PROVING GROUND XXXIV: DEATH AND TAXES RESULTS

As the last of the fans make their way to their seats with armfuls of snacks and swag, we go to the ring for a special dark match featuring the debut of “The Irish Diamond” Declan O’Connor. The newcomer is set to face off against Serrano Poblano, who seems even more distracted than usual, as if something heavy weighs on his mind. While The Sultan of Spice may not have his head in the match, the same cannot be said about O’Connor, who kicks things off with a technical display of takedowns.

Serrano is quick to recover from the early arm drags and hip tosses, but a corkscrew roundhouse from Declan catches him on the temple and keeps him on the mat. The Irish Diamond follows up by applying a cloverleaf, but Serrano manages to get himself in the game enough to reach the bottom ropes. Despite escaping the hold, Poblano is unable to avoid the slingshot cutter from O’Connor that comes soon after.

Declan has been on a roll thus far, impressing the crowd with his skills in this debut match. With Serrano seeing stars after the cutter, The Irish Diamond caps things off by locking The Sultan of Spice in his Tarantula Choke. This time the ropes are far from Poblano’s reach and after a few moments of agony within Declan’s clutches, he has no choice but to tap out.


The crowd comes around to Declan O’Connor giving him a good ovation for his debut victory. As he celebrates in the ring, a mentally anguished Serrano Poblano rolls from the ring and plops his fat ass on the floor next to the announcer’s table, quietly sobbing to himself.


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

With Skillet’s “Surviving The Game” playing in the background, the video intro begins with the reigning X-Factor Champion, MYOJIN, as they hit the Falling From Heaven EX on a fallen opponent. That is soon followed by the Sultan of Spice as he wiggles his body in the center of the ring and slaps his ass cheeks in preparation for a spicy stink face. Then, with arms crossed in front of his massive chest, comes an image of the imposing Shooter Landell.

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

Lexi Gold is shown celebrating a victory as the crowd cheers her on, before we get a shot of Douglas Crane screaming as he locks in his Release Me submission hold. This section of the video wraps up with an image of Declan O’Connor’s Tarantula Choke, followed by Stella Jade connecting with one of her tarot themed signature moves.

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

We see John Blade waving his hand in front of his face before turning completely invisible. Tara Fenix is the next to be highlighted, as we see the Phoenix Queen executing her Phoenix Lock. The bizarre image of Willem Dafoe appears as he’s flanked by his fellow DaVengers. Finally, there is a shot of the young Mikey Hero as he does a backflip in the ring and poses for the crowd.

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

Kyle Valentine and DJ Hunter take over the screen next, with these members of The Phantom Troupe hitting Gran Rey Cero with perfect accuracy. After that shot of in-ring action, we then see the smiling face of Cadillac Jackson as he slides his sunglasses down to the tip of his nose. This leads into a roar from Brandon Hendrix, moments before he executes The Fall of the Guard.

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

The smug smile of Larry KaChow appears, soon to be followed by the eccentric Silas Isaac Naberius flashing a grin for the camera that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. From those unlikely images, we go to a shot of Mark Hunter as he locks in The Last Act and then to Betsy Gallagher as she applies The Fairy Lock.

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

Giovanni vogues for the camera and gives his best runway model expression, immediately followed up by Officer Greyfield beating down a perp with his billy club. Then comes the disturbing sight of a smiling Casanova English, moments before he connects with the Silence of the Lamb.

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

Malachite Minj licks the back of his hand before brushing a few strands of hair away from his face, which then transitions to TJ Thompson executing Hip with the Drip. Then comes images of Johnny Levy, who gives the camera an arrogant grin before we see the execution of his Box Office Blockbuster.

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

DIANA gives a happy smile to the camera before the scene switches to the much different visual of Swindle Shelldrake. The Kraken is shown planting an opponent with Violent Salvage before we switch to images of Archimedes J. Manson, The DIZ, and Stanford Edison celebrating together in the ring..

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

As the intro draws nearer to its conclusion, General Manager Indy Darling gives the camera a thumbs up, before we then see The Platinum Standard in motion. Following the execution of Emmanuelle’s Palisades Bomber, we get a shot of James Raymond removing his mask after entering the ring.

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

Finally, the Proving Ground logo emerges on the screen with the reigning Grand Champion, Arata Asakura, towering above it with the championship on his shoulder and his eyes radiating with glowing energy.

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



The Times Union Center in Albany, New York lights up with a burst of pyro as Proving Ground is officially on the air! The roar of the crowd drowns out the remaining sounds of “Surviving the Game” as the cameras scan across the sold out crowd and their homemade signs…

“GIOVANNI IS A WORK OF FART”
“GOLD AND PLATINUM ROYALTY”
“I HOPE SAVANNAH RUINS MY LIFE NEXT”
“BETSY & LEXI OUTCLASS CADDY”
“I MISS EL PUMA”

One of the cameras finally sets its sights upon the announce table, where Serrano Poblano is still seated on the floor following his dark match loss. Also, Trey Booker and J.T. Price are standing by to welcome their worldwide audience to the show!

TREY BOOKER: Welcome to the thirty-fourth edition of Proving Ground! As they say, the only certainties in life are death and taxes, but I hope we only have to worry about one of those this April 15th!

J.T. PRICE: Taxes? Oh shit…

TREY BOOKER: Despite Fallout’s loaded Pay-Per-View this weekend, we have our own loaded card from top to bottom! Although if the rumors are correct, our main event could be in jeopardy.

J.T. PRICE: Well, I may be going to jail for tax evasion, but at least I’m not pregnant. Sorry, Tara.

TREY BOOKER: I can’t imagine Indy Darling allowing The Phoenix Queen to compete in her condition, but we won’t know the full ramifications of that breaking news until we get started!

J.T. PRICE: Just one more thing, Book. Why is Serrano Poblano crying on the floor next to our desk?

TREY BOOKER: Oh, you hadn’t heard? Earlier this week, he became the first competitor in Project: Honor to reach a landmark twenty losses. After tonight, it’s now twenty-one.

J.T. PRICE: Heh…it’s funny cause he’s fat.

TREY BOOKER: Yep! Now let’s go to the ring for our opening contest!


HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentleman, the following match is scheduled for ONE FALL! Introducing first, from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania…weighing in at one-hundred and ninety-five pounds…BENJAMIN BRRRRROOOOAOAAADWAATTERRRR!!!


The opening drums of ‘Something For Your M.I.N.D.’ by Superorganism begin playing through the Times Union Center as the fans give a mediocre response for Benjamin’s debut match.

#I know you think I'm a psychopath
A Democrat lurking in the dark
This sucks, I'm the K-mart soda jerk
Cirque du trash, I kept the stash

Benjamin steps out of the back, dressed in a pair of black pants and a ‘Stella Jade’ purple t-shirt. He smiles and waves to the crowd as they slowly are getting into it.

#Of cocoa candy straight from Japan
Hologram Anne, she was never as near
I think you know what I need to get by
Something for your mind (mind), mind (mind), mind (mind)

Slowly walking down the ramp, Benjamin gives as many high fives and fist bumps to the fans as he can, trying to bring a light to the already dark show.

#Something for your mind (mind), mind, mind (mind)
Something for your mind (mind, mind, mind) (무엇인가 정신에 집어넣으세요)
(마음에 어떤 것 필요합니까?)
Something for your mind (mind, mind) (정신에 집어넣으세요)
(정신에 집어넣으세요)
Something for your, for your

Broadwater slides into the ring under the bottom rope and quickly hops to his feet, holding his arms out and closing his eyes to take in the positive atmosphere of the moment.

#M-I, M-I, M-I-N-D
M-I, M-I, M-I-N-D

The music slowly fades as Holly lifts the microphone back up.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent! Weighing in at one-hundred and fifteen pounds…hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana…STELLLLAAA JAAAAAAADDDDEEE!!!

"Diamonds" by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Normani blares through the speakers as Stella steps out of the back. She raises her arms into the air as the fans give her a decent pop. The song continues as she jogs down to the ring. She walks up the stairs and pauses for a moment when Benjamin steps on the second rope, pushing it down, and lifts up the top rope…to make it easier for Stella to get into the ring. She enters the ring and gives Benjamin an odd look, before turning and celebrating her arrival with the fans. Her music slowly fades out.

*DING, DING, DING*

Stella turns and looks at Benjamin who extends his hand, offering her a handshake. Stella hesitates, but finally reaches out and they both shake hands. Once they let go of each other’s hand, both back away to opposite sides of the ring.

TREY BOOKER: Broadwater showing a bit of sportsmanship here in his debut match.

J.T. PRICE: He was a fine interviewer until Omar King dropped him like a bad habit on Pursuit of The Ring.

TREY BOOKER: And of course the best way to cure a head injury is to give yourself the opportunity for more head injuries.

J.T. PRICE: It’s one of those deals where you hit something out of place and now you’re trying to hit it back IN to place.

Benjamin turns to the crowd, taking in the moment with a smile on his face…and Stella figures that is the best time to start. She charges forward and catches Ben in the back with a forearm, sending him up against the ropes. Stella grabs Ben’s arm and spins him around, whipping him towards the other si-NO! STELLA YANKS HIM BACK TOWARDS HERSELF AND GOES FOR THE DISCUSS LARIAT…BUT BENJAMIN DUCKS UNDER IT! She turns around and…

TREY BOOKER: Did he just pull a glove out of his pants pocket…and slap her with it?

J.T. PRICE: I…I think he did.

Stella looks at Ben, a bit confused as Benjamin shoves the glove back into his pocket. She charges him again, BUT HE BENDS DOWN AND SENDS HER OVER THE ROPES WITH A BACK BODY DROP!!! STELLA HITS THE GROUND HARD!!!

TREY BOOKER: Oh boy, she looks hurt on the outside there…grabbing at her right knee as she lays on her back.

Benjamin takes quick advantage of the situation, climbing up to top of the closest turnbuckle. He jumps…CLEAN YOUR EARS!!!

J.T. PRICE: JESUS! That diving head-butt looked like it hurt him just as much as it hurt her!

After a few seconds, Ben stands back to his feet and shakes his head to get the cobwebs out. He grabs Stella and slides her into the ring, quickly following in behind her.

TREY BOOKER: Stella to her feet, but she is a little wobbly after that headbutt. She bends over and puts her hands on her knees. It looks like she is trying not to throw up.

J.T. PRICE: Concussions are a bitch.

Benjamin sees Stella in a prone position, so he goes running and bounces off the ropes in front of her. He comes flying back…and jumps OVER HER…grabbing her as he does…SUMMERSAULT DOUBLE KNEE BACKBREAKER!!!

