PROVING GROUND XV: THE ELITE EIGHT

DARK MATCH: Pat the Postman vs. Serrano Poblano

Like most opponents of the massive mail carrier, Serrano found himself at an incredible size disadvantage early on in the match. Pat was like a raging bull, dropping the wrestling chef to the canvas using his combination of power and surprising agility. After dominating the match, Pat eventually attempted his What’s In the Box finishing move, but suspecting a potential illegal weapon, the referee grabbed the box out of Pat’s hands! A furious Postman began to argue with the official, which in turn gave the over-matched wrestling chef a chance to pull off an upset with a desperation roll-up!

SERRANO POBLANO DEFEATED PAT THE POSTMAN WITH A SCHOOLBOY ROLL UP AT 2 MINUTES AND 42 SECONDS.


FX’s television rating fades in and out across the screen, followed by the sound of No Resolve’s “This is War” and a flash of images from Public Execution. The opening scenes are of Pat the Postman and TJ Thompson battling throughout the Mailroom, ultimately leading to Pat’s crash onto TJ’s mystery package.

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

We see James Raven defeating one cultist after another in the ring and throughout the arena, until he is taken down by the unexpected attack at the hands of Drago Santiago and Pyro.

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

Dickie Watson’s decimation of Tyler Bradford is highlighted, along with Dickie’s rampage following the match which leads to his removal from the arena.

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

Cadillac Jackson, Emmanuelle, and Lance Williams stand victorious over their opposition, as do Lil’ Petey and Yung Sauce, before we finally see Scott Oasis holding The Warrior Rising Championship high above his head.

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

Images from the bloody battle between Ozymandias and Shawn Warstein fill the screen, before we see both Elena DeDraca and Mark Hunter celebrating their individual victories. With Public Execution now over, the fates of these four individuals is now intertwined.

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

Finally the highlights end with the 30 Minute Iron Man Match between Aiden Reynolds and Myojin, an absolute war that went down to the wire with The Shining Star having his hand raised upon its conclusion.

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


“This Is War” by No Resolve can still be heard in the background as pyrotechnics erupt throughout the arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, illuminating the steel entrance stage and ramp. The cameras begin to pan around the arena, picking up the rabid audience that has packed the arena along with several of their homemade signs.

“JAMES RAVEN - 52, MY VAG - 0”
“R.I.P. TJ’S PACKAGE”
“MY GRANDMA NEEDS (a) HIP.”
“CADILLAC JACKSON FEARS HUMILITY”
“HOLLYWOOD’S SHINING STAR”

TREY BOOKER: Welcome to another exciting edition of Proving Ground, coming to you tonight live from Sao Paulo, Brazil! We’ve got a loaded show tonight featuring the first round of the tournament for the vacant X-Factor Championship!

J.T. PRICE: Don’t forget, we’ve also got Grand Champion, Mark Hunter, taking on his number one contender’s best buddy, Euan Hill!

TREY BOOKER: Speaking of the number one contender, Ozymandias is facing Lil’ Petey here tonight!

J.T. PRICE: Rest in peace my little friend...

TREY BOOKER: Plus, Shawn Warstein sits down with Larry KaChow, and we’ve got Sam Steele and Yung Sauce in action! It’s another loaded card from Project: Honor’s number one brand, so don’t you dare go anywhere!


Backstage we see the trio of Big Drip Productions making their way through the halls, the group being showered with praise and admiration by… well, nobody. The halls are empty but that doesn’t stop them looking amazing and dripping with superstar potential.

Yung Sauce has a chance to pick up a quick win over the new start of Sam Steele, or give the rookie a great beginning in Project Honor by putting down one half of the tag team contenders.

Lil Petey is not looking so confident, knowing he needs to step into the ring one on one with the Butcher later on, Ozymandias. And lastly TJ Thompson has the biggest weight to carry taking on the phenomenal Myojin to earn his place in the X-Factor Tournament.

YUNG SAUCE: Big night boys, big night. Time to show this world what our squad can do.

TJ THOMPSON: That’s easy for you to say, you don’t know what’s ahead of you. I do… and Myojin isn’t going down without a war.

LIL PETEY: ...I don’t even want to think about tonight, I think I’m going to be sick.

At the far end of the hallway another trio are making their way along the corridor, Meredith Agnar and Euan Hill, flanked by Ozymandias. Too big to walk alongside shoulder to shoulder, he let’s Euan take the charge.

MEREDITH AGNAR: Tonight is the beginning of our rule. Tonight marks our true arrival to this company. Euan, you have a lot of ground to cover tonight. A victory over Mark Hunter will not only solidify you as a true contender, but also prove to the world that Champions can bleed… and he will remember that facing Ozymandias at the next pay per view.

Euan simply nods and continues to plough forward.

MEREDITH AGNAR: And Ozymandias, my brother. My friend. Please remove that pestilent twerp from our sights and stop him from ever opening his obnoxious jaw again. The less of him ‘dripping’ in our world, the better. Lest it is his blood, dripping from the mat.

Ozymandias nods to her too, also withholding his words. As the trio moves along they turn a corner… and stop in their tracks. Standing across from them is Big Drip Productions, whose eyes just lit up like deer about to taste the grill of a truck.

MEREDITH AGNAR: Looks like we won’t have to wait… we can see who ‘drips’ the most blood right now!

As Ozymandias and Euan Hill look on with malicious intent in their eyes, Lil Petey and Yung Sauce almost seem to cower behind TJ Thompson, who is immediately uncomfortable being the forerunner to this battle. That’s when a whistle stops them all in their tracks and Indy Darling appears. Emerging from a nearby washroom he seems to appear in the nick of time.

INDY DARLING: No, no no no. Not having it, not here and not on my show. Move along, I’m not having a bloodbath on my hands, not here at least. BDP, you have places to be right?

Big Drip Production gladly takes the reprieve and quickly ducks off down a connecting hallway. The glare from Ozymandias would melt most men, but Indy seems unphased.

INDY DARLING: Ozymandias, Euan… you two have matches to get ready for. Big ones too, so don’t disappoint.

He turns to take his own leave of the trio.

INDY DARLING: Good luck tonight, you're going to need it.

Not sure who his backhanded comment was aimed at, it’s enough to cause Euan and Ozymandias to question themselves and get worked up, and buys enough time for Indy and BDP to disappear down their respective hallways.



Sam Steele and Michael Shaw are already in the ring as “Tokyo Drift Freestyle” begins to play. Yung Sauce bursts through the curtains with Lil’ Petey by his side as Holly Perez starts to give the opening match introductions.

HOLLY PEREZ: This opening contest is scheduled for one fall! Currently in the ring, accompanied by his tag team partner Michael Shaw… “Hard Knox” SAM STEELE!!! And his opponent, being accompanied to the ring by Lil’ Petey...from The Hip House in Inglewood, California...he is “The Saucy One”...YUNG SAUCE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Sam Steele and Yung Sauce size each other up as they circle each other in the middle of the ring. On one side of the outside of the ring is Michael Shaw and on the other side is Lil Petey. It's Sam Steele who makes the first move, running at Yung Sauce and nearly taking his head off with a very strong Lariat. Sam follows it up by hitting an Elbow Drop to the chest of Sauce and follows it up by hitting another two Elbow Drops across the chest of Sauce.

TREY BOOKER: The brother of Jacob Steele isn’t holding back.

J.T. PRICE: Who’s Jacob Steele?

TREY BOOKER: #FACEPALM

Climbing to the top turnbuckle, Sam taunts the crowd as he holds his arms out wide and smirks before going for a Shooting Star Press. Sauce is one step ahead though as he manages to jump up to his feet and hit Sam in mid-air with the New Magic Wand(Spear) sending him crumbling down to the mat. Sam is laying there feeling broken as he holds onto his ribs as Sauce has made it to his feet and goes for the pin.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: DAMN! I thought Sauce had it won!

J.T. PRICE: Me too! That was awesome thinking from Sauce.

Sauce hits the mat, annoyed after thinking that’d be the end of the match but it isn’t as he gets to his feet. Surprisingly Sam is getting to his feet slowly with the help of the ropes. Sauce notices this and runs at Sam who pulls the rope down sending Sauce over the top rope and out of the ring. Sam is sneaky as he distracts the ref as Michael Shaw takes full advantage of the distraction picking Sauce up and hitting a Running Powerbomb before backing up as the ref turns around and Michael holds his arms up like he hasn’t done anything.

Lil Petey starts to go round to Michael only for the ref to once again be distracted so Michael once again takes the opportunity to pick Sauce up, this time he just rolls him into the ring. As Lil Petey does as he is told, the ref turns his attention back to the action in the ring. Sam picks Sauce up to his feet trying to go for a Suplex but Sauce is aware enough to block the attempt before spinning Sam around and hitting him with a Backstabber.

Taking the opportunity to have a breather, Sauce backs up into the corner and leans against the turnbuckle as he gives Michael a death glare who in response just smirks. Sauce now sees that Sam is getting back up to his feet and runs at him going for the Lost In The Sauce(Busaiku Knee Strike) only for Sam to move out of the way. As Sauce is on his knees, Sam runs at him and hits him with a Shining Wizard and goes straight for the pin.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!!!

