The Ace. | Disputed Territory RP.
Apr 28, 2022 22:31:55 GMT -5
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Post by MYŌJIN on Apr 28, 2022 22:31:55 GMT -5
The Ace.
VS Arata Asakura & Swindle Shelldrake. | Disputed Territory II.
“Are you sure that you want to do this? We can reschedule another time when you aren't dealing with a headache…” Crystal Ward, the more tolerable backstage interviewer of Proving Ground asked. She had a somewhat concerned expression on her face as she looked over to MYOJIN, who for once, looked completely livid. Their eyebrows furrowed, lips in a scowl that didn't leave as they held a pack of ice to the side of their head. Most people would simply go back to their hotel or to the hospital after getting thrown who knows how many feet off of a stage and crashing into cables and other hazardous equipment.
The X-Factor was clearly not one of those people as they sat in a backstage interview room, in a lounge chair opposite the side of Crystal with a curtain behind them. They wore a mic taped to their clothes, which could only pick up the sound of their heavy, aggressive breathing while their chest puffed up and down. “I'm sure.” They snapped, Crystal nodded, noting not to further aggravate the X-Factor Champion.
Usually, MYOJIN would dodge interviews and the press like the flu. Even though they enjoyed the spotlight more than anything else. It was preferred when said spotlight was focused on their talent within the squared circle. Talking about a match had always seemed pointless to them instead of actually fighting in the match, or spending much time training. But this time was different, the Champion was different. Instead of their often laid back, charismatic demeanor- it was replaced with a look that could kill, messy platinum blonde hair hanging over their face like a tattered curtain.
After what had just happened early in the night, MYOJIN had a lot to get off of their mind. “Just start the video already.”
And with that, the cameras began rolling, “Hello, Project: Honor faithful! Right now I'm here with the Shining Star, the X-Factor Champion, MYOJIN in an exclusive post-show intervi-”
“Let's cut the shit and just get straight to the point,” MYOJIN spoke bluntly, sharp eyes staring daggers into the cameras. “I'm not here to talk about how I feel about whatever new drama is going or about my title reign, or my thoughts on whatever. Let me just ask you a simple question, Crystal. Do you know what it's like to have a certain mosquito nipping at you in the Summertime, and no matter how often you swipe it away- it keeps coming back and just won't leave you alone?”
Crystal, somewhat confused, steadily nods. “Um, yes. It's pretty annoying.”
“Now imagine instead of one persistent little insect, it's two of them- who happens to look like a literal neckbeard who never grew out of his Bring Me The Horizon phase and a loser who thinks his blonde Abe Lincoln beard is fashionable. Then imagine instead of them just biting you and leaving you itchy, they keep getting involved in your life because they're so desperate to have any relevance.” MYOJIN's words were laced with venom.
“These past few shows, it has been a very eventful time for yours truly. For most of it, I have been caught in between the crossfire of a childish, lanky little incel who's based his entire personality off of edgy Tumblr quotes and a mediocre wrestler with a God complex. So as you can guess, lovelies, I am not exactly having a fun time.”
“I can imagine so, after having your title defense against Swindle Shelldrake interrupted by the Grand Champion and then getting thrown from a very high place two weeks in a row, what mindset has that left you in?” Crystal asked. Poor Crystal, she was only doing her job by asking such questions, but MYOJIN couldn't help but give her an incredulous look- before letting out a scoff, a brief bitter grin appearing on their face.
“What mindset-? I'll tell you what mindset, Crystal. These past few months, I can't help but feel like I've been targeted as prey. As weak. These two have suddenly decided that they think they can drag me into their bullshit, and constantly attack me. And at first, I was just trying to go back to minding my own business. Doing what I do best: being the A-list champion of this entire fucking company., but they just kept trying to come for me, didn't they?”
“And now tonight, you had a chance at competing for and possibly winning the Grand Championship in Tara Fenix's place, though it was once again interrupted by Swindle Shelldrake. Which led you and him-”
"Don't remind me."
“Tonight? I was merely just doing what Tara asked of me behind closed doors, she wanted someone to compete in her stead- She picked me, her best student. But now-?”
And suddenly, MYOJIN jolted from their chair. Throwing the pack of the ice they had across the room, startling Crystal as they moved toward the camera. ”NOW I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF BOTH OF YOU!”
“You both must of forgotten WHO I AM! AND THAT IS THE BEST THAT PROJETl HONOR HAS TO OFFER! I have worked too hard, TOO HARD, for either of you to get in my way or be the end of my story! NO! That is NOT HOW this is going to work. Asakura, Shelldrake, you talentless hacks want a war with me? You want to pick a fight with someone who can out-wrestle you, out-strike you, and outsmart you? Well, congratu-fuckin'lations, babes. Little do either of you seem to realize, but I am the WORST PERSON you want to play with. Next time I see you- Either of you, I'm going to make you regret that your mothers never fucking swallowed you. I'm going to EXPOSE you BOTH for the frauds that you are!”
Panting heavily as they stood, so angry that their hands were shaking. Crystal very warily spoke again, “...Are there any other words you have for Arata Asakura and Swindle Shelldrake?”
“Yeah, I do.” Picking up the X-Factor Championship, they raise it high. “Neither of you, no matter how you try, no matter how much management tries to make you look credible, will ever be on my level. I'm coming for both of you and I cannot wait to make your lives hell. P.S. I'm sorry that your parents hated you so much that they named you Swindle.”
And with that, they stormed off as the cameras stopped playing, Crystal simply shrugged, “...Thank you for your time, MYOJIN, I guess?”
Caden Yung began walking to catch up with the X-Factor Champion, though somewhat keeping his distance as he could clearly see the mood that they were in. “Hey, Shouta, did you- Uh, release all the steam you had going on there? Because I got some big news for ya.”
Stopping in their tracks, the champion turned toward their manager, “Listen, Caden- I love you, buddy. But I'm really not in the mood for your quips right now.”
Raising his hands in mock surrender, Caden snorted, “Alright, alright- I get it, sheesh. I just thought you'd want to know what I heard about your next title defense at Disputed Territory coming up again?”
MYOJIN halted, “...Yeah? Who's my challenger?”
Caden grinned, “Well, let's just say, you'll be able to get some payback on those assholes pretty soon. You're gonna be up against Asakura and Shelldrake with both your and the Grand title on the line.”
A triple threat double title match.
Unexpected… but more than welcome.
That was still possibly the most dangerous thing that the current X-Factor Champion had done in their entire career. The mere feeling of getting so much air, that sinking sensation in their stomach as they plummeted along with Dickie Watson, and almost instantly losing consciousness the moment the both of them has crashed several feet down through a table.
