd and slides into the ring, pulling Marcus away from Evans. She aims a slap, but Marcus grabs her wrist and connects with Six Stars, Donovan rolling out of the ring. However, as soon as he lands, Evans pulls him in and connects with Guillotine Strike, Lopez dropping down off the apron. The fans boo loudly as Evans makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Artemis Evans (22:45).



MW: Damnit!

SD: Artemis Evans eliminates Marcus Allen Jones!

MW: The Queendom eliminate Marcus Allen Jones. It took three of them to finally get the job done.

SD: Marcus Allen Jones has done that many times in the past. He can’t have any complaints about it. If you have the numbers, take the advantage.



Artemis Evans stands as Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan come into the ring. They shove the official aside and, with Evans standing over Marcus, Lopez and Donovan raise her arms, the fans booing loudly.



MW: Well, I don’t like it, but the fact is that Marcus Allen Jones, and now Botiatus, have been eliminated from the Free-1.

SD: The B Block is down to four contenders- Johnny California, Berry Bishop, Artemis Evans and Jace Mason.

MW: Do we know the scenarios for the block?

SD: We know that Jerry Bishop has won the A Block. The B Block is complicated to say the least. Before this match I worked out the possibilities and there are honestly too many to go over. What we do know is this- there are 81 possible combinations of results in the four matches tomorrow. Marcus Allen Jones’ match may not mean anything for him, but it does have an impact on possible outcomes because we could have ties with nine points involving Marcus. Of the possible outcomes, twenty-four of them lead to a Johnny California win, nineteen each to Berry Bishop and Jace Mason and seventeen to Artemis Evans, with two of them leading to a tie being decided on total match time, which would come down to Johnny California and Berry Bishop.

MW: So Johnny California is favourite for the block.

SD: Perhaps, although it’s very, very close. If you take out any outcomes involving draws, California only has one more winning outcome than Berry Bishop and two more than Artemis Evans Jace Mason. I can’t call a winner.

MW: Well, the final matches in the A Block will happen on Wednesday, and we do now have the confirmation of the order- The Silent Assassin facing Thea Donovan, Jackson Banks facing Danica Jane, Kincaid versus Bobby O and then Jerry Bishop versus Aaron Williams. The B Block, in a randomly-drawn order, on Thursday, will be Russ Bolt versus Marcus Allen Jones, Botiatus versus Johnny California, Berry Bishop versus Artemis Evans and the final match of the block with be Jace Mason facing MDE.

SD: There should be some incredible matches in there.

MW: I agree. The A Block matches may not impact the block, but we could have four very good matches and the B Block, well, all of those matches matter to the standings and what a slate of matches we have in store. We’ll take a well-earned break for a few days and we’ll be back with a big night of A Block action on Wednesday. See you all then!

[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 back to Free-1 III. Boy it feels like a long time since we were last with you!

SD: Having the last few days off has admittedly been strange but it’s great to be back for another night of action, albeit one which is not as meaningful as we might have hoped.

MW: Sadly you’re right. The A Block is already decided. Bobby O’s victory over Aaron Williams ended Williams’ hopes and sealed Jerry Bishop’s progress through to his second Free-1 final. Tonight those two meet in a match which Williams has declared as his chance through to Judgement Day III, but he must defeat Jerry Bishop to earn an FPW Championship match.

SD: I’m sure we’ll go into that in more detail later on, but let’s just say that I don’t think it’ll be happening.

MW: Well, let’s look at our first match and, as you say, go into that match when we get to it. Tonight we begin with The Silent Assassin facing Thea Donovan in a match which could see The Silent Assassin reach eight points or could see Thea Donovan make it to six.

SD: This match is an interesting one. The Silent Assassin had a tough schedule, three losses in his first four to Bobby, Williams and, of course, Jerry, but he’s finishing strong. Donovan has two wins but has definitely impressed in this tournament and I’m sure she’d feel this win could propel her further up the card.

MW: So who do you expect to get the advantage in this one?

SD: I think The Silent Assassin is probably the favourite. He’s got the power advantage, although not by as much as he had in other matches, and I think he’s more explosive too, not to mention his presence. But Thea Donovan finds ways to get under people’s skin. Jerry Bishop tried to do it with The Silent Assassin and couldn’t, so I’ll be interested to see if Thea manages to worm her way in and put The Silent Assassin off his game.

MW: Well, someone who’s always on their game is Dasha Banks. Let’s get to her now.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is an A Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in seventh place in the block with four points from victories over Aaron Williams and Jackson Banks, representing The Queendom and being accompanied to the ring by Myra Lopez, from San Diego, California, ‘The Black Queen’… Thea Donovan!”



‘Checkmate’ rings out around the arena as a black queen appears on the screen. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Myra Lopez steps through the curtain, pointing back to the curtain as Thea Donovan steps through. The fans boo loudly and Donovan smirks and cups a hand to her ear. Lopez eyes her and follows behind her down the ramp, Donovan trash talking the fans as they throw abuse at her as usual. As she reaches the ring, she climbs through the ropes and moves over to the turnbuckles. Just like Artemis Evans, she steps up onto the middle rope and extends her arms, dropping her head back as the fans continue to boo.



“And her opponent, in fourth place in the block with six points from victories over Jackson Banks, Kincaid and Danica Jane, from Santa Cruz, Mexico, ‘The Silent Assassin’.



The lights go out and a low thunderous rumble fills the arena. ‘Run’ begins to play and the stage fills up with smoke. The hush around the arena is palpable as The Silent Assassin emerges among the smoke and stares down at Donovan in the ring who stands with her back to the entrance, smiling down at Myra Lopez. He begins his walk down the ramp at a deliberate pace, his eyes remaining on the ring. He reaches the ring and circles it, keeping his eyes on Donovan, who turns to keep her back to him. The Silent Assassin then steps up onto the apron and climbs the turnbuckle, a red spotlight shining down as he spreads his arms before dropping down into the ring. He stares down Donovan, who keeps her back to him, raising an arm slowly and pointing a finger gun at her, firing the gun just as the line ‘Run’ plays. More red spotlights come down and move wildly around the arena before the song quickly cuts off, as do the lights, leaving the arena momentarily black before the lights come back up and the fans clap in appreciation of the spectacle.



A Block: The Silent Assassin (6) vs. Thea Donovan (4):



The official calls for the bell and the two of them eye one another from across the ring. The Silent Assassin moves forward but Thea Donovan stands and cocks an eyebrow at him. He pauses in the middle of the ring as she gives him another quizzical look and then turns to Myra Lopez, bursting out laughing. She carries on laughing, pointing over at him, and looks to the official to try to get him in on the joke. He gives her a look and beckons her to begin the match, but she holds up a hand in apology to The Silent Assassin and continues to laugh. He remains stoic, staring at her as she doubles over with laughter. The fans boo as this goes on.



MW: I’m not entirely sure what the joke is…

SD: This is an interesting approach. This could be the way to get into his head by showing that he’s not intimidating her. I’m not sure it’ll work, but I like the bold approach.



Donovan stands and exaggeratedly composes herself before coming forward. However, after two steps, she bursts out laughing and holds a hand up again, doubling over and moving into the corner. The boos continue to come down but The Silent Assassin simply stands in place, regarding Donovan with no expression. She takes another moment to compose herself, taking exaggerated deep breaths, before turning to The Silent Assassin. She visibly tries not to laugh again.



“I’m sorry… I’m Thea… what’s your name?”



She holds out a hand for The Silent Assassin to shake, but he continues to stare into her eyes.



“Come on, don’t be rude,” she continues. “If you won’t tell me your name, at least say hello.”



Donovan gives a cutesy wave. The Silent Assassin simply stares.



“Are you really holding onto this vow of silence monk routine? Come on, we both know you’re not a real assassin. Stop playing and come and join us big boys and girls. All you need to do is say the word.”



The Silent Assassin continues to stare back at Donovan, who raises an eyebrow at him and moves a little closer, looking at him from different angles as she tries to get him to break.



MW: I don’t see the point in this at all. Whatever happened to just wrestling a match and letting the better person win?

SD: What is this, Disney for babies? Thea Donovan has a match to win and she’s trying to gain an advantage. It may not be working, but at least she’s trying something.



Donovan turns to Myra Lopez, shrugging her shoulders before quickly turning back and landing a hard slap to The Silent Assassin. He lowers his head slightly before raising it again, tossing his hair back and staring into Donovan’s eyes. She stares back, the first hints of doubt appearing on her face, before she backs into the ropes, running at The Silent Assassin, who snaps into a big boot, taking Donovan down hard. He pulls her up and drives her into the corner, landing a series of European uppercuts before whipping her across to the opposite corner and coming in with a running big boot to take her down. He drops into the first cover of the match.



One…

Two-



Donovan kicks out. The Silent Assassin pulls her up straight into an overhead belly-to-belly to sends her across the ring. He stands, tossing his hair back and moving over to the corner where she lies on the mat. He steps up to the middle rope and jumps off into a Vader bomb, holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Donovan kicks out again.



MW: Well I think it’s fair to say that her strategy didn’t work.

SD: I think it’s fair to say that, yes. I’m not sure how someone can get into The Silent Assassin’s head. Donovan needs to refocus and find a way back into the match somehow.



The Silent Assassin pulls her up again, connecting with another couple of European uppercuts before pulling her into a blue thunder bomb. He stands, looking down at Donovan, before pointing a finger gun down at her and ‘shooting’ it, reaching down and dragging her to her feet. He drapes an arm over her and hooks hers, lifting her for Silencer, only for Donovan to drop a knee down onto his head and slither out of his grip, landing behind him. He turns and she lands another slap before pulling him into a short-arm lariat. She takes a moment to recover from the onslaught before moving back to The Silent Assassin as he gets to his feet.



Donovan drives a knee into his gut and then forces him into the corner, landing a few more knee strikes before extending a leg and choking him. The official quickly moves in but Donovan keeps the choke on for as long as she can before finally releasing it. The Silent Assassin staggers out of the corner and Donovan waits in the corner. As he turns, she comes in with a running knee strike to take him down. She then moves into the corner and pushes up onto the middle rope before coming down with a leg drop, making the cover.



One…

Two-



The Silent Assassin kicks out.



MW: Donovan right back in this one with a near-fall.

SD: The Silent Assassin maybe was affected by her attempts to get into his head. He went for Silencer before Donovan was ready to be put away and it’s cost him. Great work by Thea Donovan. Now she needs to put him away.



Donovan stands and pulls The Silent Assassin to his feet. She hooks an arm over him head and pulls him up into a suplex position, holding for a moment before coming down with the stalling suplex. The Silent Assassin sits up and Donovan backs into the ropes, coming back with a hard penalty kick. She makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



The Silent Assassin kicks out again. Donovan stands and stalks him as he turns over and pushes up to his feet. As he turns to her, she connects with a superkick to the gut and then hooks an arm over his head. She lifts him and drops him into a big DDT. Donovan rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



The Silent Assassin gets a shoulder up. Donovan looks over at the official angrily before reaching down and pulling The Silent Assassin to his feet. She kicks him in the gut again and traps his head, lifting him for Firebomb, but he manages to drop down off her shoulders. Donovan turns into a European uppercut and The Silent Assassin pops her up into Crossed Out. He rolls over to catch his breath as the fans cheer him getting back into the match.



MW: The Silent Assassin needs to keep on top of this one now.

SD: Thea Donovan threw a lot at him, though. He’s far from having this match won.



The Silent Assassin climbs to his feet and stalks Donovan as she stands. He moves in for Killshot, but she ducks and he follows through into the ropes. Donovan aims a superkick as he comes back, but The Silent Assassin ducks it and follows through again. He leaps up onto the middle ropes and comes down with a springboard knee strike, pushing to his feet and finishing off a modified double tap with a shining wizard. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Donovan kicks out. The Silent Assassin quickly stands and pulls Donovan to her feet. He hooks an arm over her and lifts her, looking for Silencer again, but Myra Lopez gets up onto the apron and catches Donovan, pulling her down onto the apron. The official is about to move in, but The Silent Assassin takes Lopez off the apron with a big boot. He turns to Donovan, who catches him with a big slap and then steps through the ropes, stalking him and aiming a superkick to the gut again, only for The Silent Assassin to catch it. He pulls her into position and lifts her again, dropping her over the ropes and following through with Silencer. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: The Silent Assassin (13:43).



MW: And The Silent Assassin finishes with an impressive eight points on debut.

SD: He overcame the odds in this match. I thought Thea Donovan had done enough, but credit to The Silent Assassin. To make his debut in the Free-1 and win more than he lost is impressive to say the least, and I think he has a big future in FPW.



The Silent Assassin stands, the lights dropping and a red spotlight shining down on him. He tosses his hair back and looks up before the spotlight shuts off. When the lights come up a few moments later, he’s gone.



MW: The Silent Assassin always makes an impressive entrance and exit!

SD: All part of the effort to put off an opponent, Watson.

MW: I’m not sure there will be too putting off in our next match though Steven. Up next we have Danica Jane, four points from her matches so far and some impressive performances too, up against Jackson Banks, who had one of the matches of the tournament against Aaron Williams but is yet to register a victory.

SD: He’ll be itching to win this match tonight and I think it may be his best chance yet. Danica Jane has improved as this tournament has gone on and I think she’s positioned herself well for the rest of the year, but if Jackson Banks is going to get a win, it’ll be in this match.

MW: What does Banks need to do differently to win this one, Steven?

SD: At his age and with his experience, he’s not going to be doing a lot differently. He’s going to be trying to perfect the things he can do well before he learns a wider variety of other areas of wrestling. I think he needs to win this match quickly. Get on top early, get a flurry of offence in, and find a big shot to put Danica Jane away. If it goes too long, he’ll tire and slow down and he can’t match others for technical skill or other areas just yet.

MW: And how about Danica? You say she’s improved a lot in this tournament, so how does she cement that improvement with a win tonight?

SD: Try to keep the match at a slower pace at first and not let Banks’ athleticism rule in this match. But she’s also pretty athletic herself. If she can cast doubts in Banks’ mind over whether or not he can out-flip her, that might also be a way to control this match.

MW: Well, let’s get down to someone who never has a doubt in her mind. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is an A Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, in eighth place in the block with zero points, being accompanied to the ring by RJ Tudor, from Brooklyn, New York, he is ‘The King of the Ropes’, Jackson Banks!”



‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ begins and the fans cheer as the usual fast-paced highlights of Revolution-X flash across the screen. As ‘Now I’m in Town’ hits, Banks bursts through the curtain and charges across the stage to both sides of the fans, pumping them up. RJ Tudor comes out behind him and watches, letting Banks take the attention. Banks turns to Tudor and nods before the two of them bounce down the ramp, slapping hands with fans and continuing to pump up the crowd, who respond well to them. Banks reaches the bottom of the ramp and climbs onto the apron before springboarding onto the top rope and walking to the turnbuckle, turning and continuing to walk the rope. He walks all four before bouncing down onto the middle rope and then back up again, backflipping back into the ring and pumping up the cheers of the crowd even further.



“And his opponent, in sixth place in the block with four points thanks to victories over Thea Donovan and Bobby O, from Las Vegas, Nevada, this is Danica Jane!”



‘This Fire Burns’ begins to play and the fans give her a positive reaction. Danica Jane steps through the curtain and looks around the arena before making her way down the ramp. She slaps several hands on her way to the ring, confidently calling for the fans to get behind her. She reaches the ring and climbs the steps, grabbing the top rope and somersaulting over it before stepping up onto the middle rope and looking around the arena once again as her music comes to a halt. She drops down and turns to Jackson Banks, moving over and offering him a fist, which he bumps.



A Block: Jackson Banks (0) vs. Danica Jane (4):



The official calls for the bell and Banks immediately leaps up onto the top rope. He stands and looks down at Danica, who remains on the other side of the ring, looking at him warily. Banks moves across to the next set of ropes, but Danica keeps her distance and Banks moves across again. Again Danica moves away from him, and this time Banks drops down and runs at Danica, who ducks his attempted kick. She follows through into the ropes and comes back with a running lariat, only for Banks to duck it. He runs through and jumps onto the top rope, walking over to the corner and coming down with a shooting-star crossbody. He makes the cover.



One…

Two-



Danica kicks out. Banks quickly gets to his feet and pulls Danica up with him, connecting with a series of forearms to force her into the corner. He takes her arm and wrings it, stepping onto the ropes and walking along the top one again before coming down into a hurricanrana. Banks springs to his feet and moves in towards Danica, connecting with a standing shooting star press and making the cover again.



One…

Two…

Th-



Danica kicks out.



MW: Well, you said he needed a quick win!

SD: And it looks like Jackson Banks is thinking along the same lines. We know that he and RJ Tudor have impressed a number of people in that locker room, and it wouldn’t surprise me if a more experienced head has been in his ear and has made a few suggestions. I’m sure no one back there wants to see him end on zero points.



Banks stands and drags Danica up to her feet, wringing the arm and heading to the ropes again. He steps up onto the top rope and takes a few steps before Danica tries to sweep his leg. Danica leaps up, drops down onto the middle rope and back to the top one before coming down into a DDT, only for Danica to counter with a knee to the gut. She pulls him into a swinging neckbreaker and makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Banks kicks out. Danica stands, shaking off the flurry of offence from Banks, and reaches down to pull him up. She wrings his arm this time and forces him to a knee, landing a kick to the arm before forcing his shoulder to the mat and leaping into a stomp to the elbow. Banks withdraws his arm but Danica is quick to go back to it, pulling it out again and holding it there before pushing into a handstand and coming down with a knee. Banks grunts in pain and withdraws the arm again.



MW: Danica Jane taking control.

SD: This is what Jackson Banks won’t have wanted to happen. Danica Jane taking the upper hand and turning this into a more technical match. He’s at a big disadvantage even against someone like Danica who is far from an expert technician. He has to find a way to break out of this pattern and get this match back to something he’s comfortable with.



Danica pulls Banks to his feet again and lifts him into a belly-to-belly. He lands and sits up as she backs into the ropes and comes in with a shining wizard. She makes another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Banks kicks out. Danica quickly takes the arm and locks in an arm bar, Banks reaching out with his right hand to the ropes, but they’re too far away. She keeps the hold locked in but Banks begins to crawl over to the ropes, and Danica switches her grip, pulling him back into the middle of the ring before locking it in again.



MW: Impressive ring awareness from Danica Jane.

SD: I guarantee that isn’t something we’d have seen before this tournament. She’s learning every time she steps in there and to be able to control a match like this shows the great progress that Danica Jane has made.



Banks reaches out again but he’s a long way from the ropes this time. He begins to walk his legs around, getting them under him and using them to push up. Danica is forces to her feet as well and Banks manages to land a couple of kicks to the gut, forcing her to break her hold. He reels away and flexes the arm for a moment and she comes in quickly, only for Banks to duck her lariat. She hits the ropes and he looks for a quick Banks Job, but Danica ducks under it and counters with a Pele kick. Banks reels back into the corner and Danica is quick to stand and come in with a step-up enzeguiri.



Banks staggers into the middle of the ring and Danica stalks him. When he turns, she leaps up for Lights Out, but he manages to duck under it and roll through, leaping onto the middle rope and coming down into a springboard backstabber. He rolls away and flexes his arm again as RJ Tudor urges him to get across the make the cover. Banks does roll over to Danica but instead of making the cover, he stands, grabbing her by the arm and forcing her to her feet. He backs into the ropes and climbs, keeping a grip on Danica’s arm and coming down for a Rope-KO, only for Danica to counter, repositioning herself and locking in a Kimura lock.



MW: Jackson Banks could be in serious trouble here.

SD: A submission victory for Danica Jane? Surely not!