J.T. PRICE: That was a Shining example of an awesome move from Sam Steele.

TREY BOOKER: To be exact, it was a Shining Wizard and not that awesome because Sauce kicked out.

Sam really thought he had the win then as he gets to his feet arguing with the ref who keeps telling him it was only a two count because Sauce got his shoulder up in time. This allows Sauce the time to get to his feet and hit a Chop block on Sam taking his leg out from beneath him which sends him crashing down to the mat and also taking the ref down. Michael has seen enough now as he slides into the ring behind Yung Sauce and drops him with a Clothesline, the type of Clothesline that is from hell. Lil Petey is already on the apron as he ends up hitting a Springboard Tornado DDT on Michael as soon as he gets back to his feet.

Lil Petey helps Yung Sauce to his feet as they look down to see the ref out of action for now. Lil Petey gets Michael Shaw to his feet as Yung Sauce gets on top of Sam Steele bombarding him with Punch after Punch. Lil Petey has got Michael up to his feet now as Michael just kicks Petey straight in the balls. Michael then pulls Sauce off of Sam only for Sauce to drop Michael with 21st Century Liability(Omega Driver) and instantly goes to laying in punches on him.

Finally Petey has somewhat recovered from that kick to the balls as he goes over to Sam and starts laying punches into him too. Sam and Michael manage to fight their way to their feet now as The Dragon Slayers and Big Drip Productions start to trade punches in the centre of the ring. Now the ref has made it to his feet and he looks at the commotion between the four of them in the centre of the ring and just calls for the bell. He explains to the ring announcer that he has called for a Double DQ.

HOLLY PEREZ: The outcome of this match is a DOUBLE DISQUALIFICATION!!!

TREY BOOKER: There was just too much extracurricular activity going on for the official to allow this one to continue!

J.T. PRICE: More like too much Hip! What a pussy! Let them fight!

TREY BOOKER: I’m sure we’ll get the chance to see Big Drip and The Dragonslayers meet again, but for now the decision stands!


In the backstage area we find Mark Hunter arriving at the arena, he has the Grand Championship over his right shoulder and a sports bag presumably carrying his wrestling gear over his left. After turning a couple of corners he sees the same young security guard he dealt with last time when his locker room was broken into. Mark removes the ear piece from his ear and calls over to him.

MARK HUNTER: Hey man, any idea where my locker room is for tonight?

SECURITY GUARD: The layout backstage is almost identical to last time, it should be around the same area.

MARK HUNTER: Cheers.

The Guard and Mark share a nod as Mark carries on, after a couple more turns Mark approaches a door. Instantly he drops the bag and belt to the floor. The camera pans round to show a picture and note pinned up above his name. The picture is of Mark Hunter’s home, the picture has yesterday’s date on it. The note reads…

“Don’t worry about your pretty little bird at home, her and your future kids are safe for now. I’m currently in Brazil with you right now!!”

Mark literally punches his door open and shouts…

MARK HUNTER: WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT.

Mark takes his phone from his pocket… presumably to make a call home.


HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen...at this time will you please welcome the NEW Project: Honor Warrior Rising Champion...SCOTT OASIS!

“Bop” by CJ begins to play, but as it echoes throughout the arena, the entrance curtains remain still. Believing the new champion has decided to make a dramatic entrance, the fans wait with baited breath, but as the song continues there is no Warrior Rising Champion in sight. Eventually the music stops, and moments later someone emerges from the entrance, but it is not The Vanilla Gorilla. Instead, it’s more of a Vanilla Midget. Despite a lack of fanfare and no introduction, Proving Ground’s General Manager, Indy Darling still receives a warm reception from the sold-out crowd. With a visible limp, Indy makes his way onto the stage and gives his fans a half-smile and a thumbs up. Then, as they begin to quiet their cheers, he raises up a microphone.

INDY DARLING: No, I’m not Scott Oasis and I’m definitely not the new Warrior Rising Champion, but thank you for that warm welcome nonetheless. Rumor has it that I put myself over enough at Public Execution, so I’ll try to make this short and sweet...

The crowd begins to cheer again, but instead of feeding into their approval, Indy pushes through with his announcement.

INDY DARLING: I have it on good authority, that being Scott Oasis’ press agent, that he’s a really big deal in Brazil and he had too many personal appearances booked to actually make it to his own Championship Celebration.

The crowd does not hesitate to boo this announcement, but still, Indy presses on.

INDY DARLING: But that’s okay! I had planned on making a special announcement regarding Scott’s newly won Warrior Rising Championship and there’s no better time to do that than right now. We all know that the Grand Championship represents the top of Proving Ground’s pecking order, and the X-Factor Championship is a symbol that anyone on this brand can steal the show and make anything happen in the process. So what does the Warrior Rising Championship represent?

Indy pauses to give a mock expression of deep thought before continuing.

INDY DARLING: In the beginning, it was meant to be a division for the rising stars in this company, the competitors to keep your eyes on in the future. Quite frankly, Proving Ground already has a number of established stars who are already competing for that belt, so I want to add a little something to set it apart from the pack. I was actually inspired by the quick start of the Oasis and Hill match at Public Execution, along with the fast pace that it maintained until its conclusion. So with that in mind, you can all expect the fastest paced action on Proving Ground to be displayed when the Warrior Rising Championship is on the line in strict time limit based competitions!

The crowd cheers at the announcement simply because it is just that; an announcement. Whether or not they agree with the decision seems to have no bearing on their response.

INDY DARLING: Now I know time limits aren’t everyone’s thing, but I have something else in the works for the Warrior Rising Championship that we’ll talk about when we get just a little bit closer to Proving Ground’s next Pay Per View Event...Hell on Earth! Until then, I’ll try to get into mysterious GM mode and let you all wonder what Proving Ground’s Gates of Hell could be. Let’s just say that DeMarco will be green with envy when I reveal all the details...

Indy gives the buzzing crowd a friendly wave and begins to make his way backstage, but then stops as if he’s just remembered something important.

INDY DARLING: Oh yeah, congratulations to Scott Oasis!

With that, a plethora of balloons begin to drop from the ceiling onto the empty ring as “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” begins to play over the sound system. With the fans popping balloons and proceeding with their own celebration, Indy finally makes his exit.



HOLLY PEREZ: Our next contest is a one-on-one match scheduled for one fall...

The opening beat to "oops!!!" by Yung Gravy w/ Lil Wayne graces the ears of everyone in the audience. Peach and pink strobe lights start going off. Every woman in attendance suddenly feels the drip as the lyrics start and Lil Petey steps out onto the stage. Fur coat, multi-colored button up that's only halfway buttoned up, and black pants make up his attire. Petey's got a microphone in hand and starts to rap with the lyrics, even though the mic doesn't actually work.

♫Ayy, supercalifragilisticexpialiexpiali-dope shit
Supercalifragilic-, my ex be on some ho shit
Superman, I get dem bands but ain't gon' buy you roses
Super-duper get them cougars, took my wrist and froze it
Super-duper hoes
Y'all got Oompa Loompa hoes
I ain't never knew ya hoes
Prolly still ran through 'em, though♫

Lil Petey stops on the ramp and looks around at some of the women reaching out to him. He walks up to this couple as the song continues. Petey looks at the dude and points at the chick.

♫Oh, wait, wait, I do know your hoe?
You talkin' 'bout, you talkin' 'bout Tracy?
Nah, nah, nah, nah, you mean like, like, Tracy with the ass?
Tracy with the, with the Honda?
Shit, well♫

Petey winks at the woman and then starts jumping up and down while getting closer to the ring.

♫Oops, baby
Fuck up on your bitch, like oopsy daisy
Never knew that was your boo, baby
Hit her five times in the coupe, Mercedes, whoopsie dai-, yeah
Oops, baby
Gravy hit my bitch, yeah, whoopsie daisy
I just tried to hit, it's my duty, baby
Sippin' on the Goose, like Boosie, baby♫

By this time, Petey is in the ring, taking his fur coat off. He gently hands it to an official outside and vibes in the ring until the start of the match or until his opponent enters.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, from Condom, France to The Hip House and weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds...He is “The Drip Sensation”... “The One Hip Wonder”...LIL’ PETEY!!!! And his opponent...

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

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

HOLLY PEREZ: ...hailing from Old Harbour, Alaska and weighing in at three hundred and fifty seven pounds… “The Butcher of Reine”...OZYMANDIAS!!!!

DING DING DING!!!

Ozymandias begins to stomp across the ring like the monstrous juggernaut he is upon hearing the opening bell, but his opponent does not appear as enthusiastic about their opportunity to lock up. Petey ducks between the ropes and plants his feet on the floor, giving himself another moment to size up the impending challenge ahead of him. With Ozymandias stopping in the center of the ring and some encouragement from the referee, Petey eventually slides back under the ropes. He still looks apprehensive about locking up, and instead digs into the waistline of his ring gear. Petey then holds up a stack of crisp Washingtons in a blatant attempt to bribe Ozymandias or perhaps catch him off guard with a poor attempt at humor.

TREY BOOKER: Lil’ Petey with a page out of the Drew Carey playbook...

