PROVING GROUND XVII: The Highway to Hell

♫ 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 ♫

As “This is War” by No Resolve begins to play, highlights from the most recent episode of Proving Ground flash across the screen. The rapid replays start with highlights from Cadillac Jackson and Pat the Postman defeating The Dragonslayers, showing a surprising amount of tag team cohesion in the process.

♫ 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 ♫

We are then treated to scenes from the Scott Oasis and Emmanuelle championship match, which culminates with The Platinum Standard not only beating the clock, but the champion as well. From images of Emmanuelle holding the Warrior Rising title above her head, we then see a few scenes of Indy Darling’s disastrous Sensitivity Training for good measure.

♫ ♫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 ♫

From there it’s on to two of the most hotly contested matches of the night, as we witness Lance Williams overpowering MYOJIN to earn himself the upset victory and advance to the X-Factor Championship finals. Then it’s the back and forth battle between Aiden Reynolds and James Raven that is featured, with The People’s GOAT ultimately countering a Gold Coast Cutter to advance as well.

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

Finally, images from the last episode’s main event take center stage, as we see Lil’ Petey in the fight of his life against Mark Hunter, only for Ozymandias to make his presence known as well. For a brief moment, there is an image of Petey holding The Grand Championship in his arms, before Indy Darling takes it away in a reverse decision. There are flashes of Ozymandias’ rage, the sudden save by Lance Williams, and lastly the brutal beatdown Lance suffered at the hands of his friend, Grand Champion, Mark Hunter.

♫ 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 ♫




The opening music begins to fade as the live audience in Cali, Columbia comes alive for another exciting edition of Proving Ground! The cameras scan around the arena as pyrotechnics erupt from the entrance stage and ramp, until the lights finally rise to reveal a few of the homemade signs in the crowd.

“LANCE WILL BULLDOZE THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER”
“I <3 TEAM PATILLAC POSTJACK”
“PETEY WAS ROBBED”
“I KACAME FOR KACHOW
“WHICH IS MORE IMPRESSIVE; RAVEN’S ABS OR SHAWN’S EGO?”

Finally, one of the camera’s settles on the announce team of Trey Booker and J.T. Price as they welcome viewers from around the world to tonight’s episode.

TREY BOOKER: Coming to you live from the beautiful country of Columbia...welcome to the final stop before Hell on Earth...welcome to Proving Ground! Trey Booker here with you as usual along with the incomparable J.T. Price!

J.T. PRICE: We’re on the Highway to Hell tonight, Trey, and I have the feeling it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

TREY BOOKER: Right you are! We’ve got The Project: Honor Tag Team Championships on the line, a huge Six Person Tornado Tag Match, the debut of Brandon Hendrix, and Aiden Reynolds and Trey Bouchet in action as well!

J.T. PRICE: We can also look forward to Hell on Earth announcements and what promises to be an interesting confrontation between Grand Champion, Mark Hunter and what may well be his former friend, Lance Williams!

TREY BOOKER: Finally, in our main event, it’s a rematch from Proving Ground XV as Lil’ Petey faces Ozymandias for an opportunity to join the main event of Hell on Earth!

J.T. PRICE: All Petey has to do is not lose, and he could have another shot at achieving his championship dreams!

TREY BOOKER: That’s a big ‘if’ when Ozymandias is standing in his way, but right now the time for talking is over! Let’s get to the ring for our opening contest!



HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first… Already in the ring… Weighing in at two hundred and thirty seven pounds… Standing at six foot six inches… Don Dada… BRRRRAAAANNNDDDDDOOOONNNN HEEEEENNNNNDDDDRRRRIIIIIXXXX!!!

"POWER" by Kayne West finally cuts out.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next… Also already in the ring… Weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds… Standing at six foot four inches… RAAAPPPTTTTUUUURRRRREEEE!!!

"Rapture Rising" by JT Music then cuts out as well.

DING! DING! DING!

As the match begins, Brandon Hendrix runs at Rapture trying to take his head off with a Heavy Lariat but Rapture ducks the Heavy Lariat attempt. Rapture is extremely quick on his feet as he runs past Brandon and jumps at the ropes and hits Brandon with a Springboard Tilt A Whirl Cutter. Rapture is surprised at pulling that off and once again jumps at the ropes and hits Brandon with a Springboard Leg Drop this time right across the throat of him and goes for an early pin attempt.

ONE…

NO… KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: Brandon was almost embarrassed there!

J.T. PRICE: Rapture showing off some amazing moves for a change!

Brandon was having none of it as he launched Rapture halfway across the ring before getting to his feet. As soon as Rapture is back up to his feet, Brandon is able to hit him with a Heavy Lariat this time sending Rapture flipping through the air and landing hard on his back. Brandon is quick to capitalize as he grabs Rapture around the throat with both hands and lifts him to his feet. Brandon then hits a Double Choke Overhead Suplex on Rapture who once again hits the mat hard.

Backing up to the corner it’s clear that Brandon is waiting for Rapture to get to his feet, which Rapture eventually starts doing with the aid of the ropes. Once Rapture was up to his feet and turned around, Brandon runs at him connecting with a perfectly executed Superman Punch sending Rapture crumbling to the mat as Brandon has a smirk on his face and goes for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

NO… RAPTURE GETS A FOOT ON THE ROPES!!!

TREY BOOKER: Rapture almost getting pinned there!

J.T. PRICE: I’m sure Rapture is happy that the ropes were that close.

Clearly pissed off, Brandon punches the mat before getting to his feet and arguing with the ref about it. This gives Rapture time to get up to his feet and drop Brandon with a Backstabber as the ref just stands there and shrugs. Rapture is back to his feet as he now applies a Figure Four Leglock on Brandon in the center of the ring. Brandon tries to reach out but the ropes are too far away as he now attempts to turn over to apply the pressure onto Rapture’s legs. Rapture just leans up and sucker punches Brandon in the mouth before laying back down to apply more pressure.

Brandon is totally annoyed now as he manages to roll onto his side and start to use his strength to get towards the ropes. Rapture is having none of it though as he rolls him back over and continues to apply the pressure onto him. Brandon is still annoyed as he grits his teeth and this time manages to turn over which now applies all the pressure onto Rapture’s legs. Rapture is quick to let go of the hold as they both slowly get back up to their feet. Brandon Hendrix is now snarling at Rapture who just stands there and cocks his head to the left just staring straight at Brandon.

TREY BOOKER: That Rapture is one weird dude.

J.T. PRICE: You’re not wrong for once Trey!

Brandon and Rapture lock up in the center of the ring as Rapture tries to Suplex Brandon who just pushes Rapture away. The force of the push from Brandon onto Rapture sends Rapture into the ropes and rebounding towards Brandon who drops Rapture with a Big Boot. Not sure if it’s by instinct or stupidity but somehow Rapture manages to get back up to his feet, albeit with the aid of the ropes. This annoys the hell out of Brandon Hendrix who looks like he is going to burst a blood vessel. Rapture runs at Brandon hitting him with a Clothesline, but it doesn’t drop Brandon who stands there staring a hole right through Rapture before dropping him with Royalty(Jackhammer) and going straight for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

NO… ONCE AGAIN RAPTURE HAS GOT HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!!!

TREY BOOKER: Saved by the ropes again there!

J.T. PRICE: I’m sure Rapture would’ve kicked out anyway. Hahaha!

Once again Brandon is up to his feet and arguing with the ref; it’s as if it is a repeat of earlier as Rapture manages to get to his feet. Rapture this time tries to hit a Superkick to the back of Brandon. Hendrix was smarter this time as he steps aside and it’s the ref who eats the Superkick instead! When Rapture turns around he is hit with the Acknowledge(Spear) from Brandon that sends Rapture crashing to the floor. Brandon was going to go for the pin but he sees that the ref is out so shrugs it off. Brandon Hendrix walks over to the nearest turnbuckle and removes the top turnbuckle padding revealing the metal for all to see.

Brandon then walks over to Rapture lifting him up to his feet before throwing him up onto his shoulders as he walks over towards the exposed turnbuckle. The ref is still down so is unable to stop it or prevent it from happening as Brandon hits a Fireman Carry slam onto the exposed metal of the top turnbuckle. This sends Rapture spine first into the exposed turnbuckle and then falling to the mat in excruciating pain. Brandon starts to see the ref stirring so he picks up the padding for the top turnbuckle and places it back on so the ref doesn’t realize at all once he is up to his feet.

TREY BOOKER: That sneaky bastard!

J.T. PRICE: Brandon has RAPTURED the Rapture!

Now the ref is up to his feet, Brandon picks Rapture up and applies the Consequences (Guillotine) as Rapture screams out in pain from that devastating Fireman's Carry Slam into the exposed metal of the top turnbuckle. It’s all too much for Rapture who is forced to tap out as the ref calls for the bell before making Brandon break the hold.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match through SUBMISSION… BRRRRAAAANNNDDDDDOOOONNNN HEEEEENNNNNDDDDRRRRIIIIIXXXX!!!

TREY BOOKER: An impressive in-ring debut for Brandon Hendrix as Rapture made him earn the victory tonight!

J.T. PRICE: That was a surprising showing by Rapture, but the more experienced Don Dada was just too much for the rookie!




An eerie silence comes over the crowd. Lighting rig after lighting rig, begins to go out. One by one until the entire arena is covered in total darkness. There is a slight murmur radiating in the audience. As is customary, a single spotlight shines upon a microphone stand at the top of the stage. A well dressed man walks up and raises a hand towards the crowd.

