PROVING GROUND XXVII: SILVER AND GOLD RESULTS

Instead of the normal action montage of superstars and rock and roll that begins Proving Ground, this week’s episode opens on a more somber note. A graphic informs us that we are witnessing footage from Rock Johnson’s graveside service earlier in the week, and we can see many of Project: Honor’s competitors and personalities that were in attendance. After the priest asks for friends and family to share their personal memories of the deceased, Larry KaChow is the first to make his way to the podium.

LARRY KACHOW: As I continue to struggle with the effects of Chownesia, I have to admit that I have no memories of Rock Johnson whatsoever. I’ve been told that he often butchered my name, but that’s understandable for a man so often wrapped up in philanthropic pursuits. His demise came as a shock to all of us. In fact, it continues to shock me every morning when my dear friend Percival reminds me that it happened. While I am confident that I could not have had anything to do with Mr. Johnson’s demise, it’s important to mention that Chownesia should exclude me from any suspicion or potential interrogation. In closing, I would just like to say peace, love, puppies, and rainbows. Bless you all.

Larry begins to walk away from the podium toward the open grave behind him before Percival Burque rushes on stage to take him by the arm and lead him in the correct direction. Next, we see the reigning Legacy Champion, Syndicate, make his way to the podium.

SYNDICATE: I'll be real with y'all, I completely forgot Rock was dead...and when I received the invite for today, I thought it was for his birthday party, so I'll be expecting cake at the luncheon. Regardless, Mr. Johnson signed off on my contract, so he was at least good for something, I guess...fuckin' asshole, though. RIP in pieces.

As Syndicate leaves the podium, we catch a glimpse of Arik Holt seated beside Valkyrie in the front row. The Fallout General Manager looks completely bored with the proceedings as he doesn’t even bother to stifle a massive yawn.

SERRANO POBLANO: Hey spice-heads. I don’t really have anything to say about Rock. I just wanted to remind you all that there will be a post-service meal prepared by yours truly at the little chapel over the hill. Tums and Rolaids will NOT be provided! Poblano out!

Moments later, we see Julius Fairweather make his way to the front of the crowd.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil motherfuckers. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those motherfuckers who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.

Julius gives a bug-eyed stare to one member of the True Society after another until his good eye falls on Slade Castle. As he is walking away, the Slayer of the Streets can feel Julius looking at him and he stands up defiantly.

SLADE CASTLE: You got something to say to me, Julie?

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: I said everything I needed to say, motherfucker. If you’re feeling a slight sting, it’s just your conscience fucking with you…

SLADE CASTLE: Son of a bitch…

Castle takes a few big steps forward, ignoring Arik Holt’s hand as he reaches out in an attempt to calm him.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Hell yeah! Let’s do this shit right here and now!

Julius begins to loosen the tie around his neck, but Slade suddenly charges forward to tackle the bad motherfucker off his feet. Continuing the brawl that began on Fallout, Julius and Slade tumble across the stage, taking out the podium and several floral arrangements. The two men roll toward the back of the stage as they throw punches in an attempt to get an advantage over each other. Even the priest is not safe as Slade and Julius get to their feet and Castle ducks underneath a right cross from Fairweather. The punch knocks the holy man out cold before Castle tackles Julius a second time, sending both men into the open grave on top of Rock Johnson’s closed casket. Finally, a mix of Project: Honor officials and competitors rush forward to stop the brawl and remove the two men from Johnson’s grave as the footage reaches its conclusion…


Giovanni is making his in ring debut against the Spice King, and he's looking to make an impact. Giovanni controls the entire match, Serrano not able to get much offense in as the match ends with Giovanni hitting his "Starstruck" superkick to pin Serrano.

Winner by Pinfall: Giovanni (2:10)


♫ 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 the reigning X-Factor Champion, MYOJIN, as they hit the Falling From Heaven EX on a fallen 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 spicy 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 Douglas Crane screaming as he locks in his Release Me submission hold. 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 LeeAnn Morgan as The Gypsy Rose connects with The Parade.

♫ 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 ♫

Giovanni vogues for the camera and gives his best runway model expression, immediately followed up by Officer Greyfield beating down a perp with his billy club. 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 images of Johnny Levy, who gives the camera an arrogant grin before we see the execution of his Box Office Blockbuster.

♫ 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 Swindle Shelldrake. The Kraken is shown planting Mark Hunter with Violent Salvage before we switch to images of Archimedes J. Manson bringing his unique cartoon sensibilities to life.

♫ 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 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 Staples Center in Los Angeles 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.

“JOHNSON IS ROCK HARD WITH RIGAMORTIS”
“RELEASE ME!”
“LITTLE TIMMY IS A BIG DRIPPER”
“THAT JOHNNY LEVY IS SOME MENSCH”
“BRING BACK ULF”

After briefly scanning the audience, 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! We’re just two weeks removed from Black Friday and The Purge, as the surviving members of Project: Honor prepare to bring you even more action and excitement!

J.T. PRICE: We’ve got Arata Asakura and Tara Fenix in the main event, and we also have the X-Factor, Warrior Rising, and Gatekeeper Titles on the line! What a loaded card!

TREY BOOKER: The warriors of Proving Ground are ready to put on a show worthy of Rock Johnson’s memory, so let’s head to the ring and get things underway!



Both competitors are already in the ring for our opening contest and as the bell rings, they waste no time in kicking off the show with a fast pace. Annie Logan is making her one-on-one debut against another star on the rise on Proving Ground in DIANA. Both women do some good aerial work along with some simple technical moves, but DIANA catches Annie slacking with her Bunny Kick to pin Annie Logan in just over three minutes.

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match…Diana!!!

TREY BOOKER: This one was short and sweet but that dominating win has to really encourage a young superstar like Diana.

J.T. PRICE: Annie Logan has gotten off to a rough start. I’m not sure she’ll be able to recover after such a quick loss.


With the camera going backstage, we find the camera in the trainer's room with the trainer missing in action and instead Proving Ground's newest acquisition being given a thorough massage by his muse Calliope.

Whilst Giovanni is relaxing with his eyes closed, the two of them are visited by the presence of backstage reporter Larry KaChow, who is quickly met with a dirty glare from Calliope, but undeterred they still decide to open their mouths.

LARRY KACHOW: Giovanni, do you have time to answer a few questions. There are many people interested in hearing from the latest member of the Proving Ground roster.

Calliope could be heard and seen scoffing at the question and decided to stick their neck out first to say something.

CALLIOPE: Listen, Lenny. Can't you see that Giovanni is in dire need of some relaxation after beating that ugly slob Poblano Serrano earlier tonight?! Shouldn't you go annoy someone else and leave us alone!

The annoyance is clear in the voice of Calliope, of a nosy interviewer getting between her and massaging the tender shoulders of Giovanni. But eventually Giovanni would raise a hand himself, not bothering to get seated from where he was lying.

GIOVANNI: It's okay, my dear muse. I'm sure there's many people, like Lemmy over here that would love to hear from me about why I have decided to dabble in the art of wrestling. Isn't that right, Lonnie?

LARRY KACHOW: It's... uh... Larry. But yes, people would love to know why someone with no previously known experience in wrestling has decided to join Project Honor.

Giovanni would shrug lightly, as Calliope refocused herself on letting her hands knead the well-defined muscles of the wrestling artiste.

GIOVANNI: The reason's simple, Lorna. I'm here because wrestling is in dire need of someone with a truly artistic mind such as my own to bring some colour and originality back into it... For years this business has been typified by either bland slabs of meat, or people jumping around like the floor is made of lava. But me, I'm an artiste, I think outside the box, and I don't think in the trite exhausted tripes and tropes of wrestling. My brilliance transcends this business, and because of that I will be able to turn it from a gauche little spectacle of simpletons into a truly graceful physical art where the brightest minds can shine brightest. Minds such as my own.

Giovanni would roll his neck a little bit as Calliope went through the effort of confidently mouthing "That's right, 'Leo'." at the camera and interviewer in support of her artiste. The troubled inspired one would merely smile a little as he felt his muscles being whipped back into shape.

GIOVANNI: Tonight's little display against Serrano, that was merely a tune-up for me. After all, you can't expect a genius like me to show what I can do when my opponent is a fat schlub like him. No, I held back, as any well thinking mind would do, and what you've seen is but a small example of my abilities... Soon enough though, me together with my beautiful muse Calliope will change this entire company at the very core. And I will show you the true abilities of Giovanni.

Raising a hand, Calliope was quick to 'pounce' unto the interviewer and direct him to leave them be. After he departed, Giovanni rolled his eyes a little bit.

GIOVANNI: It's truly unbelievable how everyone in this company is about as simple-minded as the next. But at least I have you, my dear muse. And could you be a real dear, please be sure to get the knots out of my calf...

Closing his eyes once more, we leave the two of them alone as Calliope quickly goes to work on the rest of the massage.


HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Currently in the ring, from Queens, New York and weighing in at two hundred ninety-seven pounds…CONSTANTINE!!!

The remix of THE C.R.A.S.H theme hits and Officer Greyfield comes from the back and twirls his nightstick while making his way to the ring, he hits the steel steps with his nightstick and enters the ring and waits for the match to start.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, from Chicago, Illinois and weighing in at two hundred ninety-nine pounds…OFFICER GREYFIELD!!!

DING! DING! DING!

The two big men move to the center of the ring and start jaw-jacking back and forth as the referee attempts to get the nightstick out of Officer Greyfield’s hands. The crooked cop finally hands the weapon to the official, but as the ref is taking it to a ringside attendant, Greyfield pulls a second nightstick from the back of his belt and clocks Constantine in the jaw! He then tosses the baton out of the ring and covers his fallen opponent just as the referee returns his attention to the match. With no clue about what’s just happened, the referee drops to make the count…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner of the match by pinfall…OFFICER GREYFIELD!!!