J.T. PRICE: Even The Butcher of Reine has to pay the bills, Trey…

Petey quickly realizes that his ploy is ineffective as Ozy slowly shakes his head back and forth, both as a way of refusing Petey’s gesture as well as showing his displeasure with such antics. Accepting the failure of his original plan, Petey then turns to offer the roughly less than twenty dollars in ones to the official, who responds by putting his hands on his hips and looking at Petey like a disappointed parental figure. With an accepting nod of his head, Petey tucks the bills back into his waistband and starts to consider a potential back-up plan. Ozymandias takes another big step forward, but this time Petey halts his advance by throwing up his hands and waving them frantically. He then holds up one finger to ask for a brief moment before looking to the crowd for support. Just then, a dope beat begins to play over the arena sound system and Petey strikes a pre-dance pose to the delight of his fans. After a few seconds, the beat drops and Petey starts to gyrate and wiggle his body to the rhythm.

J.T. PRICE: Wait...is he trying to have a dance-off with Ozymandias?

TREY BOOKER: Oh Petey, that man is about to dance all over your face.

Literally dancing on a fine line between hip moves and uncontrollable convulsions, Petey continues to dance in his corner while Ozymandias watches from the center of the ring in a confused state of uncertainty. After putting his best moves on display, Petey finally brings his fly gyrations to a halt and points a single finger toward Ozymandias, indicating that it is his turn. For a moment, everyone in the ring is a complete standstill, while the audience erupts in the hope that they will soon see The Butcher of Reine set the canvas on fire with his sweet dance moves. Instead, their cheers turn to boos when Ozy rushes forward, determined to get his hands on Petey and literally rip him into pieces. At the very last moment, Petey dives between the ropes to the ringside floor, but this time Ozy isn’t about to let him stall for more time. The Butcher joins Petey at ringside and begins to chase him around the ringside area, with The Drip Sensation showing more speed and agility than ever before. After circling the ring a couple of times, Petey slides under the bottom rope with Ozymandias hot on his heels. Having convinced himself that he’ll be able to get the drop on The Butcher, Petey hits the ropes and rockets towards Ozy with an attempted cross body press. Instead, Ozymandias easily catches him in his arms and then presses him high over his head.

TREY BOOKER: Oh god...Ozy wouldn’t hit The World Ender on poor Petey, would he?

J.T. PRICE: If he does, we’ll have two Petey’s for the price of one!

Fortunately for Lil’ Petey, Ozy decides not to slam his victim over his knee, instead content to march around the ring while continuing to press him high overhead. Then, just when it seems as if Ozy could hold Petey in the air forever, he suddenly rushes toward the ring ropes and hurls Petey into the air! The Drip Sensation flies over the ringside area and the guardrail, with the ringside fans as the only thing to break his fall! Yet somehow, that’s exactly what they do! When Petey unclenches his eyes and realizes that he’s not in pain, he finally realizes that the crowd is holding him above their heads and that he has been saved by an impromptu crowd surfing opportunity! With a huge smile on his face, the fans continue to carry Petey further away from the ring, as Ozymandias watches on in utter amazement. However, unwilling to allow a potential victim to escape unscathed, Ozy leaps between the ropes and over the guardrail before the official can even give him a proper warning. As Petey continues to crowd surf deeper into the mass of humanity, Ozy stomps and shoves his way through the fans to give chase. It isn’t long before the referee has no choice but to count both men out of the ring, with Petey unable to answer the count and Ozymandias too infuriated to even consider it.

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, both Lil’ Petey and Ozymandias were unable to return to the ring by the count of ten and the referee has ruled this match a DOUBLE COUNT-OUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: You have got to be kidding me! I don’t think anyone expected this kind of outcome when the match was announced!

J.T. PRICE: I think 99% of us were expecting to attend Petey’s funeral tomorrow, so let’s be happy with what we have.





HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is our first match in The X-Factor Championship Tournament to determine who advances to the next round… introducing first… from Hampton Falls, New Hampshire… CADILLAC JACKSON!!

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

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… Residing in Los Angeles, California… LANCE WILLIAMS!!

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

TREY BOOKER: And away we go!!

DING! DING! DING!

With the ringing of the bell, Lance's laid back demeanor changes, he’s now all business and they come to the center of the ring, the pair lock up. Lance using his strength advantage shoves the slightly smaller man away. Cadillac, stumbles backwards, rolling through his off balance situation, he comes right back to his feet. He shakes his head but smiles and is not phased by it, he comes back to the center of the ring where Lance is waiting on him. They go to lock up again but this time the smaller man effortlessly glides through the arms of Williams. With a quick go-behind he tries to get Lance off his feet for a quick German Suplex. Lance is able to block it by basically sitting out on the hold. Cadillac tries it again, and again Lance blocks it. Lance Williams quickly bends forward and then reaches back, grabbing the wrestling boot of Cadillac and pulls him off balance.

TREY BOOKER: Lance Williams is showing here why he's a force to be reckoned with, granted this contest is only just starting out but Cadillac might have to change up his game plan if he wants to get The Bulldozer off his feet.

J.T. PRICE: I wouldn’t be making assumptions like that too soon. We all know how good Cadillac can be when he gets motoring.

TREY BOOKER: Motoring? Cadillac? Your attempts at humor get worse.

J.T. PRICE: Meh… I still talk more sense than anyone on the other show this company produces.

TREY BOOKER: That’s a low bar, but I’d say you’re right.

Lance quickly spins around to try and get the advantage on Cadillac, but Cadillac is too quick and kicks out with his right leg. The impact is to Lance's knee, causing it to buckle slightly. The impact stops the slightly bigger man in his tracks. Cadillac kips up and runs to the nearest corner, followed closely by Williams. Cadillac impressively runs up the turnbuckle pads, he reaches the top and launches himself up and backwards towards Lance. Twisting and turning in the air, he executes a stunning 'Whisper in the wind'. His right foot finds its mark as it crashes into the head of Lance Williams! Lance is down but not out, he rolls to his side just as Jackson is getting back to his feet. Cadillac reaches down and drags Lance back up. He whips the larger man across the ring. The bulldozer rebounds off the ropes. Jackson quickly sidesteps Williams, executing a drop toe hold that sends Lance Williams face first across the middle ring ropes.

J.T. PRICE: OUCH!

TREY BOOKER: After a little bit of an unsure opening, Cadillac Jackson has figured something out, much like anyone that ever has to face Lance, he's using his speed to his advantage.

J.T. PRICE: Speed doesn’t hurt people, stopping suddenly hurts like a bitch though.

TREY BOOKER: Fucking hell J.T… I seriously wish we were better strangers.

J.T. PRICE: Hey… What?

Lance hits with great impact, so much so that you can hear the breath forced from his body. He rolls to the side and is able to get off the ropes. He comes back to a standing position in time to be on the receiving end of a high dropkick from Cadillac Jackson! The impact knocks Lance down and Cadillac works quickly, he measures him and goes to the corner. He leaps up and using the top rope for momentum springs back with a diving fist drop. He hooks Lance Williams leg for the first pinfall of the contest.

ONE!
TWO!

No! Lance kicks out with authority and amazing strength, sending all two-hundred and seventy four pounds of Cadillac Jackson straight up in the air. Jackson recovers though and is able to land somewhat on his feet. Lance rolls to his side and gets up to his knees as Cadillac strikes again, this time with a knee to the face that knocks Lance Williams backwards and under the bottom ring rope. Lance is able to stabilize himself as he grabs the bottom ring rope. His feet are firmly on the ground now as Jackson charges from across the ring. He starts his slide early, attempting a baseball slide. Lance sees the move coming and is ready to grab both legs, Lance however uses the momentum by bringing Cadillac to the outside, in one fluid motion he uses his grip to nail a wheelbarrow suplex into the security barrier! Cadillac hits with a sickening thud and ref is outside quickly to check on him.

TREY BOOKER: And I believe Lance has officially slowed the pace down after an absolute flurry of offense from Cadillac Jackson!

J.T. PRICE: It was bound to happen eventually, and I can’t say I’m exactly surprised by it.

TREY BOOKER: I feel like Jackson may have gone for too much too early but then again, this does have X-Factor Championship ramifications so you kinda gotta go all out.

J.T. PRICE: Is it me or does Lance Williams look a damn sight meaner tonight in general?

Obviously dazed, Cadillac assures the ref that he can continue. The ref then goes back to the ring apron, imploring Williams to get Jackson back in the ring. Lance drags the clearly hurt man back to his feet and rolls him under the bottom rope and follows him in. Using the ring ropes, Cadillac is able to drag himself back to his feet. He turns and stumbles into Williams, The "Head Trauma" brainbuster is executed to perfection by Lance. Lance grapevines the leg as the ref slides into position to apply the count.

ONE!
TWO!
Th… Kick Out by Cadillac!

TREY BOOKER: I've got to say, these two have been evenly matched thus far - each of them having their moments of advantage over the other.

J.T. PRICE: BLEH.

TREY BOOKER: You might not be happy about it but this is another great match and this card is full of them.

J.T. PRICE: Oh I know that, I didn’t say bleh because of the match, I said bleh because I noticed a sign in the crowd that said Alara Adams and Kayden Ellis are better than us.

TREY BOOKER: Really? But they’re about as much use as a condom machine in the Vatican.