Sir Ferguson: Ladies and Gentlemen of Cali Colombia, Project Honor fans around the globe, and those watching at home. It is my great honor. My supreme privilege. My Tyrannically Decreed Duty to introduce to you, for the first time…


Sir Ferguson: One Half of The World's Greatest Tag Team, Soon to be X-Factor Champion, and the greatest Abs on planet earth…. Jaaaaammmmmmeeeessss Raaaaaavvvveeeennnnn!

The music slowly builds as James Raven walks out on the top of the ramp, proudly displaying his Tag Team Title over his shoulder. He stops at the top of the ramp and rolls his wrist towards Sir Ferguson to continue.

Sir Ferguson: Also here for the festives your Project Honor Ascension Champion, fresh off of defending her title last night, Little Miss Vex….. Kaaaaaasssssseeeeyyyyy Wiiiiiiinnnnnttttteeeerbbborrnnnnn!

Kasey Winterborn walks out from behind the curtain. Her title, much like Raven, proudly displayed over her shoulder. Despite the war she was in last night, and a head scarf over her head covering her war wounds, she is absolutely beaming. Looking absolutely stunning. She smiles at the crowd, while still keeping a keen eye out for any outside shenanigans. Raven pats her on the shoulder and whispers something into her ear and that seems to put her at ease. James once again points to Sir Ferguson.

Sir Ferguson: And finally it gives me chills…. I give to you… One Half of your Tag Team Champions, Your One and Only Tyrant….Your Project Honor LEGACY CHAMPION…...SHAAAAWWWWWNNNN WAAAAAAARRESSSSTTTEEEEEIIIIINNNNNN!!!!

As soon as the words leave his mouth, gold pyro begins to rain down from the ceiling. Shawn Warstein walks out with both titles, one over each shoulder. He shoots Kasey a quick smile and then gives James a nod. He holds up both his titles, as Raven and Kasey follow suit.

He leads the slow and methodical March to the ring. Most of the fans are split, some want to jeer Warstein loudly but also want to cheer seeing Kasey on Proving Ground. As Legacy reaches the ring both men toss their titles under the bottom rope and jump up onto the apron. Kasey takes the long way and heads up the steps. Both Raven and Warstein hold open the ropes for her and allow her to get in first. Raven follows and picks up the titles, as Shawn gets in behind him.

Raven hands Warstein the Legacy Title. Warstein takes a deep breath and climbs up to the middle rope and thrusts the title high into the air, as he does so more pyro begins to rain down from all around the arena. He hops down and pulls a mic from his back pocket, and taps on it a few times. The crowd begins to jeer louder than ever.

Shawn Warstein: I just want to take a moment here and be serious. No ab jokes. No shenanigans. No ego. No one knows what I went through to get to this point. No one saw the fights I had, not only in the ring but outside of it as well. I always knew what it took to get to this point, and there’s only one person I can thank…

Shawn takes a moment and shares a glance with Raven.

Shawn Warstein: This man right here. The man who everyone thinks I hide behind. The man who is just more than a pretty face and dynamite abs. No, he was with me every step of the way. He supported me when I needed it most. He motivated me when no one else could. He’s the reason I’m standing right here right now as your aptly named Legacy Champion. That’s why I have absolutely no doubt that come Hell on Earth… Legacy will be sporting three championships and four belts.

Raven nods and waves towards the somewhat split crowd at this point. A brief moment of sincerity has gotten them to ease up a bit. Shawn then looks over towards Kasey, as they smile at one another.

Shawn Warstein: I would be absolutely remiss if I didn’t mention you Little Miss Vex. Thank You. Thank you for taking my mind off of some serious stuff. Thank you for showing me just how strong you are, taking beating after beating and coming out smiling on the other end. Your perseverance alone is something most people would die for. I’m absolutely thankful that you have taken the time to get to know me for me. You aren’t just the Ascension champion…. you are the face of Fallout. And here on Proving Ground, there is actual security…. well unless you're Rock Johnson, but that’s a different story.

Shawn eggs on Kasey to raise her title high, as she does the crowd goes absolutely nuts. Shawn walks forward and leans on the top rope.

Shawn Warstein: And then there was you. The fans….

Shawn pauses as the crowd gets louder and louder.

Shawn Warstein: Without you, there wouldn’t be anyone for me to say I Told You So!

In an instant the crowd turns, Shawn smiles and mocks the crowd by rubbing his eyes.

Shawn Warstein: Without the millions and millions of fucking idiots out there who actually thought I was going to LOSE to someone two times in a row. To all the talking heads out there who just couldn’t wait to crown Elena Legacy champion for life. To every single person out there who ever had the thought that I wasn’t capable… I say FUCK YOU! I did exactly what I told you I was going to do…. THE VERY FIRST TIME I graced you with my presence.

Slowly the crowd gets louder still, Shawn doesn’t pay them any attention.

Shawn Warstein: I Told you all that I was going to come in here and dominate. I wasn’t saying anything that anyone else hadn’t already said. I wasn’t breaking new ground, but there is this big thing that sticks out… I backed it up. I said I was going to be the First Hall of Fame member for Project Honor, who can dispute that fact now? I am the first Tyrant, one half of the first Tag Team Champions, and I beat the quote unquote unbeatable. I said I was going to burn this place to ashes and rebuild it like a Phoenix. If you hadn’t noticed…..

Shawn pauses briefly and clears his throat.

Shawn Warstein: This place was already ashes by the time I pinned Elena…. you’re just witnessing the rise of the Phoenix.

Shawn extends both arms to his side while slowly walking backwards. Raven drapes the Tag Team title over his shoulder as he stares at the Legacy title on his opposite shoulder.

Shawn Warstein: This is just the beginning. I said we were going to put a stranglehold on Project Honor, and guess what, you’re already gasping for air. This place will be better than anyone ever thought possible.

Shawn smiles and pats James on the back.

Shawn Warstein: You’re Welcome.

“I Am The King” begins to play right as Shawn drops the mic to the floor. The three Project Honor competitors climb out of the ring. Raven and Warstein smiling, while Kasey looks around with a worried expression but ready to fight should anything happen. Which is quickly quelled when Shawn drapes an arm over her shoulder and walks up the ramp and into the back.


Following the bombastic victory speech by Shawn Warstein, we go backstage where Indy Darling is sitting behind the desk in his makeshift office. As promised, his door is wide open to allow anyone access to the General Manager.

INDY DARLING: I can’t believe how many people Johnson has managed to bring to the company. Now I just have to figure out how to book them all...makes me wish I had more enhancement talent to work with besides Rapture and Serrano…

At that moment, a skinny and moppy-haired delivery boy enters the office and draws Indy’s attention.

DELIVERY GUY: Hey man, I just dropped off a pallet of alcohol for some guy named Rock Johnson, and I need a signature.

Indy motions for the guy to come forward with his paperwork, takes it in his hand, and starts to add his signature.

INDY DARLING: Delivery guy, huh? I had a job like that once. Drove a Pepsi truck all over Indiana for two weeks.

DELIVERY GUY: Cool. You should try driving all the way to Columbia. It’s a bitch. Makes me wish I’d gone to that Doc Miyagi wrestling gym like you did.

INDY DARLING: Oh yeah? Have you always wanted to be a wrestler?

DELIVERY GUY: Nope. I don’t even watch it, but it’s gotta be better than this.

Indy stops writing and slowly looks up at the young man, taking notice of the monogrammed name on his overalls.

INDY DARLING: So…‘Guy’, right? How much do you make at that job, Guy?

DELIVERY GUY: Not enough.

INDY DARLING: Yeah, I bet. Maybe you, me, and Christian DeMarco should talk a little business...

Before we can see what develops, the scene cuts away as the next contest is ready to begin...




HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first…Weighing in at one hundred and eighteen pounds… Standing at five foot four inches… Fatale Attraction… ANNNNNAAAASSSSTTTTTAAAAASSSSIIIAAAA BAAAAARRROOOOSSSS!!!

“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” plays as Anastasia Baros comes out to a slow jog. She high-fives fans along the aisle as she makes her way down to ringside, where she goes cheek to cheek to take a selfie with a kid. She runs to the apron, hops up and lays back, rolling in under the rope as she hops up to the second turnbuckle and throws her right fist in the air.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing next…Weighing in at two hundred and one pounds… Standing at five foot eight inches… The Cajun Catapult, The Suplexpert, Deus 'Plex Machina… TRRREEEEYYYY BOOOOOUUUUCCCCHHHHEEEETTTT!!!

“Higher Ground” by Red Hot Chili Peppers plays as Trey appears from behind the curtain. He wastes no time with theatrics, power walking down the ramp. Totally in the zone, ‘The Suplexpert’ does not interact with the fans. He enters the ring by the stairs and then moves to the center, faces the hard camera, points up with both hands before bringing them down and sweeping them side to side in a horizontal fashion while simultaneously shaking his head in the negative. Finally cracking a smile, Trey moves to his corner.

DING! DING! DING!

Trey Bouchet offers Anastasia Baros his hand to shake and she takes it, shaking it as they both smile at each other before locking up in the center of the ring. It’s Trey who comes up trumps when he gets around the back of Anastasia and hits her with a Dragon Suplex and goes straight for a pin.

ONE…

NO… KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: Trey with a beautiful Dragon Suplex pin attempt there.

J.T. PRICE: Anastasia is having none of it as she kicks out.

Trey is back to his feet as he helps Anastasia back to her feet like a gentleman, only to take her down again with a Suplex, keeping hold of her as he swings his hips around, getting to his feet and lifting her up to hit another Suplex, before finally hitting a third. Trey is back to his feet as he grabs hold of Anastasia’s legs and hits a Wheelbarrow Suplex on her and once again goes for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

NO… KICKOUT!!!

TREY BOOKER: The Suplex Man once again hits an awesome Wheelbarrow Suplex pin.