With Constantine still unconscious, the victorious Greyfield gets back on his feet with a smirk on his face.

TREY BOOKER: We were expecting a hoss fight between those two mastodons, but Officer Greyfield just wasn’t having it!

J.T. PRICE: Ha ha ha! That was awesome! I love this guy!


As Officer Greyfield celebrates his victory in the ring, we go backstage to find Percival Burque standing outside of catering alongside Larry KaChow. Percy is holding a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and is reading it aloud to Larry, who follows along by looking at the colorful pictures.

PERCIVAL BURQUE: “...he ate through three plums, but he was still hungry on Thursday…”

LARRY KACHOW: Wow…that’s a hungry caterpillar. Honestly though, Percy, I was hoping you’d read me something like the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times…

PERCIVAL BURQUE: Oh Uncle Larry, you’re so funny. If Chownesia has made you forget how to read, we need to start with something a little easier than that. Just keep following along…this one has a surprise ending…

Percy prepares to continue reading aloud to KaChow, when a voice rings out from off camera.

SERRANO POBLANO: Friend!

Sure enough, Serrano Poblano enters the scene, but he is momentarily taken aback when he sees Percival standing next to the usually grumpy KaChow.

SERRANO POBLANO: Ah! Spicy Asian Satan! What are you doing with him, Percy?

PERCIVAL BURQUE: Oh, hello friend. Uncle Larry has a bad case of Chownesia, so I’m trying to teach him how to read again. Would you like to listen with him?

SERRANO POBLANO: I wish I could, but that caterpillar isn’t the only one who’s starving. I’ve been trying to get into catering all night but it’s always full with those Big Drip people. I guess they’re having some kind of private stable meeting because they won’t let me in.

PERCIVAL BURQUE: Those Big Drip fellows are really late on our invitations into their club. I’m starting to think they really don’t want us. No matter! I, Ratman, shall provide some snacks! Only the best snacks for my best friends!

Ratman reaches into a small bag hanging from his waist and pulls out a package of hotdogs. As he holds them up, Serrano takes the package and begins to tear it open. Meanwhile Larry has a strange look as he begins to think aloud.

LARRY KACHOW: I don’t know why we’re letting those stable people push us around. It’s even worse on Fallout with all of those True Society freaks. It’s like if you’re not in either of their groups, you’re not one of the ‘cool kids’. Someone should really come up with a third option…

As Larry reaches out for a cold hot dog, he finds that the package is already empty. He turns to look at Serrano, whose mouth is stuffed full of uncooked wieners.

SERRANO POBLANO: Mphfm...gobblemmm…slurpreem…mphm.

Seeing that Larry hasn’t understood a word that Serrano said, Percival speaks up to translate.

PERCIVAL BURQUE: Our friend Serrano says you’re right, Uncle Larry. We need a group of people who can stand together. To show these people that they aren’t the only ones with some spice here! Or something like that… But I agree with you as well! After all, why can’t we all be friends! There are a lot of outcasts around here that I’m sure feel the same way.

Ratman reaches back into his bag and pulls out another package of hotdogs and hands one to Larry before Serrano takes the rest of the second package. Holding the cold hot dog in his hand, Larry continues to think out loud…

LARRY KACHOW: …and there came a day, a day unlike any other, when a group of outcasts found themselves united against a common threat…to fight the forces of professional wrestling that no single competitor could face alone…

SERRANO POBLANO: Mph hmp fashvgrs?

PERCIVAL BURQUE: He says, like the Avengers?

Larry thinks for a moment, looking thoughtfully at Percy and Serrano before answering.

LARRY KACHOW: No. Not the Avengers. The KaVengers!

Larry reaches out with his hand, still holding onto the hot dog, holding it between the three of them. With a smile and a nod, Percy reaches out to put his hand on top of Larry’s. Serrano reaches out as well, at first to take the hot dog from Larry’s hand, before he realizes that something much more meaningful is happening. The three men hold their hands together in symbolic fashion, when a fourth hand rests on top of theirs…

NOAH HOPE: What’s up? Are you guys locked out of catering too?

Percy, Larry, and Serrano all look at Noah and smile.

LARRY KACHOW: And then there were four…


We see LeeAnn Morgan hitting a heavy bag preparing for her match with Josh Conway. She smirks as she stops and looks into the camera using her white towel to wipe sweat from her brow.

LEEANN MORGAN: At Black Friday I earned a shot at the Gatekeeper Title. I intend to keep reminding management of this fact until I am given what is mine. Until they give me what I deserve. When I am out here laying waste to yet another moron, keep in mind that I don't care who the Gatekeeper champion is. They are simply keeping my title warm.

A knock is heard as a female production assistant peeks in.

PA: Miss Morgan, you are up!

LeeAnn looks back at the camera.

LeeAnn: If you will excuse me. I have to go stay undefeated.



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, currently in the ring from Minneapolis, Minnesota and weighing in at two hundred twenty-eight pounds… “North Star”...JOSH CONWAY!

“Sick Like Me” by In This Moment begins to play as Conway’s opponent makes their entrance with Holly Perez providing the introduction.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts and weighing in at one hundred thirty-five pounds… “The Gypsy Rose”...LEEANN MORGAN!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Conway looks to impress in his debut by going right at Morgan, but his early offense is countered when she ducks under an enziguri attempt and retaliates with one of her own. A snap DDT stuns Conway before Morgan follows up with a Pele kick, further targeting her opponent’s head. LeeAnn adds more damage when she executes her Caravan series of stomps, but the pin attempt that follows has Conway kicking out after a two count.

The Gypsy Rose takes to the sky with a diving elbow drop attempt, only for Conway to roll away at the last moment. North Star tries to regain some momentum with a few European Uppercuts and then drives LeeAnn to the canvas with a brainbuster. His own pin attempt falls short when Morgan kicks out after a two count, but Conway maintains his advantage in order to set his opponent up on the top rope. He then attempts to bring Morgan to the mat with his Avalanche Bulldog, but LeeAnn is able to hold onto the top rope and Conway crashes to the mat. Morgan then leaps off the top with the Hills senton bomb, but still only manages to get a count of two. That doesn’t stop The Gypsy Rose from hitting The Parade before Conway can get back to his feet, punishing his skull with the shining wizard and superkick combo. LeeAnn Morgan goes for another pin attempt, and this time Conway has taken too many hard blows to the head to kick out in time.

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match by pinfall… “The Gypsy Rose”...LEEANN MORGAN!!!

TREY BOOKER: That was another impressive performance by LeeAnn Morgan! She earned a shot at the Gatekeeper Championship during Black Friday, and as she continues to add up the wins, you’ve got to think that Angelo Caito has his eyes on this young woman!

J.T. PRICE: If Angelo can get past his own challenge later tonight, it’s only a matter of time until LeeAnn gets her shot. We could already be looking at the next Gatekeeper Champion, Trey.


Following the previous contest, we go backstage where Crystal Ward is standing by with Proving Ground’s General Manager, Indy Darling.

CRYSTAL WARD: I’ve been told that our General Manager has a very important announcement to make, so let’s find out what the heartless, womanizing bastard has to say…

INDY DARLING: You broke up with me!

Despite Indy’s confused expression, Crystal remains tight-lipped as she holds the microphone up for him.

INDY DARLING: Whatever. I actually have a very important announcement to make regarding Project: Honor’s Legacy Championship. Proving Ground has not named a contender for that championship since Mark Hunter challenged Elena DeDraca, but that’s all about to change. While there are many worthy competitors on the brand, it’s clear to me that none are as deserving as the man who I’m officially naming the number one contender right here tonight. This man has been the Grand Champion since June, defending against all challengers including Mark Hunter, Cadillac Jackson, Arata Asakura, Swindle Shelldrake, TJ Thompson, and Lil’ Petey. Even if his record did not speak for itself, this man made it clear that he will stop at nothing until he gets his shot when he threw Syndicate from the fourth level of The Mall of America. Obviously, I’m talking about the one and only…Ozymandias.

There is a pop from the crowd when Indy reveals the number one contender’s name, and the GM briefly pauses to acknowledge that reaction.

INDY DARLING: I don’t care whether Arik Holt likes it or not. I know the power structure of Project: Honor is up in the air right now, but I am still the General Manager of Proving Ground and it’s well-within my power to make that decision. Ozymandias will get his chance against Syndicate at an upcoming Project: Honor Pay Per View event, whether he is still the Grand Champion at that time or not. Furthermore…

Before Indy can continue, he is interrupted as a middle-aged woman enters the scene. She is dressed in formal business attire and flanked by a pair of men in dark suits, sunglasses, and wireless earpieces. While the average wrestling fan may not recognize the woman at first, those who follow current events know her as a United States Senator from the state of Indiana, Margaret Carmicheal. Astute fans are also aware that she is Indy Darling’s estranged mother. The GM looks at her in complete shock, momentarily at a loss for words.

MARGARET CARMICHAEL: No warm greeting for your loving mother?

Indy tries to shake off his surprise as he glances at the senator’s security detail, then to Crystal, and finally back to his mother.

INDY DARLING: What the fuck are you doing here?

The smile she responds with is somewhat serpentine in nature, as if Indy were a helpless mouse in her path.

MARGARET CARMICHAEL: I understand that this place recently lost its owner under…questionable circumstances. When you consider prior events such as stabbings, kidnappings, massive property damage, and a threat to the general public, it’s clear that something is wrong. As a public servant, I felt that it was my duty to form a congressional committee to look into the on-goings of this organization. When the levels of violence reach a point that people are losing their lives, it’s the government’s job to step in and take action. While the authorities handle the investigation into Rock Johnson’s demise, I’ll be running my own investigation to determine whether or not there should be a Project: Honor at all.

Senator Carmichael smiles again, the kind of smile that’s reminiscent of poisoned honey, leaving Indy completely dumbstruck.

