Post by Jim Houston on Sept 13, 2020 14:10:15 GMT
Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Take Me Out’ begins to play and the FPW logo appears on the screen. As the song picks up, big moments from FPW’s past play- Adam Thompson becoming the first FPW Champion, Marcus Allen Jones standing with the belt, Graham Baker’s Free-1 victory, Artemis Evans becoming the first Women’s Champion, Graham Baker winning the FPW Championship, Jace Mason debuting the Freedom Championship, Davey Jones winning the FPW Championship, Jace Mason winning the Free-1, Jerry Bishop taking Bobby O down with a right hand, Artemis Evans winning the Dead Man’s Chest, Jerry Bishop making Berry Bishop tap out, Jace Mason winning the FPW Championship, Artemis Evans winning the FPW Championship, Jace Mason winning it back again, Jerry Bishop winning the FPW Championship, The House of Berry and Bo winning the Tag Team Championships and finally Jerry Bishop winning the Free-1, standing a laughing with both the FPW Championship and the Free-1 trophy as the video ends.
MW: Welcome to Freedom Fighters #2. Tonight we have our Tag Team Champions in action in our main event before their title defence at Evacuation against FPW Champion Jerry Bishop and MDE.
SD: A match that it seems Berry Bishop didn’t know Botiatus was going to accept last week.
MW: That was an interesting revelation that we saw on freedomprowrestling.com last week. We’ll have to wait and see how those two manage to coexist in our main event, but before that we have a jam-packed five-match show for you.
SD: And we begin with Jace Mason facing Thea Donovan.
MW: Jace, Marcus Allen Jones and Aaron Williams have an ongoing issue with The Queendom which is set to come to a head at Evacuation and this ought to be a fascinating match, and a great opportunity for Jace Mason to continue the momentum that Aaron Williams built up last week with the victory over Myra Lopez.
SD: Williams managed to overcome The Queendom but the most dangerous trio in FPW will be itching for their revenge tonight. Marcus Allen Jones and Aaron Williams have vowed to be out here tonight to watch Jace Mason’s back due to the threat of an appearance from Armondo, Parker and Si, who have been sabotaging FPW since Wrestlemania weekend all the way back in April.
MW: And Marcus, Jace and Aaron are desperate to get their hands on those three as they seem to have been the targets of the attacks.
SD: I think I know why. Who are the most loved faces of FPW? Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. By a distance. So if you want to make an impact, you go after guys like them. I wonder if we might see an appearance tonight?
MW: I hope not. I’d rather just a straight up one-on-one match, but I’m not sure we’re going to see that either.
Match 1: Thea Donovan vs. Jace Mason:
- Thea Donovan is accompanied to the ring by both Artemis Evans and Myra Lopez.
- Jace Mason, ribs no longer taped, is accompanied by both Marcus Allen Jones and Aaron Williams.
- Mason controls the early stages of the match, getting the better of Donovan in the technical exchanges and landing several hard chops.
- Donovan gets back into the match after an Evans distraction, landing a hard slap and a Michinoku driver.
- Donovan maintains control, choking Mason in the corner and connecting with several stomps, targeting his previously-injured ribs.
- Mason fights back into it and an attempted distraction from Lopez gets cut off, leading to Evans and Lopez brawling with Marcus and Williams on the outside.
- In the confusion, Donovan connects with a low-blow and a lifting DDT for a close two-count.
- Marcus and Williams get the better of Evans and Lopez on the outside, but Donovan has Mason set-up for Firebomb, which he barely wriggles free from before taking her down with his usual kick combination.
- When Mason recovers, he looks for Mason’s Hammer, but Donovan ducks into a superkick for another close two-count.
- Evans recovers on the outside and looks to distract the official while Donovan goes for another low-blow, but Mason catches it and Marcus pulls Evans down from the apron as Mason connects with Extra Credit for the win.
Winner: Jace Mason (16:23).
MW: And Jace Mason picks up the victory.
SD: Once again the The Queendom’s biggest strength is neutralised. They’ll need to up their game ahead of Artemis Evans’ match next week with Marcus Allen Jones and the big six-person tag at Evacuation.
The Queendom back away up the ramp and Marcus and Williams congratulate Mason. He thanks them for being out there and then they leave the ring as he collects a mic from the outside. The fans quieten as he lifts the mic to his lips.
"2020 hasn't exactly been the best year for me. Losing the FPW Championship to Jerry Bishop, a Championship that I'd spent the first three months of the year fighting to regain, left me in a bad way. It seemed like every time I managed to get something right, I collapsed at the final hurdle and came up short. And then, as you know, I did something rather uncharacteristic for me. With a spot in the 2020 Free-1 guaranteed, I no-showed several of our shows. I left to enhance my arsenal, to build my skills in such a way that would prove that I still belonged in FPW. Because that's the question that was haunting me throughout these months: was I good enough? Artemis Evans beat me, Jerry Bishop beat me, Berry Bishop and Botiatus beat me. If everyone in the company is capable of beating me, then am I good enough to continue competing in FPW? And with this question in mind, I set myself a goal, in order to prove that I had grown from who I was last year, I would set out to achieve a higher winning percentage in this year's Free-1. My percentage in last year's tournament was 60%, I would have to better than that in order to prove that I still belonged."
The fans meet Mason’s pause with a ‘Yes You Do!’ chant.
"And I fought hard to achieve this goal. In every single match I had, I pushed myself and my opponents to the absolute limit. And I was making good progress towards accomplishing my goal, I hadn't lost a single match through five rounds of competition. And while there were two draws in my record, I was in a great position headed into those last two matches. And then I lost to Johnny California. And all of a sudden, my match with MDE became so much more important. I had no choice but to defeat MDE if I wanted to leave the Free-1 with a better percentage than last year's tournament. And defeating MDE is no easy task, and I knew that. I went into that match ready to give it my all. But we all know that that's not what happened. I didn't last ten minutes in that match, as those three thugs, Parker, Si, and Armondo, jumped me and beat me down, leaving my defenceless against MDE. And ignoring for a moment that I didn't get the chance to succeed or fail on my own, the fact is that I lost. And with that loss, my final winning percentage dropped to 57%. I had failed my goal."
