FALLOUT XXV: GLADIATOR GAMES

This week’s episode begins with a cold open as we immediately go backstage where the Director of Weapons Placement, Chadwick Bundy, is standing by. Bundy is wearing his normal overalls and a crooked ballcap, but he’s also sporting a tie that hangs loosely around his neck.

CHADWICK BUNDY: ‘Sup? So you all know who I am, but you’re probably wondering why I’m opening the show. Well, about ten minutes ago, we got a panicked call from our General Manager, Mr. Ratman. Apparently the sewer he makes his home in was flushed out earlier today, resulting in a pretty bad flood situation. Long story short, he’s not gonna be here tonight.

Audible sounds of disappointment can be heard amongst the audience.

CHADWICK BUNDY: On the bright side, this show is all about the warriors of Project: Honor issuing challenges to each other, so the show’s already been booked. And this is Fallout, so we don’t really have to worry about any rules. However, just in case things manage to get out of hand, you can all rest assured that I, Chadwick Bundy, will be here as the interim General Manager. So…uh…enjoy the show. Or whatever…




After the Fallout logo flashes on the screen, “Peace That Starts the War” by Wolves at the Gate starts to play along with a video package showing various members of the Fallout Roster from the Paid in Blood episode.

♫Scratching and clawing

These voices fight for my life, they're saying

"This is who you are: you're a fake, you're a sham, you aren't fooling [no one]"

No one can condemn me for a debt or crime that has been paid off

Nothing divides or separates♫

Henry Lee Hyde grabs the top rope with both hands and shakes it violently, screaming loudly over the crowd’s mixed cheers and boos as the muscles in his arms and chest flex.

♫Cut me open till it's all run dry
Kill the life of death that's in my eye
Open up my aching ribs and crush this stone until it truly lives
This is the peace that starts the war♫

Latoya Hixx and Nick Knight celebrate their victory in their own ways while Zero looks down at Cal Culus, seemingly unsatisfied with a quick victory.

♫Screaming and growling
These voices fight for their life they're claiming
"Help is retreating. You are lost, all alone, with a hope that's dead and [conquered]"
"Conquered" is the name that's placed upon the hell that waited for me
Death is dead and loosened its grip♫

Liz Karlson looks down at Andrei Sokolov’s motionless body, then to the crowd, before pointing to the top rope. The fans explode in approval as one-half of the Tag Team Champions climbs to the top rope. Standing up slowly on the ropes, Liz measures Andrei from above. But suddenly the ropes start bouncing, causing her to turn and bend over slightly to catch her balance. It was then that she saw Broadwater running along the rope…jump OVER her…grabbing her as he flies out of the ring…AND LANDS ON THE OUTSIDE, HITTING LIZ WITH A SUMMERSAULT DOUBLE KNEE BACKBREAKER!!!

♫Cut me open till it's all run dry
Kill the life of death that's in my eye
Open up my aching ribs and crush this stone until it truly lives
This is the peace that starts the war♫

Billy Bennett struggles in the clutches of Mr. Wright’s wholesome embrace, as the massive man leans in to whisper something in her ear that isn't picked up by the camera. The moment she hears the words, Billy ceases her fighting, eyes wide in shock as she pulls back as far as Wright’s grip will allow; staring down in disbelief at him. Her mouth is slack as she shakes her head left and right.

♫My eyes are fixed on the final war
My eyes are fixed on the final war (war)
The war (the final)♫[

As Jason Long gets to his feet he looks around to the audience, cheering loudly for his second consecutive fall. He then turns his attention to Yuriko Toyama, his face masked in utter disdain. He takes a few steps back, then takes a few steps forward before leaping into the air… VANITY KILLER! The curbstomp drives the already concussed head of Yuriko into the mat. Jason rolls her over, ready to get his first pin but before he can get down for the cover… MICHAEL BISHOP SHOVES JASON OUT OF THE RING! HE LOCKS YURIKO INTO THE ASYLUM TRIANGLE CHOKE!

♫All I see is peace, war
All I see is peace, war
All I see is♫

Havoc and Tate Selby are throwing arms and verbals until they’re interrupted by a posse of security. The group splits into two and grabs the men, pulling them apart. Neither seems keen on being split and they both manage to do damage to the makeshift security that holds them with flailing arms. The numbers win out, but as they’re dragged in different directions the two warriors continue to shout threats at each other.

“Peace That Starts the War” starts playing again in the background as the cameras fade into the Bon Secours Wellness Center in Greenville, South Carolina. We circle around the arena to show a sold out crowd and all the amazing fan signs to go with them.


ALARA ADAMS: Welcome to what may very well be the final episode of Fallout! With news recently breaking that the Proving Ground and Fallout rosters will merge at Hell on Earth III to form our brand new show, Convergence, our very futures are up in the air!

KAYDEN ELLIS: Whoa! Hold up a second. I don’t know about you, but I have an ironclad contract…

ALARA ADAMS: Sorry Kayden, but you have a contract that was issued by the late Rock Johnson and may no longer be valid.

KAYDEN ELLIS: No. No way. I’m the voice of Fallout! I’m the guy who makes Thursday nights alright! They can’t shitcan me! I’m a Project: Honor staple!

ALARA ADAMS: Well, nothing is set in stone just yet. I feel confident about my own future, but I’m just not sure management has a plan for you…

KAYDEN ELLIS: Back. The Fuck. Up. I’m an institution. The female demographic LOVES me! I need to talk to someone right now!

ALARA ADAMS: I’m sure Chadwick Bundy has time to talk with you. Unfortunately, we don’t even know if Ratman or Mark Hunter will be our General Manager moving forward. It could be Indy or maybe even DeMarco will…

KAYDEN ELLIS: I’m getting to the bottom of this right now! Fallout is officially on hold until I get some answers! Nobody puts baby in a corner!

With that, Kayden stands up from his seat and tosses his headset aside. As he marches away from the ringside area, Alara gives the camera a knowing smile…


The sound of people talking backstage filled the halls of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, while the murmuring of the crowd in the arena itself seems to vibrate the concrete and steel the building is made from. As we see people like Chadwick Bundy running around, making sure everything is going smoothly with the show…we see Benjamin Broadwater walking through the hall carrying a saran wrapped gift basket. With a twinkle in his eye, Benjamin walks up to the men’s locker room and pauses. Opening the door by pushing it open with his back, Ben knows there shouldn’t be many people in the locker room.

BROADWATER: Oh TAAAAAAAAATTTE!! Are you here buddy?

Ben turns and looks around, but there is no response.

BROADWATER: Selby? Bud? You here?

Slowly walking around, a smile on his face, Benjamin peaks around every corner looking for his opponent.

BROADWATER: I brought you a little something. I wanted to thank you for choosing me for your challenge.

Still nothing as he places the gift basket on a small stool, walking off slowly.

BROADWATER: I wanted you to know it is an HONOR to be chosen by you. No, it’s a privilege. Wait…

Ben stops for a moment and smirks.

BROADWATER: …it’s a blessing!

Continuing his search, Ben turns around…only to catch the gift basket directly in the face. Candies and cookies go flying as the wrap busts open. And before Ben can gather his thoughts, Tate Selby grabs the stool they were on and SMASHES it over the head of Benjamin Broadwater. Dropping to his knees, Ben begins to drip blood on the floor.

SELBY: Still positive now?

BROADWATER: I understand…that you are a little disgruntled. But we can still be frien-

Before Broadwater could finish his sentence, Tate pulls back and punts him hard enough to put him on his back.

SELBY: My GOD! Shut the FUCK up! Life isn’t all kittens and puppies. It isn’t all gumdrops and gummy bears. There is pain. There is strife. There…is…darkness.

Tate cocks his head back and spits down onto Benjamin, before walking off.



We go to an often unseen location within the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the large kitchen area where the various concessions are prepared. The camera zooms in on the kitchen’s sole occupant, who’s hard at work in front of a row of fryers. As we draw closer to him, the man turns around, revealing himself to be the one and only Sultan of Spice.

SERRANO POBLANO: Hi! I’m Serrano Poblano, and welcome to another episode of Cafeterias, Canteens, and Concessions! Tonight, we’re going to see what South Carolina has to offer up to the hungry fans of Project: Honor and…*URK!*

Suddenly Serrano is pulled backwards away from the fryers after a steel chain is dropped around his neck!

BONNIE BLADE: You can’t see this!

Bonnie then sends Serrano to the floor with a chain-assisted snapmare before planting a few hard kicks to his spine. She pulls him back up and onto her shoulder before sending the big man back down with a spinning sit-out powerbomb!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Bonnie begins to wrap her steel chain necklace around her fist, but before she can land a punch on Serrano, he grabs a pair of frying pans and swings them toward either side of her head, sandwiching it in the middle. With Bonnie stunned, Serrano lifts her onto his shoulder and charges toward the nearby grill…

SERRANO POBLANO: Bonnie Blade…you’re fired!

Serrano tries to plant her onto the grill with a modified spinebuster, but she manages to break his grip and counter into a DDT, dropping Poblano’s face onto the grill with an audible sizzle!

