PROVING GROUND XXV: KRAKEN AND THE KILLER RESULTS

♫ To be more than a conqueror
You have to learn to enjoy the pain
If you want to survive the game ♫

With Skillet’s “Surviving The Game” playing in the background, the video intro begins with former Grand Champion, Mark Hunter, as he hits his Mercy Killer on an overmatched opponent. That is soon followed by the Sultan of Spice, Serrano Poblano, as he wiggles his body in the center of the ring and slaps his ass cheeks in preparation for a stink face.

♫ You can try to defeat me (Defeat me)
You don't know it's the pain that'll feed me (Feed me)
And I'm gonna take back what you took before (Before)
'Cause I was born for this
All the bones that you're breakin' (Breakin')
You pretend that you're the one that can save me (Save me)
Now I'm takin' it back, it was never yours (Never yours)
I'm fightin' ♫

Lil’ Petey is shown celebrating a victory as the crowd cheers on the Drip Sensation, before we get a shot of Brandon Hendrix hitting his Acknowledge spear. This section of the video wraps up with an image of Caden Young in all of his fabulous glory.

♫ Fightin' for my focus
Give the pain a purpose
Light the fire inside
Feel it come alive (Come alive)
Show 'em what I'm made of
Victory's for the brave ones
Who never bow the knee
When it's do or die (Do or die-ie-ie)
One more time ♫

We see John Blade waving his hand in front of his face before turning completely invisible. Tara Fenix is the next to be highlighted, as we see the Phoenix Queen executing her Phoenix Lock. Finally there is a shot of the intimidating Mason Kane, Proving Grounds’ official problem solver, with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

♫ Survivin' the game
I can be unstoppable
Gonna walk through Hell
Gonna shake the walls
Survive, survivin' the game (Survivin' the game)
Livin' the impossible
I'm the champion, indestructible (Survive)
Survive, 'cause I'm survivin' the game ♫

Kyle Valentine and DJ Hunter take over the screen next, with these members of The Phantom Troupe hitting Gran Rey Cero with perfect accuracy. After that shot of in-ring action, we then see Arata Asakura decked out in one of his many expensive suits, glaring at the camera.

♫ I can be unstoppable
Gonna be indestructible
I can be unstoppable
Gonna be indestructible ♫

The smug smile of Larry KaChow appears, soon to be followed by the eccentric Percival Burque as he throws one of his pocket rats at an unsuspecting opponent. From those unlikely images, we go to a shot of MYOJIN with The X-Factor Championship before The Shining Star is seen hitting their Falling From Heaven EX.

♫ All the liars around me
Like the wolves of the walls that surround me
In the face of the fear, I keep standin' tall
'Cause I will conquer this
Knock me down like a lion (Lion)
I was born to be demon defiant (Defiant)
And I won't ever let this kingdom fall (Fall)
I'll show 'em ♫

Cadillac Jackson smiles for the camera before sliding his sunglasses down to the tip of his nose, immediately followed up by KAYLA executing their Kraken Slayer. Then comes the disturbing sight of a smiling Casanova English, moments before he connects with the Silence of the Lamb.

♫ Show 'em what you're made of
Victory's for the brave ones
Never bow the knee
'Cause it's do or die (Do or die-ie-ie)
One more time ♫

Malachite Minj licks the back of his hand before brushing a few strands of hair away from his face, which then transitions to TJ Thompson executing Hip with the Drip. Then comes the mysterious masked man known only as Quid, who is shown hitting Quid’s Rights.

♫ Survivin' the game
I can be unstoppable
Gonna walk through Hell
Gonna shake the walls
Survive, survivin' the game (Survivin' the game)
Livin' the impossible
I'm the champion, indestructible (Survive)
Survive, 'cause I'm survivin' the game (Game) ♫

With Francis in hand, DIANA gives a happy smile to the camera before the scene switches to the much different visual of Jormungandr. Swindle Shelldrake and Jay Crowley are nothing less than impressive as they hit the Deep Sea Damnation.

♫ I am more than a conqueror
The past behind me, life is ahead
I'll take the way of the warrior
I walk alone, no fear to the death
One more time ♫

As the intro draws nearer to its conclusion, General Manager Indy Darling gives the camera a thumbs up, before we then see The Platinum Standard in motion. Following Emmanuelle’s Palisades Bomber, we get a shot of the newest member of Proving Ground, Skylar Ramsay, giving a smirk during her entrance.

♫ Survivin' the game
I can be unstoppable
Gonna walk through Hell
Gonna shake the walls
Survive, survivin' the game (Survivin' the game)
Livin' the impossible
I'm the champion, indestructible (Survive)
Survive, 'cause I'm survivin' the game (Survive)
Survivin' the game (Survive)
Survivin' the game
Livin' the impossible
I'm the champion, indestructible (Survive)
Survive, 'cause I'm survivin' the game (Survive) ♫

Finally, the Proving Ground logo emerges on the screen with the reigning Grand Champion, Ozymandias, rising above it with arms outstretched, like a leviathan rising from the darkest depths of the ocean.

♫ I can be unstoppable
Gonna be indestructible
I can be unstoppable
Gonna be indestructible ♫



Pyrotechnics erupt around the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, as another episode of Proving Ground is on the air! The cameras give us several shots of the sold out crowd as the fans wave their signs in the hopes that they will be picked up on screen.

“PROJECT: MASCOT”
“EAT FRUIT, NOT FRANCIS”
“BRING BACK ALISTAR”
“PAPERCUT RULEZ”
“GERALD DESERVES BETTER”

After briefly focusing on a section of seats purchased by the local chapter of PETA, one of the cameras takes us to the ringside announce position as Trey Booker and J.T. Price are standing by to welcome viewers to the show.

TREY BOOKER: Good evening and welcome to Proving Ground! It’s the final stop before we reach Clash for the Cup and there’s no telling what might happen!

J.T. PRICE: Tonight, the Round Robin for the Clive Darling Memorial Cup continues, along with Arata Asakura and Swindle Shelldrake meeting in our main event with Grand Champion, Ozymandias, acting as the special referee!

TREY BOOKER: The rivalry between MYOJIN and Cadillac Jackson will continue as well, as they compete on behalf of Caden Young and Larry KaChow, with an X-Factor Championship match as their final destination!

J.T. PRICE: Last but not least, can Casanova English hold onto his newly won Warrior Rising Title, and if so, who will he face on Pay Per View in two week’s time?

TREY BOOKER: Don’t go anywhere, because it all starts right now!



With the exception of Lil’ Petey and Casanova English, the competitors for the upcoming Warrior Rising Battle Royal are already in the ring as Holly Perez continues her introductions for the live audience.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next...weighing in at one hundred eighty pounds and hailing from The Hip House...LIL’ PETEY!!!

“Oops” by Yung Gravy plays as the normal peach and pink strobe lights flash in the arena, but as the fans wait with anticipation, no one emerges from the entrance curtains. After several moments with no sign of Lil’ Petey, Holly Perez decides to repeat herself…

HOLLY PEREZ: *Ahem*...he is The Drip Sensation...LILLLLL’ PETEYYYYY!!!

Once again his entrance music plays as the strobe lights flash, but there is still no sign of the former Warrior Rising Champion. Finally, Holly Perez shrugs her shoulders and decides to proceed with her introductions.

The lights go dim as the eerie voice of a former member of the notorious Manson Family rings through the arena.

"yeah, I
remember her saying:
I'm already dead... I'm already dead... I'm
already dead..."

The lights flicker revealing Casanova English on the stage as the voice continues.

"You're going to get up and scream. I'm
already dead... I'm already dead... I'm already dead..."
You're
going to get up and-
Burn an x in your head."

The lights turn back on as Casanova English takes a long drag off his already lit cigarette, his leather jacket hung loosely over his shoulders, championship wrapped around his waist catching light. He scowls at the crowd before Bash Daddy slowly walks from behind the curtains to join him - the towering man shirtless, wearing black jeans and a leather mask.

English and Bash Daddy look at one another and smirk before walking down the ramp slowly. English stops to blow smoke in the general direction of some fans. Bash Daddy walks over to the corner between the guard rails and the ring. English goes over to him and lays the championship over Bash’s shoulder. To the disdain of the crowd Casanova casually pushes his cigarette into the face of the title - putting it out, twisting slow. English slowly struts up the steps onto the ring apron. He hangs his jacket on the turnbuckle before stepping through the second rope. English stands in the far corner, his arms resting over the ropes.

HOLLY PEREZ: And the final entrant...hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds...he is the new Warrior Rising Champion of Project: Honor...CASANOVAAAAAA ENGLISHHHHH!!!

DING! DING! DING!

The action is underway immediately following the opening bell, and it isn’t long after that when we have the very first elimination! Looking to go to the air, Quid springboards off the middle rope towards the new champion, but Casanova counters with a dropkick right against the masked man’s chest. That is all it takes to knock Quid backwards over the top rope and to the floor!

Quid was eliminated by Casanova at 0:22

We then see Kayla attempt to blindside English while he’s distracted by Quid’s elimination, as she hits him from behind with a double ax to the shoulderblades. She then lands a few chops against Casanova’s chest, before taking a step back in order to try sending him over the ropes with a running clothesline. Instead, English ducks his head and effortlessly sends Kayla sailing over the top with a back body drop.

