PROVING GROUND XVI: THE FINAL FOUR

Anastasia Baros vs. El Puma

In what turned out to be a disappointment for the fans who arrived early, neither competitor was able to make it to the arena in time. It turns out that El Puma was stuck at home with a severe case of cheese-gut, while Anastasia got on the wrong plane and ended up in Poughkeepsie.

Official Decision: No-Contest



Serrano Poblano vs. Trey Bouchet

Thankfully both of these hungry competitors showed up to deliver for the fans in a match that saw Trey Bouchet live up to the hype surrounding his Project: Honor signing. His chubby, pepper-popping opponent found himself suplexed from one side of the ring to other as Trey put on a suplex clinic. Attempting to show that he could execute his own suplex, Serrano was instead rolled to the mat in an effective inside cradle which was followed by a three count and a disappointing finger wag.

Official Decision: Trey Bouchet defeated Serrano Poblano with The Plex Factor at 3:45



♫ 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 ♫

With No Resolve’s “This Is War” kicking things off, the intro package begins with highlights of the previous edition of Proving Ground. We see The Dragonslayers and Big Drip brawling to a double disqualification before the images change to Lil’ Petey crowd surfing away from a threatening and vengeful Ozymandias.

♫ 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 ♫

Shawn Warstein graced the audience with his presence by appearing on KaPow with Larry KaChow, earning himself a throne fit for a king. Someone who had less of a stellar night was Crystal Ward, who endured various acts of harassment before General Manager Indy Darling ultimately ordered sensitivity training for the offending parties.

♫ ♫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 ♫

Perhaps the biggest action of the night came from the first round of the X-Factor Championship tournament as Lance Williams made it past Cadillac Jackson and James Raven put down Blair Regent. The more competitive contests of the first round saw Aiden Reynolds get by Emmanuelle, while MYOJIN outlasted TJ Thompson.

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

Finally we see images from last episode’s main event, as Mark Hunter defeated Euan Hill in non-title competition, only for Ozymandias to lay him out as the show came to its conclusion. As the intro nears its end, there is a focus on the Final Four members of the X-Factor Tournament; MYOJIN, Lance Williams, Aiden Reynolds, and James Raven, along with more highlights from Lil’ Petey and Mark Hunter, to hype one of the most unexpected main events in Proving Ground history.

♫ 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 ♫

As the song reaches its conclusion with the determined face of Mark Hunter and a...cocky expression from Lil’ Petey, the video package fades out into the Proving Ground Logo.




Pyrotechnics erupt throughout the Expotrade Arena in Curitiba, Brazil as the main cameras pan around the sold-out crowd to pick up the rabid fans and their homemade signs.

“EL GRAN PETEY!”
“PAT ALSO DELIVERS PIZZA AND BABIES”
“AIDEN, WILL YOU TAKE ME TO PROM?”
“IF HUNTER WINS WE RIOT”
“THIS SIGN WAS FUNDED BY SCOTT OASIS”

Finally the cameras come to rest on the announce team of Trey Booker and JT Price as they enthusiastically begin to welcome viewers to another episode of their favorite wrestling program.

TREY BOOKER: Good evening and welcome to Proving Ground: The Final Four! Tonight we’ll be one step closer to crowning a new X-Factor Champion as Lance Williams meets MYOJIN and Aiden Reynolds faces off with James Raven!

J.T. PRICE: A main event match anywhere in the world...

TREY BOOKER: In addition to those great contests, we’ll have Scott Oasis in his first title defense as Warrior Rising Champion when he meets “The Platinum Standard” Emmanuelle!

J.T. PRICE: Which could steal the show if Indy hadn’t limited them to ten minutes…

TREY BOOKER: And in our main event, it’s the title bout that no one thought they’d ever see and no one even asked for, as Mark Hunter answers his critics by putting the Grand Championship on the line against...Lil’ Petey?

J.T. PRICE: BWHA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

TREY BOOKER: So don’t even think about going anywhere, because this promises to be a Proving Ground with more twists and turns than that Ford Taurus from Driver’s Ed!





HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… Already in the ring… They’re The Dragon Slayers… SAAAAMMMM STTTTTEEEEEELLLLLEEEE and MIIIICCCCHHHHHAAAAEEEELLLLL SHHHHHHAAAAWWWW!!!

"Now That We're Dead" by Metallica fades out as Sam Steele and Michael Shaw stand in the ring waiting for their opponents.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next… The first of their opponents… CAAAADDDDIIIIILLLLLLLLLAAAACCCC JAAAACCCCCKKKKKSSSSOOOONNN!!!

ALL OF THE LIGHTS.

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

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next… The second of their opponents… PAAAAATTTTT THHHHHEEEE POOOOSSSSTTTTMMMMAAAANNN!!!

The large man comes out from the back, the earth shaking with every step. With his cat Jess on his shoulder, he makes his presence felt as he enters the ring.

DING! DING! DING!

Cadillac Jackson is the one who starts the match out of him and Pat The Postman and it’s Sam Steele who starts out of him and Michael Shaw. It’s Cadillac who wastes no time in taking down Sam with a very Heavy Lariat nearly taking his head off. Cadillac isn’t done there as he gets Sam up to his feet only to do a Fisherman Suplex on him and then gets straight up to his feet. This time Cadillac whips Sam into the turnbuckle where Pat is and makes the tag. That’s when Pat picks Sam up in a Powerbomb position, on the way down from the Powerbomb, Cadillac hits the Backstabber onto Sam. Cadillac makes his way out of the ring as Pat The Postman goes for an early pin.

ONE…

TWO…

KICKOUT BY SAM STEELE!!!

TREY BOOKER: Pat The Postman trying to get this match over with early!

J.T. PRICE: Shame the Post Office never delivers early!

Pat is now up and he hits a perfect Standing Moonsault on Sam before going to tag Cadillac back in. Pat picks Sam up in a Military Press as Cadillac bends on one knee and Pat drops Sam midsection-first onto Cadillac’s knee before getting out of the ring. That’s when Michael Shaw has seen enough and gets into the ring and takes Cadillac down to one knee with a Chopblock before following it up with a Roundhouse Kick to Cadillac’s head and drags Sam onto Cadillac for the pin.

ONE…

TW…

KICKOUT BY CADILLAC JACKSON!!!

TREY BOOKER: Now The Dragonslayers are trying to get the match over with a pin!

J.T. PRICE: Trying being the main word.

Michael Shaw is trying to get in the ring again but the ref has noticed and is dealing with that, giving Pat the chance to get into the ring. Pat picks Sam up with one hand and slams Sam back down to the mat before dragging Cadillac to the corner. The ref turns around just as Pat tags himself in, leading Cadillac to roll to the outside of the ring as Pat gets in the ring. Pat grabs Sam and drags him to his feet and throws him into his corner where Michael is standing. Michael tags himself in as Pat just stands there smiling while Michael gets into the ring.

Pat charges over to Michael, grabbing him only for Michael to rake the eyes of Pat before sweeping his feet out and sending Pat down to the mat. Michael makes his way up to the turnbuckle as Pat starts getting to his feet. Michael jumps off the turnbuckle trying to take Pat down with a Crossbody but Pat manages to catch him. Pat instantly runs with Michael in his arms doing a Front Flip Splash keeping hold of Michael as he flipped over to hit the Splash to the mat and goes for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THR… KICKOUT BY MICHAEL SHAW!!!

TREY BOOKER: Another failed pin attempt!

J.T. PRICE: They must be going for the World Record in pin attempts.

Pat is back to his feet as he walks over to Cadillac who is back on the apron. Pat tags in Cadillac who gets in the ring just as Michael has managed to crawl to the corner to tag in Sam. Cadillac and Sam are both in the ring as they run at each other both going for a Clothesline but both managing to stay on their feet. Sam runs at the ropes and goes for another Clothesline only for Cadillac to take him off his feet with the Jack Em Up(Front Flip Spear) but instead of going for the pin Cadillac tags in Pat The Postman.

TREY BOOKER: Cadillac could’ve had the win there!

J.T. PRICE: Cadillac is on fire! He could’ve ended the match but he and Pat clearly want to toy with The Dragonslayers before slaying them.

Pat The Postman climbs to the top of the turnbuckle, jumping off to hit Sam with Post Of The Lion (Top Rope Jumping Moonsault) crushing him on impact. As soon as Pat goes for the pin Michael is having none of it as he breaks it up before the ref can even start the count. The Ref is getting Michael out of the ring as Cadillac comes in and both him and Pat pick Sam up as Cadillac hits Sam with a Superkick and Pat The Postman follows it up with an Overhead Belly To Belly Suplex.

