Post by Project: Honor on Feb 15, 2021 0:50:55 GMT -5
A still image of the entire Proving Ground roster on one side and the entire Fallout roster on the other side shows up on the screen. In the middle is a mystery person with a crown on the top of their head.
NARRATOR: Tonight… one person walks away as the Tyrant of Project: Honor.
The shot changes to show the mystery person sitting on a throne while still wearing the crown. A video package then starts to play, cycling through every single match on the card.
NARRATOR: Tonight… we determine new Number One Contenders…
Champions will retain or we will see new ones be crowned…
Rivalries will begin…
And in the end…
The video package speeds up to show the staff of Project: Honor, ending with Rock Johnson on the screen.
ROCK JOHNSON: Your legacy will be cemented in history forever. Welcome to… THE CROWNING!
The video package returns to the shot of the mystery person sitting on a throne with the crown on their head. It zooms in until the crown takes up the whole screen.
“Tyrants and Kings” by Ravenface starts to play as the cameras cut into the O2 Arena. The SOLD OUT crowd are all on their feet for the beginning of the show. The camera pans out to show the stage where yellow and silver pyro go off to the beat of the song. After the pyro finishes, the camera cuts to ringside with all four commentators of Project: Honor.
TREY BOOKER: Ladies and gentlemen, people all over the world… WELCOME TO THE CROWNING!
J.T. PRICE: We are LIVE at the O2 Arena in London, England and man… London sure knows how to welcome their guests.
ALARA ADAMS: Not only is this place SO beautiful, but they treat you like a celebrity!
KAYDEN ELLIS: You kinda are now… you realize that, right?
TREY BOOKER: For the first time ever and since the Draft, we have Fallout and Proving Ground together here tonight!
ALARA ADAMS: That’s right, tonight both brands go to WAR!
J.T. PRICE: We got Contendership Matches…
KAYDEN ELLIS: Championship Matches…
TREY BOOKER: A Tyrant Crowning…
ALARA ADAMS: AND SO MUCH MORE!
TREY BOOKER: All in one place, too! We’re ready to get the show on the road, what do y’all think?
Everyone nods their heads in unison and the camera immediately cuts to the first segment of the night.
The backstage crew and whoever was in sight were definitely creeped out by this as they slowly backed away and kept their distance from Pyro. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Pyro who just smirks as he continues on his walk. Stopping outside the women's locker room, he sees a table opposite and places the pig’s head down and positioning it to face the door of the women's locker room.
PYRO: Hey you! Yes you, come here, now!
The worried female crew member walks over to Pyro trying not to show her fear but Pyro could sense it.
PYRO: I’m not going to hurt you, I need you to do something for me.
When she finally gets close enough, he hands her a note.
PYRO: Can you make sure that Kallie gets this note thanking her for her help. Oh yeah, don’t forget that on the table too, do you think she’ll like it?
The poor woman didn’t know what to say or do, she didn’t want to upset him, so she just nods her head trying to keep Pyro happy.
PYRO: Thank you Patricia. Your name is Patricia right?
CREW MEMBER: Urm… No it’s…
Before the woman can even say what her name is, Pyro brings his finger up to his mouth and shushs her.
PYRO: Well your name is now Patricia. Do you have a problem with that?
The woman newly named Patricia shakes her head to show she didn’t have a problem with it and in return Pyro just smiles.
PYRO: Just do as I ask and everything will be okay. Kallie better get that pigs head or I won’t be responsible for what happens, Patricia.
Now Pyro was done, he smiled creepily at Patricia before walking off and as he does he pats her on the shoulder on the way past.
PYRO: Someone make sure I have water, baking soda and vinegar so I can keep my locs clean. MY LOCS ARE NOT DIRTY AND I STILL HAVE THEM ALL!!!
With that. Pyro looks back at Patricia who has knocked on the door of the women's locker room and was waiting for an answer. One of the other crew members runs off, possibly to get what Pyro wanted.
VICTORIA STRADER: Oh, snap! I am sorry Timmy, didn’t mean to catch ya with my hair!
TIMOTHY DANIELS: it’s ok, I still have one more eyeball!
The two share a laugh as Cara exits out of the locker room to stand beside Victoria as Timothy starts to ask her a few questions.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Victoria, a lot of times when a new wrestler comes into a company, the bosses tend to give them an easy win the first outing, but that really hasn’t been the case with you. How are you feeling going into this match, all things considered?
VICTORIA STRADER: You are absolutely correct, I haven’t been given an easy road here in Project: Honor but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My first match was a debut at Unbreakable Resolution in The Purge, and we all know what happened.
CARA TOWNSEND: Yeah you got tipsy with an experienced drunk, and lost.
VICTORIA STRADER: That might be true, but that drunk is fighting for the Legacy title tonight. Which reminds me, Hey Knoxxy, go win me some money!
She stares into the camera and gives it a thumbs up to cheer on Matthew Knox.
VICTORIA STRADER: But to answer your question, Timmy, I feel pretty good even though I might be dead before the main event. Which reminds me, all my winnings from Knox winning the Legacy title later tonight will go to my lovely s- - ahem, manager!
CARA TOWNSEND: You are too kind!
VICTORIA STRADER: So Timmy, can you tell a couple ladies where they might find the BBC?
Timothy turns a few shades of red as he tries to answer the question.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Umm, do you mean the British Broadcasting Corporation or big black c- - -
VICTORIA STRADER: No, you pervert! Butch’s Best Customer! Sheesh!
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Julius Fairweather? I think he’s just down the hall. Why do you want to know? You are battling him tonight in the Tyrant Crowning between the brands.
VICTORIA STRADER: What can I say, I just enjoy his company. So that way?
Victoria points down the hall and Timothy just nods and with that, she is gone leaving Cara with Timothy.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Is she always like this?
CARA TOWNSEND: It makes her unique. Anyway, enjoy the show tonight, Timothy!
Cara is off to catch up with her boss, leaving Timothy standing there unsure of what’s going on as the titantron stops broadcasting and we return to ringside for more Project: Honor action.
HOLLY PEREZ: The following match is a FATAL FOURWAY and is a Number One Contenders Match for the Warrior Rising Champion!
Static suddenly fills the titantron screen, and an ominous siren wails. Cutting through the static is the image of a blackened heart beating, a human eye opening in the center of it. The lights are cut, with the exception of a single red spotlight shining down at the top of the ramp, the slow hums of The Devil by Blue Stahli beginning to play. The figure of a man enters the glowing red light, his long black hair hanging in front of his face as he leans forward. Blackheart slowly rises up, his arms outstretched. As he rises the red glow expands now washing over the arena in a flashing red. Blackheart looks down to the ring and smiles as he strides down. Blackheart stands on the apron, his back turned to Stevens, and outstretched his arms again, soaking in the reaction of the crowd, before entering the ring.
HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, standing 6’2 and weighing in at 243 pounds. From Columbus Ohio, SETH BLACKHEART!
TREY BOOKER: The Devil Himself...
J.T. PRICE: Oh yeah? The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. Seth took that to heart and didn’t even bother promoting this match….
“Leatherface” by Big Pun hits as Angel Ramirez makes his way to the ring.
HOLLY PEREZ: And next standing 5’11 and standing 202 pounds from Brooklyn New York, ANGEL RAMIREZ!
TREY BOOKER: Our first look at young Angel and he looks ready to go.
J.T. PRICE: Who knows, he might bring it….
"The Bomb Dot Com 2.0" Sleeping by the Sirens Hits next as Dylan Gates comes out and runs down getting the fans on his side.
HOLLY PEREZ: Coming to the ring, standing 5’11 and weighing in at 198 pounds, from Chicago Illinois, DYLAN GATES!
TREY BOOKER: Another newbie here, Dylan looks like a happy chap
J.T. PRICE: See if that smile gets him anywhere Trey...
The 'tron lights up with a massive white spray-painted skull on a black background, before realistic eyes suddenly open on it and a scream echoes through the arena. White lights shine along the entrance ramp as the monolith which is Euan Hill emerges, flanked by Aurora Ray. Hill keeps his eyes focused dead ahead as he approaches the ring, storming in and throwing his jacket to the outside as he waits for the match to start.
HOLLY PEREZ: And finally, coming to the ring, standing 6’4 and weighing in at 250 pounds, he is from the Rivers of Rebirth...EUAN HILLLLL!
TREY BOOKER: Euan was so close to being in that Legacy Chamber, and because of that performance against The Dragon Lady he has been given another opportunity tonight.
J.T. PRICE: Look at the size of him, and he is a violent man...he does things to people that would get him life in prison in any other profession…
DING! DING! DING!
And we’re off. Angel and Dylan look at each other before looking at Seth who tilts his head. They attack Seth and rush him with hard rights, lefts and kicks. Seth tries to fight back but as the three men fight Euan explodes into all three of them sending them scattering. He then grabs Seth Blackheart by the hair and starts laying in vicious headbutts. One after another his large head connects with Blackheart who crumbles to the mat after the last one. Ramirez runs at Euan but Euan ducks and picks Ramirez up before slamming him down and landing on top of him, he hits some hard right hands as Ramirez tries to cover up, Gates then steps forward with a roundhouse kick to the side of Euans head. Euan stops hitting Angel and slowly turns his head looking through his long hair. Gates realises his mistake too late and shakes his head as he backs up.
TREY BOOKER: Oh lord, Dylan may have just made a big big mistake.
J.T. PRICE: I’ll say, Euan Hill does not seem to be in a great mood.
Dylan goes to hit Euan with a right hand, Euan though catches his right and then takes his giant paw of a hand and slams it down on Dylans chest with an overhand chop that sounds like a shotgun blast. Dylan drops to one knee and holds his chest but Euan holds his hand and then steps forward slamming his knee into Gates’ face taking him down. There is carnage around Euan Hill who looks down at Angel who is still trying to find out where he is and Dylan Gates who has just had his chest caved in and his face rearranged. But, Seth Blackheart has got to his feet and is staring across the ring at Euan. The two bigger men step close to each other. Then they erupt, hard right hands being traded back and forth, each shot harder than the other. Seth is able to block a shot and hit a second unanswered right, he looks to be getting the upper hand, He ducks down and picks Euan up and turns slamming him down with the Blackheart spinebuster!.
J.T. PRICE: Damn blackheart showing some strength there, he was the only one to stand with Euan.
TREY BOOKER: Seth Blackheart is 243 pounds, he’s not a small man...
J.T. PRICE: He and Euan are definitely two big guys and….and….oh s%$#.
As Blackheart gets up from giving Euan a spinebuster, one of his signature moves he turns his back to Euan. Who gets right back up. Blackheart slowly turns, he runs at Euan who spins and smashes into Blackheart with the come knocking discuss lariat, Blackheart goes down and doesn’t look to be conscious. Meanwhile Angel Ramirez hits a dropkick to Dylan Gates sending him from the ring, but then he runs right into Euan who grabs Angel and hits a belly to belly suplex across the ring, Angel hits hard and is facing away from Euan who hooks Angel around the hips and lifts him up and down for a german suplex, he rolls his hips and hits a second then a third, the final one dropping and releasing Angel Ramirez on the back of his head and neck.
Euan then slides from the ring and tackles Dylan into the barricade, he then picks him up and drops him back first onto the steel. Dylan yells in pain and drops to his knees before Euan continues his assault and throws Dylan Gates across the outside of the ring backfirst into the steel ringpost. Dylan is down and Euan sneers and shakes his head. But he doesn’t see Angel Ramirez flying across the ring and throwing himself out with a suicide dive hitting Euan in the side, he pops up and slides back in, he hits a pump kick to Seth Blackheart sending him out of the ring and then hits the ropes flying out of the ring again with a second suicide dive onto Euan Hill, this time pushing the bigman back hard into the barricade.
TREY BOOKER: Angel Ramirez showing some heart!
J.T. PRICE: But not too many brains, he should have stayed on Blackheart while Euan was distracted and taking Dylan Gates apart.
Angel is back in the ring now and goes after Seth Blackheart, he hits an enziguri and pops up as Seth staggers, Angel hits the ropes and leaps up hitting the don’t forget the pop!, it hits Seth and he goes down. Angel dives on top of Blackheart.
ONE!
TWO!!
Dylan Gates breaks it up!. He holds his back and is clearly in pain, he pulls Angel up grabbing him by the head, he runs up the corner and spikes Angel with a tornado DDT, Seth Blackheart pulls himself up in the corner and Dylan sprints across the ring and jumps up with his double knees, Seth drops down and Dylan goes for the pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
Euan Hill breaks it up by leaning down and picking Dylan Gates off Seth Blackhearts body, he then just throws Dylan up and over the top rope to the floor!. Angel looks in the ring and crawls to the apron before going for a springboard crossbody, Euan though is able to catch Angel in mid air and drop him down across his knee, but he doesn;’t stop there, he stands up holding Angel again and slams him down before grabbing his wrists and stomping Angel on the head over and over again with the Bog 2.
TREY BOOKER: Euan Hill is a monster!
J.T. PRICE: This is getting so uncomfortable to watch.
TREY BOOKER: Angel Dylan and Seth all try and get some momentum against one another and Euan just stops it in seconds.
J.T. PRICE: The guy is a monster Trey, a straight up monster.
Euan stops his stomps but Seth comes out of nowhere with a cutter attempt, Euan though blocks it and picks Seth up dumping him over the top rope down onto the floor. Dylan Gates who had been down on the floor climbs to the top rope and throws himself at Euan in a desperate attempt to stop the violent big man. Euan catches him by the throat and picks him up for the path of the gods dropping Dylan on his knee before slamming his forearm into his skull, Angel is up and tries to get to Euan but Euan spins and hits his spinning backfist the GBS, Angel collapses down next to Dylan Gates, Euan looks down and puts a hand on both of their chests.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
DING! DING! DING!
“Streaker” by Tobacco begins to play and the crowd erupts into a roar of boos. Euan Hill stands over both Angel and Dylan and raises his own arms in victory.
HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner… AND THE NEW #1 CONTENDER TO THE WARRIOR RISING CHAMPIONSHIP… EUANNN HILLLL!!
TREY BOOKER: What a dominant victory from Euan. He hasn’t had the best go in Project: Honor yet, but this could be the turning point for him!
J.T. PRICE: If he can duplicate his performance here tonight, whoever wins between Pat and TJ has a tough challenger on their hands.
TREY BOOKER: Well we're not really sure what's going on here, but during our sponsor break this large curtain has surrounded the ring and we've seen countless people enter and exit it.
J.T. PRICE: They haven't been empty handed either Trey, they've had large box's, totes and things under sheets, something BIG is happening under that curtain.
Suddenly through the speakers, we hear a loud drum roll, followed by a voice recording that booms throughout the arena in a deep, movie-esque tone.
VOICE OVER: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the moment you've all been waiting for.
The drum roll fades and the lights go out completely. A moment passes and a white spotlight hits the curtain that covers the ring. The curtain begins to slowly rise, moment by moment revealing more of the secrets it had hidden. We see a beautiful blue silk carpet covering the mat, two black faux-fur chairs, the ropes have somehow been coated in gold, and a table sits in front of the chairs with a can of Truly and two glasses resting proudly on gold-trim napery. Behind the chairs is a huge square object that is covered in another smaller covering, this one blue with an ornate gold trim.
Then, the spotlight goes out shadowing the arena in darkness once more.
...
ALL OF THE LIGHTS.
"All of the Lights" by Kanye West hits, the spotlight beams onto the entrance way and over it in a golden font reads "CADILLAC JACKSON". Those paying attention to Twitter immediately begin booing, and the rest join as Cadillac Jackson bursts through curtain and into the spotlight wearing an all white suit with dark black shades. He throws his arms open wide drinking in the imaginary admiration of the crowd, before slowly making his way to the ring. He waves at a few fans, blows kisses at a few... um... 'lucky' young ladies, and posses for a couple pictures to nonexistent cameras before jogging up the stairs and wiping his feet on the apron.
TREY BOOKER: Well we heard on Twitter that this man, Cadillac Jackson has signed with Project Honor under the Proving Ground brand, and trust me he hasn't let anyone forget it ever sense.
J.T. PRICE: The man has a big personality Trey! You can't fault him for having what you don't.
TREY BOOKER: He certainly seems to have a flair for the dramatics already, but I'm not quite sure what this whole set up is for. It looks like the red carpet merged with a weird porn shoot.
Cadillac hops into the ring and smiles a patented Cadillac smile as he grabs a microphone off one of the chairs. Pausing once more, he takes a finally look around the arena before beginning to speak.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Well 2020 was a pretty big bust, but believe me when I assure you that 2021 is certainly off to a great start. Especially for all of you in the crowd, and those in the back, because Project Honor just hit the jackpot! For any of you not keeping up allow me to introduce myself. My name? Is Cadillac Jackson, and I'm here to bring a luxury experience to the world of professional wrestling. NAMELY... Project Honor and the Proving Ground brand!!!
A chorus of boos fill the arena, but Jackson keeps on smiling as if there isn't.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Now understandably I came in a little on the late side to be a part of this wonderful Pay-per-view in a wrestling capicity, being a highly sought-after free agent there were a lot of I's to dot, T's to cross, and 0's to be added to the contract, but we got there! And the important thing is I decided that The Crowning would be WOEFULLY incomplete without the uncrowned king of Project Honor making his official debut! So I talked to Mr. Callum Walker and we agreed tonight was the perfect time for not only myself to debut, but for us to debut something almost just as big! Drum roll pa-leaseeeeee.
The drum roll thunders once more as Cadillac approaches the curtain.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the first ever... Project Honor talk show THE CADILLAC EXPERIENCE!
Cadillac rips off the curtain and reveals a large portrait logo that reads just that, The Cadillac Experience.
CADILLAC JACKSON: This here is no ordinary talk show, no no. It's hosted by the hardest hitting, deep diving, nothing off limits and JAW DROPPINGLY HANDSOME host in the history of television... YOU GUESSED IT...
CADILLAC JACKSON!
The fans boo as Cadillac points at himself very enthusiastically.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Now this isn't JUST a talk show ladies and gentlemen, this is THE place to be. We'll interview the who's who of pro wrestling, answer the burning questions, but do it all in the lap of luxury. We give each and every one of you a peak into the every day life of myself. Or, if you will, give you all a true... Cadillac Experience.
This may be the inaugural episode folks, but I assure you this will be historic, because my guest tonight is a man who is changing the wrestling business as we know it. He is a man that men and women alike want to be with, be like, and be Tweeted at by. He's a gentleman who takes classic chivalry and breathes new life into it with dank-ass dabs. He is a man that children look up to, and a true role model not only in pro wrestling, but on social media and soon, world wide. Please welcome the first ever guest to "The Cadillac Experience"...
ME. CADILLAC JACKSON!!!
J.T. PRICE: Oh my!! What a first time guest! This is going to be great!
TREY BOOKER: ... did he say he's going to mix chivalry and dabs??
CADILLAC JACKSON: Now I know what you're thinking... how did we land such a prestigious guest for our first ever interview segment? I guess you could say I know a guy, ey? Huh? Huh?
Cadillac lowers his sunglasses and raises his eyebrows, looking around the arena for a pop that'll never be before returning his glasses over his eyes.
CADILLAC JACKSON: So without further adieu, let's get starter with the first question. So... Sir Cadillac Jackson... What brings you to Project Honor and more specifically, what brings you to the Proving Ground brand?
Cadillac moves over to the other chair, inexplicably genuinely interviewing himself much to the dismay of the crowd.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Fantastic question! So I decided that out of all the companies trying to sweet talk me, offering me truly wonderful contracts and incentives, that Project Honor... well frankly it could use some help. Now don't get it twisted this is a great company with some wonderful, beautiful fans. But it's.. Ya know... A little rough around the edges. If there was anywhere that needed The Luxury Experience it was Project Honor. Frankly though, we all know Fallout is the one that truly needs that experience the most, but I couldn't imagine being in that barbaric, animalistic environment. A truly precious commodity like myself, while aiming to better the environment I'm in, couldn't subject myself to that sort of... Lower-teir entertainment. Now that's not a shot at Fallout! Even though this is a night about war, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that! Peasants and peons have done their form of entertainment for as long as history can remember between gladiatorial combat and court jesters. There's definitely a place for it, I just prefer a... more high end stage to showcase my craft. A Proving Ground, if you will.
Cadillac moves back to the other chair, and puts on an over-the-top 'wow' face.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Wow! Well that's very well said Cadillac and may I say, you look absolutely stunning in that suit! So what is next, or I suppose first for Cadillac Jackson?
He pops open the can of Truly and pours a little in the fancy wine glasses before switching spots again. He then takes a dainty sip out of the guest glass, then gestures at his suit with a dismissive wave.
CADILLAC JACKSON: Oh, this old thing? I barely paid five digits for it, but thanks, you're a doll! To answer your question, what's next is quite simple. I'm going to make all the little boys and girls dreams come true, and I'm going to do that by becoming the undeniable face of Proving Ground and Project Honor as a whole. I'm looking to show that I am unlike anyone else in the wrestling world because I'm going to show that you can have the looks, the brains and the ability all in one sometimes overly-sexual package. Ya know, just like a real Cadillac. I don't know who Mr. Walker has in mind for my first opponent, but I want him to know this. I'll be sitting and I'll be watching as Proving Ground comes out victorious tonight and proves they are the upper echelon of Project Honor, and I'll be ready to take on each and every one of those who will be making that happen. 'Cuz there's tons of good wrestlers on Proving Ground, there's a bunch of great wrestlers, and in fact there's even a few excellent wrestlers.
...
But there will always and forever only be ONE... Cadillac Jackson. My adoring fans I love you all and I want to thank you all for joining me for... THE CADILLAC EXPERIENCE! I'll be seeing you all very, very soon.
Cadillac flips the mic and with both hands, blows kisses to the arena as he makes his exit.
TREY BOOKER: Well that was... Uh, excessive?
J.T. PRICE: Are you kidding me?! That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience Trey! I think Cadillac may have even directed one of those kisses towards you!
TREY BOOKER: Yep. Wonderful. Lovely. Cool. Regardless, let's move on finally. We have a lot of action still to come!
It was time for the most critical part of the night.
The hallways were dark with a faint light in the distance that seemed to be flickering. As we get closer, a table and two chairs are set up with a single candle that’s lit sitting on table. Two plates, two glasses, and a vase of flowers also sit on the table. Around the corner, we can hear two very familiar voices.
??: You ready, Petey?
LIL PETEY: Is your Juul working, Caden?
CADEN YOUNG: This shit is always working.
LIL PETEY: Well there’s your answer.
CADEN YOUNG: What?
Lil Petey and Caden Young walk around the corner. Caden is wearing what you would see a server in at a fancy restaurant. He added a little extra flair to it with a pink bow in his hair and instead of a normal tie, Caden has a tie with cats on it. Petey has his shades on as always, a big fur coat, torn jeans and we don’t even know what the hell is on his feet. Crocs, maybe? Petey takes a seat at the table. Caden has a towel wrapped over his arm and a pen and paper ready to take an order.
CADEN YOUNG: Did she even say if she was coming for sure, dude?
LIL PETEY: Oh, she’ll be here.
A few minutes pass with no sign of anyone. Caden blows a fat cloud into Petey’s face and he just sits there with no reaction. That very next second, Kasey Winterborn walks around the corner to see the two next to the table. She slowly starts to walk away until Caden catches a glimpse of her.
CADEN YOUNG: Not so fast, red. Ya boy has been waiting on you!
Kasey stops mid-step and slowly turns around. Caden walks right over to her, wraps his arm around her, and skips on the way back. Petey gets out of his chair and pulls the chair out for Kasey to sit. Once she’s in her chair, Petey sits back down and just stares at her. A few seconds pass before Caden clears his throat and Petey snaps out of his trance.
KASEY WINTERBORN: Uh, what the hell is this?
LIL PETEY: Dinner by candlelight while Caden gets stuff for us.
KASEY WINTERBORN: I don’t think this was part of the reason why I agreed to come here…
LIL PETEY: I wanted to surprise you! It is Valentine’s Day, after all.
With the most unamused look she could possibly muster, Kasey sighs.
LIL PETEY: Just have this luxurious dinner with fine service and we’ll get to your opportunity, I promise.
Caden opens a bottle of champagne and pours some into the glasses. Kasey quickly takes hers and chugs it. Petey picks his up and starts sipping on it. Caden and Petey both look at one another with a small grin.
KASEY WINTERBORN: Okay, so talk. What am I doing here?
LIL PETEY: What’s the rush, dear? We just got here. Relax a little.