Kayla was eliminated by Casanova at 1:03

TREY BOOKER: The new champion is already on a roll and we’ve barely gotten underway! With two eliminations to his credit within a minute of each other, it looks like Casanova English will have no problem lasting until the end of this one!

J.T. PRICE: But what’s up with Lil’ Petey? I think a lot of fans were counting on him to earn a shot at regaining the title. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious...

Back inside of the ring, the remaining five continue to do battle with no one emerging as an obvious favorite to oppose Casanova English. It’s hard to deny that the recent successes of Jay Crowley have him as an odds-on-favorite, which hasn’t escaped the newcomer, Aaron Bolduc. Looking to make a name for himself, Bolduc focuses his attention on Crowley, but the Damned Heart isn’t about to go down easy. Meanwhile, John Blade and Diana have decided to double team the champion, putting an end to his early momentum and preventing him from eliminating anyone else. Blade even manages to lift Casanova onto his shoulders moments before Diana takes to the air, hitting the champion with her Bunny Hop meteora while Big Match John is holding him in the air.

After hitting English with the tandem move, John Blade lifts him back onto his shoulders as if he wants to send him to the floor with an Attitude Adjustment. At that moment, Diana spots Jay Crowley and Aaron Bolduc struggling near the ropes, and fully takes advantage of the opportunity by running forward and flipping them both over the top while they’re preoccupied with each other!

Aaron Bolduc and Jay Crowley were eliminated by Diana at 5:17

TREY BOOKER: What an impressive feat by the young Energy Bunny! Diana used Crowley and Bolduc’s center of gravity against them, as once they started to topple over the top, there was no way for them to stop!

J.T. PRICE: We’re down to the final three! Casanova isn’t out of this yet!

As the crowd cheers Diana’s efforts, she rushes back to John’s side in order to help him remove Casanova from the ring. Despite their best efforts, English is able to drive some elbows against the side of Blade’s face until he’s forced to release him. Once back on his feet, he drives a hard kick to Diana’s midsection before planting her with a DDT. English then goes for a blatant eye rake on Big Match John before violently choking him against the top rope. With no referee to stop him, English delights in pressing Blade’s throat against the rope, until he finally flings him backwards towards the mat.

Diana shakes off the effects of the DDT and starts to pull herself to her feet, when suddenly, someone slides under the bottom rope behind her. With no explanation for his arrival, Serrano Poblano grabs Diana from behind and hits her with a belly to back suplex! The Energy Bunny gets right back to her feet, but she has no time to protect herself as Serrano slams into her with a suicide clothesline that sends both of them flying over the top rope!

Diana was eliminated by outside interference at 7:11

As this is unfolding, Big Match John gets back on his feet and Casanova charges towards him for the Silence of the Lamb, but Blade doesn’t go back down! Instead he uses his impressive strength to hold Casanova in his arms, before tossing him overhead! English clears the top rope and hits the floor, but the only thing that has saved him is Diana’s earlier elimination!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match who will now meet at Clash For the Cup in a Warrior Rising Championship Match...CASANOVA ENGLISH AND JOHN BLADE!!!

TREY BOOKER: What a chaotic finish! John Blade may have actually had Casanova’s number near the end, but Diana’s elimination at the hands of someone who wasn’t even officially in the match keeps the championship around his waist!

J.T. PRICE: But for how long now that Big Match John is coming for him?

TREY BOOKER: Great question, J.T...and just what was the deal with Serrano Poblano? I’m not aware of any issues between him and Diana before tonight...

J.T. PRICE: The big idiot did go on Twitter and say he’d become the company’s best female warrior. Maybe this is how he plans to start?



Following the previous contest, we transition to the Project: Honor studios where a well-groomed man in a checkered dress shirt is seated behind a semi-circular desk.

LOU ROBERTSON: For Project: Honor Perspective, this is Lou Robertson…

He turns to face the second camera, as a digital graphic appears on the screen alongside his face.

LOU ROBERTSON: While Night of Honor proved to be an ending in many respects, an end to old feuds and long-standing grudges, it also served as a beginning. For Arata Asakura, Mark Hunter, Swindle Shelldrake, and TJ Thompson, it was the beginning of a violent road that will ultimately lead them to Clash For the Cup. Without a doubt, these names create a collection of some of the brightest talents and dominating forces on the Proving Ground roster. You also have four men whose differences shine far brighter than their similarities. That is for one exception, one common desire they all share; to be the brand’s premier champion. Thanks to a promise made by Proving Ground’s General Manager, that desire is now within their reach.

The screen cuts away from Lou Robertson to show just how those four men earned their shot at Project: Honor’s Grand Championship…


INDY DARLING: *Ahem* After what Mark Hunter did on Fallout last night, it should come as no surprise that I’ve chosen him to lead Team Proving Ground to victory at Night of Honor. As a former Grand Champion and someone who’s really become a fan-favorite over the past couple of months, I can’t think of anyone better to represent Proving Ground. That left me with rounding out the best team possible and I wanted to get a closer look for myself before revealing my final decision.

CRYSTAL WARD: Sounds to me like that decision has been made. So who’s it gonna be, Indy?

INDY DARLING: Well, I don’t want to force anyone into double duty at one of our biggest shows of the year, so champions and number one contenders had to be taken out of the equation. Then I looked at a few guys like Brandon Hendrix, Scott Oasis, and Daniel Ackerman, but they didn’t have the best outings tonight. After that last match, and what a match it was, I’ve decided that I definitely want Arata Asakura and Ulf Hednir representing Proving Ground at Night of Honor.

The cheers from the crowd can be heard back in the arena as Indy pauses before continuing.

INDY DARLING: I was also impressed by Jormangandr, but Big Drip Productions are a Proving Ground staple. With that in mind, I’ve decided that Swindle Shelldrake and TJ Thompson will be joining the team as well.

There are more cheers from the crowd to be heard before Crystal interjects.

CRYSTAL WARD: That’s an All-Star team for sure, but do you really think they’ll be able to co-exist and defeat Fallout’s team? I mean, Arata hates white people, and they don’t get much whiter than TJ Thompson. Not only that, but they just tried tearing each other apart out there...

INDY DARLING: That’s a legit concern, Crystal, and it’s something I have a solution for. If Mark Hunter, Arata Asakura, Ulf Hednir, Swindle Shelldrake, and TJ Thompson can get along for one night, I will reward each of them with a shot at the Grand Championship, no matter who leaves Night of Honor as the title holder. They don’t have to win and they don’t have to like each other, but they do need to represent Proving Ground as five of our best.


Following the clip, we are then treated to moments of action from Night of Honor…


Hunter is thrown off of Mason, but lands on his own hands as knees as the fire is starting to build in the former Ascension Champion. He grabs the rope and starts to pull himself up...BUT MARK HUNTER OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE SCHOOLBOY ROLL UP PIN!!! Mason almost- MARK PUTS HIS LEGS ON THE ROPES, USING THEM FOR LEVERAGE LIKE HE DID TO WIN THE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

ALARA ADAMS: NO! NO! NO!

TREY BOOKER: YES!

CLARA OLSON: Your winner of the match and the sole survivor... representing Team Darling and Proving Ground... MARRRRK HUNTERRRR!!!


And then we see…


Bruised and battered, Cadillac slowly gets to his feet, pulling the barely conscious champion up with him. He then hooks Ozymandias’ head, looking to hit one final Test Drive, the one that will define his professional career...when Ozymandias suddenly reverses it by lifting Cadillac off his feet instead! Sinking Faith onto the steel barricade, finally destroying the section of guardrail beyond recognition! The champion remains laying on top of the challenger with not even enough strength to hook his leg...

ONE!

Cadillac Jackson’s eyes flutter...

TWO!

...and his feet twitch uncontrollably...

THREE!

...but the spasms in his back can no longer be overcome.

DING! DING! DING!

For several moments, both men continue to lay upon the mat, Ozymandias nearly unconscious from a loss of blood and Cadillac Jackson nearly paralyzed from the damage inflicted on his spine. The referee reaches down to raise the champion’s hand, but Ozymandias pulls it away and slowly forces himself to sit up. The referee immediately turns his attention to the fallen challenger as Holly Perez makes the official announcement.

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match...and STILL PROJECT: HONOR GRAND CHAMPION….OOOOOZZZYYYYMANNNNDIIIIASSSSS!!!


We then return to Lou Robertson, who has a thoughtful look upon his face.

LOU ROBERTSON: With Night of Honor complete, the stage was set for the members of Indy Darling’s hand-selected team to have their shot against Ozymandias following a successful defense of his championship. While Ulf Hednir had to bow out due to family commitments, the other members of Team Proving Ground were not about to let Indy forget his promise. Asakura, Hunter, Shelldrake, and Thompson would all have their moment in the spotlight, but who would be the first in line? When would those matches take place? These were questions that Indy Darling would answer during a backstage interview on the very first episode of Proving Ground’s new season...