TREY BOOKER: HOLY HELL! Benjamin hits Stella with ‘Rest Your Head’ and this might be over already!

Benjamin crawls over to the injured Stella and hooks her leg.

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

*DING, DING, DING*

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winner by pinfall…BENJAMIN…BRRRRROOOOAAADDWAATTTERRRR!!!

Ben gets to his feet and the ref quickly lifts his left hand into the air.

J.T. PRICE: Not much offense going on in this one as Benjamin’s love-and-kindness attitude became an assault once Stella attacked him from behind. Good showing by the rookie, even if he is a Fallout Spot Monkey.

TREY BOOKER: I’m never a fan of someone from Fallout defeating one of our own on Proving Ground. That’s what our General Manager gets for showing a little kindness when Ben wasn’t booked for Public Execution.

J.T. PRICE: Maybe he could show some kindness and come out here to collect Serrano? I think he’s actually crying.

TREY BOOKER: Strange…we’ve never seen him take a loss so hard. I hope there’s nothing else going on we don’t know about…


The camera fades into the locker room of Tara Fenix who sits with her face buried in her palms. Tonight was supposed to be her shot at the Grand Championship, but after the news of her pregnancy surfaced neither her doctor nor Project: Honor wanted to be liable for any harm that could have come to the fetus. Inside the locker room with her is Emmanuelle, and the X-Factor Champion, MYŌJIN; both appear rather content, but neither one of them show any pity toward Tara for the administrative decision to bench her.

MYŌJIN tilts their head. They briefly turn to Emmanuelle, before looking back toward Tara.

MYOJIN: What did you think was going to happen, Tara? That they were just going to let you wrestle after the news came out? Against someone who doesn't give a single damn about your wellbeing? Even if you had won the belt.. What were you exactly going to do? Vacate it right after?

They sigh, running their smooth chin while leaning against a wall. Shaking their head, they lightly scoffed. While one that was usually respectful toward their mentor, it was very clear that they lacked any sympathy for her at the moment.

MYOJIN: Even if they did clear you to compete, I probably would've stopped you anyways. I know Emmanuelle definitely would've. A piece of gold is not worth endangering you OR your child's life.

Tara lets out a sigh from the accusation, and does look up toward the X-Factor Champion.

TARA FENIX: I was never in any danger. I could out-wrestle half of the roster with a blindfold on.

Tara says in an arrogant tone before slouching back…the expression on her face gave a mixed reaction: half that she knew that MYO was right, but the other half still confident in her own ability.

EMMANUELLE: You cannot be serious right now. What would you do if you had gotten seriously hurt? Then what? For just one second, stop letting your damn ego cloud your judgment!

Emmanuelle simply shook her head. The Platinum Standard crosses her arms, clearly unhappy with Tara's persistence on the matter. MYŌJIN rubs their temple.

EMMANUELLE: …You know I- we care about you, right? Somebody has to keep you in check before you do something dumb and regret it later.. But whatever, I'm going to go prepare for my match-

As she begins walking toward the door, she stops once she hears a knock. Followed by a few more. MYŌJIN, alerted, followed behind her toward the door.

MYOJIN: Who is it??

The door slowly opens and coming through the door was James Raymond, dressed casually and looking around the room, staring directly at all three in the room before closing the door behind him.

JAMES RAYMOND: …seems like I wasn’t invited to the meeting after all, huh.

The three cautiously stared toward Raymond, a little unsure. MYŌJIN patted Emmanuelle on the shoulder, stepping in front of her slowly. Contemplating their next words, they lightly held out their hand to shake.

MYOJIN: …Thanks for helping last show. Though, forgive me if I'm a little untrusting as well…

MYŌJIN motioned toward their two friends.

MYOJIN: None of us exactly know you. So, if I may ask, what was that about?

JAMES RAYMOND: Well… there’s been this feeling going around that night, the thought of being at your side, MYOJIN, was something that tempted me– but I never really got around to speaking with you in a more personal matter.

James nodded his head a little, stepping a little closer to the trio but looking only directly at MYOJIN himself.

JAMES RAYMOND: Then, I saw what happened out there and I… I felt the need to help you. I’m not one to be all spiritually or anything, but there’s something about you that I felt was a connection. Like we both have similar wants and needs for what this place has to become again. To be more perfect.

A bit confused by his reasoning, albeit intrigued, MYŌJIN slowly nodded.

MYOJIN: Well.. Huh. We appreciate it. I owe you one.

They then held out their hand to shake.

MYOJIN: So, do you want in with us or what?

James looked around the room, eyeing up everyone else before sending his focus back onto MYOJIN, looking down at their hand and grabbing onto it to shake.

JAMES RAYMOND: I’d be a fool not to, you have my trust.

The two shook hands and came to an agreement– soon after, James headed to the door and exited the room as quick as he came in, leaving the three to be left alone once again.

Once he left, Emmanuelle and Tara both turned to MYŌJIN.

MYOJIN: …What?

EMMANUELLE: We barely know that guy and you want him to be on our side? How do we know we can trust him?

Tara nodded in agreement.

TARA FENIX: His first match here was trying to cave in a guy's skull, I don't know about him, MYŌ.. He seems like he might be kind of unhinged. You sure about this?

MYOJIN: Listen, given how the last few shows have gone- We could use some more allies, especially while all of us- especially me- are gaining more and more enemies. Plus, Tara, you're going to be out of the ring for a long time… If he turns out to be an issue, then I'll solve it. Alright?

Both the Phoenix and the Platinum Standard still seemed somewhat uneasy as they glanced toward the Shining Star, but eventually relented.

TARA FENIX: Alright.

EMMANUELLE: Fine, sure.

MYŌJIN gives them both a grin.

MYOJIN: Good. Besides, believe it or not, while Raymond was unexpected… I have a few two people in mind that I've been talking to. Two more possible friends.

The camera view fades out, last showing the three of them further discussing the matters at hand.


Once Stella Jade and Benjamin Broadwater have made their exits, "Dusted" by Astroid Boys begins to play. Betsy Gallagher walks out with her robe on, taking her place in the middle of the ramp, where she stretches her arms to either side and lets the robe fall slightly down her back, exposing her shoulders but still being mostly worn. As she starts walking to the ring, she alternates between pointing at herself and at the crowd, her confidence only second to how much she appreciates the fans.

Once she gets inside the ring, she gracefully turns to ringside, where a stagehand gives her a microphone. The “GG Betsy GG” chants begin, and she lets herself take it all in for a while, before speaking.

BETSY GALLAGHER: For the past five months, I’ve been wrestling my butt off in this ring.

The fans begin chanting “GG Betsy GG” again, and Betsy lets them do their thing, pausing with a wide grin on her face and turning to them to emphasize their warm welcome.

BETSY GALLAGHER: And you know, I started with a 3-match winning streak before I lost my first-ever championship opportunity…and then the next one right after.

BETSY GALLAGHER: But don’t you worry, New York, because after that, I managed to pick myself back up and get two more wins, a two-match winning streak to get myself back on track.

BETSY GALLAGHER: That was, until at Fools Rush In, when Mikey Hero pinned me in the middle of that ring, me, despite it being a Fatal Four way match, despite him having two more competitors, he pinned me.

The crowd begins booing. Betsy shakes her head, smiling, putting a hand up to quiet the crowd.

BETSY GALLAGHER: It’s fine, though. Can’t fault the man. I would’ve done the same thing if I were in his boots. That was a battle, a war, and it was every woman for herself.

The crowd begins cheering.

BETSY GALLAGHER: That said, I am looking forward to regaining some momentum this week, and I apologize in advance for the brutality I am about to unleash on my opponents. GG, New York. GG.

"5 out of 6" by Dessa hits and Lexi Gold steps out from behind the curtain with a microphone already in her hand. The crowd cheers her on as she makes her way down the ramp, ready dressed in her ring gear, her eyes focus on Betsy in the ring s she continues her walk, then after a while finds her way up the steps and gets into the ring through the bottom rope and stands across from her, waiting for the music to die before she raises the mic to her lips.

LEXI GOLD: We may have both come up short that night, but we proved that we are warriors and nothing, or no one, is going to keep us down. We rise to fight another day, and tonight that day has come. I don't know about you, but I'm excited at the opportunity to team up with you again. I have never been one to rely on a partner, but in certain instances like this, I'm honored and ready to see what we got cookin' up.

After curiously watching Lexi make her way to the ring, pacing from one end of the farthest side of the ring to the other, she stops when the other woman begins to speak. Betsy listens intently to her words, nodding whenever she can, before putting on a smile. She turns to the cheering crowd to her right and then to her left before shrugging. Betsy finally puts out a hand for Lexi to shake, still grinning from ear to ear.

BETSY GALLAGHER: Now that… That’s golden.

Those words alone get a pop from the crowd, which makes Lexi smile big as she paces the ring back and forth anxiously, then stops and continues to speak.

LEXI GOLD: Damn right, it is golden, alright. Not going to lie, Betsy, all this waiting for action has me a little anxious right now. Who are we facing this week? Oh, we’ve got car boy, who probably thinks he is God's gift to the world and will probably tell you all about it. Don't worry, sweetheart, I have no problem deflating that ego of yours and making you eat your words after. Then we’ve got his partner... TJ Thompson. See, I can actually respect ol' TJ. He doesn't show prick qualities, at least from what I've seen. Unfortunately, my friend, they picked the wrong partner for you, and you will be on the receiving end of some serious ass kicking that not even car boy will want to save you from for his own sake. Enough of this chatter, it's time to let our actions speak, and boy are they going to speak very loudly.

Lexi drops the mic and the two share a fist bump before taunting the crowd and leaving the ring together, heading backstage.

TREY BOOKER: Those were some strong words from Betsy Gallagher and Lexi Gold! TJ and Caddy have been on a roll as of late, but this new combination may be their toughest challenge yet!

J.T. PRICE: We’ll see, Book, we’ll see…





HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, at a total combined weight of four hundred twenty pounds…“The Superstar” JOHNNY LEVY…and The Project: Honor Warrior Rising Champion…GIOVANNI!

As if not receiving their own individual entrances was not enough of an insult, there seems to be some kind of problem with the special entrance music the pair has requested for their tandem entrance. Only static and a few jumbled lyrics can be heard over the sound system, which forces Levy and Giovanni to halt their entrance upon the stage. With Calliope and Barlon Mando standing by, Johnny produces a microphone to publicly air his complaints regarding the situation.

JOHNNY LEVY: This is completely *crackle crackle scratch* insult to my people *snap crackle pop* glorious tradition from Moses to William Shatner *static noises*...