KASEY WINTERBORN: How can I relax? I don’t even want to be here right now and I have a big match to prepare for tonight!
LIL PETEY: Hey, woah, so do I! I just wanted to take some time with my girl before the craziness really got started.
When Kasey heard the words ‘my girl’, she started to cringe. Her fingers clenched the tablecloth and it was taking everything in her power not to pull on it.
KASEY WINTERBORN: I don’t know how many times I have to tell you… I’m not your girl. Just get to the point or I’m walking right now.
Before Petey could say anything, Caden got close. He hit his Juul and held it in while talking.
CADEN YOUNG: You’re not being real nice to my dude here who set this all up for you. He really likes you and you’re setting the vibes way off.
LIL PETEY: Preach it, my little femboy. I really wanted us to have some time together to just talk since we haven’t had that yet, red.
Kasey takes a deep breath before unleashing her ginger fury on both Caden and Petey.
KASEY WINTERBORN: I DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU! YOU SAID YOU HAD AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME, BUT I’M STARTING TO THINK YOU JUST WANT IN MY PANTS.
Petey and Caden look at another in shock of the tone she got with them. Caden finally released the vape cloud from his mouth, but slowly for dramatic effect.
LIL PETEY: I mean… there’s more than just that. But, in all fairness, I did state a while ago that I wanted to see if the carpet matches the drapes.
Caden backs up from the table knowing that something was about to happen. Before Kasey could even react, another familiar voice is heard getting closer and closer.
??: Are they bothering you, Kasey?
Everyone turns their attention to the voice, to see Fallout General Manager, Christian DeMarco approaching.
CHRISTIAN DEMARCO: I thought I said not to let them get to you? Whatever they got to offer has nothing on what I can provide. After all, you’re on Fallout anyways. Leave these hooligans alone and go get ready for your match. I’m watching you closely.
Kasey takes her napkin, balls it up, and throws it right in Petey’s face. She quickly gets out of her chair and walks away with DeMarco. Silence hits between Caden and Petey until Caden takes a seat where Kasey just was.
CADEN YOUNG: Well, that could’ve gone worse.
LIL PETEY: It’s not all so bad. Time to get back on my hoe shit, ya feel me?
Caden takes another hit of his Juul and instead of blowing it out, he just inhales it. After that, they just started conversing with one another and enjoying a few more minutes together.
The camera cuts to the ring where Clara Olson is standing by with a mic in hand.
CLARA OLSON: This match is a fifteen minute Hardcore Battle Royal where the winner will become the INAUGURAL ASCENSION CHAMPION! Introducing first…
Atlas emerges onto the stage in wrestling boots in different colours week to week and black denim pants. He also has a half-blue-half-red rally flag draped around his shoulders. He turns his back and spreads his arms out to show the fabric in all its glory to the camera. The fabric includes names of fans (or maybe even say, soup kitchens or hospitals) that come from the city the company happens to be in that week. As he gets in the ring he points to the camera and then to both his shoulders. He drapes his flag over the ropes.
CLARA OLSON: Weighing in at two hundred and thirty pounds… From Detroit, Michigan… “The Iron Titan”... ELIIII ATLASSSSS!!
Lights are out. Music hits… seconds later, Amber comes out in Special Gear, Gun on her side, right hand holding a sword, leaned up on her shoulder. She is wearing a wolf style ninja mask. Walking down to the ring, she then slides in. Looks at her opponent as she points the sword at them. She then climbs up to the ropes, sword still in hand as she removes her mask. She sheaves the sword, jumps down and takes off the gun and sword.
CLARA OLSON: And his opponent… Weighing in at one hundred and fifty pounds… From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… “The Huntress”... AMBERR PAYNNEEE!!
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
This is what I thought
I thought you'd need me
This is what I thought so think me naïve
I'd promise you a heart you'd promise to keep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
2 men and 1 woman, wore the white mask and the black suit, walks from the entrance and stands at the entrance ramp.
This is what I thought
I thought you'd need me
This is what I thought so think me naive
I'd promise you a heart you'd promise to keep
Kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep
Oooh oh
Oooh oh
Oooh oh
Kiss my eyes and lay me to...
Sleep
The light goes out.
I got two letters from you
Last words of the runaway
Your love was written so true
And now I can't speak your name
The light comes back on, all three masked people all slowly kneel down.
The smoke comes out.
I faced destruction and you
just killed me and walked away
I gave my heart to the cruel
Now it will not beat again
The black hooded figure walks into the ring and reveal himself as Daniel Horror and he looks into the audience.
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
Daniel Horror then flips the bird to the audience and walks into the aisle.
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
Just like I suffered
Daniel Horror then walks around the ring one lap and stares the ring.
No one will ever know you
Deny the last one who cares
Intoxicate with the new
Pretend I'm no longer here
Daniel Horror unzip his hoodie and brings out an axe and slides it into the ring.
I opened my heart to you
You lied just to reach inside
Now with the faith you removed
Our hope for forgiveness dies
Daniel Horror rolls into the ring and picks up his axe.
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
The light is when out again and turns back into the red light, Daniel Horror stands in middle of the ring with the axe.
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
I hope you suffer
I hope you do
Just like I suffered
The light turns into normal and Daniel Horror stands in the ring with his axe.
CLARA OLSON: And their opponent… Weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds… From Chicago, Illinois… “The Daredevil”... DANIIELLL HOORRRORRRR!!
The lights in the arena turn off and in the total darkness, Tyler's theme plays. The lights slightly raise to a dim setting as smoke/fog machines begin blowing out smoke, and it billows around the staging entrance while a video plays above him on the giant screen. Red beams of light begin to shine upward from the grates and cover the entrance stage.
CLARA OLSON: Making his way to the ring from the United Kingdom, he sits at the Left side of the one called The One. He weighs in at two hundred and ten pounds...
Walking slowly through the lightly tinted Red smoke is Zack with his Left hand stretched out before him. Walking towards the ring with his eyes focused ahead, his slow walk allows ample time for the commentary team to be heard by the viewing audience as well as the crowd to take in the video playing on the screen.
CLARA OLSON: This is The Dark Horse...ZACK TYLER!!
Reaching the ringside area, as if he was directing the lights, his outward stretched hand is placed on the ring steps. Wiping them as if to clear off something that was on them, Zack steps up each step until he stops at the top step. His Left hand has now turned into a raised hand. It's as if he was conducting the lights, the lights begin to slowly turn on fully. Placing his hands on the top and middle rope, he leans over and steps through the ropes and into the ring. In the ring, he backs into the nearest corner and sits down Indian-style as his music, looped or restarted by this time, fades away.
DING! DING! DING!
Amber wastes no time in attacking going after Zack Tyler. Amber springs up, slamming the sole of her boot right into Zack's face sending him stumbling backwards. Amber drops on one knee as she tugs at his wrist sending him running across the ring. Amber runs, rolling on the canvas, springing back up to deliver a roundhouse kick that sends Zack over the top rope to the outside. Amber is up on the top turnbuckle, diving over with a corkscrew dive onto the rising Zack Tyler. Meanwhile, Atlas ducks under a clothesline attempt from Daniel slamming the heel of his boot into the lower portion of his back. Daniel slams face-first into the turnbuckle, spinning around and here comes Atlas. Daniel aims for another clothesline, but Atlas ducks under this one as well, but his face meets the well-placed knee of Daniel and he drops on one knee. Daniel runs up the knee, toe kick to his temple lays him flat on the mat.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Fast paced action here so far.
ALARA ADAMS:Well a fifteen minute pin or submission Battle Royale, they’ll want to wear each other down quickly to make sure they are the last won with the pin
Amber pulls Zack back up to his feet, but the closed fist to her midsection catches her off-guard. A neckbreaker sends her partially into the ring steps, and Zack quickly covers.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Zack Tyler’s face appears on the Titantron
Timer 13:26
Daniel has Eli in the corner, delivering a stinging chop to his chest that draws a "Woooo'' from the crowd. Here comes Daniel with another chop, but here comes Zack from behind with a kendo stick he pulled out from under the ring whacking Horror until he falls forward onto Atlas. Zack lifts him with a German Suplex but as he releases Atlas kicks Tyler right in the ball-sack as he falls to his knees. Atlas grabs that kendo stick and smashes it across Zack’s face, before rolling him in a schoolboy.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Eli Atlas’ face appears on the Titantron
Timer 13:05
Eli stands to his feet, his attention on Zack who is still laying on the ground. Daniel Horror out of nowhere...jumps off the top rope...flipping in the air to bring Atlas' throat across his shoulders in a stunner out of nowhere!!!
ALARA ADAMS: Holy snizzle Kayden.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Like him or hate him, that is some amazing athleticism.
Daniel falls on Eli's back, quickly rolling to him for a pin.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Daniel Horror’s face appears on the Titantron
Timer 12:28
Unknown to everyone else, Amber flips herself over the rope, reverse hurricanrana with a spin launches an unsuspecting Zack Tyler through the ropes to the outside. Amber spins back up to her feet, but here comes Daniel Horror with a scissoring kick that Amber ducks under. Amber catches Horror with THE RINGS OF PAYNE and makes a cover.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
Amber Payne’s face appears on the Titantron
Timer 10:32
ALARA ADAMS: Sit out spinebuster by Amber, to Zack Tyler who just slid back in the ring!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Everyone’s attention is on Amber now as she is the one with the most recent pin. So if the match ended now...SHE would be the Ascension Champion. Eli Atlas is up, grabbing Amber and tossing her to the side.
Eli makes a cover.
ONE!
TWO!!
Amber slams her kneecap right into Eli's head rocking him to the side and breaking up the pin. Eli rolls up to his feet, but Daniel Horror out of nowhere ROCKS him with a headbutt. A big boot to the gut doubles him over and Horror lifts Atlas onto his right shoulder. Running powerslam takes the Iron Titan out in the meantime. Here comes Zack into the skirmish though as he flies from the middle rope with an elbow that catches Amber by surprise. Stumbling back, Zack uses the momentum to bounce into and off of the ropes. Amber gets back up to her feet, running train smash sends her crashing backwards into a roll-up pin from Zack !
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
NO!!!
Horror drops an elbow onto Zack's neck, breaking up that pin attempt.
KAYDEN ELLIS: That was a close one.
ALARA ADAMS: The action is all over the place here in this contest.
Timer 08:07
Horror lifts Zack up, airplane spin toss sends him into the rising Eli, sending him back down. Daniel gets up but Amber out of nowhere, slams her forearm down on his back sending him back to one knee. Payne aims for another forearm, but Daniel sweeps her legs out from under her, much in the way Booker T does his Spinarooni. Amber falls backwards, her head slamming into the heel of Eli Atlas' boot. Daniel rolls the leg over as he makes a pin attempt.
ONE!
TWO!!
Atlas is having none of it, he stomps down on Daniel's face, stopping the count.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Atlas, not wanting Daniel Horror to have the most recent pin, stomps on him. Maybe there is a hope that Eli can pin Amber himself, to steal away that ‘star of the moment’ title.
ALARA ADAMS: And we all know that when that buzzer sounds, whomever holds that star of the moment moniker, will be the first ever Ascension Champion.
Eli pulls Daniel off of Amber, slamming him back with a stiff forearm shot to the face and completing the combo with an elbow right to the mouth. Daniel stumbles back into the corner, Eli charges in. Daniel ducks down, but Atlas changes by leaping up top, flipping backwards, double foot stomp to the bent over Daniel's back sends him face first into the canvas but Eli’s momentum knocks out the referee!
ALARA ADAMS: If anyone is listening in the back or seen what happened but we need another referee out here pronto!
KAYDEN ELLIS: The talent isn’t slowing down either they are beating the hell out of one another!
Timer 04:08
Atlas pulls Daniel up and stands him to the corner. The Iron Titan uses his left and right shin bones to kick at Daniel's ribs, softening him up and weakening him for later in the match, or he hopes. Here comes Amber, but she is going after the much larger Zack Tyler. Amber lifts the big man up to his feet, a series of kicks to the shins, knees, thighs and one particular vicious one sends him down on one knee. Eli flies over, but Amber finishes Zack off with a shining Wizard before Atlas could find his way in between the two. Finally another referee has come down to the ring, and she enters herself as the official. Eli goes after Amber, wanting to eliminate what he might feel to be the biggest threat. Daniel crawls over, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth and covers Zack.
ONE!
TWO!!
Timer 2:02
The back of Amber slams down on the pin after a vertical suplex from Atlas; the pin is broken up. Eli in the ropes, baseball slide into Amber's face rolls her off the duo of Daniel and Zack. Eli off the ropes again, this time in air as Amber launches herself up from one knee to slam her left shoulder right into Eli's solarplexus. Eli goes down, holding at his chest and trying to breath fully. Amber spins around, here comes Daniel into the fight. Amber ducks under, raising up quickly with Daniel on her shoulders in a fireman's carry. Amber spins around, Zack launches himself with a shoulder block right into Amber's gut with such impact that he flips the two of them over his shoulder and into the center ring. The impact causes Amber to slam into Daniel, knocking the wind out of both of them, Amber falls as Daniel falls on her and the referee sees a pinning position. He goes for the cover..
Timer 0:05
ONE!
Eli is up and eyes up Daniel Horror’s pin attempt!
Timer 0:04
TWO!!
He charges at Daniel, but trips over Zack he rolled into his way, still trying to recover from his shoulder block into Amber.
Timer 0:03
THREE!!!
Eli stands to his feet as does the ref.
Timer 0:02
Daniel Horror jumps up off of Amber and looks towards the entrance
Daniel Hororr’s face appears on the Titantron
Timer 0:01
Everyone stares at the timer.
Timer 00:00
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!
Horror’s eyes widen in shock.
CLARA OLSON: Ladies and gentleman...your winner AND FIRST EVER PROJECT: HONOR - FALLOUT ASCENSION CHAMPION...DANIEL...HOOOOORRRROOOORRRR!!!
ALARA ADAMS: Wow! What a friggin’ match! And honestly, lord knows what our General Manager has in store for Daniel Horror next show. Didn’t he say something about the Ascension Championship being placed on the line every show?
KAYDEN ELLIS: I think so...but that sounds like a job for Super DeMarco!
ALARA ADAMS:Is that like Superman? Wait, don't answer...one of those purge guys could be under the ring watching us!
Enter: Blair Regent. Backstage before the WarGames match, The Downer applies a layer of black lipstick and adjusts her gear-a set of ripped up jeans and a simple leather upper-body top, leaving her midsection exposed. She looks at herself in the mirror.
BLAIR REGENT: Yeah, you got this, bitch.
A voice behind her clears their throat.
: Don’t be so down on yourself.Blair swings around, surprised, to see her aforementioned partner Hannah standing at attention. She’s got a bouquet of flowers in one hand, and a bottle of tylenol in the other. Blair approaches her with a smile.
BLAIR REGENT: I didn’t think you’d come, honestly. Wouldn’t have blamed you if you didn’t-wrestling’s not everyone’s speed.
HAN: It’s alright, Blair. It’s not really mine...but I’m here to support you, y’know that, right?
Blair nods. The two share a brief moment where they touch foreheads, before Blair pulls off.
HAN: So what should I expect tonight? Blood and guts? I’m not gonna lie-I didn’t watch much of the card before I came to find you. Got out of the bar kinda late-wanted to see if I could make it faster so I just cut through the back tunnels.
BLAIR REGENT: Then you might wanna get out of here. Security’s rough, but some of the dudes who dwell around these parts are...rougher, to put it lightly. I’m gonna be facing off with fifteen other people, and, I mean, I’ve got a shot, insomuch as anyone can.
Blair shrugs again, trying to hide her worry. The two laugh. Blair notices the gifts.
BLAIR REGENT: What’re those for?
HAN: Well, I figured I could toss you the flowers if you win-to go with the crown-and if you lose, I figured the tylenol would be a temporary fix ‘til we get you home. Y’know, fun stuff.
BLAIR REGENT: I appreciate your preparedness for both scenarios-more ready than I am, at least.
The two share a quick laugh, and then a quiet moment. Blair looks down at her shoes. Hannah forces her head up.
HAN: Hey-if you don’t take this, it’s not the end of the world-you know that, right?
Blair refuses to meet her glance. Hannah kisses her forehead. She lightens up a bit.
BLAIR REGENT:...right.
HAN: Go out there and kill it. Perform like, y’know, I’m watching. Because I am.
With that, Hannah heads outside, and we hear the crowd getting ready for the next match as we cut to our next segment.
It is a gorgeous, sunny day in Reno, Nevada. A children’s soccer match is in full swing and a spunky little girl with blonde hair, no more than six years old is throwing elbows and fighting her way through the pack. She frees the ball from an opponent and drives toward the goal. Parents seated on one set of bleachers stand and cheer her on. Her technique is garbage, but she is making progress. She nears the net and fires her best shot. The ball sails through the air and the child’s eyes grow wide in anticipation. It is a foot away from the net when the goalie gets a hand on it and swats it away. The ball rolls out of bounds and the girl deflates. The referee calls for the whistle and play is stopped.
The shot pans over to show the fans in the bleachers. They clap, supporting all the girls on the field. The parents are all dressed for the weather, a wide variety of shorts and polo shirts on most of the men while the women are clad in sundresses and sunglasses. Some kind of eerie, Stepford-esque dress code appears to be in effect. Everyone is wearing bright colors -- save for one person.
A woman in her early twenties sits in a lawn chair. She is wearing a black cocktail dress with holes in it patched with similarly black fishnet. She wears large black sunglasses, Merlot colored lipstick and her skin is as pale as stark white snow. Her hair is collected in a messy bun, kept in place by a large sterling silver hair pin. Project: Honor fans recognize her instantly as “Oblivion’s Crush” Contessa Floran.
Seated next to her is a sharply dressed man in a vintage three piece suit. It is powder blue and freshly pressed. His hair is slicked back and he too wears a pair of black sunglasses - Wayfarers. He looks like a character out of a Bret Easton Ellis novel and he speaks like one too. This is Mathias Church.
CHURCH: Tough luck for that kid. In fifteen years maybe she looks back on this moment and identifies it as the catalyst for her career as a sex worker.
CONTESSA: Like there is something wrong with that.
CHURCH: I didn’t say that there was. Don’t be a bore Contessa, I am only playing.
CONTESSA: You wanted to come here.
CHURCH: Yes because you needed to get out of the house. When I took you on as a roommate I didn’t think that you would be home all the time. I figured that you would be working, travelling.
CONTESSA: You wanted someone to pay half of the rent but not actually be around.
CHURCH: Exactly!
CONTESSA: Sorry to disappoint. But explain to me how a children’s soccer game is a logical excursion for people like us.
CHURCH: I am trying to help you. No one fails more than children. But they get back up and keep at it! I thought that maybe it would inspire you to go back to work.
CONTESSA: Most of them are too stupid to realize how awful they are.
CHURCH: So your awareness of your failures is going to prevent you from trying?
CONTESSA: I am waiting. Plotting. I learned everything I needed to learn about fighting. It is the other nonsense that I am not so good at.
CHURCH: What nonsense?
CONTESSA: The political nonsense.
CHURCH: I wasn’t aware that professional wrestling had so many layers.
CONTESSA: There are literally several.
CHURCH: So when will you go back?
CONTESSA: Shortly. I just needed to reassess. I needed to let the memory of my last few matches fade in the minds of all of those cretins that populate the Project: Honor roster. It will still be brought up, mind you, but I can bullshit that time has healed my pride.
CHURCH: It hasn’t?
CONTESSA: It has become...manageable. I don’t do well with embarrassment. But I’ve realized that hiding in the desert is the slow road to emotional stability. There is only one way for me to feel better.
CHURCH: Go on.
CONTESSA: To make others feel bad.
Play resumes and the talentless little horde all attack the ball. It jostles free and is once again kicked out of bounds. It rolls across the grass and comes to rest at Contessa’s feet. The teenaged referee approaches and gives Contessa the “Little help?” gesture. Contessa stands and removes the hair pin from her bun. Her hair falls across her shoulders and she bends down, thrusting the pin into the ball. It instantly deflates and there is a collection of moans from the children and jeers from the parents. Contessa looks down at Mathias.
CONTESSA: Very, very bad.
Contessa kicks the useless ball out of her way as the parents do their best to scold her. One child is crying. It’s all very dramatic. Contessa leaves the sidelines and Church shrugs in the direction of the bleachers before he follows Contessa out of the park.
Everything was prepared for this moment alone, and with it came the three men who might have been overlooked before the end of 2020, but came out in 2021 as the shining stars of Project Honor as a whole-- those men being Big Drip Productions. TJ Thompson, Lil Petey, and Yung Sauce all sit around in their locker room, their own separate locker room that they have for the show, as they sit around in a circle looking around at one another. Resting on the shoulders of TJ was his Warrior Rising Championship, resting on the shoulders on Lil Petey was his brand new pet monkey Charlie, and on the shoulders of Sauce was a black towel with a golden trim to the end of it- his name etched into the towel’s fabric.
YUNG SAUCE: Well then, boys… Tonight’s the night. Tonight’s the BIG DRIPPING night. London City has been preparing for a night that has never been seen before in their lives because I don’t think they’ve seen too much DRIP! They ain’t ever seen this much DRIP in their lives! London City has become the European Capital of DRIP! I saw some people going around these streets and they like to call themselves… “roadmen”, I think? I saw some of them wearing some baggy tracksuit kinda stuff… but nah, they don’t get any DRIP!
TJ THOMPSON: Roadmen?!? The only thing on the road is Pat's chances at winning this strap! We the only big drippers up in this city, and that shit's not changing! It's a big night, boys. A night that could change the complexion of PH forever! These hoes are about to witness history! The START of the most dominant group in this place starts now! We didn't get off to the right start. Shit happens. BUT AFTER TONIGHT, BIG DRIP PRODUCTIONS WILL BE WRAPPED IN GOLD!!! And...uh…#1 contendership too.
YUNG SAUCE: Yessir, my drip-tastic brotha! Big Drip Productions gonna have all that gold soon, but at the end of the night, we’re gonna be dripping too hard with the Warrior Rising Championship and the number one contendership to the Tag Team Championships!
LIL PETEY: Like I said earlier, we finna be BIG DRIP CHAMPIONS! You know those little things wrapped in like a croissant with the hot dog in it? What are those called?
Stroking his beard, Petey gets lost in thought.
LIL PETEY: Pigs in a blanket? Yeah, that’s it. Big Drip Productions is bout to be Drippers wrapped in GOLD BABY! This is a special night for us Drip Boys and a lot to go over with all the non-drippers out there. You might be wondering how the stu got such an upgrade, how we got Charlie, AND HOW THE FUCK WE GOT MONEY?! WE HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS FOR YOU HERE TONIGHT!
YUNG SAUCE: But breh, before all of that, I think we need to be announcing something. I been wanting to announce this since the Draft Hip Show but now, that we’ve got this BIG DRIPPING stage like tonight… I think it’s time, Petey.
LIL PETEY: It’s about to go down.
TJ THOMPSON: The reveal of the century.
YUNG SAUCE: The reveal of… the new album… by ya bois. NO RELEASE DATE PLANNED YET! --but we’re working on it, aren’t we, Petey?
LIL PETEY: You’re damn right we are! Every single day. Dropping bars, starting the Driptastic Zoo, winning Titles and all that stuff!
YUNG SAUCE: So… here we go… the reveal of…
Pausing for that dramatic effect, TJ began a drum roll with his feet and soon Petey joined in as they hip’ed up about the announcement.
YUNG SAUCE: Petey Saucy: The Return of the Underdawgs Remastered!!! The EP that we made before coming to Project Honor? IT’S BECOMING AN ENTIRE ALBUM!
LIL PETEY: A WHOLE DAMN ALBUM! A lot of people don’t realize how talented my drip brotha is and they gon’ learn today! Well, when the album comes out! BUT STILL!
TJ THOMPSON: Oh, that reveal? That's cool too! BUT THAT'S NOT ALL WE GOT IN THE CHAMBER!!!
YUNG SAUCE: Oh, that’s right… BECAUSE THERE’S A NEW SONG COMING OUT TOO… and it’s coming out TONIGHT!!! IT’S BIG DRIPPING, WE’RE BIG DRIPPING, OH ALL OVER THE PLACE WE’RE BIG DRIPPING HAAAAARD!!!!
LIL PETEY: Wait that’s the reveal? I thought we were gonna tell them about the mystery of the vanishing podiums?!
YUNG SAUCE: Another State of the DRIP Address?!
LIL PETEY: Any time we’re on camera it’s a State of the Drip Address! YA DIG!