INDY DARLING: There’s one other thing I’d like to address when it comes to Clash for the Cup, and that’s the Grand Championship. Heading into Night of Honor, I promised each of the members of Team Proving Ground a future shot at the belt for putting their differences aside during that match. I’d say they lived up to their part of the bargain, and despite what Arata Asakura claims, I’m going to do the same. Unfortunately Ulf Hednir has had to step away from Project: Honor due to family commitments for the time being, but I will still be granting those title shots to Arata Asakura, Mark Hunter, Swindle Shelldrake, and TJ Thompson. In fact, at Clash for the Cup, they’ll all get their shot at Ozymandias and the Grand Championship. I’ll have more details on that match in the coming weeks, but for now, those five competitors will main event Clash for the Cup in a Grand Championship match.


LOU ROBERTSON: While the exact nature of their match remains unclear as of this moment, we had a line up and an official date. Knowing that these five men would meet each other at the same time created a situation where they would meet each other in various matches over the next few weeks, a trend that continues in tonight’s main event between Arata Asakura and Swindle Shelldrake, with Ozymandias acting as the special referee.


Once again, we go from Lou Robertson’s desk to clips from the most recent episodes of Proving Ground…

A stunned Arata instantly backs up to the same corner as before and whilst shaking his head seems to be lining Ozymandias up for another Raikiri attempt. That’s when “Feel Invincible” by Skillet starts to play over the Wrigley Field sound system and Mark Hunter steps onto the entrance ramp. With a sly smile that shows he’s been enjoying this back and forth war, Hunter stays on the stage to watch things unfold for himself. Unfortunately, his arrival has thrown Arata off his game for a few precious seconds, and as he charges in for another attempted Raikir, Ozymandias leaps up and hooks his opponent’s head...flipping into the air and down to the mat with The Sinking Faith!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match by way of pinfall...the Project Honor Grand Champion...OZYMANDIAS!

TREY BOOKER: I don’t know if that was Mark Hunter’s intention, but his arrival may have been enough of a distraction to turn this one to Ozymandias’ favor!

J.T. PRICE: Stupid Mark Hunter can’t mind his own business…

TREY BOOKER: But the Grand Championship IS his business, J.T.! He will be one of four men meeting Ozymandias at Clash for the Cup!

As Ozymandias gets back on his feet, Mark Hunter casually strolls to the ring. The champion turns just in time to see The Straight Shooter step between the ropes, but instead of immediate physicality, the two men simply size each other up. Ozymandias holds the Grand Championship above his head as Mark stares him down and gives a confident nod. Suddenly, the face-off is interrupted as Arata Asakura springs off the ropes and nails Ozymandias with another Raikiri! The champion drops to the mat and the Grand Championship tumbles out of his hands, but unwilling to fall in the same fashion, Mark Hunter quickly unloads an Instant Karma superkick on Asakura!

With both men down, Mark spies the fallen championship that used to be his, and with a smile he slowly goes to retrieve it. As he bends over to pick it up, he has no way of knowing that Swindle Shelldrake has emerged from the crowd to slide into the ring! He immediately hooks Mark and lifts him into the air...Violent Salvage! With a grin on his face, Swindle slowly picks up the Grand Championship and looks at it longingly.

It looks as if Shelldrake has had the last laugh, when he’s suddenly taken off his feet and put into position for a running C4...HIP TRAIN by TJ Thompson!!! Ozymandias, Arata Asakura, Mark Hunter, and Swindle Shelldrake are all down on the mat, and as the only man left standing, TJ Thompson picks up the grand championship in his hands. With bloody bandages covering his forehead, he raises the belt above his head and gives a shout. As the other competitors begin to recover and try to understand what they’re seeing, Thompson stands alone with the championship, soaking in the adulation of the crowd as Proving Ground goes off the air…


Following the move, Arata grabs hold of Swindle Shelldrake and rolls him into the ring, before then grabbing hold of his own partner and rolling him into the ring as well. Mark is lying prone in the ring, at which point Arata leans over to slap him on the back of the shoulder. Asakura then enters the ring, just as Swindle makes the desperate tag to Crowley before rolling to ringside while still holding the knee that connected with the barricade.

Jay immediately charges across the ring towards Arata, who ducks under Crowley’s clothesline attempt and spins around to plant a stiff kick to the back of Jay’s knee. The move drops Jay onto one knee, and Arata wastes no time in following up with the Raikiri! The move stuns Crowley, but he still attempts to get back on his feet. This convinces Arata to hit a second consecutive Raikiri, and this one leaves Crowley unmoving on the canvas! With Shelldrake still trying to shake off the damage to his knee at ringside, Arata hooks the leg…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

Swindle dives back into the ring, but he’s too late to stop the pinfall that Arata has claimed over his tag team partner. Asakura immediately slides to ringside after the pin to avoid Swindle attacking him, at which point he takes notice of Mark Hunter kneeling on the floor. Without hesitation, Arata hits his unsuspecting partner with the Raikiri, turning Mark’s lights out completely!

TREY BOOKER: What in the hell is that man doing? Arata and Hunter have won this tag match, but Asakura just dropped Mark like a bad habit!

J.T. PRICE: Despite the caliber of talent that exists between Arata and Hunter, this has to be considered an upset with the way Jormungandr were working as a team, and I don’t think Swindle Shelldrake is very happy about it!

Before leaving the ringside area, Arata pulls Mark up and rolls him under the bottom rope. He then gestures with his hands, almost as if he’s feeding a piece of raw meat to a pack of wolves. Asakura then starts to exit back up the ramp, not even looking back to see Swindle Shelldrake pull Mark to his feet. Jay has managed to recover from the two shining wizards to the back of his head, as he and Swindle show their displeasure by hitting Hunter with The Fall From Grace!

Even that tandem move is not enough to make up for their loss, as Crowley and Swindle pull Mark to his feet a second time, only to execute another of their signature moves, The Hart Attack V2! The spinebuster and penalty kick combo would be enough to keep any man down on the mat, but the appetite for destruction that Jormungandr has is still not sated. Shelldrake instead locks Mark into a Gory Special before Crowley comes off the turnbuckles with a somersault cutter, their Sinking Ship just the latest in tandem moves Jormungandr use against their helpless prey.


The referee makes a judgment call and allows the match to continue, but The Butcher doesn't plan on it continuing for long as he once again lifts TJ up for another Sinking Faith! Not only is the move spot on, but TJ’s spine is firmly planted on top of the discarded steel chair. Ozymandias goes for the pin, and even shows a modicum of respect by hooking TJ’s leg…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match...the Grand Champion of Project Honor...OZYMANDIAS!

The champion snatches his belt away from the official, not only pleased that he has put down one of his upcoming challengers, but also to bring an end to Proving Ground as the man who raises the championship over his head. TJ rolls to the ringside area as the referee checks on him, while Ozymandias parades around the ring, his title firmly in hand once again.


Finally, we go back to Lou Robertson as he prepares to give his final opinions on the Grand Championship situation.

LOU ROBERTSON: Nearly every man involved has had their moment in the spotlight over the past few episodes, but as Clash For the Cup draws ever closer, a few questions still remain. With Mark Hunter and TJ Thompson absent from this week’s Proving Ground, will either man be in fighting shape two weeks from now? Ozymandias has been victorious in single competition, but how will the dominant champion fare when he’s forced to fight more than one opponent at the same time? For that matter, depending on what Indy Darling has in mind, it’s entirely possible that he could lose the championship without being a direct factor in the match’s conclusion. Could Jay Crowley play a part in Swindle Shelldrake’s strategy? And what of Arata Asakura, who prides himself on standing alone even if it’s to his own detriment?

Lou turns from facing one camera to another in dramatic, news anchor fashion.

LOU ROBERTSON: For my money, this one is almost too difficult to call. I would go so far as to say that it may be one of the most difficult Grand Championship matches to predict in Project: Honor history. While I’m inclined to suggest that we’ll see the rise of a new champion at Clash For the Cup, I find it difficult to completely rule out the possibility of Ozymandias destroying everyone in his path. No matter the outcome, one thing seems perfectly clear; it’s nearly impossible for everyone who’s entering this match to come out unscathed. There will be bloodshed and more likely than not, casualties as well. Whether Ozymandias continues his impressive reign or a new champion rises from the pack, the destiny of Proving Ground will forever be altered at Clash For the Cup. For Project: Honor, I’m Lou Robertson, and this has been my perspective.



When we return to the ring, Brandon Hendrix has already entered and is pacing back and forth while waiting for the arrival of his opponent. “In My Zone” by Rittz starts to die down as Holly Perez introduces him to the crowd.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a Round Robin Match in the Clive Darling Memorial Tournament and it is scheduled for a fifteen minute time limit! Introducing first, from San Antonio, Texas and weighing in at two hundred thirty seven pounds… “Don Dada”...BRANDON HENDRIX!!!

As "Rats" By Ghost begins to play, the lights in the arena start to flash between bright green and yellow. A mischief of rats begins to scurry out from behind the curtains, followed by Percival "Ratman" Burque riding atop a shopping cart filled with random miscellaneous items (likely his food, supplies, etc.). The rats scurry around while Ratman moves his hands as if he's conducting the rats along with the music. The cart continues slowly rolling forward until it begins barreling toward the ring. Ratman begins to panic and tumbles out of the cart as it slams into the ring. The rats scurry toward Ratman and run around him as he slowly recovers to his feet. Ratman then begins to sway back and forth to the music as he rises, lifting his arms into the air. Ratman looks to the sky while closing his eyes and begins to slowly spin in a circle.

