PUBLIC EXECUTION 2021 RESULTS

There is absolute silence as the Public Execution logo is briefly replaced by a dark screen. Seconds later, the sounds of the Amazon Rainforest can be heard as we see an aerial view of a small Brazilian village nestled deep within the oppressive confines of the jungle. As the camera takes us closer, we see a military presence within the run-down hamlet, as armed guards are gathered around one building in particular. Suddenly, the door to the decrepit building flies open, and a hooded man is hurled through the door and onto the dusty ground of the village courtyard. Whoever this man is, the armed guards are quick to rush to his sides, grabbing both of his arms to drag him back onto his feet. Even with the man’s hands tied behind his back, it looks as if they are taking extra precautions in regards to his potential escape.

The man is dragged toward the center of town where a crowd of villagers have gathered. With the hood still hiding his identity, the man is forced upright against a thick wooden post, before the guards begin to secure him to it. Once the man’s body has been securely tied to the wooden column, one of the guards reaches up to grab hold of the canvas hood, finally pulling it away from the prisoner’s head. With a defiant expression emerging from the smeared dirt and blood on his face, we can see that it is Project: Honor’s Grand Champion, Mark Hunter.

ARMED GUARD: You stand accused of crimes against the people of this village, loyal allies of our honorable revolutionary leader!

In response, Mark scowls at the armed guards surrounding him before disrespectfully spitting at his accuser, earning himself a shot to his midsection from the butt of a rifle.

ARMED GUARD: If you will not answer to me, perhaps you’ll answer to the High Revolutionary himself!

The guard shouts out a command in his native Portugese, bringing the armed guards within the courtyard to attention. Moments later, the door to another nearby building opens, this one in much better condition than the one previously holding Mark Hunter. Slowly, a man in a military uniform steps into the courtyard, a green beret covering his hair and a large pair of sunglasses over his eyes. Despite this change in his attire, it would appear that this group’s leader is none other than Indy Darling. With the guards saluting him, Indy makes his way across the courtyard until he is a few feet away from the Grand Champion.

INDY DARLING: Mark Hunter, you have been accused of cheating the people of this honorable village for your own personal gain, for acts of cowardice, and for the theft of their most prized possession. How do you respond to these charges?

From his immovable position, Mark glares at Indy as his lips curl into a sneer. He then sends another bloody ball of spit from his lips, this one hitting Indy’s glasses.

MARK HUNTER: Fuck off.

With a sigh, Indy takes the glasses off his face and begins to wipe them against his sleeve.

INDY DARLING: Then I’m afraid you leave me no other choice. I hereby find you guilty of crimes against this honorable village. You are sentenced to a Public Execution by way of firing squad. Sergeant...bring out the volunteers.

One of the armed guards makes his way to a nearby building, shouting an order inside in his native Portugese. Moments later, a group of armed soldiers march from the building, forming a single-file line 20 feet from where Mark Hunter is restrained. Upon taking their places, the camera pans up from their military boots to their faces, revealing various members of the Proving Ground roster. The camera then moves along the line, showing the faces of the superstars who have been tasked with carrying out Mark’s punishment.

T.J. Thompson and Lil’ Petey are there to represent Big Drip, dressed in blinged out fatigues that could only be described as HIP. Near them, Myojin seems ambivalent regarding his own participation, but raises his gun toward the camera nonetheless. Cadillac Jackson is all smiles as well, as he points toward the camera with both index fingers, the only guns he seems to have in his arsenal. While it’s difficult to read his expression due to his mask, Ozymandias is also present, with a massive M-60 resting over his shoulder. As the camera reaches the next soldier in line, we see that even Mark’s old friend, his one ally on Proving Ground’s roster, has joined the firing squad. With an arrogant smile, Lance Williams flexes his pecs before cocking his rifle and pointing it at the screen. Finally, the camera shows us the last person in the firing squad to be Zack Tyler. Unfortunately, when he tries to make a fancy motion with his rifle, Zack shoots himself in the foot and falls over in pain. No one else seems concerned with his well-being as a couple of soldiers rush forward to drag him away. Once he has been removed, the firing squad appears to be ready to carry out their duty, and the camera swings back to Indy and Mark.

INDY DARLING: Any last requests?

Even with fate staring at him down the barrel of a gun, Mark refuses to show any fear.

MARK HUNTER: Yeah, I’ve got one. You can all kiss my ass!

INDY DARLING: So be it. May God have mercy on your soul. READY…

As Indy steps aside, T.J., Myojin, Cadillac, Ozymandias, and Lance all aim their weapons at Mark. Lil’ Petey aims as well, but in the opposite direction of his firing squad comrades. Once T.J. has turned Petey around so that he’s facing the right direction, Indy continues to shout his orders.

INDY DARLING: ...AIM…

The seconds between Indy’s previous command and his last seem to drag on, as we see flashes of emotion in the eyes of those involved. Myojin and Ozymandias seem content with their feelings of sadistic glee, Lance shows signs of internal conflict, while the faces of Big Drip and Cadillac Jackson reveal that they’re just happy to be in front of an audience. Finally, the eyes of Mark Hunter are pressed shut as he awaits his inevitable end. Whether it is caused by the oppressive heat of the rainforest or the stress of his situation, a bead of sweat rolls down Mark’s forehead in slow motion. Then, as it’s collected in a drop off the curve of his brow, the final order is given.

INDY DARLING: ...FIRE!

A barrage of fireworks erupt within the Mineirinho Arena as the crowd comes alive in a rabid frenzy! All along the entrance stage and ramp, blasts of pyro continue to explode as the cameras spin around at a frenetic pace. Once the pyro has been expended and the arena lights return to normal, we’re able to see a few of the signs that the fans have brought to the show.

“MY DRIP REPORT CAME BACK NEGATIVE”
“BRAZIL HATES DEMARCO TOO”
“SIGN ALESSANDRO”
“LONG LIVE THE TYRANT”
“EMMANUELLE IS OUR PLATINUM STANDARD”

TREY BOOKER: Welcome to Proving Ground’s first exclusive Pay Per View! Welcome to Bela Horizonte, Brazil! Welcome...to PUBLIC EXECUTION!

J.T. PRICE: We’ve got a loaded card tonight that includes Tag Team Matches, a Mailroom Massacre, and even a Tyranny Match!

TREY BOOKER: Don’t forget, we’ve also got The Project: Honor debut of Alessandro Quagliaterre as he meets one of the best challenges our company can offer in Legacy Champion, Elena DeDraca!

J.T. PRICE: That’s gonna be one to watch for sure, right up there with Mark Hunter and Indy Darling in a Lumberjack match or Euan Hill defending the Warrior Rising Championship against Scott Oasis!

TREY BOOKER: Of course we can’t forget our main event as Aiden Reynolds and Myojin face off in the first ever Claim to Fame Ironman Match! Will it be The Australian Wolf or The Shining Star that captures the eye of Hollywood and earns the opportunity to launch Project: Honor to the next level?

J.T. PRICE: We’ve got all of that and a whole lot more, Trey! I can’t wait to get started!

TREY BOOKER: We’ll check in with T.J. Thompson’s visit to the local post office to kick things off, so don’t you dare go anywhere!


Outside the arena, we find ourselves in a parking lot area, shaded and dark. This isn’t a public area, which suits those present perfectly fine. Underneath a flickering street light we spy Meredith Agnar addressing a group of her gathered followers, all wearing matching longer robes.

With their hoods up you don’t see their faces, but one among them stands out, Ozymandias. He stands within the group, no robe or hood but listening to Meredith as equally as her followers.

MEREDITH AGNAR: The night has finally arrived. Tonight we create history, we mark a change in the tides of power. As Ozymandias finally dethrones the Tyrant, I will see to it the other half of Legacy is fully disposed of. With your help, our plan will move forward uninterrupted.

The street light overhead flickers, but it only helps to add a strange, ominous tone to the setting.

MEREDITH AGNAR: My safety is of no concern to you tonight, our only mission is clear… put down the Raven. He thinks we dishonor Legacy, that perhaps we live in fear of Legacy… he’s a lost little crow. The Tyrant will have his hands full as our Warrior steps into that cellar against him. We do not care if the Raven makes an appearance, we do not care if that is the intention of Legacy all along…

She steps forward, so the street light is behind her and causing a slight slow halo around her hair.

MEREDITH AGNAR: ...we only care that we break them.

The followers respond in various nods or cheers, but very contained. Meredith shoots them a smile and pulls a hood up over her own head, a lacey transparent veil.

MEREDITH AGNAR: Tonight marks a change in Project Honor, a shift in power. Your help tonight is invaluable, and your efforts will be rewarded, greatly. As we rebuild and reshape this new world, you will be by my side.

She motions for two of the hooded figures to step forward, two people much bigger in size than she is.

MEREDITH AGNAR: Tonight… you two join our family. Gods and fables aside, we share a common goal. Let us make it happen tonight.

The two figures nod to her and take their leave, followed by the rest. All that remains behind is one figure, hood down and back to the camera.

MEREDITH AGNAR: And you… you have shown true promise, true devotion to the cause. You seek a better world, perhaps apart from our ideals but ultimately to hold the same power in your grasp. You have chosen well, to come to us.

The man nods to Meredith and steps forward to her, so she can take a better look.

MEREDITH AGNAR: The Butcher and the Outcast, united in chaos.

The man turns around to face Ozymandias and we learn that it is none other than Euan Hill, the Warrior Rising champion!

OZYMANDIAS: Our fight is long and wearing, but shoulder by shoulder… we will break this world.

Euan nods to Ozymandias who is extending a hand. Euan accepts this, shaking hands with the Butcher before pulling his hood up over his head and matching the other followers. He turns and takes his leave also.

MEREDITH AGNAR: Our family is growing, more share our sentiment and seek the same power we do.

OZYMANDIAS: You see a family, yet I see an army.

Meredith smiles, a slight smirk sound coming from her lips.

MEREDITH AGNAR: Family, army, it makes no difference… together, we cannot be slowed. We cannot be stopped. The seas of change are upon us, Ozymandias. Tonight, we ring in the dawn of a new world.

OZYMANDIAS: A new era.

The two look at each other, words unspoken for a moment before turning and taking their leave. They leave the scene, with nothing to see except one blinking streetlight, fighting to remain in control of darkness.



At this point in the show, we would normally hear the voice of Holly Perez as she announces the opening contest, but instead, remote cameras take us to the exterior of a nearby Brazilian Post Office. Moments after the scene begins, a long black limousine pulls into the frame, and after coming to a stop, a pair of men in black suits exit the back of the car. The two men are wearing sunglasses and obvious ear pieces, and it would not be surprising in the least if they also have concealed firearms. The two men move to the back of the limo and open the trunk before reaching in to retrieve something. A few seconds later, we see them pull T.J. Thompson out of the trunk and drop him on the pavement beside the car.

SECRET SERVICE AGENT: Eagle One, the barn door has been opened and the third little pig is in play.

The two men head back towards the limo’s rear door without explanation as T.J. gets onto his feet and wipes the dirt from his ring gear. Then, before entering the car, one of the men in black turn back toward T.J.

SECRET SERVICE AGENT: The president will be watching you, Mr. Thompson.