J.T. PRICE: Once again Anastasia kicks out!

Once again, Trey is back to his feet as is Anastasia with the help of the ropes. Trey and Anastasia meet in the center of the ring again as this time it is Anastisia who gets the upper hand. She hits Trey with a European Uppercut and follows it with a Shotgun Dropkick sending Trey through the ropes and to the outside of the ring. Just as Trey is getting to his feet, Anastasia runs at the ropes and hits Trey with a Suicide Dive that sends him crashing back first into the barricade. Trey slumps down as he now sits on the outside of the ring with his back resting against the barricade.

Anastasia is back to her feet as she gets up on the apron and jumps off, hitting a Dropkick on Trey as he sits slumped against the barricade. Trey falls to the floor now as Anastasia stays there for a few moments to compose herself before getting on her feet.

TREY BOOKER: Anastasia really should capitalize on this!

J.T. PRICE: Patience is a virtue.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE…

FOUR...

Anastasia gets Trey to his feet, but Trey manages to get the upper hand as he hits the Quadra-Plex on Anastasia. Which starts off with Trey hitting Three Rolling German Suplexs followed by him hitting a Release German Suplex into the ringpost. The count has now gotten up to six as Trey picks Anastasia up and rolls her into the ring followed by getting in himself. Now back in the ring Trey once again goes for a pin attempt.

ONE…

TWO…

NO… ANASTASIA GRABS ONTO THE ROPES!!!

TREY BOOKER: Anastasia must be so thankful for these ropes!

J.T. PRICE: I’d say she’s lucky.

Trey is surprised that Anastasia has managed to grab the ropes, but he keeps his cool as he gets up to his feet. He lifts Anastasia to her feet again and whips her into the ropes, as she bounces off them and towards him she goes for a Clothesline but Trey ducks it and bounces off the opposite ropes. He heads straight for Anastasia, taking her down with a Clothesline of his own before following it with an Elbow Drop. Trey stands there smiling as he finally hits not one, but two moves that aren’t a Suplex to the disbelief of the crowd.

Now turning his attention back to Anastasia, Trey grabs her around the waist lifting her up from the mat only to drop her down with a German Suplex, but he holds on and lifts her back to her feet and hits another German Suplex. Trey once again lifts her to her feet, this time hitting a Full Nelson Suplex before going for another pin attempt.

ONE…

TWO…

NO… ANASTASIA KICKS OUT AT THE LAST MINUTE!!!

TREY BOOKER: That Full Nelson Suplex pin should’ve been the end of it!

J.T. PRICE: Already told you that Anastasia is lucky!

Trey Bouchet is back on the attack though, not giving Anastasia Baros any chance to recover as he gets her to her feet only to drop her down with a Brainbuster after showing his strength off by holding her upside down for several seconds. Any other time, Trey would’ve gone for a pin but somehow Anastasia has survived. Trey is out to make sure he does get the pin fall win this time when he goes for it.

Trey lifts Anastasia back up to her feet and drags her over to the turnbuckle. Once he has managed to set it up, Trey hits Anastasia with the Superior Plex. Starting with a Top Rope Superplex and rolling through to hit a Belly To Belly Overhead Suplex. Trey looks down at Anastasia contemplating on whether to pin her or not because he has been so unlucky so far when he has attempted to pin her.

TREY BOOKER: He really should’ve gone for the pin!

J.T. PRICE: Maybe you’re right, but time will tell.

Eventually, Trey picks Anastasia up yet again, only this time he is ready for the end as he puts Anastasia in a front facelock and then climbs to the second turnbuckle. After diving off, he then lifts her, lets her bounce off the ropes, holds her in a delayed vertical suplex before finishing up with the Jackhammer, a complex move he aptly calls The Com-Plex! Trey then climbs up to the top turnbuckle, looking down at Anastasia laying there on the mat, and smiles before connecting with The Long Shot (Top Rope Cannonball) and going for the pin.

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!!!

Trey jumps up to his feet, happy and relieved at the same time that he has finally managed to pin Anastasia, who must have been the luckiest woman ever up until now.

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of this match through PIN FALL… TRRREEEEYYYY BOOOOOUUUUCCCCHHHHEEEETTTT!!!

TREY BOOKER: That was a great win for The Suplex Master, and I for one am sad that he’s on his way to Supernova!

J.T. PRICE: The guy’s impressive, which is more than we can say for Anastasia tonight.


The crowd is anticipating the arrival of the next superstar with every flicker of the light. The delay is just a tad bit longer than they would have liked when every light throughout the arena goes out simultaneously; there is a premature cheer that buzzes through the crowd only for… nothing. The hush falls back over the crowd, and just as their teased excitement starts to dwindle, “Raise Your Horns” by Amon Amarth plays through the PA and the crowd roars into a frenzy and they only get louder as the superstar emerges from the fog that has filled the stage: Ulf Hednir.

TREY BOOKER: That’s Ulf Hednir! We’ve heard rumors that he signed a contract with Project: Honor, but I didn’t think that he would show up this soon!

He gazes out over the crowd, and reaches to his side to unveil the curved drinking horn; he raises it to the crowd who in give the chant--

CROWD: SKÅL!

--and down the hatch. He brings the horn to his lips and takes a long drink before turning it upside down to reveal that there is not a drop left.

ULF HEDNIR: SKÅL!

Without further delay, Ulf with a smile on his face takes a brisk walk down the ramp whilst holstering the drinking horn and taking the time to go to one side of the ramp and greet as many of the fans as he can, then to the other side.

TREY BOOKER: At nearly six and half feet tall and over two hundred and forty pounds, he certainly makes an imposing figure!

J.T. PRICE: Either his reputation precedes him or his sheer look is enough to win these fans over!

The music comes to a close. Several seconds pass with the crowd chanting his name; Ulf holds the microphone up in preparation to speak to the Project: Honor crowd for the first time, but takes a moment longer to bask in their praise.

ULF HEDNIR: Takk! Takk for de varm velkomme! Der er some of de people sitting in de crowd det er… nei doubt… curious… WHY jeg decided to sign with Project: Honor! Der er, nei doubt, det der er some people sitting in de back--

The nearby camera receives a waving gesture toward it as Ulf takes a couple steps toward the camera whilst continuing his speech.

ULF HEDNIR: --det er wondering not only who jeg am. But hva er det jeg saying.

TREY BOOKER: Yeah. Yeah, he is rather hard to understand, but I think the message is coming across loud and clear.

ULF HEDNIR: De reason for min selv signing with Project: Honor is quite simple. Konkurranse. Competition. Det is de simplest answer det jeg can give. De competition in Project: Honor is hva-- lokket-- enticed-- meg (me) to sign with Project: Honor. Du se, people… talked… about meg, og de kept asking meg-- when was jeg going to step ute from de corner det gave meg min start? De place det took a chance on a young kid from Norway, og allowed me to take min først leap. Min first chance.

Following the statement, Ulf maintained his silence for several seconds. His gaze faltered momentarily toward the mat.

ULF HEDNIR: But--

He raised his head back up, and fixed his gaze to the crowd.

ULF HEDNIR: --Jeg do not wish to take de easy path! Det is not de path det jeg choose. Der is nei doubt det hvor (where) jeg started-- hvor jeg made a name for min selv-- jeg did det! But det is why it was important--it is necessary-- det jeg step ute of de part hvor people already knew min name, og introduce min selv to everybody else!

Again, he walks toward the camera and stares directly into it. There is a confident smirk on his face while pointing at the camera-- to the people sitting in the back.

ULF HEDNIR: Jeg heter-- my name is-- Ulf. Hednir. Jeg er here to face de best! Jeg ville earn my spot-- jeg ville earn min way to de top!

He stretched his arm over his head giving a visual indication of where he would be. By the look of his eyes, the fire that filled them, any viewers sitting at home that were unfamiliar with the Norwegian should be able to feel the passion he had, and should know… he would do anything to mark his words as truth.

ULF HEDNIR: It is an honor to stand in de ringe with de likes of people sitting in de back. Og min only hope-- min only hope is det after dere all witness hva jeg can do in de ringe, dere vil know en thing: JEG. BELONG. SKÅL!

CROWD: SKÅL!

“Raise Your Horns” begins to play back over the PA whilst Ulf drops back a few steps and drops the microphone in the middle of the ring. He raises his arms and taunts out to the crowd several times while the camera fades to commercial.






HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest 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.


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


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

HOLLY PEREZ: And his opponent, from Flavortown, USA and weighing in at three hundred and twenty pounds...he is “The Heater”...SERRANO POBLANO!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Serrano continues to headbang around the ring, even though his music has stopped and the opening bell has sounded. As he reaches the center of the ring, his eyes fall upon the wrestling boots of Aiden Reynolds, who has been watching the display with mild amusement. Serrano slowly raises his head to look at his opponent’s face, and in return, Aiden fires off a hard uppercut that knocks Serrano on his ass and has him scampering to the ringside area. Holding his jaw with both hands, The Heater looks toward Aiden with an expression of sheer disappointment, to which The Australian Wolf answers with a shrug of his shoulders. The referee begins to count Serrano out of the ring, but the combat chef does not roll back under the ropes until he’s satisfied with the space Aiden is giving him. Serrano moves back toward Aiden with trepidation, and once he’s near the center of the ring he goes for a lock-up. Instead of obliging, Aiden easily avoids the grapple and scoops Serrano into the air instead, spinning him around a couple of times before dropping him to the mat with a hard slam.

TREY BOOKER: Things are not starting off good for The Heater in this one, but I doubt that anyone expected anything less.

J.T. PRICE: We live in a world where Lil’ Petey has become a main eventer, so never say never, Trey.