Mason’s pause is again met by a reaction from the crowd, this time a spontaneous round of applause and cheers to show support.
"But despite that, despite coming up short once again, I still believe that I belong in FPW. And that's down to each and every one of you. You all cheered me on as I went out, night after night, and left everything in this ring. You cheered me when I won, you cheered me when I drew, and you even cheered me when I lost. You cheered me on, you believed in me even when I didn't. And at the end of the day, it doesn't matter if I believe in me, it barely matters if the people in the back believe in me. The only thing that matters is that you guys believe in me. And if you guys believe in me, then there's no reason for me to doubt myself. And that was probably the most important realization I've had in my entire career. So thank you for that, and thank you for all the belief you've always had in me. I promise you all that I’ll continue to go out there day in and day out and give you the best I’ve got and I especially promise you that when I get the chance, I’ll rid FPW of those thugs once and for all."
Mason drops the mic and thanks the fans again as a ‘Mason, Mason, Mason’ chant picks up.
MW: Strong words from Jace Mason there.
SD: I fail to see how the only two-time FPW Champion in FPW history can doubt himself, Watson.
MW: Well his combined reigns still don’t match-up to anybody else’s single reign. I’m sure he always believed that he had a place here, but I think he doubted whether he deserved to be seen as one of the best. Personally I don’t doubt for a second that Jace Mason is one of the best wrestlers in this company, and I’m glad he’s come to realise that himself.
SD: He’ll need to be if he wants to climb that ladder again and get a third chance at proving he deserves to be FPW Champion.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Russ Bolt.
DB: I’m joined here by Russ Bolt. Coming off a Free-1 that maybe didn’t match up to your expectations, what’s next for you?
RB: I always knew the Free-1 would be tough for me. While I’ve got a few matches under my belt now in FPW, I’m still very young in my wrestling career. I was in a block with some of the best wrestlers this company has to offer. Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason, Botiatus, Berry Bishop, Artemis Evans… they’re all exceptional. Even Johnny California and MDE. I never really expected to win the block, but I hoped for better than I showed. I don’t know what’s next, but whatever it is, I hope to get the chance to face some of them again with a different end result.
DB: Last week’s main event must have been a match you were watching closely. What did you think when Clutch McCloud refused to defend the Freedom Championship against Danica Jane?
RB: I was watching it and I wasn’t surprised. Clutch and I used to be close. We used to be more than tag partners, more than master and apprentice, more than friends. We were brothers. We were brothers on the court, in the ring and anywhere else too. But all of this stuff that came up I just didn’t want to be associated with it and Clutch chose this crusade of his over our brotherhood. He became obsessed with… I don’t know, I think he thought that maybe he could atone for his father’s sins by doing all of this. I feel bad for Danica.
DB: Are you and Danica still close?
RB: We still talk. We’re not best friends, I’ll admit that, but I respect her. She was never a wrestler, just like I wasn’t, but she wanted to be, just like me. The difference is that she’s shown improvement while I… I just seem to stand still. All through the Free-1 I watched her matches and was more and more impressed each time. She earned that match, and Clutch robbed her of it because of some shit his dad did a long time ago. I don’t condone hitting a woman- of course I don’t- but I believe that if a woman signs a contract to fight a man then that match should go ahead. Danica could kick most guys’ asses. And maybe, if she did, it would give women who are suffering domestic abuse someone to look up to and someone to give them confidence that they can get out. I bet Clutch never let that come into his blinkered view of life.
DB: Well-
RB: Sorry Dasha, but I think I’ve worked out what comes next. Clutch- I’d challenge you myself, but we both know you’d probably beat me and it wouldn’t solve the problem. So how about this? Next week, I’ll wrestle Danica. I’ll go one hundred percent and try to win, but if she can beat me, you suck it up and face her? Let her make her own decision and let her have the chance to be a hero to all of those women that you claim to represent and protect.
Bolt walks off and Dasha makes a face to Ted Crewmember to suggest that it might be a good idea.
MW: Well that sounds like an interesting proposal for next week.
SD: Knowing Clutch, he’ll continue to reject the match and say that he’s only competing in the men’s division.
MW: But maybe he’ll look at that perspective and see it from Russ’ point of view. Maybe he’ll actually decide to give Danica Jane the chance that she deserves.
SD: Unlikely I think.
MW: Perhaps. Well, let’s refocus onto our next match. The Dogs of War are back in action against Revolution-X, who came up short last week against Jerry Bishop and MDE.
SD: The Dogs of War, former FPW Tag Team Champions who will see themselves as contenders to become champions a second time, and that can begin with a victory tonight.
MW: Will we see Revolution-X pick up their first victory as a team or will it be another close-but-no-cigar moment for this young team?
SD: I think they have a chance; they’re getting better every time they come to the ring, but I think The Dogs of War will too good for them.
Match 2: The Dogs of War vs. Revolution-X:
- The match begins with Archer and Banks in the ring.
- The opening exchange is fast-paced, with Archer keeping up with Banks in a series of high-speed moves and counters until Banks catches Archer with a rope-walk tornado DDT for an early near-fall.
- Archer tags in Cable who comes in hard and takes Banks down with a big boot.
- Cable maintains control over Banks with his power, connecting with a gorilla press and a running powerslam, each bringing two-counts.
- He goes to make a tag to Archer but Banks wriggles out of his grip and tags in Tudor at the same time.