T.J. glares at the limousine as it begins to pull away, grumbling under his breath.

TJ THOMPSON: Thanks for nothing, Obama...

The screen freezes on the picture of T.J. Thompson as the voice of Holly Perez speaks over the image…

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from The Hip House and weighing in at 180 pounds...The Hipbeast...T.J. THOMPSON!!!

Once the video resumes, T.J. turns to see that he has been deposited outside of a Brazilian Post Office, and with no other options available to him, he walks towards the front doors. The scene takes us inside the building as T.J. enters the lobby, approaching the front counter with caution. He looks around for a few seconds before finally noticing a sign that says “ring bell for service”. With a shrug of his shoulders, T.J. taps the bell without a second thought. Pat the Postman’s emergence from underneath the counter is so quick that T.J. cannot help but flinch and let out a high-pitched shriek.

Once again, the screen freezes and Holly Perez can be heard, this time as Pat the Postman makes his first appearance…

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, representing Dildo, Canada and weighing in at 469 pounds...PAT THE POSTMAN!!!

Even when the freeze frame ends, Pat holds an emotionless expression as he looks from the bell on the counter up to T.J.’s face. After taking a second to catch his breath, T.J. reaches into his pocket to produce the note he received at the last Proving Ground.

TJ THOMPSON: Sooo...are we supposed to fight now or…?

PAT THE POSTMAN: T.J. Thompson. I’ve been expecting you. Your package has been in safe hands, but I’ll need two forms of photo identification and your signature.

Pat pushes a clipboard with a stack of papers on it across the counter and then holds out a black pen for T.J. Instead of taking the pen, The Hipbeast begins to shake his head.

TJ THOMPSON: We’ve had a ton of matches and you still need photo I.D. to know that it’s me?

PAT THE POSTMAN: Rules are rules. Sign here, please.

TJ THOMPSON: Nah, man. Petey and Sauce warned me about signing things. If I do that you’ll just turn around and sell it on EBay for 5 G’s. Either that or you’ll own my soul.

In response, Pat shrugs his shoulders and pulls the clipboard back across the counter.

PAT THE POSTMAN: No signature, no package.

T.J. frowns upon hearing this and immediately begins to protest.

TJ THOMPSON: Dude, it’s my package! You have to give it to me! That’s your job!

PAT THE POSTMAN: Sorry, Mr. Thompson, but if you won’t provide identification or sign for it, I’m afraid it belongs to the Postal Service now. Revenge is finally mine, Thompson...

Refusing to take Pat at his word, T.J. leans through the open window over the counter in an attempt to spot the package with his name on it. Pat, however, does not take kindly to this invasion of government space. Without further warning, Pat grabs T.J. by the head and slams his face against the counter. The massive postman then grabs the edge of the sliding window and tries to slam it shut, but T.J.’s head gets in the way and is sandwiched between the sliding glass window and the wooden frame. Pat tries to force T.J. back with a pie-face, but his efforts result in The Hipbeast chomping down on one of The Postman’s fingers. This buys T.J. enough time to scramble through the window as Pat shakes off the pain in his hand, but there is still no package in sight.

Now filled with rage, Pat charges at the intruder, picking him off his feet in a bearhug and slamming him back-first against the wall of the mailroom. Desperate to escape Pat’s powerful embrace, T.J. reaches out for anything he can get his hands on. He manages to grab a rubber stamp, and begins to slam it against Pat’s forehead. Unfortunately, the attempt does little more than to leave the word “received'' printed across Pat’s head in red ink. Finally T.J. goes for the eyes as raking them with his fingers forces Pat to momentarily release his grip. The gigantic postman lumbers after The Hipbeast, who comes up with another idea to slow the monster down. Grabbing the pen that he refused earlier, T.J. jabs it towards Pat’s hand as it rests upon the countertop, driving it through his flesh and into the very counter itself. Shocked by what’s just happened, Pat silently looks down at his hand pinned to the counter, and then looks back at T.J. with a furious expression.

TJ THOMPSON: C’mon, man. Can’t you at least say “ouch”?

Inexplicably, the view changes to the mail sorting room, a large warehouse type of setting at the rear of the post office. Workers wander around sorting, stamping, and processing various packages and crates, oblivious to the fact that their day is about to take a strange twist. Suddenly, with a loud crash, T.J. and Pat burst through the wall that separates the sorting room from the front of the building, reducing the wall to splinters and shards of broken wood and plaster. Pat’s spear drives T.J. to the floor, and with the pen still sticking through his hand, he begins to choke Thompson without mercy. As his face begins to turn purple, T.J. desperately kicks up one of his legs, planting his knee against Pat’s family jewels and forcing him to break his grip.

T.J. scrambles away and begins to search for something to give him an advantage, finally settling on a long package with mysterious contents. He swings the box at Pat’s midsection, successfully doubling him over so that T.J. can follow up with a DDT on the mailroom floor. Then, with his curiosity getting the best of him, he rips open the package to reveal a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat, autographed by Daniel Horror. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, T.J. tosses the box aside and slams the bat over Pat’s spine to keep him down on the cement floor. Finally, hoping that he’s removed Pat from the equation, T.J. once again starts to search for a package with his name on it. He makes his way to a rolling bin filled with envelopes, and starts to dig through them, barely taking the time to read the names printed upon them.

Moments later, like a horror-movie villain rising from his grave, the large frame of Pat the Postman rises over T.J.’s shoulder. Pat glares down at T.J. with a hatred for all who disgrace the process of package sorting, and without alerting him to his presence, he tips T.J. over the edge of the bin, leaving nothing visible but his lower legs as they desperately kick at the air. Strangely enough, Pat then rips off one of T.J.’s wrestling boots, exposing his bare foot. With a sadistic smile, Pat then reaches into the bin for an envelope, pries T.J. 's toes apart, and runs the edge of the envelope against the skin in-between! Shrieks of pain emerge from the bottom of the bin as Pat forcefully gives T.J. a papercut between each of his toes!

Pat then grabs hold of the rolling bin and begins to charge across the wide mailroom, one of the open delivery doors at the end of the cargo dock in his sights. Moments later, the bin that holds T.J. is hurled over the edge of the cargo dock to the unforgiving pavement below. Satisfied that he’s gotten rid of the troublesome intruder, Pat dusts off his hands before pushing a button on the nearby wall, and the automatic cargo door begins to close.

With a satisfied nod, Pat begins to walk back into the processing room, but moments later, something from outside the building gets his attention. A forklift bursts through one of the closed cargo doors with T.J. behind the wheel and it flies into the processing room, made airborne by a ramped cargo entrance. Pat dives for cover at the last second as T.J. dives out of the flying forklift moments before it crashes into a stack of crates. With catlike grace, Pat has leapt onto a nearby shelving unit, filled with various packages and parcels set for delivery or processing. Hoping to gain an advantage from the high ground, Pat continues to climb up the shelving unit, unaware that T.J. Thompson has started to scale the metal shelves as well. Pat rips open one of the many packages on the shelf to reveal a toaster oven, and he holds it menacingly while waiting for T.J. to emerge from over the edge of the platform.

Having crossed underneath Pat by using the crossbars like makeshift monkey bars, T.J. emerges behind the massive Postman, and he takes a brief moment to measure the big man before charging forward. Pat turns around just in time to be hit by a running European Uppercut that knocks him off balance and has him teetering near the edge of the shelving platform. Without giving it any thought, T.J. immediately leaps into the air and throws his own body against Pat’s, sending both men over the edge of the shelf with a coffin drop. Both men plummet downward after T.J. 's successful execution of Hip with the Dip, and they crash into a stack of shipping crates nearly 20 feet below!

Feeling the effects of what he’s been through, T.J. crawls out of the wreckage like a man on death’s door. Unfortunately for The Hipbeast, Pat rises from the wreckage behind him like an unstoppable machine. T.J. is unable to protect himself as Pat charges forward with a big clothesline that nearly turns the Big Drip member inside out. T.J. staggers to his feet as Pat continues to attack, this time swinging himself around a metal beam to hit T.J. with a modified Pix Pone Pine! For good measure, Pat hits a standing moonsault on his prone opponent before getting back on his feet and shaking his head in disgust.

PAT THE POSTMAN: Like I said, no signature, no package!

Confident that he’s made his message clear, Pat begins to walk away once again. This time, he is stopped in his tracks as T.J. slams a rather flat package across his back. As the box that contains it begins to fall apart, we can see that it was covering a steel chair. T.J. takes a moment to look at the weapon in his hands with surprise, before then slamming it over Pat’s head.

TJ THOMPSON: What kind of post office is this?

He then slams the chair down in frustration before once again renewing his search for the mysterious package with his name on it. He begins to look at the shipping labels on some nearby crates, when his face lights up with joy.

TJ THOMPSON: My package!!!

He begins to pry at the edge of the crate, but before he’s able to get it open, Pat drills him from behind with a low blow, payback for earlier in the match. T.J. clutches at his jewels as he begins to sink to his knees.

TJ THOMPSON: ….my...package…

Pat then rolls T.J. on top of the crate with his name on the shipping label, turns toward a large metal shelving unit crowded with boxes, and begins to climb upwards. Pat makes his way up a few levels of shelving until he’s even higher in the air than both men were previously, and then, hoping to eliminate T.J. once and for all, he begins to take measure of his target. Pat leaps off the shelving, rotating his own massive body in the air to execute a version of his Same Day Shipping 630 senton! It is a move that would not only end T.J. 's quest, but possibly his career as well. Fortunately for T.J., he rolls away at the last second, leaving Pat to crash through the wooden crate. There is an explosion of broken wood and packing peanuts upon Pat’s impact with the mysterious package, and for a moment it’s almost as if it’s snowing inside of the mail warehouse.

When the packing peanuts begin to settle, T.J. starts to dig through the wreckage, hoping that his special delivery has survived, whatever it may be. Then a shriek of terror erupts from T.J. as he pulls out a signed copy of Barack Obama’s ‘Audacity of Hope’.

TJ THOMPSON: Damn you, Obama...NOOOOOO!!!!!!

As T.J. looks to the heavens with the book cradled in his arms, the scene fades out and we return to J.T. Price and Trey Booker at ringside.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match, after retrieving his mystery package… “The Hipbeast” T.J. THOMPSON!!!!

TREY BOOKER: What in the holy hell have we just witnessed?!

J.T. PRICE: According to my format sheet, that was the Mailroom Massacre, which certainly lived up to its name!

TREY BOOKER: T.J. Thompson has emerged victorious, but I don’t think he’s going to get much use out of a book...

J.T. PRICE: Never trust the government, Trey!


We cut backstage where we see multiple Project Honor referees, stage hands, a few superstars etc., entering the building. A large security guard stands at the door with a few slips of paper, checking people off as they come in. Cadillac Jackson approaches in black sunglasses, skinny jeans and a white polo shirt, carrying a duffle bag. As he gets to the security guard, the man nods at him.




