Banks cries out in pain as Danica pulls him down to the mat, keeping the hold locked in. He reaches out for the ropes with his right hand and with his legs, but he’s too far away. Danica pulls back harder and finally Banks is forced to tape his hand on her shoulder.



Winner: Danica Jane (9:47).



MW: An impressive victory for Danica Jane!

SD: And that takes her to six points for the tournament. That’s a very credible number for someone coming in completely unfancied.

MW: She’s certainly advanced her cause as well as her in-ring skills over the last month.

SD: She has. If she’s got any sense, and judging from her business background she does, she’ll be in Jim Houston’s office asking for any matches that he can possibly give her.



Danica stands and the official raises her hand. She smiles and nods to the crowd as they applaud her, before looking down as RJ Tudor kneels over Jackson Banks. She moves over and reaches down and, together with Tudor, pulls him to his feet. His face is a picture of disappointment, but he accepts her offer of a handshake. The fans stand and applaud for him in recognition of his efforts and he nods, smiling a little before leaving the ring. Danica remains inside, thanking the fans and celebrating.



MW: Well, we’re two matches down and we’ve got two to go. This next one should be a very interesting contest.

SD: Agreed, Watson. Bobby O’s loss to Danica Jane ultimately cost him a shot at the Free-1 final and he showed all of that anger and frustration in his match with Aaron Williams, costing him a shot at the Free-1 final in the process. Now he faces Kincaid in what is essentially a meaningless match, but it can guarantee Bobby second in the block or push Kincaid into a tie with Bobby, The Silent Assassin and currently Aaron Williams on eight points.

MW: Of course, Kincaid’s Freedom Championship match against Clutch was confirmed by Jim Houston a couple of days ago. How important would the momentum of a big win over Bobby O be to Kincaid’s chances of victory in that match?

SD: I’d say it would be very important. Kincaid is experienced enough to know that losing a match shouldn’t have a bearing on the next match against a different opponent, but he’s also experienced enough to know that it does. A few wins makes you feel sharper and makes you feel more confident in what you’re doing. A win tonight and he’ll go in with a little extra belief.

MW: And how about Bobby O. We saw his anger and frustration in his last match. Do you think we’ll see that tonight as well?

SD: Maybe. It’s hard to know with Bobby. I think he felt insulted by Aaron Williams when Williams asked him to lay down for him. In retrospect I’m sure Williams wouldn’t have done it as I think it gave Bobby the extra motivation to beat him and eliminate him from the tournament. Maybe Bobby carries that forward and is desperate to prove that he’s better than Williams by finishing ahead of him or maybe he’s calmed down by now and will come out here and wrestle a normal match. I really don’t know, but if I had to put money on it, I’d say Bobby will still be a little volatile.

MW: Well, it’s time to find out. Let’s get to someone who always has the extra motivation to be the best. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is an A Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in fifth place in the block with six points thanks to victories over Thea Donovan, Jackson Banks and Danica Jane, being accompanied to the ring by Alyssa Kincaid from Bearing, Alberta, Canada, ‘The King of the North’… Kincaid!”



The lights dim as ‘Storm Eagle’ fills the arena. As the song kicks into life, Kincaid walks out onto the middle of the stage to a fairly good reception. He stares down at the ring and Alyssa walks out and stands next to him, waving to the crowd and presenting him to the audience, many of whom continue to politely cheer. Kincaid makes his way down the ramp, his eyes still focussed on the ring as he holds out his arms to brush hands with fans. As he reaches the ring, hops up onto the apron and shares a few last words with Alyssa before raising his arms and slipping into the ring. He climbs up onto the middle rope and calls out to the fans, pointing to himself and promising victory before dropping down and stretching out.



“And his opponent, in second place in the block with eight points after victories over Jackson Banks, The Silent Assassin, Thea Donovan and Aaron Williams, being accompanied to the ring by CJ Holmes, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ‘Mr. FPW’… Bobby O!”



‘This Means War’ begins and the fans begin their cheers, building as the intro plays. As the music pauses, Bobby steps out onto the stage with his usual jacket and looks around the arena. He has a look of determination on his face and he turns to CJ, who gives him a nod. He pops his collar and then marches down the ramp, hands held out to fans along the way, before climbing the steps and entering the ring. He moves to one side of the ring and grabs the top rope, leaning over it and pointing out some people in the crowd. As he does this, CJ makes her way towards the announce desk and sits in a spare chair, but she doesn’t put on a headset. Bobby steps down and turns to Kincaid, giving him a stare before the official checks they’re both ready.



A Block: Kincaid (6) vs. Bobby O (8):



The official calls for the bell and Kincaid and Bobby eye one another across the ring before coming forward into a strong lock-up. After a few moments of jockeying for position, Bobby drives Kincaid backwards into the turnbuckles, the official quickly coming in for the clean break. Bobby slowly lifts his hands, his eyes on Kincaid as he breaks the hold and slowly moves back. Kincaid nods and comes forward to meet Bobby. They lockup a second time and Kincaid pushes Bobby back a couple of steps before Bobby digs in and drives Kincaid back into the corner a second time. Again the official comes in and calls for the break and again Bobby slowly releases Kincaid, stepping back again. Alyssa whispers a few words up to Kincaid as Bobby looks on.



MW: Bobby O certainly showing the same intensity he showed against Aaron Williams.

CJ: I told you, Bobby is motivated to win every match. He’s not going to go easy just because he can’t win the block. That isn’t fair to him and it isn’t fair to the people who pay to watch him.

SD: We saw the little bit of animosity between the two on the entrances, and I think this start just reinforces that. This seems to be a classic situation where two veterans who see themselves as top-tier wrestlers face one another and know it’ll take a big effort to win but also know that a loss would be very costly. I think this could be a very good match.



Kincaid comes forward again and they go to lock up a third time, but this time Kincaid ducks the lock-up and locks in a waistlock instead. He lifts Bobby, but Bobby drops back down and throws a hard elbow back into the side of Kincaid’s head. Kincaid reels backwards and Bobby turns, pulls him into a waistlock of his own and takes him down with a German suplex. Bobby rolls to his feet and he pulls Kincaid up, but Kincaid takes a leg and lifts Bobby, dropping him with the single leg and looking to take the left ankle, only for Bobby to kick out hard with his right foot, forcing Kincaid backwards. Bobby gets quickly to his feet and the two eye one another across the ring again, the fans applauding them both.



They circle one another, both with intense looks on their faces, before coming together a third time. Bobby goes to lock up but Kincaid kicks him in the gut and then connects with a couple of hard chops to send Bobby backwards. Kincaid steps up and pulls Bobby into an inverted atomic drop before Bobby turns and Kincaid takes him down with a backstabber. He makes a cover.



One…

Two-



Bobby kicks out.



CJ: Yes, Bob!

MW: A nice sequence there from Kincaid.

SD: He performs a lot of moves very well and he can link them together in so many ways. It’s something you don’t value so much when you start out, but it’s something veterans are very good at and something which can be the x-factor for a veteran with declining physical skills getting a win over a more physically gifted youngster.



Kincaid stands and pulls Bobby up with him, but Bobby shoves him backwards. Kincaid comes in again and Bobby lands a couple of jabs before looking to lift Kincaid onto his shoulders. Kincaid, however, drives an elbow into the side of Bobby’s neck and then pulls him into a fisherman’s suplex, holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bobby kicks out again. Kincaid stands and immediately stomps down on Bobby’s leg. Bobby grimaces and Kincaid lifts the leg, kicking at the inside of the knee before dropping and elbow onto it and forcing it down to the mat, where he manipulates the joint, pressuring the ligaments. Bobby grunts and reaches out for the bottom rope, but it’s too far, so he sits up and drives an elbow into Kincaid’s face. Kincaid flinches but maintains his grip, so Bobby lands a couple more and forces Kincaid to roll away.



MW: This is definitely a more aggressive Bobby O.

CJ: He’s doing what he needs to do. He can’t just sit in the hold and smile at Kincaid and hope he’ll let him out because he’s nice.

SD: Exactly. Bobby is accessing his more aggressive side no matter what people think.

CJ: Not exactly… he’s hardly hitting low blows and jamming fingers into eyes. He’s escaping a hold.



Kincaid stands quickly and looks to catch Bobby’s leg again, but Bobby makes it to his feet and leaps up, looking for a curb stomp which Kincaid barely avoids. Kincaid takes Bobby’s wrist for a short-arm lariat, but Bobby ducks it, driving Kincaid into the corner, where he peppers him with a few jabs. He backs away and runs at Kincaid, looking for a running dropkick, but Kincaid steps aside at the last minute and Bobby lands hard on the mat. Kincaid comes in quickly, stomping down on the leg again and pulling Bobby out of the corner. He pulls him up and takes the leg, connecting with a dragon screw. Bobby drops onto the mat and grabs the knee.



Kincaid takes the leg again and drops a knee onto the side of the knee, pulling back on the ankle to stretch out the ligaments again. Bobby throws an elbow at him, but Kincaid avoids it, quickly moving and dragging Bobby into the corner. He stomps down on him a few times and then drops out of the ring to the outside, pulling Bobby’s legs either side of the ring post. He looks to set up a figure-four, but Bobby scrambles back to avoid it. Kincaid slides back into the ring and grabs for the leg again, but Bobby kicks himself free and pushes to his feet, taking Kincaid down with a hard lariat.



MW: Bobby O with the desperation move.

CJ: I’m not sure it was desperate. It was very well timed though.

SD: Kincaid seems to be getting the better of Bobby at the moment, but Bobby is doing enough to keep himself alive in this match and avoid the major damage. I think Kincaid is really looking to put a marker down for his Freedom Championship match and he’s doing a good job of it so far.



Bobby pulls himself to his feet, taking a couple of ginger steps before grabbing Kincaid by the arm and spinning him around, only for Kincaid to catch him with another chop. Bobby staggers back and Kincaid comes in with a few more before kicking him hard in the gut. Kincaid runs into the ropes and comes back with a bulldog before pulling Bobby up again and hoisting him onto his shoulders. He drops him with The Red River Crossing and hooks the leg for the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bobby kicks out. Kincaid stands and stalks Bobby, waiting for him to recover. As Bobby stands, Kincaid pulls him in for a Llewelyn Lift, but Bobby manages to flip out and land on his feet. He staggers back a step but manages to come back at Kincaid with a hard running lariat. Kincaid scrambles back to his feet again and swings a chop at Bobby but Bobby ducks it and drops him with a sudden DDT. Bobby makes the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Kincaid kicks out. Bobby quickly forces himself to his feet and he pulls Kincaid up along with him. He drives him back into the corner and connects with a couple of jabs before hauling Kincaid up to the top rope. Bobby follows, aiming another jab, but Kincaid blocks it and lands a chop, then another, then another, before dropping down between Bobby’s legs. He grabs Bobby by the leg and pulls him into a shinbreaker, Bobby rolling towards the ropes as he lands.



MW: Ouch. That had to hurt the bad leg.

SD: But that was a solid veteran move there from Bobby O. He knows Kincaid’s Finishing Touch is a dangerous hold and he rolled towards the ropes to give himself an easier escape. Excellent ring awareness from Bobby.

CJ: He’s worked hard on Kincaid this week. He knows what to avoid. Come on Bob! Get up!



Kincaid moves in and grabs Bobby by the left leg, looking to drag him towards the middle of the ring. Bobby, however, catches the bottom rope and refuses to be pulled away. Kincaid releases him and instead bends down to pull him up, but Bobby pulls him down into a small package.



One…

Two…

Th-



Kincaid manages to escape. The two of them make it to their feet and Bobby sends Kincaid into the ropes, popping him up and looking for a powerbomb. Kincaid, however, manages to drop into a forearm to the top of the head and Bobby drops to a knee. Kincaid steps back and connects with a Big Fat Kill, quickly moving into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Bobby just manages to get a shoulder up. Kincaid stands and stalks Bobby. As Bobby gets to his feet, Kincaid comes in and takes him down with a clothesline. Bobby scrambles up and Kincaid connects with another before lifting him and sending him into the corner. Kincaid comes in with a big flying splash and Bobby staggers out. Kincaid hits the ropes and looks for The Flying Clothesline, but Bobby ducks. Kincaid scrambles to his feet but Bobby lands a series of jabs before kicking Kincaid int the gut and looking for a DDT, but Kincaid sweeps the leg and quickly steps through into The Finishing Touch.



MW: This could end it right here!

SD: Bobby has to make it to the ropes… and fast!

CJ: Come on, Bobby! You’re so close!



Bobby reaches out, the pain on his face mixed with frustration at Kincaid seemingly managing to get the better of him on every exchange. He stretches out but he can’t quite reach the bottom rope. Kincaid sits lower and Bobby cries out with pain, only to push up and drive towards the ropes, his eyes glowing with intensity as he reaches out and grips the bottom rope, forcing Kincaid to break the hold. Kincaid releases Bobby and stalks him. Bobby slowly pulls himself up on the ropes but Kincaid still waits. As Bobby stands and then turns, Kincaid connects with another hard chop. Bobby stares at him, his eyes still lit up with intensity. Kincaid lands another before Bobby explodes with jabs and straight right hands to the body.



MW: Here’s that aggression again.

SD: Bobby couldn’t deal with Kincaid’s ability to one-up him at seemingly every point and the frustration is coming out right here.

CJ: Control, Bobby. Control.



Bobby forces Kincaid into the corner and the official has to come in and forces him away, but Bobby instead grabs Kincaid and whips him into the corner, following him in with a running dropkick and then backing away before coming in with a second one. Kincaid staggers out of the corner and turns with into a superkick. Bobby makes a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Kincaid kicks out. Bobby slams a fist on the mat before standing and stalking Kincaid. Kincaid slowly stands and turns as Bobby leaps up for an RKO- but Kincaid shoves him away into the corner and immediately follows up with a big flying splash to the back. Bobby staggers out of the corner just like he did before and Kincaid hits the ropes, looking for The Flying Clothesline again, but Bobby manages to catch him into a modified pop-up powerbomb. The fans cheer loudly as he makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Kincaid gets a shoulder up.



CJ: Now Bobby! End it now!

SD: He could be just one move away.



Bobby stalks Kincaid once again. As Kincaid stands and turns, he leaps up for another RKO, but Kincaid shoves him away again and then lands a dropkick to Bobby’s knee. Bobby drops to one knee and Kincaid comes in for another Big Fat Kill, only for Bobby to duck it and quickly stand, pulling Kincaid in for a German suplex. Kincaid, however, flips out of it, just like Bobby did earlier. He jumps right back in and counters with a Llewelyn Lift. Bobby rolls through onto his knees and Kincaid flattens him with a Big Fat Kill. Bobby falls to the mat and Kincaid quickly heads to the ropes, climbing to the top and coming down with From On High. He holds for the cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Kincaid (20:58).



MW: What a win for Kincaid.

SD: He beat Bobby O but it was a huge effort to do it. Bobby gave it all he had, but I think Kincaid simply managed to keep his head better. The calmest man pulled off the win tonight.



CJ slides into the ring to take care of Bobby as the official raises Kincaid’s hand. He climbs to the top rope and Alyssa enters the ring to congratulate him, the fans applauding both men for the match. Alyssa offers a hand to CJ and she shakes it, giving Kincaid a respectful nod. Bobby pushes up to his feet and looks over at Kincaid, who offers him a handshake too. Bobby looks down at it for a moment before shaking his head and turning to walk away. CJ stands in the ring for a moment, offers Kincaid an apologetic look, and then follows, extending her arms to ask Bobby what he’s doing.



Kincaid watches Bobby from the ramp-side ropes until he’s taken down from behind by Clutch McCloud. The fans boo loudly as Clutch puts the boots to Kincaid. Bobby turns and looks on, Alyssa crying out for him to come down and help as Clutch lays into Kincaid. Bobby looks for a few moments before shaking his head again and turning and heading up the ramp. CJ looks on with a look of shock and apologises to Alyssa before chasing Bobby up the ramp and through the curtain.



Meanwhile, Clutch pulls Kincaid to his feet and drives him into the corner, laying into his with forearms and kicks. He backs up for a moment and beckons for Kincaid to come at him. Kincaid staggers out of the corner, staring daggers at Clutch, before Clutch takes him down with a Technical Foul. Clutch stands over Kincaid, raising the Freedom Championship as the fans boo loudly.



MW: Well that was a disgraceful attack. Clutch McCloud has no business out here-

SD: Actually, Kincaid will be challenging him in four days’ time for that championship. Kincaid made his statement with a big win over Bobby O and Clutch made his in return. He was entirely within his rights to come out and do that.

MW: Don’t make me laugh. The man who detests senseless violence just attacked a man from behind.

SD: He detests violence against women. I don’t like what he says as much as you don’t, but this isn’t about that. He’s making a statement and Kincaid will know that he won’t get it all his own way on August 31st.

MW: Well, be that as it maty, let’s get to our main event of the evening, a match which we all expected would be for the block, but Jerry Bishop has gone undefeated in his six matches so far and Aaron Williams’ two losses have seen him drop out of the running. Williams has, however, vowed to win this match in order to earn a chance at Jerry Bishop’s FPW Championship. Can Aaron Williams defeat Jerry Bishop tonight, Steven?

SD: My honest answer, Watson, is no. I don’t think he can. Look back at their matches. Williams won by count-out in their first match because Jerry hadn’t beaten the clock in the Beat the Clock Challenge and didn’t see the point in carrying on. Jerry Bishop since then has defeated Aaron Williams three times, including inside a steel cage and then in the semi-finals of the number one contender tournament over Wrestlemania weekend. Jerry has proven beyond doubt that he is better than Aaron Williams, and no amount of determination on Williams’ part will overcome that simple fact.

MW: But surely Aaron Williams, even if he may be slightly behind Jerry at the moment, can bridge that gap. You’re not saying that the gap is so large that there’s no way Aaron can win this match?

SD: Of course there are ways, but realistically, I don’t see them happening. Jerry Bishop will want to win the Free-1 with eight wins. Graham Baker went undefeated in the first year, but that included two draws. If Jerry can beat that record and win every single one of his Free-1 III matches, it’ll be the greatest Free-1 performance by the greatest Free-1 performer. It’ll be another category that Jerry Bishop is better than everyone else in, and I believe he’s looking to be the best in every measurable way.

MW: Well, this match won’t be as vital as we expected it or hoped for it to be, but I’m sure it will live up to the hype anyway. Up next is Aaron Williams versus A Block winner and FPW Champion Jerry Bishop, and to introduce Aaron Williams, here’s our A Plus student, Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is the final A Block contest and it has a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in third place in the block with eight points from victories over Danica Jane, Kincaid, The Silent Assassin and Jackson Banks, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ‘A Plus’… Aaron Williams!”



After a short pause to build the cheers from the fans, ‘I Still Believe’ kicks in and the fans sing along loudly. Williams comes straight through the curtain to a loud cheer and he leads the song from the stage, moving from one side to the other and pumping up the volume even more than usual. He makes his way down the ramp, still singing along loudly, and slapping hands on both sides of the aisle. He reaches the bottom of the ramp and moves around the ring, continuing to slap hands until he gets to a young fan, for whom he pulls out a marker. The fan writes ‘please win’ and Williams nods in agreement, taking off his t-shirt and handing it to the fan before sliding into the ring. He shakes hands with Dasha and the official before settling in the corner.



MW: Aaron Williams looks ready for this match.

SD: I disagree. He looks like he’s overcompensating a little. He knows this match doesn’t have the meaning that he wanted it to have and he’s trying to create that meaning for himself. I think he’s trying a little too hard to get psyched up.



Thalia Columbina comes out onto the stage to loud boos.