- Tudor blocks a couple of strikes and builds some momentum with a flurry of kicks and a handspring reverse DDT, which he follows up with a double-rotation moonsault for a close two-count.
- Tudor tags in Banks and the two double-team Archer, Tudor connecting with a superkick and Banks taking a reeling Archer down with a shooting star crossbody for another two-count.
- Banks sets up for a Banks Job, but Archer manages to duck it and pull him into a snap German before tagging in Cable, who immediately goes for Titan Killer, only for Banks to spring up and land on the rope, coming down with a Rope-KO. The cover is broken up by Archer just before the three.
- Tudor comes in and dumps Archer out of the ring and the two of them hit The Revolution, but Archer pulls the official out of the ring as he’s about to count the three.
- Tudor dives to the outside and takes Archer out but Cable manages to pull Banks into a roll-up for the victory.
Winners: The Dogs of War (15:21).
MW: What a match that was!
SD: It had everything a quality tag-team match should have, and could set up The Dogs of War as the next team in line for a shot at the belts.
MW: I’m not so sure of that. A roll-up after Revolution-X twice had the match won isn’t the way a number one contender tends to win matches.
The Dogs of War back away up the ramp as Revolution-X stand in the ring. RJ Tudor signals that they almost had the match won and Banks calls for Archer and Cable to step into the ring with them a second time and see how they fare.
MW: Next up tonight is Kincaid and Robert D. Jackson. This match should be an intriguing technical clash.
SD: And with Kincaid seemingly still pissed off with Bobby O’s actions in the Free-1, I think he might be looking to release some steam against the returning RDJ.
MW: Jackson started his FPW career with a splash, defeating MDE in his first match, but he’s been curtailed by injuries since then. Can he make up for lost time with a win over a competitor who impressed in the Free-1?
SD: He could. Robert D Jackson has the technical skills to trouble anybody on this roster, but he’s lacking in other areas and I think Kincaid will look to force him into striking battles and more high-impact exchanges. Kincaid has the experience to win this match, but Jackson has the ability to pull off a surprise.
Match 3: Robert D. Jackson vs. Kincaid:
- The match begins with a lock-up and RDJ quickly locks in a headlock and takes Kincaid to the mat.
- Kincaid manages to counter but Jackson uses his mat expertise to keep the match on the ground for the next few minutes, with Kincaid having to kick out of several pinning combinations and find his way out of a variety of different holds.
- Kincaid manages to fight his way to his feet and block an arm drag into a short-arm lariat.
- Kincaid begins to take control of the mat, landing a series of quick moves one after the other and ending with a Llewelyn Lift which brings a very close two-count.
- Kincaid brings Jackson up for a Red River Crossing but RDJ manages to drop down and he pulls Kincaid into a backslide which brings a very close near-fall.
- Kincaid then counters a German suplex with a standing switch and a Llewelyn Lift before moving into his usual combination of lariats, a big splash, The Flying Lariat and From On High for the victory.
Winner: Kincaid (8:43).
As Kincaid has his arm raised, his music switches to ‘This Means War’ and Bobby O steps out onto the ramp. Kincaid rolls his eyes as Bobby lifts a mic to his lips.
“Kincaid, last week our conversation maybe left both of us a little unsatisfied. Now, I’ve tried so hard to change from the man I used to be, and one way I wanted to do that was to let my actions do my talking. My actions after our match weren’t the man I expect myself to be, but I apologised and did my best to make up for that. You don’t seem to have accepted that apology and I’m not going to try to convince you to, but I’m also not going to stand by and let you walk all over me. I think it’s pretty simple what we do next, Kincaid. Why don’t we let our actions do our talking for us? You’re not happy with me, and I admit that I’m still a little pissed off with that, so why don’t we settle it in the ring? A Free-1 rematch at Evacuation between the two of us. And after the match we can shake hands like men and draw a proper line under this bad blood. What do you say?”
MW: That’s a match I’d love to see again, Steven.
SD: Agreed. I think Kincaid will happily oblige.
Kincaid nods back at Bobby and the fans cheer as the two of them stare one another down for a few moments.
MW: And it’s on. Kincaid and Bobby O will go one-on-one at Evacuation in a big rematch from the closing days of the Free-1.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Johnny California.
DB: Johnny, you had a good record in the Free-1, topping the B Block going into the final round of matches. Where do you see yourself going next?
JC: I had a great record in the Free-1, I think you’ll find. I topped the block for a long time and I easily could have been in that final against Jerry Bishop. I’d have given him a far better match than his precious little sister did too. And yet where am I now? Two shows into this new weekly regime and I haven’t been given a single match yet. It’s disrespect. Revolution-X, including a guy who lost every single one of his matches, get two matches and I get none? The Silent Assassin gets two matches, a guy who has been here for five minutes, and I get none? What’s all the hype around The Silent Assassin anyway? A man who pretends to kill people. Pathetic.
DB: I think the fans have gravitated towards his presence and charisma. That may be where the hype has come from.
JC: Presence and charisma? So having slightly strange lighting and lumbering around a ring slowly counts as presence does it? And pointing a finger at people and throwing hair back over your head counts as charisma? What do you know anyway? You spend most of your time crying over some boy you liked who turned out to not be who you thought he was. What are you? Thirteen? Please. Your opinion means nothing.
DB: Well… I… listen-
JC: No, Dasha, I’m sick of listening. I spent years listening. To Super Che Junior. To TJ Cole. To the precious freedom fighters. I’m sick of listening. It’s my turn to do the talking and everyone else’s turn to do the listening. I expect a match next week. I expect to given time. I expect to be given the respect that my Free-1 record deserves. Jim Houston can try to ignore me for as long as he likes, but I’ll make sure I get his attention. If kicking Super Che in the face and finally ending the Friendmigos didn’t do the trick, then I’ll have to find something that will.
California leaves, and Dasha is left blinking her eyes and trying to process what’s just happened.
