ROCK JOHNSON: ...Can you clarify what it is that I’m looking at, here?

The CEO of Project: Honor asks, with a hand scritching atop his head as he looks out to the scene in front of him and sees… a few shacks? A little road trip that’s three hours from Denver would’ve been better going to Aspen or Boulder or somewhere a man can really stretch his legs, but instead, a three hour trip one way is now on hour five of being in now so thick and icy that even an SUV is struggling to get through the slush, underneath a grey sky, where the only ‘locals’ visible to the scene are those snowmobiling because that’s the only option for navigating a hellhole like this… only to see a few shacks. Rock closes the flaps of his jacket, while Christian DeMarco’s as joyous and jovial as a child on Christmas morning.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: We are standing mere meters away from a place lost to the sands of time. St. Elmo may not look like much, especially in the winter, but underneath the feet of snow are some of the richest mines in the area, where men would come from all over the country looking for a chance to hit big, find riches, and create something for themselves. Don’t take me as an aficionado for small town lore, but this? When I told you I’d change the face of combat, I wasn’t looking for you to rent out MSG, I didn’t need a tower in Dubai, I needed…. This.

ROCK JOHNSON: Why? Is Fallout opening with a snowball fight?

Christian strums his cheek, which makes Rock frown a little.

ROCK JOHNSON: Forgive me if I’m short, but it’s frigid, I’m hours away from civilization, and we barely survived getting here. I want to get back in the same number of pieces I left in.

The businessman’s eyes scale over the barren landscape - aside from a few buildings in the distance, if there’s a sign of life in the area, he can’t find it.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: I couldn’t avoid it. When I see a testament to blood being shed, to lives being lost, almost like a monument for human suffering for the sake of claiming a reality that feels too good to exist until you have it, I couldn’t pass it by. You honor it. Do you know how you do that?

ROCK JOHNSON: By having a match there?

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: By helping it be seen the way it sees itself. We’re a few miles away from ‘town’, if you’d call it that. A lil’ place with a general store and a population in the single digits might seem like a quaint countryside to many, but I don’t see it that way. I see this place and I see all the people who were trapped in caveins because they wanted something better. I see the danger, I see the lives lost, I see the bloodshed in the pursuit of happiness, and I want everyone to see this place the way it deserves to be seen! It doesn’t take one lucky swing of the pickaxe to become successful… it doesn’t take the best strategy or the most experience…

ROCK JOHNSON: Then, in your opinion, what does it take?

With a pregnant pause, Christian breathes in the frigid mountain air, and speaks.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Everything. It takes EVERYTHING. We will honor this place by showing them what that means.

The fans couldn’t be anymore excited than they already are of the last big show of the year in Project: Honor. All Proving Ground titles on the line, inter-brand tag team champions will be decided, the tournament for the Legacy title and it’s crazy wheel of match gimmicks, also the death of Myojin or Colton Saint. Also it was the first taste of the newest Fallout brand with the Purge match happening throughout the evening in St. Elmo, Colorado. The crew had arrived and set up their multiple stand still cameras and all the camera men and women from the Union are preparing for this insanity. The fans in the Ball Area back in Denver give a huge pop as John Nash Strader appears on the titantron with his niece Victoria.

TREY BOOKER: What the hell is Strader doing 3 hours away from the arena?

J.T. PRICE: I bet it is to wish his niece good luck?

John sits upon his 1947 Harley Davidson Panhead ( He doesn’t ride knock off Harley’s) with it’s mini ape hanger handlebars and the Brothers of Mayhem logo airbrushed onto the black fuel tank that glimmers with small of snow falling and the chrome from the frame.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: What are you doing here, Uncle John?

JOHN NASH STRADER: Wanted to see what you have gotten yourself into and to wish you luck.

Victoria smiles nervously.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Thank you, but you need to get to Denver! It’s like 3 hours away!

John gives her the infamous Strader sneer.

JOHN NASH STRADER: Don’t worry, I will make it in time. The ride will clear my head.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: If you say so! Give Indy hell tonight!

JOHN NASH STRADER: I will come back down and pick you up when the show is over. We can celebrate your debut as long as you don’t die.

Victoria chuckles, her nerves showing.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Yeah, if I die I am pretty sure mom will kill you then Mr. Johnson.

John laughs as he turns the ignition over and with his right foot kicks the Harley to life.

JOHN NASH STRADER: Well, keep your head up, keep a look out and don’t let that happen. Win or lose, kid, you will show this place why our last name is infamous. Good luck, you got this.

John grabs his helmet, straps it to his head and puts on his clear glasses for night riding. He gives her a wink as he hits the throttle on his Harley letting the sound echo throughout the abandoned town as he gives a burn out before taking off down the road to interstate.

TREY BOOKER: Well, the clock is ticking.

J.T. PRICE: You are such a worry wort, Trey. He’s a real biker, they ride no matter the weather outside!

TREY BOOKER: Well, I am getting word it’s time to move the show along.

Our scene opens up in the small ghost town that is St. Elmo, Colorado. We see a crowd of two-thousand fans standing in front of a wrestling ring. The wrestling ring itself has two metal structures jutting up about twenty feet high, from two ring posts on opposite sides of each other. A cable stretches from structure to structure, three metal briefcases hang from the cable. Ten fifteen-foot-tall monitors stand on the opposite side of the ring, one meant for each competitor.

The sun has set and small clouds of vapor from the crowd’s breath indicate that it is a little cold out in St. Elmo. The crowd’s murmuring slowly gets louder as we see Fallout General Manager Christian DeMarco step out of the crowd and slide into the ring, under the bottom rope. Dressed in black sweatpants and a black hoodie, Christian jumps to his feet and turns to the crowd. In one hand he holds a green purge mask, in the other a microphone. With a wicked smile on his face, he brings the microphone up to his lips.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Welcome…to the FIRST EVER…PROJECT: HONOR PURGE MATCH!!!

The fans give off a decent pop. Christian’s voice can be heard echoing off the nearby mountains.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: I had to be the one here to kick off the festivities. I had to be the one here to see my brainchild set loose upon Project: Honor. I had to be here for you…the fans.

Suddenly all the large monitors kick on. Each one shows a different participant in this match.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Behind me, you can see our athletes ready for battle. They are all ready to put themselves on the line for an opportunity…

Christian looks up at the briefcases.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: …that could skyrocket their career in Project: Honor.

He brings his gaze back down to the fans.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: In just a moment, the siren will go off and the match will start. Everyone has the chance to make it to this ring to get their shot…but only two will be allowed into this ring. Their best chance at earning the ability to step into this squared circle? Eliminate your opponents…

By pinfall…

By submission…

By knock out.

Christian turns and looks at the monitors.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: I know you all can hear me. I want to see you give it everything you have. I want to see you stop your opponents by any means possible. I want you to show me…Project: Honor…and these fans, why YOU deserve to win this match.

He slowly turns back around.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: And while you all are trying to win by any means possible…

Christian pulls the microphone away from his face as he slides on his green purge mask. At that moment, three other people walk out of the crowd and slide into the ring. As they stand, we see they are wearing the same black outfit and green masks.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: …we will be out and about, having some fun of our own. May God be with you all.

The Fallout GM drops the microphone as he and the other four of his green purge masked group slide out of the ring and run off into the ghost town in different directions.

From atop of one of the metal structures holding up the farthest left monitor, a speaker begins to chirp out the emergency broadcast noise. It is then followed by a female voice.

FEMALE VOICE: This is not a test. This is your emergency broadcast system announcing the commencement of the Purge Match, sanctioned by the Project: Honor Management.

The crowd quiets down, but you can feel the excitedness running through them all.

FEMALE VOICE: Any and all weapons or items found in St. Elmo, have been authorized for use during the Purge Match.

Noise begins to build in the crowd.

FEMALE VOICE: Anyone not officially in this match, has been granted immunity from the Purge and shall not be harmed. Commencing at the siren, any and all crime will be legal until one person is left standing as the victor.

The fans start to get louder.

FEMALE VOICE: Police, fire, and emergency medical services will be unavailable until such time the Purge Match concludes. Blessed be our Project: Honor founding fathers. May God be with you all.

The fans get even louder but are quickly drowned out by the purge siren. The fans explode as the action on the monitors start. The wrestlers can be seen running through the surrounding forest, some already standing around buildings.

ALARA ADAMS: HELLO EVERYONE…AND WELCOME TO THE FIRST EVER PURGE MATCH!!! My name is Alara Adams!

KAYDEN ELLIS: And my name is Kayden Ellis! Tonight, we make our announcing debut before we shift over to Fallout. And what a FUCKING match to do it in. I mean...LOOK AT THIS!!! Ten athletes...no rules...all for the chance to get a briefcase that could be empty.

ALARA ADAMS: I pay attention to social media. Even Matthew Knox is out there saying that if he gets the empty case, he is coming after the General Manager of whatever show he gets drafted to.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Which could be Fallout. And can you imagine Knox coming after DeMarco? Look at this match that he put together! Hell, you and everyone else just watched him run into the wild with four other masked individuals. So, he has friends.

ALARA ADAMS: I don’t know about friends...maybe acquaintances. And honestly...who were those masked people?

The cameras cut away to show Arik Holt. Dressed in a dark green hoodie and pair of buffalo check pajama pants, Arik is hiding by behind a building. One of the green masked individuals goes running by, to which he holds his breath...hoping not to be found. A few moments pass before Arik wipes his forehead in relief. He steps backward...but is stopped dead when he steps back into a mountain of flesh.

Arik’s eyes widen as he reaches over his head and feels at what he ran into. All he gets is a handful of beard. A small cloud of vapor exits the nose of the person behind Arik, showering down on top of his bald head. Arik turns around and stands face-to-chest with Dagvald Riddik.

Arik steps back, waving his hands as Dagvald just lets out a grunt. Dagvald lunges forward, but Arik slides underneath his large outstretched arms. Dagvald turns and catches an old two-by-four to the side of the head. Due to the age of the wood though, the two-by-four just crumbles upon contact. Holt’s eyes widen as he knows the trouble he is in.

MALE VOICE: HEY BIG GUY…

Dagvald turns his attention away from Arik, turning around seeing one of the green purge masked individuals. Before Dagvald could react, the masked man reveals he is holding a metal baseball bat. He pulls back and cracks it across the side of Dagvald’s face, watching as the big man drops to a knee...blood starting to ooze through a fresh cut above his left eyebrow. After a moment, Dagvald stands back up to both feet and looks down at the masked man.

MALE VOICE: Oh, you are a feisty one. Aren’t you?

Dagvald lunges forward to grab the man, but the man sidesteps him and sweeps his legs out from under him. Dagvald hits the ground hard, letting out a very audible noise as the impact caused all the air to leave his lungs. But Dagvald is quick to start getting up. Right as Dagvald gets up to all fours, the man behind the mask charges and unleashes a vicious bicycle punt kick onto the Viking. Dagvald falls to the ground, the cut above his eye bleeding even more now. The masked man leans down over the fallen Norwegian.

MALE VOICE: Sleep tight, asshole.

The man in the mask stands up, turns, and runs off into the night as Dagvald lay there unconscious.

ALARA ADAMS: What the hell was behind that bicycle punt kick? That masked man laid out our resident demigod!

KAYDEN ELLIS: I’m more curious as to WHO is behind that bicycle punt kick.

Arik Holt peaks his head out from behind the closest building again, watching as the masked man runs off with his baseball bat. After the man gets far enough away, Arik runs over to the unconscious Dagvald. Holt slightly nudges Dagvald with his foot, before quickly taking a few steps back in case Riddik wakes up.

ALARA ADAMS: What is Arik doing?

KAYDEN ELLIS: Trying not to die.

Arik looks around and upon noticing no one is around him, runs over to the old wooden fence near the head of Dagvald. He carefully climbs it onto the two-foot-high fence and pushes off to jump...but the fence breaks and Arik collapses awkwardly to the ground.

ALARA ADAMS: Oh, Arik. Honey, no…

Arik lifts his head up and glances at the now broken fence. But without pause, he crawls over to the fallen Viking and throws an arm over him. The ref following Arik around drops to the ground.

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

DAGVALD RIDDIK IS ELIMINATED...GOOD FUCKIN’ RIDDANCE

Arik quickly jumped to his feet, wincing at his now sore right leg. His own ref stands to his feet and grabs Holt’s arm, raising it into the air.

ALARA ADAMS: And there goes our FIRST elimination of the night

Near the ring, the monitor that was showing the feed for Dagvald, goes black.

KAYDEN ELLIS: How the hell did ARIK of all people get the pinfall over Dagvald?

ALARA ADAMS: Luck...stupid luck. Well, that plus a masked man with a baseball bat.

The “sold out” crowd at the Ball Arena is seen on their feet, cheering loudly as “Legendary” by Skillet rings over the personal address system. The logo for Project: Honor flies on the screen as it always does, accompanied by the logo for Unbreakable Resolution. In cohesion with the theme for the pay-per-view, pyros lift off from the stage, flicking blue and white lights everywhere. The camera pans around the crowd as it always does, zooming in on Denver’s fans in attendance. The signs, as usual, read both vulgar and entertaining.

“I SUBBED TO YOUR LONELYFANS </3”
“YOU’LL ALWAYS BUILD A LEGACY IN MY (fill in the blank)”
“OI! C-U IN THE N-T AIDEN!”
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS DEX GRIFFIN”
“YOU CAN ALWAYS BREAK MY RESOLUTION, KIMBERLY”
“BRING THE MOP. BRING THE MOP.”
“CUNTESSA, AMIRITE?!”
“MYOJIN DRIVES ME INZANE”
“DICKIE IS A HARD MF”
“PURGE ME DADDY”

Eventually, the frame switches to ringside, where we see our ever faithful and resplendent announcing team of J.T. Price and Trey Booker. They seem to be engrossed in their own conversation though, and they haven’t realized their mics are turned on yet.

J.T. PRICE: ...stealing our jobs it seems like...what’s next, a different language?

TREY BOOKER: I don’t think we need to worry, it’s just another show…

J.T. PRICE: WHAT IF THEIR RATINGS ARE HI--Hey, hi, welcome and good evening to another night of crushing death and decay here at Project: Honor.

J.T. Price clearly has realized that they’re on the air. He straightens himself out and leans forward on the desk, looking mighty happy for the moment.

J.T. PRICE: Tonight is the last show of Season One here at Project: Honor and what better way than to spend it here at UNBREAKABLE RESOLUTION.

TREY BOOKER: That’s right, J.T. I know you’ve all been waiting for this night, and do we have a doozy of a show for you. You’ve already seen our newest bit that we’re peddling, and that’s Christian DeMarco’s prized PURGE MATCH over in St. Elmo. You know, J.T., I took a drive out there, past Buena Vista. Marvelous mountains and beautiful scenery. But hell if I’d want to drive up that damned pass to get to St. Elmo in this weather.

J.T. PRICE: Oh yeah, yeah. It snowed the other day, so you know that there is a hell of a lot more snow than there was the other day. The Purge is going to be a phenomenal match all around and I’ll be slightly excited to see the end result. Although, there isn’t a lot of wrestling going on out there. More gratuitous stabby-stab, eh?

Booker looks at J.T. and shakes his head, ignoring him.

TREY BOOKER: If you haven’t seen us yet, I’m Trey Booker and this is my partner--

J.T. PRICE: J.T. Price!

TREY BOOKER: And let’s recap the card for your ready eyes!

The card graphics that’d been placed on Twitter and all over the website of Project: Honor flew across the arena screen, as well as the viewer’s screens at home. The first shot was of Kimberly and Cecilia.

TREY BOOKER: In her first match in Project: Honor, Kimberly Chase spars up with one-half of the Two-Toned Mafia, Cecilia Ortiz. Can Kimberly move from a managerial position and prove to the rest of the roster that she isn’t just a pretty face?

J.T. PRICE: I mean, she can sit on mi--

TREY BOOKER: NEXT UP.

The image of the six-way battle for the Warrior Rising Championship swings in front of the previous graphic.

TREY BOOKER: A doozy of a battle, but that’s seems to be what the Warrior Rising Championship pulls in. Daniel Horror, Alex Slayer, Euan Hill, Legion and TJ Thompson all square off against each other as well as the current champion, Sarah Roberts! It’s going to be a grueling match here for Sarah to work through!

J.T. PRICE: If she shows up. Following that, we’ve got a returning queen of Project: Honor--

An image of Kasey and Lucy pops up next.

J.T. PRICE: KASEY MOTHERFUCKIN’ WINTERBORN IS BACK, and she’s looking to put the other half of the Two-Toned Mafia, Lucy Sixx, in her place already. I’m excited for this match -- that hair, Trey, that hair.

TREY BOOKER: Mhm...next, we’ve got some friends in low places and coming from a land down under--

Aiden and Pyro’s Legacy match card covers the screen now.

TREY BOOKER: The Legacy Series puts us already thinking towards the next Pay-Per-View, and how best to do that than seeing One-Half of The Commonwealth attain a spot in the match at The Crowning? It’s going to be difficult for “The Australian Wolf”, Aiden Reynolds, as he takes on the insane firestarter known as “The Messiah of Fire”, Pyro!

J.T. PRICE: I really hope we see some singed bal--

TREY BOOKER: MOVING ON.

An image of Drago and Elena appears next.

J.T. PRICE: DRAGO SANTIAGO, man. Never thought we’d see the charismatic corruptor here. He’s gonna take on The British Raven, Elena DeDraca here in a barbed wire match. You love to see the destruction, and I do love to see Elena in the ring.

TREY BOOKER: We saw him earlier, and we hope he makes it safely here on that clusterfuck that is I-70.

The card image for John and Indy appears on the screen.

TREY BOOKER: John Nash Strader earned his X-Factor Championship contendership back at Bloodbath, and you know he’s been dying to take on Indy Darling all the way until now. But Indy doesn’t seem to be in high spirits with Project: Honor: is he going to make this Cage Match more than what’s been putting forth?

The Tag Team Finals appears next.

J.T. PRICE: Finally, after that, the culmination of the Tag Team Tournament. The team of James Raven and Shawn Warstein, Legacy, take on our very own and beloved Zane and MYOJIN, Celestial Lovers! Legacy was very vocal this last week, and Raven has been alluding to more persons joining their select group, but MYOJIN has been on a tear in order to take down Colton Saint. Will he be able to focus long enough on this match with what awaits him right after?

Colton Saint, who gets a massive boo as his image appears on the screen, has arisen on the screen against MYOJIN.

TREY BOOKER: WOULD YOU LISTEN TO THAT?! Our headliner already has the roar of the fans. The crowd has no love for Colton Saint, who has determined that this is his last match here in Project: Honor. Regardless of the actions that he’s taken recently, we have to respect the competitor we have in Colton Saint. But dear god…

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, no. MYOJIN can rip his dick off for all I care.

Trey looks at J.T. exasperatedly.

J.T. PRICE: What?

TREY BOOKER: And in our main event…

The graphic for the Grand Champion, Dickie Watson appears with Contessa Floran on the opposite side. The crowd pops for the champion as he appears.

J.T. PRICE: After Contessa’s bullshit at the Gladiator Contests, Dickie Watson has been fuming like a smokestack awaiting his chance to avenge his friend’s attack. To sweeten the prize, he’s given her a shot at his title, and let me tell you, I watched those promos and Contessa showed the fuck up.

TREY BOOKER: But will her words be enough to get under the skin of our Illustrious and basically Undefeated Grand Champion? Dickie’s not the strongest individual around, but you know he’s going to be pouring everything into this match. His heart’s in the right place, but I don’t know that he’s got it.

J.T. PRICE: Doubting our fearless lea--

Before they get another word out, the lights are cut and so are the microphones. The arena is plunged into darkness, full of cheers and excitement for whatever is to come. The titan-tron slowly begins to come to life, the only source of life in this whole place.

“Desolation… Desperation… Despair…”

The words come from the speakers, booming. The screen slowly brightens, still blank but lighting up. Slowly a scene appears on screen, one of roaming fields of wheat, barley, crops blowing in the winds. The mountainous backdrop stands over the scenes, unmoved by nature. The eerie golden glow of the scene grows brighter and brighter, almost blinding before it once again ends and plunges everyone into darkness.

Before folks have a chance to react, a singular bell begins to chime, slowly yet steady.

Ding…

Ding…

Ding…

Ding…

Ding…

Ding…

The bell chimes, slowly fading in volume before the screen releases one last flash of light, a blinding glare. Within the flash are blacked out letters, the brightness burning the letters into everyone's vision. Simply just a name…

H Y P E R I O N

The bells end, the lights return and the arena is left rubbing their eyes in confusion.

TREY BOOKER: …are we back on?

J.T. PRICE: Seems so. Trey, what was that all about! Those words, almost like a threat? The golden fields? That bell, ringing and ringing?

TREY BOOKER: And that name… Hyperion. I feel like I know that name! Have we seen that one before?

J.T. PRICE: Something tells me we ain’t never seen something like this before. Whatever it is, this ‘Hyperion’, is certainly making a statement here tonight.

Unbreakable Resolution has arrived and the card is stacked from top from bottom with matches that could potentially steal the show, including a debut match for Kimberly Chase going up against Cecilia Ortiz in a matter of minutes, Kimberly is shown in her locker room getting prepared for her match. The crowd boos over her appearance. She places her foot on a chair and begins to lace up her boots, excited to finally get the opportunity to compete tonight. She looks up and notices Crystal Ward standing there with a mic in hand waiting to conduct an interview. The Mastermind smirks upon seeing her and crosses her arms.

CRYSTAL WARD: “Kimberly, I just wanted to get your thoughts on your match that is coming up next.”

KIMBERLY CHASE: “I'm great thanks for asking, but as far as the match goes, I'm confident enough to say that I've come this far in Project Honor and I'm not planning on walking away with a loss on my record.”

Kimberly looks back with a smile as she is joined by her bodyguard, Ramesses who just walked in the room.

CRYSTAL WARD: “What's your strategy heading into this match? Would you say it involves the involvement of your bodyguard here?”

KIMBERLY CHASE: “Are you insinuating that I need his help in order to win this match, Crystal? Well, the answer is no. I am fully capable of doing it on my own. He is just here to support me and in case things get out of hand. You never know when those idiot fans will try to touch me when I'm out there. He knows how to get the job done. Ain't that right, Ram?”

RAMESSES: “Of course, my Sekhmet. You didn't hire me to sit around and do nothing. I take care of business and I take care of it the Ramesses way and I believe my boss here will destroy whatever that's in front of her, which includes the bottle suckin' baby. Now if you'll excuse us, Crystal, we'd like some alone time to discuss some things.”

CRYSTAL WARD: “Very well then. Best of luck.”

Kimberly motions for her and the cameraman to get lost, leaving Ramesses and Kimberly there to talk as they get ready for the match itself.

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a singles match set for one fall. Entering first, hailing from Chicago, Illinois. She stands 5’7’’ and weighed in at 110 lbs; “The Beautiful Mastermind” Kimberly Chase!

"Call me Devil" by Friends in Tokyo hits as Kimberly Chase walks out to a chorus of boos from the crowd. She heads down the ramp and circles the ring before removing her devil horn headpiece and places it on top of the announcer table, then ascends the steel steps and gets in the ring and walks over to the corner turnbuckle where she leans back against it with a grin on her face while she stares at the stage and awaits her opponent.

TREY BOOKER: Quite the attitude on this one. Kimberly Chase has been called “The Beautiful Mastermind”, and you can really see where that reputation comes from if you examine the career of Colton Saint.

J.T. PRICE: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the woman’s a magpie. If it shines, she wants a piece of it. One would have to imagine that such a lust for treasures is what drove her to step away from ringside managing and enter the fray.

HOLLY PEREZ:...and her opponent, hailing from New York City, New York. She stands 5’2’’ and weighed in at 105 lbs; She is one half of the Two Toned Mafia Cecilia Ortiz!

“Show and Tell” by Melanie Martinez hits the PA, prompting Lucy Sixx to burst through the curtain with Cecilia riding piggyback as they head to the ring to a mixed reaction.

TREY BOOKER: These two are quite the pair. A true odd couple that I can’t wait to see more tag team action from down the line.

J.T. PRICE: This isn’t a tag team match though, Book. Kimberly Chase may not be the most experienced in-ring competitor, but this is one of the few instances where she actually has a little bit of a height and reach advantage. While I understand that Cecilia likes playing house with “Daddy” Lucy Sixx, I don’t think there’s going to be much in the way of infantalization coming from Kimberly Chase in this contest.

As the Two Tone Mafia reach ringside, Lucy bends down and allows Cecilia to roll off of her back and into the ring. Kimberly Chase, in her corner, rolls her eyes as Cecilia giddily hops up and down in delight of the crowd’s reaction to her before the ref subdues her and sends her to her corner.

DING! DING! DING!

Kimberly Chase calmly walks to the center of the ring, waiting to meet her opponent, but without warning Cecilia rushes out of her corner and pops Kimberly with a brutal yakuza kick! Kimberly is knocked for a loop as she staggers back into the ropes, only to rebound and come back with a running big boot of her own! Cecilia tries to eat it and stay on her feet, but crumples down to one knee. Before she can get back up on both feet, Kimblerly pops off a beautiful dropkick that sends Cecilia flying backwards onto the mat and rolling out of the ring. She searches ringside for Lucy and then immediately starts running to her for support. Having none of it, Kimberly charges the corner, slingshots her body onto the top strand, and flies over the top, looking for that golden triangle moonsault, but Lucy pushes Cecilia out of the way just in time to avoid contact and eats all of the moonsault as Kimberly Chase lands on her feet and stares down the frightened looking Cecilia Ortiz.

TREY BOOKER: Oh my goodness. I didn’t expect that sort of athleticism from Kimberly, much less such an explosion off offense to start off the match.

J.T. PRICE: She did the smart thing and took out ringside support, now Cecilia’s frozen like a deer in headlights.

Cecilia turns to crawl back into the ring, but Kimberly grabs her leg and pulls her back out. Kimberly spins Cecilia around to face her, only to catch a sick punch to the jaw for her troubles. Chase is staggered as Cecilia rolls back into the ring and beckons Kimberly to give chase. Kimberly checks her lip for blood, sneering she charges the ring. As soon as she clears the bottom rope, Cecilia bounds to the otherside of the ring. Chase tries to catch up, but Cecilia hits the ropes and comes back with a spinning headscissors takedown in the center of the ring. Both women quickly get to their feet and charge one another, both thinking running big boot once more, but they catch one another’s foot and find themselves in a stalemate. Cecilia holds her free hand out for a handshake, perhaps wanting to call a momentary truce.

TREY BOOKER: I mean, Kim’s going to have to agree if this match is to continue. They just can’t stand around holding one another’s foot all day.

J.T. PRICE: You’d be surprised how hard-headed some women can be, Book.

Kimberly begrudgingly nods as they both hold up their hands to count off.

Kimberly Chase: On three, we both let go.

Cecilia nods as the two count off together.

In Unison: One, Two, Three.

Cecilia lets go of Kimberly’s foot immediately, but Kim hold’s fast to Cecilia and tries to torque the knee, perhaps thinking to set up the Base Burner, but instead Cecilia twists with her leg and plants Kimberly Chase with a brutal enziguri! Chase is rocked. She fights to stay upright, nearly keeling over as Cecilia takes the opening to get to her feet. Cecilia turns to rush the ropes, only for Kimberly to grab the back of her gear and attempt to pull her back. Ortiz flips back and nails a pele! Kimberly’s knees buckle beneath her and she collapses into a seated position on the mat as Ortiz charges the ropes at high speed. She hits the ropes and comes back at Chase seated on the canvas with her hands up for vain protection. Cecilia stops in her tracks. Kimberly looks up. SMACK! Cecilia plants a hard right handed slap across the face of Kimberly that echoes through the arena!

TREY BOOKER: Ohohoho! That knocked the taste out of Kimberly’s mouth.

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, but I think it might’ve woken her up too.

Kimberly, enraged as she clutches the crimson handprint on her cheek, quickly shoots up to her feet and gets into Cecilia Ortiz’s face. She pats her chin, as if daring her to do it again. Cecilia seems hesitant for a moment, before Kimberly pie faces her and leans in closer. Ortiz swings wildly, Kimberly ducks and snakes behind. She scissors the body and rolls Ortiz back with an O’Connor Roll. She rolls Cecilia through and up into a seated position and locks in the Lotus Lock! Cecilia’s arms are pinned up behind her head in the leg scissors full nelson variant. She struggles to extend her foot out and catch the rope, but every time she makes a move Kimberly drops a heel down onto the base of the neck with a brutal hammering blow. Cecilia quits struggling long enough for Kimberly to cross her ankles and sinch in the move fully. Cecilia screams in agony as Kimberly pushes herself up off of the mat and pushes all of her leg strength and weight to the back of Ortiz’s neck. Desperate, Cecilia tries to roll out, but only finds her shoulders pinned to the canvas.

ONE!
TWO!

Cecilia kicks out, but in doing so, her foot finds the bottom rope. Kimberly releases the hold and quickly rises to her feet, lifting Cecilia up with her, only to scoop her up and slam her back onto the canvas. Cecilia Ortiz arches her back off of the canvas, still favoring her shoulderblades from the prolongued lotus lock. Kimberly drops down to the mat at Cecilia’s head, slaps her, and then pulls her back, looking to apply the Lotus Lock again, but Cecilia sees it coming and bridges up off of the canvas on her toes, reversing the momentum of the Lotus lock before it can even be applied and hooking the legs with a bridging cover.

ONE!

Kimberly rolls backwards out of the pin and both women quickly get to their feet. Cecilia charges Chase, but is met with a brutal basement dropkick to the knee. Chase follows up by hitting the ropes and coming back with a headscissors driver that drives Cecilia’s head into the mat with a sickening thud. Chase quickly takes the advantage and stands over the prone Cecilia on the mat. Kimberly turns on her heel and flies backward with a standing moonsault press, and then drives her forearm into Cecilia’s face and hooks the leg for the cover.

ONE!
TWO!