Ratman stops after a full rotation and opens his eyes.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, hailing from the very sewers beneath our feet and weighing in at an anorexic one hundred fifty five pounds… “Wrestling Supreme”...PERCIVAL RATMAN BURQUE!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: I’ve got to admit, I have no idea what Indy Darling was thinking when he chose Ratman Burque to take the place of Lance Williams in this Round Robin. Still, the memorial cup has his father’s name on it and he knew him far better than anyone in Project: Honor.

J.T. PRICE: Hendrix versus Williams would have been a battle of the egos, but now? It’s more like a battle of high class versus no class…

The two men go to lock up as the match begins, but almost immediately, Hendrix shows off his superior power and conditioning by shoving his opponent down to his backside. There is a momentary look of surprise on Burque’s face as he slowly gets back to his feet, while Hendrix displays a confident smile. Surprisingly, Burque agrees to lock up with his opponent a second time, but just as they are within arms reach, The Ratman pokes his finger in Brandon’s eye! Hendrix turns his back and immediately grabs his face, allowing Percy to roll him up with a quick school boy!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

This time it is Hendrix who has a surprised look on his face as he gets back to his feet, while Percival gives him a big smile and a friendly wave. It’s a gesture that Don Dada doesn’t take kindly to, as he lurches forward to knock Burque off his feet with a strong clothesline! Percival scrambles to recover, only to be taken right back down with another running clothesline as Brandon bounces off the ropes. Hendrix continues to run, and this time when Burque reaches his feet, he’s met by a charging big boot to the face! This time it’s Hendrix who tries to end things quickly…

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Despite the kickout, Hendrix remains in control as he grabs hold of Percy and lifts him overhead with a suplex. Instead of dropping him right back down, Brandon holds his smaller opponent aloft for several seconds before finally completing the move. Showing his resilience, Ratman is able to get back onto his feet, but Hendrix lifts him up again, this time with a Military Press slam. After throwing Burque down to the canvas, he drops a few elbows for good measure before kneeling over him with some ground and pound offense. After softening up the Ratman with several blows, Brandon goes for another pin attempt…

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

TREY BOOKER: I don’t think Brandon expected to win there, but he is forcing Burque to expend his energy with these pin attempts.

J.T. PRICE: Well I wish he’d end it already. I can smell Burque from here…

Hendrix pulls Percy back to his feet and sets him up for a powerbomb, but once he has the Ratman balanced on his shoulders, Burque does the unthinkable by leaning down to lick Brandon’s forehead! The unexpected move completely baffles Don Dada, which allows Burque to roll backwards with a hurricanrana counter! As soon as Brandon’s shoulders are on the mat, Percival stays on top of him and hooks both his legs underneath his arms!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Looking furious over Burque’s tactics, Brandon immediately goes for another clothesline when he reaches his feet, but Percy ducks under it and comes back with a sling blade! It doesn’t keep Brandon down long, but this time Percival greets him with a sudden superkick! The move staggers Hendrix, but he stays on his feet. Still undeterred, Burque quickly follows up with an enziguri and this time Hendrix goes down! It still isn’t enough to keep Brandon down for long, but as he starts to rise back up, Burque shoots in with a shining wizard to keep the bigger man down! Back in control, Burque makes another pin attempt!

ONE!
TWO!
THR - KICKOUT!

TREY BOOKER: Brandon was dangerously close to being caught on his shoulders there!

J.T. PRICE: I have to admit, other than the eye poke and head licking, Burque’s actually showing us some good stuff in there…

As if to prove J.T. wrong, Percival takes a moment to spin in circles following the near fall. Then, once Brandon is at his feet, he grabs Don Dada’s arm and attempts to whip him into the buckles. Instead, Brandon reverses it and Burque is shot hard into the corner! He goes in with such force that leaves his feet, his back hitting the buckles before he ends up seated on the top rope. Hendrix takes a moment to shake off the effect of Burque’s kicks before climbing onto the second buckle, grabbing hold of Percy, and sending him back into the ring with a belly to back superplex. Instead of going for another pin attempt, Brandon pulls Percy up and hurls him into the corner again. This time, Burque hits with enough force that he flips over the top rope and lands on the ring apron. He isn’t there long however, as Brandon sends him to the floor with a running clothesline! Brandon remains inside of the ring instead of following his prey, leaving the referee to begin his count.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!

When Percy gets back on his feet at ringside, Brandon reaches over the top rope to grab him by the head and lift him onto the apron. That’s when one of Percy’s many rats scurries out from the pocket of his cargo pants and onto Hendrix’s forearm. As the rat bites down into Brandon’s exposed skin, Percy drives his shoulder between the ropes and into Hendrix’s midsection. Burque then catapults himself over the top and rolls Brandon to the mat with a sunset flip!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE - KICKOUT!

When Brandon attempts to recover, Burque hits him with a two handed facebuster, driving his nose into the mat! He then follows up with a running clothesline on the kneeling Hendrix, putting him flat on his back! As quickly as possible, Burque rushes to the nearest turnbuckle, and once he reaches the top, he launches himself back in Brandon’s direction...the Whoopie Cushion connects and Percy stays seated on top for the pin!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

No! Hendrix is able to kick out again, but as he’s getting back up, Percy signals for his mandible claw! He drives his hand in to latch onto Brandon’s jaw, but desperate to avoid the move, Hendrix wraps his arms around Percy and falls backwards, sending both men between the ropes and to the floor!

TREY BOOKER: This thing continues to go back and forth! Maybe Indy knew what he was doing by adding Percy to the tournament after all!

J.T. PRICE: He’s even closer to us now! Oh god...the smell!

When both men get to their feet, Percy still attempts to go for his clawhold, but Hendrix counters with a drop toe hold that sends Burque crashing headfirst into the ringside steps. As the referee begins to count both men, Hendrix glares at his opponent before taking notice of the nearby timekeeper…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

Brandon sends the timekeeper scurrying away with a glare, and he then grabs the steel chair in his hands. He approaches Burque, and it’s clear that he’s considering slamming the chair against this opponent’s head while it’s resting against the steel steps...

FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!

It looks as if Brandon is conflicted for a moment, and whether it’s because he has a change of heart or because he doesn’t want to take the DQ loss, he suddenly tosses the chair aside. He then grabs Burque and rolls him back into the ring, following him soon after. Once they are back in the ring, Brandon leans down to pull Burque to his feet, but Percy counters with an inside cradle!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

With a shocked look on his face, Brandon gets his shoulder off the mat at the last second, his moment of sportsmanship almost costing him the match! Hendrix scrambles to his feet to retaliate, but Burque connects with his mandible claw! The hold is locked on...but no! A hard kick to Percy’s lower midsection breaks it, Brandon hits the ropes and...Fall of the Guard connects!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner of the match...BRANDON HENDRIX!!!

TREY BOOKER: Brandon Hendrix pulls off the pinfall victory, but only by the skin of his teeth! Percival Burque may now be last in points, but he showed a lot of heart in this Round Robin match!

J.T. PRICE: Too bad for him that heart doesn’t always mean a win! Hendrix now leads the tournament with seven points, while Burque sits at four! Emmanuelle and Tara Fenix are at five points each, so it’s going to be really interesting to see the next Round Robin match!


Months. It had been months since she made it to a wrestling event. At first it was hurting too much. Everything reminded her of him. Then after the pain was gone the anger set in. And that was even worse.

But that was then.

The slender, heavy tattooed woman is walking down a well known corridor. Maybe she didn't know the arena, but in the end they looked all the same. The text message was precise, but she still managed to get lost. Again. When looking at her phone display, obviously distracted, she doesn't see the man walking around the corner.

He’s so lost in his thoughts and responsibilities that he nearly walks right into her. Fortunately, he becomes aware of his surroundings in time to avoid a collision. As the Proving Ground General Manager looks up to apologize, he gets his first good look at the woman’s face and it causes him to be tongue-tied.

INDY DARLING: Oh! I’m sorry...I wasn’t watching you...that is...I wasn’t watching where I was going.

Indy bites his bottom lip as he silently curses his inability to talk to attractive strangers, also giving himself a moment to collect himself.

INDY DARLING: Are you looking for someone? Maybe I can help?

??: Oh my… That wasn't your fault at all. I was so focused on that hell machine.

She gives him her natural, open smile. For a moment she wonders if they had met before. Which was probably the case since she had been to PG in the past.

FLORENCE FALLON: I am Florence. Yeah, very old fashioned...I think my parents hated me. But yes, I am actually looking for my friend Hannah. She invited me to the show.

Indy cannot help but return her smile, while at the same time he manages to put her name with her face.

INDY DARLING: I knew you looked familiar. I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced, but I’ve seen you at the shows before. I’m Indy...that is...I’m Nate. Sorry, it’s almost second nature to use my ring name. And Hannah? Yeah, I’m pretty sure I saw her with Petey earlier. I’m sorry but I don’t know where they are right now. I could take you to Petey’s dressing room, if you’d like…

FLORENCE FALLON: It's a pleasure, Nate. And I am certain she is up to crazy things with the boy. Which leads me to the thought, I don't wanna enter that dressing room.