MYŌJIN could remember that night vividly. Moment for moment. They could remember the cold, dry temperature of the arena. The conversation that they held with a former tag partner in Zane before their match. Most importantly, the dread that ran throughout their body that entire night. Nervousness, fear, any insecure emotion that one could think of. Most specifically, the absolutely horrifying feeling of being so high in the air with only the metal wiring of a cage supporting their weight.
MYOJIN sat in their San Diego apartment, staring at the screen of their flat TV as it replayed memories of the October 2020 PPV, the night of their first ever real loss. It had been a pretty eventful few weeks for the Shining Star, appearing at Public Execution and successfully recruiting BFG Division to their cause was a success. being caught between two people's problems that they honestly wanted nothing to do with: Arata Asakura and Swindle Shelldrake, however, was anything but. The two had been the bane of the X-Factor Champion's existence for almost months, now caught in the middle of the two's ongoing war all because Shelldrake had a really bad problem of not realizing that he'd reap what he sowed. Though, MYOJIN had been very close to turning the situation into a positive for themself- challenging Asukura for the Grand Championship before once again, Shelldrake stuck his nose where it didn't belong. That, and falling from high spots two Proving Grounds in a row wasn't exactly their idea of a fun time.
But soon enough, all of it would possibly be worth the trouble. Soon enough, the Shining Star would finally get their hands on the one thing that had eluded them since day one of joining Project: Honor, the Grand Championship. The first title to ever exist in the company, arguably a more prestigious prize than the Legacy title. At Disputed Territory, MYOJIN had the chance of a lifetime- to A: ruin both Asakura and Shelldrake's days by taking the top prize, and if things went right- B: become the first-ever dual Grand and X-Factor Champion in history.
Sitting on the couch with their hands clasped together, eyes glued to the screen. The expression on their face was unreadable, jaw tightened. Admittedly, it was hard to sit through- knowing the events of that night and knowing exactly what was going to happen next.
“Hey, Shouta. Mind letting me in?” Out called the muffled but recognizable voice of their sister and close confidant, Akira, snapping them out of focus. MYOJIN's eyebrows briefly furrowed with annoyance, sighing as they heard a few knocks from the door that followed from the voice. Getting up, they opened the door to see her, who wore a small smile. She gave them a brief, cordial hug.
“Just wanted to see how you were doing, you know, after..”
“Getting thrown off of a stage?” They ended her sentence, she lightly winced, but MYOJIN only gave a grin. In all honesty, they couldn't even be mad at what had happened. After all, if they had the opportunity- they would've sent both Asakura and Shelldrake falling as well. “Yeah, well- Doctors looked over me afterward and said I'd be fine, so I'm cleared to compete. No need to worry about me.”
“That's good.” Akira nodded. Her eyes then looked around the entire living room. She halted in slight surprise, seeing that many things were packed up in boxes, looking toward their sibling with confusion. “What's all this about exactly?”
MYOJIN paused, rubbing the back of their neck. “I'm planning to move out soon. Find a new place to stay. Maybe an actual house or something, you know?” Feeling as if that was an explanation enough, the platinum blonde went to sit down as they stared at their TV screen once more, Akira simply blinked.
“...Oh, okay. When the hell did you decide that?”
“Just recently.” They blankly explained.
“....And why?”
“I need a breath of fresh air. I'm just starting to get bored of this place, that's all.” They spoke again, not really focused on her. Though, evidently by the expression on her face, she wasn't buying that as the truth. And honestly? It wasn't.
“Ah… I get it, it's about Himari.” They really didn't want to hear her name, but for some reason, it was always unavoidable in conversations recently.
MYOJIN sighed, rubbing the side of their face, “Yeah. Everything, uh, everything tends to still remind me of her a little bit. I've been doing everything that I've can to get my mind off of what had happened then, but it's not working- So I figured that… maybe moving out would do the trick.”
“Shouta…-” Akira began, she had that tone in her voice. The tone where she was usually about to drop a bomb of wisdom or something, but they weren't very interested in hearing it.
“Akira, I can't afford to think about her. Not right now. Not in the upcoming days. Not when so much is on the line at this upcoming Pay Per View, I need to be completely focused. I'll get over my heartbreak, or whatever afterward, okay?” They spoke, looking in her direction with a stubborn expression. She simply frowned, but knew better than to push the topic any further as they both turned toward the TV.
“Wait, this is… This is that show. Why are you watching this again?” She asked once she recognized it was Bloodbath.
“Like I said, I need to be focused,” MYOJIN explained. “Did you know this was the first and last time I ever challenged for the Grand Championship until now? Or even the first and last time I ever was in the main event that had a title on the line. Bloodbath was supposed to be by moment, it was supposed to be where I finally ascended to the top to be the wrestler that I knew I could be. And…”
"...-I failed.” They bluntly spoke, shaking their head. Truth be told, it was possibly the greatest failure that they had ever experienced. A loss that had burned them for months and months afterward. Losing to Watson had been a painful blow to their confidence at the time, it had made them lose their belief in themself. There was no other way to put it: It ruined them. “I failed to win the Grand Championship when it was right there within my grasp- and that was possibly the worst feeling that I had ever felt, laying on the cell, and realizing Watson had the gold still in his hand.”
Akira shook her head, sitting down on the couch next to their sibling. MYOJIN scoffed as the replay of the match ended, turning the television off. “...I remember how you were after that. You weren't happy, but… losses happen. You weren't prepared nor as experienced as you are now, and that's okay. But beating yourself up over it is not going to make you ready for this upcoming match-”
“I know, that's why I'm not.”
Standing up, MYOJIN picked up the X-Factor Championship that was laid on the table in front of them. “Since that day, I've grown stronger. Smarter. Back then I was still just a rookie at this wrestling thing, and now..? I'm the longest-reigning champion ever in Project: Honor. I'm the last person who has been there since day one. This time, I'm not going to let it slip out of my fingers. I needed to see this, just to remind myself how far I've come since then- And now, it's time to take another step forward. No more self-doubt. No more worrying about if I'm good enough. No more living in anyone else’s shadow. Swindle Shelldrake and Arata Asakura are not on my level, I've beaten them both in singles matches before- now I'll beat them both again at the same time.”
The X-Factor Champion spoke with conviction as they stared down at their reflection within the belt they held. Akira smiled, placing a hand on their shoulder. “And you know that you'll always have my and big bro's support. You've got this, but you already know that.”
Finally, MYOJIN genuinely smiled back, turning to look at their sister. “Damn right.”
Things were going to be different this time. Everything in their career at Project: Honor had finally led up to this moment, to what they've looked for all along. To be the absolute best that there was in this company. After all the records that they have broken, there was just one more on their mind that they had to succeed:
Holding both of the most prestigious belts in the company at once.
July 31st, 2020.