Cecilia kicks out once more. Kimberly, half frustrated and half enjoying the damage she’s dolling out, quickly peels Cecilia off of the canvas with a cravat. She quickly twists Ortiz’s body around into a neckbreaker position, grabs one of her legs under her arm, and then drops down into a kneeling modified gory special, contorting the body of Cecilia Ortiz in the process with the grotesque Bad Intentions.

TREY BOOKER: This is getting a bit unsettling to watch, Price. Kimberly’s having her way with Cecilia Ortiz. At first I thought she was just trying to put her away, but clearly she’s relishing this punishment.

J.T. PRICE: The false covers and the submissions near the ropes are all part of Kimberly’s twisted cat and mouse maze. She wants Cecilia Ortiz to have hope for respite, only to yank it away at the first sign of relief.

Cecilia’s screams of agony bring her partner Lucy Sixx to on the outside. Lucy quickly pulls herself up to the canvas and starts pounding the ringside apron. Cecilia tries desperately to claw at Kimberly’s fingers as her partner causes momentary distraction. Cecilia breaks the chinlock and twists around once more looking for that enziguri. She nails Kimberly with the enzi and sends her collapsing into the ropes. Lucy claps at ringside, getting her partner’s attention, luring her away from Kimberly as Chase starts to pull herself up to her feet across the ring. Cecilia crawls toward her partner and starts pulling herself up with the ropes as Lucy barks orders to her now mentally present tag partner. Kimberly charges across the ring, looking for another running big boot. Cecilia combat rolls out of the way last second, and Kimberly finds herself eye to eye with Lucy Sixx on the apron.

TREY BOOKER: Uh oh.

J.T. PRICE: Daddy’s home.

Cecilia rushes from behind, springboarding off the middle rope and jumping onto Kimberly’s neck, looking for a tornado DDT, but Kimberly sprawls her stance and pulls Cecilia back up with a standing suplex! She turns and drops Ortiz’s shins down on top of Lucy’s head on the apron and then snaps back with a brutal slingshot suplex! Kimberly Chase pops up to her feet immediately, sneering at the crowd as she tilts her head and inspects her prey with malicious intent on the canvas.

TREY BOOKER: It’s all over. Kimberly Chase has Cecilia Ortiz dead to rites in the center of the ring.

J.T. PRICE: This wont be pretty…

Cecilia desperately reaches toward her crumpled up life partner still laying on the apron after that brutal shot to the crown of the head. Kimberly stomps down hard on the back of Cecilia’s knee, causing her to cry out in agony. Kimberly drops down to one knee, planting it firmly into the back of Ortiz as she grabs the ankle and pulls it back with a deep and disgusting single leg boston crab. Kimberly pulls the leg up, digging the cap of her knee into the lower lumbar of Cecilia Ortiz as she cranks away at the Base Burner. Cecilia has no other alternative but to tap.

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner via submission: “The Beautiful Mastermind” Kimberly Chase!

TREY BOOKER: Kimberly Chase lived up to that moniker tonight.

J.T. PRICE: The woman’s a knockout, but there’s nothing but sadistic glee and greed behind her eyes.

“Call me the Devil” plays through the PA as Kimberly gets one last brutal torque in on her hold before breaking it just mere seconds before the ref steps in. Lucy Sixx quickly crawls into the ring to consul the near broken Cecilia Ortiz as Ortiz stares up at the smug Chase with nothing but fear in her eyes. Lucy however has nothing but anger in her eyes as she holds her partner close and watches Kimberly Chase turns and leaves, clearly not worried of any vengeful recourse from Lucy, and heads to the back.

The cameras cut to Dex Griffin and Seth Blackheart, who are already engaged in battle. Dex has both hands around Seth’s throat, pushing him up against the St. Elmo Mercantile Co. Building. Seth manages to get both of his arms up between Dex’s, but with all his effort...he is unable to push them apart.

DEX GRIFFIN: I will watch as the life leaves your body, devil man!

Seth opens his mouth to say something, but can’t catch his breath to get it out. Suddenly, from the right side of the screen, Eli Atlas comes flying in and LEVELS Dex Griffin with a MASSIVE CLOTHESLINE. Seth Blackheart drops to the ground, catching his breath and rubbing at his throat.

KAYDEN ELLIS: That’s a BIG man to piss off.

Dex Griffin and Eli Atlas stand to their feet at the same time. Eli Atlas charges again, but this time Dex is ready for him. Eli swings, but Dex ducks and grabs Eli. Using Atlas’ own momentum, Dex lifts the Iron Titan into the air

ALARA ADAMS: Uh-oh...Dex is eyeing up those large Mercantile Company windows.

FEMALE VOICE: FUCK THAT!!!

Dex turns to his left…

SMASH!!!

KAYDEN ELLIS: ANOTHER GREEN MASKED PERSON!!! AND THEY JUST SMASHED A FLUORESCENT LIGHT TUBE ACROSS THE FACE OF DEX GRIFFIN:!!! Dex drops Eli and is grabbing at his face.

Seth Blackheart is back up to his feet. He grabs the masked person and spins her around, ripping off her mask. A well-placed kick to the balls causes Seth to grab his crotch and drop to his knees in pain. The female grabs the mask off the ground and turns back towards Dex and Eli.

CROWD: HO-LY SHIT!!! HO-LY SHIT!!!

ALARA ADAMS: IT’S RED RIOT!!! ONE OF CHRISTIAN’S MASKED PEOPLE IS RED RIOT!!!

Red slides the green purge mask back on her face and watches as Eli lifts Dex back to his feet. Dex’s face is bloody and he still is feeling at his eyes, the powder from the light obviously in them. Eli looks at Red Riot as she turns and runs off...leaving Eli and Dex to battle it out. But while Dex is still dealing with the powder in his eyes, Eli walks over to the fallen Seth Blackheart. He grabs The Devil, pulling him to stand up straight. Seth catches him off guard with a well-placed European uppercut, sending the Iron Titan stumbling back. Seth quickly advances forward, slamming a knife edge chop into the chest of Atlas. He pulls back and goes to strike again...BUT ELI GRABS HIS ARM!!! With a good grip on his arm, Eli WHIPS Seth into the side of the building. Face first, Seth smashes into the wall. Grabbing at a broken and bloody nose, Seth stumbles backwards...grabbing at his crooked nose.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Wait...Dex just reached into his back pocket and pulled out some green dagger looking thing.

Dex brings the dagger to his lips and blows on one end of the cross-guard.

ALARA ADAMS: What...what is he doing? Are we going to get the dragonzord out here now?

A small tune comes from the dagger, before he stops blowing on it. Dex fumbles with the dagger, before putting it back into his pocket. His face is bleeding from the broken glass tube and he still has his eyes shut.

ROAR!!!

ALARA ADAMS: Where the hell did that roar come from?

We cut to a camera looking out onto Chalk Creek. In a large eruption of water, a massive white polar bear emerges from the water.

KALLIE REZNIK: OH...MY...GOD…

The camera pulls back as we see Kallie Reznik off to the side of the screen. She quickly reaches into the pocket of her light jacket and pulls out a handful of white fluffy popcorn.

KALLIE REZNIK: Fluffy popcorn...FOR A FLUFFY!!!

Kallie holds out the popcorn to the newly emerged polar bear.

KALLIE REZNIK: You must be Alistair!

The polar bear quickly shakes off the excess water in his fur, before hesitantly walking over to Kallie and sniffing at her outstretched hands. After a brief moment, the polar bear begins to eat the popcorn. After woofing it down, Alistair bumps up to Kallie, rubbing up against her like a cat.

KALLIE REZNIK: Oh goodness, you are so fluffy. You’re mine now! Let’s go!

REF: Ms. Reznik...if you leave St. Elmo...you will automatically be eliminated from the Purge Match.

Kallie shoots the ref a look.

KALLIE REZNIK: Do you see this fluffy? He is my fluffy. How can you choose what could be an empty briefcase...OVER THIS FLUFFY?!?!

In a great feat of acrobatics, Kallie grabs onto Alistair’s fur and jumps up onto his back. Alistair stands up onto all fours, still savoring the flavor of the popcorn she gave him.

KALLIE REZNIK: And don’t worry, Alistair...I have more popcorn at home.

Alistair lets out a light-happy roar, before they begin to ride away from the camera and ref.

KALLIE REZNIK IS ELIMINATED!

Meanwhile back at the ring, Kallie’s monitor goes blank.

KAYDEN ELLIS: What the hell did we just witness?

ALARA ADAMS: Apparently Kallie eliminated herself.

The cameras cut back to the previous fight, just in time to see Eli grab Seth and turn him around. He ducks under and lifts Seth up into the air in an argentine torture rack...he adjusts…

SMASH!!!

KAYDEN ELLIS: ELI ATLAS JUST HIT THE CARTO-CATASTROPHE THROUGH THE FRONT WINDOW OF THE MERCANTILE BUILDING!!!

Seth Blackheart lay as a crumbled mess on the inside of the building. A powerbomb through the window, leaves him laying on a glass covered floor. Eli Altas climbs through the window and covers The Devil. The ref following Eli climbs into the window and drops to the floor.

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

SETH BLACKHEART IS ELIMINATED!

Eli uses the wall to help himself up as his ref raises his arm.

ALARA ADAMS: And that’s three down for the night! Six more before we can declare a winner!

The monitor that was documenting the camera that was following Seth around, goes black.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Eli seems to be looking out the broken window, looking for Dex. But somehow Dex has managed to get away.

TREY BOOKER: Ladies and gentlemen, we’re currently set to have our six way match to determine the Project: Honor Warrior Rising Champion, but I’ve just received word that both Legion and Sarah Roberts were left laying in the gorilla position and corridor respectively with medical personnel attending to them now.

J.T. PRICE: Oh jeez! Do we have any clue what happened?

TREY BOOKER: They were obviously attacked.

J.T. PRICE: No, but I mean by who? Nobody saw anything?!

TREY BOOKER: Have you met the security team?

J.T. PRICE: Fair point. This does however leave this match in question, but we do have staff on hand waiting for word!

Cutting back over to the ringside area, a confused Holly Perez stands there in wait, the ring attendant rushing down the rampway now with the Project: Honor Warrior Rising Championship belt in hand. Sliding into the ring, he is quick to approach Holly, whispering something into her ear before handing the title to the official who is now in the ring as well. Once he exits, Holly repositions herself in the center of the ring and raises the microphone up which elicits a small, excited reaction from the crowd.

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the following four way match is scheduled for one fall, and is for the Project: Honor Warrior Rising Championship!!

TREY BOOKER: Well it looks like the boss has spoken and this math will go on with the four remaining competitors who are cleared to go at it tonight.

J.T. PRICE: Not to mention we are guaranteed a new Warrior Rising Champion here tonight!

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, coming to us from The Rivers of Rebirth, weighing in tonight at 230 lbs., he is “The Father’s Son.. The Outcast” Euan Hill!

The 'tron darkens, and we see heavenly light spill outward from it, as “Streaker” by Tobacco begins to play. As the blinding light clears, we see an image of The Father, with his arms out to his sides and his hands turned upward. Suddenly, white light spills forth up both sides of the ramps, and through the smoke we see a singular figure appear with The Father behind them. They walk forward, and Euan Hill steps into the clear light with The Father's hands on his shoulders. He approaches the ring, ignoring the fans as The Father walks forward with him, before stepping up onto the apron. He opens the ropes for him, and he steps in, before he follows after him. He falls onto his knees, and he draws an ashen cross on his forehead before holding his hands upward as he did on the 'tron to showcase him.

TREY BOOKER: While many see this young man as creepy, I see a competitor ready to make this ominous father proud by stepping up and becoming champion.

J.T. PRICE: That’s all well and good but I still see someone creepy as hell, him and that whole group he deals with!

TREY BOOKER: Well we’ll see if that ‘creep’ walks away as the new Warrior Rising Champion or not shortly.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next, fighting out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, he weighs in at 225 lbs., “The Rated R Reaper” Alex Slayer!!

J.T. PRICE: Now this guy looks more like champion material Booker!

TREY BOOKER: He could very well be the one to make good on his word. Alex has been impressive since joining Project: Honor but that one big victory seems to elude him.

Suddenly the lights in the arena fade to black at which point several cellphone lights key on until there is almost an ocean of the little lights as a hauntingly-eerie piece of instrumental music begins to play for a few seconds before a voice can be heard faintly mixed in with the music.

[Voice]:
Look at what you've created...
...I am the eater of worlds...
Someone...to feed me...
...*Feed* me...

A pair of figures then appear on the entrance way in the form of the "Rated R Reaper" himself, Alex Slayer, and his own "Devil's Advocate" Devon Slayton. Slayer is dressed in his usual ring gear as he stops at the middle of the entrance way and slowly extends his arms out to his sides as he tilts his head back as Everyone loves a Villain's "Eater of Worlds" continues to play as the crowds let out a good measure of boos and cheers.

“Please don't indulge me
I am sick and I'm empty
Guided by the voices in my head
My Head

Twisted by words that cut deep in my skin
Creating this monster
Consumed by the end
Oh no!
What have I become”

Alex then lowers his arms as he looks over at Devon before the two men start to make their way down to the ring, Alex shakes out his arms as he goes and when they get to the ringside area, he quickly gets into the ring and is up on one knee, slowly taking a good look around "his" ring before he moves to his feet as Devon enters the ring as well.

“All along
I played along
To hide the beast within

Look at what you've created
A creature so cruel and defeated
I am the eater of worlds
And I'm looking for someone to feed me
To feed me”

Alex then quickly climbs the nearest turnbuckle and once more does his signature pose for a few seconds before he undoes the front of his ring jacket as he hops down to the ring and starts to prepare for his match, talking strategy with Devon as he smiles that darkly confident smile, before the referee has the advocate leave the ringside area. While Slayer and Devon argue the decision, Holly Perez continues the proceedings.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing the next competitor, representing The Hip House by way of Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 180 lbs., he is “The Hipbeast” TJ Thompson!!

“Nonstop” by Drake hits as the fans rise to their feet, watching the curtain while cheering. T.J. Thompson marches out onto the ramp, pounding his chest while shouting at the crowd with contagious energy.

J.T. PRICE: HIIIIP!!

TREY BOOKER: What the hell are you doing?!

J.T. PRICE: It’s HIP!!

TREY BOOKER: Sure it is… I don’t even remember what I was going to try and say about Thompson as he’s making his way to the ring. Just.. hip, really?

Chants of "HIP" are heard as he high fives fans on his way down to the ring. At the bottom of the ramp, Thompson singles out a fan, and begins shaking uncontrollably as he raises his hand up. The crowd plays along with it as if Thompson is charging up before giving a massive high five to the fan. The fan swings his arm back from the impact of the high five while Thompson fires up the crowd before sliding into the ring. TJ briefly poses on the top turnbuckle as the crowd continues to cheer before waiting for his final opponent to appear and the match to start with a huge grin on his face.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing the final competitor, he hails from Chicago, Illinois and weighs in tonight at 215 lbs., he is “The Daredevil” Daniel Horror!!!

The lights around the arena dim before shifting to a gloomy shade of crimson red. The sounds of AFI’s “I Hope You Suffer” then begin to fill the arena through the PA system as the fans anticipate the arrival of their daredevil, a mixed but mainly positive reaction.

“I got two letters from you
Last words of the runaway
Your love was written so true
And now I can't speak your name
I faced destruction and you
just killed me and walked away”

At this moment, smoke fills the floor, giving the crowd a feel of the chaos approaching. Anticipation is somewhat switched with the feeling of unease but still they share that mixed ovation.

“I gave my heart to the cruel
Now it will not beat again”

The lights brighten in a flash, showing that he has arrived. Daniel Horror, with his back to the crowd, simply turns and the fans lose it. His thoughts and vision are fixated on the ring though and once he fully turns his body, he makes his way down the ramp slowly, methodically.

J.T. PRICE: Once again we’re joined by the weider side of the wrestling spectrum, this Daniel Horror guy is creepy meets crazy!

TREY BOOKER: Daniel Horror is a national treasure, you shut the hell up!

J.T. PRICE: Oh, wow. I did not expect that coming from you, but I do have to agree he’s one hell of a competitor and one of the most consistent stars any company is lucky to have!

“I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
Just like I suffered”

The one true Daredevil then slides into the ring, eyes darting from one opponent to the next before he removes his entrance jacket and mask. The senior referee shows all four combatants the title before raising it up for the masses, the crowd cheering the match to come. The bell sounds to signal the official start.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The four athletes carefully eye one another, looking for the first to make a move. Three of them begin to step forward but living up to his nickname, the Daredevil of Project: Honor uses his speed to race back, catching all his foes with a Springboard Forearm Strike, that lands more like a strike and crossbody block, grabbing hold of his chosen victim Hill and taking him to the corner, smashing his head against the turnbuckle. Meanwhile, on the other side Alex Slayer and TJ Thompson are back to their feet in a strike exchange of sorts. Thompson is mainly ducking and dodging Slayer’s onslaught and swinging wildly when he can. Finally caught, close to the same time Euan connects with an uppercut to Horror, both bigger men take their respective opponents and begin laying in some stiff shots. Looking back for a second, Slayer and Hill give a nod of understanding before whipping their opponents across towards each other for the collision. Horror and TJ get sent charging, but quick timing on their ends has TJ leapfrogging Daniel before taking Hill down with ‘For Your Own Good’ while Horror sends Alex out the ring with a wicked Spinning Heel Kick. Euan rolls to the outside as well, leaving Horror and Thompson as the two men left in the ring. The amped up Hipbeast throws his arm over the shoulder of the Daredevil, exclaiming his excitement, but unbeknownst to him, is met with a glare that would make the mightiest of titans step back.

J.T. PRICE: Fast paced action to kick things off here, but if I were Thompson, I’d try a little harder to read the room here Booker.

TREY BOOKER: TJ Thompson..is not a smart man.

Finally looking over to a very stoic and eerily patient Horror, TJ quickly moves his arm away and steps back, looking to reason with Daniel. All Horror offers in response is a snarl before he knocks TJ to a knee with a back elbow before running and hitting a Topé con Hilo to the outside on Alex Slayer, both men colliding and bumping into the guardrail hard. A slightly dazed Thompson gets back to his feet after witnessing the carnage, but is dropped right back down courtesy of a stiff lariat to the back of the head by Euan Hill. The crowd shows their displeasure for the sneak attack but Hill couldn’t care less as he starts stomping away at TJ.

J.T. PRICE: These fans do not like the hip hate one bit!

TREY BOOKER: Hip hate?

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, did I stutter? They love Big Drip and so do I! Hip! Hip! Show hip!

TREY BOOKER: You..may need help.

Back in the ring, Hill yanks TJ up, delivering a Fireman’s Carry Backbreaker before again laying in some stomps, keeping focus on the back and neck. Not looking to give him any air, Euan hoists him back up, whipping him into the corner and charging right behind with a splash. He does it again, and even a third time before lifting the dazed Thompson up, looking for a Powerbomb. Hill is met with a couple strikes though and the spirit of hip as TJ takes the bigger man down with a Hurriancrana. On the outside, the brawl between Slayer and Horror finally saw Alex get the advantage with a loud toss into the steel steps. The handsome half breed then rushes Horror, nailing a stiff kick to the head that causes him to bounce against the steel hard. As this is happening, Thompson sends Hill back out with Hip Is A Construct, the beast looking disappointed that he couldn’t go for the cover. TJ spends too much time looking on though and gets caught at the turn by a leaping Slayer that uses momentum to get him in a victory roll.

One!
Two!!

Thompson is able to kick out just after two, Slayer looking a little frustrated but not arguing with the referee too much before getting back on TJ. Nailing a Full Nelson Slam, Slayer tries for another cover but is stopped by a stomp from Hill before the official can get into position. The twisted son hooks Alex for a back suplex but Slayer lands on his feet, kicking Hill down to a knee before delivering the ‘Multiplex’ series of Germans. With Hill rolling onto his stomach and then out of the ring, Slayer tries to again focus on Thompson but out of the corner of his eye sees Horror leaping in from the springboard. Alex stuns the crowd by catching Daniel midair with a jumping Yamato Gamma, the fans then cheering in a frenzy following the initial shock. Thompson tries to break up the pin before it happens, but Slayer moves, causing the stomp to connect with Horror’s midsection, Daniel then slowly stirring his way out the ring.

J.T. PRICE: Slayer is on a roll now! He just needs to find a way to keep someone in the ring long enough to get the victory here.

TREY BOOKER: He certainly has brought his best to this match, but needs to be just a little sharper and have better ring awareness.

J.T. PRICE: I’d like to see you try and say that to his face.

TREY BOOKER: Yeah, I’m good.

Inside the ring, Slayer is back on TJ, looking ready to deliver ‘The Ebony Blade’ DDT, but Thompson fights out of the predicament. He delivers a few strikes after breaking loose, ending his flurry with a European Uppercut that sends Alex stumbling back. The Hipbeast then rocks Slayer with a Superkick but falls to a knee as the impact of the match so far is starting to show. On the outside, a groggy Hill stalks the downed Horror, but is met with a Pelé Kick for his efforts, Project: Honor’s daredevil not caring about the cost to his body. Meanwhile, an attempt at ‘Get Hip or Die’ is thwarted, Slayer loosening TJ’s hold before laying in some knees and taking him down with a Step Up Enziguiri.

J.T. PRICE: Wow there seems to be no stop to the action here, it’s getting hard to keep track of these four competitors.

TREY BOOKER: Well this is what the Project: Honor Warrior Rising Championship means to these men. They’re willing to put themselves through all kinds of hell to win it!

Finally finding his base, Daniel Horror is now the one heading over to Hill, but just as he reaches to grab at him, Euan turns and drops him with a balled up steel chain, knocking him down and out. In the ring, Alex, with his back turned, has TJ Thompson up for the ‘Star Platinum’ looking to put an end to things. However one shot to the back of his head causes the interruption.

J.T. PRICE: Star Platinum denied there as Hill decks Alex with the chain!

TREY BOOKER: Someone needs to get that weapon out of here! We were having one hell of a match before Euan listened to his father and spoiled everything!

Though the chain doesn’t fully connect, it still hits hard enough to take Slayer down, but before Hill can go for the cover, Alex’ advocate Devon Slayton races down the ramp to yell out grievances on behalf of his friend. Euan turns away from the downed competitor and yells at Devon who is at the foot of the ramp now. The official gets involved, reprimanding Slayton who starts to back up the ramp a bit. Hill turns around following the verbal spar but gets taken off guard by a recovered TJ who catches him with the ‘Hip Train’ running C4 which gets a huge reaction from the fans. Slayton screams for Alex to get on him as Thompson goes for the cover!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

Slayer finally hears the words of his advocate, and dives forward, but is just a split second too late to break the pin as the bell sounds and the fans erupt in cheers!

HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner and the NEW Project: Honor Warrior Rising Champion.. TJ THOMPSON!!!

TREY BOOKER: What an incredible victory here tonight for TJ Thompson and it looks like he’s the most shocked one in the arena!

J.T. PRICE: Well deserved here too, despite the change, he was able to adapt and overcome. Looks like he won’t be celebrating alone either Booker!

TREY BOOKER: Is that a giraffe?! Oh no, please for the love of everything holy, cut to the next part of the show!

J.T. PRICE: But Big Drip?!

TREY BOOKER: Big Drip can be a web exclusive! Production, do your job! Why is there a damn GIRAFFE in the building?! What the FU-

As the crowd comes down from the high provided by the previous match, the camera picks up a strange situation at ringside. Holly Perez is standing by with her microphone, when an unidentified man in a tuxedo unceremoniously rips it from her grasp. She tries to protest, but the man ignores her as he steps between the ropes. He then raises the mic to his mouth and begins to address the crowd.

Winston Winfield: Ladies and gentlemen, Project: Honor is proud to present a man who truly needs no introduction. Nevertheless, I shall do my best to do this legendary figure justice. He is an athlete that has crossed through the ranks of amateur wrestling, professional boxing, and mixed martial arts, winning championships and accolades in all of those arenas. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan and currently residing on the open road, he stands at six foot three inches, with an additional two inches upon counting the curls of his hair. He fills that impressive frame with a lean yet chiseled two hundred and forty-five pounds of grit and determination. He is a man that goes by many names. He is The Weatherman...he is The Shepherd of Lost Souls...he is a Bad Mother Fucker…

This impromptu ring announcer is interrupted as a new song begins to play over the arena’s sound system. Those familiar with the instrumental tune recognize it as Dick Dale’s surf classic, “Misirlou”, although they do not immediately connect it to any active competitor on the Project: Honor roster. Moments later, a tall African-American man steps through the entrance, wearing a black suit and tie. He takes a moment to look around at the capacity crowd, before nodding his head with a satisfied smile.

J.T. PRICE: I’m not seeing this on my format, Trey. Can you shed a little light on what we’re seeing here?

TREY BOOKER: It’s not on my format either, but I do know the man heading toward the ring. He’s been in the peripherals of Project: Honor for awhile now. Seems like we’re looking at the official debut of “Furious” Julius Fairweather!

J.T. PRICE: Wait...he’s real? I thought that was a Twitter parody account!

Sure enough, the unknown ring announcer completes his introduction, confirming that the new arrival is in fact, “Furious” Julius Fairweather. The man in question steps between the top and middle rope, approaches his personal ring announcer with a large grin, and gives him a series of fist bumps. The announcer then hands the microphone over to Julius as “Misirlou” fades until it can no longer be heard.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Mmmm now you are a tasty audience! Now y’all may not have gone all white-folk crazy when I came out here, but I’m willing to give it a little time. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, my name is “Furious” Julius Fairweather, and as of today I am officially Project: Honor’s newest signee!

TREY BOOKER: Well, there’s your answer J.T. He sounds real enough to me!

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Now some of y'all might be asking yourselves who this suave mother fucker in the ring is supposed to be. Considering Project: Honor has the whitest roster this side of the National Hockey League, I’m not surprised to see your confusion. Let me assure you that I may be somewhat new to this business, but as my man Winston mentioned during my introduction, when it comes to throwin’ fists, I’m as pro as they get. When it comes down to a fight, it won’t matter how vanilla the Proving Ground and Fallout rosters may be. What I’m trying to say is that it won’t be a white thing, it won’t be a black thing, it’ll be a me kicking their mother fuckin’ asses thing!

TREY BOOKER: Uh...how many F-Bombs are we allowed in each segment?

J.T. PRICE: In this case, it might be better to ask for forgiveness instead of permission…

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Now it might be just a little bit before y’all get to see me make my debut in this very ring, so we’ll get to those ass-kickings another time. Right now, I’d like to present you all with a little segment I like to call “Project Trivia”. Now in order to present my little segment, I’m gonna need a volunteer from the audience. So what do all of you Honor Students say? Does anybody want to help a mother fucker out?

Several members of the audience begin to cheer and shout, hoping to be chosen to be a part of the show. Julius moves to one side of the ring and looks around the crowd with a sly smile.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Look at this kid in his Lil’ Petey shirt! Little cherub-looking mother fucker with his blonde hair and rosy cheeks. Should I choose him?

Some in the audience cheer, but those who would rather be chosen themselves shower the boy with a chorus of boos.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Mother fucking 8-year-old Lil’ Petey fans...what’s this world comin’ to?

Julius moves to another side of the ring as the camera shows the little boy frown with sadness. Meanwhile, Fairweather looks around another section of the crowd.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Hmmmm...now what do we have over here? Check out the redhead in the third row. Something tells me her favorite movie is Black Snake Moan. She might just be a little lost sheep in need of a shepherd…

The camera focuses on a voluptuous redhead, who gives Julius a sly smile of her own. Once again, some members of the crowd respond positively but there is still a large number that want to be chosen for themselves.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Come and see me after the show and it’ll be my duty to please that booty, but right now I’m in the need of a volunteer with more brains than bounce…

Julius moves to a third side of the ring, smiles widely, and points a single finger at a slightly overweight man as he struggles to jump up and down excitedly.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Now that’s the kind of mother fucker I’m talking about! Look at the round boy, squeezing his big ol’ belly into that Dickie Watson tee shirt. If there’s one thing you can count on at a Project: Honor show, it’s those middle aged men that love to see their little Dickie! Get on here here, fat man!

J.T. PRICE: What does he think he’s doing? This isn’t in any of my show notes…

TREY BOOKER: If I had to guess, he’s doing whatever he wants...

The camera shows the man as he excitedly struggles to crawl over the guardrail even with the aid of a ring attendant. He then crawls under the bottom rope and manages to get back on his feet, before adjusting his shirt back over his rotund frame. Julius gives him an incredulous glance before continuing to talk.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Welcome to Unbreakable Resolution! What’s your name and where are you from, mother fucker?

BRAD FROM DENVER: I’m...uh...I’m Brad and I’m from right here in Denver, Colorado!

The hometown crowd gives Julius’ guest a cheap pop as Julius pulls the microphone back.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Easy, Brad, save the crowd manipulation for the mother fuckers gettin’ paid for it. Now what we’re gonna do here, Brad, is play a little game I like to call “Project Trivia”. I’m gonna ask you three questions about the fine mother fuckers here in Project: Honor, and you’re gonna give me your best answer. If you get all three right, you’ll win yourself a nice mother fucking prize. Get them wrong, and you’ll be dishonoring yourself in front of all your friends and neighbors here in Denver. You got all that, Brad?

BRAD FROM DENVER: Uh...yeah...yeah I got it!

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Well then let’s get started mother fucker! Here’s your first question; there is a fine-ass woman in this company by the name of Kimberly Chase. Now this girl, she’s all kinds of fine, you know what I’m saying? She’s also the kind of girl who doesn’t just give out her digits to anyone, but yours truly has the digits that count. Tell me, Brad, when is Kimberly Chase’s birthday…

Brad looks to be puzzled for a moment. He runs his hand over his balding head and we can see that he’s accessing all the little details about attractive women that a creepy brain like his can hold.

BRAD FROM DENVER: I absolutely adore Kimberly and I know for a fact that her birthday is October 23rd, 1994!

Julius leans back a bit, his eyes growing wide with wonder and surprise.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Well look at the big brain on Brad! That’s the right answer, you mother fucking stalker! Congratulations!