She couldn't help herself but laugh out loud, then she would shrug her shoulders.

FLORENCE FALLON: So maybe I will find myself a place and steal some coffee from the catering area. Wanna join me? Unless the big boss needs to check on his sheep.

Indy considers her offer for a moment, taking a mental note of everything he needs to do as the show progresses.

INDY DARLING: I probably shouldn’t but...yeah. I think I’d like that a lot. I’m sure the show can go on without me for a little while.

She is already starting to walk but not without looking back at him. There was this smile.

FLORENCE FALLON: It's a wrestling show. What's the worst that can happen? People getting stabbed, the building burning down, kidnapping… Just a regular night, right?

He cannot help but laugh as he starts to follow her, and upon doing so he realizes that it’s the first laugh he’s been able to manage since the last edition of Proving Ground.

INDY DARLING: Sounds about right. Say Florence, I can’t help but notice your tattoos. I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I think they look amazing. I’ve actually been thinking about getting one myself. Any suggestions?

She stops once again, looking slightly surprised.

FLORENCE FALLON: Actually, I own a tattoo shop. Most of the visible ones I made myself. So without sounding arrogant, be my guest. The first one is for free, since I think you are a tattoo virgin.

Florence is sure she nailed the right spot with that last sentence, and she’s even more convinced when Indy begins to blush.

INDY DARLING: Yeah, I guess I am.

FLORENCE FALLON: It will be my pleasure to be your first.

Another laugh before she begins to walk again, giving him time to catch up. Little did he know that today was also the first time she could laugh without second guessing herself. Still blushing, Indy continues to follow her down the hall as the cameras take us back to ringside.



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a Round Robin Tournament Match, it’s scheduled for one fall and has a fifteen minute time limit.

Every light in the arena shuts off… moments later, a single blue spotlight shines to the curtain as the opening melody for “The Eagle Flies Alone” by Arch Enemy plays over the PA system and the crowd is giving their mixed reactions… The longtime fans have cheered, and overpower the ones who do not know whether to cheer or not; some join in just out of peer pressure.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… currently residing in Hartford, Connecticut… The Phoenix Queen… TAAAARAAAAA FENIX!!!

Fog has filled the stage. The first verse comes and goes. The chorus comes in.

I, I go my own way!
I swim against the stream!
(Forever) I will fight the powers that be!

Tara emerges from behind the curtains; her head is covered by her hood. Tara stands at the top of the stage with a sneer on her face as her eyes scan the crowd as if to find her supporters. Some of the crowd has gotten louder in her favor, while others are still mixed. Tara flings the hood back, and takes a better look at the crowd. The legendary Tara strides down the ramp; the stride turns to a brisk walk about halfway down the ramp. The crowd along the front row is bowing down to her. As she reaches the bottom of the ramp, she goes around to the camera side of the ring, leaps onto the apron with one knee and straightens out her other leg while looking at the crowd and the camera.

I, I go my own way!
I swim against the stream!
(Forever) I will fight the pοwers that be!
The eagle flies alone!

Tara crawls between the middle and lower ropes, and crawls to the middle of the ring. After standing up, she walks to the nearest turnbuckle and goes to the second turnbuckle; she just stares out at the crowd, and shouts out inaudible words. After several seconds of basking, she does a one-eighty off of the second rope and landing. She hands her coat to the referee, then proceeds to wait for the champion's arrival.

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent… from Pacific Palisades, California… She is the The Platinum Standard… EMMANUELLE!!!

“Cash Flow” by Ace Hood ft T-Pain and Rick Ross begins to play, and the crowd stands in knowing that she’s here; “The Silver Starlet” Emmanuelle. Entering between the ropes, Emmanuelle gives Tara a neutral expression, as if her mind is more focused on the match than anything else.

TREY BOOKER: I can’t wait to see these two go at it again, they seemed so evenly matched last time.

DING! DING! DING!

Tara and Emmanuelle share a respectful nod before the two competitors approach the centre of the ring and lock up, after a slight struggle neither one gets the upper hand so they break, both being respectful and making it a clean one. They begin circling before again going in for a second lock up, this time Tara is quick to grab the head of her opponent and sends Emmanuelle down with a headlock takeover, Emmanuelle however bridges out instantly. Both get back to their feet.

TREY BOOKER: Good clean wrestling from the outset.

J.T. PRICE: One of ‘em will throw a punch at some point.

Again they approach each other, Emmanuelle refuses the lock up and slides behind Tara but before she can do anything Tara swings a back elbow, the elbow flies over the head of a ducking Emmanuelle, Emmy uses the position to take Tara over with a quick and snappy northern lights suplex. She holds the bridging pin…

ONE!
TW… Easy kick out by Tara Fenix!

TREY BOOKER: Too soon.

Emmanuelle rises to her feet and is quickly followed by Tara, Emmy goes for a right elbow to the head of Tara but it’s blocked, Tara connects with a knee to the gut of her opponent before sending her overhead with her own northern lights suplex. She also holds the bridging pin…

ONE!
TW… Comfortable kick out by Emmanuelle!

Again both wrestlers are quick to their feet and share a little smile.

TREY BOOKER: Anything one can do…

J.T. PRICE: The other can fail with too!

Tara runs at Emmy and attempts a clothesline but it’s ducked, Tara rebounds off the ropes and ducks under an Emmanuelle leapfrog on the way back, Tara again bounces off the ropes but this time is met with a picture perfect dropkick to the jaw. Fenix is downed by the move so Emmanuelle hooks a leg…

ONE!
TWO!
T… Strong kick out, Tara literally throws Emmanuelle off the pin.

The Platinum Standard is quick to approach Tara to try and stop her getting up, she’s however hit by punches to the gut, she recoils from the shots and Tara springs up and nails her own dropkick in one swift motion, Emmy stumbles back into the corner.

TREY BOOKER: First she returned the favour on the northern lights, now she’s done it on the dropkick.

J.T. PRICE: Be interesting to see if one of these can gain the upper hand instead of just exchanging shots.

Tara follows her in at a fair pace and nails a stinger splash that seems to take the air out of Emmanuelle who drops to the mat, Tara looks at Emmy before jumping up to hit a split legged moonsault, Emmauelle though, gets her knees up forcing an uncomfortable landing. Both are down but Emmy is quick to start using the ropes, pulling herself to her feet first. As Tara begins to rise she’s grabbed by Emmy who takes her back down with a hard snap ddt, she wastes no time and covers…

ONE!
TWO!
THR… NO! Kick out by Tara Fenix!

TREY BOOKER: I could watch these two compete all night.

J.T. PRICE: Well the best you’re gonna get is fifteen minutes.

Emmanuelle doesn’t miss a beat and hooks in a full nelson, she pulls Tara up to her feet in this position before sending her flying with a full nelson suplex. Tara rolls through the impact and despite looking dazed, rebounds off the ropes with a vicious clothesline. Both women are down.

TREY BOOKER: Nothing but pure instinct from the veteran with that clothesline.

Both begin to rise at the same time, upon reaching their knees they start trading elbow shots to the head, it’s Tara that seems to get the upper hand. Emmanuelle is rocked so Tara gets fully to her feet and takes a step back before coming in with a quick shining wizard attempt, Emmy however ducks the leg just in time, Tara continues her momentum and runs the ropes, on the return journey she is nailed by a codebreaker.

J.T. PRICE: Damn, that’s pretty much Tara’s Fallen Phoenix signature maneuver.

Emmanuelle bounces up as quickly as she can and grabs the arms of Tara, she hooks her up and takes her down with a double underhook sitout powerbomb.

TREY BOOKER: And there’s a move of her own, she calls that the Pasadena Bomb.

Emmy rolls Tara into the la magistral cradle…

ONE!
TWO!
THRE… NO!!

Tara has shifted her whole body weight and has Emmanuelle’s shoulders down.

ONE!
TWO!
THR… Kick Out!

TREY BOOKER: Time is ticking and neither of these two have put the other away yet.

Both are laying on their backs trying to catch their breath. Tara moves first and works her way over to Emmy. The Silver Starlet was clearly playing a little possum though and has goaded Tara in as she surprises the more experienced of the two by latching her into a tight looking crossface.

TREY BOOKER: She’s in the centre of the ring, no way can Tara escape this predicament.

Emmy has the move completely locked and Tara has her arm in the air…

J.T. PRICE: SHIT! LOOK AT THE TIMER!!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: The fifteen minutes have expired with neither of them able to pin or submit the other! We’ve got a draw on our hands!

J.T. PRICE: That’s great news for Brandon Hendrix and Percival Burque, but I don’t think Emmanuelle or Tara are too happy about the outcome!

Having released her hold on Tara, Emmanuelle is demanding more time from the official, and once she’s able to get back on her feet, The Phoenix Queen joins in on the argument. It’s clear that both women want more time on the clock to prove themselves against each other, but the official refuses to budge on his decision!

TREY BOOKER: With a draw here, both Emmanuelle and Tara will remain tied at eight points each, with Brandon Hendrix right behind them at seven, and Burque bringing up the rear with four! We’re not going to have a clear leader heading into Clash For the Cup!