Cadillac Jackson manages to get out of the ring just in time as the ref turns around to see Pat The Postman tag Cadillac in. Pat gets out of the ring as Cadillac steps between the ropes. Sam still hasn’t moved from the mat as Cadillac looks over at Michael Shaw and just gives him a goofy grin before goading him to enter the ring. The Ref doesn’t have chance to stop Michael as he gets into the ring only for Cadillac to hit him with The Test Drive (Hellavator) before getting up, running to bounce off the ropes and hitting Michael with a Dropkick as he lays on the mat, sending Michael flying out of the ring.

Somehow Sam, with the aid of the ropes, has managed to get back up to his feet and as Cadillac turns around he is met by a Dropkick from Sam. Sam then runs over and hits a Dropkick on Pat The Postman knocking him off the apron and causing Pat to hit his jaw on the apron as he is knocked to the floor. Cadillac is back to his feet and grabs hold of Sam from behind hitting him with a German Suplex and keeps hold of him to do another German Suplex, once again keeping hold of him to hit a Dragon Suplex before going for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THR… THE PIN IS ONLY JUST BROKEN UP BY MICHAEL SHAW!!!

TREY BOOKER: How is Michael Shaw still able to move?

J.T. PRICE: I’d say bravery but at this point I think it’s more through stupidity.

Cadillac is back up to his feet at the same time as Michael, and Michael tries to Suplex Cadillac but the attempt is blocked as Cadillac hits a Snap Suplex instead. Cadillac then picks Michael up and tosses him out of the ring as Pat The Postman is now getting to his feet. Cadillac has had enough now as he picks up Sam Steele and tags Pat just as he gets on the apron. Pat enters the ring and as Pat hits a Clothesline on Sam, Cadillac hits a Chop block at the same time, sending Sam somersaulting and crashing to the mat.

Pat The Postman then hits a Standing Moonsult on Sam before he tags Cadillac again. Cadillac makes his way up to the top of the turnbuckle and jumps off, hitting Sam with the Going Over(Swanton Bomb) and goes for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!!!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winners of this match by PINFALL… CAAAADDDDIIIIILLLLLLLLLAAAACCCC JAAAACCCCCKKKKKSSSSOOOONNN and PAAAAATTTTT THHHHHEEEE POOOOSSSSTTTTMMMMAAAANNN!!!

TREY BOOKER: That was some impressive teamwork from Cadillac Jackson and Pat the Postman! They really are starting to show some great tag team cohesion. Do you think there’s a future for those two as a team with Legacy holding the tag straps?

J.T. PRICE: BWHA HA HA HA HA!!!

TREY BOOKER: Will you stop doing that?!



As promised and advertised, Proving Ground General Manager, Indy Darling, gathered a group of concerned employees in one of the arena’s conference rooms for Sensitivity Training earlier this afternoon. To document the fulfilment of his promise, Indy had a camera operator on stand-by. The following are the essential points discussed among the concerned parties.

Scattered amongst the catering tables and showing various states of attentiveness, we see Crystal Ward, Larry KaChow, Serrano Poblano, the members of Big Drip Productions, MYOJIN, Proving Ground’s announce team of Trey Booker and JT Price, and Assistant to the General Manager, Caden Young. Indy himself, stands at the front of the room, having just finished up showing a PowerPoint presentation.

INDY DARLING: I guess that just about does it, guys. Now does anyone have any questions regarding how they are expected to behave as representatives of Proving Ground and Project: Honor in general?

Crystal Ward, who seems to be the most attentive of the group, immediately raises her hand.

INDY DARLING: Yeah, Crystal. Go ahead.

CRYSTAL WARD: I was just wondering when we should expect KaChow to get fired, considering that he’ll be the first to break every rule that was on your PowerPoint?

LARRY KACHOW: Hey! That’s Monsieur KaChow to you, babe!

INDY DARLING: Look, no one’s getting fired today. I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page moving forward. Larry will have the same chance to prove himself as everyone else.

LARRY KACHOW: Yeah! You tell her, dawg! Now let’s get on to the important stuff, like that creep over there in the corner!

Larry stands up from his chair and points a finger at MYOJIN, who is indeed sitting alone in the corner with his arms crossed and an uninterested look on his face.

INDY DARLING: Actually...I’m not even sure why he’s here…

LARRY KACHOW: He’s here because he almost knocked my head off during my first night on the job! That and I took the liberty of forwarding him your email…

INDY DARLING: Right. You actually had that one coming to you, Larry. You were being a real dirtbag. It’s also specifically written into your contract that the talent has every right to treat you as they would a hostile opponent in the ring. I’m really sorry about this, Myo...you can leave.

The Shining Star mutters the words ‘whatever’ before rising from his seat and taking his leave.

INDY DARLING: So anyone else, or is that all…

This time it is Trey Booker who interrupts, rising from his seat like a gentleman and straightening his sports coat.

TREY BOOKER: I’d like to address the Sensitivity Council, your honor.

INDY DARLING: We’re not really a…

TREY BOOKER: I think we need to address the fact that this man sitting next to me, one Mr. J.T. Price is not willing to take his job as seriously as he should. I am a respected broadcaster and play-by-play analyst…

J.T. PRICE: Pft! You said ‘anal’!

TREY BOOKER: *Ahem* As I was saying, I am a respected broadcaster and I deserve to be partnered with someone who takes their position a little more seriously.

INDY DARLING: That’s great, Trey, and I understand what you’re getting at, but this isn’t really the time or place for that. If you have personal complaints about J.T I'd be happy to listen once the meeting has concluded. So, if there’s no further questions we can all…

Just as an annoyed Trey Booker is sitting back down, Serrano Poblano speaks up from the catering buffet line.

SERRANO POBLANO: Yo, hoss! I got something!

With a heavy sigh, Indy turns his attention toward The Heater as he points his finger across the room at the members of Big Drip, who are giggling amongst each other while playing with their mobile devices.

SERRANO POBLANO: What are those dweebs doing here?

LARRY KACHOW: Watch who you’re calling dweebs, fatty! That’s my posse!

SERRANO POBLANO: More like your ‘pussy’... *snort*

INDY DARLING: Come on, guys, that’s enough. TJ did write a formal complaint about Obama but I don’t think he’s gonna show. I needed a certain number of people to make this an official meeting for Mr. Johnson’s records anyway...

J.T. PRICE: Pft...you said ‘Johnson’!

TREY BOOKER: Dear lord, help me…

LARRY KACHOW: Maybe he’ll help you remove the corn cob from your ass…

J.T. PRICE: ASS!! *lulz*

CRYSTAL WARD: Don’t talk to him like that, you childish loser!

LARRY KACHOW: Why? Are you boning him and Indy both?

CRYSTAL WARD: Trey and I broke up months ago, not that it’s any business of yours!

TREY BOOKER: I’ll have you know, it was her, not me…

SERRANO POBLANO: Wait...who’s boning who? And how do I get involved?

Indy Darling hangs his head in defeat, fully aware that he’s lost complete control of his meeting. This sudden arguing and talk about boning does manage to grab the attention of Big Drip, however.

LIL’ PETEY: I boned Sauce’s mom! Does the guy with mustard on his chest want TJ’s turn?

YUNG SAUCE: Nah...Momma Sauce got some standards…

TJ THOMPSON: I bet Obama has this whole place bugged...

Desperate for help, Indy looks over to Caden Young, who has had his head resting between his arms on the surface of a table for the entirety of the meeting.

INDY DARLING: Caden? Maybe you could add something…

LIL’ PETEY: Nah, bro! He’s sleeping with Prince Valium. He said something about needing to sleep off a hangy from last night…

TREY BOOKER: CHILD!

J.T. PRICE: CODGER!

LARRY KACHOW: SKANK!

CRYSTAL WARD: PIG!

SERRANO POBLANO: MMM PICKLES!

LIL’ PETEY: Don’t worry, Indy! You gave me a title shot so I got your back! Hey people I don’t know! FOOD FIGHT!

With Petey’s declaration of war, Serrano Poblano rears back to throw a full jar of pickles across the room. It lands with a thunk against the head of TJ Thompson, who collapses onto the ground while muttering something about Obama. Larry KaChow rushes to the buffet table to grab a spray can of whipped cream, which he uses to chase a repulsed Crystal Ward around the conference room as he wags his tongue like a dog in heat. Looking to avenge their fallen brother, Petey and Sauce charge the buffet table and tip it over onto Serrano, who opens his mouth wide to catch any food particles that fall toward his face. Even Trey and JT get in on the action, however instead of food, Proving Ground’s play-by-play man chooses to strangle his partner in a blatant act of attempted murder. As everything continues to fall into madness, Caden remains sound asleep and Indy Darling can do nothing but watch his meeting devolve into utter chaos. It’s at that moment that Rock Johnson enters the conference room, intent on seeing the progress, or lack thereof, that his hand-picked General Manager has been making. It is enough to make everyone stop dead in their tracks.

ROCK JOHNSON: WHAT IN THE BLUE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE?

INDY DARLING: Oh...uh...this is our…

ROCK JOHNSON: Where is that roody-poo James Raven?