MARGARET CARMICHAEL: Depending on the results of my investigation, I may have no choice but to shut this place down permanently and send all of you back to the circus where you belong. Oh, and you should really get a haircut.

She reaches out to pat Indy on the cheek before making her way out of frame with her security detail close behind.

CRYSTAL WARD: That…was your mom? No wonder you never introduced me to her…

Crystal’s comment falls on deaf ears as Indy’s attention is directed off camera. With nothing left to say, he moves out of frame, bringing the interview to a sudden conclusion.



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is for The Gatekeeper Championship and is scheduled for one fall! Currently in the ring from Sheffield, England and weighing in at one hundred ninety-five pounds…KAYLA!

"I'LL SHOW YOU HOW GREAT I AM!" Said by the great Muhammad Ali before kicking into "Take It Out On Me" as slowly walking from the back comes out Project Honor's "Voice Of The Underground" Angelo Caito, dressed in his ring attire consisting of his black boots, trunks with his star design on the sides, two stripes surrounding both sides of the star, and his last name "CAITO" in all capital letters on the back of his trunks, two black knee pads, white wrist tape covering his hands, and a single arm pad on his right arm. For his entrance, he sports a grey hoodie with the hood on. He stands on the metal grate before spreading his arms, looking down at the stage.

"SO SCREAM IF YOU WANNA, SHOUT IF YOU NEED!"

Angelo tosses the hood off his head and yells before throwing both his arms down, short bursts of fire explode on both sides before throwing his right fist forward, turning Angelo around, and proceeds to walk backwards towards the ringside area. He makes it to the bottom of the ramp before turning around and stares at the ring and then the fans in attendance. He walks up the steel steps before climbing up the ropes, right foot planted on the top rope and his left on the middle rope. He starts beating on his chest before throwing his arms up then brings them extended out to each side before jumping over the rope and lands on the mat. Angelo paces the ring, removing his hoodie and tosses it to the floor as he awaits for the match to begin.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponent, from Detroit, Michigan and weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds…the reigning Gatekeeper Champion…ANGELO CAITO!!!

DING! DING! DING!

With both competitors inside the ring, it's a back-and-forth effort on both ends as soon as the bell rings. But, Angelo is quick to overpower KAYLA, who hasn't had the best of luck thus far in this match. Angelo whips KAYLA into a corner of the ring, KAYLA slumping down slightly as Angelo charges forward. Running Knee Strike connects, and Angelo adds insult to injury with a wicked Clothesline that rattles KAYLA. Angelo lifts the dazed KAYLA up, dropping them onto one of his knees with a nasty Brainbuster. It connects and Angelo drops down for the cover as he hooks one of the legs for added leverage. This could be all the Gatekeeper Champion needs to collect a win here tonight.

ONE!
TWO!

No! Angelo forces himself off of KAYLA, not looking ready to end things just yet. He shakes his head, merely smirking down at the still dazed KAYLA who is starting to come to their senses. Angelo delivers some lefts and rights from their seated position, hovering over the fallen KAYLA, before forcing them up to their feet. Angelo lifts KAYLA up in a Fireman's Carry position before dropping them from their shoulders to drive their knee into the temple. KAYLA drops like a sack of potatoes as the HONOR ROLL connects! Angelo drops down once more, this time truly looking to end things.

ONE!
TWOO!
THREEE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner and STILL Gatekeeper Champion... AAANNNGGGEEELLLOOO CCCAAAIIITTTOOO!!!

Angelo smirks slightly, collecting his championship as he shakes his head at the fallen KAYLA, before merely exiting the ring to head backstage.

TREY BOOKER: A great showing by Angelo Caito here, but as for his opponent, not so much.

J.T. PRICE: Angelo and LeeAnn Morgan both looked impressive tonight. It should make for an interesting contest when they finally meet up.


As the fans await the next match with great anticipation, their world is turned upside down when “Shatter Me” by Lindsey Stirling cranks over the PA system. They rise in anger and begin shouting. They know who the music heralds from other promotions, and they are ready to unleash their unbridled hatred at the horrible woman. Moments later the source of their ire emerges onto the ramp, flanked by her bodyguard Smith and her manager Norris.

TREY BOOKER: Oh no! NO! It’s Sonya Benson! The wealthy anti professional wrestling activist turned professional wrestler against her will by her father. From XWF to OCW to Thunder Pro, by hook or crook she’s been able to slip out of the contracts.

J.T. PRICE: Will Project Honor be next? I heard she also was the one who dug up dirt on Marcus Welsh, OCW’s owner, which caused him to shut his fed down. Allowing her father to put her here for this punishment might be a mistake by the powers that be here.

Sonya is dressed brilliantly in a conservative but form fitting white Sherbrooke pantsuit, and her hair is done up in an elegant French braid adur. She makes a hasty trek to the ring with her renowned Benson bitch-face on full display. Along the way Norris rips up a few of the fans’ signs that he feels might be offensive to the aristocrat, then nabs the mic from the stagehand and aids her into the ring. He wipes down the mic with a sanitary wipe before handing the microphone over to her.

She tries to speak but the jeers and foul language from the vociferous crowd drowns her out. There’s also some drinks and food being hurled into the ring at her, but Norris and Smith manage to swat them all away. A few more moments pass before she finds the window of time to speak.

SONYA BENSON: I’m going to make this short and sweet because I don’t want to be in this leftist craphole any more than you crayon eating Californians want me here. My cruel old daddy is punishing me for my “crimes” against pro wrestling during my activism against this so-called “sport". I must secure 22 wins to be released from this punishment, this prison sentence in the land of uncultured barbarism. I’ve attempted to enroll in wrestling schools, but none would take me due to my atrocities against their sport. The few that did let me enroll made me quit in a day because they molested me under the guise of training.

Poor little Sonya has to take a moment to collect herself as the memories of the violations resurface. Norris has some very encouraging words for her not picked up by the mic. Sonya takes a few brave breaths and continues.

SONYA BENSON: I’ve even offered one million dollars for a personal wrestling trainer. I had only a few interested parties but they were trolling me or were too busy to train me. So, here I am, once again lowering myself, humbling myself, swallowing my pride by presenting myself before you collection of lesserlings here in Los Angeles to make that offer again. Yes, all of you in the back or hearing this out in TV land, I am offering one MILLION dollars for a personal wrestling trainer. I’m also offering five hundred thousand dollars for a tag team partner, however the condition is you must be able to fight two people at once because I will not tag in. I’ll cheerlead from the corner and find a few ways to aid us from there. Those are the offers. I wouldn’t have appeared here in person to make this announcement if I wasn’t serious. Have your people call my people if you're interested. Now, may all the bad things that can happen to someone happen to all of you. May all of you die before the sun comes up and may you rot in hell.

She discards the microphone as if it’s the most disgusting thing in the world, wipes her hands on a wet wipe, then exits the ring with her entourage in tow. The commentators try to weigh in on what just transpired but they’re drowned out by the hatred being vocally hurled at the departing woman and her crew.





"Sick Sick Beat" by Kero Kero Bonito begins to fade away as Malachite Minj paces back and forth in the ring.

HOLLY PEREZ: Currently in the ring from Tokyo, Japan… “The Prince of Pretty”...MONSIEUR MALACHITE MINJ!!!

As "Rats" By Ghost begins to play, the lights in the area begin to flash between bright green and yellow. A mischief of rats begins to scurry out from behind the curtains followed by Percival "Ratman" Burque and Rasputin. Ratman has a large smile and wide eyes as he looks at the crowd. The rats scurry around while Ratman moves his hands as if he's conducting the rats along with the music.

♫ In times of turmoil, in times like these
Beliefs contagious, spreading disease
This wretched mischief is now coursing through your souls
Never to let go, never to let go ♫

Ratman begins to march to the ring conducting his rats as they continue to swarm the ramp. Ratman begins to conduct toward the crowd who begin to sway with the music. As Ratman approaches the bottom of the ring he approaches the guardrail to hive five and handshake his adoring fans. Many fans are all holding their hands out but as the Ratman approaches, the fans recoil holding their hands to their noses instead. Each group of fans that would do this, Ratman would just smile and wave as he continued marching on. Rasputin follows Ratman's lead hobbling toward the ring.

♫ Into your sanctum, you let them in
Now, all your loved ones and all your kin
Will suffer punishments beneath the wrath of God
Never to forgive, never to forgive ♫

Ratman gets to the base of the ring where the rats scurry toward Ratman and run around him as he begins to sway back and forth to the music, 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. He then conducts the rats to go back up the ramp past Rasputin. Papercut jumps out of Ratman's pocket and almost looks as if he's waving to the crowd. Ratman pushes Papercut back into the pocket as he climbs the stairs and jumps over the top rope with surprising acrobatic finesse. Rasputin then makes his way around to the apron at Ratman's corner and checks under the ring for possible goodies to assist Ratman with if needed.

♫ Them rats (Rats, rats, rats) (Ah whoah)
Rats (Rats, rats, rats) (Ah whoah)
Rats (Rats, rats, rats) (Ah whoah)
Rats (Rats, rats, rats) (Ah whoah) ♫

Ratman marches around the ring waving at the crowd before making his way to the center. Ratman looks around to the fans and runs in a small circle then goes to his corner as the lights return to normal.

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

With the lights going out within the arena, a set of laser lights shoot down onto the stage and strobe along to the beat of ‘Hydrochloride’, and one singular spotlight shines down onto a hooded figure as the opening lyrics are heard throughout the arena.

♫ YOU'VE TAKEN ALL MY PAIN AWAY
AND GAVE ME SHINY CHAINS
YOU'VE TAKEN ALL MY DOUBTS AWAY
REPLACED IT WITH THIS SHAME
YOU TOOK AWAY ALL MY PROBLEMS
YEAH, YOU BET
AND THEN YOU GAVE ME A BRAND NEW SET ♫

The figure soon lifts her hood past her head and shows the facial features that belong to Skylar Ramsey -- looking around the arena with a slight smirk to her face -- as she soon begins her long walk to the ring.