J.T. PRICE: Wait a minute, Trey...what happens if Tara and Emmy both win their next matches? Do they have to share the cup and the prize?

TREY BOOKER: I’m pretty sure Indy Darling mentioned the possibility of a sudden death final, but I wouldn’t count on that just yet! With count outs, disqualifications, and time limits all playing a factor, it’s unlikely that the field will remain close once we’re in the final round!


“Damn girl you lookin’ good as fuck right now!”

Before the cameras could even turn on you can hear the voice of someone very familiar. A voice that you’ve missed so much. A voice that gets women wet the second they hear the deep tone and the LDE he exudes.

LIL PETEY: Are those new leggings? SHEEEEESH that thang is moving!

Lil Petey is shown walking behind Hannah Morrison backstage, staring at her ass. Over the past weeks she got used to him and the way he expressed his feelings. Hannah smiled.

HANNAH MORRISON: Easy for you to say, boy. You are walking so slow, all you see is my behind.

She was no longer smiling, but laughing.

LIL PETEY: Oh, that’s how you gonna do your boy? Get over here!

Instead of going slow like Hannah said he was, Petey ran up behind her and grabbed her from behind, picked her up and started carrying her through the halls.

LIL PETEY: Is this better for you, my dear?

Hannah would give him a gentle kiss on the cheek. For a moment it seemed like she had forgotten about the rest of the world.

HANNAH MORRISON: I could get used to this way of traveling. Carry on, stud.

Just like Hannah, Petey had completely forgotten about the rest of the world. All that mattered to him was the rainbowed beauty he was currently carrying in his arms. Some would say that people had gone soft on us. He shifts Hannah around so that he’s cradling her and carrying her like a baby.

LIL PETEY: Where would you like to go now?

HANNAH MORRISON: To the stars, Jack.

That was of course a movie reference, she wasn't sure he would get it. But it was fun confusing him.

HANNAH MORRISON: Anywhere, really. Doubtfully the catering guys wanna see us again. So the question is, where do you wanna go?

Petey got the reference, but he had to retain some type of pizazz with how soft he’d gotten.

LIL PETEY: I’m not really sure. We could always do what we did in Paris again.

He started winking uncontrollably at Hannah with a smirk on his face.

HANNAH MORRISON: I am in doubt that it's legal in public. I am not even sure if it was legal there, honey.

Petey looks directly at the cameras following them.

LIL PETEY: SHEEEEEESH! Y’all might wanna stop following us unless you wanna see some good shit!

Before he could take another step, Petey’s stomach started growling indicating that he was hungry.

LIL PETEY: You know, I just realized we haven’t eaten in a while. Shall I take you to the cafeteria? Maybe those catering people won’t be there.

He winks at her again. She looked slightly uneasy thinking about them. Last time they were there, Petey insulted their pasta. Which of course didn't sit well with them.

HANNAH MORRISON: Let's give it a try. But this time you shall leave the talking to me, okay? I am slightly more charming than you.

LIL PETEY: You’re not wrong. Sometimes you’re a little too charming for your own good.

They both share a laugh.

LIL PETEY: Okay, to the food place we go!

Around the corner, Indy Darling passes by them and turns around quickly after realizing he just saw Lil Petey.

INDY DARLING: You know you missed your match earlier, right?

LIL PETEY: BRO I’M BUSY STOP HARSHING MY VIBE!

Petey tightens his hold on Hannah and runs as fast as he can without dropping her as they continue their journey together, this time to the cafeteria.

HANNAH MORRISON: You know you can't run from him forever, right? He is your boss.

LIL PETEY: Wait, what’d he even say?

HANNAH MORRISON: That you had a match… why didn't you go out there?

Hannah immediately became serious. She was the little bit of good influence Petey really had. And in this moment she felt very guilty. Petey stopped mid-step and realized he was supposed to wrestle tonight.

LIL PETEY: Oh shit, I completely forgot! I’ve been used to being on our vacation that it slipped my mind they needed my DRIP on TV tonight. I’ll go talk to Indy later, I promise! Right now all I’m focused on is getting food and a little desert, if you know what I mean.

Petey shifted the serious mood back to his general flirty behavior and winked at Hannah once again. It was so hard for her to stay serious when Petey was like this. The two carried on to the cafeteria laughing with one another and enjoying their time together.



As Crossfyre’s version of “Badstreet USA” plays on the sound system, we see that Kyle Valentine and DJ Hunter have already made their way to the ring for tonight’s headliner.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following match is a tag team contest scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, at a total combined weight of four hundred twenty pounds...Kyle Valentine...DJ Hunter...THE PHANTOM TROUPE!!!

“All of the Lights” by Kanye West hits, but instead of Cadillac Jackson’s normal entrance routine, we see the superstar emerge from the entrance curtains pushing Larry KaChow in a wheelchair. Larry is wearing a neckbrace and his head is bandaged, most likely from the chairshot he took from Caden Young two weeks prior. Cadillac smiles and points to the fans as he pushes Larry toward the ringside area, finally parking his chair near the announce position. Caddy then leaps into the ring and climbs the nearest turnbuckle, raising his arms into the air before slowly removing his sunglasses.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, introducing first, being accompanied by Larry KaChow and weighing in at two hundred seventy four pounds...he hails from Hampton Falls, New Hampshire and is known as “The Luxury Experience”...CADILLAC JACKSON!!!


The lights dim down while the catchy, fast paced rock of RAINBOWS by A9 echoes as a spotlight suddenly appears on a figure on the ramp, with his back turned and begins kneeling. Once the beat finally kicks in, MYOJIN explodes with energy- wearing a masquerade-style mask over his eyes, and turns around with a confident smile on his face, raising his arms to soak in the positive reaction from everyone around.

With his blonde locks hanging over his face. He then whips his head back, flipping his hair out of his face before excitedly running down the ring before performing a cartwheel and a jump, landing on his feet near ringside! As MYOJIN thrills the fan with his entrance routine, we see Caden Young emerge from the curtains, a satisfied smile on his face as he follows his chosen champion to the ringside area.

MYOJIN climbs up to the apron, grabs a hold of the top rope, and slingshots himself into the ring. He performs a somersault roll, landing on his side with a hand on his hip. The other, taking off his mask to reveal his piercing blue eye contacts. He tosses it aside nonchalantly before climbing up the top turnbuckle, tilting his head upward as if he’s looking toward the sky- while the lights mimic stars above. He backflips off, back onto his feet while taking off his flamboyant coat and moving to his corner. The lights go back to normal as he checks his wrist tape. His charismatic smile fading to a more focused expression as he paces back and forth, ready for action.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his partner, residing in San Diego, California and weighing one hundred sixty five pounds… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!

DING! DING! DING!

As Kyle and DJ go over some last minute strategy, MYOJIN and Cadillac eye each other suspiciously on the other side of the ring. After a few moments, Jackson gestures with his hands as if he’s graciously allowing MYOJIN to start the contest. He then takes his spot on the ring apron, as MYO moves to lock up with Kyle Valentine. The lock up is a feint as MYOJIN hits a sudden spinning kick to the midsection on Valentine, immediately doubling him over. The Shining Star follows it up with a combination of shoot kicks, landing in multiple locations to make them nearly impossible to block. MYOJIN finishes up the combo with a spinning back fist that spins Valentine around on his heels. With his back now exposed to his opponent, MYOJIN hits a snap German Suplex on Valentine and holds the bridge…

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Following the kickout, Kyle gets back onto his feet only to have MYOJIN take him back down with a tiger spin drop toe hold. The Shining Star immediately grabs Kyle’s leg in order to apply an ankle lock, but as if he senses what’s coming, Valentine is able to dive toward his corner and make a tag. DJ Hunter comes into the ring with a discus lariat in mind, but MYOJIN is able to grab his arm and take him to the mat, countering the attempt with an armbar takedown into an arm trapped crossface! As The Technical Aristocrat wrenches down on the hold, we see Cadillac Jackson leaning on the ropes in his corner, politely giving MYOJIN a golf clap for his efforts.

TREY BOOKER: We’re seeing quite the impressive display from the X-Factor Champion in there. The Phantom Troupe have yet to find an answer to MYOJIN’s technical style.

J.T. PRICE: Even Caddy is enjoying the show!

DJ Hunter is able to slide his body enough to reach the ropes, forcing MYOJIN to release the crossface. Kyle Valentine then moves toward MYOJIN on the apron, drawing his attention long enough for Hunter to get back on his feet. It isn’t enough to turn the tide however, as MYOJIN spies Hunter behind him and throws a back elbow into his jaw. Hunter is then whipped toward the turnbuckles, but he’s able to reverse the momentum and forcefully send MYOJIN into the buckles instead. The Shining Star flips into the buckles, landing awkwardly in a tree of woe. From there, Hunter wastes no time in stomping away at his trapped opponent before ultimately hitting a basement dropkick. With MYOJIN stunned, Hunter grabs him by the head and pulls him back to make the tag. DJ then lifts MYOJIN up as Valentine comes off the top rope, driving the Shining Star down with a spiked piledriver! Valentine goes for the cover as Hunter makes his exit…

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

As Valentine shoves MYOJIN back into the corner before hitting a double running knee, we see Cadillac displaying false sympathy on the apron as he shakes his head and mouths the words, “aww too bad”. While Valentine continues to work over MYOJIN, Caden Young takes offense at Cadillac’s lack of help in the match and grabs his leg from the floor to give him a piece of his mind. Jackson smiles arrogantly at his co-coach for this match, as the previously quiet and inactive Larry KaChow rises from his wheelchair. We see that Larry has a lead pipe in his hand, and KaChow brings the weapon down against Caden’s skull before he even knows what’s happening!