MW: Well, I can’t say that I approve of those actions.
SD: Johnny California is frustrated and I can quite frankly understand why. He feels that he deserves to be taken seriously and to be respected and he feels like that hasn’t happened.
MW: I suppose I can see his point, but to speak to Dasha like that? That’s not acceptable.
SD: I guess we’ll just have to see what he does to grab the attention of our general manager.
MW: Well, someone who does have our attention is The Silent Assassin. This man has caused quite the stir among FPW fans since making his debut and he’s in action in our next match against Tommy Saxon.
SD: The Silent Assassin has been impressive on many levels, and I think he picks up a win tonight. Tommy Saxon is a solid brawler, but The Silent Assassin has a big future here for my money.
Match 4: The Silent Assassin vs. Tommy Saxon:
- Saxon tries to get a jump on the match before the bell as he comes in looking for Tommy Gun, but The Silent Assassin catches the kick and pulls him into a belly-to-belly.
- The Silent Assassin remains in control of the match, landing several European uppercuts to force Saxon into the corner before sending him across the ring and coming in with a running big boot for a two-count.
- The Silent Assassin lifts Saxon into a German suplex and gets another two-count after a Vader bomb.
- Saxon tries to fight back after The Silent Assassin pulls him up, but The Silent Assassin ducks The Knuckler into a spinning Samoan drop before lifting Saxon into Silencer for the win.
Winner: The Silent Assassin (4:56).
MW: A dominant victory for The Silent Assassin in this match.
SD: An impressive dismantling of Tommy Saxon. I stand by what I said earlier- this man could go places in this company.
After the official raises The Silent Assassin’s hand, he stands under the usual red spotlight before the lights go out. However, this time, a loud crunching sound is heard and, when the lights come back on, The Silent Assassin is laid out, a splintered guitar next to him, as Johnny California stands over him.
MW: What the?
SD: Johnny California said he would try to get Jim Houston’s attention and he’s done that in a big way!
MW: California had some words earlier about The Silent Assassin but I must say that I don’t like his judgement of who to pick a fight with. The Silent Assassin is not a man I’d like to step into a ring with.
SD: But imagine if California can pull off a win over The Silent Assassin? Houston would have to take him seriously then.
The fans boo California loudly as he stares deadpan into the camera.
MW: As we clear this ring, let’s turn our attention to tonight’s main event. The House of Berry and Bo take on Death Squad in a non-title match.
SD: This may be seen as a warm-up ahead of their match with Jerry and MDE in two weeks’ time, but I think they’ll be foolish to see it that way. Death Squad are former Tag Team Champions and they won the second All Star Tag Team Classic. They’re a legitimate threat.
MW: And even more so with Berry and Bo maybe not being entirely on the same page.
SD: I’d be worried about that if I were invested in their performance in this match. Botiatus took a match with Jerry Bishop and MDE without consulting Berry. Those two are the two people that she has the strongest negative emotional connection to in FPW. She should have had a chance to have a say in that decision.
MW: But do you really think she would have held Botiatus back from a potential FPW Championship match?
SD: I don’t think he’ll get that match as I expect Jerry and MDE to win at Evacuation, but that aside, I’m not sure. She should have had the chance to have a say though. She’s one half of this team and Botiatus has to treat her as an equal part of it. He said they were equals before they entered the All Star Tag Team Classic, but his actions aren’t backing that up. I’ll be watching closely to see if we see any signs of resentment on Berry’s part tonight.
Match 5: Death Squad vs. The House of Berry and Bo:
- After a brief discussion, Berry Bishop starts off the match and Mary Downing stands opposite her.
- Berry gets the better of the early technical exchanges and she quickly tags in Bo, keeping control of Downing with a wringed arm.
- Bo comes in and works over the shoulder and neck, connecting with an arm stunner and a neckbreaker drop.
- He pulls her up and whips her across the ring but she catches the top rope and spits in his face as he comes in, allowing her to make the tag to Balmer.
- He and Bo exchange holds, Bo again getting the better of him, but another spit in the face reverses the momentum and allows Balmer to land a vertical suplex and a belly-to-belly.
- Balmer and Downing keep on top of Bo, regularly tagging in and out and cutting off Bo’s attempts to get back into it with pokes to the eyes, spitting and other similar dirty tactics.
- Balmer holds Bo up in the corner as Downing runs in for a knee lift, but Bo elbows Balmer off the apron and manages to get out of the way of the knee, pulling Downing into an inverted headlock backbreaker and making the tag to Berry.
- Berry comes in and she and Downing exchange kicks, Berry getting the better of the exchange.
- Berry gets a two-count from an exploder suplex and sets herself up for Checkmate, but Balmer takes her down from behind.
- Bo comes in and the official holds him back as Balmer and Downing double team Berry, Downing connecting with Never Speak Again and picking up the closest of close two-counts.
- Downing tags in Balmer who lifts Berry for Gift of Gore, but she manages to drop and she connects with Checkmate but she can’t make the cover.
- She crawls over to Bo and tags him in as Balmer tags in Downing.
- Bo blocks a couple of kicks before dumping Downing over the rope and landing his knee strikes, following up with a H. O. B. legdrop.
- Balmer tries to jump him from behind but Berry cuts him off with a Berry Buster and she and Bo connect with a simultaneous Checkmate-House Call as Bo picks up the win.
Winners: The House of Berry and Bo (18:41).
Bo and Berry stand and have their arms raised, each of them taking their Tag Team Championship. Bo looks into the camera and holds up his belt, telling Jerry to come and get it. He glances over at Berry, who watches him with a hint of worry on her face. He moves over to her but she holds up her hands and says it’s okay as the two of them leave the ring.
MW: Our Tag Team Champions with a victory to close out tonight’s show but I’m not convinced they’re totally on the same page.