The halls are filled with people running about the backstage area ensuring production of the show goes on smoothly and securely. The camera catches two people not at all employees of Project: Honor, but both are wearing V.I.P. badges on their jeans. One is not unfamiliar to the masses, having been seen not only at shows, but referenced by quite a few and known by quite a few. Finn Whelan, the Seattle Saint and wrestler for Project: Honor’s partner, Next Level Wrestling, walks past a few of the crew and gives them an inclination of his head as he passes. Semi-hanging on his arm, and perhaps only to keep up with his long strides, is a female with ginger colored hair who looks to be in complete awe of her surroundings.

UNKNOWN FEMALE: This is so cool…I never thought I’d be backstage at one of these things.

FINN WHELAN: Well, now you can say you have, Liv.

He nods his chin towards the door to their left and walks towards it, banging on it after not even a second. “Liv” lets go of his hand and tucks her hair behind her ear nervously. A shuffle is heard behind the door, and a moment later, it swings open. They find the glasses wearing, short Latina by the name of Alexandra Kelly who narrows her eyes as looks up at Finn’s face. Finn just smiles and waves his hand sarcastically.

FINN WHELAN: Heya, Pix.

Pixie also gave him the middle finger but in a way more cheerful way, with a huge smile. She obviously was on her way, but then again Alex was always in a rush. Causing havoc.

ALEXANDRA KELLY: NO TIME! Need to save the world. Or whatever else is up today. Nice to meet you again Finn, I am still not sure if we need to fight with weapons in the future- but a pretty friend you brought yourself.

And with that she was gone. Finn watched her leave and shook his head.

FINN WHELAN: Okay then.

They pushed into the room, obviously more than able to since the door was left open. Inside, Elena DeDraca sat, preparing for her match against Alessandro Quagliaterre for tonight. She sat at the table, inspecting her makeup to make sure it was flawless. She wasn’t paying attention to the door, but it was almost as if she knew Finn was there. That was their deal though -- siblings by blood, siblings by choice. They knew each other pretty well...perhaps a bit too well. Frankie Morrison, Elena’s agent, rose upwards, taking a phone call and heading out of the room.

Finn looked at her as he grabbed a chair, turning it on its end and setting it up backwards next to his sister, dropping into it. He laid his arms across the top.

FINN WHELAN: Your face is fine and you know it.

ELENA DEDRACA: You know that’s what I always do when getting ready. Some things never change, just like the fact that you didn’t offer your friend a chair. Where are your manners, Finnland?

She looked at him from those big, green eyes. And even though she tried to come off in a jokingly manner, her facial expression wasn't anything like it. For the first time she looked away from the mirror, inspecting “Liv”. Then looking back at her brother.

ELENA DEDRACA: Did we have anything set up? I mean, you making it to Brazil- where we both fit as good as an elephant in the fridge...

Finn snorted and shook his head. He looked behind him at the redhead and reached backwards again, grabbing a chair and propping it up for her.

FINN WHELAN: Sorry, I suck. I know.

The redhead snickered. Finn looked back at Elena, shaking his head.

FINN WHELAN: Nothing set up, no. Nothing but watching my fam kicking ass here. You know how it is. I follow you guys around now. But, I kinda wanted you to meet my...friend.

He seemed to struggle for the word a bit, not really sure what to call her. “Liv’s” snicker seemed to widen, and Finn realized what it seemed to look like. He awkwardly ran a hand through his hair and tried to brush it off nonchalantly, turning to look at her.

FINN WHELAN: Olivia, meet Project: Honor’s Legacy Champion, Elena DeDraca. Elena, meet Olivia Wagner, the lovely person who fixed my leg so I’m not a gimp forever.

Elena once more looked at the girl, trying her best to give a gentle smile. She then nodded towards Finn, who probably knew what this was supposed to mean.

ELENA DEDRACA: It’s a pleasure meeting you, Olivia. I am glad you didn’t push him down the hallway or something. I know he can be an absolute brat. So one thing for sure, you got good nerves. And of course it is nice to see you too, Finn.

Finn grinned a bit, shrugging his shoulders.

FINN WHELAN: I’m always around, ma’am. At your beck and call, where I’m needed the most. But while we’re on the topic...speaking of brats.

Elena’s expression hardened, obviously knowing in advance where her brother was about to go. Finn paused, seemingly thinking before speaking this time. Maybe it wasn’t the best time to do so.

FINN WHELAN: ...look at you, two pay-per-views in a month. You’re kicking down every door you used to have in front of you, aren’t you?

For just a moment she thought about addressing what he wanted to speak about, but she calmed herself. Her expression softened slightly, but the tension was still there.

ELENA DEDRACA: Took me long enough, huh? Lingering somewhere in the midcarder, winning titles no one remembers, while others got their big moments. So we might agree that those doors deserve to be kicked twice if not more often. I didn’t think I would be on a Proving Ground Pay Per View so quick, but Alessandro asked and I thought: Why not?

Finn pondered her words, mulling the options he had to go down a bit before he leaned his head forward.

FINN WHELAN: Fuck, I think the last time I saw Alejandro, we were tagging at that one venue...always good to face friends, you know. No hard feelings, no anger. Just pure competition.

He snickered.

FINN WHELAN: Man, we should face off.

He paused, looking at Elena’s expression, which seemingly got tighter again.

FINN WHELAN: I’m kidding, El. We already had our battle, yeah? I miss being around you guys, that’s all.

For the first time since they entered Elena was getting up from her seat, putting away the makeup tools. She took a few steps before finding her rest in front of Finn. It was obvious that she was struggling to find the words, but that never stopped someone like Elena.

ELENA DEDRACA: Okay, Finn we shall talk about it. Once and for all, because that is the last time I will get into the subject- with you or anyone else. There is no you guys anymore as far as I am concerned. And there is nothing to talk about, or fix. Decisions have been made, and I will not cry myself a river. I will not speak about him, I don’t wanna hear about him- that’s all I can tell you. I wish for you to be around more, but I will never put you in an odd position. I have been there and it’s no fun.

She reached out rubbing his arm. For maybe three seconds before pulling back.

ELENA DEDRACA: I will tell you what I told Mark, what is done is done. There are things you don’t forget, and you know a lot better than anyone- how I am. How long it takes for me to react to certain things. But I am no one's doormat just because they pull a tantrum. And that is exactly what this is, Finn. Don’t mistake it for anything else. He decided and I reacted. End of story. As you said, no hard feelings. Because no feelings.

Finn frowned, deeply. Not because he was mad or upset with what she said -- he knew she had every right to feel that way. But still, he leaned back, holding onto the back of the chair with nimble fingers and sighing.

FINN WHELAN: I think that’s harder to do than you think, El. And I’m not saying that you’re wrong, because you’re absolutely right. You could definitely call something like that a tantrum, but I think -- and it’s something you told me with Isabella when I’m doing my Uncle deal -- that when kids react the way he did, there’s an underlying thing that isn’t being addressed. If Izzi is crying and she can’t explain it, she doesn’t know why she’s crying, it just hurts. I’m also not saying that this is what that is completely, but as you said...this is the last time we’ll talk about it and then we’re done with the conversation. The kid feels like he’s been wronged. And I doubt he knows why. Doesn’t excuse the shit said.

He exhaled and shook his head, knowing that there wasn’t anything he could really do either way. One wouldn’t talk to him and the other was absolutely justified.

FINN WHELAN: Topic done, as requested, though. I didn’t come in here to discuss it really. Just wanted to see how you were. Mark said you’d been moving and doing stuff, but that you might need a friendly face sometimes. And when I said you guys, I meant you and Pix. And a company like this. Nothing more.

ELENA DEDRACA: Who thought that after all those years you would turn into this sensitive Doctor Freud type? I am really proud, Finny. I know Mark is worried, if it was any more obvious- he would buy house walls painting it on it. I promise that I am alright, just trying to focus on my career. Probably for the first time.

She laughed out loud for a moment, catching Olivia off guard. The girl nearly jumped off of her seat, Finn looked amused.

ELENA DEDRACA: You missing Pixie. That is like the best thing I heard today, you know? She spoke about shaving your head and tattooing a dick on your forehead. The usual things she talks about. But as I previously mentioned, you are always welcome to show up. No matter where, and of course so is your… friend.

Elena’s eyes floated up to look at Olivia. Of course, she wouldn’t say anything about Olivia until Finn said something and established it a bit more. But she wasn’t stupid -- she could already see where that was going.

FINN WHELAN: You kidding, I had to fight to get these VIP passes from the front office. Rock Johnson really just does not like me…

He feigned sadness.

FINN WHELAN: Had to say you were going to burn down the world if I didn’t get them.

Elena laughed out loud, shaking her head at her brother.

FINN WHELAN: So...I saw what was said. Let’s play an interviewer, aye?

He grabbed for the pen sitting on the table and put it under his mouth, and his voice went into a super serious tone that wasn’t like him at all -- at least, when he wasn’t promoting.

FINN WHELAN: Elena DeDraca, after your first defense for your Legacy Championship, you’re on top of the world. What are your thoughts on Alessandro Quagliaterre?

Elena gave away the expression as if she was thinking very hard, but he knew better. In reality she was just debating with herself how much honesty was welcome at this point. Hurt feelings and all that crap.

ELENA DEDRACA: Alessandro Quatliaterre. AQ. Or as some would call him, Alejandro. As I previously mentioned in my promotional work, I do consider him a good friend. With all his odds and flaws, to me he was always decent. But I am certain that was not what you were aiming for. This is not about the private person that AQ is. It’s about the competitor I see in him. I believe that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to him. That if he managed to stay focused for longer than thirty seconds, he could really make it. But that is the thing about people like him- he thinks he needs to be present everywhere. I get it. The need to be the next big thing. But it is nothing that will help him in a match against me. I will not say he didn’t prepare well, because I think he did, but I am also not pretending that he is ready for this.

Once more she was looking into the mirror giving herself some kind of odd look. Her eyes slowly wandered back to Finn. He nodded in response, as if he were agreeing.

FINN WHELAN: I know he’s been jumping around companies. Australia has a spot he’s been known to frequent recently, and also one of those smaller, independent companies over on some wrestling network. It seems to me that he’s prepared...but perhaps not for you. What do you think might be his biggest oversight when it comes to you? Or rather, what is the one thing he didn’t prepare for?

ELENA DEDRACA: I am the last person that would count an opponent out, especially not someone like Alessandro. Sure I called him a professional troll rather than a professional wrestler. But at the end of the day? I know what he is capable of. I am certain he has trained hard and done his best to prepare, but the question should be- does he even know what for? Not what I think he got ready for. I am not the Elena he met four years ago. The one that would gladly step aside for those she loved. I always wanted more and for the first time in my career I am not denying that. So the question is, can AQ adapt to the changes I went through or will he surrender to the idea he has of me. I got no ill will towards him, never did, but at the same point I couldn’t care less what he thinks is going to happen. This is my home, which means- he is nothing more than an intruder.

She was looking over her brother's head to the wall that was hanging right next to the door. It was almost time to get out there.

ELENA DEDRACA: As much as I enjoy this, Mister Whelan, time is working against us. So let me leave you and the audience with this, I am the Legacy champion. Despite certain people talking smack, this is the top title of this company. Look back at what it caused to get to this title. I didn’t get anything handed. Not here. Not ever. I don’t care if the rest of the roster supports me tonight, or any other night, because I am not in this for them. I am fully aware of the target that I am wearing. But you know what they say: Step up, or shut up. As for tonight, I am welcoming Mister Quagliaterre to give me his best shot. Will it be enough? Who knows. But one thing everyone can write down just now. Write. Read. Repeat. I am Elena fucking DeDraca. And it takes more than a few potshots and mediocre wrestling skills to get me down.

