PROVING GROUND XIII | 3/26/21: PUBLIC EXECUTION RESULTS

After the logo for Project: Honor fades in and out across the screen, the opening video package begins to play. An image of Betsy Granger delivering the Ich Muss Dich Brechen to Tyler Bradford appears from the previous show.

♫ No, you're never gonna lie to me
Your mouth moves, but you never speak
And nobody can fuck with me
So get up, get up, or get out ♫

The video shifts to Blair Regent diving into the ring to catch the save and win the match against Pat the Postman.

♫ I know you're scared of catastrophe
Paranoid when you feel the heat
We'll start a riot, one, two, three
So get up, get up, or get out ♫

Another shift to Caden Young with his Juul, followed by Cadillac Jackson trying to sell his latest projects, right into him going for The Ejection, but missing as MYOJIN evades him, then him crashing into Lance Williams.

♫ ♫It's annihilation
Hell is in the air, it's hard to breathe
Sick of all the hatred
So I'm holding on, holding on ♫

MYOJIN and Emmanuelle with their hands raised in victory.

♫In the trenches stuck
We've gone too far
Are you ready to die?
This is war!♫

Tandem shots of James Raven and Shawn Warstein, both picking up decisive victories against Lil Petey and Yung Sauce, setting up for as a montage for their match on Wired Consequences.

♫ When every step you take is do or die
When every breath you take is filled with lies
And you can't deny you're feeling like you're paralyzed
So it's time to settle the score
This is war ♫

Finally, the last shot is of Aiden Reynolds and Dickie Watson as they connect the Burn a Bridge Doomsday Device / Suicide Dive combo, and morphs into Dickie staring down at Mark Hunter after delivering his own form of revenge with a look of pure contempt.

The video package starts to fade out and into the Proving Ground Logo.


“This Is War” by No Resolve blares over the arena in Stark Arena in Beograd, Serbia, just as the usual pyrotechnics go off...or at least, they started to, except more seemed to go off than normal, perhaps in response to the Fallout PPV, Wired Consequences taking place just two days later in Greece. Pyros launch from the sides of the ramp as well, in a sequential order, from top to bottom. The arena is panned -- various signs are visible, in both Serbian and English.

“I PURCHASED A CADILLAC JACKSON X-PERIENCE AND ALL I GOT WAS A LINK TO BxxxxZERS.COM”
“MARK HUNTER CAN STRAIGHT SHOOT INTO ME (PLZ)”
“DOLLARYDOOS > DINARS”
“OH BETSY YOU’RE SO FINE, YOU’RE SO FINE U BLOW MY MIND”
“ИНДИ ДАРЛИНГ украде ми дете!!!”

As the smoke clears, the announce team of J.T. Price and Trey Booker are shown. They both look dazed by the amount of bright, shiny lights that went off.

TREY BOOKER: Oh man, I can’t see…

J.T. PRICE: Hope that doesn’t summon Pyro over here.

TREY BOOKER: I don’t think he’s Beetlejuice.

J.T. looks over at Trey suspiciously.

J.T. PRICE: I don’t want to take my chances…

They shake their heads and then look at the camera with their usual candid smiles.

TREY BOOKER: Welcome back to Project: Honor and our THIRTEENTH EDITION of Proving Ground!!

There is a hard stop on the end of Ground. Trey isn’t about to make the same mistake as last week. J.T. fakes wiping a tear from under his eye.

J.T. PRICE: I’m proud of you, man.

TREY BOOKER: Yeah, yeah...I’m Trey Booker, and we have a doozy of a night planned for all of you. Regardless of whether there’s a pay-per-view in a couple days or not.

J.T. PRICE: J.T. Price here, and that’s absolutely correct. Even if Big Drip, Legacy and Dickie Watson are out of the building tonight, you know that they’re going to represent Proving Ground phenomenally. Our hats are off to them. Kind of.

He reaches for an invisible hat. Trey looks at him with confusion in his eyes, shakes his head and continues on.

TREY BOOKER: In our opener, Scott Oasis and former Warrior Rising Champion, TJ Thompson, team up together to take on the newly-transferred Sports Entertainment Xpress. Random teammates again, will the tried and true team of Space Lord and Terry Marshall continue to prove their place in the Tag Division here in Project: Honor?

J.T. PRICE: Blair Regent takes on Emmanuelle in the next set up. Emmanuelle definitely tore up the mat with MYOJIN last week in their tag team match up -- given Blair’s history at The Crowning, you know she’s pushing to start a winning streak after losing to Indy Darling and her chance at the X-Factor Championship.

TREY BOOKER: Speaking of MYOJIN, he’s still placed pretty low on the card -- regardless, he faces Cadillac Jackson again in a singles match. The Shining Star has been on a tear since he had surgery on his shoulder, and you know his eyes are set on gold once again. What will the championship be this time? The options are open, except he needs to get through Jackson tonight.

J.T. PRICE: The monster, Ozymandias and Lance Williams face off in a match of brute strength. Who, out of the two, will prove they’re truly the monster? The Drip Associate or the Cuthulu Worshipper? Did you see that promo? The production quality of Lance’s video made me feel like I was really in Assassin’s Creed.

Trey looks at him again, raising his eyebrow.

J.T. PRICE: What?

TREY BOOKER: (under his breath) I swear to God...

J.T. PRICE: Also, segueing from Ozymandias, the former Ozzy-Man-Dias, The Australian Wolf, Aiden Reynolds takes on the remaining member representing Legacy here tonight, the absolutely beautiful Betsy Granger in our Headliner tonight. Despite his hiccup over a month ago, Aiden has proven he can bounce back -- for Betsy, though, she’s still gaining her footing here in Project: Honor, and this win would give her a huge credibility check if she can defeat him.

TREY BOOKER: And lastly, we have a Champion-to-Champion Collision as Mark Hunter, the Grand Champion, faces Indy Darling, the X-Factor Champion in our Main Event! Last week, the team of the two lost to The Commonwealth. It was something to brush off for Indy, for sure, but Mark Hunter suffered a defeat at the hands of the man he stole that championship off of. Indy and Mark didn’t get along, clearly, for a majority of the match, so now, tonight, they can take their dislike of one another and prove which champion represents Proving Ground to its fullest.

J.T. PRICE: All that, and a celebration of the new Warrior Rising Champion. Don’t miss a second of it, and it starts right now.


We enter on the dimly lit house that Aurora Ray and Euan Hill have called ‘home’ for so long at this point. The fireplace is raging, the living room is set, the pictures that were previously scribbled out are now replaced with generic images, and both Hill and Ray sit in rocking chairs opposing a middle table-upon which the Warrior Rising Championship sits. Hill crosses his hands in contemplative thought. There’s little fanfare, little celebration...just a momentary dose of normalcy.

EUAN HILL: Congratulations to TJ Thompson for a challenging fight, but I do not simply allow challenges that I make like this to slip away from my hands so easily. I won’t let myself be embarrassed anymore, embarrassments have befallen me far too often recently. This...this is proof that I am not worthless. That I am not a waste.

Hill and Ray share a smile. Hill continues.

EUAN HILL: I am a megalith, a benevolent force collected of all of the negative emotions that you all have ever felt. Violence, wrath, greed, jealousy, whatever you can muster up, I have become a bastion for it, an unending lake of sorrow, a red blooded beating heart pumping, and pumping, and pumping, feeding a vascular system all of the toxin this world can muster. I am that heart. I am that organ. I will continue to kill the world if it gets me what I want, like this.

Hill clasps his hands.

EUAN HILL: There will be no formal celebration for this championship. There will be no ceremony. I will not allow would-be challengers, sycophants as they are, to come take what they believe is theirs. To come stake a claim. I will reside in my hovel until someone proves themselves worthy of challenging.

Hill smiles. It’s an unnerving thing.

EUAN HILL: Until then...impress me. I’ll be watching.

We slowly fade to black.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a tag team match set for one fall! Introducing first…

“Rock You Like A Hurricane” plays out through the arena speakers as Sports Entertainment Express make their way toward the ring, slapping hands with fans along the way before they hit the ring. Space Lord leaps up on the apron and shakes the ropes as Terry Marshall slides into the ring. Both men pose for a moment.