INDY DARLING: He...uh...wasn’t invited?

The Project: Honor owner strides across the room until he’s uncomfortably close to Indy Darling, a look of intensity upon his face.

ROCK JOHNSON: That man...urinated in my desk.

INDY DARLING: Right…

ROCK JOHNSON: There will be no more...urinating...on company property. Is that clear?

INDY DARLING: Crystal...

CRYSTAL WARD: Yeah?

INDY DARLING: No, not you. Crystal clear...that’s crystal clear, sir.

Johnson continues to size up his General Manager, still unconvinced that his message has been received.

ROCK JOHNSON: It’s bad enough that DeMarco’s antics have The FCC up my ass. I expected better out of you, Terry.

INDY DARLING: Wait..what…

ROCK JOHNSON: I expected the Thundering Terry Marshall that I heard of to run a tighter ship.

INDY DARLING: You don’t even know my name…

ROCK JOHNSON: IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS! Now get your shit together before I put…

Johnson turns and points toward the sleeping Caden Young.

ROCK JOHNSON: ...whoever that is in charge!

With that, Rock Johnson turns back to leave the way he came as the scene reaches its conclusion.




HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is scheduled for a ten minute time limit and it is for The Project: Honor Warrior Rising Championship!

“Cash Flow” by Ace Hood plays out through the arena speakers as Emmanuelle emerges from backstage, holding her WrestleWorld Shogun Championship on her shoulder. She makes a stride toward the arena, taking a few steps toward the ring and stopping short as she looks around the crowd before leaping up onto the apron and sliding through the middle rope. She postures in the corner, before passing her belt off to someone on the outside.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from Pacific Palisades, California...she is “The Platinum Standard”...EMMANUELLE!!!

“Bop” by CJ plays out as Oasis’ MMA roots show in his entrance as he doesn’t do anything too extravagant himself, staying focused on the task at hand while the red carpet is rolled out around him to express how big of a deal he is. Scott Oasis’ wealthy status speaks for itself when he comes out in special made Gucci boxing shorts and 1000 dollar boots made in a collaboration by Adidas x Virgil. He shadow boxes in his Big Oasis Brand and skullcap while his hype men hold up the boombox playing his theme. Young Reyhan carries the PH Warrior Rising Championship on his shoulder.

HOLLY PEREZ: And her opponent, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...he is the reigning Warrior Rising Champion… “The Brand”... “The Iceman”... “The Vanilla Gorilla”...SCOTT OASIS!!!

As both competitors get to the ring-the bell rings and they immediately go to work!

Oasis and Emmanuelle begin jockeying back and forth for control, Emmanuelle managing to somehow muscle Oasis to the ground before Oasis uses his brute strength to get back to his feet, and throw Emmanuelle to the canvas. Oasis follows up with a running knee to the side of the head, but Emmanuelle dives low, evading the knee at the last possible second. She springs back to her feet and hits Oasis with a superkick that sends the Iceman back into the corner, to which she follows up with a massive running big boot into the corner! Oasis falls out, and Emmanuelle goes for a Victory Roll-and she gets it!

ONE!

TWO!!

NO! Oasis kicks out!

TREY BOOKER: Oasis is really on the defensive here early on! If Emmanuelle can keep this up, he’s gonna be in a bad way!

The Warrior Rising Champion goes to the ropes, but Emmanuelle stomps on his hand to keep him from moving away, before following up with a big basement dropkick to the side of the head. Oasis is taking an onslaught here as Emmanuelle keeps her offensive up, dragging him into the corner and firing off three rapid-fire forearms before whipping him out of the corner. She goes to the middle rope, and then the top rope, leaping back-AND INTO THE ARMS OF SCOTT OASIS FOR A MASSIVE SPINNING POWERSLAM! Oasis plants Emmanuelle, and covers her!

ONE!

TWO!!

NO! Emmanuelle manages a kick-out this time, but as Oasis comes to follow-up, she sends him back with a brutal kick to the head. Oasis falls to a knee, and Emmanuelle follows up with a running step up DDT-but Oasis catches her and rams her forward into the corner with a big buckle slam! Emmanuelle falls out of the corner, and Oasis follows up with a big lariat, before following up with an elbow to the back of the head, and then a BIG Release German Suplex! Emmanuelle hits the canvas hard, and tries to roll away, holding her neck as she does so-but Oasis puts her down with a sliding sit-out lariat!

J.T. PRICE: Oasis has begun throwing all of his weight into this match, trying to suppress Emmanuelle before she can get another bout of offense off!

Oasis yanks Emmanuelle to her feet and tries to get her up for the Downfall, but Emmanuelle manages to evade it at the last possible second by counter into a ‘rana takedown! Oasis tries to stumble back to his feet, but Emmanuelle fires off an Enziguri and then a knee into the side of Oasis’ head! Oasis falls back into the ropes, and Emmanuelle sends him to the outside with a big lariat, before rebounding off the ropes and getting a massive speed boost for a massive suicide missile dropkick! Oasis crashes against the barricade with a great deal of force as Emmanuelle throws all of her weight into the kick, before rolling off of Oasis and going to the apron. She pulls herself up onto the apron, and looks back to Oasis as she goes up to the middle rope, leaping backward for an elbow strike-

-but Oasis ducks out of the way, and Emmanuelle crashes into the barricade elbow-first! She cries out in pain, wringing her elbow out as she does so. Oasis slides back out of the ring, getting a running start and NAILING her with a lariat that sends her ass over head! He pulls her back up and into a powerbomb position, POWERBOMBING Emmanuelle into the apron with a great deal of force before sliding her back into the ring! He dives in and goes for a cover on Emmanuelle!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

NO!

TREY BOOKER: EMMANUELLE GETS ANOTHER KICKOUT! Oasis drags her back to her feet, he’s looking for that Seek and Destroy-but she manages to get away!

Emmanuelle nails Oasis with a thrust kick out of nowhere, sending the big man back. She follows up with another thrust kick to the knee, dropping Oasis to his own knees, before she follows up with a knee strike to the jaw, another thrust kick, and then an Enziguri to top off the three piece combination! Oasis hits the canvas, seemingly knocked out from the last salvo, but Emmanuelle’s not done yet, hooking both of his arms together and trying for the Pasadena Bomb, but Oasis manages to counter and dump Emmanuelle back! He takes a few steps forward-but Emmanuelle comes at him from behind with a MASSIVE SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO SEND HIM BACK INTO THE CORNER! She follows up with the Platinum Dynamic to the back of Oasis’ head, and rolls him out before diving on him for a cover!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

NO!!! SOMEHOW OASIS KICKS OUT AGAIN! Emmanuelle staggers over to the ropes and tries to pull herself back up, looking to come at Oasis for the Palisades Bomber!

-AND SHE GETS IT! She hits the Palisades Bomber, and hooks both legs!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREE!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match and NEWWWW Warrior Rising Champion… “The Platinum Standard”...EMMANUELLE!!!

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle has done it! We have a new Warrior Rising Champion with barely any time to spare!

J.T. PRICE: This is incredible! The new champion is celebrating in the ring, and a dazed Scott Oasis looks just as surprised as we are!

TREY BOOKER: Anything can happen on Proving Ground and Emmanuelle is living proof of it!



LARRY KACHOW: Awwwww yeah, dawgs! It’s the mother lovin’ Booze Cruise, brought to you by the boyz from Big Drip Productions! Even reclusive entertainment journalist, Peter Littleton, is calling it the must-see event of the summer! Sign up now for all the fruity drinks, spotfests, and bikini-clad KaTitties you can handle! I’ll be on board, but don’t let that stop you! Book your reservations today!



Proving Ground has been action packed since the start with many great talents looking to prove themselves here in Project: Honor. Suddenly there is commotion in the crowd, the sound of cheers grows and grows before the Honor-Tron picks up a face that's familiar to hardcore wrestling fans.

TREY BOOKER: Wait a minute J.T…. That's Brandon Hendrix! Brandon Hendrix is in the crowd!

J.T. PRICE: One of the hottest free agents in the world of professional wrestling and he's front row here live on Proving Ground!

TREY BOOKER: I wonder what he is doing here. Whatever it is, we hope he enjoys the show like all you fans are tuning in.




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

As Larry makes his way into the ring to the negative reaction he’s become accustomed to, he scowls at the fans to show his displeasure. Larry picks up his microphone from his director’s chair and then gives the guest chair an uncertain glance before he begins to address the audience.

LARRY KACHOW: Trust me, morons, I’m not any more excited about tonight’s interview than you are. Since I’ve arrived in Project: Honor, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing bonafide royalty and a legit hip god. Other than that rocky start with bitchy-pants MYOJIN, things have been going pretty good on KaPow! I guess nothing lasts forever, because tonight my special guest is some fisherman from Alaska who’s recently crossed paths with our beloved Tyrant and our future Grand Champion, Lil’ Petey! So keep that in mind as he makes his way down to the ring… “The Butcher of Reine”...Ozymandias!