Elena slowly rose from her extremely uncomfortable chair, grabbing her leather jacket.

ELENA DEDRACA: You are welcome.


TREY BOOKER: With the pandemonium at the post office out of the way, we can finally give these fans a match right here in the arena!

J.T. PRICE: Not only that, but these people are about to be graced by the presence of “The People’s G.O.A.T.” James Raven! We don’t get to see him in singles action very often, so this is a rare treat!

TREY BOOKER: It could be, but the big question mark in this match is his opponent! I’m not even sure if Meredith Agnar has prior wrestling experience, so we have no idea what to expect and I doubt if James does either!

The lights in the building dim, the fans buzzing in their seats as they munch on overpriced concessions and await what’s coming next. After a few long moments of near silence, a recognizable guitar riff begins to blare over the sound system and drag the fans up to their feet. A light fog creeps out from behind the curtain, silver and blue spotlights swirling together at the top of the stage.

“NOW HERE WE GO FOR THE HUNDREDTH TIME!”

The crowd leap and dance in unison as “Bleed it Out” by Linkin Park plays and signals the arrival of The Peoples G.O.A.T., a small shower of silver and blue sparks spraying into the spotlights as James Raven steps through the curtain with an ear to ear grin. The lights in the building return full blast as the spotlights and sparks disappear, Raven making his way slowly down the ramp, bobbing his head to the music and staring at the ring with determination. He reaches the steel ring steps and pauses for a moment before bounding up the steps in two paces, then leaping over the top rope from the apron into the ring.

James makes his way to each of the four ring posts, standing on the middle rope to pose for the fans before dropping down to his corner and stretching out for his bout.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada...weighing in at 222 pounds...he is The People’s G.O.A.T....JAMES RAVEN!!!!

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 petite frame of a woman. The fans, who would normally expect to see Ozymandias at this point, instead see Meredith Agnar emerge from the mist.

She pauses on the entrance ramp, staring at her opponent in the ring with a wicked grin. Then, before advancing any further, four men in hooded robes emerge from the entrance behind her. Once Meredith is surrounded by these cult-like figures, she continues to approach the ring. She steps between the ropes while keeping her eyes on James Raven, as the cloaked figures remain watching from the ringside area.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, hailing from Old Harbour, Alaska...MEREDITH AGNAR!!!

The opening bell rings as James Raven stares across the ring at his opponent, but as he begins to make his way toward her, Meredith slips back out between the ropes to the apron. With the sinister smile reappearing on her face, she holds her arm over the top rope and points a slender finger in Raven’s direction. At that moment, her four hooded followers slide into the ring in an attempt to overwhelm the tag team champion.

TREY BOOKER: What the hell is this? James Raven signed for a one-on-one match, not a handicap match!

J.T. PRICE: It doesn’t look like Meredith’s gang is gonna give him much of a choice! Besides, we haven’t had an opening bell so this is more like a warm up!

The four men begin to surround Raven in the ring, pulling back their hoods to reveal hideous masks adorned with crustacean-like patterns. Despite their best attempts at intimidation, James doesn’t seem to be buying into it as he shrugs his shoulders before leaping at the cultist closest to him. The assault on one of their own seems to surprise the other three men, who briefly hesitate before rushing forward to overwhelm James with sheer numbers. After the initial attack of basic punches and kicks, two of the masked men whip Raven into the ropes, but when they attempt to clothesline him on the rebound, he ducks underneath their arms, hits the opposite ropes, and fires back at them with a double lariat of his own!

Clearly not as adept at disciplined fighting as their target, one of the other cultists charges at Raven, but James sidesteps and gives the man a shove, sending him into the midsection of another masked man. With the cultist doubled over, James hooks his head and drives him to the canvas with a crisp DDT. Raven pops back to his feet, hitting the only cultist who’s still standing with a dropkick to the face. James then measures one of the cultists he put down with a clothesline, hitting him squarely on the chin with The F.Y.S. superkick just as he’s getting to his feet!

TREY BOOKER: F.Y.S. by James Raven! That’s one masked man that won’t be giving him any more trouble!

Without missing a beat, James then springs off the ring ropes to hit another of the clotheslined cultists with his Divebomb spear, immediately driving him back to the mat!

J.T. PRICE: And there’s The Divebomb! Now it’s James Raven - two, Cult of Cthulhu - zero!

The masked man who ate Raven’s DDT slowly gets to his feet as well, grasping his head with both hands. He’s so preoccupied with the pain in his skull that he leaves himself wide open for another of James Raven’s signature moves, The Flight of the Raven ace crusher!

TREY BOOKER: Make that three to nothing! I don’t know what Meredith was hoping to accomplish with this gang attack on James Raven, but this can’t be what she had in mind!

With three of the four cultists laid out in the ring, James gives a quick smirk to Ozymandias’ manager and confidant before he grabs hold of the final masked man and locks him in a triangle choke!

J.T. PRICE: And there’s The Ravenlock on number four! He’s tapping like his life depends on it, but I think James Raven is out to prove a point now!

James takes the time to smile toward Meredith at ringside as he cranks on the triangle choke, holding the move on the man until he completely loses consciousness. With plan A seemingly a failure, James rolls to his feet and gives a nonchalant shrug as Meredith Agnar glares at him with venomous hatred. She acts as if she’s going to enter the ring for herself, but that’s when six more hooded men emerge from the backstage area. James looks down at the fallen thugs in the ring, then back towards Meredith and her reinforcements, before ultimately deciding that he shouldn’t press his luck. As the six new arrivals enter the ring, James leaps between the ropes on the opposite side. After hopping over the guardrail, he then takes a moment to blow a kiss in Meredith’s direction before she orders her followers to continue their pursuit. As James Raven disappears into the crowd with the masked men struggling to give chase, Holly Perez reveals the referee’s decision regarding the unusual encounter.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match as the result of a disqualification...The People’s G.O.A.T...JAMES RAVEN!!!

TREY BOOKER: If our first two matches are any indication, Public Execution is going to be one of the most unusual Pay Per View events in Project: Honor history! Raven gets the DQ win, but something tells me this encounter was about more than just wins and losses!

J.T. PRICE: Holy understatements, Batman. You think? I’m just wondering if we’ve seen the last of James Raven and The Cult of Cthulhu or if we’re just getting started...

























TREY BOOKER: And here is the former Grand Champion, Dickie Watson!

J.T. PRICE: He's been having a rough few months, hasn't he? That said, more often than not, he's been a strong fighter and one of our most dominant.

TREY BOOKER: That's right, and I don't doubt he'll continue to show us why he's one of our most dominant fighters tonight.

"Iconic" by Jaxon Gamble hits the PA as Tyler Bradford makes his way down the ramp. An arrogant smile on his face as he makes his way toward the ring, eyeing Watson while he climbs into the ring. The crowd are obviously not that interested in the arrogance radiating from him as he stares at his opponent from across the ring.

TREY BOOKER: ...And here is Tyler Bradford.

J.T. PRICE: This guy hasn't done much, I'm surprised he's even still here.

TREY BOOKER: But this match could make or break him, a win over the inaugural Grand champion would do wonders for his career.

J.T. PRICE: ...Yeah, I don't see that happening.

The referee looks to them both. He makes it clear that he wants a clean fight without any underhanded tactics. Watson has a focused, albeit intense gaze in his eyes as he stands in his corner. Bradford simply grins with a sinister look on his face as the bell rings.

DING! DING! DING!

The two slowly move toward each other, circling the center of the ring. They go in for an elbow tie-up. The crowd cheering for the Molotov without any restraint as he manages to slip behind Bradford into a waistlock. Due to their size difference, Bradford almost effortlessly manages to reverse the hold and SLAMS Watson down with a rear takedown! He then drops a knee against the side of the former champion's face!

TREY BOOKER: That didn't last long!

J.T. PRICE: Bradford getting straight to the point! I'm liking this, maybe he won't choke after all!

Bradford lifts Watson up and SLAMS his head into his knee with a facebreaker! He spins him around and THROWS HIM ACROSS THE RING WITH A RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX!

TREY BOOKER: MASSIVE GERMAN!

J.T. PRICE: He LAUNCHED Dickie!

Bradford quickly goes for a pin. The ref slides in to count!

ONE!

TW- KICKOUT!

TREY BOOKER: It's going to take more than that to put away the Calamity.

Bradford, with a smug look on his face places his foot on Dickie's chest. Boos begin to ring out louder as he raises his arms in the air, tauntingly, before DRIVING a knee down into Watson's face again! He then does it again! And a THIRD time! Blood begins quickly rushing down Watson's nose as Bradford grins!

TREY BOOKER: Oh, come on! That's not necessary!

J.T. PRICE: It's extremely necessary, he's making sure he wins this match!

Bradford, still with a smug grin begins to pull the dazed Watson up- and SLAPS him across the face! Watson falls back to one knee and Bradford begins disrespectfully shoving at former champion's head.

TREY BOOKER: This isn't a good idea…

J.T. PRICE: He's losing his focus. This is not what you want to be doing with Dickie Watson.

The dazed look on Watson's face begins to fade with a blank stare as he slowly stands. Bradford shoves him with a grin and delivers another SLAP! Watson stumbles back as his fists slowly begin to clench up- Bradford goes to grab him- BUT GETS CAUGHT WITH A STRAIGHT RIGHT HOOK TO THE JAW THAT SENDS HIM BACK! THE CROWD COMES ALIVE AS WATSON RUNS AGAINST THE ROPES AND TAKES THE BIGGER MAN DOWN WITH A RUNNING CROSSBODY, AND BEGINS ANGRILY REIGNING HAYMAKERS DOWN ON BRADFORD WHO TRIES TO COVER UP!

TREY BOOKER: THERE'S A REASON WHY HE'S CALLED THE MOLOTOV!

J.T. PRICE: THAT'S WHAT I LIKE TO SEE!

Bradford KICKS him away and attempts to get back to his feet! He stands and WATSON PULLS HIM INTO HIS ARM, SWINGING HIM WITH MOMENTUM, AND DELIVERS A REVERSE STO- SPIKING BRADFORD FACE FIRST!

TREY BOOKER: DICKIE'S REVENGE!

J.T. PRICE: SHOW'S OVER, FOLKS!

BRADFORD IS OUT COLD! ...But Watson doesn't go for the pin? The crowd seems confused at the choice, but he slowly begins lifting his opponent up and HITS HIM WITH A CURB STOMP!

TREY BOOKER: A LA FINNLENA!

J.T. PRICE: Overkill… I love it!