HOLLY PEREZ: Fighting tonight at a combined weight of five hundred and ninety-five pounds...they are Terry Marshall...Space Lord…**SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT XPRESS!!!

S.E.X ready themselves in the ring, as the lights go down. “Nonstop” by Drake plays out through the arena speakers as TJ Thompson and Scott Oasis make their entrance, Oasis throwing some B.O.B x Big Drip merch into the stands while TJ simply hypes the crowd the fuck up. They approach the ring, and Oasis holds the ropes open for TJ, both men sliding into the ring with quickness.

HOLLY PEREZ: Fighting at a combined weight of four-hundred and fifty pounds...they are Scott Oasis and TJ Thompson!

Oasis and Thompson slap hands and get ready for the coming back. Terry Marshall starts off for S.E.X, while TJ Thompson starts off for his team!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: Bit of a mismatch here, but we’ll see how it goes!

J.T. PRICE: Have to agree with you there, Trey!

Thompson shoots for a lockup with Marshall early, but Marshall’s able to relatively easily chain wrestle him to the ground, keeping some honor as he does so. He gets Thompson in a headlock, and postures to the crowd as he does so, keeping Thompson grounded. He tries to pull TJ back up, but TJ gets a brief advantage, whipping Marshall into the ropes. Marshall manages to surprise Thompson with a back body drop, using his Wrestling Accumen to his advantage, before hitting the ropes for his Big In Japan lariat! Thompson ducks, and responds with a back elbow that catches Marshall off guard. Thompson rolls Marshall up!

ONE!
TWO!!
KICKOUT!

Marshall manages to get back to his feet with relative ease, and as TJ Thompson comes in hot for the For Your Own Good, Marshall catches him into a body slam and spins around, laying the slam out. He pulls Thompson back up to his feet, and hits him with an inverted atomic drop, followed up by a big boot! Thompson’s rattled from the hit, and Marshall pulls him in for another bodyslam, but Thompson manages to evade it! Thompson hits the ropes, looking for a superkick, but Marshall throws his foot down and catches him with a hard right hand! Another hard right hand! ANOTHER hard right hand! Thompson’s woozy, and Marshall follows up with the Big In Japan for a successful hit! He covers Thompson!

ONE!
TWO!!
KICKOUT!

Marshall pulls Thompson to his feet and whips him into his corner, before tagging out to the Space Lord. He holds Thompson in place for a moment as Space Lord rocks him with a hard left hand, before both men whip Thompson into the ropes, looking to catch him with a double back body drop on the rebound-but Thompson clears both men with a surprisingly strong double lariat! Marshall rolls to the outside as Oasis cheers Thompson on, but Space Lord’s back up to his feet with a quickness! He catches Thompson on his shoulder, and runs him into the corner with a big powerslam, before hauling him back up and running him into the center-and down-with the Space Race! Space Lord doesn’t cover, however, instead hitting the ropes and looking for a falling elbow drop!

Thompson, however, has other ideas, and he narrowly evades the elbow! Space Lord tries to get back to his feet in time-but it’s too late! Scott Oasis has entered the ring as the legal man!

TREY BOOKER: I think business is about to pick up!

J.T. PRICE: I’d say so-Big Oasis Business!

Oasis flattens Space Lord with a massive lariat out the gate, before catching him with a snapped suplex! He follows up with a rebound into a pounce attempt, but Space Lord manages to catch him-somehow-mid pounce and turn it into a Belly-to-Belly slam! Oasis crashes to the canvas, and Space Lord tries to roll through for another suplex, but a series of back elbows from Oasis stop Space Lord dead in his tracks! Oasis gets Space Lord with a Hip Toss, followed up with a sliding sit-out lariat, but instead of going for the pin, he pops Space Lord up into position for the Relapse-AND HE HITS IT! He covers Space Lord!

ONE!!!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!

Nope! Space Lord’s out just in time, and Oasis makes a grab for him, but a snap big boot catches him off guard just long enough for Space Lord to tag to Terry Marshall! Marshall steps into the ring, and both he and Oasis go nose to nose, before beginning to belt the shit out of eachother! The old man can, surprisingly, take a beating from the Vanilla Gorilla, but it’s easy to see it’s wearing on him. Oasis hits a big discus lariat, and looks to follow up with a standing lariat, but Terry Marshall throws his arm down and slaps Oasis in the face. He puts a finger in Oasis’ face, scolding him, and Oasis follows up with a big boot to the jaw. Oasis hits the ropes and looks for a pounce to send Terry to the outside-but Terry intercepts with a spinning polish hammer that he calls Thunder Struck! Space Lord quickly runs to knock TJ off the apron while Terry goes for the cover.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Here are your winners… Terry Marshall and Space Lord… SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT XPRESS!





The opening chords to 'Burn Him Down' play out through the arena as Blair makes their entrance, bopping their head to the music and finishing a cigarette they likely started backstage. They toss it to the ground and crush it underfoot before rolling forward and slapping hands with a few of the fans who're supporting them, before springing up onto the apron and rolling over the top ropes.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… weighing in at 157lbs… BLAIR REGENT!!

Blair gets into the ring, and bow, giving a middle finger to the hard camera with a cheeky smile before prepping for her match.

“Cash Flow” by Ace Hood ft T-Pain and Rick Ross begins to play, signaling the arrival of Blair’s opponent for this evening, “The Silver Starlet” Emmanuelle. Entering between the ropes, Emmanuelle gives Blair an emotionless look, almost signaling that she’s ready to do whatever it takes.

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent… from Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California… EMMANUELLE!!

DING! DING! DING!

No sooner has the bell rung than Emmanuelle rushes at her opponent and hits her with a knee to the abdomen! Blair immediately doubles over and Emmanuelle shoves her opponent's head in-between her legs before lifting her up, holding on and walking out with her to the center of the ring, letting the fans know exactly what position she has her in. She has a smirk on her face as Blair doesn't put up much of a fight and Emmanuelle DROPS Blair WITH HER SIGNATURE PASADENA BOMB! Emmanuelle literally spiked the move and sent Blair down her head rather than back! She makes the cover!

ONE
TWO
THR--NO! BLAIR REGENT JERKS HER SHOULDER UP!

TREY BOOKER: Wow! Nearly over already!

J.T. PRICE: Emmanuelle really on fire from the outset.

Emmanuelle is in utter shock that the win didn't just happen as easily as she thought it would after nailing such a move, but she gets to her feet and literally demands that a clearly dazed Blair Regent do the same. Blair tries to push herself off of the canvas and manages to get to her hands and knees, but simply lacks the energy and falls back down to the mat. Emmanuelle gets annoyed and lifts Blair up herself, and then, while holding her head in both of her hands, leaps up and hits her with a double-knee facebuster. It's an ugly maneuver, as Blair just sort of falls into it, taking the full impact into her face. She slumps to the ground in a heap, Emmanuelle gets back to her feet.

TREY BOOKER: I just can’t see how Blair gets back into this match, Emmanuelle has complete control.

J.T. PRICE: Nothing in Project Honor is that simple, there is sure to be a sting in the tail somewhere.

TREY BOOKER: Time will tell.

Emmanuelle grabs the fallen Regent before hooking her up and rolling into the Milan Miracle…

ONE
TWO
THRE… KICK OUT!!

TREY BOOKER: Great heart being shown by Blair Regent here.

Emmanuelle positions Blair and goes up top, looks down and poses to the crowd, before leaping off the top with senton....but Blair gets both her knees up! Emmanuelle rolls away holding her back after the impact, Blair however rolls over and immediately grabs her knee screaming in pain, as it seems the senton still did damage to it despite the reversal. Blair is now desperately grabbing at the ropes in the corner trying to get herself up and survive.

TREY BOOKER: Blair really trying to find a way into this match.

J.T. PRICE: She’s gotta get to her feet first.

Blair gets to her feet and tries to shake off the knee pain when Emmanuelle suddenly comes running in as best as she can, uncoordinated but at a decent speed, and hits a variation of a punt kick, with her shin connecting with the side of Blair’s bad knee, bending it inward at an awkward angle! Blair goes down whilst Emmanuelle drops to a knee herself, still winded and dizzy from the missed senton off the top rope. She eventually rolls over and grabs the injured leg of Blair Regent, punching away at it repeatedly in lieu of an actual submission hold, but it's enough for Blair to reach out and grab the ropes, which results in the ref breaking it up.