Does that date ring a bell to some of you? I know it does for me. It was possibly the most important day of my life in professional wrestling. The day where I finally found myself a place that I could call home, that I could recognize as my own. For all the lovelies that aren't sure about what I'm talking about, that date is of the very first Proving Ground show to have ever happened. I remember it vividly. The Trials of Time Tournament that had decided who would be the people challenging to become the inaugural Grand Champion. I was in that tournament, facing Caden Yung for a chance to get into that match. I remember putting him in a Twister submission and making him tap out… Funnily enough, the two of us are friends now, he's even my manager.
It's crazy how time works, isn't it?
I had won that match, but I didn't have one of the fastest times. Therefore, I didn't make it into that Grand Championship match. But that didn't matter to me at the time, hearing that audience- some of the fans that still come to these shows almost two full years later- cheer for me, cheer mu name had possibly been one of the most… magical experiences of my entire life. Sure, I hadn't earned a chance to become the very first person to hold that belt, but that didn't matter to me. I had won something much more important. I had realized that… Finally, I had a place where I felt I belonged. No matter all of the companies that I had wrestled for before I found Project: Honor. This place felt different, even if at first it wasn't selling out arenas instantly and was just in smaller venues, this place felt like somewhere that I could leave my own mark.
Some didn't believe this company would last as long as it did. Though I watched it grow from being booked in small arenas, to selling out Pay Per Views in the Tokyo Dome. I have seen this company evolve in such quick succession to getting deals on Disney Plus of all things. From being a single brand to growing into the two, then even having a development show, and more spin-offs. I was here from day one, and I've seen the number of fans multiply and watched this promotion turn into an empire.
But during all that time, there had been one thing that had eluded me. One thing that I always aimed to get my hands on, to add to my collection of accomplishments- and that was the Grand Championship.
I'm not going to remind you all of my success story, I've told it time and time again by this point. Everyone knows about how I struggled for a while after taking losses, that I was searching to find my own way, but then I did it. I became the X-Factor Champion- and this belt and I have had a similar history with the Grand one, that I had chances to win it- but I failed the first time, then finally earned this.
But now this just isn't enough for me any longer.
During my time as X-Factor Champion, I have broken so many records that it's hard to count at this point. I broke the defense record for this title, I became the only champion to get past two hundred days with this title. I made this championship the most relevant belt in the entire company. I'm proud of what I did with this, I'm proud of all that I have done. I'm proud that I could show people, as cliche as it is, that they never should give up on their goals or dreams.
One thing I had never changed though.
During all my time here, I never stopped believing one thing: That I would be the Ace of this company, and no one was going to stop me. And to do that?
I must also become Grand Champion.
It is the most important title in this company, more prestigious than the Legacy Championship even. It's the one with the most history. It is the one that deserves the most respect to me.
And that's why I can't let either Shelldrake or Asakura leave Disputed Territory with it.
Neither of them are as skilled as me or has worked as hard as me to get to this point.
Swindle Sheldrake, for as much as he loves to complain about being held back and being treated unfairly, doesn't deserve to be here. He doesn't deserve to main event ANY show in Project: Honor. The amount of losses that he's had, the fact that at any time when he's had a chance to finally improve and win a match that actually matters, he fails. He's a nobody, a loser who weaseled his way into this match because he now believes that he's capable of taking both titles.
Shelldrake, you're not even qualified to tie my boots.
Everyone in recent memory has started to believe that there is some sort of hype to you, despite the fact that you're nothing but another Casanova English who cries and moans about management not giving him a chance- but you know what? At least English has won a belt before, what have you done besides act as a nuisance to everyone that you have ever met. And you know what? I wished that you would improve, I wished that you would stop blaming everyone else for your losses and owned up to them. I wish that you would finally become what you say you are: dangerous. But instead? If these past shows have shown me anything, you're not a fighter.
You're a coward. A joke. You only strike when backs are turned to you. You only act brave when you have an advantage. Sure, you cost Asakura a title match before. Sure, you've hurt me and him before when you knew you could get away with it without retaliation. But the last time you tried to attack me? I showed you just what happens when we're on equal footing. You might think that Asakura cheated you out of our title match, but in honesty? He saved you. Not only proving just how green you are by causing you to make one of the biggest rookie mistakes in the book, but he saved you from me making you tap out.
This time, you have nowhere to run. For every moment that you've been a thorn in my side, I'm going to pay it back tenfold. I'm going to make you regret EVER deciding to think that I would be an easy target for you.
…And then there's Arata Asakura, the Golden Dragon. The other champion in this match. The man with the championship that I want.
This isn't OWA, you have no power here, darling. We might be allies there, but beyond a shared common goal, I don't care. The moment that you got in my business was the moment I remembered exactly what I wanted: your belt. Being the only two-time champion must seem impressive if it weren't for the fact that both of your reigns have been pitiful. You lost your first title defense to Emmanuelle, who I know is still capable of beating you- and not too long ago, you were basically fed a challenger. Not only that, you've been handed chances after chances ever since you came into Project: Honor. Your first match almost earned you an X-Factor Contendership, one that was unearned, and one that I happily took from you. How many times did you fail in matches against Ozymandias before you finally won the belt? Just to lose it and be handed ANOTHER chance?
I don't know what Indy Darling sees in you, but soon enough- I'm going to expose you and make him and everyone see just how much of a wasted investment you are.
We both know that as long as I've held this belt, my reign has cast a shadow over yours. I've been a fighting champion, hell- I've defended the X-Factor title more than you have ever defended the Grand belt. I would've beat you again if it weren't for Shelldrake getting in the way, and now I have the chance to prove it.
If there is one thing that I know, it's that your ego is unearned. While you lost the OWA World Championship to Azumi Goto, I beat her and proved my superiority. You had to cheat to beat Tara Fenix, you've dodged any real challenges, and that will finally end. You can't run from me. Neither of you can escape the reality that I am better than you both, and now that these games have finally ended- I will make you both acknowledge that as the truth.
I look at the two people in this match that I'm facing, and I can't help but think- What has happened to Proving Ground? How have these two become considered main event worthy? Champion worthy? What has happened to the Honor in this company? Where it was about competitors proving who was the best of the best by pure, honest combat instead of cheating, trickery, and whining.
Project: Honor deserves better. Both the X-Factor and Grand Championships deserve better. The fans deserve better.
It's time for a cultural reset in this brand and in the lineage of the title that Asakura and the others before him have disgraced. It's time for Project: Honor to go back to rewarding the best fighters, not handing out pity title shots to people who have tantrums like Shelldrake. It's time for honor, respect, and prestige to be brought back.
And who better to do that than yours truly, the Shining Star? The last of the original era? One of the only few who embodies those traits left?
It's time for me to finally fulfill my destiny.
To once and for all prove that I'm undisputedly the best combatant not in just this company, but the entire world.
To become more than just the Heart and Soul of Project: Honor.
To become the Ace.
And neither of you overrated, unwanted wastes of space will stop me. Sorry, not sorry.
Tidal Wave Pro.