MW: I’m not sure he’ll need much to get psyched up for this match. I think we all feel the same thing when we see that woman appear.

SD: Respect for a high-quality interviewer and announcer? I’m glad we agree.



“““Introducing THE A Block winner, THE only man to have ever won a Free-1 block before his final match, THE man soon to have fourteen points, THE man soon to have beaten Bobby O, Danica Jane, The Silent Assassin, Jackson Banks, Thea Donovan, Kincaid and Aaron Williams and whoever wins the B Block, THE greatest man ever to come out of Kanas City, Missouri, THE current and greatest ever FPW Champion, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in all of professional sports, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Bishooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays and Jerry Bishop walks out alongside Thalia, bowing deeply to her and kissing her hand as a ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant goes round the arena. He stands and looks out at the fans, laughing loudly before almost skipping down the ramp and conducting the chant. He reaches the ring and steps up the stairs and climbs up onto the middle rope, holding the FPW Championship aloft and looking down at Aaron Williams in the ring. Williams stares up at him with intense dislike in his eyes and Jerry lets out a big laugh while the two remain locked in a stare. Jerry then drops down and holds the FPW Championship aloft, telling Williams that it proves he was right and Williams was wrong. Williams baulks at this, but holds his ground, waiting for the official to take the title from Jerry.



A Block: Jerry Bishop (12) vs. Aaron Williams (8):



The official calls for the bell and Jerry and Williams eye one another from across the ring as a loud ‘Fuck You, Jerry’, ‘Aa-ron Will-iams’ chant breaks out. Jerry turns to conduct the chant but Williams quickly comes in and Jerry snaps into a lock-up, the two of them jockeying for position for a moment before Williams pulls Jerry into a headlock. Jerry runs him into the ropes and shoves him away, but Williams keeps the headlock locked in and drops to a knee, forcing Jerry down with him. Jerry pushes up again and lands a couple of elbows before managing to push Williams away, only for Williams to take him down with a thunderous mid-kick. The fans cheer loudly but the cheers quickly turn to boos as Jerry rolls to the outside. Williams, however, hits the ropes and charges at Jerry, taking him down with a somersault senton and bursts to his feet slapping some hands and egging on the cheers of the fans.



MW: Aaron Williams looks like he’s not going to let Jerry play the kind of games he’s played before.

SD: I like this intensity from Williams. I’m sure Jerry will have a way to counter it as he does with everything, but it’s a positive start for Williams.



Williams pulls Jerry up and drives him back-first into the guardrail before unleashing a volley of mid-kicks. Jerry slumps down to a seated position and Williams backs up to the edge of the ring, pushing himself up onto the apron. He looks down at Jerry and then comes down with a modified cannonball off the apron. The fans stand and applaud him again and Williams forces himself to his feet, pulling Jerry up and rolling him into the ring. He follows him and makes an immediate cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Jerry just gets a shoulder up. Williams, unperturbed, stands and pulls Jerry up again. He kicks him hard in the gut and jams his head between his legs, trapping his arms and looking to lift him for a very early A Triple Plus, but Jerry wiggles his legs and manages to drop down, shoving Williams back and standing up straight, only for Williams to connect with a pump kick to the gut. He shoves Jerry’s head down again and traps his arms again, looking for A Triple Plus a second time, but again Jerry manages to counter, this time by freeing an arm and catching Williams by the wrist, twisting himself free and wringing the arm.



Williams rolls through and kips up, pulling Jerry into a hard forearm which staggers him. Williams takes him down with another mid-kick before landing a spinning kick to the gut and pulling Jerry into position for a powerbomb, lifting him and landing a powerbomb backbreaker. He rolls into another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry again kicks out.



MW: This is seriously intense stuff from Aaron Williams.

SD: Much like Bobby did, his frustrations from not being able to do what he’s been working so hard for are coming out here. Whether he can control those frustrations could determine the result of this match, but there’s nobody better at turning a situation to their advantage than Jerry Bishop.



Williams pulls Jerry up again and sends him into the corner. He follows in for a big splash, but Jerry gets a foot up and Williams reels away. As Williams turns back, Jerry comes out with a rolling elbow and follows it up with a running bulldog, taking a moment to catch his breath. Williams pushes up but Jerry catches him with a knee to the gut and hooks an arm over his head. He moves towards the corner and steps up onto the ropes, looking for a tornado DDT, only for Williams to hold him up and dump him onto the apron.



Jerry aims a forearm at Williams, but Williams ducks it and drives a shoulder into Jerry’s gut before stepping through the ropes. He pulls Jerry down and hooks his arms again, looking for A Triple Plus onto the apron, but Jerry drops to a knee and Williams can’t lift him. He releases his grip and Jerry backs away before taking Williams to a knee with a step-up enzeguiri. Jerry quickly steps back into the ring and then vaults into a slingshot DDT onto the apron. Williams lies face-down, not moving, as Jerry lands on the outside and mockingly pumps up the fans like Williams did earlier.



MW: Listen to these boos.

SD: These fans see this match as more than just Jerry Bishop versus Aaron Williams. They see it as a battle between the man who doesn’t think he needs their support anymore versus the man who thinks he does. And they hate the fact that it’s against Aaron Williams where Jerry Bishop’s transformation is shown most clearly and it’s against Aaron Williams where Jerry Bishop’s success is made so galling for the people who used to love him.



Jerry shoves Williams under the bottom rope and steps onto the apron. He rests there for a moment as Williams begins to push himself up. As Williams stands and turns, Jerry leaps up and connects with a springboard forearm. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Williams kicks out. Jerry pushes up and brings Williams to his feet with him, kicking him in the gut and pulling him towards the ropes again, hooking his arm over his head and stepping up, this time coming down with the tornado DDT. He rolls Williams over into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams again manages to kick out. Jerry stands and looks out to the crowd as another ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant comes up. He laughs loudly and conducts the chant as Williams struggles to push up to a knee. Jerry then turns back to Williams and pulls him up the rest of the way before sending him into the corner. He follows him in and connects with a running dropkick. Williams staggers out of the corner and Jerry takes him down with a Russian leg sweep before standing and stalking Williams.



MW: Jerry Bishop might be looking to end this match now.

SD: It’s only been ten minutes so far, but this has been as intense a ten minutes as I can remember seeing in a long time.



As Williams pushes up to a knee, Jerry hooks his head again and then traps his arms, looking for Last Laugh. However, Aaron Williams manages to free his arms and he drives Jerry back into the corner. Williams steps back before connecting with a series of hard forearms. He whips Jerry across the ring into the opposite corner and follows in with a big splash. The fans build their cheers as Williams moves away and comes in with another splash, then another, then another and finally one more before Jerry slides slowly down into a seated position. Williams backs away again and comes in one more time, connecting with a hard cannonball to send Jerry rolling out of the corner. Williams climbs to the top and comes down with a swan-ton bomb, holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Jerry kicks out. Williams stands, staggers a step or two, and then reaches down to pull Jerry up. He hooks an arm over his head and lifts him into a vertical suplex position before dropping him over the top rope. Jerry hangs there as Williams backs into the corner, stepping up until he reaches the top. He looks down at Jerry and comes down with a 450 splash, but Jerry manages to push himself back onto the apron and down to the floor and Williams crashes and burns.



MW: That had to hurt.

SD: Jerry Bishop once again proving that he can find a way to shift the momentum at any time.



Williams lifts his head to look up at Jerry on the outside. Jerry stares at him and lets out a loud booming laugh. Williams grits his teeth and pushes up, looking down at Jerry as he continues to laugh at him. Williams shakes his head and hits the opposite ropes, running at Jerry and coming down with another somersault senton, but Jerry moves out of the way and Williams lands hard on the floor. Jerry immediately moves in and pulls him up into position, dropping him with Last Laugh and rolling back into the ring.



MW: Damnit! Jerry beat Williams this way before.

SD: And what a way to rub it in. Repeating the same way of picking up a win and beating Aaron Williams by countout.



Jerry turns to the official and orders him to make a count as boos echo around the arena.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



Williams doesn’t move. The boos mix with an equally loud ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant as Jerry bounces around the ring, laughing loudly.



Four……….

Five……….

Six……….



Williams still doesn’t move and the chant gets louder and louder.



Seven……….



Williams lifts his head and looks up at the ring, seeing Jerry bounce around with laughter. He grimaces with the pain and slowly pushes up.



Eight……….



The ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chants turn to cheers and support for Williams as he slowly crawls towards the ring apron.



Nine…



Williams reaches up.



…



He grabs the edge of the ring and hauls himself up.



…



And he dives into the ring to break the count.



MW: Yes! Aaron Williams keeps this match going.

SD: But for how long, Watson?



Jerry immediately stops his laughter and looks down as Williams gets to his knees. A look of annoyance comes over Jerry’s face and he moves over to Williams, pulling him up and tossing him back over the top rope. Jerry follows and hauls Williams up and into position for a second Last Laugh. However, Williams manages to free himself and he drives Jerry back into the edge of the ring. Williams lands another flurry of mid-kicks, and, after staggering a couple of steps, he pulls Jerry up for a vertical suplex before dropping him over the guardrail. The fans cheer as Williams forces himself onto the apron, looking down at Jerry before pointing up even further. The cheers get louder as he climbs to the top rope and looks down for a moment before coming down with a 450 splash to take Jerry off the guardrail.



MW: This has to be a double count-out!

SD: We’ve seen it before, but not with Aaron Williams having taken this much punishment. The stars around his head must be seeing stars by this point.



The official checks on both of them and then climbs back into the ring, shrugging his shoulders as he makes a count.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



Neither man moves.



Four……….

Five……….

Six……….



Jerry begins to push up. He looks over at Williams, who lies with his hands over his head. A smile comes over his face.



Seven……….



Jerry crawls over to the edge of the ring and hauls himself up and in.



Eight……….



A few fans beg Aaron Williams to get to his feet and he just manages to look up and see Jerry lying in the ring. He grits his teeth once again and forces himself to his hands and knees.



Nine…



Williams crawls over to the apron.



…



He grabs the apron and pulls, but he slips off and the fans groan.



…



With one final great effort, he grips the apron and launches himself into the ring, the fans cheering loudly as he rests just inside, his chest moving up and down heavily.



MW: This match is somehow still going.

SD: Aaron Williams is showing no lack of heart and desire in this match, but can he even get to his feet, let alone find a way to win?

MW: I have to believe he can, Steven. And all of these fans certainly do.

SD: But does he? He’s experienced so many disappointing defeats that he has to be questioning himself.



Slowly, both Williams and Jerry pull themselves up on the ropes. They turn and eye one another, each man’s eyes reflecting their mutual animosity. They slowly move towards one another, Williams throwing a forearm. Jerry sways back but he responds with a forearm of his own. Williams drops to a knee for a moment but he pushes back up again, throwing another forearm. Jerry staggers and Williams comes in with a second and then a third, but Jerry comes out of nowhere with a hard right hand, which Williams manages to duck. The fans cheer as Williams hooks an arm over Jerry and pulls him up into a brainbuster to his knee. Williams rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Jerry just gets a shoulder up. The fans groan but Williams quickly stands, pulling Jerry up to his feet. He kicks him in the gut and pulls him into position once again for A Triple Plus, but again Jerry manages to free his arms and pull away. He comes in with a rolling elbow, but Williams ducks it and leaps up into a desperation DDT. Williams rolls Jerry over and makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Jerry just manages to kick out again.



MW: Aaron Williams is getting as close as anyone could come to a win.

SD: But he hasn’t managed to get a win yet. Jerry Bishop doesn’t go down easily, Watson.

MW: And I’m so wrapped up in this one that I forgot to mention that we’re approaching twenty-two and a half minutes in this one.



Williams stands, staggering backwards but catching himself on the ropes. He moves back over to Jerry and pulls him up. He forces Jerry back into the corner and, bit by bit, manages to force him up onto the top rope. Williams follows and lands a couple of forearms before hooking an arm over Jerry. He pulls him up a few inches, but Jerry catches hold of the rope and pulls himself back down. Williams tries again but the same thing happens. Williams releases Jerry and aims for a forearm, but Jerry catches it and lands a powerful right hand to drop Williams down. Jerry then follows up with a blockbuster, rolling into a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Williams gets a shoulder up, but Jerry manages to catch his arm and he smoothly transitions into the Chelsea Smile. The fans stand immediately, panic on their faces. They beg Williams not to tap out, and he does all he can to drag himself to the ropes. Jerry pulls back as hard as he can, explosions of laughter coming between grimaces of pain with the effort of the hold. Williams lifts a hand looking ready to tap, but the fans collectively scream for him not to, and he holds off, pushing up and making one last effort to drag himself over to the ropes. He reaches out and almost touches the bottom rope when Jerry loosens his hold and drags him back into the middle of the ring. The air feels like it goes out of the arena as Williams collapses down. The official checks on him but Williams is just about able to say he refuses to give up. Jerry pulls back even harder and the official comes in again, asking Williams once, twice, three times if he can carry on. When he gets no response, the official waves off the match.



Winner: Jerry Bishop (25:36).



The fans slump down in their seats and their silence is punctured only by the loud fits of laughter coming from Jerry as he lies on his back in the ring. Slowly, the boos begin, and several fans throw their litter into the ring. As Thalia Columbina steps out onto the stage, the boos intensify even further and the atmosphere inside the arena becomes very tense, the security clearly sensing trouble.



“Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, THE only man to ever win every single block match, THE man who now progresses to the Free-1 final for the second time, THE A Block winner, THE soon-to-be Free-1 III winner, THE FPW Champion, THE Joker… Jerrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Bishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



Jerry stands and the official raises his hand as he takes the FPW Championship from him. He looks down at Aaron Williams, who remains motionless in the ring, before looking around at all of the fans who are baying for his blood. He lets out his loudest laugh yet as the show goes off the air.

[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 to the penultimate night of Free-1 and what a night of wrestling we have for you. This might be the biggest Free-1 night we’ve ever seen.

SD: Absolutely, Watson. We have four matches tonight and each one of them will have implications for the eventual winner of the B Block. There are four contenders- current block leader Johnny California has the best of the tie-breakers, Berry Bishop is just behind in terms of percentage of scenarios to win and she’s followed by Artemis Evans and Jace Mason. All four of them have a very real chance of winning this tournament. We also have Marcus Allen Jones and Botiatus who can enter into any tie-breaker scenarios depending on results tonight too.

MW: I spoke to Jim Houston earlier and he confirmed that Russ Bolt versus Marcus Allen Jones, as the only match which doesn’t contain a Free-1 contender, was chosen to go on first, but the other three matches were randomly drawn into the following order- Botiatus facing Johnny California followed by Berry Bishop and Artemis Evans as Jace Mason and MDE close out the night.

SD: All four matches could be Free-1 classics, not just because of what’s on the line but because of the matches themselves. Johnny California and Botiatus could be a great clash of styles; Artemis Evans and Berry Bishop have a long history dating back to Judgement Day I; MDE and Jace Mason headlined Judgement Day II and was one of the best matches in FPW history.

MW: But we kick off with Russ Bolt and Marcus Allen Jones. What are your thoughts ahead of this match, Steven?

SD: Marcus is going to be disappointed that the scenarios we’re discussing don’t include him. He did all he could given the injury and the accumulated fatigue which all started with his thirty-minute draw on the opening night of the block against Jace Mason. I’m told that he wants to come out here and end the Free-1 with a win, but I’d just suggest he doesn’t bother. His knee needs to heal and this match is meaningless for him. Marcus should rest it up and come back stronger.

MW: Well he clearly wants to end on a high note after a tournament I’m sure he will be disappointed by and Marcus won’t want to let down the fans nor his opponent, for whom I know he has a lot of respect.

SD: I think so. They met in the first round of the Mania weekend and I know Marcus was impressed by Russ Bolt and his potential. It will be interesting to see how Bolt approaches this match. Will he go after the knee or go in and wrestle straight up? And Marcus too. Will he look for a quick victory or wrestle his normal style knowing that he won’t need to lace up his boots for a couple of weeks after tonight?

MW: Well, it’s time to find out. Let’s go down to someone who always approaches matches in the right way. It’s Dasha Banks.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following is a B Block contest with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in seventh place in the block with two points thanks to a win over MDE, from Miami, Florida… Russ ‘Thunder’ Bolt!”



‘Jumpman’ begins to play and Bolt walks through the curtain, his arms out to his sides, as the fans give him a moderately positive reaction. He dips to the sides and, as the song picks up, he motions as if he’s doing a fade away before cupping a hand to his ear. His fans get louder and Bolt yells out, “There it is!” before making his way down the ramp and slapping a few hands. He reaches the ring and slides in, giving Dasha and the official a nod before stepping up onto the top turnbuckle and pumping up the crowd a little more.



“And his opponent, currently in sixth place in the block with seven points from victories over MDE, Johnny California and Berry Bishop and a draw against Jace Mason, from Chicago, Illinois, ‘The Marksman’… Marcus Allen Jones!”



The opening piano notes to ‘Hall of Fame’ begin to play and the fans stand in anticipation. Marcus makes the fans wait as the song builds and, as the lyrics kick in, Marcus steps through the curtain to a loud cheer. An ‘M. A. J.’ chant fills the arena and he looks around it for a moment and then starts to walk down the ramp without performing his usual backflip. He adjusts his knee brace as he walks and slaps hands with his other hand. Marcus takes a couple of quick steps and slides into the ring, bumping fists with Dasha and climbing up onto the top turnbuckle, calling for the fans to get louder, which they do. He steps down, one rope at a time, and looks over at Bolt, giving him a respectful nod.



B Block: Russ Bolt (2) vs. Marcus Allen Jones (7):



The official calls for the bell and Marcus and Bolt move in, Marcus pushing forward with his right side to hide his knee. They come into a lock-up and Marcus is quick to take the wrist and wring the arm. He pulls Bolt into a snapmare and locks in a chinlock. He then pulls Bolt’s right arm back and steps through, pulling back at the shoulder. Bolt tries to push to his feet and Marcus quickly breaks his hold, running into the ropes and coming off with a flying forearm. Bolt scrambles up but Marcus pulls him into a wheelbarrow facebuster. He rolls him over for the first cover.



One…

Tw-



Bolt kicks out. Marcus quickly moves to the leg and looks to set up for the kneeling cross-legged STF, but Bolt kicks him away with his right foot and Marcus hits the ropes. He comes back but Bolt takes him down with a clothesline. He pulls Marcus up and sends him into the ropes again, catching him in a sleeper hold as he comes back. Marcus flails his arm but Bolt quickly brings him down to a knee. Marcus throws back a couple of elbows and repositions himself, taking Bolt down with a belly to back suplex. Marcus gets to his feet and pulls Bolt around, landing a couple of forearms before pulling him into a falcon arrow and making another cover.



One…

Two-



Bolt kicks out again.



MW: Strong start from Marcus.

SD: He was conservative on the entrance but he seems to be moving fairly well. Risk management wasn’t something that went well for Marcus during the Artemis Evans match and it cost him dearly, so he needs to manage the risks in this match and, most importantly, not be out there too long.



Marcus stands and stomps on Bolt’s left leg a couple of times before lifting it and kicking the inside of the knee. He drops down and stretches out the knee ligaments, Bolt sitting up and trying to push Marcus away. Marcus quickly stands and turns Bolt over, looking to trap the legs again for the kneeling cross-legged STF, but Bolt scrambles to the ropes and Marcus is forces to move back. Bolt pulls himself up but Marcus catches him with a spinning kick to the gut and then hooks a hand over his head, leaping up into a jumping DDT. Marcus makes another cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Bolt kicks out again. Marcus moves to Bolt’s legs again and quickly crosses them over, looking to set up a calf crusher. Bolt again tries to scramble over to the ropes, but Marcus repositions himself and drags him away from the ropes, dropping down quickly to trap the legs and then lacing his fingers under Bolt’s chin for the kneeling cross-legged STF. Bolt grimaces in pain as Marcus pulls him back and applies more pressure to the knee. He reaches out but can’t reach the ropes. Marcus pulls back as hard as he can, and Bolt looks close to tapping out, before gritting his teeth and dragging himself over towards the ropes. He slowly reaches out and manages to get there, the official coming in and Marcus breaking the hold quickly.