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle may have missed that senton but she really looks strong out here tonight.

J.T. PRICE: And there’s clearly no quit in Blair tonight… some rage could sure as hell help though.

Emmanuelle gets herself to her feet and lurches forward, before steadying herself. On the other side, Blair is up and her knee appears to be swollen, plus when she stands she's unable to put any weight on it and she is clearly grimacing. Blair turns around to face Emmanuelle anyway, and starts hopping over on one leg to try to get some offense. She spins around with a spinning back elbow that Emmanuelle tries to block but doesn't have the reflexes to do. Blair then pulls her forward and smirks at the enthralled crowd, before immediately stopping all of Emmanuelle’s short burst of offense with her DTFL! The Quesadora Flipping Facebuster ! Blair covers...

ONE
TWO
T...NO! EMMANUELLE LIFTS THE SHOULDER UP!

J.T. PRICE: JEEZ… Some of these kick outs have been unreal.

TREY BOOKER: Just proving yet again how good the rosters here are.

J.T. PRICE: Agreed.

Blair is apoplectic that Emmanuelle kicked out, but refuses to give up. She gets to her feet, or foot, since her knee is shot again, and begins to drag her opponent over to the corner. She then picks Emmanuelle up and places her in the corner so that she doesn't have to worry about her falling over, which is good because she almost does. Emmanuelle seems completely out of it at this point, the flipping facebuster has really knocked her for six. Blair lowers her head and scoops Emmanuelle up into a Alabama Slam position, before starting to hop to the center of the ring...suddenly Emmanuelle has grabbed the bad leg and is yanking on it!

TREY BOOKER: The trainers room may well need to be readied for these two.

Blair cries out in pain but refuses to let go even when Emmanuelle pulls up in a sort of half-crab position while dangling upside down in her grip. Eventually the pain is too much for Blair, which causes her to fall forward and it causes Emmanuelle to roll into a single-leg Boston crab with the momentum! The form is ugly and sloppy, but it seems to be effective as Blair is screaming and trying to reach the ropes. Just as she’s getting closer Emmanuelle shifts her body position and now locks in her modified STF.

TREY BOOKER: She calls that P.O.T!!

J.T. PRICE: That must be the end.

The move is locked in and after a struggle Blair has no choice… BLAIR REGENT TAPS OUT!!

DING DING DING!!!

J.T. PRICE: I guess I was wrong… there is quit in Blair tonight.

Emmanuelle releases the hold and enjoys a breather as the crowd show their appreciation.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner by submission… The Platinum Standard… EMMANUELLE!!

In between matches the big screen of the stage area starts to come alight, a slight static image appearing on screen. It fizzles into view, growing in brightness slowly and slowly. To accompany it a voice emits from the speakers;

“Isn’t it funny, just how easily one can come and go from the spotlight? In a mere moment somebody can have the wind taken from their sails, and left to float adrift in the sea of uncertainty.”

The image still doesn’t play anything in particular, just static still.



“The light, the invisible veil that allows us to perceive all around us, so easily manipulated to blinding us from the truth.”

The screen flashes, but the static continues.

“The darkness, a blanket of fear and unknown, crawling towards us to remove our comfort and our amenity.”

The screen blinks, going black and momentarily plunging the arena into darkness.

“You see so much in this world, but if you do not balance the darkness against the light, then do you perceive the truth? If the darkness succumbs to the light, nor the light triumphs over the dark, does it affect the reality around you?”

Another couple of flashes, plus some black outs causing the screen to blink and go dull on and off.

“This world is so sure of what they see to be a forever truth, that they forget what is a sure possibility of happening… nothing is forever, nothing untouchable, our world is nothing but a construct.”

The screen once again flashes, blinking brightly and then dark again, the arena confused and watching in deep focus. Suddenly the lights go out, all the lights in the room, casting everyone into a thick blanket of darkness.

This is quickly accompanied by the sprinkler systems going off, showering the arena audience in a light mist of rain. Between shouts and cheers the screen comes back, flickering through the falling water.

“The storm has come, and with it comes change. Some good, some bad, the storm blows as it pleases. The rains will wash away the sins of the past, and the lightning will shape the earth of the world anew.”

The rain still falls, and people are starting to cry out and shriek now.

“The wind blows endless, one day is a mere raindrop in the eternal storm of this world. Remember this; when the time comes the rain will wash you all away. Nothing remains, nothing matters, as the rain commands... all must fall.”

The image on screen changes once more to a bizarre and creepy scene;



“All men must fall.”

Before suddenly going black again. The water stops sprinkling on the folks below, but they are clearly in mixed feelings of what just happened. Slowly the arena lights come on, and as people adjust to the brightness again we cut to the backstage area.





HOLLY PEREZ: The following match is scheduled for one fall..introducing first…

ALL OF THE LIGHTS.

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

HOLLY PEREZ: Now in the ring, from Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, standing 6’3 and weighing in at 274 pounds. CADILLIAC JACKSON

TREY BOOKER: This dude is a slime bad, he just oozes arrogance from every inch of his body

J.T. PRICE: That’s why some people like him….

TREY BOOKER: Nobody likes him….



Are you ready?

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

With his blonde locks hanging over his face. He then whips his head back, flipping his hair out of his face before excitedly running down the ring before performing a cartwheel and a jump, landing on his feet near ringside!

He climbs up to the apron, grabs a hold of the top rope, and slingshots himself into the ring. MYOJIN performs a somersault roll, landing on his side with a hand on his hip. The other, taking off his mask to reveal his piercing blue eye contacts. He tosses it aside nonchalantly before climbing up the top turnbuckle, tilting his head upward as if he’s looking toward the sky- while the lights mimic stars above. He backflips off, back onto his feet while taking off his flamboyant coat and moving to his corner. The lights go back to normal as he checks his wrist tape. His charismatic smile fading to a more focused expression as he paces back and forth, ready for action.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, from San Diego California by way of Namba, Osaka, Japan, he stands 5’9 and weighed in at 165 pounds….MMMMYYYOOOJIN

TREY BOOKER: Myojin is the clear crowd favourite tonight...

J.T. PRICE: He’s a popular guy most places we go and he’s facing a hated arrogant dick so….

DING! DING! DING!

The bell rings and Myojin looks ready to go bouncing back and forth on the balls of his feet, as he steps in with his hands up and reaches to lock up though Jackson stops him and shakes his head wagging his finger before sliding from the ring, both the referee and Myojin seem confused as Jackson approaches the timekeepers table, he reaches down and pulls up and picture and a black marker before writing on it. To my biggest “lil” fan, Myojin. Keep reaching for the stars-Cadilliac Jackson. He smiles as the crowd boos loudly. He gets into the ring and hands the picture to Myojin who at first smiles and nod before pointing to himself mouthing For me?. Jackson nods enthusiastically and turns his back on Myojin who slowly tears the photograph into a million little pieces.

TREY BOOKER: I don’t think Myojin appreciated Cadillacs gift. That’s a shame, Mr Jackson seems to have worked hard on it

J.T. PRICE: He signed a picture….

Jackson turns around and looks horrified and angry, Myojin smirks and throws the picture, which is now confetti in Jackson's face, Jackson stumbles back and Myrojin jumps right into the match with a few hard right hands, it backs Jackson up into the ropes, Myojin then lets rip with some hard kicks to Jacksons chest, over and over again they hit his upper body and sound like a baseball bat hitting a home run. Jackson covers himself up but Myojin whips him across the ring and jumps up hitting a dropsault, Jackson lands hard and sits up, Myojin pops to his feet hits the ropes and kicks Jackson right in the the chest with a PK!. He goes for a pin.

ONE!

TWO

Jackson kicks out!. Myojin shakes his head and stays on the attack calling for him to get up, Jackson holds his chest and Myojin grabs Jacksons arm, twists it is and goes for a jumping knee armbreaker, but Jackson hooks his free arm around the top rope and Myojin slips off hitting his head hard on the mat. Jackson smiles and points to his head with a laugh.