It was a local indy promotion in San Diego. A small little place, usually hosting its wrestling in a nice but small little venue near the beach. Usually drawing a good handful of people, while it seemed like nothing special at first, it was a very important place to the Shining Star. After all, it had been the first promotion that they have ever wrestled for. It had been three years since they had last found themself nearby. Every show it had was contested at the same small, but home-y venue that usually attracted somewhat of a decent crowd. MYOJIN could remember just how much of an energetic, passionate place it was- both the fans and the audience. Though, the business had started to go down after a while as big names like MYOJIN had left for bigger places.
Once the X-Factor Champion had heard about the indie's shortcomings, they realized they couldn't just let the first place that had given them a chance die. So they offered the promoters a nice sum of cash for better quality equipment, but most importantly so they could rent a venue that suited the place better and could attract a bigger audience. Though MYOJIN wanted to keep the old spot, for why exactly? Well…
“Is this some sort of dumb joke? To waste my time?” James Raymond uttered as he looked around the empty building, seeing an empty ring. His eyes scanned over the place carefully until he heard the entrance behind him, turning. It was Emmanuelle and Tara Fenix.
“Looks like we weren't the only two invited to the party,” Emmanuelle noted.
“Yeah, it seems like it. You have any idea what this is about?” Tara asked James. He simply shrugged, placing his hands in his pockets.
“Lemme guess, MYOJIN invited everyone to this little shady hideout.” The voice of Michael Bishop called out, the other half of BFG Division, Liz Karlson right by his side. The five people simply stood around, seemingly growing impatient until a few steps were heard walking from behind them all.
“Sorry, didn't mean to keep you all waiting. You know how traffic in urban Cali can be.” MYOJIN spoke, offering a cool grin to the five people in front of them. “You like the place? It's an old wrestling spot, still in pretty good shape, so I bought it out. Wanted all of you to come to see it for yourself.” They spoke.
“Y'know, this is a cool flex and everything. But why are we here exactly, Shouta?” Liz asked, raising an eyebrow as she placed a hand on her hip questioningly.
“This venue? This place is where I made my debut. Where everything started for me, before Project: Honor was my home, this place was…” MYOJIN explained, gesturing around the entire building along with the squared circle that still sat in the middle.
“That still doesn't explain why you asked us to come all the way to San Diego,” James bluntly spoke.
“Well, I figured if all of us are going to be on the same side- We could use a bit of an icebreaker. To get to know each other all just a little better. I know each and every one of you, but you haven't gotten to really interact with each other. Plus…” MYOJIN climbed into the empty ring, leaning against the ropes as they faced the others with a grin. “Every group needs their own hangout space.
“Now, first things first, I think we all have a little bit of business to discuss. About how we'll mold the future of Project: Honor once I'm Grand Champion.”
The X-Factor was clearly not one of those people as they sat in a backstage interview room, in a lounge chair opposite the side of Crystal with a curtain behind them. They wore a mic taped to their clothes, which could only pick up the sound of their heavy, aggressive breathing while their chest puffed up and down. “I'm sure.” They snapped, Crystal nodded, noting not to further aggravate the X-Factor Champion.
Usually, MYOJIN would dodge interviews and the press like the flu. Even though they enjoyed the spotlight more than anything else. It was preferred when said spotlight was focused on their talent within the squared circle. Talking about a match had always seemed pointless to them instead of actually fighting in the match, or spending much time training. But this time was different, the Champion was different. Instead of their often laid back, charismatic demeanor- it was replaced with a look that could kill, messy platinum blonde hair hanging over their face like a tattered curtain.
After what had just happened early in the night, MYOJIN had a lot to get off of their mind. “Just start the video already.”
And with that, the cameras began rolling, “Hello, Project: Honor faithful! Right now I'm here with the Shining Star, the X-Factor Champion, MYOJIN in an exclusive post-show intervi-”
“Let's cut the shit and just get straight to the point,” MYOJIN spoke bluntly, sharp eyes staring daggers into the cameras. “I'm not here to talk about how I feel about whatever new drama is going or about my title reign, or my thoughts on whatever. Let me just ask you a simple question, Crystal. Do you know what it's like to have a certain mosquito nipping at you in the Summertime, and no matter how often you swipe it away- it keeps coming back and just won't leave you alone?”
Crystal, somewhat confused, steadily nods. “Um, yes. It's pretty annoying.”
“Now imagine instead of one persistent little insect, it's two of them- who happens to look like a literal neckbeard who never grew out of his Bring Me The Horizon phase and a loser who thinks his blonde Abe Lincoln beard is fashionable. Then imagine instead of them just biting you and leaving you itchy, they keep getting involved in your life because they're so desperate to have any relevance.” MYOJIN's words were laced with venom.
“These past few shows, it has been a very eventful time for yours truly. For most of it, I have been caught in between the crossfire of a childish, lanky little incel who's based his entire personality off of edgy Tumblr quotes and a mediocre wrestler with a God complex. So as you can guess, lovelies, I am not exactly having a fun time.”
“I can imagine so, after having your title defense against Swindle Shelldrake interrupted by the Grand Champion and then getting thrown from a very high place two weeks in a row, what mindset has that left you in?” Crystal asked. Poor Crystal, she was only doing her job by asking such questions, but MYOJIN couldn't help but give her an incredulous look- before letting out a scoff, a brief bitter grin appearing on their face.
“What mindset-? I'll tell you what mindset, Crystal. These past few months, I can't help but feel like I've been targeted as prey. As weak. These two have suddenly decided that they think they can drag me into their bullshit, and constantly attack me. And at first, I was just trying to go back to minding my own business. Doing what I do best: being the A-list champion of this entire fucking company., but they just kept trying to come for me, didn't they?”
“And now tonight, you had a chance at competing for and possibly winning the Grand Championship in Tara Fenix's place, though it was once again interrupted by Swindle Shelldrake. Which led you and him-”
"Don't remind me."
“Tonight? I was merely just doing what Tara asked of me behind closed doors, she wanted someone to compete in her stead- She picked me, her best student. But now-?”
And suddenly, MYOJIN jolted from their chair. Throwing the pack of the ice they had across the room, startling Crystal as they moved toward the camera. ”NOW I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF BOTH OF YOU!”
“You both must of forgotten WHO I AM! AND THAT IS THE BEST THAT PROJETl HONOR HAS TO OFFER! I have worked too hard, TOO HARD, for either of you to get in my way or be the end of my story! NO! That is NOT HOW this is going to work. Asakura, Shelldrake, you talentless hacks want a war with me? You want to pick a fight with someone who can out-wrestle you, out-strike you, and outsmart you? Well, congratu-fuckin'lations, babes. Little do either of you seem to realize, but I am the WORST PERSON you want to play with. Next time I see you- Either of you, I'm going to make you regret that your mothers never fucking swallowed you. I'm going to EXPOSE you BOTH for the frauds that you are!”