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 at the visibly nervous interviewer who has trouble meeting his gaze. He cracks his neck in both directions then power-squats onto the apron, before entering through the ropes. As Ozymandias methodically walks toward the center of the ring, ignoring the chair that has been set up for him, Larry KaChow takes a step back and sheepishly smiles at his intimidating guest. Once the music dies down, Ozymandias remains standing as Larry glances around the ring in an attempt to avoid his guest’s cold stare.

LARRY KACHOW: Hey there...big guy. It’s...uh...it’s a great honor to have you on my show. If you want to take a seat, we can get started…

Larry motions toward the guest chair, but in response, Ozymandias simply crosses his arms and chooses to remain standing.

LARRY KACHOW: Or...not. We can totally do this standing up. Heh...that’s what she said! Am I right?

Larry holds out his hand as if expecting a fist bump, but his guest remains unmoving. KaChow slowly pulls his hand back and tries to continue without looking too flustered.

LARRY KACHOW: Ooookay. Let’s get this thing started with a ‘getting to know you’ question. You’re totally into an ancient space god that lives under the ocean. Maybe you can enlighten all the KaCatholics here in Brazil about the Cult of A-choo-loo.

Ozymandias seems unimpressed with Larry, his stance going from folded arms to a more concentrated hands on hips.

LARRY KACHOW: Um, next question? I recently had your old enemy, the regal and virtuous Shawn Warstein as a guest on KaPow. I don’t remember exactly what he had to say about you, but I’m sure it was very flattering. Is there anything you’d like to share about your rivalry with The Tyrant?

OZYMANDIAS: He is no Tyrant. He is a pest, a rodent. A cheating coward, a crying baby. You embarrass yourself when you refer to him as a Tyrant.

Larry nods, expecting Ozymandias to go on but the sudden awkward silence urges him onwards.

LARRY KACHOW: Sooo...What about your most recent appearance on Proving Ground? You had a one-on-one match with Lil’ Petey that ended in a double countout and possibly contributed to him getting a championship match here tonight. Care to share some kind words about my boy, Petey?

OZYMANDIAS: The foolish decisions of an inexperienced executive. Indy Darling thought he was adding humour to his show, perhaps to make a mockery of me? Or a mockery of that idiotic clown Petey. It matters not, I failed my mission… I wanted his head for my wall.

Larry gives Ozymandias a smile, thinking he is making an attempt at humour but that is not the case. Ozymandias is growing impatient and moves back into a bored, arms folded pose.

LARRY KACHOW: Well...No matter what happens in the main event tonight, you’ve got a Grand Championship match at Proving Ground’s next Pay Per View event, Hell on Earth. You made a statement by leaving the current champ, Mark Hunter, laid out in the middle of the ring at the end of the last episode. Care to make a more verbal statement regarding the Straight Shooter?

OZYMANDIAS: Once again, you ask me foolish questions, like a simpleton with a microphone. Do I have a statement to make? Did you not see how effortlessly I surged through Hunter? Did you not see the fear in his eyes?

Ozymandias steps forward, tossing the guest chair aside and leaning over Larry. Almost face to face, Larry backs up to curl into the chair behind him.

OZYMANDIAS: You have awarded the runts of the litter, given your golden accolades to frauds. You praise the weak, the loud, the beautiful, yet those working the hardest are left to the shadows. Hunter is not the end, he is only the beginning. One by one, I will break every star in this company, every champion, every false idol.

Ozymandias is now leaning over Larry so much that he’s got both knees tucked into his chest, with Ozymandias holding his chair in place.

LARRY KACHOW: Heh...You know...I was afraid that you’d come out here and be a KaJerk by trying to intimidate me or something, but you’re not such a bad guy.

Ozymandias shakes his head in disappointment and releases the grasp over Larry, turning to leave the ring. Larry tries to call him back, to stay as he reaches out to punch Ozymandias lightly on the shoulder as if they were best buddies. The Butcher of Reine slowly glances over at his shoulder and then back to KaChow, whose smile quickly begins to fade into a more concerned expression.

LARRY KACHOW: Uh...way to leave me hanging there, big guy. You Cthulhu guys aren’t big on showing warmth, huh? I’m more of a Nyarlathotep guy myself. Calamari usually gives me the KaSquirts…

Ozymandias’ eyes narrow and his brow wrinkles, clear indications that he’s had enough of Larry’s foolishness. He takes one giant step forward, but before he can physically threaten the host, Larry turns to run and dives between the ring ropes. Ozymandias continues to slowly stride after him, while Larry seems to develop a plan of escape at ringside. He climbs onto the guardrail, motions for the ringside fans to get on their feet, and then dives forward in an attempt to crowd surf to safety just like Lil’ Petey did two weeks ago.

Instead, the crowd parts, refusing to aid in Larry’s escape or even touch him in the slightest. KaChow crashes face first on the arena floor, effectively knocking himself unconscious with Ozymandias not even bothering to lay a finger on him. Seeing his prey laid out and humiliated, The Butcher of Reine realizes that it’s not worth the effort, as he shakes his head before making his way back toward the entrance.








HOLLY PEREZ: This next contest is an X-Factor Title Tournament Semi-Final Match! Introducing first… From San Diego, California and weighing in at one hundred and sixty five pounds… “The Shining Star”...MYOJIN!!!


Are you ready?

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

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

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

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent… Residing in Los Angeles, California... weighing in at three hundred and fifteen pounds… 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 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.

DING! DING! DING!

MYOJIN and Williams walk out towards the center of the ring. The bigger man motions for MYOJIN to come towards him for a tie-up. As MYOJIN does so, Lance breaks off, turns to the crowd and flexes. The crowd gives a very mixed response. MYOJIN responds by stomping his foot and yelling. MYO snaps and shoves Lance, not budging him much, but Williams responds by standing in place. Finally, Lance holds a hand out, and MYOJIN, for some reason, decides to accept the handshake. Williams grabs hold tight and gives MYOJIN a Biel throw by the arm, the throw sends The Shining Star flying across the ring. Myojin lands on his ass with a thud, rolls over, and holds his back whilst looking outraged.

TREY BOOKER: I think MYOJIN wishes he was fifty pounds heavier and about four inches taller right now.

J.T. PRICE: Don’t be so sizeist!!

MYOJIN shoots back to his feet and uses his speed to get around the side of Williams. MYOJIN tries to pick the ankle of the big man but is having trouble lifting the big ham hock up. Williams looks down with clear arrogance at MYOJIN struggling to move him. Lance then hammers MYO in the back of the head. MYOJIN falls to his knees holding the back of his head. Williams bulldozes the smaller man back into a neutral corner. The referee quickly asks for the clean break which he's given. Lance smiles and calls MJOYIN out to the center of the ring. He comes forward and latches on to a side headlock! Lance Williams backs MYO up against the ropes before shooting him across the ring, The Technical Aristocrat bounces off the ropes straight into a military press, Lance holds him high overhead, after a short pause he drops MYOJIN to the mat.

J.T. PRICE: MYOJIN’s gonna have to put in some work if he wants to take that big meat mountain down!!

MYOJIN gets to his feet, gritting his teeth in annoyance at being dumped so easily. Both men talk shit once more before approaching each other, again MYOJIN snatches a side headlock. MYOJIN cranks on the head of Williams before Lance again backs him up against the ropes, Lance shoots MYO across the ring, MYOJIN bounces off the ropes where he's lifted up again in a military press again! The crowd roars as Williams turns it into a military press dropped into a massive powerslam!

TREY BOOKER: Oh Lawd, when did Lance get this impressive?

J.T. PRICE: This is a really strong start from the man many have dismissed as a factor in this tournament.

MYOJIN is quickly to both knees, yelling in pain as he clutches at his back while the crowd pops for the move. MYOJIN takes a second before standing up to a vertical base. He and Williams look to approach each other again but MYOJIN takes a back waist lock before dropping down and yanking both massive feet out from under Williams, the move sends Lance crashing down. MYOJIN quickly floats over into a front face lock before quickly paintbrush slapping Lance Williams across the back of the head to an “ooh” from the crowd. MYOJIN is quickly to his feet where he taunts Lance, receiving a pop in the process.

TREY BOOKER: I don't think Lance would have expected MYOJIN to find a way to take him down so quickly.

J.T. PRICE: Yeah, MYOJIN's not gonna have good luck slamming that man, but there are other ways to take him down and win a fight.

Williams starts working his way back to his feet where he and MYOJIN circle each other once more before Williams drives a knee into the midsection of his smaller opponent. Williams follows up with a clubbing blow across the back before raising MYOJIN up for a hard right hand. Lance backs MJOYIN up against the ropes before hurling him across the ring, he bounces off the ropes and into an overhead release belly to belly suplex! Lance quickly makes the cover...

ONE!

TWO!