MW: A dominant display from Marcus Allen Jones so far.

SD: It is. He clearly wants to prove something in this match and Russ Bolt doesn’t seem to have much of an answer for him so far.



Marcus stands, flexing his leg a couple of times, before reaching down and pulling Bolt to his feet. Bolt shoves him backwards and stands. Marcus aims a kick to the gut but Bolt catches it and spins Marcus into a German suplex. Bolt rolls away and pushes up, limping a step or two before stalking Marcus. As Marcus stands and turns, Bolt scoops him up into a scoop slam and then drops an elbow onto his chest before making a cover.



One…

Tw-



Marcus kicks out. Bolt stands, a little shaky on his left leg, and pulls Marcus up. He hoists him up onto his shoulders and drives him into the mat with an Alabama slam. He then points up to the top and steps through the ropes, climbing up onto the top rope, but Marcus springs to his feet and steps up onto the top rope to meet him, bringing him down with a frankensteiner. Marcus rolls away and grabs at his knee.



MW: That might have hurt Marcus there.

SD: Risk management. A move like that can damage Bolt but so can Marcus just rolling out of the way. That was too much of a risk because Marcus is too much of a showman.



Marcus grabs at the ropes and pulls himself to his feet, turning slowly as Bolt comes in and sends him into the corner. He follows him in with a running clothesline and then hoists Marcus up onto the top rope. Bolt turns his back and pushes up after him, looking to set him into position for From Downtown. Marcus fights him off with elbows to the side of the head and Bolt releases him. Bolt turns and lands a couple of forearms, hooking an arm over Marcus’ head. Marcus resists again, landing a couple of right hands to the ribs. Bolt sways backwards and Marcus brings up a knee to the jaw, dropping Bolt down to the mat. Marcus looks around and then pushes up, leaping off with the Mark Out Moment. He holds with a back-press for a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Marcus Allen Jones (9:13).



MW: Marcus Allen Jones picks up the victory and actually goes to the top of the A Block with nine points.

SD: He’s top for now, but it can’t last for long. He did what he had to do tonight and seemingly took care of his knee just enough. I’d have liked to see him not compete tonight, but he can have some time off before the first Freedom Fighters show now.

MW: Marcus ends Free-1 III with a good nine points, enough for second place in the A Block, but we’ll have to wait and see where he finishes in this block.



Marcus stands and the official raises his arm. The fans stand and applaud him and he nods to them before calling out, “This wasn’t the end I wanted, but I’m far from done.”



The fans continue to cheer for him as he steps through the ropes and makes his way up the ramp.



MW: And after that impressive victory from Marcus Allen Jones, we move to the first of our contenders. Steven, Johnny California has the greatest number of scenarios which result in a victory for him but he has a very tough match here against a man with a lot of momentum. Do you think he can pull through?

SD: I think he can find a way. Johnny California has done that in most of his matches so far. He caught MDE off guard. He beat Mason via count-out. He snuck past Artemis Evans. Botiatus will be a very difficult man to beat as I don’t think he’ll be caught out by tricks, but Johnny California will have something I’m sure.

MW: How will Botiatus approach this one?

SD: I think he’ll be very motivated. He can’t win this tournament, but his tag team partner Berry Bishop can. If he can knock off Johnny California, it makes her path easier. Botiatus has learnt a lot from working with Berry. Last year, I think he might have come out here a little sloppy because he couldn’t get anything from the match, but tonight I expect to see him ready to go.

MW: Well, it’s time to get to one of the biggest matches of the Free-1 so far. Time to hand over to someone who’s always ready to go. It’s Dasha Banks.



“The following contest is a B Block match-up with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in sixth in the block with seven points from victories over MDE, Marcus Allen Jones and Russ Bolt as well as a draw against Jace Mason, from The Bay Area, California, this is Botiatus!”



The fans cheer as the lights go down and the screen displays the foot of wide stone steps. The shot pans up to show more steps and then the now-familiar Roman pillars in front of the villa. As the song really kicks in, the light flash back on and villa melts into ‘THE HOUSE OF BOTIATUS’. Bo emerges into the arena and walks straight down the ramp, blowing kisses out to the fans and slapping a few hands. He walks around the side of the ring and hops up onto the apron before climbing onto the turnbuckle, kneeling on the ringpost and pointing down to Watson and Deville. The lights cut out and a single spotlight shines down on Bo, who stands in his signature pose. As the lights come back on, he drops down, gives Dasha a nod and settles in his corner, a look of focus on his face as he stares back up the ramp.



“And his opponent, currently in second place in the block with eight points from victories over MDE, Russ Bolt, Artemis Evans and Jace Mason, from The Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, he wishes to be introduced as ‘The Influential, the Controversial and the Unforgettable’, ‘The Mould-Breaker’ and ‘The Man Behind the Mask’… this is Johnny California.”



‘Losing My Religion’ hits the speaks and the fans boo loudly. As the lyrics hit, California steps through the curtain, guitar resting on his shoulder, quietly singing along to himself. He looks around at the crowd as they continue to boo him, taking in the boos before making his way down the ramp. He stares straight ahead to the ring, continuing to sing along to the song and ignoring the fans as they boo him. He props his guitar against the steps and climbs onto the apron before stepping into the ring, singing along to himself as he wanders over to the corner. He adjusts his gear and rests against the ropes and, as the music fades out, he brings his eyes up to Botiatus, a look of focus on his face. Bo meets his gaze with an equally focussed look and a shake of the head.



B Block: Botiatus (7) vs. Johnny California (8):



The official calls for the bell and Bo comes forward quickly, but California holds up his hand and tells him to wait.



“Botiatus, just-“



Botiatus cuts him off by moving straight in and landing a couple of palm strikes. California is forced back into the corner and Bo pulls him out, taking the arm and wringing it. California rolls through but Bo rolls with him, keeping the pressure on the arm. He lands a couple of kicks to the top of the arm before pulling California up into an arm stunner. California reels back and then drops down and rolls under the bottom rope.



MW: Botiatus clearly not in the mood for a conversation to begin this match.

SD: Johnny California has tried this before. He beat MDE by distracting him that way and connecting with a Fatal Flashback. You have to think Bo had him scouted and didn’t want to give him space for a second to catch him off-guard.



Bo watches California from inside the ring as California flexes his arm and rolls his shoulder. He holds up a hand to Bo again and moves over to Dasha, grabbing her mic.



“Bo-“



But Bo quickly heads out of the ring and California drops the mic, landing a few clubbing blows to his back and leaping into a double stomp to his back. California then pulls Bo to his feet and sends him head-first into the guardrail before stomping hard on his head. He slides back into the ring and orders the official to make a count.



MW: He picked up a win over Jace Mason this way as well.

SD: Johnny California just wants to win. He doesn’t mind how he does it. I respect that.



One……….

Two……….

Three……….



Bo starts to push himself up and he turns to look up at California in the ring.



Four……….



Bo moves over to the edge of the ring and is about to slide in, but California immediately comes in to take advantage and Bo steps back again.



Five……….



Instead, Bo steps up onto the apron, and California immediately throws a Fatal Flashback, but Bo ducks it and steps through the ropes, pulling California into an inverted headlock backbreaker. California staggers forward, one arm on his back, and Bo grabs him and turns him around into a vertical suplex position, landing a twisting suplex and floating over for a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



California kicks out. Bo stands and pulls California to his feet, sending him into the corner. He follows him in with a running forearm and then pulls him out, hooking an arm over him and dumping him over the top onto the apron. Bo then backs into the ropes and comes in with a sliding elbow drop, only for California to lift a knee and cut Bo off. California then slingshots over the top rope and comes down with a slingshot double stomp. He rolls Bo over and makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bo kicks out.



MW: Johnny California with the high-impact offence.

SD: A lot of what he does is high-impact. He’s not a grappler, nor is he a technician, but he’s an accomplished striker and he knows how to manipulate his opponents to get them into positions where he’s at an advantage.



California stands and stomps repeatedly on Bo’s back before lifting him and sending him into the corner. He follows up with a running big boot before connecting with a step-up enzeguiri. Bo slides down to a seated position and California comes in with the facewashes, the fans booing loudly as he taunts Bo. He then backs into the ropes and charges in with a running facewash. He grabs Bo by the leg and drags him out of the corner, dropping into another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bo kicks out again. California stands and places a foot on Bo’s forehead, pressing his head down into the mat, but Bo manages to slip out and he takes California down, pulling him into an ankle lock. California cries out and scrambles to the ropes, forcing Bo to break the hold. Bo stands, staggering slightly, and then he comes in with a hard kick to California’s arm which still holds the bottom rope. Bo then pulls California to his feet and pulls him into a belly-to-back suplex. Bo moves into another cover.



One…

Two-



California kicks out.



MW: I think it’s fairly clear what we’re seeing here. Botiatus is the better wrestler, but California is finding ways to take control when he can.

SD: And that’s how it’s been for much of the tournament. California beat MDE by distracting him; he beat Artemis Evans by constantly looking for roll-ups and quick wins and he beat Jace Mason by count-out. He isn’t as good a wrestler as many of the others in this block, but he’s at the top because he doesn‘t care how the wins come.



Botiatus stands and pulls California up with him. He sends him into the ropes and follows him in with a clothesline. California lands on the apron and Bo drops back again, coming in with a sliding elbow drop and then pulling California’s head through the ropes. The fans count along as Bo connects with rising knee strikes. He reaches nine and then hits the ropes, coming back at California with a running knee. California lands with his head on the mat. Bo pulls him through and quickly hooks his arms, looking to bridge over into ADT, but California scrambles to get his feet under him and he pushes up, freeing his arms.



Bo stands and turns to California, who stops him in his tracks with a roundhouse kick. California staggers back a couple of steps before coming in with a fameasser. He rolls Bo over into a cover.



One…

Two-



Bo kicks out. California stands and stalks Bo. He hits the ropes and, just as Bo turns, takes him down with a hard Yakuza kick. He then pulls Bo to his feet and leaps up into a jumping DDT. He rolls out of the ring and steps up onto the top rope. He pauses for a moment, setting himself, before coming down with a double stomp. He drops into another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Bo kicks out again. California stands and backs into the corner, settling himself and waiting as Bo slowly gets to his feet. Bo turns and California comes at him with the Last Kiss, but Bo manages to catch him into a scoop powerslam to counter. Bo rolls away and catches his breath as the fans cheer the counter.



MW: A big chance for Bo to regain control of this match.

SD: That was a lovely catch from Bo. Clearly a counter he’d practised and one that he knew would work. He needs to shrug off the damage from all of the kicks and stomps and get back on top here.



Bo pushes up to his feet, staggers a step, and then sees California pushing up to his knees. He quickly moves in and connects with a snap DDT. He rolls California into another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



California kicks out. Bo pushes up and pulls California up with him. He scoops him up onto his shoulder and charges at the turnbuckle, looking for snake eyes, but California drops down behind him and Bo crashes into the turnbuckles. He staggers out and California connects with a Pele kick. California stands with his hands on the top rope, looking over his shoulder as Bo pushes up to his feet. He leaps up onto the middle rope for a springboard roundhouse kick, but Bo quickly repositions himself and catches California onto his shoulder, dropping him with snake eyes. Bo then backs into the ropes and comes at California with House Call, but California ducks it and follows through into the ropes. As he and Bo meet back in the middle of the ring, California connects with Last Kiss. The fans gasp as he makes a quick cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Bo kicks out!



MW: I don’t believe that!

SD: I tell you now, Botiatus would not have kicked out of that this time last year. That wasn’t a kick-out for him. That was a kick-out for Berry Bishop. He wanted to clear someone else out of his tag team partner’s way.

MW: But can he last any longer in this match?

SD: That’s a good question, Watson. It’ll be a pointless kick-out if California just takes him down again and beats him.



California stares at the official, who confirms the two-count. He shakes his head and stands, dropping back and stalking Bo. Bo slowly rolls onto his stomach and pushes up to his hands and knees. He pushes up to a knee and then forces himself to stand, but he turns right into a Fatal Flashback, which he somehow manages to duck. As California passes him, he leaps up into an instinctive House Rules. He rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: Botiatus (15:03).



MW: And that was a huge win for Botiatus!

SD: Another man who goes to the top of the block with a win but, more importantly, Johnny California is eliminated.

MW: Botiatus doing Berry Bishop a big favour, but there’s a lot more to do. What do you make of his Free-1 this year?

SD: He had a slow start with two losses, but, since then, he’s undefeated with that big win over Marcus Allen Jones to his name as well as a very credible draw with Jace Mason. I think Bo is poised for big things with the momentum he’s picked up coming off those results.



Bo stands, very unsteadily, and the official raises his hand. The fans cheer for him and he gives them a nod, blowing kisses out to them as California rolls out of the ring and slinks away up the ramp. Bo stands on the top rope and thanks the fans for their support, clapping them and blowing more kisses.



MW: Well we’re one contender down. Johnny California can no longer win the block and so we get to three. Artemis Evans, Berry Bishop or Jace Mason. This next match is huge, Steven.

SD: It really is. The winner of this match takes the top spot and becomes the clear favourite ahead of the final match of the block. These two have faced one another twice and Artemis Evans has come out on top on both occasions, and I think she will now.

MW: Before we get into the nuts and bolts of this match, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Jerry Bishop has won the A Block and will meet the winner of the B Block in the final. Does Berry Bishop want another match with her brother?

SD: I don’t know, Watson. I really don’t. She’s worked with Botiatus for so long and she’s been working to get better with the aim of beating him one day. But does she feel that the time is now? Does she feel ready to go through such an emotional experience again? I honestly don’t know.

MW: I guess we’ll see as the match goes on. You’ve picked Evans to win this one. Why is that?

SD: Artemis Evans is a former FPW Champion who will do whatever she needs to do to win. She went to Berry and asked her to lie down for her. She’ll scratch and claw her way to the top in any way she can. Berry Bishop didn’t have the killer instinct to put away an injured Marcus Allen Jones. Evans wins this match and advances to the final, just like I predicted at the very start.

MW: Credit to you- you did predict that. But let’s find out. The most important B Block match so far and let’s get down to one of the most important women in FPW: Dasha Banks.



“The following contest is a B Block match with a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in fourth in the block with eight points from victories over Botiatus, Russ Bolt, Johnny California and MDE, from New Haven, Connecticut, ‘The Bombshell’… Berry Bishop!”



A loud cheer fills the arena as ‘The Entertainer’ plays. Berry steps through the curtain and gives the fans a deep bow, holding it for a long time before coming up with an uncertain look on her face. Nodding to herself, she along to the music as she stands and looks out at the crowd. She rearranges her Tag Team Championship at her waist before hopscotching down the ramp. She reaches the bottom of the ramp and slaps a few hands before playing the ring apron and somersaulting over the rope, landing with a bow and a wink. She looks over at Dasha and the two share an extended hug, Dasha whispering some words into Berry’s ear before backing away and giving Berry the spotlight. Berry nods and then moves into a corner, barely seeming to hear the deafening ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant that fills the arena.



“And her opponent, currently in fifth place in the block withy eight points from victories over Russ Bolt, Botiatus, MDE and Marcus Allen Jones, representing The Queendom, from Manchester, England, this is ‘The Glory Huntress’… Artemis Evans.”



Fans boo as the word ‘Checkmate’ rings out around the arena. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and Evans walks through the curtain, smirking at the crowd as they continue to boo. She spreads her arms and tilts her head back as pyro explodes around her before walking down the ramp, trash talking the fans on her way. She reaches the bottom of the ramp and moves around to the side of the ring before she climbs onto the apron and jumps over the top rope. Evans moves across the ring, climbing to the second turnbuckle and tilting her head back, extending her arms again as the fans continue to boo her loudly. She drops down and looks over at Berry.



“Do the right thing, Berry,” she calls as the official checks on them both.



B Block: Berry Bishop (8) vs. Artemis Evans (8):



The official calls for the bell and Evans stands, looking at Berry expectantly. Berry stares back at her, and Evans motions for her to lie down. Berry shakes her head and the fans cheer, a loud ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant breaking out. Evans looks around and glares at Berry before the two come forward and lock-up strongly. Evans drives Berry back into the corner and keeps pushing her back, talking trash about her making a very bad decision as the official comes in and makes his count. Evans slowly pulls back before landing a forearm and extending her arms, the fans booing.



Berry looks up at Evans and comes out of the corner, the two locking up again. Evans drives Berry back again but Berry turns her at the last moment and forces Evans into the corner. The official comes in again and Berry slowly breaks her grip on Evans, who regards her watchfully. Berry draws back a forearm and Evans instinctively covers up, only for Berry to back away.



“I never would,” she calls before beckoning Evans forward.



MW: A display of sportsmanship there from Berry Bishop.

SD: A display of her lack of killer instinct. A match like this and she gets the chance to take an advantage but she refuses. Berry is letting herself down with these decisions.



Evans comes forward and the two lock up again, Berry taking the wrist and wringing the arm. Evans rolls through and comes to her feet, wringing Berry’s arm instead, but Berry rolls through and kips up, taking Evans arm into a hammerlock and transitioning into a headlock before taking her over. The fans applaud as Berry tightens her grip, pushing up her hips for extra leverage. Evans pushes at her but she can’t break the grip and the official asks her if she wants to carry on, Evans giving a disparaging grunt in response.



Evans pushes up her feet and swivels her hips to let her get back to a knee, Berry keeping the headlock applied. Evans pushes up further and forces Berry into the ropes, shoving her off and sending her across the ring before taking her down with a shoulder block. Berry rolls away and looks to come back to her feet, but Evans drives a knee into her gut and forces her into the corner. She lands a couple of kicks to the gut before extending a leg and choking Berry, the official making his count as Evans talks more trash.



MW: Evans certainly not matching Berry Bishop’s level of sportsmanship.

SD: Neither does she match her success. She surpasses it in every way and she’ll continue to do so because Artemis Evans is willing to go the extra mile in order to win matches.



Berry drops to a knee as Evans releases her and Evans grabs her by the head and pulls her to the middle of the ring before driving a knee into her gut and then backing up before coming in with an axe kick. Evans rolls Berry over and makes the cover.



One…

Tw-



Berry kicks out. Evans quickly stands and kicks Berry a couple of times in the back as she’s getting to her feet. Berry pushes up and Evans drives a knee into her gut again before pulling her in and delivering a butterfly suplex. Evans gets to her feet and pulls Berry up with her, forcing her into the corner again and landing a series of kicks to the gut before pulling her out and hooking an arm over her head. She hoists Berry up and drops her withy a brainbuster. Evans rolls into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Berry kicks out again. Evans stands and grabs Berry by the hair, the official admonishing her as she drags her to the ropes. Evans jams a foot into the back of her head and chokes her over the bottom rope as the boos of the fans drown out the official’s count. Evans breaks on the count of four and stands in her signature pose for a few moments, allowing the boos to rain down on her some more.



MW: I don’t know if its wise to take time out of this match to pose for the crowd.

SD: I agree, Watson. She needs to win the match to have a chance of making it to the final. She only has thirty minutes and we’re what? Six minutes in?

MW: Seven and a half.

SD: Then she needs to focus on Berry and make sure she keeps on top of her.