Panting heavily as they stood, so angry that their hands were shaking. Crystal very warily spoke again, “...Are there any other words you have for Arata Asakura and Swindle Shelldrake?”
“Yeah, I do.” Picking up the X-Factor Championship, they raise it high. “Neither of you, no matter how you try, no matter how much management tries to make you look credible, will ever be on my level. I'm coming for both of you and I cannot wait to make your lives hell. P.S. I'm sorry that your parents hated you so much that they named you Swindle.”
And with that, they stormed off as the cameras stopped playing, Crystal simply shrugged, “...Thank you for your time, MYOJIN, I guess?”
Caden Yung began walking to catch up with the X-Factor Champion, though somewhat keeping his distance as he could clearly see the mood that they were in. “Hey, Shouta, did you- Uh, release all the steam you had going on there? Because I got some big news for ya.”
Stopping in their tracks, the champion turned toward their manager, “Listen, Caden- I love you, buddy. But I'm really not in the mood for your quips right now.”
Raising his hands in mock surrender, Caden snorted, “Alright, alright- I get it, sheesh. I just thought you'd want to know what I heard about your next title defense at Disputed Territory coming up again?”
MYOJIN halted, “...Yeah? Who's my challenger?”
Caden grinned, “Well, let's just say, you'll be able to get some payback on those assholes pretty soon. You're gonna be up against Asakura and Shelldrake with both your and the Grand title on the line.”
A triple threat double title match.
Unexpected… but more than welcome.
MYOJIN places the ladder right under where the Grand Championship hangs from. He’s slow to start climbing as the pain of his arm and knee are keeping him from full speed. Dickie is still on the ground holding his knee. MYOJIN is about halfway up the ladder before Dickie gets to his feet and begins limping to the ladder. By the time Dickie reaches the ladder, MYOJIN is a couple of steps from the top and starts to reach. He’s unsuccessful by about a whole arms reach and Dickie starts his trek up the ladder now. MYOJIN looks down to notice him climbing and goes up another step. He tries to reach again and isn’t able to get a finger on it. Dickie is even slower to get up the ladder after taking sledgehammer shots to the knee but is fighting through the pain. MYOJIN takes another step up and is finally able to reach the title, but can’t fully get a grasp on it. Dickie reaches close enough to MYOJIN to throw a punch at his gut. MYOJIN responds with a punch of his arm, but to Dickie’s face. Dickie takes another step up and throws another punch, but MYOJIN is able to block it. MYOJIN grabs Dickie’s head and slams it against the ladder. He changes his focus from the hanging belt to take care of Dickie before he loses his chance. MYOJIN grabs a hold of the groggy Dickie and pulls him up another step. He then turns around so that his back is facing Dickie. MYOJIN looks behind him then flips over Dickie and behind him, pulling Dickie down onto the cell to connect what he calls; the Passion Flower. The sit-out shiranui connects and BREAKS THE STEEL OF THE CELL ON COLLISION, SENDING BOTH DICKIE AND MYOJIN THROUGH THE TOP OF THE CELL AND FALLING INTO THE RING! THEY BOTH LAND ON TOP OF THE TABLE AS IT SHATTERS UNDERNEATH THEM!
TREY BOOKER: FUCKING HELL! THEY JUST WENT TWENTY FEET ABOVE THE CELL, THROUGH THE CELL, TO THE RING, AND THROUGH A TABLE! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST THIS IS CRAZY!
J.T. PRICE: BOTH OF THEM ARE UNRESPONSIVE! THERE ISN’T EVEN A GLIMMER OF LIFE COMING FROM THEM AT THE MOMENT!
The crowd all rises to their feet in shock and awe at what just happened. Silence has struck the entire arena. Moments go by without a single sound before the camera cuts to the announcer's table.
TREY BOOKER: FUCKING HELL! THEY JUST WENT TWENTY FEET ABOVE THE CELL, THROUGH THE CELL, TO THE RING, AND THROUGH A TABLE! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST THIS IS CRAZY!
J.T. PRICE: BOTH OF THEM ARE UNRESPONSIVE! THERE ISN’T EVEN A GLIMMER OF LIFE COMING FROM THEM AT THE MOMENT!
The crowd all rises to their feet in shock and awe at what just happened. Silence has struck the entire arena. Moments go by without a single sound before the camera cuts to the announcer's table.
That was still possibly the most dangerous thing that the current X-Factor Champion had done in their entire career. The mere feeling of getting so much air, that sinking sensation in their stomach as they plummeted along with Dickie Watson, and almost instantly losing consciousness the moment the both of them has crashed several feet down through a table.
MYŌJIN could remember that night vividly. Moment for moment. They could remember the cold, dry temperature of the arena. The conversation that they held with a former tag partner in Zane before their match. Most importantly, the dread that ran throughout their body that entire night. Nervousness, fear, any insecure emotion that one could think of. Most specifically, the absolutely horrifying feeling of being so high in the air with only the metal wiring of a cage supporting their weight.
MYOJIN sat in their San Diego apartment, staring at the screen of their flat TV as it replayed memories of the October 2020 PPV, the night of their first ever real loss. It had been a pretty eventful few weeks for the Shining Star, appearing at Public Execution and successfully recruiting BFG Division to their cause was a success. being caught between two people's problems that they honestly wanted nothing to do with: Arata Asakura and Swindle Shelldrake, however, was anything but. The two had been the bane of the X-Factor Champion's existence for almost months, now caught in the middle of the two's ongoing war all because Shelldrake had a really bad problem of not realizing that he'd reap what he sowed. Though, MYOJIN had been very close to turning the situation into a positive for themself- challenging Asukura for the Grand Championship before once again, Shelldrake stuck his nose where it didn't belong. That, and falling from high spots two Proving Grounds in a row wasn't exactly their idea of a fun time.
But soon enough, all of it would possibly be worth the trouble. Soon enough, the Shining Star would finally get their hands on the one thing that had eluded them since day one of joining Project: Honor, the Grand Championship. The first title to ever exist in the company, arguably a more prestigious prize than the Legacy title. At Disputed Territory, MYOJIN had the chance of a lifetime- to A: ruin both Asakura and Shelldrake's days by taking the top prize, and if things went right- B: become the first-ever dual Grand and X-Factor Champion in history.
Sitting on the couch with their hands clasped together, eyes glued to the screen. The expression on their face was unreadable, jaw tightened. Admittedly, it was hard to sit through- knowing the events of that night and knowing exactly what was going to happen next.
“Hey, Shouta. Mind letting me in?” Out called the muffled but recognizable voice of their sister and close confidant, Akira, snapping them out of focus. MYOJIN's eyebrows briefly furrowed with annoyance, sighing as they heard a few knocks from the door that followed from the voice. Getting up, they opened the door to see her, who wore a small smile. She gave them a brief, cordial hug.