Holding his lower back in pain, Serrano gets back on his feet just in time to receive a few European Uppercuts from Reynolds, the blows landing with enough force to drive Poblano into a corner. After a series of stiff reverse elbows, Aiden builds some momentum by bouncing off the ropes, hitting Serrano with a face wash upon his return. The Heater staggers out of the corner in obvious pain, but Aiden is hardly finished as he spins Serrano around before connecting with an amazing high standing dropkick. The force of the move knocks Serrano back to the mat, giving Aiden the opportunity to measure his fallen foe. It looks as if Reynolds is going to finish things early with the Down Unda running kick to his kneeling opponent, but at the last second, Serrano grabs hold of the referee and pulls the official in front of him. Aiden is able to put on the brakes at the last second, but Serrano remains cowering behind the ref in a blatant show of cowardice.

TREY BOOKER: This is absolutely pathetic. To think that Aiden bothered showing this guy any kind of respect in his latest promo.

J.T. PRICE: Wait...what’s he doing?

With the referee facing Aiden and Serrano cowering behind him, neither the official nor The Australian Wolf are able to see Poblano dig into his trunks. Then, without warning, Serrano shoves the referee aside! Aiden immediately moves in to grab his cowardly opponent, when Poblano throws a fine, red powder at his face! Aiden Reynolds has been blinded by chili powder! Having missed all of the illegal activity, the ref goes to check on Aiden before accusing Serrano of going for the eyes. Poblano briefly feigns innocence before moving past the official to land a few body blows against Aiden’s midsection. The combination of blindness and shots to the abdomen leave Aiden open for a gutwrench suplex which Serrano follows up by landing a running senton splash! He goes for the cover!

ONE!

But Aiden is easily able to kick out despite the burning in his eyes. Feeling confident, Serrano picks Aiden up to deliver a trifecta of backbreakers, a combination he refers to as No Problemo for Poblano! Again, Serrano goes for a pin attempt, hooking Aiden’s leg in the process!

ONE!

Another easy kick out from The Australian Wolf has Serrano frustrated as he yells at the official before quickly returning his attention to his opponent. This time, Serrano looks for the submission victory as he locks on his signature Abdominal Stretch, Feel the Burn! The referee immediately goes to check on Aiden, who isn’t about to submit to such a move, but this also gives Poblano the chance to grab the nearby ropes, thus increasing the pressure of his hold! Suspecting something strange, the referee changes positions, but Serrano lets go of the rope before he’s caught in the act. Once the official goes back to check on Aiden, Serrano immediately grabs the rope again!

J.T. PRICE: It’s gonna be Lil’ Petey all over again! Serrano’s outplayed the Wolf!

TREY BOOKER: Pardon my French, but no fucking way is that going to happen in this lifetime or the next one!

After getting the most out of the ropes as he can, Serrano is finally caught by the referee who demands that the hold be broken! Poblano initially refuses, but finally he has no choice as Aiden counters the hold with a hip toss! Despite Serrano’s best efforts, it would seem that the hold has given Aiden’s eyes enough time to clear, as he counters a charging Poblano with a hard spinebuster! The Heater gets back to his feet, once again displaying pain on his face, but Aiden shows no sympathy as he hits a hard running knee facebuster! The move has The Heater out on his feet, giving Reynolds the opportunity to lift him onto his shoulders. With red eyes and a confident smirk, The Australian Wolf drops Serrano to the mat with his Gold Coast Cutter!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE - NO!

For reasons only he knows, Aiden chooses to pull Serrano off the mat at the last second, shaking his head to signal that he’s not done just yet. He then moves towards Serrano’s legs and begins to apply The Four X Gold leglock in the center of the ring! Serrano has nowhere to go, no way out, and not enough fortitude to hold on more than a couple of seconds!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: The winner of the match by submission… “The Australian Wolf”...AIDEN REYNOLDS!!!

Aiden finally releases his thrashing victim before looking down on him with a disapproving shake of his head while the referee raises his arm in the air.

TREY BOOKER: As expected, Aiden Reynolds with the decisive victory despite some underhanded tactics from Poblano. He may not be going after the X-Factor Title at Hell on Earth, but there’s no doubt The Australian Wolf is still a top star on Proving Ground!


One of the backstage cameras catches up to Indy Darling as he makes his way through one of the arena corridors when he nearly walks into a familiar face. Standing in his path is backstage reporter, Crystal Ward, who’s apparently hoping to get a few words from the General Manager.

CRYSTAL WARD: Indy! Rumor has it you’re planning to reveal some Pay Per View matches tonight. Care to share some of those Hell on Earth plans with us?

INDY DARLING: Well, I can’t give you the full card until tonight’s show is in the books, but there are a couple of matches in particular that you and the fans may be interested in…

CRYSTAL WARD: Don’t leave us in suspense!

INDY DARLING: Okay, but just for you, Crystal.

There is an awkward moment of silence between the two, before Indy clears his throat to continue.

INDY DARLING: Everyone already knows that James Raven will meet Lance Williams for the vacant X-Factor Title, and that match will be the Headliner for Hell on Earth. Other than that, I recently made a deal with Fallout’s GM, Christian DeMarco. While we’ve decided it wouldn’t be fair to make Shawn Warstein defend his newly won Legacy Championship so soon after Disputed Territory, there will be a Number One Contenders Match for that title at Hell on Earth between two of the stars from Fallout. For one night only, Elena DeDraca and Pixie Sloan will compete in front of the Proving Ground fans to determine which of them will receive the first shot at Warstein and the Legacy Title.

CRYSTAL WARD: Elena versus Pixie at Hell on Earth? That is quite the bombshell!

INDY DARLING: I’m really excited about it, Crystal. And furthermore…

Before he can continue, Indy is interrupted by the sudden appearance of Serrano Poblano. Having just lost to Aiden Reynolds, he is sweating profusely and is sorely out of breath.

SERRANO POBLANO: *huff huff*....hold on there…*gasp*...boss. I heard you were announcing…*wheeze*...some Hell on Earth matches…*huff huff*...and I’m all ready to hear…*gasp*...what you have in store for me…

Indy gives Serrano a curious look before turning back toward Crystal.

INDY DARLING: ...right. As I was about to say, Proving Ground has recently signed some new talents that I’m really excited about, and I want to give them the opportunity to debut on a major stage in front of a Pay Per View audience. With that in mind, I’m scheduling a New Faces Triple Threat Match between Daniel Ackerman, John Blade, and Tara Fenix! Not only that, but another new star, Arata Asakura will go one-on-one with “The Shining Star” MYOJIN!

SERRANO POBLANO: Yeah but…*huff huff*...what about me? What about The Heater?

INDY DARLING: I’m glad you asked, Serrano. There’s one other new face in the company who needs an opponent, and I think you’re just the guy. That’s why you’ll be going head-to-head against a man we saw earlier tonight, Ulf Hednit!

Indy gives Serrano a pat on the back, then looks at the sweat on his palm before wiping it against his denim jacket. He then gives Crystal a warm smile before continuing on his way, leaving the reporter alone with Serrano. The concerned Heater slumps down into a nearby folding chair, but then notices Crystal and gives her a lecherous grin.

SERRANO POBLANO: So...uh...what are you doing during Hell on Earth?

CRYSTAL WARD: Ugh…

Crystal then takes her leave as well, leaving Serrano to catch his breath alone.




HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is set for one fall…

“ONE FALL!”

HOLLY PEREZ: ...and it is for the Project: Honor Tag Team Championships!

“Now That We’re Dead” by Metallica plays throughout the speakers as Michael Shaw and Sam Steele make their way down to the ring, it’s almost as if they’re jogging to the ring, and like- preparing for the inevitable, possibly. The fanfare is minimal here in Cali, Colombia as there’s nothing but silence for the team.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, at a combined weight of four hundred and seven pounds, they are the team of Michael Shaw and Sam Steele… they are THE DRAGGGGGGONNNNN SLAAAAAYYYYYYERRRRRRRRSSSSS!!!!

No cheers. Who would have guessed.

TREY BOOKER: I don't know if you could tell from it, but the fans here quite literally don't care about The Dragon Slayers, just like how they stopped caring once they began taking losses. Though, that's not to say that they earned this place right now. They've been here for a while and well... if Big Drip Productions can get a title shot then why can't these two, I guess.

The loud bass beats of "Blockbuster Night, Pt.1" can be heard through the speakers and to a loud ovation, surprisingly for a pair of bad guys, but nonetheless, the Legacy logo appears on the screen as Killer Mike's vocals can be heard.

"Bunches and bunches, punches is thrown until you’re frontless
Oodles and oodles, bang bullets at suckers' noodles
Last album? Voodoo! Proved that we was fuckin' brutal
I’m talking crazy, half past the clock is cuckoo"

James Raven appears on the stage at first, with his Project: Honor Tag Team Championship wrapped around his waist, and around the world is a deep elongated sigh because they can't have a clear view of Raven's abdominal muscles. Then after a few moments of Raven on the stage by himself, the curtain opens wide for the arrival of "The Tyrant" and his two championships resting on both shoulder. The Project: Honor Tag Team Championship on his left and the Project: Honor Legacy Championship on his right shoulder. The two stare down at the pair they're to face in this championship match and mouth something to one another, before laughing almost hysterically and making their way down to the ring.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, at a combined weight of four hundred and fifty-six pounds, they are the current reigning and defending Project: Honor Tag Team Champions... the team of "The People's G.O.A.T" James Raven and the current Project: Honor Legacy Champion, "The Tyrant" Shawn Warstein... THIS... IS... LEEGGGGGAAAAAACYYYYYYYYY!!!!