♫ I THOUGHT I WOULD RIDE THE HIGH SO HIGH UNTIL I CAN'T BE REACHED
BY GRAVITY
YOU WON'T CATCH ME
WON'T CATCH ME
EVERYONE EXCEPT ME ♫

As she soon makes her way around the ring, Skylar slides right under the bottom ropes and brings herself up to one knee, sliding off her ring jacket before leaping back up to her feet and charging into the corner -- where Skylar leaps onto the second rope and looks out to the crowd with that sly grin to her expression.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponent, from New York City and weighing in at one hundred thirty-seven pounds…SKYLAR RAMSAY!!!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: These three competitors all joined Proving Ground around the same time, and a win here could mean a lot toward future title opportunities!

J.T. PRICE: Are you trying to get me to cheer for Ramsay? Cause the thought of the rat or the cat with a title makes me worry about the future of the business.

The opening bell has barely rung when Skylar rushes across the ring to hit an unsuspecting Percival with a shotgun dropkick. The impact sends him tumbling between the ropes to the floor, but before Ramsay can capitalize, Minj grabs her from behind. Ramsay throws an elbow and reverses with a go behind before lifting Minj for an attempted side backbreaker. Malachite reaches up to snag Ramsay’s head and counters with a simple side headlock takeover, but Skylar immediately rolls to her feet. She’s met by a couple of stiff chops by Minj, who then attempts to whip her across the ring. Ramsay reverses and when Minj rebounds she ducks her head for a back bodydrop. Instead, Minj flips over her back and tries to roll her to the mat for a sunset flip.

As Skylar fights against having her shoulders rolled to the canvas, Percival Burque reenters the ring from the top rope, jumping toward Ramsay before flipping her down with a Panama Sunrise! The impact sends Ramsay rolling out of the ring to regain her senses, as Minj spins Burque around and claws at his eyes. Malachite then hits the ropes and comes back with a discus big boot in mind, but Percy ducks underneath it and snags her leg for a schoolboy roll up!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Minj rolls out of the pin attempt and comes up to his feet to throw an immediate roundhouse kick to the kneeling Burque. His foot catches him on the side of the head, and Minj follows up by planting a double stomp to his chest. Monsieur Malachite then begins to apply a Muta Lock on Percival while he’s down on the mat, successfully tying him up by both his legs and head. Thankfully for Burque, Skylar returns to the ring by springboarding off the top rope and planting her own double stomp onto the exposed midsection of Minj!

Skylar opens up on the stunned and seated Minj with a series of low kicks to the back before finally dropping down to apply a dragon sleeper. Now it is Malachite who’s locked up with Ramsay taking the advantage. While he has no love lost for Minj, Percival breaks the hold with a well-placed superkick to the side of Ramsay’s head, then bounces off the ropes and comes back to hit Skylar with a shining wizard as well! Stunned by the double blows to the head, Ramsay goes down and Burque attempts the cover!

ONE!
TWO!
SAVE BY MINJ!

TREY BOOKER: You may not be personally impressed by the eccentricities of Malachite Minj or Percival Burque, but they’re showing us a lot in this match!

J.T. PRICE: My money is still on Ramsay. She’s got the skills without having to worry about pleasing the fans or keeping her hair looking purrfect!

Minj pulls Percy up and attempts to whip him into the corner, but The Ratman reverses. Minj responds to this by pouncing up the buckles and flipping back off with his Whisker in the Wind! Percival side steps at the last moment, and Minj’s body crashes against Skylar Ramsay! With both opponents down, Burque goes to the top and leaps towards Minj with his Whoopee Cushion, but this time Malachite side steps and Skylar is inadvertently hit by another high-flying move!

Malachite grabs Percival and runs him toward the ropes with the intention of throwing him over the top, but Burque puts on the brakes, reverses Minj’s momentum, and sends Malachite over the top instead! Minj lands on his feet at ringside as any cat would but throwing him out of the ring still gives Percy a brief opportunity to apply The Mousetrap on a stunned Skylar Ramsay!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

NO! Minj makes it back in at the last second to break up the pin, and an all-out brawl between Young Rich Tigga and Wrestling Supreme starts to unfold! Ramsay tries to shake out the cobwebs and sees her opponents occupied, so she charges at them with the intent of sending them both over the top rope. Minj and Percy spot Ramsay’s charge and stop fighting long enough to counter with a double back body drop that sends Skylar sailing into the air and completely over the top rope!

With their opponent out of the ring, Minj takes another shot with a roundhouse kick, but Percival ducks under it again and comes up behind his opponent! He locks on his Smelling Salts reverse dragon sleeper and then completely lifts Minj off the mat for a modified airplane spin while maintaining the hold! After several rotations, Burque slams the back of Malachite’s head down to the mat and goes for the cover!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match by pinfall… “Wrestling Supreme”...PERCIVAL BURQUE!!!

TREY BOOKER: Well color me black, white, and blue and call me a sad panda! Percival Burque has continued to show improvements week after week, and tonight it’s paid off with a major win!

J.T. PRICE: Are you freaking kidding me? How does that smelly freak still have a job, let alone get a win over Ramsay and Minj?


Following the previous match, we go backstage once again, this time to the temporary office that’s been reserved for Proving Ground’s General Manager. With Mason Kane standing silently at the door, Indy is going over some documents on his desk when he’s alerted to a video call on his digital tablet. With a sigh, Indy puts his work aside to answer the call. As annoyed as he is by the interruption, he’s even more annoyed to see the face of Arik Holt appear on the screen.

ARIK HOLT: You sawed-off little bitch. What do you think you’re doing on that show? As if having your mother threaten to stick the government’s nose into my business isn’t bad enough, you have the audacity to declare Ozymandias as the number one contender?

INDY DARLING: I don’t answer to you, Arik. I never have and I never will. I don’t have to run things past you and I sure as hell don’t have to clear my decisions with you before announcing them.

ARIK HOLT: Oh? Is that how it’s going to be? Daddy Johnson isn’t around to keep the children from squabbling anymore, so you may want to be careful about how far you push me…

INDY DARLING: Unlike you, I don’t need adult supervision to run a successful show. What are you going to do about it, Arik? Sick one of your goons on me? Maybe send the whole crew over to escalate this little war? Something tells me Big Drip Productions wouldn’t let that slide…

ARIK HOLT: You have no clue how far my reach really is. Your back injury has been well documented, and it would be a shame if something were to happen to worsen your condition.

INDY DARLING: Is that the best you’ve got, Arik? I’ve been threatened by bigger and better…including Christian DeMarco.

ARIK HOLT: Don’t even try to rile me up by mentioning that sad failure. As bad as he was, you may be even worse, letting the true workers like Emmanuelle simmer and suffocate in a Warrior Rising Division that did nothing more than stifle her dreams, suppress her desires, and hide her true talent.

INDY DARLING: Emmanuelle knows how valued she is here. Just because I’m not putting her in matches where her life is on the line doesn’t mean she’s been overlooked.

ARIK HOLT: Not overlooked, but not pushed to be her best either. Fighting for a trophy with your father’s name on it? At least I’m not that self-indulgent.

INDY DARLING: That’s true, Arik. I can’t accuse you of self-indulgence when you’re stealing DeMarco’s Purge in an attempt to make it your own. Now did you actually have a good reason for this call or are we finished? Some of us earn paychecks by working instead of weaseling their way into them.

ARIK HOLT: I just wanted you to remember that your actions have consequences. I should point out how tragic it would be if someone close to you were to suffer for your indiscretions. How is Florence, by the way?

Indy stands up from his desk, visibly angered by Arik’s mentioning of his female friend.

INDY DARLING: Don’t go there, Arik. Don’t even think about it. If you’ve really got the balls you claim to have, you’ll keep this shit between us.

There is a brief bit of laughter followed by a twisted smile from the man on the video screen.

ARIK HOLT: I’m really going to miss these little tete-a-tetes we always seem to have. Honestly, I was saving this surprise for a special occasion, but I can see that keeping you on a leash is going to be more trouble than it’s worth. Mr. Kane? I believe it’s finally time you showed Indy Darling who you’re really working for.

There is a confused look on Indy’s face as he glances up at Mason Kane, who closes the door to Indy’s office and locks it without saying a word. Kane then makes his way toward Indy’s desk until he’s standing directly beside the General Manager, an intimidating look upon his face. Then, with one hand, he reaches out to take hold of Indy’s tablet. A smile starts to emerge on his face as he looks at Arik Holt on the screen.

MASON KANE: I sure as hell don’t work for a little bitch like you.

With that, Arik’s eyes grow wide but before he can say anything in response, Mason pushes the End Call button. Still smiling, Proving Ground’s Problem Solver turns to look at Indy.

INDY DARLING: Well, I have to admit, I was really hoping to keep that triple cross up my sleeve a little bit longer, but I do appreciate you not rearranging my face.

MASON KANE: What can I say? You pay a hell of a lot better than that cheap bastard. Even if you didn’t, I’ve done things in the past that I’m not proud of. I don’t want to make that mistake again.

Indy nods at Mason before the Problem Solver heads back toward the office door. The GM then sits back at his desk to resume his work, trying not to think about all the people who have painted targets on his back.



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a cage match and is for the Warrior Rising Championship!! The match can be won by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage and both feet hitting the floor… Introducing first… the challenger… from Boston, Massachusetts… JOHN BLADE!!!

“Time is Now” begins to play as he walks out on stage. He talks to the camera man and bounces a little. He holds up his “Never Give Up” logo flag and tosses it to the fans. He salutes and runs straight down towards the ring. He bounces off the ropes side to side and he holds up his “Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect” shirt. He takes off his hat and tosses his shirt to the fans and hands his Chain to the ref readying himself to fight.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… the current and defending Warrior Rising Champion… from Ottawa, Ontario… CASANOVA ENGLISH!!!