The referee attempts to tell Watson to end the match, but he isn't listening. The Molotov simply has an enraged stare in his eyes as the blood runs down his face, he pulls Bradford up AND HITS ANOTHER CURB STOMP! HE LIFTS HIM AGAIN, AND ANOTHER ONE! BRADFORD IS NOW LEAKING FROM HIS FOREHEAD- HIS BLOOD POOLING UP IN THE CANVAS! THE REFEREE TRIES TO GET WATSON TO STOP, BUT HE DELIVERS A THIRD- THE WAY BRADFORD'S HEAD SNAPS AGAINST THE MAT IS BRUTAL, HIS BODY GOES COMPLETELY LIMP!

TREY BOOKER: JESUS!

J.T. PRICE: I don't think we've ever seen him snap like this!

WATSON PREPARES FOR ANOTHER STOMP- BUT THE REF GETS IN THE WAY, HE'S HAD ENOUGH AS HE MOTIONS FOR THE BELL TO BE RUNG! BRADFORD IS OUT COLD!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: By winner of technical knockout.. DICKIE WATSOOOONNN!

The audience begin murmuring as the referee attempts to hold Watson away from Bradford, who's not moving at all. Watson turns to the ref, his words falling on deaf ears- HE PULLS THE REFEREE INTO A DICKIE'S REVENGE! THE CROWD GASPS IN SHOCK AT THE SUDDEN ATTACK OF THE OFFICIAL!

TREY BOOKER: WOAH! WHAT THE HELL?!

J.T. PRICE: I think he's lost his mind!

Watson simply stares down at the unconscious referee as it doesn't take long for him to POUNCE BACK ON BRADFORD, HAMMERING FISTS DOWN ON THE DEFENSELESS MAN!

TREY BOOKER: Hey, someone stop him!

Multiple other referees come down the ramp into the ring- the first one gets in trying to reason with Watson- HE EATS A CALAMITY INSURANCE STRAIGHT TO THE CHEST AND NEARLY GETS PUT THROUGH THE MAT! WATSON SWINGS WILDLY AT THE OTHER REFEREES WHO TRY TO PRY HIM AWAY FROM BRADFORD!

TREY BOOKER: Holy SHIT! What is he doing?!

J.T. PRICE: Clearly he chose violence tonight, Booker!

SECURITY RUNS DOWN THE RAMP AS WATSON LARIATS A REF NEARLY OUT OF HIS SHOES! They quickly surround Watson and he still puts up a fight, thrashing and throwing fists and kicks as he yells many censored words best not to mention! He manages to KNOCK ONE GUARD OUT COLD WITH A BOOT TO THE CHIN, BUT THE REST BEGIN DRAGGING THE UNHINGED WRESTLER TO THE BACK! Medics quickly rush down to go treat Bradford and put him on a stretcher!

TREY BOOKER: Well… That was..

J.T. PRICE: Amazing! I haven't seen one man take so many officials out by himself!

TREY BOOKER: We'll all keep you updated on the situation with Watson! For now, it:'s.. Probably best to move onto the rest of the night.






















The camera cuts to the ring where Holly Perez is standing by with a mic in hand.

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: This match is scheduled for ONE FALL and is a SIX-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH! The first pinfall or submission INSIDE of the ring will get the win for their team. Introducing first…

“Yo Voy” by Zion and Lennox ft. Daddy Yankee starts to play. El Puma runs out to the ring without missing a beat and slides in.

HOLLY PEREZ: ELLLL PUMMMMMAAAAAA!

“Rapture Rising” by JT Music starts to play. Rapture makes his way down to the ring.

HOLLY PEREZ: His partner, weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds… From Everywhere… RAPTUREEEEEE!!

The stage remains empty as the sound of a guitar playing can be heard over the sound system. Moments later, the opening lyrics to “Fire Water Burn” can be heard…

The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire
The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire
We don't need no water, let the motherfucker burn
Burn motherfucker, burn

At that moment, the music picks up its tempo and the curtains fly apart to reveal “Spicy” Serrano Poblano. With his bleached blonde hair spiked up and his sleeveless flame theme shirt unbuttoned, Serrano headbangs toward the ring. After rolling under the bottom rope, he tosses his shirt aside and throws his hand up with his fingers giving the metal sign.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their partner… From FlavorTown… “Spicy”... SERRANNOOO POBLANNOOOO!!

"Bulldozer" by Machine Headgraces 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 their opponents… Entering the ring first… Weighing in at three hundred and fifteen pounds… From Los Angeles, California… “Bulldozer”... LANCEEEE WILLLIIIAMMMSSSS!!

“Cash Flow” by Ace Hood ft. T-Pain and Rick Ross blasts through the speakers. Emmanuelle makes her way to the ring with a mixed reaction of cheers and boos from the crowd.

HOLLY PEREZ: His partner… From Pacific Palisades, California… “The Platinum Standard”... EMMANNUEEELLLLEEEEE!!

"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. Without having time to change, he’s wearing sunglasses, a white polo and jeans, 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 white polo, handing it to a stagehand before hopping down and getting ready for action.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their partner… Weighing in at two hundred and seventy-four pounds… From Hampton Falls, New Hampshire… “The Luxury Experience”... CADDDILLLACC JACKSSSONNNN!!!

Very quickly all competitors are ready to go.

DING! DING! DING!

The match starts with Serrano facing off against Lance Williams. The two circle one another, before locking up in the center of the ring. Lance manages to slip behind Serrano and takes him down to the mat with a German suplex. The big man kips to his feet, and bounces off the ropes, nailing Serrano in the back of the head with a brutal kick as he begins to sit up.

TREY BOOKER: Lance showing some high powered offense. Probably taking the defeat last time out on anyone he can.

J.T. PRICE: Oh boohoo the little looser got grumpy.

TREY BOOKER: Very mature J.T.

Lance drags Serrano up and drags him to his corner where he makes the tag to Emmanuelle. She steps into the ring, with Lance twisting Serrano Poblano’s arm and lifting it to expose his ribs. Emmanuelle accepts the invitation and nails the man with a stiff kick to his ribs. Lance steps out, and Emmanuelle whips Serrano into the corner. She pursues him quickly and nails him with a flying forearm smash. Serrano stumbles out as Emmanuelle goes to the ropes once more and nails him with a bulldog. She goes for the pin.

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle looking to put this one away and get everything done early.

J.T. PRICE: Oh come on, Ambassador of FlavorTown kick out dammit!!

One!!
Two!!
Thr… NO!!

El Puma leaps just in time to stop the three count, before taking the opportunity to hit Emmanuelle with a few more stomps before being ushered back to his corner by the referee. Emmanuelle holds the back of her head, getting up and going to her corner, she tags in Cadillac. Serrano has begun to get to his feet, Cadillac charges in and goes for a bicycle kick but Serrano ducks and counters it with a hard clothesline as Caddy turns to face him. He drags him to the corner, and tags El Puma in.

TREY BOOKER: Serrano finally catching a break, and tagging out. Smart move.

J.T. PRICE: Now if only he could be smart enough to not be called something stupid like Picante.

TREY BOOKER: You mean Spicy.

J.T. PRICE: Same thing.

El Puma steps in and instantly whips Cadillac into his team’s corner. He begins laying in shots to his opponent’s face which appear to have little effect on Cadillac, El Puma switches to lifting his leg and driving it into Cadillac’s throat. He breaks the hold as the ref reaches four and goes to get in their face. With the ref distracted, Serrano goes to grab at Cadillac by the hair, Cadillac seems to sense it coming and flattens Serrano with an elbow that sends him flying off the apron. Rapture is incensed and gets in the ring, but is met by Lance Williams charging across the ring and sending Rapture back over the rope with a strong clothesline, Lance is restrained by the ref and sent back to his corner.

J.T. PRICE: I love it, this match looks like it could break down at any point.

TREY BOOKER: Lance, Emmanuelle, and Cadillac may not have much history but tonight at least, they’re very much on the same page.

With the further distraction, El Puma returns to choking Cadillac in the corner, much more blatantly this time. As the ref comes to break it up, El Puma lets out a primal sounding scream and drags Cadillac from the corner, flinging him by the neck with as much power as his smaller frame could muster. He then runs and springboards up to the second rope, nailing a moonsault on Cadillac. He hooks the leg going for the pin.

J.T. PRICE: This is it!! The crew that are about one bit short of a byte are getting a win!

ONE!! KICK OUT WITH AUTHORITY BY CADILLAC!!

El Puma ridiculously admonishes the ref for a moment on a one count, before pulling Cadillac up. Cadillac shows how little has been really taken out of him, he shoves El Puma away before nailing him with a crescent kick, despite being dressed in jeans and dress shoes he follows up by nailing a stunning dropkick to send the smaller man to the mat. Cadillac then makes a beeline to his corner, attempting to tag, but Serrano has gotten in the ring, and charges over, he then attempts to nail Emmanuelle and Lance Williams with stiff forearms, but both drop to the floor waving at Serrano’s failure before giving him a wave.

TREY BOOKER: The team of Lance, Cadillac, and Emmanuelle once again making themselves look like the more well oiled unit.

J.T. PRICE: Serrano couldn’t do shit as the legal man, but he’s decided to show he can’t do shit as an illegal one either!! He’ll be posting crap on reddit before we know it!

TREY BOOKER: What?

J.T. PRICE: It’s the place for wrong’uns and failures apparently.

TREY BOOKER: I see… Changing subject, Rapture has been sensible and kept himself fresh so far in this match.

Serrano follows Emmanuelle and Lance outside, he makes a beeline for Lance Williams to brawl with him. Lance getting the upper hand, he nails a stiff kick to Serrano’s leg which sends him to one knee, and Emmanuelle comes flying in with a vicious running DDT to the floor outside! In the ring, El Puma has pulled Cadillac to the center of the ring. He charges the ropes, and goes for a springboard cutter but Cadillac reverses it, tossing him away with ease and disdain. As El Puma gets up, he eats a straight boot to the face.

TREY BOOKER: Cadillac looks comfortable in there.

Puma gets up, moving to tag out but hesitating just enough for Lance Williams to be tagged in and before El Puma knows it, Lance is on top of him with a Lou Thesz press, and begins raining fists down on the face. Lance leaps to his feet, and bounces off the ropes before hitting him with a guillotine leg drop.

TREY BOOKER: Lance Williams coming in like a house of fire, looking to keep the momentum really in the favor of his team!

Lance pulls him up and whips him into his corner as hard as he can. He then turns, and leaps at the opponent’s corner. Rapture hops off the apron, seeing it coming. Serrano, still looking borderline dead from the earlier DDT on the outside however begins trading blows over the top rope with Williams. The referee goes to break them up while in the other corner, Emmanuelle and Cadillac both rain blows onto El Puma until suddenly El Puma breaks free and darts to his corner, he makes a quick tag to Rapture who has snuck back up onto the apron. Lance uses his left elbow and right foot, shoving both El Puma and Serrano to the floor. Rapture goes to grab Lance, Lance however spins behind and nails a German Suplex in almost identical manner to the way he started against Serrano.

TREY BOOKER: Rapture making no impact upon entering the match.

Lance smirks at the fallen Rapture before strolling over to Emmanuelle and making the tag. Emmanuelle waits for Rapture to rise and NAILS A PERFECT RODEO DRIVER!!!

TREY BOOKER: That’s it!! No one is surviving that.