SD: Definitely not. They’ll need to address this issue between themselves and Bo will have a lot of convincing to do, but that match is happening.
MW: It is. Jim Houston has signed off on it and if Berry doesn’t compete, she leaves Bo in a very difficult position.
SD: A situation which will have been entirely of his own making.
MW: Perhaps. Anyway, that’s it for tonight. Join us next week as we see Botiatus face MDE, Artemis Evans take on Marcus Allen Jones and much more to be revealed. Thank you!
MW: Welcome to Freedom Fighters #2. Tonight we have our Tag Team Champions in action in our main event before their title defence at Evacuation against FPW Champion Jerry Bishop and MDE.
SD: A match that it seems Berry Bishop didn’t know Botiatus was going to accept last week.
MW: That was an interesting revelation that we saw on freedomprowrestling.com last week. We’ll have to wait and see how those two manage to coexist in our main event, but before that we have a jam-packed five-match show for you.
SD: And we begin with Jace Mason facing Thea Donovan.
MW: Jace, Marcus Allen Jones and Aaron Williams have an ongoing issue with The Queendom which is set to come to a head at Evacuation and this ought to be a fascinating match, and a great opportunity for Jace Mason to continue the momentum that Aaron Williams built up last week with the victory over Myra Lopez.
SD: Williams managed to overcome The Queendom but the most dangerous trio in FPW will be itching for their revenge tonight. Marcus Allen Jones and Aaron Williams have vowed to be out here tonight to watch Jace Mason’s back due to the threat of an appearance from Armondo, Parker and Si, who have been sabotaging FPW since Wrestlemania weekend all the way back in April.
MW: And Marcus, Jace and Aaron are desperate to get their hands on those three as they seem to have been the targets of the attacks.
SD: I think I know why. Who are the most loved faces of FPW? Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason and Aaron Williams. By a distance. So if you want to make an impact, you go after guys like them. I wonder if we might see an appearance tonight?
MW: I hope not. I’d rather just a straight up one-on-one match, but I’m not sure we’re going to see that either.
Match 1: Thea Donovan vs. Jace Mason:
- Thea Donovan is accompanied to the ring by both Artemis Evans and Myra Lopez.
- Jace Mason, ribs no longer taped, is accompanied by both Marcus Allen Jones and Aaron Williams.
- Mason controls the early stages of the match, getting the better of Donovan in the technical exchanges and landing several hard chops.
- Donovan gets back into the match after an Evans distraction, landing a hard slap and a Michinoku driver.
- Donovan maintains control, choking Mason in the corner and connecting with several stomps, targeting his previously-injured ribs.
- Mason fights back into it and an attempted distraction from Lopez gets cut off, leading to Evans and Lopez brawling with Marcus and Williams on the outside.
- In the confusion, Donovan connects with a low-blow and a lifting DDT for a close two-count.
- Marcus and Williams get the better of Evans and Lopez on the outside, but Donovan has Mason set-up for Firebomb, which he barely wriggles free from before taking her down with his usual kick combination.
- When Mason recovers, he looks for Mason’s Hammer, but Donovan ducks into a superkick for another close two-count.
- Evans recovers on the outside and looks to distract the official while Donovan goes for another low-blow, but Mason catches it and Marcus pulls Evans down from the apron as Mason connects with Extra Credit for the win.
Winner: Jace Mason (16:23).
MW: And Jace Mason picks up the victory.
SD: Once again the The Queendom’s biggest strength is neutralised. They’ll need to up their game ahead of Artemis Evans’ match next week with Marcus Allen Jones and the big six-person tag at Evacuation.
The Queendom back away up the ramp and Marcus and Williams congratulate Mason. He thanks them for being out there and then they leave the ring as he collects a mic from the outside. The fans quieten as he lifts the mic to his lips.
"2020 hasn't exactly been the best year for me. Losing the FPW Championship to Jerry Bishop, a Championship that I'd spent the first three months of the year fighting to regain, left me in a bad way. It seemed like every time I managed to get something right, I collapsed at the final hurdle and came up short. And then, as you know, I did something rather uncharacteristic for me. With a spot in the 2020 Free-1 guaranteed, I no-showed several of our shows. I left to enhance my arsenal, to build my skills in such a way that would prove that I still belonged in FPW. Because that's the question that was haunting me throughout these months: was I good enough? Artemis Evans beat me, Jerry Bishop beat me, Berry Bishop and Botiatus beat me. If everyone in the company is capable of beating me, then am I good enough to continue competing in FPW? And with this question in mind, I set myself a goal, in order to prove that I had grown from who I was last year, I would set out to achieve a higher winning percentage in this year's Free-1. My percentage in last year's tournament was 60%, I would have to better than that in order to prove that I still belonged."
The fans meet Mason’s pause with a ‘Yes You Do!’ chant.
"And I fought hard to achieve this goal. In every single match I had, I pushed myself and my opponents to the absolute limit. And I was making good progress towards accomplishing my goal, I hadn't lost a single match through five rounds of competition. And while there were two draws in my record, I was in a great position headed into those last two matches. And then I lost to Johnny California. And all of a sudden, my match with MDE became so much more important. I had no choice but to defeat MDE if I wanted to leave the Free-1 with a better percentage than last year's tournament. And defeating MDE is no easy task, and I knew that. I went into that match ready to give it my all. But we all know that that's not what happened. I didn't last ten minutes in that match, as those three thugs, Parker, Si, and Armondo, jumped me and beat me down, leaving my defenceless against MDE. And ignoring for a moment that I didn't get the chance to succeed or fail on my own, the fact is that I lost. And with that loss, my final winning percentage dropped to 57%. I had failed my goal."
Mason’s pause is again met by a reaction from the crowd, this time a spontaneous round of applause and cheers to show support.