TREY BOOKER: Cadillac grabbed that top rope fast, it was a smart move

J.T. PRICE: He needed to do something Myojin is an excitement machine and he was on a rolle

TREY BOOKER: Yeah but now it’s Cadillacs turn to show us what he can do

Jackson pulls Myojin up by his gorgeous hair and lefts him into a vertical suplex slamming him down, he keeps his arm and head held before rolling his hips and standing back up deadlift Myojin up for another suplex and this time rolls over on top of Myojin.

ONE

TWO

Myojin kicks out. Jackson stays on the attack pulling Myo up before lifting him into a powerbomb slamming the smaller grappler so hazard into the mat he bounces. Jackson then walks over to the corner getting on the second rope and looking around at the crowd before blowing them kisses, this causes louder boos and Cadillac jumps off with a driving fist drop to the top of Myos head. Myojin sits up and rolls to his knees holding his forehead, Jackson steps back and measures Myojin up, he runs in for a lariat, Myojin catches Jacksons arm and rolls him up and over in a flying armbar setting the crowd on fire!. But Jackson quickly stacks Myo up and lifts him up and slams him down with a one armed powerbomb

J.T. PRICE: That is what Cabillac has to do. To beat Myojin his has to use that size and power advantage, the guy is six foot three and outweighs him by over a hundred pounds

TREY BOOKER: He has to keep Myojhin grounded, you gib him space and Myojin will cut you apart.

Cadillac pulls Myojin up and whips him into the ropes, he hits the other ropes to the side and hits the Ejection!., But Myojin being only a hundred and sixty five pounds goes flying to the side into the ropes and to the floor. Jackson quickly slides out of the ring and pulls Myojin back to his feet before running himk back first into the ring apron, then to the barricade before sliding him into the ring. Jackson looks to be in control and climbs to the top rope, he calls for the going over and flys off! Myohjin though gets his kness up!, Cadillac hurts his back and archesd his shoulders in pain getting to his feet, Myojin pops up and runs hitting the headscissors into a Kimura lock he calls the Aquila!. Cadillac is down in the middle of the ring and trapped, Myojin pulls his arm up and around, Cadillac taps to save his arm!

J.T. PRICE: Oh damn that was fast!

TREY BOOKER: What a win from Myojin!


“This is War” by No Resolve blasts through the speakers as the camera fades back in from commercial break. Proving Ground General Manager Callum Walker creeps out onto the stage with an unsettling look on his face and a mic in his hand. The fans started with a standing ovation and slowly quieted down after seeing the look on his face. In a very monotone voice, Callum begins speaking.

CALLUM WALKER: Good evening, everyone. I’m here to tell you what the next Proving Ground Pay-Per-View is and all that, I guess.

TREY BOOKER: What’s up with Callum? He’s acting really weird.

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, something’s off about him tonight.

CALLUM WALKER: On April 25th, we’re headed to Belo Horizonte, Brazil in the Mineirinho Arena for Public Execution. I don’t really have much more information or anything to show you, but… there ya go. That’s Proving Ground’s next big event.

Callum takes a brief pause and lowers the mic. Silence strikes until some mutters start happening in random spots. He then lifts the mic back up to his mouth.

CALLUM WALKER: I guess that’s all. Goodbye.

Callum drops the mic while “This is War” starts to play again. He heads backstage and the camera cuts over to the announcers table.

TREY BOOKER: Uh, what was that?

J.T. PRICE: At least we know when and where the PPV is, but I have a weird feeling we’re going to be hearing something about this soon.



CADEN YOUNG: Did we sign a contract with the men in black?

Fresh off of being the first person to sell their own nudes as an NFT, is Caden Young, dressed down in Valenciaga, proudly stepping into the production van with his hands clasped behind his head to take in the view. What once looked like an ordinary production set built to handle the ordinary functions of the show is unrecognizable - high definition screens, slow-motion capture effects, and videocalls with live analysis of each and every move made in the ring seems almost directly out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. Thankfully, the comfortably wealthy touch on the shoulder from the richest guy in the room snaps him out of his stupor.

JOE SPICERACK: We didn’t find the Moon with a potato and a wire, and we ain’t gonna get to the moon without investing in getting there!

CADEN YOUNG: Wouldn’t you say that this seems a little bit… I’d say, overboard for a movie? I already told you - all of the star power you’re looking for is dangling underneath your nose.

With a dramatic spin, Caden’s hands wave from his knees to his absolutely gravity-defying hair. Spicerack’s hands rub his temples, as he tries his damnest to politely explain himself for the n-teenth time.

SPICERACK: We’ve discussed this. We aren’t going to reinvent the wheel, but a name that’s already known isn’t going to achieve the mission.

YOUNG: What isn’t there to love? I’m a well-known name, but this would be a different side of me. Jule and Tie - the 20/20 experience. Not only do you get to see the side of the talented, cheeky businessman you all know and love, you get to understand the hardships that turned him into the assistant (to the) general manager today. Have you ever been discriminated against?

SPICERACK: Didn’t your father own a Fortune 500 company?

YOUNG: Yes, and I was bullied for it everyday. Don’t even get me started with my introduction into sports - it’s a miracle that I made it back to wrestling, since my first experience ended so poorly. I can still hear their voices today: ‘fatdick, fatdick, its fatdick Caden’. It still haunts me. I truly believe you’re missing out on something huge.

SPICERACK: That’s cool, but there are fighters on this roster who have spent five, ten, twenty years successfully traveling the globe looking to carve out their own little niche, and I say screw that. Screw a slice, let’s give them the entire cake. When people compare Lebron or Kobe to Mike, they don’t realize Kobe and Lebron had to study Mike to become like him. Same with Jobs, same with Tesla, same with every brilliant person who was an innovator in their field who was so undeniably talented that became the measuring stick.

With a whistle, Caden Young leans forward to see some of the action currently being dissected and splayed apart across various screens. On one, a Shining Star brilliantly maneuvers throughout the air before landing a brilliant aerial assault. On another, a certain Wolf stands toe-to-toe with his opponent emptying out the clip with every strike in the book without worrying about protecting himself, instead electing to deal more punishment.

YOUNG: That’s nice and all but… what’s FIRESIDE ENTERPRISE getting out of this? It seems a bit too good to be true, no offense.

SPICERACK: It is. We’ve got all of these cameras and screens and talking heads because we aren’t interested in having tryouts or dick-measuring contests to find someone who fits my needs. You don’t get all of this without being a person who takes some risk, and while you could probably buy a small island with my losses in Vegas, I hit seven-seven-seven every time it comes to being the first to find the next big thing. That takes knowing someone who is kicking teeth in ways that teeth have never been kicked in, representing their craft in ways it’s never been made, and all.

Young scratches the back of his head, but Spicerack snaps his fingers as the lightbulb goes off.

SPICERACK: You could say… Lil Wayne’s looking for the next Drake.

With a twirl of his juul, Young leans forward and into the man’s personal space as he takes another hit.

YOUNG: Gotcha! Gotcha… and you mentioned investments into putting the face onto a wheaties box for a fighter who wants it badly enough, but you never said exactly how much you’re invested…

Spicerack doesn’t speak. He types digits into his phone, which he then turns in Caden’s direction. Upon processing the information out of camera view, Caden’s hit is interrupted by a gasp, followed by the plastic e-cigarette disappearing into his throat. The smoke pouring out of his nostrils proceeds Caden rushing out of the van, and more in-depth analysis of the night’s talent preceding!



As the slow, creeping sounds of Heilung start to play the lights around the entrance dim down to bare visibility. The drums of the song beat, as small glimpses of a rainstorm can be seen on screen. The stage itself begins to billow out a thick fog, a cold mist curling its way along the platform and down the ramp. Quickly, the stage itself is engulfed in the fog, as much of the ramp is also. A small light shines its weak glow from the entrance, shining against the figure of a man. His silhouette, huge in size against the soft light now moves as he does, down the ramp and through the curtain of mist. He emerges towards the end of the ramp, his form now fully visible… Ozymandias.

He pauses before the ring, staring into the squared-cage before slowly removing his jacket and placing it under the apron. He stands upright, cracks his neck in both directions then power-squats onto the apron, before entering through the ropes.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a one-on-one encounter scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, hailing from Old Harbour, Alaska in the United States, he stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs in at 357 pounds...he is The Butcher of Reine...OZYMANDIAS!!!