The pair place their championships down onto the apron as they both hop onto the ring apron and make their way through the ropes, picking up their championships and raising them up high into the air for the crowd to see. The fans, again surprisingly, are loving it. They're loving every single moment of it. It's like it's their hometown heroes.

J.T. PRICE: Legacy may as well have done it all here in Project: Honor. From the first ever Tag Team Champions, to the winner of the Tyrant Chamber, and to even having the first ever double champion in Project: Honor. Now they get to face a team that, just last night, got announced on Twitter that their contracts have been terminated. So basically, they don't even work here anymore and they've got the title shots. Oh well, let's hope they make this quick enough!

DING! DING!

Once the bell rings, it's James Raven and Sam Steele beginning this match. James Raven is barely trying at this rate, and is just allowing Sam Steele to try and take down Raven by the legs, but he's not even budging at all. Steele looks right into the eyes of Raven and he's not even phased by the intimidation that he's trying to pull on him. Steele fires off a Shoot Kick to the leg and it does phase Raven a little, a forearm smash follows but it's ducked and Raven drops Steele with the Back Suplex! Steele hit the mat hard and damn, he might be unable to compete already, as Raven looks down at Steele and gives off a shrug.

JAMES RAVEN: This is our competition? Seriously?

Warstein, who's standing on the apron and looking down at Steele, shrugs along with Raven. The People's G.O.A.T makes his way around the ring and circling Steele as he slowly makes the rise to his feet, and Raven knocks him back down with a Soccer Kick to his shins before coming off of the ropes with a Sliding Dropkick to the head of Steele. A quick cover by Raven.

ONE!

TWO-

Raven pulls the shoulders off of the mat!

JAMES RAVEN: Let's give them a chance, referee. Okay? Count slowly.

Raven pins Steele again!

OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE...!

TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO-

Michael Shaw has seen enough of the taunting and he's stomped right down onto Raven's back, which causes Warstein to enter and throw Shaw out with ease, and just as easy as it was looking like a change, Legacy took back possession.

TREY BOOKER: I've never seen a more embarrassing one-sided match much like how Legacy are absolutely manhandling The Dragon Slayers!

J.T. PRICE: We say this as if they weren't going to already, why are we acting surprised, Trey?

TREY BOOKER: Not now, J.T.

James looks to tag in Warstein but as the Legacy Champion reaches in, Raven pulls the 'you're too slow' trick and slicks the hair back. Steele is slowly making his way back to his feet, because for some reason he still has a fight left in this and actually hasn't given up, but he's quickly taken down by an F.Y.S from Raven! Superkick right on the jaw of Steele as he falls to the mat!

JAMES RAVEN: Jacob Steele would put up a better fight than you-

Shawn shouts from across the ring.

SHAWN WARSTEIN: No he wouldn't, stop lying!

To which brings a response from Raven.

JAMES RAVEN: You're right.

Michael Shaw slides back into the ring- BUT HE'S CAUGHT WITH A FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN FROM OUTTA NOWHERE! BAH GAWD! James Raven nonchalantly steps over towards his corner and stands right beside his tag team partner. The two seem to engage in a conversation.

SHAWN WARSTEIN: You know, you're not meant to make it look that easy, right?

JAMES RAVEN: You expected me to give them a chance?

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Didn't want them to be the jobber team, that was meant to be those two knuckleheads that think they make good music.

JAMES RAVEN: At least they had the decency to show up, right?

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Barely.

Raven slowly nods his head.

JAMES RAVEN: True.

A moment passes as neither man from The Dragon Slayers seem to move.

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Are they dead?

JAMES RAVEN: If playing dead thinks it'll get them out of this match easily, they're easily mistaken.

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Tag out?

JAMES RAVEN: Might as well let you have some fun yourself.

And just like that, The Tyrant is officially in the match!

JAMES RAVEN: Are we done yet?

SHAWN WARSTEIN: I just got into the ring, James.

JAMES RAVEN: Pathetic.

Shawn calls for James to enter the ring as they both stand in the ring with Steele in their arms, almost dead by the way it looks to be as Shawn whips him into the ropes and hoists him up in the air for the flapjack- and Raven's walked off, leaving Steele to crash into the mat!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Seriously?

JAMES RAVEN: Eh.

Michael Shaw looks to charge in at Legacy with lariats but ducked as he rebounds, Legacy gives a Shrug in Unison as Shawn arm drags them into a Backbreaker from Raven! The People's G.O.A.T simply kicks away Shaw from the ring like the human pile of trash he is and it's now Samuel Steele with Legacy in the ring.

SHAWN WARSTEIN: How are we settling this? Rock, Paper, Scissors?

JAMES RAVEN: Seems fair.

BOTH: ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS! SHOOT!

Shawn has paper, James has rock!

TREY BOOKER: Shawn with the win!

JAMES RAVEN: Fuck, man!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Best of three, ight?

BOTH: ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS! SHOOT!

James pulls out the scissors... but Shawn's got a rock!

J.T. PRICE: AND AGAIN! Warstein's on fire with the shoots!

JAMES RAVEN: Are you fucking kidding me?

SHAWN WARSTEIN: I can go best of five, if you want?

JAMES RAVEN: Yeah, let's fuckin' do this shit.

BOTH: ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS! SHOOT!

Shawn's got paper and he's confident- but Raven's got scissors!

TREY BOOKER: RAVEN'S COMING BACK! HE'S FIRED UP! HE'S MAKING THE COMEBACK!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: FUCK!

JAMES RAVEN: Too easy.

BOTH: ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS! SHOOT!

Shawn goes for rock-- but Raven goes paper! It's two a piece! Final one decides who finishes the match!

J.T. PRICE: THEY'RE GIVING EVERYTHING THEY GOT! OH MY GOD!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: OH FUCK!

JAMES RAVEN: Blowing the lead like Kasey blow-

SHAWN WARSTEIN: Shut it. Final round.

BOTH: ROCK! PAPER! SCISSORS! SHOOT!

Raven's confident, he's gone for rock...

...

TREY BOOKER: This is make or break for Raven!

...

J.T. PRICE: I can't watch! I can't watch! This is too intense!

...

--but Shawn's gone for paper! Shawn Warstein wins!

TREY BOOKER: WARSTEIN! WARSTEIN! WARSTEIN!

J.T. PRICE: WHAT A FIGHT! WHAT A WAR! WHAT A DAMN CONTEST!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: FUCK YEAH!

JAMES RAVEN: Oh screw this stupid game-

FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN ON STEELE! HE'S BEEN BASICALLY STANDING THERE THIS WHOLE TIME- OR... WELL... HE WAS STANDING THERE!

SHAWN WARSTEIN: HEY! That was meant to be mine!

Raven shrugs the shoulders as he heads out to the apron and watches Warstein capitalize- HEAVY IS THE HEAD! THE KINSHASA TO STEELE'S HEAD! THE HOOK OF THE LEG!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

HOLLY PEREZ: Here is your winner... AND STILL THE PROJECT: HONOR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... JAMES RAVEN AND THE PROJECT: HONOR LEGACY CHANPION, SHAWN WARSTEIN... LEEGGGGGAAAAAACYYYYYYYYY!!!!

Raven tosses the championship to Warstein, he's being a bit of a sore loser for that game of Rock Paper Scissors, but the win goes to them tonight as they soon make their way up the ramp as we fade to a commercial.







“Drip Like Me” by Kenndog is playing when we return from commercial break, just in time to see the first team entering for the upcoming contest.

HOLLY PEREZ: The following contest is a Six Person Tornado Tag Team Match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, TJ Thompson, Yung Sauce, and “The Commander of Drip” Scott Oasis!

TJ and Sauce make their way to the ring with all of the flare and enthusiasm they normally put on display, while a much more serious-looking Scott Oasis follows close behind with his entourage. Once they enter the ring, Sauce promises to drop some hip lyrics for the crowd, but he is rudely interrupted by the sound of “Cash Flow” by Ace Hood.

HOLLY PEREZ: And their opponents, Pat the Postman, Cadillac Jackson, and The Project: Honor Warrior Rising Champion...Emmanuelle!

Cadillac leads the pack as he heads toward the ring with all the arrogance we’ve come accustomed to, while Pat the Postman lumbers behind him like a menacing shadow. They are followed by Emmanuelle, who carries a championship belt over each shoulder while locking eyes with Scott Oasis in the ring. Once they have entered and Emmanuelle has put her title belts aside, the referee officially calls for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!.

The team of Drip and Oasis don’t waste any time as they rush across the ring just as the bell sounds. Under Tornado rules, neither team has to worry about who will start the match, giving TJ and Sauce the chance to team-up on the massive Postman while Oasis takes Emmy and Caddy down with a double clothesline before they even know they’re under attack. Oasis then pounces on top of Emmanuelle, driving a series of mounted elbows against her skull to keep her on the defensive. Meanwhile, the combined efforts of TJ and Sauce force Pat into a corner, where Big Drip takes turns punishing him with chops, kicks, and other stiff strikes. With Caddy unattended, he’s able to get back on his feet and immediately sees Emmanuelle at the mercy of Oasis. Yet instead of giving her a helping hand, he chooses to charge across the ring instead, grabbing TJ Thompson from behind with a German Suplex. This allows Pat to focus solely on Yung Sauce, as he blocks one of his shots and fires back with a headbutt of his own. Pat then whips Sauce into the ropes, catching him with a gravity-defying hurricanrana on the rebound.

TREY BOOKER: The action is hot and heavy already and this one is going to be hard to call!