"But despite that, despite coming up short once again, I still believe that I belong in FPW. And that's down to each and every one of you. You all cheered me on as I went out, night after night, and left everything in this ring. You cheered me when I won, you cheered me when I drew, and you even cheered me when I lost. You cheered me on, you believed in me even when I didn't. And at the end of the day, it doesn't matter if I believe in me, it barely matters if the people in the back believe in me. The only thing that matters is that you guys believe in me. And if you guys believe in me, then there's no reason for me to doubt myself. And that was probably the most important realization I've had in my entire career. So thank you for that, and thank you for all the belief you've always had in me. I promise you all that I’ll continue to go out there day in and day out and give you the best I’ve got and I especially promise you that when I get the chance, I’ll rid FPW of those thugs once and for all."
Mason drops the mic and thanks the fans again as a ‘Mason, Mason, Mason’ chant picks up.
MW: Strong words from Jace Mason there.
SD: I fail to see how the only two-time FPW Champion in FPW history can doubt himself, Watson.
MW: Well his combined reigns still don’t match-up to anybody else’s single reign. I’m sure he always believed that he had a place here, but I think he doubted whether he deserved to be seen as one of the best. Personally I don’t doubt for a second that Jace Mason is one of the best wrestlers in this company, and I’m glad he’s come to realise that himself.
SD: He’ll need to be if he wants to climb that ladder again and get a third chance at proving he deserves to be FPW Champion.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Russ Bolt.
DB: I’m joined here by Russ Bolt. Coming off a Free-1 that maybe didn’t match up to your expectations, what’s next for you?
RB: I always knew the Free-1 would be tough for me. While I’ve got a few matches under my belt now in FPW, I’m still very young in my wrestling career. I was in a block with some of the best wrestlers this company has to offer. Marcus Allen Jones, Jace Mason, Botiatus, Berry Bishop, Artemis Evans… they’re all exceptional. Even Johnny California and MDE. I never really expected to win the block, but I hoped for better than I showed. I don’t know what’s next, but whatever it is, I hope to get the chance to face some of them again with a different end result.
DB: Last week’s main event must have been a match you were watching closely. What did you think when Clutch McCloud refused to defend the Freedom Championship against Danica Jane?
RB: I was watching it and I wasn’t surprised. Clutch and I used to be close. We used to be more than tag partners, more than master and apprentice, more than friends. We were brothers. We were brothers on the court, in the ring and anywhere else too. But all of this stuff that came up I just didn’t want to be associated with it and Clutch chose this crusade of his over our brotherhood. He became obsessed with… I don’t know, I think he thought that maybe he could atone for his father’s sins by doing all of this. I feel bad for Danica.
DB: Are you and Danica still close?
RB: We still talk. We’re not best friends, I’ll admit that, but I respect her. She was never a wrestler, just like I wasn’t, but she wanted to be, just like me. The difference is that she’s shown improvement while I… I just seem to stand still. All through the Free-1 I watched her matches and was more and more impressed each time. She earned that match, and Clutch robbed her of it because of some shit his dad did a long time ago. I don’t condone hitting a woman- of course I don’t- but I believe that if a woman signs a contract to fight a man then that match should go ahead. Danica could kick most guys’ asses. And maybe, if she did, it would give women who are suffering domestic abuse someone to look up to and someone to give them confidence that they can get out. I bet Clutch never let that come into his blinkered view of life.
DB: Well-
RB: Sorry Dasha, but I think I’ve worked out what comes next. Clutch- I’d challenge you myself, but we both know you’d probably beat me and it wouldn’t solve the problem. So how about this? Next week, I’ll wrestle Danica. I’ll go one hundred percent and try to win, but if she can beat me, you suck it up and face her? Let her make her own decision and let her have the chance to be a hero to all of those women that you claim to represent and protect.
Bolt walks off and Dasha makes a face to Ted Crewmember to suggest that it might be a good idea.
MW: Well that sounds like an interesting proposal for next week.
SD: Knowing Clutch, he’ll continue to reject the match and say that he’s only competing in the men’s division.
MW: But maybe he’ll look at that perspective and see it from Russ’ point of view. Maybe he’ll actually decide to give Danica Jane the chance that she deserves.
SD: Unlikely I think.
MW: Perhaps. Well, let’s refocus onto our next match. The Dogs of War are back in action against Revolution-X, who came up short last week against Jerry Bishop and MDE.
SD: The Dogs of War, former FPW Tag Team Champions who will see themselves as contenders to become champions a second time, and that can begin with a victory tonight.
MW: Will we see Revolution-X pick up their first victory as a team or will it be another close-but-no-cigar moment for this young team?
SD: I think they have a chance; they’re getting better every time they come to the ring, but I think The Dogs of War will too good for them.
Match 2: The Dogs of War vs. Revolution-X:
- The match begins with Archer and Banks in the ring.
- The opening exchange is fast-paced, with Archer keeping up with Banks in a series of high-speed moves and counters until Banks catches Archer with a rope-walk tornado DDT for an early near-fall.
- Archer tags in Cable who comes in hard and takes Banks down with a big boot.
- Cable maintains control over Banks with his power, connecting with a gorilla press and a running powerslam, each bringing two-counts.
- He goes to make a tag to Archer but Banks wriggles out of his grip and tags in Tudor at the same time.
- Tudor blocks a couple of strikes and builds some momentum with a flurry of kicks and a handspring reverse DDT, which he follows up with a double-rotation moonsault for a close two-count.
- Tudor tags in Banks and the two double-team Archer, Tudor connecting with a superkick and Banks taking a reeling Archer down with a shooting star crossbody for another two-count.
- Banks sets up for a Banks Job, but Archer manages to duck it and pull him into a snap German before tagging in Cable, who immediately goes for Titan Killer, only for Banks to spring up and land on the rope, coming down with a Rope-KO. The cover is broken up by Archer just before the three.