Johnny glares down at his microphone and smacks it a couple of times, but it seems to only cut out the equipment completely. With an understanding nod of his head, Giovanni steps forward with his own microphone, vowing to speak on his partner’s behalf.

GIOVANNI: This is yet another example of this company *screech garble garble* the artistical brilliance of *more faulty microphone noises* make a change for you unenlightened swine *scratch crackle crackle*...

This time it is Giovanni who glares at his microphone before also giving it a few slaps. Just like Levy’s, his mic finally cuts out completely. The two men begin voicing their displeasure to Calliope and Barlon, who can do little more than shrug their shoulders.

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, I have also been informed that the managerial licenses for both Calliope and Barlon Mando are currently under review. As they are unable to be at ringside until this matter is resolved, they are hereby barred from tonight’s contest!

Giovanni and Johnny have a pair of shocked expressions as they march down the entrance ramp, ready to give Holly Perez a piece of their minds. Meanwhile, Calliope and Barlon Mando are left with no other choice than to return backstage, neither Johnny or Giovanni aware of their departure. Then, just as the members of the first team reach the ringside area, Holly begins to announce their opposition.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents…hailing from the jungles of India and Brazil respectively…at a total combined weight of eight hundred and forty-seven pounds…both standing at over seven feet tall…they are THE SYSTEM and THE ESTABLISHMENT…THE STATUS QUO!

The lights in the arena dim as “System” by Korn and Chester Bennington begins to play. With a spotlight shining on the entrance curtains, the pair of masked giants duck underneath the bottom of the Honor-Tron so they can make their entrance. As both men stand on the stage and raise their arms in the air, a blast of machine gun pyro erupts behind them. The two seven footers then begin to make their way down the ramp like the lumbering monsters they are, as Johnny and Gio watch their approach in absolute terror.

Upon reaching the ring, both masked men step over the top rope and once again raise their arms, sending another burst of pyro from each of the four ring posts. The sudden explosion forces Johnny and Gio to jump, nearly into each other’s arms.

TREY BOOKER: I’ve gotta say, for two guys we’ve never seen in action before, they have one hell of an elaborate entrance.

J.T. PRICE: And yet Giovanni and Johnny couldn’t even get working microphones, let alone proper entrance music? Seems suspicious to me…

*DING DING DING*

After a brief conference, it is decided that Giovanni will be starting the match for his team, while The ESTABLISHMENT starts on behalf of The STATUS QUO. Facing off against a man with the size and speech capabilities of Chewbacca seems to have Giovanni nervous, and rightfully so. As he considers how to go about the monumental task of wrestling this beast, The ESTABLISHMENT suddenly lurches forward with both arms, but The Artiste swiftly ducks behind him. Giovanni unloads a series of kicks to the big man’s legs and when he bends forward to protect his limbs, Gio leaps into the air to hook his head for a surprise DDT! Unfortunately, the masked giant does not go down. Instead standing up tall with a helpless Gio on his shoulder.

The Behemoth starts to walk around the ring as if he were carrying an infant, but The Warrior Rising Champion shows no fear as he starts to kick his legs, finally creating enough momentum to finish his attempted DDT! As soon as The ESTABLISHMENT hits the mat, Giovanni rushes to his corner and tags in Johnny Levy, who does not seem pleased with that strategy. Nonetheless, Johnny reluctantly enters the ring and charges toward The Establishment, peppering the big man with a combo of shuffling jabs while he’s still on one knee. Each punch connects as if Levy were throwing fists like Mike Tyson, and The Establishment begins to wobble and teeter as he reaches a standing position.

After knocking him toward the ropes, Johnny motions for his partner to join him, and the pair hit a tandem dropkick that finally sends the big man flipping backwards over the top rope!

TREY BOOKER: That was…surprisingly impressive by the duo of Giovanni and Levy.

J.T. PRICE: Or as I like to call them, Giovy.

TREY BOOKER: I’ve never heard you call them that a single time.

J.T. PRICE: I’ve been battling between that and Levanni.

TREY BOOKER: Well, both sound like a brand of overpriced bottled water.

After The ESTABLISHMENT has crashed on the floor, Johnny and Giovanni begin to celebrate, unaware that the big man made a legal tag as he was flipping over the top rope. The SYSTEM enters the match and sizes up his opponents, waiting for them to turn back and become aware of his presence. Finally, they do exactly that, and the expressions of concern return to their faces. Johnny turns back toward Gio to discuss their strategy, but finds that his tag team partner has already retreated back to their corner. This costs Johnny dearly as The SYSTEM grabs hold of him and lifts him overhead in a military press.

Johnny’s shrieks can be heard by the ringside camera, but somehow The Superstar is able to break The SYSTEM’s grip and land on his feet behind him, the perfect position to hit a sudden chop block to the back of his legs. As The SYSTEM hits the mat, Giovanni leaps off the top turnbuckle and comes crashing down on the back of the masked man’s head with a flying elbow drop! This allows Johnny Levy to slap a side headlock on the big man, and before he leaves the ring, Giovanni connects with a superkick to The SYSTEM’s immobile head. With that, the giant slumps in Levy’s grip, and The Superstar wrenches even tighter on the side headlock.

It takes the official a moment before he finally goes in to check on The SYSTEM, as if he were expecting him to break the hold, but instead he finds the masked giant aggressively tapping out to the painful hold.

*DING DING DING!*

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winners of the match, by way of submission…GIOVANNI AND “THE SUPERSTAR” JOHNNY LEVY!!!

TREY BOOKER: Now hold on just a damn minute. I may not be the smartest man in the business, but they just defeated two of the biggest men I’ve ever seen and they made it look easy!

J.T. PRICE: Easy?! Are you kidding me? Those monsters could have literally eaten Gio and Johnny alive! This just goes to show the talent that Indy Darling continues to foolishly hold under his iron heel.

TREY BOOKER: So now you’re on their bandwagon? You’re buying into this horseshit?

J.T. PRICE: Excuse you?! Those men are freedom fighters, Trey. Flamboyantly wealthy freedom fighters!

Back inside of the ring, Giovanni and Johnny greet each other in a manly hug, both of them beaming from ear to ear as if they had personally ended world hunger through their efforts. It seems as if winning an Oscar, a Grammy, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a presidential election could not make them any happier than they are in that moment….and then the lights go out.

The crowd is abuzz, wondering what they might see next, when Snoop Dogg’s cover of “Riders on the Storm” begins to play over the arena sound system. As dim lighting returns, we can see Giovanni and Johnny Levy looking just as baffled as everyone else. Then, as Snoop’s opening lyrics switch over to Jim Morrison’s chorus, the curtains part to reveal Julius Fairweather and Slade Castle, The Motor City Psychos.

With their stares fixed directly on the ring, the former tag team champions march forward with business on their minds. Back between the ropes, Levy and Gio exchange a pair of surprised and concerned expressions, unsure of what Julius and Slade might have in mind.

After reaching the middle of the ramp, The Motor City Psychos pick up their pace, making a full charge at the ring. They slide under the bottom ropes and spring back to their feet, but Giovanni and Johnny Levy have already ducked out the opposite side of the ring. With the music still playing and the crowd giving the former champs their full support, Julius and Slade pace back and forth inside the ring. Their thirst for violence remains unquenched however, as Gio and Levy backtrack up the ramp, seemingly wanting no part of the Motor City Psychos.

J.T. PRICE: What in the hell are they doing here? Indy will kick Havoc out of the arena but not his buddy, Julius? Totally unfair, Book!

TREY BOOKER: We can only assume Julius and Slade were invited to Proving Ground, whereas Havoc was not. No matter what the case may be, it’s clear that Giovanni and Johnny Levy want nothing to do with it!

J.T. PRICE: Of course not! They just had the most hard-fought match of their lives!

TREY BOOKER: Oh please…


Following the previous contest, with Snoop Dogg’s cover still playing in the background, we see that Crystal Ward is standing by with one of Project: Honor’s owners and current General Manager of Proving Ground, Indy Darling.

CRYSTAL WARD: I have to say, Indy, you seem quite pleased with yourself. First The Status Quo and now The Motor City Psychos? Why do you hate Johnny Levy so much?

Indy guffaws and shakes his head as if he’s humored and frustrated all at the same time.

INDY DARLING: Once and for all, I have absolutely no idea who The System and The Establishment are. I can tell you with one hundred percent certainty that they are not members of the Project: Honor roster nor are they on Project: Honor’s payroll. As for Levy, I admit I had a little fun pretending to not know who he is, but in reality I’ve heard everything he’s had to say about me. The last thing I would ever do as an owner or GM is hold back a member of the roster who legitimately puts in their best effort.

CRYSTAL WARD: Like Mark Hunter?

INDY DARLING: Okay, maybe I deserved that. Mark has done some…questionable things lately, but the man is still one of my best friends. Still, I don’t treat him any differently than I would anyone else. I’m not in this to cause anyone harm…

CRYSTAL WARD: Says the man who broke my heart in a million pieces…

INDY DARLING: You broke up with me! Look, the point is, if Johnny Levy really wants to prove himself, I’m going to give him the opportunity he so desperately wants. At Disputed Territory I’m going to schedule Project: Honor’s first ever Tag Team Turmoil match to determine the number one contenders to the World Tag Team Championships. Furthermore, we’ve just seen the first two teams that will be involved…The Motor City Psychos…and the team of Giovanni and Johnny Levy!

At that moment, Julius Fairweather and Slade Castle enter the picture. While Castle remains stoic, Julius gives his old friend a smile and a nod of his head. Indy and Julius perform a combination of hand slaps and fist bumps before Fairweather speaks up.

JULIUS FAIRWEATHER: Seriously? Those are the motherfuckers that are giving you such a hard time? Goddamn, why don’t you just take care of them yourself?

INDY DARLING: As much as I’d love to, Julie, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to compete as a member of management. Besides, even if I were to have a match, there’s a long line of people I’d rather test myself against than a washed-up child star. As for you, Crystal, I know you hate these little interviews we have to conduct, but you should probably get used to it. There’s a lot more to announce for Disputed Territory before the night is over…


The loud opening guitar riffs of “MAKEMEFEELALIVE” by You Me At Six plays through the P.A. System in the arena as the house lights flash down onto the stage and onto the entrance curtain as the crowd awaits the arrival of James Raymond and raining down the boos from every inch of the arena. The figure of James slowly passes through the curtain from Gorilla Position as he looks around the arena. The half-mask worn around his head doesn’t give James the advantage of expressing himself, but from the way he’s looking around the arena and soaking in the crowd’s negative reaction, his nods are in approval of how the crowd feels about him.