Lance rolls to his left and is back to his feet quickly, he waits for Cadillac to get back to his feet and he’s on the attack again. He takes Cadillac down hard with a vicious lariat that almost turns him inside out! The Bulldozer drags Jackson back to his feet again and lifts him from behind with a high angle belly to back suplex but Jackson is able to roll and throw Lance off balance and they both crash to the mat. Cadillac tries to hook the leg but Lance shoots him off before the ref can even get into position. As Lance is getting back to his feet, Jackson rebounds off the ropes. He streaks towards Williams who ducks the clothesline attempt and counters by grabbing the back of Cadillac's head and dropping them both to the mat with a sick looking high angled full nelson suplex!

TREY BOOKER: Ouch, it looked like Cadillac was starting to get some momentum back but Lance quickly put that to a stop.

J.T. PRICE: You don’t say, he could have just broken the guys damn neck with that.

TREY BOOKER: This just goes to show how important the X-Factor Championship is. It's not just a middle tier belt like some believe it is. Fights like this show that it's just as important as any other belt on any show!

J.T. PRICE: Gotta give props to our boss for that, he made the title matter.

Both men are a little slower in getting to their feet this time. Somehow Cadillac is actually up first and tries to catch Williams with a kick to the head but the big man is able to block it by holding up both arms closely together. Cadillac tries again but this time Lance grabs his leg and stands up. He sends Jackson for a ride with a dragon-screw leg whip!

TREY BOOKER: Lance is on fire right now!

J.T. PRICE: Careful with the fire shit… we don’t want people mixing us up with the other lot.

Cadillac slowly gets back to his feet, carefully testing the knee that just got wrenched. He starts to step away from the ring ropes and Lance is there again. He hooks the slightly smaller man in a reverse waist lock. He tries to escape but Lance is the stronger of the two, and Cadillac Jackson goes for another ride. This time a German suplex! Lance drags him back to his feet again, this time for a standard vertical suplex. Both men crash to the canvas again. Lance is back up on his feet, now smiling openly. He reaches down and drags Cadillac to an all fours position by the back of his trunks. After a few sharp kicks, he then reaches down and secures a strong grip. LANCE WILLIAMS LIFTS CADILLAC UP AND SPIKES HIM WITH THE TORTURE BOMB!!

TREY BOOKER: That’s it!!

Lance drops down and hooks the leg.

ONE!
TWO!
THREE! LANCE WILLIAMS WINS BY PINFALL!!!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner… via pinfall… and advancing to the next round… LANCE WILLIAMS!!!

TREY BOOKER: What an impressive showing by Lance Williams! After a rocky start on Proving Ground, it looks as if he’s finally hitting his stride!

J.T. PRICE: Aw...poor Caddy. I kinda like that guy.

TREY BOOKER: I’m sure there’s more of the Cadillac Experience for us to enjoy, but tonight it’s all about The Bulldozer!


TREY BOOKER: After that amazing first round match in the X-Factor Championship Tournament, let’s send it back to Crystal Ward who’s standing by with a last minute interview! Take it away, Crystal!

Just as Trey suggested, we are taken backstage where the lovely backstage reporter is standing by.

CRYSTAL WARD: I’m told that a major superstar has a few important words to share with our Proving Ground audience, but so far I haven’t seen anyone of major importance…

Just then, we can hear someone singing the classic song, “Boom Boom” by American singer and model, Paul Lekakis...

♫ Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right...♫

At that point, “The Heater” Serrano Poblano dances into the scene, holding a half-empty champagne bottle in his hand, the contents of which appear to have dribbled all over his goatee and unbuttoned flame-print shirt. As he joyfully swaggers up to Crystal, she immediately recoils from either the sight or the scent.

SERRANO POBLANO: What’s up, sexy momma? You look like you could take the heat…

CRYSTAL WARD: Um…no. I don’t think I can…

SERRANO POBLANO: That’s okay, cause neither could Pat the Postman! Were you watching, Crystal? Did you see me roll up that big goof and get my first win in Project: Honor? I know the rest of the world was watching, because that match was on ♫ FIRE ♫

CRYSTAL WARD: Actually...no one was watching. That was a dark match.

SERRANO POBLANO: Don’t make excuses for that oversized Mr. McFeely wannabe! I destroyed Pat the Postman just like I would have destroyed Valkyrie on Fallout if I hadn’t had something in my eye! For that matter, I would have made Lance Williams my personal sous chef if Rapture hadn’t been involved at Public Execution!

The Heater stops bragging for a moment to take a big drink from the champagne bottle. In the most annoying fashion possible, he holds the rim of the bottle several inches away from his face and allows the bubbly alcohol to pour all over his chubby face and under-developed chest.

CRYSTAL WARD: Uh, Serrano, you do realize you’re an enhancement talent, right? You’re not actually supposed to be out there winning matches. I’m not sure what Indy’s going to do after you won tonight.

The cheerful expression on Serrano’s face disappears, only to be replaced by the look of someone who’s just lost their dog in rush hour traffic.

SERRANO POBLANO: I’m...uh...not sure what you mean by that, but I’ll forgive you if you give me a big wet kiss, right here, right now.

Serrano closes his eyes, puckers his lips, and leans forward as if he actually expects Crystal to oblige.

CRYSTAL WARD: If I wanted to kiss a career jobber, I would have made out with Zack Tyler. At least I knew where his left hand was.

Serrano opens his eyes and gives Crystal an indignant glare.

SERRANO POBLANO: Uh...do you realize you’re talking to an MVP talent, Crystal? I understand if that’s a little above your paygrade since you’re just here to look pretty and ask stupid questions. What else should I expect from a dumb broad?

Without another word, Crystal lowers her microphone as she raises her opposite hand, smacking it hard against the side of Serrano’s face. The slap is so hard that it spins Serrano’s head to the side and sends droplets of sweat and champagne all over the camera lens. With that, Crystal storms away from the scene, leaving Serrano alone with a bright, red cheek.

SERRANO POBLANO: Holy moly, Stromboli...she’s a bigger bitch than Pat the Postman...



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a first round X-Factor Championship Tournament Match and it is scheduled for one fall!

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

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from Bear, Delaware and weighing in at one hundred and fifty seven pounds… “The Pop Punk Prince”...BLAIR REGENT!!!! And their opponent…

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: ...weighing in at two hundred and twenty two pounds and hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada… he is “The Peoples’ G.O.A.T.”...JAMES RAVEN!!!!

DING! DING! DING!

James and Blair briefly circle each other as the match begins before quickly moving into a collar and elbow tie-up. They hold the position for a short time as Blair attempts to get the drop on her opponent with a quick armdrag. Raven immediately pops back to his feet and is met with a second armdrag by Blair, but when they attempt the move a third time, Raven puts on the brakes, shifts his weight, and sends Blair to the mat with an armdrag of his own! Regent is quick to get back on their feet, but James meets them with a stunning chop. He adds in a few more for good measure, driving Blair into a corner where it looks like he’s in complete control. Suddenly, Blair reverses and spins James into the corner before unloading with a series of elbow and knee strikes! The flurry is fast and unexpected, making it difficult for Raven to stop the blows from landing. When Blair feels like they’ve softened him up enough, they take a few steps back before charging at Raven, who ducks his shoulders on instinct and flips Blair over his back. The momentum sends Regent tumbling over the top rope before they finally come to rest on the ringside floor. Then, just as Blair is getting back to their feet, James Ravens rockets between the ropes, connecting with a suicide dive out of nowhere!

TREY BOOKER: James Raven has taken this one to the outside! He didn’t sound too worried about Blair Regent before the match, but if he’s not careful, they could both be counted out here!

J.T. PRICE: The Peoples’ G.O.A.T. knows what he’s doing!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!

At ringside, James continues the punishment by giving Blair a snap suplex on the ringside floor while keeping hold of them and rolling back to his feet. That’s followed up by a short lariat that nearly turns Regent inside out, before James re-enters the ring as the referee reaches a five count!

FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!

Despite the punishment taken outside of the ring, Blair is able to roll back under the ropes, only for Raven to meet them with a series of diving kneedrops. James then gives Regent a spinning belly to belly suplex to plant them in the center of the ring, before making his way to the corner and up the turnbuckles. With his opponent dead to rights, James leaps off looking for a flying elbow drop, but Blair rolls away at the last second and Raven’s elbow crashes hard against the canvas. He does his best to shake the temporary numbness from his limb as he gets back to his feet, but Blair has had just enough time to recover and attempt a comeback! After springing off the ropes, Blair leaps onto Raven, flips underneath him, and drives him face first into the mat with their DTFL flipping facebuster!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

It’s obvious that he’s stunned, but James is still able to get his shoulder off the mat before the referee is close to a three. This doesn’t mean that Blair is finished with their attempts to put him down for the count as they get a running start before unleashing The ICU bicycle superkick! Regent’s foot lands squarely against Raven’s leading-man-like jaw, but instead of setting him up for a pin attempt it knocks him backwards until he tumbles through the ring ropes! With Raven out on the floor, Blair charges forward and flips over the ropes, landing atop James at ringside with a somersault senton!

TREY BOOKER: Now it’s Blair Regent who’s taking this fight to the outside! James Raven may have lit a fire under this competitor when he brought up their apparent apathy!