“Just wanted to see how you were doing, you know, after..”
“Getting thrown off of a stage?” They ended her sentence, she lightly winced, but MYOJIN only gave a grin. In all honesty, they couldn't even be mad at what had happened. After all, if they had the opportunity- they would've sent both Asakura and Shelldrake falling as well. “Yeah, well- Doctors looked over me afterward and said I'd be fine, so I'm cleared to compete. No need to worry about me.”
“That's good.” Akira nodded. Her eyes then looked around the entire living room. She halted in slight surprise, seeing that many things were packed up in boxes, looking toward their sibling with confusion. “What's all this about exactly?”
MYOJIN paused, rubbing the back of their neck. “I'm planning to move out soon. Find a new place to stay. Maybe an actual house or something, you know?” Feeling as if that was an explanation enough, the platinum blonde went to sit down as they stared at their TV screen once more, Akira simply blinked.
“...Oh, okay. When the hell did you decide that?”
“Just recently.” They blankly explained.
“....And why?”
“I need a breath of fresh air. I'm just starting to get bored of this place, that's all.” They spoke again, not really focused on her. Though, evidently by the expression on her face, she wasn't buying that as the truth. And honestly? It wasn't.
“Ah… I get it, it's about Himari.” They really didn't want to hear her name, but for some reason, it was always unavoidable in conversations recently.
MYOJIN sighed, rubbing the side of their face, “Yeah. Everything, uh, everything tends to still remind me of her a little bit. I've been doing everything that I've can to get my mind off of what had happened then, but it's not working- So I figured that… maybe moving out would do the trick.”
“Shouta…-” Akira began, she had that tone in her voice. The tone where she was usually about to drop a bomb of wisdom or something, but they weren't very interested in hearing it.
“Akira, I can't afford to think about her. Not right now. Not in the upcoming days. Not when so much is on the line at this upcoming Pay Per View, I need to be completely focused. I'll get over my heartbreak, or whatever afterward, okay?” They spoke, looking in her direction with a stubborn expression. She simply frowned, but knew better than to push the topic any further as they both turned toward the TV.
“Wait, this is… This is that show. Why are you watching this again?” She asked once she recognized it was Bloodbath.
“Like I said, I need to be focused,” MYOJIN explained. “Did you know this was the first and last time I ever challenged for the Grand Championship until now? Or even the first and last time I ever was in the main event that had a title on the line. Bloodbath was supposed to be by moment, it was supposed to be where I finally ascended to the top to be the wrestler that I knew I could be. And…”
The camera immediately cuts to the ring where MYOJIN is moving broken wood away from him.
J.T. PRICE: WE HAVE LIFE!
TREY BOOKER: Good, because that was the only joke I know.
He’s able to make it to his feet, but Dickie grabs a piece of the wood and slices MYOJIN’s leg with it. MYOJIN grabs a hold of his leg and then sees the blood on his hand. Dickie gets to his knees and has MYOJIN reaches for a piece of wood, he slices him right in the face, causing blood to be drawn. MYOJIN connects a Question Mark Kick to the side of Dickie’s face knocking him back down. MYOJIN takes this opportunity to exit the ring and out of the cell. He starts his ascent up to the top of the cell once again. Dickie is slow to get up. By the time MYOJIN is three-quarters of the way up he gets back to his feet and makes his way to exit the cell. MYOJIN reaches the top of the cell, carefully getting around the hole he made earlier. Luckily, the ladder is still intact, just slightly moved. MYOJIN moves it closer to where he could reach the title and starts to climb. Dickie is halfway up the side of the cell now. He reaches the top when MYOJIN gets halfway up the ladder. Dickie grabs the sledgehammer that lays on top of the cell and swings it at the ladder. MYOJIN looks down and hurries to the top of the ladder to reach for the belt. Dickie swings again. MYOJIN is able to get his hands on the belt and Dickie immediately drops the weapon. He rapidly makes his way up the ladder. MYOJIN has both hands on the belt, but is having trouble getting it unlatched. Dickie scales the ladder completely and jumps off the ladder to have a full grasp on the belt. The ladder falls out from under both MYOJIN and Dickie as they both hang there with their hands on the belt.
TREY BOOKER: THIS IS IT! No matter what happens, we’re about to have a winner!
J.T. PRICE: I’m on the edge of my seat right now, Trey! I have no idea what’s going to happen next!
DICKIE WATSON (without a mic): Get your hands off my gold!
MYOJIN (without a mic): Your gold? It’s about to be mine!
MYOJIN simultaneously throws a punch at Dickie about saying the belt was about to be his. Dickie starts to lose his grip on the belt and MYOJIN notices this. He releases a fury of punches with his one hand. Right when Dickie is about to lose grip on the belt, he kicks MYOJIN right in the groin and then starts to unlatch the belt. MYOJIN is still holding on but also to his groin. Dickie, realizing the belt is almost unlatched, takes a swing at MYOJIN with his fist. Right when he does so, the belt unlatches and both of them fall to the top of the cell, MYOJIN losing his hold on the belt and Dickie bringing the belt against his chest.
DING! DING! DING!
“Brand New Numb” by Motionless in White blasts through the speakers as the entire audience rise to their feet. Both Dickie and MYOJIN are laid out on top of the cell.
HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner… AND STILL PROJECT: HONOR GRAND CHAMPION… “THE MOLTOV”... DICKIEEEEE WATTTSSSSONNNNNN!!!
TREY BOOKER: That ending… I just have no words.
J.T. PRICE: I WAS SO FAR ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT I ALMOST FELL OFF! WHAT A FUCKING MATCH THESE TWO JUST PUT ON!
J.T. PRICE: WE HAVE LIFE!
TREY BOOKER: Good, because that was the only joke I know.
He’s able to make it to his feet, but Dickie grabs a piece of the wood and slices MYOJIN’s leg with it. MYOJIN grabs a hold of his leg and then sees the blood on his hand. Dickie gets to his knees and has MYOJIN reaches for a piece of wood, he slices him right in the face, causing blood to be drawn. MYOJIN connects a Question Mark Kick to the side of Dickie’s face knocking him back down. MYOJIN takes this opportunity to exit the ring and out of the cell. He starts his ascent up to the top of the cell once again. Dickie is slow to get up. By the time MYOJIN is three-quarters of the way up he gets back to his feet and makes his way to exit the cell. MYOJIN reaches the top of the cell, carefully getting around the hole he made earlier. Luckily, the ladder is still intact, just slightly moved. MYOJIN moves it closer to where he could reach the title and starts to climb. Dickie is halfway up the side of the cell now. He reaches the top when MYOJIN gets halfway up the ladder. Dickie grabs the sledgehammer that lays on top of the cell and swings it at the ladder. MYOJIN looks down and hurries to the top of the ladder to reach for the belt. Dickie swings again. MYOJIN is able to get his hands on the belt and Dickie immediately drops the weapon. He rapidly makes his way up the ladder. MYOJIN has both hands on the belt, but is having trouble getting it unlatched. Dickie scales the ladder completely and jumps off the ladder to have a full grasp on the belt. The ladder falls out from under both MYOJIN and Dickie as they both hang there with their hands on the belt.