J.T. PRICE: Freaking Indy making us work for our paychecks…

Having softened Emmanuelle up with his vicious strikes, Oasis pulls the champion off the mat and attempts to hit her with a German Suplex of his own. Instead, Emmy fully embraces the momentum and lands on her feet! When Oasis turns back to continue his attack, he is instead met with a leaping knee strike to the jaw. Emmanuelle then lands a few liver punches to keep Oasis off balance, and then hits him with a standing dropkick that sends him tumbling backwards over the top rope. Big Scott barely has time to get to his feet when Emmy charges forward and leaps over the top rope with a suicide cross body block! Oasis does his best to catch Emmy as she flies towards him, but the momentum is too much and both competitors are laid out at ringside!

Back inside of the ring, Caddy has continued his attack on TJ with a running lariat and a diving fist drop, while Pat punishes Sauce with a springboard dropkick and a standing moonsault. The makeshift team of Patillac Postjack continues to look impressive, as Pat leaves Sauce laying to help Caddy double team Thompson. Seeing his partner’s signal, Caddy takes TJ down with a drop toe hold, which Pat immediately follows up with a running leg drop to the back of TJ’s head! Pat then pulls Sauce off the mat and holds him to give Caddy a free shot, but Sauce manages to slip away at the last second and Caddy ends up hitting Pat with The Ejection! As the stunned Postman falls to the ringside area, Pat looks on with an expression of regret. Jackson turns back to focus on Drip by himself, but he is met by a double hip toss from TJ and Sauce. They follow that up with a double superkick to knock Cadillac to the mat, before setting him up for Zoomin’ Through The Sky! The airplane spin and leaping cutter combination drops Caddy like a ton of bricks and gives Sauce the chance to go for a pin!

ONE!

TWO!

TH - NO!

Caddy is able to get a shoulder up to break the pin, but Big Drip isn't done punishing him just yet. TJ sends Caddy into the turnbuckles with a monkey flip, which Sauce follows up with his spear, completing their Money Shot signature move! This time it’s TJ who goes for the cover on Jackson while Sauce goes to kick Pat off the apron!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE! NO!

TREY BOOKER: Emmanuelle with the save at the last second!

Emmy dives under the bottom rope to launch herself at TJ, saving her team from defeat. The Warrior Rising Champion then lays into TJ Thompson with a running big boot and a snap DDT, giving Cadillac a chance to recover. Meanwhile, Pat has grabbed Sauce’s attention from the apron, offering him a wrapped box. Despite having seen this trick before, Sauce cannot resist the urge to see What’s In The Box, earning himself a hard punch to the face from the mischievous Postman. Laid out on the mat, Sauce is then left wide open as Pat springboards off the top rope and hits a shooting star press! Pat follows it up with a pin attempt!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

No! This time it’s Scott Oasis who makes the save, as he grabs Pat’s legs and pulls him under the bottom rope to the ringside area. Oasis then shows off his impressive strength, lifting Pat up into the powerbomb position before running him into the ring post! This modified version of Scott’s Downfall maneuver has Pat in excruciating pain, but before Oasis can capitalize, Emmy dives over the ropes at him again! She flips over the top rope like a cannonball, but this time Scott is able to catch her on his shoulders, hitting her with The Downfall against the opposite ring post as Pat! Back inside of the ring, TJ and Sauce have the chance to hit Caddy with a double team move and end the match. They’re setting him up for The Big Racks as TJ goes to the top rope and Sauce lifts Caddy up for his Femboy Sauce! Somehow, Caddy escapes Sauce’s clutches and drops behind him, then gives him a big shove into the ropes that knocks TJ off balance! As Thompson crotches himself on the top buckle, Cadillac hits his Jack ‘Em Up spear Yung Sauce!

TREY BOOKER: Cadillac may have just saved his own life right there! Escaping The Big Racks and managing to hit his own offense may turn this thing around!

J.T. PRICE: Team Caddy all the way baby!

Sauce gets back on his feet and is clutching his ribcage in pain, giving Caddy the opportunity to clothesline him over the top rope! He then turns his attention to TJ, who is still massaging his sore groin area on the top buckle. Taking advantage of Thompson’s predicament, Cadillac climbs onto the turnbuckles himself, successfully taking TJ back into the ring with a top rope superplex! Seconds after TJ hits the mat, Pat the Postman comes out of nowhere, leaping off the opposite turnbuckle with The Post of the Lion! TJ is helpless against the effects of the devastating combo!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

No! Scott Oasis manages to re-enter the ring to save his partner once again, knocking Pat off of him with a hard kick to the kidneys! Yet before Scott can help TJ any further, Emmanuelle returns to the ring, still holding her back in pain. She still manages to hit Scott with a running big boot to knock him into the corner, which she then follows up with the Platinum Dynamic! Scott is knocked to the mat by the move and he rolls outside out of sheer desperation, but Emmy isn’t about to let him take the easy way out. She follows him to ringside and charges toward him, but Scott attempts to catch her and flip her to the ground. Instead, Emmy’s momentum and her collision with Scott send both of them careening over the guardrail and into the first row!

TREY BOOKER: This grudge over the Warrior Rising Title has literally sent Emmanuelle and Scott Oasis over the edge!

J.T. PRICE: Dude...leave the puns to me.

With TJ still suffering from Patillac Postjack’s double team move, Caddy props him up in the corner and signals for Pat to finish him off with Post to Post cannonball senton! The big man gets to the top rope and takes to the air, but at the last second, TJ pulls Cadillac in front of him and both men end up squashed by Pat’s impressive girth! At first, Pat doesn’t seem to realize what he’s done, but when he sees his partner in pain on the mat, he hesitates to check on his condition. Then, with everyone else accounted for, he turns back to the ring in search of Yung Sauce. Pat turns back just in time for Sauce to charge across the ring, hitting the massive Postman with Lost In The Sauce!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winners of the match...Scott Oasis, TJ Thompson, and Yung Sauce!!!

TREY BOOKER: The combination of Big Drip and Scott Oasis have done it! Pat and Caddy seem to be getting better as a team every week, but this time they made some miscalculations that cost them in the end!

J.T. PRICE: Hold up, Trey! What’s the boss doing out here?

Sure enough, Indy Darling has made his way onto the entrance with a microphone in hand. As Scott Oasis returns to the ring to celebrate with Big Drip, and the members of the opposing team recover at ringside, Indy interrupts them with a special announcement.

INDY DARLING: First of all, that was one hell of a match and I salute all of you! That’s the kind of action that’s gonna take The Warrior Rising division to the next nevel, which is why I’m out here right now.

The six competitors look on, unsure of where the GM is going with this.

INDY DARLING: For the past several weeks, I’ve been working on plans for a very special match that will go down at Hell on Earth, and all six of you, along with Brandon Hendrix and the recently acquired Valkyrie, will be involved! It’s a little something I like to call...The Gates of Hell…

Indy motions to the Honor-Tron behind him, which lights up with some rough schematics of his own design…


INDY DARLING: What you’re looking at is a domed cage separated into seven different sections. There will be no ring involved, as the structure will be set up in the back of the arena. All eight competitors will start the match in the outer ring, and after five minutes, a gate to the next ring will be opened. You’ll have to fight to make your way through that gate, because the last person left will be eliminated. This process will continue through each ring, with the danger increasing the closer you get to the center and another competitor being eliminated when they are the last to reach the gate to the next level. Only two competitors will remain in the center section, where The Warrior Rising Championship will be hanging through the open center of the dome. The competitor who is able to scale the ladder in the center will be the winner of the match and The Warrior Rising Champion!

There is a mix of confusion, excitement, and concern amongst the faces of those in the ring and at ringside as Indy begins to wrap up his announcement.

INDY DARLING: Christian DeMarco and Fallout may be the land of extreme, but Proving Ground has been and will always be the land of innovators! Emmanuelle, Yung Sauce, TJ Thompson, Scott Oasis, Cadillac Jackson, Pat the Postman, Brandon Hendrix, and Valkyrie...welcome to Proving Ground’s Gates of Hell and best of luck to each and everyone of you!

With that, Indy makes his exit, leaving the members of The Gates of Hell Match to ponder this unique and threatening opportunity.


While there is a break in the action, we go backstage to find Larry KaChow on his way toward the Gorilla Position so that he can make his entrance for his special interview segment. However, something seems to grab Larry’s attention as he stops dead in his tracks and looks to his left. We see a closed door clearly labeled as “LEGACY: PRIVATE DRESSING ROOM”, from which loud music and laughter is emerging. With a smile on his face, Larry forgets what he was doing and knocks loudly on the door. Much to his surprise, Fallout’s beautiful and dangerous Ascension Champion, Kasey Winterborn opens the door.

LARRY KACHOW: Kasey! Babe! Shawn and I go way back and I thought I could come in and party for awhi-

SLAM!

Without a word from Little Miss Vex, the door is abruptly slammed in Larry’s face. Looking slightly dejected, he mutters to himself as he continues on his way.

LARRY KACHOW: See if I try protecting her while she’s in the shower again…

Larry rounds the corner on his way to Gorilla, seemingly bringing the scene to an end, when mere seconds later, a mysterious figure in a Red Purge mask steps out of an adjacent hallway...


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

Larry makes his way into the ring with a disgusted expression, as he receives no more love from the Columbian audience than he does anywhere else. He picks up his microphone from his director’s chair and gives the crowd time to quiet their booing before speaking.

LARRY KACHOW: Nice to see the local drug lords have bought all the front row seats tonight. If you losers knew how much I spent on your product, you’d give me a much nicer welcome! Whatever, it’s time to get down to business anyway. On the last Proving Ground, we all saw Mark Hunter go berzerk and pummel his best friend Lance Williams for having the nerve to save everyone from an Ozymandias attack. I’m supposed to have Mark and Lance both out here to patch things up, or explain the situation, hell if I know to be honest. I don’t even know if either of them are here tonight! I guess I could use this time to show you my sweet dance moves or maybe sign some autographs…

Before KaChow can continue, Proving Ground General Manager, Indy Darling, can be seen making his way to the ring. After making his way up the steps and between the ropes, Indy holds up his own microphone to counter the one in Larry’s greasy palm.