T...KICK OUT BY MYOJIN!!

MYOJIN escapes the near fall! Williams is back to his feet where he picks MYOJIN up off the mat before muscling him back into a neutral corner with a shoulder block. Williams lays several stiff shoulders to the midsection before following up with a chop across the chest to a "WOOOOO" from the crowd! Williams fires MYOJIN across the ring and into the opposite buckles, MYO bounces off the buckles where he's met with a sidewalk slam by the big man.

TREY BOOKER: Wow… this version of Lance Williams could be a match for anyone on the roster.

J.T. PRICE: Lil Petey take notes… you can be the underdog and not have to shit yourself. Everyone has a chance in Project Honor!

TREY BOOKER: Petey as Champ will be about as welcome as a fart in an astronaut's suit!

Lance picks MYOJIN up before taking him by the throat where he looks to deliver a chokeslam! Williams hoists MYOJIN up in the air only to have MYO free himself from Lance's grasp on the way up. MYOJIN lands on his feet! Williams spins around where he eats a boot to the midsection. MYOJIN takes a front face lock before hoisting the larger Williams up in the air with a suplex. Somewhat predictably, his back arches in agony and he can't lift Lance's giant frame any more than Lance will let him. MYOJIN releases the suplex, holding his back and turning around in pain. Williams stalks after him, ready to grab him by the head, but MYOJIN instead gives him a quick and crafty headbutt that sends Lance wheeling back. The big man is stunned! He falls against the ropes, looking confused. MYOJIN runs across the ring where he bounces off the opposite ropes, he gains full speed before driving a flying back elbow to the throat of Williams which sends Lance falling between the ropes to the apron. MYOJIN holds his arms out, gaining a respectable reaction from the crowd. Williams pulls himself up on the apron, shaking his head out, MYOJIN sprints forward and delivers a shoulder between the middle ropes that catches Lance right in the breadbasket as he steadies himself on the apron. A stunned Williams falls completely off the apron, the big man turning in mid air and landing sternum and chest first into the security railing!

TREY BOOKER: Talk about a HUGE momentum shifter!

J.T. PRICE: That was a nasty fall off the ring apron to say the least.

MYOJIN rolls out to the floor where he lays a few boots to the fallen Williams. He holds a hand up to the crowd, getting a running start and then he lands a wicked knee lift as Lance tries to pull himself up, with such wild speed and velocity that both men slam into the guardrail! The crowd pops huge for the impact.

TREY BOOKER: I don't think I've seen the viciousness that's inside MYOJIN like I'm seeing tonight.

Both men are pulling themselves up. MYOJIN looks down at Lance, who is shaking the cobwebs out of his head. MYOJIN wraps both of his arms around Lance's massive stomach, pushing him off balance and driving his lower back into the ring apron. Williams groans and drops to his knees, MYOJIN has to move in order to not be swallowed by the bigger man. MYO grips Lance by his hair, slamming his head off the apron. Williams lays against the apron, breathing heavily and trying to compose himself. MYOJIN struggles hard to grab a massive leg, hoisting the weight of Williams up and trying to maneuver him back in the ring. Lance fights him off with a few elbow shots. Lance nails a big headbutt, sending MYOJIN faltering back, Williams gets his big self up onto the apron, lifting his leg and pulling him up, still breathing heavily. Williams gets halfway in the ring, head first between the ropes and then MYOJIN shoots around the side, coming up the turnbuckle and flying off with a diving somersault neckbreaker as Lance was just getting in the ring. Struggling mightily to shove over the massive weight, MYOJIN rolls Lance over and covers him.

TREY BOOKER: I don't believe what I'm seeing!

J.T. PRICE: This is a great match!

ONE!

TWO!

THRE… NO… LANCE THROWS A SHOULDER UP!

MYOJIN reaches his feet, he doesn't waste time in reaching down and picking Williams up off the mat. MYOJIN hammers Lance with a right hand followed by a European uppercut which sends Williams back into the ropes. MYOJIN comes forward shooting Lance across the ring with a Irish whip, Williams bounces off the ropes where he manages to duck a thrust kick! MYOJIN spins around where he's met with a chokeslam from out of nowhere by Williams! The crowd roars as both men lay on the mat! Williams takes a few gasping lungfuls of air in as he tries to pull himself up, and he crawls over for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THR... KICKOUT!!

Lance starts working his way to his feet while he clutches at his ribs. MYOJIN starts to stir as he rolls over to his chest before starting to push himself up to all fours. Williams comes forward where he reaches down to pick MYOJIN up only to be countered with an inside cradle.

ONE!

TWO!

THRE... KICKOUT! THE CROWD ROARS IN APPROVAL!!

J.T. PRICE: MYOJIN tried, but he couldn't keep the mass of Lance Williams pinned down.

Williams and MYOJIN both look at each other from on their stomachs, across the divide, and then at the crowd. Both men are quickly back to their feet where they run at each other, MYOJIN tries clotheslining Williams but Lance eats it, MYO's arm and shoulder bounce off him and he straightens up, roars at MYOJIN before performing a seriously harsh lariat. Williams takes MYOJIN back into the ropes before leveling him with another vile chop across the chest that echoes throughout the building. Williams brings MYOJIN out where he latches on to a front face lock before hoisting Mason up in the air! The crowd roars as Lance drives MYOJIN into the mat with a brainbuster. Williams, gripping at his midsection and sucking wind at the massive exertion, pulls MYOJIN over by one arm, he drags MYOJIN to the corner. He takes a few moments for his big frame to get in position but rung by rung he pulls himself up to perch on the top rope, he comes off with a gigantic Senton Bomb style splash.

J.T. PRICE: SHIT FIRE, I THINK HE KILLED MYOJIN!!

Lance hooks the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

Thre...KICKOUT BY MYOJIN!!

Williams slumps off the side of MJOYIN, in disbelief that he kicked out, and the big man is holding his ribs and trying to regain his energy. Meanwhile MYOJIN may as well be cartoonishly flattened into a 2 dimensional shape after being attacked off the top rope. MYOJIN gets up and gets to the ropes as Williams is getting up as well.. MYOJIN turns around and rushes for a spear-like move but Lance jumps, so MYOJIN crashes into the turnbuckles!

TREY BOOKER: THE ATHLETICISM ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! He’s too big to do shit like that!!

MYOJIN stumbles back and turns into LANCE’S VERSION OF THE GORE!!

TREY BOOKER: THE RAGING BULL… THAT’S IT!!!

Lance makes the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE! LANCE WILLIAMS WINS!!!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner via pinfall… advancing to the X-Factor Tournament Final… LANCE WILLIAMS!!!

TREY BOOKER: I did not see that one coming! MYOJIN may have been the favorite to win this entire tournament, but Lance Williams has just upset him to advance to the championship match!

J.T. PRICE: Do you know what this means? If Lance can upset a marquee main event talent like The Shining Star, we could see Lil’ Petey do the same to Mark Hunter!

TREY BOOKER: I don’t know if I’d go that far! This could very well be a case of MYOJIN overlooking the big man and underestimating his skill!

J.T. PRICE: If that’s the case, I don’t think Lance’s opponent will make that mistake heading into the tournament final!



Rock Johnson, the owner of Project: Honor, has secluded himself in his private skybox where he can watch the show undisturbed, but as he takes a sip from his glass of bourbon, there is an unexpected knock on his door. Obviously annoyed by the interruption, he sets the glass down and motions for one of his private security guards to answer. Upon opening the door, the guard looks back toward his boss with a blank expression.

SECURITY GUARD: It’s the General Manager, sir.

With a sigh, Rock motions for the guard to allow him entrance, and he steps aside to let Indy Darling enter the skybox.

ROCK JOHNSON: This had better be good, Terry.

INDY DARLING: Actually, it’s Nate. I wrestled here as Indy Darling? You do know who I am, right?

ROCK JOHNSON: Of course I know who you are! I’m not some idiot who doesn’t follow his own company! I just like to keep people on their toes! Now what in the hell do you want?

Indy takes another step forward as he rubs his chin, considering how to best explain what’s on his mind.

INDY DARLING: So, my Sensitivity Training didn’t exactly go as well as I’d hoped, and I take full responsibility for that. The urinating in your desk is more of a security issue though…

ROCK JOHNSON: Get on with it!

INDY DARLING: Right. The training session actually got me thinking; the staff could really use a place where they can let their hair down and be themselves without having to constantly worry about standards and practices. This may be a little out of my realm of responsibilities, but have you ever considered opening and operating your own nightclub?

At first, it looks like Johnson is going to shout down the odd suggestion, but then the words begin to sink in and it becomes clear that Indy has his full attention.

INDY DARLING: I know it could be a big investment, but it could be a way to put your money back into the company and earn even more in the long run. It could be a place where the talent and staff can go when we’re not on the road. Competitors could cut their promos there...Edgebrook and Julius could host their exclusive shows in the same building...Big Drip could perform on stage…

Rock raises an eyebrow, as if to say that Indy is taking things a little too far with his last suggestion.