"Better Side Of Me'' by In Our Wake graces the ears of those in attendance as it plays throughout the arena. The crowd gives somewhat of a mixed reaction, managing to hear just as much cheers as you do boos from them. The lights dim down, enough to just see the frame of a mountain of a man, the lights come back on after “Bulldozer” Lance Williams lets out a ferocious primal roar. Lance stands there flexing his biceps, holding his guns up for the world to see. Once he is done letting out some of his former self by showing off, he starts to head down towards the ring. The crowd still maintains the mixed reactions, “Bulldozer” smirking smugly at those who boo him, and stops to pose for a picture for the ladies. Now at the ring, Lance jumps up onto the ring apron showing off his amazing athletic side letting out another roar just as ferociously primal as the first as pyros shot up from each turnbuckle. He then gets into the ring, the focus and determination clear to see as he stands there showing off his 300 lb muscular physique, dressed in just a pair of black shorts that are just above his knee and black wrestling boots. A self satisfied smirk on his face as he is ready for action.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, fighting out of Los Angeles, California in the United States, he stands at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs in at 315 pounds...introducing The Bulldozer...LANCE WILLIAMS!!!

TREY BOOKER: We’re in for a clash of the titans in this one! Ozymandias may have a slight size advantage on Lance Williams, but I can’t see it being enough to make a major difference in the outcome!

J.T. PRICE: What’s more important is how hungry these two men are for a decisive victory! Both have had impressive outings, but a win tonight could go a long way when it comes to future opportunities!

There is no sudden flurry of action when the opening bell rings, as both men take their time walking towards each other, eventually meeting in the center of the ring. They size each other up for a few tense moments before Lance decides to make the first move. He charges away from Ozymandias to bounce off the ropes and then rushes back toward his opponent like a freight train with a huge shoulder block, but Ozy doesn’t budge! Lance nods his head as if he respects his opponent’s refusal to move and then motions for Ozymandias to make the same attempt. Ozy bounces off the ropes and charges back towards Lance like a rocket, but when he connects with his own shoulder block, The Bulldozer doesn’t give an inch! Lance bounces off the ropes for a second attempt, but this time Ozy ducks down, only to have Lance leapfrog over the top of him. As Lance continues to run toward the ropes, Ozy charges to the opposite side, and it looks as if the two men are going to collide in the center of the ring. They both put their shoulders forward, causing the ring to shake violently upon their collision. While both Lance and Ozymandias remain standing, the sheer force of their impact knocks the referee off his feet!

TREY BOOKER: Talk about an immovable object meeting an irresistible force! Neither of these men are willing to give an inch!

J.T. PRICE: Forget Godzilla and Kong, this is the real battle of the monsters!

With neither man able to gain an advantage with the charging shoulder blocks, they change tactics and lock up in the center of the ring, which is followed by another back-and-forth struggle for supremacy! After a few moments, with neither man giving an inch, Ozymandias decides that he’s had enough of the games as he thrusts his own head forward against Lance’s face. After the first headbutt he delivers a second, then a third, and finally a fourth that leaves The Bulldozer staggering. Ozy follows that up with a heavy clothesline that would seemingly knock Lance off his feet if he were not saved by the presence of the ropes. When Lance stumbles back toward Ozymandias, he experiences the rare feeling of leaving his feet, as Ozy scoops him into his arms and drives him to the canvas with a thundering powerslam!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Undeterred by his opponent’s tenacity, Ozy pulls Lance off the mat and wraps his massive arms around The Bulldozer’s midsection as he looks to apply his Arms of Azathoth bearhug. Ozymandias manages to apply the hold, but he quickly discovers that applying full pressure and shaking Lance like a ragdoll is harder than it looks. Unwilling to be trapped in the hold for long, The Bulldozer slams a series of forearms against the side of Ozy’s head, eventually convincing him to give up on his bearhug attempt. Instead, he executes a go-behind on Lance, again wrapping his arms around him before delivering a release German Suplex! Despite the sudden and surprising impact, Lance immediately begins to get back on his feet, only to be met by a jumping bicycle kick from The Butcher of Reine. Hoping to take advantage of his opponent’s stunned state, Ozy hooks Lance for a suplex and then lifts him off the mat, looking to plant him back down with his Sinking Faith jackhammer! Before he can finish the move, Lance shifts his weight and drops down behind Ozymandias, hooking him around the waist and delivering his own Release German Suplex to The Butcher! Much like Lance did, Ozy immediately gets back up and marches back toward his opponent, only to be met by a thunderous spine buster from Lance Williams! Once more, Ozy quickly gets back on his feet, but this time he’s met by Williams’ Decapitator Claymore kick!

ONE!
TWO!
TH - KICKOUT!

TREY BOOKER: I don’t know if I’m more impressed by the power that’s on display, or the sheer toughness of these men for shrugging off such high impact moves!

J.T. PRICE: They can’t do this all night, Trey! Something’s gotta give sooner or later!

Hoping to maintain his momentum, Lance rebounds off the ropes and charges toward Ozy, actually leaving his feet to execute a cross body. Instead of the move taking Ozymandias off his feet, The Butcher catches Lance in midair and turns the attempt into a powerful fall-away slam! Then, looking to attempt some high risk offense of his own, Ozy ascends the turnbuckles and leaps off with a heavy missile dropkick in mind. Instead, it is Lance’s turn to catch his opponent in midair as he turns the attempt into a ring-rattling powerbomb! The Bulldozer then takes a few steps back, measuring Ozy as he is getting back on his feet. With his opponent in his sights, Lance charges forward looking to hit his Raging Bull spear, but The Butcher leaps over him at the last second, leaving Lance to charge between the turnbuckles and slam against the ring post with his shoulder! Not one to waste an opportunity when it presents itself, Ozymandias lifts Lance up when he staggers out of the corner and then drops him shoulder-first against his outstretched knee. Following the shoulder breaker, Ozy pulls Williams up yet again, this time setting him up for The Call, his version of the release crucifix powerbomb. Despite the size of his opponent, Ozy successfully executes the move and follows it up with a pin fall attempt!

ONE!
TWO!
THR - NO! KICKOUT!

Enraged by his opponent’s refusal to stop fighting, Ozymandias pulls Lance back to his feet, and attempts a spinning back kick. Somehow, Lance is able to duck under the move before taking advantage of Ozy being thrown off balance with a devastating punch to the chest! The Heart Attack finds its mark, but The Butcher remains standing! Looking to change that, Lance hooks Ozy’s head and lifts him off the mat, briefly holding him in the air with an incredible display of power. He then drives Ozymandias back to the mat head-first, successfully executing his Head Trauma brain buster!

ONE!
TWO!
TH - KICKOUT!

Ozymandias proves that he is just as unwilling to give up the fight as Lance when he lifts his shoulders off the mat to end the referee’s count. Now it is Lance who is frustrated by his opponent’s tenacity, and he shows that frustration by unloading a series of punches and forearms when Ozy gets back on his feet. Not to be outdone, The Butcher of Reine fires back with his own shots as the match deteriorates into an all-out slugfest in the center of the ring. There is no clear advantage for either man until Lance takes a page out of Ozy’s playbook by slamming his own head against his opponent’s. The Bulldozer gives a few more headbutts for good measure, when suddenly Ozymandias begins to unload his own series of torturous headbutts!

TREY BOOKER: This is sick! They’re like a pair of stag slamming their antlers together!

J.T. PRICE: Concussion city, baby!

With both men dizzy from the impact between their skulls, it is Lance that breaks the stalemate first by lifting a hard knee into Ozy’s midsection. He then whips him into the corner turnbuckles and charges in after him, but when Lance attempts to splash Ozy in the corner, The Butcher sidesteps and The Bulldozer’s sternum connects hard with the top buckle! Ozymandias then forces Lance onto the top turnbuckle with his back facing the ring before climbing onto the second buckle himself. Ozy then wraps his arms around Lance and attempts to throw him off the top rope with a belly to back superplex, but The Bulldozer grabs the top rope with both hands and refuses to budge. Ozymandias pulls at Lance again and again, but Williams continues to grip the top rope, refusing to be thrown to the mat. Then, with a loud snap, the top rope and turnbuckle break away from the ring post, and with nothing holding them back, both men fly out of the corner. The ring shakes violently as they land on the mat, but somehow the structural integrity of the ring remains intact. With Ozymandias’ arms still wrapped around Lance’s midsection, both men’s shoulders are on the mat and the referee drops down to make his count!