J.T. PRICE: If Blair Regent takes James Raven out of this tournament, I’ll sell my Penthouse collection to Larry KaChow!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!

Blair pulls James to his feet and then whips him against the steel ring post, sending him back to the floor once again. This time it’s Regent who re-enters the ring, hoping the referee’s count will do the rest.

FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!

No such luck for Regent as James pulls his body under the bottom rope to break the count, but Blair is ready to lay into him with a few stomps in order to keep him on the canvas. As Raven rolls away, Blair springs to the ring apron and begins to take measure of The Peoples’ G.O.A.T. as he’s getting to his feet. The Pop Punk Prince then springboards off the top, looking to hit Raven with The Ursa Minor I as he’s getting to his feet! Then, just as Blair is coming down from above, Raven springs into action by hooking their head on the way down, turning the move into his Flight of the Raven! The move drives Blair head first into the mat with a sickening impact, but instead of going for an immediate pin, Raven gets back on his feet, firing up himself and the audience!

TREY BOOKER: What’s he doing? He could have had the pin right there, but he’s giving Blair Regent a chance to recover!

J.T. PRICE: If he wants that X-Factor Title, he’s got more opponent’s to go through. I think he’s sending them a message!

Raven begins to circle around Regent, waiting until they’ve recovered enough to get back on their feet. Then, just before Blair’s awareness kicks in, James hooks their head and drops back to the mat, locking them into his signature triangle choke!

TREY BOOKER: Ravenlock is hooked on! This could be it! Will Blair Regent be able to hold out or are they moments away from tapping?

James leans back on the hold to apply as much pressure as possible, and with Blair’s body going limp, they ultimately have no choice but tap out to the submission hold. James Raven holds the Ravenlock on until the referee informs him of the decision, putting him past the first round and one step closer to championship gold.

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match as a result of a submission and advancing to the next round… “The Peoples’ G.O.A.T.”...JAMES RAVEN!!!

TREY BOOKER: There you have it! James Raven has eliminated Blair Regent from this tournament and he advances to the second round!

J.T. PRICE: The only question is who he’ll have to face next! We’ve already seen Lance Williams advance, but there are four more competitors left to appear! Without an official bracket, James Raven will have to wait to find out with the rest of us!





HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a first round X Factor Championship Tournament Match! Entering first...

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 slingshotting himself into the ring and spinning around, he then stops and drops to one knee slamming his fist into the mat.

HOLLY PEREZ: Hailing from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and weighing in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds… “The Australian Wolf”...AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!! And his opponent...

“Cash Flow” by Ace Hood plays out through the arena speakers as Emmanuelle makes her way toward the ring, her WrestleWorld Shogun Championship upon her shoulder as she does so. She approaches the ring cautiously, keeping her eyes on Reynolds before she leaps up onto the apron, slides over the top rope and lands in the ring. She tosses her championship to the outside, and settles into her corner.

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

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: I’m sure that this one’s going to be a firecracker; both these competitors have a lot to prove here tonight!

J.T. PRICE: And both have their eyes on that X-Factor Championship!

Both competitors circle up, before Emmanuelle lunges in for a lockup, which Reynolds gladly obliges. Reynolds seems to have the advantage early, forcing Emmanuelle to the ground and trying to go for a waistlock to pull back into a German Suplex, but Emmanuelle grounds herself and rolls through, managing to catch Reynolds off guard and trapping his shoulders on the mat for a split-second! Emmanuelle’s clearly feeling her opponent out as she rolls off of him once again, looking to the ropes as Reynolds tries to get to his feet. Both competitors go into another lockup, and Reynolds tries to take advantage of his weight advantage, pushing Emmanuelle into a test of strength! Reynolds has it here-and he forces Emmanuelle’s shoulders to the mat and goes for a pin!

ONE!

But it doesn’t last long! Emmanuelle gets a shoulder up early, and Reynolds is quick to try and recover into a side headlock takeover, only for Emmanuelle to trap him with an O’Connor Roll! It’s an impressive display of athleticism early as Emmanuelle traps his legs down and forces his shoulders to the mat!

ONE!

But it’s not enough to put Reynolds away, either! Reynolds tries for another waistlock as he breaks free, planting Emmanuelle on the mat in a sort of sloppy takedown before trying for a deadlift German, only for Emmanuelle to snap her legs back and catch Reynolds with a Victory Roll! She holds him down to the canvas!

ONE!

But he gets away! Both competitors find a distance from one another briefly, Reynolds showing respect while Emmanuelle remains stone-faced.

TREY BOOKER: These two are really going for it early, but no strikes have been exchanged yet!

J.T. PRICE: They’re trying to figure out the gaps in the other’s armor, so they can go for a kill-shot without expending too much energy!

Emmanuelle initiates the lockup next, but as Reynolds goes for it, she manages to rotate over behind him and trap both of his arms in a Tiger Suplex hold-only for Reynolds to lunge for the ropes and wrap his ankle around the lowest one! Emmanuelle can’t hit the suplex, so she breaks it and tries for a waistlock-but Reynolds finds an advantage here! Reynolds forces Emmanuelle off, and looks for a small package seemingly out of nowhere, but Emmanuelle counters it! Emmanuelle manages to go for another O’Connor Roll, but Reynolds counters that and forces her shoulders down, only for her to use her legs wrapped around his torso to fold Reynolds back into a Prawn Hold! Emmanuelle tries to seal the deal and get the pin locked in, but Reynolds-he uses both knees and shoves Emmanuelle off! He goes for a forearm shot, bored of the technical exchange, and Emmanuelle catches him in the jaw with a superkick! She hooks both arms-Backslide Driver! She goes for the pin!

ONE!
TWO!!
NO! Reynolds kicks out!

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle almost had Reynolds there, and with only a few strikes exchanged!

J.T. PRICE: It would’ve been a hell of an upset!

Emmanuelle’s quickly on Reynolds once again, looking to hook both arms for her Pasadena Bomb, but now it’s Reynolds’ turn to counter as he backdrops Emmanuelle to the canvas! Reynolds hits the ropes as Emmanuelle tries to recover, looking for another superkick, but Reynolds brings her down with a modified Down Unda-NO! She catches Reynolds’ leg, causing him to land awkwardly-BUT HE COMES AROUND WITH AN ENZIGURI TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Emmanuelle goes limp, and he follows up by pulling her in for a SNAP DDT! HE SPIKES EMMANUELLE-AND COVERS!

ONE!
TWO!!

NO! Emmanuelle gets out! Reynolds pulls her up and whips her into the ropes, looking for a spinning back elbow, but Emmanuelle manages to duck it! She hits the ropes and leaps back for a Moonsault Press that sends Reynolds to the canvas, before coming back around for a running knee strike to the back of Aiden’s head! She catches him! Aiden Reynolds might be knocked out, but Emmy’s not really willing to take that chance as she follows up with another knee strike, and then a stiff kick to the back of the head, before pulling him in, getting her hooks locked-PASADENA BOMB! She nearly spikes Aiden with the rough tiger bomb, before sitting out into a cover!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

BUT AIDEN KICKS OUT JUST AT THREE! Emmanuelle keeps hold of his wrist, and pulls him up to his feet, looking for a ripcord German Suplex, but Aiden kicks back and catches her in the midsection! He wraps both of his arms around Emmanuelle’s midsection, hauling her up onto his shoulders-and then forward into a SPINEBUSTER! He plants Emmanuelle roughly, but he doesn’t go for a cover! He pulls her up, leaning her against the ropes and hitting them for a REBOUND DROPKICK TO THE JAW! But he springboards back, hitting them again-KNEE STRIKE! Emmanuelle’s rocked, and Reynolds follows up by dragging her to her feet-DOWN UNDA TO THE JAW! Emmanuelle’s out! Reynolds covers!

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

NO!!! EMMANUELLE GETS A SHOULDER UP! Aiden is beside himself!

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle just kicked out of the Down Unda, I’m not really sure how she was able to after that onslaught she received at the hands of Reynolds!

J.T. PRICE: She wants to stay in this-needs to! If not, her chances for the X-Factor Championship are completely down the drain!

Reynolds pulls her up onto his shoulders, looking for the Gold Coast Cutter, but Emmanuelle nails Reynolds with two rough elbow strikes to the head and forces him off! She catches him in the jaw with a Thrust Kick, followed up by a Cross Counter stiff right, and then the Platinum Dynamic! She sends Reynolds’ headfirst to the canvas, before pulling him up, looking for a Hammerlock so she can get the Rodeo Driver-but Reynolds forces her away with a stiff elbow to the jaw, and then a Victory Roll! He holds both legs down!

ONE!
TWO!!!
THREE!!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match and advancing to the next round...AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!

TREY BOOKER: Aiden Reynolds has bounced back after a disappointing loss to Myojin at Public Execution to advance in this tournament! That man has gold in his sights and I don’t know if anything is going to stop him!

J.T. PRICE: That was one hell of a fast-paced match! Emmanuelle looked amazing in there, but The Australian Wolf secures another victory by the skin of his teeth!





HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a first round match in the X-Factor Championship Tournament! Entering first…

Nonstop by Drake hits as the fans rise to their feet, watching the curtain while cheering. T.J. Thompson marches out onto the ramp, pounding his chest while shouting at the crowd with contagious energy.