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. At this point the cage completes its journey down from the rafters and encloses the men inside. After a short pause the ref calls for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

The two begin to circle around each other, and it looks like they may lock up, but John Blade takes a couple of giant steps back. He holds out a finger noting for Casanova to wait a second, he does the you cant see me taunt, then turns around and holds his arms out, offering the Warrior Rising Champion a free shot.

TREY BOOKER: He… can't be serious.

J.T. PRICE: If I was English, I’d be pretty careful.

Casanova seems apprehensive for what seems like an obvious trap, but he takes a step forward anyway to see how Blade will react. Even though he hears the step, Blade doesn't move. English looks at the crowd and shrugs his shoulders before running to close the gap, he then proceeds to punt Blade straight in the groin from behind with all the force he can muster. John literally screams and drops hard.

J.T. PRICE: DAMN!! Casanova clearly has no respect for the balls of Blade!!

TREY BOOKER: Safe to say, Blade didn’t see that shot but by god he fucking felt it!!

John is on his knees but a grinning Casanova bounces off into the ropes and nails a hard shining wizard to the back of the head. Blade, now dazed after the shot to the head as well as his nuts, somehow gets to his knees again. Casanova runs past him and springboards up the ropes and even the cage before springing off with a spinning heel kick to the side of John's head. Blade drops like a bag of bricks and begins to clutch one hand on each head.

TREY BOOKER: I think John Blade may have cocked up the start of this one.

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, he really ballsed up!!

John has rolled over on his stomach and is attempting to pull himself away from English. Casanova simply watches with a sadistic smirk on his face, and once Blade manages to pull himself fully vertical, English runs up and throws him face first into the cage, causing him to fall down and ruin all the effort. The Doctor of Thuganomics is immediately opened up by the impact, with his eyebrow split wide. He reaches out weakly while Casanova stands there and taunts him, before aiming a single knuckle at the wound and hammering on it, before then throwing Blade into the cage again, practically dragging him over to do so.

TREY BOOKER: John allowed that shot at the start and has suffered every second since.

English looks to ram John’s head into the cage a third time, but John has enough wherewithal to duck his head under the grasp and get behind, grabbing Casanova in the process. He doesn't so much throw English with a back suplex as he does maintain a grip and fall backward, so it doesn't get the full impact. John moves to his knees and tries to get up again, but Casanova is already up and delivers a brutal elbow shot to the back of John’s neck, Casanova spins John round before hooking the arms… With a sick grin on his face English hits the elevated pedigree…

TREY BOOKER: EXISTENTIAL EXISTENCE!!!

Casanova English makes the cover…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!! CASANOVA ENGLISH WINS!!!

DING! DING! DING!

The cage begins to rise.

J.T. PRICE: Well, that was short and sweet.

TREY BOOKER: John Blade specifically requested the steel cage, but in hindsight, I’m not so sure it was a good idea to lock himself inside of a cage with a disturbed member of the True Society.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match… and still Warrior Rising Champion… CASANOVA ENGLISH!!!


A black screen.

A funeral dirge plays. You know the one.

And then the scene opens, to a solemn sight.

An assembled group of underpaid child actors weep openly in front of a casket; on top of the closed coffin is a framed photograph of Rock Johnson in better - more alive, anyway - days.

And hastily, sloppily photoshopped beside him is Johnny Levy - one poorly cropped arm wrapped around the former owner of Project: Honor‘s shoulder.

Truly they were the best of friends.

As the music’s volume lowers, Johnny Levy steps into frame wearing a subdued black suit. Proper mourning attire, except for the gaudy gold colored, Star of David print handkerchief hanging out of the front pocket of his suit jacket.

Clasping his hands together in prayer, he nods seriously to the camera.

JOHNNY LEVY: A dark day for the sport of professional wrestling, ladies and gentlemen. A tragedy the likes of which this country has not witnessed since our forefathers. You see, my invitation to old friend Jock Bronson’s funeral must have been lost in the mail. I assume the poor management of Indy Darling is to blame, but I bear no ill will towards the man.

Unclasping his hands, he shoves the orphans aside to make way towards the casket. Pressing one hand onto the lid of the coffin, he turns away from the camera and seems to be fiddling with his face.

Turning back, there is a single tear running down his cheek. Genuine, I’m sure.

JOHNNY LEVY: Today is a day of remembrance, for the life of a man whose grace and charitable nature has touched us all. And though his light has left us, we must soldier on through the darkness.

Bringing one hand to wipe away the REAL tear, he steps away from the casket. From offscreen, he is handed a coffee mug. Royal blue in color - with gold handle - it bears the likeness of Johnny Levy on all sides in various poses.

Johnny turns it around for the camera to display his face, before revealing a small - minuscule, really - picture of Rock Johnson on the bottom side of the mug, where you’d never actually see it.

JOHNNY LEVY: Introducing the Jake Sampson Memorial Fund Special Edition Johnny ‘SUPERSTAR’ Levy coffee mug. Conceptualized and trademarked by yours truly, Johnny ‘SUPERSTAR’ Levy.

Lifting the empty cup to his lips, he gives a theatrical, over-the-top slurp as he pretends to drink.

JOHNNY LEVY: Ahhh… that’s good stuff, folks. All proceeds go to a worthy cause, too! Available now at www.BigLevyProductions.org.

As the image begins to fade away, replaced slowly by a screen with all the contact and pricing details, Johnny’s voice is still heard. Someone clearly forgot to cut his mic.

JOHNNY LEVY: We done? This shit better make money, I swear to…

(AVAILABLE NOW FOR $69.99 USD. 5 cents from every purchase goes to the Brock Longson Memorial Fund. Have a Blessed Day, y’all - TM)



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a six-person tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, on their way to the ring…ARCHIMEDES J. MANSON…SWINDLE SHELLDRAKE…AND TJ THOMPSON!!!

The three men make their joint entrance as “Nonstop” by Drake accompanies them, a song determined through three-way game of Rock, Paper, Scissors prior to the match. Rumors of Swindle refusing to participate and Archie continuously attempting Giant Anvil could not be verified.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, the combined team of…DOUGLAS CRANE…EMMANUELLE…AND JOHNNY LEVY!

The opposing team enters to Ace Hood’s “Cash Flow” and it can be assumed that The Platinum Standard would not have it any other way. As the two teams go over some last-minute strategy in their respective corners, the referee calls for the opening bell.

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: We’ve got an interesting match on our hands here. I’m not sure how much tag team cohesion we’ll see out of these two groups.

J.T. PRICE: At least Archie and TJ are both members of Big Drip. There are even rumors that the group is attempting to court Swindle Shelldrake as well. That could turn out to be an important factor against the unorganized combination of Crane, Emmy, and Levy.

With Douglas Crane and TJ Thompson starting out for their respective teams, the two men go for a lock-up in the center of the ring, but Crane quickly brings up his knee into TJ’s midsection. After the fake out of a lock-up, Crane follows up with some hammering blows across TJ’s back. He then sets up the Hip Beast for a DDT, but TJ is able to counter by lifting Crane up and dropping him into an inverted atomic drop. Unfortunately for TJ, Crane no-sells the move and fires off a hard lariat that nearly sends Thompson inside out!

Douglas quickly pulls TJ back to his feet and lifts him up, driving him headfirst into the mat with a piledriver. Inflicting further harm, Crane then drops a big leg over TJ’s head before he begins to blatantly choke him on the mat. With a crazed look in his eyes, it’s clear that Crane has no intention of breaking the hold and the referee is forced to make a count…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!

Crane releases TJ’s throat just as the ref reaches a five count, but after momentarily breaking it he goes right back to choking the life out of Thompson! The hold is broken at a count of five for the second time, but when Crane tries to go back to the choke, TJ counters with a blatant poke to the eye! This stuns Crane enough for TJ to get back on his feet, and when Douglas moves in after him again, TJ surprises him with a sudden superkick to the jaw! TJ then hits the ropes and springboards off with a back elbow strike in mind, but Crane counters with a hard European uppercut to the back of TJ’s head! With the Hip Beast down, Crane reaches over to bring Johnny Levy into the contest.

The arrogant Levy steps between the ropes, but he cannot help but to break out a quick pose and smarmy grin for the crowd before giving TJ his full attention. When he finally goes after Thompson, the work Douglas Crane put in to soften him up is all for nothing, as TJ dives to his corner and tags in Swindle Shelldrake!

TREY BOOKER: Crane was displaying some impressive domination over TJ there, but it seems like Johnny Levy threw it all away with his showboating!

J.T. PRICE: Isn’t it Hanukkah or something? Levy has every right to enjoy his religious holiday!

The two men size each other up for a moment before Swindle goes in for a lock up, but Johnny Levy ducks away from him and flashes another cheesy smile at the ringside fans. That smile is still on his face when he turns back toward his opponent, and Shelldrake does his best to wipe it off his face with a bicycle big boot to the chin! Levy barely has time to land on the mat before Swindle pounces on top of him, plastering his Hollywood good looks with a series of mounted punches. Johnny is able to shove Swindle off and scramble to the ropes, holding his jaw the entire time.

Now it is Swindle who smiles as he motions for Levy to come at him, and Johnny obliges by charging in with a clothesline. Swindle ducks under and Johnny hits the opposite ropes, rebounding back as Shelldrake attempts to flip him to the mat with a back body drop. Instead, Levy straightens Swindle up with a hard kick and then connects with the clothesline on his second attempt. This time it is Levy who kneels over Shelldrake for a series of mounted punches.