INDY DARLING: Larry, if you don’t mind, I’d like to handle this one personally tonight.

LARRY KACHOW: No way, dude. This is my time!

INDY DARLING: Look, for better or worse, I’ve gotten to know Mark Hunter pretty well over the past few months, and since I’m the one who suspended him and demanded answers, I’ll be the one to get them.

LARRY KACHOW: Yeah, but…

INDY DARLING: I’m pretty sure there’s some Korean Barbeque left in catering. I know how much you love braised short ribs.

Larry considers this for a moment before finally answering.

LARRY KACHOW: I feel like that might be slightly racist, but it’s also accurate. All yours, dawg.

Without further argument, Larry makes his exit and leaves Indy in charge of this week’s interview.

INDY DARLING: Okay, enough of the bullshit. Mark, it’s time to get out here and give me, these fans, and especially your friend, Lance Williams an explanation.

For several moments, Indy’s call goes unanswered, but just when it looks as if Mark isn’t in the arena, he emerges from the entrance. Not only is the Grand Champion dressed in his street clothes, but the championship title is nowhere to be seen. There is no entrance music and no fanfare, as a determined looking Mark Hunter ignores the reaction of the crowd and marches directly to the ring. After sliding under the bottom rope and coming face to face with his old rival, the tension is so high that it seems as if they might come to blows. Fortunately, cooler heads prevail, at least for now.

INDY DARLING: I don’t need to rehash what went down on the last show. To all of us, it looked as if you finally hit your breaking point under the pressure of being champion, but I’m not one to take things at face value. The floor is yours, Mark.

Indy passes the microphone over to Mark Hunter, who pauses to hang his head for a moment, as if he’s contemplating what he’s about to say. As Indy takes a step back, Mark raises his head back up and stares intently at the camera on the apron.

MARK HUNTER: I come out here as Mark Hunter every damn show with the purpose of making you despise me, it’s my damn job. I’m not deaf, I hear the response to my music, I hear the jeers and insults. So based on that and my proven ability to carry the load always headlining Proving Ground creates… none of you can say I aint good at my fucking job.

There is a brief pause from the champion as the crowd quietly soaks in his comments.

MARK HUNTER: The ultimate reality however is, I’m not the inhumane monster you all see me as and think I am. You all know Mark Hunter, however the man standing before you is not Mark Hunter the performer. I address you all and stand here as Markus Lee Huntington, the man behind it all. I stand here as a soon to be father of twins and as a man grateful for all the good things in my life.

Unable to stand still, Mark begins to pace back and forth in the ring like a caged tiger.

MARK HUNTER: I’m like all of you, I love this fucking business but I’ll damn sure never EVER put it before my friends and family. Now truth be told my family is two people, soon to be four.

It is clear that there is an anger building up in the man who’s identified himself as Markus Lee Huntington with every word he speaks.

MARK HUNTER: As for friends, my only real friend, a man you all know as Lance Williams… I’ve known Lance for years, I’ll not give you the full history lesson, you don’t need it. Ultimately though we were close enough that when he was told he would never wrestle again, when he was told he may never walk again, I was the only person that gave a shit. I picked him up when he fell, I laughed with him, I cried with him for fuck sake. Add to that, he wasn’t always the wealthy man he is now… I paid for his fucking treatments. I gave a shit when no one cared about whether Lance WIlliams even took another damn breath.

Mark stops his pacing to once again glare at the camera focused upon him.

MARK HUNTER: That friendship died!! But not when you all booed me last time out as I beat the ever loving shit out of him, it died when the sick bastard got someone to burn down my brother-in-law’s business, it died when the sick bastard got someone to destroy my car, it died when the sick bastard tried stealing my property backstage, it sure as hell fucking died when the sick bastard got someone to stalk my home and girlfriend whilst I was at work!

Now scheduled opponent has ever forced Mark to show so much emotion as he continues to stare at the camera.

MARK HUNTER: This isn’t business, this is so much more than that, this is life.

With that very clear statement, Mark once again starts to pace back and forth.

MARK HUNTER: So Lance, much like last time, I’m going to fucking destroy you. I don’t know if you thought I’d never work it out or you were planning some great reveal, whatever the reasoning… I sure hope it is worth the lifetime of hurt and brutality I, Markus Lee Huntington, will make you suffer. I don’t care if it costs me my title or even my job for that matter, I’m gonna seriously fuck you up Lance!!

Mark Hunter is interrupted as “Bulldozer” Lance Williams appears up on the Honor-Tron at the top of the entrance ramp. You can only see the top half of Lance as he is obviously sitting down in front of the camera that is being relayed to the arena. As Lance sits there, he has a grin on his face. He is clearly kitted out in an expensive looking tailored suit and tie with sunglasses on to look more obnoxious than he already did.

LANCE WILLIAMS: Friend? You really think you were a friend? No, you were just the man who saw an opportunity to take advantage of me and try to be the hero. You’re not a hero Markus Lee Huntington. Where were you when your brother in law's business burned to the ground? Where were you when your car was destroyed? What about when your property was almost stolen? Most of all, where were you when my hired gun was in your house and saw your future wife sleeping peacefully?

Indy starts to interrupt the scent, but Lance just starts to laugh as he brings his finger up to his mouth to signal for Mark and Indy to stay quiet.

LANCE WILLIAMS: QUIET!!! I’m not finished yet, so use your ears and keep your mouth shut. This is personal, so if you want to be Markus Lee Huntingdon, I’ll be Lance Alexander Williams. The man who is still the only one to have beaten you one on one. You got opportunity after opportunity when you stepped here into Project: Honor. I’m sorry, but unlike you, I wasn’t willing to suck corporate dick to get to where you’re at now. Even that Grand Championship you have is worthless because you hold it. If Ozymandias doesn’t take that Championship from you, mark my words, I’ll make sure you lose it. We both know you’re good at cheating, but then again so does Jelena, doesn't she?

The crowd gasps as once again Lance starts to laugh while he signals again for both Indy and Mark to stay silent.

LANCE WILLIAMS: Jelena is as worthless as you’ve made that Grand Championship and the fact that she isn’t just carrying one of your worthless children but two is absolutely sickening. That should be me standing there with the Grand Championship, it should be me Main Eventing Proving Ground but no, Lance once again is overlooked. Even Dickie Watson was a better Grand Champion than you! At least Dickie didn’t make the Grand Championship worthless like you have. I’m going to ruin your personal life, your wrestling career, and I’m going to enjoy every fucking minute of it, you patchy bearded scrotum. I beg you to attempt to destroy me because the only one who is going to be standing tall when all this is done is me. Maybe Jelena can do the world a favor and abort your children like I’m going to abort you from Project: Honor. Speaking of which…

That’s when Lance holds up a scan picture for Mark, Indy, and all to see as a sick smirk appears on Lance’s face.

LANCE WILLIAMS: When my hired gun was in your house he brought this back to me. You know full well it’s the scan picture of your twins don’t you, Markus? You really think that beating you gave me was enough to keep me down and out? Please don’t insult me like that you absolute bitch. You’ve taken every opportunity from me, made me look like your damn sidekick. Everyone refers to me as just Mark Hunter’s friend. The guy who is holding onto the fact he is the only one who has beaten you one on one. You and I both know I’m more than just that Markus. I’ve been held back and ridiculed for so long that I’m not standing for it any more. I’m doing what I have to do for me and if that means having to abort the abomination that you are, so be it.

Without any second thoughts Lance just rips the scan picture up into small pieces and throws it into the air as the small pieces fall like snow to the ground.

LANCE WILLIAMS: You were in his crosshairs and he neutralized you.

The last thing we hear before the jumbotron goes off is the laughter of Lance Williams and clearly the hired gun he spoke of who was off camera while Lance was speaking. As if the anger Mark showed before wasn’t enough, it looks as if he could explode at any second. Finally, trying to think on his feet, Indy addresses everything he’s just heard.

INDY DARLING: Easy, Mark. I didn’t know. None of us could have known. If that sick son of a bitch wants to make things personal and destroy your life, I’ll make sure you have every chance possible to pay him back in kind.

Mark stops pacing and stares daggers at the GM.

INDY DARLING: But it can’t be until after Hell on Earth, Mark. It just can’t. You have Ozymandias to worry about, Lance has James Raven...I can’t have you guys killing each other until that show is in the books. Please, take some time to process this...think about how you want to face Lance in that ring...and I’ll make sure it happens after Hell on Earth if you two can manage to keep your hands off each other until then.

Mark continues to stare for a few more moments before finally breaking his stare and turning to leave the ring. As the crowd surprisingly cheers Mark in a show of support, Indy is left wondering whether his offer will be accepted or if he should book the extra security for Hell on Earth in advance.







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

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 his opponent enters.

HOLLY PEREZ: Introducing first, fighting out of The Hip House for his opportunity to join the main event of Hell on Earth…he is "The Drip Sensation", "All Gas, No Brakes", "One Hip Wonder", "Mr. Clout", "Mr. Hydration", "The MILF Hunter", "The Big Booty Bandit"...LIL’ PETEY!!!

The crowd erupts upon the introduction of their sentimental favorite, as the slow, creeping sounds of Heilung start to play and 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: And his opponent...from Old Harbour, Alaska and weighing in at three hundred and fifty seven pounds… “The Butcher of Reine” and the number one contender to the Project: Honor Grand Championship...OZYMANDIAS!!!

DING! DING! DING!