Brad hops up and down a couple of times, unable to contain his excitement.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Now on to question number two; There’s a mute little mother fucker running around here by the name of Arik Holt. Now he ain’t sexy by any means, so this one is gonna be a little harder for you. We all know the funny little mother fucker can’t talk, but that’s just one of the many things wrong with his mutant DNA. Tell us, what is one of the other conditions that Arik Holt suffers from?

BRAD FROM DENVER: Oh! Oh! Oh! That’s easy! My sister has the same thing! He has Alopecia!

Julius slowly nods his head following the answer.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: I was looking for you to mention his Only Fans addiction, but technically you’re not wrong! Congratulations mother fucker!

Again, Brad bounces in the ring, all of his most unsightly parts jiggling for all to see.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Okay, Brad, calm your tits. Now before you answer my last question, you need to know that if I don’t like the answer you give, you won’t leave this ring in the same condition you entered it. You understand me, mother fucker?

Brad is momentarily taken aback, as Julius gives him a deadly serious and intimidating stare.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Now that everything is clear between us. Tell me...what does Julius Fairweather look like?

BRAD FROM DENVER: Um...what?

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: What country are you from?

BRAD FROM DENVER: Wait...What?

Brad is obviously flustered now, unsure of how he should describe the man in front of him without causing him any offense.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: What ain’t no country I’ve ever heard of. They speak English in What?

BRAD FROM DENVER: What?

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: English, mother fucker, do you speak it?

Julius is visibly angry, a seismic shift from the jovial way he was acting when the segment began.

BRAD FROM DENVER: Yes...yes!

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Then you know what I’m sayin?

BRAD FROM DENVER: Yes…

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Describe...what Julius Fairweather...looks like.

BRAD FROM DENVER: What? I…

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Say what again! Say what again, I dare you, I double dare you mother fucker, say what one more goddamn time!

Julius' shouts are filled with venom, and he takes a step toward the nervous fan to add even more intensity to his intimidating tactics.

J.T. PRICE: Oh, this can’t be good...

TREY BOOKER: I wonder if that guy signed a waiver...

BRAD FROM DENVER: He’s...he’s black…

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Go on…

BRAD FROM DENVER: He has...a Jerri-curl afro..

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Does he look like a bitch?

BRAD FROM DENVER: What?

Brad seems to realize his mistake as soon as he says it, but it’s already too late. With lightning speed and accuracy, Julius lands a hard right fist to the fans jaw, lifting all of his sizable weight off the mat and knocking him to the canvas like a sack of flour. With the unconscious fan now spread out before him, Julius lifts the mic back up and scowls at the audience.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: That mother fucker gave me the wrong answer, and I want everyone of you tights-wearing pansies in the back to take notice! If a single one of you tries to treat Julius Fairweather like a bitch, or you decide to say something I don’t like, you’re all gonna end up just...like...Brad. Are we cool?

At that moment, several members of Project: Honor security emerge from the entrance, most likely sent by staff members who were blissfully unaware that their newest signee had planned on assaulting a member of the audience.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Well, on that note, it looks like we’re all out of time this week! I’ll see all you mother fuckers on the next episode of Proving Ground for another exciting edition of “Project Trivia”! Peace out, mother fuckers!

Julius tosses the mic over the top rope at the approaching security and then leaps through the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. He crosses over the barricade and into the audience just as the first member of the security team enters the ring. By the time they are able to reach the opposite side, Julius has managed to put a large mass of fans between himself and potential apprehension, and with his escape secured, the segment cuts away.

The cameras cut to the inside of the St Elmo General Store. The lights are on and we see Matthew Knox stand up from behind the counter.

MATTHEW KNOX: What the hell kind of Saloon is this?

Matthew holds up a couple bottles of nondescript root beer and soda. He tosses them onto the ground, the clinking echoing through the empty store.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: It USED to be a Saloon, now it’s just some tourist attraction for overpriced gifts and dust collecting trinkets.

Matthew looks up to see Victoria walk into the building, her arms behind her back. Quickly, Matthew readies himself for a fight.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Oh no, none of that stupid shit right now. There’s enough time for that later.

Victoria pulls her hands out from behind her back, to reveal she is carrying a small cooler. She holds the cooler in her right hand and opens it with her left, revealing twelve cans of Boulder, Colorado’s own Hog Heaven beer.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: I figured I’d get a little buzz going before I start in the festivities. Seems you got the same idea.

MATTHEW KNOX: Yeah, this shit town ain’t got nothing good though.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: I’m willing to share.

Victoria takes a can out of the cooler and tosses it to Matthew. She places the cooler down, pulling one out herself, as Matt walks over next to her. Both of them crack open a can and clink them together before chugging down the first can each.

The camera’s cut away from them and we are met with a view of Mark Hunter. He slowly walks through one of the streets, keeping his eye out for anyone who could sneak up on him.

MARK HUNTER: I need to stay the hell away from these psychos. Walking around here with weapons and shit. This isn’t wrestling! This is chaos! This is psycho-ass, stuntmen, who don’t have the talent to REALLY wrestle.

He walks up to a building and peers into the window. The main area is dark, but he can see a light in a back room.

MARK HUNTER: Maybe I can stow away in here until this stupidity is almost over.

Mark jiggles the handle of the front door, but it is locked. Before he can do anything else, Josiah Andrew Scott comes into the picture, grabbing him by the shoulder and spinning him around.

JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT: ‘Sup.

Josiah begins to unload lefts and rights onto Mark Hunter, sending The Straight Shooter up against the door. With Mark a little stunned, JAS steps back and measures him up.

ALARA ADAMS: Uh-oh...here comes another broken door for Rock Johnson to pay for!

Josiah charges Mark...BUT MARK IS READY!!! He bends forward…

KAYDEN ELLIS: BACKBODY DROP AND JOSIAH GOES FLYING THROUGH THE DOOR!!! DID YOU SEE THAT DOOR JUST SHATTER???

Mark reaches into the door and finds the light switch, turning on the lights.

MARK HUNTER: You think some little piddly jabs are going to bring me down?

Mark Hunter enters into the building, ignoring the sign in front...but now noticing all the letters and packages sitting around. He bends down and grabs Josiah Andrew Scott, standing him to his feet. Quickly rocking him with a right hook of his own, Josiah stumbles back up against a back wall. Without thought, Mark begins grabbing the boxes and packages laying around, throwing them at Josiah to confuse him.

MARK HUNTER: Instant Karma-time, bitch!

Mark Hunter pulls back and unleashes MASSIVE superkick…

The crowd explodes.

KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY SHIT!!!

A hand has grabbed ahold of Mark’s foot, before it could connect with JAS. The camera pans out to show who it is.

KAYDEN ELLIS: IT’S PAT THE POSTMAN!!! WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE IN ST. ELMO?!?!

PAT THE POSTMAN: This is a FEDERAL place of business. What you have done to these boxes is a TRAVESTY!

Pat pushes Mark’s foot away, causing him to spin around. Before he could turn back to confront Pat, The Postman had grabbed both Hunter and Scott by their shirt collars.

PAT THE POSTMAN: I will NOT have you defiling ANYMORE of this Post Office.

Pat carries them both the door and tosses them both out onto the street. Both Mark and Josiah turn and look at the Post Office, only to see Pat slam the door shut.

MARK HUNTER: What the hell?

JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT: You’re guess is as good as mine.

Both Mark and Josiah stand to their feet, dusting themselves off.

JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT: Now where were-

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Fuckface, huh?

Josiah turns around only to stand face to face with Christian DeMarco, who has his green purge mask on top of his head so that his face is showing.

JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT: Yeah, I said it. What-

Before Josiah could finish his sentence, Christian steps out of the way and one of the other green masked individuals comes flying in and levels Josiah with a spear, spiking him into the ground. Meanwhile, noticing what is going on, Mark Hunter turns and takes off up the street.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Maybe if you actually prepared for this match instead of drinking and taking potshots, you wouldn’t have met The End. But, who am I to judge?

DEX GRIFFIN:: ALISTAIR...WHERE ARE YOU???

The green masked individual stands to his feet, walks over to Christian and moves his mask to the top of his head like Christian.

The fans explode into cheers upon seeing who it is.

KAYDEN ELLIS: IT’S JACOB F’N STEELE!!!

JACOB STEELE: Who the hell is that...dare I say it...sexy-as-hell man?

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Someone with a polar bear.

JACOB STEELE: Is that our cue to leave then?

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Seems like as good a time as any.

Both Christian and Jacob cover their faces back up with their masks, before turning and running off into the darkness.

The scene opens up in the backstage area, showing a long hallway cluttered with various production equipment and storage containers. A flash of bright red caught the camera’s attention, and it zeroed in on Kasey Winterborn dressed in her ring gear doing some stretches to warm up before her match. As she turned to prop her leg up on a production crate, a pair of hands reached around and covered her eyes. A small grin appeared on her face as the hands fell away, and she turned to see Nolan Rowe standing behind her with a boyish grin of his own across his face.

KASEY WINTERBORN: How did you manage to sneak your way back here? Last I checked, you weren’t on the roster, or a member of the crew.

NOLAN ROWE: I can’t reveal my sources. I have to keep some things a mystery about me. And who’s to say I’m not...considering my options?

He gave a little wiggle of his eyebrows, and Kasey laughed as she shook her head.

KASEY WINTERBORN: You know, unless you’re actually serious about it, I wouldn’t go spreading that rumour around. Management doesn’t exactly appreciate being teased with a potential signing.

NOLAN ROWE: Hey, there’s a saying in the business… “never say never”, right?

He slid his hands into his pockets, rocking back onto his heels.

NOLAN ROWE: So, you ready for tonight? Got your mind clear, your focus locked?

Kasey lowered the leg she had been stretching, and took a deep, slow breath, shaking out her limbs before fixing Nolan with a confident look.

KASEY WINTERBORN: Ready as I’ll ever be. Which spells big trouble for Miss Sixx.

Nolan’s face lights up in a look of pure pride and possibly something along the lines of adoration as he leans over and wraps her up in a fierce hug.

NOLAN ROWE: Hell yeah! You got this in the bag, Cricket! Now get out there and knock her dead!

There was a brief moment after the hug when the two were veryclose together, and it almost seemed as if they would share a kiss. That is, until a very awkward-looking Nolan stepped back, clearing his throat and shoving his hands back into his pockets as a light pink flush crept across his cheeks.

NOLAN ROWE: You, uh...you better get to the curtain. Pretty sure your match is coming up soon.

Kasey looked like she wanted to say something, but she just shook her head slightly and grabbed her ring jacket before heading off to the gorilla position. When she rounded the corner out of sight, Nolan started lightly bashing his head off the wall.

NOLAN ROWE: Stupid, stupid, stupid...

DING! DING! DING!

The opening electronic strings of "Warrior" fade into the arena, growing louder as it progresses. The lights start pulsing in time with the start of the drumbeat, and as the lyrics begin a figure appears silhouetted against the backdrop.

♫ I got my head high, my chest out, my eyes open wide
I got no fear, got no doubt and, god, I feel alive ♫

The spotlight kicked on, shining down onto Kasey Winterborn. With a slight smirk on her face and determination in her eyes, she raises her hands in the air to the overwhelming cheers of the crowd.

♫ I'm not stopping for ya, I'm a fucking warrior
I'm a warrior
Wa-wa-warrior, wa-wa-warrior
Walking through fire like I'll never learn
Waiting forever and now it's my turn
Stronger than ever, I'm ready to burn
Na-na-na na-na-na, I'm a warrior ♫

After a moment of posing, she smiles and begins her descent down the ramp. Along the way she looks around at the crowd cheering for her, reaching out and slapping hands with a couple of fans at ringside. She slides into the ring under the bottom rope and kips up to her feet, where she runs and leaps up to the middle rope at the turnbuckle and glances out at the crowd, smiling as she raises a fist in the air.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… Weighing in at one hundred and twenty pounds… From Tampa, Florida… “Little Miss Vex”... KASEEEY WINNTERRBORRRNNN!

“Popular Monster” by Falling in Reverse blasts through the speakers. The crowd releases a roar of boos as Lucy Sixx steps out onto the stage. She makes her way to the ring.

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent… Weighing in at one hundred and ten pounds… From her own personal hell… She is the “Daughter of Darkness”... LUCYYY SIXXXX!!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: Here we go!

Kasey and Lucy are staring each other down and moving closer to each other. Looks like they’re about to lock up in the middle. Lucy reaches and Kasey puts her hand out. KASEY JUST STARTS UNLOADING A FURY OF PUNCHES STRAIGHT TO LUCY’S JAW! She’s got her back up against the ropes now! And now she goes to send her running across the ring. LUCY REVERSES AND SENDS KASEY RUNNING! Kasey on the rebound… LARIAT BRINGS KASEY STRAIGHT DOWN TO THE MAT! Lucy is back to her feet, turns around to Lucy getting back up and charges at her with a short arm clothesline! It connects! Kasey is back up with Lucy charging at her again… KASEY DUCKS! Lucy turns back around… SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM KASEY!

J.T. PRICE: Beautiful counter against Lucy who’s starting this match out strong!

Kasey picks her up and pushes her into the corner. She throws a right hook, then a left one, a knife edge chop, and then she steps back… RUNNING ENZIGURI IN THE CORNER! SHE’S HOLDING TO HER NECK AS SHE CLIMBS DOWN… FLOAT OVER DDT! IT CONNECTS! KASEY GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONEEE!!
TWOO!!!!

TREY BOOKER: It’s not enough, Lucy kicks out!

Immediately after getting to her feet, she starts stomping a mudhole on Lucy’s body! She’s stomping all over her legs! Now her arms! Her chest! KASEY IS RUTHLESS! She’s picking her up by the hair right now and goes to send her running into the ropes! LUCY REVERSES AND SENDS HER RUNNING! KASEY TURNS AROUND RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE ROPES TO CATCH LUCY IN A SUPLEX POSITION… SUPLEX OVER THE TOP ROPES! OH MY GOD!

WAIT NO! LUCY LANDS ON THE APRON! Kasey THROWS A PUNCH BUT LUCY CATCHES IT AND NOW SHE’S GOT HER IN A SUPLEX POSITION! YES! SUPLEX OVER THE TOP ROPES! THIS TIME IT CONNECTS! KASEY IS OUT AND OUTSIDE OF THE RING RIGHT NOW! Lucy is slow to get up right now after landing straight onto the ground. The ref starts the countout!

ONEEE!!!!

J.T. PRICE: She’s up to her feet and holding her back. Kasey is slowly getting back up now, too.

TWOOO!!!!

Lucy turns her attention to Kasey and charges at her once she gets back to a vertical base.... ANARCHY IN THE WA! She lands on top of Kasey with the Lou Thesz Press and then starts throwing vicious punches while mounted on top of her!

THREEEE!!!

Lucy lets out a good scream and then picks Kasey up and rolls her back into the ring. Immediately she holds the shoulders down for the cover.

ONNEEE!!
TWOOO!!!

TREY BOOKER: Kasey kicks out!

Lucy lifts her up to her feet and then sends her straight into the corner turnbuckle! She hits the turnbuckle face first and Lucy is running right behind her! KASEY LANDS A REVERSE ELBOW STRAIGHT TO LUCY’S JAW! Kasey turns around and lifts Lucy up in flapjack fashion… LUCY LANDS FACE FIRST ON THE TURNBUCKLE! KASEY RUNS AGAINST THE ROPES AT A GROGGY LUCY… RUNNING KNEE STRIKE CONNECTS AND SENDS LUCY THROUGH THE ROPES! SHE LANDS TO THE OUTSIDE!

J.T. PRICE: WHAT A WAY TO TURN THIS MATCH AROUND!

ONEEE!!

TREY BOOKER: The ref has started another countout while Kasey takes a second in the ring! Lucy is moving around out here, but isn’t getting up quite yet!

TWOOO!!!
THREEE!!!
FOURRR!!

J.T. PRICE: Doesn’t look like Kasey wants to wait much longer as Lucy is just to her knees now!

Kasey kicks her foot right into Lucy’s face and just pushes her back to the ground! The disrespect!

ONEEE!!

The count has restarted with both outside the ring again! Kasey has a smile on her face now as she grabs her by the hair! She lifts her up just enough to slam her back down to the ground!

TREY BOOKER: Kasey really is ruthless!

TWOOO!!

Kasey has her back turned as she’s listening to the crowd boo her. Lucy is back to one knee. Kasey turns around and attempts to kick Lucy, but she grabs a hold of her leg and tosses her into the ground! She’s finally back on both feet now as she slides into the ring! Lucy is just stalking Kasey right now, waiting for her to get back into the ring. Kasey is back up and looks at Lucy with a smirk on her face. Kasey slides in and Lucy charges at her AND CONNECTS THE STEP-UP ENZIGURI! SIXX 6 SIX! Lucy looks like she’s going for the finish… BEST MOONSAULT EVER! METAL INQUISITION! NO! KASEY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND LUCY LANDS ON HER STOMACH! KASEY GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONE!
TWO!
THR-

J.T. PRICE: Kasey almost had her! Great move to roll out of the way but after that kick out, she needs to find a way to keep her down.

KASEY IS MEASURING LUCY NOW AND SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE’S GOING FOR THE FINISH! Kasey has her next to the ropes, but Lucy starts throwing punches right to Kasey’s jaw. She ends up groggy in the corner and steps back. Lucy then charges at Kasey with a spear AND GOES RIGHT INTO THE STEEL POST AS KASEY DODGES AGAIN! KASEY GRABS LUCY AND PULLS HER TO THE TOP ROPE… TOP ROPE ANGEL WINGS! LITTLE MISS VEX! IT CONNECTS! KASEY GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONE!
TWO
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

“Warrior” by Steve James ft. Lights blasts through the speakers. The fans erupt into cheers and Kasey gets her hand held high by the ref.

HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner by pinfall… KASEYYY WINTERRBORRRNNNN!

TREY BOOKER: Seemed like a very quick match, but Kasey came out victorious. Definitely looking good in her return.

J.T. PRICE: Don’t discredit Lucy! While she may be the daughter of someone dark, or darkness, whatever it is… She put up a good fight. Could see more from them in the near future.

Clanking noises of metal hitting metal is heard as the camera goes backstage once more. As the image pans backwards, we see the Roulette Wheel used to choose the match for the Legacy Championship Series. A variety of matches are on the wheel itself, but behind the wheel itself is someone, though their face and upper body is obscured. Approaching the wheel on the opposite side of the screen is the Grand Champion, Dickie Watson. The expression on his face is some sort of concerned, confused eyebrow raise with a slightly amused smirk. He waits for a moment, watching, waiting...commiserating?

DICKIE WATSON: What the fuck are you doing?

The person behind the wheel scrambles in shock, noted by the shuffling of boots against the tile floor. Slowly, completely slowly, the blue eyes of the Australian Wolf appear from the side of the wheel. Aiden Reynolds looks from left to right shiftily, his brow furrowing as he sighs exasperatedly.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Riggin’ the wheel, mate. What’s it look like, eh?

Dickie seems to wear an expression as if he wasn’t expecting the utter honesty as he blinks at his tag partner slowly. Aiden disappears behind the wheel once more, and more clanking is heard.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Ah-yeah, nah, nah, yeah, nah yeah, I’m busy just now. Check later.

The Molotov looks around for a moment at his surroundings, adjusting his championship on his shoulder a little more and blinking as if he’s waiting for his teammate. A poignant silence settles on them, only disrupted by metal continuing to hit metal. Grumbled cursing issues from Aiden, but whatever he said was obscured by his mumble and wouldn’t be understood anyway because he was probably abbreviating everything into another language that was akin to English and somehow made sense to his people. Dickie sniffs in slowly, tilting his head to the side as his smirk widens to something more devious.

DICKIE WATSON: I can understand why you would need to rig the wheel, because you couldn’t get someone to rig the Emu War for you and we all know how tragic that was.

As if lightning hit him, Aiden’s entire head shifts into view once more, his eyes narrowed. His fingers clutch tightly to the wheel, almost white knuckling it. The man wears an Australian flag tucked into his wrestling trunks down to the ring, of course any insult to his country was going to be met with as much opposition as possible.

AIDEN REYNOLDS:: You what, cunt?!

DICKIE WATSON: You heard me.

Aiden takes a giant leap for mankind forward and plants his feet into the floor as he stares down his nose at the man just an inch below his head. Dickie snickers and keeps his eyebrow raised.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Listen ‘ere, you little shit--

Dickie peers over at the wheel, noting one of the pies is covered by a plain piece of lined paper with Aiden’s chicken scratch lettering obscuring the match previously on there. He takes his left hand from the strap of the belt and points directly at it, tapping the paper.

DICKIE WATSON: What the fuck is a Wombat Pen Match?

Annnnnnnd the anger that was in Aiden’s voice is gone, completely taken over by joy and excitement as he gets ready to explain his big idea in great detail and literate description.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Well, obviously it’s what it says it is. You see, mate, it’s a match that starts in the ring and you’ve gotta fight your way through it and get your opponent thrown into the pen that’s on the outside of the ring that has a lovely mob of wombats in it. Haaaah, mob…

DICKIE WATSON: ...so you want to throw Pyro into a pen of wombats?

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Yeah! Can you imagine how long it’ll take to get the stink of their shit out of his fuckin’ dreads? Not to mention the amount of sulfur in those little cubes. And the scuffle, mate. The scuffle.

DICKIE WATSON: But mate...mate...his hair took patience and time to get where it is.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: And I….what?

Aiden’d continued to talk about wombats and how squeaky they were and hoppy until he broke his own concentration and looked at Dickie straight on. He raised a hand and started waving it in Dickie’s face, closing his fist and pointing at him. Dickie’s eyes crossed as Aiden’s finger landed at the bridge of his nose.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Ah, nah. Nah, nah, nah, nah! Nah, we aren’t starting with that tonight. Let’s say I can’t get this thing rigged. What the fuck other options do we have? A strap match, a scaffold match? Didgeridoo on the Pole Match?

DICKIE WATSON: It...it says Object on the Pole...

Aiden glossed right over Dickie entirely.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: The fucker just completely went down the list of what I had to say and tried to refute every single thing I had to say. I don’t underestimate you, but spent the whole bit of the first thing he had to say telling me how much I was a beta male and riding your coattails. Nah, mate. Nah. If anything, you’re the beta--

DICKIE WATSON: OI.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: --I fuckin’ throw you around for entertainment. Fling you into the fuckin’ rafters. Oi, the cunt had bitchall to say and thinks he’s going to get to face you in the next couple of months for that title? I’m the fuckin’ Dickiegate Keeper. You have to get through me to get anywhere near you and that title now.

Dickie sputters, blinking wildly as Aiden turns and places his hands on his hips, shaking his head disgustedly.

DICKIE WATSON: ….DICKIEGATE?!

AIDEN REYNOLDS: YEAH. Right fuckin’ tit.

With another shake of his head, Aiden let out a disgruntled sigh, completely and utterly disgusted by the state of affairs he and his tag partner were in.

DICKIE WATSON: The Americans don’t understand that saying, calm down.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Nah, nah mate. Fuck rigging this shit. I’ll take whatever match I get and prove to Project: Honor and the rest of this roster that just because I came in after you doesn’t mean I’m the Robin to your Batman, the Jak to your Daxter, the Daryl Dixon to your Rick Grimes. The Harry to your Sally, mate! What, are they next going to say that you’re only teaming with me because your brother wouldn’t join this company, like I’m your silver fuckin’ medal?

DICKIE WATSON: Consolation prize.

Aiden whips his head in Dickie’s direction with a snarl on his lips and smacks his hands together with a deafening clap.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Not today, cunts! Not today. I’m going into that match, slamming Pyro’s head into that mat and putting his shoulders back for the one, two, three. And then I’m going to go into whatever else they have planned and I will get my hands on that belt and become the Inaugural Legacy Champion. Then, let them see what bullshit they can say about me, or about you, or about us as an undefeated Tag Team. Fuck ‘em!

Aiden stomps out of the frame, fired up for his match completely. Dickie hangs back, raising his hand to hold his title on his shoulder once more as his amused smirk fades from his face entirely. He exhales slowly out of his nose and lightly turns his head, shaking it only a miniscule bit. His nose flares a bit.

DICKIE WATSON: Yeah. Fuck ‘em.

The camera cuts to show Mark Hunter running up the street, before Eli Atlas steps out from behind a building.

ELI ATLAS: What’s your rush, Straight Shooter?

MARK HUNTER: Move out of the way, Eli.

ELI ATLAS: Fuck that. This is a Purge. I’m not letting you get past me. I already eliminated Blackheart...maybe it’s time to add the Hunter.

Eli charges forward at Mark Hunter, but Hunter ducks underneath Atlas’ outstretched arms. Hunter takes off to the side of a building, where a ladder had been strategically placed.

ELI ATLAS: YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME, MARK!

MARK HUNTER: Who the fuck said I’m running? I’m just lining you up for the perfect shot!

Eli comes running and climbs up the ladder, but just as he gets to the top of the ladder, Mark Hunter is standing there waiting for him.

MARK HUNTER: No Postman to stop me this time.

ELI ATLAS: What?

Mark steps forward and unleashes a superkick to the face of Eli. Atlas lets go of the ladder and slowly leans back, before falling fifteen feet off the top rung. With a loud thud, he hits the ground. Mark peers over the edge of the roof, looking down at the unmoving body of Eli Atlas.

MARK HUNTER: Aw, fuck! When in Rome...

Without another thought, he jumps off the top of the building...landing on Eli with a shooting star press.

ALARA ADAMS: HOLY SHIT! ZERO GRAVITY OF THE TOP OF A BUILDING!!!

Mark, in obvious pain, hooks Atlas’ leg as his personal ref drops to the ground for the count.

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

ELI ATLAS IS ELIMINATED!

Mark Hunter, with help from the ref, stands to his feet while clutching at his stomach in pain.

At ringside, a fourth monitor goes blank.

KAYDEN ELLIS: One by one, they fall. With six people left, we only have five more eliminations left before we can claim someone as victor of the first ever Project: Honor Purge Match!!!

The cameras cut to ringside where they zoom in on the crowd. The crowd seems pleased with the show so far, standing in their seats, awaiting the next match. The Purge Match, of course, was something that they were far more interested in seeing but at least they could witness it from the warmth of the arena. Nevertheless, their attention is captured as the shiny, six-foot wheel previously seen earlier in the show has been rolled out onto the center of the stage. However, now it has flashing lights as it seems to have been hooked up to power.

“Feds Watching” by 2Chainz blasts through the arena, and the crowd pops for the familiar theme as the Assistant to the General Manager of Proving Ground, Caden Young, appears behind the wheel. He gives a dazzling smile to the audience as he stops next to the wheel, his shoulders popping with his theme. He waits for a second for the music to fade out and then he produces a set of cards from the pocket of his blazer and holds the microphone up to his mouth.

CADEN YOUNG: Ayyyyyyy! It’s great to be back in front of a crowd -- I know you all thought I died, but nope. I’m still flexin’ the Assistant Manager position, and I get the privilege of letting all of you, the fans--

He stretches his hand holding the cards out towards the audience, and the crowd pops for themselves.

CADEN YOUNG: --and our first two esteemed competitors in the Legacy Series know what kind of match they’re going to have tonight. If we could get them up there…

A production tech looks up at him from down below the stage and asks an obvious question. Caden lifts an eyebrow and then points to the screen.

CADEN YOUNG: Y-yeah, up there. I’m not calling them out here. If I wanted to smell like a cigarette stack…

He waits a couple of seconds, letting out an aggravated sigh.

CADEN YOUNG: I guess I can go ahead and explain the match again. Some of you all might’ve missed it...slackers...

He clears his throat, holding the note cards he brought out. However, as seen on The Edge, Caden begins to grow a little uneasy. Perhaps it’s a struggle to read the cards more than it is being in front of the audience? He clears his throat a couple more times before reading off his notecard.

CADEN YOUNG: The Legacy Series is a group of matches in which the contenders will have a random match that could either be seen on F-Fallout or Proving Grounds--GROUND. PROVING GROUND, fuck, don’t fire me. Matches could be just a lowly singles match, or they could be something crazy like...like...what the hell kinda flex is that...who the fuck wrote this?!

Hint: He did.

As he’s trying to decipher the card, the production techs behind the stage have gotten the contestants in tonight’s match to appear above. Aiden Reynolds appears on the left side of the screen, Pyro on the right, with the roulette wheel in the center.

CADEN YOUNG: All of these matches can be contested on either brand, and it could be anything. At the end of this all, the entrants who win in these matches are entered into an Elimination Chamber called the Legacy Chamber at our next Pay-Per-View, The Crowning! There, they will contest in a highly decorated match to win our Legacy Championship. At the Draft Show, you will see matches from the following people…

MYOJIN!
CONTESSA FLORAN!
MATTHEW KNOX!
SHAWN WARSTEIN!
MIA NIGHTINGALE!
KAT JONES!

CADEN YOUNG: And if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got some extra special people the following week as well on their respective brands. It’ll be a grand show and--

A voice clearing their throat echoes over Caden like God. He jumps and looks around, and then looks up to the screen.

CADEN YOUNG: Oh. Hello. Okay. To continue. We’ve got The Australian Wolf, Aiden Reynolds up there. Oi mate, how are ya? Got some shrimp on the barbie, eh?

Aiden’s expression turns to annoyance as he rolls his eyes -- Aussie’s apparently hate that phrase. (They do.)

CADEN YOUNG: Cheers! Also, on our right, we’ve got the Messiah of Fire, Pyro. Dear God, I would not be able to sit for that long to get those dreads meticulously done. I also still wouldn’t look like a homeless person if I did…

Pyro also scowls.

CADEN YOUNG: Right, right! Back to the cards...no, you know what?

Caden throws the cards behind him, and they flutter down to the stage floor like snowflakes.

CADEN YOUNG: Tonight, gentlemen, let’s see what options we have for you to participate in. Of course, we have a singles match, an object on the pole match, a cage match, a...the fuck does that say? Wombat-NO.