- Tudor comes in and dumps Archer out of the ring and the two of them hit The Revolution, but Archer pulls the official out of the ring as he’s about to count the three.
- Tudor dives to the outside and takes Archer out but Cable manages to pull Banks into a roll-up for the victory.
Winners: The Dogs of War (15:21).
MW: What a match that was!
SD: It had everything a quality tag-team match should have, and could set up The Dogs of War as the next team in line for a shot at the belts.
MW: I’m not so sure of that. A roll-up after Revolution-X twice had the match won isn’t the way a number one contender tends to win matches.
The Dogs of War back away up the ramp as Revolution-X stand in the ring. RJ Tudor signals that they almost had the match won and Banks calls for Archer and Cable to step into the ring with them a second time and see how they fare.
MW: Next up tonight is Kincaid and Robert D. Jackson. This match should be an intriguing technical clash.
SD: And with Kincaid seemingly still pissed off with Bobby O’s actions in the Free-1, I think he might be looking to release some steam against the returning RDJ.
MW: Jackson started his FPW career with a splash, defeating MDE in his first match, but he’s been curtailed by injuries since then. Can he make up for lost time with a win over a competitor who impressed in the Free-1?
SD: He could. Robert D Jackson has the technical skills to trouble anybody on this roster, but he’s lacking in other areas and I think Kincaid will look to force him into striking battles and more high-impact exchanges. Kincaid has the experience to win this match, but Jackson has the ability to pull off a surprise.
Match 3: Robert D. Jackson vs. Kincaid:
- The match begins with a lock-up and RDJ quickly locks in a headlock and takes Kincaid to the mat.
- Kincaid manages to counter but Jackson uses his mat expertise to keep the match on the ground for the next few minutes, with Kincaid having to kick out of several pinning combinations and find his way out of a variety of different holds.
- Kincaid manages to fight his way to his feet and block an arm drag into a short-arm lariat.
- Kincaid begins to take control of the mat, landing a series of quick moves one after the other and ending with a Llewelyn Lift which brings a very close two-count.
- Kincaid brings Jackson up for a Red River Crossing but RDJ manages to drop down and he pulls Kincaid into a backslide which brings a very close near-fall.
- Kincaid then counters a German suplex with a standing switch and a Llewelyn Lift before moving into his usual combination of lariats, a big splash, The Flying Lariat and From On High for the victory.
Winner: Kincaid (8:43).
As Kincaid has his arm raised, his music switches to ‘This Means War’ and Bobby O steps out onto the ramp. Kincaid rolls his eyes as Bobby lifts a mic to his lips.
“Kincaid, last week our conversation maybe left both of us a little unsatisfied. Now, I’ve tried so hard to change from the man I used to be, and one way I wanted to do that was to let my actions do my talking. My actions after our match weren’t the man I expect myself to be, but I apologised and did my best to make up for that. You don’t seem to have accepted that apology and I’m not going to try to convince you to, but I’m also not going to stand by and let you walk all over me. I think it’s pretty simple what we do next, Kincaid. Why don’t we let our actions do our talking for us? You’re not happy with me, and I admit that I’m still a little pissed off with that, so why don’t we settle it in the ring? A Free-1 rematch at Evacuation between the two of us. And after the match we can shake hands like men and draw a proper line under this bad blood. What do you say?”
MW: That’s a match I’d love to see again, Steven.
SD: Agreed. I think Kincaid will happily oblige.
Kincaid nods back at Bobby and the fans cheer as the two of them stare one another down for a few moments.
MW: And it’s on. Kincaid and Bobby O will go one-on-one at Evacuation in a big rematch from the closing days of the Free-1.
Backstage, Dasha Banks stands with Johnny California.
DB: Johnny, you had a good record in the Free-1, topping the B Block going into the final round of matches. Where do you see yourself going next?
JC: I had a great record in the Free-1, I think you’ll find. I topped the block for a long time and I easily could have been in that final against Jerry Bishop. I’d have given him a far better match than his precious little sister did too. And yet where am I now? Two shows into this new weekly regime and I haven’t been given a single match yet. It’s disrespect. Revolution-X, including a guy who lost every single one of his matches, get two matches and I get none? The Silent Assassin gets two matches, a guy who has been here for five minutes, and I get none? What’s all the hype around The Silent Assassin anyway? A man who pretends to kill people. Pathetic.
DB: I think the fans have gravitated towards his presence and charisma. That may be where the hype has come from.
JC: Presence and charisma? So having slightly strange lighting and lumbering around a ring slowly counts as presence does it? And pointing a finger at people and throwing hair back over your head counts as charisma? What do you know anyway? You spend most of your time crying over some boy you liked who turned out to not be who you thought he was. What are you? Thirteen? Please. Your opinion means nothing.
DB: Well… I… listen-
JC: No, Dasha, I’m sick of listening. I spent years listening. To Super Che Junior. To TJ Cole. To the precious freedom fighters. I’m sick of listening. It’s my turn to do the talking and everyone else’s turn to do the listening. I expect a match next week. I expect to given time. I expect to be given the respect that my Free-1 record deserves. Jim Houston can try to ignore me for as long as he likes, but I’ll make sure I get his attention. If kicking Super Che in the face and finally ending the Friendmigos didn’t do the trick, then I’ll have to find something that will.
California leaves, and Dasha is left blinking her eyes and trying to process what’s just happened.
MW: Well, I can’t say that I approve of those actions.
SD: Johnny California is frustrated and I can quite frankly understand why. He feels that he deserves to be taken seriously and to be respected and he feels like that hasn’t happened.
MW: I suppose I can see his point, but to speak to Dasha like that? That’s not acceptable.
SD: I guess we’ll just have to see what he does to grab the attention of our general manager.