Evans pulls Berry up and sets her up for an inverted STO, but Berry lands a few elbows and Evans staggers away. She turns and Berry unleashes a series of kicks to the legs and back, forcing Evans to a knee. Berry pulls her up and connects with a couple of forearms before sending her into the ropes and taking her down with an arm drag before catching the arm into an arm bar. She drives one knee into Evans’ back while stepping over her with her other leg, keeping Evans trapped in the middle of the ring.



Evans reaches out for the ropes with her right hand and her legs, but Berry has her well-positioned and she can’t find a way out. Berry pulls back on the arm and Evans grimaces with the pain, the official asking her again if she wants to continue. She growls a response before reaching up with her other hand and jamming a finger into Berry’s eye. Berry releases her grip and pulls away, allowing Evans to roll into the ropes and quickly pull herself up. Berry turns and runs at Evans, but Evans pulls down the top rope and Berry tumbles out of the ring to the floor. Evans looks down before stepping through the ropes and following Berry to the outside.



MW: I’m not sure this is a place that Berry Bishop wants to be.

SD: Absolutely not. On the outside, Artemis Evans is ten times more dangerous than Berry is. This is a dangerous spot for Berry. She needs to get back to the safety of the ring as soon as she can.



Evans pulls Berry up and throws her back-first into the guardrail. Berry arches her back and Evans comes in with a kick to the gut before grabbing her head and throwing her backwards, the back of her neck and her head crashing into the guardrail. Berry drops to a seated position and Evans comes in with a foot to her throat, choking her again as the fans boo her loudly. She extends her arms and throws her head back while choking Berry and the official comes in again to make his count. As he’s about to hit five, she drops her foot and gives him a disparaging look.



The official orders Evans to get back into the ring, but she ignores him, instead pulling Berry to her feet and hooking an arm over her again. She lifts her into position and the fans gasp as Evans looks for a brainbuster on the outside, but Berry manages to drop down behind Evans. Evans turns right into a roundhouse kick and Berry shoves her back under the bottom rope. Berry stands on the outside and waits for Evans to get to her feet and then she jumps up and lands a springboard flying headscissors to take Evans down. She scrambles over to make the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Evans kicks out.



MW: Some innovation from Berry Bishop there.

SD: And that’s good to see. We’ve never seen her do that before. She’s clearly working on developing some new moves rather than just relying too much on her kicks and her ground game.



Berry pushes up and reaches down for Evans, pulling her to her feet as well and unleashing a spinning kick to her gut. Evans doubles over and Berry connects with a series of Kawada kicks before leaping into a monkey flip. Evans sits up and Berry hits the ropes, coming back with a shining wizard and making another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Evans manages to kick out. Berry quickly gets to her feet and, when Evans sits up, she lands a hard kick to her chest. Evans drops down and then sits up again and Berry kicks her hard in her back. Berry then pulls Evans up and pulls her in for a running bulldog, making another cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Evans kicks out again. Berry stands and looks out to the fans, who cheer her, sensing that she’s looking to put Evans away. She pulls her up and sends Evans into the ropes before looking to lift her into a Berry Buster. However, Evans drives an elbow down into the back of Berry’s neck and then lifts her knee into her ribs. Berry tries to reel away but Evans quickly pulls her into an inverted STO. Evans rolls Berry over for another cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Berry kicks out. Evans rolls away and takes a moment to catch her breath before pushing up. She looks over at Berry and stalks her before connecting with a discus forearm. Berry drops to a seated position and Evans backs away before coming in with a hard running knee. She then looks down at Berry and climbs up onto the top rope, pausing for a moment before coming down with a moonsault and holding for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry just manages to kick out.



MW: That was a close one for Artemis Evans.

SD: She managed to curtail Berry’s momentum and she’s back in control. With some of the shots Berry’s taken to the back of the neck, you have to feel that she’s been softened up enough for Guillotine Strike too. I sense that Evans might be looking to end this one fairly soon.



Evans stalks Berry as she slowly climbs to her feet and turns, but she’s taken down with a silver bullet knee strike. Evans stands and looks down at Berry, giving her a smirk before drawing a finger across her throat. The fans boo as Evans reaches down and pulls Berry up, setting her in position for Guillotine Strike and lifting an arm, but Berry throws up a leg and kicks Evans hard in the top of the head. Evans drops her and Berry rolls to her feet. Evans catches her with a knee to the gut and looks for an axe kick to follow up, but Berry lifts her head in time and leaps onto the middle rope, coming down withy a disaster kick to take Evans down.



The fans cheer loudly for Berry and she crawls over to the ropes to pull herself to her feet. She stands and stalks Evans, coiling herself as the fans begin to buzz with excitement. Evans stands and turns and Berry snaps into Checkmate, but Evans throws herself sideways to avoid it. Berry tries to turn back to Evans but Evans leaps up onto her shoulders and takes her down with a reverse rana. Evans then stands and pulls Berry in again for Guillotine Strike, but Berry manages to twist free, taking Evans’ wrist and pulling her into a knee to the gut before taking her down with an exploder suplex. Berry makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Evans kicks out.



MW: So close!

SD: Both of these two are giving everything they can. They’re clearly prepared to face one another and, I have to say, this has been one of the most engaging matches so far in this tournament.

MW: We’re over the twenty-minute mark, by the way.

SD: And if this match is a draw… hang on… let me check my chart… Mason would win with a win, but if not… Marcus, Bo, Berry and Evans would all be tied on nine and Evans would have two wins and a draw in that group, so she would win the block.

MW: Berry can’t afford a draw in this match, then.

SD: And I doubt Evans would want to risk one given that Mason would be able to take the block with a draw if this match ends in a draw.



Berry stands and she coils herself again, waiting for Evans to force herself up. Evans stands and turns as Berry unleashes Checkmate. She connects and Evans drops to the mat. Berry makes the cover, but Myra Lopez comes charging down the ramp and onto the apron, the official moving to her instead of counting the fall. The fans boo loudly as Thea Donovan slides into the ring from the other side, but the boos turn to cheers as Botiatus comes sprinting down the ramp. He pulls Lopez off the apron and takes her down with House Call as Berry connects with Checkmate to send Donovan out of the ring. Berry turns and Evans pulls her into a Guillotine Strike. Evans makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Berry gets a foot on the ropes! The crowd explodes with cheers and Botiatus leaps into the air, banging on the mat and telling Berry to get to her feet. Evans glares down at Berry before standing and pulling her up by the hair. She pulls her into a second Guillotine Strike but Berry twists free and, in her desperation, manages to counter into a Berry Buster. She rolls away for a moment before she can come back to make the cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Evans gets a shoulder up.



MW: I don’t believe it!

SD: Yes! Artemis Evans fighting on in this match and in this tournament.

MW: Both of them could so easily have found a victory there, but this match goes on with just over six minutes to go.



Berry rolls away from Evans and the two of them lie on their backs in the ring, the fans cheering loudly. Slowly, the two of them roll over and push up to a knee, standing and moving towards one another. Evans unleashes a forearm to Berry, who connects with one in return. They exchange, the fans cheering loudly whenever Berry lands one and booing whenever Evans lands one in return. After several forearms, Berry blocks one from Evans and lands a flurry of kicks, ending with a thrust kick to the gut which sends Evans into the ropes. As Evans comes back, Berry looks about to connect with Checkmate, but Evans drops down, suddenly grasping her knee. The official moves in and Berry looks down at her, uncertain.



MW: Has- has Artemis Evans twisted her knee here or…

SD: Berry should be moving in to finish her off. This lack of killer instinct is what stopped her beating a half-lame Marcus Allen Jones. This is costing her the Free-1.



Berry turns away and Evans springs up, moving towards Berry, who snaps into Checkmate from nowhere.



MW: Evans was faking it! And Berry knew!

SD: Maybe she does have the killer instinct! Artemis Evans thought she was baiting Berry, but it was the other way around.

MW: And now Berry has the cover… one………. Two………. Three!



Winner: Berry Bishop (25:10).



MW: Yes! Berry Bishop has done it!

SD: Berry takes the sole lead of the B Block with a victory over Artemis Evans.

MW: And she answered some critics in that match! Berry Bishop showed her killer instinct and managed to put away not just one of the best in FPW but also one of the most cunning. Berry with a huge victory.



Berry stands and she’s rushed by Botiatus, who gives her a big hug, and Dasha Banks, who joins them. She stands and smiles as the two of them embrace her and raise her hands, and Dasha stands with a mic in her hand, ready to announce the victory.



“Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, and now the leader of the B Blo-“



Dasha trails off as she looks over at Berry, her eyes widening. Berry looks back in sudden realisation, and she shifts from Dasha to Bo. Dasha looks down but Bo looks right at her, giving her an encouraging smile. He whispers a few words into her ear and she nods, looking at him and smiling back and then turning to Dasha and pulling her in for a hug. The three of them acknowledge the fans and then Bo and Berry turn and leave the ring ahead of the all-important final match of the block.



MW: And it all comes down to this. Berry Bishop sits on top of the block, two points ahead of Jace Mason. Jace Mason holds the tie-breaker. He simply needs a victory to claim the block and make the final against Jerry Bishop. Anything other than a win for Jace Mason leaves Berry as the B Block winner. Steven, Jace Mason with eight points and MDE with none. This has to be a Mason win, right?

SD: Not at all. MDE hasn’t had the best tournament. He should have done better. He will be desperate not to end up with no points at the end of tonight. He’s lost to Mason in one of the biggest matches of his life and now he can cost Mason one of the biggest matches of his.

MW: How will each approach this match?

SD: I think Jace Mason will approach it fairly normally. He knows he can beat MDE, and, although he’ll be wary, I think he’ll come into it with confidence. MDE, I think he’ll try to slow things down. Get into Mason’s head. Make him think that he’s headed for a draw and panic him, put him off his game. Force him to make mistakes and pick up a win that way

MW: Well, let’s not talk too long. Let’s get to it. This is the final match of the B Block and will determine whether it’s Jace Mason or Berry Bishop advancing to the final against Jerry Bishop. It’s Jace Mason versus MDE and the only woman worthy of making the introduction is Dasha Banks.



“The following is the final match in the B Block and it has a thirty-minute time-limit. Introducing first, currently in fourth place in the block with eight points gained through victories over Berry Bishop, Artemis Evans and Russ Bolt and draws with Marcus Allen Jones and Botiatus, from Seattle, Washington, ‘The Eternal Student’… Jace Mason!”



The introduction to ‘Afterlife’ begins to play and the anticipation of the fans again builds. As the intro ends, Jace Mason steps forward in his usual pose with his ribs taped again, although the tape is much lighter than it was against Johnny California, pyro exploding and the fans cheering loudly. Mason looks out at the crowd and nods, smiling as he hears the loud cheers. Mason makes his way down the ramp, holding out his hands but keeping his eyes locked on the ring. When he reaches the bottom of the ramp, he steps up onto the apron, walking along to the turnbuckles and stepping up onto the top and middle turnbuckles, raising his right fist and holding the pose for moment before dropping into the ring.



A loud ‘Let’s Go, Mason’ chant fills the arena and Dasha stands, allowing it to be heard before she raises the mic to her lips.



MW: This must be conflicting for Dasha. An MDE win means her best friend makes it to the final, which she wants, but she won’t want an MDE win. Add in the fact that Berry would be facing Jerry and I don’t know if Dasha has any idea who root for.



“And his opponent, in eighth place in the block with zero points, from Plymouth, England… he goes by the nickname ‘Simply Great’… MDE.”



‘Dance of the Knights’ plays and the fans explode into boos. MDE steps through the curtain and looks around the arena before allowing his eyes to rest first on Dasha, to whom he gives an icy stare, and then on Mason, to whom he gives a smirk. Mason stares back at him without blinking, muttering to himself as MDE makes his way down the ramp in his usual manner, taking his time and ignoring the abuse of the fans as they yell at him. He reaches the edge of the ring and walks up their steps before stepping through the ropes and moving towards Dasha, who immediately backs out of the ring. MDE looks over at Mason and the two stare each other down as the official checks them both.



B Block: Jace Mason (8) vs. MDE (0):



Mason and MDE stare at one another across the ring before beginning to slowly circle one another, a loud, ‘Let’s Go, Mason’ chant echoing around the arena. They come together to lock-up, but Mason quickly switches into a series of chops, driving MDE backwards. He forces him into the corner and continues laying in the barrage of chops before sending MDE across the ring into the opposite corner and following in with a running back elbow. MDE staggers out of the corner and Mason runs at him, talking him down hard with a shotgun dropkick. The fans cheer loudly as Mason pulls MDE up and takes him down with a snapmare, following up with a penalty kick and dropping into a quick cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



MDE kicks out.



MW: What a start from Jace Mason!

SD: He was wise to try and avoid a protracted technical exchange with MDE given his ribs will still be hurting from his match against Johnny California. Whether or not he can keep on top of MDE is another matter, though.



Mason stalks MDE as he stands and he comes in with a gamengiri, but MDE grabs the official and pulls him in front of him. The fans boo loudly as Mason connects with the official and he drops to the mat. Mason stands and looks down for a moment before turning to MDE, but he’s distracted by a loud commotion from the crowd. He looks around just as Armondo, Parker and Si climb over the guardrail, followed by Alan Lightbody.



MW: No! Not these guys!

SD: I thought they’d forgotten about this place. We haven’t seen them since the All Star Tag Team Classic final.



They surround the ring and Mason stands and looks around at each of them. As they step up onto the apron, he charges at Parker and takes him off the apron, but Si and Armondo step into the ring and catch him from behind, MDE quickly leaving the ring and watching with caution from the outside. Si cracks his pool cue across Mason’s back and drops him to a knee. Armondo pulls him up into a powerful Irish curse and Parker slides back into the ring, lifting him into a DDT which leaves Mason limp in the middle of the ring. Si reaches down but suddenly the loud boos turn to cheers as Marcus Allen Jones, closely followed by Aaron Williams, come charging down the ramp.



MW: Yes! Take these bastards out of here.

SD: It’s still three-on-two, Watson. I’m not sure they’re picking the wisest moment to do this.



Marcus and Williams dive into the ring and throw themselves at the four invaders, but Parker, Si, Armondo and Lightbody scramble out of the ring. Marcus and Williams follow, leaping over the guardrail as the four of them try to escape through the crowd. Several fans get shoved to the ground as Parker, Si, Armondo and Lightbody fight their way through, Marcus and Williams following close behind. The four of them leave the arena through a door at the back of the crowd and Marcus and Williams continue their pursuit, leaving Mason lying motionless in the ring and the crowd buzzing, unsure of what is going to happen.



MW: I don’t believe those guys have ruined what should have been a great Free-1 match.

SD: Jace Mason is in a bad way. That pool cue shot must have seriously damaged his already-injured ribs and I don’t remember seeing a more powerful DDT than Parker’s. I don’t know what they’re going to do here.



MDE regards Mason from outside the ring and he sees the official slowly recovering from the gamengiri. He looks around for a moment before sliding into the ring and rolling Mason over. The fans boo loudly as MDE calls the official over. For a moment, the official looks up at him in confusion before starting to make the count.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winner: MDE (6:34).



The fans continue to boo loudly as MDE stands and looks out at them with a smirk. The official struggles to his feet and raises MDE’s hand as the boos rain down on him.



MW: I don’t believe that Jace Mason’s Free-1 has ended this way. This is absolutely unfair. Jim Houston needs to do something about this.

SD: But what can he do? Mason clearly can’t compete. He can’t restart the match. He can’t order the decision to be reversed; he’s already said that. Mason can’t face MDE at the finals and leave Berry not knowing-

MW: Of course. In all the confusion, I’d forgotten that the Free-1 final…. It’s going to be Jerry versus Berry.



There’s silence for a moment before the footage cuts to backstage, where Aaron Williams and Marcus Allen Jones hunt for Parker, Si, Armondo and Alan Lightbody. They come to a crossing of two hallways and Marcus stomps his foot down on the floor, making an annoyed noise.



MAJ: We fucking lost them.

AW: After everything he’s been through to get to this point… Jace doesn’t deserve this.

MAJ: They can’t keep getting away with this shit. I tolerated what Houston said about not going after them, but it’s time we fought back-



Jim Houston cuts Marcus off from behind.



JH: Marcus, I understand-



Marcus spins around and Williams looks at Houston.



AW: Do you? Because those guys, who you keep saying can’t get in here, have attacked me before, they’ve attacked Marcus before, and they’ve gone after Jace twice now. They cost him the block and a chance at winning the Free-1 for a second year in a row. Your security aren’t good enough.

MAJ: Give them to us. Do whatever you have to do. Me, Williams and Mason against Parker, Si and Armondo. We deserve this. You can’t-



“You deserve this?”



Marcus and Williams spin around to see Artemis Evans, and ice pack on her head, Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan looking on.



AE: You three deserve this? Williams, you couldn’t beat Thea earlier this month and Marcus… I proved that you’re not on my level by eliminating you from the Free-1. And Myra here holds a singles victory over Jace Mason from the Young Lions’ Cup. You two and Jace Mason couldn’t get rid of those three from FPW on your best day. If you need three people to-



JH: That’s enough. I’m not giving you the match, Marcus. I won’t do it.

MAJ: Houston, I’ve given you everything I have in this tournament. I’ve torn my knee to shreds but I’ve kept going because performing for FPW matters to me. Now you’re not going to give back when I ask for something we deserve? These guys have targeted us-

AE: You deserve nothing-



Marcus turns and connects with a hard forearm to drop Evans. Lopez and Donovan come at him but he and Williams cut them off and land several forearms before they stagger back and they and Evans back away.



JH: I won’t give you that match, but here’s what I’ll do. It seems like there’s some tension in the air here. So why not let it be taken out. At the Free-1 final, let’s have Marcus Allen Jones, Aaron Williams and, if he’s capable, Jace Mason facing The Queendom in a six-person tag match. Now, if you’ll forgive me, I need to go and wring some security personnel’s necks.



Marcus and Williams turn and stare down The Queendom, who stare back but keep their distance.



MW: Well we’ve just had a huge match set up as the dream team of Marcus Allen Jones, Aaron Williams and Jace Mason face The Queendom, but the main story tonight is the Free-1 final. It will be an all-Bishop affair, as Jerry Bishop takes on Berry Bishop for the right to call themselves Free-1 III winner. This is not to be missed. Join us on Monday August 31st for the final Free-1 III show.

[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: Ladies and gentlemen we have made it to the final of Free-1 III. This is one of the biggest events on the FPW calendar and this final could be the biggest we’ve ever seen. It’s going to be one of the most emotional matches in FPW history as A Block winner and FPW Champion Jerry Bishop faces off against B Block winner Berry Bishop.

SD: It’s a match we all want to watch, Watson, but I’m not sure any of us wants to see. These two faced one another at Judgement Day II and it was a very difficult match to sit through. The same thing happened at Wrestlemania weekend and on both occasions we saw a Jerry Bishop victory. If Jerry wins tonight, he will become the first man to win the Free-1 with a one hundred percent record and will also become the first FPW Champion to win the Free-1, as well as being the first ever losing finalist to return to the final and win the tournament. A Berry victory would see her become the first female Free-1 winner and would set up a potential rematch at Judgement Day III.

MW: I’m sure we’ll go into more depth on that match when we get to it, but we also have three other contests for you tonight.

SD: We have the Freedom Championship on the line between Clutch McCloud and Kincaid in a match that I think could be very intense. We also find out the new challenger for the winner of that match as a battle royal will determine who goes for the Freedom Championship on the first episode of Freedom Fighters. And then we have a so-called dream team of Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams going up against The Queendom.