SERRANO POBLANO: HOT MOTHER OF RAMSAY!!!

Thankfully, Serrano doesn’t suffer long as Bonnie pulls him back up and lifts all 300 plus pounds onto her shoulders…

BONNIE BLADE: I know you’re used to chokin’, but now you can choke on…deez nuts!

Bonnie then hurls Serrano off her shoulders with an FU directly into a large roasting vat full of hot nuts. He crashes through the machine and lands on the floor, as the vat tips on its side and buries him underneath a hearty heap of pecans, walnuts, and cashews. Bonnie then puts her foot on top of the mound of nuts as the referee makes his count…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!





ALARA ADAMS: Glad to have you back at the announce position, Kayden. Have any luck?

KAYDEN ELLIS: Yeah, Bundy doubled my salary. I’m golden, baby.

ALARA ADAMS: Oh? So our janitor…I mean…Director of Weapon Placement gave you a raise. I’m sure that will hold up in court.

The driving guitars of FFDP’s “This Is War” fills the arena and interrupts the banter of the commentators as Nick Knight steps onto the entrance ramp. The voice of Ivan Moody joins the fray as pyro turns the stage into a warzone, UNO, DOS, TRES, GET THE FUCK UP!!! Just as the smoke clears Knight stomps his way down the ramp dressed for battle in black cargo pants tucked into cargo style boots and a black pullover hoodie with his family chess piece logo on the front.

CLARA OLSON: Now coming down the aisle from Hollywood, California he is ‘The Hollywood Butcher’ Nick Night!!!

Nick reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron using the apron and wipes his boots before stepping between the top and middle rope. A fire burns in his eyes as he quickly pulls the hoodie over his head and tosses it down to the ring side attendant and begins to stare down his opponent and awaits the bell.

ALARA ADAMS: Nick Knight looks ready for a war tonight.

KAYDEN ELLIS: He started his career strongly with a submission win in a six-man tag, now he seems poised to show that win didn’t come from a team effort.

As Nick Knight looks ready for a war, the arena’s lights would dim again as the music of TRiDENT started playing loudly. It would quickly elicit a cheer from the crowd as Yuriko Toyama bounced her way onto the stage, looking as fiery and as confident as she always was.

CLARA OLSON: Making her way to the ring, hailing from Tokyo, Japan. She is the Sendai Speed Queen, Yuriko Toyama!

With a burst of speed, the Deatmatch Idol flies down the aisle and slides her way into the ring, launching herself onto the top turnbuckle to take in the love from the crowd. Having had her moment, her face would become all business as the pint-sized fighter turned to face her opponent.

ALARA ADAMS: Yuriko-Chan hasn’t had the best time of it thus far, but you can’t count out this rookie’s fighting spirit.

KAYDEN ELLIS: “Yuriko-Chan”?! Well, anyways. Nick Knight can’t sleep on her abilities, even if she’s a whole foot shorter than him.

DING! DING! DING!

With the referee having called for the bell, the match is quick to a start as Nick Knight gets taken by surprise from the sudden and immediate ferocity from the aptly named Sendai Speed Queen, who doesn’t seem interested in any sort of test of strength and instead launches herself towards her opponent to hit him with a hard forearm smash that staggers him back into his own corner.

More forearm smashes follow, but Nick Knight instinctively pushes his opponent away from him. But before he could even recompose himself, Yuriko hits a dropkick on her opponent and follows up with a second one to the knees causing Knight to fall into his corner. Seeing her chance, she immediately presses her shinbone into the throat of her opponent pushing him with all her body weight into the corner. Making sure to wave and pose to the camera close by, completely oblivious to the referee admonishing her

One!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Just before the count hits five, Yuriko lets go of the choke, pouting at the referee for being in a match not suited for her hardcore ways. Letting out an oversized sigh, Yuriko returned to pick up Nick Knight, but her opponent quickly shows his size and power advantage by hitting an elbow into Yuriko’s gut and using the respite to hit her with a quick and snapping Saito Suplex right into the corner Knight had been stuck in a few seconds ago.

KAYDEN ELLIS: A brutal suplex that turns the tables immediately!

But instead of pushing his advantage, Knight leans onto the top rope as he rubs a hand across his sore throat. That momentary lapse of trying to recover already caused Yuriko to get up and springboard off the top rope, trying to hit a double foot stomp…

… But Nick Knight reacts right on time as he steps backwards causing his opponent to stomp the canvas, and quickly gets sent to it as she’s in the perfect position for his La La Land Suplex Tazmission Suplex!

And he doesn’t let go of it, as he quickly gets his opponent to the center of the ring in his La La Land submission hold. Yuriko barely has time to tap out, but even then finds herself going to sleep just as the bell rings…

DING! DING! DING!

CLARA OLSON: Here is your winner by submission, The Hollywood Butcher - Nick Knight!

Letting go of the choke, he’d get up on one knee as the referee is quick to raise his hand in victory. The crowd let their respect known for the winner, whilst Yuriko wakes up wondering what had happened.

KAYDEN ELLIS: A great showing from Nick Knight, he gets his first singles win in his Project Honor career to get his career total up to two wins and no losses!

ALARA ADAMS: Yuriko tried her best, though. But the rookie from Japan came up short both figuratively and literally.


At one of the many backstage areas that have been overtaken by Project: Honor staff, we find Chadwick Bundy as he’s in the midst of a private conversation with Audio/Video Technician, Steve Carlson.

CHADWICK BUNDY: Trust me, brother. With Ratman leaving me in charge, I’ve got all the power to make these changes to your contract legitimate. I mean, they should have given you three months of paid vacation a long time ago…

??: BUNDY!

The Director of Weapon Placement is startled as a voice rings out through the immediate vicinity. Moments later, Indy Darling, one of the four Project: Honor owners enters the scene. While seeing him on PH television is not uncommon, Indy is dressed in a designer suit instead of his normal jeans and denim jacket, and his sunglasses are nowhere to be seen. Upon realizing who it is, Bundy breathes a sigh of relief and slugs Carlson on the shoulder.

CHADWICK BUNDY: Thank god…It’s one of the nice ones. I mean, I’ve heard he’s antisemitic, but I’m into Buddhism so…

INDY DARLING: What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Where’s Percy? Where’s Petey?

CHADWICK BUNDY: Oh, Ratman needed the night off and no one’s seen Petey for weeks. I’m pretty sure he’s on tour with Sauce in Tibet or something. Anyway, there’s no need to worry. I’ve stepped up to run the show tonight…

INDY DARLING: Like hell you have! I’d put Carlson in charge before letting you run anything! What have you screwed up so far?

CHADWICK BUNDY: Heh…I wouldn’t say ‘screwed up’. After all, I got Kayden Ellis to commit to a new contract for only double his old salary, and Carlson here has agreed to hook us up with his Disney Plus password in exchange for three months of paid…

Suddenly, and very much out of character, Indy Darling interrupts Chadwick Bundy by slapping him hard across the face.

INDY DARLING: You stupid, worthless fuck! You don’t have the authority to do any of that! Go find anyone you’ve made a false promise to and tell them if they have a contractual issue, they can come to me!

Indy pauses for a moment before finally shaking his head in frustration.

INDY DARLING: Actually, forget that. Just get the fuck out of here. You’re fired, Bundy.

Steve Carlson’s eyes grow wide as he tiptoes out of the scene, while Bundy pauses from rubbing his sore cheek to look at the owner in shock.

CHADWICK BUNDY: You’re…you’re kidding, right? I mean, I was just messing around…

INDY DARLING: Get. Out.

The formerly light-hearted mood of Bundy has now become depressingly serious.

CHADWICK BUNDY: Mr. Darling…my wife is due in another month with our third. I need this job, sir. I’m…I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have screwed around like that. Just…please…give me a second chance…

Indy lets out a heavy sigh as Bundy’s words begin to sink in. It looks as if the co-owner has begun to calm down and reflect his more forgiving nature until…

INDY DARLING: Your contract doesn’t have a severance package, so I suggest applying for food assistance as soon as possible. Social services tend to get overwhelmed during the summer months.

With that, Indy turns his back on the former Project: Honor employee, leaving him in a state of disbelief.


The fans in the arena are still pumped up after the show that Nick Knight and Yuriko Toyama just gave us as another contest prepares to kick off…

CLARA OLSON: Ladies and gentlemen…the following match is scheduled for ONE fall. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California …weighing in at one-hundred and ninety-five pounds….he is THE OUTCAST…TATE…SEEEELLLLBBBYYYYY!!!

"The Outcast" by Upon A Burning Body plays through the arena as most of the crowd boo, although there are a few that are actually showing their support. "The Outcast" Tate Selby walks out onto the top of the ramp and is closely followed by Eddie Matthews. Tate stands there with a sleeveless hoodie on that is unzipped to show off his well toned body and the hood of the hoodie is up. Tate bounces from foot to foot on the spot like a boxer would do. Once the song has fully kicked in, Tate jumps up and removes the hood to show his face. As Tate walks down to the ring it's all he is focused on as Eddie is giving him advice on the walk down to the ring. Once at the ring, Tate removes the sleeveless hoodie and passes it to Eddie. Eddie makes his way around to the side of the ring as Tate runs up the steps and jumps over the top rope and into the ring showing off his amazing ability as he lands on his feet with such ease. Now in the ring, Tate makes his way to one of the corners and just like up on the top of the ramp he bounces from one foot to the other like a boxer as he awaits for the match to begin.