Chants of "HIP" are heard as he high fives fans on his way down to the ring. At the bottom of the ramp, Thompson singles out a fan, and begins shaking uncontrollably as he raises his hand up. The crowd plays along with it as if Thompson is charging up before fiving a massive high five to the fan. The fan swings his arm back from the impact of the high five while Thompson fires up the crowd before sliding into the ring.

TJ briefly poses on the top turnbuckle as the crowd continues to cheer before waiting for his opponent/the match to start with a huge grin on his face.

HOLLY PEREZ: Hailing from The Hip House and weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds...he is “The Hipbeast”...TJ THOMPSON!!! And his opponent…


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: From San Diego, California and weighing in at one hundred and sixty five pounds… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: AND THIS ONE’S OFF QUICK AS MYOJIN SENDS TJ THOMPSON SCREAMING TO THE OUTSIDE WITH A MASSIVE DROPKICK! Thompson’s rolling to try and recover, but Myojin pulls out to the apron! He gets a running start-ANOTHER DROPKICK TO SEND THOMPSON BACK INTO THE BARRICADE!

J.T. PRICE: Myojin’s aggression is showing here; perhaps they’ve had enough of being disregarded!

Myojin keeps up their early offensive by going for a third dropkick to send Thompson back further through the barricade, but Thompson manages to duck out of the way and send Myojin crashing into it! Thompson gets on Myojin to try and regain some form of offense as he whips them into the apron, following up with a pump kick to Myojin’s jaw! Thompson’s brief combination works, and he takes a moment to celebrate, but that opens him up for a RIDICULOUS THRUST KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Thompson’s skull is rammed against the ringpost, and Myojin grabs him by the head and neck, rolling him back into the ring! Myojin leaps up onto the apron, and then to the top rope-CANNONBALL SENTON ONTO TJ THOMPSON FROM THE TOP ROPE! And Myojin covers!

ONE!
TWO!!

TREY BOOKER: Myojin’s early offensive clearly did some work, but Thompson kicks out at two!

J.T. PRICE: Thompson’s going to need to mount some form of offense if he wants to stay in this; Myojin’s looking for a kill to come home with early!

Myojin grabs Thompson by the head and neck, and begins ramming his knee into Thompson’s neck and skull. Each consecutive heavy blow rattles Thompson’s brain in his head, and Thompson seems to be out by the fifth and sixth strikes. The referee goes to call it, but Myojin refuses to let it happen, instead pulling Thompson in for a Snapped German Suplex! Myojin gets a bit of a deadlift to start-but Thompson over-rotates and lands on his feet! Thompson comes in from behind with a BIG superkick to the back of Myojin’s head, before following up with a waistlock into a picture perfect spike German suplex! Myojin lands hard on his head and neck, and Thompson follows up with a superkick, a knee strike, and then a sliding uppercut that nearly takes Myojin’s head off his neck! Thompson rolls Myojin out and dives for a cover!

ONE!
TWO!!

TREY BOOKER: And Myojin kicks out at two! An impressive recovery for Thompson, but not enough to put Myojin away quite yet!

J.T. PRICE: He’s going to be looking for the Hip Train, I imagine!

Price appears to be right, as Thompson gets the crowd riled up and looks for the Hip Train! Myojin slowly stumbles back to his feet, and Thompson comes in hot, grabbing hold of Myojin and going for the flip-but Myojin blocks it and RAMS Thompson’s back down onto his knee, following up with a downward forearm across the jaw! Thompson looks rattled, and Myojin follows up with an attempt at a sliding knee strike, but Thompson manages to pull out of the way at the last second! Thompson goes to the ropes to seemingly look for a coffin drop, but Myojin’s quick to counter with a superkick to the back of one knee-and then another to the other! Thompson’s left hanging, and Myojin’s able to capitalize with a Spinning Backfist and a Question Mark Kick, sending Thompson down to a slumped over position on the canvas! To add insult to injury-and likely eliminate much of Thompson’s offense-Myojin adds a Chop Block to the mix, before covering Thompson!

ONE!
TWO!!

Even with two legs hooked, Thompson manages to kick out! Myojin seems frustrated, but not too bothered and instead hooks in a brutal kneebar on TJ Thompson’s targeted leg! Thompson begins struggling, trying to get to the ropes, but Myojin drags him back into the center of the ring! Myojin ups the pressure on Thompson’s kneecap, and Thompson looks close to a tap, but instead NAILS Myojin off the head with a brutal kick! And another! And another! Myojin’s forced to relent, but as they get back to their feet-THOMPSON’S ON THEM WITH THE HIP TRAIN! HOLY SHIT! THOMPSON MAY’VE STOLEN THIS FROM BENEATH US! THOMPSON COVERS!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

NO!!!! MYOJIN GETS A SHOULDER UP! Myojin’s able to quickly transition from the pin into a snapped German Suplex to get Thompson away from them for a moment as they try to recover, while Thompson rolls to the outside! Thompson struggles to get to the barricade and catch a breath, that Hip Train having taken quite a bit out of him, while Myojin pulls themselves up on the ropes! Myojin beckons Thompson to return to the ring, and Thompson takes them up on it, ducking a thrust kick and going for a Standing Hip Train! But Myojin counters with rough elbows to the side of the head, one after the other, targeting Thompson’s already tender skull! Thompson’s forced off, and Myojin rushes forward with a superkick that sends Thompson back into the corner, allowing Myojin to haul him up and into position for a Tornado DDT-AND HE PLANTS THOMPSON! Myojin follows up by leaping up to the top rope! FALLING FROM HEAVEN! He crashes down hard onto TJ Thompson, and goes for a pin!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!!!

NO!!! THOMPSON GETS A SHOULDER UP! The crowd comes unglued! Myojin is furious!

TREY BOOKER: TJ Thompson tonight is trying to show that he’s not a joke! He’s endured all of the damage he can from the talented competitor that is Myojin, but can he make the final connections he needs in order to secure a win?

J.T. PRICE: I’m not sure if he can-but he’s going to damn well try!

Myojin tries to drag Thompson back up to his feet and look for the Hyperpop Buster, but a kick in the skull from Thompson while he’s out on the apron cuts that off in its tracks! Thompson follows up with a DDT over the top rope, and then the For Your Own Good! Myojin crashes roughly to the canvas, and Thompson begins soaking in the crowd’s energy! He drags Myojin up and places them in the corner, getting a running start for the first half of Hip With The Drip and NAILING Myojin with an absolutely ridiculous European Uppercut! He leaps up to the top rope as Myojin stumbles away, and looks for the Coffin Drop!!!

-BUT HE DOESN’T GET IT AS MYOJIN GETS HIM WITH THE LOVE FROM OSAKA! Thompson crumples in midair and crashes to the canvas as Myojin lands next to him! Myojin looks to the top rope, and springs up with incredible speed, leaping BACKWARD FOR FALLING FROM HEAVEN! He crashes down onto Thompson for the second time in this match, and hooks both legs!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match and advancing to the next round… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!

TREY BOOKER: And with that victory we now have our final four! It looked as if TJ Thompson was finally going to slay the beast that he’s never been able to beat in the past, but it just wasn’t in the cards!

J.T. PRICE: Myojin joins Lance Williams, James Raven, and Aiden Reynolds in the second round of the X-Factor Championship Tournament, and what an incredible round that’s going to be!


We once again go backstage, this time to the sight of backstage announcer Crystal Ward, on the search for someone to interview. Hoping to get rid of the bad vibes her run-in with Serrano Poblano left, it seems as if the young reporter is determined to have a segment with some kind of merit. That’s when a voice rings out from somewhere off camera.

LARRY KACHOW: HAAAAAAMMMM, GIRL!

CRYSTAL WARD: Oh please, lord...not him…

Crystal turns to see Larry KaChow swaggering toward her, his head still bandaged from his rough outing on this week’s Fallout.

LARRY KACHOW: If it isn’t Proving Ground’s second best investigative journalist, Crystal KaWard. You know, I have an exclusive interview with Shawn Warstein coming up next, but I could find the time to give you a few KaPointers if you’re in the KaMood…

CRYSTAL WARD: I’m really not. I’d like to find an interview of my own if you don’t mind…

LARRY KACHOW: Oh, Larry don’t mind, Sugar Bear. Larry has no mind at all...wait...let me rephrase that…

CRYSTAL WARD: Really, Larry, I appreciate the offer, but so far my only interview has been with Serrano Poblano and it wasn’t exactly award-winning journalism. Maybe I can track down Tyler Bradford or...I don’t know...El Puma…

LARRY KACHOW: Whatever you say, sexy muffin tops. Just remember, KaChow always has the answers to your deepest, darkest KaQuestions.

Larry continues to pass Crystal on his way to the entrance stage, but for some godforsaken reason, he feels the need to smack Crystal’s rear on his way by. Overcome with sudden rage, Crystal turns to take all of her frustrations out on KaChow, but he’s already running for his life toward the entrance.

CRYSTAL WARD: ...I’m really starting to hate this fucking place...



HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time would you please welcome internationally renown investigative reporter, Monsieur Larry KaChow!