MW: That last match could be a very good one too, Steven. We should add that you’ll notice extra security around the arena tonight. Jim Houston has tripled the number of security personnel in the arena and backstage.

SD: After Lightbody, Parker, Si and Armondo came to ruin the final day of the B Block on Friday, I welcome that decision. We cannot have the biggest showpiece match in FPW ruined by anyone.

MW: Other than Jerry Bishop.

SD: Let’s get to that later.

MW: “There’s gold on the line in our first match, as Clutch McCloud defends his Freedom Championship against Alex Kincaid.”

SD: “If you’d asked me last week about this match, I would have said that it was an intriguing athletic contest, but one without any personal connections. But that all changed after Kincaid’s final match in the Free-1 when Clutch ambushed his challenger and left him laid out in the ring. After that attack, Kincaid will surely be motivated by more than just title aspirations, he’ll be coming for revenge.”

MW: “And do you think that motivation will be enough to allow Kincaid to walk out with the Freedom Championship tonight?”

SD: “Under different circumstances, I’d say that it was a distinct possibility, but tonight, I have to say that it will not be enough. Kincaid has spent the last month competing in a grueling tournament, whereas Clutch hasn’t competed since June here in FPW. And because of that run in the Free-1, Clutch McCloud has been able to study Kincaid’s style. And while there’s plenty of footage of Clutch for Kincaid to study, Clutch could have added any number of attacks to his arsenal while he was away.”

MW: “An intelligent analysis as always, now let’s take this over to Dasha and get this match underway.”



Dasha received a nod from a crewmember and began her introductions. “The following contest is a Freedom Championship match scheduled for one fall!”



The intro to ‘Storm Eagle’ filled the arena as the lights went dim. And as the song kicked into high gear, Alex Kincaid appeared at the top of the ramp, his wife Alyssa by his side. She waves to the crowd before the two of them begin walking down the ramp.



“Introducing first, being accompanied by Alyssa Kincaid, from Bearing, Alberta, Canada, he is the King of the North, Alex Kincaid!”



Kincaid nods at Dasha and then climbs into the ring, settling into his corner as Alyssa hops onto the ramp and the two of them exchange words.



‘Storm Eagle’ cuts out as the lights go out, leaving a single spotlight trained on the stage. ‘Rise’ begins to play, and Clutch McCloud strides into view, the Freedom Championship wrapped around his waist. He posed at the top of the ramp before he began walking down the ramp, staring contemptuously at the booing crowd.



“And introducing his opponent, from St Louis Missouri, he is the FPW Freedom Champion, Clutch McCloud!”



Clutch stood on the apron and unhooked his title, raising it high and shaking his head as the crowd booed louder. He stepped through the ropes and walked across the ring to go face to face with Kincaid, raising the title above his head again. The ref stepped between the two and forced them apart, with Clutch backing across the ring and settling into his own corner. He handed the belt to the referee, who stood in the center of the ring and held it up for display before handing it to a crewmember and calling for the bell.



Match 1: Freedom Championship: Clutch McCloud vs. Kincaid (written by Mason):



As soon as the bell rang, Kincaid immediately charged out of the ring and took Clutch down with a shoulder tackle, running through to hit the ropes and connect with another shoulder tackle as soon as Clutch stood back up. Kincaid dragged Clutch to his feet and whipped him into the corner, following him in and delivering a series of forearms.



MW: “Kincaid clearly coming out here with payback on his mind, just as you said Steven.”



The ref began his five-count, but Kincaid ignored him, prompting the ref to force himself between the two wrestlers, pushing Kincaid out of the corner. Clutch took the opportunity to reach over the ref’s head and land a shot directly to Kincaid’s throat. Kincaid staggered back, and as soon as the ref moved out of the way, Clutch charged out of the corner and connected with a knee lift that dropped Kincaid onto his back. Clutch paused to catch his breath before moving in and pulling Kincaid up to a seated position. He grabbed Kincaid’s arm and pulled back, bending and twisting enough that Kincaid’s face contorted into a pained grimace.



SD: “Clutch slowing the pace down after the explosive start by Kincaid, that’s a smart move.”



Kincaid squirmed and tried to reach for the ropes, but Clutch shook his head and shifted his weight, putting himself between Kincaid and the ropes. Kincaid nearly cried out as Clutch twisted his arm sharply, and then began using his free arm to repeatedly drive his elbow into Clutch’s midsection. Clutch winced as he took the first few shots, then caught the arm and switched his grip, pulling both Kincaid’s arms into a straightjacket hold. The crowd booed, which only caused Clutch’s confident smile to grow.



But Kincaid began to work free, getting his feet underneath him and powering himself upright. Clutch shook his head as he stood up with Kincaid, maintaining his hold as he did so. But his grip started to loosen as Kincaid began to pull his arms apart. Clutch planted a foot into the back of Kincaid’s leg and laughed as he drove Kincaid back to one knee. This turned out to be a mistake however, as Kincaid flashed a grin before he suddenly pulled forward, bringing Clutch over his head and down to the floor, finally breaking Clutch’s grip. Kincaid shot to his feet a second before Clutch did and moved in, only for Clutch to catch him with a dropkick. Clutch stood up and grabbed Kincaid’s wrist, whipping him into the ropes and catching him with an arm drag on the rebound. Kincaid was pulled down to the mat, and Clutch quickly grabbed his arm and twisted, his confident grin once again on full display.

Kincaid gritted his teeth and tried again to squirm free, but Clutch kept his grip tight. He went to deliver another elbow with his free arm, but when Clutch shifted his grip to catch it, Kincaid instead reached down, grabbed Clutch’s leg and pulled it out from under him. Clutch dropped to his back, his grip broken, and Kincaid rolled to his feet. Clutch shot upright and Kincaid met him with a forearm, then pulled him into an inverted atomic drop. Kincaid ran to the ropes and rebounded, coming back with a big boot that dropped Clutch to the mat.



MW: “Kincaid starting to string together offense here.”



SD: “He’ll want to continue doing that throughout the match, Clutch has shown that he’s adept at taking control when the pace is slowed.”



Kincaid grabbed Clutch’s wrist and pulled him up to his feet, whipping him into the corner, charging in after him. But Clutch grabbed the top rope and launched himself upwards, landing behind Kincaid and applying a waistlock. Kincaid quickly performed a standing switch to lock in a waistlock of his own, and then just as quickly lifted Clutch for a waistlock takedown. He immediately drove his knee into Clutch’s thigh and began cranking on his knee, but Clutch reached out and grabbed the bottom rope to force a break. Kincaid reluctantly let go and stood up, backing into the center of the ring.



But instead of rising to meet him, Clutch rolled under the bottom rope and stood up on the outside, smirking at Kincaid’s perplexed expression. The crowd booed loudly, and one fan in particular shouted something at Clutch that drew his attention, and as he turned away, Kincaid ran across the ring and hit the ropes, rebounding to gain momentum into a suicide dive that blindsided Clutch!



MW: “Kincaid turning up the intensity here in this match!”



Kincaid stood up and flexed his knee for a moment before he rolled Clutch back into the ring and slid in after him, hooking the leg for a cover.



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



Clutch kicked out, and Kincaid maintained his grip on the leg as he did so, turning Clutch over and tying up his leg into an STF.



MW: “Nice transition there from Kincaid.”



SD: “He’s not likely to win the match with this submission, but he’ll be able to inflict some damage on Clutch.”



Clutch reached out to the ropes, but he was just too far away to grab hold. He used his arm to begin dragging himself closer, but right when he was about to touch the bottom rope, Kincaid let go of the hold and grabbed his leg, pulling Clutch back into the center of the ring. He tried to re-apply the submission, but Clutch was struggling, using his free leg to try and kick Kincaid away. Kincaid resisted as the blows landed, until Clutch caught him in the knee and Kincaid had to stagger back, dropping Clutch’s leg as he did so. Clutch shot his feet and pressed his advantage, grabbing hold of Kincaid’s leg and connecting with a dragon screw leg whip. Kincaid went down hard,clutching at his knee, as Clutch stood over him, contemplating his next method of attack. He grabbed Kincaid’s leg and dragged him over to the ropes, draping his leg over the bottom rope before he stepped off the same rope and came down with a hard stomp to Kincaid’s knee. Kincaid cried out, and Clutch gave the audience a sadistic grin as they booed. He repeated the maneuver twice more before the ref backed him off and stooped down to check on Kincaid.



SD: “Clutch has clearly found a weakness in his opponent, and he’s going to exploit that for all it’s worth.”



Kincaid waved the ref off, and Clutch quickly went back on the offensive, pulling Kincaid to his feet and setting him up for an Irish whip. But Kincaid reversed, sending Clutching into the ropes and coming in after him to deliver a boot, only for Clutch to sidestep at the last moment. Kincaid’s leg got caught in the ropes, and Clutch took advantage, kicking out his plant leg. Kincaid collapsed hard, and Clutch stepped in, scooping him up into a fisherman’s suplex and bridging into a cover.



...1!..Kick-out!



Clutch held onto Kincaid’s leg as he kicked out and stood up to deliver another dragon screw, quickly transitioning into an ankle lock. Kincaid cried out as Clutch applied pressure, reaching desperately for the ropes and dragging himself closer. Clutch held on as Kincaid made it closer and closer to the ropes, and then as he got within reach, he began pulling him back into the center of the ring. But his grip loosened as he did so, allowing Kincaid to roll over and kick him away. Clutch took several steps back and waited for Kincaid to pull himself to his feet, then charged in to deliver a Technical Foul.



But Kincaid ducked under the forearm and ran across the ring to hit the ropes, coming back with a hard clothesline that dropped Clutch to the mat. Clutch scrambled back to his feet as Kincaid kept running and hit the opposite ropes, coming back with another clothesline. He hauled Clutch to his feet and then whipped him into the corner, following him in to deliver a leaping splash,



MW: “Kincaid fighting his way back into this match!”



Kincaid quickly applied a headlock and ran out of the corner to deliver a bulldog, driving Clutch’s head into the mat before turning him over for a cover.



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



Kincaid pumped his fist as he stood up, waiting for Clutch to rise to one knee before he stepped in to deliver a Big Fat Kill! Clutch dropped hard, but Kincaid went down as well, holding his knee again.



SD: “Kincaid taking Clutch down, but he had to plant on his bad knee to deliver the Big Fat Kill. This could be interesting.”



Kincaid rolled over and made the cover on Clutch.



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



SD: “And there’s the effects of what I just talked about. If Kincaid hadn’t paused because of his knee, he might have been able to get the win right there.”



Kincaid stood up and pointed to the top turnbuckle, prompting a wave of cheers from the crowd. He stepped through the ropes and then began climbing to the top, slightly slower than he would normally. He perched on the top rope and looked down at Clutch before leaping off to deliver From On High, only for Clutch to roll away. Kincaid rolled through on landing and got back to his feet, turning around right into a TarHEEL from Clutch! Kincaid dropped hard, and Clutch dropped on top of him into the cover.



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



The crowd exploded with cheers as Kincaid kicked out, and Clutch looked shocked, staring in disbelief at Kincaid. But that shock switched to determination as he grabbed hold of his leg and pulled him into a kneebar. Kincaid scrambled for the ropes, reaching desperately to break the hold. But Clutch’s hold was too tight, and Kincaid didn’t make much progress. The ref stepped in, checking with Kincaid and confirming that he wanted to continue. The crowd chanted for Kincaid not to tap, cheering for him to continue fighting, only to be disappointed as Kincaid pounded on the mat to tap out.



Winner, and STILL Freedom Champion: Clutch McCloud (16:47)
.


‘Rise’ filled the arena as Clutch let go of the submission and rose unsteadily to his feet. Kincaid rolled out of the ring and was helped to his feet by a few members of the ringside crew. The ref handed Clutch his belt and raised his hand as Dasha made her announcement.



“Here is your winner, and still Freedom Champion, Clutch McCloud.”



MW: “An impressive title defense for Clutch McCloud.”

SD: “Indeed. Kincaid gave Clutch a good fight, but he made the mistake of showing weakness, As soon as Clutch detected Kincaid’s bad knee, he went after it relentlessly. And even though Kincaid pushed Clutch to the limit, in the end the damage to the leg was just too much for him to overcome.”

MW: With Clutch coming through that war of a match with the Freedom Championship still securely sitting on his shoulder, it’s time to determine his next challenger.

SD: There are several interesting names on this list of entrants for the battle royal tonight.

MW: Such as?

SD: Free-1 competitors like Johnny California, Russ Bolt, Jackson Banks and Danica Jane as well as some returning faces. Robert D. Jackson comes back from the injury that put him out of the Free-1 and we also see the return of the lovely Vanessa Scott.

MW: Oh, dear. Are we going to also see the return of the drooling Steven Deville?

SD: I’ll try to control myself, Watson, but I’m making no promises. No promises at all.

MW: Anyone you’d pick out as a favourite or as an interesting challenger for Clutch?

SD: Interesting challengers would probably be any of the women- we have Danica Jane, Ella Ripley, Vanessa Scott and Liz Karlson all in this match and I don’t know how Clutch would deal with being told to face them. Favourites… I’d have to pick out Johnny California and James Saturn. Both are experienced FPW competitors and both will want to separate themselves from the pack by main eventing the first Freedom Fighters shows and winning some gold in the process.



Match 2: Number One Contender for the Freedom Championship Battle Royal: Jackson Banks vs. Russ Bolt vs. Johnny California vs. Robert D. Jackson vs. Danica Jane vs. Liz Karlson vs. Ella Ripley vs. James Saturn vs. Tommy Saxon vs. Vanessa Scott vs. Go Shihei vs. RJ Tudor (Match Summarised due to No Writer):



First Elimination: Vanessa Scott by Ella Ripley (Scott tries to seduce Tommy Saxon and Ripley throws her over the top rope).

Second Elimination: Russ Bolt by Johnny California (A flurry of kicks sends Bolt into the ropes and a roundhouse kick sends him over the top).

Third Elimination: Ella Ripley by Danica Jane (Ripley taunts Jane after taking her down. Jane fights back to her feet and a Lights Out sends Ripley out of the ring).

Fourth Elimination: Go Shihei by James Saturn (A superkick from Saturn sends Shihei to the outside).

Fifth Elimination: Jackson Banks by Robert D. Jackson (Banks goes for a rope-walk forearm but Jackson catches him and sends him over the top with a belly-to-belly).

Sixth Elimination: Liz Karlson by Johnny California (After a brief exchange, California knees Karlson in the gut and tosses her over the rope).

Seventh Elimination: Tommy Saxon by RJ Tudor (Tudor ducks The Knuckler and a dropkick sends Saxon flying over the top rope).

Eighth Elimination: RJ Tudor by James Saturn (Immediately after eliminating Saxon, Tudor is thrown over the top rope from behind by James Saturn).

Ninth Elimination: Robert D. Jackson by Danica Jane (Jane gets the better of an exchange of forearms and clotheslines Jackson out of the ring).

Tenth Elimination: James Saturn by Johnny California (California ducks a Saturn superkick and a Fatal Flashback sends Saturn over the top).

Final Elimination: Johnny California by Danica Jane (After a tense battle between the two, Danica rests on the ropes and California comes in for a clothesline to eliminate her. She ducks it and catches California with Lights Out. He goes over the top but hangs on. He tries to skin the cat but Danica catches his legs and throws him to the floor.



Winner: Danica Jane (10:03).



MW: And the main event of the first Freedom Fighters show will be Clutch McCloud versus Danica Jane!

SD: And you’ve got to know that Clutch will be absolutely steaming backstage right now. There’s no way he’ll be happy with facing a woman- especially Danica Jane- after everything he’s said and done this past year.



Danica stands and looks on in shock as she has her arm raised by the official. She looks down the camera and makes a title belt gesture, raising an eyebrow as the fans cheer for her. She climbs to the top rope and thanks them, signifying again that she’ll soon have a belt around her waist.



MW: Danica Jane is confident.

SD: Out of everyone on this roster, she knows Clutch best. I think he’ll try to find any way out of this match that he can, but if Danica can get in the ring with him, she might stand a chance.

MW: That match will main event our first ever live TV show Freedom Fighters. But let’s move to tonight’s next match. Steven, describe how Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams got this point of teaming together tonight.

SD: I’m sure none of them will have wanted to be in this spot tonight. Each of them- and Artemis Evans I’ll add- will have had their sights set firmly on being in the Free-1 final, but they’ve been thrown together by an outside force. We first saw Parker, Si, Armondo and Alan Lightbody when they came after Aaron Williams over Wrestlemania weekend. They then targeted Marcus Allen Jones in his match with James Saturn at Uprising and returned again after the final of the All Star Tag Team Classic when they attacked Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. For a while they stayed away but they returned on Friday with an attack on Jace Mason which cost him the chance to win the B Block.

MW: Do we know what these four want?

SD: Not specifically, but it’s not hard to guess. Aaron Williams spoke two days ago about their behaviour in England and they’ve been blackballed from every promotion going for some time now because of it. They cause havoc in every company they go into, and I’d imagine that’s what they want to do here. I sympathise with Marcus, Jace and Aaron in wanting to go after them, but I completely see why Jim Houston is refusing to allow them to set foot in an FPW arena- at least to be invited to do so anyway.

MW: But the match tonight is with The Queendom instead. Jim Houston did indeed refuse to grant the match that Marcus and Williams demanded, and The Queendom had their say, suggesting Marcus, Mason and Williams would hardly be the first three who should be called upon to defend FPW and Marcus took exception to it, didn’t he?

SD: He did. The Queendom do hold singles victories over each member of this team so they have a point in saying that this so-called dream team isn’t even the best trio in FPW. Marcus took exception when emotions were running high and, if I’m being honest, he blindsided Artemis Evans, leading to a bit of a brawl and leading to Houston making this match.

MW: How well do you think Marcus, Mason and Williams can work together against what we know is a very well-oiled unit in The Queendom?

SD: They’ll have to. They’re injured and The Queendom are like a pack of lions. If they sense weaknesses- Jace Mason’s ribs, for example, or Marcus Allen Jones’ knee- they’ll go after them. Marcus, Jace and Aaron have to put their egos aside and work together if they want to come out of this match relatively unscarred.



“Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a six-man tag-team match. Introducing first, from Puebla, Mexico, San Diego, California and Manchester, England respectively, ‘The White Queen’ Myra Lopez, ‘The Black Queen’ Thea Donovan and the former Women’s Champion and FPW Champion, ‘The Glory Huntress’, Artemis Evans… The Queendom.”



The fans boo loudly as ‘Checkmate’ rings out across the arena. ‘Hammer to Fall’ begins to play and the three members of The Queendom walk onto the stage, Artemis Evans in the centre with Donovan on her left and Lopez on her right. Evans spreads her arms as pyro goes off on either side of the trio before they walk down the ramp together. Evans talks trash to fans on the left side of the ramp and Donovan to those on the right while Myra Lopez walks silently down to the ring, ignoring the fans around her. Donovan grabs a ‘Mason + Williams + Marcus = Dream Team!’ sign and mocks it before stomping on it while Evans chastises a young girl in a Jace Mason t-shirt for not wearing a Queendom one instead. As they reach the bottom of the ramp, the three of the enter the ring and Evans moves over to the turnbuckles, climbing to the middle rope. She spreads her arms and tilts her head back as Lopez and Donovan flank her in the ring. The fans boo loudly and Evans drops down, the music coming to an end.



“And their opponents, from Chicago, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Seattle, Washington respectively, the former FPW Champion, ‘The Marksman’, Marcus Allen Jones, ‘A Plus’ Aaron Williams and the former Freedom Champion, FPW Champion and Free-1 winner, ‘The Eternal Student’, Jace Mason!”