The Superstar then locks in a side headlock and continues to throw punches in at Swindle as he’s getting back on his feet. Levy sends The Kraken to the ropes with an Irish Whip and connects with an impressive dropkick on the return. He pulls him up and gives him another Irish Whip, this time executing a spinebuster when Shelldrake is back in his grasp. Still rubbing his jaw, Levy grabs a handful of Swindle’s hair to keep him from going to his corner as he brings Emmanuelle into the match.

The Platinum Standard comes off the top rope with a sidekick to Swindle’s chest as Levy makes his exit, assuring that her team stays in control. She then hooks The Kraken’s head and moves toward the turnbuckles, looking to set him up for her Malibu Shine tornado DDT. Emmanuelle begins the motions of the move perfectly, but Swindle holds onto the top rope with one hand and successfully throws Emmanuelle off of him, bringing up his foot to kick her in the jaw on her way down. With The Platinum Standard stunned, Shelldrake wisely dashes to his corner to bring Archimedes into the match for the first time.

TREY BOOKER: Neither team has really captured a clear advantage yet, and with six of them in this match, it could be difficult for one side to hold momentum for long.

J.T. PRICE: Now that Emmanuelle is in there with that ridiculous cartoon character, I don’t see it being a problem for much longer.

Emmanuelle is back on her feet as Archie approaches, and she surprises him with a series of knife edge chops to the chest. She throws in some forearms and sidekicks to keep Archie guessing and is eventually successful in driving him back to a neutral corner. She then takes a few steps back before charging at Archie with an attempted dropkick in the corner, but Manson sidesteps at the last moment and Emmanuelle’s foot becomes intertwined with the top turnbuckle, putting her in a tree of woe!

Archie uses that opportunity to hit a hesitation dropkick to Emmanuelle’s midsection that knocks her free from hanging upside down, but when she lands it isn’t her midsection she grabs in pain, but her ankle. Initially unaware of his opponent’s pain, Archie continues to go on the attack, bouncing off the ropes to hit a springboard crossbody. Both competitors quickly get back up, but it’s clear that Emmanuelle is favoring her ankle and is a step slower than normal, making it all the easier for Archie to hit his JK superkick! He goes for the cover…

ONE!
TWO!
SAVE BY CRANE!

As Douglas Crane does the heavy lifting to save his partner from a potential pin, we see that Johnny Levy has made his way to the ringside area where he’s actually taking the time to do more posing! The fans are not the only ones who are displeased with Levy, as Swindle Shelldrake takes notice and drops off the apron. Finally, Johnny turns his attention back to the match, just in time to get hit by a running clothesline from Swindle that sends both men over the guardrail!

Back inside of the ring, it appears as if Archimedes is still unaware of exactly how much pain his opponent is in, as he pulls Emmanuelle back up and goes for The Killing Joke! He has Emmanuelle up and spins her off his shoulders, when she counters out of nowhere with a crucifix pin!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Archie is back on his feet quickly, but Emmanuelle greets him with a hard liver punch that drops him to his knees! She then manages to connect with a spinning kick to his face that sends him back into his corner in a seated position. With Archie prone in the corner, Emmanuelle briefly tries to shake the pain out of her ankle before she goes for The Platinum Dynamic…but as she runs across the ring her ankle betrays her and she falls to the canvas, grasping it in pain!

There is a look of surprise on Archie’s face and since he doesn’t immediately capitalize on his opponent’s misfortune, TJ Thompson brings himself into the match with a blind tag. He goes up top and flies off…Hip for the Drip connects! TJ goes for the pin as Archie dives forward to keep Crane from breaking it up!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match by way of pinfall…ARCHIMEDES J. MANSON, SWINDLE SHELLDRAKE, AND TJ THOMPSON!!!

Swindle Shelldrake slides back into the ring as his teammates have their hands raised. Meanwhile, Johnny Levy climbs back into the ringside area with a bewildered look on his face while Douglas Crane stares at the winners with a disturbing expression. After the brief celebration, Archie moves toward Emmanuelle in a sportsmanlike gesture to make sure she’s okay, but The Platinum Standard has none of it as she shoves him away as forcefully as she can.

TREY BOOKER: The tag team cohesion was definitely in question during this one, but ultimately, I think the match was cut short by whatever injury Emmanuelle may have suffered.

J.T. PRICE: No matter how bad her ankle is hurt; it can be nearly as bad as taking a pin from TJ Thompson! Imagine her embarrassment!

TREY BOOKER: A win marred by injury is still a win, and while Levy and Crane have nothing to be disappointed in regard to their performance, neither man can be thrilled with this outcome.




We find ourselves in Johnny Levy’s locker room, where he is relaxing after a hard fought 3 on 3 match up. Suddenly there is a knock at the door, and he looks up not expecting anyone tonight. He walks over and opens the door and is surprised to find Douglas Crane standing there, staring at him with his piercing blue eyes.

Johnny: Um, howdy?

Crane: Hello Johnny.

Crane just stands there not saying a word after that and Levy looks around, wondering where his staff is to help him out of situations like this.

Johnny: Um, can I… help you?

Crane: Good match.

Johnny: Yeah, I guess…

Crane again just stands there, and Johnny, not sure about what to say or do, does what any normal person would do.

Johnny: Alright well you take care now.

He goes to close the door, but Crane holds it open, and Johnny looks up at him.

Crane: Warrior Rising title…

Johnny: Yeah… what about it?

Crane: You have a shot.

Johnny: I do.

Crane stands there a few more seconds before releasing the door and then moving forward with his other arm. Johnny takes a step back or two, getting into a fighting stance but Crane is simply extending his hand out to him for a handshake.

Crane: Good luck.

Johnny reluctantly and carefully shakes it, never taking his eyes off of Crane. Once the handshake is over Crane simply turns and walks away.

Johnny quickly closes the door.

Johnny: Jesus H. Christ where do they find these guys? Quinlan?! Where the heck are ya?!



“Beat It” by Fallout Boy rings throughout the arena as Kyle Valentine makes his entrance with DJ Hunter by his side. The young competitor has his gameface on, but there is still a hint of nervous energy about him as he prepares to start the biggest match of his career thus far.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Project: Honor X-Factor Championship! Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by DJ Hunter…hailing from Cameron, North Carolina and weighing in at two hundred thirty-eight pounds…he is one half of The Phantom Troupe…KYLE VALENTINE!!!


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!

He climbs up to the apron, grabs a hold of the top rope, and slingshots himself into the ring. MYOJIN 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 opponent, residing in San Diego, California and weighing in at one hundred sixty-five pounds…he is the reigning and defending X-Factor Champion… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: It’s always exciting to have an X-Factor Championship match on Proving Ground, and no one exemplifies the ‘anything can happen’ feeling of that division more than the current champ!

J.T. PRICE: Kyle has got his work cut out for him tonight, but even I have to admit that it took a major pair to call out MYOJIN for a one-on-one match!

TREY BOOKER: Could this be Kyle’s coming out party? Will the year of The Shining Star end on a low note for MYOJIN?

MYOJIN is too experienced to rush into action with their title on the line, and having thoroughly studied his opponent, Kyle isn’t about to charge in and leave himself wide open by mistake. The pair circle each other for a moment before finally coming together for a collar and elbow lock up, in which Kyle has the advantage as he uses his greater size and strength to push MYOJIN back into the corner. The referee calls for the clean break, and Valentine quickly obliges, backing up toward the center of the ring with his palms up.

The Shining Star smiles and nods, perhaps impressed by the refreshing display of sportsmanship on the challenger’s behalf. Again, they circle each other before the lock up, and again, Kyle gains an early advantage as he starts to push MYOJIN toward the corner. Before their back touches the buckles, The Shining Star manages to reverse and press Kyle into the corner, leading the referee to call for another clean break. This time, The Shining Star returns the favor by backing away.

TREY BOOKER: We’re already seeing some great sportsmanship by both champion and challenger. It will be interesting to see how long that lasts…

They circle for a third time, but when Kyle reaches in for the lock up, MYOJIN grasps his wrist and goes behind to apply a hammer lock. Valentine tries to reverse the hold a couple of times, but MYOJIN refuses to give away his strategic position. Instead, Kyle finally reaches back to grab the champion by the head and flips him forward with a snap mare. He then slaps on a reverse chinlock once MYOJIN is seated on the mat, but The Shining Star quickly rolls out of the hold, trips up Kyle by the ankle, and attempts an ankle lock. To avoid the move, Kyle tucks his upper body and rolls, his momentum propelling MYOJIN toward the ropes. Still on the mat, Valentine monkey flips the champion upon their return, but The Shining Star goes with the move and lands on their feet.

MYO bounces off the opposite ropes and leapfrogs over Kyle as he drops back down, but when the champion comes charging back, Valentine surprises them by executing a sudden belly to belly suplex takedown! The move only keeps MYOJIN down momentarily, but when they get back to their feet, Kyle greets them with a flurry of various well-placed kicks to various parts of the body. The champion struggles to block the blows as they go from his legs to their torso, somewhat of a role reversal as MYOJIN is usually the one to apply such a strategy. Kyle attempts to end his combination of kicks with a big roundhouse, but MYOJIN avoids it with a Matrix-style back bridge. The champion then pops back up into a spinning back fist that catches the challenger right on the chin!

The blow staggers Kyle and MYOJIN is quick to follow up with a low dropkick to his knee that takes him off his feet. Valentine is quick to get back on his feet by MYOJIN has already spotted their opening and takes him back down with a Tiger Spin drop toe hold. This time the Shining Star goes for more than just the ankle, applying a kneebar before Kyle can do anything about it. The challenger still has plenty of strength however, and he reaches the ropes before much damage can be done. When the referee calls for a break, MYOJIN immediately obliges, and the audience applauds the continued display of sportsmanship.

TREY BOOKER: Great technical displays by both champion and challenger so far! This is what Proving Ground is all about!

J.T. PRICE: No stabbings necessary!