ONE!
TWO!

At the last second, Ozymandias rolls one of his shoulders off the mat, leaving only Lance’s down for the referee’s count!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: And the winner of the match by pin fall...OZYMANDIAS!!!

J.T. PRICE: What an incredible impact! I don’t know how he managed to roll that shoulder at the last second, but that was all that stood between defeat and victory for Ozymandias!

TREY BOOKER: I’m just glad the ring held together for that one! At least, most of it held together! Officials will need to reconnect that top turnbuckle, but we’ll be right back to the ring for more action as soon as possible!
The reigning X-Factor Champion, Indy Darling, is backstage in one of the arena’s locker rooms, preparing for his upcoming contest against Mark Hunter in the main event. As he is wrapping his wrists with athletic tape, there is a knock at the door. Expecting some last minute notes from one of the producers, Indy yells for his visitor to enter, and is surprised to learn that the knock has come from the Serbian child named Luka he met earlier in the week.

INDY: “Luka! You made it! It’s great to see you buddy! Are you enjoying the show so far?”

LUKA: “Yes, Mr. Darling! Very much so! I even got Pat the Postman’s autograph! He’s my favorite!”

Slightly bummed out by hearing that young Luka has a favorite other than himself, Indy tears at the athletic tape with his teeth before shrugging his shoulders.

INDY: “Yeah, Pat’s a special guy. I’m glad you got to meet him.”

LUKA: “I could not have done it without you, Mr. Darling. I am forever in your debt!”

INDY: “Heh...that’s really not necessary, kid. You helped me out at the market earlier this week, so those tickets were the least I could do.”

Indy takes a moment to look around, becoming curious as to why Luka is not accompanied by his parents.

INDY: “So, where’s your mom and dad? Are they waiting outside? I’d love to meet them and tell them what a great kid they have!”

The smile upon Luka’s face turns into a frown as he hangs his head.

LUKA: “No, Mr. Darling. My parents are with the heavenly father. I am but a poor orphan child and had no one to share my tickets with, which is convenient if you are looking to have a sidekick on a regular basis.”

INDY: “Oh...um...not really. I mean, Julius is kind of like my sidekick already. It’s not like I’m his sidekick or anything.”

LUKA: “I see. Does this mean I will never get to see America?”

It almost looks as if young Luka is going to cry, and for a brief moment, Indy wonders what the laws in Serbia are like when it pertains to crossing the border with an orphan. Instead, he quickly decides against that and chooses to console Luka instead. He gets down on one knee and gently places his hand on the boy’s shoulder.

INDY: “I’m sorry, kid. It’s just not that easy to adopt orphans in the real world. Even if I could, I don’t think I’m ready to be someone’s dad, you know? Say, that reminds me, did you know that I lost my dad when I was about your age?”

As Indy begins to share the details of his father’s demise for what seems like the hundredth time, his entire focus is on cheering up young Luka. This allows three other boys who are roughly Luka’s age to sneak into the locker room undetected. As Indy continues to talk about his father, the three orphan boys start rifling through his gym bag, quickly finding Indy’s cash and his emergency pack of cigarettes. With their treasure in hand, the three boys rush toward the locker room door, finally alerting Indy to their presence.

INDY: “Hey! What are you doing? That’s my stuff!”

Then, before Indy can give chase to the three orphans, Luka gives him a hard kick to the shin before grinning from ear to ear and rushing after his three friends. Before his escape is complete, he turns back to leave Indy with one final disparagement.

LUKA: “I hope Mark Hunter kicks your ass, American Satan!”

And just like that, Luka and his three cohorts disappear into the backstage area, leaving a confused Indy rubbing his shin bone.

INDY: “Son of a bitch...I just got grifted!”


This message was brought to you by Cthulhu Community College, now offering classes such as Grifting 101 across the globe through distance learning.





HOLLY PEREZ: This is our HEADLINER… Introducing first… Weighing in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds… He is The Australian Wolf… AIIDDDEEENNN REEYYYNNNOOOLLLDDDDSSS!!!

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

"YEAAAH YEAH YEAH"

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

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… Weighing in at one hundred and thirty five pounds… She is The Impossible Traveler… BEETTTSSSYYY GRRRAAANNNGGGEEERRRR!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Both Aiden and Betsy are ready as they meet in the middle of the ring and shake hands before backing up. They get things underway as they start circling each other, as they lock up Aiden gets the upper hand by getting Betsy in a headlock. Aiden takes Betsy to the ground where she manages to get her legs around his head before he kips up to his feet. Now both up to their feet, Aiden and Betsy start to trade punches in the center of the ring. This time, Betsy manages to get the upper hand and irish whips Aiden into the corner, hits back connecting with the turnbuckle.

Betsy runs at Aiden hitting him with a dropkick that drops him to a seated position in the corner. Getting to her feet she uses her foot to choke him in the corner as Aiden grabs onto her leg. Aiden tries his best to stop her but he can’t and Betsy only stops the choke when the ref tells her to do so. Betsy helps Aiden to his feet and irish whips him into the ropes going for a hurricanrana only for Aiden to reverse it with a powerbomb going down and making sure her back landed on his bent up knees. Betsy lays on the mat on her side holding her back as Aiden watches as she rolls onto her stomach before hitting her with a very precise elbow drop to the bottom on the back followed by doing it again and again.

TREY BOOKER: Aiden isn’t happy with just hitting the elbow drop once there, not even twice but three times.

J.T. PRICE: He definitely means business but don’t write Betsy off.

Following up from his elbow drops to the back, Aiden gets Betsy in a boston crab managing to lock it in as he gets to a seated position. Aiden is applying the pressure to Betsy’s back but she manages to start crawling towards the ropes. Aiden sees this and manages to drag her back to the centre of the ring. As he goes to get in a seated position again, Betsy manages to wriggle free and kick Aiden in the butt making him stumble. This gives Betsy enough time to get to her feet and Aiden turns around just in time for the backflip kick frome Betsy to connect right to his head. Going to help Aiden to his feet again this time he manages to grab Betsy’s arm and pins her with a crucifix pin.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: A two count pin there by Aiden already.

J.T. PRICE: As I said, don’t write Betsy off and she’s proving it there with a kickout.

Aiden and Betsy are both to their feet and lock up in the center of the ring. Betsy manages to hit Aiden with a leg kick, followed by a kick to the ribs that causes him to let go and step back only to receive a roundhouse kick to the head. This dazes Aiden as he stays on his feet, Betsy runs at him only for Aiden to hit her with a clothesline out of instinct. Aiden takes the time to shake off the cobwebs as Betsy slowly with the aid of the ropes gets back up to her feet. Betsy manages to grab Aiden in a headlock hitting Galactic Advantage(Snapmare Driver) and goes for the pin.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: Betsy now with a two count pin too.

J.T. PRICE: See Trey. I told you!

Betsy looks at the ref who lets her know it was only a two count as she gets up to her feet. At the same time, Aiden is just about managing to get back up to his feet with the aid of the ropes. Betsy sees this and runs at him only for him to move and pull down the rope sending Betsy flying to the outside of the ring. The ref starts his count as Aiden drops down and rolls out of the ring to the outside too.

THREE…
FOUR…
FIVE…
SIX...

Betsy is stirring now as she gets to her knees, Aiden who had been waiting for her to start to get up runs at Betsy and hits her with Down Unda(Running Jump Kick to a kneeling opponent). Aiden manages to get Betsy to her feet and manages to roll her in the ring before rolling in the ring himself too.

TREY BOOKER: That was close with a nine count there as they’re both in the ring.

J.T. PRICE: Close indeed but this match is still going.

Aiden picks Betsy and goes for an AA Spinebuster only for Besty to reverse it with a DDT as they both lay on the mat as the ref checks on them both to make sure they’re okay. They both indicate that they’re okay as they both head to the ropes either side of the ring. Aiden and Betsy both use the ropes to get to their feet, both eventually running at each other as Aiden goes for another clothesline as Betsy ducks it. Betsy springboards off the ropes as Aiden turns around into a cutter.