INDY DARLING: ...or just live music acts in general. You could host Pay Per View parties, hold special events, autograph signings, and matches there...maybe call it Project: Honor After Dark or something like that. It would fit right in if you opened it in a big party city like Los Angeles, London, Miami…

ROCK JOHNSON: I’ve always had a soft spot for Miami…

INDY DARLING: And most of all, you could give employees special perks to show your appreciation while also expanding the brand!

Rock Johnson locks eyes with Indy Darling but says nothing. Instead, he slowly raises his glass to his lips and takes another drink. He swirls the ice cubes around in his glass while contemplating what Indy has suggested before suddenly standing up from his chair. With an aura of excitement, he begins to pace back and forth in his skybox.

ROCK JOHNSON: My own nightclub in Miami...I could even call it Project: Honor After Dark…

INDY DARLING: Yeah...that’s what I…

ROCK JOHNSON: I could host events...themed parties...bring in musical acts...GODDAMN! This is the best idea I’ve had since the brand split!

INDY DARLING: Um...you’re welcome?

Suddenly, Rock stops in his tracks and shoots Indy a strange look.

ROCK JOHNSON: What in the hell are you still doing here? Don’t you have a show to run?

Somewhat confused by the reaction, Indy slowly nods his head and makes his way toward the skybox exit. Once he’s gone, Rock sits back down with a confident smile on his face and visions of Project: Honor After Dark running through his head...




HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is an X-Factor Title Tournament Semi-Final Match and it is scheduled for one fall!

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

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, hailing from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and weighing in at two hundred and twenty seven pounds...he is “The Australian Wolf”...AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!

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

DING! DING! DING!

TREY BOOKER: I’ll admit it right here, I agree with both of these men when they say this is not only a Pay Per View quality match, but it could easily be a main event!

J.T. PRICE: Supposedly it was a random draw. Maybe Indy’s integrity isn’t best for business…

As the announce team debate the potential of the match about to unfold before their eyes, Aiden and James begin to circle each other, both watching closely for an opening but unwilling to make an early mistake. Then, as if there is a silent agreement between them, the two men come together in a collar and elbow lock-up where they begin to jockey for position. After a few seconds of back and forth pushing, they shove each other away, ending the brief test in a draw. Once again they begin to circle and eventually lock up, only this time Aiden Reynolds pushes Raven back with all his strength until he has him pressed against the ropes. The referee is there to ask for a clean break, and in an unusual show of sportsmanship for professional wrestling, The Australian Wolf heeds the request and backs away with a careful eye still on his opponent.

With a grateful nod of his head, James moves away from the ropes and the two men begin to circle each other for the third time. There is another lock-up just as before, but this time Raven immediately transitions out of it by sending Aiden to the mat with a quick armdrag. The Wolf stays on one knee long enough to give his opponent a sly smile, as James shows some sportsmanship by not immediately pressing his advantage. Once Aiden is back up and lunging toward James again, there is another attempt at a Raven armdrag, but this time Aiden is prepared as he switches out of it and responds with a hip toss to put his opponent on the mat. This time it’s James Raven who rests on one knee with a slight smile.

TREY BOOKER: These two are just testing each other out for the moment, but I don’t think it’s going to last much longer.

J.T. PRICE: It’s such an even match-up, Trey. These guys are both members of the most dominant teams in Project: Honor, they’re similar in size, and they both have the respect of this Proving Ground audience!

TREY BOOKER: I’d say Aiden has the advantage in that last category, but that may have more to say about who Raven’s partner is than it does his charisma!

With both men on their feet and with neither holding an obvious advantage, they move to lock up again, only for Aiden to quickly change tactics by lifting James off the mat with a basic scoop slam. Raven rolls back to his feet, but this time he has no opportunity to rest as The Wolf snatches his arm to execute a short clothesline! With the early one upmanship out of the way, Aiden then throws James into the ropes, looking to connect with a kitchen sink knee on the rebound! Instead, Raven floats over the attempt and rolls his opponent down to the mat in a quick pin attempt!

ONE!

NO!

Quick kick-out by Aiden, who responds to Raven’s attempt with a hard forearm shot to the jaw. The blow staggers James, giving Aiden enough time to hook him for a snap suplex that bounces Raven off the canvas! Reynolds follows up with a quick pin attempt of his own…

ONE!

KICKOUT!

...But James still has way too much in the tank to be caught off guard so early. Still, Aiden holds the advantage and he presses it with a pair of release German Suplexes before ultimately forcing Raven against the corner buckles. There, he unleashes a series of back elbows to keep James rocked, before whipping him into the ropes and meeting him on the return with a snap powerslam!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Not frustrated by the kick-out in the least, Aiden continues to lay into James with some hard shots before sending him into the ropes again. This time he looks to catch Raven on the rebound, but James manages to float over Aiden’s shoulders and drop him with a surprise Floatover DDT! The impact of his head hitting the mat is enough to stun The Wolf and give James a valuable moment to collect himself, but instead of taking too much time, Raven grabs hold of his fallen opponent to apply a D’Arce Choke! He gets the hold locked on before Aiden has a chance to block and starts to apply as much pressure as he can, both to wear down The Wolf and buy himself some time to strategize as well! With no immediate escape available to him, Aiden does his best to inch closer to the ropes, which ultimately pays off as his foot falls over the bottom strand!

TREY BOOKER: Aiden Reynolds showed his usual impressive offense for a while, but now it’s James Raven’s chance to shine!

J.T. PRICE: This thing is still far from over!

James releases the hold but he lets the referee count down a few seconds before doing so, showing his determination to damage Aiden as much as possible. Once he’s released his opponent, Raven rolls away so that Aiden can pull himself up with the assistance of the ropes, but suddenly James hits The FYS superkick out of nowhere! It lands squarely against Aiden’s jaw and sends The Australian Wolf over the top rope! Not wasting a second, James then springs across the ring, leaping onto the top rope, and flying towards Aiden at ringside with The Ravensault to the floor! The move is on target and both men are laid out at ringside, leaving the referee no choice but to begin his count!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Raven is the first to recover from his death-defying move, and he pulls Aiden to his feet to keep his momentum rolling forward. After giving his opponent a few chops for good measure, James rolls Aiden under the ropes and makes his way onto the apron. There, he waits patiently as a stunned Reynolds gets on his feet, only to springboard back into the ring with a crossbody! Somehow Aiden summons the strength to catch Raven and then spins him to the mat, countering the attempt with a snap powerslam!

ONE!

TWO!

TH - KICKOUT!

Still reeling but well aware of the opportunity in front of him, Aiden quickly follows the kick-out by delivering a running faceslam to his knee, which has Raven staggering like a drunk around the ring! A powerful clothesline from Reynolds brings a quick end to James’ wobbly efforts to stay upright, as it knocks him backwards through the ropes. This time it is Aiden who doesn’t waste a second as he runs across the ring to build momentum before launching himself to ringside with a diving somersault plancha! Once again, both men are sprawled out on the ringside floor as the breathless referee moves into position…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

This time it is Aiden who gets up first, but instead of returning James to the ring, he whips into the steel ring post! Raven slides down to a seated position against the post, setting himself up perfectly for Aiden to deliver a running cannonball splash that sandwiches his opponent between his own body and the steel!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NINE!

With little time to waste, Aiden manages to force Raven back under the ropes before positioning himself on the ring apron. Now it’s Reynolds who springboards back into the ring, but his attempt is successful as he levels James Raven with a devastating clothesline! With the crowd behind him and a fire building up deep inside, Aiden takes measure of James as he pulls himself onto his hands and knees. The Australian Wolf then charges forward, looking to take his opponent’s head off with The Down Unda, but Raven rolls under it at the last second! Desperate to regain some of his lost advantage, James scrambles to his feet, only to be met by a sick, nose-breaking forearm from Reynolds! With Raven stunned, Aiden lifts him onto his shoulders to deliver the Gold Coast Cutter! He begins to spin James to perform the move, but Raven fully goes with it and hooks Aiden’s head at the last second, dropping him with The Flight of the Raven out of nowhere!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match and advancing to the tournament final… “The Peoples’ G.O.A.T.”...JAMES RAVEN!!!

As Holly Perez makes her official announcement, a winded and stunned James Raven scoots away from his opponent, staring at him as if he’s in disbelief that the match has gone his way. With cloudy eyes, Aiden pulls his own head off the mat and stares across the ring at him, and in that moment, there is a feeling amongst the crowd that they haven’t seen the final match between these two stars...

TREY BOOKER: Some may call this an upset, but there’s no denying that James Raven has just punched his ticket to an X-Factor Title Match!

J.T. PRICE: I thought for sure we’d see an Aiden and MYOJIN rematch for the X-Factor Title, but we’re not getting either of them! James Raven...Lance Williams...one of them will claim their first singles gold in Project: Honor as our new X-Factor Champion!