MW: Well, someone who does have our attention is The Silent Assassin. This man has caused quite the stir among FPW fans since making his debut and he’s in action in our next match against Tommy Saxon.
SD: The Silent Assassin has been impressive on many levels, and I think he picks up a win tonight. Tommy Saxon is a solid brawler, but The Silent Assassin has a big future here for my money.
Match 4: The Silent Assassin vs. Tommy Saxon:
- Saxon tries to get a jump on the match before the bell as he comes in looking for Tommy Gun, but The Silent Assassin catches the kick and pulls him into a belly-to-belly.
- The Silent Assassin remains in control of the match, landing several European uppercuts to force Saxon into the corner before sending him across the ring and coming in with a running big boot for a two-count.
- The Silent Assassin lifts Saxon into a German suplex and gets another two-count after a Vader bomb.
- Saxon tries to fight back after The Silent Assassin pulls him up, but The Silent Assassin ducks The Knuckler into a spinning Samoan drop before lifting Saxon into Silencer for the win.
Winner: The Silent Assassin (4:56).
MW: A dominant victory for The Silent Assassin in this match.
SD: An impressive dismantling of Tommy Saxon. I stand by what I said earlier- this man could go places in this company.
After the official raises The Silent Assassin’s hand, he stands under the usual red spotlight before the lights go out. However, this time, a loud crunching sound is heard and, when the lights come back on, The Silent Assassin is laid out, a splintered guitar next to him, as Johnny California stands over him.
MW: What the?
SD: Johnny California said he would try to get Jim Houston’s attention and he’s done that in a big way!
MW: California had some words earlier about The Silent Assassin but I must say that I don’t like his judgement of who to pick a fight with. The Silent Assassin is not a man I’d like to step into a ring with.
SD: But imagine if California can pull off a win over The Silent Assassin? Houston would have to take him seriously then.
The fans boo California loudly as he stares deadpan into the camera.
MW: As we clear this ring, let’s turn our attention to tonight’s main event. The House of Berry and Bo take on Death Squad in a non-title match.
SD: This may be seen as a warm-up ahead of their match with Jerry and MDE in two weeks’ time, but I think they’ll be foolish to see it that way. Death Squad are former Tag Team Champions and they won the second All Star Tag Team Classic. They’re a legitimate threat.
MW: And even more so with Berry and Bo maybe not being entirely on the same page.
SD: I’d be worried about that if I were invested in their performance in this match. Botiatus took a match with Jerry Bishop and MDE without consulting Berry. Those two are the two people that she has the strongest negative emotional connection to in FPW. She should have had a chance to have a say in that decision.
MW: But do you really think she would have held Botiatus back from a potential FPW Championship match?
SD: I don’t think he’ll get that match as I expect Jerry and MDE to win at Evacuation, but that aside, I’m not sure. She should have had the chance to have a say though. She’s one half of this team and Botiatus has to treat her as an equal part of it. He said they were equals before they entered the All Star Tag Team Classic, but his actions aren’t backing that up. I’ll be watching closely to see if we see any signs of resentment on Berry’s part tonight.
Match 5: Death Squad vs. The House of Berry and Bo:
- After a brief discussion, Berry Bishop starts off the match and Mary Downing stands opposite her.
- Berry gets the better of the early technical exchanges and she quickly tags in Bo, keeping control of Downing with a wringed arm.
- Bo comes in and works over the shoulder and neck, connecting with an arm stunner and a neckbreaker drop.
- He pulls her up and whips her across the ring but she catches the top rope and spits in his face as he comes in, allowing her to make the tag to Balmer.
- He and Bo exchange holds, Bo again getting the better of him, but another spit in the face reverses the momentum and allows Balmer to land a vertical suplex and a belly-to-belly.
- Balmer and Downing keep on top of Bo, regularly tagging in and out and cutting off Bo’s attempts to get back into it with pokes to the eyes, spitting and other similar dirty tactics.
- Balmer holds Bo up in the corner as Downing runs in for a knee lift, but Bo elbows Balmer off the apron and manages to get out of the way of the knee, pulling Downing into an inverted headlock backbreaker and making the tag to Berry.
- Berry comes in and she and Downing exchange kicks, Berry getting the better of the exchange.
- Berry gets a two-count from an exploder suplex and sets herself up for Checkmate, but Balmer takes her down from behind.
- Bo comes in and the official holds him back as Balmer and Downing double team Berry, Downing connecting with Never Speak Again and picking up the closest of close two-counts.
- Downing tags in Balmer who lifts Berry for Gift of Gore, but she manages to drop and she connects with Checkmate but she can’t make the cover.
- She crawls over to Bo and tags him in as Balmer tags in Downing.
- Bo blocks a couple of kicks before dumping Downing over the rope and landing his knee strikes, following up with a H. O. B. legdrop.
- Balmer tries to jump him from behind but Berry cuts him off with a Berry Buster and she and Bo connect with a simultaneous Checkmate-House Call as Bo picks up the win.
Winners: The House of Berry and Bo (18:41).
Bo and Berry stand and have their arms raised, each of them taking their Tag Team Championship. Bo looks into the camera and holds up his belt, telling Jerry to come and get it. He glances over at Berry, who watches him with a hint of worry on her face. He moves over to her but she holds up her hands and says it’s okay as the two of them leave the ring.
MW: Our Tag Team Champions with a victory to close out tonight’s show but I’m not convinced they’re totally on the same page.
SD: Definitely not. They’ll need to address this issue between themselves and Bo will have a lot of convincing to do, but that match is happening.
MW: It is. Jim Houston has signed off on it and if Berry doesn’t compete, she leaves Bo in a very difficult position.
SD: A situation which will have been entirely of his own making.
MW: Perhaps. Anyway, that’s it for tonight. Join us next week as we see Botiatus face MDE, Artemis Evans take on Marcus Allen Jones and much more to be revealed. Thank you!