He rips Aiden’s addition off the wheel.

CADEN YOUNG: Inferno match. Christ, there’s a lot of options here. Anyway! Let’s spin!

Caden grabs the top of the wheel and with great effort, spins it. An off-key Jeopardy theme plays over the speakers, because PH wasn’t paying for the real thing, and slowly, ever so surely, the wheel comes to a complete stop.

CADEN YOUNG: Oh. Oh. Just a singles match…

He looks back up at the screen. Pyro looks disappointed, and strangely, so does Aiden.

CADEN YOUNG: I know you guys were both hoping for the inferno match. But there you have it! See you at the Draft everybody, and you two, good luck! Aiden, if you need help getting the smoke fumes out of your attire, you know where to find me~~

“Feds Watching” plays once more as Caden waves to the audience and disappears into the back, the roulette wheel following him just seconds later.

The opening riff of Parkway Drive's "Vice grip" hits. The high speed gives way to Aiden Reynolds stepping out onto the stage, a fist in the air and a black leather jacket with "The Aussie Wolf" spray painted on the back. He moves his way down to the ring and as the refrain of the song hits he throws his arms out to the side as he and the crowd both chant.

"YEAAAH YEAH YEAH"

He leaps onto the apron and takes a few steps backwards before slingshotting himself into the ring and spinning around, he then stops and drops to one knee slamming his fist into the mat

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first -- From the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, weighing in at 227 lbs, “The Australian Wolf”, AIDEN REYYYYNOOOOLLLDDSSS!

"Firestarter" Metal Cover by Leo Moracchioli hits the arena as the lights go completely out, some fans brave enough to boo and some scared to even react. The stage and ramp are lit up by fire the only source of light there is as “The Nightmare” Pyro walks out on the ramp. Pyro wears a horror themed mask as he stands at the top of the ramp. His eyes are so full of evil as he stands there wearing his jacket with different horror villains on it open to show his tattooed chest and his abs on show. His trousers the same design as his jacket tucked into black boots with blood splatters over. His head moves to the side in a creepy way as he holds his arms out wide. Most of the crowd in silence through fear but some being brave enough to boo. Pyro walks down to the ring slowly and methodically, ignoring everyone and everything around him. Once at the ring, the flames die out and the next thing you see is the lights come back on as Pyro stands in the middle of the ring. Once again his head creepily moves to the side as his hands remove his mask. Once his face is revealed, it shows a twisted and sickening smirk. Once again only some of the crowd were brave enough to boo Pyro. As Pyro’s music faded, he made his way to one of the corners of the ring and placed his mask down carefully. He then, kneels down in the corner of the ring with the same twisted and sickening smirk on his face.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent -- Hailing in from Sanford, Florida...weighing in at 205 lbs, he is “The Nightmare” and the “Messiah of Fire”... PYYYYYYROOOOO!!!

DING DING DING

The two men walk to the center of the ring and bump chests, getting in one another’s face and jawing some shit. The fans are on their feet in anticipation and in a flash, the action takes off! Pyro and Aiden begin bashing each other in the face with forearms, using their left hands to snatch the other by the back of the head! The crowd is electric as neither man gives an inch! Until Pyro gains an advantage and manages to drive Aiden into the ropes! He whips him across the ring and takes Aiden down with a picture perfect dropkick!

TREY BOOKER: Pyro coming out like a house of fire here tonight!

J.T. PRICE: Jesus Trey, stop the puns before they start.

Pyro leaps onto the downed Aiden, and begins raining closed fists down onto him! Aiden does his best to cover up from the assault! Eventually, he sees an opening and reaches up, gouging Pyro in the eye with his thumb which gets the smaller man off of him! Pyro rolls away, favoring his eye. Aiden gets to his feet just as Pyro does. Pyro tries to go back on the offensive, charging in only for Aiden to nail him with a kitchen sink! Pyro flips over the other man’s knee and lands hard on the mat!

TREY BOOKER: And Aiden nips it in the bud, Pyro has to have had the wind knocked out of him!

J.T. PRICE: If you take O2 from fire, it usually dies!

Aiden sets to work immediately, stomping a mudhole in Pyro before he bounces off the ropes and leaps in the air, dropping both knees onto Pyro’s chest! He gets to his feet and pulls Pyro with him, lifting the woozy man and nailing him with a german suplex as he was trying to catch his breath! He measures Pyro patiently, waiting for him to get to his feet before nailing him with a thunderous springboard clothesline! He goes for the pin!

TREY BOOKER: Aiden looking to ring Pyro’s bell then ring the ring bell! Cover!

ONE!

Pyro kicks out with authority! Aiden looks stunned, but shakes his head. He gets to his feet, pulling Pyro with him when suddenly Pyro repays him with a thumb to the eye of his own! But he’s gone another step! Aiden screams out as Pyro snatches him by the back of the head, digging at his eye with his thumb! He backs Aiden into a corner before letting go and then sets to pummeling Aiden’s midsection with closed fists until he is doubled over, then falling down in the corner! Pyro snatches onto the top ropes, and leaps up, before swinging both knees into Aiden’s face! He backs off, pandering to the thunderous crowd as Aiden crawls out of the corner. Pyro turns and charges in, nailing him with the “Lights Out” punt kick! However, Pyro can’t capitalize as the momentum rolls Aiden out of the ring!

TREY BOOKER: Damn! Pyro couldn’t capitalize on the offense!

J.T. PRICE: And now we have a fight going on the outside!!

Pyro looks frustrated, but steps out onto the apron. Aiden gets to his feet wobbly, turning around as Pyro leaps off the apron going for a double axe handle, but he launches at Pyro like a jungle cat, spearing him out of midair!! The fans come unglued at the high impact move! Aiden rolls on his back, staring up at the stadium lights as Pyro favors his ribs, curling in on himself. The ref slides out of the ring, going to check on both competitors and forgoing his count for the moment.

TREY BOOKER: Aiden nearly cut Pyro in half!

J.T. PRICE: Surprised he didn’t get burned!

Satisfied the match can continue, the ref stands and backs away. He decides to forgo this count out, which earns a pop from the fans as they realize the ref is going to let them fight it out until there is a winner. Pyro begins pulling himself up on the guard rail, fans reaching over to pat his back as Aiden pulls himself up using the ring apron. As they get vertical and lock eyes once more, they sneer and charge in once again devolving into simply trading soup bones! This time, Aiden gets the upper hand! He ducks under a wild swing by Pyro and as soon as Pyro turns around, it’s into a big, crashing Arn-Anderson style spinebuster!

TREY BOOKER: Aiden looks to be in firm control now!

Aiden wastes no time, springing up and yanking a rubber-legged Pyro. He rolls him into the ring and rolls in after him, with the ref following. He pulls Pyro up and sends him back down after nailing him with a snap suplex, He rolls through going for a pin!

ONE!
TWO!

Pyro rolls a shoulder up at two and three quarters! The Ref holds up two fingers as Aiden looks frustrated, but gets to his feet. He stares at Pyro a moment who begins crawling to the ropes. Aiden leaps in the air after bounding forth, and sends Pyro’s face into the mat with a hard double foot stomp! There’s an audible CRACK as Pyro’s nose is broken! Aiden postures to the crowd who cheer as Pyro rolls onto his back, the camera zooms in and we see...Pyro laughing as the blood flows down his face, a crazed look in his eyes!

TREY BOOKER: Oh lord his nose is broke!

J.T. PRICE: Those stains ain’t comin out, Trey! And the psycho is laughing!

Aiden goes to kick Pyro in his face as he sits up but Pyro lens back, evading the kick! He then kips to his feet and nails Aiden with a superkick! He then nails Aiden with “The Conjuring!” He scrambles over to Aiden and rolls him onto his back, hooking the leg and going for the win!

ONE
TWO
TH-NO! NO! AIDEN KICKS OUT OF THE CONJURING!

Pyro is livid! He slaps his hands three times at the ref, getting up and backing the ref into a corner! Bits of blood fly with spittle as he rages at the official! He then stalks away, looking at Aiden who still is face down, catching his breath and shaking off the cobwebs. Pyro suddenly lifts a thumb, and digs it at the side of his broken nose. The crowd practically screams as he hurts himself, before snatching the nose between his middle and forefinger, snapping it back into place with a cry of agony, followed by laughter louder than the chants of “YOU SICK FUCK” the audience has broken into!

J.T. PRICE: I’m gonna be sick.

TREY BOOKER: Yeah, me too. You could hear that crack in the cheap seats!

Pyro pulls Aiden to his feet, and pays him with a stiff right hand! He hauls back, and goes for another bud Aiden blocks, and fires off one of his own! The two men begin trading right hands, it’s come down to wear, tear, and 10 knuckles between them! Eventually, the smaller Pyro ducks a wild swing and bounces off the ropes! He ducks a clothesline! Aiden turns and goes for another, but Pyro does as well! Both men almost decapitated one another, and suddenly they're on their backs in the middle of the ring!

To the approval of the fans, both men manage to get to their feet using the ropes to pull themselves up. They pay a nod to one another, Pyro’s face breaking into a psychotic grin as he charges in, faking a clothesline! Aiden ducks to evade, and is kicked in the face! Pyro laughs as he follows up, kicking him in the gun! He nails The Pyro Massacre! He goes for the cover!

TREY BOOKER: Pyro Massacre!

J.T. PRICE: It’s over!

ONE
TWO
TH--NO! NO!! AIDEN KICKS OUT!

Infuriated, Pyro gets to his feet, yanking Aiden up with him. He goes to kick him in the gut, but Aiden catches his foot! He slugs Pyro as hard as he can in the jaw, stunning him! He then nails him with the Gold Coast Cutter!! He scrambles on top of Pyro and goes for the pin, hooking both legs!

TREY BOOKER: Gold Coast Cutter! Aiden’s got it!

ONE!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!

DING DING DING!!!!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner by pinfall and moving on to the Legacy Chamber...AIIIIIIDEEENNNN REYNNOOOOLLLDDDSSS!!!!

Aiden sits up and jumps to his feet, allowing the referee to lift his hand in celebration. He cracks his neck and then leans down, yelling ostentatiously at the Messiah of Fire, though his words can’t be picked up completely except for “extinguisher” and ‘fire”. He wiggles his nose with his fingers and then slides out of the ring, holding his back as he does so, leaving Pyro in the ring to stare up at the lights for a few more seconds.

TREY BOOKER: Aiden adding a bit of insult to injury there.

J.T. PRICE: We’ll definitely see him at The Crowning, though! A good showing, but with those names announced tonight...you think Dickie’s sidekick will be able to survive?

TREY BOOKER: He’s not his sidekick, didn’t you listen?

There’s a pause as the camera follows Aiden, before J.T. speaks again.

J.T. PRICE: To be honest I...I can’t understand him.

The room was filled with a dark, deep red light. The corners of the room were concealed by pitch black shadows, as if they were thick black curtains of an old theatre. Spread to either side, showing a bare wall in the middle. A thin string was hung along the wall, and clipped to the string were photos of Drago Santiago. All of the photos were carefully selected. Moments from Drago's career of him in pain, unconscious, bleeding and so much more. And then, sitting in the middle of the room in a cold, steel chair was Elena DeDraca. Darkness surrounded her, only her pale skin that was illuminated by the deep red lighting, stood out.
This was her familiar place. The darkness was a sanctuary for her. A place for her to recharge, to forget the world, and to prepare herself for battle. This was her tradition. The sadist in her creeping to the surface. Sitting down, surrounded by her opponent in pain - it was calming. It was motivating.
Her eyes were closed softly. Her lips pursed just a bit, but would spread into a smile as thoughts filled her main of the pain and torture she would inflict.

ELENA DEDRACA: Tick! Tock! This is the sound you hear right now, Drago. The cheap clock on the wall that reminds you that our match is only moments away. The same clock that kept telling you it was time to open your mouth, but you didn’t. Instead you chose silence which you probably found to be a good idea. You sat there and told yourself that there was no problem with ignoring your opponent. And who am I to judge you, huh?

She was leaning back further on the uncomfortable chair, running her sharp nails through her black hair. All this time her eyes looking over the pictures of Drago. The smile never fading off her face.

ELENA DEDRACA: I tell you who the fuck I am, Drago. I tell you and the whole wide world, if they wanna hear it or not. I am the fucking Fist of Hydra. The one that will rip your body apart with a smile on my face. The one that will paint the ring red with your blood. Do you understand what gives me the right to ask? Does it get into your head who you're messing with? Probably not. Because that would mean you gave any thought to this upcoming battle. That it honestly mattered to you. But in the end you are just this sweet, new toy that management had hopes in. I don’t wanna say they should have known better, but you will be an example of that. I wouldn’t describe myself as a cruel person, but sometimes you have to make a decision. Do what’s best for everyone else or do things your way. I might be selfish, darling, but in the end I will always choose me. No matter where I work at, or what they offer. If they have anything to offer to begin with.

Elena slowly rose from the chair running her fingertips over the fabric. Almost gently and very carefully, as if it was fragile in the slightest. She began to walk towards one of the walls, the sound of her boots the only noise filling the room. In front of a picture she stopped, smiling, ripping it off. She held it in hand for a little moment before it carelessly fell to the ground, buried underneath her boot.

ELENA DEDRACA: One way or another this will end the way I promised you. You might enjoy pain just as much as I do, but there will be a point when you can’t take it any longer. Doubt me? I hope so. Everyone thinks they are untouchable till they get broken. And that is where my other side comes in, darling. That side of me that everyone wanted me to hide all my life. But there is nothing to be ashamed of any longer. I am who I am. And that is what makes me so successful, Drago. I don’t need to pretend or hype myself up. I go out there and I deliver. This industry is full of false idols and self proclaimed Kings and Queens. Forget about that, Drago. Forget all the rumours you once heard, not because they are not true- but because we will write history tonight. You and me. Well, mostly it will be dance where I lead and you try to not fall on your face.

She walked to another wall again looking at the pictures, a soft laughter escaping her lips. This time she just ripped several at once off. One by one they fell down, as if they were leaves in fall.

ELENA DEDRACA: My last words once more go directly to you Rock Johnson, yeah the big boss. I am not sure you even care for the product you call your own, but I can assure you it doesn’t matter in the long run. This might be your company, but I doubt you've ever been taught how to run it. So from me to you, and also from the bottom of my heart, fuck you. I will come for you, dear. And if that means going through all of your minions that you put in charge- so be it. I will be honest with you, that’s the fun of it. The hunt. The adrenaline pumping through my veins. You greeted me with a middle finger, with disrespect and belittling. I will give you a farewell that is just as fitting. Oh and before I forget it...you’re welcome.

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a singles match set for one fall...

♫
THE GLORY OF A NATION DIES
THE SYMBOL OF THIS WAR IS COMING
A WARNING MEANT TO SAVE OUR LIVES FROM
F.E.A.R.'S RELIGION
♫

There are some cheers when the curtain is flung back and a dour, yet supremely confident Elena DeDraca makes her way onto the stage.

HOLLY PEREZ: Entering first, hailing from Garrison, New York by of London, England; Standing 5’8’’ and weighing in at 135 lbs. “The British Raven” Elena Dedraca!

As the fog begins to clear and the lights pulsate in tune to the music, Elena looks to her left, and then to her right as she absorbs the general atmosphere she is receiving. The pale queen nods and she appears to smile while she makes her way down the ramp.

TREY BOOKER: The Gothmother has been quite the presence here in Project: Honor, but she’s facing some heavy competition here tonight against Drago Santiago.

J.T. PRICE: It’s the Bringer of Light vs a Goth. Have you seen how pale those people get? They don’t stand a chance against any form of concentrated light.

Several hands reach out for Elena's acknowledgment as she heads toward the ring, however she coldly ignores each and every one of them. Suddenly one grabs hold of her hair and tries to yank her over the barricade. Elena breaks free and stumbles down the entrance ramp backwards as Drago Santiago steps over the barricade, shaking DeDraca’s hair from his hand as he slowly approaches.

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent, hailing from Detroit, Michigan; standing 5’11’’ and weighing 181 lbs, “The Problem Child” Drago Santiago!

DeDraca rushes the ring with Santiago close behind. She quickly gets to her feet as Drago slides in on his belly.

DING! DING! DING!

Elena DeDraca lunges at the rising Drago Santiago with an attempted Flight of the Raven before the match can even begin, but Drago barrel rolls out of the way and easily avoids the curb stomp attempt as he crawls back into a corner, sizing up DeDraca as she stands in the center of the ring, beckoning for him to make the next move.

TREY BOOKER: Drago with the ambush entrance! He’s already gotten into the head of DeDraca before the match even started!

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, but I don’t think she’s having any of it!

DeDraca charges the corner, looking for God Save The Queen, but Drago rolls out of the ring just in time to avoid the charging front dropkick. Elena goes sailing into the corner turnbuckle heels first. Drago grabs her leg on the outside and yanks her into the turnbuckle post and clacks her knee against the steel post! DeDraca crawls out of the corner, clutching her knee as the sadistic Drago climbs the ring steps and calmly steps onto the apron, and through the ropes, studying his prey on the canvas. Elena frantically pounds on her knee, trying to breathe life back into the limb joint as Drago grabs both of her legs and starts dragging her back toward the corner. The crowd boos and hisses as Elena struggles to claw into the canvas and stop Santiago from pulling her back toward the turnbuckle, but it’s too late. Drago rolls underneath the bottom rope with Elena’s ankle in tow and grabs the other leg on the outher side of the post. He plays to the crowd as he readies himself to slam both knees into the ring post in unison, but Elena regains her wits at the last second and yanks her legs back to safety, sending Drago Santiago face first into the ring post. Drago staggers backwards, bracing himself on the barricade as Elena rolls out to the apron and dives off onto Drago with a somersault senton! Drago’s body ricochets back first into the barricade as Elena rolls to her feet and sizes him up, still favoring her leg as she sizes up Santiago pulling himself back to his feet with the barricade. She rushes forward and drills him through the railing with a brutal running dropkick! Drago stumbles through the crowd aimlessly with Elena now in hot pursuit as the ref starts counting from the ring.

One!
Two!
Three!
Four!

Elena grabs Drago by the shoulder and spins him around and lays into him with a brutal punch across the chops. Drago stutter-steps and then answers back with a punch of his own. Elena goes stumbling back toward the ring with Drago falling in close behind.

Five!
Six!
Seven!

Elena turns back, rearing for another punch attempt, but Drago toe kicks her in the knee and grabs her coiled fist! He slams Elena’s hand onto the barricade, unclasping her fingers, and then quickly twists them into a brutal contortion and leads her back to the ring.

TREY BOOKER: Ugh, fingers aren’t supposed to bend that way, J.T.

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, but Drago’s certainly gained the upper hand by making them bend that way, Book.

Drago bends Elena’s fingers all the way back and guides her toward the ring apron. He rolls in, still holding her fingers, and then rolls back out and guides her toward the turnbuckle post. He jams them into the turnbuckle hinge! He grabs the tips of her fingers and starts pulling them back as the hinge unrelentingly traps her knuckles. Finally, the ref steps to the outside and pulls Drago away from the turnbuckle before he can do any further damage as Elena collapses into the steps, clutching her hand in agony. Drago finally ducks under the ref’s guard and charges DeDraca on the steps. He tries to grab her worked over left hand, but gets clocked by the right for his troubles! Drago begs off as a clearly frustrated and in pain Elena hops off of the steps and starts staring him down, seething as her dark makeup runs. Drago suddenly drops his hands and charges Elena without warning, only to eat a headbutt for his troubles! Drago buckles to his knees, clutching his forehead, but Elena’s not done getting her revenge. Jumping knee to the jaw! Elena shoots underneath Drago and charges him back first into the apron! Drago writhes as his lower back is slammed into the second hardest part of the ring. Elena grabs his wrist and irish whips him into the steps stomach first!

TREY BOOKER: I think he caught an edge!

J.T. PRICE: He’s not moving!

Elena charges Drago as he slowly turns, holding his abdomen. She’s thinking running knee, but Drago sidesteps and throws her knee first into the ring steps! Drago shoves her in the ring quickly and follows close behind. Drago reins down on the knee joint with horrendous heel stomps before the ref finally interjects and pushes him into the corner as Elena writhes on the canvas, clutching her leg. She tries to get up, but can’t find any power in her offending leg. Drago shoots in, grabbing the worked over left hand once more as he pulls the fingers back and sweeps her leg with an expert judo slam. He quickly bridges back her left arm in a grounded top wristlock, stomping down on her fingers with his left foot as he slowly begins to lift his right foot, thinking Lamb Sacrifice, but Elena rolls back, freeing her arm from the top wristlock and taking down Drago with an impromptu double leg! She quickly crawls up his body and into the guard position as Drago tries to block any attempted punches with his arms up. Elena grabs his arm and quickly twists it back into a hammerlock! She’s thinking Pale Horse as Drago extends his hand, looking to grab the rope. As Drago sits up off of the canvas, reaching for the ropes, DeDraca scissors her legs around his body, looking for a modified Pale Horse. Santiago’s mere fingertips away from the ropes when DeDraca breaks hold of the move, rises to her feet, and stomps down on his fingertips just as they clasp around the bottom strand! Drago quickly shoves his fingers in his mouth, sucking them in agony as Elena charges back into the ropes and comes running back with a brutal running knee strike! Drago falls back first onto the mat, looking up at the lights, as Elena crumbles beside him, still favoring her knee. After grinding her teeth together and sucking back the pain, she finally crawls to cover Drago.

ONE!
TWO!

And Drago gets his foot on the rope last second. Elena slowly limps up off of the canvas, gingerly putting weight on her potentially injured knee as she stumbles toward Drago’s foot still draped on the rope. She goes to stomp down on his ankle, but Drago pulls his foot away last second, causing Elena to stomp down hard on the canvas and send shockwaves through her leg. Drago rolls onto his stomach and pushes himself off of the mat as Elena falls into the nearby corner, holding her knee. He slowly gets to his feet as she watches on. Drago turns to face her, a sadistic smile on his face as she lunges at him, looking for a clothesline, but Santiago merely catches the arm and bends it into a standing sakuraba lock and guides the hopeless Elena to the center of the ring. Elena struggles to pull free, only to be met with a sharp knee to the stomach. She’s keeled over onto one knee by the impact. Drago quickly twists and extends her arm and starts lifting his leg to apply the Octopus Hold, but DeDraca shoots underneath and leverages Drago up into a desperation tilt-a-whirl! She catches him on the way down in the reverse facelock. She’s got Blackhole set up perfectly, but before she can wrench back, Drago laces his leg behind her head and wrenches her arm and pulls her back down to the mat with the octopus hold!

TREY BOOKER: This is quite the sight to see! That Octopus Hold is a pet move of Elena’s too. She calls it the Fist of Hydra, but right now it’s Drago Santiago whose got it applied expertly and she seems lost in the woods.

J.T. PRICE: He’s worked over her arm, her leg, her fingers, her everything. He’s dissected her like a frog in biology class. Even if this move is a common one to Elena, she really has no recourse or leverage to get out of it.

Drago wrenches back with her arm while pushing forward on her neck with his leg as DeDraca desperately and blindly claws for the ropes. As she starts to get a general sense of their direction, Drago grabs her hand while it’s clutched back in the octopus stretch and starts playfully spreading each finger, popping each knuckle joint, and bending back each digit as Elena screams in agony. That agony’s enough of a driving force for her to lunge forward and blindly clasp the bottom rope in front of her. The ref calls for the break.

One!
Two!

Drago lets go of the fingers with one hand and quickly grabs them with the other, bending them unnaturally as the Elena continues to shriek in mortal pain as the ref reprimands with another count.

One!
Two!
Three!

This time Drago swiftly shoves Elena’s fingertips into his mouth and bites down, causing her to scream bloody murder. Drago holds up his hands innocently to show the ref that he’d broken the hold, The ref’s having none of it though and begins counting once more for the break.

ONE!TWO!THREE!FOUR!

Drago finally spits out the fingers and rolls backwards out of the relinquished octopus hold as a spent and mentally exhausted DeDraca whimpers and tries to push herself to her feet, looking as if she’s trying to hold back the urge to vomit as she does so. Drago shoots in and grabs her legs once more and drags her away from the ropes, letting her face slam down onto the mat as she finally lets go. He pulls her up, looking to put her away with Crown of Thorns, but just as he yanks her up with the wheelbarrow suplex, she files back and clasps his head and yanks him down with a brutal sitout jawbreaker! Lights Out! Drago’s stunned on his feet as Elena rolls into the corner and then comes running back with a sickening running front dropkick! God Save The Queen! Drago goes flying into the corner as Elena rolls backwards back into the corner and measures him up from across the ring! She charges the corner looking for GOTHmother Business, but Drago lunges out with an attempted big boot! Elena ducks, but Drago swings around and pops her with a spinning back elbow! Black Hallo connects! He falls into the cover!

ONE!
TWO!

TREY BOOKER: He’s got his feet on the ropes!

J.T. PRICE: Shhhh…

The ref catches the feet on the ropes just before he drops the hand for the three! Drago rises up off of the mat, pounding the canvas in frustration as Elena DeDraca sits up out of the cover, her eyes vacant and her bell clearly rung.

TREY BOOKER: Drago needs to snap out of it and try for something else before the GOTHmother catches another second wind.

J.T. PRICE: I don’t like admitting when you make a good point, so I wont.

As Drago argues with the ref over his feet obviously being on the ropes, a seething Elena DeDraca rolls up to her knees and starts sizing him up with exhausted eyes. Drago grabs the ref by the collar and starts threatening him as Elena sneaks behind him, slipping under his arm, and then lifting him up into the torture rack position on her shoulders, only to drop down with an Argentine Backbreaker! Drago’s body ricochets off of her shoulders as she lands down hard on her knees! Elena places Drago on his feet and sizes him up, maybe thinking Flight of the Raven as she slaps life back into her leg. Drago crumples to one leg. Elena DeDraca charges. Flight of the Raven! The curb stomp connects this time! Cover!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING DING DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match via pinfall; The British Raven... Elena DeDraca!

TREY BOOKER: And we end things the way she tried to start things. Flight of the Raven connects for the victory.

J.T. PRICE: You could say it was almost inevitable, but this match was a fight to the wire.

“Revelation” by Black Veil Brides hits the PA as Elena rolls out of the cover and stares up at the lights, still favoring her hand as she smiles up at the rafters as the crowd goes wild around her.

The scene opens backstage as one of the many camera operators on Project: Honor’s payroll catches sight of Indy Darling making his way through a corridor. Based on his pace, it would appear as if the X-Factor Champion has a specific purpose, and the camera begins to follow him should that purpose prove interesting for the viewers at home. Other than the back of Indy’s head, we can also see the back of his ring entrance vest, which has been emblazoned with a new logo reading “I’m So Babyface It Hurts”. Indy pays little mind to the camera acting as his shadow, instead spotting the object of his search.

INDY DARLING: James! James Edgebrook!

We see the Project: Honor journalist and host of The Edge ahead of Indy in the hallway, as he looks up from his format sheet and Styrofoam cup of coffee, seemingly surprised to hear his name called out by Indy Darling. James gives the competitor a half smile as he approaches, and then leans back against the corridor wall when Indy suddenly invades his personal space. We can see James glance down at Indy’s chest, and then back up to his face, but we are left unaware of what may have briefly caught his notice.

INDY DARLING: I’ve been looking for you, James. I thought we could have a little talk.

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Um...sure, Indy. What’s on your mind?

Once again, the journalist glances down at Indy’s chest before once again focusing on his own reflection in Indy’s sunglasses.

INDY DARLING: I thought I might clear up a few things with you, some of the things you’ve been going on record with.

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Oh? Uh...what might that be…?

INDY DARLING: I just couldn’t help but notice that you and Alara Adams predicted John Nash Strader to beat me in the cage tonight.

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Well, sure, Indy, but that’s just an opinion based on what we’ve seen on previous shows…

INDY DARLING: In fact, it’s starting to seem like you pick me to lose damn near every episode…

JAMES EDGEBROOK: I don’t think that’s fully accurate. I mean, I thought you would come out on top against Mark Hunter…

INDY DARLING: That you did, James. Right before your co-host compared me to Lil’ Petey and Daniel Horror.

For the third time, James glances down at Indy’s chest, and then back up to his face. It is clear that the journalist is not comfortable with the conversation, nor with how close Indy is standing to him.

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Well, now…

INDY DARLING: Not only that, but you both seem to think Strader is in my head. Even if that were true, if it were just a tiny bit factual, do you think that’s the one thing in my head that people should be concerned about?

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Uh...well…

INDY DARLING: You have a responsibility as a journalist, James. People look to you, not just for opinions, but educated ones. They take what you say at face value, maybe even as the gospel. So week after week, when you say someone is a loser and a fluke, despite the fact that they’ve barely suffered a pin fall loss, people start to believe it. In turn, it begins to have an effect on that person’s career. People no longer appreciate that person or consider them to be a valuable asset…

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Now, Indy, the Project: Honor fans absolutely adore you. I don’t think that my opinions have soured them on you one bit…

INDY DARLING: I’m not talking about the fans, James. The fans are actually smart enough to think for themselves. I’m talking about the suits in Project: Honor management who don’t take the time to witness their own product firsthand. They base their opinions off stat sheets and what’s reported on by guys like you. I’m talking about the followers in the locker room that assume you’re speaking for guys like Rock Johnson. They hear James Edgebrook dump on me and they assume that’s Project: Honor’s opinion in general, so it must be in their best interest to jump on the bandwagon. The fact is, I’m out there week in and week out, doing my thing to put on the best matches possible and winning the crowd over time after time. Yet all that hard work and progress doesn’t mean a damn thing when a guy with a microphone and a platform refuses to look past the numbers on a meaningless record of wins and losses. Sure, Dickie Watson may be the face of this company, Myojin and Zane might even be the heart and soul, JNS is just an STD that we’ve contracted, but guys like me? We’re the spine that keeps the whole thing standing tall. We’re the guys who can take a loss without quitting the next day. We’re the ones who take the time to question authority, the ones who speak from the heart, the ones who make everyone they’re in the ring with look just a little bit better. Do you understand what I’m saying to you, James?