James begins his walk to the ring, the spotlights following him down the ramp as he ignores those who reach out for him, even going as far as kicking the barricade that holds the fans back as he passes by. The Coventry native makes his way to ringside and walks around the ring until he’s leapt onto the ring apron where the hard cam faces, from there he begins to unwrap the mask from behind his head, pulling away at the final knot as the ring announcer begins his introduction.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, from Coventry, England and weighing in at one hundred eighty-seven pounds…he is “The Ruthless Star”...JAMES RAYMOND!

Upon hearing his name being announced, James pulls the mask away from his head and reveals the bottom half of facial features to the hard camera that points right down at him, finally getting a good look at his cocky grin rubbed all over his face before he passes through the ropes and enters the ring, looking around the arena with that same shit-eating smug look on his face as he slips free from his ring jacket and places it down in his corner, ready for his opponent to enter the arena.

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

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts and weighing in at two hundred sixty pounds…he is the reigning Triple A Champion of Project: Honor…BIG MATCH JOHN BLADE!

*DING DING DING*

With both opponents in the ring, things are off to a fiery start. John Blade lays into James Raymond with swift lefts and rights as soon as the bell rings. James has no time to cover up from this one as Blade shoves him into a corner. Blade drives his shoulder into Raymond’s midsection a total of four times before giving him just enough breathing room.

As James charges at Blade, Blade sets up for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Bringing James up and over with a flip, Blade bounces off the ropes and waves his hand over his face in a taunt. Before nailing Raymond with a swift punch to the face. Raymond thrashes in pain, though John Blade is ready to signal the end.

TREY BOOKER: Oh my god! This thing is going to be over quick!

J.T. PRICE: Raymond was so impressive in his debut, but I don’t know if he was ready for John Blade’s fire!

John Blade drops down, quickly locking in the STFU submission. It’s locked in tight as he wrenches back hard, and it looks like Raymond will be forced to tap out when he suddenly reaches out and grabs the bottom rope with his fist! The referee forces John to break the hold and Raymond slowly pulls himself up with the ropes. Big Match John charges back in towards his opponent, but this time James is ready as he counters with a backdrop, sending Blade over the top rope and to the floor!

John crashes hard at ringside, his head slamming against the base of the announcer’s table where Serrano has been sitting and pouting the entire night. The sudden landing startles Serrano, who stops feeling bad for himself long enough to reach over and put a supportive hand on John Blade’s shoulder. Seeing this transpire, the referee shrugs his shoulders and goes down for the count…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, your NEW TRIPLE A CHAMPION….SERRANO POBLANO!

Suddenly, Serrano’s eyes grow large as he realizes what’s just happened. Before he can apologize or try to sort out this misunderstanding, James Raymond jumps to ringside and grabs John Blade, pulling him back to his feet. As Raymond throws Blade back into the ring, Serrano is handed the Triple A Title by Holly Perez, and his sadness slowly turns into utter joy. Hugging the belt close to his chest, Serrano gets on his feet and leaps over the guardrail, disappearing into the sea of humanity.

Back inside the ring, Raymond hoists John up for a Gutwrench Suplex and then rolls him back up for The Kill or Be Killed Gutwrench Powerbomb! He goes for the pin…

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

It seems as if John has cleared the cobwebs enough to avoid the pinfall, but that doesn’t stop James Raymond from hitting his Calamity Kick! After the impact drives Blade back to the canvas, James wastes no time in applying The Eternal Rest! Unlike when Raymond was trapped in the STFU, John is too far from the ropes to break the hold no matter how much he struggles. It looks as if he’s going to tap, but he suddenly remembers his ‘Never Give Up’ motto and reaches for the ropes one final time, legally breaking the hold!

John starts to pull himself up with the assistance of the ropes, but Raymond is pissed and wastes no time in connecting with Kishin Hunter!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

*DING DING DING!*

TREY BOOKER: What a display of offense by James Raymond, overcoming the tenacity of John Blade here tonight!

J.T. PRICE: I don’t think that was fair, Book! Blade must have been distracted by that no-good Serrano stealing his belt mid-match! I wouldn’t want to be the next person in John Blade’s crosshairs…



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!

"Hurt" by Johnny Cash begins to play and after a few seconds Douglas Crane comes out the back and heads down the ramp, at a steady pace, emotionless, his piercing blue eyes focused on the ring. He slides under the bottom rope and crawls on his fists while on his knees, slithering first towards the ref to freak him out and then towards the nearest ringside camera. He then slithers back towards a corner where he just sits, awaiting for the arrival of his tag team partner.

The lights suddenly go out, plunging the arena into darkness. 'Sympathy for the Devil' by The Rolling Stones begins to play and, after a short wait, a spotlight floods the entrance way revealing Silas Isaac Naberius. He slowly turns around, raises his head and tilts the brim of his Panama hat up, and scans the arena as his Pet slips into view behind him. He begins to twirl his cane and makes his way down the ramp.

He climbs the ring steps and takes a moment to look over the crowd, his gaze passing over the front rows before him. He takes off his hat and places it on the ring post and his cane on the top turnbuckle. He steps between the ropes and walks around the ring, still inspecting the crowd, before finally settling into his corner. Once there, he shares a peculiar stare with Douglas Crane, the two very eccentric men silently measuring one another.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, at a total combined weight of four hundred six pounds… “MR. PERSONALITY” DOUGLAS CRANE…and S.I.N. SILAS ISAAC NABERIUS!!!

The awkward and silent stare between Crane and S.I.N. is interrupted when “The Hampster Dance Song” by Hampton The Hampster begins to play. DIANA skips down to the ring with a big smile on her face and when she gets into the ring she waves to the crowd in excitement.

Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out For A Hero" blares from the sound speakers as Mikey Hero sheepishly walks out through the curtain with his head down, he walks to the center of the entrance way and begins to tap his feet to the music until the chorus kicks in.

"I Need A Hero!"

Mikey's head shoots up as he runs down the ramp, and slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Mikey jumps to his feet in the middle of the ring and does a backflip, landing on one knee as he poses for the crowd.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, at a total combined weight of two hundred eighty two pounds, they are… “THE ENERGY BUNNY” DIANA…and MIKEY HERO!!!

*DING DING DING!*

TREY BOOKER: Ladies and gentlemen, this just in; it seems as if Indy Darling has ruled that the winning team in this contest will join The Motor City Psychos and Levanni in Disputed Territory’s Tag Team Turmoil Match!

J.T. PRICE: I told you, it’s Giovy.

TREY BOOKER: Whatever…

As Diana and SIN look to start the match, we are joined by another unexpected visitor from Fallout as Andrei Sokolov makes his way toward the ring. While it’s safe to assume he’s there to cheer on Diana, one of the ringside cameras catches him shooting Mikey Hero a suspicious glare. Back inside the ring, Diana avoids a lock-up by applying a hammerlock, then twists SIN into position for her Bunny Drop DDT! Silas avoids taking such a big move this early by flipping Diana over his shoulder, but The Energy Bunny lands on her feet and proceeds to take Naberius off his with a sudden leg sweep!

She follows that up by attempting to hit her Bunny Stomp, but Silas rolls aside and pops back on his feet. He then reaches out and blatantly rakes Diana’s eyes before giving her a hard kick to the stomach. He then flings Diana into a corner and employs a chokehold, refusing to break until the referee nearly reaches a full five count. After the brief break, he goes back for a second chokehold, this time forcing Diana to a seated position in the corner. He breaks the choke again, but this time he follows it up with a series of stomps in the corner

TREY BOOKER: Naberius is absolutely vicious in that ring. It might be nice to see him try a standard wrestling hold.

J.T. PRICE: I’m kind of shocked he didn’t end up on Fallout, but I guess we have to have our fair share of psychos to even things out.

With Diana in trouble, S.I.N. shows that he’s adept at tag team matches by bringing Douglas Crane into the ring. For a brief moment, the two men stare at each other before Crane finally turns his attention toward Diana. She’s crawling across the ring to tag in Mikey, but Douglas is able to stop her by grabbing her ankle. He pulls Diana to her feet while still holding her limb, but she suddenly spins into an enzuigiri and clocks him on the side of the head! With Crane momentarily stunned, she’s able to make the hot tag!

Mikey enters the ring by springing off the top rope, landing on Crane’s shoulders to take him down with a hurricanrana. Once he’s got Douglas down, Mikey hits a few mounted forearms before leaping back to his feet, bouncing off the ropes, and landing with a quick leg drop across Crane’s throat. He goes for the pin…

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Not fazed by the kickout, Mikey hits a spinning backfist to keep Crane stunned and then puts him back down with a snap suplex. Crane is once again quick to get on his feet, but he’s met by a running big boot from Mikey before he can prepare himself. Hero then makes the quick tag to Diana, showing his own ability to work in a team situation. Before leaving the ring, Mikey slingshots Diana over the top rope and she lands on top of Crane with a splash!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Crane sits up but Diana greets him with a few well-placed soccer kicks before making her way to the nearest turnbuckle! She prepares for her Bunny Hop meteora and leaps toward Crane as he gets on his feet, but he manages to catch her in midair and turn the move into a spine-shattering powerbomb!

J.T. PRICE: Damn! That one made me hurt!

TREY BOOKER: Rough landing for Diana, and Andrei doesn’t look too pleased at ringside!

Instead of going for the cover, Crane scoops up Diana to execute a trifecta of back breakers, holding her over his knee in a stretch after the third one! Diana shouts out in pain, but Crane doesn’t seem to show any emotion as he shoves her onto the mat before tagging Silas back into the match. S.I.N. comes into the ring with a gentlemanly stride, but it quickly turns into a full charge as he hits the kneeling Diana with a running basement kick! Then, while she’s down, he kneels over her to execute a series of knee strikes to the head that he calls For Whom the Bell Tolls!

With Diana completely stunned, Silas hurls her into his corner where Crane can keep her from escaping. Silas then lurches forward, spewing a purple mist from his mouth, but Diana escapes Crane’s grasp and ducks under it! Crane is hit with the Secular Haze! Diana uses that opportunity to roll toward her corner, making her second hot tag of the match. Silas turns away from his blinded partner to follow the action, but he’s met by a missile dropkick as Mikey flies into the ring! The rookie follows that up with The Best Thing Since, planting S.I.N. on the canvas! Without missing a beat, Mikey springs to the top rope and flies back off for The Big Splash, but Silas suddenly has his cane in hand as if it appeared out of thin air!

He cracks the weapon against Mikey’s head as he spins toward the mat directly in sight of the referee! Despite the cane’s sudden and mysterious disappearance following the blow, the referee knows exactly what he’s seen and calls for the bell!