YUNG SAUCE: AYE!
TJ THOMPSON: Speaking of the State of the Drip address, there was a certain debt collector that needed to be taught a LESSON!!!
LIL PETEY: Damn straight. Did you ever train Gerald not to eat money, by the way? My Charlie would never do something like that. Instead, he drops FIRE beats for us in the STU!
YUNG SAUCE: Charlie nearly broke the set, breh--
Petey quickly leaps over to Sauce and covers his mouth.
TJ THOMPSON: Gerald can do whatever the fuck he wants!!! Besides, we'll have more than enough money once this album drops!
LIL PETEY: Woah TJ, lose the ‘tude. Your vibes are WAY off right now. Plus, didn’t we just get a shit ton of that BREAD??
TJ THOMPSON: You already know! Thanks to our new homie…
The trio all turn their heads, looking toward the door with knowing smiles as they see wrestling mogul Scott Oasis enter the scene. While still in the same shape as the intimidating fighter he became famous for, Oasis is appearing rather cheery and laid back as he walks toward Big Drip. He shows himself to be rather familiar with them, offering a hand and dapping up each member. With him much closer now, we see that underneath his usual suit combo is a chain: “Big Drip Brand”. He shares a laugh with the crew as they take a look.
SCOTT OASIS: How are my new business partners doing!? Tonight is a big night, my guys. You’re making moves right now, you’ve established that you’re absolute stars in the making, but I know with this push we got lined up we’re going to see Big Drip go from PH up and comers to becoming GLOBAL icons! All anyone is going to be talking about here in the UK is this GODLY collab! Skepta who? Stormzy what!? Fuck a KSI! I only know the greats that are Lil Petey and Yung Sauce….and you can’t forget about TJ Thompson!
TJ THOMPSON: I like this guy already. He's speaking straight facts! The man knows what he's talking about! You ready to accompany me to the ring, bro?
SCOTT OASIS: You already know! And listen, Teej, I wanted to make sure you got the roll out of a champion for this show! I opened up the check book - you’re the “HIP” man so I’ve got something that screams “HIP!” from the rooftops! Nobody has seen anything like this!
TJ THOMPSON: I like the sound of that! Anything that's expensive as fuck has gotta be good!
YUNG SAUCE: See this?! THIS IS THE FUTURE OF BIG DRIP PRODUCTIONS! This is what we’re all going to be remembering in a year’s time, when we’re all holding the big titles- the big awards- THE BIG DRIP!
LIL PETEY: Y’all thought we were messing around?! You see the size of this dude? THE SIZE OF HIS CHECKBOOK?! We’re set, broskis! Welcome to the Big Drippin’, Fine Lookin, HOLY HIP QUARTET!
YUNG SAUCE: THE HOLY HIP QUARTET! This is going to be good, boys. This is truly going to be good. A sign of the best things to come. A sign of the BIG DRIPPIN’ that’s soon to come.
TJ THOMPSON: LET'S GOOO!!! THIS IS THE START OF A BIG DRIPPIN REVOLUTION!!! WE COMING AFTER ALL THE BELTS! ALL THE MONEY! ALL THE HIP!
YUNG SAUCE: HIP! HIP! HIP!
LIL PETEY: Boi’s, we really out here now. Started from the bottom now we here. TJ out here with 2 BELTZ, Saucy Boy and I bout to win this Contendership, and the man, the myth, the legend Scott Oasis himself IS HERE IN PROJECT: HONOR WITH US!
TJ THOMPSON: We about to be beating ass and taking names, and it starts with that man Pat! What does he have? His mail?!? I got the newest addition of Big Drip in my corner! I got my natural goat tendencies!
YUNG SAUCE: And what about these three teams me and Petey are facing?! THEY DON’T GOT THE CHANCE! THEY DON’T GOT THE DRIP! THEY HATER HATER CLOUT CHASERS!
LIL PETEY: The Lesbian Losers, The Insidious Idiots, The SEX Softies… NOT A SINGLE CHANCE AGAINST BIG DRIP TO THESE NON-DRIPPERS HAVE!!
SCOTT OASIS: All of these nerds are going to learn. This is an international takeover. A once in a lifetime movement. There’s no fighting it, you just gotta get with the program. When it comes down to it, you either drip or you drown. And it seems like all of them are going to succumb to the latter. Damn shame.
TJ THOMPSON: Nah. Any scenario where we win is never a damn shame!
Silence strikes and the crickets start sounding. Seconds pass until Lil Petey steps forward.
LIL PETEY: What’s a dinosaur’s form of currency, fellas?
YUNG SAUCE: What is it, brotha?
Petey starts chuckling before even saying anything. It takes everything in him to blurt out something.
LIL PETEY: TYRANNOSAURUS CHECKS!
...crickets...
TJ THOMPSON: Uh...stick to rapping.
The awkward silence is broken by "Nonstop" by Drake hitting.
TJ THOMPSON: I guess it's time! Let's get it, Scott!
SCOTT OASIS: The moment we break the internet! Just a heads up though TJ, I’ve given the people in production a heads up, there’s a bit of a change….ah, you’ll see when we get out there!
TJ THOMPSON: OH SHIT!!! I'm looking forward to it!
The Holy Hip Quartet were ready to walk out, Petey and Sauce fist bumps one another and then both giving one to TJ and Scott as they head out of the locker room, Sauce doing his legendary Drip Walk out of the room as the door shuts and we fade back to ringside.
DING! DING! DING!
The camera cuts to the ring where Holly Perez is standing by with a mic in hand. “Nonstop” by Drake is still playing.
HOLLY PEREZ: This match is a singles match and it is for the Warrior Rising Championship! Introducing first…
The lights begin to dim while the opening beat to “Nonstop” by Drake plays, getting the crowd pumped up in anticipation of the man whose theme this belongs to. As we break past the instrumental into the lyrics, the crowd is thrown off however as the song suddenly cuts off.
??: Hold on just a second now!
The crowd is confused as they look to the stage to see who said that, not finding anyone. We can hear someone still shouting on the microphone but are unable to identify him just yet. As the lights begin to turn less dim we see a spotlight on the stage that allows us to make out a rising platform. The platform makes it all the way up to the stage as we are able to make out who it is: England’s very own Big Shaq with a DJ Booth in the background donned in Big Drip x Big Oasis Brand logos.
BIG SHAQ: Shoutout to Drake but we’re in London and TJ gotta make his big entrance in the O2 Arena! Sorry Drizzy but I don’t think you’ve got the facilities for this big man. The BOB check just cleared so it's time for mans to tear the house down!
The instrumental to “Mans Not Hot” begins to play across the PA system, getting the fans extra rowdy as we see a literal HIP TRAIN pull through past the curtain and chug along down the ramp!
Yo, Big Shaq, the one and only…
BIG DRIP REMIX!
PostMan's not HIP, never HIP
Skrrat (GottiOnEm), skidi-kat-kat
Boom
Akin to something you’d see at the mall, this miniature train is suped up to an unbelievable degree with gold and diamonds embedded in the exterior, boomboxes hanging over each seat blasting this beat and graffiti with the words “Big Drip” across the sides.
Two plus two is four
Minus one that's three, quick maths
Everyday man's in the ring
Smoke wrestlers (Ah)
See Pat’s girl backstage
That girl wants the package!! (SHE A HO!)
As we do a pan down the whole train we see a jacuzzi in the back which Scott Oasis has dipped his toes into, and at the front is TJ Thompson acting as conductor, guiding the Hip train with thotties of all colors and nationalities simping for his attention.
When the the ‘ting go TEE-TEE-TEE-TEE
Postman goes ducking (PAT THE WASTEMAN!
TJ Thompson shouts out to Big Shaq, throwing up the set as the train carries on toward the ringside area.
I tell her Postman's not HIP
I tell her man's not HIP
The girl told me, "train for Postman"
I said, "Babes, Postman's not HIP" (Never HIP)
TJ Thompson hops off the Hip Train as Scott Oasis pops out of the jacuzzi, going from silly to serious as he gets behind TJ and puts the “Big Oasis Drip” chain around his neck.
HOLLY PEREZ: Weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds… From The Hip House… He is the Warrior Rising Champion… “The Hipbeast”... TJJJJ THOMPSSSONNNNN!!!!
“Postman Pat Theme Remix” starts to play. The large man comes out from the back, the earth shaking with every step. Pat’s cat, Jess, is on his shoulder. He makes his presence felt as he enters the ring.
HOLLY PEREZ: Weighing in at four hundred and sixty-nine pounds… From Dildo, Canada… PATTT THE POSTMANNNNN!!!!
TREY BOOKER: Unpredictability is the name of the game tonight. Two men with explosive capability and unlimited potential are stepping into this ring, and the person who is walking out will be the one who lands when it matters. JT, who you got?
J.T. PRICE: I’ll put all my money into GME and AMC, but betting against the young rich drippers or the Postal Service? Nah, those stocks can’t be shorted, you know I got love for Big Drip, but if anyone could take it off, it’s the postal worker gravity left behind.
DING! DING! DING!
The second these two competitors step into the ring, the energy in the stadium is absolutely electric!! Both TJ and Pat circle around one another, but are brought to a decicise halt by competing chants thundering from opposite sides of the stadium, between ‘DELIVER ME SENPAI!’ and ‘FUCK EM UP HIPBEAST FUCK EM UP!’ With hands clapping and feet stomping bringing the noise in the arena to a fever pitch, TJ is the first of the two fighters to dart forward with a big boot to Pat’s midsection! Then another kick! Then a european uppercut, staggering Postal worker as half the arena booes! Now noticing his larger opponent staggering, TJ backpedals to the ropes to get a lil’ bit of running room and a lot of speed, rebounding with a basement dropkick - no, Pat leapfrogs over him entirely! TJ baseball slides him, narrowly avoiding a double stomp by rolling out of the way, and taking advantage of being low with a feint sweeping leg kick, but he raises that leg like a hammer and swings with a roundhouse kick connecting with Pat’s cheek with a CRACK that silences the crowd! Pat stumbles! TJ has all hits, no misses, that’s for the married folk, so a bicycle knee strike to the head finally bowls the Postman over and brings him to a knee! TJ brings his knee pad down as if thinking of the killshot, but the second he gets too close, Pat drops flat on the mat. TJ narrowly avoids tripping over him, stepping over Pat on his way to rebound off the ropes again, to Pat leaping cleanly over his head to the wonder of the crowd! Again, darting across the ring like a California high speed rail, Thompson takes advantage - arm extended for the LAAAAAAAARIOTS - and it cracks Pat across the chest but the four hundred sixty pound man wraps around the arm, refusing to let it go! His other arm meets behind TJ’s back - and he tries positioning himself next to the Warrior Rising champion, showing a spanish fly in the making, but desperate elbows to the back of his head from the champion finally force Pat to let him go.
TREY BOOKER: Nah, Pat’s a monster in his own right, but defense wins championships. Nothing pretty about that counter but it worked!
J.T. PRICE: That’s right, tried to flatten TJ with his own move, but as you could probably guess, TJ had it scouted!
Grip released means nothing to Thompson, he force feeds another elbow then another elbow then ANOTHER elbow until Pat’s nice and beaten, holding his nose and lowering his guard, only ending his barrage with a well-placed leg and a perfectly time shove tripping TJ onto his back! DOUBLE STOMP INCOMING - No! Again, TJ has it scouted, and narrowly avoids getting his chest caved in by four hundo on his headtop, but Pat isn’t done! TJ eats a spinning back kick to his gut, and is left holding his skull as Pat brings the stamp down on Thompson with an axe kick! Pat then hops back for a little bit of power as TJ’s staggering… and then crouching tiger, hidden postman strikes! Pat leaps! WITH A FLYING 360 DEGREE SPIN, PAT UNLEASHES THE DRAGON KICK! and be it fate, luck, or TJ’s preparation as a postal service giving him useful insight, he just manages to trip over his feet so Pat the Postman’s boot brushes the HAIR on his head but nothing more, and he lands on the bottom rope looking up to Pat with a look of sheer horror and amazement on his face as the crowd roars!
J.T. PRICE: ...This is the technique of a man who was one foot away from becoming Warrior Rising champion.
TREY BOOKER: Pat made a believer out of TJ, but TJ’s didn’t come this far, didn’t get past multiple fighters to get this belt then beat Alex Slayer to keep this belt all for one last ditch effort to end it. Now, that boy’s wrestlin’ game isn’t a comic book, it’s an encyclopedia, and he makes hits whether in the ring or in the stu.
Dusting himself off, TJ climbs from the mat… still favoring the back of his head, he looks around the ring and then puts his attention on Pat, whose hands are raised defensively until… he notices TJ offering him a charming smile, and extending a hand? Pat looks to the crowd, judging their general sense of approval, and.. He accepts the handshake! Another round of applause at the display of sportsmanship, with a bit of confusion as the crowd notices Lil Petey’s mixtape placed in Pat’s hand instead of the traditional shake! Pat smiles at the gift and reaches behind his back… and he hands TJ a gift of his own, a box! TJ, knowing what is in the box, raises both hands defensively, insisting that he cannot accept! Pat warmly smiles, and presses the box to TJ’s chest! TJ accepts the gift… as the HIPTRAIN HOPEFUL section is in an uproar, begging their hero to fight against his curiosity.. And TJ manages to break free and tosses the box to the referee! The referee, also aware of what’s going on, tosses it back to TJ! Back and forth the hot potato goes, until TJ accidentally tosses the box out of the ring, where it hits Oasis in the back. He picks it up, dusts it off, shakes it, puts his ear to it, and finally opens the brown box, completely ignorant to the crowd’s yelling… and gets a USPS stamped and approved superman punch, as Pat the Postman DIVES FROM RINGSIDE AND TRIES TO CAVE OASIS’ FACE IN! OASIS BARELY MANAGES TO DIVE OUT OF THE WAY! TJ yells at the flagrant foul to the war chief, and he rushes in like gucci mane kicking the prison’s doors off on his way out! Tope suicina from Thompson knocks Pat to a knee! Thompson, knowing the work ain’t done, dashes into the ring, rebounds from the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, and lets a second TOPE SUICINA SEND PAT CRASHING INTO THE BARRICADE! Pat’s knocked onto all fours on the rebound, and TJ’s basking in the attention from the crowd as he knows the job ain’t finished! Back to the ring he returns… and he starts to run to the opposite side of the ring again, but he doesn’t need the UPS tracking app to see his deliveries getting moving out of the desired location as he stumbles to consciousness… so TJ rushes the turnbuckle closest to Pat, hopes onto the top, and MAKES SURE THE JOB IS DONE WITH THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT FROM THE TOP ROPE AND ONTO PAT THE POSTMAN!!!!!! BOTH MEN CRASH ONTO THE FLOOR WITH THE CANADIAN DEFINITELY TAKING THE WORST OF THE EXCHANGE, BUT THERE ISN'T A SINGLE FAN LEFT IN THEIR SEATS!!!
J.T. PRICE:
TREY BOOKER:
TJ tries dragging Pat up, and it takes a lot of effort but the Californian King eventually manages to guide a groggy, pained Pat into the ring. TJ looms over the Postman, hiding away in the corner of the ring as Pat staggers to his feet, favoring his torso after three consecutive dead weight splashes knocking him down a peg, and gets the fourth in a flavor of a FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, a sling blade that plants Pat in the center of the ring before the pin!
ONE!!
TWO!!
KICKOUT!
TREY BOOKER: Barely, just freakin’ barely!
J.T. PRICE: Yeah, but this ain’t horseshoes! Close doesn’t count!
Just in the knick of time, the Postman delivers! TJ looks to the referee, speechless, but the referee keeps two fingers raised and doesn’t budge! The audience claps, slaps their hands on the barricades, and stamp their feet as the Project: Postman section tries bringing their hero back to life with their support! TJ isn’t having any of it, of course, as he intercepts Pat’s rise to his feet by shoving the larger man against the ropes, and on the rebound, he plants his feet on Pat’s sides and allows himself to fall back, trying to monkey flip Pat into the ropes to start the set up for the world famous WORSHIP THE HIP.. But Patrick’s got other plans! He lands on his feet on the second rope with his hands on the top for balance, and he cautiously watches as TJ turns around to nail the european uppercut… he catapults over TJ, hooks his head, and brings Thompson’s jaw crashing into his shoulder as Postman Pat reaches to the bottom of his mail bag to deliver a SOUTH PHILLY STUNNER! Postman Pat tops it off by rolling to his feet, and letting the 630 SENTON SPLASH speak for itself! SAME DAY DELIVERY CONNECTS AND PAT MAKES THE COVER!
ONE!!
TWO!!
THREE!!
TREY BOOKER: WE HAVE A NEW WARRIOR RISING CHAMPION AND HIS NAME IS
TJ: HOLD UP WAIT A MINUTE YOU THOUGHT HE WAS FINISHED???!!!!
At 2.999999999999999~, TJ JUST BARELY MANAGES TO RAISE AN ARM! TJ’S EYES ARE GLASSED OVER, HE HARDLY LOOKS LIKE HE HAS A CLUE WHERE THE HELL HE IS, BUT HE GETS THE ARM UP! SCOTT OASIS, AT RINGSIDE, SLAPS THE RING APRON AND BEGS TJ TO WAKE THE HELL UP, BUT PAT’S GOT HIS TARGET LOCKED! TJ’S HOISTED UP, AND SET OVER THE SECOND ROPE AS PAT TRIES TO SHAKE THE COBWEBS OFF AS HE LOOKS FOR THE PIX PONE PINE, SIX ONE NINE… AND OASIS APPROACHES TJ, TRYING TO CLAP, SNAP, ANYTHING TO WAKE HIS HOMIE UP TO THE IMMINENT DANGER.. PAT THE POSTMAN APPROACHES THE ROPES LOOKING FOR HIS TIGER FEINT KICK BUT BEFORE HE GETS TOO CLOSE, TJ TOSSES CAUTION INTO THE WIND! HE PUSHES OFF THE ROPES, AND FIRES OFF A SUPERKICK TO STOP PAT IN HIS TRACKS! THEN ANOTHER SUPERKICK WOBBLES HIM! RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT SCRAMBLES PATS CIRCUITS, AND TJ FLEES TO THE TURNBUCKLE, SEALING THE DEAL WITH A FLYING COFFIN DROP SLAMMING HIS BACK INTO PATS CHEST, AND TJ MAKES THE SLOPPY PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner… and STILL WARRIOR RISING CHAMPION… TTTTTT JJJJJJJJJJJJ THOMPSON!
TREY BOOKER: TJ… freaking TJ… against all odds, he takes down his biggest challenge to date!
J.T. PRICE: That took everything he could offer! Pat put up one hell of a fight, but the Drippers with Attitude leave to AND STILL!
TJ celebrates in the ring as Scott Oasis joins in, and the referee hands the man his Warrior Rising championship.
The titantron lights back up, and the fans give John Nash Strader a decent pop as we find ourselves in the locker room of the Prime Championship contender. He sits on a bench using a folding chair to put his legs up as he’s leaning back against the locker, eyes closed, and is then greeted by Victoria knocking and entering the locker room. John opens his eyes and gives the kid a smile.
JNS: Hey kid, did you track down Fairweather?
VICTORIA STRADER: Yes I did, everything is ready for the next edition of Fallout.
JNS: And he seems down?
VICTORIA STRADER: Oh, he’s definitely down to clown in a couple of weeks and for the foreseeable future.
JNS: That’s good. Happy to hear it. Are you ready for the Tyrant Crowning?
Victoria sits down on the bench beside him as he puts his legs down and pivots to face her on his right.
VICTORIA STRADER: As ready as I can be. I have peaked in the match’s locker rooms’ on the Fallout side, and they are all looking jacked and in the zone. Mom is going to love Bruce McLeod’s ring gear. His chest hair is everywhere.
JNS: Haha, yeah your mother is something else for sure.
VICTORIA STRADER: Speaking of mom, you ready to face half of ‘beauty and the beast’?
JNS: Ready as I will ever be. I am going to enjoy putting him through one of the glass tables that will be at ringside.
A cold shiver runs down his back after saying that, and Victoria picks up on it.
VICTORIA STRADER: You alright, Uncz?
JNS: Yeah, I will be fine. Just not a fan of glass.
VICTORIA STRADER: Why is that?
JNS: I’ll tell you another time. For now, I am going to catch a few Z’s before my match, and as long as I don’t have to go to the hospital after, I will be watching your match.
VICTORIA STRADER: I’ll be down at ringside with you in case Drago tries to pull anything on you.
JNS: Thanks, kid, but it should be ok. Enjoy the best seats in the house, and remember, no pressure on trying to outdo whatever Drago and I do, alright?
Victoria rolls her eyes and laughs with him. She stands up, kissing him on the top of the head as she heads towards the door.
VICTORIA STRADER: I’ll come to wake you up before your match, but right now, I got to find Cara down in catering. I hear there are peeled Chicken Nuggets on the menu!
JNS: Peeled nuggets? Sounds gross.
VICTORIA STRADER: Don’t knock’em till you try’em!
John shakes his head as he puts his snakeskin boots back up on the folding chair, leans back and closes his eyes as we move back to ringside for more awesome Project: Honor match ups.
CRYSTAL WARD: Indy Darling, what a coincidence. I was hoping to get a few words from some of the Wargames participants. Is there anything you’d like to say to your seven opponents from Proving Ground or your potential opponents from Fallout?
She holds out the microphone, expecting an immediate response. Instead, Indy finishes wrapping the tape around his wrist, tears it with his teeth, and slaps the loose end against his lower forearm. Only then does he slowly raise his head to acknowledge Crystal and the cameraman, any insight to his thoughts shrouded by the aviators covering his eyes.
INDY DARLING: I already cut my promo, Crystal. I said everything that needed to be said.
He then turns his attention to his opposite wrist, beginning to wrap it in tape as well. Not one to take a hint, Crystal continues to press him for a sound-byte.
CRYSTAL WARD: You certainly did, and it has some people talking. You’ve been known to be playfully cocky in the past, but your most recent promo was a bit...unexpected. It came off as angry, maybe even bitter. Are we seeing the real Indy Darling coming out for the first time?
Again, she pushes the microphone forward as Indy remains focused on taping his wrist. He gives her his answer without bothering to look back up.
INDY DARLING: I’m the same guy I’ve always been, Crystal. I just don’t see the point in sugarcoating my feelings when it comes to my opponents.
CRYSTAL WARD: But you essentially called them all liars, cheaters, addicts, and criminals. Isn’t that a bit excessive?
Indy lets out a sigh and slowly raises his head.
INDY DARLING: Is it? Do you think they’re all presenting their true faces when they get in front of a camera or are they just playing their parts? Do they really believe everything they say or have the courage to back up their convictions?
CRYSTAL WARD: Well, I…
INDY DARLING: Or would they sacrifice their self-professed honor and do anything to win this match? I choose to believe every last one of them would stab their best friend in the back to get ahead. I’m done shaking hands and trusting the wolves in sheep’s clothing. Just because I’m seeing people in a different light doesn’t mean this is some kind of sudden ‘heel turn’.
CRYSTAL WARD: Indy, I can’t help but wonder if this pessimistic attitude has something to do with you being escorted out of the most recent Proving Ground in handcuffs…
Indy leaps off the equipment crate to a standing position, the roll of athletic tape swinging from his wrist. His sudden movement gives Crystal cause to flinch.
INDY DARLING: That’s exactly what I’m talking about. How do you know I’m not capable of hurting an innocent old man just to get ahead? How do we know Shawn Warstein isn’t sitting in the locker room knitting a scarf for the queen? How do we know that Ozymandias doesn’t sing in his church choir every Sunday? The truth is, we only know what they allow us to see. I choose to see them as the worst examples of humanity, because it makes it a lot easier to kick their heads off on my way to becoming Project: Honor’s Tyrant.
CRYSTAL WARD: So, is this the kind of attitude we can expect from you if you do in fact win Wargames?
Indy lowers his head and shakes it, clearly frustrated with the reporter’s line of questioning.
INDY DARLING: I’ve put all my cards on the table. Nathaniel Demetrius Darling is putting himself out there for everyone to see, no aliases and no pretenses. My attitude is a lot like the truth, so babyface it hurts. Yeah, maybe I’m a little pissed off. Maybe I’m worked up and ready to fight. But this is war, and being a nice guy isn’t gonna cut it. Project: Honor wants a tyrant and they’re gonna get one no matter what. So isn’t it better to be ruled by the devil you know, than the 15 you don’t?