Indy leans in even closer to James Edgebrook, placing his hand against the wall directly next to the reporter’s head. Once again the journalist glances down at Indy’s chest and seems to be momentarily at a loss for words. While waiting for him to answer, Indy snatches the Styrofoam cup out of James’ hand and immediately drinks down its contents. With the cup empty, Indy casually crumples it in his hand and tosses it down the hallway.

JAMES EDGEBROOK: Look...I...I’m just doing my job. I don’t want any trouble…

Suddenly Indy takes a big step back while giving James an overly exaggerated smile and a friendly chuckle.

INDY DARLING: Trouble? Geez, James, is that what you really think of me? C’mon dude, I’m the good guy, remember? Check it out, I even had my new catchphrase added to the back of my ring jacket!

Indy then turns his back to James and looks over his shoulder enthusiastically as the reporter glances at the “I’m So Babyface It Hurts” logo. Meanwhile, we are able to see the front of Indy for the first time and it becomes painfully obvious as to what James Edgebrook kept glancing at. Under his ring vest, Indy is wearing a black tee shirt with bold white letters printed on the front. His shirt reads “Colton Saint Was Right”. After giving James a few seconds to look at the back of his vest, Indy turns back towards him.

INDY DARLING: You’ve got nothing to worry about with me, James! I’d like to think you and I might even be pals someday. Until then, I’m really looking forward to seeing the next episode of The Edge.

Indy places his hand on James’ shoulder and allows an uncomfortable silence to linger for a few moments. While doing so, his cheerful smile fades back to his more neutral expression.

INDY DARLING: I think this was a good thing, James. I know a good journalist like you has to appreciate a little constructive criticism. I’m glad we could have this talk. Make sure you say hi to Alara for me, okay?

Indy then gives James a firm pat on the shoulder before turning away from him and making his way down the hall, presenting a sly smile for the camera.

INDY DARLING: I hope you enjoy my match, James!

Indy moves out of the camera’s sight, leaving a somewhat disheveled James Edgebrook alone in the corridor. He continues to look in the direction Indy disappeared in, expressing a strange mix of anxiety and relief on his face.

The camera cuts back to see Josiah Andrew Scott, who still isn’t moving. Finally, Dex Griffin comes walking up to the downed Scott. Dex looks up at his ref and points at the fallen athlete.

REF: He’s down, but not eliminated yet.

DEX GRIFFIN:: Then I think I shall take advantage of the situation.

Dex places a foot on the chest of Scott as Dex’s own ref drops to the dirt.

ONE!
TWO!!

Josiah pushes Dex’s foot off him and quickly gets to his feet.

JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT: What the hell you think you’re doing, you Jason Mamoa-wanna be.

DEX GRIFFIN: Who?

Josiah responds with a kick to the gut of Dex Griffin. Dex stumbles back and Josiah steps forward…

ALARA ADAMS: FREE STYLIN’!!! SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!!

KAYDEN ELLIS: NO!!! DEX DUCKED UNDER JOSIAH’S FINISHING MOVE!!! Dex lunges forward and scoops Josiah up...END OF THE WORLD!!!

ALARA ADAMS: That was the hottest Reverse Spin Scoop Slam I’ve ever seen. Wait...Dex slammed J-A-S onto one of those old wooden fences. Does...is...what…

KAYDEN ELLIS: Oh my God…

The fence had broken upon impact, but a piece of wood was jutting up through Josiah’s back and out through the front by his shoulder.

ALARA ADAMS: A PIECE OF THE WOOD...HAS PIERCED THROUGH JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT!!!

Dex drops for the cover, but the ref waives it off.

REF: Sorry...the wood is preventing his shoulders from touching the ground.

DEX GRIFFIN: DAMMIT!

Dex sits up and lifts Josiah up as well. He grabs the piece of wood from the front and with a load yell, uses all of his might to pull the wood chunk out of JAS.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Something tells me Josiah Andrew Scott is going to need some medical attention.

ALARA ADAMS: I...I...did not expect that to happen.

Dex slams Scott back down, this time putting all his weight onto The GOAT. Finally Dex’s ref starts the count again.

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

JOSIAH ANDREW SCOTT IS ELIMINATED!

Dex quickly jumps to his feet, whipping the blood off his hands onto his pants.

DEX GRIFFIN: I need to find Alistair!!!

Dex takes off into the night without his hand being raised.

A fifth monitor near the ring, turns off.

KAYDEN ELLIS: That only leaves Matthew Knox, Mark Hunter, Arik Holt, Victoria Nash Strader, and Dex Griffin. This is getting VERY interesting.

We cut to show a shot of Dagvald Riddik, who is still not moving on the ground. The split above his eye is still bleeding and a small pool has formed on the ground. A small thud can be heard as our view pans over to see Alistair walk up next to Dagvald’s body.

KALLIE REZNIK: What is it, fluffy?

Alistair opens his mouth and grabs Dagvald by the neck. He lifts the body up and starts to walk down the road.

KALLIE REZNIK: Aww, fluffy found himself a snack.

Alistair, with Kallie riding him and a lifeless Dagvald in his mouth, walks down the road and out of sight.

ALARA ADAMS: While I can’t say much for Alistair’s taste...that is one way to get rid of the garbage.

TREY BOOKER: What a night it has been so far! The X-Factor Championship Cage match is next and still no sign of Strader.

J.T. PRICE: He’ll be here!

Holly Perez takes centre ring and lifts the microphone up to her lips

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

Crowd: ONE FALL!

HOLLY PEREZ: Inside a steel cage for the Proving Grounds X-Factor Championship!!! Introducing first.. The challenger...

‘Who’s that writing? John the Revelator’

Curtis Stigers raspy scratchy vocals come over the sound system but John doesn’t appear in the entrance way. Holly stands there looking confused.

TREY BOOKER: He’s gonna end up forfeiting this match!

J.T. PRICE: maybe you are right...

The referee holds his ear as he gets information from his ear piece. He whispers to Holly Perez as John’s music stops.

HOLLY PEREZ: Well, introducing first.. He is the X-Factor Champion... standing at 6'1" and weighing in at 215 lbs hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana.... INDY DARLING!!!!!!

The lights in the arena are suddenly extinguished, bringing a roar from the excited fans as they try to predict what might happen next. Just then, the giant video screen on the entrance set lights up with the words “So Babyface It Hurts”. That is immediately followed by the sound of “Just Like You” by Falling in Reverse, accompanied by an array of spotlights scanning all parts of Denver’s Ball Arena.

Nananana nananana nananana nananana
I am aware that I am an asshole
I really don't care about all of that though
I've got nothing to prove
But honestly, I'm just like you

Suddenly the spotlights converge on a single area in the cheap seats, where Indy Darling stands motionless, a kendo stick raised over his head in both hands, a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth, his sunglasses in place, and the Project: Honor X-Factor Championship proudly strapped around his waist. After holding the pose for a few moments while the crowd comes to life around him, Indy begins to make his way down the stands, slapping the hand of every fan he can manage to reach.

I've got a bad case of ADD
I've been this way since 17
I got a fucked-up brain and a really bad attitude
And I blame it on my drug abuse
So you don't wanna be too close to me
'Cause you might see my broken heart
I am aware that I am an asshole
I really don't care about all of that though
I'm living my life the way that I want to
And you can't deny that, honestly, I'm just like you
Just like you, just like you

The majority of the fans seem to eat up the change to Indy’s entrance, singing along with his entrance music and enthusiastically reaching out for a chance to put their fingers on the champion. As he continues to make his way down the stairs through the crowd, it is clear that he has fully embraced his role as a babyface.

I've been so lonely for the longest time
They tell me that I'm such a lovable guy
Could it be because I'm off my meds?
Or could it just be something I said?
You don't wanna be too close to me
'Cause you might see my broken heart
I am aware that I am an asshole
I really don't care about all of that though
I'm living my life the way that I want to
And you can't deny that, honestly, I'm just like you
Just like you, just like you

Finally reaching the floor, Indy continues holding his kendo stick overhead while giving high fives with his free hand. Finally reaching the guardrail, he turns back to look over the crowd as they pump their fists in the air and continue to sing along with every word. While he’s expressed his thoughts of feeling like an outcast in the Project: Honor locker room, it’s clear that Indy Darling has found his place among the people.

And I'm always stuck with some bad luck
I'm just a boy who's angry at his mom
And I hope, in fact, she breaks her back
The moment I step on this crack
And don't tell me I'm not worth it
'Cause you are far from perfect

Crossing into the ringside area, Indy takes a look up at the steel cage, before ultimately deciding to climb over it instead of using the door. Upon reaching the top, he allows his entrance vest to slide off his shoulders before catching it in his free hand and flinging into the audience. His “Colton Saint Was Right” shirt is now on full display, to which he offers a shrug and smirk from atop the steel structure. Indy then points his kendo stick toward the crowd as the next line hits...

I am aware that you are all assholes
Who the hell cares about all of that though?
I am aware that I am an asshole
I really don't care about all of that though
I'm living my life the way that I want to
And you can't deny that, honestly, I'm just like you
Just like you, just like you, just like you

Indy flicks his cigarette to ringside and then pulls off his tee shirt, tossing it to the crowd as well. He then drops his kendo stick to ringside, a symbolic gesture that he plans on handling his match without the use of a weapon. Having shredded his entrance gear, he then makes his way down the side of the cage, fully entering the ring for his upcoming title defense.

HOLLY PEREZ: And the challenger...

‘Who’s that writing? John the Revelator’

The Forest Rangers song comes to a halt with the sounding of a record suddenly being stopped. The arena lights dim as the titantron lights up showing the back entrance of the arena. Security rushes to open the doors wide as “Rocky Mountain Way” by Joe Walsh hits the sound system.

TREY BOOKER: Wait, what’s going on?

J.T. PRICE: I told you he would make it! Never doubted for a second!!

Trey shakes his head at his partner as they along with the fans and Indy watching the screen. The roaring sound of John’s Harley Davdison can be heard as he rides in through the back doors of the Ball Arena. When John appears on his motorcycle the fans give a pop that comes close to the cheers Indy got but not quite as strong as he wasn’t technically the biggest face in the promotion. The other talent watch on as he rides to gorilla position.

HOLLY PEREZ: Residing in Redwood City, California... standing in at 6'5" and weighing in at 245 pounds...

When the drums from the song kick into the main guitar riff the entrance away explodes with silver and gold pyrotechnics as Strader rides out onto the stage. He stops, hitting his throttle the engine rumbles throughout the arena.

HOLLY PEREZ: He is... JOHN! NASH! STRADERRRRRRRRR!

John holds his right fist up in the air stares down the ramp and looks up at the cage hanging above the squared circle before his focus turns to Indy Darling.

Spent the last year
Rocky Mountain way
Couldn't get much higher
Out to pasture
Think it's safe to say
Time to open fire

John begins his descent down to the ring as the cage begins to lower.

And we don't need the ladies crying ’cause the story's sad, oh yeah
‘Cause the Rocky Mountain way is better than the way we had
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Rocky mountain way, ooh

John kicks down his kickstand as he takes off his riding glasses and helmet placing them on the seat. John takes off his Kutte hanging it on the handle bars. The fans gasp as John’s concealed holster holds his gun, Mr. Eagle. He takes it out of the holster, pulling the clip out, and popping the round in the chamber. He holds it up for everyone to see as he places it in the black leather saddlebags.

TREY BOOKER: Well, at least he isn’t bringing it into the ring.

J.T. PRICE: Smart move on John’s part, he doesn’t want to accidentally shoot the champion...

TREY BOOKER: Maybe...

Well he's telling us this, he's telling us that, changing it everyday
Say's it doesn't matter
Bases are loaded and Casey's at bat, playing it play by play
It's time to change the batter

John climbs up onto the ring apron as Miss Perez vacates. He wipes his boots on the apron before stepping through. The referee holds the X-Factor Championship up in the air before handing it off the time keeper. The cage finishes descending down around the ropes as John leans back in his corner while Indy leans in his, the both of them staring holes through each other. The cage finally lowers but it’s different than a normal wrestling cage: it has no doors and a roof on it. No way in and no way out. The referee stands centre ring and calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!

Indy and John Strader lock up in the middle of the ring. Indy hits John with a quick shoulder block that causes him to rock back against his feet staggering slightly. Still John persists and he locks back up with Indy in an attempt to gain the upper hand. John delivers a quick kick to Indy' shin making him release his grip on him and giving John time to level Indy with a quick clothesline. John wastes no time as he begins to stomp into Indy with harsh kicks directly into the side of Indy' ribs.

John bends down looking to pick up Darling when Indy brings one leg up into the air and aims it directly for the side of John’s head. This shot takes the Strader brother by surprise and sends John crashing back down against the mat from the impact of Indy’s boot. Indy brings himself up to his feet and dusts off the front of his shirt before walking over to where John is rolling around on the mat and successfully grabbing onto a handful of his blonde hair. Indy pulls John up to his feet and quickly levels John back down with a DDT. Indy places himself over the fallen body of John Strader and begins pulling at him as he applies a boston crab.

TREY BOOKER: I think Indy ripped out a patch of John’s hair!

J.T. PRICE: Yes he did, John’s bleeding on the mat!

John grabs onto his hair with both hands as he yells out from the pain shooting throughout his body. The referee kneels down near the two and begins asking John if he would like to tap out in order to have Indy release the hold. John shakes his head no with determination as he begins using his elbows to attempt crawling closer towards the ropes. Indy leans back looking to apply more pressure to the Boston crab, but John continues to fight against the hold until he finally manages to reach the bottom rope with the tip of his fingers. The referee shoots up to his feet and orders for Indy to release the hold, which he does after a few moments, but not before giving John a sharp kick to one knee.

TREY BOOKER: Indy showing a viciousness we haven’t seen from him yet!

J.T. PRICE: he best be careful though, because Strader’s rage is building

Indy slowly circles around John Nash Strader who is holding onto his knee with one hand as he slowly attempts to bring himself back up onto his own feet. Indy looks like he is waiting patiently, like a lion would stalk its prey, and the moment that John staggers back onto his feet Indy is there to greet him with a vicious spinning heel kick that levels John back down onto the mat flat on his back. Indy places himself on top of John and hooks the leg making the first pin attempt of the match. The referee slides down and begins to make the count.

One!
Two!
Kickout!

John manages to lift his shoulder up from the mat interrupting the three count. Indy stands up onto his feet looking annoyed with John and he reaches down to pull him up again, but John stops him with a rake to the eyes. Indy staggers back blinded for a moment, which gives John the time to jump his to his feet and rush towards Indy hitting him with a running neckbreaker that levels both of them down against the mat.

TREY BOOKER: John showing some offence!

J.T. PRICE: He’s just getting started!1

John inches closer over towards the fallen body of Indy and drapes one arm over his body. The referee slides down against the mat and begins to make the three count once again.

One!
Two!
KICKOUT!

John pounds his fist against the mat in frustration as he rolls away from Indy in an attempt to catch his breath. Indy pulls himself up onto his feet and as he watches John doing the same thing more slowly, Indy takes a running start and levels John back down against the mat with a Russian leg sweep. Indy pulls John back upwards by grabbing onto two handfuls of his hair. Indy hits John with a quick snapmare that sends John crashing down hard against the mat and holding onto his lower back thanks to the impact.

TREY BOOKER: John is gonna need a haircut after this.

J.T. PRICE: He should send Indy the receipt.

Indy grabs onto John Strader and quickly tosses John head first into steel cage! Indy grabs him by the ears and starts rubbing and mashing his face against the chain link fence used for the cage. The referee starts to count it but Indy isn’t letting go of the hold.

One!
Two!
Three!
Four!

Indy stops pulling his bloodied face back to look into his eyes and tosses his head down hard into the mat. He picks up Strader, and connects with a swinging neck breaker. He crawls back up into the corner, and looks out at the crowd. As he turns around he is hit with a low blow and he hits the mat hard. John raises his hand in the air as he jumps to the top rope. The crowd chants are divided.

TREY BOOKER: the fans aren’t show who to get behind!

“J-N-S! J-N-S!”

“IN-DY! IN-DY”

J.T. PRICE: Come on John, kick his ass!

John leaps with a 630 degree Senton and Corkscrew from the top rope. John clutches his lower back after impact before he drapes his arm over Darling’s chest. The referee drops for the count.

One!
Two!
Kickout!

J.T. PRICE: That was a slow count!

TREY BOOKER: Looked pretty fair to me!

John and Indy get up slowly. Darling and Strader nod at eachother and just start throwing lefts and rights at one another.

TREY BOOKER: This has turned into a brawl for all!

J.T. PRICE: Ew, brawl for all?

Indy takes John down quickly with a swift kick to his feet. Darling grabs both his legs putting them together, then quickly splitting them causing John to thrive in pain on the mat. Indy now takes his turn on the top rope. The fans give him a huge pop as he leaps off the top rope with an Frog Splash. Unfortunate for him John rolls out of the way.

J.T. PRICE: Strader isn’t done yet

TREY BOOKER: Neither is the champ!

John pounces quickly on the fallen Darling and hooks on a half crab. Indy squirms in pain as he begins reaching for the ropes.

J.T. PRICE: Indy needs to get to the ropes!

TREY BOOKER: That doesn’t seem to be stopping Strader

The referee tells John to let go, but refuses as Darling holds onto the bottom rope. The referee starts the count.

One!
Two!
Three!
Four!

John drops the hold, and turns around to grab his leg again but is greeted with a foot to his face. Blood from the earlier cage attack is flowing pretty good as he staggers backwards. Darling gets up, and leans back against the ropes before leaning back and running at John. John gets leapfrogged, expecting Darling to bounce off the other ropes; he turns around and is greeted this time by a roundhouse kick to the head.

J.T. PRICE: The concussion protocol will be in full force tonight!

Darling and John are back up in the ring and taking shots back and forth now, opening up an all out brawl in the middle of the ring until Darling whips John towards the corner. John catches himself and lifts his body upwards, his feet aimed back as Darling runs towards him. Yet instead of running into John’s boots, Darling catches himself and then grabs John by the legs and rips him off the corner, spinning and dropping him down onto the canvas with a face-first sitdown powerbomb. Darling is up and jumps onto the top rope but as he comes off with a double elbow drop but John spins himself out of the way and lashes out with a double sideways thrust kick to the back of Darling’s head as he hits the canvas, adding thunder to the impact. John is up now and flips himself off the top rope and hits a moonsault onto Darling. Darling pushes John off of him and throws a wild kick to John’s shins, forcing John to remain grounded. Darling’s up now and hits a dropping flying elbow to John’s head.

J.T. PRICE: Indy is cheap!

TREY BOOKER: No cheaper than Strader!

John flips himself onto his feet and turns swiftly to catch Darling coming for him quickly. John lashes out with an elbow uppercut to Darling’s chin sending him stumbling back. John raises his left leg up, his knee twisted inwards as he snaps his foot forward into Darling’s side. John attempts this with his right leg but Darling raises his leg to block. John starts a fury, switching and rotating between legs with this set of attacks but Darling keeps up with his blocks. John jumps back and cocks his right leg straight forward towards Indy’s face in an angle kick, but Darling dodges it and grabs a hold of his leg. John hops up and spins his left leg upwards to take Darling out but Darling ducks this as well and now John falls awkwardly to the canvas, Darling still holding onto his leg. Quickly capitalizing now Darling applies a half Boston crab on John and mounts the pressure.

J.T. PRICE: From aerial, the mat work, this match has had it all!

TREY BOOKER: maybe a contender for match of the night!

John manages to get to the ropes/cage and the referee forces Darling to break the hold. Darling and ref argue for a moment while John makes it back up to his feet. Darling turns around and goes after John, but John spits blood into his eyes!

TREY BOOKER: Well that was effective!

J.T. PRICE: Gotta do what you gotta do

Darling is trying to wipe his eyes so he can see, but it buys John just enough time to leap off the second rope and connect with the clothesline as Darling falls to the mat and John covers.

One!
Kickout!

Strader is up and hits the ropes and bounces back backwards with a flying elbow towards Darling who instinctively ducks out of the way. He stumbles back but catches himself on his feet as Darling goes for an Enziguri, he completely bends backwards and dodges the strike. Quickly Strader goes to trip Darling as he stands on one foot and does so but Darling pushes himself forward and lands on his other foot before turning his body to an angle and getting back to balance. With almost a renewed energy the two begin circling each other, blood still pouring from John’s head.

TREY BOOKER: Strader is bleeding profusely!

J.T. PRICE: The EMT’s will earn their paychecks tonight!

Indy throws a nonchalant at the One Percenter and he sends his sneer back at him as they both begin to circle the ring once more. Darling rushes forward snapping out a thrust kick which still stings as Strader blocks it by raising his left leg and knee to cover his midsection. Darling throws an elbow towards his face at that very moment but he dodges it and grabs a hold of him, out of nowhere nailing a exploder suplex. Darling rolls away and gets back to his feet just as quick as he does. Strader snaps a thrust kick of his own but Darling blocks it in kind this time and uses his leg to sweep him off of his feet. Quickly switching styles Darling kicks him hard on the inside of his thigh and then grabs him by the legs and turns him over, placing his in an ankle lock.

TREY BOOKER: Another submission attempt!

J.T. PRICE: Indy pulling out all the holds the Karate Kid was taught.

Darling screams as he applies as much pressure as possible, and John shakes his head violently in protest never allowing himself to come close to defeat. He tries to overpower Darling with the strength of his legs but Darling maintains the grip and begins to drag him into the middle of the ring. In a complete display of agility, Strader pushes himself up by his hands and quickly places his hands around Indy Darling' neck and holds the position. As Darling applies pressure on the ankle lock he is then pulled back by the pressure from John Nash Strader and his unorthodox hold over him. The referee has no idea how to react to this double hold pulled off by both superstars. Darling' grimaces are muffled by the fact he is choking out and Strader clinches his teeth as his hold also adds pressure to his ankle from Darling' submission. Finally both of them let go at the same time and Darling stumbles forward and onto his chest on the canvas, as Strader falls forward as well and onto his chest. They both crawl away from each other, Strader favouring his ankle and Darling coughing as he massages his throat.

TREY BOOKER: That took a lot out of both men!

Strader is up first followed quickly by Darling. As they both rush each other in the ring Strader unleashes a furious attack on Indy Darling as he strikes quickly with a soccer kick to Darling' left knee followed by one to his right knee. Darling falls to his knees and he then brings up another swift soccer kick right into his chest which has him clutch the area of his heart before he grabs his head and brings his knees in succession into his face. Darling falls over and seems out of it as Strader takes aim for his head and hits a back brain kick. He turns away for a single moment to gather momentum but quickly Darling grabs ahold of him from between his legs and pulls him down, rolling him up and applying pressure with his upper body as he goes for a pinfall.

One!
Two!
THR-KICK OUT!

TREY BOOKER: he tried to put Strader away like he did Colton a month ago!

J.T. PRICE: No one is that lucky, Trey.

Darling shakes it off and gets to his feet, as does Strader. Darling attempts to lay in a kick to the gut but Strader grabs his leg and spins him around and out of nowhere hits a Stunner! The crowd erupts as he hooks his legs and goes for the cover himself.

One!
Two!
THR-KICK OUT!

TREY BOOKER: We almost had a new champion!

J.T. PRICE: The count was slow!

Strader sneers and doesn't seem surprised as he rolls himself away from Darling. Darling gets to his feet and shakes off the move and waits as Strader rushes forward to him. He tries to connect a clotheslines to his face but he counters with a timely arm drag sending him to the canvas. Strader is up quickly but out of no where Darling locks on and applies a fishermans suplex taking him back down. As he lays on the canvas the camera flashes go off as Darling springboards himself off the top rope and lands an incredible corkscrew moonsault onto Strader. He however throws him off of him much to Darling' surprise. He winks at Strader as he spins himself on his back almost like a break dancer and but Strader lands a yakuza kick square in Darling' smug face. Darling falls back again but completely rolls himself up and over and back onto his feet as Strader jumps to his feet.

TREY BOOKER: I am still not sure who is going to win this match!

J.T. PRICE: My money is still on Strader

Both of them rush each other now and a brawl breaks out as Darling and Strader begin exchanging lefts and rights again to the enjoyment of the crowd. Strader’s head snaps back hard with each blow, but so does Darling' head. Darling rushes forward and spears Strader at the last moment straight into the corner turnbuckle. But Strader uses his leg strength and climbs up the to the top rope with Darling' head now locked in-between his right arm and his ribcage. He pushes himself off and spins with Darling locked in his arm and lands a powerful flying DDT with Darling' face kissing canvas at the end of it and his legs bouncing off the ropes and the steel cage.

TREY BOOKER: The whole cage rattled with that!

He now does a bit of double stomping on Darling, using the cage to leverage himself as he jumps with both feet and lands on Darling chest not once, not twice but thrice until Darling moves out of the way and hops back up onto his feet with a rush of pure adrenaline. Darling begins moving rapidly now using quick footwork to throw him off as he raises his fists in the air. He moves forward with a straight hook to his face and he easily dodges it however that was Darling' plan. As he goes for the dodge Darling pulls back and sends himself backwards onto one leg as he sweeps his right leg upwards and straight into Strader’s chin. This sends Strader stumbling into the ropes but he uses this to his advantage. As Darling adjusts himself back onto two feet without falling Strader's already running towards him having bounced off the ropes and lands a perfect missile dropkick to Darling' face. Darling spins around and collapses to his knees.

TREY BOOKER: Well that just cleaned his clock!

J.T. PRICE: Both of these guys are gonna have concussions.

Strader jumps up onto his back as Darling gets to his feet and he begins landing a number of hard lefts and rights into the top of his head as he stumbles around, but Darling catches John offguard when he uses one of his hands to grab onto his backside. Angirly Strader pushes himself forward in an attempt to hurricanrana Darling but he simply drops backwards at the same time slamming him face first into the steel cage and his body crumbles to the mat. As he gets up he isn't too amused and rushes forward, as does Darling. But this time it's he who catches Darling offguard as he comes to a sudden stop and manages to lift Darling up, dropping him back down for a fallaway slam.

TREY BOOKER: For a big guy, Strader sure is agile.

J.T. PRICE: For a smaller dude, Indy is pretty fierce

Strader sees a chance to capitalize on him but he lets him get to his feet. They both hit clotheslines on each other now sending each other flipping into the air and down onto the canvas in a pile. The crowd cheers begins to chant, alternating between the champion and outlaw biker.

“Darling! Strader! Darling! Strader!

TREY BOOKER: Honestly, at this point it’s the fans who have won this match!

J.T. PRICE: Pfft, Strader is taking that strap!

They both get up together at the same time now and Strader rushes forward and jumps into the air, flying across the ring and nailing Darling hard in the face with a flying super kick. Darling flips back and hits the back of his head on the cage hard. The sudden impact from the superkick sends a burst of blood out of the back of his head. Darling grabs the back of his head and looks at the blood from it as he crawls to the corner and uses the ropes to help him get back to his feet. Strader smiles as he moves in for the kill now, grabbing Darling and spinning him around and then picks him and lands a spinebuster. The crowd goes nuts as he climbs the top rope and raises his arms. Darling seems completely out of it right now as Strader climbs to the top of the cage. He looks down at Indy before signalling a elbow drop but Indy moves, rolling up his knees causing Strader to crash ribs first in the defensive move! Indy gets up, grabbing Strader by his hair and shoves his head between his legs and lifts him with double arm DDT that catches more air then 1997 Michael Jordan! He makes the cover

One!
TWO!!
THRE-KICK OUT!

Darling can’t believe what has just happened. John rolls onto his side and squints his eyes as he coughs up blood and begins to show signs of life. The crowd noise does not die down as he uses the ropes to bring himself to his feet. He roars as he looks into the crowd with a grand smile over his face, blood stained and all. He walks quickly around the ring to each side and throws his hands in the air to raise the volume of the crowd before saluting the crowd at each side. Darling is already back on his feet and watches him, somewhat admirably as he plays to the crowd and they rejuvinate him as well. Darling is back on his feet now and gives Strader a nod. Respect? Maybe. Maybe a mind game!

TREY BOOKER: Respect from the champ!

J.T. PRICE: A little late for that, Trey,

Darling goes for a grapple and locks horns with Strader now, but Darling is surprised at how strong Strader responds to the lock considering the hell they have both gone through. Darling attempts to raise his knee into his ribs but he blocks while maintaining the grapple hold, knowing Indy has enough experience to get out of this. Darling smirks as he goes for another knee to the ribs but Strader sneers as he blocks the attack with ease, but he's caught off guard when Darling violently headbutts him in the forehead sending him back. Darling moves in quickly now and picks up Strader from his waist and lands a sudden snap northern lights suplex on the President of the Brothers of Mayhem. He moves in and on top of him quickly, and begins unloading a series of powerful blows smearing the blood he has been leaking for awhile now. Strader seems dazed with the loss of blood in this match as Darling jumps up onto his feet and pulls him up by his hair, whipping him into the ropes. He comes flying back and attempts a spear of his own into Darling but he latches onto him, using his own momentum to DDT his straight into the canvas.

TREY BOOKER: Strader’s head has taken a lot of blows tonight.

Darling is up first and lifts himup by his hair again and this time he pushes him back and lands a sudden tiger suplex on Darling as he latches onto him. But both of them are up on their feet quickly now but Darling strikes first and quickly, gouging his in the eyes. John Strader tries to grab his face but Darling capitalizes and kicks himsquare in the gut before grabbing his head and neck and laying out Strader with a Death Valley Driver! The crowd is on their feet as Darling hooks both of his legs and the referee drops for the count!

One!
Two!
THRE-KICK OUT! KICK OUT!

Darling sits up quickly now in disbelief as he looks at the downed John Strader and then at The referee and then the crowd itself. Darling begins to smile and laugh as he gets himself to his feet, genuinely applauding Strader as he gets himself to his feet. Darling wipes some blood from his face, as does Strader and he mouths something inaudible to us at home. Darling smirks and nods as they both rush forward to each other again and this time it's Strader who takes advantage as he stomps on Darling right foot taking him off balance. He grabs a hold and hits Darling with his sister Meghan’s finisher BLACKENED (sister Abigail)! He hooks his leg as The referee drops for the count!