*DING DING DING!*

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match by disqualification…DIANA AND MIKEY HERO!!!

Diana reaches under the ropes to grab her stunned tag team partner, pulling him to safety at ringside. Upon hearing they’ve won the match, Mikey immediately wraps his arms around Diana for a victory hug! The Energy Bunny is so thrilled with their win that she returns the favor, but this innocent celebratory display does not sit well with Andrei Sokolov. He grabs hold of Mikey’s arm and yanks him away from Diana before getting in his face and shouting something that the cameras can’t quite pick up. Mikey quickly holds up his hands to plead his innocence as Diana tries to calm Andrei down.

TREY BOOKER: That was a huge win for the underdog team! I’m not sure Sokolov is too happy about their partnership, but he may have to deal with it because Diana and Mikey have just advanced to the Tag Team Turmoil match at Disputed Territory!

J.T. PRICE: Hold up, Book. The trouble at ringside isn’t the entire story…

As Diana continues to try keeping the peace between Andrei and Mikey, Douglas Crane enters the ring, his face stained as an aftereffect of the purple mist. As S.I.N. continues to argue his position against the official, Crane grabs him from behind in the Release Me! Silas is caught completely off guard in Douglas’ signature hold, and with no way to escape he reaches out to grab the official with both hands, effectively choking him while trying to free himself!

It doesn’t take long for the official to slump in Silas’ grip, offering no aid to his current predicament. Finally, S.I.N. fires off a backwards kick that lands between Crane’s legs, proving to be enough to break the hold. Silas takes a moment to catch his breath before a shake of his arm has his cane back in hand. He goes to swing it down over Crane’s skull, but Mr. Personality catches his hands in midair and they begin to struggle over the weapon. Before either man can get an advantage, PG security hits the ring and immediately attempts to separate them.

Not taking kindly to this, several members of Mason Kane’s security team are hit with random elbows, fists, and kicks, but after an intense struggle, they are finally able to keep Douglas Crane and Silas Isaac Naberius separated…

TREY BOOKER: This just goes to show how random tag teams don’t always work out. For every pairing of Cadillac and TJ, you end up with two guys who just can’t get along like Crane and S.I.N.

J.T. PRICE: Meh, let ‘em fight! I’m down for seeing those two psychopaths muder each other!


We go backstage where Crystal Ward is once again standing by with Indy Darling. While the reporter doesn’t seem pleased about this, the owner/GM is all smiles.

CRYSTAL WARD: Let’s get this over with. What are you announcing now?

INDY DARLING: Despite your lack of enthusiasm, I’m glad you asked. There seems to be an issue developing between Douglas Crane and Silas Isaac Naberius, but I’m happy to announce that they’ll have an opportunity to clear the air at Disputed Territory where they will be two of the eight lucky participants inside of our second ever…

JOHN BLADE: Yo, yo, yo!

Mere seconds after the interruption, Big Match John enters the scene to interrupt Indy’s announcement. Before the GM can object, Blade proceeds to drop some wisdom.

JOHN BLADE:
Hold that thought, Indy Darling,
The champ is here and I’m just starting!
People are calling their shots left and right,
Like a buncha Aussies fightin’ over the last vegemite!
The owners give an opportunity to Brandon Hendrix?
What’d he do? Cry about his lost appendix?
He ain’t no champ and yet he’s facing Billy Bennett?
Where’s my shot? Waiting to pass the senate?

Indy seems a bit flustered, but he does his best to keep up.

INDY DARLING: Look, John, Brandon was on one hell of a streak, and he chose to answer Billy’s open challenge. I had nothing to do with…

JOHN BLADE:
Nah, Homie, I ain’t hearing you so good.
I could take Billy better than Brandon ever could.
I’m a three time champ and soon to be four,
So take a step back from the microphone whore…

CRYSTAL WARD: Hey!

JOHN BLADE:
Do the right thing and give the people what they want,
That’s Big Match John against Billy the c*bleep*t!

INDY DARLING: Whoa, dude!

JOHN BLADE:
Nah, you can’t stop this when it’s on a roll,
I’m on fire like Taco Bell outta your butthole!
Three-time champ and no one else even in my category,
So I’m taking the Billy Challenge at Disputed Territory!

It seems as if there is nothing more to be said, as Big Match John waves his hand in front of his face before storming off the set, leaving both Indy and Crystal in a momentary state of shock. After taking a few seconds to regain her composure, Crystal attempts to pick up the interview where they left off.

CRYSTAL WARD: So…as you were saying?

Indy pauses for a moment, still trying to process what he just heard.

INDY DARLING: No. No way am I following that. It can wait until later. As for Billy Bennet, Brandon Hendrix, and John Blade…

Indy finally shrugs his shoulders and gives Crystal a completely befuddled expression before leaving the set completely.



HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, the next bout is scheduled for one fall and is a No Holds Barred match. Making his way to the ring first, standing at six-foot-three-inches tall and weighing two-hundred-and-sixty pounds… The Last Carny… SHOOOOOTEEEERRRR LANDEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLL!

Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Gimme Back My Bullets” plays over the PA system as the imposing figure of Shooter Landell makes his way from the entrance. He strolls down the ramp, but before he can reach ringside, Officer Greyfield charges towards him from behind.

Smacking Landell in the back with his trusty baton, Greyfield follows up by going low and smashing it against the side of his opponent’s knee. Considering the No Holds Barred stipulation, the referee motions for the bell to be rung, rather than wait for the pair to split up and somehow make their way into the ring.

DING! DING! DING!

J.T. PRICE: Looks like the referee has decided to start the match!

TREY BOOKER: Now this is what real wrestling looks like! Two big, meaty men slapping meat!

J.T. PRICE: What the hell, Trey…

TREY BOOKER: Listen, I’ve been waiting a decade for another match like this! I can’t help it if they did it better back in the day!

J.T. PRICE: What are you, like 90?

Shooter interrupts the next baton strike with a punch to the gut of Greyfield, grabbing his head and flipping him onto the metal floor with a snapmare; holding on and transitioning smoothly into a sleeper hold as Greyfield’s baton goes clattering down the ramp, out of his reach.

Unable to break the hold locked in by a man of almost-equal strength and size, Greyfield decides to get dirty by reaching back with one hand to dig a thumb into Shooter’s right eye. Landell tries to pull away while still keeping his grip around the man’s neck, but he’s forced to release the hold and stumble back before his eye is ripped out.

J.T. PRICE: What a savage display so early into the match!

TREY BOOKER: These two hosses aren’t pulling any punches tonight! HOOOOO BOOOYYYYYYYYY!

Greyfield recovers quickly, moving down the ramp to grab his baton then back towards Landell. Unfortunately for him, this delay has allowed Shooter to recover, stepping forward to kick Greyfield’s baton out of his hands before he’s able to strike.

The weapon goes flying into the crowd, lost for the time being as the two begin to trade forearms to the head, sweat already flying off them with every impact. Shooter is the first to begin to lose momentum, as the sheer weight and force behind Greyfield’s strikes take their toll on the older man.

TREY BOOKER: FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER! FIGHT FOREVER!

J.T. PRICE: Brother, you need to chill. Leave that to the crowd, okay?

TREY BOOKER: Hell no! I’ve been looking forward to this rematch for two damn weeks! Let me have this!

Grabbing Shooter by the wrist, Greyfield quickly whips him into the side of the ring, following up with a charging body splash that flattens Landell against the sharp corner of the apron. Rather than let his opponent collapse, Greyfield grabs his arm again for another irish whip; this time into the heavy steel ring steeps, which almost topple end-over-end from the impact of Landell’s bulk.

TREY BOOKER: Even from ringside, we can feel every impact!

Greyfield charges in again, likely looking for another body splash; but this time, Landell is ready. He recovers quickly, stepping forward to meet his opponent and grabbing him by the back of the head, using Greyfield’s own momentum to send him hurtling skull-first into the steps.

As Greyfield recovers, Landell starts to hit him with body blows before moving to toss the larger man back into the ring. Greyfield interrupts with a sharp jab to Shooter’s heart, staggering Landell long enough for his opponent to whip him into the barricades.

Greyfield charges in to follow, spearing Landell against the metal railing as the crowd behind it steps back to get out of the way of the two brawlers. Before Greyfield can pull away, Shooter is able to lock in a guillotine choke as his opponent continues to press his back against the barricade.

A brave audience member reaches over to dump a beer on Landell’s back, before Greyfield pulls him away from the barricade, turning to slam Landell into the corner of the apron; the back of his head smashes into the ring post and dazes him enough to weaken his grip.

Greyfield breaks out of the front choke, slamming his opponent’s head on the apron a few times before setting him up for a Piledriver onto the ringside mats. Shooter is able to reverse into a Backdrop, sending Greyfield down to the floor before following up with a quick Elbow Drop to the chest.

Landell slowly pulls himself back to his feet, lifting Greyfield off the mats and rolling him back into the ring. He follows him back onto the canvas, grabbing Greyfield and executing a series of headbutts that leave both men staggered and weaving on their feet.

After several skull-to-skull impacts, Greyfield interrupts with an eye rake and starts to unload headbutts of his own, before grabbing either side of Landell’s skull. The massive Officer leans in to start biting at Shooter’s forehead, breaking the skin with his teeth and drawing blood as Landell lets out a pained bellow.

TREY BOOKER: What is this, a-

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, yeah, insert Mike Tyson reference, we get it.

Taking this opportunity to whip his opponent into the ropes, Greyfield lifts him up on the rebound and drops Shooter to the canvas with a Spinebuster that shakes the ring, before hooking the leg for the pin.

ONE!

TW-

KICKOUT!

Before Greyfield can get back to his feet, the mat-bound Landell reaches up to grab his close-cropped hair, keeping him from pulling back as he pummels him in the head with punches. Just then, there is a flurry of movement in the ring behind Shooter as he continues to batter Officer Greyfield. Before the referee even notices, Arata Asakura charges forward and plants his Raikiri against the back of Landell’s head!

TREY BOOKER: Arata…?! What in the hell is the champion doing out here?

J.T. PRICE: Judging from his interference, I’d say he’s ruining your childhood dream match.

Shooter lays unmoving on the mat as Officer Greyfield gets on one knee…just in time to get hit with another Raikiri from the Grand Champion! Now, with Greyfield laying on the mat next to his opponent, Arata holds up the previously unused kendo stick that he’s brought to the ring with him. Despite the referee’s warnings, The Gaijin Killer proceeds to bring the weapon down against Landell…then Greyfield…back and forth until Arata’s weapon of choice literally splinters in his hands!