Emmanuelle has the same smirk Lance showed a moment ago and wastes no time striding over to Cadillac before making the tag. Cadillac doesn’t bother getting straight into the ring, he climbs the turnbuckle… CADILLAC HITS HIS GOING OVER SENTON!!!

TREY BOOKER: These three are just playing.

Cadillac rolls onto the apron tagging Lance Williams on the way. Lance climbs in between the ropes grinning at the broken Rapture, Lance eventually lifts his lifeless opponent from the mat onto his shoulders in one fell swoop… TORTURE BOMB!!

TREY BOOKER: They’ve killed him, Rapture is bloody dead!

J.T. PRICE: Look at the state of Rapture!

Lance drops to his knees and makes the cover whilst flanked by Cadillac and Emmanuelle.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!! LANCE WILLIAMS WINS!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners… CADILLAC JACKSON… EMMANUELLE… AND LANCE WILLIAMS!!!

The three victorious stars continue to celebrate their dominating win, but the voice of Holly Perez interrupts their celebration with a very important announcement...

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Proving Ground’s General Manager, Indy Darling, I am proud to make the following announcement! The winners of this match; Cadillac Jackson, Emmanuelle, and Lance Williams...will be the first three competitors to join the tournament for the vacant X-Factor Championship, beginning on the next episode of Proving Ground!

TREY BOOKER: How about that? It seems our General Manager has a measure of respect and confidence in these three if he’s giving them the chance at a title he once held himself!

J.T. PRICE: Either that or he thinks he can beat them if the doctors ever clear him to return…

TREY BOOKER: I highly doubt that, but even so, we can look forward to tournament action starting on the next Proving Ground!


Following the previous contest, the cameras take us backstage as a chaotic scene unfolds before our very eyes. After his assault on Tyler Bradford following their one-on-one encounter, Dickie Watson ignored the referee’s orders and eventually dropped the official for his efforts. Now, it would appear as if Dickie is dealing with the consequences of his actions as several members of the arena’s security team attempt to escort him to the arena exit. Their efforts are met with shoves from the fired-up Molotov, as well as colorful language that would make even Julius Fairweather blush. Then, just as it looks as if Dickie’s clash with security is going to erupt into an all-out brawl, Proving Ground’s General Manager arrives on the scene.


It would seem as if there is no reasoning with the former Grand Champion at this point, as he steps menacingly toward the GM only to have security prevent his advance.


Indy raised his hands up, pressuring Dickie to calm it down. He kept a concerned face, ignoring the remark about DeMarco completely.


"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. Despite the announcement of his injuries two weeks ago, he shows no signs of pain as he stretches his arms to his sides. After we hear "Honestly I'm just like you" for the first time, he flips his hood back with a snap of his head. Indy is sporting a pair of sunglasses under his cropped reddish-blonde hair, and his expression is difficult to read. Neither smiling or frowning, he casually makes his way toward the ring, his eyes focused on that sacred ground. Upon reaching the ring, he 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 pauses as long as he can to soak up the cheers, fully aware that it could be the last time he hears that reception before a match.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… 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.

Mark walks over to the ropes demanding the microphone. He takes it from the crew member who hands it to him. Mark holds the Grand Championship up for all the Lumberjacks to see as he brings the microphone up to his mouth.

MARK HUNTER: If it wasn't for the selfishness of our GM Indy Darling, one of you could've been facing me for this. Yet, he decided to take it upon himself to take that opportunity away from you and everyone else here on Proving Ground. Don't worry about it though, I'll make sure that Indy Darling suffers for his selfishness.

Indy does his best to no-sell the disparaging comments as Mark Hunter smirks at him from across the ring. With that said, Mark Hunter tosses the microphone out of the ring and we hear a thud as it hits the ground outside the ring. Mark then hands the Grand Championship to one of the crew who goes and places it on a table beside the time keeper.

DING! DING! DING!

As Mark Hunter and Indy Darling stand in the ring staring down one and other, the Lumberjacks are on the outside watching on. Mark gets into the face of Indy as he starts to trash talking him only for Indy to just stand there smiling at Mark. This clearly gets under the skin of Mark Hunter who slaps Indy Darling against the face so hard it nearly knocks the soul out of Indy. Now it’s Mark standing there smiling and you can see Indy is frustrated as he takes Mark down to the ground and starts laying punches into him.

TREY BOOKER: Our Proving Ground GM is taking no shit!

J.T. PRICE: Just how we want it on the A show!

As he is doing this, Serrano Poblano and El Puma are goading Lance Williams on the outside of the ring. Lance just shrugs before running at them and hitting them with the Raging Bull sending them both crashing to the floor in pain. Clearly they all haven’t had enough of each other from their match earlier. Lance gets up to his feet and brushes himself off before walking away laughing to himself now.

Back to the action in the ring, Mark has managed to push Indy off of him and get to his feet along with Indy now to his feet as well. Indy runs at Mark going for a Running Knee Strike but Mark moves out of the way managing to grab Indy from behind and take him down with a Backstabber. Mark early on is focusing on Indy’s injured back as Indy lays on the mat face down holding his spine. Mark doesn’t waste any time in climbing up the turnbuckle and jumping off with a Double Stomp to the back of Indy who now screams out in pain.

TREY BOOKER: OUCH! Mark Hunter really is focusing on Indy’s back!

J.T. PRICE: Mark is bringing sexy back!

TREY BOOKER: I wouldn’t swipe right on Tinder for him.

Mark instantly goes for a High Single Leg Boston Crab driving his Knee into the back of Indy as he does. Again, on the outside there is some commotion as Lance tries to break up Lil Petey, Yung Sauce, Space Lord and Terry Marshall. Lance steps in the middle of them only for S.E.X. to take him down with a Double Suplex as Big Drip Productions move away from S.E.X. out of harm's way. S.E.X. stay on one side of the ring as Big Drip Productions stay on the other as the action gets back to the ring.

Indy Darling is still in agony with his back as he has managed to get to the ropes leading the ref to tell Mark to break the hold. Mark holds onto the count for as long as possible before letting go before Mark helps him to his feet only to drop him back down with a Snap Suplex. Back on his feet, Mark rolls Indy onto his side before delivering a devastating Penalty Kick to the bottom of Indy’s back causing him to yell out in pain again. Lance is now on his feet on the outside as he warns S.E.X. about their actions before all of the Lumberjacks focus back in on the action in the ring.

Slithering around the ring snake like, Mark is just stalking Indy who with the aid of the ropes has finally managed to get to his feet. Even with the damage he’s taken, Indy is still up and ready to fight. Only with his snake-like actions, Mark has positioned himself behind Indy and before Indy can defend himself, Mark strikes with such venom as he hits a German Suplex on Indy. Mark is clearly in control of the match and he knows it as he continues to slither about the ring like the snake he is. Walking over to Indy, Mark grabs hold of his hair only for Indy to roll him up with a small package going for the pin.

ONE…

TW… KICKOUT!

TREY BOOKER: Indy was playing possum!

J.T. PRICE: I LOVE YOU INDY!

TREY BOOKER: So you’d swipe right on Tinder for him?

J.T. PRICE: Shut up!

Indy and Mark are back on their feet, Mark quicker than Indy, but Indy is the one who gets the upper hand this time. Indy grabs hold of Mark’s arm and manages to pull him in and hit the Ripcord Knee on Mark. Indy Springboards off the ropes hitting a Rolling Senton on Mark not only hurting Mark but hurting his own back in the process. The back that is not only injured but that has been the target of Mark Hunter early on in this match. It’s Indy who is up to his feet first, and as soon as Mark is up Indy drops him again with a Float-Over Neckbreaker. Indy is back to his feet, backing up a bit and having a breather as he notices Mark starting to get back up to his feet, so he takes him down with a Shining Wizard and goes for another pin attempt.

ONE…

TWO… KICKOUT!

They’re both back to their feet as Mark stares down Indy and they once again get in each other's faces as Mark nails Indy with a Headbutt that stumbles him back. Mark goes to follow that up with a punch to Indy who blocks it only for Mark to poke Indy in the eye and drop him with a Backbreaker(Randy Orton Style) as Mark continues to target Indy’s back. Mark wastes no time at all as he helps Indy to his feet and nails him with a Dropkick that sends him out of the ring.

Sam Steele, Michael Shaw, Cadillac Jackson, Emmanuelle, and Tyler Bradford are the first to get to Indy. The lumberjacks stare each other down as Cadillac just helps Indy to his feet before rolling him back into the ring. Once Caddy has done this, those that were confronting each other back off and concentrate on the in ring action.

Mark Hunter approaches Indy Darling and whips him towards the ropes on the other side of the ring and runs at him trying to hit a Clothesline to knock him back out of the ring. Indy has other ideas though as he falls down and pulls on the rope, sending Mark Hunter out of the ring and taking down Blair Regent who breaks his fall.

TREY BOOKER: Mark Hunter was lucky that his fall was broken!

J.T. PRICE: Mark could fall in a pit of shit and come up smelling of roses!

Euan Hill, and Scott Oasis help Mark to his feet and both roll him back into the ring before staring each other down. Scott and Euan both back away from each other turning their attention back to the ring as they do. Indy has had time to get his bearings somewhat back even though his back is clearly in pain. Indy helps Mark back to his feet only for Mark to rake the eyes of Indy as Mark hits an STO Backbreaker onto Indy before letting him fall to the mat.

The shit eating grin on Mark Hunter’s face says it all as he looks down at Indy who's clearly suffering now from all the pain his back has taken. Mark isn’t done though, as he rolls Indy on to his stomach before Stomping on his back again and again. All the Lumberjacks watch on as they’re concerned about Indy, but it seems as if no one is willing to interrupt the one-on-one contest. Finally, Lil’ Petey and Yung Sauce seem to have seen enough as they both jump onto the apron. Despite their best of intentions, the members of Big Drip aren’t able to do more than make verbal threats, as they are quickly pulled from the apron by The Dragonslayers. The two teams start to shove each other, but that quickly devolves into all out punches and kicks. Once again, Lance moves to break things up, but his former partner from earlier in the night, Emmanuelle, makes it clear that she’d rather see them fight. Next it’s Cadillac who tries to calm both of his previous partners down, earning him a double clothesline from both Lance and Emmy. Taking full advantage of the brewing chaos, Scott Oasis and Euan Hill renew their own fight from earlier in the night, while SEX and Blair Regent tangle with Rapture, El Puma, and Serrano Poblano not far away. With the lumberjacks otherwise occupied, Mark’s shit eating grin is bigger than ever as now the Stomping on the back becomes Elbow Drop after Elbow Drop.

TREY BOOKER: Someone step in and stop him!

J.T. PRICE: I’m not!

Climbing the turnbuckle, Mark can see the destruction he has caused and he is enjoying every moment of it. Mark sets himself up for the Zero Gravity(Shooting Star Press) only as he comes down, he has modified it as both his knees land onto the back of Indy who lets out an ear piercing scream from the pain. Mark isn’t done though as he picks Indy up and drags him towards the turnbuckle. Indy has been set up on his knees in the corner facing it as Mark backs up into the opposite corner.