CRYSTAL WARD: I suppose that makes sense, but what happens if you win the Proving Ground half of the match and your friend and tag team partner, Julius Fairweather, wins the Fallout side? What happens then?
Indy responds to Crystal's question with a silent stare, the faintest hint of a sneer emerging on his face. Then, apparently with nothing left to say, he returns his attention to the roll of tape hanging from his wrist as he marches past Crystal and the cameraman in search of another quiet corner in the building. She watches him depart with unanswered questions still on her mind as the scene reaches its conclusion.
Our scene cuts to an office in the back, where we see Fallout General Manager Christian DeMarco, sitting behind a solid wood desk. Dressed in an olive green polo, DeMarco sits there staring at the camera.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: When Rock Johnson first hired me to run Fallout, I had so many ideas in my head. Ideas of matches, ideas of Championships, ideas of how I wanted to run this side of the brand-wars. There was one major thing I wanted to do and that was find a way to INCLUDE the fans.
The GM takes a deep breath.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: There were many ways I could have went with that, but I wanted to make sure whichever way we came up with would make the Project: Honor fans feel included. I wanted them to feel like they had a say in the direction of Fallout itself. Which is why...we came up with our FIRST Fallout Pay-Per-View...WIRED CONSEQUENCES!!!
Fans pop slightly in the arena, but still curious to what it all means.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: While it offers the idea barbed wire will be involved...the consequences aren’t just mine to decide.
Christian leans slightly forward, a smirk appearing on his face.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: You, the fans, will ALSO decide.
Leaning back to where he was sitting, the smile still stays on his face.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: After the February twenty-fifth Fallout airs...voting will open! Options for matches, options for opponents...each match will have something for YOU the fan, to make the choice. The Prime Championship will be on the line, the Noble Championship will be on the line, the Ascension Championship will be on the line. After all, it can’t be a Fallout festivity if everything isn’t on the line...right?
A slight pause.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: BUT ALSO...whoever wins the Legacy Championship tonight? Their first title defense will be in that Fallout ring. And as for Legacy, our Tag Team Champions? They will be facing the winners of the next match, for those fancy little gold titles around their waste. Will it be Big Drip? Sports Entertainment Xpress? Two Toned Mafia? Insidious? Don’t know...but I have an idea who it could be. And no matter the outcome, they will stand across the ring from each other at Wired Consequences. What kind of match? That may just be up to you fans.
The fans pop loudly as they begin to understand.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: And all of this will take place at the OACA Olympic Indoor Hall in Athena, Greece!!!
Loud cheer again.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: The possibilities for Wired Consequences are HUGE. And with my fun of celebrating holidays falling on that day...do you know that March twenty-eighth, twenty-twenty-one is ‘Something On A Stick’ Day? I do now...and we will have fun with that. SO...March twenty-eighth...Athena, Greece...all titles on the line...Wired Consequences...so much fun to be had by us...and by you, the fans. So get ready to vote and decide what you want to see. I’m going to enjoy seeing just how chaotic my Fallout Fans are at heart. Don’t disappoint me…
A flirtatious smirk on Valentines Day.
CHRISTIAN DeMARCO: As if you ever could!
Christian leans back in his chair, a devilish grin stapled across his lips as he puts his hands behind his head and our scene fades back to the ring.
DING! DING! DING!
The camera cuts to the ring where both Holly Perez and Clara Olson are standing by with mics in their hands. Already in the ring are the teams of Two Toned Mafia and Insidious!
CLARA OLSON: The following match is a Number One Contendership Match for the Tag Team Championships! Already in the ring… Lucy Sixx and Cecilia Ortiz… TWO TONED MAFIA! And Aaron Fredrick Hudson and Kyuubi… INSIDIOUS!
The piano intro of “Drip Like Me” by Kenndog starts playing. Yung Sauce and Lil Petey run out onto the stage both with mics in hand.
DRIP
The second the lyrics of the song start, both Sauce and Petey put the mics up to their mouths and rap along to the lyrics.
I’m sorry for drippin’, but drip is what I do.
And one of these days i’m gonna get dressed then drip all over you.
I’m that fly young hitta.
Lil baby can’t you see?
Your style is old my fashion colt tell me who drip like me? Oh!
Yung Sauce lowers his mic while Petey keeps his up to his mouth. They both slowly start to walk down the ramp, high-fiving the fans on their way down. Lil Petey raps the entire next verse with Sauce hyping him up.
Lil baby I don't chase I erase and replace.
Man that bitch ain't loyal cause I just dripped on her face.
Shopping at the finish line but you still ain't last place,
I'm a star and I smile bitch I need my space.
Petey with two E's cause I'm twice as erect.
Are you damn seeing fit
Then I'm wearing it twice.
And when the summer hit my fit's gonna be cold as ice.
Off white so nice but it ain't your price.
Imma hot hitta in the coldest fit,
When you see me walking in you're gonna notice it.
How you niggas hatin on me but you steal my drip and steal my pics?
I'm tryna tell these hittas they ain't fucking with me.
While Petey was rapping the last line, Sauce and him stepped onto opposite sides of the ring apron. They have their backs turned to the ropes, facing the audience. Sauce puts the mic up to his mouth.
I'm sorry for drippin' but drip is what I do.
And one of these days I'm gonna get dressed then drip all over you.
I'm that fly young hitta?
Lil baby can't you see?
Your style is old my fashion cold tell me who drip like me? Oh!
Petey and Sauce step into the ring. Sauce keeps the mic up to his mouth while Petey is bouncing up and down with his hands in the air.
I'm the flyest in the room but you already knew that.
You're lying with those fake ass clothes, so where the truth at?
You say you big drip with the fit but it don't match.
I kill him with the drip (Finishem!) mortal kombat.
Big old sauce, I be drippin' when I'm dressing.
You're trying with them weak ass fits, you need a lesson.
I got too much sauce, hitta thinking that I'll be chiefing.
But I study dripology hitta class is in session.
Don't sleep when I'm drippin' high fashion.
I dripped on a scene.
But I spilled by the gallon.
And they're telling me I'm fly,
So I think that I'm blasting off,
In a spaceship through the stratosphere.
While Sauce was rapping the last line, both him and Petey got onto the top turnbuckle and held the mics in the air, wanting the crowd to do the last verse with them. The second the verse started, not all, but a majority of the audience joined in.
I'm sorry for drippin' but drip is what I do.
And one of these days I'm gonna get dressed then drip all over you.
I'm that fly young hitta.
Lil baby can't you see?
Your style is old my fashion cold tell me who drip like me? Oh!
Sauce and Petey drop the mics and the audience goes wild! Feeding into the energy from the crowd, they stand in a corner waiting for their opponents to try and top that entrance.
HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents… “Your Mama’s Favourites”... LIL PETEY AND YUNG SAUCE... BIG DRIP PRODUCTIONS!!
“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by The Scorpions starts to play through the speakers. Space Lord and Terry Marshall walk out to the ring to a huge POP from the crowd. Everyone is on their feets cheering for them.
CLARA OLSON: And finally… The team of Space Lord and Terry Marshall… SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT XPRESS!!!
All four teams stand in the middle of the ring awaiting for the bell to sound.
DING! DING! DING!
The action takes off in a flash and SEX looks to make an impact! Marshall and Space Lord run through Big Drip with synchronized flying shoulder tackles! They take down the two-toned mafia with stereo big boots as they charge in! Insidious begin trying to brawl with them but they are both taken down with big body slams followed by a pair of giant 1980s elbow drops! SEX get up and begin posturing to the crowd who cheer wildly for the pair! Lil Petey is up first and he leaps upon Terry Marshall’s back, getting him in a chokehold and hammering him in the chest and face with a closed fist while AFH is up and on Space Lord with a running bulldog!!
J.T. PRICE: And right out the gates, we’re crazy! No show bias here, everyone wants everyone dead!
ALARA ADAMS: but Fallout is gonna win. We send three great teams, you sent sound cloud rappers!
J.T. PRICE: Shutup, mud show chatterbox!
Lucy Sixx is up and chop blocks Marshall, then pops up and nails him in the face with a high standing dropkick! Marshall falls back and nearly crushes Lil Petey under him! Kyuubi takes Sixx down with a sling blade out of nowhere! And suddenly AFH takes her down with a backbreaker as soon as she gets to her feet! Ortiz drops AFH with a backstabber! It’s absolute pandemonium and there are more bodies on the floor than standing! Marshal and Space Lord have rolled out of the ring to regather themselves. Suddenly Yung Sauce comes flying off the top rope with a cross body!
J.T. PRICE: BIG AIR DRIP HIP!
But Marshal catches him! MARSHAL AND SPACE LORD BEGIN TOSSING SAUCE BETWEEN THEM! Until Space Lord just doesn’t catch him and immediately drops an elbow on Yung Sauce!! But as he stands, He gets taken down by a flying thrust kick from Kyuubi! Marshall moves in to help but AFH has recovered and flies off the top rope, nailing him with a cross body! Inside the ring, The two tone mafia take down Lil Petey with a double vertical suplex!! Lucy Sixx rolls over and goes for the cover, but before the ref can count Kyuubi has slid in, and broken up the count!
KAYDEN ELLIS: SO CLOSE!!
SEX is brawling on the outside with Yung Sauce and AFH, the bigger men hold their own but the constant barrage begins to wear down on your mom’s favorite wrestler, and his space friend! AFH nails Marshal with a step up enziguri, followed by a shining wizard! Yung Sauce ducks a clothesline and takes down Space Lord with a neckbreaker, before getting up only to be snatched by AFH and have his head bashed into the guard rail!! He then whips Sauce as hard as he can into the ring apron, causing him to yell out in pain...but LIL PETEY DRIPS TO THE RESCUE, nailing AFH with a baseball slide as he comes to assault Sauce! Together, they wait for AFH to get up and take him down with stereo dropkicks, before high fiving!
J.T. PRICE: THE DRIP IS TOO MUCH! AHHHHH!!!!
But no! This, too is short lived! The Two Toned Mafia have come to fix the drip! They leap from the ring, springing over the top rope and nailing BIG DRIP with stereo crossbodies! BUT NO! THE DRIP IS TOO HIP TO BE...STIPPED? THEY CATCH THE COLORFUL CRIME FAMILY AND NAIL STEREO BODY SLAMS! Sauce and Petey then link hands, before leaping and dropping thunderous(ish) leg drops onto both members of the two toned mafia! They pick Sixx up and roll her in the ring, they NAIL HER WITH FOR THE CULTURE! PETEY GOES FOR THE PIN! SAUCE JUMPS ON TOO! ITS A PINNING PETEY SANDWICH!!
J.T. PRICE: PROVING GROUND WITH THE WIN!!
ONE
TWO
KAYDEN ELLIS: HAH! EAT SHIT PRICE!!
NO! TERRY MARSHALL BREAKS UP THE COUNT! He picks both Sauce and Petey up by the scruff of their necks, and bashes their heads together! Their brains rattle like marbles in a salad bowl! Marshall then military presses Sauce, but Petey jumps on his back, locking in a sleeper! MARSHALL IS UNAFFECTED AS HE THROWS SAUCE OUT OF THE RING ONCE AGAIN, LANDING ON AFH WHO WAS BARELY GETTING UP!! He then reaches back and pulls Petey forward, over his shoulder! He runs and nails a thunderous powerslam! He stands but Ortiz and Kyuubi are upon him with a dual chop block that indeed chops the big tree down!!
J.T. PRICE: Everyone working together to chop the big tree down!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Smart move to be honest!
Ortiz rises up only to have Kyuubi nail her with a leaping roundhouse kick that catches her in the back of the head! She turns around, only to be nailed by THE ONI DROP! Kyuubi goes for the pin but NO! SPACE LORD HAS ENTERED THE FRAY! He snatches Kyuubi like she’s a mime and nails her with the Cosmic Explosion!!! He pops up and poses for the crowd! Marshal joins him! They start busting some sick-ass Bicep poses for the audience who begin to pop! Suddenly, THE DRIP RETURNS! THEY BEGIN TO POSE OFF WITH SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT XPRESS!!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: …..okay, stop.
It’s a slobberknocker! Petey and Sauce flex for all their worth! Marshall and Space Lord respond! SUDDENLY PETEY REACHES INTO HIS RING PANTS!!! HE PRODUCES A BOTTLE OF BABY OIL! THE DRIP GETS DRIPPY!!!! Big Drip poses as hard as they can, now shimmering, drippy, scrawny gods among bigger men, a lesbian couple, and another married couple thats probably in a cult!! Speaking of those four other people, both remaining teams rush the ring and begin to brawl with The Drip and SEX! Insidious goes toe to toe wit SEX while the Two-Toned Mafia brawl with Big Drip!
J.T. PRICE: It’s all breaking down here!
KAYDEN ELLIS: You LOVE to see it.
Ortiz and Sixx go to nail stereo suplexes, but THE DRIP SLIPS..out! They take down the two tone mafia with stereo dropkicks while Insidious manage to take down SEX with an onslaught of mixed martial arts style kicks, crescendoing in stereo roundhouses! The Drip stare down pure evil, potentially, in Insidious! And they charge to meet them! But slip on the excess oil, and fall into each other, crashing to the mat! Insidious is on them like animals, blasting Drip in their faces with hard right hands!
BUT THE SEX IS BACK IN IT! THEY’RE BOTH CARRYING MEMBERS OF THE TWO TONE MAFIA!! SEX BODYSLAMS THE TWO TONED MAFIA ONTO INSIDIOUS!! THE FANS ARE HIP FOR SEX AND DRIP. Marshall and Space Lord pull up AFH and Kyuubi as the Drip get to their feet, pulling up the Mafia with them. Marshall hits AFH with a THUNDERSTRUCK!!! AFH looks out cold! Space Lord has lifted Kyuubi onto his shoulders, Marshall has climbed the ropes quick as light...THEY NAIL KYUUBI WITH THE SEX O MATIC!!! Kyuubi is sent to the outside with the impact!!
J.T. PRICE: Look at Fallout taking out another Fallout team! YA LOVE TO SEE IT!
The Drip have the mafia! They’re gonna take a bite out of organized crime!! Yung Sauce pays Lucy Sixx a 10 second ‘Floss’ dance spot! He’s played Fortnite! HE HITS SIXX WITH THE FEMBOY SAUCE!! LUCY SIXX IS OUT COLD! Petey calls out to his fellow Dripper! They move in and begin laying right hands on Ortiz! It’s a mugging! And it ends with BIG DRIP PRODUCTIONS NAILING RENTS DUE!!!!!!!!
J.T. PRICE: AND THERE GOES ANOTHER ONE! I’m loving this.
KAYDEN ELLIS: I’m sure you are, but don’t get too excited yet.
Big Drip stand and celebrate! S.E.X is celebrating as well! The crowd pops loudly! ITS HIP! THE ROOF IS ON FIRE! THERE'S FUEL IN THE ROCKET SHIPS! MIMES ARE QUAKING IN THEIR MIME SHOES AS S.E.X AND DRIP TURN TO ONE ANOTHER, LOCKING EYES! IT'S COME DOWN TO THIS! DRIP VS SEX! FALLOUT VS PROVING GROUND!! The two teams meet in the middle, bumping chests. They exchange words, and like that the brawl is on!
Space Lord tries to grab a hold of Petey, but Sauce kicks him in the gut and the two start pounding on him! Terry Marshall tries to take them away, but out of nowhere, he hits the MP3! Jumping Cutter connects to him! Petey goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Space Lord breaks up the pin!
J.T. PRICE: COME ON DRIPPY BOYS!
Space Lord gets back to his feet and turns around… Only for Sauce to hit him with the Don’t Sauce Inside Me! The Spear buys them a little time as Sauce runs for the top rope. Petey is jumping up and down for him to hurry. Once he gets up there, Space Lord starts to get back to his feet, because Sauce’s spear barely does anything to someone his size. Sauce jumps off the top rope with a DDT! Soundcloud Smash Hit! Petey climbs the top rope now and then jumps off to connect the Freaky Bomb! Soundcloud Smash Hit/Freaky Bomb combo is what they call We Fly High! Both Petey and Sauce climb on top of Space Lord for the cover!
ONE!
TWO
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
J.T. PRICE: THEY DID IT… OH MY GOD!!
“Drip Like Me” by Kenndog blasts through the speakers. A mixed reaction of cheers and boos fill the arena. The ref grabs a hold of Petey and Sauce’s arms and raises them up high in victory.
HOLLY PEREZ: Here are your winners… and the Number One Contenders for the Tag Team Championships… LIL PETEY AND YUNG SAUCE… BIG DRIP PRODUCTIONS!!
“Blockbuster Night Pt. 1” by Run the Jewels blasts through the speakers. James Raven and Shawn Warstein step out onto the stage with the Tag Team Championships around their waists. They both have a mic in hand and signal for the music to stop.
JAMES RAVEN: I’m glad we didn’t join the commentary team tonight. This match was worse than the NFL Playoffs this year.
SHAWN WARSTEIN: This is the best you got for us? You’ve got to be kidding me, right?
Lil Petey and Yung Sauce seem unfazed as they continue to celebrate their victory.
JAMES RAVEN: Do they even notice we’re out here, Shawn?
SHAWN WARSTEIN: They’re paying just as much attention to us as the offensive line did protecting Patrick Mahomes.
JAMES RAVEN: This isn’t even worth my time. I’ve been bored as shit and this is worse than doing nothing.
James drops the mic and heads backstage. Shawn follows right behind him. Petey and Sauce continue jumping up and down, celebrating their victory.
TREY BOOKER: Don’t count out JNS for this one J.T., Strader has been very vocal about what he thinks of Santiago and is by no means going to be an underdog in this fight. Both me are putting it all on the line tonight, and I won’t be surprised if this fight takes Fight of the Night.
J.T. PRICE: You’re right there Booker, one thing you can bank on is Drago and Strader bringing it and leaving no-one behind. This is going to be brutal, merciless, a wild-
Before the commentators can continue, all lights and sound is cut off for the arena, plunging everyone into raw darkness. Fans use their cellphones as flashlights to try make sense of what is going on, but without even the commentary team there is a roar of cheers and boos from the darkness.
The slow, chilling sounds of the blowing horn ring out through the darkness, sending a wave of excitement across the unseen fans. The stage itself, adorned with LED screens begins to play a scene, a very eerie setting of a wasteland. Land and air shrouded is dust, dead and decaying foliage dotted across the land, rotting fauna on the ground. The weather brings a storm, as rain pours down, this scene playing out in tandem with a slow beating of drums.
With the stage as the only source of light now, we can just about see something happening in the ring as smoke billows out from underneath it, quickly shrouding the area. A number of spotlights shine into the crowd, one by one lighting up a random individual that slowly begins to walk towards the ring.
As all lights are not spotlighting people, twelve in total, they all approach the barrier and climb over, approaching the ring which is completely concealed in smoke. We can see each one is dressed the same way, in long brown robes with the heads hidden in a hood. Their spotlights end and instead the four ring posts come alight in flames, a torch extended from the top of each one. Through the dancing flames and the wisping smoke we see the figures enter the ring, three on each side and all facing the center where a woman slowly rises up from the smoke, raising her arms to the sky.
She is Meredith Agnar, manager and harbinger of Ozymandias. The stage cuts out, however the beating drums of ‘In Meidjan’ continue until they can slowly drum away. With nothing left but cheering/ booing fans, Meredith speaks out loud, no microphone but yet her voice carries the entire length of the room somehow.
MEREDITH: You have seen our arrival, approaching Project: Honor from worlds afar, our legacy arriving on your ears before our presence. You have heard our name, known in association with violence, chaos and wrath. You smell our conflict, the air thick with the sickly sweet smell of blood, sweat and tears of our victims.
She pauses for a moment, looking around the crowd but also smiling in a creepy way, the flames from the torches still the only light in the arena. Her dozen hooded followers stand in place, watching her with their heads bowed.
MEREDITH: We have come to this place, not with a warning or a threat, but with an invitation. The Great Old One still slumbers in the depths, biding his time to awaken, patiently waiting for the world above to be ready for his return. He speaks to us, he commands us to prepare the lands for his return. His throne, his legion, his world, all to be handed upon his rebirth.
She stops again, letting her confusing speech sink in.
MEREDITH: Ozymandias is His champion, His warrior. Our goal is one and the same… to raze this world from existence, and build a new world upon the ashes. Ozymandias does not fight for gold, for accolades or honor. Ozymandias fights for power, for dominance and for acknowledgement. We do not care for wealth, however we utilize it to raise our God. We do not care for possessions, for victuals or for appraise, but we use it for our affirmations.
She takes a step forward, facing into the south side cameras, making direct eye contact. The followers on that side part to let her be fully seen by the cameras.
MEREDITH: Keep your gold, keep your titles, your fake appellations and your monikers means nothing. Keep your head held high, continue to look up to the stars… when the flood comes you either rise up, or you drown with this world. Ozymandias has decimated countless foes before tonight, and will continue to ravage this world. Win, lose or draw means nothing… our goal is unchanging, unwavering. We abide His call, the Call of the Depths… All men must fall. All souls must drown. All you know is futile.
She laughs, even despite her microphone her voice seems to carry all over the arena but almost on cue as soon as she stops speaking her support begins to chant.
"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn."
"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn."
"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn."
"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn."
The torches suddenly blow out, almost as if a strong gust of wind has blown through the arena. A moment passes before the lights return, and the ring is now completely empty. The smoke quickly dissipates around the ring, and things seem to return back to normal in a flash.
J.T. PRICE: ...we back on?
TREY BOOKER: What what all that about!
J.T. PRICE: Sounds like Ozymandias wants us to know his name real bad! Sending out his mouthpiece, cutting the lights and that big performance… I haven't seen anything like it!
TREY BOOKER: Those people gave me some serious willies, all hooded up and hidden like that? I’ve heard of cults and I’ve heard of famous wrestlers getting involved, but I never thought we’d see it here in Project: Honor.
J.T. PRICE: I guess we haven’t seen it all Trey, and this is just the beginning of something new and, something weird. Either way Ozymandias will take part in the WarGames later tonight to represent Proving Ground. And if what Meredith said is true, he isn't coming with just victory on his mind.
TREY BOOKER: No, it sounds like he’s coming with violent intentions. We’ve already seen him try to break Pat the Postman’s back, in his debut! What will happen if he gets his hands on the guys tonight?
J.T. PRICE: Or the girls, I don’t think it matters to a man like that. Everyone will be a target. We’re going to cut to another clip right now so our crew can clean up this mess and see if those ring posts need to be extinguished! We’ll be right back.
When she turns a corner, her eyes light up excitedly. Turning the corner just in front of her, his eyes focused on his cell phone as his fingers nimbly fly across the screen, is the Grand Champion of Proving Ground, Dickie Watson. He wears his championship like her -- across his shoulder, held underneath his forearm protectively should someone try to grab it. He reaches up with his opposite hand, scratching at his forehead beneath his beanie.
So focused on his phone, he almost barrels into her without a moment’s notice.
DICKIE WATSON: Oh fuck, sorry--
It takes a second for him to look up from his phone as he stumbles to the side, but when his eyes settle on her, he grins widely.
DICKIE WATSON: Betsy Frickin’ Granger. Heard you were going to be joining us here at Project: Honor. Color me slightly surprised, deffo’ excited. How are ya?
BETSY GRANGER: Dickie My Dude Watson! I have to say, I was already stoked to be here, but the night just got one thousand times more exciting. Glad we were able to bump into each other, I was hoping to catch you around here tonight!
The Impossible Traveler bounces on the balls of her feet, grinning widely at the Grand Champion.
BETSY GRANGER: It’s been a hell of a show so far, I’m bummed out I didn’t get here in time to take part. But I’m loving what I’ve seen and we haven’t even gotten to your State of the Union address. Looking forward to hearing what you’ve got to say!
At this, Dickie slightly rolls his eyes, nodding for a second and exhaling.
DICKIE WATSON: Well, when you’re not booked...Nah, it’s all good. The light needs to be shining above me here tonight, and I have to say that adding your arrival in will segue into something I want to touch on. Haven’t been that popular lately, but I’m about to make that right tonight. However...been hearing too many reports -- you here part time like Raven, or full time like Warstein? We need talented people like you instead of...well…some of the people we’ve gotten in the past three months.
The two begin walking the halls together as Betsy considers the question for a moment.
BETSY GRANGER: I think you should definitely get used to seeing my face a lot more around here. I always say I’m going part-time until I start work… Next thing you know, I’m all over the place and you’ll get sick of this mug.
She flashes a cheeky smile over at Dickie.