With the kendo stick now useless, he tosses it aside and measures Shooter Landell for another Raikiri…that connects with absolute precision! Mere moments later, Greyfield gets another one as well, and both men appear to be down and out! With no other choice, the referee begins his ten count…and neither man is able to stir before it’s complete!

HOLLY PEREZ: Due to a double knock out, the referee has ruled this match…a draw…

Suddenly, Arata reaches over the top rope and demands that Holly hand her microphone over to him. Not wanting to anger the champion any more than he already is, she quickly obliges.

ARATA ASAKURA: Enough with this meaningless bullshit! I came here tonight prepared to fight! Prepared to defend MY Grand Championship! It’s not my fault Tara Fenix did not have enough sense to avoid getting knocked up! Indy Darling…Adam Ekaterin…or whoever is running the show this week had better give me someone to defend my title against or they can expect the rest of the matches to end just like this one!

With his declaration complete, Arata carelessly tosses the microphone aside, earning disdain from the majority of the crowd. With no further explanation or the patience to wait for a response, the Grand Champion exits the ring and begins to make his way back from where he came…


Yet again, we go backstage to find Crystal Ward standing by with Indy Darling, who seems a bit perplexed by what we’ve just seen.

CRYSTAL WARD: So, got any bright ideas to handle tonight’s main event?

INDY DARLING: I’m not sure what’s going on around here tonight. Maybe it’s the excitement over Fallout having a Pay-Per-View and Proving Ground getting their own turn in the spotlight in two weeks. Whatever the case may be, it is true that I’ve been forced to pull Tara Fenix from tonight’s main event. She wasn’t happy about it, but frankly I cannot take the risk of allowing an expectant mother to compete for Project: Honor.

CRYSTAL WARD: And will Arata get the replacement match that he’s requested?

INDY DARLING: He is. I’m just not sure who will be getting that shot just yet. Both MYOJIN and Swindle Shelldrake have proven themselves over the past weeks…months really…so I think it’s only fair if it’s one of them. I’ve already spoken to both parties, and I know they’re both up for it. I guess…I’ll go with…

CRACK!

Before Indy can complete his sentence, he’s struck by a steel chair to the spine from someone off screen. Crystal lets out an instinctive shriek and jumps back, as the cameraman pans over to reveal Kurtis Slayne standing over the fallen owner/GM. Indy lets out a groan as he pushes himself to his hands and knees, but Kurtis doesn’t allow him any more time to recover as he brings the chair across his brother’s surgically repaired back a second time…and then a third…and a fourth.

Once he’s convinced that Indy won’t be getting back up, Kurtis slowly turns his focus toward Crystal Ward. He approaches her, chair still in hand, with a menacing look smeared across his face. Backed against the wall, Crystal can do nothing but stutter for mercy…

KURTIS SLAYNE: So, you’re the ex-girlfriend, right? Too bad. I doubt he cares enough about you to make bashing your face into a bloody pulp worth my time.

CRYSTAL WARD: P-please…don’t…

KURTIS SLAYNE: Don’t worry. I need you breathing so you can deliver a message to your ex when he wakes up. John Blade gets what he wants. Arata Asakura gets what he wants. Now I get what I want. It’s past time that we finished our business. No more Mark Hunter, no more Tara Fenix…no Julius, Castle, Petey or anyone else dumb enough to be his friend. Just me and my dear brother…one-on-one…

An audible groan can be heard, forcing Slayne to turn his attention away from Crystal and back to the fallen General Manager. Another shot from the steel chair echoes throughout the backstage area before Kurtis forcefully tosses his weapon to the ground with a bang. Then, he slowly turns back to Crystal to finish his challenge, the sound of his voice barely more than a whisper.

KURTIS SLAYNE: Disputed Territory. Death Match. Until I finish what I started…or he avenges it. Until the bitter end…

Kurtis lingers for a moment, his face just inches away from Crystal’s, as she closes her eyes tightly and turns away. Then, he slowly backs away from her and out of the scene. As security personnel arrive moments later, Crystal finally breathes a sigh of relief before we return to ringside…


HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a tag team match scheduled for one fall!

"Dusted" by Astroid Boys plays and Betsy walks out with her robe on, taking her place in the middle of the ramp, where she stretches her arms to either side and lets the robe fall slightly down her back, exposing her shoulders but still being mostly worn. As she starts walking to the ring, she alternates between pointing at herself and at the crowd, her confidence only second to how much she appreciates the fans.

“5 out of 6” by Dessa plays and Lexi Gold appears from behind the curtain to some thunderous cheers from the crowd. She slowly makes her way down the ramp and gazes out at the crowd, then claps a few fans hands before climbing the steps with a strut and enters the ring through the bottom rope. Once inside the ring, she stands in the middle, taunting the crowd. When she is finally satisfied with her grandstanding, she turns her focus to the entrance stage, impatiently awaiting her opponent's arrival as her music begins to die down.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, at a total combined weight of two hundred sixty-eight pounds…LADY BETSY GALLAGHER AND “THE GOLDEN GODDESS” LEXI GOLD!!!


"All of the Lights" by Kanye West hits, and the lights go out. Small flashes of multicolored lasers shoot through the arena in the dark, as a large white spotlight scans the crowd during the intro of the song. As we approach the drop, the lights go out besides the spotlight that stays on the middle of the entrance curtain. As the drums and lyrics pick up in the song after the drop, Cadillac bursts through the curtain and into the spotlight, where he stands soaking in it for a few moments. He then makes his way to the ring with the spotlight following him, pointing and waving at fans while making sure to be out of reach of them. He walks up the stairs and onto the apron, leaning his back against the ropes and surveying the crowd before spinning around and hopping into the ring. He goes to the top rope and removes his sunglasses and ring jacket, handing it to a stagehand before hopping down and getting ready for action.

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.

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 fiving 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 the match to start with a huge grin on his face.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, at a total combined weight of four hundred fifty-four pounds…They are Big Luxury…The Drip Experience…CADILLAC JACKSON AND TJ THOMPSON!!!

*DING DING DING!*

TREY BOOKER: We’ve already seen some exciting tag team action tonight, and this match promises to be no different.

J.T. PRICE: I think it’s safe to assume that at least one or maybe both of these teams will be involved in Tag Team Turmoil at Disputed Territory. I’m sure Indy would confirm that if he was conscious.

TREY BOOKER: It certainly seems likely, especially in the case of Cadillac and TJ, who have been on a roll as of late.

Caddy and TJ discuss some last minute strategy before Jackson opts to start the match for the team. Betsy and Lexi briefly confer as well, with Lady Gallagher kicking things off for the duo. The Luxury Experience has a clear size advantage over both his opponents as he meets Betsy in the center of the ring, and he can’t help but laugh when she challenges him to lock-up. Finally, Cadillac ties up with Betsy and immediately forces her backwards into a neutral corner. At least Caddy offers a clean break, but his confident smile doesn’t sit well with Betsy. The pair circle each other before locking up again, but this time Betsy quickly maneuvers behind Jackson with a hammerlock applied.

Caddy reaches back to snag Betsy’s head and brings her over his shoulder with a snap mare to put her in a seated position. From there he slaps on a rear chinlock, but Betsy is quick to push herself back to her feet. She backs up and breaks his hold by slinging him into the ropes, dropping down to the mat when he charges back. Caddy hits the opposite ropes and comes back again, but this time Betsy jumps over his head with a leapfrog. Jackson runs back a third time where Betsy is waiting for him, taking the big man off his feet with a single leg dropkick!

Jackson pops back up to his feet and takes a swing, but Betsy avoids it and grabs his arm, applying a wrist lock instead. She then transitions the hold into a short arm lariat, her Queen’s Lariat, but keeps hold of Jackson’s wrist and pulls him to her corner where she makes the tag. With Betsy still holding Caddy’s wrist, Lexi slingshots herself into the ring and snags his head to pull Jackson out of the wrist lock with a hard DDT!

TREY BOOKER: Great teamwork by the ladies there! I think Cadillac may have underestimated his opponents tonight!

J.T. PRICE: Seems like his recent wins alongside TJ have brought his old cockiness back to the surface.

Caddy starts to pull himself back up, but as he gets to his knees, Lexi slams into him with a charging meteora to put him back on the mat. The resilient Jackson starts to pull himself up again, but we see Lexi has him measured for her Striking Gold step-up ax kick…when TJ Thompson reaches over the top rope to grab her by the hair!

The Hipbeast’s actions draw the attention of the referee as well as Lexi, who turns around to shoot TJ a scornful look. The plan works however, as Jackson has enough time to recover and grab Lexi from behind, dropping her backwards with a German Suplex! Caddy rolls The Golden Goddess back to her feet and shoves her into his corner. He then slams his shoulder against her midsection a few times before holding her in the corner and reaching up to make the tag.

Thompson leaps into the ring and starts unloading a series of jabs against Lexi in the corner before Cadillac finally backs away. Having stunned Lexi, TJ then pulls her out of the corner and lifts her into a powerbomb position. He then charges forward, dropping Lexi back into his corner with a buckle bomb! The Golden Goddess staggers forward, but Thompson greets her with a European Uppercut that takes her off her feet before making the quick tag back to his partner.

TREY BOOKER: And now we’re seeing quick tags between Cadillac and TJ. A good strategy to keep them both fresh while also isolating Lexi from her partner.

J.T. PRICE: It’s crazy how good Caddy and TJ have become as a unit! Heh…I said ‘unit’...

Caddy re-enters the ring by going to the top buckle before bringing a double ax down across Lexi’s back. After the German Suplex and Buckle Bomb, it’s beginning to look like Caddy and TJ have picked the part of Lexi’s body that they want to focus on. As if to drive that point home, Caddy hits a pendulum backbreaker and then a gutwrench suplex, before finally nailing a Fisherman’s suplex for a pin attempt…

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Following the attempt, Caddy slaps a side headlock on Lexi and reaches out to tag TJ yet again. This time Thompson slingshots himself into the ring with a somersault, his own back landing on Lexi’s as she’s bent over, taking her to the mat with a modified senton. Once she’s on the mat, TJ grabs Lexi’s legs and turns her over into a Boston Crab, which he refers to as Please Tap. Lexi reaches out to grab the bottom rope, but before the referee can see it, TJ walks forward with The Golden Goddess in his clutches and sits back down in the Boston Crab. Now Lexi has nowhere to go, but upset over the oversight by the official, Betsy Gallagher runs into the ring and clocks TJ with a running European Uppercut that he’s not expecting!