Proving Ground has been an excellent show with amazing performances by everyone involved with the show, and there’s one more to go with tonight's massive main eve- wait a minute. Brandon Hendrix, who was spotted earlier in the show, has just gotten up from his seat and hopped over the barricade, creating a massive buzz in the crowd. Takeover? Nobody knows the deal as Brandon walks over to the ring announcer Holly Perez and takes the microphone from her, staring her and the commentators down before he walks up the steel steps and enters the ring, his movement showing no sign of urgency or care for the possible time he can be taking up from the main event. He gets into the middle of the ring and stands there, looking at the mat with his hair covering his face as the crowd is still buzzing and cheering loudly, with the growth of "HENDRIX!" chants coming in before Brandon lifts the microphone to his lips and speaks as calmly and collectively as possible.

BRANDON HENDRIX: My name… is Brandon Hendrix. And I'm… the reason every single one of you is in this crowd tonight. I'm the reason why these people in this brand have a job. My sacrifices… my blood, my sweat, my tears paved the way for them all…

The cheers stop as the fans now grow confused in the ego that Hendrix is showing, considering last time he was seen in a major promotion, he was carted out on a stretcher after battling with his underlying heart defect, fighting for the people and what was right.

BRANDON HENDRIX: When I debuted into wrestling almost a year ago, wrestling was at its lowest of lows. People always complaining about shows, about wrestling product, how trash it is, how much of a dead sport wrestling has become. I debuted and I forced the crowds’ attention. I did.. I saved wrestling. I could have stayed in Hollywood, made more multi million dollar profit cinema masterpieces, but I sacrificed myself for the greater good. Wrestling with me coming out here every single week skyrocketed into what people in this business dreamed of. Unfortunately, my last job didn't like that. They didn't like the power I possess. So they screwed me every chance they had. When I quit, I went and claimed the world of wrestling. I went and found who I really am… I'm Brandon Hendrix, I'm the Don Dada of Wrestling. And I'm Project: Honor’s Don Dada.

BRANDON HENDRIX: This company barely survived. Fans barely tuned in, they didn't care too much about anything or anyone here. If I didn't show up, many wrestlers in the back would be losing paychecks, their kids would be suffering without me being here. So I decided to sacrifice MYSELF to keep your lights on at home, to keep your mortgage paid. Now, I get offered a fine… fine contract to save this company. Management acknowledges the Don Dada. And soon, all of Project: Honor will fall in line behind me and accept me as their next Grand Champion. Now, I'm sure many of you are saying I skipped two titles. You don't stay at the head of the line with two titles that are for the bottom of the line. For me to lead this company into the profits it can receive, I must be Grand Champion. Mark Hunter will fall in line when I destroy him for the Grand Championship, he will realize that he was the reason this place wasn't doing so well, then he will thank me for making the change.

BRANDON HENDRIX: All of Project: Honor will bow to Don Dada. And you all will Acknowledge Me… Acknowledge Brandon Hendrix…

Brandon drops the microphone and it lands on the mat his feet are planted on. He walks towards the ropes and exits the ring and calmly walks up the ramp. Brandon Hendrix has announced that he’s signed with Project: Honor and is a part of Proving Ground, but he claims he will bring the company to new heights and needs the Grand Championship to do that. Brandon makes it to the backstage as it's time for the main event of the evening.




HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is our main event of the evening and it is for The Project: Honor Grand Championship!

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, the challenger, hailing from The Hip House and weighing in at one hundred and eighty pounds…he is “The Drip Sensation”... “Mr. Hydration”... “The Big Booty Bandit”...LIL’ PETEY!!!!

“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: And his opponent, fighting out of 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!

Refusing to show emotion, Mark hands his championship over to the official, who presents it to the audience by holding high above his head. Once he’s handed the title over to a ringside attendant, he motions for the two men to start their main event contest. Hunter remains standing in the center of the ring, as if he’s daring Lil’ Petey to make the first move, which Petey responds to with a big grin as he bounces from one foot to the other. Finally, Petey dives forward in an attempt to lock-up, but Mark Hunter steps to the side and answers the attempt with a simple smack to the back of Petey’s head. The disrespect is not lost on Petey, who can be seen mouthing something like “what’s up with that, bro”, while Mark Hunter simply continues to stare daggers at his opponent. Visibly thrown off by the abusive smack to the head, Petey attempts a second lock-up, but this time Mark responds with a straight slap across Petey’s face. Before The Big Dripper can react, Mark then locks him in a side headlock, cranking on the hold as if he’s attempting to pop Petey’s head off his shoulders.

TREY BOOKER: It’s almost as if Mark Hunter is insulted by his opposition here tonight! He’s finally got a chance to defend his title, but I don’t think Lil’ Petey is the opponent he had in mind!

J.T. PRICE: The guy’s got a lot on his mind, Trey! He wants to release some aggression tonight, not dance around with someone he thinks is beneath him!

Mark continues to maintain the headlock as Petey tries to formulate a plan of escape. His first thought is to throw Mark off into an Irish whip, but Hunter keeps the hold locked on and refuses to budge. Next, Petey lifts Mark off his feet in an attempt to counter with a back suplex, but this time Mark shifts his weight and counters by taking Petey all the way to the mat with a side headlock takeover. Mark cranks down on Petey’s head a couple more times before pulling him back to his feet, when suddenly Petey is able to slide out the back door! Mark turns to keep tabs on his opponent, but that’s when Petey hits him with an unexpected drop toe hold! As soon as Mark hits the canvas, Petey leaps towards his head, locking on a side headlock of his own, much to the delight of his Brazilian fans!

Not willing to stay on the mat at Petey’s mercy, Mark forces himself back to his feet where he looks to break the headlock with a back suplex of his own. Instead, Petey releases his hold on Mark’s head once he’s in the air and lands on his feet behind him. Mark spins around again, but this time he eats a dropkick to the face from the challenger! The sudden kick knocks Mark back to the ropes, and before he can recover, Petey charges forward with a clothesline that sends the champion all the way over the top and to the ringside floor! Petey immediately begins to celebrate his accomplishment as he jumps up and down in the ring with the fans behind him, while Mark gets back on his feet at ringside. Feeling the momentum, Petey bounces off the ropes and charges across the ring, diving over the top to land a somersault cannonball on his opponent. Mark is far from softened up however, as he side steps again, this time allowing Petey to land on the floor ass first.

J.T. PRICE: Ouch! Now that will break a guy’s tailbone!

TREY BOOKER: Perhaps, but Petey knows he’s the underdog and he’s got to pull out all the stops if he wants to become Grand Champion!

Still at ringside, Mark pulls Petey off the floor and lifts him onto his shoulder before dropping him across his knee with an atomic drop, adding further damage to the tailbone area. Instead of releasing the hold, Mark then lifts Petey for a second atomic drop, and finally a third before he lets Petey fall to the floor. Holding his tailbone with both hands, Petey is pulled back up and whipped into the steel guardrail, which Mark immediately follows up by hitting a clothesline of his own. Just as Petey clotheslined Mark out of the ring, Mark has now clotheslined Petey over the guardrail!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

Mark follows Petey over the railing and hits him with a few chops before grabbing him by the hair and slamming him face-first against the steel rail. The impact is enough to open up Petey’s forehead, which seems to bring delight to the champion as he backs up in order to hit another clothesline. Mark charges forward to knock Petey back over the railing, but at the last moment, Petey grabs a cup of beer from a ringside fan and throws it at Mark’s face! The move momentarily blinds the champion and allows Petey to counter with a back body drop that sends Mark crashing to the ringside area!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

With time running out and fully aware that he can’t win the title outside of the ring, Petey joins Mark at ringside to roll him back under the ring ropes. He then leaps onto the apron, grabs the top rope, and slingshots himself into the ring with his MP3 leaping cutter! The move is right on target and Petey wastes no time in covering the stunned champion!

ONE!

TWO!

TH-KICKOUT AT THE LAST SECOND!

TREY BOOKER: Are you kidding me? Lil’ Petey almost shocked the world with that move!

J.T. PRICE: I think he’s made me into a believer! I think Petey might actually be able to do this!

With trickles of blood staining his forehead, Petey pulls Mark back to his feet and then immediately attempts a second MP3 leaping cutter! Only this time Mark shoves his way out of the hold, refusing to be hit with it twice! The champion takes a few precious seconds to wipe the beer from his eyes and shake off the effects of Petey’s offense, but the challenger isn’t willing to give him a moment’s respite! Instead, he charges forward and leaps onto Mark with a Lou Thesz Press, taking him down to the mat where Petey can unload a series of hard right hands! The challenger then gets to his feet and charges to the ropes, running back to hit his Eat Me atomic leg drop! Instead of going for the pin, Petey is right back into the ropes, this time hitting his Can’t See This fist drop! Still, Petey refuses to go for the pin as he leaps up a third time, bounces off the ropes, and comes back to hit Mark with Lil’ Petey’s Elbow! Finally, after the third consecutive signature move, he covers the champion and hooks his leg!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE - NO! SO CLOSE!