KaChow immediately begins to celebrate while jumping up and down, as Caddy watches him with amusement from the ring apron. Back in the ring, MYOJIN sees what’s transpiring and manages to break away from Valentine long enough to spin Cadillac around and plant a stiff elbow against his jaw! MYOJIN then catapults Jackson into the ring before leaping to the floor with Larry KaChow in his sights. As Larry runs for cover with MYOJIN giving chase, a stunned Cadillac Jackson gets onto one knee, just in time to get hit by Valentine’s Jecht Shot! Kyle goes for the cover!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE - NO!

The pin is broken up as Larry KaChow slides under the bottom rope and draws the referee’s attention. With MYOJIN following him into the ring, Larry almost immediately slides back under the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. Not happy about having the pinfall broken up, Valentine makes eye contact with Hunter and they silently form a plan between them. With MYOJIN’s focus fully on KaChow’s escape, Kyle hits his discus big boot on MYOJIN while Hunter comes in for a running leg sweep from behind...Chasing the Demon by the Phantom Troupe and MYOJIN is down!

TREY BOOKER: Cadillac and MYOJIN have shown zero tag team cohesion and it’s costing them!

J.T. PRICE: KaChow nailing Caden with a lead pipe may have something to do with it...

The referee is beginning to lose control as Valentine stomps away at MYOJIN while Hunter lands some kicks on Cadillac Jackson. They both force their opponents into opposite corners before attempting to whip them toward each other, by MYOJIN leapfrogs over Jackson at the last second and Cadillac slams into Kyle Valentine with his Jack Em Up spear! MYOJIN quickly cuts off Hunter as Jackson goes for the pin…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE - NO!

Valentine is able to get his shoulder up at the last second! Meanwhile, MYOJIN drops Hunter with a jumping axe kick and then turns his attention towards Cadillac Jackson. The Luxury Experience turns and MYOJIN hits his own partner with Love From Osaka! Cadillac is down and Larry KaChow looks dumbfounded at ringside! After dropping his partner with the kick, MYOJIN resumes his chase of KaChow, who runs towards the entrance like a bat out of hell with The Shining Star not far behind! Back inside of the ring, a dazed Cadillac slowly gets onto his feet, unaware that he’s right where The Phantom Troupe wants him. Kyle grabs hold of the unsuspecting Cadillac to put him in a Gory Special, as moments later, Hunter comes off the middle rope with a front flip facebuster...Gran Rey Cero!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match by way of pinfall...Kyle Valentine and DJ Hunter...THE PHANTOM TROUPE!!!

MYOJIN and Larry KaChow are now out of sight as a groggy Caden Young pulls himself up at ringside. Meanwhile, Cadillac Jackson remains down in the ring as Kyle Valentine and DJ Hunter celebrate their unusual tag team victory.

TREY BOOKER: If our GM was trying to force Caden and KaChow to show some leadership, it backfired big time. The X-Factor contender has been laid out and as far as we know, MYOJIN is still chasing KaChow somewhere backstage. Yet even under these circumstances, this has to be considered a big win for The Phantom Troupe.

J.T. PRICE: I just hope MYOJIN doesn’t catch poor Larry. He has Chownesia, you know.

TREY BOOKER: I would agree that there’s definitely something wrong with him. No matter what, Cadillac Jackson and MYOJIN will have the chance to settle things once and for all at Clash For the Cup!


We go backstage to the interview area following the previous contest, where Crystal Ward is on the scene waiting for her next guest. She looks to be quite impatient as she looks around, when suddenly Indy Darling rushes into the scene with a smile on his face.

CRYSTAL WARD: Indy...

INDY DARLING: Hey, Crystal! Sorry to keep you waiting. I was...uh...in a meeting.

If looks could kill, Indy Darling would be resting in peace.

CRYSTAL WARD: I’m sure you were. Let’s just cut to the chase. You wanted some time to make a few announcements about Clash For the Cup, so get it over with.

INDY DARLING: Um...right. As everyone already knows, Ozymandias will be defending his Grand Championship against Arata Asakura, Mark Hunter, Swindle Shelldrake, and TJ Thompson at the Pay Per View. All four of his challengers were promised their shot following Night of Honor, and they’ll all have that shot in Proving Ground’s first Scramble Match.

Crystal does not seem impressed.

CRYSTAL WARD: Uh-huh. And what exactly is that?

INDY DARLING: Well, two men will start the match and another participant will join every five minutes after that. During the match, the title can change hands by pin or submission as many times as possible. When someone captures a fall against any of their opponents, they will officially be the interim Grand Champion. Once everyone has entered, the match will continue until it hits the 30 minute mark. At that point, the match will end and whoever has achieved the final fall before the time limit will walk away as the Grand Champion. Also, with so many competitors involved and the risk of chaos running high, Mason Kane will be serving as the referee for that contest.

Still, Crystal remains unimpressed as her eyes stare icy daggers at the General Manager and her former boyfriend.

CRYSTAL WARD: So is that it? Can I go now?

INDY DARLING: Um...almost. We will also have an X-Factor Championship match between MYOJIN and Cadillac Jackson, with the winner also earning the role of Assistant General Manager for either Larry KaChow or Caden Young. The Round Robin will also continue with Brandon Hendrix facing Emmanuelle in a rematch from a few weeks back, and Percival Burque meeting up with Tara Fenix. Again, should those two matches end with a tie in points, the point leaders will meet in a final Sudden Death match to determine the overall winner.

Crystal rolls her eyes in a very unprofessional manner, successfully making Indy feel even more uncomfortable.

CRYSTAL WARD: Fantastic. Are you done now?

INDY DARLING: Just about. We also know that John Blade will now meet Casanova English for the Warrior Rising Championship. In addition to that, after their performance over the past few weeks, I’ve decided that The Phantom Troupe will receive a shot at the Project: Honor Tag Team Titles, no matter who is holding those belts at the end of Bloodbath. Lastly, there will also be a Gatekeeper Championship Match with the champion facing both Diana and Serrano Poblano. There may be more, such as a debut match or two, but for now, that’s all I’ve got.

CRYSTAL WARD: Thrilling stuff as always (Crystal whispers the word ‘loser’ under her breath). Back to you, Trey and J.T.



TREY BOOKER: Well, those were certainly some interesting announcements from our General Manager even if Ms. Ward seemed less than impressed.

J.T. PRICE: The Scramble Match sounds like complete chaos, and with Mason Kane as the referee? Oh boy...

HOLLY PEREZ: Our following contest is our main event of the evening and it is scheduled for one fall!

As the slow, creeping sounds of Heilung start to play the lights around the entrance dim down to bare visibility. The drums of the song beat, as small glimpses of a rainstorm can be seen on screen. The stage itself begins to billow out a thick fog, a cold mist curling its way along the platform and down the ramp. Quickly, the stage itself is engulfed in the fog, as much of the ramp is also. A small light shines its weak glow from the entrance, shining against the figure of a man. His silhouette, huge in size against the soft light now moves as he does, down the ramp and through the curtain of mist. He emerges towards the end of the ramp, his form now fully visible… Ozymandias.

He pauses before the ring, staring into the squared-cage before slowly removing his jacket and placing it under the apron. He stands upright, cracks his neck in both directions then power-squats onto the apron, before entering through the ropes.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, our special guest referee. He is the reigning Grand Champion of Project: Honor and The Butcher of Reine...OZYMANDIAS!!!

"Honō no Megami (炎の女神)" by Adrian von Ziegler begins to play as Arata Asakura steps between the entrance curtains, a look of utter disdain for the audience upon his face. He slowly makes his way to the ring, doing his best to ignore the jeers from those fans brave enough to taunt him. Once he reaches the ring, his eyes fall upon Ozymandias and the two men exchange an uncomfortable stare for several moments. Finally, Arata removes his entrance attire and proceeds to stretch in his corner, never taking his eyes off the guest referee.

HOLLY PEREZ: Fighting out of Osaka, Japan and weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds...he is “The One Real Shogun”...ARATA ASAKURA!!!