CLARA OLSON: And his opponent, 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 begins playing through the crowd as the fans let out a loud cheer for the perky newcomer.

#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

Everyone watches the entrance way…but there is no Benjamin Broadwater.

ALARA ADAMS: Where the hell is this kid?

KAYDEN ELLIS: Maybe he’s still trying to wake up from that kick Tate hit him with earlier, in the locker room.

#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)

Still no Benjamin as Tate walks to the middle of the ring, laughing.

ALARA ADAMS: Ben better be bustling before the bosses blast his butt!

KAYDEN ELLIS: Do you feel better now, that you said so many b-wor-

Before Kayden could finish his sentence, the lights flicker…then die out. The music goes quiet as only the slight murmur of the crowd can be heard.

ALARA ADAMS: Now what???

After a few moments, the lights come back up. Tate Selby is no longer in the ring, instead there is a trunk sitting there.

KAYDEN ELLIS: …what…

In a shower of wood particles and sawdust, the poorly made trunk blows open and out pops Tate Selby. He jumps to his feet and begins to look around, a look of confusion and anger on his face. We can see the word ‘LORE’ spray-painted onto his back.

ALARA ADAMS: Do you think this was the Entity?

KAYDEN ELLIS: You know, just because you’re blonde…doesn’t mean you have to play one on television! The man has Lore sprayed onto his back…and you think this was Jason Long?

Tate quickly slides out of the ring and begins to walk backwards up the ramp. He points to Eddie Matthews and motions for him to follow, which Matthews quickly does.

ALARA ADAMS: Guess he wants no part of this match now.

CLARA OLSON: Ladies and gentleman, due to the match not starting and BOTH of the competitors not coming out…this match has been ruled a no-contest as the match did not technically start.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Yeah, Tate wasn’t having anymore of this supernatural shit. And honestly, I don’t blame him.

JUNE 25TH, 2022

CLARA OLSON: The following contest is a Steel Cage Tag Team Match that can be won by pinfall, submission, or both members of a team escaping the cage!



As purple lights scan around the arena, Julius Fairweather and Slade Castle make their entrance, both men with looks of determination on their faces. They pause on the entrance stage to look around at the crowd as they receive a mixed reaction, then give each other a fistbump before heading down the ramp.

CLARA OLSON: Introducing first, from the mean streets of Detroit at a total combined weight of four hundred sixty-seven pounds… “Furious” Julius Fairweather and “Slayer of the Streets” Slade Castle…THE MOTOR CITY PSYCHOS!!!

“Badstreet USA” begins to play once Julius and Slade are in the ring, but while DJ Hunter emerges through the entrance, he is NOT accompanied by his usual tag team partner. Instead of Kyle Valentine, it is Trafalgar Law who enters to join DJ on the stage. Formerly of Project: Underground, it looks as if Trafalgar is stepping up as the newest member of The Phantom Troupe. Julius and Slade look a bit surprised by this turn of events but they make no complaints as their opponents approach the ring.

CLARA OLSON: And their opponents, at a total combined weight of four hundred ten pounds… “Elegant Assassin” DJ Hunter and Trafalgar Law…THE PHANTOM TROUPE!!!

Once both teams are in the ring, the cage lowers around them and is secured in place. With that, the referee signals for the opening bell…

DING! DING! DING!

ALARA ADAMS: These two teams have quite a history. It will be interesting to see if they can settle things once and for all.

KAYDEN ELLIS: The appearance of Trafalgar puts this whole match into question. I thought that guy got his pink slip with the rest of those Underground wannabes!

All four men charge forward and meet in the center of the cage with an exchange of rights and lefts. As they are all proficient strikers, they seem to be at a stalemate during the opening moments, until Julius is the first to play dirty with a blatant kick between DJ Hunter’s legs. The Elegant Assassin is stunned, which allows Julius to force him into the corner where he continues to throw a flurry of pugilistic strikes. Back in the center of the ring, we can see how the surprise of Trafalgar has an effect on the match, as he uses his more technical style to counter one of Slade’s strikes by hooking his arm and taking him to the mat with a half nelson suplex.

Law leaps on top of Slade in an attempt to keep him grounded, but Castle rolls over and takes control with some mounted punches. Julius continues to pound away at Hunter, who finally grabs two handfuls of Julius’ trunks before falling back to send Fairweather into the cage wall face first. DJ then rushes forward to plant a punt kick against the side of Slade’s head, knocking him away from his tag team partner. Hunter and Law then lift Castle up in a tandem suplex position but then drop him forward, his legs bouncing off the cage and his upper body colliding with the ropes to make for an awkward landing.

Julius rushes back into the fight, but he’s met by a tandem hip toss that puts him back-first against the steel cage wall. Law then applies a Boston Crab to Fairweather, and while he’s immobile, DJ Hunter comes off the second turnbuckle with a leg drop across the back of Julius’ head. The Elegant Assassin immediately goes back to the buckles to hit another high impact move while Julius is trapped, but Castle recovers in time to catch DJ as he flies off the top and drops him with a hard powerslam! Trafalgar still has Julius locked in the Boston Crab, but Slade immediately turns his attention away from DJ long enough to hit a running big boot on Law that knocks him away from Fairweather.

ALARA ADAMS: So far we’re seeing some effective teamwork from both teams.

KAYDEN ELLIS: You’re really familiar with tag team situations, aren’t you Alara?

ALARA ADAMS: If this really is the last Fallout, I might just stab you before the night’s over.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Just like Jason Long? Ah, the memories…

Julius is forced to take a moment to recover, leaving Slade to take control as he applies a half nelson on Law before repeatedly slamming his head against the cage wall. DJ finally tries to help his partner out, but just as he’s within reach, Julius takes him off his feet with a spear out of nowhere! Law is now bleeding from his head colliding with the cage multiple times, so Slade drops him so that he and Julius can execute a spiked piledriver on DJ Hunter. Following the move, Castle makes the pin attempt…

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Law still has enough to break up the pin with a stomp before Julius is on him. They exchange a few blows before Trafalgar wins out with a couple of well-placed European Uppercuts followed by a big Discus clothesline! Slade rushes in to take his own shot at the former Underground star, only to be caught with his Dreamcaster! Castle is down and stunned, but Julius takes another swing only for Trafalgar to catch him, spin around, and drop him with the Mike Haggar Special!

Both members of The MCP are down as Law shakes some life back into his partner. Then, both members of the Phantom Troupe begin to climb the cage, looking to escape together and end the match! Law makes it to the top with DJ close behind him, but Julius and Slade have started to regain their senses. Julius climbs up the cage as fast as he can but Law has too much of a headstart as he drops from the side to the floor!

As Law looks back and shouts some encouragement to his partner, Castle attempts to take DJ off the top of the cage with a back suplex! He’s successful at prying DJ’s hands off the cage but Hunter turns in midair and lands on top of Castle in the center of the ring!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Julius dives off the side of the cage to break up the fall at the last second! Now the tables have turned with DJ all alone inside of the cage against both members of The Motor City Psychos, giving Trafalgar no choice but to start climbing back up! Julius pulls DJ up and flings his body against the side of the cage wall, causing enough force to knock Trafalgar back to the floor.

A groggy Castle gets up and grabs DJ from behind, locking in his rear naked choke. Instead of dragging Hunter to the mat, Slade holds him in place for Julius to execute the Royale with Cheese! Trafalgar is already climbing back up the cage, but Fairweather is going for the pin attempt…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

CLARA OLSON: Your winners of the match by pinfall, Julius Fairweather and Slade Castle, THE MOTOR CITY PSYCHOS!

ALARA ADAMS: That was a great effort by Trafalgar Law for his first match on the big stage, but the two-on-one advantage was more than DJ Hunter could withstand.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Law and Hunter are new as a team, mistakes like that are bound to happen.

ALARA ADAMS: I’ve seen worse mistakes. In fact, I’ve sat next to one every two weeks over the past year…


Following the previous contest, we take a quick look backstage as Chadwick Bundy is making his way toward the arena exit. He pulls his cart of miscellaneous weapons behind him as he slowly walks, his head hanging forward. Upon reaching the open bay door, he turns back to give the building one last teary-eyed look. Then, with a stiff upper lip, he gives a proud salute to the company and fans who have supported him. With that final gesture, he solemnly makes his way out the door.



The long intro of “Black Sheep” by The Clash at Demonhead begins to play through the arena. A single silhouette is seen at the top of the ramp. The silhouette is facing towards the titantron, hands clasped behind their back as they wait for the moment. The crowd claps along to the beat until Brie Larson’s voice finally fills the air and the silhouette turns around to face the ring as the arena lights come to life. Savannah Sunshine’s figure comes into view, but she is not wearing the usual grin. Instead, she's got a look full of fire and determination as she stares daggers around the arena. She doesn't pay any mind to the fans, simply makes her way towards the ring.

Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Hello again, friend of a friend
I knew you when
Our common goal was waiting for the world to end
Now that the truth is just a rule that you can bend
You crack the whip shapeshift and trick the past again

As she heads down the ramp, she ignores the hands reaching out towards her. Though, the fans still seem to show some signs of support for the True Society member. As she approaches the ring, she walks over to the steel steps, climbing them until she meets the center of the ring apron. As she meets the center, she scrapes her boots, before climbing over the middle rope and into the ring. The clear change in demeanor is evident as Savannah seems to be in no mood.

I’ll send you my love on a wire
Lift you up every time
Everyone, ooh
Pulls away, ooh
From you

CLARA OLSON: Making her way to the ring, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ... weighing in at one hundred and twenty pounds … She is The Angel of Death ... Breaker of Chains … SAVANNAH AAANNNDDDRRREEEWWWSSS!

With the announcer making her presence known officially, Savannah moves away from the corner and out to the center of the ring. She drops to her knees, wolf's head still on her head, and palms press against the canvas. For the first time, her eyes are seen and they are golden and bright enough to notice. She drops her head back, letting out a loud howl, before she pops up to her feet. Wolf's head is slowly removed and handed to someone at ringside.

The lights go down. 'He Who Flees the Light' by Calabrese kicks in and thrums through the venue as red-orange strobes flicker across the stage in time with the music.

Broken/
Perverted/
Corrupted/

From the back, Henry Lee Hyde emerges, head bowed. He almost blends into the shadows, in his all-black ring attire, but no shadow moves as quickly as him. No shadows have the shimmer of a title belt around their waist like he does. He comes to stand at the top of the ramp, head remaining down, but his scowl deep enough to be seen under the spotlight that now focuses on him.

In our mind, body, and form/
A spiral of hatred, keep burnin'/
To savage my soul/

He rises his head in time for the chorus, eyes wild, face twisting, sneering. He gives his face, chest, a few slaps that leave a red shade to his skin, draw shouts of determination from him, before he descends the ramp towards the ring.

CLARA OLSON: Introducing her opponent! From Portland, Oregon, he stands at six foot and two inches and weighs in at two hundred and fifteen pounds. He is the reigning and defending Project Honor Gatekeeper Champion, this IS HENRY. LEE. HYYYYYYYYYYDDDEEEE!"

He who flees from the light/
Knows the true pain/
Blames all those who loved/
Blames the world and/

Henry leans into the ropes, letting them strain, and gives a mighty roar that can still be heard over the explosive music. He remains there, lets his gaze skim over the crowd and towards his opponent/the ramp. Eyes locked on his target, Henry shifts into his corner. He removes the title belt from around his waist, handing it over to the referee, and warms up in preparation for his match as his music fades out.

ALARA ADAMS: Savannah has been a controversial figure over the past year with everything that went down between her and the Holt family, but she’s looking to get back on track here tonight.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Challenging one of the most badass dudes on the roster is one way to do it.

The match begins and the two waste no time at all running towards each other, instantly throwing punches and kicks and anything to get advantage. As the aggression is obvious and this arena may not be big enough to hold it. As Savannah hits the first hold of the night, as she locks in an armbar and places her knee on the temple of Hyde. Hyde has not been in the ring with someone the caliber of Savannah one on one yet and he is looking to make an impression. Hyde has been honing his craft for months and is able to reverse Andrew's moves into a submission of his own turned into a dropkick. As he begins to stomp away at Savannah, the aggression in the match picks up as Hyde uses the corner to help him up before reversing a running attack into an elbow drop!

Savannah would get to her feet as the two would begin to land stiff slaps on each other's chest, lighting up their chests with a blood red color. Eventually, Hyde would allow him to win the fight. Using his knees to back Savannah up into the corner. This wouldn't stop Andrews from trying to take advantage, as when the ref would back Hyde off, she would run towards Hyde and kick out the ankle. Andrew begins to stomp away at Hyde once again. It seems early on that no matter what Hyde does, Savannah has an answer as she eventually hits a scoop slam on the champion, taking a second to pose before hitting a standing moonsault. Truly proving she is in control of this match.

ALARA ADAMS: Savannah is really taking it to Henry Lee in the early moments of this one!

KAYDEN ELLIS: Hyde has been a monster so far, but Savannah is on another level. Should be interesting to see if he can elevate himself.

ALARA ADAMS: If not, the final Fallout is going to have one last title change!

Savannah steps on the fingers of Hyde and looks into his eyes, insulting him before slapping him in the face, which sends Hyde into a fit of rage. As he tackles Andrews down and unloads a flurry of strikes and elbows. Nearly busting open the challenger as she has to escape into the corner, which only assists her due to the referee once again pulling off Hyde. But this time, Andrews isn't able to get the sneak attack off. As Hyde nails a german suplex that sends Savannah outside of the ring. The battle wouldn't stop, there is too much action to be had for this match to take a break.

As the two send each other into the barricade before once again trading those wicked slaps across the chest, Henry Hyde would be able to take advantage on the outside, sending Savannah Andrews back first into the barricade before hitting a Swiss uppercut. Hyde would quickly run into the ring and stare Savannah down, what could he be thinking?! The Gatekeeper Champion runs across the ring but Savannah cuts him off with a punch! Now back in the ring, Savannah hits a springboard DDT and goes for the first cover of the match for only a 1 count!!!

The in-ring action wouldn't go on long, as Hyde rolls outside of the ring and Savannah would join him. The moment of silence would allow Hyde to nail a superkick but as he goes for a dive off of the apron, Savannah would side step and send him crashing to the floor!! And now, it would be Savannah's turn to go for a dive. As she enters the ring and attempts to go for a diving crossbody on the outside, but Hyde would move! Sending the challenger head first into the ring post before setting her up on the barricade and finally, Hyde enters the ring, breaking the count as he dives to the outside onto the challenger!! The superstars are in the crowd!!

As that dive had enough velocity behind it to send both champion and challenger into the crowd, both men would catch their breath before trading blows in the sea of Project Honor fans. As the count continues, Hyde realizes he needs to get back to the ring, but the distraction from the ref allows Savannah to catch Hyde and hit an arm toss that sends both over the barricade onto the outside!

ALARA ADAMS: Neither champion nor challenger are giving an inch! It would be a huge shame if this one ends with a count-out!

KAYDEN ELLIS: This is Fallout! What’s a count-out?

Savannah would strugglingly drag her opponent into the ring and would bring up the infamous taunt for Hyde's 'LONG LIVE' that Hyde has used for the past several months, lining up for a dragon sleeper, looking to turn it into a reverse DDT! She hits it! Knocking Hyde straight onto his back as now, Savannah scales the top rope. Possibly going for the frog splash but Hyde would roll away before Andrews could set sail. As Hyde gets to his feet, Savannah would once again go for the ankle. Planting the champion with a DDT before once again climbing to the top rope and going for the frog splash. But once again, Hyde would roll away. Savannah would jump down, but this time, Hyde would be ready as he rushes towards Savannah and tackles her into the corner. Bringing his knees to the ribs of Andrews before lifting her up on his shoulders and going for a swinging neck break, but Savannah reverses it, going for a german suplex. But Hyde lands on his feet! Hyde kicks Savannah in the chin but the challenger bounces off the ropes and returns the favor!! Both stumble to their knees before running at each other, once again unloading on each other with slaps to the chest as the crowd goes crazy.

Eventually, Hyde would take advantage. Hitting a huge reverse DDT, before standing up and lining up Savannah. Looking to put away the match with his finishing move the 'H20'' the same move he has won his title with. But Savannah fights out of it, elbowing Hyde to his knees. But Hyde explodes up! Hitting multiple strikes before dragging her down and locking in a dragon sleeper! He could make Savannah tap right here! Andrews would quickly get to the ropes, but Hyde would not let up. Stomping away at Savannah before wrapping her up in the ropes, climbing to the middle rope and dropping a knee across the leg of Savannah! Savannah rolls to the center of the ring, as the challenger is in trouble here tonight. Hyde goes for a German suplex, but Savannah would land on her feet. Only to be caught out once again! As Hyde locks in a headlock before lifting her up and throwing her into the corner, hitting a huge chop! Savannah rolls to the outside onto the apron, possibly going for a springboard move, as she does! Nailing a springboard crossbody as she goes for a pin fall, only getting a 2 count. As he goes back to square one, scouting out Hyde to learn what she has to do to put away the champion.

Hyde isn't going down lightly, that we know, as he stands back up and backdrops Savannah at impressive heights!! Before Andrews can even get to her feet, Hyde would set her up for a wicked backbreaker! Hyde is at impressive speeds right now as he steps to Savannah and lifts her up. He goes for 'H20' but Savannah breaks away only to be headbutted by Henry then follows up with another headbutt. He grabs Savannah and goes for 'H20' again, suddenly planting her nearly through the mat before covering her.

1.

2.

3!!

DING! DING! DING!