Betsy now starting to get the upper hand, walks over to the downed Aiden and locks in a figure four leg lock pulling on the legs of Aiden hard. Aiden is trying to wriggle free but Betsy has the submission hold locked in well. The ref checks to see if Aiden wants to give up but he shakes his head still trying his best to wriggle free as he does. Aiden tries to reach for the ropes but they’re out of reach as Betsy pulls on the legs as much as she can to apply more pressure.

Eventually Aiden manages to swing himself over and Betsy with the hold still applied as it now applies the pressure to Betsy’s legs. Aiden applies as much pressure as he can before Betsy breaks the hold both now holding their legs as they try to compose themselves as they lay on the mat. Finally they both get to their feet, Aiden and Betsy both giving an approving nod of respect to each other before once again going on the attack.

TREY BOOKER: This match is awesome and both of them with a sign of respect to each other there.

J.T. PRICE: It’s nice to see mutual respect in the ring that is for sure.

Betsy and Aiden trading punches back and forth in the centre of the ring again neither one backing down or managing to get the upper hand yet. Betsy manages to hit Aiden with a European uppercut with Aiden repaying the favor by hitting Betsy with one too. They go back and forth, each one of them refusing to allow the other to get the upper hand. Now back to trading punches, Aiden suddenly hits Betsy with an elbow that rocks her and this time he manages to hit the AA Spinebuster on her.

Aiden follows this up by locking in the Four X Gold(Kneeling Sharpshooter) making sure he was in the centre of the ring when he did. Betsy tries to wriggle free but there is no escape no matter how much she tries leading Betsy to tap out and Aiden breaks the hold.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match through Submission… The Australian Wolf… AIIDDDEEENNN REEYYYNNNOOOLLLDDDDSSS!!!


Immediately following the Aiden Reynolds and Betsy Granger match, an image of the former Grand Champion appears on the screen with a Zoom logo at the corner. Dickie Watson looks directly into the camera, a smile on his face, so very different than he has been in the last couple of weeks. He waves.

DICKIE WATSON: What’s up, Proving Ground? I hope that the rest of the roster has been entertaining you as much as I wish I could be right now. I haven’t missed an episode of Proving Ground since the beginning of the company, and let me tell you how fuckin’ weird it is. But words are words, and I couldn’t let you guys move ahead without putting a little bit of me into the equation. I know, so full of myself…

He chuckles, referring to the recent comments from his opponent.

DICKIE WATSON: Raven, Warstein and I are planning on representing Proving Ground to our best ability, and pushing and driving to come out on top. I have no doubt that Legacy is going to take it to Big Drip and prove, once and for all, that they’re champions to stay. We should be absolutely proud of them moving forward and pushing to build this tag division to be something. Who knows? Maybe Aiden and I might join in the fun.

He shrugs, before reaching up and rubbing an area of his nose.

DICKIE WATSON: But in all reality, I’ll be facing our Legacy Champion, Elena DeDraca, here at Wired Consequences. This, obviously, has played a detrimental role in our family dynamic, but I’m not going to let my personal issues affect how I go out into this match. I will put everything into it, as I always do, to make sure that I represent Proving Ground, and this company, appropriately. I know Elena is going to say some snide shit, but c’mon, that’s what we expect out of someone with insecurities the size of boulders, right?

Another shrug, but that smile doesn’t disappear from his face. He leans forward.

DICKIE WATSON: Just a reminder, though. Even if I don’t come out of that match the winner, I won’t be coming out without making sure Elena DeDraca knows that I’m not just a little dweeb she can smack around. No matter what she says, I am still the person that I need to be every day, in and out of the ring. There is no difference. I will continue to push forward, to do my absolute best by this brand and by this company, until my final days as a competitor here. Mark, I’m talking directly to you: know you’re in my sights, motherfucker. You’ll just never know when I put my rematch in. Could be next week, could be down the line. It’s of my choosing. Not yours. Have a great match, and I hope Indy takes off your goddamn head.

He pauses a bit, and then laughs.

DICKIE WATSON: It might deflate it just a bit. Good luck, and like Daniel Horror says, I hope you suffer, mate.

He waves again, and then, with a click of his finger to the screen, he’s gone.



HOLLY PEREZ: This is our MAIN EVENT… It’s a NON-TITLE CHAMPIONS versus CHAMPION Match… Introducing first… Weighing in at two hundred and eleven pounds… He is the Grand Champion and The Straight Shooter… MAAARRRRKKKK HUUNNNTTTEEEERRR!!!

“Feel Invincible” by Skillet suddenly sounds throughout the building and the crowd erupt into an undeniably negative response. After a few seconds pause Mark Hunter strolls out onto the ramp area, the Grand Championship over his shoulder as he smirks in a self-satisfied and confident manner at the reaction from the fans and begins his walk down to the ring. Mark acknowledges literally no fans as he wanders down the ramp, he continues to receive the poor crowd response as he ascends the ring steps. He enters between the middle and top rope and instantly wanders over to the far corner, Hunter climbs up and poses for the crowd by holding the Grand Championship in the air whilst taking in the response from the fans. He soon steps down to the canvas and stretches his arms in the air still with the Grand Championship in his hand before readying himself for action. At this stage the music dies away as he hands the Grand Championship to the ringside crew member who placed it on a table by the bell ringer.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… Weighing in at two hundred and fifthteen pounds… He is the X-Factor Champion and Everyone’s Favorite… INNNDDDYYY DAAAARRRRLLLLIIINNNGGG!!!

"Just Like You" by Falling in Reverse begins to play as Indy Darling walks onto the entrance area with the hood of his vest pulled over his eyes. He drops to one knee with arms outstretched on either side, soaking in the reception from the live crowd. After we hear "Honestly I'm just like you" for the first time, he springs back to both feet and allows his hood to fall from his head, revealing a lit cigarette between his lips. Indy is sporting a pair of sunglasses under his cropped reddish-blonde hair, and his expression is difficult to read. Neither smiling nor frowning, he casually makes his way toward the ring, his eyes focused on the challenge that lies ahead of him. Around his waist is the X-Factor Championship, the flashing lights from above sparkling off its surface. Upon reaching the ring, Indy slides under the bottom rope and lets his vest slide off of his shoulders, catching it in his right hand before whipping it out to a lucky member of the audience. He is wearing full tights with his name stylized down the right leg, along with color-coordinated kick-pads and an elbow pad on his left arm. He moves toward the ropes facing the hard camera and steps onto them with one foot on the bottom rope and one on the middle. He looks around at the crowd, letting a slight smile creep over his face, as we hear "I am aware you are all assholes'' from his entrance music. He then unfastens the X-Factor Championship from his waist and proudly lifts it above his head with his right hand. Indy then takes a final drag from his cigarette before flicking it to the ringside area, while soaking up the cheers, jeers, curses, and praise from the diverse audience reacting to his presence in the ring. Indy and Mark exchange looks as Indy walks past him, handing the X-Factor Championship to the ringside crew member who placed it alongside the Grand Championship.

Seeing this as an opportunity, Mark Hunter doesn’t care to wait for the bell as he out of nowhere hits Indy Darling with the Instant Karma(Superkick) to the back of the head. This sends Indy falling out of the ring to the outside before the bell has even rung. The ref is talking to Mark who just shrugs as he stands there and has such an egotistical smirk, you just want to slap it off his face. The ref is holding Mark back as Indy is now managing to get back into the ring, just shaking his head that he allowed that to happen as the ref signals for the bell.

TREY BOOKER: That was a cheap shot by Mark Hunter!

J.T. PRICE: Indy is going to need eyes in the back of his head.

DING! DING! DING!

The match finally gets under way as Indy wipes that smirk off of Hunter’s face with Everyone’s Favorite Kick, a Super Kick of his own. Indy isn’t done yet though, he backs up watching as Hunter gets to one knee. Indy runs at Mark and goes to hit a Shining Wizard only for somehow, Mark manages to grab both legs and springs to his feet hitting a quick but effective Powerbomb on Indy. Hunter follows it up with the ultimate disrespect by kneeling down beside Indy and slapping him in the face, the impact echoing throughout the arena as the crowd starts throwing abuse at Mark who gets to his feet just holding his arms out soaking in the abuse.