The official orders Betsy back to her corner, but the move has stunned TJ enough to break his hold on Lexi and give her an opportunity to crawl towards her corner. It looks as if she’s just moments away from tagging in her partner, when TJ reaches down and grabs her by the ankle…but Lexi counters with an enzuigiri and makes the hot tag!

Lady Gallagher enters the ring and immediately knocks TJ off his feet with a lariat before charging toward Cadillac as he attempts to enter the ring. She nails Caddy with a running dropkick to the side of the head as he’s stepping between the ropes, knocking him off balance and sending him to the floor! She then turns back toward TJ and charges…hitting the Regal Knee! The Hipbeast is stunned and she goes for The Betsy Bomb….it connects!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!


NO!

TJ’s foot is draped over the bottom rope and the referee spots it at the last second!

TREY BOOKER: I thought that was it! So close!

Betsy pulls TJ back up and positions his head between her legs before reaching out to tag Lexi. She then lifts him up and Lexi leaps off the top rope, driving TJ’s head into the mat with a spiked piledriver! Now it’s The Golden Goddess who goes for the cover…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!


NO!

Last minute save by the returning Cadillac Jackson! Betsy Gallagher returns to the ring to plant a boot against Caddy’s face, making him regret breaking up the pin. Lexi then goes to Betsy’s side and the two women send Jackson into the ropes, greeting him with a tandem pop-up powerbomb on the return! The crowd comes alive at the effort displayed by the two women, but they have no time to celebrate as TJ Thompson hits both of them from behind with a double bulldog, planting both of their faces on the mat!

J.T. PRICE: Uh-oh…starting to look like one of those ‘referee loses control’ situations in there…

TJ then lines up Betsy for his superkick as she slowly gets to her feet, but she catches his ankle and twists him to the mat, applying her Regal Stretch! Thompson is trapped in the hold with nowhere to go…and he starts to tap out!

The referee goes to call it….but no…he realizes that Betsy is not the legal competitor in the match! As he tries to get Lady Gallagher to release the hold, Lexi Gold gets back to her feet, when she’s suddenly hit by The Ejection from the other illegal person in the ring, Cadillac Jackson! The impact of the move sends Lexi backwards between the ropes, but she manages to catch herself on the apron. Unfortunately this works against her, as Cadillac charges to hit a second Ejection, knocking Lexi off the apron and sending her back crashing against the metal guardrail!

Jackson leaves the ring as Betsy finally releases her hold TJ Thompson, who’s been tapping out the entire time. With things back under control, the referee sees that Lexi is at ringside and he begins to make his count! Once she realizes that her partner is in danger, Betsy goes to Lexi’s side and tries to help her up, but it’s clear that the guardrail has taken its toll on her back. TJ Thompson, still feeling the effects of the Regal Stretch, moves toward the ropes and momentarily distracts the referee, who orders him to stand back. Cadillac Jackson uses that opportunity to leap to the floor, hurling his own body against Lexi and Betsy with the Jack ‘Em Up spear off the apron!

Jackson quickly rolls away, and when the referee returns his attention to his count, he’s none the wiser…

*DING DING DING!*

HOLLY PEREZ: And your winners by count-out…CADILLAC JACKSON AND TJ THOMPSON!

Despite the questionable nature of their victory, Caddy rejoins TJ in the ring so they can celebrate. The two men give each other a high five before raising their arms in the air, while Betsy and Lexi regain their composure at ringside.

TREY BOOKER: That was a chaotic affair, and not the finish I’d like to have seen here.

J.T. PRICE: A win is a win, Book. I’ll admit, this new team of Betsy and Lexi looked really good, but Caddy and TJ are still on a roll!

The celebration continues inside of the ring, but it would seem as if Betsy and Lexi are not content with watching their opponents bask in the glory. Not appreciative of their opponent’s tactics, especially those of Cadillac Jackson, the two women return to the ring with neither Caddy or TJ aware of their presence. A pair of dropkicks to the backs of the winning teammates is all it takes to send them sprawling forward through the ropes to the ringside floor. As Caddy and TJ try to collect themselves, Betsy and Lexi celebrate their moral victory if nothing else, knowing they’ll have another opportunity to prove themselves soon enough.




HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall… already in the ring… The Platinum Standard… EMMANUELLE!!

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

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

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

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

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

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent… From Hamilton, Ontario, Canada… CASANOVA ENGLISH!!!

English and Bash Daddy look at one another and smirk before walking down the ramp slowly. English stops to blow smoke in the general direction of some fans. Bash Daddy walks over to the corner between the guard rails and the ring. English slowly struts up the steps onto the ring apron. He hangs his jacket on the turnbuckle before stepping through the second rope. English smirks, pulling the cigarette from his lips, he blows a cloud of smoke straight up into the air and tosses his coffin nail into the crowd. English laughs as people move trying to avoid the ember. Bash Daddy glares from the outside at Casanova's opponent.

*DING! DING! DING!*

The two wrestlers stare each other down. "The Platinum Standard" looks over at the man formerly known as "The Modern Day Messiah" and starts talking trash. Casanova starts off by hitting Emmy with right hands and dodging an attempt from her to grab him in a waist lock. Casanova chuckles at the failed attempt for a moment before continuing to throw shots.

TREY BOOKER: English is a massive threat to everyone on the roster.

J.T. PRICE: Both of these two are, pay per view main events have to be in the future for Cassanova.

Emmanuelle shakes them all off and looks at Casanova who just smirks back. Emmanuelle nods and adjusts her jaw from a couple of connected shots. Casanova swings but Emmy ducks it. Emmanuelle comes up under the shot and headbutts Casanova square in the nose, sending the former Carnage Wrestling Chaos Champion down to the mat. Casanova rolls out of the ring, grabbing at his nose, and glares daggers through Emmy who mouths something derogatory toward Cas before hitting the opposing ropes. Suicide Dive by Emmy to the outside taking both down hard.

TREY BOOKER: And that right there is why Emmanuelle has competed with the world's best….

J.T. PRICE: … and Mark Hunter!!

Emmanuelle picks up Casanova and rolls him back into the ring under the bottom rope. Emmy slides in and quickly springs up onto the second rope. Flipping back elbow right to the sternum followed by Emmy getting back up and waiting. Casanova starts to get up and gets a solid kick in the ribs for his trouble. Pickup by Emmy. She goes for "The Pasadena Bomb", but Casanova slides out of the sit out powerbomb attempt, Casanova hits the ropes and as Emmy turns Casanova drops her down to a knee with a spinning heel kick to the gut, he follows up with a Fameasser!

TREY BOOKER: English Lesson right there from Casanova, I was about to say Emmanuelle means business here tonight, but English has turned the tide.

J.T. PRICE: I’m torn between whether I think English is gonna be a star in Project Honor or a superstar in Project Honor.

Casanova wastes no time, having seen that taunting The Silver Starlet is not the best strategy, he picks up Emmy and slams her back down with a standard DDT in the center of the ring. Grabbing onto Emmy's left arm, Casanova applies a crossface trying to ground and weaken the resolve of his smaller opponent. Casanova is very much cranking back on the move, but Emmanuelle, being a great tactician in her own right, slides her body around via her stomach and gets a foot on the ropes. The ref breaks up the hold, but not before Casanova takes a couple of kicks at the back of Emmy's head.

TREY BOOKER: Cas isn’t the friendliest of creatures.

J.T. PRICE: Say that a bit louder and he’ll kick your ass.

Casanova grabs Emanuelle and whips her into the ropes. Emmy bounces back and almost gets her head taken off by the stunning dropkick right to the face. Casanova runs to the ropes and bounces off of each side before Emmy can get up and hits her with a shining wizard!

J.T. PRICE: Ouchie…

As Emmy is on the mat Casanova starts ruthlessly dropping elbows over and over to the face of Emmanuelle to soften her up more. Casanova positions Emmy at a perfect angle with the corner and heads up top. Diving headbutt from the top comes up empty as The Platinum Standard rolls away avoiding the headbutt. Emmy drops a rolling knee to the leg of Casanova!

TREY BOOKER: And just like that Emmanuelle has taken control

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, after getting controlled before that.

Emmanuelle grabs Casanova by the right ankle and sets the ankle onto the second turnbuckle pad of the nearest turnbuckle. Emmy leaps to the top rope and backflips off...coming down with a double knee drop onto the ankle! Casanova howls in pain and starts crawling towards the center of the ring, Emmy grabs him from behind and drags him to his feet. Whip into the ropes. Casanova's leg gives out from the pain just inflicted and he falls to a knee. Emmy responds by doing her own shining wizard right to Casanova's head! Emmy quickly hooks a leg…

ONE!

TWO!

TH… Kick out by English!!

Emmanuelle climbs up the turnbuckle post, but before Emmy fully gets her bearings, Cas is up and hits the ropes, Emmy drops and straddles the top turnbuckle. English starts to climb the same turnbuckle, however he struggles due to the ankle shots earlier, as he stands on the second buckle he looks down at his ankle and gives up on climbing further. Casanova uses his good leg to spring up and nail Emmy with a sickening knee to the jaw, Emmanuelle falls back and via the apron she falls hard to the floor on the outside.

TREY BOOKER: Oh shit Emmanuelle just landed hard.

Emmy is clearly dazed and busted open from the fall, as the ref starts counting Tara Fenix runs down the ramp to check on her fallen friend. Cas tries hard to shake away the pain in his ankle as he slides out the ring and sneaks up behind Tara as she kneels over Emmanuelle. Cas grins a little and seems to be measuring Tara for a running kick while she’s unaware…

TREY BOOKER: No…you sick bastard…don’t you do it!

With a disturbing grin, Casanova charges and swings a punt kick towards the gut of Tara…The Phoenix Queen is unaware but Emmy sees it coming… Emmy uses the strength she has left to push Fenix away, the punt kick therefore cracks Emmanuelle in the skull, sandwiching her head between English’s foot and the ring steps.

J.T. PRICE: HOLY FUCKING SHIT BALLS!!! Emmy saved her friend but has literally taken a bullet to the skull.

Emmanuelle is lifeless as Tara looks on, shocked and unmoving, Casanova though doesn’t waste a breath. He rolls the apparently unconscious Emmy into the ring and follows, English hooks the leg of Emmy whilst glaring at the still shell-shocked Tara Fenix…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!! CASANOVA ENGLISH WINS!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match via pinfall… CASANOVA ENGLISH!!!

English rolls out of the ring alongside Bash Daddy, still grinning from ear-to-ear. As they begin to back up the entrance ramp, Tara slides into the ring and rushes to Emmanuelle's side, both comforting her over the loss and apologizing for her part in it. Emmy nods her head as if to signal that all is well, but the daggers she shoots toward the retreating Casanova English tell a different story...