CLARA OLSON: Here is your Wimmer and STILL Gatekeeper Champion, HENRY. LEE. HYYYYYDDDDEEE!

Henry gets to a sitting position as he's handed his title from the referee and gets to his feet and raises his title in the air before leaving the ring.

ALARA ADAMS: The reign of Henry Lee Hyde continues, but not without him being pushed to his limits by Andrews!

KAYDEN ELLIS: You were right when you mentioned that Savannah is in a rebuilding phase, and if this match was any indication, I’m looking forward to seeing what she’ll bring to Convergence.

ALARA ADAMS: I just hope we’re both there to see it in person…

KAYDEN ELLIS: Huh?

JUNE 12TH, 2022

Where joy thrives and grows in the souls of loyal, dedicated viewers and children-at-heart around the world!

The camera pans past a hallway leading to the massive living room that most filming takes place in, scanning along the assorted framed drawings that hang on the wall.

In one, Jason Long stands with his back turned, fists clenched at his side as he stares up a row of stone steps that leads to a Throne of Iron. Standing in front of the barbed, razor-sharp throne is another familiar figure wreathed in flame and shadow. Havoc looms large in front of Jason, arms spread wide at his sides - one hand holding the Ascended Prime Championship, the other the Tyrant’s Crown - as smoke seems to billow off of his toned, muscled frame. Ashes fall from above, a thick layer of dark-grey soot covering the ground in the picture.

In another, a massive, Kaiju-sized Cottonmouth wraps itself around an equally monstrous pink Kraken that whips its tentacles through the air, two of the appendages pushing back against the snake’s open jaw, as the serpent’s fangs drip toxic green poison.

In the third, Henry Lee Hyde stands at the beginning of a long and winding road. Dressed in his ring gear, a shackle is secured to his right ankle; a thick length of chain leads to the Gatekeeper Title, weighing him down as an anchor might. He has both hands wrapped around the chain, as if he were dragging it after him, rage-filled eyes staring down the path in front of him. The shadowy forms of Project: Honor’s Champions await him further down the dusty road. Starting with Giovanni holding the Warrior Rising Championship, then Alyssa Grace and MYOJIN, Swindle Shelldrake and Havoc, and at the end of the path Billy Bennett stands alone, waiting.

The last framed picture depicts Savannah Andrews, all dolled-up with sloppy makeup and dressed as a common streetwalking prostitute might be, in fishnets and platform heels. She is leaning into the window of a stopped car, propositioning the balding, slovenly, out-of-shape driver who bears a striking resemblance to Kai Stevens.

The camera continues into the living room, finally settling on the front door that leads into the Playhouse; just in time to catch it opening wide, as John Blade steps inside to the tolling of a bell.

DING! DING! DING!

As the sound rings out through the empty living room of the Promised Land Playhouse, John Blade glances about with a vaguely confused look on his face, as he tries to find the source of the dinging.

JOHN BLADE: Ayo? Where that bell at, homie?! Shit’s cray-cray in these streets, ya feel me?!

He doesn’t have much time to ponder this strange turn of events, or even where his opponent is hiding at, before a trio of individuals come rushing into the room accompanied with cheerful screams and howls.

At the head of the pack is Billy Bennett, wearing a short-cropped orange wig over her own messy brown hair, a pair of blue denim overalls - cut off at the legs into shorts-length - and a rainbow-coloured horizontal striped shirt underneath. In her right hand, she clutches a large butcher’s knife. Almost looks like that creepy Chucky doll from those godawful horror movies...

BILLY BENNETT: EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

She is being chased by Candi Cain in the middle of the trio, wearing a red-and-black striped sweater, shorts with a similar pattern, and a glove on one hand that ends in razor-sharp blades. Almost looks like that weirdo Freddy dude who haunts the dreams of children on Elm Street...

CANDI CAIN: AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

And pulling up the rear, chasing both of his co-hosts, is Mr. Wright himself! He’s dressed in nondescript, rotten clothes that look like they were dragged out of the bottom of a river shortly before this scene. His face is covered by a filthy, off-white hockey mask as he waves a chainsaw - the chain whirring dangerously - to and fro. Almost looks like that Jason kid who was treated so horribly by the counselors at Camp Crystal Lake so many years ago...

MR. WRIGHT: VROOM! VROOM! STABBITY-STAB! VROOM!

Eyes wide in shock, John Blade presses his back up against the nearest wall to make room for the bizarre parade of psychopaths that begin to chase themselves in circles around the center of the room.

As this bizarre scene plays out, John Blade looking directly into the camera in a silent plea for help, a series of words is superimposed onto the image. Pink at first, then slowly turning blood-red as drops of crimson fall off the words to pool at the bottom of the screen.


As the title screen disappears, so too does the image of the Playhouse living room and the assorted weirdos that inhabit it.

The scene opens back up in the Promised Land Playhouse’s garage, which has been turned into a makeshift recording studio. On one side of the room is John Blade, thugged out and dripping as usual fr fr ong no cap. On the other is Mr. Wright, looking even more stylish with a big clock necklace and diamond sunglasses, along with a full blue velour Adidas tracksuit.

Why?

Cuz we out here, that’s why.

In between them is...

Hated R?!?!

HATED R: Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh! Welcome to the first annual Playhouse freestyle, which promises to go hard and tear the motherfrickin’ roof off this joint!

Candi Cain and Billy Bennett applaud and cheer, sitting on the floor in the corner of the room as they wait in anticipation for this titanic clash between two wordsmiths.

HATED R: Now, Lil Petey was supposed to join me today, but...

BILLY BENNETT: Boooooooo!

CANDI CAIN: Petey sucks! Petey sucks! Petey sucks!

HATED R: Ayo, chill. That’s my mans you’re talkin’ trash ‘bout, suckafoos!

The pair of strange women frown at this, but fall silent all the same.

HATED R: That’s better. Now as I was saying, he was supposed to be here to help me host this rap battle, but he’s too busy with his new career as Twitch streamer, so it’s just gonna be me today. Sorry y’all.

MR. WRIGHT: Oh well...

JOHN BLADE: ...anyway.

HATED R: Yeah, anyway. Let’s get this party started right, y’all!

HATED R: Who won? Who’s next?! YOU DECIDE!!! Oh yeah, and go ahead and subscribe to my Twitch account: twitch.tv/BetterThanLilPetey!

Before Nicepeter can send a Cease & Desist letter, the screen fades to black, accompanied by a hard, bass-heavy drill beat...

...which quickly turns into a cheerful, jaunty tune as the scene opens back up to the Playhouse kitchen.

Around the massive table in the middle of the room are seated the three cast members of the Promised Land Playhouse, along with their new guest!

Billy, Wright and Candi appear to have changed out of their horror movie villain costumes in the interim, all of them back into their usual attire. Gone is Jason Wright, now wearing a comfy-looking knit sweater with a rather morbid pattern of bonesaws and internal organs. Gone is Candi Krueger, now back in her typical overalls and flower-patterned shirt. Gone is Chucky Bennett, clad in her trademark filthy, torn street clothes.

John Blade and Mr. Wright are seated at their respective heads of the table. The Surgeon of Thuganomics stares daggers across at his supposed opponent in this match, as Mr. Wright smiles blissfully back, seemingly bearing no ill will towards the GOAT of Project: Honor. He looks away occasionally to take a large sip of some unknown liquid from an oversized ‘Fallout’ coffee mug, available now at TJ Thompson's webstore!

Huddled together at one side of the table, Billy and Candi are clearly off in their own world, giggling and whispering to each other as they frantically open up Pixie Stix, dump the sugar onto the table, cut it into lines and take turns snorting massive amounts of the granular white powder.

Suddenly, a fifth individual sweeps into the kitchen; one of the Playhouse’s countless helpers, wearing a ballgag to stifle his cries. The unfortunate soul stares pleadingly into the camera for a few moments, before carrying a massive, almost overflowing plate of pancakes towards the table. He plops it in front of John Blade, staring helplessly into the wrestler’s eyes for a moment or two before a large hooked cane appears from off-screen to drag him away as the sla... err... helper weeps.

JOHN BLADE: Yo, yo, yo! I came here for a Champion vs Champion match, not a heckin’ pancake breakfast, son! Now run yo Playhouse Championship!

This causes Candi and Billy to break into even more boisterous, obnoxious laughter as they point at John Blade and bang their fists down on the table, tears springing forth from their eyes as they both struggle to breath through their body-shaking laughter..

Mr. Wright shushes them with an index finger placed over his lips, as the two co-hosts quiet down and get back to the monumental task of snorting the mountain of Pixie Stix sugar arrayed in front of them.

MR. WRIGHT: There’s been some confusion, oh GOAT of GOATs! You see, some poorly-dressed, alcoholic leprechaun came through here a while back and stole my belt! Rude and rude!

JOHN BLADE: Alyssa Grace?

MR. WRIGHT: Yes, that is the alcoholic leprechaun in question.

JOHN BLADE: Bet.

MR. WRIGHT: Bet.