One!
Two!
THR-KICKOUT!!!!

TREY BOOKER: jesus!

J.T. PRICE: Indy just won’t stay down! It’s like he wrestled a bear in a cage or something before.

Darling is back onto his feet rather quickly all things considered as Strader continues his assault with a MMA styled angle kick of his own straight to his ribs which sends him leaning against the ropes and cage. Strader hops up onto the middle rope aside him and hits a spinning heel kick taking Darling down and out.

TREY BOOKER: Things are starting to look dire for both men!

J.T. PRICE: More dire for Indy, come on now.

Darling seems completely dazed as he sits up in the ring and seems half out of it. John Strader sees his chance now and he runs towards the ropes and comes back, sliding in but Darling dodges it, grabbing onto Strader’s head sending him right into the cage. John rolls out to centre ring as he lays motionless after. Indy points to the top of the cage.

TREY BOOKER: Is he pointing to the ledge of the cage?

J.T. PRICE: I think so...

Indy pulls himself ontop of the cage and hold his index and middle fingers on each hand up in the air!

TREY BOOKER: What’s he doing?!

J.T. PRICE: Nothing good!

Indy lets out a visceral yell from deep in his gut as he flies off the top of the cage landing a picture perfect SHOOTING STAR PRESS. He hooks the leg after making impact.

One!
Two!
THREE!!!

DING DING DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner via pinfall and still X-Factor Champion.... INDY DARLING!!!

Indy collapses as he lets go of Strader’s leg, dropping backwards on the canvas. He exhales and inhales rapidly.

TREY BOOKER: A FINE showing from both of the competitors, but Indy was willing to do the top of the pops and get that shooting star press in at the last second. Despite his recent struggles, Darling makes a comeback that will be talked about for the next few weeks.

J.T. PRICE: Make no mistake here, Project: Honor. John Nash Strader is absolutely not down for the count. He may not have won this, but there are so many opportunities ahead that I’m sure we’ll see them in the same ring once again.

Indy, at this point, has slid out from the ring at the open gate and has retrieved the X-Factor Championship. He exhales and stumbles up the ramp, clutching it tightly to his chest. Halfway up, he stops, looks around at the audience, and then raises it high in the air to receive a strong pop.

Once again we cut away to show Victoria Nash Strader and Matthew Knox sitting on the front steps of the St. Elmo General Store. Surrounded by ten cans, then both are sipping at a final can each.

MATTHEW KNOX: Wonder how it’s going out there.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Well they’ve left us alone, so I’m happy about…

Victoria stops talking as she sees Arik Holt sneaking around a building across the street from her.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: I think I spoke too soon.

Victoria nods towards Arik. Matthew looks over to see him, then chugs the last of his final beer. He crushes the can and tosses it over his shoulder.

MATTHEW KNOX: Welp. Time for us to-

Victoria places her hand on his shoulder. He looks at her as she finishes the last of her beer as well. She crushes the can lightly, placing it on the ground next to her.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Let me take care of this one. You get the next one.

Victoria stands up from the steps and starts walking towards Arik.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: HEY...YOU!

Arik stops dead. He slowly turns his head and sees Victoria coming towards him. He quickly glances behind them, then back to her. He points at his chest and then mouths the word ‘me’.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Yes, you. How many people are left?

Arik holds out his right hand and begins to count on his fingers, before stopping and looking back at Victoria. He shrugs.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Very well.

Before Arik can even move, Victoria lunges forward and grabs him. She whips him out towards the street, but while still holding his arm she brings him back and levels him with a clothesline. A very rattled Arik tries to get up off the ground, but fumbles to even sit up.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: I’m sorry. That wasn’t very nice of me. Here, let me help.

Victoria offers a hand up, which Arik takes. Just as he gets to his feet, she grabs him and hits a MONSTROUS Sister Abigail style facebuster.

ALARA ADAMS: BLACKENED!!!

Victoria rolls over and gets in Arik’s face.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: Goodnight, my baldheaded friend. I wish we could have met on better terms.

She throws her arm over Arik as her ref drops to the ground.

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

ARIK HOLT IS ELIMINATED!

KAYDEN ELLIS: And then there were four.

Arik’s monitor at ringside goes dark, while Victoria can be seen standing at her feet.

VICTORIA NASH STRADER: I think we should start heading towards the ri-

Victoria turns to Matthew Knox, only to catch a two-by-four to the stomach. She doubles over in pain.

MATTHEW KNOX: Sorry, Victoria. Not sure how many are left, and I can’t risk it.

Matthew steps behind her and grabs her arms and gets her up in position. With a sickening thud, Knox hits her with ‘The Murder’ onto the loose two-by-four.

ALARA ADAMS: That was one hell of a vertabreaker.

Matt rolls Victoria onto her back, then hooks her legs as his ref slides onto the ground near them.

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

VICTORIA NASH STRADER IS ELIMINATED!

KAYDEN ELLIS: After she shared her beer and EVERYTHING!!!

Matthew Knox stands to his ring and turns his attention to where the lights are.

MATTHEW KNOX: I think it’s time to start heading to the ring. Let’s go ref...just in case we run into anyone along the way.

The camera watches as Matthew Knox and his ref run towards the lit-up area of town. We then switch over to a picture of the ring. Only three monitors are still on: Dex Griffin, Matthew Knox, Mark Hunter.

ALARA ADAMS: It seems like we are getting extremely close to the action moving in front of us.

KAYDEN ELLIS: One more elimination and the ladder match for the briefcase begins.

ALARA ADAMS: Wait...Mark Hunter’s monitor looks like...like he is already here.

The cameras pan over to show the ring and Mark Hunter’s monitor. You can see him peering around one of the large screens, out to the crowd.

MARK HUNTER: I’m the first one here!

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Nope. We’ve been waiting.

Mark Hunter turns around to see all four of the green masked individuals.

MARK HUNTER: You think I'm scared of you and your little ragtag group of miscreants? You have to hide behind masks because you’re too embarrassed to show your face.

With that line, Christian immediately removes his mask and throws it to the ground.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: I’m not embarrassed of this lifestyle...this train of thought...this very being.

One by one the masked individuals remove their masks.

Jacob Steele.

Red Riot.

Everyone turns their attention to the final, metal bat wielding green mask. As it hits the ground, the fans erupt.

KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY SHIT BALLS!!! THAT’S FUCKING MAVERICK!!! HOW THE HELL DID CHRISTIAN TALK MAVERICK INTO THIS???

Before Hunter can say a word, Christian’s little group splits and Dex Griffin comes flying in out of nowhere. With sparks flying, Dex crashes into Mark Hunter and they both come crashing through the large monitor. Bits and pieces of the monitor come crashing down and smoke and a burnt electrical smell fills the area.

ALARA ADAMS: Rock Johnson is going to hate footing the bill for this little shindig.

Dex Griffin gets to his feet...BUT MATTHEW KNOX: OUT OF NOWHERE COMES CRASHING INTO HIM!!!

KAYDEN ELLIS: Matthew Knox has latched onto Dex from behind. He wraps his arms around him...KATAHAJIME!!! KNOX HAS LOCKED IN THE MERCY!!!

The ref begins to check on Dex. He lifts his arm up and drops it…

ONE!

He lifts his arm up again...and drops it…

TWO!!

The ref lifts Dex’s arm up once more...and drops it…

THREE!!!

The fans explode as the ref stands to his feet and shakes his head yes.

DEX GRIFFIN IS ELIMINATED!

ALARA ADAMS: AND DEX GRIFFIN IS ELIMINATED BY SUBMISSION!!! He didn’t give up, but he is OUT COLD!!!

Matthew Knox lets go of Dex and is quick to get to his feet. Knox looks over to Christian and his group.

MATTHEW KNOX: Do you know how many more there are?

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Just you and Mark Hunter. So, um...you better get into that ring. You have a briefcase to go fight for.

Matthew Knox turns and runs off towards the ring, where a twenty fifteen-foot ladder is already set-up in the center of the ring. It stands just below the structure that has been erected with a wire, holding the three briefcases a good five feet from the top of the ladder.

CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: Oh...this is going to be good.

Knox slides into the ring and looks up at the briefcases.

KAYDEN ELLIS: AND HERE COMES MARK HUNTER!!!

Mark Hunter digs himself out of the monitor debris and runs to the ring, climbing up onto the apron. Knox, seeing Hunter, begins to climb the ladder. But instead of Hunter following, he begins to climb the metal lattice structure protruding from the ring post, that is holding the wire. Knox makes it to the top of the ladder and looks at the briefcases, trying to quickly decide which one to grab.

ALARA ADAMS: JUST GRAB ONE!!!

Knox begins to reach up, but Hunter has made his way to the top of the twenty-foot structure and is shaking the wire.

KAYDEN ELLIS: While it hasn’t been a grueling match for either of them...I’m sure they both want to get this over with and get in from the cold!

ALARA ADAMS: I know I do.

Hunter stops shaking the wire, giving Knox the opportunity to stand on top of the wobbly ladder and grab one case. He begins to reach for the tie that is holding it onto the wire. Hunter pulls himself up onto the top of the structure, doing his best to balance. He gains his footing…

KAYDEN ELLIS: What...is Mark doing?

Mark quickly walks out onto the wire...HE SLIPS AND FALLS OFF….BUT MANAGES TO WRAP HIS LEGS AND ARMS AROUND THE WIRE BEFORE FALLING OFF!!! Meanwhile Knox is still fighting with the tie around the briefcase.

MATTHEW KNOX: Who the fuck double-knotted this bitch???

Mark slides his way across the wire behind Knox. He lets go with his arms and dangles...but he grabs Knox’s legs.

ALARA ADAMS: What...is he...doing?

Hunter lets go with his legs, hooking them onto Matthew’s shoulders. Matthew Knox loses balance and falls, both men spinning in the air...before crashing down onto the ring...and THROUGH the ring.

SMASH!!!

CROWD: HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT!! HO-LY SHIT!!!

KAYDEN ELLIS: MARK HUNTER MANAGED TO SPIN KNOX AROUND INTO A CRADLE PILEDRIVER POSITION...PUTTING HIM STRAIGHT THROUGH THE RING WITH THAT FIFTEEN FOOT DROP INTO THE MERCY KILLER!!!

ALARA ADAMS: I know we watched Alistair carry off what seemed like a dead body earlier...but did we just witness ANOTHER death? This truly is the Purge, isn’t it?

The ring, partially collapsed and with a hole in it now, can’t support the metal structure and the two twenty-foot towers collapse, dropping all three briefcases to the mat. Hunter is the first one to pull himself out of the crater in the ring. Favoring his right leg, he stumbles over to the first briefcase he sees and grabs it, clutching it to his chest.

DING! DING! DING!

CLARA OLSON: And your winner of the PURGE MATCH BRIEFCASE, MARK…HUUUUUUNTTTEEERRRRRR!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: This match is scheduled for ONE FALL! It is the FINALS of the Tag Team Championship Tournament with the Project: Honor Tag Team Championships on the line! Introducing first...



Everything goes dark for a few moments. A beautiful projection of stars and moons shows up on the ceiling of the arena, swirling around the audience and over the ring.

O—
Aphrodite
I wrote your constellation
Into the sky
S-s-s-s-s-sa
Suns at night

The lights return ever so softly dim as the entrancing melody of 4 ÆM begins to play. Magenta, neon blues, and other vibrant mesmerizing colors give the arena a cosmic, ethereal appearance. The lights begin to shine down upon two figures, standing- as if they’re glowing. The lights dim, revealing both the Crescent Moon and the Shining Star! Zane wears a tiger mask as MYOJIN wears a half mask, their color schemes matching. They both lock elbows as they walk down the entrance ramp as the music begins to amp up, the two staring at each other with a grin before they let go and simultaneously run down the ramp!

I’m out late at 4 AM
He says, “How’s the weather, baby? How’ve you been?”
You’re gonna get sick, you don’t know when
I never doubt it at 4 AM
I’m out late at 4 AM
He says, “How’s the weather, baby? How’ve you been?”
You’re gonna get sick, you don’t know when
I never doubt it at 4 AM

They both climb up the apron and somersault into the ring. Zane moves to the left top turnbuckle as MYOJIN moves to the right. The glowing lights now shining down on them both once more as they point up to the ‘starry sky’ projected up above, then slowly point toward each other with a dramatic flair, before both backflip off of the turnbuckles. They move into the center of the ring. Both bowing in front of the audience as they take off their masks at the same time, their confident grins unfading. They then move toward their corner and began to get ready.[/b][/center]

HOLLY PEREZ: Weighing in at a combined weight of three hundred pounds…The team of Zane and MYOJIN… CELESTIAL LOVERS!!

TREY BOOKER: This team has been through a lot the past few-

Before Trey could finish his sentence, "Blockbuster Night Pt.1” By Run the Jewels blasts through the speakers. A roar of boos fill the arena as James Raven and Shawn Warstein emerge onto the stage. They both make their way to the ring, eyes locked on MYOJIN and Zane.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents… Weighing in at a combined weight of four hundred and fifty-six pounds… The team of Shawn Warstein and James Raven… LEGACCCYYYYY!!

TREY BOOKER: Maybe I won’t get interrupted this time… Zane and MYOJIN have been through a lot the past couple months and could really use this as a relief.

J.T. PRICE: Legacy have come in guns blazing, which makes this match even more interesting. It’s not going to be an easy match, especially with MYOJIN having to worry about his Last Man Standing Match with Colton Saint immediately after this match.

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: Tag Team Finals. Tag Team Championships. LET’S GO!

MYOJIN and Warstein start the match off and meet in the middle of the ring to lock up with Warstein getting an immediate advantage over the smaller man and shoving him halfway across the ring. MYOJIN rolls through the show of strength, and looks across the ring at Warstein who smirks confidently, and flexes at him. MYOJIN gets to his feet and the two men circle one another in the middle of the ring before locking up once more. Zane shouts encouragement to her partner. Raven is eyeing something in the crowd he’s far more interested in.

J.T. PRICE: Is James not paying attention to this match right now?!

Warstein and MYOJIN go to lock up again, but MYOJIN has faked Warstein out! He instead delivers a dropkick to the knee that drops Shawn, who then falls victim to a viciously quick step-up Enziguri! Warstein tumbles over, holding the side of his head as MYOJIN takes a step back before charging forth and nailing a standing shooting star press on the downed man! He goes for a quick cover but Warstein kicks out before the count of one and rolls to the ropes, getting back to a vertical base. MYOJIN is on him though, with hard kicks to the shin and thigh that has Warstein trying to get away from him!

TREY BOOKER: MYOJIN is looking good staying on Shawn like this. Don’t let up on your opponent!

Warstein comes to a stop in a corner, and MYOJIN keeps up the offense! He begins beating Wartein down into a seated position before backing up, raising an arm to the pop of the crowd. He backs all the way to the other corner before leaping forth and springing off his hands, landing in a dash to drive both feet in Warstein’s face with a dropkick! But Shawn moves out of the way and MYOJIN crotches himself on the corner post! James Raven laughs hysterically, and looks really indignant when Shawn reaches him and tags him into the match.

JAMES RAVEN: I was watching that!

J.T. PRICE: What’s this guy saying? Get in there and fight for the Titles!

Raven steps into the ring though, and goes to the corner to haul MYOJIN up to his feet.
He lifts MYOJIN and nails a back suplex, before getting up casually. He slides across the ropes over to Zane who he pays a wink and a finger gun to, before turning around and getting MYOJIN up, dragging to his corner, and tagging Warstein back in. Warstein looks a little irritated, but steps in and nails MYOJIN with a DDT! He rolls him over onto his back, and crawls over him for the pin. He hooks the leg as the ref drops down to count!

ONE!
TWO!

TREY BOOKER: CLOSE ONE THERE! MYOJIN got his foot on the rope!

Warstein looks absolutely irritated, and gets to his feet, pulling MYOJIN with him. MYOJIN begins to fight back though! He begins driving stiff punche into Shawn’s midsection, eventually shooting up and breaking from his hold, he takes a step back and nails Shawn in the jaw with a superkick! He then turns and does the same to James Raven! MYOJIN then stumbles to his corner and tags in Zane to a huge pop from a very HIP crowd!!

J.T. PRICE: Here comes Zane!

MYOJIN goes over and yanks Warstein up, Zane follows him and waits until MYOJIN has him up in a waistlock! After signaling to the crowd, Zane knocks Warstein with ANOTHER superkick! He looks dazed as MYOJIN lifts him and nails a german suplex! MYOJIN then rolls out of the ring, only to get leveled by James Raven with a vicious clothesline on the outside! In the ring, Zane has dragged Shawn to the middle of the ring and goes for a pin but Raven has slid in and breaks it up with a vicious punt kick to the head! The crowd jeers as James drags Warstein to the corner, steps out, slaps him on the back, and steps back in as the legal man, practically shoving the dazed Warstein onto the apron with the ref!

TREY BOOKER: Looks like James is paying attention enough now to want in on the action.

Raven turns in time to see Zane has gotten to her feet, and rushes in with a sudden and vicious lariat! He’s now tried decapitating both Celestial Lovers and looks very proud of that fact! He pulls Zane up and nails her with a snap vertical suplex, before lifting them both up and lifting her once more, this time he stalls on the vertical suplex! He holds Zane straight as an arrow in a show of strength! But Zane counters, driving her knee into James’ head once, twice, thrice! She frees herself and lands deftly on her feet behind James Raven, then drops him with a reverse DDT!

Zane deftly rolls backward and mounts James Raven! She begins to rain rights and lefts down onto his face!! The ref gets to a count of 4, and she breaks cleanly only to stand and transition to stomping a mudhole in James’ chest and stomach! The viciousness only proving how much this match, this opportunity means to Zane! Warstein runs in to make the save but she ducks his lariat, and he turns around into yet another superkick! Warstein might need to eat through a straw after this!

J.T. PRICE: ZANE IS ON FIRE RIGHT NOW! The crowd is loving this!

James Raven has gotten to his feet, he fakes another clothesline but stops short as Zane ducks, and kicks her square in the face! She straightens up and Raven nails her with the F.Y.S kick! He goes to pin her but MYOJIN has reentered the fray! He comes up behind Raven and hits him with a sudden snap german suplex! He then leaps on him and applies a boston crab! He’s not the legal man so the taps James produces mean nothing! The ref threatens to disqualify him, and MYOJIN releases James and lets himself be herded to his corner by the ref, who does the same to Warstein! James and Zane stay prone, recovering as the crowd becomes electric!

TREY BOOKER: This is definitely match of the year caliber right here!

J.T. PRICE: Definitely agree with you there. It’s just back and forth right now!

Zane notices that James is on the mat and in pain and throws her arm over for the cover.

ONE!
TWO!

James kicks out on his own right at the two count. Shawn is on the apron looking irritated as if he wants back in and MYOJIN is watching closely to make sure Zane is okay. Both Zane and Raven start to get back to their feet at the same time. Zane throws a punch at Raven, hitting his jaw. Raven throws a quick jab back, hitting her mouth. She stumbles slightly which gives Raven the opportunity to do it again. He has her back into the ropes and whips her across the ring. Zane comes back ducking under a clothesline attempt from Raven. She then sweeps his legs and follows him down, driving her elbow into his chest. Zane then goes to jump over him to run at the ropes, but Raven catches her leg and she falls throat first into the middle rope. Raven gets to his feet and charges at Zane driving his knee right into her abdomen and causing her body to lift up off the rope and to the mat.

TREY BOOKER: Zane really isn’t in a good position right now…

Raven lifts Zane up to her feet and then whips her into the ropes again. When she rebounds off the ropes, Raven charges at her and they both collide with a double clothesline! They are now both laid out in the middle of the ring!

J.T. PRICE: HOLY HELL! The double clothesline just took the wind right out of both of them and the ref has no choice but to start a count!

ONE!

TREY BOOKER: MYOJIN is trying to stomp on the mat and get the crowd going now while Shawn is just shouting at James!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: GET OFF YOUR ASS!

TWO!

J.T. PRICE: I gotta give props to Zane, though. She’s trying to take the front end of this match so MYO can save some strength for his match against Colton Saint.

THREE!

TREY BOOKER: Honestly, I didn’t think about it that way. I see it now, though. It takes a very strong person to do something like that for someone else.

FOUR!

Raven is starting to get back to his feet now, very slowly. Zane follows right behind him, pulling herself up by the ropes. Both of them are close to their respective corners and without much more hesitation, they jump at their partners and tag in MYOJIN and Warstein at the exact same time. They come in with a fire in their eyes as Zane and Raven roll to the outside. MYOJIN and Warstein meet in the middle of the ring with a fury of punches unloading on one another. MYOJIN with the lefts and rights, Warstein with the rights and lefts. They continue this until Warstein says he’s had enough and connects an elbow to MYOJIN’s jaw, then follows that up with an uppercut causing him to lose balance. Warstein connects another uppercut and then lifts MYOJIN up just enough to drive his body into the corner turnbuckle. He continues his onslaught of punches until the ref comes and slows him down. Warstein steps away for a second until the ref backs off and then grabs MYOJIN in a belly-to-belly hold to connect a belly-to-belly suplex. MYOJIN is slow to get up which gives Warstein some time to get back up also. When he does, Warstein connects a short knee to the face of MYOJIN, followed by a straight elbow, which is then immediately followed by a spinning back elbow to his jaw! Past, Present, and Future connects! Warstein goes for the cover!

ONE!
TWO!
THR-

J.T. PRICE: CLOSE, but no cigar! MYOJIN kicks out right before the three count.

TREY BOOKER: Too close, actually.

Warstein drives his forearm into MYOJIN’s face and goes for yet another cover!

ONE!
TWO!

J.T. PRICE: Kickout at two. Shawn needs to realize he’s gotta do more to keep MYOJIN down.

Warstein mounts on top of MYOJIN and begins the pounding. A fury of lefts and rights collide with MYOJIN’s face. Before Warstein can really give him the business, MYOJIN grabs him by the head and then connects the headbutt. MYOJIN’s hair softens the blow for him, but just strong enough to knock Warstein off of him. This gives MYOJIN a second to recover. Literally just a second as Warstein shakes it off, gets back to his feet, and runs at MYOJIN with a knee strike to the face! MYOJIN DODGES AND SWEEPS WARSTEIN’S LEG, BRINGING HIM FACE-FIRST INTO THE MAT! MYOJIN gets to a vertical base and starts to measure Warstein. Warstein gets to his feet and turns around… JUMPING CORKSCREW ROUNDHOUSE KICK! MYOJIN FALLS ON TOP OF WARSTEIN FOR THE COVER!

ONE!
TWO!
THR-

TREY BOOKER: Another close call, this time Warstein kicks out before the three count!

J.T. PRICE: This could be the momentum switch Celestial Lovers need! Wait, what is Raven doing?

After the ref got up from the count, Raven shouted at the ref to come talk to him. MYOJIN stands up and walks over to him. MYOJIN tries to get the refs attention back to the match itself, but after failing, he strikes at Raven who jumps off the apron. He continues to look on at Raven who points behind him. Warstein is up and when MYOJIN turns around, he gets kicked in the gut. Warstein gets him in position and then connects the Futureshock DDT that he calls Ego Trip! He immediately rolls him over for the cover. Zane charges into the ring at the same time that Raven slides in.

ONE!
TWO!

Zane jumps at Warstein to break up the cover, but Raven JUST IN TIME, pounces at Zane, causing her to fly into the ropes and away from the pin attempt.

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

"Blockbuster Night Pt.1” By Run the Jewels plays throughout the arena and the fans erupt into a roar of boos. James and Shawn both roll out of the ring while the ref runs over to them with the Project: Honor Tag Team Champions on him. He hands them over to Legacy and they hold the Titles high.

HOLLY PEREZ: Here are your winners and the INAUGURAL PROJECT: HONOR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS… The team of Shawn Warstein and James Raven… LEGACCYYYYY!!!

TREY BOOKER: Heartbreaking finish for Celestial Lovers. They both gave everything they had and Zane was just about to save the match, but was just a split second too late.

J.T. PRICE: Heartbreaking for them, but an ecstatic moment for Legacy! They just became Champions! Absolutely deserved too. They both have worked very hard since joining Project: Honor and I for one can’t wait to see how long this reign lasts.

TREY BOOKER: I have a feeling that Celestial Lovers are going to be right back in this, but it’s just been a rough time for them. Speaking of which, MYOJIN has no time to rest as his Last Man Standing Match with Colton Saint is about to start already!

J.T. PRICE: Oh lord, that’s right. Congratulations to the Champs, Shawn Warstein and James Raven!

With the sounds of Legacy’s theme fading, the focus of the feed shifts back to ringside. Inside we find the fallen star recovering and just outside, we see the moon maiden sitting against the steps, a distant look on her face. Noticing the camera, Zane gave an almost disgusted smirk, before giving a Kawaii peace sign by her eye with her right hand and dropping it. Getting to her feet, she slams her hands against the apron, covering her face. MYOJIN meanwhile, has crawled over to the ropes, using them as a lean, his eyes now focusing on his partner. Zane lifts her head and has a bit of a mad smile upon locking her brown eyes with his.

J.T. PRICE: What is up with that look, Booker?!

TREY BOOKER: Well these two have been through a lot, I’m sure it’s just the shock of how things ended up here tonight.

J.T. PRICE: I’m hoping so because the last thing anyone needs is that asshole driving a wedge between these two now.

TREY BOOKER: Look we still don’t know what happened at the end of the match. We shouldn’t speculate.

The Crescent Moon then slides into the ring and slowly makes her way to her partner, the fans showing their appreciation for the duo. Helping MYOJIN to a knee, Zane gives him a few pats before taking a step back. The Shining Star looks up and begins speaking, the exact words inaudible. However, the familiar mouthing of “I’m sorry..” is seen several times. Zane shakes her head at her tag team partner, with some in the crowd looking on with concern. Pointing out to the stage, the loud voice of the young woman shouts..

ZANE: あなたと私はすぐに私たちの瞬間があります。今のところ、あなたはあなたのビジネスの世話をし、それに値する人々に平和をもたらします。(You and I will soon have our moment. For now, you take care of your business and bring peace to those who deserve it.)

Looking as if a fire has been lit within him, MYOJIN gives a firm nod to his partner. The two share a brief hug before Zane gives an extra pat to his left shoulder and rolls back out of the ring.

TREY BOOKER: I’m not exactly sure what Zane just yelled to MYOJIN, but it seems to have fired the young man up as he’s getting ready for his second of two matches here tonight.

J.T. PRICE: Let’s just hope he’s able to break even because that bastard deserves everything The Shining Star is about to give him and more!

Lights in the arena completely black out, leaving MYOJIN inside of the ring in the midst of the darkness. Zane standing at the bottom of the ramp, engulfed into the abyss.

J.T. PRICE: What is going on here..

The opening keys of ‘The Night King’ by Ramin Djawadi overcome the reaction of the audience. There initially was a chorus of boos from the shocked audience, but it becomes completely silent as they await something to take place.

TREY BOOKER:Something is wrong here, J.T..

As the instrumentals pick up, a spotlight is shown at the top of the stage. Initially covered to the live audience, the plot of a gravesite is revealed to the world. Standing beside the uncovered plot is the young woman, her face covered by the veil as she remains dressed in all black. Kneeling by the grave, a man turns on the pulley system before standing beside the woman. In the midst of the darkness, MYOJIN continues staring at the stage.

J.T. PRICE: What is that man thinking right now, Trey?

The somber music continues overwhelming the audience, keeping them in silence. The man stares down at the grave, peering at the stone that said ‘Colton Saint 1996-2020’. The coffin slowly rises into view of the audience, bringing a low reaction to them. The lack of response becomes more ominous once the coffin stops rising from the plot. The man walks to the side of the coffin, making an adjustment on the cable, securing a contraption behind it before standing back again.

TREY BOOKER: It is so quiet in here right now. I’m getting chills..

With the two standing at the front of the plot, they watch the coffin slowly rise into a standing position. The two begin to back up, continuing their stare as the coffin is now completely standing. The man grabs onto the crowbar and begins to pry into the coffin. With a loud snap lingering through the audience, the coffin’s door cracked with the nails sticking out. He continues prying the rest of it open before using all of his might to pull the coffin door apart. Inside of the coffin lies Colton Saint. His hands rested over his chest with the rose still in his grasp. The initial shock of the audience tells the story here. As the camera begins to zoom in, the eyes of the Last Breathing Outlaw slowly open.

J.T. PRICE: Oh boy..

aint’s body begins to move, rolling his shoulders to get feeling back in. He slowly exits the coffin to the grounds that the man and the woman occupied. Looking down at the rose in his hand, he returns it to her before walking past her to the stage. MYOJIN finally stands himself up, noticing that Zane is still on the ramp as Colton Saint begins descending toward her. The man and the woman slowly follow him.

TREY BOOKER: Zane might want to get out of there, J.T.!

With the Crescent Moon frozen in the path, Colton Saint continues his walk down in her direction. Upon reaching her, Saint comes to a complete stop. They have a staredown on the ramp before his attention moves to the ring. He slowly walks past her to the bottom of the stage. Staring from the outside of the ring into the direction of MYOJIN, Saint stands completely still. Zane watches the two as she slowly backs up the ramp, turning right mere inches away from the man and woman in her path. The woman hands over the rose to Zane, whispering something to her. A shocked Crescent Moon covers her face momentarily before glaring back at the ring and making an exit up the stage. The man and woman begin to follow her, leaving the two combatants in the spotlight. Saint removes his suit jacket, revealing his dress shirt and waistcoat.

J.T. PRICE: It’s almost like MYOJIN is looking at death itself.

The spotlight disappears as we are once again treated to the darkness.Within moments, reality struck as all of the lights in the arena turn on. Standing across from MYOJIN in the ring is Saint himself, staring right through the Shining Star. A referee is hesitant to enter the ring, seeing the clear tension between the two. The audience remain relatively quiet as the two continue their staredown across one from another. Knowing the risk involved, the referee simply calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!!