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle has just suffered massively protecting her friend!

J.T. PRICE: Tara has to explain why she got involved for fuck sake, she’s the reason Emmanuelle lost tonight!

TREY BOOKER: She was looking out for her friend, J.T.! Much like Emmanuelle did for her two weeks ago!

J.T. PRICE: Indy Darling is right for once! She shouldn’t be out here in her condition!

TREY BOOKER: As if this night couldn’t get any crazier. We’ll be right back…hopefully with some kind of main event…


After the chaos at ringside, we once again go backstage, but this time it is Larry KaChow who is standing by, and with him is Project: Honor’s legal representative, Adam Ekaterin.

LARRY KACHOW: What up, dawg? Pretty crazy night, huh?

ADAM EKATERIN: Yes, Larry. I think that’s safe to say.

LARRY KACHOW: So, I understand why you gave Crystal the rest of the night off, but what’s on your mind, lawyer man?

ADAM EKATERIN: As I’m sure our viewers are aware, Indy Darling had a series of announcements he’d planned to make regarding our Pay-Per-View event, Disputed Territory, in two week’s time. Since he is currently incapacitated and unable to appear on camera, I’m here to finish making those announcements in his absence.

LARRY KACHOW: Sweet! A KaChow KaXclusive!

ADAM EKATERIN: …right. First of all, we have officially added the team of Betsy Gallagher and Lexi Gold along with Cadillac Jackson and TJ Thompson to the Tag Team Turmoil Match to determine the number one contenders. They’ll be joining The Motor City Psychos, Giovanni and Johnny Levy, and the team of Mikey Hero and Diana.

LARRY KACHOW: Big multi-team match, check.

ADAM EKATERIN: I’m also pleased to announce, for only the second time ever, Proving Ground will present The Gates of Hell Match. As some of you may remember, this domed cage structure houses an elimination match that begins with eight competitors. Once the final two have reached the center of the structure, the winner will be determined by whomever climbs the ladder to retrieve the prize in the center. While we’re keeping the prize under wraps for the time being, I can announce that the match will feature Douglas Crane, Silas Isaac Naberius, and after what we just witnessed at ringside, Casanova English and last year’s winner, Emmanuelle. The remaining participants will be announced after Public Execution this weekend.

LARRY KACHOW: KaDamn! Okay, dude. I’m feeling that. What else you got?

ADAM EKATERIN: While other matches will be announced after Public Execution, I can say that Disputed Territory’s Main Event will feature Arata Asakura, MYOJIN, and Swindle Shelldrake. Beyond that, I’m not prepared to offer the exact details.

LARRY KACHOW: Good enough, but that brings up a great question. What in the hell is tonight’s main event?

Adam considers the question a moment before answering.

ADAM EKATERIN: Honestly…I have no idea what Indy had planned. We can only hope that Holly Perez received that information before Indy was taken to a local medical facility.

LARRY KACHOW: There you have it! I guess we’ll have the full card after Public Execution this Sunday on Pay-Per-View! Book…Price…back to you!


HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is for The Project: Honor Grand Championship!

"Honō no Megami (炎の女神)" by Adrian von Ziegler plays as the champion makes his entrance, having been promised an opportunity to defend his title despite not knowing who is opponent will be. He’s clearly upset about this entire situation judging from his earlier actions and the scowl upon his face. Then again, Arata is hardly the kind of man who smiles for the crowd when making an appearance. He begins to shed his entrance attire after entering the ring, but he keeps his championship firmly in hand as he starts to pace back and forth.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan and weighing in at two hundred twenty pounds…he is “The Gaijin Killer” and “The One Real Shogun”...The Project: Honor Grand Champion…ARATAAAAA ASAKURAAAA!!!

The champion continues to pace like a caged tiger, not bothering to acknowledge the introduction provided by Holly Perez.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent….um….do we have an opponent? Can I get a little help here? Anyone?

J.T. PRICE: What now? Does anyone know who Indy selected before Slayne took him out? Are we even going to have a match at all?

TREY BOOKER: It would appear that Holly is in the dark just as much as the rest of us.

As Trey comments about being in the dark, the lights in the arena suddenly dim as if on cue. For a moment there is nothing, but then…






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

J.T. PRICE: No way! Grand Champ versus X-Factor Champ? This is going to be insane!

TREY BOOKER: I can’t argue with that! I assume this means MYOJIN was given the nod by our GM!

The Shining Star stares ahead at Arata from the entrance ramp, as the champion continues to pace back and forth in the ring. It looks as if the main event has been set when suddenly…

CRACK!

The sound of a steel chair slamming against MYOJIN’s back echoes throughout the dimly lit arena, and when the lights return to normal we see Swindle Shelldrake standing over the fallen Osaka native. Swindle takes a moment to glare towards the ring and the champion before he leans down to grab MYOJIN by the hair and pull them to their feet. Swindle hooks MYOJIN for a suplex on the ramp, but the X-Factor Champion has enough sense to counter the move and land behind Swindle, hooking their arms around his waist. Before he even understands what’s happening, MYOJIN pulls Swindle backwards with a German Suplex, the back of his head bouncing off the steel entrance ramp!

TREY BOOKER: Swindle Shelldrake has interrupted this dream match and MYOJIN is going to make him pay for it!

J.T. PRICE: But how do we know that Swindle wasn’t supposed to get the match instead of MYOJIN?

Arata continues to watch from the ring, perhaps amused by the display, as MYOJIN pulls Swindle back up and begins to unload a series of rapid-fire kicks and chops across The Kraken’s body. The blows come too quickly and seemingly land at random spots, making it nearly impossible for him to block. Finally, MYOJIN goes for a spinning backfist to wrap up his combo, but Swindle ducks it and grabs MYO’s head as he falls backwards, driving his extended knees into The Shining Star’s sternum as they fall.

Swindle then rolls on top of MYOJIN and begins to fire away with a flurry of mounted punches, elbows, and even a stiff headbutt. Perhaps he’s seen enough or maybe he’s picking his moment, but Arata Asakura finally leaves the ring, his championship belt still in hand. As Swindle continues to hammer at MYOJIN with The Shining Star attempting to cover up and block, Arata charges from behind them with the back of Swindle’s head exposed for a shot with the championship title.

Thankfully, Swindle is tipped off by the live-feed on the giant Honor-Tron screen, and he ducks forward at the last second, allowing Arata’s title to fly over his head. The Kraken then launches himself off of MYOJIN and tackles Asakura as he spins around, taking both of them down to the unforgiving steel of the entrance ramp. The two men roll on the ramp, both struggling to gain the dominant position until they finally roll over the side to the unprotected floor below! The impact knocks the wind out of both of them, and it takes several moments for either to start getting to their feet.

TREY BOOKER: Someone needs to put a stop to this before someone is seriously injured!

J.T. PRICE: Hell no! Let them fight!

Slowly getting to their feet on the area of floor between the stage and entrance ramp, neither Arata nor Swindle are aware that MYOJIN is back to their feet on the ramp above them. Before either can steady themselves, The Shining Star gets a running start and flies off the edge of the ramp with The Rainbow Star Press! Handspring Moonsault off the ramp onto both men on the floor below!

CROWD: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

With their landing cushioned by both Arata and Swindle, MYOJIN gets back to their feet with two handfuls of Arata’s hair. The One Real Shogun is hurled face-first into the steel plating that makes up the side of the stage, and it gives way against the force of the impact! Asakura vanishes somewhere underneath the stage, no doubt in serious pain after that kind of contact with the unforgiving steel. MYOJIN then turns their attention back toward the Kraken, pulling him to his feet and hooking him for The Flashing Lights…standing sit-out Shiranui on the floor slams the back of Swindle’s head against the concrete!

With the crowd fully behind him, MYOJIN looks up to the stage and seems to get an idea. He pulls the Kraken, who is bleeding from the back of his head, to his feet and rolls him onto the entrance ramp, quickly following him. Back on higher ground, MYOJIN pulls Swindle up again and leads him onto the stage, their eyes set on the steep dropoff at the far end. Perhaps looking for some revenge for the fall they took off the top turnbuckles two weeks prior, MYOJIN charges toward the edge of the stage with Swindle in their grasp. It looks as if MYO is going to send him for a ride with a bad landing, when Shelldrake suddenly puts on the brakes!

Swindle fires off a few desperation elbows to MYOJIN’s midsection and then gives The X-Factor Champ a rake of the eyes. He plants MYO with a snap mare before backing up and taking measure…then charges forward to hit his Penalty Kick when his target is on their knees…but MYO falls backwards with a modified version of their Matrix Dodge! Swindle spins back around as MYOJIN leaps to their feet and takes to the air for Love, From Osaka! The Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick looks to be on target, but Swindle drops to his knees at the last second and fires off a blatant low blow!

TREY BOOKER: Seriously…someone needs to stop this…

J.T. PRICE: Maybe you’re right…

Swindle grabs MYOJIN’s head while they're stunned…then takes a few steps to kick off the entrance stage set…to hit his Cult Classic Shiranui DDT! There is the sickening sound of flesh slamming against steel and the impact splits MYOJIN’s scalp open so that both competitors are now bleeding from the head. Still, Swindle is running on adrenaline and able to get back to his feet while MYOJIN remains stunned. He pulls The Shining Star to his knees and applies a double underhook…beginning to lift MYOJIN off their feet as both warriors are dangerously close to the edge of the stage…

TREY BOOKER: No…he’s…he’s going to hit Violent Salvage off the edge of the stage!

It does indeed look like that’s what Swindle is planning, but one good turn deserves another as MYOJIN yanks one of their arms free and brings it up between Swindle’s legs for a low blow! The shot leaves The Kraken stunned and in pain, and the bodies of the two combatants are only still standing as their shoulders rest against each other…. when we see one of the stage’s steel grates shoved aside a few feet behind them.

With blood covering his face, Arata emerges from beneath the stage like a demon from Hell, and without hesitation, he charges at both MYOJIN and Swindle Shelldrake, hitting them both with a mighty shove that sends them over the edge of the stage!

There is a burst of sparks and loud cracks as MYO and Swindle land amongst the amplifiers, control panels, and switchboards that control everything from the pyro to the arena’s sound system. Their impact clearly destroys something important as the lights in the arena flash, which makes the explosion of electricity even more dramatic.

The lighting returns to normal, but the voices of Trey Booker and J.T. Price have fallen completely silent. Whether that is because of their own shock, or a technical difficulty remains unknown. Back at the stage, one of the cameras picks up a shot of MYOJIN and Swindle’s unmoving bodies on the floor before panning over to finally show Arata Askaura smiling beneath his crimson mask…