BETSY GRANGER: I’m here for the long haul, my friend. As for what you said, about not being all that popular at the moment? I honestly wouldn’t worry about it too much. It doesn’t matter what you do, insecure, unhappy people inherently hate those that are better than themselves. Just keep doing you. And that address… I say show no mercy.
He ponders her words for a second, holding tightly to his championship belt. A slight smile appears on his lips -- obviously, this has been affecting him quite a bit, regardless of tweets and of statements made to the crowd.
DICKIE WATSON: You’re right. Sometimes, it’s a bit easier for someone else to look at it from the outside in, you know? I’ve got this edge on me, something that most people don’t appreciate, and I have it because I’m constantly getting attacked for one thing or another, I just always forget that people are just so damned insecure. But that was in the plan -- you know me, I never do anything but one hundred percent no mercy.
He snorts, looking upwards, before turning his head and looking at her again.
DICKIE WATSON: It’s good you’re here. With those titles. Make sure they know who you are, starting from the get. They’re unforgiving, and they need to be made to think.
A sly grin spreads across the face of the Impossible Traveler as Dickie’s words hit her ears.
BETSY GRANGER: My father always liked to say that you can lead a scarecrow to the Emerald City, but you can’t force him to give up the straw in his head when he gets there. I think that was his weird way of telling me that those who have no will to think for themselves are always the loudest voices in the crowd.
Shrugging both titles more securely over her shoulders, the smug grin leaves her face for a moment as she tilts her head to study Dickie’s profile.
BETSY GRANGER: I can’t promise I can make anyone think, but I’ll definitely do what I can to get into their heads. I hope it’s as unforgiving as you say, I’ve made it a sport recently to topple those who think their shit doesn’t stink. And around here, I don’t just have James and Shawn to do that with.
The grin returns.
BETSY GRANGER: It’ll be fun seeing what sort of trouble the two of us can get into.
Dickie snickers himself and nods again, clearly agreeing with what she has to say.
DICKIE WATSON: Hey, I only align with the best. Raven and I have had some words ourselves...this whole company is a playground, to be honest. It’ll be a hell of a time.
The duo turns a corner and at the other end of the hall is Shawn Warstein. He’s cleaned himself up and changed since his match and is currently leaning against a wall, scrolling through his phone. Betsy stops and turns to Dickie.
BETSY GRANGER: This is where I’m afraid I must leave you. But may I say, I’m stoked that we finally met in person. You’re good people.
Betsy holds out her hand and Dickie accepts it. They exchange a grin and shake hands enthusiastically.
BETSY GRANGER: We’ll have to figure out a secret handshake for further interactions. Until then… Farewell!
Turning on her toes, she begins to walk towards Warstein. Turning back, she flips Dickie a peace sign and winks. Dickie chuckles and waves back before heading down a different hallway, allowing his mind to slip back into his speech once more.
??: Did you mean what you said on social media?
He doesn't look up, tearing off another strip from the roll of tape and smoothing it into place. At an irritated sound from the girl, he looked up, his identity unmistakable now that his bearded face is visible. It's none other than the Silver Scot himself, Bruce McLeod. The girl standing across from him looks vaguely familiar, her reddish-blonde hair in a loose braid over her shoulder – she's got to be at least half his age. The sigh that comes from his lips is almost the same as the one she just made, making it clear that this is his daughter and latest wrestling protégé.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Have to be more specific. Said a great many things the last couple days.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: About CGW? Are you seriously going to do a 'Loser Leaves The Company' match?
He doesn't answer for a moment, flexing his wrist to make sure the tape's not too tight before starting the process on the other side.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: Seriously, Dad. Just level with me-
BRUCE MCLEOD: Mebbe I was. Mebbe was all for show. Get a little heat... get a few feathers ruffled.
His shoulders twitch towards an idle shrug but she's having none of that insouciance tonight. He sighs, shaking his head.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Would it be such a travesty if I never went tae Edmonton again?
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: Over a belt? You'd risk everything-
He bows his head, dropping the roll of tape beside himself. Silence reigns for a moment, nothing but the sound of air rushing through the vents overhead, the tepid stream of air not doing much to combat the wintry atmosphere. He's quite aware of the hole is daughter is staring in him but he still stalls, bringing a hand up to his face to scratch idly at his bearded cheek, running his nails over the groove in his flesh that's no longer visible to the naked eye.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Not about a belt. Not about misplaced glory or bein' shunted from the spotlight. It's about wasted time, Possum – not something you've need to worry about this early in the career, but there'll come a time when it's more about making good use of the grains remaining than the ones that've already passed through your hands into the bottom of the hourglass.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: Then why are we here? For this...
She waves her hands, not even sure of the words to explain the complexity of the so-called War Games match.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: You're going to go out there against seven others from Fallout... for what? Some bullshit title of Tyrant? Why would you even want that?
He chuckles, shaking his head.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Mark Hunter won a briefcase by surviving The Purge. We'll find out tonight what that got him – am sure tis something more tangible than some nonsense name. Could buy myself a parcel o' land, call myself a Lord. Don't need tae get my bahookie beat by half the damnable roster.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: So you think there's gonna be something more?
BRUCE MCLEOD: Downright positive. That's why I let them know what championship I had my eyes on. T'would be quite the Noble Champion, don't ya think?
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: I think Ma would probably prefer that over worrying about you coming home in a thousand pieces every time you come here to fight.
He flashes her a look, one dark brow raised.
BRUCE MCLEOD: A thousand pieces? Come now, am a better fighter than tha'-
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: Besides, that's what the tape is for!
He picks up the roll and whips it at her, but she doesn't even flinch, catching it easily. Bruce hops down off the box he's on, doing a few quick squats to works the feeling back into his ass after sitting on the wood and steel box.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Serious-like, this... right here. Project: Honor... this place feels like it could be something more than just slap-dash booking for another spin 'round the mulberry bush. Chasing Glory. Chasing the weasel. What's the difference at the end of the day? Both are futile. Both are tiresome and they both end the same way with someone laying flat on their back whilst the gawkers call for more blood. Another gust of wind. Another story. Another grain of sand falls. Another notch gets carved. Another belt – is that whit I truly need now? Some shiny bauble as an end-cap on this wet fart of a career?
She makes a face at that metaphor.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: I know you want it, Dad. There's nothing wrong with wanting something more. And, I mean, wouldn't it be nice? To have one that truly means something?
He considers for a moment before nodding, realizing that of all the people in those godforsaken Earth, his willful daughter's probably the one who understands him best.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Aye. T'would at that. C'mon then. Let's go watch Johnny-Boy Strader win hisself one of those pretty little baubles. Play your cards right, mebbe we'll get to meet him after the show. Get you an autographed 8x10 tae pin up over yer bed...
She ducks her head, blushing.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: Daaaaad. Gross! He looks way too much like Uncle Hunter. I just really like his bike.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Oh aye. His bike. Mebbe we'll ask him tae give you a ride, hmm?
She's redder than the EXIT sign now.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: I swear to God... if you didn't have that match tonight, I'd hit you.
He rolls his eyes towards the heavens, feigning exasperation.
BRUCE MCLEOD: Oh, now she wants tae hit me.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD: OHMYGOD. You're enjoying this, aren't you?
BRUCE MCLEOD: All hail Bruce The Tyrant.
The Silver Scot lets out a bemused chuckle as his gaze slides to the camera and he drops a cheeky wink. His daughter gasps when she notices it and before she can have a complete meltdown, he takes her hand, dragging the embarrassed girl away under protest while the view cuts back to ringside.
CLARA OLSON: The following is a Love Hurts match, and it is for the Prime Championship! Introducing first, hailing from Motor City… standing at five feet, eleven inches.... Weighing in at one hundred, eighty one pounds… he is the Equalizer, the Deleter of Worlds… DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGO SANTIAGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
To One of Us by FEVER333, spotlights zoom on Drago Santiago standing at the fan entranceway, walking through the crowd as it parts like the red sea around him. Upon reaching the barricade he hops over, steps into the ring in adoration at all of the toys surrounding him, and waits for his opponent impatiently.
ALARA ADAMS: He’s experienced nothing but chaos since his arrival, but I don’t think he’d have it any other way. With a hungry smile on his face, Drago Santiago’s looking to unleash his own brand of chaos tonight.
KAYDEN ELLIS: He’s reveling in it all. The bloodthirsty crowd, the weapons in every single place you can look, all of it. And he’s facing someone who has shown no limit to the pain he can take, but this man might have no limit to the suffering he can deliver.
~ Who’s that writing? John the Revelator ~
The Forest Rangers song comes to a halt with the sounding of a record suddenly being stopped. The arena lights dim as the titantron lights with the initials ‘JNS’ in gold. ‘Adam Raised a Cain’ by Bruce Springsteen hits the sound system.
~ In the summer that I was baptized my father held me to his side
As they put me to the water he said how on that day i cried
We were prisoners of love a love in chains
He was standin' in the door i was standin' in the rain
With the same hot blood burning in our veins
Adam raised a cain ~
ALARA ADAMS: Think he’s going to ride a motorcycle down to ringside?
KAYDEN ELLIS: Well, it’ll be a rented one.
The roaring sound of a brand new all blacked out Harley Davdison Fatboy 114 can be heard as he rides out through the entranceway. He stops at the top of the ramp as he holds his right fist high in the air.
~ Adam Raised a Cain
Adam Raised a Cain
Adam Raised a Cain
Adam Raised a Cain ~
CLARA OLSON: Residing in Redwood City, California by way of London, Ontario Canada... standing in at 6'5" and weighing in at 245 pounds...
When Bruce’s voice hits the chorus the entrance away explodes with silver and gold pyrotechnics as Strader starts to ride down the ramp. He stops at the bottom, hitting his throttle causing the engine to rumble throughout the O2 arena.
CLARA OLSON: He is... JOHN! NASH! STRADERRRRRRRRR!
John holds his right fist up again as he looks at the chains that have replaced the ropes on the squared circle and eyes the glass tables placed around ringside..
All of the old faces ask you why you're back
They fit you with position and the keys to your daddy's Cadillac
In the darkness of your room your mother calls you by your true name
You remember the faces the places the names
You know it's never over it's relentless as the rain
John kicks down the kickstand .
And we don't need the ladies crying ’cause the story's sad, oh yeah
‘Cause the Rocky Mountain way is better than the way we had
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Rocky mountain way, ooh
John kicks down his kickstand as he takes off his riding glasses and helmet placing them on the seat. John takes off his Kutte hanging it on the handle bars. The fans gasp as John’s concealed holster holds his gun, Mr. Eagle. He takes it out of the holster, pulling the clip out, and popping the round in the chamber. He holds it up for everyone to see as he places it in the black leather saddlebags.
ALARA ADAMS: Well, at least he isn’t bringing it into the ring.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Smart move on John’s part, he doesn’t want to accidentally shoot the champion...
ALARA ADAMS: Maybe...
~ Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain
Adam raised a Cain ~
John climbs up onto the ring apron as Miss Olson vacates. He takes off his kutte and hands it to his niece who takes a seat on the side of his rental bike. He steps through the chains, and heads to the far left corner, leaning back into the turnbuckle waiting for the referee to call for the bell as the theme song fades as the fans are on their feet excited to see this match get underway.
Drago stands on one side of the ring, with John Nash Stradar on the other, as the chain link fence is lowered down over the ring and placed neatly enough not to touch the glass tables.
ALARA ADAMS: Jesus, Kayden. I think we’re going to see a lot of blood here.
KAYDEN ELLIS: I think we’re going to be lucky if blood is ALL we see.
DING! DING! DING!
Drago and John begin to slowly circle each other in the center of the ring, before locking up. Strader gets the upper hand and hooks Drago up under the arm...HIP TOSS!!! John goes running and hits the steel chain, but quickly realizes the chain doesn't have as much bounce-back as a regular rope does. He stumbles forward slightly, almost falling face first to the mat before managing to stay upright. Strader glances back at the chain, then back at Drago…
ALARA ADAMS: DRAGO IS UP!
Drago catches John off guard with a right hook to the jaw that sends him stumbling back. Drago charges forward and lands a perfectly-aimed elbow strike to the temple of John, bending him partially over the steel chain. Drago catches sight of the glass table and stops for a moment.
KAYDEN ELLIS: What is he doing? He literally has JNS against the ropes!
ALARA ADAMS: It seems he’s getting a little skittish with those tables in sight.
Drago looks back to John, only to watch a forehead come flying towards his face. John headbutts Drago hard enough for him to see stars and send the Problem Child stumbling back. John charges forward, rocking Drago with a right hook again…then a right…then a left…then a right. John goes for another left, but Drago blocks him and ROCKS him with an uppercut. Strader stumbles back a few steps…Drago charges…HUGE CLOTHESLINE!!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Is Drago dropping down for the cover?
ONE!
KICKOUT!!
ALARA ADAMS: Looks like he tried to end this one early.
Drago rolls away from John and uses the steel chain rope to pull himself to his feet. Drago slides along the chain and stops in the corner.
ALARA ADAMS: What the hell is he doing?
Drago has his back turned to John and the announcers as he looks to be messing with the turnbuckle. John, finally making it back to his feet, grbas Drago and spins him around...THROAT THRUST! John stumbles back grabbing his throat, as Drago turns and finishes what he was doing.
KAYDEN ELLIS: HE UNDID THE CHAIN FROM THE TURNBUCKLE!!!
Drago looks to John who is charging him. John reaches out to grab the Saint, but Drago ducks and runs to the opposite corner that the chain is held. Quickly he begins to furiously try to undo the chain...but John Nash Strader is quick enough to stop Santiago with a corner splash, that slams Drago’s face into the turnbuckle. Both men stumble back as blood begins to pour from Drago’s nose.
ALARA ADAMS: It has begun!
Santiago turns around…
KAYDEN ELLIS: LIFE OF A ONE-PERCENTER!!!
Strader quickly drops down and hooks Drago’s leg.
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
KICKOUT!!!!!!!
ALARA ADAMS: HOLY SHIT!!! I thought Drago was DONE for.
John Nash Strader stands to his feet and grabs Drago by the hair, pulling him to his feet...and whips him towards the...REVERSAL!!! Drago whips John towards the side of the ring missing the top rope, but John stops inches away from the steel chains.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Loko at John’s eyes widen as he is looking out at the glass tables. I think he just saved him-
ALARA ADAMS: LOOK OUT!!!
Drago comes flying out of nowhere and spears John from behind, sending them both over the remaining ropes and…
CRASH!!!
...through a couple glass tables on the outside. John Nash Strader lay face down in a pile of broken glass, while Drago is grabbing at his glass filled bleeding-side. Slowly, and painfully, Santiago begins to stand up...not paying much attention to John...but more to the tenderness of his ribs. He climbs up onto the apron when suddenly the look on his face changes from that of pure pain...to pure ecstasy.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Wait...what...what is that face?
Drago, with a little bit of pep suddenly in his step, walks over to the closest ring post. He climbs up to the top, looking out onto the crowd. A smirk crosses the Saint’s mouth, before he bends down and launches himself backwards, performing a moonsault onto Strader.
ALARA ADAMS: JOHN CAUGHT HIM!!! JOHN CAUGHT DRAGO IN MID-AIR!!! HIS FACE IS COVERED IN BROKEN GLASS AND BLOOD!!!
SLAM!!
Strader, will all the force he could muster, slams Drago into the side of the cage.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Did...did I see something fall from the side of that cage?
John takes a step back, pressing his back up against the apron to try and get the most running room. But right as he begins to move forward, Drago manages to reach up and grab the loose steel chain and hold on to it. John stops dead in his tracks, almost falling back into the glass. Strader stumbles back, giving Drago some slack in the chain. He slides behind JNS, before quickly using the access chain to wrap around John’s neck.
ALARA ADAMS: Drago seems hungry for that Prime Championship!
With John being choked and slightly pulled backwards, Drago carefully finds his way up onto the apron and under the bottom rope. With all his strength, he shifts around and places his boots on the back of Strader’s shoulders and begins pulling the chain harder, putting more stress around John’s neck.
KAYDEN ELLIS: He’s going to kill him.
Frantically John begins to claw at the chain around his neck.
ALARA ADAMS: This could be the end for Fallout’s outlaw!
Fans pop loudly!!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Wait...who is that coming down the ramp?
Drago suddenly lets go of the chain and jumps to his feet as we see Contessa Floran coming down to the ring, carrying a duffle bag. He runs over to the entrance side of the ring and watches as Contessa stands outside the cage and stares at Drago on the inside.
ALARA ADAMS: Oh this is getting good.
Contessa can be seen pointing at the cage door, yelling at the refs standing on the outside of it.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Seems like she wants them to open the cage, but they are not doing it.
ALARA ADAMS: Hold up...what is she doing?
Contessa walks over to John Nash Strader’s bike and places her duffle bag on the seat. With a quick unzip, she begins to grab what is inside...before pulling it out and revealing that she too has a steel chain. She gets behind the bike and can be seen hooking the chain up to something on the bike...before running over to the cage and hooking the chain up to the cage itself.
KAYDEN ELLIS: What...is...she...doing???
The refs can be seen yelling at her as Drago watches from inside the ring. Meanwhile, John Nash Strader has regained his breathing capabilities and is slowly pulling himself up onto the apron.
VROOM!!!
Contessa hops onto John’s bike and starts it up, sending the engine purring amongst the noises of the live crowd.
ALARA ADAMS: Is…
Before Alara could finish her thought, Contessa puts the motorcycle into gear and quickly accelerates forward. With bits of metal flying in different directions, the side of the cage she attached the bike to, pulls away from the rest of the cage. With a loud crash, the right side of the cage jerks forward and partially buckles, crashing against the glass tables and shattering them. Drago shields his face away from the debris as the rest of the cage is barely holding it together.
CROWD: HOLY SHIT!!! HOLY SHIT!!! HOLY SHIT!!!
Contessa jumps off the motorcycle and climbs up over the fallen piece of cage, making her way to the ring. Meanwhile, behind Drago, John has made his way into the ring and grabs the end of the chain that is still connected to the post. He removes the turnbuckle cover, to see that it is a specially made turnbuckle. The eye hook that normally holds the ropes in place, is actually a gold set of brass knuckles that had been bolted onto the turnbuckle itself and the chains were hooked onto. Wearing his crimson mask, he unhooks both steele chains that were attached...and begins to unthread it from the turnbuckle.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Contessa doesn’t look happy.
ALARA ADAMS: Well look what Drago did to her a couple weeks ago!
Contessa climbs up onto the apron...when the fans pop loudly again.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Oh...not him…
Contessa turns as both she and Drago look to see Pyro running down to the ring. Pyro makes his way over the fallen cage and onto the apron next to Contessa. Drago motions for them both to stop. Quickly thinking, Drago points at them and himself, then points at John, who is still busy trying to remove the brass knuckles.
ALARA ADAMS: Are they talking about teaming up against John?
KAYDEN ELLIS: But why?
ALARA ADAMS: Drago wants to win, Pyro wants revenge, and I’m not sure why Contessa would follow suit. Maybe Drago promised her something.
Contessa and Pyro climb into the ring and stand behind Drago, who himself turns and looks at Strader. All three of them take a step towards John, who has just turned around, when the fans explode again.
KAYDEN ELLIS: NOW WHO???
The cameras show Bruce McLeod and Julius Fairweather climbing up over the fallen cage wall. Drago, Pyro, and Contessa turn and look at the incoming bodies. Drago points out to them, to which Pyro and Contessa exit the ring and charge towards Bruce and Julius. Meanwhile in the ring, Drago turns around only to duck a right hook from a fist with a pair of brass knuckles attached. John stops on a dime and turns around…
ALARA ADAMS: WHITE WEDDING!!! WHITE WEDDING!!! DRAGO GOES FOR THE COVER!!!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!
KICKOUT!!!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY SHIT!!!
Drago jumps to his feet and looks out at the Contessa/Pyro/Bruce/Julius fight going on outside on the fallen-piece of cage. After a moment or two, Santiago reaches down and pulls John to his feet. John stands there, wobbling slightly as he still seems out of it. Drago runs, bounces as best he could off the steel chain ropes and comes flying back at JNS. John makes a half-hearted attempt at swinging at Drago, but Drago ducks under the weak hook. John turns around...kick to the gut bending him over...Drago grabs him around the neck…
ALARA ADAMS: BERZERK BUTTON!!! DRAGO HAS JOHN NASH STRADER IN THE BERZERK BUTTON!!!
Drago wrenches hard on the neck crank and begins to slightly twist it.
KAYDEN ELLIS: HERE COMES VICTORIA!!!
Victoria Nash Strader comes running out of the entrance way, but just before she gets down the ramp...Kayla Richards comes flying out of nowhere and spears her through a barricade and into the crowd of fans. John’s eyes widened as he was barely able to see what happened from under Drago’s arm.
JNS: VICTORIA!!!
With all his might, Strader lands a gut shot with the brass knuckles...loosening Drago’s grip. He lands a second shot, causing Drago to let go completely. John stands up, but grabs Drago in the process, lifting him above his head into a Gorilla press, before bringing him down into a backbreaker.
ALARA ADAMS: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOMBSQUAD!
KAYDEN ELLIS: That’s a mouthful...and doesn’t make sense…
ALARA ADAMS: Wait...John isn’t pinning him…
John Nash Strader slides out of the ring, but stops when he sees Julius Fairweather level Pyro beyond the fallen side of the cage, then runs over to help Victoria after she was blindsided by Kayla Richards. With Victoria being helped, John turns and slides back into the ring. He crawls over and covers Drago!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
KICKOUT!!!!
John, looking pissed, quickly jumps to his feet and pulls a woozy looking Drago up to his as well. With a show of power, John lifts Drago up and sits him on the top turnbuckle.
ALARA ADAMS: Oh, this can’t be good.
Strader climbs to the top turnbuckle, practically stradling Drago’s face...BUT DRAGO OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A HEAD BUTT STRAIGHT TO THE GROIN OF JOHN NASH STRADER!!! Drago stands up, hooking up under John and lifting him into the air into an over-the shoulder back-to-belly hold...Drago barely able to stand on that top turnbu-
KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY SHIT HE JUST JUMPED TO THE OUTSIDE!!!!
SMASH!!!
ALARA ADAMS: DUES EX MACHINA...TO THE OUTSIDE...THROUGH A GLASS TABLE!!! HO! LY! FUCK!!!
CROWD: HO-LY-SHIT! HO-LY-SHIT! HO-LY-SHIT!
KAYDEN ELLIS: The ref slides out of the ring as Drago lay motionless on top of a broken and bleeding John Nash Strader.
ONE!
ALARA ADAMS: There’s glass in the refs hand!
TWO!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Even HE is beginning to bleed!
THREE!!!
The crowd quiets down for a second, when the ref jumps to his feet.
DING! DING! DING!
ALARA ADAMS: DRAGO DID IT!!! BUT AT WHAT COST TO HIS OWN WELL BEING???
CLARA OLSON: Here is your winner and FIRST...EVER...PRIME CHAMPION...DRAAAAAGOOOOO SAAAANNNTIIIAAAAAGGOOOOOO!!!
The ref, with Prime Championship Title in his hand, tries to help Drago up...but the damage is done. Medical personnel begin their way down to the ring to assist with all the carnage.
He is pensive as he watches patches of ice float on the surface of the water. Behind him is The Citadel, the home of OATH Pro Wrestling. In a few short hours fans will file in for the forty-eighth episode of Conviction. In a few short hours this man, Rory “Finale” Costigan will have his last match in that company.
FINALE: It has been said that sometimes we’ve got to destroy ourselves in order to rebuild. To grow. Don’t ask me who said it because I don’t fucking know. Maybe I made it up. Can’t be sure. I will say, I’ve almost nailed the destroying myself part. I have excelled at doing that. What an accolade. Pills, booze, women - it was a good time. Until it wasn’t.
Finale looks down at his left hand and spins the wedding ring on his finger. His divorce is still fresh, his ex-wife is still in the midst of claiming all of the spoils of the war between them.
FINALE: I thought that I could have it all. A career, a family, happiness. Boy was I fucking misguided. That can work for some people in this industry, but not for me. Not for a Costigan. There is a black mark on my family. It is fucking unavoidable, unsatiable, and ever present.
Reluctantly he slides the ring off of his finger.
FINALE: I have to choose. I can either be the world class fighter that I was built to be or I can have the white picket fence and the nuclear family. I can’t do both. I don’t have the strength to be wild and domesticated. That is an expert level of duality that I can’t do. The Buffalo Butcher isn’t made to be home for dinner. Know what I mean?
He holds the ring up and gazes through it, centering the sun within it.