A long, awkward silence falls over the table as the two stare to the side to avoid further eye contact. John Blade begins to munch on the heaping plate of syrupy pancakes in front of him, as Mr. Wright turns his gaze to watch intently, seemingly growing happier and happier with each forkful of delicious pan-fried dough that Blade shovels into his mouth.

JOHN BLADE: Mmm, mmm. Damn, Mr. Wright. These pancakes do be bussin’ tho.

This comment breaks the silence hanging over Billy and Candi’s section of the long table, as the pair of weirdos suddenly shout in unison.

BILLY BENNETT/CANDI CAIN: SO TRUE!

Retreating back into another shared giggling fit, the two women earn a puzzled stare from John Blade, before he focuses back on his pancakes. He’s about to lift the fork up to his mouth again, when his limbs suddenly go limp, collapsing face-first into the syrupy mess in front of him.

He begins to snore, as Mr. Wright finishes off his cup of whatever it is he’s drinking, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin adorned with bloody machetes.

MR. WRIGHT: Alright, everyone! Time to get ready for the Gladys Gator Games!

The scene fades to black again.

When it returns, John Blade can be seen face-down in sand as he groans and slowly begins to rouse himself back to wakefulness. When he finally pulls his face off the ground and stands back up, he finds himself in a massive, circular arena somewhere deep beneath the Promised Land Playhouse. The ceiling seems almost impossibly high, as if the arena were built in some sort of mammoth cavern instead of a normal basement.

The stands are populated by blow-up dolls and mannequins of various shapes, sizes and appearances; loudspeakers stationed somewhere in the cavern are piping in crowd noises. John Blade glances around the stands in confusion, until his eyes finally spot a large deck that juts several feet out over the arena itself.

Lounging in a massive, tacky golden chaise is Emperor Wright, dressed in gold and purple robes and looking like something straight out of Caligula’s reign in Ancient Rome. Kneeling at his side is Candi Cain, wearing a toga and a wreath of figleaves around her head as she feeds Emperor Wright grapes. Seated in a golden throne to Wright’s left side is The Petty Queen, also dressed in robes from antiquity and looking so incredibly bored with all this; she wears the mother of all resting bitch-faces. Standing in front of Wright’s left side is Officer PAWG, wearing an old bronze Centurion’s helmet with a flowing red cape, holding a spear and shield in her hands.

JOHN BLADE: ...this is wild. My weedman been lacing his chronic with wet again? Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-

His words are cut off as Greta Grimm steps into the Emperor’s Booth, dressed as an old town cryer and ringing a handheld bell as she begins to read off a paper.

GRETA GRIMM: Patricians and plebs, welcome to the first inaugural GLADYS GATOR GAMES! We hath arranged a rather pleasant exhibition for this evening’s festivities! Lo, do cast yon eyes upon the ring and behold, BEHOLD, the challenger: hailing from the Kingdom of Wackness, he stands twenty-seven roosters tall and weighs in at two-and-a-half witches’ cauldrons... he is the WHITE KNIGHT... the VANILLA ICE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING... the DENTAL ASSISTANT OF GANG SHIT... the PROUD FATHER OF BONNIE ‘BIG DIMES’ BLADE... he is...

A pause, before she drops her voice and tosses the paper over her shoulder.

GRETA GRIMM: John Blade, or something, I guess.

There’s some canned applause and cheering that is piped through the loudspeakers set up around the makeshift arena, as Emperor Wright applauds politely... a gesture that isn’t shared by any of his entourage.

GRETA GRIMM: Who wrote this trash?

THE PETTY QUEEN: You did, you dumb bitch. You are the Playhouse author, after all!

GRETA GRIMM: Oh...

CANDI CAIN: And what, you just decided to drop the medieval speak halfway through the announcement? Laaaaame.

GRETA GRIMM: Hate it here.

OFFICER PAWG: Would you all shut up? I’m about to go get a job as Mall Security if you people can’t get it together... think Officer Greyfield could put in a good word for me?

CANDI CAIN: Oh, I think he died, or something.

OFFICER PAWG: ...this some bullsh-

Clearing her throat, Greta holds up the second sheet of paper and begins to read from it.

GRETA GRIMM: And now, hailing from Deep Lake, Florida... she stands at one-alligator long and weighs in at one-alligator pounds... she iiiiissss... GLAAAAAAAADYYYYYYYS GAAAAAAAAAAAAATOOOOOOORRRR!!!

At the far end of the arena, a large gate opens...

...and Billy Bennett steps out, holding a large chain in one hand and dragging something into the circle towards John Blade. It’s a giant, albino alligator with one eye gouged out of its head! John Blade begins to visibly sweat as Billy leans down and pats the gator on the head, whispering something into the vicious-looking creature’s ear before stepping back and lighting a cigarette as she watches intently.

Without any further delay, the alligator rushes towards John Blade, four legs scrambling through the sandy ground as the AAA Champion stands his ground.

As the hulking, bloodthirsty reptile approaches, Blade waves five fingers in front of his face as if to say ‘you cannot perceive my physical form with thine lying eyes’, waiting until the gator is juuuuust close enough...

...before dropping a fist down atop its skull in the most powerful technique known to man or beast: the Five-Knuckle Shuffle!

The alligator’s eyes roll back into its head, immediately going limp as its knocked the fuck out by the titanic strength of John Blade.

BILLY BENNETT: Gladys, nooooo!!!

Billy, having been watching from some distance away, flicks her cigarette to the sand and rushes forward to the unconscious reptile, falling to her knees beside Gladys Gator and weeping openly as she strokes its... scales?

John Blade ignores her, holding his arms to his sides and shouting up at Emperor Wright and his entourage.

JOHN BLADE: AYO AIN’T YOU ENTERTAINED?!?!

Everyone in the Royal Booth rolls their eyes in response, forcing John Blade to move on.

JOHN BLADE: Anyway... Where’s the bell at?! Don’t this mean I won the match?!

MR. WRIGHT: Well, actually... we honestly thought Gladys would eat you in, like, five seconds.

THE PETTY QUEEN: Who booked this shit?

MR. WRIGHT: Hush now, my Queen. It seems it’s time I take matters into my own hands! BEHOLD, THE TRUE POWER OF EMPEROR WRIGHT!

Standing up out of his golden chaise, Wright casts aside his opulent robes to reveal a black undershirt bearing the words ‘WRIGHT’S GYM AND BEARHUG EMPORIUM’ and a pair of Reebok black-and-white trackpants. He’s also got some crisp, crisp Timbs on, too. Man is looking good as fuck.

GRETA GRIMM: This match is for the Project: Honor AAA Championship... making his way to the arena floor, he stands at GODDAMN HE BIG feet tall and weighs in at ABSOLUTE UNIT pounds, he is the MASTER OF PUPPETS... the GOD-KING OF THE DREAMSCAPE... the REALLY NICE MAN NEXT DOOR WHO PROBABLY HAS A CELLAR FULL OF BODIES... he is... MIIIIIIIISSSTEEEEEEEER WRIIIIIIIIIIGHT!

The announcement complete, Wright takes off in a run and leaps off the edge of the Royal Booth, landing on his feet several dozen feet below on the sandy arena floor. The ground seems to shake at the impact, as if he weighed several tons; but it’s probably just a cinematic effect done in post.

John Blade and Wright charge at each other, beginning to trade forearm strikes that are so powerful each blow’s shockwave seems at risk of sending the entire arena into collapse.

Again, probably just movie magic. Johnny Levy is a producer for the Promised Land Playhouse, after all! That man knows how to make some good cinema.

The back-and-forth continues for over a minute, as John Blade starts to get worn down by the overwhelming strength of Mr. Wright, who only seems to enjoy the forearm blows he receives in exchange.

Eventually, John ducks under one of Mr. Wright’s strikes, attempting to hit him with a Shoulder Tackle. Blade’s shoulder digs into Wright’s stomach, his feet scrambling in the sand as he tries to push the larger man backwards... but Wright easily stands his ground, reaching down to grab John’s midsection and lift him into the air with a Deadlift Gutwrench Powerbomb that sees the AAA Champion smashed into the sandy ground below.

Before he’s able to recover, Mr. Wright grabs him by the hair and hefts him back up as easily as one might lift a child’s ragdoll. Placing John onto his own broad shoulders, Mr. Wright makes him Throw Your Cares Away with his trademark F-5000. Pausing to give the camera a cheesy grin and a thumbs up, Wright rolls the fallen form of John Blade onto his back and places one foot on his chest for the pin, doing a double bicep flex as he does so - to monstrous canned applause from the fake audience.

The phony crowd chants over the loudspeakers:

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

Yes, they actually chanted 'ding ding ding', don't worry about it.

GRETA GRIMM: The winner of this match, AND NEEEEEEWWWWW OWA PRESTIGE CHAMPION... REMINGTON IVO- oh wait, wrong paper...

Greta shuffles the sheets a bit before finding the right one. Whoops!

GRETA GRIMM: The winner, AND NEEEEWWWW PROJECT: HONOR AAA CHAMPION, MIIIIISTEEEEEER WRIIIIIIIIGHT!

The AAA belt is lowered from above, hooked onto the bottom of a chain that seems to not be attached to anything on the other end. Movie magic, again. Or regular magic. Either or.