The fans cheer loudly as the opening notes to ‘Hall of Fame’ play. The cheers build before Marcus Allen Jones steps through the curtain, the knee brace still clearly visible, and looks around the arena, nodding to the fans as they cheer him before his gaze settles on the three members of The Queendom in the ring. ‘Hall of Fame’ cuts off and the fans cheer again as ‘I Still Believe’ begins to play. Aaron Williams comes through the curtain all high-energy, pumping up the fans on either side of the stage and calling for them to sing along with him. After the first verse, his music also stops and ‘Afterlife’ begins to play. More cheers accompany it and Mason allows them to build before stepping through into the arena as pyro goes off as normal. His ribs are taped heavily once again. The three of them look at one another and nod before making their way down the ramp, Williams leading the way and slapping as many hands as he can while Marcus and Mason each keep their gaze on the three women in the ring, holding a hand out but not paying as much attention to the fans. As they reach the bottom of the ramp, the three of them slide into the ring and eye The Queendom as the official steps between the two teams.



Conversations take place between the two teams and Myra Lopez and Aaron Williams emerge as the two who start the match.



MW: Interesting choices to begin this match from both teams.

SD: With Mason and Marcus being injured like they are, having Williams start makes sense. Lopez hasn’t seen action in FPW for a while with her missing the Feee-1, so I’m sure she’s chomping at the bit to get in there.



Match 3: The Queendom vs. Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams:



The official calls for the bell and Williams and Lopez circle one another before locking up strongly. Lopez immediately locks in a headlock and takes Williams over. He gets his legs up and she kicks herself free, both of them getting quickly to her feet and Lopez catching Williams with an arm drag, locking in an arm bar. Williams walks his legs around and gets them under him, pushing back up to his feet. He moves over to the ropes and steps up, coming back with a rebound arm drag that sends Lopez into her corner. Williams eyes her watchfully as she tags in Thea Donovan. Donovan smirks as she steps between the ropes.



Williams comes forward and the two of them lock up, Donovan taking the wrist and wringing the arm. Williams, however, quickly rolls through and kips up, taking Donovan’s arm and wringing it instead. He kicks out the back of her leg and forces her to a knee before landing a powerful kick to the chest. She grimaces as he pulls her up and sends her into the ropes, but she comes back with a shoulder block which takes Williams down. He tries to quickly get back to his feet but Donovan is on him, clubbing him across the back and kneeling on him as she reaches up and tags Evans in. Donovan holds Williams in a modified camel clutch as Evans backs into the ropes and comes in with a low dropkick, rolling Williams into a cover.



One…

Two-



Williams kicks out.



MW: You can see the teamwork already from The Queendom.

SD: That’s where they get their big advantage today. Myra Lopez and Thea Donovan aren’t as accomplished as the other four in this ring, but they make up for that with the chemistry the three of them share. I know Evans and Donovan have had a few minor moments recently, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that The Queendom are the most powerful unit in FPW.



Evans pulls Williams up and hooks an arm over him. She pulls him up for a vertical suplex but he drops down behind her. He grabs her by the wrist and spins her into a ripcord mid-kick before moving over to tag in Jace Mason. Mason lands a couple of chops to Evans as she gets to her feet before sending her across the ring and taking her down with a back elbow. He pulls her up and drives her back into the corner before landing a few more chops and then pulling her out into a single underhook suplex. He makes a cover.



One…

Tw-



Evans quickly kicks out. Mason stands and stalks Evans before connecting with a spinning gut kick and then kicking out her leg. He backs into the ropes and looks for the low dropkick but Donovan drops off the apron and pulls Evans out of the way. Lopez reaches down for the tag and she comes in as Mason lies on the mat, stomping hard at his ribs. The fans boo the flurry of stomps before she lifts Mason and connects with a half-and-half suplex. She makes a cover.



One…

Two-



Mason kicks out. Lopez pulls him up and kicks him hard in the gut before looking to lock in an octopus stretch. Mason resists, driving elbows back into her gut and pulling away before lifting her into an Irish curse backbreaker. He grimaces with the pain in his ribs and moves to the corner, tagging in Marcus Allen Jones. Marcus stalks Lopez as he enters before connecting with a thrust kick to the gut and hitting a jumping DDT. He rolls her into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Lopez kicks out.



MW: Marcus looks focussed here.

SD: No limp as well. That’s a big positive for him given how soon this match is after the Free-1 and how much he was being advised to sit out of it.



Marcus pulls Lopez to her feet and drives a knee into her gut before hooking an arm over her and lifting her, pulling into a falcon arrow. He rolls backwards and waits for her to sit up before hitting the ropes, only for Evans to trip him from the apron. He stumbles and Lopez stands, connecting with a spinning leg lariat. She then stomps hard on the knee before trapping the lower leg between her ankles and performing a scissor twist. Marcus cries out in pain and Lopez lifts the leg, dragging him over to The Queendom’s corner before making the tag to Evans.



Evans comes in and lands a series of kicks to the knee before placing it over the bottom rope. Lopez drops off the apron and holds it there as Evans pushes up onto the middle rope and drops down with all her weight going through Marcus’ knee. Williams calls to the official, who warns The Queendom, but Lopez simply gives him a dismissive stare. Evans stomps down on the leg again before pulling Marcus to his feet and setting him in the corner, tagging in Donovan. Evans and Lopez each grab one of Marcus’ arms as Donovan extends a leg and chokes him in the corner, the official quickly coming in and making his count.



MW: This is really pushing the boundaries of what a team should be able to get away with.

SD: This is team work. One team is totally in sync while the other isn’t. Team struggle to get on top of The Queendom because they’ll always find a way to have one another’s back. Mason and Williams might want to think about doing the same for Marcus.

MW: They’re respecting the rules, Steven.

SD: Only suckers follow the rules. Take everything the official gives you and always press for more. The Queendom are experts at it.



Marcus drops to his knees and Donovan tags in Evans. She drops him with a snap DDT and rolls him into the cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Marcus kicks out. Evans pulls him up and throws him into the corner again before tagging Lopez in. She lifts Marcus’ leg and places it over the middle rope, pulling his foot through and pressuring the knee ligaments. He cries out as the official makes his count, Lopez breaking at four. Marcus drops to a knee again and Lopez pulls him up, looking to set him up for a Northern Lights suplex, but he drives his elbow down into her back and she staggers back. He looks over to Mason and Williams, who stretch out their hands, but Donovan comes in and takes him down from behind. Mason and Williams go to enter the ring but the official comes and holds them back, allowing Evans to enter and all three put the boots to Marcus, the fans booing loudly.



Evans and Donovan hold Marcus up as Lopez connects with a pump kick. The official orders them both out of the ring and they each hold their hands up defensively before leaving Lopez with Marcus. She steps over his arm and traps it with her leg before taking his left leg and locking in a tequila sunrise. Marcus cries out and reaches his hand out to his corner, but he’s a long way away. He reaches out for the ropes with his one free arm, but he can’t quite get there, and Lopez wrenches back harder. Marcus cries out with pain and bangs the mat with frustration before reaching out again. He slowly manages to shift his position and he reaches for the rope, but Evans drops off the apron and yanks it further back. As she does, Mason and Williams drop off the apron and move over to the corner, Mason coming in with a hard chop to force Evans away from the rope while Williams takes her down with a mid-kick. The official quickly gets out of the ring to warn them to back down, which they do, as Marcus grabs the rope. With the official still speaking to Mason, Donovan kicks Marcus’ hand off the rope and the fans boo loudly.



MW: More cheating!

SD: But it was Mason and Williams who left their corner!

MW: To stop Artemis Evans from pulling the rope away from Marcus.



The official comes back in to see Marcus almost passed out. He checks on him and doesn’t get much of a response until a loud ‘M. A. J.’ chant picks up, Mason and Williams banging the turnbuckle and mat to encourage it. This gives Marcus a bit of fight, and he manages to inch towards the ropes again, this time grasping it. Lopez releases him and immediately tags in Donovan, who comes in and pulls Marcus into a lifting DDT. She rolls him over for a cover.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Marcus just manages to get a shoulder up. Donovan reaches up and tags in Evans, who steps up onto the middle rope. Donovan pulls Marcus up and Evans jumps off for a Canadian destroyer, only for Marcus elbow Donovan away from him and catch Evans with a jumping knee. Myra Lopez frantically tags herself in as Marcus crawls through Donovan’s legs, and she grabs his leg as he tries to make the tag. Marcus turns and leaps into a enzeguiri, dropping to the mat and crawling over before finally making the tag to Jace Mason.



MW: And now we play!

SD: The Queendom still have the advantage though as I doubt Marcus will be able to do much for at least a few minutes.



Mason comes in and he ducks a forearm from Lopez, taking Donovan down with a hard clothesline. He turns to Lopez and blocks a thrust kick, forcing her foot down and pulling her into an STO. He stands and is about to pull her to her feet when Artemis Evans comes in and grabs him from behind, looking to set him up for Guillotine Strike, but Williams comes leaping onto the top rope and takes her down with a springboard forearm. Evans rolls out of the ring alongside Thea Donovan and Williams hits the ropes, coming at them and taking both out with a somersault senton. Mason stands and pulls Lopez up, lighting her up with a few rapid-fire chops before lifting her onto his shoulders for an ushigaroshi. He makes the cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Lopez kicks out. Mason stands and quickly pulls her to her feet again, taking her down with a snapmare. He follows through with a penalty kick and then steps through the ropes, climbing up to the top. He looks down and Lopez but Artemis Evans manages to reach up and grab his foot. He tries to kick himself free but she refuses to let go until Marcus pulls her off the apron and lifts her into a wheelbarrow facebuster onto the edge of the ring. Marcus drops back down and grabs his knee as Mason comes down with a shooting star press right onto Myra Lopez’s knees. She quickly rolls him over into a small package.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Aaron Williams dives in to make the save. He rolls out under the bottom rope and starts banging the turnbuckle to encourage Mason to get to him and make the tag. Mason begins to crawl over just as Donovan gets back up onto the apron. Mason makes the tag and Williams comes charging into the ring, taking Donovan out with a running forearm before landing a mid-kick to send Lopez back into the corner. He follows up with a big splash and then two more, the crowd cheering loudly as Myra Lopez drops down to a seated position. Williams backs up again for the cannonball but Donovan catches his foot and trips him.



The official moves over to warn Donovan just as Evans, blood dropping from her nose, enters the ring and lands a low-blow to Aaron Williams. Jace Mason comes charging in and connects with Mason’s Hammer but Thea Donovan takes him out with a superkick. Myra Lopez pulls Aaron Williams into a schoolboy roll-up, grabbing the tights as Thea Donovan drives onto Marcus to stop him from breaking up the pin.



One…

Two…

Three.



Winners: The Queendom (20:19).



Lopez and Donovan slides out of the ring and they pull Evans out with them. They look up at Williams, explaining to the official that she had his tights and Mason and Marcus, kneeling up and looking at them through the ropes, with smirks on their faces. The fans boo loudly as Donovan yells, “Some dream team you are,” and Lopez points at herself, Donovan and Evans and says, “Best trio in FPW.”



MW: Well, tonight The Queendom were victorious, but under very dubious circumstances.

SD: Dubious? They were the better team. They isolated Marcus and rotated perfectly. They stopped Mason from building momentum and they made sure they got the pin on Williams. What more do you need to prove that they’re better?

MW: I don’t know, maybe a match which doesn’t end in a low-blow and then a roll-up with the tights? Maybe a match without the constant tripping, pulling ropes away and double-teams? How about that?

SD: You’re making excuses. Mason, Marcus and Williams have never worked together as a team in their lives and it showed. If they want Jim Houston to give them a match against Si, Parker and Armondo, then they need to show they can stand a chance of beating them. You think The Queendom are a well-oiled machine? Wait until you see those three.



Mason, Marcus and Williams give each other looks and shake their heads in the ring before they each step down, Williams offering Marcus a hand to get him up the ramp. Marcus refuses, limping but able to walk, and the three of them leave the arena.



MW: And now we reach the final match of Free-1 III, the match that this entire month has been building towards, but, for this final, it’s been building for much longer than that.



A video package plays, showing Berry Bishop’s FPW debut and her initial interactions with Jerry and the Friendmigos. It shows her earning his trust and becoming an associate Friendmigo before Che and Matt moved on. It shows the two of them in the first Free-1, Berry struggling through matches while Jerry won the A Block and ultimately came up just short in the final, highlighting her admiration of her big brother and his achievements. It shows Jerry at the top of the ladder in the Dead Man’s Chest match and MDE returning to take him off it before offering to help Berry ahead of her Women’s Championship match at Judgement Day I.



It quickly cuts through highlights of Berry’s time training with MDE, ending with MDE speaking in his darkened bedroom as Berry lay sleeping in the bed. It shows Berry falling short in the Women’s Championship match and Jerry falling short against MDE, before showing Berry valiantly defeating MDE. It contrasts her rise with Jerry’s losing streak before showcasing their run in All Star Tag Team Classic II, freezing on the moment that Jerry cost them the tournament. It shows MDE gaining influence with Jerry and again shows their paths through Free-1 II as Jerry began his slow rise to the top.



It shows Jerry turning his back on Bobby O and Bobby and Berry talking. It shows the two of them teaming together before Judgement Day II leading into Berry and Dasha going to Jim Houston and asking for a match with Jerry to try and bring him back to his old self. It shows highlights of the match, focussing on the moment that Jerry makes Berry tap out and keeps the Chelsea Smile locked in. It shows Berry and Dasha getting emotional backstage afterwards and Jerry asking Botiatus to help Berry. It shows her struggles contrasted against Jerry’s success against Aaron Williams. It shows Jerry defeating Berry again in the same manner before showing him victorious over Jace Mason and holding up the FPW Championship.



It shows Berry and Bo’s progress through the All Star Tag Team Classic and their victory over The Guardians of Strong Style before highlighting each Bishop’s preparations for Free-1 III. It shows the finish to each match, Jerry picking up win after win while Berry is much more up and down. It shows Bobby O’s victory over Aaron Williams, highlighting Jerry’s A Block victory. It highlights Dasha’s call on Berry’s entrance for the MDE match and her victory over Evans, before Mike Watson explains that the Free-1 final will be Jerry versus Berry. It ends on a shot of the two of them standing together early in Berry’s career, arms around one another and smiles on their faces.



After the video ends, the Free-1 trophy is sat on the announce table between Watson and Deville.



MW: As you can see here, this match is for one of the biggest prizes in FPW, but, for once, it may not be about the Free-1 at all.

SD: That was an emotional video to watch, Watson. I said before Judgement Day II that Jerry versus Berry isn’t a match anyone wanted to see, and the end to the match was hard to watch. I think most people know that I do support Jerry Bishop and that I do think he’s gone on to achieve great things since deciding that he doesn’t need the support of the fans, but if there’s one thing I’d have done differently, it’s the matches with his sister. Nobody wants to see a brother and a sister fight.

MW: But tonight that is what we’re going to see. That video summed up perfectly the history between these two siblings and exactly how their loving relationship has turned so cold. Steven, how can Berry Bishop possibly win this match tonight?

SD: I think she’s better than she was when she faced Jerry last. The first match with Jerry, she went in with a naïve expectation that she could ‘win him back’ and she wasn’t ready for the match that she got. The second time, she wasn’t in the best place either. But now, after fully embracing working with Botiatus and winning the All Star Tag Team Classic as well as the Tag Team Championships, her confidence is much higher and her all-round wrestling ability is higher as well. I just hope for her sake that she treats this as a match that she needs to win because she wants to win the match, not because she wants to get her old brother back. She mentioned that to Dasha Banks on Saturday and if she focusses on that, then I don’t see her having a happy ending in this match.

MW: Speaking of her interview with Dasha on Saturday, she received an intriguing letter via Thalia Columbina from Jerry, simply wishing her luck. Is that a sign of a softening from The Joker?

SD: I don’t think so. I think it’s more of a ‘good luck- you’ll need it’ kind of letter. Listen, Jerry is motivated by what he sees- rightly in my opinion- as the fans turning their back on him. When he and Berry teamed together a few weeks before their first match against one another, the fans were more behind her than they were him. He sees that as a betrayal after everything he gave them. And not just Berry, but they were behind others like Jace Mason or Marcus Allen Jones much more than they were behind him after his losing streak started. So he’s motivated by proving that he’s better off without them. He’s one win away from being the first ever FPW Champion to win the Free-1, the first ever Free-1 winner to win every single one of his matches, the first person to win the Free-1 after previously losing a final. He’s motivated by having the power to choose his own opponent for Judgement Day III and I’m sure he’ll enjoy taunting the crowd with that power for weeks. He’s not motivated by anything sentimental; he just wants to win. I think his message to Berry is ‘good luck- you’ll need it’ because she will. Berry Bishop has improved greatly over the course of the past few months, but she’s still a massive underdog in this match. Jerry is the best wrestler in FPW, and Berry will have to wrestle the match of her life to even come close to beating him. I’m not saying she can’t, but… I’m saying people shouldn’t get too invested, because I don’t think this story has a happy ending for anyone other than Jerry Bishop.

MW: Well, I think I speak for the majority of people when I say I hope you’re wrong, Steven. It’s time. It’s time to hand over to a woman who is as invested in this match as anyone in this arena. Dasha, I’m praying to hear you end this match by announcing the winner.



The camera switches to the ring, but Dasha isn’t there. There are a few murmurs of confusion before her voice rings out, and the camera switches to find her at the top of the ramp.



“Ladies and gentlemen,” she begins in a voice clearly tinged with emotion but also with raw power. “The following contest is the Free-1 final and it has no time-limit.”



The fans cheer and a loud ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant breaks out. Dasha stands stoically as the chant goes on and she lets it build and then begin to fall before lifting the mic to her lips a second time.



“Introducing first, she is the B Block winner, with ten points from victories over Botiatus, Russ Bolt, Johnny California, MDE and Artemis Evans, from New Haven, Connecticut, she is a former Freedom Champion, one half of the current All Star Tag Team Classic winners and Tag Team Champions, being accompanied to the ring by Botiatus… and Dasha Banks, ‘The Bombshell’… Berry! Bishooooooooooooooooooop!”



The crowd cheers loudly during the pause before ‘The Entertainer’ plays. Berry steps through the curtain and bows deeply, Botiatus following behind her. She raises her head with a very determined look on her face, before turning and hugging Dasha and then Bo. She turns back to the fans and listens as the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant almost overcomes her music, before rearranging her Tag Team Championship and beginning her usual hopscotch down the ramp, Bo and Dasha following. As Berry reaches the bottom of the ramp, she turns to see two girls dressed like her, with home-made Berry action figures in their hands. She moves over to them and hugs both of them before climbing onto the apron, playing it as she does, and then somersaulting over the top rope, landing with a bow and rising with a smile and wink into the camera. She moves over to the corner and Bo and Dasha settle in behind her. The music stops but the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant goes on and on, even as Thalia Columbina steps onto the ramp.



MW: These fans not showering her with the usual boos.

SD: That’s interesting. It seems they’ve finally found an opponent who they want to root for more than they want to root against Jerry. He’s got to be hearing that behind the curtain and I’m not sure he’ll be liking what he hears right now.



Thalia raises the mic to her lips, but the chant goes on and she drops it again. She tries a second time but the chant continues, Dasha encouraging it at ringside, before Thalia decides to simply try and talk over the crowd.