FINALE: So tonight, I finish my self-destruction. Tonight I end my time with this particular company and I do it in a fucking Deathmatch against a man that I have been fighting for years. What makes it all the more interesting is that my fucking ex-wife will be right there to see it, the bloodthirsty hag. Tonight, win or lose, I finish myself off. Not like that. You know what I mean. Hopefully.
Finale clenches his fist, squeezing the ring as if he was hoping that some kind of miracle could be forged under the pressure. He turns to the camera.
FINALE: And then we begin again. Fallout, an apt name for where I go next. Project: Honor is the best company in all of professional wrestling. I’ve been doing this for over twenty years so you’ll just have to trust that I know what I’m fucking talking about. It is time to rebuild, to rise from the ashes and all that shit. I aim to reaffirm my legacy and there is no better place than Project: Honor to do so. I am the end…
He takes a deep breath and then pitches the wedding ring into Lake Ontario.
FINALE: ...and the end is nigh.
The Buffalo Butcher walks out of frame and ships off to war. You’re intrigued. You are.
Upon returning from commercial we see the ring set up and ready for the content reveal of Mark Hunter’s briefcase. In the centre of the ring, facing the hard cam is a podium. On the podium is a mic and the metal briefcase.
TREY BOOKER: I’m being told Mark Hunter has been given the combination and should be with us any mome....
“Feel Invincible” by Skillet suddenly sounds throughout the building and the crowd erupt into an undeniably good response. After literally a few seconds pause Mark Hunter strolls out onto the ramp area dressed in wrestling gear plus black tracksuit bottoms, the crowd again react positively to Hunter’s return home, he smirks in a self-satisfied and confident manner at the reaction from the fans and begins his walk down the ramp. Mark acknowledges literally no one as he makes his way, he continues to receive the decent response as he ascends the ring steps. He enters between the middle and top rope and instantly wonders over to the podium. Mark signals for his music to be cut.
MARK HUNTER: I know how these things work, I’m meant to stand here for ten minutes building suspense whilst none of you give a damn about anything other than the reveal. So let's just skip the bullshit. Also they want me to open the briefcase facing the camera so you can see before I do, again that's not gonna happen.
Mark spins the briefcase round so it faces him, he quickly inputs the two combinations given by management, three one six and six one nine. Again not one for suspense, Mark opens the case the moment he pops the locks. The satisfied smirk is undeniable as he takes in the contents, slowly he turns the now open case toward the camera revealing the reason for his smirk, in big and bold letters it reads.
“ANYTIME - ANYPLACE - THE ENCLOSED CONTRACT GUARANTEES A GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE SHOT AT A TIME AND PLACE OF THE HOLDERS CHOICE.”
The crowd pop.
MARK HUNTER: Well, well, well… It looks like I don’t have to drop DeMarco on his head right now. If this thing had been anything bad, I’d have been on Fallout kicking his ass.
Mark takes a breather as the crowd dies down.
MARK HUNTER: Lets face it, I’m not a nice guy, I’m not a good guy, in fact I can be a mouthy and sometimes horrible bastard, for me to pretend otherwise would be damn insulting to the intelligence of everyone. However what I am is what all of you are, I’m a fan of professional wrestling, I fucking love this business. That is the reason I’ll always respect those in the back who put their bodies on the line at any given chance, whether it be in a fight on Fallout, or a pure wrestling match on Proving Ground… now with that made clear… allow me to also clearly state… I DO NOT RESPECT DIMITRI WATSON!!
The crowd gives that statement a mixed response.
MARK HUNTER: Dickie, this moment will define you, it will define you more than me. For you it is now time to shut up or fuck off. You have to know your reign means nothing if you don’t work like the rest of us or you run away from the first serious threat. Like I just said, I respect those in the back that actually show up and fucking work. I can’t respect a champion that can’t lead by example or even show their colleagues some simple common courtesy. Soon I’ll be back out here putting it all on the line with fifteen others, fifteen others that understand the privilege of being a professional wrestler, you clearly don’t understand or comprehend that privilege. For that reason, and for all those in the back you disrespect with actions like yours… I’m gonna see to it that Dickie Watson is no longer a champion in Project Honor. Whether I do that through you being too fucking scared and running away, or by beating you in a ring is all on you. Basically I’m saying you hold the cards, you can either fold like the coward many believe you to be… or grow a set and bow out with some dignity when I show why I’m always playing with pocket aces.
Mark is clearly getting more intense as the promo goes on.
MARK HUNTER: When this ends, when you either run or stare at the stars… please remember. You started this, you were the disrespectful one… you let everyone in the back down… you let the fans down… you even flipped me off and stared a hole through me… you weren’t good enough to make the Grand Championship mean something more… the Legacy title exists because you failed… unless something big changes, your whole title reign will be seen as both a failure and a disgrace. Only you can save you because I’m gonna be busy saving the reputation of a brand and championship you have been busy destroying.
Hunter looks directly into the camera.
MARK HUNTER: The hunt isn’t just on… Dickie… I’m wasting no time… And i’m already lining you up for a fucking kill shot!!
We come back from Commercial Break to see two rings sitting side-by-side. Every fan in attendance is on their feet. Both commentating teams are in their designated areas ready for all hell to break loose. Inside both rings, every Proving Ground and Fallout competitor are separated to keep things calm for the time being. Standing next to the commentators is Holly Perez and Clara Olson ready to announce the people in the match and get things started. One ref stands in each ring ready to signal for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
HOLLY PEREZ: Welcome to the first ever edition of Project: Honor’s WAR GAMES!
CLARA OLSON: The rules state that you fight in the same ring with your brand until just one person remains. Once both sides have just one person remaining, they fight until just one stands.
HOLLY PEREZ: That person becomes the Tyrant of Project: Honor! On Proving Ground’s side… OZYMANDIAS! INDY DARLING! SHAWN WARSTEIN! EMMANUELLE! MARK HUNTER! KAGOME AKAIBARA, BLAIR REGENT, AND ALEX SLAYER!
CLARA OLSON: And representing Fallout… PYRO! KAYLA RICHARDS! JASON LONG! KASEY WINTERBORN! KALLIE REZNIK! VICTORIA STRADER! JULIUS FAIRWEATHER! AND BRUCE MCLEOD!
The camera cuts to the commentators who all are on the edge of their seats.
TREY BOOKER: I’m freaking giddy with anticipation right now. This match is about to be unlike anything we’ve seen in Project: Honor to date.
J.T. PRICE: I agree whole-heartedly, Trey. You can see the intensity in their eyes.
ALARA ADAMS: Are we prepared for our tables to break? I’m sure it’s bound to happen with sixteen of these people and the rings being open.
KAYDEN ELLIS: I think we should get to the action… it looks like anyone could snap at any second now.
Before the bell rings, some commotion started between Kayla Richards and Bruce McLeod on the Fallout side. Kayla gets right up in front of him and the two start to bicker. Everyone else just keeps their eyes peeled. In the Proving Ground ring, Ozymandias stands still and unbothered while some words are exchanged between Indy Darling and Shawn Warstein. Tensions are starting to rise.
HOLLY PEREZ: LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
CLARA OLSON: LET THERE BE WAR!
Both Holly and Clara signal for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Without any hesitation, in the Fallout ring, Kayla and Bruce started exchanging blows to the face. Everyone else branches out and begins the all-out attack. Pyro and Jason are at it, Kallie and Victoria begin their slap fest… Julius, however, just stares Kasey up and down like he was checking her out.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER (off-mic): Motherfucker, if I even touch you, you’re going to cream more than you have in your life!
Kasey wasted no time in charging at him with an elbow to the face, following it up with a kick straight to the groin. Julius falls to the mat and before Kasey could even do anything else, the Pyro and Jason fight somehow made its way to her. While they were exchanging punches to the face, they backed up right into her and pushed her into the ropes. She’s able to escape through the ropes, but instead of leaving the ring entirely, she climbs to the top rope. No one really notices where she’s at and instead of jumping into the mayhem of other fights, she jumps off to connect a Double Corkscrew Moonsault right on top of Julius! She already goes for the pin.
ONE!
TW-
ALARA ADAMS: Kasey isn’t wasting any time and probably isn’t happy with what Julius said to her, either.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Definitely not. After what happened with Lil Petey earlier tonight, I’m sure she’s ready to beat some faces in.
Over in the Proving Ground ring, just about the same thing happened. Every broke out into duo fights; Indy and Shawn, Emmanuelle and Blair, Kagome and Alex, Ozymandias and Mark. Ozymandias has Mark in a headlock currently and is pulling him over to the ropes. Emmanuelle and Blair turn their attention to the side where Ozymandias and Mark are and charge directly to them. Mark escapes the headlock while Emmanuelle and Blair join forces to push Ozymandias out of the ring! He falls to the side and almost immediately gets back to his feet. Mark just stands there as everyone continues their brawl.
TREY BOOKER: Mark Hunter doesn’t really seem too amused to be in this match.
J.T. PRICE: I think he might’ve stated before it’s not his biggest interest, but he’s here.
Emmanuelle hits a vicious knee strike on Blair then whips her into the corner. She charges right behind and then connects the Platinum Dynamic, a running double knee strike. Switching attention to Kagome and Alex, Kagome had just hit a cross chop to Alex’s chest and dropped him with a standing enziguri. Mark takes this opportunity to connect a dropkick right to Kagome’s midsection which sends her through the ropes and to the outside of the ring. Also on the outside, Ozymandias stands still, watching everything going on in the ring.
Back on Fallout’s side, Pyro hits a quick combo on Jason that makes him groggy, and when Pyro tries to pull him in, Jason hits a quick uppercut followed by a Jumping Cutter! Pyro quickly gets back to his feet and then gets dropped once more with a dropkick directly to his throat. Jason pulls Pyro up slightly and nails him right in the head with an overhand punch that sends his face into the mat. Jason continues to follow through and to lift Pyro up again, but he sweeps Jason’s legs, mounts on top of him, and starts unloading a fury of punches right into his skull.
ALARA ADAMS: Pyro turning the tide on Jason right now!
KAYDEN ELLIS: I definitely thought Jason was gonna put Pyro out already, but he has other plans!
After an elbow to the jaw, Pyro creates enough time to head to the top rope. Jason is able to move around and gets to all fours trying to get himself up. Pyro jumps off the top rope and lands foot-first on the back of Jason’s head, connecting The Pyro Massacre, the Mega Curb Stomp. He hooks the leg for a pinfall attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
CLARA OLSON: JASON LONG HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
ALARA ADAMS: Well that was quick.
KAYDEN ELLIS: I really didn’t expect for Jason or really anyone to be eliminated this early, but it has been done!
ALARA ADAMS: Proving Ground still has eight people remaining while Fallout now has seven!
Focusing back on the Proving Ground ring, Ozymandias is back in the ring. He has dropped almost everyone in the ring who has forcefully rolled to the outside. The only remaining in the ring are Alex Slayer, Kagome Akaibara and Ozymandias now. Kagome is in the corner almost lifeless when Ozymandias picks Alex up and sends him to the corner opposite of Kagome. He looks both ways then charging right at Alex with a vicious bicycle kick almost flipping his body over the turnbuckle. Ozymandias runs to Kagome right after with clothesline this time and then whips her to the same corner that Alex is in. They collide belly-to-belly and then Ozymandias sprints directly to them. He connects a body splash to the two who then both collapse to the mat.
TREY BOOKER: If you weren’t aware, Ozymandias is in complete control of the Proving Ground ring right now!
J.T. PRICE: May not be for much longer! Here comes Shawn Warstein!
Shawn Warstein rolls back into the ring and has his eyes set on Ozymandias. He runs at Ozymandias with a short knee to the face, followed by a straight elbow, then finishes his combo up with a spinning back elbow to his jaw! Ozymandias is still on his feet, just very groggy at the moment. Shawn steps back and charges full force at him with a spear this time! He connects it and the big man Ozy goes down! Before Shawn could attempt the pinfall, Ozy rolls out leaving him in the ring with Alex and Kagome. Using all the momentum he has, Shawn runs at Alex who is currently kneeling, and connects Heavy Is The Head! Shawn falls on top of him for the pinfall!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: ALEX SLAYER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
TREY BOOKER: Proving Ground has its first elimination! Seven remaining on both sides now and things are starting to get wild!
J.T. PRICE: Starting? I don’t even know where to look, there’s so much going on!
The four women of Fallout’s side are the only ones in the ring as Pyro, Bruce and Julius have taken their fight to the outside. Kallie and Victoria are going back and forth with punches to the face while Kayla and Kasey are doing the exact same. Victoria goes for a clothesline on Kallie, but she ducks, grabs her by the arm, and pulls her back for a clothesline of her own! Kayla just grabbed Kasey by the hair and shoved her face to the ground, then started stomping a mudhole all over her! Kallie gets back to her feet while Victoria is rolling around. She walks over to Kayla and turns her around, then slaps her right in the chest with a back hand chop. She connects another all while backing her up into the corner. She takes both hands, grabs onto the ropes, then starts driving her shoulders into Kayla’s stomach! Victoria is back to her feet and charges right to Kallie and connects her Eat My Foot right to the back of her head! The superkick almost knocks Kallie out cold. Victoria then focuses her attention to Kayla, who’s still in the corner. She runs at her with a clothesline in the corner, grabs a hold of her head and connects the clothesline/bulldog combo. She attempts a pinfall on Kayla!
ONE!
TWO!
ALARA ADAMS: It’s not enough as Kayla kicks out!
Outside of the ring on Fallout’s side, Pyro is under the ring looking for something while Bruce is currently standing over Julius after performing a spinebuster onto the ground! Bruce grabs Julius by his afro, pulls him up, then throws him into the barricade. Pyro finds a few things that interest him under the ring and starts pulling them out; a table, ladder, lighter fluid, matches, and to round things out, a bag of which it’s contents are unknown.
KAYDEN ELLIS: It’s starting to look a lot like Fallout over there now.
Pyro takes the ladder and pushes it into the ring. He sets the table up outside and then holds the bag up in the air before opening it to reveal the contents. Glass shards are poured all over the table while some fall onto the ground. Pyro then takes the lighter fluid and pours it all over the table. Bruce goes to pick Julius up again, but he headbutts him right in the groin and then punches him right in the throat, buying himself some time to get back up. Pyro looks over at the two and around him to make sure no one’s trying to sneak attack. After doing so, he ignites one of the matches and throws it onto the table. Immediately, the table bursts into flames and everyone in both rings just stops abruptly to see the table with glass shards all over burst into flames. A sadistic laugh comes from Pyro while Julius tries to throw Bruce in the direction of the flaming table. Bruce turns it around to send Julius in that direction, but he stops right before he gets to the table.
JULIUS FAIRWEATHER (off-mic): Motherfucker, it’s hot as shit over here. Hell nah.
Julius runs back into the ring and far away from that flaming table. Pyro and Bruce stand on the outside and stare each other down. Without wasting much more time, they both charge at one another and exchange hits to the face. Our attention is turned over to the Proving Ground ring where Emmanuelle and Kagome Akaibara are both on the top turnbuckle fighting for the other to fall off. Emmanuelle has Kagome in a back suplex position and before long starts to jump off with her. She completes a Hammerlock Back Suplex into a Tombstone Piledriver off the top rope which she calls the Rodeo Driver!
TREY BOOKER: HOLY SHIT EMMANUELLE DID NOT JUST DO THAT!
J.T. PRICE: SHE REALLY DID! WHAT A WAY TO MAKE YOUR DEBUT!
Emmanuelle, after needing a second to recover from the landing, throws her arm over Kagome for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: KAGOME AKAIBARA HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
Blair Regent had been watching them the whole time and right after the pinfall, she springboards off the top rope and connects the Ursa Minor I, a springboard spinning leg lariat right onto Emmanuelle! Indy, Ozymandias, and Shawn are all outside. Mark had just gotten up from a move done on him earlier and saw the three outside. Mark climbs to the top rope and all three get up at the same time. Ozy headbutts Indy while both him and Shawn are throwing strikes at Ozy’s gut. Mark turns his back towards them, then leaps off with a shooting star press that he calls Zero Gravity! He lands on top of all three and they all go tumbling down together. In the ring, Blair is fighting to get Emmanuelle in a DDT position, but she keeps fighting her off with punches to the side. Just when Blair thought she had her ready for the finish, Emmanuelle threw her elbow up and nails her right in the jaw, forcing her to release the hold. The two then get into a striking exchange, but when Blair goes to throw a left hand, Emmanuelle dodges and counters with the stiff right cross to her face, making her collapse right to the mat.
Outside the ring on the Fallout side, Bruce has Pyro in a stalling suplex position right now, his blood rushing all down to his head at a rapid rate. Before he could finish the move, Pyro falls behind him and quickly pushes him forward. Bruce almost falls into the flaming table before catching himself. He turns around only to be caught by a superman elbow right to the jaw and knocks him down to the ground. Pyro crawls back under the ring in search for something else. Inside the ring, Julius is setting up the ladder while Victoria and Kayla are having a legitimate cat fight. Kayla has Victoria mounted on the ground, slamming her head into the mat multiple times. After some struggle, Julius finally gets the ladder set up and starts to climb it. Kayla unmounts Victoria and notices Julius going to the top. She walks to the other side and starts to shake the ladder. Julius holds on for dear life and then Kayla starts to climb also. Julius reaches the top first and the second Kayla is in reach and throws a right hook to her jaw. Kayla throws a right hook at Julius next and he looks shocked that she’d even try to hit him. Julius connects a jab right to her nose, then slams her face into the top of the ladder. When he goes to grab her and pull her up, Kayla grabs him by the jaw and connects a jawbreaker, then climbs up another step. She looks behind her, takes a deep breath, then grabs a hold of Julius, putting him in a suplex position. Julius tries to fight her off, but she drives her elbow into the back of his neck.
ALARA ADAMS: She’s not about to do what I think she is… is she?
KAYDEN ELLIS: … I think she is, Alara…
Kayla gets a good grip on Julius, but is still unable to do anything. Getting frustrated, she turns her body to get him in a headlock on the side. Kayla drives her elbow into the top of his head a few more times and then the unthinkable happens. Kayla pulls Julius off of the ladder and falls all the way to the outside of the ring and through the flaming table of glass! A bulldog off the top of the ladder! Everyone in attendance all rose to their feet in a combination of cheers, ooh’s and ah’s, and clapping.
KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY FUCKING SHIT, KAYLA!
ALARA ADAMS: BOTH HER AND JULIUS JUST COLLAPSED THROUGH THAT TABLE AND ARE NOW ON FIRE!
KAYDEN ELLIS: SOMEONE GET THE EMT’S OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!
Instead of EMT’s coming out, the officials on the side were prepared for such a thing and pulled out fire extinguishers from behind them. Both Kayla and Julius, even though they’re on fire, are almost completely lifeless currently. The officials use the fire extinguishers to get rid of all the fire on the side. Smoke clouds the area until clearing and revealing both Kayla and Julius, blood everywhere, glass all over their body, and minor burns also all over their body. No one comes to their aid and the match continues on. Trey looks over at Kayden and Alara with a stunned look on his face.
TREY BOOKER: Y’all have some sick, twisted fucks over on your brand, yeah?
J.T. PRICE: Like dude, we’ve seen some crazy stuff, but… Kayla literally just risked both her life and Julius’... for what?
ALARA ADAMS: They don’t call her the Dreamkiller for nothing.
Changing focus back into the Fallout ring, Bruce is back inside now with Victoria, Kallie, and Kasey. Kallie had just hit a sick combo of rolling judo throws which caused Victoria to get winded and stay down for a few seconds. Kasey connected three back spinning heel kicks to Bruce, but he powered through and connected a stunning uppercut/jab combination which he calls Blackout! Victoria is back to her feet and Kallie attempts the running bicycle kick that she calls Elysium, but Victoria dodges! She immediately grabs a hold of Kallie and pulls her in for Blackened, a spinning reverse STO! It connects and she goes for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
CLARA OLSON: KALLIE REZNIK HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
The ref gets back down to the ground for another count as Bruce covers Kasey!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
CLARA OLSON: KASEY WINTERBORN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Wow, back-to-back eliminations in the Fallout ring! Things are starting to shape up here.
ALARA ADAMS: Still plenty of time left, too, but I’m curious what’s going to happen with Julius and Kayla after what happened earlier!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Five remaining for Fallout and still six remaining for Proving Ground!
Outside of the Proving Ground ring, Ozymandias has Shawn Warstein by the neck and throws him into the steel steps. Indy had gotten back into the ring just seconds earlier and Mark is on the way back up to his feet. Instead of focusing on what’s going on in the ring, Indy dashes to the to the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, rebounds, then dashes to jump over the ropes with a suicie plancha right on top of Mark Hunter! The crowd rises to their feet and starts to chant Indy’s name.
CROWD: INDY! INDY! INDY!
Inside the ring, Blair and Emmanuelle are still going at each other’s throats. Emmanuelle has the upper hand and is connecting clothesline after clothesline right now. Blair continues to get up with each clothesline until Emmanuelle switches it up with an armdrag takedown. She mounts on top for just a brief moment to connect two elbows and a headbutt, then climbs off. Waiting for Blair to get back up, Emmanuelle stares her down and prepares for her next move. She starts to get back up and Emmanuelle does a somersault towards Blair, but before she could do anything else, Blair rolls out of the way! Blair pulls her into a DDT position and lifts her body off the ground. As they’re falling down, Blair snaps Emmanuelle’s legs up into a bodyscissor and drives all her weight down onto her head. She calls the move Bullet With Butterfly Wings! After connecting it, she goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: EMMANUELLE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
TREY BOOKER: Another elimination for Proving Ground as we’re starting to get an idea for who’s remaining!
J.T. PRICE: Blair Regent, Ozymandias, Shawn Warstein, Indy Darling and Mark Hunter remain on our side! I’ve been on the edge of my seat since this shit started!
After Indy landed on top of Mark with the suicide plancha, he got back to his feet and pulled Mark up, whipping him into the ring. Instead of Mark rolling into the ring, his back collides with the apron. Indy charges at him and Mark quickly moves out of the way, trips him, and forces him to fall in-between the apron and the ring! Ozymandias has Shawn in a Thrashing Bearhug that he calls the Arms of Azathoth! He’s starting to lose consciousness and Ozy just isn’t letting go. When Shawn’s body goes limp, Ozy throws him to the ground and turns his direction to the rest of his surroundings to see what’s going on.
Pyro finally comes out from under the ring and has a light tube in his hands. The first people he notices are Julius and Kayla who have been on the side of the ring pulling glass pieces out of their skin. Kayla gets back to her feet first and before Pyro can get to her, she slowly climbs back into the ring. Pyro attempts to swing the light tube down at Julius, but catching a glimpse of it at the last second, he rolls out of the way! The light tube shatters in Pyro’s hands, causing blood to just pour from them. He falls to his knees while Julius is still trying to pull himself up. Julius notices a piece of glass stuck in his shoes and while Pyro is still a little shocked from the light tube shattering, Julius gets to his feet and connects a jumping roundhouse kick right to Pyro’s face! The glass shard from his shoe gets stuck in Pyro’s face as blood starts dripping from it!
KAYDEN ELLIS: PYRO IS BLEEDING FROM EVERYWHERE RIGHT NOW! HIS FACE, HIS HANDS, IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE HE BLEEDS FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE!
ALARA ADAMS: The sick thing about it, is while you can tell it’s taking a toll on him, Pyro is really keeping his composure up! Most people would be out right now, but he’s letting this fuel him!
Julius slowly makes his way over to the ring. Inside, Kayla just got side-swiped by Victoria with a forearm straight to the face. She then tackles her to the ground and unleashes a fury of strikes right to her face! Julius simply sits in the corner trying to get himself back in this. Bruce is on the outside after a vicious attack from Kayla earlier on. From out of nowhere, Ozymandias completely blindsides Bruce and knocks him down with a jumping bicycle kick to the side of his face! All four commentators get to their feet to see if they can look over the ring.
ALARA ADAMS: Yo, what is he doing attacking someone from Fallout right now?!
TREY BOOKER: Do you want to go tell him?
J.T. PRICE: Be our guest.