Mr. Wright lifts one hand into the air and grabs it off the hook, smiling wide as he holds the faceplate up to the camera, taking a theatrical bow with his new prize as John Blade rolls over onto his stomach and begins to push himself back to his feet.

JOHN BLADE: What the heck, dude?! If you didn’t make me fight that gator first, I totally would’ve sonned you!

MR. WRIGHT: Oh, I’m sure that’s the case, my friend! But all’s well that ends well, and now the Playhouse has TWO shinies!

He reaches down his trackpants and somehow pulls the Legacy Championship out from inside them, holding it up in his other hand as the camera begins to fade to black, to oddly menacing giggles from Mr. Wright and his entourage.

Except Billy Bennett who is still mourning the defeat of her beloved Gladys Gator, and The Petty Queen who - again - just seems so incredibly bored with all this dumb shit.



With the main event fast approaching, we go backstage one final time where Timothy Daniels is catching up to one fourth of the Project: Honor ownership, Indy Darling.

TIMOTHY DANIELS: Um…excuse me, Mr. Darling? I was hoping I could get a quick word with you…

Indy gives the backstage reporter an annoyed look, but nods his head in agreement.

INDY DARLING: Just make it quick. Unlike Percy, Petey, and the majority of Fallout’s staff, I actually have important business to take care of.

TIMOTHY DANIELS: Uh…right, of course. I was just wondering, with Chadwick Bundy getting fired…

INDY DARLING: Released from his contractual duties.

TIMOTHY DANIELS: Um…sure. With that and Kayden Ellis questioning whether or not he’ll still be employed with the merging of the brands, a lot of people are worried about their continued employment. I was hoping you could shed some light and ease those concerns?

Indy pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger as he shakes his head back and forth.

INDY DARLING: Look, Jim…

TIMOTHY DANIELS: Tim. Uh…Timothy.

INDY DARLING: Whatever. I have a lot to say about Fallout, its staff, and its competitors, but I think it would be best if I do that in the ring for everyone to hear. Don’t you agree?

Timothy nods his head in nervous agreement, which is enough to satisfy Indy for the time being. With nothing more to report, Timothy looks at the camera and shrugs his shoulders before we return to ringside.



CLARA OLSON: The following contest is a non-title match scheduled for one fall.



The echoing sirens heard in the intro to ‘I Am A God’ by Kanye West is heard playing over the speakers within the arena, the lights inside of the arena cut to black, and no spotlights swivel around the arena, just only hearing the heavy beats of the music before the vocals is heard over the speakers – and bringing a spotlight down onto the stage.



As the spotlight hits onto the stage, a figure is seen standing front and center for the crowd to admire down onto, hooded and keeping his identity a secret for now. The figure takes a few steps forward down the ramp, reaching about the halfway point before stopping in his tracks, and then removing the hood and showing the bright white eyes of Jason Long. He looks up to the light above his head and stretches his arms out as he soaks in the crowd’s reaction.


With his arms lowered, Jason began to make his very slow walk to the ring, passing by everyone that reached out to him, with those white piercing eyes staring up at his opponent the whole way through. Jason pauses for a moment around halfway along the ramp, soaking at the moment again and just keeping eye contact direct with his opponent. A smirk, almost like a half-smile, grew on Jason’s face before he began his walk again and made it down to the ringside area.

CLARA OLSON: Introducing first… wrestling out of Wexford Town, County Wexford, Ireland and weighing in tonight at two hundred and four pounds... HE IS THE KING OF IMMMMMORRRRRTALLLLITTYYYYYYY... JAAAAASSSSSONNNNNNN LOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGG!!!!

The King of Immortality soon stepped up onto the ring apron and entered through the ropes, coming face to face with his opponent and staring them down as he removed his ring jacket, the lights soon coming back to life and the music fading away.

CLARA OLSON: And his opponent… The current Project Honor Ascended Prime champion… The Harbinger Of Reality… HAVOC!!!

The lights go out in the arena as the crowd wait in anticipation for the arrival of the Nightmare King. A red spotlight appears near the curtains as smoke engulfs the entire stage. “Delusions of Savior” by Slayer hits the PA System as men and women donning face paint crawl out of the smoke and surround the stage for the arrival of ‘their savior’. “Repentless” by Slayer kicks in with strobing red lights, as the stone faced Havoc slowly stepped out of the smoke with a barbed wire baseball bat in hand. All the men and women around the stage bow at his presence as Havoc slowly makes his way down the ramp, and the strobing red lights lighting their path. He places the bat at ringside before climbing up to the top turnbuckle and embraces the negative crowd reaction with a smirk on his face.

ALARA ADAMS: This is pay per view worthy.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Yeah, if we get the best version of Jason Long I agree fully.

DING! DING! DING!

The two lock up. Havoc gets a side headlock on Jason and takes him down quickly with a headlock takeover. Long quickly turns it into a head scissors but Havoc gets out of it. They both get up and Long takes Havoc down with a headlock takeover of his own, Havoc however does what Jason did and puts Long in a head scissors, Jason pushes out of it. They both get back up and Havoc hip tosses Long, but Long lands on his feet with a smile. Jason goes for a clothesline but Havoc ducks and goes for a super kick, Jason ducks that and they both go for a drop kick, obviously hitting nothing but mat. The pair kip up in unison and stare at each other as the fans applaud.

ALARA ADAMS: These two are so evenly matched.

KAYDEN ELLIS: Have to assume with the knowledge they each have on the other, this could be a long night.

They go to lock up again and Jason gets a boot in on Havoc. Long brings Havoc to the corner and gives him a massive chop that echoes through the building. Havoc responds by chopping Long and instantly has him backing up. Havoc runs off the ropes and Jason puts his head down looking for a back body drop, he however gets hit with a snap DDT. Havoc quickly covers Jason…

ONE!

TWO!

Kick Out!!

Havoc picks Long up and throws him to the corner. The Harbinger of Reality runs at him, but Jason goes to back drop him over the top rope, Havoc lands on the ring apron. Jason takes a swing but Havoc blocks it and comes back by driving his shoulder into the stomach between the ropes. Jason is bent over and Havoc jumps over the top rope with a sunset flip, landing perfectly in a pin…

ONE!

TWO!

Kick Out!!

ALARA ADAMS: I’m certain Havoc doesn’t expect to win this early or like that.

KAYDEN ELLIS: If Noah Hope can beat him quickly then why can’t Havoc?

Both guys get up and Havoc throws Jason back into the corner and runs at him again, only to get caught with a boot to the face. Long takes Havoc down with a clothesline. Jason picks Havoc up and delivers a vertical suplex, he floats straight over…

ONE!

TWO!

Kick Out!!

Jason drags Havoc up and whips him into the ropes, as Havoc comes back, Jason lifts him up in the air and brings him down on the mat with his body horizontal. Havoc is holding his upper body in pain, Jason picks him up and in one fluid motion has him up and then down again with a stunning Tiger Driver…

ALARA ADAMS: CROWN TUNDRA!!

Jason hooks the leg…

ONE!

TWO!

THRE… KICK OUT!!!

KAYDEN ELLIS: A fair few attempts already to end this match but that was by far the closest.

Jason lifts Havoc up but out of nowhere, Havoc throws a kick, Jason catches Havoc’s foot. Havoc goes for an enziguri, Jason ducks and locks on an Ankle Lock. Havoc is clearly in pain, he tries to get to the ropes, but Long pulls him away. Jason has the move locked on for a fair while before Havoc hops up on one foot and hits Jason in the side of the head with some sort of Spinning Heel kick. The fans are on their feet as Havoc crawls towards the corner. He slowly makes it to the top rope, as Jason gets to his feet, Havoc flies off with a cross body block, but Long catches him with a sick bicycle knee strike to the skull.

ALARA ADAMS: These two are special.

KAYDEN ELLIS: If Havoc has all his teeth still in place that’ll be a special piece of luck.

Jason sets in position to go for a running attack. As soon as Havoc is on his feet, Long runs and goes for a spinning heel kick, Havoc moves and Jason hits the kick square in the face of the referee. The ref is out, as soon as Jason turns his attention towards Havoc he is destroyed with a Jumping Double Knee Facebreaker.

KAYDEN ELLIS: CLIMAX!! That could be it!!

Havoc gets an arm across Jason’s chest for a cover but the ref is knocked out as the fans count the 1....2.....3!!!

Havoc gets up and tries to wake the ref. The ref doesn’t move. Havoc goes to pick Long up, only to get low blowed dropping him hard. Jason goes outside before looking under the ring itself, he pulls out a metal baseball bat before re-entering the ring.

ALARA ADAMS: This is fallout and the ref being down may not change the rules but it doesn’t mean Jason hasn’t used the distraction perfectly right there.

Jason waits for Havoc to get up. Havoc sees the bat and instinctively covers his head with his arms, Long jabs the bat in Havoc’s gut and then lays the bat down, he grabs The Nightmare King and hits him with a hammerlock DDT onto the bat.

ALARA ADAMS: Havoc may not even know who Havoc is after that.