Not one to let the momentum go to waste, Mark helps Indy to his feet but the disrespect seems to have fired Indy up. Indy hits Mark with a series of Forearm Strikes to the face knocking Mark back a bit. Indy follows it up with a Roaring Elbow sending Mark crumbling to the mat as Indy runs at the ropes and Springboards off them hitting a Moonsault but bringing his knees up managing to land them onto the stomach of Mark. Indy rolls off Mark who lays there clutching his stomach as Indy goes for the pin.

TREY BOOKER: Quick pin here by Indy.

J.T. PRICE: I hear Indy is quick in bed too.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

The ref only gets to a two count as Indy gets to his feet and goes for a Springboard Rolling Senton only for Mark to roll out of the way. Both Indy and Mark get to their feet and start trading punches back and forth. They both just stand there not caring to block the other punches just concentrating on trying to hit each other harder. Eventually Mark gets the upper hand by poking Indy in the eye much to the disapproval of the crowd as Mark shrugs. Mark then hits Indy with Dickie’s Revenge(Modified Lifting Reverse STO) as he shouts “REVENGE, MY ASS!!!” and goes for the pin.

TREY BOOKER: Already another pin.

J.T. PRICE: Only this time it’s Mark Hunter, better lock up your wives and girlfriends before Mark pins them down too.

ONE…
TWO…
THR - KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: HOLY SHIT!!! How did Indy kick out of that?

J.T. PRICE: Well because it’s a move that can only be perfected by Dickie himself.

Mark really thought he had it there as he punched the mat in anger. Mark gets to his feet and grabs hold of Indy’s legs, locking him into a Sharpshooter making sure he was in the centre of the ring when he did. Indy reaches out but is too far away from the ropes as Hunter now gets in position as the Sharpshooter is fully locked in. The ref checks on Indy who shakes his head at the ref starting to crawl towards the ropes. Mark sees Indy getting closer and closer to them as Mark smirks dragging Indy back to the centre of the ring once again applying pressure to the hold. Indy is refusing to give up and once again makes his way to the ropes eventually getting there as he holds onto the ropes. Mark doesn’t care though as he holds on only breaking the hold at the last minute.

The crowd tonight are letting their feelings being known as The Straight Shooter once again gets hounded by abuse. It’s clear to see that Indy Darling really is Everyone’s Favorite as they start getting behind him. Hunter starts shouting abuse back at the crowd actually enjoying the hate he is getting from them. Hunter engaging with the crowd gives Indy time to get back to his feet and enough time to climb up to the second turnbuckle. Mark hears the crowd pop and turns around only to be greeted with Indy hitting Independents Day(Panama Sunrise) and Indy is quick to go for a pin.

ONE…
TWO…
THR - KICKOUT!!!

Once on his feet, Indy goes to the turnbuckle again and this type to the top where he waits for Mark to turn back onto his back and hits Clive’s Dive(Shooting Star Press) once again going for a pin. Only this time even though he’d taken Indy’s finisher, Mark rolled through holding on and went for the pin himself and managed to put his feet on the ropes which the ref doesn’t manage to see.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: Once again trying to use the ropes to his advantage.

J.T. PRICE: Well Indy isn’t about to let him do that to him.

The feet on the ropes didn’t benefit Mark this time as he rolls out of the ring as Indy gets to his feet clearly not happy with Mark at all. Indy is demanding that Mark gets back into the ring but Mark just stands there smirking. The ref starts the count…

ONE…
TWO…
THREE…
FOUR…

Indy has had enough of waiting as he rolls to the outside and Hunter notices this as Indy runs round the ring to get him. Mark has other ideas though as he runs towards Indy and uses the ring steps to jump off, once again stealing a move as he hits Indy with his own move. Instead of it being a Springboard version it was a jumping Everyone’s Favorite Clothesline(Spinning Clothesline) that sends Indy to the floor of the outside of the ring.

TREY BOOKER: Hunter isn’t happy with just stealing Dickie’s move, he has to steal Indy’s move too.

J.T. PRICE: Well he lies, he cheats and now he proves he steals.

SEVEN…
EIGHT…

Hunter rolls into the ring and back out again to start the count again as Indy starts to stir on the outside. Mark is kind enough to help Indy fully up to his feet and is paid in kind to a knee to the gut followed by tripping him forward, sending Hunter face first into the guard rail.

FOUR…
FIVE…
SIX…

Indy grabs Mark and rolls him into the ring and rolls into the ring himself after. Both Indy and Mark are to their feet, Mark still trying to shake the cobwebs off from his head hitting the guardrail. This allows Indy to get the upper hand as he unloads a flurry of punches on Mark who tries to do his best to cover up but Indy hits him with a leg kick forcing Mark to drop his hands as Indy drops Mark with a Dropkick. Indy goes for The Declaration of Independents(Anaconda Vice) just when he thinks he has it locked in, somehow Mark has managed to reverse it into an (Anaconda Vice) himself that he calls The Last Act. Just as Mark thinks he has it locked in, Indy goes and reverses it back into The Declaration of Independents.

The crowd is now chanting... HOLY SHIT… HOLY SHIT… HOLY SHIT!!!

TREY BOOKER: The fans are loving it, the back and forth reversals.

J.T. PRICE: Wonder if that reminds Mark of when he cheated on his girlfriend?

Finally someone has it locked in as Indy applies as much pressure as he can but Mark is adamant that he isn’t giving up as the ref speaks to him. It looks like Mark is actually starting to fade as the ref picks his arm up for the first time and it falls. The ref lifts it up again and it just falls to the mat. For the final time, the ref picks Mark’s arm up but this time it doesn’t fall as Mark manages to reverse the hold into a pin.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

Making their way to their feet, Indy and Mark glare at each other trying to decide who was going to make the first move. What seemed to feel like was forever but more likely was two or three seconds, Indy decides to run at Mark who goes for a Kitchen Sink(Knee to the gut) but Indy slides through Mark’s legs and keeps going and as Mark turns around Indy hits him with a Springboard Stunner. Indy backs away before running at Mark Hunter who is laying on the floor, Indy goes for an Elbow Drop but Hunter rolls out of the way and gets to his feet. As Indy gets to his feet as well Mark flips him the double bird before kicking him in the gut, everyone assumes he is going to go for a Stunner but instead he hits him with a devastating DDT driving Indy’s head into the mat and goes for a pin.

TREY BOOKER: Damn! Just… DAMN!

J.T. PRICE: You S.O.B!

ONE..
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

Hunter is so frustrated as he starts arguing with the ref that it should’ve been a three count. This gives Indy time to get to his feet as he runs at Hunter going to a clothesline. Mark’s reactions were quick as he moved out of the way and rolled out of the ring as Indy hit the ref with the clothesline instead. Indy looks out at Mark who is once again smirking as Indy is furious at him but decides to check on the ref to make sure he was okay. As Indy does check on the ref, Mark Hunter makes his way around to where both the Grand Championship and the X-Factor Championship are.

Looking at the X-Factor Championship, Mark picks it up and slides into the ring, by this time Indy has realized that Mark is up to something as he turns around as the ref starts to stir. Indy and Mark are exchanging words as Mark has the X-Factor Championship ready to hit Indy but actually sees the ref getting to his feet. So Mark throws the X-Factor Title at Indy who catches it as Hunter falls to the mat, hitting the mat with his hand once down there pretending Indy had hit him with the X-Factor Championship belt. Indy only realizes what has happened when the ref rings for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match through DQ… The Grand Champion… MAAARRRRKKKK HUUNNNTTTEEEERRR!!!

Indy Darling is trying to explain what had happened and that he didn’t hit Mark Hunter with the X-Factor Championship. While this is happening, Mark has rolled out of the ring, picked up his Grand Championship and put it over his shoulder. Mark walks around the ring and half way up the ramp before turning to look at the ring. This is when both the ref and Indy look around to see Mark Hunter standing there getting abused from the crowd as he smirks and waves at Indy before making his exit. The ref finally realizes he has made a mistake but it was too late now as he stands there trying to apologize to Indy Darling who is furious!!!