Ozy stands over Bruce before walking back over to the Proving Ground side. Shawn is slowly getting back to himself, Indy crawls from under the ring and back to his feet, Mark is back in the ring with Blair who he currently has in a headlock! She spins around and pulls his arm back, then pushes him forward into the ropes. Blair tries to get a roll up pin from the rebound off the ropes, but Mark rolls through and gets back to his feet! Blair quickly gets back up and rushes at Mark. He kicks her right in the gut and pulls her into a powerbomb position. Mark lifts Blair up into the piledriver position, cradles, and then drives her head right into the mat! The Mercy Killer connects! Before he can go for the cover, Indy is on the top turnbuckle. Mark is just getting up to his feet, but is currently bent over. Indy jumps off the top rope, lands on both feet grabbing Mark on the side, then flips over to connect the Independents Day! The Super Flip Piledriver connects and he goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: MARK HUNTER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
TREY BOOKER: The X-Factor Champion has just eliminated the #1 Contender for the Grand Championship!
J.T. PRICE: I knew Indy was good, but wow does he know how to capitalize on an opportunity!
Just four remain in Proving Ground’s ring; Ozymandias, Shawn Warstein, Indy Darling and Blair Regent. Ozy is just now entering the ring again with Shawn outside still. Back to the Fallout ring, Kayla rakes the back of Victoria and then performs a leaping calkick, sending her down to the mat. Julius comes to Victoria’s aid with a series of shuffling jabs right to her face. Julius tries to connect the dragon screw, but instead, Kayla shoves him off and charges at him with the Dreamkiller! Julius falls straight to the mat and Kayla does also. Neither of them are moving. Bruce is back in the ring and saw what move was just used on Julius and goes for the cover himself!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
CLARA OLSON: JULIUS FAIRWEATHER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
KAYDEN ELLIS: And just like that, four remain on our side; Pyro, Kayla Richards, Bruce McLeod, and Victoria Strader!
Bruce just looks on as Pyro gets back in the ring and Kayla hits another Dreamkiller on him, blood pouring all over the ring. She falls on top of him for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
CLARA OLSON: PYRO HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
ALARA ADAMS: And then there were three; Kayla Richards, Bruce McLeod and Victoria Strader!
Shawn Warstein is back in the ring with Blair, while Ozy has his attention on Indy! Indy tries to hit a superkick on Ozy, but he catches it and throws him across the ring. Indy rolls out of the ring, but Ozy quickly follows him. Indy runs around to the other side and slides back in. Ozy runs around to follow him and Indy runs across the ring and rebounds, charging back as Ozy slides into the ring. Indy attempts a running knee strike, but Ozy blocks it, lifts him up into a Military Press, and then drops him spine-first right onto his knee to finish the World Ender. Ozy drops to the mat with two arms on top of Indy for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: INDY DARLING HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
Shawn and Blair turn their attention to Ozy. Blair runs at Ozy and jumps on his back. She wraps her arms around his face and tries to weaken him, but isn’t really doing much. Ozy runs backwards into the corner and slams her back-first into the turnbuckle. Shawn reaches in both of his boots for something and stares both Blair and Ozy down. He picks Blair up and does the exact same thing to her as he did to Indy; World Ender. It connects and Blair’s body just goes limp as if she can’t even move. Ozy goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Before Ozy can even get up, Shawn runs up behind him with two syringes and drives them into his neck. He injects the contents of it into Ozy and then steps back. Ozy, unfazed, gets back to his feet and stares Shawn down. He starts to charge at him, but before he can reach him, he collapses straight to the mat. Shawn kicks him a few times to make sure he’s down then hooks the leg for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
HOLLY PEREZ: OZYMANDIAS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED! SHAWN WARSTEIN IS THE WINNER OF THE PROVING GROUND SIDE!
TREY BOOKER: AND THERE YOU HAVE IT! Shawn Warstein has out-lasted the other seven Proving Ground competitors and will now be waiting until the final competitor for Fallout is determined!
J.T. PRICE: We’ve seen Shawn do the same thing against Jacob Steele a few months back, but it makes sense to use it against the big guy. After seeing the havoc he can cause, it was probably the easiest thing he could do.
Bruce, Kayla and Victoria all circle around each other in the ring. The final three of Fallout stare each other down as Kayla and Victoria look at one another, then both charge at Bruce. Both of them are throwing a fury of punches, some of them not even landing, but they have Bruce backed up into the ropes. They whip him across the ring and he tries to counter with a double clothesline, but they both duck. When Bruce turns around, they work together to sweep his legs, then Kayla locks in a variation of her Ghost Lock, basically just a sleeper with a body lock, while Victoria locks in her Figure Four Leglock called, Therefore I Am! Both of them apply more pressure, but after a few seconds, Kayla releases her hold. Victoria still has hers locked in and Bruce starts to tap.
CLARA OLSON: BRUCE MCLEOD HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
Without even getting a chance to blink, Kayla is back to her feet and slowly runs at Victoria and hits yet another Dreamkiller, this time to the side of Victoria’s face. Kayla collapses on top of Victoria for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
CLARA OLSON: VICTORIA STRADER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
KAYDEN ELLIS: KAYLA RICHARDS IS THE FINAL COMPETITOR FOR FALL--
Right in the middle of Kayden talking, Shawn Warstein creeps into the Fallout ring and runs directly at Kayla, hitting his finisher, Heavy Is The Head, then going for the pinfall.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
“Centuries (Remix)” by Fall Out Boy ft. Juicy J blasts through the speakers. The crowd erupts into a mixed reaction, most booing because, well, it’s Shawn, but the rest are cheering for Proving Ground picking up the victory.
HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner… AND THE TYRANT OF PROJECT: HONOR… SHAWNNNN WARRSTEEINNNN!!
A PH Official walks over with a crown and goes to put it on Shawn’s head, but he refuses and snatches the crown from the official instead. He places it on top of his own head and runs out of the ring.
TREY BOOKER: Not gonna lie, the ending there was a complete clusterfuck. Bodies were just dropping hella quick.
J.T. PRICE: No kidding, Trey. At least Proving Ground won this war, but I’m not so sure how I feel about Shawn Warstein being the Tyrant.
TREY BOOKER: Would you rather Ozymandias? Or Kayla Richards?
KAYDEN ELLIS: Congrats to you and the people of Proving Ground, but I’m sure this isn’t the last you’ll hear from them. Kayla and the others fought until they couldn’t anymore.
ALARA ADAMS: Absolutely, it was a hell of a match. Congrats to everyone tonight!
Shawn rolls out of the ring and keeps the crown on top of his head. From out of nowhere, Ozymandias runs directly into Shawn and trucks him into the barricade. His crown falls off and lays next to him. Ozy stands directly over him and just breathes heavily without saying a single word.
TREY BOOKER: Maybe… I spoke too soon…
J.T. PRICE: I have a strong feeling that Ozymandias isn’t done with this yet…
Ozymandias kicks the crown away from Shawn and just walks up the ramp without even turning around.
ELENA DEDRACA: Don’t worry. I got this figured out. It’s what I have been training for the past two years.
Frankie was the first to notice Fallout’s own Timothy Daniels sneaking up from behind. There was a bright smile on his face when Elena turned around, looking at him from head to toes.
ELENA DEDRACA: Can I help you?
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Sorry to interrupt you just moments before your match, but I am certain the fans would like to hear from their hometown hero. Maybe you got a few moments for us?
There was a somewhat puzzled expression on Elena’s face when hearing the last few words, but she simply nodded. It was then that Frankie stepped aside giving his client the well deserved spotlight.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: It’s been over two years since Elena DeDraca went for the big one. How are you feeling about tonight? Having earned yourself a spot in such a prestigious match.
ELENA DEDRACA: You know, you are not the first one to ask me that in the past few days. Considering I have been out of action for a long time, there are plenty of doubters out there. I want them to know that I hear them. No one goes ignored on my watch. But I also want them to know that their words are pushing me to go harder than ever before. To everyone that thinks that I have been slacking when doing this long arse pause, you couldn’t be more wrong. I haven’t missed one day of training and when you look back at my matches in Project Honor, it’s easy to see. Elena DeDraca hasn’t gone soft. I still follow the same work ethic as always, which is partly the reason why I am in this match. But also, I am here tonight to prove something to myself. There will come a time when I hang up my boots once and for all, but that time is not now. So no matter if it's Matthew Knox, Lady Dragon or Aiden Reynolds- they better know who they are messing with. It’s hard to describe the feeling you have before walking into such a big opportunity, Timothy. I could try to put it into words, but every non fighter will have a hard time understanding. So let’s go with the basics, shall we? I feel good and pretty hungry.
In the background Frankie was listening to every word she said, from time to time checking his watch. He seemed a lot more nervous than she did.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: No one in Project Honor will dare to call you soft, Elena. You have a solid record, beaten the unbeaten like Shawn Warstein. A little something to add to your achievements list. Now I wonder on top of competing for the Legacy Title tonight- how does it feel to do it in front of your hometown? A lot of Elena DeDraca shirts were seen in the crowd tonight.
Elena looked down on herself, smiling. She was wearing her newest piece of merchandise right over her ring gear.
ELENA DEDRACA: I have seen them too, Timmy. I have been told earlier tonight that the shirts sold out quickly. I will not lie about it, but that makes me proud. I have always said that my fans are the loyal kind. They have gone with me through thick and thin, seen me at my best and worst. Sure I am happy to gather new fans at events, but those are the ones that stood with me through all the years. Can you imagine it's been over 15 years by now? That’s a long ass time coming from being a skinny troublemaker in the streets of London, to one of the best known imports from the United Kingdom. I created some of the best and worst memories here. And I wouldn’t wanna miss any of them. Every performer knows that performing in front of your people, in your city, will always give you that second wind. No matter how this goes tonight, I know I got an army right behind me. So maybe I have a little bit of an advantage, if my opponents like it or not. I can’t make promises to anyone out there when it comes to the outcome, but there is one thing I can assure you of. I will go out there tonight and give it my very best. That is the one thing that the First of Hydra always does. And that is the reason why people still chant my name.
She was slowly rolling her neck, feeling the adrenaline finally pumping through her body. It was that oh so sweet feeling that tickled on the back of her heat, forcing her heart to beat a little bit faster. In the background Frankie coughed twice, signaling that it was time to come to an end. Giving his fighter the chance to settle before her music would hit. The interviewer obviously got the hint, nodding.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Just one more question, Elena. Let’s say you win the Legacy title tonight- what kind of reign do you see for yourself? Would you consider yourself the face of the company then?
ELENA DEDRACA: The face of the company. It’s funny you ask this, because obviously that is what the younger folks worry about these days. And that is okay, just not the style I chose for myself. Sure, management decided to call the Legacy title somewhat the highest prize in their company. And yes, I will be eager to win and wear it. But I am not certain that makes me the face of the company. I do good promotion for the companies that I work for- I always did. And it never made a difference if I held a title or not. For many months Dimitri Watson could have been considered the face of the company, and what did it bring him? Lots of headache. I don’t worry about that kind of nonsense. If you look back at my career, I’ve always been a fighting and defending champion. But I also always follow the same credo: If you wanna have a title chance, you better earn it. There will always be the people that will try to push your buttons, get under your skin- forcing you to make a mistake. You may try that with me- but you will end up highly disappointed. You will not find me starting pointless fights on any platform, unless it’s the Project Honor ring. I will not hand out chances like Matthew Knox would like to. I will not blow sugar up my own arse like Lady Dragon. And I promise to not slaughter the English language like Aiden Reynolds. I will come out every show and give the fans what they pay for. A good solid fight.
The interviewer was tempted to ask another thing, but this time Frankie stepped forward. He rested his hand on Elena’s shoulder, getting her full attention.
FRANKIE MORRISON: It’s time, Elena.
She turned around and once more nodded. Immediately her expression turned serious and her muscles seemed to get somewhat tense.
TIMOTHY DANIELS: Good luck tonight.
ELENA DEDRACA: This has nothing to do with luck, Timmy.
With that the Fist of Hydra began to walk off, towards the black curtain.
Switching from following Elena DeDraca as she walks away from the scene with her illustrious manager, another set of cameras set up outside another door. It opens almost without hesitation, and out emerges the Grand Champion from behind it. He looks back into the room, laughing for a second as he nods in response. Despite his somewhat dastardly popularity with some of the rest of the Project: Honor roster, the crowd still responds somewhat favorably as they pop for him.
DICKIE WATSON: Nah, mate. You got this. Eyes, prize. Era of The Commonwealth.
Obviously, he’s speaking to stablemate Aiden Reynolds. They share a bump of their fists before Hannah Watson appears at the door, kissing her husband on the cheek. He nods to them once more, shuts the door behind him, adjusts his beanie and hitches his championship up on his shoulder as he begins to head towards the ring. The smile that graced his face just seconds prior disappears as he exhales slowly, shaking his head. The cameras move quickly with his steps as he looks straight ahead, inclining his head towards some of the backstage staff as they pass one another.
J.T. PRICE: A little full of himself, if I’d say so myself.
TREY BOOKER: Looks like The Commonwealth is standing strong as a team, even after what’s been said. After that match against Mark Hunter at Proving Ground--
Speaking of the Devil themselves always gets them to pop up. Dickie stops, his fingers clenching around his title, and stares directly at the floor. Standing over him, having been eliminated in the War Games match, the contender for the Grand Championship stares hard down at the current champion. His nostrils flare as the crowd pops again for the match to be held between the two of them. An uneasy silence settles over the two of them as Hunter raises his head and his lip twitches. Slowly, The Calamity turns his head upwards, tilting up towards his face, a smirk crossing it. He taps his title with his fingers, inclining his head in his direction before taking a step forward and disappearing from the frame. The camera holds on The Straight Shooter’s face for a long second as he watches the Grand Champion -- and his championship -- walk away from him.
TREY BOOKER: Watson’s State of the Union coming up next!
The O2 Arena continues to cheer strongly as we approach the end of the night. The crowd is panned on as the commentator desk fades in slowly to see the familiar faces of Booker and Price, as well as Adams, ready to get going ahead for the final match of the night.
ALARA ADAMS: The Crowning ever inches closer to a close as we meet the final match of the night. The Legacy Championship is on the line, and we’re minutes away from crowning the first, inaugural champion. Between Matthew Knox and Elena DeDraca representing Fallout--
J.T. PRICE: I wouldn’t mind me some cupcakes from the cupcake queen…
TREY BOOKER: Not to mention Proving Ground’s representation from newcomer The Dragon Lady and Aiden Reynolds--
J.T. PRICE: AKA DICKIE’S BITCH, YEET YEET.
Trey and Alara both look at J.T. with an expression that clearly says to shut up. They shake their heads and look forward again.
TREY BOOKER: This night is clearly far from over.
♫ WHOA-OH-OH-OH ♫
The commentators are cut off further as the address system does not play the familiar tones of Motionless in White’s “Brand New Numb”. Instead, the aggressive guitar riff opening of “FØØL” by GHØSTKID takes its place as the lights in the O2 Arena shut off entirely. The edges of the entryway flash the lime green color that Dickie has used frequently in the past, and his trashed script of his name appears up on the entryway screen, along with images of highlighted moments from his tenure in Project: Honor. The lights flicker and strobe on the stage as the opening continues to play, rhythmic and angry. As the music pauses for a second, a symbol crash signaling for it, The Grand Champion, Dickie Watson’s silhouette appears at the entryway with the strobing light behind him, dropping out entirely as the pause lingers for just over a second.
As the reckless guitar plays again, combined with the rest of the aggressive instruments of the band, the lights on the stage turn on, casting Dickie in the same green from the floor of the stage upwards, the lights from above strobing over the The Calamity as he surveys the crowd, a smirk upon his lips as he holds tightly to his championship. He raises the Grand Championship upwards, forcing the crowd to cheer loudly for the Molotov.
♫ A SITUATION UNPLEASANTLY
YOU’RE STILL THE ONE MAKES ME FEEL THIS WAY
YOU PUSH AND PULL TO FEIGN YOUR TRUST IN ME
TIL MY DEPENDENCY BECAME YOUR GUN AGAINST ME ♫
Dickie doesn’t take his time after dropping the championship back down to his shoulder in heading for the ring. He crosses to one side, doing as he always has done and high-fiving a few select fans with a smile on his face, then doing the same to the opposite side, using both hands to do so. He shares a few, select words with them, pausing as one heckler decides to put down the Champion. He purses his lips, pointing at him, and then turns his finger around and flips off the heckler themselves with a wide smile.
J.T. PRICE: Absolutely unnecessary behavior from the Grand Champion.
TREY BOOKER: You try having everyone at your throat and try to stay positive, eh?
HOLLY PEREZ: From London, England...he is Project: Honor’s Grand CHAMPION...”The Calamity”, DICKIE WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!
♫ STUCK IN YOUR CAGE LIKE AN ANIMAL
YOUR GREATEST PLEASURE MEANS I’M LOST IN HELL
YOU WANNA KEEP ME LOW
WANNA SEE ME BURN
BUT NOW IS THE TIME WHERE THE TABLES TURN ♫
Dickie moves towards the ring then, grabbing hold of the bottom rope and using it to propel him up to the top of the apron. Without hesitation, he moves swiftly onto grabbing the top rope and launching himself over it, landing smoothly in the center of the ring. He grins widely as he looks out on the crowd, almost as if it’s still a humbling experience to be standing in front of so many people week in and week out.
♫ YOU ALWAYS TOOK THE BEST OF ME
BUT I NEVER MEANT TO BE YOUR ENEMY
YOU JUST MADE ME LOOK LIKE FOOL
SO HUSH AND DON’T MAKE A SOUND
YOU’RE THE RABBIT
I’M THE COTTONMOUTH ♫
Dickie dashes to the southeast turnbuckle closest to the cameras and leaps up to the second rope, leaning on the top with his knees. He needs no assistance and doesn’t grasp the ropes as he takes his title once more and raises it high above his head. He points to it with his other hand.
DICKIE WATSON: (unassisted) ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINE DAYS. EAT THAT.
He leaps down back down, jumping to the floor with his combat boots meeting the canvas heavily. He reaches down through the ropes for a microphone, which is readily handed to him by Holly. He pauses, looking north and then back towards the other side of the ring as his music fades out. Holding his championship tightly to his shoulder, he smiles, listening to the crowd pop. While Dickie might be a dick, the crowd still enjoys his presence -- especially because he’s generally a fairly charged presence every time he’s out in front of them.
DICKIE WATSON: Thought I needed some new tunes for a homecoming.
His chosen hometown pops one more. Dickie grins, and then he nods slowly as he waits for them to quiet down. He adjusts his title over his red flannel shirt, brushes off the leg of his denim, ripped skinny jeans and glances at them with a smile.
DICKIE WATSON: Tonight’s been crazy, hasn’t it? We’ve seen championships retained, we’ve seen new championships earned for the Fallout brand, we’ve probably added another piece of evidence to Universal’s court case for stealing the Purge masks for profit…
Alara tch’s off camera.
DICKIE WATSON: Betsy Granger is here to light up the night and we just watched a hell of a WarGames match brutalize this arena. You know, every time we have a pay-per-view, we just get better and better. In the past near eight months, Project: Honor has exploded with talent. Save for a small percentage of the roster, we consistently garner new talent every show. Some of them have been for the better -- hell, we have Elena Motherfucking DeDraca out of goddamned retirement here. But times have changed from what Project: Honor started as and what it is now.
He pauses, and then he raises his fingers upwards, holding up four of them high so that everyone can see them.
DICKIE WATSON: Four names remain on this roster from opening day. Four. Kasey Winterborn, who disappeared for a small time after she failed to win this championship, reappeared just a few weeks ago and hit the ground running again. Lil Petey has finally begun to make waves. MYOJIN--
A pleased pop for the Shooting Star, combined with a low rumble that Dickie would even hit that note right now. The Molotov smiles and then nods.
DICKIE WATSON: Sorry mate, I was an ass a couple of weeks ago. Hold it against me if you like, but I hope that shoulder gets better soon.
He shrugs, before continuing on.
DICKIE WATSON: MYOJIN has been here for nearly every show save for this one and one more. And that last name?
Another pause, and he looks around the audience as their rumble gets louder, cheering for him. He walks towards the camera, leaning towards it and looking through the ropes.
DICKIE WATSON: ME.
A cheer erupts for the Grand Champion as he pushes himself off the ropes and takes a couple of steps backwards toward the center of the ring.
DICKIE WATSON: I have been with this company since day one and I cannot see myself anywhere else. I live to stand in front of you, to push myself every week, to be that champion that I claimed I was going to be the moment that I won this. Tonight, I didn’t get the opportunity, I know. There were more things that needed to take place tonight rather than contest for my title, but I’ve been told that you’ll all be able to tune in next week when I defend it against the newly revealed contender in Mark Hunter. Now, you all know I could spend a gracious amount of time on Hunter alone, but I’m going to save it. Because that’s not what I’m out here for.
Dickie shakes his head, brushing at his nose as he looks up at the stage.
DICKIE WATSON: The execs wanted me to come out here and make an apology. They wanted to make sure that their longest reigning champion didn’t paint the company in a shitty light. They wanted me to voice my frustrations, to tell you all why I’d been such a pissant for the last couple of months and make some sorry excuse other than the official reason I was mad. They wanted me to make a statement that I was over it and that I’d be ready to defend this championship…
He lowers his head, looks down at the ground, and then looks back up at the crowd with a smirk on his face.
DICKIE WATSON: Now, that’s true. I was a pissant, and I think that rather than denying it and trying to excuse it in a storm of tweets after it’s been brought up isn’t always the best look. I let my emotions run with me, but you know what? That’s what you’ve all had from me for months, what drew you to me, and that’s what I’ve been told has made me such an effective champion. I don’t sit on a fucking pedestal and hand out title shots to my friends -- otherwise, Aiden and Elena would have already gotten shots, right? Maybe I would have handed one to James Raven, or saw that Shawn Warstein needed a little bit of an opportunity after losing his shot to get into the Legacy Chamber. Hell, Betsy and I are good friends and she’s done phenomenally in her other feds, so let me just hand her a fucking title shot and we’ll get it out of the way.
Dickie’s voice is dripping with sarcasm as he speaks, pointing out what he feels is hypocrisy on the twitter going ons of the last month.
DICKIE WATSON: Nah, mates. If there is nothing that I’ve stood for in this company more, it’s earning your spot. Earning your fucking opportunities. We can go back and forth on who we think earned anything, but from what I can tell, the people who stand in the chamber that’s going to come down--
He points upwards at the cage.
DICKIE WATSON: --at any second once I leave this ring...we can say they earned the opportunity to attempt to earn the new vainglorious championship that is the Legacy title. As much as I love my sister, I would have been amused to see Warstein vying for it. A member of Legacy with the Legacy title...ahhhh...
He nods slowly, looking down at the mat. He glances at his title, held over his right shoulder, and then he looks upwards.
DICKIE WATSON: In the process of me going through my mind, of me trying to figure out what I was going to do next, a thought came to me. And you guys know how much I like to have thoughts, and then give you some exposition and rancor over them. But I thought about it, and I came to my conclusion.
Dickie turns and looks towards the southern part of the audience, pressing a hand on the ropes.
DICKIE WATSON: One hundred and sixty-nine days, I’ve held this title. The Grand Championship is almost synonymous with the name Dickie Watson because it’s been known as nothing else. In my quest to detract glory from the Legacy Championship, I’ve burned my own standing with my own, and that….that is something that I need to stop, put the brakes on and remember. This championship isn’t a hot potato. It’s not going to go from hand to hand of each greedy fucking little peasant that salivates at the bit. This Championship is the stable of what started this all. The Grand Championship, no matter what fancy new belt comes around the corner, has a history already. And all of it has been held…
He leans forward a bit, pressing an arm to the ropes as he leans against them.
DICKIE WATSON: ...by....
He drops his head, and then looks upwards.
DICKIE WATSON: …ME.
He pushes himself off the ropes and back upwards, turning to look up at the stage once more.
DICKIE WATSON: I’m not going to give you the same bullshit that I’ve spewed about not being pinned, not being submitted, not being defeated by someone else’s hand on my own. But I am going to remind you that I’m the one standing with an impressive record, the longest owning of the number one spot on the Edge -- thanks James Edgebrook. I am the one champion that hasn’t fucking lost their title from August 30th, and I’m the one right now with the most defenses. I’m not ready to give any of that shit up. I haven’t treated the title that I’ve held with the respect that I make every competitor treat it with because I was so caught up in the Legacy bullshit.
He pulls his championship off his shoulder then, holding it up in front of him so the light glints off of it and makes it extra shiny.