Shaking out his leg, Kyle cautiously approaches MYOJIN, who makes a sudden dive for his opponent’s legs in response. Valentine is able to leap over MYOJIN’s lunge and when The Shining Star pops back up, he greets the champion with a spinning backfist of his own! The move catches MYOJIN on the nose and momentarily blinds them, giving Kyle the chance to follow up with a Bridging Northern Lights Suplex!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Kyle doesn’t wait for MYOJIN to recover or collect his thoughts as he keeps hold of the champion and takes him back to the mat with a vertical suplex, then rolls it into a gutwrench suplex, and ends it with a bridging fisherman’s suplex!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Following the kickout, Kyle measures MYOJIN as he sits back up, and then charges forward for his Jecht Shot! The champion has just enough wherewithal to avoid the shining wizard by ducking under it, but Kyle uses his forward momentum to charge at the ropes, springboard off the middle, and come back with his Black Meteor kick! It connects and the champion is down!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE - NO!

Kyle slaps his hand on the mat, showing some brief frustration before planning his next attack. With MYOJIN still down and stunned, Valentine makes his way to the top turnbuckle and takes to the air, coming down with a picture-perfect flying elbow drop. The champion brings his leg up at the last second, and when MYOJIN’s foot connects with Kyle’s extended arm, there is a sickening smack that resonates throughout the arena. Both competitors are quick to get on their feet, but Kyle attempts a clothesline with that same arm without thinking, and MYOJIN counters with a double knee arm breaker!

TREY BOOKER: Kyle was looking really good there, but it only takes one small mistake for a competitor like MYOJIN to turn the tables!

J.T. PRICE: He’s lucky MYOJIN didn’t break his arm with that kick!

No longer concerned with taking Kyle off his feet and focusing on the leg, MYOJIN briefly grapples with the challenger before executing a Tai-Otoshi which transitions immediately into a cross armbar! Urged on by the encouragement of DJ Hunter along with the pain in his arm, Kyle is quick to scoot toward the edge of the ring, dropping his foot over the bottom rope and forcing the clean break. Again, Kyle gets to his feet, but this time MYOJIN grapples him with a Sode-tsurokomi-goshi, putting him back on the mat so that the cross armbar can be applied again. Valentine reaches the ropes again, but it’s becoming clear that the continued focus on his arm is taking its toll. Again, there is a brief grapple, and again Kyle is taken down, this time with an Osoto Gari into a standing armbar by the champion. Valentine is forced to expend more energy for another rope break, and this time when he gets to his feet, he greets MYOJIN’s attempted grapple with a sudden headbutt between the eyes!

The move knocks the champion off balance and stuns him, giving Kyle the chance to bounce off the ropes and come back with a Western-style lariat! MYOJIN hits the mat hard, but Kyle immediately grabs his arm and is unable to capitalize on the suddenness of his offense!

TREY BOOKER: Wise move by Valentine with that headbutt! Not many can go toe-to-toe with MYOJIN in grappling!

J.T. PRICE: But he didn’t follow it up with the right move! That arm is really hurting him now!

Knowing that he’s in trouble if MYOJIN gets another chance at his arm, Kyle hits a sick falling headbutt on the champion! The Requiem connects and it looks as if it’s completely knocked MYOJIN unconscious!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE - NO!

MYOJIN manages to get their shoulder up at the last second as a trickle of blood can be seen dripping from the champion’s forehead. The Shining Star staggers to their feet, clearly in a daze, and Kyle goes for Din’s Fire! No! He’s unable to complete the move when his targeted arm doesn’t cooperate, and he hits the mat without being able to bring MYOJIN down with his signature ace crusher! The champion uses that opportunity to lock in their headscissors kimura…Aquila is applied on Kyle’s injured limb!

The pain is obvious on Kyle’s face, but with an opportunity at the X-Factor Championship and the chance to prove himself against a star of MYOJIN’s caliber, he is not about to tap out! DJ Hunter cheers for Kyle at ringside as Valentine does his best to reach out for the ropes, but MYOJIN only wrenches down on the hold more in response!

It looks as if Kyle is going to tap as he raises his hand…but something deep inside doesn’t allow him to slap the mat! He holds his free hand aloft and reaches for the ropes again, but he’s still inches away and MYOJIN refuses to budge!

There is a legitimate concern of Kyle’s arm breaking from the pressure, but he still can’t bring himself to tap out. There is even a look of concern on MYOJIN’s face, but knowing what’s at stake, the champion will not relinquish the hold! Valentine is in serious trouble…he’s risking permanent injury…and that’s when DJ Hunter leaps onto the apron, pulling the towel from his shoulder and throwing it into the ring. For a moment the referee is confused, but he finally understands that Kyle’s partner is forfeiting the match for his partner’s safety and he calls for the bell!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match by stoppage and still the X-Factor Champion of Project: Honor…MYOJIN!!!

The champion wastes no time in releasing the hold when the bell rings, happy that he hasn’t had to severely injure his opponent to end the contest. As DJ Hunter slides into the ring and kneels at Kyle’s side, the referee retrieves the championship and hands it to The Shining Star, raising his hand to signify a well-deserved title defense. As Kyle sits up holding his arm, he looks toward MYOJIN with an expression of disappointment. In response, the champion nods in Kyle’s direction, acknowledging the heart and skill he’s displayed.

TREY BOOKER: What a match! MYOJIN solidifies their place as the champion and The Shining Star isn’t too proud to show their appreciation for Valentine’s effort.

J.T. PRICE: You’ve got to give the kid credit. He really took it to the champion, and even in certain defeat, he refused to tap out.

TREY BOOKER: You can’t blame DJ Hunter for making that call though. He not only showed his concern for his partner’s well-being, but he also had to consider their future goals as a tag team. No matter what, Kyle Valentine has nothing to be ashamed of here tonight in his performance against one of the best in the business!


We see Big Drip Productions chopping it up in the back after their match, laughing and having a good time. After a while they each go their separate ways and the camera stays with TJ Thompson who is heading towards the men’s restroom. Before he gets in, he is stopped by one of his opponents earlier today: Douglas Crane.

TJ THOMPSON: What the fuck do you want Douggie?

CRANE: Knock-knock…

TJ THOMPSON: Dude, how old are you?

CRANE: KNOCK! KNOCK!

TJ THOMPSON: Fine, who’s there?

Crane then nails Thompson out of nowhere with a right hand that sends TJ stumbling back against the wall. He quickly recovers and goes to clothesline Crane but Crane ducks, and as TJ passes him by, he grabs his head and drops him with a neck-breaker on the floor! TJ holds his head in pain, but Crane doesn’t let up, bringing him back up, spinning him around and applying his cobra clutch submission. TJ tries to fight him off but after a while he starts to fade and then Crane lifts him up and turns the move into a cobra clutch slam! TJ is down and out and Crane stays laying down on the floor, his face right next to TJ’s ears…

Crane: Deez Nuts… See, I can be funny too...

Crane smiles slightly and pushes himself up to his feet as he hears the other members of BDP screaming and making their way over. He simply walks away and by the time they arrive to check on their partner, he’s gone.



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall.

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 Arata’s arrival.

"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, Arata removes his entrance attire and proceeds to stretch in his corner, never taking his eyes off Tara Fenix.

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

Both wrestlers walk out to the center of the ring, talking a fair bit of trash. The referee decides not to get between them and calls for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

Surprisingly, both wrestlers take a step back and begin circling one another. Arata moves first, trying to grab Tara with a single leg, but Tara sidesteps and Asakura slides past, immediately standing up and turning around as though he expected Tara to get out of the way. The two continue circling one another, neither competitor able to get a hold of the other. Finally, the two engage in an elbow and collar tie up, with Arata leveraging the smaller Fenix into the corner. He locks on a bear hug and as Tara tries to wriggle free, manages to shimmy her down to the next corner. Arata finally lets go of Tara who lifts her leg up to make sure he has to keep his distance. Tara looks frustrated at the opening sequence.

TREY BOOKER: A real rarity in this one, Arata actually has the size advantage.

J.T. PRICE: Size isn’t overly important; it’s how you use what you have that matters.

Arata waits in the middle ring, pointing to his brain, taunting Tara about the fact that he’s in her head. Arata deftly tries to take Tara down with a single leg, but Fenix jumps up and tries to get a guillotine. She loses her grip and slides off, landing on her back while Arata manages to hold onto her leg. Asakura tries to twist Tara’s leg into some kind of submission, but Tara pulls her way over to the ropes and Arata is forced to break the hold.

TREY BOOKER: Tara literally asked Arata to underestimate her, as confident as he is, I doubt he’ll be that stupid.

J.T. PRICE: Tara also made it clear she wants to watch Arata choke in The Phoenix Triangle, that would be a statement.

Arata continues smirking while Fenix gets up, giving her adversary a death stare. Arata goes for another collar and elbow tie up, but Tara catches him with a dirty boxing strike to the ribs. She drives her knee into Asakura, catching him in the neck and causing him to fall onto his hands and knees. Tara Fenix grabs Asakura by both sides of the head, bringing him to his feet. She then peppers him with a series of sharp jabs to the chin, causing him to bounce off the ropes. As Arata rebounds, Tara drops him to the mat with a vicious headbutt. He lands on the mat and Tara continues the assault, laying into The Gaijin Killer with repeated stomps and kicks.

TREY BOOKER: Arata is getting pummeled by Tara right now.

J.T. PRICE: The guy’s a multiple time champion across this business, that includes being a Triple Crown & Grand Slam Champion in ALPHA Wrestling. Arata can take this.

TREY BOOKER: Where?

“The Phoenix Queen” pulls Arata up to his feet again, catching him with another shot to the ribs which drops him so he’s literally sitting on the bottom rope. Fenix pulls him up and Irish whips Arata. Asakura tries to reverse, but Tara plants her feet and pulls Arata back to her. Arata uses the momentum and delivers a kick to the midsection of Tara Fenix. Arata now whips his smaller opponent into the ropes and delivers a quick overhead release belly-to-belly suplex sending Tara flying to the ropes on the far side of the ring. Tara rolls with it, getting instinctively to her feet, but she staggers to the corner as she tries to get her bearings. Arata rushes at her and connects with a clothesline which sends Tara Fenix all the way to the outside of the ring.