“Introducing, THE A Block winner, THE only man to ever reach fourteen points in a Free-1, THE only man to ever go through a Free-1 block with a hundred percent record, THE man who has beaten Bobby O, Danica Jane, The Silent Assassin, Jackson Banks, Thea Donovan, Kincaid and Aaron Williams, THE man who will soon add Berry Bishop to the list of vanquished Free-1 opponents, THE soon-to-be first ever FPW Champion to win the Free-1, THE greatest man to every come out of Kansas City, Missouri, THE current, greatest, and forever-to-be FPW Champion, THE single most exciting, engaging and enticing figure in the entirety of the world, THE Joker…. Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiishooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooop!”



‘Shine My Shoes’ plays but the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues, almost loud enough to drown out the music entirely. Jerry Bishop walks onto the stage, FPW Championship over his shoulder, and he looks out at the crowd with interest. MDE steps out behind him and makes his way down the ramp. Jerry turns to Thalia and gives her a deep bow, taking her hand and kissing it for even longer than normal, but still the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant persists. He rises and moves down the ramp, Thalia following as MDE settles in the opposite corner to Berry, Jerry looking a little unsure of himself without the usual chant to conduct. He approaches the ring and turns to see the two little girls dressed as Berry. They’re further back from the guardrail than they were when Berry was entering, one of the holding onto their mother’s hand. Jerry moves towards them, but Botiatus quickly moves over and stands between him and them, shaking his head. The ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant goes on. Jerry stares at Bo for a moment before turning and walking up the steps, climbing up onto the middle rope and holding the FPW Championship aloft, Thalia clapping him. He turns to the fans and points to the belt, but still the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant persists. Jerry steps over the ropes and drops into the ring, looking over at Berry, who, seemingly buoyed by the crowd’s reaction, stares back at him resolutely.



MW: This atmosphere is something else, Steven.

SD: I’ve not experienced something like this for a long time. And I’ve not seen Jerry look so uncertain for a long time. He revels in being booed and taunted by the fans. It’s almost as if it’s validation for him. When they’re booing him and chanting obscenities at him, it makes the match about him. But when they’re chanting for his opponent like this, it takes that focus away and places it on Berry, and I’m not sure Jerry is comfortable with that.

MW: It just feels different out here, tonight, doesn’t it? It feels like maybe, just maybe, tonight could be the night. Jerry Bishop has not been pinned or submitted since losing to Graham Baker in the Free-1 last year. A whole year. Tonight might finally be the beginning of The Joker’s downfall.



Match 4: Free-1 III Final: Jerry Bishop vs. Berry Bishop:



The official calls for the bell and the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues unabated. Dasha Banks bangs the apron along with the chant but she seems to be the only person at ringside acknowledging it. Botiatus stares up at the ring, concentration and nerves etched on his face. MDE looks up with a focussed gaze and Thalia Columbina regards Berry with suspicion. Inside the ring, Jerry and Berry don’t move, simply staring at one another from across the ring. The chant goes on and on, as does the stare between the two of them, Berry’s face a picture of determination while Jerry’s remains neutral as he stares into the eyes of his little sister.



MW: This is so tense.

SD: It’s a case of who breaks first. The pressure those two must be feeling inside this atmosphere… I can’t imagine it.



MDE steps up onto the apron and Jerry bends down to listen to his advice. He nods and turns back to Berry, who nods her head and steps forward. The two of them circle one another as the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues to echo around the arena. Finally, they lock up, Jerry forcing Berry back a couple of steps but Berry digging in and refusing to be pushed back into the ropes. Jerry goes for Berry’s arm, but she lands a sudden kick to his back and he arches it, moving away as she stares after him. The chant goes on.



Jerry pauses as MDE calls him over again and he bends down to listen to more advice. Berry’s glance moves to Bo, who simply gives her an encouraging nod. Jerry turns back to her and the two come together again, locking up briefly before Berry takes Jerry’s arm and wrings it. Jerry rolls through, reversing the pressure, and he takes Berry’s arm and wrings it. She looks to roll through but he drops an elbow into her back as she comes down and he quickly tries to trap her arm and lock in Chelsea Smile. The ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant falters for the first time as Berry frantically resists, managing to block Jerry from locking his hands and reaching the ropes.



MW: Berry has very bad memories of that hold.

SD: And so do these people. Very clever move from Jerry to put that into Berry’s mind early and to break the rhythm of that chant.

MW: But not for long.



The ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant comes up again as Berry and Jerry eye one another across the ring once more. They come together into another lock-up and Jerry pulls Berry into a headlock. He quickly takes her over and applies as much pressure as he can. Berry gets her legs up and looks for a head scissors, but Jerry moves his head out of the way. Berry uses the momentum to roll over onto his front and she begins pushing up, getting to a knee and then back to her feet before running Jerry into the ropes. She shoves him off her and moves in, dropping down to trip him. He steps over her and continues into the opposite ropes. Berry looks for a leapfrog, but Jerry stops himself and catches her in mid-air, driving her into the mat with a powerbomb. He makes the first cover.



One…

Two-



Berry kicks out.



“Stay on her,” yells MDE from the outside.



Jerry pulls Berry to her feet and kicks her in the gut, hooking an arm over her head and moving towards the corner. Berry lands a few forearms to his gut and forces him to release her. She stands and aims a roundhouse kick, but Jerry ducks it. He follows through into the ropes and Berry catches him with an arm drag. He scrambles to his feet and Berry catches him with another, locking in an arm bar and stepping through to keep Jerry in place. The ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues to fill the arena, Dasha still banging the mat as Bo mimes wrenching harder. Berry does so, and Jerry grimaces before managing to reposition himself and push up to his feet. He lands a couple of forearms to Berry and slips his arm free of her grasp before connecting with a step-up enzeguiri that drops her to a knee. The chant continues to echo around the arena. Jerry pauses for a moment, glancing out at the fans before pulling Berry into a float-over neckbreaker. He makes another cover.



One…

Two-



Berry kicks out again.



MW: What do you make of these opening exchanges, Steven?

SD: It’s been cagy, as you’d expect. Jerry is clearly off his game because of this crowd, and Berry needs to take advantage, but she’s being very watchful. I think she needs to come in with a few more kicks. Like I said before the match, she needs to wrestle this match to win it and try to block out all of her emotions about getting back to the so-called ‘real’ Jerry. I know how hard that will be for her, but she needs to take advantage of him being a little off.



Jerry stands and pulls Berry to her feet. He lands a forearm before sending her into his corner. He backs up and comes in with a running dropkick, which sends her staggering out. He pushes up onto the middle turnbuckle and comes down with a blockbuster, quickly moving into a cover as the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues.



One…

Two…

T-



Berry kicks out again. Jerry stands and pulls Berry to her feet once again, hooking an arm over her head and looking for a running bulldog, but she shoves him away into the corner. He turns and she comes in with a hard kick to the leg before following up with others to his legs, back and, finally, chest. Jerry drops to a seated position in the corner and Berry backs away into the opposite corner. She charges at him, looking for a running knee, but he manages to push out of the way and she just pulls up short of the turnbuckles. Jerry stands on the apron and looks to come over with a slingshot DDT, but Berry catches him with a roundhouse to take him out of mid-air. She makes her first cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Jerry kicks out. The chant continues.



MW: A close one for Berry there.

SD: These two obviously know one another well. Jerry Bishop is very good at breaking up momentum and he almost managed to capitalise there, but Berry showed some of her own skill in finding counters when she needs them.

MW: This support has to be helping her with that.

SD: Oh definitely. It’s affecting Jerry but it’s also affecting her. She needs to use the extra momentum it will give her to find that big shot. After all, we know that she can pull Checkmate out of anywhere.



Berry stands and, for the first time, glances over at MDE and Thalia Columbina. MDE stares back at her with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, but she simply turns back to Jerry and pulls him up the rest of the way. Berry pulls him into an exploder suplex before settling back into the corner and stalking him. Dasha continues to bang the mat along with the chant as Bo stares with great focus at Jerry. MDE yells for Jerry to move, but Berry catches him before he can and takes him down with a running bulldog. She makes another cover.



One…

Two-



Jerry kicks out. Berry stands and pulls Jerry up again, looking to set him up for an exploder suplex. He counters with a knee to the gut and looks to quickly trap her arms, but she pulls them free and backs into the ropes, only for Jerry to follow and send her over the top with a clothesline. Berry hits the floor and Jerry comes after her, stomping on her on the outside. He pulls her up and drives her head-first into the edge of the ring before forcing her back-first into the guardrail. He turns to the crowd but they continue the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant.



MW: This is a dangerous place to be for Berry.

SD: Agreed. She needs this match to be in the ring. I have a bad feeling about what’s happening here.



Jerry lands a series of forearms to Berry and looks across at Bo, who stands a short distance away. Jerry lets out a small laugh as he backs away and comes in off a couple of paces with a hard knee to the head. He looks out to the crowd again, but the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant goes on. Jerry’s face betrays a slight anger before he switches his focus back to Berry, pulling her up and setting her into position for a Russian leg sweep, modifying it to send her into the guardrail. Dasha puts her hands to her mouth and Jerry stands again, looking out to the crowd and cupping a hand to his ear, but he’s met with the same ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant.



MW: I’m not sure exactly what’s going through Jerry’s mind here.

SD: I think that chant is really getting to him. I think he’s trying to get back to the crowd focussing on him, where he’s in control. And I think… I think he’s trying to find out just what he has to do to Berry to get that reaction. This is a very dangerous time for Berry.



Jerry drops his hand and then turns back to Berry. He pulls her up, his arm over her head, and then he steps up onto the guardrail, looking for a tornado DDT. Berry, however, manages to shove him off and he lands in the front row. He leaps up onto the guardrail for a springboard forearm, but Berry catches him in mid-air with a mid-kick.



MW: What a counter!

SD: Jerry is making mistakes because of his lack of control in this match. Berry Bishop has a great chance to win it. And here comes MDE to try and talk some sense into Jerry.



Berry drops to a seated position as MDE comes around. Botiatus steps forward but MDE holds up his hands and moves over to Jerry, sitting him up and speaking animatedly into his ear as the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues rolling around the arena. Jerry grimaces with pain before nodding as MDE continues to speak to him. Berry, meanwhile, stands and looks down at MDE speaking to Jerry. She holds back before Bo tells her to carry on as normal, and she grabs Jerry and pulls him away from MDE, rolling him back into the ring. Berry steps onto the apron and then climbs up the turnbuckles, positioning herself on the top rope and stalking Jerry.



Jerry stands and turns towards Berry, who leaps off the top rope and catches Jerry with a monkey flip. She scrambles into a cover.



One…

Two…

T-



Jerry kicks out again. Berry then stands, the chant getting even louder as she coils herself up and stalks him. MDE calls out to Jerry as he stands and turns. Berry unleashes Checkmate, but Jerry manages to duck it. He takes her down with a snapmare and hits the ropes, following through with a hard penalty kick. He takes a moment to compose himself, pointedly not looking out to the crowd, before pulling Berry up and dragging her towards the corner. He hooks an arm over her head and steps up the ropes, bringing her down with a tornado DDT. He rolls her over into a cover.



One…

Two…

Th-



Berry kicks out. MDE claps on the outside and tells Jerry to keep on top of her while Bo bangs the mat and tells Berry to get to her feet. Berry pushes up onto her hands and knees but Jerry stands and pulls her up. He wrings her arm and moves towards the ropes, stepping onto the middle rope and coming down with a rebound arm drag. He then rolls under the bottom rope and stalks Berry. Bo yells for her to move, but she tries to push up and he comes in with a slingshot DDT. Jerry makes the cover again.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Berry gets her shoulder up.



MW: Jerry Bishop very much in control of this match at the moment.

SD: What we’re seeing here is exactly why he’s risen like he has. He’s controlling the match because of his skill in the ring but also because of MDE’s mental preparation. Jerry was losing focus and starting to get distracted by the fans not reacting to him in a way he could control, but MDE refocussed him. Berry needs to do something to break up his momentum and she needs to do it quickly, or this match and her tournament could be over very soon.



Jerry rolls under the bottom rope and stalks Berry again. Bo calls out to her but again she can’t get out of the way, this time Jerry taking her down with a springboard forearm. He pauses for a moment before rolling Berry onto her front and trapping her shoulder, pulling her in to Chelsea Smile. Bo immediately starts banging the mat and encouraging Berry to find her way to the ropes. In the crowd, the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant drops in volume as they sense the danger that Berry is in. She flails her free arm and kicks her legs, but she doesn’t seem able to move.



MW: Not this way again.

SD: Jerry Bishop knows that Berry doesn’t have an answer for this hold. This is going to be it.



Suddenly, the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant rises again, those fans who stopped out of concern, joining back in with renewed vigour. Everyone at ringside seems to sense that the renewed energy could have a big impact. Dasha Banks bangs the mat louder than ever before. Bo moves around to face Berry and calls for her to fight it, while MDE calls for Jerry to pull tighter. Jerry’s eyes search the crowd for a moment and he seems to freeze, allowing Berry to push up and start crawling towards the ropes. By the time he’s able to regain control and pull back harder, Berry is close enough to reach the ropes and force the break. Bo pumps his fist loudly and gives Berry an intense look while MDE grimaces as Jerry rolls away. The ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues to fill the arena.



Jerry stands and looks down at Berry as she hugs the bottom rope. He stares at her for a moment before reaching down and pulling her up, trapping her arms and looking to end it with Last Laugh. However, Berry manages to pull away. Jerry keeps his grip on her arms so she can’t go far, but she kicks out his leg and he drops to his knees, Berry pulling him in and connecting with a kamigoye. She drops into a deep cover.



One…

Two…

Thr-



Jerry kicks out.



MW: What a counter!

SD: We’ve never seen anything like that before from Berry Bishop. We knew she needed to do things Jerry wasn’t expecting and that was one of them.

MW: And now she needs to capitalise!



Berry rolls away and the two of lie on their backs for a moment, each breathing heavily. The ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant continues to fill the arena and it’s Berry who’s able to move first. She rolls over onto her hands and knees and pushes up to one knee, looking over at Jerry as he reaches a hand up but struggles to do more. She resolutely pushes up to her feet and moves over to him, holding her shoulder before she reaches down and pulls him up. She pulls him in and connects with an exploder suplex before stalking him and coiling herself. MDE warns Jerry as he begins to stand and he turns, getting his hands up to cover his face, only for Berry to reach down and lift him into the Berry Buster! She holds for the cover, the fans breaking off their chant to count along with the official.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Jerry forces a shoulder up! The fans let out a collective sigh, broken by Botiatus banging on the mat and telling Berry to get to her feet and finish him. This spurs on the fans to resume their ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant, and she stands, looking at Jerry as he grasps the middle rope. She positions herself behind him and she coils herself again. MDE cries out for Jerry to be careful, but he turns right into Checkmate- which he manages to catch. He stands with Berry’s foot in his hands, the two of them locking eyes for a moment, before he spins her around and catches him with a rolling elbow to take her to the mat.



Jerry reaches down and pulls Berry up, the fans still desperately chanting her name. He drives her into the corner and begins to unleash a series of forearms. Berry begins sliding down the turnbuckles, but Jerry pulls her up again and lands several more, a small number of fans beginning to boo. He looks around the arena, his eyes lighting up, before turning and laying in more and more forearms. The boos slowly begin to overtake the chant and Jerry lets out a loud, booming laugh. He pulls Berry out of the corner and connects with a huge right hand. She crumples, but he quickly pulls her up again, the boos turning to worried silence, even from ringside, as he traps her wrist and looks to complete Punchline.



MW: Ripcord- Checkmate! Berry counters with Checkmate! What a counter. She falls into a cover. This is it! One………. Two………. Thre-

SD: Foot on the ropes!

MW: Damnit. Damnit.

SD: How did Jerry Bishop survive Checkmate? This match goes on.



The fans drop down to their chairs, totally deflated after Jerry managed to keep the match going. Berry sits up and stares at the official in disbelief. She looks out at Bo and Dasha, each of them telling her to keep going. She looks out at the fans, and the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant springs up again, this time even louder than before. Berry slowly pushes up to her feet, one hand on her head and the other motioning for Jerry to stand. The chant gets louder and louder and louder as Berry coils herself. Jerry stands and staggers around to face her and she looks for a second Checkmate, only for Jerry to drop under it again. She spins back to him and he pulls her into a snap Last Laugh. He drapes an arm over her.



One…

Two…

Thre-



Berry forces her shoulder up. Bo leaps into the air and Dasha drops her head in relief, the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant regrouping after the shock of the Last Laugh. Both Jerry and Berry lie in the middle of the ring, neither able to move, as the chant echoes around the arena, Dasha banging the mat along with it and Bo urging Berry to be the first to her feet, just as MDE is for Jerry.



MW: I don’t know how this match is still going.

SD: Both are clearly exhausted. A match like this will take it out of you physically- they’ve been wrestling for what, thirty minutes now? But it’s more than that. The emotional toll must be huge. Berry is fighting her older brother, who she’s looked up to all of her time in FPW, and even Jerry still has that attachment deep down somewhere. These two must be wondering not just what it will take to put the other away, but whether they can bring themselves to do it.



Slowly, both Berry and Jerry force themselves to get to their feet. They stagger towards one another, their eyes locked. Jerry throws a forearm, but there’s not much behind it. Berry throws a kick to the leg, but there’s not much behind that either. Both of them stagger back a couple of steps before Jerry aims a wild right hand, which Berry ducks. She looks for Checkmate, but she’s off-balance and she falls, dropping to a knee. Jerry manages to come in with a penalty kick and then he grabs her by the arm. He forces it down and traps it, reaching his hands around her head and locking them, fully locking in the Chelsea Smile.



The fans respond, the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant louder than ever. Bo and Dasha both bang the mat along with it, and Berry stares out at Dasha, whose eyes implore her to get over to the ropes. Berry pushes up but she quickly drops back down again, the official coming in and checking on her. She barely manages to respond and Jerry begins to let out a laugh. For a moment, the laugh is quiet, but is gets louder, and louder, and suddenly the boos start to return in the crowd. As the laugh gets louder, the ‘Be-rry Bi-shop’ chant slowly gets overtaken by the boos until the chant stops entirely, the fans all boo loudly, and Jerry pulls back on the hold with a loud, booming laugh. Berry pushes up again, looking out at Dasha, who stands with tears rolling down her face. Berry turns to Bo, whose look of determination is fading. Berry’s eyes roll and she slowly drops back down, the official moving in and checking on her again. With no response, he pauses for a moment, looking at Jerry and then sighing deeply, turning and waving the match off.



Winner: Jerry Bishop (35:59).



Jerry keeps the hold locked in, laughing so much that he doesn’t notice the bell ringing. Botiatus charges into the ring and grabs at him, ripping him off Berry. MDE dives in just after and he pulls Bo away from Jerry, but Bo lands several forearms and knocks MDE down. Jerry stands and stares across at Bo, who the official holds back. Thalia Columbina enters the ring, Free-1 trophy in her hands, and she carries it over to Jerry, who smiles as he stares at Bo, now kneeling down and checking on Berry. Jerry takes the trophy as Thalia raises a microphone to her lips.



“Your winner and THE Free-1 III Champion… Jerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiishoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooopppppppppppppppp.”



The boos ring around the arena and a loud ‘Fuck You, Jerry’ chant goes up for the first time. Jerry smiles even wider and he begins conducting the chant. Bo looks up and he stands, moving over to Jerry. Jerry quickly leaves the ring and continues conducting the chant on the outside as Bo stares down at him, his face red with rage. Jerry holds up the Free-1 trophy in one hand and the FPW Championship in the other, backing away up the ramp.



In the ring, Berry slowly sits up, Dasha hugging her with tears streaming down her face. The closing shot is over Jerry’s shoulder, showing Bo staring daggers at him, MDE and Thalia while Dasha holds Berry, who sits with a broken look on her face.