Petey sits up from the pin attempt with an astonished look, in complete disbelief that Mark was able to kick out of those three legendary moves in back-to-back order. While he avoided the pin, it’s still clear that Hunter is feeling their effects as he remains prone in the center of the ring. Realizing that he’s got to raise the stakes even higher, Petey makes his way to the top turnbuckle, finds his balance, and leaps off towards his target with a beautiful Freaky Bomb! It looks as if he’ll finish Hunter off with this one, when the champion brings his legs up at the very last second! Petey’s back lands across Hunter’s lifted knees, and just as the move deflates all of the oxygen in Petey’s lungs, it deflates the excitement in the crowd as well.

J.T. PRICE: I thought he had him there!

TREY BOOKER: No way! No way is Mark Hunter giving up that championship without a fight! He’s going to show us exactly how much that gold means to him, even if he has to kill Petey to do it!

Now it is Petey who is stunned, which gives Mark a chance to get on his feet and build some momentum. Looking to pay back Petey for the pain he’s endured, Mark pulls him to his feet before immediately taking him back down with a snap suplex! Again, the champion pulls his challenger back up, this time in order to execute a release German suplex! It’s almost as if Mark has snapped as he pulls Petey up once again, this time to hit a hard T-Bone Suplex! There is no joy on The Straight Shooter’s face as he proceeds to hit Petey with a Belly to Belly Suplex or a Full Nelson Suplex, but it’s hard to ignore the impression that he’s enjoying the opportunity to dish out his own signature offense! Having suplexed Petey around the ring to add further punishment to his lower back, Mark drags a thumb across his throat to signal that he’s done toying with his prey. He then takes a step back and measures Petey as he’s getting back on his feet, before suddenly unleashing The Instant Karma superkick! It’s almost as if all of Petey’s lights are turned off at once as he falls backwards onto the mat, giving Mark the chance to go for a pin attempt of his own.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE - NO! LIL’ PETEY’S STILL ALIVE!

Somehow, the challenger pulls his shoulder off the mat before the referee can reach a count of three, and this time it’s Mark who responds with a look of sheer disbelief. With a shake of his head, Mark takes another step back, allowing Petey the opportunity to get back on his feet. The champion then fires off another Instant Karma superkick, but Petey collapses before it can hit its target and Mark’s foot is squarely planted against the face of the referee!

J.T. PRICE: Ref bump! Oh shit!

TREY BOOKER: Here we go…

Immediately realizing his miscalculation, Mark goes to the official’s side to find him completely unconscious. As Petey struggles to regain his bearings and Mark tries to get the referee to respond, the crowd begins to turn their attention to the entrance stage where the number one contender, Ozymandias, has made his presence known. The monstrous man strides toward the ring, but whether he intends on causing mayhem or simply plans on scouting his potential championship opponents remains unknown. With neither man aware of Ozymandias at ringside, Mark Hunter gives up on trying to revive the official to instead make sure Lil’ Petey will offer him no more trouble. He goes to pull Petey off the mat, when suddenly the challenger grabs Mark’s arm and pulls him down into his Pillow Talk armbar! Mark is locked in with nowhere to go as Petey applies the move with all his strength, but the referee is still out of commission!

After a few moments of being trapped in the hold, Mark manages to shift his weight and roll over, breaking Petey’s grip and locking on his own Last Act anaconda vice! Now it is Petey who is trapped, and having already been busted open and thrown around the ring, it looks as if he won’t be able to hold out for long. Meanwhile, at ringside, Ozymandias has made his way to the time keeper’s table, where he’s picked up The Grand Championship. Looking to either mock or intimidate his future opponent, The Butcher of Reine gets onto the apron with the belt in his hands, yelling at Mark Hunter how the belt will soon be his.

Just as Petey begins to tap out from The Last Act, Mark releases the hold and leaps to his feet, looking to pull his championship away from Ozymandias. Instead, Ozy immediately blasts Mark over the head with the belt, sending him down to the mat in a heap! As Ozy drops the title in the ring and leaps back down, the referee begins to regain his awareness, and he looks across the ring to see a semi-conscious Lil’ Petey drape his arm over Mark’s chest. Slowly, the referee makes his way over to the two men so that he can make his count…

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

J.T. PRICE: Oh my god! Oh my god! He’s done it! Lil’ Petey is our new Grand Champion!

TREY BOOKER: You have got to be fucking kidding me!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match...and NEEEEWWW GRAND CHAMPION...LIL’ PETEY!!!!!

The crowd comes unglued upon hearing the announcement, but their excitement is short-lived as Proving Ground General Manager, Indy Darling, rushes to the ringside area with a microphone in hand!

INDY DARLING: No! No way! Not like this!

Indy slides into the ring to confront the groggy official, as Lil’ Petey kneels in the ring and clutches the championship belt to his chest and Mark Hunter slowly begins to stir. At ringside, Ozymandias continues to watch everything unfold, with what we can only assume is sadistic glee.

INDY DARLING: Look guys...no one loves a good underdog story more than me! I would love to see Petey as our champion, but there’s no way we can let it go down like this! Due to the way the official was out of position and with blatant interference by Ozymandias, I’m over-ruling the referee’s decision and officially awarding this match to Mark Hunter!

The crowd responds to Indy’s announcement with a chorus of boos as Petey looks at him with a dejected expression.

INDY DARLING: Petey, I’m sorry, but you did tap to Mark’s submission hold. However...you also pinned his shoulders to the mat. So while I can’t let you walk out of here as the champion, I can give you what you deserve…

As the referee pulls the title out of Petey’s grasp, the crowd continues to boo.

INDY DARLING: On the next Proving Ground, I’m ordering the official rematch between Lil’ Petey and Ozymandias! Not only that, but if you are able to win...no...if you are able to avoid losing...I will officially add you to the main event of Hell on Earth against both Ozymandias and Mark Hunter for The Grand Championship!

Despite having their hopes dashed by the overturned decision, the crowd cheers Indy’s decision and the glimmer of hope that he’s given Lil’ Petey. The only one who does not seem pleased is Ozymandias himself, who charges into the ring and takes the General Manager off his feet with a blindside clothesline! Lil’ Petey quickly gets back on his feet to defend himself, but he is suddenly rocked by an Ozymandias clothesline as well, sending him flying over the top rope! With both Petey and Indy out of the way, Ozymandias turns his attention to the half-conscious Mark Hunter and begins to set him up for The Sinking Faith!

TREY BOOKER: No! Ozymandias is going to leave Mark Hunter laying in the ring for the second show in a row!

J.T. PRICE: Wait! Who’s that?!

Just as Ozymandias is beginning to lift Mark into the air, “The Bulldozer” Lance Williams hits the ring and slams both of his massive fists against The Butcher’s back! Ozymandias releases his hold on Mark and stumbles toward the ropes, barely catching himself before Lance rushes forward to clothesline him over the top! Ozymandias lands on his feet at ringside but he’s staggered and forced to brace himself against the guardrail! The Butcher of Reine glares into the ring at Mark’s savior. Not liking the odds that are now against him, Ozymandias starts to take his leave, content with the dissension he’s caused and the message he’s sent.

Lil’ Petey and Indy Darling are still at ringside as Lance goes to help his friend off the mat and get him to a standing position, but just as Mark reaches his feet, he suddenly takes Lance down with a tackle!

TREY BOOKER: Wait...what?! Is he still delirious?!

J.T. PRICE: Dude! He just saved your ass!

Unable to hear the announcers and in a blind rage, Mark continues to batter down on his best friend with hard rights and lefts. When even that isn’t enough, he reaches over to grab his title belt from the canvas and proceeds to slam it against Lance’s face! Blow after blow, Mark is totally unhinged as he repeatedly slams the metal championship against Lance’s face, opening up a large cut on his head! Witnessing this bizarre turn of events, the referee and Indy Darling both rush back into the ring in an attempt to pull Mark off of Lance, but they find that it’s like trying to corral a hurricane. With Lance in danger of being permanently injured, Indy calls for more assistance from backstage, bringing several officials and security guards to the ring. Finally, after several moments of mercilessly battering the one man who has stuck up for him in Project: Honor, Mark Hunter is pulled away from a bloody Lance Williams…

TREY BOOKER: I...I don’t even know what’s going on here! We had a new champion...then we didn’t...Indy made a match...then Ozymandias attacked…

J.T. PRICE: And they were all saved by Lance Williams, who Mark Hunter paid back by beating to a bloody pulp!

TREY BOOKER: We’re out of time and explanations! Don’t you dare miss the next Proving Ground where we will hopefully get some answers on our Highway to Hell on Earth!