'Wire Rot' by Mega Drive begins to blare through the arena, its swirling and unrelenting synthesised timbre beckoning the entrance of The Kraken, Swindle Shelldrake. He bends down slightly as he emerges through the curtain into the roaming grid of neon lights that scan over the audience and himself, bathed in colours of bright pink, white and blue. A wry smirk plastered on his face underneath a black octopus tentacle mask, he throws a middle finger gesture from both hands to the camera in a taunting manner. Despite the serious presentation of himself, Shelldrake has a different level of enjoyment in his eyes. An enjoyment for the bout that lays ahead. His tall frame walks down the ramp towards the ring, hopping up to the apron and wiping his boots along it before stepping through the top and middle ropes. He remains hunched over, looking down to the mat and removing his octopus mask as the announcer reads through his details, correcting his posture up tall with an "up yours" "V" gesture to the hard camera and the crowd, pulling out his tongue and showing that devious smile.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, hailing from Cardiff, Wales and weighing in at one hundred ninety one pounds… “The Kraken”...SWINDLE SHELLDRAKE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Arata and Swindle immediately begin to circle each other, while Ozymandias stands in a corner of the ring with his arms crossed in front of his chest. As the two men reach towards each other, Swindle quickly sends Arata down with an armdrag. The Gaijin Killer pops back to his feet, and as Swindle dives in to follow up, Arata hits an armdrag of his own. Asakura grabs Swindle in a lock up when he returns to his feet, but Shelldrake with the quick hammerlock go-behind. It doesn’t last long as Arata reverses the hold, ducking behind Swindle for a hammerlock of his own. A few quick elbows force the break and Swindle hits the ropes, Arata leapfrogs over him on the return, and then a drop down as Shelldrake continues to run...picture perfect dropkick by Arata to Swindle’s chin on the third return! Swindle scrambles back to his feet, barely ducking under a spin kick from Arata before hitting his own dropkick right on the mark! Asakura pops back to his feet and both men hit a defensive position as the crowd shows their appreciation. While the fans may be impressed by the early back and forth between the two men, Ozymandias remains uninterested as he watches the display from his corner.

TREY BOOKER: Great back and forth work between these two contenders. They are so evenly matched!

J.T. PRICE: I don’t expect this technical exchange to last long…

There is a brief stare down before the two men go back into a lock up, which is immediately broken by Asakura shoving Swindle off and landing a stinging chop against his chest. Arata plants a few more of the echoing chops against Shelldrake, driving him back against the ropes. Swindle then spins Arata around to land a chop of his own, which soon turns into closed fist punches and finally a big European uppercut that sends Arata flipping over the ropes at his back. Arata lands on his feet and tries to connect with a lariat from the apron, but Swindle ducks underneath it and then comes back with his own lariat that fully knocks Arata to the floor! The Gaijin Killer pulls himself back up, but Swindle has already ran the ropes and dives to the outside with a Tope Con Giro, putting both men on the floor!

Despite the action spilling to the outside of the ring, Ozymandias makes no move to warn either man, nor does he begin a ten count. This gives Swindle ample time to whip Arata into the metal guardrail and then blister his chest with a series of knife edge chops. After softening up the Gaijin Killer, Shelldrake pulls him in and executes a brainbuster on the ringside floor! It goes without saying that Arata is stunned, and despite not being counted out, Swindle rolls his opponent back onto the ring apron. Shelldrake then begins to climb the nearest turnbuckle, and after reaching the top, he leaps off with a legdrop, slamming his limb across Arata’s upper body as it hangs off the edge of the ring apron. Once again, both men are outside of the ring with Ozymandias not bothering to count.

TREY BOOKER: I’m starting to question the idea of having our Grand Champion referee a match between two of his contenders. It looks as if he’s happy to watch them obliterate each other just two weeks away from Clash For the Cup!

J.T. PRICE: Hell yeah! Let’s hear it for Ozy “Let ‘Em Fight” Mandias!

Pulling Arata back to his feet, Swindle then drops his body over the guardrail before executing a Magic Killer on the floor! The Kraken is on a roll and he looks to capitalize as he rolls Arata back into the ring and quickly follows him to make the pin attempt. Finally, Ozymandias moves out of his corner, but it is not with the kind of speed you would normally expect from a referee in a main event match. He’s barely reached the two competitors when Arata kicks out, and it’s obvious that Swindle Shelldrake is pissed. The Kraken immediately gets to his feet and pushes both hands against the champion’s chest, budging Ozymandias but still not convincing him to act. It almost looks as if The Butcher of Reine is laughing underneath his mask, as Swindle openly lets him know what he thinks with a flurry of curses.

Still stunned from what he’s endured, Arata is able to get up and hit a mule kick to the back of Shelldrake before falling back to the mat. This sends Swindle crashing into Ozymandias, who catches Shelldrake and plants him on the mat with a belly to belly suplex! With both men down, Ozymandias strolls back into his corner, pleased with his actions so far. He doesn’t bother counting both men as they are down on the mat, and when they finally get back to their feet, Arata is the first to connect with a bicycle knee strike, oblivious to the fact that Swindle was taken down by the referee. Shelldrake retreats to the nearest corner, but Arata immediately follows him in with a running corner kick, then a leg sweep, and then a slingshot dropkick! Swindle is down on the mat, and Arata makes his way to the top turnbuckle. He flies off the top with incredible grace, nailing Swindle Shelldrake with the Golden Dragon!

TREY BOOKER: No one has ever kicked out of that! Asakura has just taken this match!

It would indeed seem like the match is Arata’s to win...but his follow up pin attempt receives no reaction from Ozymandias. Asakura slams his hand on the mat as Ozymandias watches him from the corner, refusing to move a muscle. After several seconds, The Gaijin Killer rises back to his feet and glares across the ring at the champion. Much like Shelldrake did earlier, Arata approaches Ozy and gives him an earful, but The Butcher remains as motionless as a statue. It looks as if Arata is giving up on trying to goad Ozymandias into action as he turns away, but then he suddenly spins back and begins to unload a flurry of strikes on the guest referee!

The strikes come so fast and unexpected that Ozymandias is unable to block them at first, as Arata completely unloads on him in the corner. Meanwhile, despite being hit with the Golden Dragon, Swindle has had enough time to gather his senses and he approaches Arata from behind. He grabs Asakura and lifts him onto his back before driving him back down with the Ink Bomb! Not stopping there, Swindle waits until Arata is able to sit up, and he follows up by bouncing off the ropes to hit the PK! Arata is down and Swindle makes the cover! This time, it looks as if Ozymandias has been spurred to action by Arata’s attack and he goes to make the count…

ONE!

TWO!

AND OZYMANDIAS STOPS THE COUNT!

The Butcher of Reine gets back to his feet as Swindle looks on in amazement. After a few seconds, Shelldrake leaps to his feet, but Ozymandias is ready for him as he hits a big kick to the midsection. After double Swindle over, the Grand Champion lifts him up and hits The Call! Shelldrake is down, once again at the hands of the guest referee. Only Ozymandias doesn’t stop there. After dropping Swindle, he pulls Arata up from the mat, lifts him off his feet, and delivers the Sinking Faith! Both competitors are down, and it is more clear than ever that Ozymandias has no intention of ever ending the contest.

TREY BOOKER: This is out of control! Someone just needs to end this damn match if Ozymandias isn’t going to do his job!

J.T. PRICE: What are you talking about? He’s the Grand Champion and he’s just put down two of his top contenders! Looks like he is doing his job to me!

As Ozymandias surveys his handiwork, there is a flurry of movement near the entrance. It only takes a few moments for the fans to realize that Mason Kane, Proving Ground’s problem solver, is on his way to the ring. After sliding under the ropes, Kane points a threatening finger in Ozymandias’ direction, and then motions for him to leave the ring. The champion seems amused by this turn of events, but having already proven his point and done his damage, he eventually abides by Mason Kane’s request. Ozymandias steps between the ropes and takes a few steps onto the entrance ramp before he turns to watch how things will unfold from here. Meanwhile, Mason Kane takes a moment to check on both men, and he then gestures for them to continue!

TREY BOOKER: It looks like Mason Kane is taking over the referee duties in this match! Maybe we’ll finally have an outcome!

Arata and Swindle are both slow to get to their feet after taking some of Ozymandias’ big moves, but once they have, it is Arata who makes the first move by attempting a running high kick! Swindle ducks under the blow and grabs Arata from behind...he lifts Asakura up as if he’s going to deliver a German Suplex, but Arata shifts his weight forward and manages to roll Swindle to the mat for a pinning cradle...Mason goes to make the count…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE...NO!

Both men are back up as Swindle takes a big swing, but Arata ducks under it and counters by lifting his opponent for a back suplex...Swindle goes with the move and flips off Arata’s shoulders to land on his feet! Arata quickly turns into a spinning side kick to his midsection that doubles him over...Xanadu Clutch by Swindle!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner of the match...SWINDLE SHELLDRAKE!!!

TREY BOOKER: After all of that chaos, Swindle Shelldrake has earned the victory! Love him or hate him, that’s a big win for that young man!

J.T. PRICE: But will that be the outcome at Clash For the Cup? Not if Ozymandias or Arata Asakura have anything to say about it!

Mason Kane raises the hand of the victor as a stunned Arata looks as if he’s going to protest the decision. Mason listens to Asakura’s complaints, but it’s clear by the look on his face that he has no intention of reversing his decision or restarting the match. Meanwhile, a jubilant Shelldrake goes to the side of the ring where Ozymandias is watching on the floor. Having made the final statement heading into Clash For the Cup, Swindle drags his thumb across his throat before pointing down towards the champion. Ozymandias glares back at him, unimpressed, as Proving Ground goes off the air...