TREY BOOKER: THIS IS IT! No matter what happens, we’re about to have a winner!
J.T. PRICE: I’m on the edge of my seat right now, Trey! I have no idea what’s going to happen next!
DICKIE WATSON (without a mic): Get your hands off my gold!
MYOJIN (without a mic): Your gold? It’s about to be mine!
MYOJIN simultaneously throws a punch at Dickie about saying the belt was about to be his. Dickie starts to lose his grip on the belt and MYOJIN notices this. He releases a fury of punches with his one hand. Right when Dickie is about to lose grip on the belt, he kicks MYOJIN right in the groin and then starts to unlatch the belt. MYOJIN is still holding on but also to his groin. Dickie, realizing the belt is almost unlatched, takes a swing at MYOJIN with his fist. Right when he does so, the belt unlatches and both of them fall to the top of the cell, MYOJIN losing his hold on the belt and Dickie bringing the belt against his chest.
DING! DING! DING!
“Brand New Numb” by Motionless in White blasts through the speakers as the entire audience rise to their feet. Both Dickie and MYOJIN are laid out on top of the cell.
HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner… AND STILL PROJECT: HONOR GRAND CHAMPION… “THE MOLTOV”... DICKIEEEEE WATTTSSSSONNNNNN!!!
TREY BOOKER: That ending… I just have no words.
J.T. PRICE: I WAS SO FAR ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT I ALMOST FELL OFF! WHAT A FUCKING MATCH THESE TWO JUST PUT ON!
"...-I failed.” They bluntly spoke, shaking their head. Truth be told, it was possibly the greatest failure that they had ever experienced. A loss that had burned them for months and months afterward. Losing to Watson had been a painful blow to their confidence at the time, it had made them lose their belief in themself. There was no other way to put it: It ruined them. “I failed to win the Grand Championship when it was right there within my grasp- and that was possibly the worst feeling that I had ever felt, laying on the cell, and realizing Watson had the gold still in his hand.”
Akira shook her head, sitting down on the couch next to their sibling. MYOJIN scoffed as the replay of the match ended, turning the television off. “...I remember how you were after that. You weren't happy, but… losses happen. You weren't prepared nor as experienced as you are now, and that's okay. But beating yourself up over it is not going to make you ready for this upcoming match-”
“I know, that's why I'm not.”
Standing up, MYOJIN picked up the X-Factor Championship that was laid on the table in front of them. “Since that day, I've grown stronger. Smarter. Back then I was still just a rookie at this wrestling thing, and now..? I'm the longest-reigning champion ever in Project: Honor. I'm the last person who has been there since day one. This time, I'm not going to let it slip out of my fingers. I needed to see this, just to remind myself how far I've come since then- And now, it's time to take another step forward. No more self-doubt. No more worrying about if I'm good enough. No more living in anyone else’s shadow. Swindle Shelldrake and Arata Asakura are not on my level, I've beaten them both in singles matches before- now I'll beat them both again at the same time.”
The X-Factor Champion spoke with conviction as they stared down at their reflection within the belt they held. Akira smiled, placing a hand on their shoulder. “And you know that you'll always have my and big bro's support. You've got this, but you already know that.”
Finally, MYOJIN genuinely smiled back, turning to look at their sister. “Damn right.”
Things were going to be different this time. Everything in their career at Project: Honor had finally led up to this moment, to what they've looked for all along. To be the absolute best that there was in this company. After all the records that they have broken, there was just one more on their mind that they had to succeed:
Holding both of the most prestigious belts in the company at once.
July 31st, 2020.
Does that date ring a bell to some of you? I know it does for me. It was possibly the most important day of my life in professional wrestling. The day where I finally found myself a place that I could call home, that I could recognize as my own. For all the lovelies that aren't sure about what I'm talking about, that date is of the very first Proving Ground show to have ever happened. I remember it vividly. The Trials of Time Tournament that had decided who would be the people challenging to become the inaugural Grand Champion. I was in that tournament, facing Caden Yung for a chance to get into that match. I remember putting him in a Twister submission and making him tap out… Funnily enough, the two of us are friends now, he's even my manager.
It's crazy how time works, isn't it?
I had won that match, but I didn't have one of the fastest times. Therefore, I didn't make it into that Grand Championship match. But that didn't matter to me at the time, hearing that audience- some of the fans that still come to these shows almost two full years later- cheer for me, cheer mu name had possibly been one of the most… magical experiences of my entire life. Sure, I hadn't earned a chance to become the very first person to hold that belt, but that didn't matter to me. I had won something much more important. I had realized that… Finally, I had a place where I felt I belonged. No matter all of the companies that I had wrestled for before I found Project: Honor. This place felt different, even if at first it wasn't selling out arenas instantly and was just in smaller venues, this place felt like somewhere that I could leave my own mark.
Some didn't believe this company would last as long as it did. Though I watched it grow from being booked in small arenas, to selling out Pay Per Views in the Tokyo Dome. I have seen this company evolve in such quick succession to getting deals on Disney Plus of all things. From being a single brand to growing into the two, then even having a development show, and more spin-offs. I was here from day one, and I've seen the number of fans multiply and watched this promotion turn into an empire.
But during all that time, there had been one thing that had eluded me. One thing that I always aimed to get my hands on, to add to my collection of accomplishments- and that was the Grand Championship.
I'm not going to remind you all of my success story, I've told it time and time again by this point. Everyone knows about how I struggled for a while after taking losses, that I was searching to find my own way, but then I did it. I became the X-Factor Champion- and this belt and I have had a similar history with the Grand one, that I had chances to win it- but I failed the first time, then finally earned this.
But now this just isn't enough for me any longer.
During my time as X-Factor Champion, I have broken so many records that it's hard to count at this point. I broke the defense record for this title, I became the only champion to get past two hundred days with this title. I made this championship the most relevant belt in the entire company. I'm proud of what I did with this, I'm proud of all that I have done. I'm proud that I could show people, as cliche as it is, that they never should give up on their goals or dreams.
One thing I had never changed though.
During all my time here, I never stopped believing one thing: That I would be the Ace of this company, and no one was going to stop me. And to do that?
I must also become Grand Champion.
It is the most important title in this company, more prestigious than the Legacy Championship even. It's the one with the most history. It is the one that deserves the most respect to me.
And that's why I can't let either Shelldrake or Asakura leave Disputed Territory with it.
Neither of them are as skilled as me or has worked as hard as me to get to this point.