DICKIE WATSON: This title is Project: Honor, and it represents so much more than a new one. So I will continue to hold it. I will defend it with everything in me as I have in the past not because I’ve been hit on the hand, but because this signifies the top echelon of Proving Ground, the top echelon of the brand that started it all, the top echelon of the history of this company. There is nothing that you can say or do to change that concept, even if you want to tweet a thousand things ahead. So while my friends contend for the Legacy Championship tonight, I want them to know that I am with them one hundred percent. Aiden and Elena have earned their spots to contend for that championship, and no matter who earns it...I’m watching. And I’m watching closely. Not to take their spot. Not to slide in afterwards and demand a match. No. I’ll let the cards fall and bide my time. But I am watching.
He places the title back on his shoulder and he looks up at the audience once more, lowering his microphone as he listens to the crowd pop.
DICKIE WATSON: To talk briefly about what’s to come tonight….you’re going to see an Elimination Chamber match with some of the most fierce competitors in Project: Honor. Now, I know some of you have been salivating at the bit to get me riled up and go for them. I know what it’s like to want to have someone get irate over something I say, and it’s clear I’ve done it myself to others...so, honestly...what’s the best retort towards someone who thinks they’ve gotten under your skin by some pithy bullshit when they can’t focus on their own matches and I live rent-free in their head? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Because just like them, they’re not worth my time or my effort.
A low rumble ensues from the crowd as he shrugs his shoulders.
DICKIE WATSON: I’ve been asked what I’d do if Aiden won it. The answer is simple: I’d stand next to him at the dais of that stage and hold my championship just as high as he does. We are a team. I wasn’t out there when Aiden beat Contessa, I wasn’t out there when he defeated Pyro for this championship. Everyone’s first fucking thought that the man is my...whatever the fuck, sidekick, is absolutely fucking ridiculous. Aiden Reynolds has done the one thing that none of you have ever done, and that is pinned my ass for a championship. The thought that he merely came in after me and does my fucking dirty work? How fucking stupid do you look now when he’s the one that has an undefeated record?
Another shrug of his arms as he smirks.
DICKIE WATSON: Yeah, I got the win over Colton Saint, but that was the entirety of the company. I didn’t see him out there helping me win my championship matches, and you sure as hell won’t see me out there making sure he wins that title tonight. We are brothers as much as we are a team. So that narrative? You idiot children need to find a new insult, because that ones been used up and doesn’t work. Aiden Reynolds may very well be your Legacy Champion, and you looking just as surprised as the whore at the end of a bad porn video made in 1995 isn’t the greatest thing you can do.
He stops, listening to the crowd cheer for the Aussie in the match, plus his insult.
DICKIE WATSON: Or hell, what if Elena wins it? Elena has never stood tall at the top of a company in all of her life. Tonight? After two years away from the business? There is a hell of a lot of respect that I would hold for the woman. Not that you shouldn’t already. I know. Family ties and all that shit -- most of you aren’t going to understand what it’s like to come from nothing like we did and stand in front of you all like we do now. You won’t understand the rush, the excitement...the thrill.
He shakes his head.
DICKIE WATSON: Should Elena win tonight, I would be as proud of her as I would be my teammate. I would celebrate her from afar. I would let her do her thing, as I’ve always done, because the one thing I’ve learned about my sister through life is that nothing you say or do dictates where she’s going to put her Doc Marten’d boot. Elena walks her own path in life and she’ll choose her pathway the best way she knows now. She’s my sister, and I would stand by that because as much as she has done in her life, she deserves it just as much as anyone else.
He pauses, and then he shakes his head again, the bits of his hair sticking out from underneath his beanie brushing his collar.
DICKIE WATSON: Tonight, history will be made. You will see a new champion. You will see the dawning of a new era either hosted by a Dragon, a Raven or a Wolf. Know that the rest of the roster is watching, and the new target will be you. Until then? As we continue with the status quo, the Era of the Calamity continues...and maybe...just maybe, the Era of the Commonwealth. See ya soon.
Dickie drops the mic to the ground nonchalantly as “FØØL” by GHØSTKID starts up once more. He stares at the ring after he slides out, obviously hating the fact that he’s not wrestling tonight. But regardless, he continues towards the back as the cameras switch once more to a commercial.
CLARA OLSON: The following contest is tonight's main event and is the elimination chamber match, the winner will be the very first Legacy Champion!!
All the lights in the arena dim for a moment as "You Can Run" by Adam Jones blasts out on the speakers, after a few seconds pass red and white lights flash around the ring and the ramp. Fog covers the ground giving the chambers a floating appearance.
HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… representing Proving Ground… weighing in at 145lbs… THE DRAGON LADY!!!
The Dragon lady walks out onto the ramp, up to her knees covered in fog... She puts her hands on her hips and looks up as if looking up to the sky in an overly dramatic and heroic way. The crowd chant "Dragon!Dragon!Dragon!" She looks forward... as if to stare down the chamber. She begins the walk forward slowly. Hands now at her sides a bit stretched out as if she were open for a hug... each step is slow... methodical... she looks serious.
She walks up the stairs and into the chamber. Fog all around. The crowd clapping and screaming for both The Dragon Lady and the match to come. After another look towards the sky, she strolls over to one of the empty pods and takes her place as the music dies.
♫
THE GLORY OF A NATION DIES
THE SYMBOL OF THIS WAR IS COMING
A WARNING MEANT TO SAVE OUR LIVES FROM
F.E.A.R.'S RELIGION
♫
CLARA OLSON: Representing Fallout… Originally from London, England… weighing 135lbs… The British Raven… ELENA DEDRACA!!!
The cheers from the London crowd are strong as the curtain is flung back and a dour, yet supremely confident Elena DeDraca makes her way out and onto the stage.
As the fog begins to clear and the lights pulsate in tune to the music, Elena looks to her left, and then to her right as she absorbs the generally positive atmosphere she is receiving. The pale queen nods and she appears to smile while she makes her way down the ramp.
Several hands reach out for Elena's acknowledgment as she heads toward the chamber, almost absent mindedly and unlike normal, she slaps a few. Once at ringside, she leaps up into the chamber and takes in the cheers as she throws up a hand and points at the crowd, she then elegantly steps between the top and middle rope. She stares daggers toward The Dragon Lady before approaching and entering her own pod.
HOLLY PEREZ: From… Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia… Representing Proving Ground… weighing in at 227lbs… The Australian Wolf… AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!
The opening riff of Parkway Drive's "Vice grip" hits. The high speed gives way to Aiden Reynolds stepping out onto the stage, a fist in the air and a black leather jacket with "The Aussie Wolf" spray painted on the back. He moves his way down to the chamber and as the refrain of the song hits he throws his arms out to the side as he and the crowd both chant.
"YEAAAH YEAH YEAH"
He leaps up and into the chamber, he takes a few steps backwards before sling shooting himself into the ring and spinning around, he then stops and drops to one knee slamming his fist into the mat, Whilst down he glances at both Dragon Lady and Elena, he gives them both a nod but gets cold stares back. He then springs to his feet before throwing his jacket out the door and waiting in the ring.
The percussion and claps of Tom Wait’s “Hell Broke Luce” assaults the arena sound system, the lights go out as the fans pop. A series of strobe lights begin flashing by the entry curtain as the lights begin lifting a dull blue.
CLARA OLSON: And finally.... He represents Fallout… Currently residing is Baltimore… weighing 244lbs… MATT KNOX!!!
I had a good home but I left
I had a good home but I left, right, left
That big fucking bomb made me deaf, deaf
A Humvee mechanic put his Kevlar on wrong
I guarantee you'll meet up with a suicide bomb
Hell broke luce
Hell broke luce
A single pyro goes off, and Matt Knox appears, seemingly from within it. He’s adorned in ring pants, a sleeveless hoodie with the hood drawn up. His arms are stretched out to the side, head bowed, he lifts it slowly as the fans roar, after a deep breath, he begins making his way down to the chamber, slapping outstretched hands along the way as the angry, gravely voice continues it’s furious serenade.
Big fucking ditches in the middle of the road
You pay a hundred dollars just for fillin' in the hole
Listen to the general every goddamn word
How many ways can you polish up a turd
Left, right, left, left, right
Left, right
Knox climbs into the ring and completely ignores the presence of Aiden Reynolds, before charging a corner holding the pod of Dragon Lady and leaping upon the second rope, raising his arms and roaring back to the audience, he leaps off and runs to the opposite corner, repeating the motion in front of Elena DeDraca before dropping onto the mat, and heading to a neutral corner, kneeling down and crossing himself, Knox rises, discards the hoodie as the Chorus barks out thrice more...
Hell broke luce
Hell broke luce
Hell broke luce
The chamber gets locked and the bell rings.
DING! DING! DING!
TREY BOOKER: Here we go!!
ALARA ADAMS: This is gonna be Carnage.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Nah…. this is gonna be soooooo much more than that!!
Aiden and Knox start the match out, simply staring up at the monstrous structure. After a moment, they walk to the center of the ring and bump chests, exchanging some heated words. Both men had torn into one another, Knox had torn into Aiden’s friends. This was far beyond being a normal confrontation. And in a flash, the two begin exchanging right hands in the middle of the ring! The fight for the Legacy Title is officially underway!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: I get the impression these two aint best friends.
Aiden backs Knox up into the ropes eventually and whips Knox across the ring! He charges after him and spears Knox as he rebounds, the impact takes them both through the top and middle rope! They crash on the chamber floor with a sickening thud!
ALARA ADAMS: No slow build here.
J.T. PRICE: You spend too long in this structure thinking, you’ll be done before your body catches up.
Knox pulls himself up using the chains on the chamber, and Aiden is right on him again! He begins nailing Knox in the midsection with knees but Knox manages to evade, he bashes Aiden’s face into the chain mesh, he then snatches him in a waistlock and nails a german suplex on the chamber floor! Knox isn’t done though, pulling Aiden up he snatches him and nails a release belly to belly suplex into the chamber wall! Aiden cries out in pain, arching his back.
KAYDEN ELLIS: I hate to state the obvious… but that looked like it may hurt!
Knox takes a moment to try and walk the pain off, waiting for Aiden to get to his hands and knees he charges in for a punt kick but Aiden evades! Knox turns and eats a kick to the gut, and a DDT by Aiden! Knox’s head spikes into the chamber floor! Aiden covers!
ONE
Knox kicks out quickly only to have Aiden mount the larger man and begin raining down right hands onto his paint covered face! Knox does his best to get his guard up but Aiden is relentless!
KAYDEN ELLIS: I still have the feeling these two aint buddies.
J.T. PRICE: You don’t fucking say…
KAYDEN ELLIS: Yes I do!!!!!
Eventually, Aiden backs off and gets to his feet, yanking Knox with him. He lifts the bigger man onto his shoulders, going for the Gold Coast Cutter but Knox elbows him in the side of the head, forcing him to let go! Knox follows this up with an inside crescent kick that turns Aiden around, and Knox nails him with a backstabber! THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR ANOTHER ENTRANT
ALARA ADAMS: Time for extra levels of brutal.
5
4
3
2
1
The Spotlight dances between the chambers containing The Dragon Lady, Elena Dedraca and the weaponry and settles on...ELENA DEDRACA!! She charges out of the cell, immediately coming behind Matt Knox who is stalking Aiden Reynolds and yanks his hair into a pull down backbreaker!
TREY BOOKER: Elena could have a serious advantage here.
Knox arches his back in pain and rolls away as Elena sizes up Aiden...THEN HELPS HIM TO HIS FEET. Matt Knox has pulled himself to a corner, and can only look on as Aiden and Elena chat for a second before charging to the corner and laying boots into The Raven!!
TREY BOOKER: Clever.
The Dragon Lady can be seen standing still as stone in her pod, watching the beatdown. Aiden rips Knox to his feet first, and whips him into the ropes as he rebounds, the pair lift Knox into a flapjack and drop him across the top rope, right on the throat! Knox instantly grabs at his throat, rolling away from the pair and coughing as he tries to recover. Aiden screams at the crowd, flexing his impressive physique a moment while Dedraca steps out and pays Knox a stiff kick to the ribs. She pulls him up, and drops him right back down with a Falling inverted DDT! She goes for the cover!
ONE
TWO
THR--NO! KNOX KICKS OUT!!
ALARA ADAMS: No denying Matt Knox has been on the wrong end of this fight for a fair while.
Elena sits up looking surprised, but wastes no time as she pulls Knox to his feet, laying stiff shots into his ribs as she does so. BUT KNOX SNATCHES HER, COUNTERING WITH A RELEASE NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!
KAYDEN ELLIS: OUCH!!
J.T. PRICE: Win at all costs!
Aiden hops over the ropes and snatches Knox, but Knox hits him with a jawbreaker! All three of the entrants are down on the ground now! Knox rolls on his side, reaching out toward the cell wall to pull himself up once more. THE COUNTDOWN STARTS AGAIN!
5
4
3
2
1
The spotlight makes it rounds and stops on...THE FIRST POD FULL OF WEAPONS!!
TREY BOOKER: Oh yeah… like we need more levels of brutal.
KAYDEN ELLIS: Always.
Knox eyes the door as it slides open, and instantly makes his way over as Dedraca gets to her feet. Knox grabs a length of chain from the mass of weapons, he turns and looks to even the odds. Dedraca turns and Knox whips her across the face with the chain! She turns round with a scream and holds her mouth! Blood spills forth from between her fingers! Knox turns around and pays Aiden a lash of the chain as well whilst he’s on his hands and knees!
KAYDEN ELLIS: And that is Fallout!!
Knox watches while Aiden writhes in pain as he wraps the chain around his fist, he kneels over the Australian wolf. He begins laying rights into the man’s face with the chain! Aiden begins bleeding now too! The weapon has proven to be the perfect equalizer as Knox was getting destroyed by the pair beforehand! He stands up, leaving Aiden a bloody mess on the floor but fails to see Dedraca has retrieved a chair, she uses it and blasts him across the back! Knox arches away from the blow, turning around only to eat a chairshot right to the head!
J.T. PRICE: Damn, that chair shot will be echoing for days.
ALARA ADAMS: DeDraca appears to have taken a level of control with that shot.
DeDraca lifts Knox to his feet, Aiden rises to join her. The pair of them drag him to the other pod filled with weapons and after conferring with one another they HURL KNOX THROUGH THE POD! He crashes through the glass and into the pile of weaponry! Knox looks to be nothing more than a broken pile of flesh!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: It’s official again… KNOX IS FUCKING DEAD!!!
J.T. PRICE: Meh… That’ll make twitter a much quieter place for all!
Suddenly, Elena blasts Aiden with the chair too, leveling the Australian wolf!! She stands tall over the two downed men one from her own brand, and one from the rival one! THE COUNTDOWN STARTS ONCE MORE!!
5
4
3
2
1
The Dragon Lady is seen bouncing from one foot to another as she stares down DeDraca and as soon as her pod door opens, she is out like a flash of lightning! DeDraca swings the chair but Dragon Lady meets it with a leaping pump kick that knocks the chair into DeDraca’s face!! DeDraca drops the chair and stumbles, and Lady stays on her! She takes her down with a snap suplex, rotates her hips and pops up dragging Elena with her, she nails another! Then pops her hips and stands up and nails a third one!!
TREY BOOKER: Fucking Hell, that’s a wrestling move… I think the chamber forced the other three to forget what they were for a while.
ALARA ADAMS: The Dragon Lady is fresh and taking control.
Elena gets up to her knees slowly after Lady has already kipped to her feet, she stays on the attack, kicking Elena hard in the face with a shuffle sidekick, before taking her back down with a shortfall DDT! The Lady gets to her feet only to be blasted from behind by Aiden Reynolds with a stiff forearm shot!! He then lifts her up and goes for a powerbomb but The Dragon Lady reverses it into a hurricanrana! Aiden sits up dazed and The Dragon Lady charges in, nailing him with a shining wizard!!
ALARA ADAMS: Being fresh is working great for Dragon Lady.
The Dragon Lady stands only to be snatched in a full nelson by Dedraca, and taken over in a full nelson slam!! Dedraca then drops down and locks in the PALE HORSE!!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: You were saying…
Dragon Lady screams out, reaching for the ropes and refusing to tap. She balls a fist, yelling in pain and fury...WHEN SUDDENLY MATT KNOX LEAPS FROM THE TOP ROPE, NAILING DEDRACA WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Just like last time, I knew all along Knox was still alive!!
J.T. PRICE: And just like that twitter can become the Matt Knox show again.
All four competitors are down now! Matt Knox lays on his back, spent and covered in blood from being thrown through glass. Dedraca lays dead and bleeding from her mouth! Aiden begins to stir, wiping blood from his forehead as he does so. Dragon Lady lays on her side, holding her arm close and cursing the pain she is in from the Kimura lock! Aiden pulls her up first, laying clubbing blows into the back of her neck before lifting her for a powerbomb… THE LADY REVERSES, SPIKING AIDAN'S HEAD WITH A POISONARANA
TREY BOOKER: These four surely can’t keep going like this much longer.
Dragon Lady gets to her feet slowly, still favoring her arm. He begins to measure Aiden up but sees that DeDraca has begun to get to her feet, so Dragon Lady pays her a superkick, but Dedraca catches her foot! She spins Dragon Lady around, and takes her down with a hard clothesline! Aiden is to his feet, wobbly at first but he stomps over to DeDraca and hooks her in a half nelson before flinging her over with a half-and-half suplex! DeDraca’s head spikes into the mat!! Aiden follows it up by yanking her to her feet, and taking her back down with a DDT! He rolls her over, going for the cover
ONE!
TWO!
DEDRACA KICKS OUT!! The British Raven will not die! She rolls on her side, spitting a glob of blood from her mouth as Aiden takes a moment to wipe the blood from his face, standing up and dragging Dedraca with him...but DRAGON LADY IS UP AND SNATCHES AIDEN IN A SIDE HEADLOCK! SHE CHARGES THE NEAREST CORNER, DEFTLY RUNNING UP THE TURNBUCKLES! BREATHE FIRE!! SHE NAILS AIDEN WITH THE SLICED BREAD NUMBER 2!! DRAGON LADY SCRAMBLES INTO A COVER!!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!!!
HOLLY PEREZ: AIDEN REYNOLDS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
TREY BOOKER: The first elimination of the night and of course it’s from Proving Ground!
KAYDEN ELLIS: And it was your other Proving Ground member that eliminated him also. How lovely.
The fans roar in excitement as the first pinfall has taken place! Dragon Lady kips to her feet, feeling a second wind off the energy of the crowd! She launches herself at DeDraca who has gotten to her feet only for DeDraca to catch her and take her over in a hip toss! Dedraca then nails her with a leg drop, and gets to her feet. She takes a moment to try and compose herself, checking her mouth. She has stopped bleeding from the earlier assault with the chain. A sneer comes over her face as she turns to stalk Matt Knox who has slowly begun to get to his feet.
DeDraca charges over, going to nail FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN! SHE CONNECTS! But as soon as she goes for the pin, Dragon Lady is back to her feet and has leapt upon Dedraca’s back, taking her down with a back stabber! Once again, Dragon Lady is the only one on her feet! She measures DeDraca up and goes for a roundhouse but Dedraca ducks under it! She nails Dragon Lady with a european uppercut that staggers her, before clotheslining her over the top rope and to the outside onto the chamber floor!
J.T. PRICE: What a move from DeDraca right there!
TREY BOOKER: Bro… who’s side are you on here?!
DeDraca follows her out, pulling her to her feet she leaps and knocks Dragon Lady back down with GSTQ the front dropkick! Dedraca then stalks over to the pod that Knox had been thrown through, and begins sorting through the weapons like she;s window shopping. Elena has some evil, EVIL intentions here! She looks over her shoulder at Dragon Lady who is starting to get up, a grin playing across her features as she pulls out..A BASEBALL BAT WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE!!
ALARA ADAMS: THAT’S THE FALLOUT WAY BABY!
Dragon Lady barely has a chance to turn around before she is blasted in the midsection with the baseball bat! The barbed wire catches on her ring attire, and cuts through! Dozens of tiny cuts open up across her abdomen as she screams in pain! DeDraca grins sadistically as she nails Dragon Lady across the back, dropping her to her hands and knees! She backs up then, grinning as she once again goes for FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN..BUT NO! MATT KNOX IS ALIVE! HE LEAPS FROM A SPRINGBOARD POSITION AND TAKES ELENA DOWN WITH “NEVERMORE”!!
All Three Competitors are down!! Knox is too weak from the beating he’s taken to roll onto DeDraca and cover her!! Dragon Lady stirs first, rolling toward the chamber wall and using it to pull herself up. She gets vertical, but leans against the wall weakly. Knox is up next, pulling himself toward DeDraca. He finally goes for the cover, hooking both her legs!
ONE!!
TWO!!
KAYDEN ELLIS: DeDraca kicks out!!
TREY BOOKER: Close call for Fallout and DeDraca right there.
Knox rolls onto his back, staring up at the chamber roof and the lights far above. He rolls onto his stomach, and begins to push himself up..but DRAGON LADY LEAPS ON HIS BACK! SHE LOCKS IN “THE DRAGONS NEST!!” Knox yells out in pain as Dragon Lady bends him backward, nearly in half! The ref confers with The Raven, who refuses to submit but appears to be fading fast! The ref lifts his hand...it drops! He goes again..it drops a second time!! On the third time, Knox snatches his hand away, reaching back and looping his arms under Dragon Lady’s knees!
He manages to pull his legs under him, and pushes up! Dragon Lady transitions to a rear naked choke as Knox stands! With all the effort he can muster, he leaps back and sandwiches Dragon Lady between the Chamber Wall and himself, smashing her and causing her to release the hold! Dragon Lady falls down with the breath knocked out of her. Knox stumbles forward..into a clean shot to the side of the head with the bat by DeDraca!!
ALARA ADAMS: What a shot from DeDraca there! Knox probably can’t take too much more here.
J.T. PRICE: Definitely doesn’t look like it.
Knox stumbles from the blow, but catches himself on the chamber wall. DeDraca winds up for a second shot, but Knox evades it by appearing to simply fall as the bat rings out in impact against the chain wall of the chamber! Knox sweeps DeDraca’s legs out from under her, before bringing the heel of his boot down across her face with the hell of his boot with a seated Axe kick! The ref cringes from the crack of DeDraca’s nose as the blood pours forth!! DeDraca screams in agony as she rolls away, holding her face. Dragon Lady gets to her feet unsteady, making her way to the weapons pod and retrieving a kendo stick as Knox seems satisfied to sit looking like the bloodied mess he is against the chamber wall. Dragon Lady walks over to Knox who then doesn’t seem so satisfied to be where he is. She swings the kendo stick at Knox who is able to roll out of the way. It seems like she knew that was going to happen as she swung once again while Knox was on his stomach. He stops moving and she sits on top of him. The Dragon Lady takes the kendo stick, puts it against Knox’s throat, then pulls him back for a Camel Clutch that she calls The Dragon’s Nest! It doesn’t take long for Knox to feel the unbearable pain and tap out!
CLARA OLSON: MATT KNOX HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!
ALARA ADAMS: This leaves the final two; The Dragon Lady and Elena DeDraca!
J.T. PRICE: One from Proving Ground and one from Fallout. The final showdown is here!
The Dragon Lady releases the hold on Knox and gets back to her feet, very slowly. She looks back over to see that Elena is still out. Dragon Lady walks over to her and reaches down to pull her up and put an end to this match. DeDraca isn’t having it as she rolls The Dragon Lady up into a cradle for a pinfall attempt!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
KAYDEN ELLIS: HOLY SHIT! ELENA DEDRACA HAS DONE IT!
DING! DING! DING!
“Revelation” by Black Veil Brides blasts through the speakers as her hometown of London, England all rise to their feet at the same time. Still barely able to move, Elena is handed the Legacy Championship as she pulls it close to her. Blood gets all over the belt.
CLARA OLSON: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AND THE INAUGURAL LEGACY CHAMPION… ELENA DEDRACAAAAAA!!!
ALARA ADAMS: ELENA IS AT THE TOP OF PROJECT: HONOR NOW! FALLOUT PEOPLE, REJOICE!
TREY BOOKER: I’m bummed that Proving Ground couldn’t pull through, but congrats on a well deserved victory, Elena!
J.T. PRICE: She continues her tear through the Project: Honor roster and is now at the very top. Who’s going to step up first to challenge her after seeing the showing here tonight?!
TREY BOOKER: No matter, that’s all the time we have tonight, folks! We appreciate y’all coming all the way out to London, England with us and to the fans all over the world.
ALARA ADAMS: I’m Alara!
KAYDEN ELLIS: Kayden!
J.T. PRICE: J.T.!
TREY BOOKER: TREY! Goodnight, everyone!
The camera pans out to show Elena finally on her feet, still holding the Legacy Championship close to her, then slowly starts to fade out.