As Larry makes his way into the ring to a mostly negative reaction, we see that he is clearly still suffering from the ordeal he went through on this week’s Fallout. Despite the bandages, he maintains the foul expression he would normally display upon hearing the jeers of the crowd. Inside of the ring, we see that his normal director’s chair is waiting for him. However, instead of a second director’s chair for his guest, something has been covered by a large sheet. Larry picks up his microphone from his chair and glares at the fans who continue to boo him.

LARRY KACHOW: Settle down, mouth-breathers! I don’t have time for your pathetic attempts at hating me this week, because I have a guest that any journalist in the world would be envious of! Finally, Project: Honor is giving my show the kind of respect it deserves because I am going to interview royalty! Now you should all stand on your feet and give my guest the kind of welcome he deserves. He is the reigning Tyrant of Project: Honor, One Half of YOUR Tag Team Champions and the number one contender to the Legacy Championship...Shawn Warstein!

“I Am The King” Begins to blare over the PA System. As pyro begins to pour from the ceiling in gold, Shawn Warstein pops his head from the back and stands at the top of the ramp, both arms extended. He is showered with jeers, but that just makes his smile wider. Every step he takes towards the room seems to be slower than the one preceding it. He takes one last spin and bows to the crowd before walking up the steps and onto the apron.

Once Shawn is in the ring, Larry gives him a deep bow as if he’s meeting an important dignitary. Pleased with this display of proper respect, Warstein holds out the hand where his royal knuckles are resting. For a moment, Larry is taken aback as if he feels unworthy, but finally he leans forward to plant a gentle kiss upon the jeweled knucks of the Tyrant.

LARRY KACHOW: I just have to say what an honor it is to have someone of your grace and stature as my guest this week. I have interviewed celebrities and rap gods, I’ve even sat down with dictators, but I have never before had the opportunity to interview a tyrant! With that in mind, please allow me to reveal your special interview chair!

Larry reaches over to grab the large sheet and gives it a mighty tug, revealing an elaborate throne underneath. The hand-carved throne is adorned with red velvet cushions and golden trim, truly befitting someone of royal stature. With an approving nod, Shawn picks up his microphone from the throne and takes his seat.

WARSTEIN: Well it’s about time someone recognized that one way to get on my good side is to shower me with both gifts and praise.

LARRY KACHOW: As I said, I’ve never had the opportunity to interview a Tyrant before. What’s it like having the opportunity to address your subjects on KaPow with KaChow?

WARSTEIN: Well you are very welcome Chow-Mein. What you don’t understand is I don’t need to have special feelings about my subjects. When I talk they listen and I could really give a shit less if they want to hear what I have to say. You want to know why? They can’t get enough. Love me or Fear me, your eyes are always locked onto your Tyrant.

LARRY KACHOW: Well stated, your lordship! According to Rock Johnson himself, you are the number one contender for The Legacy Championship. What are your thoughts on that eventual opportunity and the current champion, Elena DeDraca?

WARSTEIN: Allow me to be completely honest, well DUH! It’s about time too. When I walked in the doors to this ship with a hole in the bottom, I said one thing. That I would be the FIRST Project Honor Hall of Famer. What better way to do that than avenge my first loss. Elena knows what I’m going to bring to the match, well she THINKS she knows. What I know... is that it’s not going to be like last time.

LARRY KACHOW: It’s almost as if I’m seeing you with that Legacy gold already. Of course, you already have gold in your possession. Recently, you and James Raven issued an open challenge to any team in the world to face you in a Project: Honor ring. Have you had any promising responses?

WARSTEIN: Nope. When I laid the challenge out there all we heard were EXCUSES. People saying yeah we will do it, only for them to quickly tuck their tails and cower in fear. When you face a team that has not one… but TWO certified legends, that tends to be the case.

Larry nods his head to everything that Shawn Warstein has to say, truly enamored with his latest guest.

LARRY KACHOW: I hate to even bring this up, but some say you faced a set-back due to the despicable actions of Ozymandias and Euan Hill. Not only that, but your partner suffered a heinous attack at the hands of Drago Santiago and Pyro. Is there anything you’d like to share with those peasants?

WARSTEIN: Why would I want to address the scum on the bottom of my boot? Ozy said HE was going to beat me, but did he? No, he needed help. Did I have anyone else there to drag my half dead corpse out when I couldn’t stand? No. He can say he slayed the king all he wants. He can scream it from the mountain tops, but the fact remains… I’m still standing here as YOUR TYRANT. As YOUR TAG TEAM CHAMPION. And soon enough… Your LEGACY CHAMPION!

With that proclamation, Larry leaps back to his feet and begins to shout into his microphone.

LARRY KACHOW: All hail the Tyrant! Get on your feet and show some appreciation, you peasants!

The crowd showers both of the men in the ring with a chorus of boos, with some even resorting to throwing trash into the ring. Shawn rises back up from his throne with an arrogant smirk, as Larry desperately tries to bat trash away before it can hit the Tyrant.

LARRY KACHOW: Mr. Warstein, it has been a true honor to have someone as distinguished as you on my show. And...do you think I could hang out with you and James Raven sometime? Lil’ Petey keeps ignoring my calls…

“I Am The King” has already started to play over the loudspeakers, as Shawn takes a few steps toward the ring ropes, either ignoring Larry completely or focusing his mind on more important matters.

LARRY KACHOW: Uh...I think you guys shut my mic off too soon? I don’t think he can hear me. Well, I’m sure the beloved Tyrant and his G.O.A.T. friend will be in touch with me soon, so KaChoke on that losers! Until next time, I’m Monsieur Larry KaChow, and you’re not!


Taking a break from the action, the cameras take us backstage to the temporary office of Indy Darling as he seems to be going over plans for the next edition of Proving Ground before this one is even in the books. While it’s not difficult to read the stress on his young face, Indy still has the door to his office wide open in a very literal “Open Door Policy”. Taking advantage of that fact is none other than a young woman who has had a very rough night, backstage reporter, Crystal Ward. With a mixed expression of hatred and disgust, she storms into Indy’s office without warning.

CRYSTAL WARD: I have had it up to here with all of the perverts and douchebags running around this place! I took this job because I wanted to report on the sport I love, but instead I’m getting treated like a piece of meat by every whack-job you’ve hired since taking over! I swear to God...if you don’t do something...I’m going to bring a lawsuit down on this place that will make Dickie’s rampage look like a toddler’s tantrum!

Totally caught off guard by Crystal’s entrance and a bit fearful for his own safety, Indy scoots back from his desk and waves his hands in a desperate attempt to calm her outrage.

INDY DARLING: Whoa! Slow down, Crystal! I know things can get crazy around here, but I’ll be happy to try solving any problem you might have…

CRYSTAL WARD: Problem? PROBLEM?! I’ll tell you what my problem is; I just had Larry KaChow smack my ass, and that’s after the jobber chef tried to kiss me! Do you realize what could happen to this place if I went public with that kind of harassment?

INDY DARLING: Well...I’m pretty sure we’re on the air right now, so it’s already public. As for KaChow and Poblano, actions like those are completely unacceptable! I won’t tolerate any kind of harassment on this brand against women or men! Not only are they both looking at some stiff fines, but I’m already working on scheduling Sensitivity Training right before our next show. I’m so sorry you were treated that way, and if there’s anything else you need me to do, you only have to let me know.

Crystal seems taken aback by the General Manager’s immediate and decisive response, so much so that she’s momentarily at a loss for words.

CRYSTAL WARD: No...uh...that’s a good start. I...um...I appreciate that, Indy…

INDY DARLING: On a personal note, Crystal. I’m deeply sorry that guys like KaChow and Poblano are what I have to work with. I’ve got people on leave, staff changes, bidding wars with DeMarco every time Johnson brings in a new face...but none of that is a good excuse. Just know that you have my sincerest apologies and that I’ll do my best to make sure that kind of behavior comes to an end.

Again, Crystal seems a bit flustered by the GM’s apology and promises.

CRYSTAL WARD: No, I get it. You don’t have to...that is...it’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. I’ll...I’ll just get back to work…

INDY DARLING: Sure thing, Crystal. And if you need anything else, I’ll be keeping that door open.

The reporter starts to take her leave, but then pauses in the doorway to look back at Indy.

CRYSTAL WARD: So...awhile back, before your injury and the promotion, you asked me out on a date…

INDY DARLING: Yeah, that was totally immature and uncalled for…

CRYSTAL WARD: No, it was sweet, and I never gave you a proper answer. I’d love to have a drink after the show sometime, if you’re not too busy, that is…

Now it is the General Manager who begins to show signs of being flustered, as his cheeks start to flush with a bright, pink hue.

INDY DARLING: Oh...uh...yeah! That is...I’ll have to check with Mr. Johnson on the dating policy but...not that we’re dating! Just a drink! Or a dinner! That is...I’ll check on the policy and we can do it...do dinner...do whatever. I mean...have a...date?

Crystal cannot help but chuckle upon seeing Indy turn into a 12-year-old boy before her eyes.

CRYSTAL WARD: Yeah, you do that. And thanks again, Indy.

With that, she makes her exit, leaving a bewildered and outmatched Indy Darling in her wake.



HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is our main event of the evening and it is scheduled for one fall!