Upon hearing the opening bell, Ozymandias takes a big step towards the middle of the ring, which Petey responds to by leaping between the ropes to the ringside floor. Petey then backs up against the guardrail with the ringside fans hugging him, and he starts to motion for Ozymandias to follow. Proving that he’s no fool despite his previous mistakes against Petey, The Butcher holds his ground and motions for Petey to come to him instead. Still hoping to persuade his opponent, Petey makes waves motions with his hands and points to the crowd, indicating that he’d like Ozy to toss him into another crowd surfing situation as their previous encounter. Still, Ozymandias holds his ground as the referee warns Petey to re-enter the ring and begins to make a count against him.

Finally accepting that his strategy is not going to work, Petey gingerly slides under the bottom rope and comes to a standing position against them. As Ozymandias begins to move forward, Petey tries to offer up a dance competition, but the big man ignores the request and easily lifts Petey off the mat instead. Holding him high over his head in a Gorilla Press, Ozy acts as if he’s going to throw Petey to the crowd, which causes the little Dripper to smile and give a thumbs up. Then Ozy turns back towards the ring, drops Petey onto his shoulder, and drives him into the canvas with a thunderous spine buster!

J.T. PRICE: Butter my biscuits! The sound of that impact even makes my spine hurt!

TREY BOOKER: Something tells me this is going to be a little different than their last match-up.

J.T. PRICE: Gee, ya think?

Having grown tired of his opponent’s antics long ago and ready to squash his dreams once and for all, Ozy picks Petey back up only to throw him back to the mat with a fallaway slam! Again, he pulls the lifeless body of Petey up, this time in order to hit him with a release German Suplex. Ozymandias then pulls Petey up a third time, executing an overhead belly to belly suplex with such force that it bounces Petey off the ropes and back to the canvas. The only thing that stops The Butcher from repeating this same tactic is the growing chant rising from the audience…

PE-TEY! PE-TEY! PE-TEY!

Ozymandias glares at the fans for their sympathetic support of someone he feels unworthy of any sort of praise, then once again leans down to pull Lil’ Petey off the mat. Suddenly, Petey shows signs of life as he surprises Ozy by rolling him to the mat in a small package!

ONE!

TWO! NO!

Furious that Petey would have the audacity to try such a move, Ozy kneels over him immediately after the kick-out, raining a series of hard punches with both fists! Once he feels satisfied with the pummeling, Ozy backs up and waits for Petey to show signs of life, only then charging forward to hit a running knee lift! Again, Ozy backs up to give Petey a chance to breathe, and this time when the crowd favorite starts to stand, The Butcher levels him with a jumping bicycle kick! Seemingly content with the damage he’s inflicted, Ozy finally goes for his first pin attempt of the match.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE! NO!

As Ozy lifts Petey’s head off the mat by his hair to break his own pin attempt, the crowd boos loudly and some fans even begin to throw their empty concession wrappers into the ring!

TREY BOOKER: Come on, man! Just finish the kid! There’s no need for this!

J.T. PRICE: Ozymandias has a Grand Championship Match ahead of him! He not only wants to end Petey once and for all tonight, he wants to send a message to Mark Hunter!

With what we can only assume to be a sick smile under the mask that covers his lower face, Ozymandias steps between the ropes and begins to climb up the turnbuckles, keeping his eyes on Petey the entire time. He waits there, like a menacing gargoyle, as Petey staggers up to his feet. Ozy then leaps off for a heavy missile dropkick attempt, but by sheer chance, Petey falls back to the mat and The Butcher misses his mark! The crowd comes alive and begins to cheer Petey on once again, as he slowly pulls himself up with the assistance of the ring ropes. Ozy gets to his feet as well, but that’s when the crack in his armor becomes visible. As the big man’s knee buckles from potential damage caused by his missed dropkick, Petey sizes him up and uses what strength he has left to dash forward! A low dropkick to the knee by Petey! Then another! Petey finally springs off the ring ropes and charges at Ozy’s back, driving his shoulder to the back of the big man’s knee with a chop block that takes The Butcher off his feet!

The giant’s tumble to the mat leaves him open for Petey to hit some of his signature moves, the first of which is his Eat Me atomic leg drop! He then follows that up with his Can’t See This running fist drop, and then finally hits Lil’ Petey’s Elbow to a huge pop from the crowd! Whether any of these moves have any effect is left up in the air, as Petey quickly moves towards Ozy’s legs to apply his Pre-Game sharpshooter! Yet just as Petey is wrapping up Ozy’s huge legs, The Butcher kicks him away with such force that Petey spills between the ring ropes to the ringside area!

TREY BOOKER: It looked like we were about to witness a miracle, but it just goes to show how dangerous Ozymandias can be when he can halt an opponent’s momentum on a dime!

J.T. PRICE: Wait, did Ozy just drop a dime?

TREY BOOKER: I...don’t know what that means, J.T.

Ozymandias gets back on his feet and moves toward the ropes, but Lil’ Petey has already managed to climb onto the apron. Ozy reaches over the top to wrap Petey in his arms, attempting to bring him back into the ring with another overhead belly to belly suplex. He pops off the move successfully, but Petey lands on his feet, hits the opposite ropes, and rushes back to hit Ozy with The Drive By running high knee! This time the big man is staggered, and Petey wastes no time in capitalizing by leaping up to grab Ozy’s head and drop him with The MP3 cutter!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT WITH AUTHORITY!

Ozy presses Lil’ Petey off of himself with such force that the Drip Sensation lands on his feet! Then, as Ozy is pushing himself up on his knees, Petey leaps into the air and drives The Butcher into the mat with a double foot stomp to the back of the head! Feeding off the energy of the crowd, Petey then makes his way to the top turnbuckle, takes measure of his opponent, and flies off with a beautifully impressive Freaky Bomb! The move is right on target and Petey stays on top of Ozy for the pin attempt!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

NO! Showing a lot less force than he did with his last kick-out, Ozymandias rolls his shoulders off the mat and immediately starts to get onto his feet. Not wanting that to happen, Petey reaches down to grab Ozy’s arm, locking him into his Pillow Talk armbar! Ozy is on the mat with nowhere to go as Petey pulls on his arm with every ounce of strength in his slender body!

TREY BOOKER: Could this be it? Could this ridiculous dream become a reality?

J.T. PRICE: No fucking way is Ozymandias tapping to Lil’ Petey!

As if he could see into the future, J.T. 's prediction seems to come true as Ozymandias slowly pulls himself to his feet with Petey still attached to his arm like a leech! Once he’s fully standing, Ozy pulls his arm inward, dragging Petey along for the ride. Then, just as Petey decides to release his hold, Ozymandias wraps both his massive arms around his opponent’s torso and lifts his feet off the canvas into his Arms of Azathoth! Petey’s face is a canvas of agony as Ozymandias squeezes him like a ripe piece of fruit, only instead of squeezing the juice out of his opponent, all that escapes from Petey is screams of pain and determination!

With his last chance at the Grand Championship fading before his very eyes, Petey throws his best right handed punch against the side of Ozymandias’ head, but the monster doesn’t even flinch! Petey throws another and another, but the only response Ozy gives him is to squeeze even tighter! We can visibly see the fight leaving Petey’s body as his punches become weaker and weaker, his ribs no doubt in the process of receiving severe bruising and his lungs void of oxygen. Finally the punches stop coming and Petey’s arms drape to his sides, his eyes closed and his head tilted to the side! The referee is right there to lift his arm…

ONCE!

TWICE!

THREE TIMES!

Lil’ Petey has completely lost consciousness and the referee calls for the bell. Yet even as Holly Perez begins to make her announcement, Ozymandias continues to squeeze the lifeless body in his arms.

HOLLY PEREZ: Your winner of the match by way of knock-out...OZYMANDIAS!!!

The referee grabs Ozymandias’ arm in a dual attempt to raise it in victory and also get him to release Petey before permanent damage is inflicted. Yet the vile creature shrugs his body, not only pushing the official aside, but ragdolling Petey’s lifeless body! Again, the referee rushes forward, pleading with The Butcher to release his victim, but Ozymandias continues to squeeze Petey as if he’s determined to pop him in half. Finally, the referee looks to be using his dad voice, threatening Ozymandias with everything under his power as an official. Those threats are ignored.

TREY BOOKER: Stop it, goddammit! Somebody get in there and stop this!

Realizing that he’ll never get through to Ozymandias on his own, the referee signals for back-up before rushing to the ropes and shouting to ringside. Seconds later, Holly Perez can be heard a second time…

HOLLY PEREZ: Ladies and gentlemen, due to Ozymandias’ refusal to break the hold, the referee has reversed his decision. The winner of this match by way of disqualification...LIL’ PETEY!

The crowd comes alive upon hearing the announcement, but it doesn’t change the fact that Petey is in serious peril. That’s when the very last person on the Project: Honor anyone would suspect of showing some nobility finally shows his face. Leaping the guardrail, still in his street clothes and with a steel chair in hand, is Grand Champion Mark Hunter! He slides under the ropes and pops up behind Ozymandias, cracking the steel chair across his back with enough force that he’s finally forced to drop Petey’s lifeless body to the mat. With his back arched in pain, Ozymandias turns to face his attacker, just in time to have the steel chair dented over his head! The Butcher of Reine topples to the mat as officials rush to Petey’s side and Mark Hunter stands triumphantly...and surprisingly heroically...over Ozymandias.

TREY BOOKER: Thank god for Mark Hunter! He may have just saved Lil’ Petey’s life! Don’t you dare miss Hell on Earth where all of this will finally...possibly tragically...come to head!

With Trey’s parting words, the scene begins to fade, showing us the exact opposite of the scene we witnessed weeks ago, with Mark Hunter holding the dented chair overhead and Ozymandias laid out in the ring.