KAYDEN ELLIS: He might actually be dead this time.

After nudging the ref Jason makes the cover, the ref slowly counts and the fans do as well…

ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
THREE!!! NO!!! KICK OUT BY HAVOC!!!

ALARA ADAMS: That was a close one!

Jason can’t believe it and is yelling at the ref as Havoc is slowly getting up to his feet. Long makes the most of Havoc’s dazed state and nails him with a second hammerlock DDT. Jason grabs the legs of Havoc and turns him over into a texas cloverleaf.

Jason has the move locked and is arching on Havoc’s back. Havoc is shouting and reaching for the ropes but he’s too far away. The ref keeps asking Havoc if he quits but he keeps fighting strong. Havoc starts to lift himself up and is about to get out of the hold but then loses strength and flops back down. Long keeps pulling back. Havoc has his hand up, looking ready to tap, he shakes his head then puts both hands on the mat, he uses the strength he has left to power himself up and impressively push Jason off.

ALARA ADAMS: Havoc just broke the Texas Cloverleaf.

KAYDEN ELLIS: I’m sure Jason would rather call it an Irish Cloverleaf but that aside, surely Havoc is just running on reserves now.

Havoc is slow getting up and gets a punt to the ribs. Havoc rolls towards the corner, using the ropes to get to his feet, Long whips Havoc in the opposite corner. Jason runs and goes for a clothesline, but Havoc springs away from the corner while ducking it. Long turns around and gets a face full of Havoc's boot delivering a picture perfect Pele Kick. Both men stay down.

ALARA ADAMS: Havoc just took Jason’s head off there.

KAYDEN ELLIS: What a match this has turned out to be.

1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8.. Both guys are to their feet. Jason takes a swing, but Havoc blocks it and comes back with a punch of his own. Jason takes another wild swing but Havoc ducks and hits an Atomic drop. He then runs off the ropes and catches Long with a slingblade. Havoc points to the top rope. He quickly climbs it. Jason gets to his feet just in time to be met by the flying crossbody, upon landing Havoc stays on top for the cover…

ONE!

TWO!

TH… Shoulder Up!!

Wasting no time Havoc hits the ropes and attempts a Lionsault onto the struggling Jason Long, clearly looking to finally finish him off. Havoc completes the rotation but lands squarely on the knees of Jason Long, Jason’s counter gives him just enough time to regain his breath as Havoc holds his ribs on all fours, Long seems to find a second wind of his own and locks Havoc into a la magistral cradle…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!!! NO!! YES!!! THE SHOULDER POPPED UP TOO LATE!!! JASON LONG WINS!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Havoc looks stunned at being caught by the move and the extremely tight three count call.

CLARA OLSON: The winner of the match… via pinfall… JASON LONG!!!

ALARA ADAMS: Jason Long has pinned the Ascended Prime Champion, what does this mean going forward?

KAYDEN ELLIS: I don’t know but damn that pin was debatable, I wanna see a replay of that, the count must have been quick to get Havoc.


Following a brief commercial break after the main event, we go back to ringside where Clara Olsen is standing by…

CLARA OLSON: Please welcome one of the owners of Project: Honor…Indy Darling!

As “Just Like You” plays over the arena sound system, Indy makes his way onto the entrance stage with the Fallout faithful giving the Proving Ground loyalist a lukewarm welcome at best. Indy doesn’t bother playing to the crowd like he normally would, and he looks very much out of place making his entrance in a designer suit compared to his normal denim attire. Upon reaching the ring, he takes the microphone from Clara Olson and remains stone faced until his music dies down.

INDY DARLING: Believe me, I’m about as happy to be on Fallout as you are to see me. Unfortunately for all of us, I’m the only member of the ownership team that could be bothered to show up as this dying brand gasps for its final breath.

It’s not surprising that Indy receives a loud chorus of boos for the disrespect he’s showing the Fallout brand, but it doesn’t seem to faze him in the least.

INDY DARLING: By now you’ve all heard that Project: Honor’s top two brands will be merging at Hell on Earth before continuing as one weekly show called Convergence. While that is mostly true, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The reality of the situation is that Project: Honor’s original brand, the flagship show known as Proving Ground, is absorbing Fallout before it fails and vanishes completely.

More jeers follow, but he doesn’t pause long enough to let them build.

INDY DARLING: It should come as no surprise that Proving Ground has kept this company moving forward with the best professional wrestling in the world, while this B Show has done little more than rack up lawsuits and advertiser complaints. I may have buried the hatchet with Christian DeMarco a long time ago, but what started as his vanity project eventually turned into Andrew Holt’s private horror movie. Then, to make matters even worse, it became the playground for a pair of men with the combined mental acumen of your average third grader.

The crowd responds with dueling chants of PETEY and RATMAN, but still, Indy cannot be bothered to stop his rant for long.

INDY DARLING: I admit that’s partly my fault because I was naive enough to hire Percival Burque and give him a chance in the first place. Little did I know that I’d eventually be stuck with him as a business partner. And it goes back even farther than that, when I allowed a no-talent hack named Lil’ Petey to compete in Proving Ground’s main events. I knew they were comedy acts, but I was also confident enough in traditionalists such as myself to know they’d never outshine the real professional wrestling product we were producing. But while I admit to these past mistakes, it’s also important that I recognize WHY I made them, and that’s because of fans like all of you.

The fans react to Indy in kind, their boos and jeers growing louder the longer he speaks.

INDY DARLING: I got caught up in your support, blinded by the spotlight and addicted to the positive reactions you gave me. When I was injured and Rock Johnson offered me the opportunity to guide Proving Ground, I gladly accepted because I couldn’t sit back and watch this company get dragged down by the garbage matches and senseless bloodshed that Fallout was presenting. I took charge of Proving Ground for all of you, to make sure that REAL professional wrestling stayed in the spotlight. Only I was too naive to understand just how fickle and unappreciative the fans of this company had become.

A chant of INDY SUCKS begins to grow, forcing him to raise his voice as he continues.

INDY DARLING: I worked on Proving Ground seven days a week, putting in the kind of hours that average people like you couldn’t even comprehend. And what did I get for all of my hard work? What did I get for sticking to my misguided sense of morality? I got jokes like Johnny Levy calling me a racist…I got a fat jobber like Serrano Poblano wasting precious television time….a guy who thinks he’s a cat with Malachite Minj…I was stuck with the god awful DaVengers for chrissakes…and the list goes on and on. Whether it was DeMarco, Holt, or Burque, they got first pick when it came to new talent and I got stuck with the jokes and outcasts. All because I was able to take a guy like Lil’ Petey and make him a star, it was assumed that I could magically make chicken salad out of chicken shit.

ALARA ADAMS: Despite being a Proving Ground guy, I actually used to respect him, but I don't like where this is going.

KAYDEN ELLIS: I love you, Indy!

INDY DARLING: And to no one’s surprise, including my own, that’s exactly what I did. Despite all the baggage I was stuck with, I still took Proving Ground to new heights with marquee talent like Mark Hunter, MYOJIN, Emmanuelle, Arata Asakura, Ozymandias, Swindle Shelldrake, and a handful of others. Yet despite everything I’ve done for this company…for you people…you choose to boo me because of some misguided loyalty to what’s basically a failed concept on life support. Even when I tried to offer support by lending talent like John Blade or The Phantom Troupe, my so-called business partners couldn’t keep this place above water.

CROWD: FALL-OUT FOR-EVER! FALL-OUT FOR-EVER!

INDY DARLING: That’s why I’m so happy to stand in this ring, as the final superstar you’ll see on this abortion of a show, to announce that this brand is finally dead. While I’m excited to see if competitors like the Havocs, Jason Longs, Henry Lee Hydes, and Alyssa Graces can hang with Proving Ground’s finest, I don’t have to be so welcoming to the staff. From Kayden Ellis and Alara Adams to Timothy Daniels and Alyssa Nguyen and everyone else in the back, I sincerely wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

ALARA ADAMS: Wait…what?! I’ll sue his ass!

KAYDEN ELLIS: Fuck you, Indy!

INDY DARLING: In two weeks, Fallout gets its going away party at Hell on Earth, but after that, General Manager Mark Hunter will present Convergence. You can expect all of the incredible in-ring action and larger than life stars that you're used to seeing on Proving Ground, and maybe even one or two of the rare concepts that succeeded on Fallout. Until then, make sure you all join us tomorrow night for the final episode of the A Show…the leading brand in professional wrestling…in all of sports entertainment…the one and only…Proving Ground.

The faithful fans of Fallout continue to boo as their concern grows over whether or not any aspect of their favorite show will survive.

INDY DARLING: And while it may be the last show, at least Proving Ground’s legacy will endure on Convergence while Fallout becomes a tiny footnote in wrestling history. With that having been said, I bid you all a heartfelt good riddance…and a final fuck you.

With that, Indy tosses his microphone out of the ring toward the now unemployed Clara Olsen, who lets it land on the floor without making an effort to catch it. With the fans continuing to boo him and the announcing team cursing his name, Indy makes sure the final image on the last Fallout is his smiling face and his extended middle finger…