Swindle Sheldrake, for as much as he loves to complain about being held back and being treated unfairly, doesn't deserve to be here. He doesn't deserve to main event ANY show in Project: Honor. The amount of losses that he's had, the fact that at any time when he's had a chance to finally improve and win a match that actually matters, he fails. He's a nobody, a loser who weaseled his way into this match because he now believes that he's capable of taking both titles.
Shelldrake, you're not even qualified to tie my boots.
Everyone in recent memory has started to believe that there is some sort of hype to you, despite the fact that you're nothing but another Casanova English who cries and moans about management not giving him a chance- but you know what? At least English has won a belt before, what have you done besides act as a nuisance to everyone that you have ever met. And you know what? I wished that you would improve, I wished that you would stop blaming everyone else for your losses and owned up to them. I wish that you would finally become what you say you are: dangerous. But instead? If these past shows have shown me anything, you're not a fighter.
You're a coward. A joke. You only strike when backs are turned to you. You only act brave when you have an advantage. Sure, you cost Asakura a title match before. Sure, you've hurt me and him before when you knew you could get away with it without retaliation. But the last time you tried to attack me? I showed you just what happens when we're on equal footing. You might think that Asakura cheated you out of our title match, but in honesty? He saved you. Not only proving just how green you are by causing you to make one of the biggest rookie mistakes in the book, but he saved you from me making you tap out.
This time, you have nowhere to run. For every moment that you've been a thorn in my side, I'm going to pay it back tenfold. I'm going to make you regret EVER deciding to think that I would be an easy target for you.
…And then there's Arata Asakura, the Golden Dragon. The other champion in this match. The man with the championship that I want.
This isn't OWA, you have no power here, darling. We might be allies there, but beyond a shared common goal, I don't care. The moment that you got in my business was the moment I remembered exactly what I wanted: your belt. Being the only two-time champion must seem impressive if it weren't for the fact that both of your reigns have been pitiful. You lost your first title defense to Emmanuelle, who I know is still capable of beating you- and not too long ago, you were basically fed a challenger. Not only that, you've been handed chances after chances ever since you came into Project: Honor. Your first match almost earned you an X-Factor Contendership, one that was unearned, and one that I happily took from you. How many times did you fail in matches against Ozymandias before you finally won the belt? Just to lose it and be handed ANOTHER chance?
I don't know what Indy Darling sees in you, but soon enough- I'm going to expose you and make him and everyone see just how much of a wasted investment you are.
We both know that as long as I've held this belt, my reign has cast a shadow over yours. I've been a fighting champion, hell- I've defended the X-Factor title more than you have ever defended the Grand belt. I would've beat you again if it weren't for Shelldrake getting in the way, and now I have the chance to prove it.
If there is one thing that I know, it's that your ego is unearned. While you lost the OWA World Championship to Azumi Goto, I beat her and proved my superiority. You had to cheat to beat Tara Fenix, you've dodged any real challenges, and that will finally end. You can't run from me. Neither of you can escape the reality that I am better than you both, and now that these games have finally ended- I will make you both acknowledge that as the truth.
I look at the two people in this match that I'm facing, and I can't help but think- What has happened to Proving Ground? How have these two become considered main event worthy? Champion worthy? What has happened to the Honor in this company? Where it was about competitors proving who was the best of the best by pure, honest combat instead of cheating, trickery, and whining.
Project: Honor deserves better. Both the X-Factor and Grand Championships deserve better. The fans deserve better.
It's time for a cultural reset in this brand and in the lineage of the title that Asakura and the others before him have disgraced. It's time for Project: Honor to go back to rewarding the best fighters, not handing out pity title shots to people who have tantrums like Shelldrake. It's time for honor, respect, and prestige to be brought back.
And who better to do that than yours truly, the Shining Star? The last of the original era? One of the only few who embodies those traits left?
It's time for me to finally fulfill my destiny.
To once and for all prove that I'm undisputedly the best combatant not in just this company, but the entire world.
To become more than just the Heart and Soul of Project: Honor.
To become the Ace.
And neither of you overrated, unwanted wastes of space will stop me. Sorry, not sorry.
Tidal Wave Pro.
It was a local indy promotion in San Diego. A small little place, usually hosting its wrestling in a nice but small little venue near the beach. Usually drawing a good handful of people, while it seemed like nothing special at first, it was a very important place to the Shining Star. After all, it had been the first promotion that they have ever wrestled for. It had been three years since they had last found themself nearby. Every show it had was contested at the same small, but home-y venue that usually attracted somewhat of a decent crowd. MYOJIN could remember just how much of an energetic, passionate place it was- both the fans and the audience. Though, the business had started to go down after a while as big names like MYOJIN had left for bigger places.
Once the X-Factor Champion had heard about the indie's shortcomings, they realized they couldn't just let the first place that had given them a chance die. So they offered the promoters a nice sum of cash for better quality equipment, but most importantly so they could rent a venue that suited the place better and could attract a bigger audience. Though MYOJIN wanted to keep the old spot, for why exactly? Well…
“Is this some sort of dumb joke? To waste my time?” James Raymond uttered as he looked around the empty building, seeing an empty ring. His eyes scanned over the place carefully until he heard the entrance behind him, turning. It was Emmanuelle and Tara Fenix.
“Looks like we weren't the only two invited to the party,” Emmanuelle noted.
“Yeah, it seems like it. You have any idea what this is about?” Tara asked James. He simply shrugged, placing his hands in his pockets.
“Lemme guess, MYOJIN invited everyone to this little shady hideout.” The voice of Michael Bishop called out, the other half of BFG Division, Liz Karlson right by his side. The five people simply stood around, seemingly growing impatient until a few steps were heard walking from behind them all.
“Sorry, didn't mean to keep you all waiting. You know how traffic in urban Cali can be.” MYOJIN spoke, offering a cool grin to the five people in front of them. “You like the place? It's an old wrestling spot, still in pretty good shape, so I bought it out. Wanted all of you to come to see it for yourself.” They spoke.
“Y'know, this is a cool flex and everything. But why are we here exactly, Shouta?” Liz asked, raising an eyebrow as she placed a hand on her hip questioningly.
“This venue? This place is where I made my debut. Where everything started for me, before Project: Honor was my home, this place was…” MYOJIN explained, gesturing around the entire building along with the squared circle that still sat in the middle.
“That still doesn't explain why you asked us to come all the way to San Diego,” James bluntly spoke.
“Well, I figured if all of us are going to be on the same side- We could use a bit of an icebreaker. To get to know each other all just a little better. I know each and every one of you, but you haven't gotten to really interact with each other. Plus…” MYOJIN climbed into the empty ring, leaning against the ropes as they faced the others with a grin. “Every group needs their own hangout space.
“Now, first things first, I think we all have a little bit of business to discuss. About how we'll mold the future of Project: Honor once I'm Grand Champion.”