TREY BOOKER: What an ominous sight, seeing these two in the ring. MYOJIN hasn’t even had a moment to rest before being stuck in there with this animal.

J.T. PRICE: It’s disgusting that he was even allowed in the building tonight. All the threats, the criminal acts, he should be in prison.

Colton Saint is slow out of the corner, while MYOJIN charges in and hits him with a hard dropkick!!! MYOJIN is going yard on Saint, throwing in the hard right hands. He climbs to the second rope, gripping the hair of Saint while throwing the wild rights with authority. He puts himself in an awkward position though, as Colton Saint immediately hooks him, and POWERBOMBS HIM TO THE CANVAS!!!

TREY BOOKER: Already!?

Not allowing the referee to even begin the count, Saint pulls MYOJIN to his feet, snagging him by the shoulder as he stares the Shining Star down, only to take a kick to the knee. Locking in the clinch, MYOJIN throws heavy knee strikes to the upper chest area before pushing him off, and delivering a spinning heel kick!! Colton Saint is still on his feet!! MYOJIN fires up quickly, catching him with a series of chops and slaps before delivering a spinning back chop to the neck of Saint, knocking him towards the ropes. The charging Shining Star clotheslines Saint over the top rope to the outside, but again, he’s still on his feet!!

J.T. PRICE: He’s still standing though!!! Damn it!!

MYOJIN charges back into the ropes, and returns into a sliding dropkick, knocking the big guy over the guardrail into the front row of the audience. MYOJIN slides out of the ring as the referee runs up, getting ready to count. The Shining Star stops him, saying he isn’t finished with the foe. Upon turning around, he notices Saint grabbing a fan by the throat, and whips him over the guard rail onto MYOJIN, sending him to the floor!!!

TREY BOOKER: WHAT IN THE HELL!! HE JUST LAID HIS HANDS ON THE AUDIENCE!! CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE STOP HIM!!

MYOJIN, stuck on the floor with a fan laying on him, can’t move out of the way as Saint gets over the guard rail and delivers a senton splash onto the two of them. He grabs the fan by the seat of his pants, throwing him aside before mounting MYOJIN, going for his throat!! The referee can only stand and watch as Saint shouts at him before delivering several left forearms to the jaw. Standing up to face the crowd, Saint glares at everybody as fans in the front row quickly sit down.

Saint grabs onto the wrist of MYOJIN, not even waiting to pull him up as he forces him up into an irish whip right into the ring steps!! MYOJIN didn’t even have a chance to get his footing before slamming directly into the top step, bouncing off of it to the floor. The referee gets a little too close to Colton, who responds with a quick one handed shove that knocks him away. Saint walks over to the steps, kicking them apart as he eyeballs MYOJIN. He pulls the smaller foe up and hooks him in for a powerbomb!! Looking at the steps, he lifts MYOJIN up onto his shoulders, but is eating punches to the head, allowing MYOJIN to land on the ring apron. A stiff back kick to the jaw of Saint sends him staggering back, allowing MYOJIN to jump onto him with a meteora, sending Saint’s neck and back onto the ring steps!!!

J.T. PRICE: DID YOU SEE THAT?? HE JUST DROVE SAINT’S BACK RIGHT ACROSS THE STEEL RING STEPS!! GO GET HIM!!!

The referee goes over to check on Saint, who shoves him away again before getting to his feet, holding his back. MYOJIN charges in at Saint, only to be backdropped over the guardrail!! To the shock of everybody, MYOJIN lands on his feet!! Saint holds onto his neck before turning around, as MYOJIN throws a steel chair at his head. The cold steel bounces off the cranium of the Outlaw, forcing him to fall across the flat section of the ring steps. The referee looks over at MYOJIN, who refuses to allow the count to begin. Shoving through the fans before getting to the guardrail, MYOJIN prepares to springboard onto it. Saint is slow to his feet, cringing from the chair shot. MYOJIN finally springs onto it, only for Saint to kick the guard rail, forcing the Shining Star to drop chest first across the rail before falling back into the crowd.

TREY BOOKER: OH MY GOSH, HIS RIBS!!! THEY SMASHED RIGHT ACROSS THE RAIL, SOMETHING HAS TO BE BROKEN!!

Saint walks gingerly over to the guardrail, stepping over it before joining the sea of humanity. Grabbing MYOJIN by the neck, he drags the smaller adversary through the audience, getting trash thrown at him. Upon reaching a rare open space, he pulls MYOJIN up, placing both hands on his throat and lifts him up. The dreaded choke on the youngster seems to be paying off as the movement of defiance slows down. Saint drops him to the concrete floor before looking for the referee. The referee goes through the crowd before arriving by the two. Saint demands him to count out MYOJIN. Before the count can even begin though, Saint stops him and throws the referee aside.

COLTON SAINT: Fuck out of here..

Looking over the set of the arena, Saint pulls MYOJIN to his feet, only for the Shining Star to fire back with a series of right hands. Saint staggers back past a production box. MYOJIN charges up, leaping onto the box as he delivers a hard front dropkick to Saint, knocking him back towards the set. Driven by his new found fire, MYOJIN pounces on Saint, delivering forearm shots to the side of his head. The previous match has taken a lot out of MYOJIN, so the forearms don’t carry the sting they usually would, allowing Saint to grab onto him. Saint fires in with a couple headbutts right to the skull of MYOJIN, giving him the advantage again. Noticing the lighting tower up ahead, Saint drags him again by the arm. Production workers scatter aside from the lone soul dumb enough to get in the way. Saint grabs onto the poor guy, and shoves him off before using MYOJIN as a weapon this time, throwing him at the production worker!!

J.T. PRICE: STOP THAT!!! HE’S NOT IN THE MATCH, YOU ASSHOLE!!

As much as the crowd is booing, there are a few cheering on the wild antics. Saint grabs onto MYOJIN, forcing him back to his feet before lifting him up for a back suplex. He runs MYOJIN into the lighting tower, trapping his leg as the Shining Star dangles upside down. Saint grabs onto his arms and throws his upper body up, before slamming it down across the steel structure. Amused by the body bouncing off of the structure, he decides to do it again, slamming him harder to the structure. He looks around at the crowd before zeroing in on MYOJIN..

COLTON SAINT: I CAN KICK TOO!!!

A series of roundhouse kicks nail MYOJIN in the chest. He shouts at the crowd “WATCH ME KICK!!” before delivering one final roundhouse, this time to the lower abdominal area. The crowd watch in fear for the life of the kid while Saint punches him a few times in the abdominal area before backing off. He notices the production box still there and walks over towards it. Upon grabbing hold of it, he pushes it to get the box rolling before charging at MYOJIN, looking to slam it into his head. MYOJIN sits up as the last second, forcing the box to hit the tower.

J.T. PRICE: COME ON, HE JUST TRIED TO MURDER THE MAN!!

Mustering up his strength, MYOJIN pulls his upper body up, grabbing onto the tower as he begins to ascend it. Saint climbs onto the production box, and attempts to climb the tower as well. He grabs onto MYOJIN with one hand, but is kicked away briefly. MYOJIN continues to climb, reaching about ten feet above the box. Saint continues his pursuit, again reaching for MYOJIN, this time the Shining Star drops his feet from the tower, delivering a double stomp to the shoulders of Saint, forcing him to grab hold of the tower with both hands. Upon regaining his balance, MYOJIN notices Saint hanging on with his arms extended, allowing the Shining Star to let go of the tower, DROPPING ONTO SAINT WITH A CROSS BODY, SENDING BOTH MEN DOWN ONTO THE PRODUCTION BOX!!! THE CROWD IS ON THEIR FEET, SHOUTING AS BOTH MEN DROP FROM THE BOX TO THE FLOOR!!!

TREY BOOKER: OH NO!!! THEY BOTH BOUNCED OFF OF THAT UNFORGIVING BOX!! THOSE THINGS ARE MADE OF SOLID OAK AND METAL!!!

Both men are on the floor, with MYOJIN holding his ribcage. He tries sitting up but ultimately drops back onto the floor as the referee steps in. He has no choice but to begin the count.

ONE!!!

Nothing coming from either one of them.

TWO!!!

Still no movement aside from the cringing from MYOJIN over his ribs.

THREE!!

Saint opens his eyes, holding onto his chest.

FOUR!!

MYOJIN notices that Saint is moving, and shoves the referee away before glaring at the Outlaw.

MYŌJIN: Won’t be that easy..

MYOJIN slowly gets to his feet, glaring down at Saint before pulling him to his feet. A right hand rocks the Outlaw, knocking him back a few steps to the stage. MYOJIN follows in, knocking him back with another right as the two approach the backstage area. Nearing the curtain, MYOJIN looks for the right hand again, but Saint catches him by the throat. The camera cuts backstage, as MYOJIN is thrown through the curtain to the tile floor!!! Rather than walking through the curtain, Colton simply tears it down before entering the backstage area. Lumbering toward MYOJIN, Saint steps in quickly with a hard stomp across the side of the head. Saint walks past MYOJIN, shoving an official out of the way. He continues walking, holding his chest in frustration without noticing MYOJIN is not far behind.

TREY BOOKER: J.T., THEY’RE BACKSTAGE!!

J.T. PRICE: YOU THINK?! COLTON HAS NO REASON TO BE BACK THERE!!

The two reach catering as Saint grabs a sandwich. He takes a bite out of the sandwich before putting it back. Upon turning around..HE WALKS INTO A QUESTION MARK KICK!! THE EATEN SANDWICH HAS FLOWN OUT OF HIS MOUTH!!

TREY BOOKER: OH GROSS!!

MYOJIN leans against the wall after grounding Saint with the Question Mark Kick. He looks around at everyone before grabbing the table full of food, knocking it over onto Saint. MYOJIN picks up the table, slamming it down onto Saint several times before throwing it aside. Saint is reaching for the table as he tries pulling himself up, but MYOJIN DELIVERS THE PENALTY KICK TO THE SHOULDER OF COLTON SAINT!!! THAT INJURED SHOULDER HAS JUST TOOK THE BRUNT END OF A HELLACIOUS KICK!! SAINT SHOUTS IN AGONY, GIVING MYOJIN THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY THE KIMURA!!!

J.T. PRICE: BREAK HIS ARM, MYO!!!

Feeling his shoulder beginning to separate, Saint struggles to his feet. MYOJIN applies the body scissors though, forcing Saint to hold the body weight of the Shining Star while having his shoulder being ripped apart. Saint can’t take any more, and sinks his teeth into his side!!! HE’S BITING MYOJIN WITH FULL FORCE!!! MYOJIN SCREAMS IN A MIX OF PAIN AND ANGER, FORCING HIMSELF TO RELEASE THE HOLD. Saint drops onto him, finally stopping the bite before pulling himself to his feet. He glares down at MYOJIN before throwing wild punches at his own shoulder!! Saint struggles to get the feeling into his left arm, but goes back to MYOJIN, who clocks him with a catering tray!! Hot dogs are flying!! A second shot with the catering tray sends Saint over to the beverage area. MYOJIN approaches Saint, who grabs onto the hot coffee maker, whipping it over at MYOJIN. Thankfully it doesn’t connect, as hot coffee splatters against the wall upon impact. MYOJIN notices what could have been disastrous, and throws the tray at Colton before spearing him onto the table. MYOJIN looks for any advantage he can, and winds up getting a fork from Colton into his forehead. COLTON SAINT IS GRINDING THE FORK INTO THE HEAD OF THE SHINING STAR!!!

TREY BOOKER: HOLY HELL, HE HAS A FORK!! MYOJIN IS BLEEDING FROM THE FOREHEAD THANKS TO THIS SAVAGE!!

Saint shoves MYOJIN off of him before standing back up. He grabs onto his own waistcoat, ripping it off before throwing it aside. MYOJIN is slow to his feet, feeling blood trickle down his face, only for Saint to grab onto him, headbutting him several times right on the wound in order to spread the cut out. Saint grabs onto MYOJIN, throwing him across the room before wiping the blood from his face. MYOJIN slowly crawls to the other side of the room, climbing to his feet. Saint charges in, looking for the heavy lariat, but MYOJIN ducks and SAINT DELIVERS THE LARIAT TO CRYSTAL WARD!!! THE CROWD IS GOING APE SHIT RIGHT NOW, WANTING THE HEAD OF THE OUTLAW!! Saint looks down at Ward, realizing what he had done. A little sympathy comes from Saint, but MYOJIN throws the table at him in response!!

J.T. PRICE: THAT’S ENOUGH!! CRYSTAL WARD HAS BEEN LAID OUT BY THAT DAMN CRIMINAL!!! SOMEBODY STOP THIS THING!!

MYOJIN notices Saint attempting to get up, and fires a front kick to the injured shoulder of Saint. The Outlaw pulls himself away as they reach the Gorilla Position. Several officials try and stop Saint and MYOJIN from entering, but MYOJIN fires a shot at them in response. Saint joins in, as the two are beating down officials!! MYOJIN gets a glare from Rock Johnson, and turns around into an uppercut from Saint!! Testing his arm out, Saint delivers a series of stomps at the head of the Shining Star, staring at the owner of Project Honor with each one. He pulls MYOJIN up, throwing him into the brick wall before getting into the face of Rock Johnson.

COLTON SAINT: What’s the matter? Your golden boy is about to get his ass killed tonight! What are you going to do, huh?

Saint grabs onto MYOJIN, quickly lifting him up, and delivers a snap powerbomb through the table with all the monitors!!! Johnson tries stepping in, but officials quickly separate the two.

COLTON SAINT: I don’t need your fuckin’ money!!

Saint removes his tie, throwing it in Johnson’s direction, but it wizzes past him at the wall. MYOJIN is crawling to his feet, allowing Saint to grab a hold of him and walk him out through the curtain to the stage as the crowd lights up!!

TREY BOOKER: FINALLY, THEY ARE BACK OUT HERE!!

MYOJIN looks to be on dream street as Saint punches him several times before picking him up for a scoop slam. MYOJIN is able to drop behind Saint tripping him up from behind and jumping up into a double stomp on his back!! Saint is writhing in pain as both men are on the steel staging area. The referee is slow to get to the stage, looking down at them. Before he can get to the count, MYOJIN is up, attempting to pull Saint to his feet. He throws Saint into the set!! Leaning against the metal pillar, Saint can only watch as MYOJIN charges in with a forearm smash to the face.

The Shining Star eyeballs the gravesite, looking down at Colton Saint.

MYŌJIN: I’m going to put you down for good..

He pulls Saint in, looking over the six foot grave. Saint looks to be in trouble, but manages to deliver a hard thumb to the throat out of desperation. Seeing the opportunity, Saint kicks him to his knees and delivers another thumb to the throat, and another one before throwing him down onto the dirt. Saint looks to stomp MYOJIN, but notices the shovel instead. A smile arises as he grabs onto the handle, pulling the shovel from the dirt. He scoops up a small amount of dirt, dropping it onto MYOJIN’s head. Mocking MYOJIN for a moment, he waist the shovel high, driving it across his back!! The metal thud echoed through the arena to a mix of shrieks and boos from the crowd. He quickly pulls MYOJIN up, looking at the camera while forcing the Shining Star to look as well.

COLTON SAINT: YOU SEE THIS? THIS IS HOW YOU DO A PROPER BURIAL!!!

Saint forces the head of MYOJIN down, hooking him in for a powerbomb.

TREY BOOKER: DON’T YOU DO THAT!! THAT COULD KILL HIM!!

Saint looks over at the crowd, ALLOWING MYOJIN TO BACKDROP HIM INTO THE GRAVE!!!! A THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE IS DIRECTED AT THE SHINING STAR!!! RATHER THAN ALLOWING THE COUNT, MYOJIN STANDS ON THE EDGE OF THE GRAVE, BRINGING HIS HANDS UP AND FLIPS INTO THE PLOT WITH THE FALLING FROM HEAVEN!!!!!!

J.T. PRICE: FALLING FROM HEAVEN!!! HOLY SHIT!!!!

The confused referee looks down at the two in the grave. He makes the decision to start the count.

ONE!!

No movement, but the Holy Shit chant is ringing out!!

TWO!!

Still nothing.

THREE!!

Some stirring is going on inside of the grave.

FOUR!!

Nobody has been seen yet.

FIVE!!

The referee begins to back up, acknowledging movement from one of the combatants.

SIX!!

A hand lifts out of the grave, grabbing the edge of the plot.

SEVEN!!

MYOJIN is slowly pulling himself up, using all his energy to escape.

EIGHT!!

MYOJIN is immediately pulled down from the edge by Saint, breaking the count.

TREY BOOKER: DAMN! I THOUGHT MYOJIN HAD IT!!

From a distance, MYOJIN’s head is shown above the plot, before he is thrown into the wall of the grave!! Colton Saint stands himself up, being visible from the crowd as they begin mixed chants of ‘Let’s Go Myo’ coming from the younger audience, and ‘Let’s Go Colt’ coming from the adult male audience. Saint struggles to lift himself from the grave, sitting on the edge before getting to his feet. Holding his neck in pain, he glances at the shovel again. After grabbing the shovel, he scoops up dirt, dumping it onto MYOJIN!!

TREY BOOKER: Is he trying to bury MYOJIN alive??

J.T. PRICE: Well, at this pace, he won’t have the grave filled for another three years.

Growing tired of the shovel, Saint kicks at the mounts of dirt, trying to speed the process up. It isn’t working. Finally, he gives up on the dream and walks away from the grave, allowing MYOJIN to climb up out of the plot. Saint returns to MYOJIN, pulling him up in a cravate. He drags the Shining Star over to the ramp on their way down to the ring. After throwing MYOJIN down the remainder of the ramp to the ring, Saint looks at his shirt, ripping it off to a few small cheers.

COLTON SAINT: Shut up you virgins!

Saint pulls MYOJIN to his feet, grabbing his wrist as he looks for a short arm clothesline, but the Shining Star ducks, hanging onto his arm, ripcording him over into the Spanish Fly on the outside mats!!! MYOJIN JUST GOT HIM WITH THE PASSION FLOWER ON THE OUTSIDE!!! MYOJIN immediately kneels up, nearly falling over, however the use of the ring apron stops him from collapsing.

J.T. PRICE: COUNT IT REFEREE!!!

MYOJIN shoves the referee aside before rolling into the ring. Saint is slowly rising to his feet, holding his back while glaring down at the mat. MYOJIN charges off into the ropes, and returns for a suicide dive...only to be hit with a forearm by Saint!!! Saint removes his belt, wrapping it around the neck of the Shining Star!!!

TREY BOOKER: COME ON!! WHAT’S HE GOING TO DO HERE???

Saint pulls MYOJIN through the ropes, whipping him off of the apron onto the steel ramp by the neck!!! MYOJIN LOOKS TO BE OUT!!! SAINT REMOVES THE BELT FROM THE NECK OF MYOJIN AS HE WRAPS IT AROUND HIS FIST… HE’S PUNCHING MYOJIN WITH THE LEATHER BELT ATTACHED TO HIS HAND!! HE KICKS MYOJIN OVER ONTO HIS STOMACH, UNRAVELING THE BELT BEFORE WHIPPING IT ACROSS HIS BACK!!! ANOTHER WHIPPING OF THE BELT ACROSS THE BACK OF THE SHINING STAR!! SAINT LOOKS LIKE A MAN POSSESSED AS HE REFUSES TO LET UP!!

J.T. PRICE: STOP HIM!!! STOP HIM!!!

Saint finally backs away for a moment, tossing the belt aside. He looks back into the ring before pulling MYOJIN up, throwing him in under the bottom rope. Saint follows suit, struggling to get up without the assistance of the ropes. MYOJIN looks to be in trouble, but fires at Colton with a right. He gets to his feet, but gets smacked with the kick to the knee!! Saint charges off into the ropes, not quite hitting full speed before he throws all of his momentum in for a lariat, only for MYOJIN to drop toe him into the middle turnbuckle!! MYOJIN steps away, getting an idea. He signals for the SC Zane Pop!!!

TREY BOOKER: NO WAY! HE’S GOING TO USE ZANE’S MOVE TO PUT DOWN HER ABDUCTOR!!

Saint is slow to his feet, turning to MYOJIN who catches him with a spinning back kick to the ribs. MYOJIN grabs a hold around Saint’s neck and takes off, looking for the Shiranui...SAINT CATCHES HIM, DROPPING HIM DOWN...TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER TO MYOJIN!!! SAINT LEANS DOWN, GIVING THE SHINING STAR A DOUBLE BIRD BEFORE FALLING AGAINST THE SECOND ROPE. THE REFEREE STEPS IN FINALLY TO BEGIN THE COUNT.

ONE!!

Nothing from MYOJIN.

TWO!!

Still nothing.

THREE!!

Saint leans against the ropes, looking out at the crowd.

FOUR!!

MYOJIN begins to stir.

FIVE!!

Looking down at the Shining Star, Colton Saint tells him how much he sucks.

SIX!!

Growing agitated by the slow count, Saint looks at the referee.

SEVEN!!

Saint stands himself up, stopping the referee from counting.

TREY BOOKER: Wait.. Why did he just stop the count?

Saint looks down at MYOJIN, demanding that he gets up. Realizing that he’s taking too long, Saint exits the ring and storms over to Holly Perez, forcing her to move away from her chair. He picks up the chair and climbs back into the ring. MYOJIN is slowly getting up, and Saint is ready for him. Planting the chair on the mat, Saint signals for the Sundown. MYOJIN turns and is lifted by Saint, but the knee strike from the Shining Star to break up the hold. He throws Saint over the top rope, but his neck is caught in the ropes!!! Saint is struggling to get free from the ropes!!! MYOJIN STARTS WALKING OVER TO THE TROUBLED SAINT, BUT..STOPS.. HE GRABS THE STEEL CHAIR!!

J.T. PRICE:He wouldn’t..

MYOJIN looks down at the steel chair in his hands. Trying to have composure...HE SWINGS THE CHAIR AT THE HEAD OF COLTON SAINT!!! THE ECHO JUST JARRED THE CROWD IN DENVER!! ANOTHER SHOT WITH THE CHAIR TO THE HEAD!!! MYOJIN IS LIKE A MAN POSSESSED RIGHT NOW!! A THIRD CHAIRSHOT TO THE SKULL OF THE OUTLAW!!! MYOJIN IS SHAKING IN ANGER AND A LOSS OF CONTROL.. A FOURTH CHAIRSHOT TO THE SKULL OF SAINT!!!!

TREY BOOKER: DAMN IT, MYOJIN!!! THAT’S ENOUGH!!!

The referee steps in to separate the two, BUT MYOJIN SHOVES THE REFEREE ASIDE.. A FIFTH CHAIRSHOT TO THE SKULL!!! A SIXTH CHAIRSHOT TO THE HEAD OF SAINT!! BLOOD IS POURING FROM THE TOP OF SAINT’S HEAD AS THE SEVENTH CHAIRSHOT CONNECTS!! MYOJIN THROWS THE CHAIR DOWN, SHOUTING AT SAINT!! THE REFEREE STEPS IN AGAIN, TRYING TO GET COLTON SAINT FREE FROM THE ROPES..FINALLY THE ROPES ARE OPEN, AND SAINT IS LAID OUT ON THE RING APRON!!! THE REFEREE KEEPS MYOJIN AWAY AS HE BEGINS THE COUNT.

ONE!!

There is no movement coming from Saint.

TWO!!

MYOJIN kneels down, watching Saint.

THREE!!

Still nothing coming from the Outlaw.

FOUR!!

TREY BOOKER: Please let this be over..

FIVE!!

Saint’s hands begin to move a little.

SIX!!

J.T. PRICE: I hate the man.. But damn it.. Stay down!!

SEVEN!!

The hand of Colton Saint grabs the middle rope, getting a reaction from the audience. In a strange turn of events, it’s a positive reaction with a smattering of boos as well.

EIGHT!!

MYOJIN watches on as Colton Saint is slowly pulling himself up, his eyes glazed over.

NINE!!

With the last bit of energy he can muster, Saint pulls himself to a vertical base. The referee waves off the count. Saint isn’t up for long, falling through the ropes back into the ring. HE IS IMMEDIATELY MET WITH A KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE!! MYOJIN CONTINUES SHOUTING AT SAINT AS HE CRUMBLES TO THE MAT. AGAIN, SAINT REACHES FOR THE ROPES IN ATTEMPT TO GET TO HIS FEET, BUT MYOJIN KICKS HIS HAND AWAY FROM THE ROPES. WANTING TO DELIVER THE KILL SHOT, MYOJIN CHARGES THE ROPES AND RETURNS..ONLY TO BE LIFTED BY SAINT AND THROWN INTO THE SUNDOWN!!!!

TREY BOOKER: THERE’S STILL LIFE IN THE OUTLAW!!!

Through the glassy eyes of the Outlaw, Colton Saint looks out at the crowd. He lowers his head, cringing as he attempts to get back to his feet. He looks down at MYOJIN, as intensity begins to flare up.

COLTON SAINT: That’s it? Lay on the mat? Damn it, Shouta.. YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE BETTER THAN THIS!!! PEOPLE BELIEVED THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BE THE ACE, AND NOW YOU’RE LAYING ON THE FUCKIN’ FLOOR? GET THE FUCK UP, LET’S FINISH THIS!!

Saint pulls MYOJIN to his feet, glaring at him.. Both men, blood pouring down their faces..A HUGE SLAP TO MYOJIN!!! SAINT IS SHOUTING AT MYOJIN, RESULTING IN THE SHINING STAR DELIVERING A SPINNING BACK FIST TO THE HEAD OF SAINT!!! A SERIES OF ELBOW STRIKES TO THE HEAD, DROPPING THE OUTLAW TO A KNEE. THE TWO LOCK EYES BEFORE THE BLOODIED SAINT CLOSES THEM, ALLOWING MYOJIN TO HIT HIM WITH A DOUBLE ROTATION ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD!!! SAINT IS DOWN ON THE MAT AS MYOJIN DROPS TO HIS KNEES.

TREY BOOKER: COME ON, COUNT!!

The referee quickly jumps in to keep the two separated as he begins the count.

ONE!!

No movement from the Outlaw.

TWO!!

MYOJIN watches the motionless Saint.

THREE!!

J.T. PRICE: DON’T LET HIM GET UP!!

FOUR!!

Saint still hasn’t moved.

FIVE!!

A smattering of fans are chanting for Saint to get up.. Bizarro World?

SIX!!

MYOJIN hasn’t taken his eyes off of Saint.

SEVEN!!

The referee is hesitant, but continues.

EIGHT!!

Saint continues to lie motionless on the mat.

NINE!!

The index and middle finger of Colton Saint extends before he clenches his fist.

TEN!!!

DING DING DING!!!

The Weekend’s “Blinding Lights” hits the speakers as MYOJIN remains on his knees, watching Colton Saint lie motionless on the canvas.

HOLLY PEREZ: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…. MYOJIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Despite the victory, MYOJIN continues staring down at Saint. He slowly rises to his feet, glancing out at the crowd, refusing to have his hand raised. He walks over to the ropes, looking back at the fallen Outlaw before exiting the ring to the floor.

TREY BOOKER: What..A...War.

MYOJIN looks to be completely exhausted, bleeding like a faucet still. He makes his way up the ramp, collapsing to a knee as the medical staff make their way out to help the Shining Star.

J.T. PRICE: Holy fucking shit.. I know, I know. We’re on Pay Per View.

MYOJIN is helped to his feet, but he gives them a shove before walking to the top of the stage, glaring back at the ring before exiting through the curtain.

TREY BOOKER: MYOJIN definitely had the lights on bright here tonight in Denver. Competing in back to back matches, how he got through this.. I have no idea.

‘Blinding Lights’ slowly fades out as Colton Saint remains on the mat. His hands press against the canvas before pushing himself up to a knee to an ovation from some of the audience. He looks down at the blood stained canvas before getting to his feet. Leaning against the ropes, the fallen Outlaw looks out at the audience, giving them a weakened nod. He struggles to maintain his balance and turn around to face Kimberly Chase and Ramesses, who entered the ring while he was acknowledging the crowd.

J.T. PRICE: Wait, what are Kimberly Chase and her bodyguard doing out here?

Looking on in defeat, Saint holds his ribs before slowly moving forward. Ramesses steps in and gives him a gigantic hug!!!

TREY BOOKER: These two have a lot of history. They were trained together and went all over the world as a tag team. What a send off for the Last Breathing Outlaw here in Denver!!

Saint nods as he goes over to Kimberly Chase, who stops him with a fist aimed at him. Confused, he looks out of the corner of his eye for the masked thugs that Kimberly had hired. He steps back, and IS CAUGHT WITH A LEAPING HANGMAN’S FACEPLANT… THE EXODUS FROM RAMESSES!!!!

J.T. PRICE: WHAT THE HELL?

Ramesses stands over Colton Saint, slowly removing his mask before throwing it down at him. Kimberly Chase gives Saint a cold look before Ramesses escorts her out of the ring to the outside. They walk up the ramp before noticing a series of superstars are making their way out onto the stage. Cecilia Ortiz, Indy Darling, Kasey Winterborn, TJ Thompson, Lil Petey, Yung Sauce, and Daniel Horror make their way out. Zane is the last one to come out as they surround the ring. They look at each other before entering the ring. Colton is slow to a knee, muttering to them ‘Get on with it. Do your duty.’

TREY BOOKER: What is going on here? It looks like some of the Project: Honor talent are not finished with Colton Saint after his actions in Nevada!

Daniel Horror immediately steps in, hooking in Saint before flipping over into the Chicago Destroyer!!! Horror rolls away, kneeling in the ropes with a smile on his face. The members of Big Drip Productions look down at Saint. Each of them climb to the top rope, playing it up to the crowd before Lil Petey jumps off with the Freaky Bomb!! Thompson goes off the top with the Hip With The Dip!! Yung Sauce dives off with the High Fly Flow!! The Hip House Connects!!!!

J.T. PRICE: Jeez! Everyone’s getting in on the action here!!