You can see the evil within Mark as he runs towards Indy hitting a Dropkick to his back that drives him chest first into the bottom turnbuckle. Indy is now laying on the mat gasping for breath as well as his back hurting like hell. It doesn’t seem like Mark is done as he again drags him to the turnbuckle and sits him up with his back resting against the turnbuckle this time. Mark makes his way to the other turnbuckle on the same side of the ring as the turnbuckle that Indy is set up against and climbs up.

Now on the top turnbuckle, Mark Hunter stands up on it and holds his arms out soaking in the chorus of boos from the crowd as he does. Mark jumps from the turnbuckle, looking to nail Indy with a Coast To Coast Dropkick into Indy’s chest, but Indy finds the strength to jump to his feet and land Everyone’s Favorite Kick as Mark plummets toward him! Unfortunately for Indy, that looks like all he has to give, as he collapses beside his opponent on the mat. With no other choice, the referee begins to count both men down!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
NINE!

At the last second, Indy breaks the count as he looks to lock on his version of the Anaconda Vice, but instead he’s met by sudden punches from his opponent! Mark then drags Indy to the centre of the ring and stands looking down at the broken GM. Mark picks up the broken body of Indy Darling and locks in his own Anaconda Vice, The Last Act, and slams him to the mat still with it locked on.

The ref looks on and is looking to see if Indy would tap out but Indy is completely out of it. Mark Hunter starts shouting at the ref “STOP THE MATCH!!! INDY’S FUCKING OUT!!!”

That’s when the ref checks to make sure that Indy is out cold and he receives no response. The ref calls for the bell as Mark instantly gets up and into the face of the ref yelling at him for not stopping the match sonner like he could’ve done.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match by referee stoppage… The Grand Champion… MAAARRRRKKKK HUUNNNTTTEEEERRR!!!

TREY BOOKER: Thankfully this one is finally over! Indy clearly had no business being in this match!

J.T. PRICE: Maybe not, but what’s wrong with wanting to give your fans one last fight? Not that you’d know anything about fighting, Trey.

Extra officials have entered to separate the lumberjacks, and once the ringside area is clear, two officials begin helping Indy Darling back up the entrance ramp. While the limp wasn’t present during his entrance, it now seems as if it’s all he can do to put one foot in front of the other. When Indy and the officials reach the middle of the ramp, they are forced to pause as the voice of Mark Hunter rings throughout the arena. The camera shows Mark sitting in the middle of the ring with the Grand Championship, a microphone in his hand.

MARK HUNTER: Stop! I said stop! Turn that son of a bitch around to face me!

The officials attempt to talk Indy into ignoring Hunter’s taunts, but he refuses to take another step, instead looking back over his shoulder at The Straight Shooter.

MARK HUNTER: Indy, I really fucking hate you and I know you hate me, but right now I have something you need to hear! You are the toughest son of a bitch I’ve had to deal with in Project: Honor, and you should know that no matter what issues we’ve had, I am one hundred percent Proving Ground! This is my home, and whether we hate each other or not, any issue you have with DeMarco and Fallout going forward is not a fight you’ll have to face alone!

Despite the searing pain in his back and the obvious numbness in his extremities, Indy forces himself to smile and nod his head in recognition of the champion’s comments. Mark returns the gesture with a nod of his own before tossing the microphone aside and rising to his feet, The Grand Championship slung over his shoulder.




Backstage we find Mark Hunter walking towards his locker room, he’s still breathing heavy and dripping with sweat from his fight with Indy. The Grand Championship belt is draped over his left shoulder and he is chugging away on a bottle of water. As he rounds a corner he is forced to a stop by a young looking member of security running toward him.

SECURITY: MARK!! We’ve been waiting for you.

Mark raises an eyebrow.

MARK HUNTER: Why?

SECURITY: We’ve just had to chase an intruder from your locker room, it appears they got in and did a fair bit of damage. The police are already bitching about you being out there wrestling and them having to wait. I think they want you to check if anything is missing so they can write a report… either way they are bound to do fuck all!!

Mark shrugs in almost agreement.

MARK HUNTER: I don’t doubt that, the only thing of value in there thats mine would be my phone, don’t give a flying fuck about the car keys… it’s a hire car!

Mark takes a seriously deep breath and now along with his companion from Security continues on a now slightly more rushed journey.



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. The Wolf gets back to his feet and begins to pace back and forth as his music fades and is eventually replaced...

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: Ladies and gentlemen, this is our MAIN EVENT...THE CLAIM TO FAME IRON MAN MATCH with a 30 minute time limit! At the end of those 30 minutes, the competitor with the most falls will be declared the winner! Introducing first...from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and weighing in at 227 pounds… “The Australian Wolf”...AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!

Aiden briefly acknowledges his cheering fans before once again turning his focus to his opponent across the ring.

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, hailing from San Diego, California and weighing in at 165 pounds… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!

Despite the rougher edge he’s displayed recently, there are still a great number of fans behind Myo as he takes a step out of his corner to give a dramatic bow. Moments later, the opening bell sounds as a clock appears on the Honor-Tron.


With time on their hands at the moment, neither Aiden nor Myo are in any rush to lock up and potentially make a hasty mistake. After circling each other a few times, they quickly come together for a collar and elbow, but almost immediately, Aiden transitions Myojin into a side headlock. He strains his powerful arm against Myo’s head a couple of times before The Shining Star begins to plant elbows against the side of his torso. This convinces Aiden to transition into an Irish Whip, but instead of hitting the ropes, Myo slides to the outside of the ring. Once there, he takes a few moments to straighten out his hair, as if saying to Aiden it was the only damage his headlock inflicted. With a smirk, The Wolf gives Myo a sarcastic clap of his hands before signaling for him to step back between the ropes.

Myo eventually does that, allowing the referee to reach a seven count before making his way up the steps. If the flamboyant superstar is attempting to play mind games with Reynolds, they’re having little effect as he moves to the center of the ring and challenges Myo to another lock-up. Myojin looks ready to oblige, but at the last moment he ducks under Aiden’s reach and begins to fire off a series of hard kicks to The Wolf’s legs. He even adds some chops and strikes to Aiden’s upper body, firing them off with such speed and grace that they’re almost impossible to keep track of. The swift striking combination has Aiden reeling for a moment, but as Myojin takes a second to wind up for a spinning back fist, The Australian responds with a sudden straight punch to The Shining Star’s jaw! The blow catches Myo off guard and sends him to the mat on his backside, but instead of capitalizing, Aiden takes a step back to playfully smooth out his own hair.

TREY BOOKER: This is quickly turning into a game of one-upmanship!

J.T. PRICE: Maybe for now, but it won’t be long before the mind games go away and the physicality picks up!


As if he’s heard J.T. Price’s prediction, Myo rushes forward and ducks under another attempted grab by Aiden Reynolds. This time he executes a quick snap German Suplex, rolls back to his own feet, and follows it up with a running enzuigiri! Refusing to stay on the mat for long, Aiden starts to get back on his feet only to have Myo attack the back of his head with a sudden thrust kick! With The Wolf doubled over, The Shining Star then hits a jumping axe kick to put Aiden back down! Hooking both his head and his leg, Myo wraps up Aiden for a quick pin attempt!

ONE!
TWO
KICKOUT!

This time when Aiden tries to get to his feet, Myojin responds with a low spinning sweep kick, but The Wolf leaps over it at the last second and drives a straight knee against the side of Myo’s head! With The Shining Star stunned, Aiden quickly applies a snapping DDT to drive his face to the mat and goes for a cover of his own!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Looking to press his advantage, Aiden pulls Myo from the mat and whips him into the ropes, connecting with a snap powerslam on the rebound. Attempting to avoid being put in a pinning situation, Myo scoots back toward the turnbuckles, but this backfires and allows Aiden to hit him with a running cannonball in the corner! Myo pulls himself up, but Aiden takes full advantage of Myo’s positioning, and bounces off the ropes with a running face wash in mind. At the very last second, Myo ducks out of the way, and Aiden’s foot flies past the turnbuckle so that he’s inadvertently straddling the top rope! Momentarily stunned, there is little Aiden can do to avoid the Dropsault that follows, as it sends him completely over the ropes to the ringside area!

Shaking off the effects from his fall, Aiden gets back on his feet just as Myojin springs off the top rope and lands on The Wolf’s shoulders, looking to execute a dazzling Poisonrana! Yet somehow, Myo does not have the strength to bring Aiden over and The Australian Wolf counters it by executing a modified Alabama Slam that sends Myo face first into the guardrail!

TREY BOOKER: Holy hell!!!

J.T. PRICE: Please tell me he didn’t break that beautiful man’s face!!!

It’s unclear whether or not Aiden is aware of what he has done until he pulls Myojin to his feet and sees the crimson mask of blood for himself. Despite the momentary shock, he proceeds to roll Myo under the bottom rope before entering as well. Once inside, Aiden immediately charges at Myojin to hit the Down Unda running jump kick, putting The Shining Star on the mat like a lump of lost baggage!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!


TREY BOOKER: The Australian Wolf has taken the lead but we still have more than half of this match to go!

J.T. PRICE: This is already the wrestling version of Ford vs. Ferrari and I can’t wait to see what else they are willing to do in this main event!

Myojin receives the briefest of breaks as the referee attempts to check his wounded head in the corner, but now back to full consciousness, The Shining Star shoves the official away and glares across the ring through strands of his blood-stained blonde hair. Both men charge forward simultaneously but it is Aiden who maintains control as he lifts a kitchen sink knee into Myo’s midsection! The Australian Wolf then hits a snap suplex before transitioning it into a German Suplex, which he bridges for a pinning attempt!

ONE!
TWO!
THR - KICKOUT!

Myojin proves that he’s still in the fight by avoiding another fall leveled against him, but he still finds himself at the mercy of his opponent. Hoping to strengthen the margin of his lead, Aiden lifts Myo onto his shoulders to execute the Gold Coast Cutter, but The Shining Star wiggles his way free, drops behind Aiden, and hits him with a sudden chop block! Aiden hops back to his feet, but now Myojin is focused on the leg as he snatches it up and hits a dragon screw leg whip to put Reynolds right back down. Again, Aiden scrambles to his feet, well aware of Myojin’s limb submission prowess, but he can’t step away before a dropkick to the leg takes him back down. This time, Myojin keeps Aiden on the mat, hooking him in an ankle lock with a leg grapevine!

The Wolf has no immediate avenues of escape, so instead he uses his superior strength to pull himself across the ring until he’s able to reach the bottom rope! The referee is forced to levy a count against Myojin in order to convince him to release the hold, which he finally does at the count of four. Only The Shining Star does not stop there. He pulls Aiden away from the ropes and swiftly applies a figure four leglock, eventually bridging his body to apply extra pressure! Once again, The Australian Wolf appears trapped, but he refuses to give up a point by way of submission! Instead, he once again drags himself across the ring, inch by inch, until the bottom rope is in his grasp. It takes another count of four, but Myojin eventually releases this hold as well.