J.T. PRICE: Tara ain't cruising now.

The referee says something to Arata, but he gently shoves him away. From outside of the ring, Fenix manages to grab Arata’s ankle and pulls him out with her. Tara gets Arata’s legs on each one of her shoulders and swings him into the ringside barricade. Asakura lets out a yell as he grabs his head. Tara pauses, still getting her own head on straight. After a few seconds, she seems to have cleared her mind and turns to survey the damage. Tara rolls Arata into the ring and instantly follows, she rolls him onto his back and tries to grab at Arata’s legs. Arata pulls his legs in and pushes Fenix off with a fair amount of force.

TREY BOOKER: Just when Tara thinks she has the answers, Arata changes the question.

J.T. PRICE: You stole that line!! I’ve definitely heard that before!!

Asakura gets to his hands and knees and shakes his head while Tara pulls herself up using the ropes. Tara grabs Arata who explodes with an uppercut that stuns the Scottish born fighter. He fires off two more, sending Fenix into the corner. He whips her across the ring and follows her in. Tara quickly gets out of the way and Arata flies between the top and middle ropes, crashing shoulder first into the ringpost and falling to the outside of the ring. Tara paces inside of the ring while the referee talks to her. Eventually Arata gets to his feet and as the referee turns to check on him, Tara hits the ropes and leaps over the ref, landing on top of Asakura with a topé con hilo, knocking him back into the barricade.

J.T. PRICE: Suicidal!!

Tara gets to her feet first and as Arata does the same, grabs him by the back of the neck and drags him around the ring post to the other side of the ring and launches him face first into the steel steps. The referee tries to admonish Tara, but she simply ignores him and walks up the ring steps then into the ring.

TREY BOOKER: The change in Tara is so clear, she seems so much more aggressive, and you could even say disrespectful at times than she used to be.

J.T. PRICE: Like her music says, she’ll swim against the stream.

Arata is still down on the outside of the ring writhing in pain, he eventually crawls into the ring, sporting a nice sized welt in the center of his forehead. Tara immediately punts Asakura right on the welt, trying to open him up. Fenix waits until Gaijin Killer leans forward, she delivers a straight right to his forehead, either trying to soften him up or open him up. Tara pulls her opponent up only to drop him with a forceful elbow shot to the skull.

TREY BOOKER: Ouch!

Tara smiles as she looks down at Arata who is trying to get to his feet. Tara gets down on one knee and literally digs her nails into Arata’s forehead. After failing to open Arata up she let's go in frustration. Asakura gets to one knee and Fenix catches him with a short right hook that only seems to wake Arata up. The One Real Shogun throws an overhead right, landing the blow cleanly. He throws another and connects at the same time that Tara throws another jab. Arata throws two more haymakers, somehow winning the exchange with Tara. Arata runs back to the ropes, but Tara quickly executes a waistlock go behind then transitions it into a harsh snap dragon suplex. Tara rolls Arata onto his stomach with the full nelson still applied.

TREY BOOKER: Arata has taken a lot of punishment up to this point, but he’s still swinging. I don’t think he’s going to give up to a full nelson, though.

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, I’d give you long odds.

The referee checks on Arata, asking him if he wants to give up, Arata responds by letting out a guttural yell and lifts his hips, managing to get his knees underneath him. The adrenaline allows him to lean back, then throw himself forward, which causes Tara to release the hold and flip over his head. Fenix rolls with it, getting her feet while Asakura is still recovering. She marches over and straddles Arata, grabbing him in a chinlock. The ref checks again, but every time he tries to answer, Tara delivers a forearm across his face. Arata drops to the mat face first and Tara stands up pacing around while the referee checks to see if her opponent is out. Arata shakes his head and Tara pounces, pulling Asakura to his feet, only to be rewarded by him grabbing her with a Muay Thai clinch. He delivers a series of knees, connects in the midsection and possibly catches Tara in her ribs. The moment Tara staggers, Arata whips her into the ropes. Tara reverses it and sends Arata into the ropes. Arata ducks a roundhouse kick on the return trip and comes bouncing back, getting caught with a leg sweep from Tara. Tara quickly grabs Arata by the arm, but Asakura rolls away, shaking his arm loose in the process.

J.T. PRICE: No one has even gone for a damn pin attempt yet.

Arata rolls himself into the corner where he slumps onto the bottom turnbuckle. Tara stalks over and delivers a few strong blows and a knee to the sternum before picking Arata up. She lifts him up and sits him up on the top turnbuckle then slaps him right across the face. She grabs by the back of the neck, but Arata finds the energy to return the slap across the face in retaliation. Tara comes back but Arata open hand slaps her again. He then grabs her in a front face guillotine and lifts her off the canvas, putting her down every few seconds but maintaining the hold. Tara eventually lifts Arata off the turnbuckle, but he is able to kick his foot off the middle turnbuckle and transitions into a spiked tornado DDT. Arata instinctively rolls over to cover Fenix…

ONE!
TWO!
THRE… KICK OUT BY TARA!!!

TREY BOOKER: Amazing for these two to go at it this long before that first pin attempt.

Both competitors eventually get to their feet around the same time and Tara unloads a heavy, but sloppy straight right to Arata’s jaw. Asakura responds with a right hook of his own, knocking Fenix back. Tara uses the momentum to come at Arata connecting with another jab. Arata throws another haymaker, but Tara responds with alternating body shots knocking Asakura back into the corner. Tara runs to the middle of the ring and turns around running towards the corner. She goes for a stinger splash, but Arata falls out of the way. Fenix staggers back and Asakura applies a full nelson of his own. He lifts Tara over his head connecting with a dragon suplex of his own. He maintains the hold and rolls him and Tara over, lifting his much lighter opponent up as he gets to his feet. He delivers a second dragon suplex and repeats the process, giving “The Goddess” a third dragon suplex. He hooks the leg…

ONE!
TWO!
THRE… TARA GETS HER SHOULDER UP!!

TREY BOOKER: These two are really putting on a show tonight.

Arata pulls himself up while Tara struggles to her feet. Fenix stumbles towards the middle of the ring while Asakura sits in the corner. After a few heaving breaths, Arata steps towards. Fenix lets out a scream and rushes Arata, grabbing him in a headlock, she goes to jump up, looking for the running bulldog but Arata catches her and reverses into a modified forward Russian leg sweep. He sits on his knees in front of Tara, hands on his knees trying to figure out what to do next. Tara lies on the mat as the camera angle makes it seem like Asakura is towering over her. Arata peers down at Tara, holding his midsection in pain. Tara starts to sit up as Arata leans down. Tara amazingly drags Arata to the mat and almost on instinct locks in a modified version of her Triangle Choke…

J.T. PRICE: WOW! There it is! That’s pretty much the final part of her Phoenix Triangle!!

Arata struggles and tries to fight but Tara has it locked…

TREY BOOKER: ARATA IS FADING!!! TARA SAID SHE WOULD MAKE HIM CHOKE!!!

The ref checks on Arata as Tara screams for him to tap, Arata is having none of it though… AT THAT MOMENT THE LIGHTS GO OUT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE ARENA!!!

J.T. PRICE: What the fuck… what happened?

TREY BOOKER: I can hear something going on, but I can’t see shit.

The lights return as quickly as they went out to find the referee down and motionless, Tara has removed the choke on Arata and is looking at the fallen ref with a bemused expression. She crawls over to check on him as Mason Kane starts making his way down the ramp, at that exact moment Tara is nailed with a Shining Wizard to the back of her head…

J.T. PRICE: RAIKIRI!!!

TREY BOOKER: That short pause really helped Arata regain his senses…

Arata hooks the far leg as Mason Kane slides into the ring… Mason makes the count…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!! ARATA ASAKURA WINS!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match via pinfall… THE ONE REAL SHOGUN… ARATA ASAKURA!!!

Mason Kane now goes over to check on the fallen ref whilst Arata sits up.

TREY BOOKER: Really have to believe Tara had this won before the lights dropped.

J.T. PRICE: Maybe? I admit, it’s hard to imagine anyone getting out of that Phoenix Triangle.

TREY BOOKER: No matter what, I hope the Grand Champion was watching this one, because he’s going to have his hands full in the coming weeks with both Arata Asakura and Tara Fenix!

J.T. PRICE: Speak of the devil and he shall appear!

The camera breaks away from Arata having his hand raised as Tara recovers, to show Ozymandias standing at the entranceway, arms crossed in front of his chest and the Grand Championship securely around his waist. If the champion is impressed, it does not show, as he stares silently at the two competitors who remain in the ring…


Another episode of Proving Ground has reached its conclusion after an exciting main event, but as the fans begin to file out of their seats, we go backstage one final time. There is no one waiting to give a last-minute interview or announcement. Instead, there is a flurry of commotion as we hear the raised voice of a backstage producer.

PRODUCER: Get some help back here! Now!

The cameraman rushes closer to the scene as we see the producer kneel down beside an unmoving body. Laying on his stomach at an awkward angle, completely unconscious and unmoving, is Proving Ground’s General Manager, Indy Darling. While his face is covered in blood, even more concerning is the broken handle of a sledgehammer laying across his injured back, the weapon’s heavy metal head resting a few feet away from Indy’s body. As backstage personnel make their way to the scene and the producer attempts to get a response out of Indy, it remains unclear who could have perpetrated the apparent crime during the arena’s brief moment of darkness. A jilted lover? An overbearing mother? A rival General Manager? A hired Problem Solver? With his condition unknown and his attacker’s identity a mystery, Proving Ground goes off the air…