Kasey Winterborn, being egged on by the others in the ring, walks over to Saint. She pulls him up, the arms before delivering a swift kick to his chest!! She gives Saint a quick pat on the shoulder before Indy Darling goes to step in, seemingly to stop the attack, but Zane stops him in his tracks, whispering something to him. Everyone in the ring chants for Zane as she pulls Colton Saint up, hooking onto his head. She slowly lets him go, letting him drop. With some confusion in the mix, she looks around at everyone.

ZANEI have a better idea. Pick him up, and follow my lead.

Zane promptly exits the ring as others follow suit. She and Indy Darling pull him out of the ring, dragging Saint up the ramp to the backstage area. As they march through the backstage area, the locker room is chanting for Zane. They exit through the corridor to the parking lot, where a car is parked. With a smile, the Crescent Moon pops the trunk open as Big Drip Productions lift Saint up, dropping him into the trunk before Indy Darling shuts it. A security guard walks up to Zane, offering his nightstick to her for revenge on Saint after he abducted her. MYOJIN finally emerges in the parking lot, as Zane taps the nightstick against the trunk multiple times.

MYŌJIN: What are you going to do with him?

Zane looks at the nightstick, then at everyone else.

ZANE: I’m going to take care of him.

Swinging the nightstick around, Zane walks to the driver’s side. She enters the vehicle, revving the engine up a little with a smile on her face before speeding off through the parking lot as the superstars of Project: Honor cheer her on!! The shot fades out with MYOJIN watching everyone celebrate a victory over the bad guys.

A crowd began to form within the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver just east of the shenanigans taking place at the Ball Arena. Wrapped in their feathered down jackets and blankets, they are more than excited to be here, preparing for the carnage that awaits them while also continuing to do their shopping as needed. Underneath the elevator leading into the movie theater south of the road, we find the Grand Champion, Dickie Watson, and his wife, Hannah.

Hannah, still with a smile upon her face, reaches up with a gloved hand and presses her fingers against his cheek, checking the temperature of his skin. Though the area is slightly heated from the businesses and being such in an alcove, it still is a frigid thirty degrees and slowly dropping. She purses her lips a little, displeased with the situation that they’re finding themselves in. Unlike her attire -- the warm, pastel fuzzy jacket in which her flowing skater skirt peeks out from underneath, her warm leggings and her fuzzy sheepskin boots -- Dickie wears what he always wears. No jacket, not even in response to the chill of the air, a sleeveless tank this time, Cannibal Corpse , and his skinny jeans with wrestling boots over the feet. His hair is tousled and the only thing that spells “warmth” for him is the slouchy beanie resting on his head.

The Calamity smiles as he looks down at his wife, rubbing his fingers together to create warmth. Hannah’s rainbowq hair shimmers in the light, adorned with several clips. She takes the Grand Championship from Dickie’s shoulder and holds it like a child holding a stuffed animal.

HANNAH WATSON: Make sure she bleeds. She shouldn’t get away with anything she’s done.

Dickie’s lips turn up into a sort of half-smile as he reaches up and cups Hannah’s cheek with his left hand. As she’s always done, she leans into his touch as if she is being comforted. The two always fed off one other in the department of emotions. He raises an eyebrow as he leans forward inclining his head a bit.

DICKIE WATSON: Doth mine ears deceive me, or do I hear you defending Aiden right now?

HANNAH WATSON: I am not hating him that much anymore. I will still punch him one day when he least expects it, but I don't want him to get hurt. So I automatically dislike her.

Dickie chuckles and nods his head.

DICKIE WATSON: I get it. And you and I both share that same notion, you know. Disliking her. A couple of months ago, I was more than willing to sing her praises. I remember even telling Elena that she was a good tag partner for her to have if she didn’t have me. But that’s gone. It’s all gone.

He pauses, the smile fading from his lips as he exhales. He takes his hand from Hannah’s face and steps back for a second, shoving his hands in his pockets.

DICKIE WATSON: I don’t like it. I don’t like this, Han. I just...I feel like I’m not myself anymore. I’m pissed off, and every time I think about this match, the more I feel like rage coats my senses. I know when I see Contessa, I’m just going to see red. I’ve never been more focused on causing more damage to a person than I have in the past. It’s not even about the title. It’s the fact that she had the fucking audacity to try and injure him to get her way. Like she orchestrated all of this when her fuckin’ little pea brain couldn’t make it through a championship match before.

Hannah stepped closer once more, wrapping her arms around his waist. She rubbed his back softly.

HANNAH WATSON: You're whoever you want to be, Dickie. No one tells you what to do or how to feel. You decide all of that yourself. It's okay to be angry and speak up. I think the main problem is, that you still worry about what everyone thinks of your reaction. Champion or not, give them the middle finger. Do what you want and must. If you want to kick her teeth out, you got my full support.

DICKIE WATSON: Han...it’s not just that…

He swallows, pressing his chin on top of her head, frowning.

DICKIE WATSON: I wanna send her to Hell.

And that wasn’t normal for the Grand Champion. It wasn’t normal at all. Dickie might come off as the savage street kid, but the thirst for blood didn’t always run through his fingers as it seemed for his family. He clutched tighter to his wife, pushing his face into her shoulder.

DICKIE WATSON: If I could and it was sanctioned, I’d make sure she didn’t get up again.

HANNAH WATSON: You can still hurt her staying within the rules. You know how to. And she will not know what hit her. You're the champion of the company whether they like it or not. So I want you to stop worrying, okay? Go out, focus, and destroy her.

Dickie nodded, pulling back from his wife and exhaling. A notification alert dings from his pocket and he produces his phone from it, looking at the screen.

DICKIE WATSON: Aiden says he’s on his way.

HANNAH WATSON: Then I suppose I should say what I would like to say, hm?

Hannah smiles at him as she turns to face the camera. The smile, as sweet and bubbly as she normally is, seems a little chaotic, suspicious. Unnerving. She tilts her head to the side one way, and then the other.

HANNAH WATSON: Hey Conny, how are you doing? Nervous? Anxious? Excited?

With every word, Hannah’s smile turns wider, as if she absolutely cared what Contessa was feeling. But only for a second. She pauses, and then her expression drops to pure irritation.

HANNAH WATSON: Or drowning in your arrogance? That's what I would suspect because that's pretty much all I've ever seen you do: talk a big game but got nothing to back it up. You're going to face your biggest challenge in the form of my husband, someone that is way better than you even on your best day. I thought you were somewhat respectable ‘til you became a cunt. No. Wait.

She pauses again, pursing her lips together. She thinks, and then her lips form a half-smile again.

HANNAH WATSON: You have always been exactly that, but you tried to camouflage it ‘til now. If you wanna become the face of this company, you will have to do better. A lot better. One way or another, you will go down tonight and learn your lesson. This isn't your Kingdom, sweetheart. No matter how hard you stomp your foot. My husband will not be a part of your little Death List -- you’ll never claim his skull.

With a grin, Hannah shrugged her shoulders sweetly, giving the camera a wink before she turned back to her husband. Approaching them from around the corner was Aiden Reynolds, who set The Commonwealth on a winning streak of one out of two for the night. He’d thrown on what looked to be several layers of hoodies at this point. He shoves his hands in his pockets.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Fuckin’ place is miserably bloody cold, mate. You ready?

Dickie nodded, pressing his fingers together and cracking his knuckles. He shook out his hands and turned to face the camera once more, his hazel eyes staring directly at it with no hesitation, no worry. He was more than willing to bash in a skull tonight.

DICKIE WATSON: Coming from opening matches, being thrust into a championship match, and then a bunch of tag matches, but Contessa Floran believes that she’s the biggest, baddest thing to come out of Sweden since...well…

He takes a second and blinks, trying to go through all the knowledge that’s in his brain quickly. He shrugs and allows a smile to cross his features.

DICKIE WATSON: Never. You see, Contessa, you act as if you know me. You act like you’ve watched a couple of my promos and come up with knowing everything about me. You’ve read a document sheet, you’ve done your due diligence, and at the end of it all, you threw a few choice words in there to try and insult me because...what, you feel like it was going to make you the edge lord that you’re trying to be? Insult my life, insult my family, insult everything that I have, but the message that I have for you is still the same: I’ve fuckin’ made it, how about you?

Tilting his head to the side, he waited as if she were going to give him a response. Of course, she wouldn’t. Not only was she not there, but the only time she showed her face was also when it suited her and gave her an advantage.

DICKIE WATSON: You think because you’ve been put across from me, at my bidding, you’ve suddenly made it. That Project: Honor is seeing you for all of your grandeur and clout. You’ve begun to go for the throat and now you’re painting a picture that your death wish list, as stupid as it is, is what’s going to help you make it through this company. The silly fact of the matter? It doesn’t. You have a fuckin’ failure rate of 50%, and despite the fact that you think statistics and stuff don’t matter, you’ll find that it does. It gives me a reason to look at you and know that you’re not coming into this fight thinking you’ve already got it in the bag. You’re here to fight. You’re here to scrap. You’re here to take my strap.

He glances at Hannah, who retrieves his championship and hands it to him.

DICKIE WATSON: This. One-hundred and thirteen days, Cunty. One-hundred and thirteen. Not a month, not two, but over three months I’ve held this title. I’ve gone through the best that this company has thrown at me and I’m not about to become complacent now. Yeah. You hold onto this thought that I’m easy to provoke, but if you haven’t noticed, I’ve been pissed for a couple of months now, so you’re not that special Contessa. I have bigger things on my plate than dealing with your bullshit. I’ve given you an opportunity, and the best thing you can do is act like you’ve thrown all the cards and made the plays like you’re the most intelligent piece of trash that ever walked this company? I guess the question really does remain: can Contessa Floran come out of nowhere and unseat the dominant Dickie Watson.

He waits for a moment more, looking down at the Grand Championship with a raised eyebrow, before raising his head.

DICKIE WATSON: No. No, you can’t. And let me tell you why. I want your head on a fucking spike.

Aiden sputters for a second, and glances at Dickie with surprise. That was a phrase they would have heard from someone else they all knew well. Hannah smiles at him. But Dickie’s face? Pure rage.

DICKIE WATSON: I’m not a violent person; at least, not until I have to be. Tonight, I have to be. I have to take off that mantle of the underdog, because that’s the only thing you were right about. I am the standard-bearer, I am the top of the mountain. I am what all of you hope to be and attain, and I’ve done it despite all obstacles, despite people deciding not to believe in me. Despite people like you acting like you’ve done everything when you’ve done nothing all at once. Nothing except sign to the certificate for your own death. This will never be yours.

The expression doesn’t fade. His teeth hold together as he speaks, the anger in his voice is true.

DICKIE WATSON: When you fall down to the ground, and you’ve failed tonight, and when you’re bloody and broken, will you ask your boyfriend what the meaning of all of this was? I know you think you’ve finally gotten your spot, but at the end of the day, your miscalculations will put you at the bottom of the food chain and no one will remember your name. You’ll be that girl who chose to insult and put down the Champion, who thought attacking his teammate to get to him was the best option, who will ultimately end up bloody and bruised on the fucking pavement and forgotten as a failure. And me? I’ll walk out of this tonight banged up and bruised, but still proving to all of you that this championship and this company is mine. And no new titles, no new shows, no new challengers are going to taint my legacy.

He hands his championship back into Hannah’s trusty hands and inclines his head forward.

DICKIE WATSON: Know this, Contessa. No. All of Project: Honor. The three of us? We’re a team, and this team will grow wider and stronger in the coming days. There are new opportunities on the horizon, new alliances to be formed.

Hannah turns to Dickie, clinging to his arm as she presses her cheek to it. Aiden leans forward, propping his elbow up lackadaisically on Dickie’s shoulder as he sniggers. Dickie’s lips finally turn up into a smile.

DICKIE WATSON: We are The Commonwealth, and we’ll be adding more than just longevity to this roster. If you fuck with one of us, you fuck with all of us. Keep it in mind, Project: Honor. The Era of the Calamity will continue after tonight, mark my words. I’m willing to play the villain, Tessa, as I will be whenever you or anyone threatens my family again. See you on the other side.

J.T. PRICE: Can I say how stoked I am to get to the part of the show we’ve all been waiting for?

TREY BOOKER: Stoked? Dude, I don’t know what to expect here. Everyone I see who stands across from Dickie Watson tends to give him overconfidence or look past him, but Contessa is a unique fit here. When she spoke, she spoke like a woman who wasn’t lacking confidence in her aiblities, but one with confidence in herself! We saw it when she decided to take fate into her own hands and assault Aiden after a brutal tag match just to send a message to Dickie.

J.T. PRICE: Well, message received! Ask and ye shall receive! She wanted to get Dickie on her own terms, and the mistress of mean is getting that in a street fight! Literally a street fight, broadcast from the 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado!

TREY BOOKER: No abandoned mines, no towns filled with ghost stories, just two people in a fight where they’ve got an entire part of town to play with themselves! This isn’t a simple story of two people not liking each other - Dickie doesn’t seem to like anyone - but this is Contessa contesting his LEGACY. She acknowledged what he did for Project Honor, but she’s trying to use him as a stepping stone for something greater! Dickie is the first one who will tell you about the mountaintop he’s sitting on, but it’s only the first mountain for Contessa on her way to even higher peaks! The one with everything vs. the one who will do anything to get it, the haves vs. the have nots, and the Molotov vs. the Devil in a New Dress, next!

J.T. PRICE: Yes! We’ll be watching as a camera crew on site makes sure we don’t miss a bit of the action.

Among the bustling area known as the heart of the Denver Metropolitan area, is the 16th street mall, and the Denver Pavilions. The outdoor mall’s absolutely shrouded with businesses, from an impossible to miss Target, to a hot topic, an Express, and a movie theatre within the three store outdoor mall, is a scowl stretching so wide it’s almost impossible to notice the sparkling backdrop behind it. Neither Hannah nor Aiden look fully comfortable, as the trio walks through the tourist spot that’s usually shrouded in people, but is today blocked off per expectations of a bomb getting dropped, Project Honor Style. Even the referee following behind the duo keeps his distance, much to the chagrin of the reigning, defending Grand Champion, Dickie FREAKING Watson.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Oi, fuck.

He throws on a half-smile and adds a little laughter to lighten the mood.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: I didn’t think it was a literal street brawl. Ya’ fightin’ out here cuz the parking lot was taken?

DICKIE WATSON: It’s fine.

From the way his fists are locked as if they were around Callum Walker’s throat, things are very not fine.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Is she even gonna show?

DICKIE WATSON: If she’s smart, she’d be on the first 757 plane taking her back to transylvania or wherever she borrowed her look. There’s a Hot Topic here, innit? We might not find her again.

The two walk through the massive outdoor mall together and keep their heads on a swivel. Aiden leans onto a railing leading to an escalator, and plants his feet.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Still lingering in the muck, yeah?

DICKIE WATSON: Just make it make sense, ya’know? Dickie Watson hasn’t been horizontal since this carnival pitched a tent, but not only am I fightin’ a carny, I’m being made to fight in conditions I need a jacket for? Couldn’t at least make sure there wasn’t snow on the freakin’ ground? Because if Tessa uses ‘i slipped on ice’ as an excuse for why she lost, I’m flipping my fuckin’ lid.

Aiden cups his mouth as he laughs. The vapor from his breath is visible, as is the layer of snow on the ground and on the streets as a bus turns around the corner, and comes to a stop at the end of the block the two men loiter on.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Dickie.

DICKIE WATSON: What’s the purpose of it all at this rate? If I’m a good boy, you think I can get promoted to bumfights?

Aiden raises a hand.

AIDEN REYNOLDS: Dickie-

Dickie waves the hand off and shakes his head, nah he ain’t done.

DICKIE WATSON: Fell off a freakin’ ladder through a cage and it’s just s’posed and got a pat on the back and a demotion. Now this?

AIDEN REYNOLDS: DICKIE-

He doesn’t get to complete the thought about noticing the silhouette over the duo - today, the Girl with the Death wish happens to be the girl with the bus pass, or at least it seems as such when the woman takes flight from the roof of the bus, and takes the the skies and comes crashing down onto both Aiden Reynolds and Dickie Watson, flying splash connects and bowls the two over, sending them to the sidewalk! After sticking the landing, the challenger rolls to her feet, stares at Aiden as if she’d give him a repeat of their last encounter, and she eyes the red and gold Grand Championship knocked away by the impact of the sneak attack, before she takes a handful of the Molotov’s hair and starts dragging him to his feet. She gets about two paces out of Dickie, before his hand pummels her forearm and breaks her grasp. Floran’s right hand bashes his cheek, but a close-ranged elbow from Watson stops her from taking full advantage of the element of surprise. Still, she’s a pitbull out of blood, and within seconds of the two making eye contact, we’ve got ourselves a brawl! Haymakers being thrown from both challenger and contender hitting without discrimination because their too busy wailing on the other to focus on defense, til a stiff straight kick from Contessa sweeps Dickie’s knee from under him and leaves him standing on a knee. Even from a knee, the champion’s sending hooks and uppercuts and crosses firing off to her midsection as she closes in, and both hands around her head give her nowhere to run when Dickie drops once again, sending her jaw into the back of her head and leaving her wincing! Dickie gets his turn, and a handful of Contessa Floran’s hair, then looks for the first thing he can find - and Mellow Mushroom gets the first bit of Project Honor tonight, as Contessa’s face bounces off the storefront’s window! Dickie leans back to put a lil’ extra english on it, before he steps back he bounces her head off the glass once again - no, Contessa Floran gets her hands up and on the window! The point of her elbow spikes into Dickie’s forehead, and another! Another! Headbutt from Contessa lands with a sickening thud, and makes Dickie recoil backwards… and in reaching for the very first thing he can find, a bulky metal chair, he immediately picks off where he left off - Contessa turns around and sees iron flying at neck height - she ducks underneath and avoids a deadly fate, and the chair lands at neck-height across the window behind her! Noticing the deadly intent, Contessa strokes her chin and nods in understanding while giving Dickie a look that could kill, but not backing away an inch! She extends a hand, ‘come hither’!

J.T. PRICE: I didn’t expect this thing to absolutely explode within a matter of minutes but that’s the magic of putting two people with everything on the line in a place where their only limit is their imagination!

TREY BOOKER: Off of a freaking Mallride bus and onto a champion is one way to start things off - I don’t think Dickie’s all that impressed, if anything he’s more insulted!

And like rams, these two pick up exactly where they left off - locking horns and going to war! The fists go flying, with Dickie starting to get the upper hand with a WICKED chop across Contessa’s chest! Then another! Then another! He grasps her chin to let the lil’ lassie stand up straight and proper, he cocks his hand back, and just WAILS on her chest with an open torso blast from his palm cracking on her torso! Floran stumbles backwards, with both hands covering her front and trying to ignore the stinging, but Dickie doesn’t have much reprieve to give her. He raises both hands, and lets two open palm slaps across her chest land, akimbo style! The CRACK of the strike practically echoes throughout the empty cityscape, and leaves Contessa leaning on a street sign to stay upright. Dickie charges in for offense mode with a punch, but Contessa’s feet are faster than his hand! Floran ducks to the side, and in a show of awareness and experience, Floran leg-trips Dickie into the street sign! Dickie slumps after his shoulder hits the signpost, and sensing blood in the water, Contessa immediately takes the lou thesz press in knocking him over, and putting her fists to his face! His hands raise defensively, but Contessa’s breaking out the ground and pound until his arms fall and he settles for shoving and kicking her away.

TREY BOOKER: Aggression is the name of the game with Contessa! Accuracy, aggression, and no time or motions wasted!

J.T. PRICE: Wasted in the pursuit of damage or doing bodily harm - like winning is the goal after maiming an opponent.

Watson’s scooting away on the cold sidewalk to get his bearings, but Floran’s not having it! She grabs his foot to keep him in place, and dives forward with a superman punch that puts her back on top of Dickie! Another punch! Another! Dickie keeps scooching backwards, and as Contessa tries to keep him in place, either a desperate or an extremely well placed boot cracks her chin, then bashes her again, and Dickie slowly rises to his feet as he plants his boot on the side of her head and ruthlessly grinds her cheek into the pavement for a few beats, before he damns her to hell by leaving the ground, and bringing his knee across the side of her skull as she’s laying on the concrete sidewalk! Knee drop lands, and even the referee’s covering his mouth and inching in closer, but Dickie waves him off, because she ain’t getting off THAT easily.

TREY BOOKER: I think our champion and our challenger has something in common. A pin isn’t gonna’ be enough for either of them, they want to dominante this thing!

After a lil’ bit of searching as Contessa’s seething, Dickie drags from the bushes… a lime scooter! Already booked and confirmed by Project Honor for the streetfight, Dickie stands the bastard up and lines it up with where Contessa’s rising… with a lil’ bit of revving and a battle cry, the man takes off! Petal to the metal. 15MPH might not win a grand prix, but it certainly gives him the force to leap from the bike, and put both of his boots to Contessa’s face with a leaping dropkick, diving from the scooter!

TREY BOOKER: This moment was brought to you by Lyft scooters!

J.T. PRICE: I think Contessa’s gonna’ be an Uber loyalist after that. Both feet landed pristinely!

Floran hits the pavement, knocked into the street, and Dickie is hot on her trail. He gets a bit of a running start and with a big swing, punts her right in the midsection and leaves her rolling! Another step back, another moment of Dickie roaring forward to cave a hole in her stomach, but this time Conrtessa wraps her arms around his leg! While wobbling on one foot, punch after punch connects to the side and the back of her head from Dickie trying to free himself, but a well placed leg from Contessa sweeps him down to the pavement! His hands immediately reach behind his head after a bad landing, so he can’t even brace himself from Contessa leaving the ground in front of him, and putting all hundred forty pounds of herself to good use in double stomping both feet into his stomach! Dickie folds like a chair for a pained, agonizing second, before rolling away from the woman… and as Contessa eyes that blasted scooter, she puts her own spin on innovative offense. Upon getting to his feet after somehow managing to hold down his lunch despite Contessa’s best attempts to ruin that, Dickie turns to Contessa planting both of her feet and hoisting that mechanical beast up, and launching the scooter at him! Dickie crashes underneath the weight of the not-street-legal device, leaving Contessa with a moment to get back to what she came here to do - close the chapter of his book by starting her own! It took her plenty effort to left the bulky beast of a machine, and Dickie Watson’s currently shoving it from on top of him, with a little unexpected help from Contessa - who brushes the scooter aside on her way to grabbing both of her opponent’s hands, and trying to wrap in a double-wrist clutch - as Dickie thrashes and bucks in attempting to punch and easily use his size and weight advantage to overpower her move, til’ Contessa switches her grip on his wrist and starts reaching for his right index finger with one hand, then his right middle finger with her other, so she can bend and twist and break and try ripping digits out of their sockets!

J.T. PRICE: I don’t know if it’ll even the playing field before it makes me barf. Sickening display from Contessa!

TREY BOOKER: Sickening or not, she’s doing what very little people can say they’ve done - she’s putting the Grand Champion where she wants him.

Both of Dickie’s hands turn to her wrists to try prying away her grip, out of sheer instinct because of the pain firing through all synapses of his body and leaving him grunting and groaning, but that’s the beauty of it. She releases his fingers, secures the double-wrist clutch, and kicks him right in his chest! Then another! Another! Another! Another boot until Contessa’s just trying to fill a pothole on the 16th Street mall with the Grand Champion, til she finally drops Dickie’s arms and starts looking for the next dish on the menu.

A handful of hair helps yank and guide the grand champion out of the street and onto the pavilion’s side of the sidewalk, and a few kicks to the back help guide Dickie into the Pavillions properly. Inside the outdoor mall, she starts looking around and taking in all the potential weapons like a surgeon eyeing his tools before an operation, and puts a few hammerfists onto Dickie’s back for good measure just to keep him in place. Finally, she finds something worth her time - within the camera’s view is the patio section of a pair, where steel chairs are seated around minimalist bar tables behind a railing. She reaches over the railing with all of the excitement of a fat kid in a candy shop, but a hand on her ankle drags her back - Dickie’s down, but far from out! Contessa kicks, but can’t break his grip on her leg! As he stands, he yanks her back, and drags her into his clutches as he starts to hoist her from the ground! His german suplex attempt gets her at about chest height, but Contessa hooks her foot on the railing and uses it to fight against him raising her up! Dickie plants his feet and starts to hoist again, but Contessa’s foot hooked along the railing is his folly. Finally, Dickie tries to step back and bury her in the concrete, but too much time trying to lift her gives Contessa ample opportunities. Elbows find their mark in reaching back and nailing the side of his head, over and over, until both of her feet touch the ground and Dickie can barely do more than lean over her. Contessa shoves him away, turns, and lets a running headscissors toss Dickie into the railing! He crashes into the metal railing, with his face over the metal bar, which is the worst possible position when Contessa makes a beeline from behind him and hits him with a modified version of the Nighty Night, a dropkick to the back of the head BASHING HIS SKULL INTO THE METAL RAILING. The railing doesn’t give, but Dickie’s limp body hits the pavement with a red trickle spilling from his forehead, to put a grin on Contessa’s face. Contessa points to the referee, then to Dickie, before she makes the cover.

ONE!
TWO!

J.T. PRICE: Kickout! I imagine the temptation to stay down must’ve been hard, but Dickie’s built different.

TREY BOOKER: Another kick like that, and he’s gonna be like the egg needing all the king’s horses and all the king’s men.

Dickie throws a shoulder up vehemently, breaking the count and earning a shake of the head from Contessa. The woman doesn’t look upset, just disappointed, as she reaches over the bar’s railing and retrieves one of those steel chairs she tried to get earlier! She wastes no time HAMMERING and DRILLING the chair across his back! The outdoor mall might be empty, but doesn’t sound like it with his pained grunts, her battle cries, and the unforgiving sound of a steel chair wrapping around his back! Once! Twice! Three times! After the chair’s molded with the champ of the grand champion’s spine, she nudges him onto his back, and goes for another pin.

ONE!
TWO!

Contessa brushes her hair out of the weigh and stares at Dickie Watson… even in pain, he’s got a death stare for his challenger. Without a second to waste, Oblivion’s Crush leaps over the railing, so she can reach behind the bar and search around… this time, she retrieves a perfectly christmas present, given that it’s red all over! A fire extinguisher! She reaches for the pump as if she ‘s toying with the idea of spraying it while Dickie’s down but… she shrugs the notion off, and raises the damned thing above her head! The referee cuts in a step as it looks like she’s going to try dropping thirty pounds of metal on someone’s head but he’s powerless to do anything but watch as she gets a running start as Dickie rises! She swings!

She misses! Dickie ducks underneath and dives out of dodge, and the momentum of the extinguisher leads to it getting dropped on the ground right where Dickie’s head was just a moment ago. Contessa Floran turns around after a few seconds, and Dickie comes a’runnin! He barrels into her like a bat out of hell, trying to suplex her to the ground to make her pay for her sins, but Contessa isn’t having it! He tries to lift her again, but a rake to the eyes blinds him! Then another elbow, this time dropping onto the back of Dickie’s head, brings him to his knees… and eyeing her moment, Contessa leaves the ground voluntarily! While Dickie’s bent over, she takes to the skies once again, wrapping her arms around one of his arms, and her legs around the other arm to leave him without an ability to brace himself, then starts rocking her weight to plant him skull first into the concrete.

J.T. PRICE: THE EXORCISTS? ON CONCRETE? YOU WIN BY PINFALL, NOT BY ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE!

TREY BOOKER: I CANT LOOK!

But Dickie has it scouted! He leans forward! Contessa throws her weight and tries to hit the exclamation point on this match, but Dickie fights against her grip and surges forward! Still locking in the crucifix, Contessa peppers hammerfists across his face and after a few close ranged shots, she bloodies his mug.. But Dickie keeps leaning forward, and even rising to a complete stand! She scrambles to get back to her crucifix, but Dickie Watson has a fire arisen in him as he tries to yank and snatch and pull and tear at her arm, her hair, anything he can get ahold off til she’s over his shoulder and he’s safely out of dodge… and they’re in Denver so he does his best Von Miller, putting his shoulder into her chest and tackling her forward! One loud THUMP later, and he slams her back first into the window of the sunglasses hut! Another couple steps back, another SLAM of Contessa’s body getting crushed in between glass and another body, before she’s finally dropped… Dickie stumbles backwards and Contessa’s left standing, by the graces of the glass behind her…

And with a last ditch effort, Dickie rushes. Both feet leave the cement, and X marks the spot on Contessa’s chest. With a thunderous CAVE IN, DICKIE WATSON CRASHES INTO CONTESSA LIKE A BULLET, AND THE MOMENTUM CARRIES THE DUO THROUGH THE WINDOW OF THE STOREFRONT!

J.T. PRICE: ….

TREY BOOKER: ….

J.T. PRICE: CALAMITY INSURANCE THROUGH A SHEET OF GLASS HITS AND I--

TREY BOOKER: Hell, man! You’ve gotta find ways to win when you don’t have the ring you practice in and train in, you’ve gotta be able to pull something out of the bag at the drop of a hat.. And Dickie just emptied the freaking clip!

Unfortunately for the Sunglasses Hut, the Molotov and the Girl with a Death wish burst through the storefront’s window as it shatters into a million pieces, and both street fighters call onto the floor in a mess of glass shards, blood, and agony! Both fighters are down, but Dickie Watson’s bloodied carcass is over Contessa’s, so after cautiously stepping through the window, the referee finds a spot without glass and starts the count!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner and still Project: Honor Grand Champion… “The Molotov”... DICKIEEE WATSSONNN!

J.T. PRICE: Each show, Dickie Watson’s pushed to the limit, and he finds something that makes him different than another fighter. When the moment arises, he always rises to meet it. Contessa did everything short of actual murder, and he somehow survived it to find his moment and make her pay.

TREY BOOKER: This was a night where Contessa would’ve beaten ninety nine percent of the roster with that display, but Dickie is the one percent of Project Honor.

He tries to reach for one of Dickie’s hands, but given the mess of glass shards and blood, he calls for EMTs as the match comes to an end, and hands Dickie the Grand championship as Aiden steps into the store to join his reckless stablemate.

The camera fades out.