Myojin goes back to his series of hard kicks to Aiden’s leg when he hobbles to his feet, and with The Wolf staggers, Myo hits the ropes, no doubt looking for some kind of strike or rolling grapple to further target his opponent’s weakened appendage. Instead, Aiden ducks low and manages to catch Myojin by the legs, before spinning him around with a double A spinebuster! The move forces all of the oxygen out of Myojin’s body, but unfortunately for Reynolds, he’s unable to follow up due to the fatigue. Finally, both men are getting back to their feet, and Aiden once again scoops Myojin onto his shoulders for another shot at The Gold Coast Cutter! Clearly, this is a move that Myo has scouted well, as he once again maneuvers himself to counter, pulling Aiden off his weakened legs into The Stargazer modified crucifix!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!


TREY BOOKER: We’re all tied up with a third of this match left on the clock!

J.T. PRICE: Myojin was able to come back from that early head wound and mix up his strategy to take out Aiden’s legs! It may not have earned him a submission, but it still made it nearly impossible for Aiden to have the strength to kick out of that pinning combination!

Much like Myojin refused the referee’s assistance, Aiden braces himself in the corner and completely ignores the official as he stares across the ring at The Shooting Star. The athleticism put on display by both men have the crowd evenly split as their chants echo throughout the arena!

LET’S GO AIDEN! MYOJIN! LET’S GO AIDEN! MYOJIN!

This time the two men do not charge towards each other, instead meeting in the middle with Aiden throwing punches and Myojin responding with chops! Back and forth they go, the sickening sound of impacted flesh echoing as the crowd replaces their chants with “oohs” and “aahs”. Finally, the stalemate is broken up in the most unexpected of ways, as Aiden uses the strength left in his legs to leap into the air and hit a hard standing dropkick to Myojin’s skull! Ignoring the pain, Aiden immediately leaps on top of Myo to batter him with a flurry of mounted strikes, not giving The Shining Star an inch of breathing room!

With a loud shout to alert the crowd of his second wind, Aiden pulls Myojin up and hurls him at the ropes with such force that The Shining Star topples over the top to the ringside area. Then, with barely a noticeable limp, Aiden charges forward and launches himself over the top to hit a diving somersault plancha! His body smacks into Myojin and both men topple to the floor, leaving the referee with little choice but to begin his count.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!

Myojin, his wound broken open yet again, manages to get onto the ring apron, but The Australian Wolf is right behind him! The two men batter each other with strikes on the apron with Aiden eventually winning out and forcing Myojin back against the corner post. Reynolds then lifts Myojin onto his shoulder and places him on the top buckle before ascending to the middle rope himself! He continues to batter Myojin with forearms and punches to keep him groggy, before he maneuvers himself and his opponent to a standing position on the top rope! With flashes from cell phone cameras exploding in the background, Aiden pulls Myojin off the top with an amazing superplex and both men crash hard on the unforgiving canvas. Still hooked together, their feet bounce into the air, and somehow Myo hooks his own legs with Aiden’s to hold him down in a modified small package!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

TREY BOOKER: Myojin takes the lead! With the time slipping away, The Shining Star has managed to pull ahead!

J.T. PRICE: Only barely! Reynolds still has time to turn things back in his favor!


When The Australian Wolf is back on his feet he takes a few seconds to protest with the official, insisting that his shoulder came up, but the referee will not have it! Myojin gets up as well, and hoping to take advantage of the momentary distraction, he grabs Aiden’s arm and drops back to jam it over his knees! The Shining Star immediately attempts to transition into one of his many arm submissions, but Aiden is having none of it. He fires elbows, punches, and even headbutts toward Myojin, doing everything in his power to avoid finding himself in a vulnerable position. Once it’s clear that Myojin will be unable to apply a hold, Aiden picks The Shining Star off his feet and charges across the ring with him in his arms, slamming his back into the turnbuckles!

Holding Myojin in the corner, Aiden proceeds to drive several back elbows to The Shining Star’s head, further opening up the cut above his eyes. Once he sufficiently dazed, Aiden pulls Myo out of the corner and lifts him into position for The Gold Coast Cutter and this time it finds its mark!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

TREY BOOKER: It’s tied! It’s tied! This is anyone’s game!

J.T. PRICE: My heart can’t take this…

TREY BOOKER: Oh, shut up! You’re only 27!


With time rapidly running out, both men refuse to pause the match and Aiden takes this opportunity to move to the ring apron. He measures Myojin as he gets to his feet and then springboards off the top, diving towards The Shining Star with a clothesline! Yet as he nears his target, Myojin finds the wherewithal to pluck Aiden’s arm out of the air and force him down to the mat in an armbar that he immediately transitions into an arm-trapped crossface! Aiden is trapped with nowhere to go as the time ticks away!


There is nothing within Aiden’s spirit that will allow him to give up at this point, and with submission not an option, he starts to drag both his and Myo’s bodies across the mat. Inch by inch he draws closer to the edge of the ring as the time ticks away, but just when it looks as if he’s going to reach out and grab the rope, Myojin rolls their bodies backwards and maintains the hold! Aiden is back in the center of the ring with the hold locked on!


In danger of losing consciousness and with his strength fading, Aiden gives up on reaching the ropes for another strategy. He uses his legs to roll his body to the side, pulling Myojin off balance and rolling onto his back with the crossface still locked on!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BUT AIDEN TAPS!

TREY BOOKER: What the...I think we have a double fall! Myojin took the pin and sacrificed that loss just to ensure that Reynolds would tap!

J.T. PRICE: That’s it! It’s gonna be a draw for sure now!


The referee forces Myojin back so that Aiden can get to his feet, but instead of allowing his opponent a few seconds to recover, Myojin shoves past the official to hit The Love, From Osaka! The jumping corkscrew roundhouse finds its mark and puts the already stunned Aiden Reynolds down on the mat! Myojin has precious few seconds to capitalize, but instead of an immediate pin, he uses that time to make his way up to the top rope! In a beautiful display, he launches himself off the top and successfully hits The Falling From Heaven EX, landing squarely on the fallen Wolf!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!


This time the referee forcefully pushes Myojin back to his corner as Trey and J.T. go wild from the commentary desk. Myojin argues with the official and demands that he be allowed to continue to press the attack, but finally the referee convinces Myo to allow him a moment to check on Aiden. The referee kneels beside The Australian Wolf, who also insists on continuing to fight as he gets on one knee and shoves the referee aside. With a sinister smile, Myojin charges forward, intent on cementing his victory, but suddenly Aiden pops to his feet and hoists Myo onto his shoulders! GOLD COAST CUTTER! Both men are down!


With every ounce of strength and awareness, Aiden pulls himself toward Myojin, finally drawing close enough to drape his arm over The Shining Star’s chest…

ONE!
TWO!
THR - BUZZZZZZ

The referee’s count is broken by the sound of time running out a mere moment before his hand can hit the mat!


HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match and staking his Claim to Fame with a score of four to three… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!

TREY BOOKER: Myojin and Aiden Reynolds may not want that hefty movie contract, but there’s no doubt they both wanted the main event victory! It was incredibly close, but Myojin can now hold his head high with a huge victory under his belt!

J.T. PRICE: I can’t even...no more Iron Man matches. Even if my heart holds out, my voice is fried…

TREY BOOKER: That’s all the time we have! Thank you all for joining us for Public Execution! For J.T., Holly Perez, and everyone else here on Proving Ground, we’ll see you next time!


As the sound of “Invincible” by Escape the Fate featuring Lindsey Stirling can be heard, flashes tonight’s event dance across the screen. While primarily shown in black and white, bright flashes of red have been added to the images that appear. We see footage of The Mailroom Massacre between Pat the Postman and T.J. Thompson, including the death-defying dive by Pat that missed its mark and brought an end to the match. This is followed by scenes of Tyler Bradford and Dickie Watson, only to be replaced by shots of Dickie’s post-match explosion and subsequent suspension.

I know you're reaching for the throne
Like it's always been your own
You're gonna take it all the way
You're gonna take the crown today

Scenes of Cadillac Jackson struggling to enter the building are shown, before we then see him alongside Emmanuelle, and Lance Williams showing off some of the impressive maneuvers they used against their overmatched opponents. We even get a few shots of Monsieur KaChow attempting to rap and dance with Lil’ Petey, ultimately ending in Larry accidentally being knocked out.

Said I know you're gonna take it all, take it all
Watch the others as they fall, as they fall
I know you're gonna take it all, take it all
Let the others fall

James Raven is featured next, showing off his impressive domination of the four robed followers of Meredith Agnar, ending as he forced one of them into unconsciousness. The images continue to focus on Raven as he eliminated one cultist after another in the backstage area, before he was ultimately overcome by the surprise appearance of Drago Santiago and Pyro. From that shocking moment, we see Scott Oasis as he took the fight to Euan Hill and successfully captured his first gold in Project: Honor.

You're invincible
Like a stone to the flame
You're invincible
Stand from the ashes again
There's a fight in your eyes
That burns like a fire
It's your time to rise
You'rе invincible
Like a stone to thе flame
Stone to the flame

The three way war between Big Drip, The Dragonslayers, and SEX is featured next, ending with Yung Sauce getting the pin out of nowhere as Petey did his part to prevent the pin from being broken up. These images conclude with acknowledgements of respect between SEX and Big Drip, as the Dragonslayers fume on the stage in the background.

I know you're stronger than the rest
So tell them all that you're the best
Not gonna break won't ever bend
You'll be the champion in the end

The amazing battle between Elena DeDraca and Alessandro Quagliaterre is next on our screens, with AQ showing off his impressive move set to The Project: Honor audience for the first time. We then see The Flight of the Raven...once, twice, and three times before AQ is ultimately pinned before Elena’s hand is raised in victory.

Said I know you're gonna take it all, take it all
Watch the others as they fall, as they fall
I know you're gonna take it all, take it all
Let the others fall

The violence of the first ever Tyranny match is highlighted, from Ozymandias being locked in the torture rack to Shawn Warstein trapped in a guillotine. The blood shed by both men is shown in bright red, adding an exclamation point to the gory trials they put each other through. Finally, we see Euan Hill aid in Ozymandias’ escape from the dungeon before Rock Johnson’s smiling face replaces them on the screen.

You're invincible
Like a stone to the flame
You're invincible
Stand from the ashes again
There's a fight in your eyes
That burns like a fire
It's your time to rise
You're invincible
Like a stone to the flame

As if the torture of the Tyranny Match were not enough, we then see Mark Hunter dismantle Indy Darling, ensuring that the General Manager was in his last match for Project: Honor. Along with images of the chaos between the lumberjacks, we see Mark Hunter address Indy after the match, ending with a tense mutual respect between the hated enemies.

Bring on all your sticks and stones
We are Undefeatable
Try to hurt us but you won't
Cause we are invincible
Yeah
Bring all the stones
Storm to the flame
'Cause we are invincible

Finally we come to the main event, reliving Myojin being busted open on the steel guardrail early in the match. Every fall between the two gladiators is highlighted, including the double pin and submission that kept them tied as time ran down. We see the Falling From Heaven that put Myojin in the lead, immediately followed by The Gold Coast Cutter that nearly made the match end in a draw. Then, as the song nears its conclusion, we see a bloody and battered Myojin with his arms raised, his victory secured.

You're invincible
Like a stone to the flame
You're invincible
Stand from the ashes again
There's a fight in your eyes that burns like a fire
It's your time to rise
You're invincible
Like a stone to the flame
Stone to the flame
Stone to the flame