The 'tron lights up with a massive white spray-painted skull on a black background, before realistic eyes suddenly open on it and a scream echoes through the arena. White lights shine along the entrance ramp as the monolith which is Euan Hill emerges, flanked by Aurora Ray. Hill keeps his eyes focused dead ahead as he approaches the ring, storming in and throwing his jacket to the outside as he waits for the match to start.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from The Rivers of Rebirth and weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds…he is “The Outcast” and “The Right Hand of God”...EUAN HILL!!!! And introducing his opponent…

“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, 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 whilst taking in the response from the fans. He soon steps down to the canvas and stretches his arms in the air before readying himself for action. At this stage the music dies away.

HOLLY PEREZ: ...hailing from San Jose, California and weighing in at two hundred and eleven pounds...he is The Project: Honor Grand Champion… “The Straight Shooter”...MARK HUNTER!!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Mark hands the Grand Championship over to the referee, and despite it not being a title match, he gives its metal plate a pat with his hand before it’s carried to a ringside attendant. Euan Hill sees this as his opportunity to catch his opponent off guard, as he charges across the ring in similar fashion to what Scott Oasis did to him at Public Execution. Instead of hitting his target, Euan finds himself taken off his feet as Mark counters his charge with a sudden drop toe hold that sends Hill face first into the bottom turnbuckle! Then, before The Outcast has a chance to recover, Mark begins to unload a series of vicious stomps against the back of Euan’s head and neck, as if he’s trying to make his face become a permanent fixture of the turnbuckle!

TREY BOOKER: The Grand Champion’s not wasting any time taking the fight to Euan Hill with sheer ferocity!

J.T. PRICE: Mark was dealing with some personal issues coming into this one, and he warned The Outcast that he would be taking out his frustrations here tonight!

Mark finally relents from his stomping of Euan’s neck to pull him back up, only to send him right back down with a hard snap suplex! He pulls him up again and...T-Bone Suplex! Mark doesn’t waste a single moment as he pulls Euan up yet again, this time executing a German Suplex that he maintains with a bridge!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Despite the flurry Euan has faced early in this contest, he gets his shoulders off the mat and rolls to his feet, taking a big swing at his aggressor. Mark ducks under the clothesline and hooks both of Euan’s arms behind him before taking him back over with a full nelson suplex!

ONE!
TWO!
KICKOUT!

Again, Euan rolls to his feet, just in time to see Mark leap at him with a dropkick attempt. The Outcast manages to swat Mark’s legs away at the last second to drop him on the mat, and then dives on top of him with a hard elbow! Staying on top of Mark, Euan then unloads a punishing series of mounted strikes, from elbows and forearms to straight punches. While this tactic isn’t meant to completely knock the fight out of the champion, it does break his momentum and briefly slow the match down to a pace The Outcast is better equipped to deal with. When Euan feels that Mark has had enough steam knocked out of him, he pulls him into position for a teardrop suplex that ends with Mark flat on his back. Showing some speed and ferocity of his own, Hill then bounds off the ropes and comes back with a hard running senton across Hunter’s midsection, easily knocking the air from his lungs. Mark doesn’t even have time to catch his breath when Euan pulls him up and forces him into the corner, unloading kicks and knee strikes to keep the champ off balance. Mark takes a desperate big swing of his own at this point, but this time it’s Euan who ducks under it in order to lift Mark and drop him backwards onto the top turnbuckle! Back Superplex connects with a thunderous crash!

ONE!
TWO!
THR - KICKOUT!

The champ is clearly reeling with Euan Hill in control, which he maintains by dropping Mark onto his head with a sick piledriver that most promotions would have banned years ago!

ONE!
TWO!
THR - KICKOUT AGAIN!

Despite being unable to keep Hunter down, Euan shows no frustration as he pulls him back to his feet and then runs to the ropes, charging back with an attempted Come Knocking discus lariat! Using the last bit of ring awareness he has, Mark ducks under the blow and Euan is momentarily off balance from missing his target! Hunter capitalizes on this with a sudden Instant Karma superkick! The strike sends The Outcast into the ropes which prevent him from falling backwards, but as he stumbles forward, Mark hits a second Instant Karma immediately! This time the ropes can’t even contain Euan’s momentum as he falls between them and lands at ringside. Back inside of the ring, Mark takes a second to shake off the damage he’s inflicted before he runs to the ropes and springs off the top. He flies toward Euan with an attempted springboard cross body, but The Outcast manages to briefly catch Mark before turning the move into a front powerslam! With that, both men lay on the ringside floor, momentarily unable to move!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!

Slowly Euan and Mark begin to find their balance and pull themselves to their feet, but instead of rushing back into the ring, they begin to exchange punches, forearms, chops, and elbows at ringside!

FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!

Trey and J.T. sound like they’re in a remake of Parappa the Rapper as they try to call the strikes being thrown, which ultimately ends with a surprise headbutt from Mark Hunter! With Euan stunned, Mark rolls under the bottom rope and then immediately gets back to the floor to break the ref’s count, and then whips Euan into the nearby guardrail! With his opponent exposed, Mark hits a dropkick square to Euan’s chest, then pops back onto his feet and rolls the Outcast onto the apron. With Euan’s head hanging out over the edge of the ring, Mark gets a running start and hits another dropkick, this one squarely against Hill’s temple! The dizzying effect of being kicked in the head has Euan rolling for cover back into the ring, but he still finds himself unable to get onto his feet. Mark takes advantage of the situation by climbing to the top rope, taking a brief moment to find his balance, and then leap off with his Zero Gravity shooting star press! While unable to get onto his feet, Euan is still able to pull up his knees, leaving Mark to crash across them upon his landing!

TREY BOOKER: What a fight being displayed by Euan Hill! This is The Outcast we expected to see against Scott Oasis!

J.T. PRICE: It’s not even a title match, but Euan is fighting as if it were!

With the help of the ropes, Euan Hill gets back on his feet while Mark Hunter is still on the canvas clutching his ribs. Seeing his opponent in peril, Euan staggers forward and reaches down to grab both of Mark’s wrists, then begins to stomp at his skull with the Shallow Water Drowning! After a few hard stomps to the back of Mark’s head, Euan takes a few steps away and his eyes widen like a predator about to pounce on his prey. Dizzy and breathless, Mark still gets to his feet just as Euan charges forward for an attempt at the GBS spinning backfist! Euan’s thick hand finds its target and Mark crashes back down to the canvas with The Outcast’s momentum sending him to the mat as well! With a golden opportunity in his grasp, Euan rolls over to Mark and lays his hand across his chest…

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

No! Somehow the Grand Champion gets his shoulder off the mat at the last second, leaving Euan stunned in disbelief. While normally emotionless and hard to read, it is easy to see the fire and anger in Euan’s eyes as he glares at The Straight Shooter. The Outcast gets back onto his feet and pulls Mark Hunter between his legs, potentially looking for his rarely used powerbombs! He pulls Mark into position but the champion balances on Euan’s shoulders and fires down at him with several straight punches between the eyes! It is enough to take Euan off balance, and he falls backwards with Mark landing on top of him with a few more shots for good measure.

TREY BOOKER: Euan was looking for the win, but Mark Hunter is still in the fight!

J.T. PRICE: You can never count that arrogant bastard out!

As Euan gets to his feet, Mark rushes forward to hook both of The Outcast’s arms, driving him headfirst to the mat with his Extreme Dream DDT! After Euan’s head bounces off the canvas like a basketball, Mark opts to not go for a pin and grabs The Outcast with two handfuls of hair. After pulling him back to his feet, Hunter positions him for The Mercy Killer, his version of a cradle piledriver, and he hits it! Euan’s head takes another hard bounce off the canvas and Mark wastes no time in covering him for the pin!

ONE!
TWO!
THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match by pinfall...The Project: Honor Grand Champion...MARK HUNTER!!!!

TREY BOOKER: The champ did it! He suffered through the best Euan Hill had to offer but in the end he showed all that frustration and aggression with a devastating Mercy Killer!

J.T. PRICE: Was there ever any doubt? Euan showed a lot of promise in the Warrior Rising division, but this was a big leap for...WHAT THE FUCK!?!

TREY BOOKER: OZYMANDIAS!

Mark has barely had time to savor in the moment of having his hand raised when the monstrous Butcher of Reine appears in the ring, apparently having given up his pursuit of Lil’ Petey in search of bigger fish. Hearing the roar of the crowd and sensing that he’s not alone, Mark spins around just in time to be grabbed by the massive arms of the number one contender! Still weak from his main event battle, Mark is nearly helpless as Ozymandias lifts him into the air and then drives him back down to the mat with The Sinking Faith!

Just like that, Mark Hunter is laid out in the middle of the ring as the referee watches on with Mark’s Grand Championship in his grasp. Ozymandias shoots the official a look and reaches out to snatch the title belt away, receiving no argument from the intimidated referee. The Butcher of Reine then takes a long look at the golden championship in his hand, before laying it across Mark Hunter’s chest.

TREY BOOKER: The number one contender has made a statement here tonight as he’s symbolically laid Mark Hunter to rest! Is this what fate has in store for Mark Hunter? Is Ozymandias the one responsible for turning his personal life upside down? Those questions can’t be answered tonight, because we’re out of time! Don’t you dare miss the next Proving Ground!

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